JP4288823B2 - Image reading apparatus and image information processing apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to, for example, an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document placed on a paper placement surface, and in particular, an image reading device including a cover for pressing the document against the paper placement surface and the image reading device. The present invention relates to an image information processing apparatus provided.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, as an apparatus for reading an image of an original, an image reading apparatus is known in which an original is irradiated with light and its reflected light is converted into an electrical signal by an image sensor so as to be read as image information of the original.
[0003]
In such a conventional image reading apparatus, a glass platen is provided over the entire upper surface of the apparatus main body, and a cover is provided so as to cover the glass platen. The cover is supported so as to be openable and closable around a support shaft provided substantially along one edge portion of the upper surface of the apparatus main body.
[0004]
In the above-described image reading apparatus, when the cover is opened, the document can be placed on the glass platen. On the other hand, when the cover is closed, the document is pressed against the glass platen.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional image reading apparatus has the following problems.
[0006]
In other words, a flatbed type image reading device occupies a large amount of space on the desk and is inconvenient, and a small device dedicated to a sheet cannot be used when reading a thick original such as a book. there were.
In addition, in the flat bed type, in order to facilitate the operation of opening and closing the cover, a work space must be secured on the side where the cover is opened and closed, and as a result, the orientation of installing the image reading device is limited. There was also a problem of end.
[0007]
The present invention provides an image reading apparatus capable of opening and closing a cover in a plurality of directions, and capable of freely selecting an installation direction while ensuring operability of opening and closing the cover, and image information processing provided with the image reading apparatus An object is to provide an apparatus.
[0008]
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus that can be used even when the document placement surface is in a horizontal position, or when the document placement surface is in a vertical position.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an apparatus main body having an image reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a paper placement surface, and the apparatus main body so as to cover the paper placement surface. And is configured to be openable and closable with a straight line in a first direction on a substantially flat surface on the paper placement surface as a support shaft (hereinafter referred to as “first support shaft”), and in the first direction. An image reading apparatus comprising: a cover configured to be openable and closable with a straight line in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the straight line as a support shaft (hereinafter referred to as “second support shaft”).
[0010]
In the case of the present invention, the cover is configured to be able to select a direction to open and close around the first support shaft and a direction to open and close about the second support shaft. As a result, there is an advantage that the installation direction can be selected depending on whether there is a degree of freedom in the depth direction when placed on a desk and when there is a degree of freedom in the width direction. For example, a user who mainly uses a thick document such as a book can be installed in a direction that opens and closes in the horizontal direction, and a user who mainly uses a sheet-like document is installed in a direction that opens and closes in the depth direction. I can do things.
[0011]
In addition, the apparatus body of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention can be selectively installed in a horizontal position in which the paper placement surface is installed substantially parallel to the installation surface such as a desk and a vertical position in which the paper is placed substantially vertically. The sheet-shaped paper is provided with the respective installation portions and arranged in the portrait orientation so that the support shaft is on the installation side on the desk so that the paper can be inserted into the paper placement surface from above. The user who often reads the image can normally use the device in the vertical posture, and can use it in the horizontal posture only when necessary, so that the installation space can be reduced.
[0012]
In addition, the present invention has a leg portion that can stably support the apparatus main body in the vertical posture, and the leg portion is in an open leg state in the vertical posture and in a closed leg state in the horizontal posture. It is configured to be selectable, and has a configuration that can be stored in the apparatus main body so as not to interfere with the operation when in the horizontal posture.
[0013]
  The present invention also provides:An apparatus body having an image reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a sheet placement surface, and a cover provided on the apparatus body so as to cover the sheet placement surface, , And is configured to be openable and closable with a straight line in a first direction on a substantially flat surface on the paper placement surface as a support shaft, and a straight line in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the straight line in the first direction. An image reading apparatus configured to be partially openable or closable asA first support member configured to rotatably connect the cover to the apparatus main body in the first direction; and a cover rotatably connected to the apparatus main body in the second direction. And the second spindle member configured to be connected to the cover and the apparatus main body in the state where the second spindle member connects the cover and the apparatus main body. A first release lever configured to move the first support shaft member in a direction to release the first support shaft member, and the second support shaft member in a state where the first support shaft member connects the cover and the apparatus main body. And a second release lever configured to move the second spindle member in a direction to release the connection between the cover and the apparatus main body..
