JP6337992B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus.

As a configuration of an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) type image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document while conveying the document, for example, a configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

  In the case of the image reading apparatus described in Patent Document 1 below, a plurality of originals supported by a paper feed tray are sent to the downstream side in the transport direction by a suction roller, and separated one by one by a separation roller. Yes. The separated document is further transported downstream in the transport direction, guided to make a U-turn by a reverse roller forming a curved path, and transported toward a paper discharge tray disposed below the paper feed tray. Is done.

When the document is conveyed, the back side of the document is read by the image sensor on the ADF side on the upstream side of the curved path, and the image sensor on the FB (Flatbed) side on the downstream side of the curved path. The surface is read. The FB-side image sensor is configured to be able to read an image of a stationary document placed on the document table while moving along the document table. However, when reading a document conveyed by the ADF, an image of the document that is stationary at a predetermined stationary position and passes a reading position on the downstream side of the curved path is read.

Japanese Patent No. 5126270

  By the way, in the image reading apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a document presser for suppressing the conveyed document from floating above the FB side image sensor stationary at the stationary position, or a document presser for the FB side image. A biasing member that biases toward the sensor is disposed. And the ADF side image sensor is arrange | positioned further upwards rather than those structures.

  However, if the ADF-side image sensor is disposed at such a position, it is difficult to reduce the height dimension of the portion where the ADF-side image sensor is disposed, which is one factor that hinders the thinning of the image reading apparatus. It has become.

  In view of the above circumstances, it is desirable to provide an image reading apparatus that can be made thinner than the conventional products described above.

An image reading apparatus described below includes a first unit having a support surface that supports an object to be read, a closed position that is attached to the first unit and covers the support surface, and an open position that exposes the support surface A second unit that is displaceable between the second unit, a conveying unit that conveys the sheet along a predetermined conveying path, and a supply unit that supports the sheet supplied to the conveying unit, A discharge unit that supports the sheet discharged from the conveyance unit, and the first unit moves along the support surface with a first contact unit that contacts a sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit. The first reading position is capable of reading an image of the reading object supported by the support surface and is stationary at a stationary position facing the transport path with the first contact portion interposed therebetween and in contact with the first contact portion. The A first reading unit capable of reading an image of a passing sheet, and the second unit includes a second contact unit that contacts a sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a second contact unit that is in contact with the second contact unit. A second reading unit that reads an image of a sheet passing through the second reading position, and the conveying unit sends out the sheet fed from the supply unit to the downstream side in the conveying direction at the first position of the conveying path. When transporting a sheet along the transport path, the sheet transport direction is U-turned within a range from the second position to the third position after the sheet has passed the first position. Further, out of the range from the third position to the fifth position via the fourth position, the second surface of the sheet is brought into contact with the second contact portion at the fourth position, and the sheet at the fifth position. Contact the first surface of the first contact part So, the second reading unit, said when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the supporting surface is disposed at a position not overlapping with said first read unit stationary in a stationary position.

  According to the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the transport path as described above is configured, and the second reading unit is stationary at the stationary position when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the support surface. It is arrange | positioned in the position which does not overlap with. Therefore, unlike the case where the first reading unit and the second reading unit overlap each other when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the support surface, the first reading unit is provided on the opposite side of the first reading unit in the fifth position across the conveyance path. The structure to be formed and the second reading unit can be arranged in a positional relationship such that parts of each other are arranged at the same height. Accordingly, the height dimension of the structure near the second reading unit can be reduced, and the image reading apparatus can be thinned.

The image reading apparatus as described above preferably further includes the following configuration.
First, the conveyance unit includes an inclined guide unit that guides a sheet conveyed from the third position to the fifth position in a direction inclined with a downward gradient, and includes the second reading unit and the second contact. It is preferable that the portion is disposed on the tilt guide portion in a state tilted with respect to the support surface.

  According to the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the sheet conveyed from the third position to the fifth position is guided in the inclined direction with the downward gradient in the inclination guide portion as described above. Therefore, compared with the case where the sheet is conveyed at an equal distance along a path parallel to the support surface, the conveyance path is arranged in a direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller. It is possible to reduce the size, and the structure of the image reading apparatus can be made more compact.

  The first transport roller is configured to separate the sheets fed from the supply unit one by one at the first position and feed the sheets to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the transport unit includes the fifth transport roller. A first pressing member that contacts the second surface of the sheet passing through the position and suppresses the sheet from floating from the first contact portion; and a first pressing member that urges the first pressing member toward the conveyance path side. A biasing member; a separation piece that separates the sheets one by one in cooperation with the first conveyance roller; and a separation piece biasing member that biases the separation piece toward the conveyance path. The first pressing member, the first urging member, the first conveying roller, the separating piece, and the separating piece urging member are viewed from a direction parallel to an axis that is a rotation center of the first conveying roller. The first conveying row parallel to the support surface The direction of a position perpendicular to the rotation center and becomes the axis, it is preferably disposed at a position overlapping each other.

