JP4325750B2 - Scanner unit holding mechanism - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scanner unit holding mechanism of a scanner device disposed in a scanning unit of an image reading device, and in particular, a scanner that fixes the scanner device to the device frame of the image reading device when the image reading device is moved or transported. The present invention relates to a unit holding mechanism.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image reading apparatus provided in combination with an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile machine or a copying machine, a scanner device for reading an image is arranged along the lower surface of a platen on which an original is set and reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction by a wire operation. Those configured to be movable are known.
[0003]
The scanner device is configured as a scanner unit by combining a light source lamp, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, and an optical conversion means such as a CCD. By moving the scanner unit back and forth along the original, the read image information is output as a digital signal.
[0004]
The digital signal output from the scanner unit is used as a transmission signal in the facsimile apparatus, and is transmitted to the writing means in the image recording unit in the copying machine, and used to cause the photoconductor to write optical information. .
[0005]
However, since the scanner unit constituting the image reading apparatus has a structure supported by a wire, when the image reading apparatus is subjected to vibration or impact from the outside when it is transported, it vibrates in the vertical direction and the scanning direction. As a result, there is a problem that not only the assembly accuracy of the scanner unit is lowered, but also the mirror attached to the scanner unit may be damaged.
[0006]
Specifically, the vibration or impact applied in the scanning direction of the scanner unit does not damage the scanner unit because a holding force is applied by a motor for moving the scanner device. On the other hand, the vibration or impact applied in the vertical direction of the scanner unit increases in proportion to the size of the movable range in the vertical direction of the scanner unit, which may damage the scanner unit.
[0007]
Therefore, as a conventional technique, when the image reading apparatus is transported, the scanner unit is moved to a predetermined position such as in the vicinity of each home position, and penetrates the exterior cabinet and upper frame of the image reading apparatus called a locking screw. A method of fixing in advance by using a plurality of fixing members, locking members, regulating members, binding members, or the like is disclosed.
[0008]
Specifically, for example, an engaging portion is provided on a movable lens or mirror carriage, a locking member that engages with the engaging portion is provided outside the path of the lens or mirror, and the engaging member is engaged with the engaging member. A method of fixing a lens or a mirror by engaging a portion (see Patent Document 1), an engagement hole is provided in a movable member having a movable lens, a main body, and a main body cover. A system is disclosed in which a holding member to be combined is provided separately, and the movable member, the main body, and the main body cover are fixed by engaging the holding members with the respective engagement holes (see Patent Document 2).
According to these methods, the apparatus can be fixed in a direction along the moving direction.
[0009]
Further, for example, a claw member and a movable lock member provided so as to be engageable with the claw member are provided at a lower portion of the movable scanner unit, and the scanner is engaged with the lock member by the claw member. A method is disclosed in which the unit is prevented from moving in the moving direction and in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction (see Patent Document 3).
According to this method, by configuring the lock member in an L shape, it is possible to prevent the scanner unit from moving in the moving direction and the vertical direction.
[0010]
Furthermore, as another example, a scanner unit on which a carriage connected so as to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by a wire is mounted, and the carriage can be moved so as to be arranged close to a pulley on which the wire is bridged Is disclosed (see Patent Document 4).
According to this method, even when a vibration is applied to the carriage in the vertical direction due to an impact or the like during conveyance of the image reading apparatus, it is possible to suppress the shaking of the carriage as much as possible.
[0011]
However, in the above-described conventional method of fixing the scanner unit, it is necessary to perform a fastening operation, a locking operation, a binding operation, or the like so that the scanner unit does not move in the final finishing process when the image reading apparatus is produced. There is a problem that it becomes a factor of the decline in sex.
[0012]
Also, when installing the image reading device, it is necessary to remove the plurality of fixing members, locking members, regulating members, binding members, etc. inside the device, so the exterior cabinet etc. must be removed and then attached again. In other words, there is a problem in that it requires extra installation time of the image reading apparatus.
In addition, since a plurality of fixing members, locking members, restricting members, binding members, and the like described above are required, there is a problem that the number of parts increases.
[0013]
Therefore, as a method of avoiding the complexity of the work of the conventional fixing method described above, when the image reading apparatus configured as a unit is transported, a pin is provided at the lower part of the scanner apparatus, and this pin is attached to the frame of the image reading apparatus. A method of fixing with a lock member is known.
