Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

Provided are an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus. An automatic document conveying device (33) that conveys a document to a reading position is attached to a housing (31) of an image reading apparatus (3) in an openable and closable manner. A reed switch (220) that detects the opening and closing of the automatic document conveying device (33) is provided on the housing (31) of the image reading apparatus (3). When the automatic document conveying device (33) is detected by the reed switch (220) to be opened from a closed state, a control unit (101) of a control device (100) causes an opening force, which is a force in an opening direction, to be applied to the automatic document conveying device (33) only temporarily via a link mechanism (207).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, technologies related to image reading devices, such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, have been proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 comprises: a stage glass on which a sheet is placed; a sheet pressing part that can be opened and closed freely, pressing the sheet placed on the stage glass from above; an image reading part that reads an image of the sheet while the sheet is pressed from above by the sheet pressing part; an electric opening and closing part that assists in the manual opening and closing of the sheet pressing part; a speed changing part that, when the sheet pressing part is manually opened and closed, changes the opening and closing speed of the electric opening and closing part according to the external force applied to the sheet pressing part; and an opening and closing angle detection part that detects the sheet pressing angle. The opening and closing angle of the sheet pressing part; and the opening and closing speed setting part, which determines whether the sheet pressing part is in the first region where the opening and closing speed changes according to the external force, the second region where it is about to be completely closed, or the third region where it is about to be completely open, based on the detection signal from the opening and closing angle detection part. When it is determined that the sheet pressing part is in the first region, the opening and closing speed is changed according to the external force. When it is determined that the sheet pressing part has moved to the second or third region, the opening and closing speed is set to the preset opening and closing speed regardless of the external force.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an automatic document transport device that is rotatably supported above an image reading unit via a hinge and transports documents to a document mounting table disposed on the upper surface of the image reading unit. The automatic document transport device comprises: a document feed tray; a document discharge tray disposed below the document feed tray; and a document transport path disposed to the sides of the document feed tray and the document feed tray for transporting documents from the document feed tray to the document discharge tray. A handle-shaped grip is provided on the side of the automatic document transport device opposite the rotating end side of the document transport path, at a position that does not overlap with the operating part protruding from the image reading unit towards the rotating end side in the vertical direction.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes an image forming apparatus having an image reading device on an upper frame. The upper frame is mounted on a main frame having a recording unit and can be opened and closed by a hinge. In this image forming apparatus, a telescopic elastic force-applying member is arranged on one side between the upper frame and the main frame, and a spring member is clamped on the other side.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-191197

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5594905

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-38714 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The first objective of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and an image forming device that, compared with the case where the opening and closing drive is performed within the entire opening and closing angle range of the original document pressing part, can reduce the operating force when opening the original document pressing part without impairing operability.

[0012] The second objective of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and an image forming device that, compared to the case where only a spring component is clamped between the original document pressing unit and the device body, can reduce the operating force when opening the original document pressing unit with a simple structure.

[0013] The first aspect of the present invention is an image reading device comprising:

[0014] The original document pressing part is installed on the main body of the device in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed, and presses the original document; and the opening force actuating part, when the original document pressing part is opened, causes the driving force of the driving source to act on the original document pressing part only temporarily as an opening force.

[0015] Regarding the second aspect of the present invention, the image reading device of the first aspect further includes:

[0016] The detection unit detects the opening and closing of the original document pressing part; and

[0017] The driving unit drives the driving source only for a fixed time when the detection unit detects that the original document pressing part is in an open state.

[0018] Regarding the third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, the driving unit drives the driving source from the moment the open state of the original pressing part is detected until the opening angle of the original pressing part becomes a predetermined angle.

[0019] Regarding the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, the image reading device includes a balancing unit that applies a force in the opening direction to the original document pressing unit.

[0020] The drive unit drives the drive source until the torque required to open the original document pressing part becomes less than or equal to the torque generated by the force of the balance unit in the opening direction. After the torque required to open the original document pressing part becomes less than or equal to the torque generated by the force of the balance unit in the opening direction, the drive source is stopped.

[0021] Regarding the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, the driving unit reverses after performing the temporary driving, thereby releasing the force transmitted to the opening force action unit.

[0022] Regarding the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, the opening force actuating part applies the opening force to a position closer to the front side than the fulcrum and further inward than the reading position of the original document, and the original document pressing part is supported at the fulcrum so that it can be opened and closed.

[0023] Regarding the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the fifth aspect, the opening force action unit causes an upward pushing force to act on the original document pressing part.

[0024] Regarding the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, there is an absorption section that absorbs the excessive force when an excessive force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the opening force action section.

[0025] Regarding the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the eighth aspect, the absorbing part is composed of an elastic member, and when the excessive force is applied to the opening force acting part, the elastic member absorbs the excessive force through elastic deformation.