According to the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the first pressing member, the first urging member, the first conveying roller, the separation piece, and the separation piece urging member are axes that serve as the rotation center of the first conveying roller. When viewed from a direction parallel to the axis, the positions in the direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller are arranged at positions overlapping each other. Therefore, compared with the case where these configurations are arranged at positions where they do not overlap with each other, the arrangement range of these configurations is reduced in the direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller. Therefore, the structure of the image reading apparatus can be made more compact.

  Further, when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller, the second reading unit is positioned so as to overlap the separation piece urging member with respect to a position in a direction perpendicular to the support surface. It is preferable that it is disposed.

  According to the image reading apparatus configured as described above, when the second reading unit is viewed from the direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller, the separation piece is located at a position in a direction orthogonal to the support surface. It arrange | positions in the position which overlaps with a biasing member. Therefore, the arrangement range of these configurations can be reduced in the direction orthogonal to the support surface, compared to the case where these configurations are arranged at positions where they do not overlap, and the structure of the image reading apparatus is made more compact. be able to.

  The conveyance unit includes a second conveyance roller pair that is provided near the second position and that feeds the sheet toward the third position, and the second reading unit and the second conveyance roller pair include: When viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller, the positions in the direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller are arranged at positions overlapping each other. It is preferable to be provided.

  According to the image reading apparatus configured as described above, when the second reading unit and the second conveying roller pair are viewed from a direction parallel to the axis that is the rotation center of the first conveying roller, About the position of the direction orthogonal to the axis line used as the rotation center of one conveyance roller, it arrange | positions in the position which mutually overlaps. Therefore, compared with the case where these components are arranged at positions where they do not overlap, the arrangement range of these components is reduced in the direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller. Thus, the structure of the image reading apparatus can be made more compact.

  The conveyance unit is provided near the third position, and includes a third conveyance roller pair for sending the sheet toward the fourth position, a downstream side in the conveyance direction from the third position, and the fourth position. And a sheet detection unit capable of detecting a sheet passing through the detection position at a detection position upstream of the position in the conveyance direction, and downstream of the third conveyance roller pair and from the fifth position. Also, it is preferable that a roller that rotates while being in contact with the sheet is not disposed in the upstream side in the conveyance direction.

  According to the image reading apparatus configured as described above, a roller that rotates while being in contact with the sheet is located in a range downstream of the third transport roller pair in the transport direction and upstream of the fifth position in the transport direction. Not placed. Therefore, the sheet sent out by the third conveyance roller pair passes through the fourth position and the fifth position without changing the conveyance speed by the other conveyance roller pair. Therefore, even if a single sheet detection unit detects a sheet at a detection position upstream of the fourth position in the conveyance direction, the timing at which the leading edge or the end of the sheet passes through the fourth position to the fifth position. Can be specified. Therefore, unlike the case where the conveyance roller pair exists between the fourth position and the fifth position, a detection unit for specifying the timing at which the sheet passes through each of the fourth position and the fifth position is not provided separately. The configuration of the image reading apparatus can be simplified correspondingly.

  The conveyance unit includes a second pressing member that contacts the first surface of the sheet passing through the fourth position and suppresses the sheet from floating from the second contact unit, and the second pressing member includes: When viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller, the first contact is performed at a position in a direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller. It is preferable to be disposed at a position overlapping the part.

  According to the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the second pressing member is disposed at a position overlapping the first contact portion when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the support surface. Therefore, compared with the case where these components are arranged at positions where they do not overlap, the arrangement range of these components is reduced in the direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller. Thus, the structure of the image reading apparatus can be made more compact.

  Further, an image reading apparatus to be described next is provided with a first unit having a support surface for supporting an object to be read, and the first unit, and a closed position covering the support surface and the support surface are exposed. A second unit displaceable with respect to the open position, wherein the second unit conveys a sheet along a predetermined conveyance path, and a supply unit that supports the sheet supplied to the conveyance unit And a discharge unit that supports the sheet discharged from the conveyance unit, and the first unit moves along the support surface and a first contact unit that contacts a sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit. While being able to read the image of the reading object supported by the support surface, the first contact portion is stopped at a stationary position facing the conveyance path with the first contact portion interposed therebetween, and the first contact portion is contacted with the first contact portion. Reading A first reading unit capable of reading an image of a sheet passing through the apparatus, and the second unit is in contact with the second contact unit and a second contact unit in contact with the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit. A second reading unit that reads an image of a sheet passing through the second reading position, and the conveying unit further conveys a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveying direction from the vicinity of the downstream end of the supplying unit in the conveying direction. A first guide portion that guides in a direction inclined with a downward gradient, and a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveyance direction from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the first guide portion in a direction inclined with an upward gradient. In a direction to make a U-turn with respect to the second guiding portion to be guided and the sheet conveyed further downstream from the downstream end in the conveying direction of the second guiding portion with respect to the guiding direction in the second guiding portion. The third guidance section to guide and A fourth guide section for guiding a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveying direction from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveying direction of the third guide section in a downwardly inclined direction; and downstream of the fourth guiding section in the conveying direction A fifth guide unit that guides the sheet conveyed further from the vicinity of the edge to the downstream side in the conveyance direction in a direction inclined by an upward gradient, and the sheet fed from the supply unit is guided along the conveyance path. A first conveying roller that feeds downstream in the conveying direction at the first position, and when conveying the sheet along the conveying path, after the sheet has passed the first position, In the range up to the position, the third guide part makes a U-turn in the sheet conveyance direction, and in the range from the third position to the fifth position via the fourth position, the sheet is obliquely lowered by the fourth guide part. At that time, In the fourth position, the second surface of the sheet is brought into contact with the second contact portion, and in the fifth position, the first surface of the sheet is brought into contact with the first contact portion. When viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center, the first reading stationary at the stationary position with respect to a position parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller. The second reading portion and the second contact portion are disposed on the fourth guide portion in a state of being inclined with respect to the support surface.

