JP2010095364A - Image reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading device capable of achieving the simple and compact constitution of a document conveying path enabling the double-side reading, and efficiently enabling the single-side reading. <P>SOLUTION: An image scanner device 20 includes an introduction path 80, an inversion path 82, a first discharging path 83, a first discharging tray 24, and a single-side path 81. The introduction path 80 guides a document 99 so that a face side surface of the document 99 passes the reading position 90 of a scanner unit 25. The inversion path 82 inverts the document 99 and guides it to the reading position 90 of the scanner unit 25 so that the back side surface of the document 99 with its face side surface having been read is read through the introduction path 80. The first discharging path 83 is connected to the inversion path 82 and the first discharging tray. The single side path 81 is branched from the middle of the inversion path 82, and connected to the first discharging path 83 while avoiding the reading position 90. In a case of the single side reading, the path of the document 99 is changed so as to pass the single side path 81. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly, to a configuration of a document conveyance path of the image reading apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image reading apparatus used for a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and the like, a configuration in which a front and back sides of a document are read by a single reading unit by providing a path for reversing the document is known. Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3 disclose this type of image reading apparatus and an automatic document feeder used in the image reading apparatus.

Patent Document 1 discloses the following configuration in an automatic document feeder. That is, the automatic document feeder includes a sheet conveyance path having an introduction path, a reverse path, and a discharge path. The introduction path guides the document from one end to the reading position. The reversing path is formed in an annular shape that reverses the front and back of the document discharged from the other end of the reading position and guides it from the other end to the reading position again. The discharge path discharges the document discharged from the one end portion of the reading position to the discharge portion. The automatic document feeder is provided in the sheet conveyance path, and drives a plurality of document feeding rotators rotating in one direction in which a sheet document is fed, and the document feeding rotator. Driving means rotating in one direction.
Japanese Patent No. 2828866

Patent Document 2 discloses the following configuration in a double-sided document feeder. That is, the double-sided document feeder includes a tray on which documents are stacked and a feeding unit that feeds documents one by one from the tray. The double-sided document feeder also feeds the first surface of the fed document to the scanning surface, and after scanning, reverses the front and back surfaces of the document and feeds the second surface of the document to the scanning surface. Conveying means for discharging after scanning the surface is provided. The conveying means includes a first conveying means for feeding the first surface of the fed document to the scanning surface, and the front and back surfaces of the document after scanning the first surface without reversing the conveying state of the document. Reversing means for reversing the front and back surfaces. Further, the conveying means shares a part of the first conveying means in order to send the second surface of the document whose front and back surfaces are reversed without reversing the conveying state by the reversing means to the scanning surface. And a second conveying means for feeding in the direction opposite to the feeding direction of the first surface through the conveying unit. The conveying means includes a branching means for selectively branching the direction of feeding to the scanning surface from the position of the conveying unit sharing the part through the first or second conveying means, and a second surface Discharging means for discharging the document after scanning.
Japanese Patent No. 3007858

Patent Document 3 discloses an image information reading apparatus configured to perform a document reading operation by switching a document conveyance path between a single-sided reading and a double-sided reading. In the single-sided reading mode, this image information reading apparatus switches the document transport path so that the document is discharged to the first discharge location, and in the double-sided reading mode, the document is transferred to the second discharge location. The document transport path is switched so that the document is discharged. Further, the image information reading apparatus notifies the first detection unit that notifies that the first image information surface of the document has approached the reading unit, and the fact that the second image information surface of the document has approached the reading unit. Second detection means is provided. The reading roller disposed so as to be parallel to and in contact with the reading surface of the reading unit reverses the rotation direction when the document is detected by the first detection unit and when the document is detected by the second detection unit. It is controlled to become.
JP-A-4-16469

  In the configuration of Patent Document 3, when the single-sided reading mode is selected, the document is conveyed in a straight line and discharged to the first discharge place without changing the vertical direction, and is thus discharged to the first discharge place. The order of the originals to be printed is different from the order in which they were set on the original tray. Therefore, the user needs to rearrange the read originals, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving workability.

  On the other hand, the configurations of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are configurations in which the document is discharged to the same place in the case of single-sided reading and the case of double-sided reading. However, since Patent Document 2 employs a complicated mechanism such as moving the reversing means when performing double-sided reading, the mechanism for transporting the document has become large. Further, both Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are complicated in that the document transport path formed in the automatic document feeder discharges the document to the discharge tray after repeating the document inversion three times in the path. Because of the configuration, there was room for improvement from the viewpoint of ensuring maintainability and manufacturing costs.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a simple and compact document transport path configuration that enables double-sided scanning, and image scanning that can efficiently perform single-sided scanning. To provide an apparatus.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, an image reading apparatus configured as follows is provided. In other words, the image reading apparatus includes a document tray, a reading unit, an introduction path, a reversing path, a discharge path, a discharge tray, a single-side path, and a path switching unit. The document tray is configured so that stacked documents can be set. The reading unit reads image information of the document. The introduction path guides the document so that the first surface of the document passes through the reading position of the reading unit. The reversing path reverses the document and guides it to the reading position of the reading unit so that the second surface of the document having the first surface read through the introduction path is read. The discharge path is connected to the inversion path. The discharge tray is connected to the discharge path. The single-sided path branches off from the reverse path and is connected to the discharge path while avoiding the reading position. The path switching unit is configured to switch the path of the document from the reverse path to the single-side path.

  As a result, it is possible to share the document path from when the first surface is read by the reading unit to be reversed between single-side reading and double-side reading. Therefore, it is possible to simply and compactly collect a document conveyance path for allowing both sides to be read by one reading unit. Further, in the case of single-sided reading, by passing the single-side path, the original on which the first side has been read can be discharged to the discharge tray without passing through the reading position of the reverse path. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the preceding document whose first surface has already been read and the succeeding document sent from the document tray overlap at the reading position. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the reading is not performed properly. As a result, the succeeding document can be fed into the transport path without waiting for the preceding document to pass through the vicinity of the reading position on the reversing path, so that a plurality of documents can be read quickly.

  The image reading apparatus is preferably configured as follows. That is, the path switching unit includes a driving roller, a first driven roller, a second driven roller, and an interlocking member. The driving roller is disposed in the vicinity of the single-sided path branching portion where the single-sided path branches from the reversing path, and can switch the rotation direction. The first driven roller is disposed to face the driving roller with the single-sided path interposed therebetween. The second driven roller is disposed to face the driving roller with the reverse path interposed therebetween. The interlocking member is interlocked with the driving roller so as to guide the document to the one-side path when the driving roller rotates to one side and to guide the document to the reversing path when the driving roller rotates to the other side.