[0014]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-1671 (page 3-7, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 04-136930 A (page 3-7, FIGS. 1 and 2)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-228561 A (page 1-3, FIGS. 1, 3)
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2001-337400 A (page 4-7, FIGS. 1, 3)
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in any of the conventional scanner unit fixing methods described above, consideration is given to the movement of the scanner unit in the scanning direction, and effective fixing or restraining can be performed. There is not much consideration for movement in the height direction. For this reason, problems such as an impact or vibration when the image reading apparatus is transported, the scanner unit is lifted and the scanner unit interferes or collides with the platen glass, the mirror mounting position accuracy is lowered, and the mirror is broken.
[0016]
In addition, when the scanner unit has a cantilever structure in which one end side is supported and guided by a guide rod and the other end side is supported and guided by a guide rail, both ends thereof are supported and guided by the guide rail. Compared with the dual-supported scanner unit, it is particularly easy to receive a load on the slider.
[0017]
Therefore, if the scanner unit is left in a fixed state for a long time, the slider used for vibration isolation and vibration absorption may be deformed by receiving a load. However, sufficient consideration is not given to such load and deformation. For this reason, when the slider is deformed, there arises a problem that the vibration proof performance and the vibration absorption performance at the time of actual use and the accuracy are lowered.
[0018]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and can effectively prevent the scanner unit from moving in the scanning direction and the vertical direction and the performance deterioration and deformation of the slider with a simple configuration. An object of the present invention is to provide a scanner unit holding mechanism.
[0024]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The present invention is a scanner unit holding mechanism of an image reading apparatus that scans a document surface of a document placed on a contact glass via a scanner unit that is movable in a sub-scanning direction along a guide member and reads the document. A scanner unit holding mechanism including an engaging portion at a lower portion of the scanner unit, and a movement restricting member that engages with the engaging portion and restricts the movement of the scanner unit on the bottom frame of the image reading apparatus.
  The movement restricting member is disposed below the engaging portion and is movable forward and backward. When the movement restricting member advances, the movement restricting member engages with the engaging portion and moves in the sub-scanning direction of the scanner unit. Restrict movement and fix scanner unitAnd
The engaging portion has a stepped portion, the movement restricting member has a notched portion, and the stepped portion and the notched portion are engaged with each other.Was itIt is characterized by.
[0025]
With this configuration, by moving the movement restricting member back and forth, the movement restricting member and the engaging portion of the scanner unit can be engaged, and the movement of the protruding member can be restricted. As a result, the movement of the scanner unit in the sub-scanning direction can be restricted (restrained), and the scanner unit is lifted by impact or vibration during transportation, and the scanner unit interferes or collides with the platen glass of the image reading apparatus. In addition, it is possible to avoid a drop in the mirror mounting position accuracy and a mirror breakage.
[0026]
  In the present invention, a stepped portion is formed in the engaging portion, a cutout portion is formed in the movement restricting member, and the stepped portion and the cutout portion are engaged.is doing.
  With this configuration, the notch portion of the movement restricting member and the stepped portion of the protruding member are engaged to restrict not only the movement of the scanner unit in the sub-scanning direction but also the movement in the vertical direction. (Restraint) is possible. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as a reduction in the mounting accuracy of the scanner unit and contact / breakage with the contact glass due to impact or vibration during transportation or conveyance of the image reading apparatus.
[0027]
In the present invention, it is preferable that the movement restricting member is rotated or advanced / retreated by manual operation. Such a configuration eliminates the need for a motor or electromagnetic driving means for rotating the movement restricting member, and allows the scanner unit holding mechanism to have a simple configuration.
[0028]
In the present invention, it is preferable that the movement restricting member includes a driving unit for rotating or moving back and forth. With this configuration, the movement restricting member and the engaging portion on the lower surface of the scanner unit can be automatically engaged, and the scanner unit is held when the image reading apparatus is transported or transported. In addition, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an operation error.
[0029]
In the present invention, the movement restricting member is provided in the vicinity of the maximum sub-scanning position within a range in which the scanner unit can move, and the movement restricting member is engaged with the engaging portion of the scanner unit in the vicinity of the maximum sub-scanning position. It is preferable to limit the movement of the scanner unit.
[0030]
Since the amplitude of the scanner unit is minimized at the maximum sub-scanning position of the scanner unit, it is possible to suppress interference and damage to the contact glass of the scanner unit by configuring as described above. Thus, only inadvertent movement of the scanner unit in the scanning direction needs to be restricted, and there is no need to restrict movement in the vertical direction, so that the structure of the scanner unit holding mechanism and the like can be simplified.