According to the image reading apparatus configured in this way, the first guide unit, the second guide unit, the third guide unit, the fourth guide unit, and the fifth guide unit form a substantially V-shaped conveyance path as a whole. The second reading unit is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the first reading unit that is stationary at the stationary position, as viewed from the direction orthogonal to the support surface. Therefore, unlike the case where the first reading unit and the second reading unit overlap each other when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the support surface, the first reading unit is provided on the opposite side of the first reading unit in the fifth position across the conveyance path. The structure to be formed and the second reading unit can be arranged in a positional relationship such that parts of each other are arranged at the same height. Accordingly, the height dimension of the structure near the second reading unit can be reduced, and the image reading apparatus can be thinned. Moreover, a substantially V-shaped conveyance path is formed as a whole. Therefore, compared to the case where the sheet is conveyed at an equal distance along the path parallel to the support surface, the arrangement range of the transport path is set in the direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller. It is possible to reduce the size, and the structure of the image reading apparatus can be made more compact.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine. (A) is a perspective view showing a reading unit in a state where the ADF unit is in a closed position, (B) is a perspective view showing the reading unit in a state where the ADF unit is in an open position. The longitudinal cross-sectional view of a reading unit. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which expands and shows the conveyance part vicinity. Explanatory drawing which shows the relative positional relationship of the structure of a conveyance part vicinity.

Next, the above-described image reading apparatus will be described with a more specific example.
[Configuration of MFP]
A multifunction device 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration corresponding to an example of the above-described image reading apparatus. In the following description, in order to briefly explain the relative positional relationship between the respective parts constituting the multi-function device 1, the respective directions of up, down, left, and right, front and rear are shown in the drawing (FIGS. 2 to 5). The explanation will be made using each direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi function device 1 (corresponding to an example of an image reading device in this specification) includes a main body unit 2 and a reading unit 3. An opening (not shown) is formed on the upper surface of the main unit 2. The reading unit 3 is attached to the upper part of the main unit 2 and is configured to be displaceable between a closed position and an open position. When the reading unit 3 is in the closed position, the opening of the main unit 2 is closed by the reading unit 3. When the reading unit 3 is in the open position, the opening of the main unit 2 is opened. In addition, maintenance etc. of the component accommodated in the main body unit 2 are performed through this opening part.

  The reading unit 3 includes an FB unit 5 (corresponding to an example of a first unit in the present specification) and an ADF unit 6 (corresponding to an example of a second unit in the present specification). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ADF unit 6 is attached to the FB unit 5 via hinge portions 4A and 4B, and is in a closed position (see FIG. 2A) and an open position. (Refer to FIG. 2B).

  An FB platen 7 and the like are disposed on the upper surface of the FB unit 5. In the present embodiment, the FB platen 7 is formed of a glass plate. When the ADF unit 6 is in the closed position (see FIG. 2A), the upper surface of the FB platen 7 (corresponding to an example of a support surface in this specification) is covered by the ADF unit 6. When the ADF unit 6 is in the open position (see FIG. 2B), the upper surface of the FB platen 7 is exposed.

  An operation panel 8 operated by a user is provided on the front side of the FB unit 5. On the operation panel 8, an input device (for example, a touch panel, various buttons, and switches) that is operated when the user gives various commands to the multifunction device 1, an operation state of the multifunction device 1, and the like are given to the user. An output device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) for notification is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main unit 2 is provided with a control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes a known CPU 11A, ROM 11B, RAM 11C, NVRAM 11D, interface unit 11E, and the like. The CPU 11A executes a predetermined process according to a control program stored in the ROM 11B or the RAM 11C, and thereby controls each part of the multifunction device 1.

