JP2583876Y2 - Document holding device - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a document holding device, such as a document feeder, which is mounted on an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine, an image reader, or a facsimile and automatically opens and closes a document on a document set surface. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine is provided with a document feeder for automatically feeding and discharging a document. In this document feeder, a document sent from a paper feed tray is transported along a document setting surface by a transport belt and set at a copy position, and when copying is completed, the document is discharged to a discharge tray. It is attached to the copier by two hinges so as to be openable and closable.

In such a document feeder, since one hinge is provided on each of the left and right sides, the floating of the near side is prevented by the spring balance of the left and right hinges in consideration of the position of the center of gravity of the document feeder. .

[0004]

However, in fact, it is very difficult to achieve this balance because the center of gravity is biased to one side. Therefore, one of the right and left sides of the document conveying device floats, and the conveying belt does not come into close contact with the document, causing a shortage of document conveyance.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a document pressing device which can easily balance the weight of the pressing portion and can be manufactured at low cost.

[0006]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is attached to an image processing apparatus which performs image processing of a document placed on a document platen, and is freely openable and closable.
A document integrally provided with a paper feed unit for separating and feeding the document into one sheet, and a document pressing unit for covering the document on the document platen provided with a conveying unit for conveying the separated document onto the document platen In the pressing device, the document pressing device is
Attached to the image processing apparatus via the hinges so as to be openable and closable, and the attachment position of the hinge to the document pressing device is provided at a position where the center of gravity of the document pressing device and the side of the document pressing device opening / closing side vertically intersect. Was configured.

Further, the image processing apparatus can be opened and closed via a first hinge having an urging means for urging the document pressing device in an opening direction and a second hinge having no urging means. At the same time, the first hinge is mounted at a position where the center of gravity of the document pressing device and the side of the document pressing device opening / closing side intersect perpendicularly, and the second hinge is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first hinge. You may make it attach.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention can be applied to copying machines, various printers, facsimile machines, etc., but an example of a document feeder applied to a copying machine will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Structure> A document conveying device F corresponding to a pressing portion of a document pressing device is placed and mounted above the copying machine M shown in FIG.
The external shape of the document transport device F is substantially square, so that the document transport device F does not protrude greatly on both left and right sides when viewed from the front of the copying machine M.

A platen (document setting surface) P is provided in an upper portion of the copying machine M. A document transport device F mounted so as to cover the platen P corresponds to substantially half of the platen P. Conveying means for covering a certain area, for example, conveying section 1
0, a cover means for covering the remaining area of the platen P, for example, a platen cover section 20, and a document provided above the platen cover section 20 and set in a sheet-feeding document storage section, for example, a document tray section 30. Paper feeding means for separating and feeding the paper toward the printer, for example, the separation feeding section 40, and the transport section 10
Receiving the exposed original conveyed by the
Paper discharge unit 50 that discharges paper from the paper discharge unit 50, and a paper discharge document storage unit that stores the documents discharged by the paper discharge unit 50, for example, the storage unit 6.
0, a hinge 70 for supporting the document feeder F so as to be able to open and close above the platen P of the copying machine M;
And a control unit 80.

FIG. 20 shows a state in which the document feeder F in FIG. 1 is released above the platen P, and an effective reading range (reading section T: length X-Z) is defined on the upper surface of the transparent platen P. And one end of the reading unit is determined as a reading reference point X. At the time of copying, a copy corresponding to the original is obtained by arranging one end of the original D with the reference point X.

The reading section T has the maximum size that can be copied, and is indicated by a chain line in the figure. For example, an A3 size (297 mm × 420 mm) is set as the maximum size that can be copied. Here, an A3 size is set as a large size, and an A4 size (210 mm × 29 mm) is set.
7mm) is assumed to be a small size. Therefore, the entire length (between X and Z) of the reading unit T is for a large-size document, and half (X-
(Between Y) is for small-size originals. In FIG. 20, a small-size document D is positioned on the reading unit T in accordance with the reference point.

FIG. 2 shows two drive motors M1 and M2 provided in the document feeder F and sensors S1 to S2 for collecting information necessary for controlling the operation of the document feeder F.
5, and a control board 89 are shown.

The drive motor M1 is drivingly connected to the separation feeding section 40, and is driven and controlled mainly based on output signals from the sensors S1 and S5.