[0031]
In the present invention, it is preferable that the moving operation of moving the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position and the engaging operation of the movement restricting member and the engaging portion are performed in conjunction with each other. For example, the movement of the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position and the engagement operation of the movement restricting member and the projection member are performed in conjunction with each other based on the operation of the power switch, etc., thereby moving the scanner unit. When restricting, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an operation error (operation omission) such as a missing movement operation of the scanner unit or a rotation (advance / retreat) operation of the movement restricting member.
[0032]
In the present invention, it is preferable to start the movement of the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position based on an operation of a power switch of the image reading apparatus. For example, when the movement of the scanner unit is regulated by performing the movement operation of the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position and the engagement operation of the movement regulating member and the projection member based on a power switch operation or the like. Occurrence of operation errors such as an operation leak that moves the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position and a rotation operation leak of the movement restricting member can be suppressed.
[0033]
The present invention also includes a first scanner unit and a second scanner unit as a configuration of the image reading apparatus, and a moving speed ratio between the first scanner unit and the second scanner unit corresponds to a speed ratio of the image reading operation. It is preferable. With this configuration, it is not necessary to add a special algorithm for setting the moving speed of the scanner unit by following the speed ratio in the normal image reading operation.
[0034]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
1 to 8 are examples of embodiments for carrying out the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a first scanner of the image reading apparatus. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second scanner unit of the image reading apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a sub-scanning direction showing an example of the overall configuration of the scanner unit of the image reading apparatus. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the image reading device, FIG. 6 is a front view showing the configuration of the image reading device viewed from the scanning direction, and FIG. 7 is a cantilever as a modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating an open state of the scanner unit holding mechanism of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating an engaged state of the scanner unit holding mechanism. FIG.
[0035]
In the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a platen glass 2 on which a document is set, a first scanner unit 3 and a second scanner unit 4 that scan an image on the document, and the reflected light is collected. The image reading apparatus 1 includes a lens 5 for performing the above operation, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor 6 that optically converts the collected light into an image signal, and an image processing circuit 7 that processes the image signal.
[0036]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image reading apparatus 1 has a U-shaped cross-section, and the scanner rails 10 and 14 are guide members formed with the U-shaped opening side facing downward. However, the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 are extended along the sub-scanning direction on one side in the scanning direction inside the image reading apparatus 1 over a range in which sub-scanning is possible. Also, openings 18 and 24 are formed in the side plate 1a of the image reading apparatus 1 along the extending direction of the scanner rails 10 and 14 over the entire sub-scanning region.
[0037]
The platen glass 2 is for placing a document on the top thereof, and is made of transparent glass or the like.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 1, the first scanner unit (full rate carriage) 3 includes a first mirror 8, a light source (not shown), a scanner slider 9 described later, and the like, and is set on the platen glass 2. The original is scanned by irradiating light from the light source toward the image surface of the original. The first scanner unit 3 is movable in the sub-scanning direction when the scanner slider 9 slides on the scanner rail 10.
[0039]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first scanner unit 3 is held by a frame 15 that is wider than the first scanner unit 3 and formed integrally.
The frame 15 protrudes from the side surface of the image reading apparatus main body at the outer end and is bent upward in a substantially L shape, and is continuously formed with the bent portion 15a to support the scanner slider 9. A horizontal support portion 15b, and an engagement portion 15c that extends between the bent portion 15a and the horizontal support portion 15b and is loosely fitted in a state of passing through the opening 18.
The scanner slider 9 is slidably disposed on the scanner rail 10.
[0040]
A driving wire 17 is held between the bent portion 15 a and the driving wire fixing plate 16, and the first scanner unit 3 and a driving motor (not shown) are connected via the driving wire 17. .
Thus, the first scanner unit 3 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by rotating the drive motor.
[0041]
The second scanner unit (half-rate carriage) 4 includes a second mirror 11, a third mirror 12, a scanner slider 13 which will be described later, and the like, and has a speed half that of the first scanner unit 3. By scanning, the original reflected light is imaged on a photosensitive member (not shown). The second scanner unit 4 is movable in the sub-scanning direction when the scanner slider 13 slides on the scanner rail 14.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 3, the second scanner unit 4 is held by a frame 19 having a bent portion 19a at the outer end.
The frame 19 protrudes from the side surface of the image reading apparatus main body at the outer end and is bent downward in a substantially L shape. The second mirror 11 and the third mirror 11 are formed long along the scanning direction. The mirror 12 is arranged in parallel in the vertical direction, and is opposed to each other in a state where it is inclined 45 degrees and supported so as to form 90 degrees, and the mirror 12 is projected outward from the mirror support section 19 b. A horizontal support portion 19c that supports the slider 13, and an engagement portion 19d that extends between the bent portion 19a and the horizontal support portion 19c and is loosely fitted through the opening 24; ing.