  Thus, the document path can be switched by the interlocking member only by switching the rotation direction of the drive roller. Therefore, the path switching unit can be simply configured, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The document guided to the single-side path is conveyed on the single-side path by the drive roller and the first driven roller, and the document guided to the reverse path is conveyed on the reverse path by the drive roller and the second driven roller. Become. Thus, since the first driven roller and the second driven roller can be rotated by a common drive roller, the drive transmission path is simplified to reduce the number of parts, and the space in the image reading apparatus is effectively utilized. it can.

  The image reading apparatus is preferably configured as follows. In other words, the image reading apparatus includes a second discharge tray, a second discharge path, and a second path switching unit. The second discharge tray is disposed on the opposite side of the document tray with the reading unit interposed therebetween. The second discharge path connects the introduction path and the second discharge tray and has a linear shape. The second path switching unit switches the document path between the reversing path and the second discharge path. And the part until it connects with the said 2nd discharge path among the said introduction paths is formed in linear form.

  As a result, in the case of an original composed of thick paper, a plate, etc., by switching the original path so that it passes through the second discharge path, the reading operation can be appropriately performed without damaging the original by bending it. it can.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral (multifunction peripheral) 10 including an image scanner 20 as an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing a configuration of an automatic document feeder (auto document feeder, ADF) 21 provided in the image scanner device 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the copy facsimile multifunction peripheral 10 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 11, an operation panel 12, a paper feed cassette 13, and an image scanner device 20.

  The image scanner device 20 is configured to function as an auto document feed scanner, and includes an automatic document feeder 21. The operation panel 12 allows the user to instruct the multifunction device 10 about the discharge location of the original set on the image scanner device 20, the number of copies, the copy mode (single-sided copy, double-sided copy, consolidated copy, etc.), and the facsimile transmission destination. belongs to.

  The ADF 21 is disposed above the main body 11, and an image forming apparatus 15 is built in the main body 11. Further, the main body 11 is provided with a transmission / reception unit (not shown) for transmitting image data via a communication line, and the transmission / reception unit is configured to enable facsimile communication. The paper feed cassette 13 is arranged on the lower side of the main body 11 and is configured so that the recording paper 100 can be sequentially supplied to the image forming apparatus 15.

  The ADF 21 includes a document tray 23 and a first discharge tray 24 provided below the document tray 23. In the ADF 21, a document conveyance path 70 that connects the document tray 23 and the first discharge tray 24 is formed. A scanner unit (reading unit) 25 is disposed in the document transport path 70, and the scanner unit 25 is configured to be able to read image information of the document 99 transported through the document transport path 70.

  Further, the ADF 21 includes a second discharge tray 26 connected to the document conveyance path 70 via a second discharge path 84 described later. The second discharge tray 26 is disposed on the opposite side of the document tray 23 with the scanner unit 25 interposed therebetween. When the image scanner device 20 according to the present embodiment reads one side of the original 99, the operation panel determines whether the original 99 after being read is to be discharged to the first discharge tray 24 or the second discharge tray 26. 12, the user can select.

  The ADF 21 is a system in which one or a plurality of documents 99 are set on the document tray 23 with the front side (first side) facing up and the back side (second side) facing down. . At an appropriate position of the document tray 23, a mark or the like indicating that the document should be set with the front side facing up is displayed by an appropriate method such as engraving or sticking.

  In this configuration, the originals 99 set so that the front side faces upward are separated one by one and conveyed along the original conveyance path 70, and after passing through the reading position 90 of the scanner unit 25, It is discharged to the first discharge tray 24 or the second discharge tray 26. Details of the ADF 21 will be described later.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 15 is disposed inside the main body 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 15 includes an image forming unit 50, a fixing device 51, a switchback mechanism 59, and a discharge unit 53 as main components.

  The paper feed cassette 13 is disposed at the lower part of the main body 11 and is configured to be able to be pulled out to the front side of the apparatus (the front side of the paper in FIG. 1). An image forming unit 50, a fixing device 51, a switchback mechanism 59, and a discharge unit 53 are disposed above the paper feed cassette 13.

  The image forming apparatus 15 is provided with an unillustrated control unit for controlling the image forming unit 50, rollers of each unit described later, a switchback mechanism 59, and the like. The switchback mechanism 59 includes a recording paper discharge roller 62, a switch unit 52, and a switchback path 57 as main components.

  Inside the main body 11, a recording paper transport path 56 for transporting the recording paper 100 from the paper feed cassette 13 to the tray-shaped discharge unit 53 is formed. The recording paper transport path 56 is connected from the paper feed cassette 13 to the discharge unit 53 so as to be substantially C-shaped when viewed from the front shown in FIG.

  The recording paper transport path 56 is connected to the switchback path 57 for enabling double-sided printing. One end of the switchback path 57 is connected to the recording paper transport path 56 on the downstream side of the fixing device 51, and a switch section 52 is disposed in the vicinity of the connection portion. The other end of the switchback path 57 is connected to the recording paper transport path 56 at a location downstream from the paper feed section 55 and upstream from the image forming section 50.

  As shown in the front view of FIG. 1, the switchback path 57 is combined with a part of the recording paper transport path 56 to form a substantially U-turn path. The folded path is configured so that the recording paper 100 once passed through the image forming unit 50 can be reversed and guided to the image forming unit 50 again. Printing is realized.

  Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of each part of the image forming apparatus 15 will be described. First, the configuration of each unit arranged in the recording paper transport path 56 will be described in order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

  A flapper 54 for stacking the recording paper 100 is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the paper feed cassette 13. The flapper 54 is biased upward by a spring (not shown). In addition, above the flapper 54, a paper feed unit 55 including a paper feed roller and a paper feed pad is disposed. The paper feed roller of the paper feed unit 55 is configured to come into contact with the uppermost recording paper 100 stacked on the flapper 54.

  A pair of recording paper transport rollers 61 are arranged on the downstream side of the paper feed cassette 13. The recording paper transport roller 61 is configured to feed the recording paper 100 along the recording paper transport path 56 to the downstream image forming unit 50 while nipping the recording paper 100.

  The recording paper conveyance path 56 is formed to be curved in a C shape as described above, and the image forming unit 50 is disposed on the inner peripheral side thereof so as to face the recording paper conveyance path 56. The image forming unit 50 includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charger, an exposure head, a developing device, and a transfer roller. The image forming unit 50 can transfer (form) a toner image corresponding to the image information to the recording paper 100 conveyed by the recording paper conveyance roller 61. The recording paper 100 on which the toner image is formed by the image forming unit 50 is sent along the recording paper conveyance path 56 to the fixing device 51 on the downstream side.

  The fixing device 51 includes a heat roller that is rotationally driven, and a press roller that is disposed to face the heat roller. The fixing device 51 is configured to melt the toner of the toner image transferred to the recording paper 100 by the image forming unit 50 by the heat of the high-temperature heat roller and the pressure by the press roller and fix the toner on the recording paper 100. Has been.

