JP2019201320A - Image reading unit and paper transport unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To assist force applied to a user when a document feeder starts to be opened while the document feeder is prevented from being lifted even when a cover for covering a document feeder is provided.SOLUTION: An image reading unit includes a feeder 4 one end of which is joined to the end of a scanner 3 by a hinge that generates torque in a direction away from the scanner 3, and that can be opened and closed with respect to the scanner 3, and a tray cover 5 one end of which is joined to the end by a hinge and can be opened and closed with respect to the feeder 4, and after the feeder 4 starts to be opened from the state where both of the feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are closed, a space S1 is provided between the feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 such that only the feeder 4 moves relative to the scanner 3 until the angle between the scanner 3 and the feeder 4 reaches a predetermined angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a document feeder technique for sending a document to a scanner.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses having various functions such as copying, scanning, faxing, and document servers are widely used. Such an image forming apparatus is sometimes called a “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”.

  The image forming apparatus may be equipped with a document feeder. The document feeder is sometimes referred to as “ADF (Auto Document Feeder)” or “document feeder”.

  As described in Patent Document 1, the document feeder is often mounted above a platen glass of a scanner of an image forming apparatus.

  An end on the back side of the document feeder and an end on the back side of the scanner are joined by a hinge. When setting a document sheet on the platen glass, the user opens the document feeder by lifting the front end of the document feeder. In order to assist lifting, the hinge is provided with a biasing mechanism such as a coil spring. For example, a torque hinge is used as the hinge.

JP 7-239515 A

  Incidentally, the document feeder is provided with a paper feed tray, and the paper feed tray is always visible. In order to improve the appearance of the image forming apparatus, it is desirable to provide a cover that covers the upper portion of the paper feed tray. The cover has a back end joined to a back end of the scanner by a hinge.

  When setting paper in the paper feed tray, the user opens the cover by lifting the front end of the cover.

  When setting the paper on the platen glass, as described above, the user opens the document feeder by placing the hand on the end portion on the front side and lifting the document feeder. If the cover is closed, the cover can be lifted together when lifting the document feeder. If the cover is open, only the document feeder is lifted.

  That is, when the cover is provided on the document feeder as described above, the weight of the cover may or may not be applied to the document feeder when the user starts to open the document feeder. To allow the user to start opening the document feeder with the same amount of force as before, that is, when the cover is not provided, even when the weight of the cover is on the document feeder The torque needs to be stronger than before.

  However, in this case, when the document feeder is closed but the cover is open, the weight of the cover is not applied to the document feeder, so that the document feeder is more likely to float than the conventional case due to the torque of the hinge. If the document feeder is used while it is lifted up, there is a risk that paper conveyance to the scanner will be poor or image reading by the scanner will be bad.

  In view of such a problem, the present invention can assist the user's force when starting to open the document feeder while preventing the document feeder from lifting even if a cover for covering the document feeder is provided. The purpose is to make.

  An image reading unit according to an aspect of the present invention has a platen glass and a slit glass on an upper surface, and reads an image from a first sheet set on the platen glass or a second sheet passing through the slit glass. And one end joined to the first end of the upper surface of the scanner by a first hinge that generates torque in a direction away from the scanner, and can be opened and closed with respect to the platen glass and the slit glass. A document feeder for conveying the second sheet to the slit glass, and a second hinge at the first end for concealing the document feeder when the document feeder is not used. A cover having one end joined and capable of being opened and closed with respect to the document feeder Until the angle between the upper surface of the scanner and the lower surface of the document feeder reaches a predetermined angle after the document feeder starts to open from a state where both the document feeder and the cover are closed, A space is provided between the document feeder and the cover so that only the document feeder moves relative to the scanner.

  According to the present invention, even when a cover for covering the document feeder is provided, it is possible to assist the force applied to the user when starting to open the document feeder while preventing the document feeder from being lifted.