The scanner slider 13 is slidably disposed on the scanner rail 14.
[0043]
A shaft 20 protrudes laterally from the bent portion 19a, and a scanner pulley 21 is rotatably supported on the outer side of the shaft 20. Drive wires 22 and 23 are wound around the scanner pulley 21, and the drive wires 22 and 23 are connected to a drive motor (not shown).
Thus, the second scanner unit 4 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by rotating the drive motor.
[0044]
The lens 5 is for condensing the light irradiated from the light source provided in the first scanner unit 3 and reflected by the first mirror 8, the second mirror 11, and the third mirror 12. The emitted light is sent to the CCD sensor 6.
[0045]
The CCD sensor 6 optically converts the light collected by the lens 5 into an image signal, and sends the image signal to the image processing circuit 7.
The image processing circuit 7 processes the image signal transmitted from the CCD sensor 6.
[0046]
The configuration of the scanner unit in the present embodiment is symmetrical in both the scanner units of FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, a so-called dual-supported scanner unit as shown in FIG. Yes.
[0047]
Next, an image reading process by the image reading apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
Image reading is performed by scanning and sub-scanning the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 of the image reading apparatus 1.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 1, the image surface of the document set on the platen glass 2 is irradiated with light from a light source provided in the first scanner unit 3.
The reflected light of the irradiated light is reflected by the first mirror 8, the second mirror 11, and the third mirror 12, and then collected by the lens 5 and guided to the CCD sensor 6.
[0049]
The image signal optically converted by the CCD sensor 6 is transmitted to the image processing circuit 7 and is subjected to image processing by the image processing circuit 7. Since the light source moves in the scanning direction, the image is read in the scanning direction of the document.
[0050]
Next, a mechanism for moving the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 provided in the image reading apparatus 1 in the sub-scanning direction will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the image reading apparatus 1 has two rails 25, and these rails 25 can freely slide the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 orthogonal to the rails 25. I support it.
[0051]
A rotation shaft 26 is provided so as to be orthogonal to the rail 25. Wire pulleys 27 and 28 are provided on both ends of the rotary shaft 26, respectively.
Further, idler pulleys 29 and 31 are provided on one side surface of the image reading apparatus 1 in the scanning direction, and idler pulleys 30 and 32 are provided on the other side surface.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 6, the drive wire 33 is fixed to the side plate 1 b of the image reading apparatus 1, wound around the scanner pulley 21 and the idler pulley 31 in turn, and then wound around the wire pulley 27 several times. 29, is sequentially wound around the scanner pulley 21, and the other end is fixed in the image reading apparatus 1 via a spring (not shown).
The drive wire 33 is fixed to one end of the first scanner unit 3 between the idler pulley 29 and the scanner pulley 21.
[0053]
Similarly to the drive wire 33, the drive wire 34 provided on the other side of the image reading apparatus 1 is fixed in the image reading apparatus 1 after being wound around the scanner pulley 21 a, the wire pulley 28, and the idler pulleys 30 and 32. Thus, the other end of the first scanner unit 3 is fixed between the idler pulley 30 and the scanner pulley 21a.
[0054]
Since it comprised as mentioned above, when the wire pulleys 27 and 28 rotate by rotation of a drive motor, the 1st scanner unit 3 and the 2nd scanner unit 4 which were connected with the drive wires 33 and 34 move to a subscanning direction. . Further, the moving speed ratio between the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 becomes 2: 1 due to the driving wires 33 and 34 being routed.
[0055]
As described above, image information can be read by scanning the image of the document placed on the platen glass 2 while moving in the sub-scanning direction by the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4.
[0056]
Here, as a modification of the scanner unit according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration of a scanner unit having a cantilever structure.
The configuration of the scanner unit shown below may correspond to either the first scanner unit 3 or the second scanner unit 4 described above.
[0057]
7, the scanner unit 44 is disposed inside the image reading apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 7, and a guide rail 37 is protruded from the inner side surface 35 a of the front frame 35. A scanner slider 36 projecting from the scanner unit 44 is slidably disposed on the upper side, and a guide rod 39 is disposed on the rear frame 38 side. The guide rod 39 projects from the scanner unit 44. This is an image reading apparatus 100 configured to slidably support a provided rod slider 40.