  As described above, the switch portion 52 including a claw portion configured to be rotatable is disposed at a connection portion between the recording paper conveyance path 56 and the switchback path 57 on the downstream side of the fixing device 51. Yes. The recording paper 100 can be guided to the switchback path 57 by the rotation operation of the claw portion of the switch portion 52. In addition, a switchback sensor 65 is disposed at a position slightly downstream of the connection portion with the switchback path 57 in the recording paper transport path 56.

  A recording paper discharge roller 62 is disposed further downstream of the switchback sensor 65. The recording paper discharge roller 62 is configured to be able to switch the rotation direction between the forward direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1) and the reverse direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1).

  A discharge unit 53 is connected to the end of the recording paper transport path 56 further downstream of the recording paper discharge roller 62. The recording paper 100 on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 50 passes through the curved recording paper conveyance path 56 and is discharged to the discharge unit 53 so that the surface on which the image is formed faces downward. (Face-down paper discharge).

  Note that recording paper transport rollers 63 and 64 are disposed in the switchback path 57, and the recording paper 100 sent to the switchback path 57 is directed to a location upstream of the recording paper transport roller 61. It is configured so that it can be conveyed.

  With the above configuration, when the operation panel 12 or the like is instructed to perform single-sided printing (for example, a mode for performing single-sided copying), the image forming apparatus 15 operates as follows. That is, when the paper feeding unit 55 is driven at the start of printing, the uppermost recording paper 100 set in the paper feeding cassette 13 is separated and picked up by the paper feeding roller, and the recording paper transport path Sent to 56. Then, the recording paper 100 is sent downstream along the recording paper conveyance path 56, and a desired toner image is formed when passing through the image forming unit 50. Thereafter, the recording paper 100 passes through the fixing device 51, whereby the toner image is fixed on the recording paper 100. Thereafter, the recording paper 100 is discharged by the recording paper discharge roller 62 that is rotationally driven in the forward direction to the discharge portion 53 with the surface on which the image is formed facing downward.

  On the other hand, when double-sided printing (for example, double-sided copying) is instructed on the operation panel 12 or the like, similarly, one sheet of recording paper 100 is picked up from the paper feed cassette 13, and the image forming unit 50 is moved along the recording paper conveyance path 56. And a toner image is formed. However, in the multifunction machine 10 (image forming apparatus 15) of the first embodiment, in the case of double-sided printing in which images are formed on the front and back of a single recording paper 100, the recording paper 100 passes through the image forming unit 50 for the first time. When doing so, a toner image on the back surface (second surface) is first formed.

  The recording paper 100 on which the image on the back side is formed passes through the fixing device 51 and is further conveyed downstream along the recording paper conveyance path 56. The recording paper 100 is conveyed while being nipped by the recording paper discharge roller 62, and eventually the rear end passes through the switchback sensor 65. The switchback sensor 65 that detects the passage of the trailing edge of the recording paper 100 sends a detection signal to the control unit. The control unit that has received this signal drives the recording paper discharge roller 62 in the reverse direction and operates the switch unit 52 at an appropriate timing so as to guide the recording paper 100 to the switchback path 57. As a result, the recording paper 100 is fed into the switchback path 57.

  In the switchback path 57, the recording paper 100 is transported downstream by driving the recording paper transport rollers 63 and 64, and is introduced into the recording paper transport path 56. Further, the recording paper 100 is conveyed downstream by the recording paper conveying roller 61 and passes through the image forming unit 50 again. Since the recording paper 100 is reversed by passing through the switchback path 57, the surface opposite to the surface on which the image is formed when passing the first image forming unit 50 is in the image forming unit 50. You will face each other. Then, this time (when the recording paper 100 passes for the second time), the image forming unit 50 forms a toner image on the front surface (first surface) on the recording paper 100.

  The recording paper 100 on which the image on the front side is formed passes through the fixing device 51 and is further conveyed downstream along the recording paper conveyance path 56. The recording paper discharge roller 62 is switched to rotate in the forward direction again at an appropriate timing after the recording paper 100 is fed into the switchback path 57 by the reverse rotation as described above. Accordingly, the recording paper 100 for which double-sided printing has been completed is discharged by the recording paper discharge roller 62 to the discharge unit 53 with the front side surface (first surface) facing down.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the ADF 21 will be described with reference to FIG. The image scanner device 20 includes an ADF 21 for conveying the document 99, and a scanner unit 25 for reading the document 99 is disposed inside the ADF 21. In addition, a curved document conveyance path 70 that connects the document tray 23 and the first discharge tray 24 is configured inside the ADF 21 so as to pass the reading position 90 of the scanner unit 25.

  The scanner unit 25 will be described. The scanner unit 25 is configured as a reduction optical system type scanner unit including a light source, a reflection mirror, a condensing lens, a CCD, and the like, and is disposed in the upper part of the ADF 21. With this configuration, the scanner unit 25 irradiates light from the light source onto the document conveyed through the document conveyance path 70. Reflected light from the original is guided to the CCD and imaged, and the CCD outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the original. This signal is sent to the image forming unit 50 after appropriate conversion processing and printed, or transmitted to another facsimile apparatus via the communication line by the transmission / reception unit.

  Next, the document conveyance path 70 will be described. The document transport path 70 is an introduction path 80 for guiding the document 99 to the reading position 90, a reversing path 82 for inverting the document 99 and guiding it again to the reading position 90, and for discharging the read document 99. The first discharge path 83, the second discharge path 84, and the single-sided path 81 are provided. Hereinafter, these paths constituting the document conveyance path 70 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the introduction path 80 is formed in a straight line extending substantially horizontally in a direction away from the document tray 23 from a position where the document 99 on the document tray 23 is supplied into the ADF 21. In the introduction path 80, a pickup roller 31, a separation unit 32, a document length detection sensor 41, a triple roller 33, a first read sensor 42, a scanner unit 25, and a conveyance roller 34 are arranged. Below, the structure of each part arrange | positioned on the path | route of the introductory path | pass 80 is demonstrated from the upstream side to the downstream side.

  In the vicinity of the upstream end portion of the introduction path 80, a pickup roller (feeding portion) 31 and a separation portion 32 are disposed. The separation unit 32 includes a separation roller and a counter roller disposed opposite to the separation roller.

  The pickup roller 31 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis of the separation roller. When the ADF 21 is not operating, the pickup roller 31 is held at an upper position indicated by a two-dot chain line. On the other hand, when the original 99 is fed, the pickup roller 31 is rotated downward to come into contact with the end of the original 99 on the uppermost layer among the originals set on the original tray 23 (shown in FIG. 2). Solid line position). When the pickup roller 31 rotates in this state, the uppermost document 99 on the document tray 23 is sent to the separation unit 32.

  The document 99 sent to the separation unit 32 by driving the pickup roller 31 is nipped between the separation roller and the opposing roller of the separation unit 32. The document 99 is separated one by one by a separation roller and a counter roller that are driven to rotate, and is sent downstream.

