JP2013055437A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device for improving opening/closing operability of a document pressing part.SOLUTION: An image forming device having an ADF 200 that is configured to be openable/closable with respect to an image forming device body 100 having a document reading device body 100a and is provided with a document pressing part 200a for pressing a document placed on a document platen 111 has a link mechanism 7 that allows an ADF rotation fulcrum 24 supporting the ADF 200 having the document pressing part 200a in an openable/closable manner to move upward with reference to the document platen 111 in conjunction with an opening operation of the ADF 200.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that has a document reading device and outputs a document read by the document reading device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a document reading apparatus, a platen that presses a document placed on a document table is opened by lifting the front of the platen with a hinge provided on the rear side of the device as a rotation fulcrum.

  In general, the platen portion of an apparatus having a function such as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that automatically conveys and reads a document is generally heavy. A configuration in which the pressure plate portion is held at an arbitrary angle by a holding mechanism constituted by a cam or a compression spring at the hinge portion is common (see Patent Document 1).

  For example, there is a device that is prepared as an auxiliary device for lifting a pressure plate by attaching a bar-shaped handle having a key shape at the tip to the pressure plate for a short user or a user using a wheelchair (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2009-071804 A JP 2007-078855 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, for a short user, a user who uses a wheelchair, and the like, the tip position of the pressure plate portion once lifted may be higher than his / her height, and the opening / closing operation of the pressure plate portion may be performed. There was a problem that it was difficult.

  The technique of Patent Document 2 is an example that can solve this problem, and there is a configuration in which an auxiliary mechanism such as a spring or a damper is added to the operation force. In general, some conventional ADFs require a large operating force for opening and closing operations, and others drop at a time without being able to support the weight of the ADF when the opening angle of the pressure plate part is below a certain angle.

  In particular, image forming apparatuses installed in highly public places such as convenience stores, libraries, and schools are often used by an unspecified number of users, and generally higher operability is often required. Therefore, there is a demand for an image forming apparatus that can be easily and comfortably operated by an unspecified number of users, as well as improving the operability for a healthy person, without requiring an auxiliary instrument such as the handle.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that improves the opening / closing operability of a document pressing portion.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured to be openable and closable with respect to a document reading apparatus main body, and includes a document pressing unit that presses a document placed on a document table. In the image forming apparatus having the original reading device, the fulcrum supporting the original pressing portion so as to be openable / closable moves upward with respect to the original table in conjunction with the opening operation of the original pressing portion. It has the means.

  According to the above configuration, the fulcrum that supports the document pressing portion so as to be openable / closable moves upward with respect to the document table in conjunction with the opening operation of the document pressing portion, so that the document pressing portion can be opened / closed. As the fulcrum to be moved moves upward, the operation space on the document table is expanded, and the operability is improved. In other words, when the same operation space is secured, the opening angle of the document pressing portion can be reduced. This makes it possible to operate within the range of the opening angle that can be reached by a short user or a user using a wheelchair to open and close the document pressing unit, improving the opening and closing operability of the document pressing unit. I can do it.

1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a document pressing portion is closed in a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a document pressing portion is opened in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a document pressing unit is closed in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state where a document pressing portion is opened at a predetermined angle in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, it is a side partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a document pressing portion is fully opened. In 1st Embodiment, it is a side surface fragmentary sectional view which shows a mode that the pressing force of a biasing member is adjusted. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a document pressing portion is closed in the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In 2nd Embodiment, it is an external appearance perspective view which shows the state which open | released the original document press part. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a document pressing portion is opened in a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In 3rd Embodiment, it is an external appearance perspective view which shows the position state which open | released the document press part. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the structure of 4th Embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is sectional explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the left side link unit of 4th Embodiment.

  An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

  First, a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  1 to 6, a document table 111 on which a read document is set is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100. On the upper surface of the document table 111, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 200 that automatically conveys (automatically conveys) a plurality of set documents one by one to the document table 111 is provided to be openable and closable. .