The scanner slider 36 and the rod slider 40 are provided so as to protrude from both ends in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the scanner unit 44.
[0058]
The guide rod 39 extends in parallel with the guide rail 37 along the sub-scanning direction inside the rear frame 38, and the rod slider 40 is slidably fitted along the guide rod 39. Has been.
Below the rod slider 40, a belt fixing member 41 projects from the rear frame 38. Below the belt fixing member 41, a driving belt 42 is provided along the sub-scanning direction.
[0059]
The driving belt 42 is arranged parallel to the guide rod 39, the driving side of the driving belt 42 is attached to the belt fixing member 41, and the return side 42 a of the driving belt 42 is arranged on the bottom frame 43. Has been.
[0060]
The scanner unit 44 has a cantilever structure as described above. The moving mechanism of the scanner unit 44 rotates the driving belt 42 by a driving device (not shown) so that the scanner slider 36 slides on the guide rail 37 with a small friction coefficient and the rod slide. The child 40 is guided to the guide rod 39 without any play.
In this way, the scanner unit 44 can move.
[0061]
Next, an example of a scanner unit holding mechanism that restricts the movement of the scanner unit 44 using the movement restricting member 45 will be described in detail by taking the scanner unit 44 as an example.
[0062]
It is assumed that vibration or the like is applied to the image reading apparatus 100 during transportation or movement, and as a countermeasure for this situation, as shown in FIG. 7, the scanner unit 44 moves inadvertently. Is provided with a scanner unit holding mechanism 46 including a projecting member 47 protruding from the lower surface of the scanner unit 44 and a movement restricting member 45 provided on the bottom frame 43.
[0063]
As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the movement restricting member 45 has a central axis of the protrusion member 47 on the lower surface of the scanner unit 44 and a rotation axis of the movement restricting member 45 provided coaxially. Further, a part of the movement restricting member 45 that engages with the protruding member 47 is provided with a notch portion 45b and a restricting rib 45a having a U shape or a C shape.
The restricting rib 45a is configured such that the protruding member 47 is detachable from the notch 45b.
[0064]
During the image reading operation, as shown in FIG. 8A, the notch 45b of the regulating rib 45a faces the sub-scanning direction of the scanner unit 44, and the movement of the scanner unit 44 is not hindered.
[0065]
On the other hand, when it is necessary to limit inadvertent movement of the scanner unit 44 during transportation or conveyance of the image reading apparatus 100, the movement restricting member 45 is rotated by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. By operating, the portion through which the restriction rib 45 a of the movement restriction member 45 passes is made to face the protrusion member 47. That is, the notch 45b of the regulating rib 45a is directed in a direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the scanner unit 44 from inadvertently moving in the sub-scanning direction when the image reading apparatus 100 is transported or transported.
[0066]
The bus bar surface of the movement restricting member 45 is formed as a male screw portion, and a female screw portion is formed in the bottom frame 43 of the image reading apparatus 100. Therefore, both the screw portions are screwed together, and the entire movement restricting member 45 is screwed together with the rotation operation of the movement restricting member 45 in a predetermined direction, and the scanner unit 44 is provided with a projection member 47 on the lower surface. The entire unit 44 can be lifted upward.
[0067]
As a result, the scanner slider 36 that is in contact with the surface of the guide rail 37 can be separated from the surface of the guide rail 37, so that a load acts on the scanner slider 36 for a long time, It is possible to prevent degradation in performance at the time of image reading such as a decrease in reading accuracy and a deviation in the left and right positional accuracy due to generation of vibration caused by deformation.
[0068]
Further, in the case where there is a space in which a hand can be inserted into the lower surface of the bottom frame 43 of the image reading apparatus 100, after confirming that the scanner unit 44 has returned to the home position, the movement restriction member 45. The movement restricting member 45 is rotated in a predetermined direction by manual operation through the gripping portion of the scanner unit and engaged with a protruding member 47 projecting from the lower surface of the scanner unit 44, thereby preventing the scanner unit 44 from moving in the sub-scanning direction. Prepared movement can be restricted.
[0069]
On the other hand, when it is not possible to secure a space in which the hand can be inserted into the lower surface of the bottom frame 43 of the image reading apparatus 100, the movement restricting member 45 can be appropriately rotated by an electromagnetic drive means such as a drive motor or a solenoid. it can.