Control targets by the control unit 11 include the image forming unit 12, L, in addition to the operation panel 8 described above.
An AN communication unit 13, a first image sensor 15A, a second image sensor 15B, a motor 17, a motor 18, a sheet detection sensor 19, and the like are provided. Among these, the image forming unit 12 and the LAN communication unit 13 are provided in the main unit 2. The operation panel 8, the first image sensor 15 </ b> A, and the motor 17 are provided in the FB unit 5. The second image sensor 15 </ b> B, the motor 18, and the sheet detection sensor 19 are provided in the ADF unit 6.

  The image forming unit 12 is configured to be able to form an image on a recording medium such as a cut sheet by an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The LAN communication unit 13 includes a communication interface device compatible with a wireless LAN and a communication interface device compatible with a wired LAN.

  In the present embodiment, the first image sensor 15A and the second image sensor 15B are both contact image sensors (CIS). The motor 17 is a power source for moving the first image sensor 15 </ b> A along the FB platen 7. The motor 18 is a power source for conveying the sheet in the ADF unit 6. The sheet detection sensor 19 is a sensor that detects that the leading end and the trailing end in the transport direction of the sheet transported by the ADF unit 6 have passed a predetermined detection position.

  As the sheet detection sensor 19, in the case of this embodiment, a contact type sensor that switches on and off depending on whether or not the sheet being conveyed is in contact is employed. However, whether or not to use a contact type sensor is arbitrary, and a sensor that can detect in a non-contact manner that the leading end or the trailing end in the transport direction of the sheet has passed a predetermined detection position may be used. For example, an optical sensor capable of detecting whether the sheet being conveyed is in a state of blocking the optical path, an optical sensor capable of detecting whether light is reflected by the sheet being conveyed, or the like can be used. .

[Details of reading unit structure]
In the reading unit 3, the ADF unit 6 includes a conveyance unit 20 that conveys a sheet along a predetermined conveyance path (see a path indicated by a broken line in FIG. 3), as shown in FIG. 3. A supply unit 21 that supports a sheet supplied to the conveyance unit 20 is provided on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 20. A discharge unit 22 that supports the sheet discharged from the conveyance unit 20 is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the conveyance unit 20 includes a suction roller 25, a first conveyance roller 26A, a separation piece 26B, a second conveyance roller pair 27 (second conveyance roller 27A and pinch roller 27B), and a third conveyance roller pair 28. (Third conveyance roller 28A and pinch roller 28B), a fourth conveyance roller pair 29 (fourth conveyance roller 29A and pinch roller 29B), and the like. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cross section perpendicular to the axis serving as the rotation center of these roller groups, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the above-described roller group shown in FIG. . In addition to these roller groups, the transport unit 20 is provided with a member that defines a transport path. Accordingly, the transport unit 20 transports from the first guide unit 20A to the fifth guide unit 20E through the second guide unit 20B, the third guide unit 20C, and the fourth guide unit 20D as shown in FIG. The route is configured.

  In addition, the up-down direction as used in this embodiment corresponds to the direction orthogonal to the upper surface (support surface) of the FB platen 7. Further, the front-rear direction in the present embodiment coincides with a direction parallel to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller 26A. Further, the left-right direction referred to in the present embodiment coincides with a direction that is orthogonal to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller 26 </ b> A and that is parallel to the upper surface (support surface) of the FB platen 7.

20 A of 1st guide parts guide the sheet conveyed from the vicinity of the conveyance direction downstream end of the supply part 21 further to the conveyance direction downstream in the direction inclined by the downward gradient. The second guide unit 20B guides the sheet conveyed further from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the first guide unit 20A to the downstream side in the conveyance direction in a direction inclined by an upward gradient. That is, the first guide portion 20A and the second guide portion 20B constitute a conveyance path that looks substantially V-shaped when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4 (the front side in the present embodiment). The third guide unit 20C is configured to make a U-turn with respect to the sheet guided in the second guide unit 20B from the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the second guide unit 20B. invite.

  The fourth guide unit 20D guides the sheet conveyed further from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the third guide unit 20C to the downstream side in the conveyance direction in a direction inclined with a downward gradient. The fifth guide unit 20E guides the sheet conveyed further from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the fourth guide unit 20D to the downstream side in the conveyance direction in a direction inclined by an upward gradient. That is, the fourth guide portion 20D and the fifth guide portion 20E are also viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4 (the front side in this embodiment), similarly to the first guide portion 20A and the second guide portion 20B. This constitutes a conveyance path that looks substantially V-shaped.

  As described above, the first guide portion 20A and the second guide portion 20B, and the fourth guide portion 20D and the fifth guide portion 20E both constitute a conveyance path that looks substantially V-shaped. For this reason, the entire conveyance path from the first guide portion 20A to the fifth guide portion 20E also appears to be substantially V-shaped when viewed from the direction shown in FIG. 4 (front side in the present embodiment). It is a route.