[0014]
Further, according to the present invention, the first support shaft member or the second support shaft member is configured to move in a direction of connecting the cover and the apparatus main body in accordance with the movement of the cover in the closing direction. Is also effective. The release lever can also function as a handle for opening and closing the cover.
[0015]
The present invention further selects a horizontal orientation in which the paper placement surface is installed in the same horizontal state as the desk and a vertical orientation in which the apparatus main body is installed so that the paper placement surface is substantially vertical. The apparatus main body includes at least one leg that is configured to be capable of supporting the apparatus main body in a vertically placed posture. Thus, the user can freely select an installation method in the installation space on the desk or according to the usage. The present invention also provides various hinge structures capable of opening and closing a cover on the first support shaft and the second support shaft.
[0016]
Furthermore, the present invention provides an image information processing apparatus provided with the image reading apparatus having the above characteristics, such as a copy machine and a facsimile.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration in a state where the apparatus main body and the cover of the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment are separated. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration and operation inside the cover of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the periphery of the movable support shaft of the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing the periphery of the movable support shaft. FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom view showing the release lever of the present embodiment. 6A and 6B are side views showing the positional relationship between the release lever and the drive link member of the present embodiment.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, an image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a main body unit 10 that is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body, and a substantially rectangular plate-like cover unit 30 that is a cover that covers the sheet placement surface. have. In the case of the present embodiment, the cover unit 30 can be attached to and detached from the main unit 10 with a configuration described later.
[0020]
The main unit 10 includes a main body housing 11 formed in a substantially box shape using, for example, resin. A rectangular glass platen 12 serving as a sheet placement surface is embedded in the upper surface of the main unit 10. A cover support 16 is provided at one end of the main unit 10, and a cover support 17 is provided at the other end. The cover support portion 16 in the short side direction (X direction shown in FIG. 1) of the main body unit 10 has two cover bearing portions 14 and 15, and the cover support portion 17 has the cover bearing portions 14 and 15 in the same manner. Engagement holes 13a and 14a that are disposed and engageable with first movable support shafts (first support shaft members) 32 and 33, which will be described later, are provided on the opposing side surfaces of the bearing portions 13, 14 and 15, respectively. In addition, engagement holes 14b and 15a that can be engaged with the second movable support shafts (second support shaft members) 34 and 35 are formed. Each of the cover bearing portions 13, 14, and 15 is configured to be retractable so as to be biased upward by a coil spring 18 inside the housing and buried under pressure. In this case, at least the top is configured to be flush with the paper placement surface. Although not shown, the cover bearings are locked in their respective states when they are pushed in, and can be held on the same plane as the paper placement surface. It is configured so that no wrinkles can occur.
[0021]
Inside the main unit 10, for example, although not shown in detail, a scanner mechanism unit (image reading unit) 21 having a line type image sensor is provided so as to reciprocate in the Y direction. The scanner mechanism unit 21 is configured to read an image of a document placed on the glass platen 12 by reading information for each line parallel to the X direction while moving in the Y direction.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the cover unit 30 has a cover housing 31 formed in a thin box shape using, for example, resin, and the edge portion in the X direction among the peripheral portions of the cover housing 31. The first shaft built-in portion 31a is formed in such a shape that the corner portions on both sides thereof are cut out. In addition, a second shaft built-in portion 31b having a shape in which corner portions on both sides thereof are cut out is formed at the edge portion in the Y direction of the peripheral portion of the cover housing 31.
[0023]
On the other hand, in the peripheral portion of the cover housing 31, the first release lever 41 is provided to be rotatable about the rotation support shaft 43 at the edge portion facing the second shaft built-in portion 31 b. In addition, a second release lever 42 is rotatably provided around the rotation support shaft 44 at an edge portion on the side facing the first shaft built-in portion 31a.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2, bearing portions 31c and 31d are provided on both side portions of the first shaft built-in portion 31a, and support the first movable support shafts 32 and 33, respectively. Each of the first movable support shafts 32 and 33 is disposed so as to protrude outside the cover housing by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 37, and the amount of protrusion is determined by the flanges 32a and 33a.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the cover housing 31 has a first release mechanism portion for converting the rotational movement of the first release lever 41 into movement in a direction in which the first movable support shafts 32 and 33 approach each other. 50 is provided. The first release mechanism 50 includes a drive link member 51 connected to the first release lever 41, an intermediate link member 52 connected to the drive link member 51, and a driven link member 53 connected to the intermediate link member 52. It consists of and. As shown in FIG. 2 or 5, the drive link member 51 is formed in a long plate shape, and a long hole 51 a is provided at one end thereof.