[0070]
Further, in the cantilever-type scanner unit 44 as in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide the movement restricting member 45 at a position away from the guide rod 39, that is, on the guide rail 37 side. With this configuration, when the scanner unit 44 is lifted upward, it can be lifted upward while rotating about the guide rod 39 side, so that it can be effectively operated even with a slight force. Can do.
[0071]
With the configuration as described above, according to this embodiment, the movement of the scanner unit 44 can be restricted and the load on the scanner slider 36 can be reduced. That is, also in the first embodiment described above, the movement of the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 can be restricted and the load on the scanner slider 9 and the scanner slider 13 can be reduced.
[0072]
[Embodiment 2]
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 9A is a schematic view showing the opened state of the scanner unit holding mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic view showing the engaged state of the scanner unit holding mechanism. In the figure, members having the same functions as those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0073]
In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, as a configuration of the scanner unit holding mechanism 146, a protrusion member 47 protruding from the lower surface of the scanner unit 44 and a bottom frame (not shown) are provided. The movement restricting member 145 is provided.
[0074]
The movement restricting member 145 is spirally curved on one side surface, a notch 145b is formed in a part thereof, and a concave groove 145c is formed therein, and a restricting rib 145a having a U shape is erected. .
[0075]
The bottom surface of the concave groove 145c is formed with a gentle slope. In other words, the side wall of the regulation rib 145a becomes higher as the height of the bottom increases, and is highest at the end of the spiral groove 145c, and the groove 145c is formed in a shape in which the spiral is partially extracted. ing.
Further, the rotational axis of the movement restricting member 145 and the central axis of the protrusion member 47 on the lower surface of the scanner unit 44 are provided eccentrically.
[0076]
During the image reading operation, as shown in FIG. 9A, the scanner unit holding mechanism 146 has the restriction ribs 145a on both sides in the sub-scanning direction in the spiral concave groove 145c provided on the movement restriction member 145. Since the projecting member 47 on the lower surface of the scanner unit 44 faces the part that does not have it, the movement of the projecting member 47 is not restricted, so that the movement of the scanner unit 44 in the sub-scanning direction is not hindered.
[0077]
On the other hand, when it is necessary to limit the movement of the scanner unit 44 during transportation or conveyance of the image reading apparatus, the movement restricting member 145 is rotated by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. As a result, the end portion of the spiral groove 145 c provided on the movement restricting member 145 is engaged with the protruding member 47 on the lower surface of the scanner unit 44.
[0078]
With the above configuration, according to the scanner unit holding mechanism 146 of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the scanner unit 44 from inadvertently moving in the sub-scanning direction when the image reading apparatus is transported or transported. .
[0079]
In addition, according to the second embodiment, the concave groove 145c of the movement restricting member 145 is formed in a spiral shape, and is inclined along the spiral shape at the bottom thereof, so that the entire scanner unit 44 is set with the guide rod 39 side as a fulcrum. Thus, the scanner slider 36 that is in contact with the surface of the guide rail 37 can be separated from the surface of the guide rail 37.
[0080]
As a result, a load is applied to the scanner slider 36 over a long period of time, preventing deterioration in performance during image reading, such as a decrease in reading accuracy due to vibration caused by deformation, and a deviation in the left and right positional accuracy. be able to.
[0081]
Further, in the scanner unit 44 having a cantilever structure as in the second embodiment, it is preferable to provide the movement restricting member 145 at a position away from the guide rod 39, that is, on the guide rail 37 side. With this configuration, by providing the movement restricting member 145 on the guide rail 37 side, when the scanner unit 44 is lifted upward, it can be lifted upward while rotating around the guide rod 39 side as a fulcrum. Therefore, it can be made to act effectively with a slight force.
[0082]
[Embodiment 3]
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10A is a schematic view showing an opened state of the scanner unit holding mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic view showing an engaged state of the scanner unit holding mechanism. In the figure, members having the same functions as those used in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0083]
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, as a configuration of the scanner unit holding mechanism 246, a movement restricting member 245 having a notch 245a and a protruding member 50 having a stepped portion 50a are provided. It is provided.
[0084]
In the scanner unit holding mechanism 246 according to the third embodiment, the notch 245a of the movement restricting member 245 and the stepped portion 50a of the protrusion member 50 are engaged with each other as the movement restricting member 245 rotates.
Further, the rotation shaft 245 b of the movement restricting member 245 and the central axis of the protruding member 50 on the lower surface of the scanner unit 44 are provided eccentrically.
[0085]
During the image reading operation, as shown in FIG. 10A, the scanner unit holding mechanism 246 has the movement restricting member 245 in the retracted position with respect to the protruding member 50 on the lower surface of the scanner unit 44. Since the movement is not limited, the movement of the scanner unit 44 in the sub-scanning direction is not hindered.