  The document length detection sensor 41 is for detecting the length of the document 99 conveyed through the introduction path 80 and is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) that controls each part of the ADF 21. The control unit is configured to be able to control each part (such as a conveyance roller) of the ADF 21 based on the detection signal of the document length detection sensor 41. For example, the control unit detects the position of the trailing edge of the document 99 currently being conveyed by the document length detection sensor 41, determines the transfer timing of the subsequent document 99 based on this detection timing, and picks up the roller 31. The driving of the separation unit 32 and the like is controlled.

  The triple roller 33 includes a driving roller disposed on the center side and two driven rollers disposed so as to sandwich the driving roller. The drive roller is arranged in such a manner that the upper side is sandwiched between the introduction path 80 and the lower side is sandwiched between first discharge paths 83 described later. One of the two driven rollers is disposed to face the driving roller with the introduction path 80 interposed therebetween, and the other is disposed to face the driving roller with the first discharge path 83 interposed therebetween. With this configuration, by driving and rotating the driving roller disposed in the center, two driven rollers adjacent to the driving roller can be simultaneously rotated. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced and the limited space in the ADF 21 can be used effectively.

  A first lead sensor 42 is disposed on the downstream side of the triple roller 33. The first read sensor 42 is disposed on the upstream side of the reading position 90 of the scanner unit 25, and reads the document 99 by the scanner unit 25 based on the timing when the first lead sensor 42 detects the top of the document 99. Timing is determined. The first read sensor 42 allows the scanner unit 25 to appropriately read the document 99 passing through the introduction path 80 at the reading position 90.

  The scanner unit 25 is arranged above the introduction path 80 and is configured to read the upper surface of the document 99 by a reading surface (not shown) arranged to face the lower side. As described above, since the reading surface faces the path (introduction path 80) of the document 99 from the upper side, paper dust and dust generated by the conveyance of the document 99 and the like are difficult to adhere to the reading surface. . Further, since the document 99 is set so that the surface of the document 99 faces upward, the document 99 that is guided from the document tray 23 to the linear introduction path 80 and passes the reading position 90 is The front side surface is read by the scanner unit 25.

  On the downstream side of the scanner unit 25, a transport roller 34 composed of a pair of rollers is disposed. By driving the transport roller 34, the document 99 whose front side has been read at the reading position 90 is further transported downstream along the introduction path 80.

  On the downstream side of the conveying roller 34, a three-way straight path branch is connected to the downstream end of the introduction path 80, the upstream end of the second discharge path 84, and the upstream end of the reverse path 82. A portion 92 is formed. The straight path branching unit 92 is provided with a straight path switching device (path switching unit) 96. The straight path switching device 96 includes a rotating member formed in a claw shape and a solenoid 71 as an actuator. The straight path switching device 96 is configured to be able to distribute the document 99 conveyed from the introduction path 80 to the reverse path 82 or the second discharge path 84 by rotating the rotating member by the solenoid 71. The switching of the path between the reversing path 82 and the second discharge path 84 is performed based on the designation of the discharge location on the operation panel 12 or the like.

  Next, the second discharge path 84 will be described. The second discharge path 84 is formed in a straight line extending substantially horizontally from the straight path branch portion 92, and connects the downstream end portion of the introduction path 80 and the second discharge tray 26. A transport roller 38 composed of a pair of rollers is disposed on the path of the second discharge path 84, and the document guided to the second discharge path 84 by driving the transport roller 38. 99 is discharged to the second discharge tray 26.

  Next, the reverse path 82 will be described. The reversing path 82 is configured in a substantially U-turn shape so that the document 99 can be reversed by the folding portion 94. Specifically, the reversing path 82 extends downward from the position of the straight path branching portion 92 in a direction away from the document tray 23, and then is further bent in a direction approaching the document tray 23 to form a folded portion 94. . The reverse path 82 extends obliquely upward from the folding portion 94 toward the reading position 90 and then bends in a substantially horizontal direction at a position near the reading position 90 to join a part of the introduction path 80 near the reading position 90. (Or close). Subsequently, the reversing path 82 is configured to bend obliquely downward so as to be separated from the introduction path 80 after passing the reading position 90, extend linearly, and be connected to the discharge path connecting portion 93.

  Conveying rollers 35 and 36 are arranged on the reverse path 82. In addition, a second read sensor 43 is disposed on the downstream side of these conveying rollers 35 and 36 and on the upstream side of the reading position 90. Based on the timing at which the second read sensor 43 detects the top of the document 99, the timing at which the scanner 99 reads the document 99 on the reverse path 82 is determined.

  The document 99 guided to the reversing path 82 is guided to the reading position 90 in a state where the up and down direction of the document 99 is reversed by driving of the conveying rollers 35 and 36 by the folding unit 94. Become. Therefore, when passing the reading position 90 for the second time, the surface on the back side of the document 99 is read. The transport direction when the document 99 transported along the reverse path 82 passes the reading position 90 is the transport direction when the document 99 transported along the introduction path 80 passes the reading position 90. It is reversed.

  A flapper valve (entry prevention member) 46 is provided between the first lead sensor 42 and the scanner unit 25 to prevent the document 99 guided along the reverse path 82 from erroneously entering the introduction path 80. Is arranged. The flapper valve 46 is configured to act as a kind of check valve against the flow of the document. For the document 99 conveyed through the introduction path 80 from the upstream side to the downstream side, the flapper valve 46 is The introduction path 80 is released in such a manner that it is pushed away by the document 99. On the other hand, for the document 99 conveyed from the reversing path 82, the flapper valve 46 prevents the document 99 from entering the introduction path 80 and simultaneously guides the document 99 downstream of the reversing path 82. The flapper valve 46 can be constituted by an appropriate member such as a plate member and a film member.

  The downstream end of the reversing path 82 is connected to the upstream end of the first discharge path 83 via the discharge path connecting portion 93. The first discharge path 83 is formed in a polygonal line shape, extends linearly downward from the discharge path connecting portion 93 and then bends in the horizontal direction and is connected to the first discharge tray 24. On the path of the first discharge path 83, the triple roller 33 and the transport roller 37 are arranged. With this configuration, when the triple roller 33 and the conveyance roller 37 are driven, the document 99 guided to the first discharge path 83 is discharged to the first discharge tray 24.

  A single-sided path branching portion 91 for branching from the reverse path 82 to the single-sided path 81 is formed on the path of the reverse path 82 and downstream of the turn-back portion 94 and upstream of the reading position 90. . The single-sided path branching unit 91 is provided with a single-sided path switching device (path switching unit) 95. The single-sided path switching device 95 includes a rotating member formed in a claw shape and a solenoid 72 as an actuator. I have. The single-sided path switching device 95 switches between switching the path of the document 99 that has been transported through the reverse path 82 to the single-sided path 81 or passing the reverse path 82 as it is by rotating the rotating member by the solenoid 72. It is configured to be possible. This path switching is controlled based on designation of single-sided copying and double-sided copying on the operation panel 12.