[0026]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first release lever 41 is provided with an operation pin 41 a for operating the drive link member 51, and the operation pin 41 a is a long hole of the drive link member 51. 51a is engaged with a predetermined play.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate link member 52 has a connecting portion 52 a and an arm portion 52 b that are formed in a long and generally U-shape, and is centered on a fixed support shaft 54 that is fixed to the cover housing 31. It is supported rotatably. The connecting portion 52 a of the intermediate link member 52 is formed in a size that extends from the fixed support shaft 54 to the other end of the drive link member 52. And this connection part 52a is connected with respect to the drive link member 51 so that rotation is possible by using the connection support shaft 55 as a fulcrum.
[0028]
Further, the engagement hole 52 c at the tip of the arm portion 52 b of the intermediate link member 52 is engaged with the engagement pin 32 d of the first movable support shaft 32.
[0029]
On the other hand, the driven link member 53 has an elongated arm portion 53 a, and the engagement hole 53 c at the tip thereof is engaged with the engagement pin 33 d of the first movable support shaft 33.
[0030]
Further, around the fixed support shafts 54 and 56, the intermediate link member 52 and the driven link member 53 are engaged with each other by the gear portions 52d and 53c, and the driven link member 53 is rotated in accordance with the operation of the intermediate link member. It is configured to be possible.
[0031]
On the other hand, the second movable support shafts 34 and 35 are supported so as to be movable in the Y direction of the second shaft built-in portion 31b, similarly to the first movable support shafts 32 and 33. The second movable support shafts 34 and 35 approach each other as the second release lever 42 rotates through the second release mechanism portion 60 having the same mechanism as the first release mechanism portion 50. It is designed to move in the direction. Also, the configuration and operation are the same, and the description is omitted.
[0032]
In the image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment having such a configuration, at the stage of placing the document on the glass platen 12, the cover unit 30 has the first shaft built-in portion 31a as the bearing portion 13, the bearing portion 14, and the like. Also, the second shaft built-in portion 31b is mounted on the main body unit 10 in a state of being fitted between the bearing portion 14 and the bearing portion 15.
[0033]
In this state, the first movable support shafts 32 and 33 of the first shaft built-in portion 31a are engaged with the engagement holes 13a and 14a of the main body housing 11, respectively, and the second shaft accommodating portion 31b is second. The movable support shafts 34 and 35 are engaged with the engagement hole 15a and the engagement hole 14b of the bearing portion 15, respectively.
[0034]
In FIG. 1, when the body side surface 11 a is arranged on the front side and the cover is to be opened in the front-rear direction, the first release lever 41 is lifted and its operating shaft 41 a is centered on the rotation support shaft 43. ), The first release mechanism 50 is operated.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 2, first, the drive link member 51 moves in the direction of the main unit 10 arrow B as the operation shaft 41 a of the first release lever 41 rotates, and the drive link member 52 is fixed by this operation. 2 is rotated in the counterclockwise arrow F direction shown in FIG. The intermediate link member 52 rotates while maintaining a restrained state between the drive link member 51 and the connecting portion 52a of the intermediate link member 52.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 3, the engagement pin 32d of the first movable support shaft 32 moves with respect to the holding hole 52c of the arm portion 52b as the arm portion 52b of the intermediate link member 52 rotates in the arrow F direction. While relatively moving in the direction of the arrow H shown in FIG. 3, it moves in the direction approaching the other first movable support shaft 33 (the direction of the arrow A1). Thereby, the first movable support shaft 32 comes out of the engagement hole 13 a of the main body housing 11.
[0037]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when the gear portion 53 c of the driven link member 53 meshes with the gear portion 52 d of the intermediate link member 52 and rotates, the driven link member 53 rotates clockwise around the fixed support shaft 56. It rotates in the direction of arrow G. As a result, the other first movable support shaft 33 moves in the direction approaching the first movable support shaft 32 (arrow A2 direction) and comes out of the engagement hole 14a of the main body housing 11.