[0026] Regarding the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, the opening force actuating part includes: a linkage mechanism that pushes the original document pressing part upward by moving the lower end horizontally and rotating the upper end around a central fulcrum; and

[0027] A linear component that moves the lower end of the linkage mechanism by the driving force of the drive source.

[0028] Regarding the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the tenth aspect, the linkage mechanism includes: a first linkage member, the upper end of which abuts against the original document pressing portion, and the lower end which is supported so as to be movable in a horizontal direction; and

[0029] The second link component has its upper end rotatably connected to the middle of the first link component, and its lower end is supported so as to be able to move in the horizontal direction.

[0030] Regarding the 12th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, the image reading device includes an image reading unit that reads an image of the original document that has been conveyed to the reading position by the original document pressing unit.

[0031] The driving source is composed of the driving source of the image reading unit.

[0032] Regarding the 13th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 12th aspect, the power supply to the original document pressing part is cut off when it is opened.

[0033] Regarding the 14th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the first aspect, the original document pressing part is mounted to the device body via a rotating shaft.

[0034] The opening force actuation unit includes an upward actuation unit, which temporarily applies the driving force of the drive source as an upward pulling force in the direction of opening the original document pressing part.

[0035] The upper pulling force application part includes: an upper pulling force application member, which is arranged inside the original document pressing part in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation axis as a fulcrum; and

[0036] A thread component that applies an upward pulling force in the direction of opening the original pressing part to the end of the upward pulling force component located on the side opposite to the rotation axis.

[0037] Regarding the 15th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 14th aspect,

[0038] The upper pulling force component has an arm that branches out from the middle position along the length of the upper pulling force component and applies an upper pulling force in the opening direction to the original document pressing part.

[0039] Regarding the 16th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 14th aspect,

[0040] The upper tensioning part converts the movement direction of the thread component into the opening and closing direction of the original document pressing part via a pulley disposed in the middle of the thread component.

[0041] Regarding the 17th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 14th aspect...

[0042] The image reading device includes an absorption section that absorbs the excessive force when an excessive force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the upper pulling force section.

[0043] Regarding the 18th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 17th aspect...

[0044] The absorbing part is composed of an elastic component, which absorbs the excessive force by elastic deformation when the excessive force is applied to the upper tensile force part.

[0045] Regarding the 19th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 14th aspect,

[0046] The image reading device includes an image reading unit that reads the image of the original document as it is conveyed to the reading position by the original document pressing unit.

[0047] The driving source is composed of the driving source of the image reading unit.

[0048] Regarding the 20th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 19th aspect...

[0049] The power supply to the original manuscript pressing part is cut off when it is opened or closed.

[0050] The 21st aspect of the present invention is an image reading device comprising:

[0051] The original document pressing part is installed on the main body of the device in a way that can be opened and closed, and presses the original document;

[0052] The restoring force acting part, which is compressed and deformed, applies an elastic restoring force in the opening direction to the original document pressing part; and

[0053] The release section, when the original pressing section is opened, releases the compression deformation of the restoring force section by being held by the operator's hand.

[0054] Regarding the 22nd aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 21st aspect,

[0055] The release part has a holding part, which releases the compression deformation of the restoring force part by the operator holding the holding part by hand when the original pressing part is opened.

[0056] Regarding the 23rd aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 22nd aspect...

[0057] The release part has a compression deformation part, which causes the restoring force part to compress and deform after the original document pressing part is opened.

[0058] Regarding the 24th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 23rd aspect...

[0059] The compression deformation part includes a latching part, which is installed in a bent state toward the restoring force action part. After the restoring force action part opens the original pressing part, the latching part holds the restoring force action part in a compressed deformation state.

[0060] Regarding the 25th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 21st aspect,

[0061] The release part is subjected to force by the force-applying part, such that under normal circumstances, the restoring force-applying part is compressed and deformed and maintains the state of compression and deformation.

[0062] Regarding the 26th aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the 25th aspect,

[0063] The release part compresses and deforms the restoring force part when the operator releases his hand from the release part.

[0064] The 27th aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising:

[0065] An image reading unit reads an image from the original document; and

[0066] An image forming unit that forms an image of the original document read by the image reading unit.

[0067] The image forming apparatus uses an image reading device as the image reading unit according to any one of the first to the 26th embodiments.

[0068] According to the first method, an image reading device and an image forming device can be provided, which can reduce the operating force when opening the original document pressing part without impairing operability, compared with the case where the opening and closing drive is performed within the entire opening and closing angle range of the original document pressing part.

[0069] According to the second method, compared to the case where the driver source is always driven, it is possible to handle the situation where the user turns off the operation after only performing the minimum opening action to enable operation.