  The suction roller 25 is disposed to face the first guide portion 20A, and sends out the sheet supported by the supply portion 21 to the downstream side in the transport direction. The first conveying roller 26A and the separating piece 26B are arranged to face each other across the conveying path defined by the second guide portion 20B, and the sheet fed from the supply unit 21 is transferred to the first conveying roller 26A and the separating piece 26B. Are separated one by one at a first position T1 (hereinafter also referred to as nip position T1) of the transport path, which is a nip position, and sent downstream in the transport direction.

  The separation piece 26B is held by a separation piece holder 26C (see FIG. 4). The separation piece holder 26C is swingably attached to a structure such as a frame around the separation piece holder 26C, and is urged toward the first conveying roller 26A by a separation piece urging member 26D (see FIG. 4). ing. In this state, the separation piece 26B faces the first conveyance roller 26A in a state where the contact surface with the sheet is inclined with respect to the upper surface (support surface) of the FB platen 7, and rises toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction. It is arranged in a direction that forms an inclination. Thereby, the separation piece 26B constitutes a part of the second guide portion 20B.

  The second transport roller pair 27 is provided at the boundary between the second guide portion 20B and the third guide portion 20C, and feeds a sheet transported from the upstream side in the transport direction to the nip between the second transport roller 27A and the pinch roller 27B. The sheet is sandwiched at a second position T2 (hereinafter also referred to as a nip position T2) of the conveyance path, which is a position, and is sent to the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The third transport roller pair 28 is provided at the boundary between the third guide portion 20C and the fourth guide portion 20D, and allows the sheet transported from the upstream side in the transport direction to the nip between the third transport roller 28A and the pinch roller 28B. At a third position T3 (hereinafter also referred to as a nip position T3) of the conveyance path as the position, the sheet is sent out downstream in the conveyance direction. The fourth conveyance roller pair 29 is provided at the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the fifth guide portion 20E, and discharges the sheet conveyed from the upstream side in the conveyance direction between the fourth conveyance roller 29A and the pinch roller 29B. It discharges to 22.

Of the third guide portion 20C, the first area A1 within a predetermined distance from the second conveying roller pair 27 to the downstream side in the conveying direction is a part of the sheet that is guided along the first area A1. The path is such that it can be guided while being kept flat without bending. Further, in the fourth guide portion 20D, the second area A2 that is within a predetermined distance from the third conveying roller pair 28 to the downstream side in the conveying direction is also a sheet that is guided along the second area A2. The route is such that a portion can be guided while being kept flat without being curved.

  In addition, if the contact location which contacts a sheet | seat in 1st area | region A1 and 2nd area | region A2 is made into the shape which can be guided while maintaining a part of sheet | seat flat, the said contact location itself is planar. Whether or not is arbitrary. For example, the contact location itself may be formed in a flat shape, but the tips of a plurality of ribs formed in parallel are contact locations with the sheet, and the tips of the plurality of ribs contact the sheet. Thus, it may be possible to guide while keeping a part of the sheet flat.

  A first ADF platen 31A and a first pressing member 33A are provided on both sides of the conveyance path at the fifth position T5 at the boundary between the fourth guide portion 20D and the fifth guide portion 20E. Further, on both sides sandwiching the transport path at the fourth position T4 in the fourth guide portion 20D, a second ADF platen 31B and a second pressing member 33B (corresponding to an example of a pressing member in this specification) are provided. Is provided. The fourth guide portion 20D guides the sheet conveyed from the third position T3 to the fifth position T5 in a downwardly inclined direction (corresponding to an example of the inclined guide portion in this specification). ). The second image sensor 15 </ b> B and the second ADF platen 31 </ b> B are disposed in the fourth guide portion 20 </ b> D while being inclined with respect to the upper surface (support surface) of the FB platen 7.

  Among these, the first ADF platen 31A and the second pressing member 33B are disposed on the FB unit 5 side, and the second ADF platen 31B and the first pressing member 33A are disposed on the ADF unit 6 side. Has been. Therefore, when the ADF unit 6 is in the open position (see FIG. 2B), the first ADF platen 31A and the second pressing member 33B are exposed on the upper surface side of the FB unit 5. When the ADF unit 6 is in the open position (see FIG. 2B), the second ADF platen 31B and the first pressing member 33A are exposed on the ADF unit 6 side.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the first ADF platen 31A and the second ADF platen 31B are configured by a glass plate, and the width direction (the front-rear direction in the present embodiment) perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. Extends over a range that exceeds the width of the sheet. The first pressing member 33A and the second pressing member 33B are members formed of a metal or a hard resin material, and the range exceeding the sheet width is the same as the first ADF platen 31A and the second ADF platen 31B. Extending over.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first pressing member 33A is urged toward the first ADF platen 31A by a first urging member 34A (in this embodiment, a coil spring). Thus, the first pressing member 33A suppresses the sheet passing while contacting the upper surface of the first ADF platen 31A from floating from the first ADF platen 31A side. The second pressing member 33B is urged toward the second ADF platen 31B side by a second urging member 34B (in this embodiment, a coil spring). Accordingly, the second pressing member 33B suppresses the sheet passing while contacting the upper surface of the second ADF platen 31B from floating from the second ADF platen 31B side.