  An ADF 200 having a document pressing portion 200a for pressing a document placed on the document table 111 on the lower surface is installed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document reading apparatus main body 100a provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 100. In the present embodiment, the document reading apparatus main body 100a is integrally provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 100. Therefore, in the following description, the ADF 200 is provided via the link mechanism 7 serving as a document pressing portion holding means. The description will be made assuming that the main body 100 is configured to be openable and closable.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, an L-shaped base 3 is fixed to upper left and right side surfaces of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The arm 1 is provided so as to be rotatable around an arm turning fulcrum 21 provided on the base 3. A link 2 is pivotably mounted around a link pivot fulcrum 22 provided on the arm 1. The ADF 200 is connected to the base 3 via an ADF rotation fulcrum 24 that can move along the elongated hole 3a formed in the vertical direction in FIG. 3 and a slider fulcrum 23 that can move along the elongated hole 1a formed in the arm 1. The ADF rotation fulcrum 24 is attached so as to be rotatable.

  The ADF rotation fulcrum 24 that can move along the elongated hole 3a provided in the base 3 has a shaft member provided at the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 inserted into the elongated hole 3a. It moves slidably along the hole 3a. Further, the slider fulcrum 23 that can move along the long hole 1a provided in the arm 1 has a shaft member provided at the slider fulcrum 23 inserted into the long hole 1a, and the shaft member extends along the long hole 1a. Move slidably.

  In the present embodiment, the link mechanism 7 is configured by the base 3, the arm 1, and the link 2. The link mechanism 7 is linked to the opening / closing operation of the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100. The link mechanism 7 constitutes a document pressing unit holding unit that holds the ADF 200 having the document pressing unit 200a with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100 so as to be openable and closable.

  One end of the compression spring 4 serving as an urging member that antagonizes the weight of the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a is fixed to the end portion of the arm 1 constituting the link mechanism 7 opposite to the arm rotation fulcrum 21. . The other end of the compression spring 4 is in contact with a contact member 6 a provided at one end of an adjustment screw 6 that serves as a pressing force adjusting means for adjusting the pressing force of the compression spring 4.

  The adjustment screw 6 is rotatably screwed into a female screw portion 200b provided on the main body frame of the ADF 200. A female screw portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the adjustment dial 5 is rotatably screwed to the adjustment screw 6, and the adjustment dial 5 has constraining pieces 200 c, both ends of which are provided on the main body frame of the ADF 200. It is configured to be rotatable while being restrained by the position 200d.

  By rotating the adjustment dial 5, the adjustment screw 6 moves to the right or left in FIG. 3 according to the rotation direction of the adjustment dial 5. As a result, the pressing force applied to the arm 1 by the compression spring 4 can be adjusted.

  3 to 6, an example in which the structure of the document pressing portion holding means such as the link mechanism 7 is provided on the left side of the image forming apparatus main body 100 has been described, but on the right side of the image forming apparatus main body 100. Also, a similar configuration of the document pressing portion holding means such as the above-described link mechanism 7 is provided.

  The ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a is supported by the link mechanism 7 constituting the document pressing portion holding means so as to be openable and closable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100.

  The ADF rotation fulcrum 24 that supports the ADF 200 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100 so as to be openable and closable moves in the vertical direction along a long hole 3a provided in the base 3 in the vertical direction in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 moves upward with respect to the document table 111 in conjunction with the opening operation of the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200 a.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, when the user opens the ADF 200 and sets a document (not shown) on the document table 111, the user lifts the handle 201 provided at the open end of the ADF 200 by applying an opening force F1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the arm 1 rotates about the arm rotation fulcrum 21 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 4. As the arm 1 rotates, the link 2 rotates around the link rotation fulcrum 22 provided on the arm 1 in the clockwise direction in FIG. The ADF rotation fulcrum 24 is pushed up together with the ADF 200 and moves upward. Further, the slider fulcrum 23 moves along the elongated hole 1a of the arm 1 in the right direction in FIG.