  Next, the single-sided path 81 will be described. The single-sided path 81 is formed in a straight line extending in a direction approaching the document tray 23 while being slightly inclined upward from the single-sided path branching portion 91, and is connected to the single-sided path branching portion 91 and the discharge path below the inversion path 82. The unit 93 is connected.

  Further, an unillustrated shielding member for appropriately reading the scanner unit 25 is disposed above the single-sided path 81 and below the reversing path 82 in the vicinity of the reading position 90. This shielding member is configured as a film-like member, for example, and is arranged so as to cover the range of the reading position 90 of the scanner unit 25. With this shielding member, it is possible to shield the document 99 passing through the single-sided path 81 from being read by the scanner unit 25.

  With this configuration, the document 99 guided to the single-sided path 81 by driving the conveyance roller 36 passes under the reversing path 82 so as to avoid the reading position 90, and passes through the discharge path connecting portion 93. Guided to one discharge path 83.

  Next, a case where the document 99 is conveyed by the ADF 21 configured as described above to read only one side (front side) and the read document 99 is discharged to the first discharge tray 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. explain. FIG. 3 is a front sectional view showing a state where the front side surface of the document 99 guided to the introduction path 80 is read in the case of single-sided reading. FIG. 4 is a front sectional view showing a state in which the document 99 is guided to the first discharge path 83 via the single-sided path 81.

  The user operates the operation panel 12 of the multifunction device 10 to specify the single-sided copy mode as the copy mode, specify the first discharge tray 24 as the discharge location of the document 99, and set the document 99 on the document tray 23. Assume that a copy start is instructed. As a result, single-sided reading of the document 99 by the image scanner device 20 is started.

  With the start of this single-sided reading, the pickup roller 31 and separation unit 32 of the ADF 21 are driven, and the solenoid 71 of the straight path switching device 96 is controlled so as to switch the path of the document 99 to the reverse path 82 side. Further, the solenoid 72 of the single-sided path switching device 95 is controlled so that the path of the document 99 is switched to the single-sided path 81 side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the document 99 introduced into the introduction path 80 by the pickup roller 31 and the separation unit 32 is guided to the reading position 90 by driving the triple roller 33 and the like, and the upper surface of the document 99 is read. . At this time, the document 99 advances through the introduction path 80 so as to push away the flapper valve 46 as shown in FIG. Since the front side of the original 99 is set on the original tray 23 so that the front side faces upward, the front side of the original 99 is read in the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the document 99 whose front side is read at the reading position 90 on the introduction path 80 is guided to the reversing path 82 side by the straight path switching unit 96 in the straight path branching section 92. Since the document 99 guided by the reversing path 82 is reversed by passing through the folding portion 94, the top and bottom directions of the document 99 are reversed, and the front side surface of the document 99 is directed downward.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the document 99 that has been transported through the folding unit 94 by driving the transport rollers 35 and 36 is guided to the single-sided path 81 side by the single-sided path switching unit 95 as shown in FIG. The passage of the reading position 90 is avoided. Thereafter, the document 99 is guided from the single-sided path 81 to the first discharge path 83 via the discharge path connecting portion 93.

  As shown in FIG. 4, after the front side of the original 99 is read by the scanner unit 25, the second original 109 is introduced into the introduction path 80 by the pickup roller 31 and the separation unit 32 at an appropriate timing. . Similar to the preceding document 99, the succeeding document 109 is guided to the reading position 90 by driving the triple roller 33 and the front surface of the document 109 is read. At this time, even if the preceding document 99 has passed through the turn-back portion 94 of the reversing path 82, the preceding document 99 is not the reading position 90 of the reversing path 82 but the one-sided path 81 side, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the subsequent document 109 does not face the reading position 90. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the contents on the back side of the preceding document 99 from being read through (read-through) when the succeeding document 109 is read. Thus, since the original 99 after reading the front side is discharged without passing through the reading position 90, even if the subsequent original 109 is introduced into the introduction path 80 before the original 99 is discharged, the subsequent In reading the original 109, the preceding original 99 does not get in the way.

  The preceding document 99 guided to the first discharge path 83 is discharged to the document tray 23. Since the original 99 is reversed by making a U-turn at the turn-back portion 94, the originals 99 that have been read are sequentially stacked on the first discharge tray 24 with the front side facing down (see FIG. Face-down paper discharge). As a result, the document 99 can be discharged so as not to change the page order when it is set on the document tray 23, so that it is not necessary for the user to rearrange the read document 99 after collection, thereby realizing good workability. Has been.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the read preceding document 99 is guided to the single-sided path 81 after passing through the folding unit 94 and is conveyed so as not to affect the reading of the succeeding document 109. The With this configuration, it is not necessary to wait for the reading of the succeeding document 109 until the preceding document 99 passes through the folding unit 94 and the trailing end of the document 99 passes near the reading position 90. Therefore, after the preceding document 99 has been read on the introduction path 80, the succeeding document 109 can be introduced into the introduction path 80 almost immediately, and after the reading of the document 99 is completed, the next document 109 is read. The time required to start reading the original 109 can be effectively shortened.

  In this description, since the copy of the document 99 is instructed, the image information of the read document 99 is sent to the image forming unit 50 and sequentially printed. When facsimile communication is instructed, the single-sided reading of the original 99 is performed in the same manner as described above, and the image information of the read original 99 is transmitted to the counterpart facsimile machine.

  Next, a case where the document 99 is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front sectional view showing a state in which the document 99 is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 via the second discharge path 84.

  The user operates the operation panel 12 of the multifunction device 10 to specify the single-sided copy mode as the copy mode, specify the second discharge tray 26 as the discharge location of the document 99, and set the document 99 on the document tray 23. Assume that a copy start is instructed. As a result, single-sided reading of the document 99 by the image scanner device 20 is started.

  When this one-sided reading is started, the pickup roller 31 and the separation unit 32 of the ADF 21 are driven as in the case of the one-sided reading in which the first discharge tray 24 is designated as the discharge location. At the same time, the solenoid 71 of the straight path switching device 96 is controlled so that the path of the document 99 is switched to the second discharge path 84 side this time.

  The document 99 separated by the separation unit 32 is guided to the reading position 90 by driving the triple roller 33 and the like, and the upper surface (front surface) of the document 99 is read. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the document 99 is guided to the second discharge path 84 side by the straight path switching device 96 in the straight path branching section 92. The document 99 guided to the second discharge path 84 side is discharged to the second discharge tray 26 by driving the conveyance roller 38.

  In the present embodiment, the transport path of the document 99 that connects the document tray 23 to the second discharge tray 26 is configured by an introduction path 80 and a second discharge path 84 that are formed in a straight line. Therefore, by controlling the original 99 to be discharged to the second discharge tray 26, the original 99 can be conveyed in a substantially straight line, and the reading operation can be completed without bending. As a result, even for a document (thick paper, plate, etc.) that is difficult to bend, by specifying the second discharge tray 26 as a discharge location on the operation panel 12, the reading operation can be performed without damaging the document. .