2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where a document feeder and a tray cover are closed. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the scanner, document feeder, and tray cover which make an AA line a cross-sectional line. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external appearance of an image forming apparatus in a state where a document feeder is opened. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of an image forming apparatus in a state where a document feeder is closed and a tray cover is opened. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA for explaining the change in the positional relationship among the scanner, document feeder, and tray cover. It is a right view of a scanner, a document feeder, and a tray cover. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus in a state where the document feeder is closed and the tray cover is opened. It is a schematic sectional drawing which makes a BB line a sectional line for explaining change of a positional relationship of a scanner, a document feeder, and a tray cover. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus in a state where a document feeder is opened. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the appearance of the image forming apparatus in a state where the document feeder is closed and the tray cover is opened. It is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the BB line for demonstrating the positional relationship of a scanner, a document feeder, and a tray cover. It is a figure which shows the example of a pin and a hole. It is a schematic sectional drawing in alignment with the BB line for demonstrating the change of the positional relationship of a scanner, a document feeder, and a tray cover.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are closed. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the scanner 3, the document feeder 4, and the tray cover 5 having a cross section taken along line AA. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the document feeder 4 is opened. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the document feeder 4 is closed and the tray cover 5 is opened. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA for explaining the change in the positional relationship among the scanner 3, the document feeder 4, and the tray cover 5. FIG. 6 is a right side view of the scanner 3, document feeder 4, and tray cover 5.

  An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus generally called an “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)” or “multifunction machine”, and integrates functions such as copying, PC printing, facsimile, scanning, and a document server. Device.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printer 2, a scanner 3, a document feeder 4, a tray cover 5, a touch panel display 6, and the like.

  The printer 2 and the scanner 3 are integrally formed and constitute a main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. The lower part of the main body 10 is the printer 2, and the upper part is the scanner 3.

  The touch panel display 6 is provided on the side surface of the main body 10 and is a device for displaying a screen and allowing a user to input data or commands to the image forming apparatus 1. Hereinafter, the side of the image forming apparatus 1 on which the touch panel display 6 is provided is referred to as “front”, and the opposite side of the front is referred to as “back”.

  The printer 2 prints an image read by the scanner 3 on a sheet. In addition, an image is printed on a sheet based on image data transmitted from another device or image data stored in a storage. As the printer 2, a page printer or an ink jet printer is used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner 3 includes a platen glass 31, a slit glass 32, a document reading unit 33, and the like.

  The platen glass 31 is provided on almost the entire top surface of the main body 10 and a document sheet is set thereon. The slit glass 32 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 10 alongside the platen glass 31.

  The document reading unit 33 reads an image written on a sheet set on the platen glass 31 and generates image data.

  Further, when the sheet conveyed by the document feeder 4 passes through the slit glass 32, the document reading unit 33 reads an image written on the sheet and generates image data.

  The document feeder 4 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and includes a paper feed tray 41, a transport mechanism 42, a paper discharge tray 43, a mat 44, a feeder cover 45, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the document feeder 4 is attached to the upper surface 37 of the upper surface of the main body 10 by a plurality of hinges 47 so as to open and close like the door with respect to the upper surface of the main body 10. Yes. The user opens and closes the document feeder 4 by grasping the front end portion of the document feeder 4 and raising and lowering the document feeder 4.

  The hinge 47 is adjusted so that the document feeder 4 opens until the angle Ra between the lower surface of the document feeder 4 and the upper surface of the scanner 3 reaches a predetermined angle R. The predetermined angle R0 is, for example, 60 degrees.

  The tray cover 5 is a cover for hiding the paper feed tray 41 when the document feeder 4 is not used. The tray cover 5 is attached to the end portion 37 by a plurality of hinges 57 and the like so as to open and close like a door with respect to the document feeder 4. The user opens and closes the tray cover 5 by grasping the front end of the tray cover 5 and raising and lowering the tray cover 5.

  The hinge 57 is adjusted so that the tray cover 5 opens until the angle Rb between the upper surface of the tray cover 5 and the upper surface of the scanner 3 reaches a predetermined angle R0.

  The user opens the document feeder 4 as shown in FIG. 3 when setting paper on the platen glass 31 and reading an image. As shown in FIG. 1, when the document feeder 4 is opened with the tray cover 5 closed, the tray cover 5 moves together with the document feeder 4. When the paper is set, the document feeder 4 is closed, and a predetermined command (for example, a copy start command) is input to the touch panel display 6. When the document feeder 4 is closed, the sheet is pressed and fixed by the mat 44.

  When a predetermined command is input, the document reading unit 33 reads an image from the set paper and generates image data. When the reading of the image is completed, the user opens the document feeder 4 again, removes paper, and closes the document feeder 4.

  Alternatively, the user opens the tray cover 5 with the document feeder 4 closed as shown in FIG. When paper is set in the paper feed tray 41, a predetermined command is input to the touch panel display 6.

  Then, the transport mechanism 42 transports the set sheets one by one to the slit glass 32 and further transports to the paper discharge tray 43. The transport mechanism 42 is covered with a feeder cover 45 at the top.