  An ADF rotation fulcrum 24 to which the link 2 is rotatably attached is provided at a fixed position with respect to the ADF 200. Therefore, as the link 2 is pushed upward, the ADF 200 is released while being pushed upward with reference to the document table 111 as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, in the state where the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200 a is fully opened with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100, an operation space G is formed above the document table 111.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the compression spring 4 in a pre-compressed state is released while applying a pressing force in the left direction of FIG. For this reason, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 acts in the direction of reducing the opening force F1 necessary to open the ADF 200.

  The dead weight of the ADF 200 always acts in the direction of closing the ADF 200 via the link 2 and the arm 1. One end of the link 2 is provided so as to be rotatable around a link turning fulcrum 22 provided on the arm 1, and the other end is provided at a fixed position on the side surface of the ADF 200, and is a long hole formed in the base 3. It is provided so as to be rotatable around an ADF rotation fulcrum 24 that can move along 3a.

  One end of the arm 1 is provided so as to be rotatable around an arm turning fulcrum 21 provided on the side surface of the rear upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 100, and the ADF 200 is formed along the elongated hole 1 a formed in the arm 1. A slider fulcrum 23 provided at a fixed position on the side surface is slidably provided.

  On the other hand, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 provided at the other end of the arm 1 always presses the arm 1 in the left direction in FIG. As a result, the slider fulcrum 23 that engages with the elongated hole 1a provided on the arm 1 acts so as to move to the right in FIG. 3 along the elongated hole 1a, so that it always acts in the direction of opening the ADF 200. doing.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4, even when the user does not apply both the force F1 for opening the ADF 200 and the force F2 for closing the ADF 200, the weight of the ADF 200 and the pressing force of the compression spring 4 are antagonized. As a result, the position of the ADF 200 can be stopped at the predetermined opening angle shown in FIG.

  Since the pressing force of the compression spring 4 is increased by being compressed, the weight of the ADF 200 and the pressing force of the compression spring 4 are balanced in advance at each opening angle of the ADF 200 from the relationship between the pressing force and the spring length. . Thereby, the ADF 200 can be stopped at a free opening angle.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, by rotating the adjustment dial 5, the position of the adjustment screw 6 moves in the axial direction, and the position of the contact member 6 a that contacts the one end of the compression spring 4 is the position of the compression spring 4. Move in the axial direction. As a result, the compression length of the compression spring 4 is changed so that the pressing force of the compression spring 4 can be adjusted. For this reason, it is possible to adjust the opening angle at which the ADF 200 can be stopped by finely adjusting the pressing force of the compression spring 4.

  According to the above configuration, the ADF 200 is opened to the image forming apparatus main body 100 via the link mechanism 7, and the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 serving as a fulcrum for opening the ADF 200 is provided on the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 100. . A link rotation fulcrum 22 serving as an action point is provided near the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 via the link 2.

  The handle 201 located on the front side of the ADF 200 is operated to open and close the ADF 200. At this time, a separation distance between the arm rotation fulcrum 21 as a fulcrum on the arm 1 and a link rotation fulcrum 22 as an action point, and a separation between the arm rotation fulcrum 21 and a slider fulcrum 23 as a power point. A lever ratio, which is a ratio to the distance, is set to a predetermined value.

  The ADF rotation fulcrum 24 serving as a fulcrum for opening the ADF 200 is movable upward along the elongated hole 3 a provided in the base 3 while reducing the operating force required to open the ADF 200.

  Further, the compression spring 4 is installed at the front end of the image forming apparatus main body 100 of the arm 1 constituting the link mechanism 7 so that the compression spring 4 is compressed as the opening angle of the ADF 200 decreases. As a result, when the opening angle of the ADF 200 is small, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 acts as a force that supports the weight of the ADF 200.

  As the opening angle of the ADF 200 becomes smaller, the reaction force of the compression spring 4 acts more strongly. As a result, it is possible to support up to “a certain angle” as in the conventional example, but when the angle is “more than that”, the force component in the direction of supporting the weight of the ADF 200 decreases, and the problem such as a descent at a stretch Solved.