The drive motor M2 is drivingly connected to the transport unit 10 and is driven and controlled mainly based on output signals from the sensors S2, S3 and S4.

The sensor S1 is an empty sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a document set on the document tray 30.

The sensor S2 is provided in the middle of a transport path for transporting the documents separated by the separating and feeding unit 40 to the platen P, and detects a leading end or a trailing end of the documents passing through the transport path. It is a sensor.

The sensor S3 is a switchback sensor for detecting the leading edge or the trailing edge of the document conveyed through the paper discharge unit 50.

The sensor S4 is connected to the output shaft 8 of the drive motor M2.
6 is a photosensor that detects the amount of rotation of an interrupter 871 (described later) provided in 6.

The sensor S5 is provided on the hinge portion 70, and the original conveying device F sends a signal to the platen P with respect to the copying machine M.
It is detected whether it is in an open state in which the upper part is open or in a closed state in which the upper part of the platen P is closed as shown in FIG.

Further, the storage section 60 is provided with a projecting member 62 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the document conveying direction. The protruding member 62 is provided to allow the original stored in the storage unit 60 to be rigid. When the stored original is longer than the storage unit 60, the leading end thereof protrudes from the storage unit 60, and the leading end of the protruding original. Is prevented from hanging down on the document tray section 30.

Next, a detailed description will be given of the document feeder F with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the document feeder F includes a document tray section 30 and a document tray 30 from the upstream (right side in FIG. 3) to the downstream side (left side in FIG. 3) in the document feed direction. Separation feeding unit 40 that separates and transports the original into one sheet
And a document transport unit 10 that receives the document transported by the separation feeding unit 40 and transports the document further downstream.

A platen cover section 20 is provided below the separating and feeding section 40 on the platen P side, and a document received from the document conveying section 10 is positioned above and downstream of the document conveying section 10. Paper output unit 5 that transports paper while turning it over
0 is provided. Above the separation feeding section 40 and the document transport section 10, a storage section 60 for storing the document transported by the paper discharge section 50 is provided.

In the document feeder F, the document tray 30
Is composed of a loading tray 31 on which a document is placed, a pair of side end guides 32L and 32R for regulating the side edges of the document set on the loading tray 31, and an auxiliary tray 33.

The side end guides 32L and 32R extend in the width direction of the original along the guide 321 (vertical direction in FIG. 4).
Go to A rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) is connected to the side end guides 32L and 32R, and positions the center of the document set on the loading tray 31 at the reference line K shown in FIG.

The auxiliary tray 33 is attached to the loading tray 31 so as to be rotatable by a rotation shaft 331, and stably supports the rear end of a large-size document placed on the loading tray 31.

An original transport path R1 is formed in the separation feeding section 40, and the original transport path R1 is partitioned by guide plates 410 and 411. Separating and feeding means is arranged along the document conveying path R1. That is, the pickup roller 42 is provided on the entrance side of the transport path R1 so as to be able to advance and retreat to the loading tray 31, and the paper feed roller 43 and the separation belt 44 enter the transport path R1 from the respective guide plates 410 and 411 and are not in contact with each other. In this state, they are arranged so as to overlap each other. A registration roller 451 and a pinch roller 452 are provided on the exit side of the transport path R1 so as to face each other.

The exit of the transport path R1 is located substantially at the center (point Y) of the reading unit T defined on the upper surface of the platen P.

At the entrance of the transport path R1, a document stopper 46 provided to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the guide plate 411, and the presence or absence of a document on the loading tray 31 in cooperation with the sensor S1 (see FIG. 2). Is provided, and a sensor S2 is provided between the feed roller 43 and the registration roller 451 on the transport path R1.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, a document stopper 46, a pickup roller 42, a paper feed roller 43, and a separation belt 44 provided along the transport path R1
1 is configured to rotate and rotate in a predetermined direction via belt drive transmission means 810 and 811 and a plurality of gears G.

Here, it is assumed that one document is pulled out from the loading tray 31 and sent to the transport path R1.
The first rotation (forward rotation) is transmitted to the shaft 831 via the gears G2, G3, G4, and the rotation of the shaft 831 drives the drive transmission member 832 to rotate the shaft 833 in a predetermined direction.