[0086]
On the other hand, when it is necessary to restrict the movement of the scanner unit 44 during transportation or conveyance of the image reading apparatus, the movement restricting member 245 is rotated by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. Thus, the stepped portion 50a of the protruding member 50 and the cutout portion 245a of the movement restricting member 245 are engaged.
[0087]
With the above configuration, according to the scanner unit holding mechanism 246 of the third embodiment, the scanner unit 44 can be prevented from inadvertently moving in the sub-scanning direction when the image reading apparatus is transported or transported. it can.
[0088]
Further, according to the third embodiment, the width dimension of the stepped portion 50a of the projecting member 50 and the thickness dimension of the cutout portion 245a of the movement restricting member 245 are formed substantially equal to each other, so that the vertical direction is affected by impact or vibration. It is possible to suppress problems such as breakage of the scanner unit 44 and lowering of mounting accuracy caused by the movement.
[0089]
Note that the position where the movement restricting member 245 according to the third embodiment is provided may be the outermost position in the scanning direction, and need not be provided on the guide rail 37 side (see FIG. 7).
In the first to third embodiments, the cantilever-type scanner unit 44 has been described as an example, but even a so-called both-end-supported scanner unit 44 can hold the scanner unit by a similar mechanism.
[0090]
For example, in the case of a dual-supported scanner unit, it is preferable to provide a movement restricting member at the outermost position in the scanning direction where the amplitude of the scanner unit supported by the wire is the smallest.
[0091]
In addition, as described above, it is possible to prevent inadvertent movement of the scanner unit by providing the movement restricting member at one end, but the prevention effect is greater by providing the movement restricting member at both ends. Become.
[0092]
The first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 described above limit the movement of the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 because the amplitude becomes the smallest at the maximum sub-scanning position where movement is possible. In this case, it is preferable that the movement restricting member and the protruding member are engaged after the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 are moved to the vicinity of the maximum sub-scanning position.
[0093]
Further, the movement of the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 to the maximum sub-scanning position and the engagement of the movement restricting member and the protruding member are performed in conjunction with the operation of the power switch. Occurrence of operational errors such as operation leakage that causes the first scanner unit 3 and the second scanner unit 4 to move to the maximum sub-scanning position and rotation operation leakage of the movement restricting member can be suppressed.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the scanner unit holding mechanism of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent movement of the scanner unit in the scanning direction and the vertical direction, and performance deterioration and deformation of the slider with a simple configuration. An excellent effect can be achieved.
[0098]
  For more informationAccording to the present invention, the movement restricting member is provided with an engaging portion at a lower portion of the scanner unit of the image reading device, and engages with the engaging portion on the bottom frame of the image reading device to restrict the movement of the scanner unit. By disposing the movement restricting member so as to be able to advance and retreat, the movement restricting member and the engaging portion of the scanner unit can be engaged, and the movement of the protruding member can be restricted.
  As a result, the movement of the scanner unit in the sub-scanning direction can be restricted (restrained), and the scanner unit is lifted by impact or vibration during transportation, and the scanner unit interferes or collides with the platen glass of the image reading apparatus. In addition, it is possible to avoid a drop in the mirror mounting position accuracy and a mirror breakage.
[0099]
  According to the present invention, a stepped portion is formed in the engaging portion, a notch portion is formed in the movement restricting member, and the stepped portion and the notched portion are engaged.BecauseThe notch portion of the movement restricting member and the stepped portion of the protruding member can be engaged to restrict not only the movement of the scanner unit in the sub-scanning direction but also the movement in the vertical direction (restraint). It becomes.
  As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as a decrease in the mounting accuracy of the scanner unit and contact / breakage with the contact glass due to impact or vibration during transportation or conveyance of the image reading apparatus.
[0100]
Further, according to the present invention, by configuring the movement restricting member to rotate or advance / retreat by manual operation, a motor or electromagnetic driving means for rotating the movement restricting member becomes unnecessary, and a scanner unit holding mechanism Can be made a simple configuration.
[0101]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically engage the movement restricting member and the engaging portion on the lower surface of the scanner unit by providing the movement restricting member with the driving means for rotating or advancing and retreating. It is possible to prevent an operation error from occurring when holding the scanner unit during transportation or conveyance of the image reading apparatus.