  The link mechanism 7 can support the document pressing portion 200a of the ADF 200 until it contacts the document table 111. Thereby, the stable opening / closing operation of the ADF 200 is possible, and the ADF 200 can be stopped by antagonizing the weight of the ADF 200 and the pressing force of the compression spring 4 at an arbitrary opening angle.

  In addition, it is possible for the user to open and close the ADF 200 more safely and safely. Further, by adding the specification of the compression spring 4 disposed at the tip of the arm 1 of the link mechanism 7 and the adjustment mechanism of the spring pressure, the opening angle at which the ADF 200 is stopped in competition with its own weight can be arbitrarily set. This makes it possible to stop the ADF 200 at an open angle within the reach of one's hand when a short user or a user using a wheelchair operates.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, W is a force required to move the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 upward. In the present embodiment, the user applies an upward force f <b> 1 from the slider fulcrum 23 as a power point to the arm 1. As a result, a force W is applied to the link rotation fulcrum 22 as the action point, and the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 as the action point is further applied to the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 via the link 2. It is configured to move upward.

  Here, the distance from the arm rotation fulcrum 21 to the link rotation fulcrum 22 in the horizontal direction is a, and the distance from the arm rotation fulcrum 21 to the slider fulcrum 23 is b (b> a). Based on the lever principle, the upward force f1 from the slider fulcrum 23 as a force point for applying the force W to the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 as the action point is expressed by f1 = (a / b) × W. For this reason, compared with the structure which does not have the link mechanism by such an arm 1 and the link 2, the operation force required in order to move the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 upward becomes small, and usability (usability) improves. .

  Further, since the compression spring 4 extends as the opening angle of the ADF 200 increases, the assisting force for opening the ADF 200 decreases. However, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, as the opening angle of the ADF 200 increases, the value of (a / b) decreases, so the force f1 also decreases. Thereby, the increase in the load on the user can be suppressed by reducing the auxiliary force by the compression spring 4.

  In addition, the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 serving as a fulcrum for opening the ADF 200 is moved upward along the elongated hole 3 a provided in the arm 1 in conjunction with the opening operation of the ADF 200 by the action of the link mechanism 7. As a result, even when the opening angle of the ADF 200 is small, the operation space G shown in FIG. 5 is expanded as the ADF 200 moves upward, and the operability is improved.

  In other words, when securing an operation space equivalent to the case where the ADF 200 can be opened and closed by the hinge member of the conventional example, when the link mechanism 7 of the present embodiment is used, the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 is directed upward. Moving. As a result, the opening angle of the ADF 200 can be further reduced. That is, the moving distance (distance away from the user) of the handle 201 in the opening operation of the ADF 200 can be shortened. As a result, when a short user, a user using a wheelchair, or the like opens and closes the ADF 200, the ADF 200 can be opened and closed within the reach of his / her hand, and the operability can be further improved.

  Next, the configuration of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, what was comprised similarly to the said 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the long hole 3 a provided in the base 3 is formed in the vertical direction, and the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 fixed to the ADF 200 is formed in the long hole 3 a. It was set as the structure which moves to the up-down direction of FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper portion of the elongated hole 3 a provided in the base 3 is formed to be inclined toward the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The ADF rotation fulcrum 24 fixed to the ADF 200 moves from the lower left to the upper right in FIGS. 7 and 8 along the inclined long hole 3a.

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a document table 111 for setting a read document on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 is provided. On the upper surface of the document table 111, the ADF 200 that automatically and sequentially feeds a plurality of documents set one by one to the document table 111 is opened and closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100 by the link mechanism 7 serving as a document pressing unit holding means. It is installed as possible.

  An L-shaped base 3 is fixed to the rear upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 100. A long hole 3a is formed in the base 3 so as to be inclined from the lower left to the upper right in FIGS. The base 3 is provided with an arm 1 attached so as to be rotatable about an arm rotation fulcrum 21. The arm 1 is provided with a link 2 attached so as to be rotatable about a link rotation fulcrum 22.