At this time, since the document stopper 46 moves to the position shown by the chain line in FIG. 3, the document on the loading tray 31 can be separated and fed. When the document stopper 46 rotates (down) and hits a stopper (not shown), the spring 834 prevents the shaft 833 of the document stopper 46 from being driven with a driving force exceeding a certain level.

The pickup roller 42 is connected to a shaft 82 for holding the sheet feed roller 43 by a swing arm member 821.
The swing arm member 821 is fixed to the shaft 831 and is rotated downward toward the document by rotation of the lever 836 which is in contact with the swing arm member 821. Contact the surface. When the pickup roller 42 comes into contact with the document, the spring clutch 834 keeps the contact pressure of the pickup roller 42 against the document constant.

Further, the forward rotation of the motor M1 corresponds to the gears G1, G5, G
6, G7 and transmitted to the shafts 82 and 84,
And the separation belt 44 are rotated in directions different from each other.

A one-way clutch 822 is incorporated in the gear G7, and even if the rotation of the gear G7 is stopped, if the document is forcibly conveyed forward, the paper feed roller 43 is moved forward. It follows and rotates.

The one-way clutch 823 is also incorporated in the gear G6. Even if the rotation of the gear G5 is stopped, if the document is forcibly conveyed forward, the separation belt 44 is driven by the advance of the document. To rotate.

A one-way clutch 824 is built in the gear G1. When the motor M1 rotates in the reverse direction, the gear G1 idles and does not transmit the drive to the rollers 42 and 43 and the separation belt 44. The drive is transmitted to the motor 836, and the motor M1 is rotationally driven in a direction opposite to that when the motor M1 rotates forward.

The shaft 838 is provided with a spring clutch 837. When the motor M1 rotates in the reverse direction, the original stopper 4
6 and the lever 836 are prevented from being driven upward by a force greater than a predetermined value.

According to the configuration of the above-mentioned separation sheet feeding section 40,
When the motor M1 rotates forward, only the pickup roller 42 and the paper feed roller 43 rotate in the forward direction (document conveying direction),
The separation belt 44 rotates in the reverse feeding direction. Thereby, the documents placed on the loading tray 31 are transported one by one from the entrance to the exit of the transport path R1.

When the motor M1 rotates in the reverse direction, the lever 836
Rotates the pickup roller 42 away from the surface of the document.

The original conveying section 10 includes an endless belt-shaped conveying belt 13, a pair of pulleys 11 and 12 for driving the conveying belt 13 so that the conveying belt 13 can be rotated forward and backward, and a plurality of press rollers 14 for pressing the conveying belt 13 against a platen P. Become. Further, the document transport unit 10 is provided with approximately half (X) of the maximum document size (reading unit T) on the upper surface of the platen P on the reading reference point X side.
−Y).

A transport belt 13 is provided at the exit of the transport path R1. The conveyance belt 13 forms a document path R2 between the conveyance belt 13 and the platen P, and the entrance of the document path R2 is located at the center (Y
), And the exit is substantially located at a reading reference point X defined at the front end of the reading unit T.

The document conveyed by the document conveyer 10 conveys the document discharged from the exit of the conveyance path R1 to the reference point X of the reading unit T, or conveys the document forward from the reference point X and discharges the paper. Can be transported in the opposite direction.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
Behind the exit 0 (reference point X),
And a paper discharge unit 50 is provided. Paper output unit 50
Are an endless belt-shaped discharge belt 51 and a discharge belt 5
A pair of pulleys 52 and 53 for driving the pulley 1 in a forward and reverse direction;
It has a rolling roller 54 for transmitting the drive of the transport belt 13 to the pulley 53 and guide members 55 and 56 for guiding the document discharged from the exit of the document path R2 to the storage unit 60. The discharge path R3 is formed.

At a position escaping from the facing portion of the discharge belt 51, a leaf spring member 57 having one end fixed to the guide member 55 and pressing the original against the discharge belt 51 at the other end is provided. The rolling contact roller 54 is urged by a spring member (not shown) directly on the surface of the transport belt 13 at a position facing the driven pulley 12,
As shown in the figure, the contact is substantially at the center of the conveyor belt 13.

The discharge belt 51 and a pair of pulleys 5
Since the rollers 2 and 53 and the transfer roller 54 are integrally supported by a pair of left and right side plates 58 and can be fixed as a unit to the outer cover of the transport device F, the assembly is easy.