As shown in FIG. 4, a black and white reference member 35 is disposed near the center of the upper surface of the first ADF platen 31A. The black and white reference member 35 is a member formed so that a white portion and a black portion form a predetermined pattern. When the image is read by the first image sensor 15A, the monochrome reference member 35 is read by the first image sensor 15A in advance through the first ADF platen 31A. The read monochrome image data is used when the CPU 11A performs correction of the origin position of the first image sensor 15A or shading correction. When reading the image of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit 20, the sheet contacts the first ADF platen 31 </ b> A in a region on the right side of the monochrome reference member 35 in FIG. 4. The width of the first ADF platen 31A in the left-right direction in FIG. 4 is an area for reading a sheet image, an area for reading the monochrome reference member 35, an area for fixing the first ADF platen 31A, and the like. It is configured to have a width that can secure

  A sheet detection sensor 19 (see FIG. 1) capable of detecting a sheet passing through the detection position TS in the vicinity of the detection position TS downstream of the third position T3 in the transport direction and upstream of the fourth position T4 in the transport direction. See). A roller that rotates while contacting the sheet is not disposed in the range downstream of the third transport roller pair 28 in the transport direction and upstream of the fifth position T5, and from the third position T3. The sheet is conveyed almost straight up to the fifth position T5. Therefore, in the section from the third position T3 to the fifth position T5, the sheet conveyance speed is unlikely to fluctuate, and the timing at which the leading or trailing edge of the sheet conveyance direction reaches the fourth position T4 and the fifth position T5 is simply set. It is possible to detect at one detection position TS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the FB unit 5 includes a guide shaft 36, a carriage 37, a toothed belt 38, and the like. The guide shaft 36 is a metal round bar, and is in a state parallel to the lower surfaces of the first ADF platen 31A and the FB platen 7 in a range extending from below the first ADF platen 31A to below the FB platen 7. It extends in the left-right direction as used in this embodiment.

  The carriage 37 is slidably attached to the guide shaft 36 and is supported so as to be reciprocally movable along the guide shaft 36 in the extending direction of the guide shaft 36 (the left-right direction in the present embodiment). Yes. The carriage 37 is connected to a toothed belt 38 formed in an endless manner, and reciprocates in the left-right direction as referred to in the present embodiment, following the circulation driving of the toothed belt 38.

  The first image sensor 15A is mounted on the carriage 37 and moves together with the carriage 37 when the carriage 37 moves. The first image sensor 15A is urged toward the first ADF platen 31A and the FB platen 7 by an urging member (in the present embodiment, a coil spring). The distance between the first ADF platen 31A and the FB platen 7 is maintained constant. The second image sensor 15B is disposed at a predetermined position and does not move from that position. The second image sensor 15B is in close contact with the second ADF platen 31B by its own weight, so that the distance between the second image sensor 15B and the second ADF platen 31B is maintained constant. An urging member that urges the second image sensor 15B toward the second ADF platen 31B may be provided.

  The plurality of reading elements included in the first image sensor 15A and the second image sensor 15B are arranged in the front-rear direction referred to in the present embodiment. When reading the image of the sheet placed on the upper surface of the FB platen 7, the first image sensor 15 </ b> A reads the image while moving together with the carriage 37.

When reading the image of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit 20, the first image sensor 15A stops at a stationary position below the first pressing member 33A and the first ADF platen 31A. In this state, the first image sensor 15A is in contact with the first ADF platen 31A at the fifth position T5 (hereinafter also referred to as the first reading position T5) of the conveyance path. Read the image. The second image sensor 15B reads an image of the second surface of the sheet passing through the fourth position T4 (hereinafter also referred to as a second reading position T4) of the conveyance path while contacting the second ADF platen 31B. As described above, in the present embodiment, the single sheet detection sensor 19 can detect the timing at which the sheet arrives for both the fourth position T4 and the fifth position T5. Therefore, the CPU 11A can control the reading start timing at the second reading position T4 and the first reading position T5 based on the detection signal from the sheet detection sensor 19.