  One end of the link 2 is provided with an ADF 200 supported so as to be rotatable about an ADF rotation fulcrum 24 that can move along an elongated hole 3 a formed in the arm 1. The ADF 200 is supported by a slider fulcrum 23 that can move along the long hole 1 a formed in the arm 1. The ADF 200 has a document pressing portion 200a on its lower surface.

  A compression spring 4 is fixed to the tip of the arm 1, and the other end of the compression spring 4 is fixed to the ADF 200 via the adjustment screw 6 and the adjustment dial 5 as in the first embodiment. A female screw portion (not shown) that is screwed with the adjustment screw 6 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the adjustment dial 5. By rotating the adjustment dial 5, the adjustment screw 6 changes depending on the rotation direction of the adjustment dial 5 as shown in FIG. Move right or left. Thereby, adjustment of the pressing force which the compression spring 4 applies to the arm 1 is enabled. 7 and 8 show the configuration of the link mechanism 7 provided on the left side of the image forming apparatus main body 100, but it is also configured symmetrically on the right side of the image forming apparatus main body 100. FIG. A link mechanism 7 is installed.

  Here, when the user opens the ADF 200 as shown in FIG. 8 and sets a document (not shown) on the document table 111, the user lifts the handle 201 provided on the ADF 200 by applying an opening force F1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the arm 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 8 around the arm rotation fulcrum 21.

  As the arm 1 rotates, the link 2 rotates about the link rotation fulcrum 22 and the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 provided at one end of the link 2 extends along the elongated hole 3 a formed in the base 3. Together with the ADF 200, it is pushed up and moved in the upper right direction in FIG. Further, the slider fulcrum 23 moves in the right direction in FIG. 8 along the long hole 1 a of the arm 1. As a result, the ADF 200 fixed via the link 2 and the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 is opened while being pushed upward to the right as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a is supported to the image forming apparatus main body 100 so as to be opened and closed by the link mechanism 7 serving as a document pressing portion holding means. The ADF rotation fulcrum 24 that supports the ADF 200 with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100 so as to be openable and closable is above and on the open side of the ADF 200 in FIG. Moves when pushed up in the upper right direction.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the compression spring 4 in a previously compressed state is released while applying a pressing force to the arm 1. As a result, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 acts in the direction of reducing the opening force F1 necessary for opening the ADF 200.

  The weight of the ADF 200 always acts in the direction of closing the ADF 200 via the link 2 via the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 and the arm 1 via the slider fulcrum 23 slidably engaged with the elongated hole 1a. .

  On the other hand, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 pressurizes the arm 1 in the left direction of FIG. 7, so that the slider fulcrum 23 engaged with the elongated hole 1 a provided on the arm 1 extends along the elongated hole 1 a. Since it acts so as to move to the right in FIG. 7, it always acts in the direction of opening the ADF 200. For this reason, in FIG. 8, even when the user does not apply both the force F1 for opening the ADF 200 and the force F2 for closing the ADF 200, the ADF 200 has a predetermined opening angle by antagonizing the weight of the ADF 200 and the pressing force of the compression spring 4. It becomes possible to stop the position.

  The compression spring 4 is compressed to increase the pressing force. For this reason, from the relationship between the pressing force of the compression spring 4 and the spring length, the weight of the ADF 200 and the pressing force of the compression spring 4 are balanced in advance at the opening angle of each ADF 200. Thereby, the ADF 200 can be stopped at a free opening angle.

  Further, the position of the adjustment screw 6 is moved by rotating the adjustment dial 5 as in the first embodiment, and as a result, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 can be adjusted. For this reason, the opening angle at which the ADF 200 can be stopped can be adjusted by fine adjustment of the pressing force of the compression spring 4.

  With the above configuration, the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 100 of the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200 a moves upward and to the front side of the image forming apparatus main body 100. Thus, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by moving the rear side of the image forming apparatus main body 100 in the direction having the upward component. As a result, the handle 201 also moves to the near side of the image forming apparatus main body 100 as the opening angle of the ADF 200 increases. Therefore, a shorter user, a user using a wheelchair, and the like can operate the handle 201 within the reach of his / her hand. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same effects can be obtained.