In this embodiment, the document discharged from the document path R2 between the transport belt 13 and the platen P is introduced into the paper discharge path R3 and transported to the storage unit 60.

The storage section 60 includes a storage tray 61 and a projecting member 62 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the original conveying direction.
It consists of Since the storage tray 61 is disposed above the loading tray 31, the copying machine F is placed in a state where the document D separated and fed and the copied document D1 overlap as shown in FIG. Placed above the platen
Is stored. In other words, it is possible to configure a document conveying device that is small and light, has no particular restriction on the size of the document to be conveyed, and can easily handle the processed document.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, the platen cover 20 is provided below the separation / feed unit 40 on the platen P side, and is provided in parallel with the platen P. The platen cover 21 includes support members 22 and 23 for supporting the platen P at a predetermined interval and detachably with respect to the document feeder F, and elevating means 24 for moving the platen cover 21 close to and away from the platen P. ing.

The platen cover 21 has an engagement fixing portion for engaging and fixing the platen cover 21 to the support member 22.
211, a slide portion 212 that engages with the support member 23 to slide the platen cover 21 in a direction substantially parallel to the platen P, and releases the engagement and fixation between the support members 22, 23 and the platen cover 21. For this purpose, a U-shaped weight portion 213 which can be gripped by an operator and is provided downstream of the support member 23 in the sliding direction of the platen cover 21 and has a relatively large weight is provided.

The support member 23 is fixed to the frame of the document feeder F. The support member 22 is connected to the drive shaft 242 by a connection member 241.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the platen cover 21 is
2 shows a state in which it is detached from 2, 23. Although the drawing shows a state in which the document feeder F closes (covers) the platen P of the copying machine M, normally, when the platen cover 21 is removed, the document feeder F is placed above the platen P. The maintenance of the separation belt 44 and other mechanisms provided in the separation feeding section 40 can be easily performed.

The platen cover section 20 is located on the upper surface of the platen P except for the area covered by the document transport section 10, that is, substantially half of the reading section T on the side opposite to the reading reference point X (between YZ). It has a size to cover.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 11, the original conveying section 10, the drive system of the platen cover section 20, and the separation feeding section 4
A part of the drive system of 0 will be described.

An output shaft 86 of the motor M2 is provided with an interrupter 871 in which slits are formed on a disk at equal intervals, and a photosensor that generates a pulse in response to light passing through the slit of the rotating interrupter 871 A pulse generating means 87 made of S2 is provided.

The conveyance belt 13 forming the document path R2 receives power from the motor M2 by belt drive transmission means 850, 851,
52, the drive pulley 11 is rotated via the gears G8, G9, G10 so as to be driven in the forward direction (document conveying direction) and the reverse direction. Further, the transfer roller 54 provided above the driven pulley 12 of the transport belt 13 is
The drive is directly transmitted from the surface of the transport belt 13, and the discharge belt 51 is driven at the same peripheral speed as the transport belt 13 in the same document transport direction.

A registration roller 451 is fixed to the shaft 852, and is driven at the same peripheral speed as the conveyor belt 13 in the same document conveyance direction.

That is, the registration roller 451, the driving pulley 11, and the discharge belt 51 are one driving source (motor M2).
, And rotate while maintaining substantially the same peripheral surface speed so that the document roller R2 and the paper discharge path R3 can be conveyed at the same speed as the document sent along the conveyance path R1 by the registration roller 451. That is,
Originals conveyed in passages R1, R2, and R3, regardless of the order,
It moves at a constant speed. The above-described rotary drive system can be controlled based on the clock signal of the pulse generating means 87.

On the other hand, the drive of the shaft 852 is transmitted to the drive shaft 242 via the gears G11, G12, G13. The drive shaft 242 is geared so as to rotate in the same direction as the pulley 11 that drives the transport belt 13, and connects the platen cover 21 to the transport belt 1.
3) Slide in the same direction as the reverse transport direction. When the transport belt 13 is driven in the forward direction (document transport direction), the forward rotation of the drive shaft 242 holds the platen cover 21 at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. The platen cover 21 is held with a constant force at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8 by the torque limiter 853 incorporated in the shaft 852.

When the transport belt 13 is driven in the reverse feeding direction, the platen cover 21 is held at the position shown by the chain line in FIG. The platen cover 21 is held by the torque limiter 854 incorporated in the shaft 242 with a constant force at the position indicated by the chain line in FIG.