  In the multifunction machine 1 as described above, the fourth guide unit 20D guides the sheet in a direction inclined with a downward slope as shown in FIG. The second image sensor 15 </ b> B and the second ADF platen 31 </ b> B are disposed in the fourth guide portion 20 </ b> D while being inclined with respect to the upper surface of the FB platen 7. Therefore, as compared with the case where the sheet is conveyed at an equal distance along a path parallel to the upper surface of the FB platen 7, the axis is parallel to the upper surface of the FB platen 7 and is orthogonal to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first conveying roller 26A. With respect to the direction (the left-right direction in the present embodiment), the arrangement range of the conveyance path can be reduced, and the structure of the multifunction device 1 can be made more compact.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the second image sensor 15 </ b> B is a first image sensor 15 </ b> A that is stationary at a stationary position when viewed from a direction (vertical direction in the present embodiment) orthogonal to the upper surface of the FB platen 7. Is disposed at a position P2 that does not overlap with the position P1. Therefore, unlike the case where the first image sensor 15A and the second image sensor 15B overlap each other when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the FB platen 7, the first image sensor 15A is transported at the fifth position T5. A part of the structure (for example, the first pressing member 33A and the first urging member 34A) provided on the opposite side across the path and the second image sensor 15B are arranged at the same height. They can be arranged in such a positional relationship. Therefore, the height direction dimension of the structure in the vicinity of the second image sensor 15B can be reduced, and the multifunction device 1 can be thinned.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller 26A, the axis is parallel to the upper surface of the FB platen 7 and is the center of rotation of the first transport roller 26A. With respect to the position in the orthogonal direction (the left-right direction in the present embodiment), the arrangement position P3 of the first pressing member 33A, the arrangement position P4 of the first biasing member 34A, and the arrangement position P5 of the first conveying roller 26A. The arrangement position P6 of the separation piece 26B and the arrangement position P7 of the separation piece urging member 26D overlap each other. Therefore, as compared with the case where these components are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other, the direction parallel to the upper surface of the FB platen 7 and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller 26A (the left and right in this embodiment) With respect to the direction.), The arrangement range of these configurations can be reduced, and the structure of the multifunction device 1 can be made more compact.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first conveying roller 26A, the direction (vertical direction in the present embodiment) is perpendicular to the upper surface of the FB platen 7. Regarding the position, the arrangement position Q1 of the second image sensor 15B overlaps the arrangement position Q2 of the separation piece urging member 26D. Therefore, the arrangement range of these configurations can be reduced in the direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the FB platen 7 as compared with the case where these configurations are arranged at positions that do not overlap, and the structure of the multifunction device 1 can be reduced. It can be made more compact.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller 26A, the axis is parallel to the upper surface of the FB platen 7 and is the center of rotation of the first transport roller 26A. Regarding the position in the orthogonal direction (the left-right direction in the present embodiment), the arrangement position P2 of the second image sensor 15B and the arrangement position P8 of the second transport roller pair 27 overlap each other. Therefore, in comparison with the case where these components are arranged at positions where they do not overlap, the direction parallel to the upper surface of the FB platen 7 and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first conveying roller 26A (the left-right direction in this embodiment) .)), The arrangement range of these components can be reduced, and the structure of the multifunction device 1 can be made more compact.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the second pressing member 33 </ b> B is disposed at a position overlapping the first ADF platen 31 </ b> A when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the upper surface of the FB platen 7. Therefore, in comparison with the case where these components are arranged at positions where they do not overlap, the direction parallel to the upper surface of the FB platen 7 and perpendicular to the axis that is the rotation center of the first conveying roller 26A (the left-right direction in this embodiment) .)), The arrangement range of these components can be reduced, and the structure of the multifunction device 1 can be made more compact.

[Other cases]
The image reading apparatus has been described with specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and various forms are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. Can be implemented.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the image reading apparatus configured as a multifunction machine is illustrated as an example of the image reading apparatus of the present invention. However, whether or not the image reading apparatus is configured as a multifunction machine is arbitrary, and single-function image reading is performed. The configuration of the present invention may be employed in an apparatus, a copier, a facsimile machine, and the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 2 ... Main body unit, 3 ... Reading unit, 5 ... FB unit, 6 ... ADF unit, 7 ... FB platen, 8 ... Operation panel, 11 ... Control part, 11A ... CPU, 11B ... ROM, 11C ... RAM, 11D ... NVRAM, 11E ... Interface part, 12 ... Image forming part, 13 ... LAN communication part, 15A ... First image sensor, 15B ... Second image sensor, 17 ... Motor, 18 ... Motor, 19 ... Seat detection Sensor, 20 ... Conveying section, 20A ... First guiding section, 20B ... Second guiding section, 20C ... Third guiding section, 20D ... Fourth guiding section, 20E ... Fifth guiding section, 21 ... Supply section, 22 ... Discharge , 25 ... suction roller, 26A ... first conveying roller, 26B ... separation piece, 26C ... separation piece holder, 26D ... separation piece urging member, 27 ... second conveyance roller pair, 27A ... second conveyance roller 27B ... Pinch roller, 28 ... Third transport roller pair, 28A ... Third transport roller, 28B ... Pinch roller, 29 ... Fourth transport roller pair, 29A ... Fourth transport roller, 29B ... Pinch roller, 31A ... First One ADF platen, 31B ... Second ADF platen, 33A ... First pressing member, 33B ... Second pressing member, 34A ... First biasing member, 34B ... Second biasing member, 36 ... Guide shaft, 37 ... Carriage, 38 ... toothed belt, A1 ... first region, A2 ... second region.