  Each time the sheet passes through the slit glass 32, the document reading unit 33 reads an image from the sheet and generates image data. The user takes the paper discharged to the paper discharge tray 43 and closes the tray cover 5.

  By the way, a torque hinge having an urging mechanism such as a spring is used as at least one of the plurality of hinges 47. The urging mechanism urges the document feeder 4 in the direction to open the document feeder 4 with respect to the scanner 3.

  Therefore, the urging mechanism reduces the force with which the user lifts the document feeder 4 when opening the document feeder 4. That is, it assists the user to open the document feeder 4.

  Similarly, at least one of the plurality of hinges 57 has a biasing mechanism such as a spring. The urging mechanism urges the tray cover 5 in the direction to open the tray cover 5 with respect to the document feeder 4.

  Therefore, the urging mechanism reduces the force with which the user lifts the tray cover 5 when opening the tray cover 5. That is, it assists the user to open the tray cover 5. The user is also assisted when opening the document feeder 4 with the tray cover 5 closed.

  As described above, the user can open the document feeder 4 as shown in FIG. 3 when the tray cover 5 is closed as shown in FIG. At this time, the tray cover 5 moves together with the document feeder 4.

  When the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are both closed as shown in FIG. 1, there is a space S1 between the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 as shown in FIG. . At this time, the tray cover 5 contacts only the right side surface of the feeder cover 45 of the document feeder 4. Or there is a gap of about 1 mm.

  Therefore, when the document feeder 4 starts to be opened, only the document feeder 4 moves relative to the scanner 3 until the paper discharge tray 43 comes into contact with the tray cover 5 as shown in FIG. Does not move. During this time, the user is assisted by the biasing mechanism of the hinge 47.

  After the paper discharge tray 43 comes into contact with the tray cover 5, the tray cover 5 starts to move with respect to the scanner 3 together with the document feeder 4. Then, the user is further assisted by the biasing mechanism of the hinge 57.

  It is desirable that the hinge 47 is adjusted so that the torque is larger than when the paper discharge tray 43 is not in contact with the tray cover 5. For example, if the angle Ra when the paper discharge tray 43 contacts the tray cover 5 is 2 degrees, the torque when the angle Ra is 2 degrees is larger than the torque when the angle Ra is less than 2 degrees. The hinge 47 is preferably adjusted.

  By the way, while the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are moving together, the space S1 is filled, so that a deviation occurs between the upper surface of the document feeder 4 and the upper surface of the tray cover 5 as shown in FIG. . Thereafter, when the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are completely moved, the upper surface of the tray cover 5 and the upper surface of the tray cover 5 are aligned as shown in FIG. That is, there is no step on these upper surfaces.

  In order to eliminate the step more reliably, the hinge 57 may be adjusted so that the torque increases when the angle Rb approaches the predetermined angle R0. For example, if the predetermined angle R0 is 60 degrees, the hinge 57 may be adjusted so that the torque when the angle Rb is 50 degrees is larger than the torque when the angle Rb is less than 50. It is desirable that the torque when the angle Rb is equal to or greater than 50 degrees is the strength with which the tray cover 5 can be opened even if the user does not apply force.

  According to the present embodiment, even when the tray cover 5 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to assist the force applied to the user when starting to open the document feeder 4 while preventing the document feeder 4 from being lifted. .

[First modification]
FIG. 7 is a view showing a modification of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the document feeder 4 is closed and the tray cover 5 is opened. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B for explaining changes in the positional relationship among the scanner 3, the document feeder 4, and the tray cover 5. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the document feeder 4 is opened.

  In the above-described embodiment, when both the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are lifted from the closed state as shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface of the document feeder 4 and the tray cover as shown in FIG. A step is formed on the upper surface of 5 in the middle. Then, when both have completely moved, there is no step as shown in FIG. In other words, there is a possibility that a step may be formed between the two, and there is a possibility that the user may put a finger in the gap between the two.

  Therefore, in the first modification and the second modification, a device for making it difficult to generate a step is made.

  As shown in FIG. 7 or 8, the paper discharge tray 43 of the document feeder 4 is provided with a pressing portion 4 </ b> A at the end 48 on the front side. The pressing portion 4A includes a pressing member 4A1, a magnet 4A2, and one or a plurality of elastic members 4A3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, the magnet 3A is provided at the position facing the magnet 4A2 in the end portion 38 on the upper surface of the scanner 3 when the document feeder 4 is closed.