  Next, a case where both sides of the document 99 are read will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a front sectional view showing a state in which the front side surface of the document 99 guided to the introduction path 80 is read in the case of double-sided reading. FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the reverse side surface of the document 99 guided by the reverse path 82 is read.

  It is assumed that the user operates the operation panel 12 of the multifunction machine 10 to designate the double-sided copy mode as the copy mode, sets the document 99 on the document tray 23, and instructs the copy start. As a result, double-sided reading of the document 99 by the image scanner device 20 is started. In the present embodiment, when the user designates double-sided reading (for example, double-sided copy mode), the first discharge tray 24 is automatically set as the discharge location of the document 99.

  When the double-sided reading is started, the pickup roller 31 and the separation unit 32 are driven as in the case of the single-sided reading described above. At the same time, the solenoid 71 of the straight path switching device 96 is controlled so as to switch the path of the document 99 to the reverse path 82 side. In the single-sided path branching unit 91, the solenoid 72 of the single-sided path switching device 95 is controlled so that the document 99 passes through the reverse path 82 as it is.

  When the document 99 is guided to the introduction path 80 by the pickup roller 31 and the separation unit 32, the document 99 advances so as to push away the flapper valve 46, and first, the front side surface of the document 99 is read at the reading position 90. Thereafter, the document 99 is guided to the reversing path 82 side in the straight path branching section 92 as shown in FIG. The document 99 is reversed by passing through the turn-back portion 94 in the reversing path 82, and the front side surface of the document 99 is directed downward. Then, the document 99 is conveyed to the single-sided path branching unit 91 by driving the conveying rollers 35 and 36.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the document 99 is guided by the single-sided path switching device 95 to the downstream side of the reverse path 82 (not the single-sided path 81) in the single-sided path branching portion 91 and reaches the reading position 90. Since the document 99 is inverted by the folding portion 94, the back side surface is facing upward in the state shown in FIG. Accordingly, at the reading position 90, the surface on the back side of the document 99 is read.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the flapper valve 46 is disposed so as to block the introduction path 80 on the downstream side of the reading position 90 in the reverse path 82, and the document 99 enters the introduction path 80 from the reverse path 82. Is prevented. As a result, the document 99 is guided further downstream of the reversing path 82 and conveyed to the first discharge tray 24 via the discharge path connecting portion 93 and the first discharge path 83.

  As in the case of single-sided reading described above, the document 99 is discharged to the first discharge tray 24 with the front side facing down (face-down discharge). Therefore, since the documents 99 set on the document tray 23 can be discharged to the first discharge tray 24 without changing the order, the work load such as rearrangement of the collected documents 99 is reduced.

  In this way, the originals 99 set on the original tray 23 are separated one by one, and both sides thereof are sequentially read by the scanner unit 25. The control unit of the ADF 21 controls the pickup roller 31 and the pickup roller 31 so that the subsequent document does not reach the reading position 90 on the introduction path 80 while the document 99 passes the reading position 90 of the reverse path 82. The driving timing of the separation unit 32 is appropriately controlled. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the documents 99 from colliding with each other in the vicinity of the reading position 90.

  As described above, the image scanner device 20 of the first embodiment is configured as follows. That is, the image scanner device 20 is configured to switch the document tray 23, the scanner unit 25, the introduction path 80, the reverse path 82, the first discharge path 83, the first discharge tray 24, the single-sided path 81, and the single-sided path switching. An apparatus 95. The document tray 23 is configured such that stacked documents 99 can be set. The scanner unit 25 reads image information on the document 99. The introduction path 80 guides the document 99 so that the front side surface of the document 99 passes the reading position 90 of the scanner unit 25. The reversing path 82 inverts the document 99 and guides it to the reading position 90 of the scanner unit 25 so that the surface on the back side of the document 99 that has been read through the introduction path 80 is read. The first discharge path 83 is connected to the reverse path 82. The first discharge tray 24 is connected to the first discharge path 83. The single-sided path 81 branches off from the reverse path 82 and is connected to the first discharge path 83 while avoiding the reading position 90. The single-sided path switching device 95 is configured to be able to switch the path of the document 99 from the reverse path 82 to the single-sided path 81.

  As a result, the path of the document 99 until the front side surface is read by the scanner unit 25 and reversed is shared between the single-side reading and the double-side reading. Therefore, the transport path of the document 99 for enabling both sides to be read by one scanner unit 25 can be summarized simply and compactly. Further, in the case of single-sided reading, by passing the single-sided path 81, the document 99 whose front side is read can be discharged to the first discharge tray 24 without passing through the reading position 90 of the reverse path 82. . Accordingly, there is no possibility that the preceding document 99 whose front side has already been read and the succeeding document 109 sent from the document tray 23 overlap at the reading position 90. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which reading of the subsequent document 109 due to the presence of the preceding document 99 is not performed properly due to show-through. Further, since the succeeding document 109 can be sent to the transport path without waiting for the preceding document 99 to pass near the reading position 90 of the reversing path 82, a plurality of documents can be read quickly. Can do. Further, when the first discharge tray 24 is designated as the discharge location, the original 99 is reversed and discharged in the same manner as in the case of double-sided reading, so reading without changing the order of the originals 99 when set on the original tray 23. The completed document 99 can be collected.

  The image scanner device 20 according to the first embodiment is configured as follows. That is, the image scanner device 20 includes a second discharge tray 26, a second discharge path 84, and a straight path switching device 96. The second discharge tray 26 is disposed on the opposite side of the document tray 23 with the scanner unit 25 interposed therebetween. The second discharge path 84 connects the introduction path 80 and the second discharge tray 26 and is configured in a straight line. The straight path switching device 96 switches the path of the document 99 to either the reverse path 82 or the second discharge path 84. Then, at least a portion of the introduction path 80 until it is connected to the second discharge path 84 is formed linearly.

  Thus, in the case of an original composed of thick paper, a plate, etc., the original document path is switched so as to pass through the second discharge path 84, so that the reading operation can be appropriately performed without damaging the original. Can do.

  Next, the image scanner device 320 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a front sectional view of the ADF 321 according to the second embodiment. Note that the image scanner device 320 of the second embodiment corresponds to a modification of the configuration of the single-sided path switching device 95 of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof may be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the single-sided path switching device 395 is disposed in the vicinity of the single-sided path branching unit 91 in the ADF 321 included in the image scanner device 320. This single-sided path switching device 395 includes a drive roller 85, a first driven roller 86, a second driven roller 87, and a switching claw (interlocking member) 88 as main components.

  The drive roller 85 is disposed in the vicinity of the single-sided path branching portion 91 such that the upper side is sandwiched between the reverse path 82 and the lower side is sandwiched between the single-sided paths 81. The drive roller 85 is configured to be able to switch the rotation direction, and is connected to drive means (not shown). A transmission shaft 97 is connected on the same axis as the drive roller 85, and the transmission shaft 97 is configured to rotate integrally with the drive roller 85.