The hinge portion 70 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 19, and 20 comprises a hinge 71 with a spring for supporting the original feeding device F on the upper surface of the copying machine M so as to be able to open and close, and a hinge 72 without a spring. Have been.

A hinge 71 with a spring as a first hinge
A main body fixing portion 711 fixed to the copying machine M side, an attached fixing portion 712 fixed to the transport device F side,
712 for connecting the two parts 711 and 71
2 comprises a spring means 714 which is an urging means for urging the pin 2 around the pin 713 in the opening direction.

Further, it is provided at a position slightly upstream (right side in FIG. 4) of the document transport apparatus F with respect to the document transport direction (left-right direction in FIG. 4) from the center of the apparatus F. The hinge position is determined by the positions of the motors M1 and M2 and the motors M1 and M2.
The position of the center of gravity shifted to the upstream side in the transport direction of the apparatus F from the position of the rotary drive system or the like connected to the position 2.

Springless hinge 72 as second hinge
Are a support member 721 fixed to the copying machine M side, a concave support member 722 provided in the document feeder F,
1,722 connecting pins 723. Hinge 72
The pointing member 721 is provided at a position downstream (left side in FIG. 4) of the document transport device F in the document transport direction and fixed to the copying machine M.
The concave instruction portion 722 of the frame cover of the document feeder F is rotatably connected with a pin 723. <Operation> The operation of the document feeder F having the above configuration will be described below.

FIGS. 12 and 13 (A) to 13 (C) show a case where a relatively small size original such as A4 to letter size is handled.

FIG. 12A shows a state in which the original D is set on the placing tray 31 prior to copying. When a copy instruction is given to the copying machine M, the existence of the original D is confirmed by the empty sensor S1. The document stopper 46 is the guide plate 41
1, and the pickup roller 42 descends while rotating and contacts the original D on the loading tray 31. As a result, the document D is sent forward, and the paper feed rollers 43
The document D advances between the paper feed roller 43 and the paper feed roller 43 that rotates in the transport direction. At this time,
When a plurality of originals D are placed on the loading tray 31 as shown in FIG. 12B and a plurality of originals are simultaneously sent out by the pickup roller 42, the separation belt 44 rotating in the reverse feed direction causes the separation belt 44 to rotate. The lower document in contact with 44 is prevented from advancing. Therefore, only one document is allowed to pass forward by the feed roller 43.

After the leading edge of the sent original D is detected by the registration sensor S2, the original D contacts the stopped registration roller 451 and pinch roller 452. Manuscript D
By stopping the rollers 42 and 43 and the belt 44 after a predetermined time has passed from the detection of the leading edge of the document D, the original D bends somewhat, and the leading edge of the original D is uniformly adjusted by the registration roller 451 and the pinch roller 452.
Is pressed against the tangent part of. As a result, the registration roller 451 and the pinch roller which start rotating after the original D contacts
It is pulled in with the tip parallel to 452 and sent out forward. (Skew correction operation) As described above, the conveyance path R1
Is guided to the entrance of the document path R2 substantially at the center (Y point) of the reading section T of the platen P. The document D entering the entrance of the document path R2 formed between the transport belt 13 and the platen P is sent forward in the document path R2 by the transport belt 13 driven in synchronization with the registration roller 451.

At this time, the length of the document D in the transport direction can be determined by counting the pulse signals from the pulse generating means 87 from the start of the motor M2 to the rear end of the transported document passing through the registration sensor S2. . That is, at least the registration rollers 45 involved in transporting the document D
Since the transport belt 13 maintains the same transport speed in synchronization with the pulse of the pulse generating means 87, the motor M2
The number of pulses from the start of the scanning to the point of reaching the reading reference point X can be recognized in advance, and the registration sensor S2 detects the trailing edge of the document D when the leading edge of the document D is on the way from the point Y to the point X. Then, it is found that the conveyed document is at least the length between the points X and Y. That is, in this case, it is determined that the document is of a small size. (See FIG. 16) As shown in FIG.
After the pulse generator 87 counts a predetermined pulse (A pulse) from the start of the rotation of 2, the transport belt 13 is stopped. Thereby, the document D can be stopped at the reading position where the leading edge of the document D is accurately aligned with the reference point X, as shown in FIG.