[0070] According to the third method, compared with the case where the driving source is not driven until the opening angle of the original pressing part becomes a predetermined angle, the opening and closing force can be reliably applied until the original pressing part opens.

[0071] According to the fourth method, compared to the case where the torque required to open the original document pressing part is not driven by the drive source until it becomes less than the torque generated by the force of the balancing part in the opening direction, the opening and closing force can be reliably applied until the torque required to open the original document pressing part becomes less than the torque generated by the force of the balancing part in the opening direction.

[0072] According to the fifth method, compared with the case where the driving part continues to apply force to the opening force application part after the driving part has been temporarily driven, even if the operator performs the closing operation immediately after temporarily opening the original document pressing part, it is possible to avoid excessive force being applied to the driving part.

[0073] According to the sixth method, compared with the case where the opening force acts on the fulcrum of the original document pressing part in a way that allows it to open and close, the opening force of the opening force can be applied to the original document pressing part more efficiently.

[0074] According to the seventh method, compared with the case where the rotational force is directly applied to the original pressing part by the opening force action part, the structure of the opening force action part can be simplified.

[0075] According to the eighth method, compared with the case where there is no absorbing part to absorb excessive force, it is possible to avoid malfunction when excessive force is applied to the opening force action part.

[0076] According to the ninth method, compared with the case where the absorbing part is not composed of an elastic member, the structure of the opening force action part can be simplified.

[0077] According to the 10th method, the structure of the opening force action part can be simplified compared to the case where the opening force action part is not composed of a linkage mechanism.

[0078] According to the 11th method, compared with the case where the linkage mechanism is not composed of the first link member and the second link member, the height of the linkage mechanism can be reduced.

[0079] According to the 12th method, compared with the case where the driving source of the image reading unit is not used as the driving source, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0080] According to the 13th method, compared with the case where the power supply is not cut off when the original pressing part is opened, the possibility of erroneous operation when the original pressing part is opened can be avoided.

[0081] According to the 14th method, an image reading device can be provided that, compared with the case where the opening and closing drive is performed within the entire opening and closing angle range of the original document transport unit, reduces the operating force when opening the original document transport unit without impairing operability.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the 14th method, the structure can be simplified compared to the case where the upper pull action unit does not have an upper pull action component and a line component. In this case, the upper pull action unit is arranged inside the original document pressing unit in a manner that allows it to rotate around the rotation axis. The line component causes the upper pull force in the direction of opening the original document pressing unit to act on the end of the upper pull action component located on the opposite side of the rotation axis.

[0083] According to the 15th method, compared with the case where the upper pulling force action member does not have the following action arm, a larger upper pulling force can be applied to the original document pressing unit, wherein the action arm branches out from the middle position in the length direction of the upper pulling force action member and applies an upper pulling force in the opening direction to the original document pressing part.

[0084] According to the 16th method, compared to the case where the upper tension unit does not have a pulley, the position where the upper tension is applied by the thread component can be freely set, wherein the pulley converts the movement direction of the thread component into the opening and closing direction of the original document pressing unit.

[0085] According to the 17th method, compared with the case where there is no absorbing unit to absorb excessive force, it is possible to avoid malfunctions when excessive force is applied to the opening force unit.

[0086] According to the 18th method, compared with the case where the absorbing unit is not composed of elastic components, the structure of the opening force action unit can be simplified.

[0087] According to method 19, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where the driving source of the image reading unit is not used.

[0088] According to method 20, compared with the case where the power supply to the original document transport unit is not cut off when it is opened or closed, the possibility of malfunction when the original document transport unit is opened can be avoided.

[0089] According to the 21st method, compared with simply inserting a spring component between the original document pressing unit and the main body of the device, the operating force when opening the original document pressing unit can be reduced with a simple structure.

[0090] According to the 22nd method, compared with the case where the release unit does not have the following gripping part, it is possible to easily perform the operation of releasing the compression deformation of the restoring force unit, wherein the gripping part is held by the operator's hand when the original pressing unit is opened to release the compression deformation of the restoring force unit.

[0091] According to the 23rd method, compared with the case where the release unit does not have the following compression deformation part, it is possible to easily perform the operation of compressing and deforming the restoring force action unit, wherein the compression deformation part compresses and deforms the restoring force action unit after the original document pressing unit is opened.

[0092] According to the 24th method, compared with the case where the compression deformation part does not have the following latching part, it is possible to suppress interference between the compression deformation part and other components, wherein the latching part is installed in a state of bending toward the restoring force action unit, and after the restoring force action unit opens the original document pressing unit, the restoring force action unit is kept in the state of compression deformation.

[0093] According to the 25th method, the operability is improved compared to the case where the release unit is not normally subjected to force by the force-applying unit to compress and deform the restoring force-applying unit and maintains the state of compression and deformation.