  The magnet 4A2 and the magnet 3A are attracted to each other by a magnetic force. That is, one of the opposing poles is the N pole and the other is the S pole. The magnet 4A2 and the magnet 3A may be one set or a plurality of sets. A coil spring is used as the elastic member 4A3.

  When the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are closed (see FIG. 1), the elastic member 4A3 is contracted by the magnetic force of the magnet 4A2 and the magnet 3A, and as shown in FIG. 8A, the pressing portion 4A. Is away from the tray cover 5.

  When the document feeder 4 starts to be opened, the attractive force of the magnet 4A2 and the magnet 3A gradually weakens, the elastic member 4A3 starts to expand, and the pressing member 4A1 comes into contact with the tray cover 5. Until the pressing member 4A1 contacts the tray cover 5, only the document feeder 4 moves relative to the scanner 3, and the tray cover 5 does not move.

  After the pressing member 4A1 comes into contact with the tray cover 5, the tray cover 5 starts to move with respect to the scanner 3 together with the document feeder 4 while being pushed up by the pressing member 4A1 as shown in FIG. 8B. Then, the movement is completed and the state shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. Note that the elasticity of the elastic member 4A3 is adjusted in advance so that there is no step between the upper surface of the document feeder 4 and the upper surface of the tray cover 5 during movement.

  In this modification, when the document feeder 4 is closed, the pressing member 4A1 is separated from the tray cover 5 by the magnet 4A2. When opening the document feeder 4, the pressing member 4A1 was pressed against the tray cover 5 by the elastic member 4A3. However, a cylinder for moving the pressing member 4A1 up and down is provided instead of the magnet 4A2 and the elastic member 4A3, and the pressing member 4A1 is separated from the tray cover 5 or pressed against the tray cover 5 by electrically controlling the cylinder. May be.

[Second modification]
FIG. 10 is a view showing a modified example of the appearance of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the document feeder 4 is closed and the tray cover 5 is opened. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line BB for explaining the positional relationship among the scanner 3, the document feeder 4, and the tray cover 5. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the pin 5C and the hole 5D. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB for explaining the change in the positional relationship among the scanner 3, the document feeder 4, and the tray cover 5.

  In the first modification, a mechanism for making it difficult to generate a step is provided in the scanner 3 and the document feeder 4, but in the second modification, the mechanism is provided in the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5.

  As shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, the tray cover 5 is provided with a pressing portion 5B and a plurality of pins 5C.

  The pin 5C is an L-shaped pin. As shown in FIG. 12A, the front wall of the tray cover 5 has an L-shaped hole 5D that penetrates from the inner surface to the lower surface. When there are a plurality of pins 5C, holes 5D are opened by the number of pins 5C. The pin 5C is fitted in the hole 5D as shown in FIG. The pin 5C can move up and down while being fitted in the hole 5D.

  The pressing portion 5B is configured by a pressing member 5B1, a magnet 5B2, a rotary shaft member 5B3, and the like.

  The pressing member 5B1 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that is long in the left-right direction. One or more magnets 5B2 are embedded in the lower surface of the pressing member 5B1. A magnet 5B2 that is long in the left-right direction may be embedded. The pressing member 5B1 is placed on the head of the pin 5C.

  Further, the pressing member 5B1 is provided with a cylindrical hole from the right side to the left side, and the rotary shaft member 5B3 is inserted into the hole. In addition, a hole is provided inside the right wall of the tray cover 5, and the right end of the rotary shaft member 5B3 is inserted into this hole. The rotating shaft member 5B3 is a cylindrical member whose diameter is slightly shorter than the diameter of the hole. The pressing member 5B1 can rotate around the rotation shaft member 5B3.

  Further, a magnet 4B is provided on the paper discharge tray 43 of the document feeder 4 at a position facing the magnet 5B2 when the tray cover 5 is closed.

  The magnet 4B and the magnet 5B2 attract each other by magnetic force. That is, one of the opposing poles is the N pole and the other is the S pole.

  When the document feeder 4 and the tray cover 5 are closed (see FIG. 1), the legs of the pins 5C are in contact with the upper surface of the scanner 3 as shown in FIG. The magnet 4B and the magnet 5B2 attract each other, but a certain distance is maintained depending on the weight of the paper discharge tray 43.

  When the document feeder 4 starts to be opened, the magnet 4B and the magnet 5B2 gradually approach and come into contact as shown in FIG. At this time, the attractive force between the magnet 4B and the magnet 5B2 gradually increases.