  The first driven roller 86 is disposed diagonally below the drive roller 85 so as to face the drive roller 85 with the single-sided path 81 interposed therebetween. The first driven roller 86 can nip the document 99 with the drive roller 85, and the document roller 99 can be conveyed to the one-sided path 81 side by rotating the drive roller 85 in a predetermined direction in this state. it can. The second driven roller 87 is disposed diagonally above the drive roller 85 and opposed to the drive roller 85 with the reverse path 82 interposed therebetween. The second driven roller 87 can nip the document 99 with the driving roller 85, and the driving roller 85 rotates in a predetermined direction in this state, whereby the document 99 is read along the reverse path 82 at the reading position 90. It can be transported toward.

  In the vicinity of the drive roller 85 and between the first driven roller 86 and the second driven roller 87, the switching claw 88 for switching the path of the document 99 is disposed. In the front view shown in FIG. 8, the switching claw 88 is formed in a slightly elongated substantially fan shape with a tapered end formed at one end, and a midway portion in the longitudinal direction is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 98. An arc-shaped friction member 89 is attached to the other end of the switching claw 88, and the switching claw 88 is supported in a state where the friction member 89 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 97. With this configuration, the switching claw 88 rotates like a seesaw, and when the friction member 89 moves downward, the taper moves upward, and when the friction member 89 rotates upward, the taper moves downward. To do. Note that the friction member 89 may be arranged on the transmission shaft 97 side instead of the arrangement arranged on the switching claw 88.

  The switching claw 88 is supported so that the tip thereof protrudes substantially upstream of the reversing path 82. Further, a stopper (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity of the switching claw 88 so that the rotation range of the switching claw 88 can be appropriately regulated.

  In this configuration, when the transmission shaft 97 rotates with the rotation of the drive roller 85, an upward or downward force is applied to the friction member 89 that is in rolling contact with the transmission shaft 97 depending on the rotation direction of the drive roller 85. Works. As a result, the switching claw 88 changes its posture and guides the document 99 to be guided to the other side at the same time as the tapered side of the switching claw 88 closes either the reverse path 82 or the single-sided path 81. As described above, the switching claw 88 is interlocked with the rotation of the driving roller 85 via the transmission shaft 97, and the path of the document 99 can be switched by controlling the rotating direction of the driving roller 85.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the switching of the route in the single-sided path branching unit 91 in the image scanner device 320 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing how the single-sided path switching device 395 of the second embodiment switches the path of the document 99 in the case of single-sided reading. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the single-sided path switching device 395 of the second embodiment switches the path of the document 99 in the case of duplex scanning.

  When performing single-sided reading with the image scanner device 320 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the driving means is controlled so that the driving roller 85 (and the transmission shaft 97) rotate counterclockwise. By the rotation of the driving roller 85, the first driven roller 86 and the second driven roller 87 are rotated in the clockwise direction.

  The transmission shaft 97 that rotates in the counterclockwise direction drives the friction member 89, whereby the tapered side of the switching claw 88 moves upward (position shown in FIG. 9). As a result, the path leading to the downstream side of the reversing path 82 is closed by the front end side of the switching claw 88, and the document 99 that has reached the single-sided path branching portion 91 is guided to the single-sided path 81 side by the side surface of the switching claw 88. At the same time, the first driven roller 86 rotating in the clockwise direction guides the front end of the document 99 to be fed into the nip portion by the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, the document 99 is nipped between the driving roller 85 and the first driven roller 86 and sent to the single-sided path 81.

  On the other hand, when performing double-sided reading, the driving means drives the drive roller 85 in the opposite direction to that for single-sided reading. Accordingly, the drive roller 85 (and the transmission shaft 97) rotate clockwise as shown in FIG. 10, and the first driven roller 86 and the second driven roller 87 are driven to rotate counterclockwise.

  Thereby, the switching claw 88 moves the tapered side downward (position shown in FIG. 10). As a result, the single-sided path 81 is closed by the front end side of the switching claw 88, and the document 99 that has reached the single-sided path branching portion 91 is directly downstream along the reverse path 82 (without being guided to the single-sided path 81 side) Led to. At the same time, the second driven roller 87 rotating in the counterclockwise direction guides the leading end of the document 99 to be fed into the nip portion by the outer peripheral surface thereof. Then, the document 99 is nipped between the driving roller 85 and the second driven roller 87, conveyed along the reverse path 82 toward the reading position 90, and the back side surface thereof is read by the scanner unit 25. .

  As described above, the single-sided path switching device 395 provided in the image scanner device 320 of the second embodiment is configured as follows. That is, the single-sided path switching device 395 includes a driving roller 85, a first driven roller 86, a second driven roller 87, and a switching claw 88. The driving roller 85 is disposed in the vicinity of the single-sided path branching portion 91 where the single-sided path 81 branches from the reverse path 82, and can switch the rotation direction. The first driven roller 86 is disposed to face the driving roller 85 with the single-sided path 81 interposed therebetween. The second driven roller is disposed to face the driving roller 85 with the reverse path 82 interposed therebetween. The switching claw 88 is interlocked with the driving roller 85 so as to guide the document 99 to the single-sided path 81 when the driving roller 85 rotates to one side and to guide the document 99 to the reverse path 82 when rotated to the other side.

  Thus, the path of the document 99 can be switched by the switching claw 88 only by switching the rotation direction of the drive roller 85. Therefore, the single-sided path switching device 395 can be simply configured, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The document 99 guided to the single-sided path 81 is conveyed through the single-sided path 81 by the driving roller 85 and the first driven roller 86, and the document 99 guided to the reverse path 82 is driven to the driving roller 85 and the second driven roller 87. Therefore, the reverse path 82 is conveyed. Thus, since the first driven roller 86 and the second driven roller 87 can be rotated by the common drive roller 85, the drive transmission path is simplified to reduce the number of parts and the ADF 321 (image scanner device 320). The space inside can be used effectively.

  Next, an image scanner device 420 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of the ADF 421 of the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof may be omitted.

  An image scanner device 420 according to the third embodiment includes a contact image sensor 425 as a reading unit inside the ADF 421 instead of the scanner unit 25 according to the first embodiment. The image scanner device 420 according to the present embodiment is configured to read image information of the document 99 that passes through the reading position 490 of the introduction path 80 and the reading position 490 of the reverse path 82 by the contact image sensor 425.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the contact image sensor 425 is disposed below the introduction path 80 and the reversing path 82 and between the reversing path 82 and the single-sided path 81. The contact image sensor 425 is configured to read the lower surface of the document 99 conveyed through the introduction path 80 and the reversing path 82 by a reading surface (not shown) arranged to face upward. Since the introduction path 80 is disposed close to the upper side of the reversing path 82 as shown in FIG. 11, the contact image sensor 425 passes the document 99 at the reading position 490 of the introduction path 80 below the reversing path 82. Can be read from the side.