[0038]
Therefore, the state where only the first movable support shafts 32 and 34 are disengaged from the main body unit 10 by the first release mechanism 50 while the second movable support shafts 34 and 35 are engaged with the main body unit 10. Thus, the cover unit 30 is rotated about the second movable support shafts 34 and 35 by lifting the first release lever 41 as it is. Thus, the release lever functions as a cover handle.
[0039]
After the document image reading process is completed, the cover unit 30 is opened, the document is removed, and the cover unit 30 is closed again. As the cover unit 30 moves in the closing direction, the contact surface 32c of the tip 32b of the first movable support shaft 32 resists the urging force of the compression coil spring 37 as shown in FIG. The first movable support shaft 32 temporarily escapes to the inside of the shaft accommodating portion 31e while maintaining a state in contact with the upper edge portion. Since the engagement pin 32d provided on the first movable support shaft 32 and the holding hole 52c of the arm portion 52b of the intermediate link member 52 are engaged with each other with a predetermined play, the intermediate link member 52 is formed as shown in FIG. Even if it does not rotate in the direction of arrow F, it is possible for the first movable support shaft 32 to retreat in the direction of arrow A1 and escape to the inside of the shaft storage portion 31e.
[0040]
Similarly, when it is desired to open and close the cover in the left-right direction with the side surface 11a facing forward, the opposing cover support portion 13 becomes effective by lifting the second release lever 42 upward, and the cover unit can be opened and closed. . Also, if the release levers 41 and 42 are held at the same time and lifted upward, the cover unit can be completely removed from the main body. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cover unit 30 can be opened and a document can be placed from any one of two open / close directions that are perpendicular to each other. The direction in which the image reading apparatus 1 is installed can be freely selected.
[0041]
In addition, the main body housing can be selectively installed in a horizontal orientation in which the glass platen that is a paper placement surface is installed substantially parallel to an installation surface such as a desk, and a vertical orientation in which the glass platen is installed substantially vertically. The installation part is provided in the lower part and the side part in the installation state of FIG. 1, and when in the vertical position, the side surface on the second movable support shafts 34 and 35 side can be placed on the lower side so that the paper can be inserted into the glass platen from the upper part. Install to be. By opening and closing the cover using the release lever 41 in the vertical position, the installation space can be reduced, and a user who mainly uses sheet-like paper can use the desk efficiently.
[0042]
Next, an image reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cover of the image reading apparatus is opened in the first direction. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the image reading apparatus is set in a vertical position, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover of the image reading apparatus is opened in the second direction. In this embodiment, the entire cover can be opened and closed in one direction and a part of the cover can be opened and closed in the other direction, which will be described in detail below.
[0043]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the image reading apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a main body unit 110 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a cover unit 130 having a substantially rectangular plate shape.
[0044]
The apparatus 100 includes the main body unit 110, and at least one leg 170 is provided on one side surface (hereinafter referred to as “installation surface 110 a”) orthogonal to the X direction among the side surfaces of the main body unit 110. Is provided. In the embodiment, two legs 170 are provided. Each leg includes a rectangular plate-shaped leg base member 171, a rotation shaft 172, and a rubber foot 173, and is attached to the main unit 110 so as to be rotatable within a range of about 90 degrees with the rotation shaft 172 as a fulcrum. These leg members 171171 are in positions parallel to the Y direction and within the installation surface 110a (positions indicated by solid lines in FIG. 7), that is, in the closed leg state 174, and in positions orthogonal to the Y direction. It is configured such that it can be conveniently selected between a position protruding from both edges of the installation surface 110a (position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7), that is, an open leg state.
[0045]
On the other hand, the cover unit 130 includes a frame-shaped outer cover 138 and an inner cover inner cover 139 provided therein. The outer cover 138 is provided on the cover support portion 113 so as to be openable and closable with the short side direction as a support shaft (hereinafter referred to as “first support shaft 181”). A stopper 138 a for engaging with the main unit 100 is provided at an edge portion of the outer cover 138 on the side facing the first support shaft 181 side.
[0046]
Further, a guide portion 138b for positioning the document is provided around the edge portion of the outer cover 139 in the Y direction. The guide portion 138b is formed so as to protrude from the rear surface side (side facing the glass platen 112) of the outer cover 139 and to extend long along the long side direction. Further, the main body unit 110 is formed with an engaging groove 111b that can be engaged with the guide portion 138b.