  Next, the configuration of the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, what was comprised similarly to the said each embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

  In each of the above embodiments, the slider fulcrum 23 fixed to the ADF 200 is configured to be slidable with respect to the long hole 1a provided in the arm 1. In the present embodiment, the rack 1b is provided over substantially the entire length of the long hole 1a provided in the arm 1, and the pinion gear 13 that meshes with the rack 1b and rotates and moves on the shaft member of the slider fulcrum 23 is provided. Yes.

  A one-way rotary damper 14 is provided coaxially with the pinion gear 13. The one-way rotary damper 14 is a damping unit that applies a load when the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a is closed. The one-way rotary damper 14 is a one-way damping means in which a predetermined load acts only when the ADF 200 is closed, and no load acts when the ADF 200 is opened.

  9 and 10, a document table 111 for setting a read document is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 as in the first embodiment. On the upper surface of the document table 111, an ADF 200 that automatically and sequentially feeds a plurality of set documents one by one to the document table 111 is installed so as to be openable to the image forming apparatus main body 100.

  An L-shaped base 3 is fixed to the rear upper side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100. The base 3 is provided with an arm 1 that can rotate around an arm rotation fulcrum 21. The arm 1 is provided with a link 2 that can rotate around a link rotation fulcrum 22. An ADF rotation fulcrum 24 provided at one end of the link 2 is provided so as to be movable along a long hole 3 a formed in the base 3, and is fixed to a side surface of the ADF 200.

  A rack 1b is formed in the elongated hole 1a formed in the arm 1, and a pinion gear 13 is engaged with the rack 1b. The one-way rotary damper 14 provided coaxially with the pinion gear 13 is freely rotated without any load when the pinion gear 13 rotates in the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. 10 (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10). . Further, when the pinion gear 13 tries to rotate in the direction of arrow E shown in FIG. 10 (clockwise direction in FIG. 10), a predetermined load is applied. The pinion gear 13 is rotatably fixed to the side surface of the ADF 200.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 9, when the user opens the ADF 200 and sets a document (not shown) on the document table 111, the user lifts the handle 201 provided on the ADF 200 by applying an opening force F <b> 1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the arm 1 rotates in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 9 around the arm rotation fulcrum 21. As the arm 1 rotates, the link 2 rotates around the link rotation fulcrum 22 and the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 is pushed upward together with the ADF 200 along the elongated hole 3 a provided in the base 3. Further, the pinion gear 13 provided at the slider fulcrum 23 moves in the right direction in FIG. 9 while rotating in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 10 without any load while meshing with the rack 1b provided in the elongated hole 1a of the arm 1. .

  As a result, the ADF 200 fixed via the link 2 and the ADF rotation fulcrum 24 is opened while being pushed upward as shown in FIGS. At this time, the precompressed compression spring 4 is released while applying a pressing force to the arm 1. As a result, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 acts in the direction of reducing the opening force F1 necessary for opening the ADF 200.

  The weight of the ADF 200 is via the link 2 rotatably connected via the ADF rotation fulcrum 24, and the arm 1 engaged with the rack 1b engaged with the pinion gear 13 provided on the slider fulcrum 23. Always acting in the direction of closing the ADF 200.

  On the other hand, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 presses the arm 1 leftward in FIG. As a result, the pinion gear 13 that meshes with the rack 1b provided in the elongated hole 1a provided on the arm 1 acts so as to move to the right in FIG. 9 along the rack 1b. For this reason, it always acts in the direction in which the ADF 200 is opened.

  The one-way rotary damper 14 applies a predetermined load when the pinion gear 13 rotates in the direction of arrow E shown in FIG. 10 (the clockwise direction in FIG. 10). Further, when the pinion gear 13 rotates in the direction of arrow D shown in FIG. 10 (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10), no load is applied. For this reason, the pinion gear 13 rotates freely.