Next, it is determined whether or not the empty sensor S1 detects a document. If the presence of the document D is not detected, the copying machine M is operated to perform copying.

When copying is completed, the transport belt 13 and the discharge belt 51 are operated to guide the document D to the discharge path R3 and discharge it to the storage tray 61.

When the empty sensor S1 detects a document, the motor M1 is activated to send the next document D from the loading tray 31 to the registration roller 451, and the copier M is operated to perform copying. Run. (FIG. 13
(Refer to (A).) When copying is completed, the conveyance belt 13 is stopped after the pulse generation means 87 counts a predetermined pulse (A pulse) from the start of the motor M2. At this time, the leading end of the first (first) original document is discharged to the storage tray 61 with the rear end restricted by the discharge unit 50. (Figure 1
3 (B)) The loading tray 31 is detected by the empty sensor S1.
When the original D to be copied is detected, the above operation is repeated as appropriate, and the copied originals D are sequentially accumulated on the storage tray 61 as shown in FIG.

FIGS. 14 and 15 (A) to 15 (D) show a case of handling a large-sized document longer than the distance between X and Y on the platen P defining a relatively small-sized area.

[0086] Start of conveyance of the above-mentioned original (FIG. 12A)
Then, the document D is advanced in the document path R2 between the transport means 13 and the platen P.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, if the trailing edge of the document D does not pass through the registration sensor S2 even though the document D which advances in the document path R2 passes the reading reference point X, the document D is determined to be large. I do. In this case, the conveyance of the document D is continued until the pulse generating means 87 counts a predetermined pulse (B pulse) after the rear end of the document has passed the registration sensor S2.

When the trailing edge of the document reaches the entrance (point Y) of the document path R2, the leading edge of the document D passes through the paper discharge unit 50 and is conveyed to the upper surface of the storage tray 61 as shown in FIG. I have. Next, the transport belt 13 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the document D is fed backward along the upper surface of the platen P. As a result, the document D is placed between the platen P and the platen cover 2 between the points YZ of the reading unit T.
Enter between 1.

The original D is conveyed backward by the transport belt 13 until the leading end of the original has passed the reference point A of the reading section T by a predetermined amount. The reverse feeding of the document D is controlled based on the switchback sensor S3 based on the detection signal of the rear end (the front edge during forward feeding; left side in the figure) of the document. That is, after the trailing edge of the document to be reversely fed passes through the switchback sensor S3, the transport belt 13 is transported backward until the pulse generating means 87 counts a predetermined pulse (C pulse). At the point W, the conveyor belt 13 is stopped. (Figure 1
4 (D)) from when the trailing edge of the document (the trailing edge during forward feeding; right side in the figure) passes through the registration sensor S2 until the pulse generating means 87 counts a predetermined pulse (B pulse), the transport belt 13 keeps the document. D is transported so that the leading edge of the document is always detected by the switchback sensor S3.
The switchback sensor S3 is disposed near the downstream side of the platen P in the forward direction in consideration of the size of the document to be used.

When the original is conveyed backward by the transport belt 13, the above-described drive system of the platen cover 21 is simultaneously driven, and the platen cover 21 moves in a direction away from the platen P. This makes it easier for the document D to enter between the platen P and the platen cover 21 between the points YZ of the reading unit T.

Thereafter, the original D is transported again by the transport belt 13 in the forward direction, and the rear end of the original D to be fed forward is read by the reading unit T.
At the reference point X, the transport belt 13 is stopped. That is, after the predetermined pulse (D pulse) overrun from the reference point X in the reverse feed is counted by the pulse generator 87, the transport of the transport belt 13 in the forward feed direction is stopped. (See FIG. 15 (A)) As described above, the conveyor belt 1
The platen cover 21 moves in the direction approaching the platen P when the document D is conveyed by the D pulse in the forward rotation of 3. As a result, the document D that has entered between the platen P between the points YZ of the reading unit T and the platen cover 21 is pressed down on the platen P side. Then, copying is performed.

After the copying is completed, if no document is detected on the loading tray 31 by the empty sensor S1, the transport belt 13 and the discharge belt 51 are driven in the forward direction to store the document D via the discharge path R3. It is sent to the tray 61.

When the subsequent copy original D is detected by the empty sensor S1, as shown in FIG. 15B, the motor M2 is driven by a predetermined pulse (E pulse) according to the size of the original to be copied. The rear end of the document (the rear end during the forward feeding) is conveyed to the substantially central portion (point Y) of the reading unit T by the forward feeding of the discharge belt 13.