[0047]
On the other hand, the inner cover 139 is provided so as to be openable and closable with an edge portion of the inner peripheral edge of the outer cover 138 on the side close to the leg member 170 as a support shaft (hereinafter referred to as “second support shaft 182”). . A knob 139a for opening and closing the inner cover 139 is provided around the edge portion on the side facing the second support shaft 182 side. Although not shown, the inner cover 139 is provided with a simple lock mechanism so as not to be easily opened in the vertical position, and is locked to the outer cover 138.
[0048]
In the cover unit 130 of the present embodiment, only the inner cover 139 is the second support shaft separately from the direction in which the outer cover 138 opens and closes around the first support shaft 181 together with the inner cover 139 and the outer cover 138. The direction to open and close around 182 can be selected.
[0049]
In the present embodiment having such a configuration, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the image reading apparatus is installed so that the glass platen 112 faces upward, the outer cover 138 and the inner cover 139 together with the first cover The original is placed on the glass platen 112 by opening around the support shaft 181.
[0050]
The size of the inner cover 139 is substantially the same as the image reading range on the glass platen, and a smaller sheet-like document can be placed on the glass platen by opening and closing the inner cover.
[0051]
Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the image reading apparatus is placed vertically with the installation surface 111a of the main unit 100 facing down, the leg members 170 and 170 are rotated so that the leg portions are The image reading apparatus is supported by the leg members 171 and 173 so that the glass platen 112 is substantially perpendicular to a main body installation surface such as a desk.
[0052]
Then, with the outer cover 138 engaged with the main unit 100 by the stopper 138a, only the inner cover 139 is opened around the second support shaft 182 and the original paper 190 is thrown in. In this case, since the guide portion 138b of the outer cover 138 is engaged with the engagement groove 111b of the main body housing 110, the document comes into contact with the glass platen 112 when one edge of the document hits the guide portion 138b. Positioned against.
[0053]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image reading apparatus can be placed at the normal position where the glass platen 112 faces upward and the vertical position, and the cover unit 130 is placed at each position. Since the opening / closing direction around the first axis 181 and the opening / closing direction around the second axis 182 can be selected, even when the installation location of the image reading apparatus cannot be secured sufficiently, The image reading apparatus can be sufficiently supported by the above-mentioned vertical installation.
[0054]
Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0055]
11 and 12 are schematic views showing other embodiments of the sheet locking portion when the housing of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is in the vertical position.
[0056]
In FIG. 11, a plurality of protrusions 160 are provided along the edge 114 of the glass platen 12. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, the protrusion 160 is urged upward (external direction) by a spring 161 arranged inside the housing device body, and when a heavy object such as a book is installed, It is configured to be retractable so that it is easily pushed and is flush with the paper placement surface.
[0057]
Further, a corresponding portion of the cover unit 130 has a concave portion (not shown), and when the main body housing 110 is in the vertical position, when the sheet is inserted, it functions as a lower locking portion.
[0058]
FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the structure of another embodiment of the hinge portion of the cover unit 130.
[0059]
The engaging portion 141 is a projecting portion formed integrally with the outer cover 138, and constitutes a hinge portion by engaging with the pin 140 of the inner cover 139. By configuring the inner cover 139 to be detachable as described above, it is possible to leave the inner cover 139 removed when it is desired to check the orientation of the paper in the horizontal orientation.
[0060]
Next, an image reading apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. 14 to 19 relate to an image reading apparatus 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is an external perspective view in a state where the cover unit 230 is removed from the main unit 210, and FIG. 15 is the present embodiment. 16 is an external perspective view of the horizontal orientation (horizontal orientation) of the image reading apparatus in FIG. 16, FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of the vertical orientation (vertical attitude) of the image reading apparatus in this embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are cross-sectional views of the hinge portion of the image reading apparatus.
[0061]
In these drawings, the cover unit 230 has a rectangular outer shape along the surface so as to cover the entire area of the main body unit 210 on the side of the document placement surface 212. The cover unit 230 is connected to the main unit 210 by a first hinge portion 251 that can be opened and closed with the X-axis axis in the figure as a support shaft and a second hinge portion 252 that can be opened and closed with the Y-direction axis line as a support shaft. It can be opened and closed. Further, similarly to the above-described embodiment, at least one leg 217 that can be rotated is provided, and is configured to be stably placed vertically.
[0062]
Both the first hinge part 251 and the second hinge part 252 include a snap fit member 232 as an engaging member fixed to the cover unit 230 side and a hinge block 233 detachably attached to the main unit 210 side. Has been.