  Further, the ADF 421 of the present embodiment is configured in such a manner that one or a plurality of documents 99 are set on the document tray 423 with the back side (second surface) facing upward. Further, the ADF 421 is configured to set the document 99 on the document tray 423 in a state where the first document 99 is stacked so that it is at the bottom, and sequentially read from the document 99 on the top layer. Yes.

  Next, a case where one-side reading is performed by the image scanner device 420 of the present embodiment and the document 99 is discharged to the first discharge tray 24 will be described. In this case, the straight path switching device 96 switches the path of the document 99 to the reverse path 82 side, and the single-sided path switching device 95 switches the path of the document 99 to the single-sided path 81 side. Then, the document 99 is introduced into the introduction path 80 with the back surface facing upward, and the lower surface (that is, the front surface) of the document 99 is read by the contact image sensor 425 at the reading position 490. The document 99 after being read is guided from the reverse path 82 to the single-sided path 81 and passes the back side of the contact image sensor 425 (the side opposite to the side on which the reading surface is disposed), thereby avoiding the passage of the reading position 490. To do. Thereafter, the document 99 is guided from the single-sided path 81 to the first discharge path 83 via the discharge path connecting portion 93.

  As shown in FIG. 11, after the front side surface of the original 99 is read at the reading position 490 on the introduction path 80, the second original 109 is introduced into the introduction path 80 at an appropriate timing, and the reading position 490 is set. It is transported to pass. Here, also in the present embodiment, the document 99 after reading the front side surface passes through the single-sided path 81 and is discharged without passing through the reading position 490. Therefore, even if the succeeding document 109 is introduced into the introduction path 80, the preceding document 99 does not obstruct the subsequent document 109 by hiding the succeeding document 109 at the reading position 490 of the reverse path 82.

  When performing double-sided reading with the image scanner device 420 of the present embodiment, the original 99 is read by the contact-type image sensor 425 at the reading position 490 in each of the introduction path 80 and the reverse path 82. It is done. Since the other points are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the contact image sensor 425 serving as a reading unit according to the present embodiment is disposed using the space between the reversing path 82 and the single-sided path 81. As described above, the ADF 421 (image scanner device 420) can be easily downsized by efficiently using the space in the ADF 421 and arranging the contact image sensor 425.

  Next, an image scanner device 220 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of the ADF 221 of the fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof may be omitted.

  The image scanner device 220 according to the fourth embodiment includes an ADF 221, and the ADF 221 omits the second discharge tray 26 in the ADF 21 according to the first embodiment, and limits the discharge location of the document 99 to the first discharge tray 24. It corresponds to a thing.

  In the image scanner device 220 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the second discharge path 84 and the transport roller 38 provided in the first embodiment (FIG. 2) are provided as the second discharge tray 26 is omitted. The solenoid 71 and the straight path switching device 96 are also omitted. Therefore, the document conveyance path 270 formed in the ADF 221 can be configured more simply. In the configuration of the second embodiment (FIG. 8) and the configuration of the third embodiment (FIG. 11) as well, the second discharge tray 26 is omitted and the discharge location of the document 99 is set to 1 as in the fourth embodiment. It can be limited to one discharge tray.

  Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be further modified as follows.

  In the above embodiment, the reading unit (scanner unit 25) is arranged in the automatic document feeder (ADF 21). However, the reading unit may be arranged outside the automatic document feeder. For example, a configuration in which a scanner unit is arranged on the main body side can also be adopted. In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the fourth embodiment, the scanner unit 25 of the reduction optical system is adopted as the reading unit. Instead, for example, a contact image sensor or the like is used as the reading unit. It can be changed to the configuration to be used. As described above, the configuration of the reading unit can be appropriately changed according to circumstances.

  In the above embodiment, the document tray 23 is disposed above the first discharge tray 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration in which the document tray is disposed below the discharge tray.

  In the above embodiment, the recording paper 100 is switched back by the switchback mechanism 59 to perform double-sided printing. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The configuration of the image forming apparatus provided in the multifunction machine 10 can be changed as appropriate.

  The configuration of the above embodiment can be applied not only to a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral but also to, for example, a single image scanner device, a copy machine, and a facsimile device.

1 is a front view of a copy facsimile multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. Front sectional drawing of ADF of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a front side surface of a document guided by an introduction path is read in the case of single-side reading. FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a document guided to a single-side path is guided to a first discharge path. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a document guided to a second discharge path is discharged to a second discharge tray. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a front side surface of a document guided to an introduction path is read in the case of duplex scanning. FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a reverse side surface of a document guided by a reverse path is read. Front sectional drawing of ADF of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the single-sided path switching device according to the second embodiment switches a document path in the case of single-sided scanning. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the single-sided path switching device according to the second embodiment switches the path of a document in the case of duplex scanning. Front sectional drawing of ADF of 3rd Embodiment. Front sectional drawing of ADF of 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Copy Facsimile MFP 20 Image Scanner Device (Image Reading Device)
23 Document tray 24 First discharge tray 25 Scanner unit (reading unit)
26 Second discharge tray 80 Introduction path (introduction route)
81 Single-sided path (single-sided path)
82 Reverse path (Reverse path)
83 First discharge path (discharge route)
84 Second discharge path (second discharge route)
90 Reading position 91 Single-sided path branching unit 95 Single-sided path switching device (route switching unit)
96 Straight path switching device (second path switching unit)

Claims (3)

A document tray on which stacked documents can be set, and
A reading unit for reading image information of the document;
An introduction path for guiding the original so that the first surface of the original passes through the reading position of the reading unit;
A reversing path for reversing the document and guiding it to a reading position of the reading unit so that a second surface of the document having the first surface read through the introduction path is read;
A discharge path connected to the reversing path;
A discharge tray connected to the discharge path;
A single-sided path that branches off from the middle of the reversing path and is connected to the discharge path while avoiding the reading position;
A path switching unit capable of switching the path of the document from the reverse path to the single-side path;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
The route switching unit
A driving roller that is disposed in the vicinity of a single-sided path branching portion that is a portion where the single-sided path branches off from the reversing path;
A first driven roller disposed opposite to the drive roller across the one-side path;
A second driven roller disposed opposite to the driving roller across the reverse path;
An interlocking member that interlocks with the drive roller to guide the document to the one-side path when the drive roller rotates to one side, and to guide the document to the reverse path when rotated to the other side;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
A second discharge tray disposed on the opposite side of the document tray across the reading unit;
A linear second discharge path connecting the introduction path and the second discharge tray;
A second path switching unit that switches the path of the document to either the reversing path or the second discharge path;
With
An image reading apparatus characterized in that at least a portion of the introduction path up to being connected to the second discharge path is formed in a straight line.

Images