Next, the next original is conveyed to the position of the registration roller 451 by the above-described original separating and feeding operation.
(FIG. 15C) Here, the motor M2 is activated to simultaneously rotate the registration roller 451, the transport belt 13, and the paper discharge belt 51. As a result, the copied document D1 is sent out to the storage tray 61, and the subsequent document D2
Moves forward on the conveyance path R1 toward the point Y of the reading unit T, and the document D is sequentially fed by the conveyance belt 13 until the rear end of the document is located at the point Y of the reading unit T as described above. (FIG. 15
(D)) According to the document feeder F having the above-described configuration, a relatively small document feeder system having a relatively small size of about half (the size between X and Y) of the reading unit T on the platen P has a large size ( (Size between X-Z) can also be carried out effectively, streamlining the system, lowering the cost of the equipment,
Small size and light weight can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, about twice the small size is set as the large size. Needless to say, even if the large size (between X and Z) is larger than twice the small size (between X and Y), Alternatively, it is practically possible to reduce the size. <Effects of Embodiment> According to this embodiment, a document having a platen P, which is attached to a copying machine M for copying a document placed on the platen P so as to be freely opened and closed, and covers the document on the platen P In the document pressing device having the transport device F, the document transport device F is attached to the back side of the copying machine M via one hinge 71 so as to be openable and closable, and the mounting position of the hinge 71 to the document transport device F is determined by the hinge 71 Is set at a position where the weights on both sides of the document feeder F are substantially balanced, so that only one hinge 71 is required for balance adjustment, which is easy to adjust, and compared with the case where two hinges are conventionally used. Inexpensive configuration. That is, since the hinge 71 is attached to a position where a perpendicular line is drawn from the center of gravity of the document feeder F to the back surface of the document feeder F or in the vicinity of the position, the weights on both sides around the hinge 71 are almost balanced. . Therefore, the spring means 714 provided on the hinge 71
Is easier than when two hinges are used as in the prior art. In addition, since the position of the hinge 71 is a position where the weight is balanced in mounting, it is easy to hold,
Easy to work.