[0063]
As shown in more detail in FIG. 17, the snap fit member 232 is formed of an elastic member such as a resin, and includes a plurality of arms 232b extending from the base portion 232a toward the tip and extending in a curved shape along a substantially spherical surface. ing. When the arm 232b is press-fitted into an engagement hole 234 of a hinge block 233, which will be described later, the arm 232b is elastically deformed so that the outer diameter thereof is reduced and guided into the hole. It will return to its shape and will not be disengaged with a small force.
[0064]
The hinge block 233 is a resin-like cubic block that is preferably fitted into a recess 240 (see FIG. 14) that is a hinge block receiving portion formed along the side on the upper surface side of the main unit 210. The hinge block 233 has a U-shaped cross section, and is fitted to a pin 241 disposed in the recess 240 of the main unit from the opening 236 side, and is supported so as to be rotatable about the shaft.
[0065]
The hinge block 233 also includes a first surface 233a in which the engagement hole 234 is formed and a second surface 233b in which the through hole 235 is formed. The engagement hole 234 engages with the arm 232b of the snap-fit member 232 by press-fitting as described above. That is, the diameter D1 of the engagement hole 234 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the arm 232b of the snap fit member, so that the arm 232b once press-fitted cannot be easily removed. By attaching the hinge block 233 to the concave portion 240 with the first surface 233a on the upper surface side, that is, the document placing surface 212 side, and inserting the snap fit member 232 of the cover unit 230 into the engaging portion 234, This will function as a hinge. In this case, the hinge block 233 rotates around the pin 241 on the main unit side as the cover unit 230 is opened and closed. The state of the hinge block 233 that rotates together with the cover unit 230 is shown in the sectional view of FIG.
[0066]
A through hole 235 formed in the second surface 233b of the hinge block 233 is configured to receive, but not engage with, the snap fit member arm 232b. That is, the diameter D2 of the through hole 235 is formed larger than the diameter of the arm 232b of the snap fit member. When the hinge block 233 is mounted in the recess 240 with the second surface 233b facing the document placement surface 212, the through hole 235 receives the snap fit member 232 of the cover unit 230, but engages with this. do not do.
[0067]
In the above configuration, when it is desired to open and close the cover unit 230 with the first hinge portion 251 as a support shaft, the two hinge blocks 233 on the first hinge portion side are arranged so that the first surface 233a faces upward. On the other hand, the two hinge blocks 233 on the second hinge portion 252 side are mounted such that the second surface 233b faces upward. As a result, only the hinge block 233 on the first hinge portion 231 side functions as the hinge of the cover unit 230. Similarly, when the cover unit 230 is to be opened and closed with the second hinge portion 252 as a support shaft, the two hinge blocks 233 on the second hinge portion side are mounted so that the first surface 233a faces upward. Then, the two hinge blocks 233 on the first hinge portion 251 side may be mounted so that the second surface 233b faces upward.
[0068]
20 and 21 show another embodiment of the hinge portion of the cover unit 230. FIG. In this embodiment, as in the previous embodiment, the hinge block 260 is used to open and close the cover unit 230, but the engagement between the hinge block 260 and the cover unit 230 is performed using magnetic force. Different from the previous embodiment.
[0069]
The hinge block 260 includes a magnet 261 embedded therein, and one surface thereof is exposed from the first surface 260a. As in the previous embodiment, the hinge block 260 can be mounted with the first surface 260a and the second surface 260b perpendicular to the first surface 260a facing the document placement surface 212 side. .
[0070]
On the other hand, the cover unit 230 includes an iron piece 262 at a position corresponding to the mounting position of the hinge block 260 of the main body unit 210. The iron piece 262 is attracted to the magnet 261 of the hinge block 260 with the magnet 261 directed upward. As shown in FIG. 18, the two hinge blocks 260 on the second hinge part 252 side are mounted so that the first surface 260a faces upward, while the two hinge blocks 280 on the first hinge part 251 side are mounted. Is mounted with its second surface 260b facing upward. As a result, only the hinge block 260 on the second hinge portion 252 side functions as the hinge of the cover unit 230. When it is desired to open and close the cover unit 230 using the first hinge portion 251 as a support shaft, the mounting direction of each hinge block 260 may be reversed. In addition, you may enable it to engage the stopper 217 similarly using a magnet.