Claims (6)

A first unit having a support surface for supporting an object to be read;
A second unit attached to the first unit and displaceable between a closed position that covers the support surface and an open position that exposes the support surface;
The second unit is
A transport unit that transports a sheet along a predetermined transport path;
A supply unit for supporting a sheet supplied to the conveyance unit;
A discharge unit that supports the sheet discharged from the conveyance unit,
The first unit is:
A first contact portion that contacts a sheet conveyed by the conveyance portion;
It is possible to read an image of the object to be read supported by the support surface while moving along the support surface, and is stationary at a stationary position facing the transport path with the first contact portion interposed therebetween. A first reading unit capable of reading an image of a sheet passing through the first reading position while being in contact with the contact unit,
The second unit is
A second contact portion in contact with a sheet conveyed by the conveyance portion;
A second reading unit that reads an image of a sheet passing through the second reading position while being in contact with the second contact unit,
The transport unit is
A first conveying roller;
A first guide unit that guides a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveying direction from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveying direction of the supply unit in a direction inclined with a downward slope;
A second guide for guiding a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveyance direction from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the first guide unit in a direction inclined by an upward gradient ; A second guide portion that forms a substantially V-shaped transport path with the first guide portion when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center ;
A third guide portion for guiding a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveying direction from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveying direction of the second guiding portion in a direction of making a U-turn with respect to the guiding direction in the second guiding portion; ,
A fourth guide section for guiding a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveyance direction from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the third guide section in a direction inclined with a downward slope;
A fifth guide unit for guiding a sheet conveyed further downstream in the conveyance direction from the vicinity of the downstream end in the conveyance direction of the fourth guide unit in a direction inclined by an upward gradient ; The fourth guide part and a fifth guide part forming a substantially V-shaped transport path when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center ,
The sheet fed from the supply unit, in a first position of the transport path, the out feed to the downstream side in the conveying direction by the first conveying roller, in transporting the sheet along the conveying path, the sheet After passing through the first position, in the range from the second position to the third position, the third guide portion makes a U-turn in the sheet conveyance direction, and further, from the third position to the fifth position via the fourth position. In the range to reach the position, the sheet is guided obliquely downward by the fourth guide part. At this time, the second surface of the sheet is brought into contact with the second contact part at the fourth position, and the sheet is guided at the fifth position. Bringing the first surface into contact with the first contact portion;
The second reading unit is positioned in a direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller. Is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the first reading unit stationary at the stationary position,
The second reading unit and the second contact unit are disposed in the fourth guide unit in a state of being inclined with respect to the support surface ,
When the lowest point of the substantially V-shaped transport path formed by the first guide part and the second guide part is viewed from a direction parallel to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller, An image reading apparatus that overlaps with an arrangement position of the second reading unit at a position in a direction perpendicular to the support surface . The first conveying roller is configured to separate the sheets fed from the supply unit one by one at the first position and send them to the downstream side in the conveying direction,
The transport unit is
A first pressing member that contacts the second surface of the sheet passing through the fifth position and suppresses the sheet from floating from the first contact portion;
A first biasing member that biases the first pressing member toward the transport path;
A separation piece for separating sheets one by one in cooperation with the first conveying roller;
A separation piece urging member for urging the separation piece toward the conveyance path;
With
The first pressing member, the first urging member, the first conveying roller, the separation piece, and the separation piece urging member are viewed from a direction parallel to an axis that is a rotation center of the first conveying roller. In this case, the positions in the direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller are disposed at positions overlapping each other.
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. The second reading unit is disposed at a position overlapping the separation piece urging member in a direction perpendicular to the support surface when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller. Has been
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2. The transport unit is
  A second conveying roller pair provided near the second position and for feeding the sheet toward the third position.
With
The second reading unit and the second transport roller pair are parallel to the support surface and the rotation center of the first transport roller when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis that is the rotation center of the first transport roller. About the position of the direction orthogonal to an axis, it is arranged in the position which mutually overlaps
The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The transport unit is
A third conveying roller pair provided near the third position and for feeding the sheet toward the fourth position;
A sheet detection unit capable of detecting a sheet passing through the detection position at a detection position downstream of the third position in the conveyance direction and upstream of the fourth position in the conveyance direction;
With
No roller that rotates in contact with the sheet is disposed in a range downstream of the third transport roller pair in the transport direction and upstream of the fifth position in the transport direction.
The image reading apparatus according to claim 4. The transport unit is
A second pressing member that contacts the first surface of the sheet passing through the fourth position and suppresses the sheet from floating from the second contact portion.
With
  The first contact portion is a glass plate,
The second pressing member is positioned in a direction parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller when viewed from a direction parallel to the axis serving as the rotation center of the first transport roller. Is arranged at a position overlapping the glass plate
The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.