Further, the document feeder F is connected to the first hinge 71
And a second hinge 72 to the copier M so as to be openable and closable, and the mounting position of the first hinge 71 to the original conveying device F is set on both sides of the original conveying device F around the first hinge 71. Is set at a position where the weight of the first hinge 71 is substantially balanced, and the second hinge 72 is attached at a position separated from the first hinge 71 by a predetermined distance. Easy and
The second hinge 72 can prevent the original conveyance device F from wobbling around the first hinge 71. Further, two hinges 71 and 72 are used as in the prior art.
Since the hinge 71 is mounted at a position where the weights on both sides of the document feeder F are substantially balanced, the weight on the second hinge 72 is small, and the structure of the second hinge 72 is smaller than that of the first hinge 71. It does not need to be made robust, and can be manufactured at a lower cost than before. <Modification> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and for example, the following modifications are possible. (1) In the above embodiment, the platen cover 21 does not adhere to the platen P even when it is lowered, and a small gap is secured. However, the platen cover 21 may adhere. However, in this case, when the original supplied under the platen cover 21 is transported to the left in FIG. 3, the platen cover 21 needs to be raised by the driving device. (2) In the above embodiment, the platen cover 21 is configured to move up and down. However, when the document is conveyed under the platen cover 21, the platen cover 21 is smoothly loaded under the platen cover 21. Is formed, the platen cover 21 may be fixed to the platen P by forming a predetermined gap with respect to the platen P. (3) In the above-described embodiment, the separation / feed unit 40 is disposed above the platen cover unit 20;
It may be arranged above zero. (4) In the above embodiment, the hinge 7 is used as the document pressing device.
Although the document feeder F having the document feeders 1 and 72 is shown, the document feeder F may not be provided with a document feed function and may simply have a pressing portion for holding a document, for example, a white flat plate. (5) In the above-described embodiment, the document conveying device F (the holding portion is supported by the two hinges 71 and 72; however, the hinge 71 of the document conveying device F is supported at a position where the weight on both sides of the hinge 71 is substantially balanced. Side end and hinge 71
May be supported by a supporting means such as a member having a predetermined height. That is, instead of the hinge 72 of the above-described embodiment, the hinge 71 is supported by a member having the same height as the hinge 71 having no opening / closing function, thereby preventing the document feeder F from wobbling or rotating around the hinge 71 on both sides. You may.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a paper feeder is attached to an image processing apparatus that performs image processing of an original placed on an original platen and is openable and closable, and separates and feeds the original into one sheet. A document pressing device integrally including a transport unit and a document pressing unit that covers a document on the document platen and includes a transport unit that transports the separated document onto the document platen; Since the hinge is provided so as to be openable and closable on the image processing apparatus via the hinge, and the attachment position of the document pressing device of the hinge is provided at a position where the center of gravity of the document pressing device and the side of the document pressing device opening / closing side vertically intersect. , Balance adjustment is only one hinge,
It is easy to adjust, and can be configured at a lower cost as compared with the conventional use of two hinges. According to the invention of claim 2, the first hinge having the urging means for urging the original pressing device in the opening direction of the original pressing device, and the second hinge having no urging means are provided. Attached to the image processing apparatus through the opening and closing freely, and attached at a position where the center of gravity of the document pressing device and the side of the document pressing device opening / closing side vertically intersect,
Since the second hinge is mounted at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the first hinge, the balance adjustment can be performed only with the first hinge, and the balance can be easily adjusted. It is possible to prevent the wandering around the center. Although two hinges are used as in the prior art, the first hinge is mounted at a position where the opening / closing weight of the entire apparatus is substantially balanced, so that the weight applied to the second hinge is small, and the second hinge is used. The structure of the hinge does not need to be more robust than the first hinge, and can be manufactured at a lower cost than in the prior art. According to the third aspect of the present invention, a supporting means is provided at the hinge side of the document pressing device and at a position away from the hinge by a predetermined distance so as to freely open and close the document pressing device. , A more stable structure can be obtained with a small additional cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which a document feeder according to the present invention is applied to a copying machine.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment showing a partial internal structure of the document feeder according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the document conveyance device;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the document feeder according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the drive system of the separation supply unit.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a part or all of a drive system of a separation supply unit, a document conveyance unit, and a platen cover unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a main configuration of a paper discharge unit.

FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating a platen cover section.

FIG. 9 is a side view for explaining the outline of attaching and detaching the platen cover.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of the drive system of the separation supply unit.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a part or all of a drive system of a separation supply unit, a document conveyance unit, and a platen cover unit.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a feeding state of a small-size document.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a feeding state of a small-size document.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a feeding state of a large-size document.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a feeding state of a large-size document.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the separation / conveyance operation of the document conveyance device.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of conveying and discharging a small-size document;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of conveying and discharging a large-size document;

FIG. 19 is a side view for explaining the outline of a hinge portion.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the document feeder according to the present invention is applied to a copying machine with the platen released.

[Explanation of symbols]

 M Copier F Document feeder P Platen D Document 10 Document feeder 20 Platen cover 30 Document tray 40 Separation feeder 50 Paper discharge unit 60 Storage unit 70 Hinge unit

Claims (3)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. An image processing apparatus for an original placed on an original platen.
Attached to an image processing device
Paper feed unit that separates and feeds
The original document provided with a transport unit that transports the document onto the original platen
An original holding unit that covers the original on the platen
The document holding device is connected to the image holding device via one hinge.
The hinge is attached to the image processing apparatus so as to be openable and closable.
Position of the document holding device on the document holding device.
The document holder is set at the position where the center and the side of the document
A document holding device, characterized in that: 2. An image processing method for a document placed on a document platen.
Attached to an image processing device
Paper feed unit that separates and feeds
The original document provided with a transport unit that transports the document onto the original platen
An original holding unit that covers the original on the platen
Urges the original pressing device in the opening direction.
A first hinge having biasing means, and having the biasing means;
Opening and closing the image processing apparatus via the second hinge
And the first hinge is attached to the original
Position where the center of gravity of the paper
And the second hinge is attached to the first hinge.
Characterized by being mounted at a predetermined distance from the camera
Document holding device. 3. The document holding device according to claim 1 , wherein said document pressing device is located on said hinge side and said
Open the document presser at a position a predetermined distance from the hinge.
A contracting means provided with a supporting means for supporting the closing means;
The document pressing device according to claim 1.