  After the contact, the pin 5C moves downward with respect to the tray cover 5, and the pressing member 5B1 approaches the tray cover 5. Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, the pressing member 5B1 comes into contact with the tray cover 5.

  Further, the document feeder 4 is pushed down against the tray cover 5 by the pressing member 5B1.

  The shape of the pressing member 4A1 is such that no step is generated between the upper surface of the document feeder 4 and the upper surface of the tray cover 5 when the pin 5C is positioned at the lowest position with respect to the tray cover 5 as shown in FIG. And the size is adjusted in advance.

  After contacting the pressing member 5B1, the tray cover 5 moves together with the document feeder 4 via the pressing member 5B1. Then, while maintaining the positional relationship with the document feeder 4 as shown in FIG. 13C, the movement continues until the state shown in FIG.

  In addition, the entire image forming apparatus 1, scanner 3, document feeder 4, tray cover 5, or configuration of each part can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 3 Scanner 31 Platen glass 32 Slit glass 37 End part (1st end part)
38 end (second end)
3A magnet (first magnet)
4 Document feeder 47 Hinge (first hinge)
4A Pushing part (push-up means)
4A1 Pushing member 4A2 Magnet (second magnet)
4A3 Elastic member 4B Magnet (first magnet)
5 Tray cover (cover)
57 Hinge (second hinge)
5B Pushing part (pressing means)
5B1 Pushing member 5B2 Magnet (second magnet)
5B3 Rotating shaft member (mechanism)
5C pin (guide member)
S1 space

Claims (9)

A scanner that has a platen glass and a slit glass on the upper surface, and reads an image from a first sheet set on the platen glass or a second sheet passing through the slit glass;
One end is joined to the first end of the upper surface of the scanner by a first hinge that generates torque in a direction away from the scanner, and can be opened and closed with respect to the platen glass and the slit glass. A document feeder for conveying the second sheet to the slit glass;
A cover that is connected to the first end by a second hinge and is openable and closable with respect to the document feeder for concealing the document feeder when the document feeder is not used;
Have
After the document feeder starts to open from the state in which both the document feeder and the cover are closed, only the document feeder is used until the angle between the upper surface of the scanner and the lower surface of the document feeder reaches a predetermined angle. A space is provided between the document feeder and the cover so as to move relative to the scanner.
An image reading unit. The document feeder is provided with push-up means for pushing up the cover to keep the distance between the cover and the document feeder at a certain length after the document feeder starts to open.
The image reading unit according to claim 1. The push-up means includes a pressing member that is pressed against the cover, and an elastic member that pushes the pressing member to the cover.
The image reading unit according to claim 2. A first magnet is provided at a second end of the upper surface of the scanner that faces the first end,
The pressing member is provided with a second magnet that is attracted to the first magnet when the document feeder and the cover are both closed.
The image reading unit according to claim 3. The cover is provided with a pressing means for pushing down the document feeder in order to keep the distance between the cover and the document feeder at a certain length after the document feeder starts to open.
The image reading unit according to claim 1. The pressing means is a pressing member pressed against the document feeder, and after the pressing member hits the document feeder, the pressing member is moved toward the document feeder until the distance reaches the length. A mechanism for moving,
The image reading unit according to claim 5. The mechanism includes: a shaft on a cylinder passing through the pressing member in parallel with the first end; and the pressing member is in contact with the lower surface of the pressing member and when the distance reaches the length, the pressing member A guide member for stopping rotation about the center,
The image reading unit according to claim 6. A first magnet is provided at a position of the document feeder where the pressing member contacts,
A second magnet that is attracted to the first magnet is provided at a position of the pressing member that is in contact with the document feeder.
The image reading unit according to claim 7. A sheet conveying unit used for a scanner having a platen glass and a slit glass on an upper surface and reading an image from a first sheet set on the platen glass or a second sheet passing through the slit glass,
One end is joined to the first end of the upper surface of the scanner by a first hinge that generates torque in a direction away from the scanner, and can be opened and closed with respect to the platen glass and the slit glass. A document feeder for transporting the second sheet to the slit glass,
For concealing the inside of the document feeder when the document feeder is not in use, one end is joined to the first end portion by a second hinge and is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the document feeder. A cover,
Have
After the document feeder starts to open from the state in which both the document feeder and the cover are closed, only the document feeder is used until the angle between the upper surface of the scanner and the lower surface of the document feeder reaches a predetermined angle. A space is provided between the document feeder and the cover so as to move relative to the scanner.
A paper transport unit characterized by that.

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