[0102]
Further, according to the present invention, the movement restricting member is provided in the vicinity of the maximum sub-scanning position within a range in which the scanner unit is movable, and the movement restricting member is engaged with the engaging portion of the scanner unit in the vicinity of the maximum sub-scanning position. By restricting the movement of the scanner unit, interference and damage to the contact glass of the scanner unit can be suppressed. Thus, only inadvertent movement of the scanner unit in the scanning direction needs to be restricted, and there is no need to restrict movement in the vertical direction, so that the structure of the scanner unit holding mechanism and the like can be simplified.
[0103]
According to the present invention, the movement of the scanner unit is performed by interlocking the movement operation of the scanner unit moving to the maximum sub-scanning position with the engagement operation of the movement restriction member and the engagement portion. When restricting the operation, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an operation error (operation leakage) such as a lack of a moving operation of the scanner unit or a rotation (advance / retreat) operation of the movement restricting member.
[0104]
Further, according to the present invention, when the movement of the scanner unit is regulated by starting the movement operation of the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position based on the operation of the power switch of the image reading apparatus. Occurrence of operation errors such as an operation leak for moving the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position and a rotation operation leak of the movement restricting member can be suppressed.
[0105]
Further, according to the present invention, the configuration of the image reading apparatus includes a first scanner unit and a second scanner unit, and the moving speed ratio between the first scanner unit and the second scanner unit is equal to the speed ratio of the image reading operation. Correspondingly, it is not necessary to add a special algorithm for setting the moving speed of the scanner unit by following the speed ratio in the normal image reading operation.
As described above, excellent effects are exhibited.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first scanner unit of the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a second scanner unit of the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the entire configuration of a scanner unit of the image reading apparatus as viewed from the sub-scanning direction.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration of the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing the configuration of the image reading apparatus as viewed from the scanning direction.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a cantilevered scanner unit as a modification of the first embodiment.
8A is a schematic diagram illustrating an opened state of the scanner unit holding mechanism of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating an engaged state of the scanner unit holding mechanism.
9A is a schematic diagram showing an opened state of a scanner unit holding mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing an engaged state of the scanner unit holding mechanism.
10A is a schematic diagram showing an opened state of a scanner unit holding mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing an engaged state of the scanner unit holding mechanism.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,100 image reading apparatus
3 First scanner unit
4 Second scanner unit
9,13 Scanner slider
10, 14 Scanner rail
37 Guide rail
44 Scanner unit
45, 145, 245 Movement restriction member
45b, 145b, 245a Notch
45a, 145a Regulating rib
46, 146, 246 Scanner unit holding mechanism
47, 50 Protruding member
50a Stepped part
145c concave groove
245b Rotating shaft

Claims (7)

A scanner unit holding mechanism of an image reading apparatus that scans a document surface of a document placed on a contact glass through a scanner unit that is movable in a sub-scanning direction along a guide member, and reads the document. In a scanner unit holding mechanism that includes an engaging portion at a lower portion of the unit, and a movement restriction member that restricts movement of the scanner unit by engaging with the engaging portion on a bottom frame body of the image reading apparatus.
The movement restricting member is disposed below the engaging portion and is movable forward and backward. When the movement restricting member advances, the movement restricting member engages with the engaging portion and moves in the sub-scanning direction of the scanner unit. Restrict the movement and fix the scanner unit ,
The scanner unit holding mechanism , wherein the engaging portion has a stepped portion, the movement restricting member has a notched portion, and the stepped portion and the notched portion are engaged with each other. The scanner unit holding mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the movement restricting member is rotated or advanced and retracted manually. The scanner unit holding mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the movement restricting member includes a driving unit for rotating or reciprocating. The movement restricting member is provided in the vicinity of the maximum sub-scanning position within a range in which the scanner unit can move, and the movement restricting member engages with the engaging portion of the scanner unit in the vicinity of the maximum sub-scanning position. 4. The scanner unit holding mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the movement of the scanner unit is limited. 5. 5. The scanner unit holding mechanism according to claim 4 , wherein the moving operation of moving the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position and the engaging operation of the movement restricting member and the engaging portion are performed in conjunction with each other. . 6. The scanner unit holding mechanism according to claim 5 , wherein a movement operation of the scanner unit to the maximum sub-scanning position is started based on an operation of a power switch of the image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus, according to and a first scanner unit and the second scanner unit, the moving speed ratio of the first scanner unit and the second scanner unit, characterized in that corresponding to the speed ratio of the image reading operation Item 7. The scanner unit holding mechanism according to any one of Items 4 to 6 .

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