  In the direction to close the ADF 200, the pinion gear 13 engages with the rack 1b provided in the elongated hole 1a of the arm 1 and moves to the left in FIG. Try to rotate 10 clockwise). For this reason, the one-way rotary damper 14 applies a predetermined load to the rotation of the pinion gear 13.

  For this reason, in FIG. 9, even when the user does not apply both the force F1 for opening the ADF 200 and the force F2 for closing the ADF 200, the combined force of the load by the one-way rotary damper 14 and the pressing force of the compression spring 4 is Antagonize against self-weight. As a result, the position of the ADF 200 can be stopped at a predetermined opening angle.

  For example, the range where the ADF 200 can be stopped is set to the range of the opening angle from the position A to the position C shown in FIG. Within this range, the ADF 200 maintains a stopped state unless an external force is applied. Thereby, when a small user or a user using a wheelchair sets a document on the platen 111, the opening angle of the ADF 200 can be operated at a free angle.

  On the other hand, the range of the opening angle from the position B to the position A shown in FIG. 10 is set so that the weight of the ADF 200 slightly exceeds the combined force of the load of the one-way rotary damper 14 and the pressing force of the compression spring 4. . Thus, the ADF 200 is slowly lowered to the position A over a predetermined time and stopped.

  The link mechanism 7 serving as the document pressing portion holding means has the document pressing portion 200a within a range (position within the opening / closing range) from the position B to the position C shown in FIG. 10 which is an openable / closable range of the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a. The position A is an intermediate stop position of the ADF 200.

  The position B is a fully opened state of the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a. The ADF 200 in the range from the position B to the position A that is the intermediate stop position gradually descends to the position A and stops at the position A unless there is an external biasing force.

  Thus, when a general user opens and uses the ADF 200 to the position B shown in FIG. 10, the ADF 200 becomes slow even when the user releases his hand from the ADF 200 when setting the document on the document table 111. There is no effect on the operation by descending. Even if the ADF 200 is left open to the position B, the ADF 200 gradually descends to the position A and stops. This eliminates the inconvenience such as a small user to be used next and a user using a wheelchair cannot reach the handle 201 of the ADF 200.

  In addition, since the compression spring 4 is compressed to increase the pressing force, it is set in advance so as to be balanced with the weight of the ADF 200 at each opening angle of the ADF 200 from the relationship between the pressing force of the compression spring 4 and the spring length. Thereby, the opening angle of the ADF 200 can be stopped at any angle.

  Furthermore, the position of the adjustment screw 6 is moved by rotating the adjustment dial 5, and as a result, the pressing force of the compression spring 4 can be adjusted. Therefore, the opening angle at which the ADF 200 can be stopped can be adjusted by fine adjustment of the pressing force of the compression spring 4.

  9 and 10, the configuration in which the link mechanism 7 is provided on the left side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 has been described. A symmetrical link mechanism 7 is provided.

  In addition, a one-way rotary damper 14 is provided on the pinion gear 13 to apply a load to the rotation of the pinion gear 13 in one direction, and in combination with the pressing force of the compression spring 4, the ADF 200 is gently lowered to an arbitrary angle, It was set as the structure which stops at arbitrary angles. Further, since the pressing force of the compression spring 4 can be adjusted, the stop angle of the ADF 200 can be adjusted.

  Further, by providing the one-way rotary damper 14 for applying a load to the one-way rotation of the pinion gear 13, a general user uses the ADF 200 with the ADF 200 fully opened. At this time, the ADF 200 can be held in a state close to the fully open state for a while by the action of the one-way rotary damper 14.

  Thereafter, even if the ADF 200 is left in a fully opened state, the ADF 200 can be gradually lowered to a predetermined opening angle by the action of the one-way rotary damper 14. As a result, it is possible to prevent trouble that a short user or a user using a wheelchair cannot reach the handle 201 of the ADF 200. Other configurations are the same as those in the above embodiments, and the same effects can be obtained.