[0071]
22 and 23 show still another embodiment of the hinge portion of the cover unit 230. FIG. In this embodiment, the hinge block 280 is provided with an embedded magnet 281 as in the previous embodiment, and can be attracted to an iron piece (not shown) fixed to the cover unit 230. The hinge block 280 includes a support shaft 282 having an elliptical cross section on one side surface.
[0072]
On the other hand, the concave portion 240 of the main unit 210 is formed with a bearing portion 242 for rotatably supporting the support shaft 282 and an insertion portion 244 on its side surface. The insertion portion 244 has a width between the major axis and the minor axis of the support shaft 282 and, as shown in FIG. 22, the support shaft 282 is supported from the direction of arrow J in the state where the major axis is substantially vertical. The shaft 282 can be received. Therefore, as long as the support shaft 282 is in this state, the hinge block 280 can be easily removed from the recess 240. However, as shown in FIG. 23, when the support shaft 282 is rotated by a predetermined angle by the rotation of the cover unit 230, the hinge block 280 can not come out of the recess 240.
[0073]
With the above configuration, each piece of iron of the cover unit 230 is attracted to each hinge block 280 in a state where each hinge block 280 is mounted in the recess 240 of the main unit 210. In this state, when the side of the cover unit 230 facing the first hinge part 130 is lifted to open it, the hinge block 280 on the first hinge part 251 side is moved together with the cover unit 230 as shown in FIG. It rotates and functions as its hinge point. At this time, the hinge block 280 on the second hinge portion 252 side does not engage with the insertion portion 244 because the major axis of the support shaft 282 is substantially vertical, and therefore the hinge block 280 moves upward with the cover unit 230 rising. It will be lifted upward and will not hinder its opening and closing.
[0074]
In this embodiment, the hinge block 280 is configured to be attracted to the cover unit 230 by the magnet 281, so that the hinge block 280 on the second hinge portion 252 side is lifted when the cover unit 230 is lifted. You may comprise so that it may remove | deviate from this and remain in the recessed part 240. FIG. Further, the hinge block 280 may be integrally formed on the cover unit 230 side.
[0075]
In the embodiment using the hinge block, the hinge block which can be attached to and detached from the cover unit 230 is prepared for only one hinge, and can be replaced for convenience. In addition, the example of using two hinge blocks as a set is explained, but by making the shape long in the direction substantially perpendicular to the opening and closing direction, it is also possible to configure the hinge part with one hinge block each It is.
[0076]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described along drawing, this invention is not limited to the matter shown in the said embodiment, Description of claim and detailed description of invention, and well-known technique Based on this, a range in which those skilled in the art can make changes and applications thereof is included. In the present invention, the specific configuration of the leg portion is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment, and includes various modes for supporting the housing so that the paper placement surface is substantially vertical. Further, the configuration of the hinge block, the first and second oscillating bodies, and the moving engagement body is not limited to these, and various modifications and applications are possible.
[0077]
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a copy machine according to an embodiment of an image information processing apparatus including the image reading apparatus of the present invention. An image reading device 400 is provided in the upper part of the copy machine 500, and a copy machine main body 600 is installed in the lower part. The cover 410 of the image reading apparatus 400 uses any one of the structures described above, and includes a first direction with the short side direction of the document placement surface 420 as a support axis and a long side direction. It is configured to be openable and closable in a second direction with the shaft as a support shaft.
[0078]
Inside the copy machine main body 600, a printing device (not shown) is provided, and a paper tray 610 for receiving printed paper discharged from the printing device is provided outside the main body. In addition, an operation panel 620 is provided to enable operations such as copying a document. Further, this apparatus can be equipped with a facsimile function.
[0079]
According to the installation location of this copy machine, the hinge portion of the cover can be selected and installed in an easy-to-handle state.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention provides a main unit having an image reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a paper placement surface, and the main body unit is provided so as to cover the paper placement surface. The straight line in the first direction in the substantially plane on the mounting surface is configured to be openable and closable as a support shaft, and the straight line in the second direction substantially orthogonal to the straight line in the first direction is openable and closable as the support shaft. The cover can be selected according to the installation space, the usage of the user, and the like.
[0081]
In addition, according to the present invention, since the apparatus main body is configured to be in a vertical position, it can be used in a horizontal position with a thick material such as a book, and in a horizontal position with a sheet of paper, and the space on the desk is reduced. An extremely useful image reading apparatus that can be used efficiently can be obtained.
[0082]
In addition, since the legs used in the vertical position are attached to the main unit so that they can be stored, it does not get in the way when in the horizontal position, and it can be supported stably in the vertical position, making it easy to handle. And an easy-to-use image reader.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a state in which a main unit and a cover of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment are separated.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation of a schematic internal configuration of a cover according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a periphery of a movable support shaft according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view showing the periphery of the movable support shaft.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom view showing a release lever of the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the release lever and the drive link member of the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration in a state in which a cover is closed in a horizontal posture of an image reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention in a state where a cover is opened in a horizontal posture.
9 is a perspective view of the image reading apparatus shown in FIG. 8 with the cover closed in a vertical position.
10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover of the image reading apparatus in FIG. 9 is opened.
FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the sheet locking portion when the housing of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is in the vertical position.
12 is a cross-sectional view of the paper latching portion of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an embodiment of the hinge portion of the cover unit.
FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of an image reading apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention, with its cover unit removed from the main unit.
15 is an external perspective view of a horizontal posture of the image reading apparatus of FIG.
16 is an external perspective view of the image reading apparatus in FIG. 14 in a vertically installed posture.
17 is a perspective view of a hinge block used in the image reading apparatus of FIG.
18 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge portion of the image reading apparatus in FIG.
19 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge portion of the image reading apparatus in FIG.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the hinge portion of the cover unit.
21 is a perspective view of a hinge block used in the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing still another embodiment of the hinge portion of the cover unit.
23 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the embodiment of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a copy machine according to an embodiment of an image information processing apparatus including the image reading apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image reading device
10 Main unit
11 Body housing
12 Glass platen (paper placement surface)
13, 14, 15 Cover bearing
16 1st cover support part
17 Second cover support
21 Scanner mechanism (image reading unit)
30 Cover unit (cover)
31 Cover housing
32, 33 First movable support shaft (first support shaft member)
34, 35 Second movable spindle (second spindle member)
41 First release lever (first release lever)
42 Second release lever (second release lever)
50 First release mechanism
60 Second release mechanism
52 Intermediate link member
53 Driven link member
100 Main unit
110 Main unit
112 glass platen
130 Cover unit
138 Outer cover
139 Inner cover
170 legs
200 Device body
210 Main unit
217 legs
230 Cover unit
232 snap fit members
240 Hinge block receiving part
233 Hinge block
251 1st hinge part
252 Second hinge part
260 Hinge block
280 Hinge block
400 image reading device
500 Image information processing device (copy machine)
600 Image information processing device (copy machine)
610 Paper tray

Claims (5)

An apparatus main body having an image reading unit for reading an image of a document placed on a paper placement surface, and a cover provided on the apparatus main body so as to cover the paper placement surface;
The cover is configured to be openable and closable with a straight line in a first direction on a substantially flat surface on the paper placement surface as a support shaft, and a straight line in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the straight line in the first direction. A part or all of which is configured to be openable and closable with the shaft as a support shaft,
Rotating a first support shaft member configured to respect the apparatus main body before Symbol first direction connecting the cover rotatably, said cover relative to said apparatus body in said second direction A second support shaft member configured to be connected to the first support shaft, wherein the second support shaft member connects the cover and the apparatus main body. A first release lever configured to move the first support shaft member in a direction to release the connection between the cover and the apparatus main body of the member; and the first support shaft member includes the cover and the first support member. A second release configured to move the second spindle member in a direction to release the connection between the cover and the apparatus body in the second spindle member in a state where the apparatus body is connected. characterized in that the lever is provided Image reading device. The first support shaft member or the second support shaft member is configured to move in a direction in which the cover and the apparatus main body are coupled with movement of the cover in the closing direction. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: In the peripheral portion of the cover, the first support shaft member and the second release lever are arranged to face each other, and the second support shaft member and the first release lever are arranged to face each other. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Said first, second release lever, an image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that functions as a handle for the cover. The apparatus main body is provided with a bearing portion for rotatably supporting the first support shaft member or the second support shaft member, and the bearing portion protrudes from a plane on the paper placement surface. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the image reading apparatus is configured to be retractable by moving between the position where the head is located and a position where a top portion thereof is substantially the same as the plane.

Images