  Next, the configuration of the fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, what was comprised similarly to the said each embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

  In the present embodiment, the link mechanism 7 serving as the document pressing portion holding unit is unitized as shown in FIG. 12 to create the left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9. The left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9 are configured to be detachable from the left and right side surfaces of the ADF 200 having the document pressing portion 200a and the left and right side surfaces of the image forming apparatus main body 100.

  In FIG. 11, similarly to the above-described embodiments, an ADF 200 that automatically and sequentially feeds read documents one by one to the document table 111 is installed on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 100 so as to be openable.

  The left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9 which are unitized by incorporating the link mechanism 7 similar to that of each of the embodiments described above are created. Then, the left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9 are fastened to screw holes 31 provided on the left and right side surfaces of the rear upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the left and right side surfaces of the ADF 200 by screws 30 shown in FIG. It is configured.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the left link unit 8 which is unitized by incorporating the link mechanism 7 of the first embodiment. Note that the right link unit 9 incorporates a link mechanism 7 symmetrical to the left link unit 8 and is unitized. In addition, the left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9 which are unitized by incorporating the link mechanisms 7 of the other embodiments described above may be used.

  Screw holes 31 for fastening the left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9 with screws 30 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the upper rear portion of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the left and right side surfaces of the ADF 200. When the ADF 200 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 100 using the hinge member of the conventional example, the screw holes 31 are respectively covered by the covers 10, 11, 12, and 15. Yes.

  The left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9 obtained by unitizing the link mechanism 7 are attached to the left and right side surfaces of the rear upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the left and right side surfaces of the ADF 200 for use. In that case, the hinge member (not shown) of the conventional example is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the ADF 200.

  Further, the covers 10, 11, 12, 15 are removed to expose the screw holes 31 for the screws 30 for mounting the left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9. Then, the left link unit 8 and the right link unit 9 are attached to the screw holes 31 respectively provided on the left and right side surfaces of the rear upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 100 and the left and right side surfaces of the ADF 200 with screws 30.

  Thereby, it is set as the structure which can change easily the hinge member of a prior art example, and the left side link unit 8 and the right side link unit 9 which unitized the link mechanism 7. FIG. Other configurations are the same as those in the above embodiments, and the same effects can be obtained.

7. Link mechanism (document pressing part holding means)
24… ADF rotation fulcrum
100 ... Image forming apparatus main body
100a ... Document reading device main body
111… manuscript table
200 ... ADF
200a: Document pressing part

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus having a document reading device that is configured to be openable and closable with respect to a document reading device main body and includes a document pressing unit that presses a document placed on a document table.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that a fulcrum that supports the document pressing portion so as to be openable / closable has document pressing portion holding means that moves upward with respect to the document table in conjunction with an opening operation of the document pressing portion. . In an image forming apparatus having a document reading device that is configured to be openable and closable with respect to a document reading device main body and includes a document pressing unit that presses a document placed on a document table.
Document supporting portion holding means for supporting the document pressing portion so that the document pressing portion can be opened and closed is moved upward and to the opening side of the document pressing portion with respect to the document table in conjunction with the opening operation of the document pressing portion. An image forming apparatus comprising: The document pressing portion holding means has a link mechanism that interlocks with the opening / closing operation of the document pressing portion,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the link mechanism includes a biasing member that antagonizes the weight of the document pressing unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a pressing force adjusting unit that adjusts a pressing force of the urging member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document pressing unit includes an automatic document transport device that automatically transports a plurality of documents. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an attenuating unit that applies a load when the original pressing unit is closed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the attenuating unit is a one-way attenuating unit that applies a load only when the original pressing unit is closed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document pressing unit holding unit is detachably attached to the document pressing unit and the document reading device. The document pressing portion holding means has an intermediate stop position of the document pressing portion within an openable / closable range of the document pressing portion, and the document pressing portion is in a range from the fully open state of the document pressing portion to the intermediate stop position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unit gradually descends to the intermediate stop position and stops at the intermediate stop position unless there is an external biasing force.

Images