[0094] According to method 26, operability is improved compared to the case where the release unit does not compress or deform the restoring force unit when the operator releases the handle from the release unit.

[0095] According to the 27th method, an image forming apparatus can be provided that, compared to not using the image reading device described in any of the 1st to 26th methods as the image reading unit, can reduce the operating force when opening the original document pressing part without impairing operability. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of an image forming apparatus that applies the image reading apparatus of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram showing the image reading device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram showing the automatic manuscript delivery device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 4 This is a perspective structural diagram showing the state of the automatic original document transport device of the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in which the opening is performed.

[0100] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram showing the automatic manuscript delivery device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the torque required to open the automatic manuscript delivery device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0102] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram showing a reed switch.

[0103] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram showing the state of the automatic manuscript delivery device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when it is turned off.

[0104] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0105] Figure 10 This is a top view of the upward pushing device.

[0106] Figure 11This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 12 This is a top view of the upward pushing device.

[0108] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the control device.

[0109] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the image reading device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the image reading device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 17 This is an overall structural diagram of an image forming apparatus to which the image reading apparatus of Embodiment 3 of the present invention is applied.

[0113] Figure 18 This is a structural diagram showing the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram showing the state of the automatic manuscript delivery device of Embodiment 3 of the present invention when it is turned off.

[0115] Figure 20 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0116] Figure 21 This is a top view of the upward pushing device.

[0117] Figure 22 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 23 This is a plan view showing the upward pushing device.

[0119] Figure 24 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0120] Figure 25 This is a front view structural diagram showing the automatic manuscript delivery device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 26 This is a perspective structural diagram showing the automatic manuscript delivery device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 27 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0123] Figure 28 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0124] Figure 29 This is a structural diagram showing the main parts of the automatic manuscript transport device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0125] Figure 30 This is a perspective structural diagram showing the operation of opening the automatic manuscript delivery device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0126] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0127] Implementation Method 1

[0128] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram showing the overall outline of an image forming apparatus to which the image reading apparatus of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.

[0129] <Overall Structure of the Image Forming Apparatus>

[0130] The image forming apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 is configured, for example, as a color copier. The image forming apparatus 1 includes: an image reading device 3, as an example of an image reading unit, which reads the image of the original document 6; and an image forming unit 2, as an example of an image forming unit, which forms an image on a recording medium based on image data read by the image reading device 3, etc. The image reading device 3 is arranged above the apparatus body 1a, which houses the image forming unit 2, in a state supported by a support 4. A space is formed between the image reading device 3 and the apparatus body 1a for discharging the recording medium on which the image is formed.

[0131] like Figure 1 As shown, in the image reading device 3, a control panel 66, serving as an operation unit, is provided on the upper part of the front wall 311 located on the front surface of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3. This control panel 66 is used to operate the image forming apparatus 1 and the image reading device 3. The control panel 66 has a touch panel 67 and a plurality of operation buttons 68. The touch panel 67 also serves as a display unit for showing operation menus, warnings, messages, etc. to the operator (user), and handles various settings for the displayed operation menus.

[0132] The image forming unit 2 includes the following devices: multiple imaging devices 10 that form toner images obtained by developing toners that constitute a developer; an intermediate transfer device 20 that holds the toner images formed by each imaging device 10 and transports them to a secondary transfer position, where the toner images are finally transferred a second time onto recording paper 5, which is an example of a recording medium; a paper feeding device 50 that receives and transports the required recording paper 5 to be supplied to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer device 20; and a fixing device 40 that fixes the toner images on the recording paper 5 after the secondary transfer by the intermediate transfer device 20. The main body 1a of the device is formed by a support structure component, an outer cover, etc. In addition, the image forming unit 2 is not limited to an electrophotographic method; it can be formed on a recording medium using any method such as inkjet printing, thermal printing, or offset printing.

[0133] The paper feeding device 50 is positioned below the imaging device 10. This paper feeding device 20 mainly consists of: multiple (or an odd number) paper receivers 511-514 that hold recording papers 5 of desired size, type, etc.; and feeding devices 52 and 53 that feed the recording papers 5 one by one from the paper receivers 511-514. The paper receivers 51 are, for example, mounted so that they can be pulled out towards the front (the side facing the operator) of the device body 1a.

[0134] Between the paper feeding device 50 and the intermediate transfer device 20, a paper feeding path 56 is provided, consisting of multiple paper feed rollers 54 and 55 that transport the recording paper 5 from the paper feeding device 50 to the secondary transfer position, and a feed guide (not shown). The paper feed rollers 55, positioned immediately preceding the secondary transfer position in the paper feeding path 56, are configured, for example, as rollers (registration rollers) to adjust the feeding timing of the recording paper 5. Furthermore, a feed roller 58 and a discharge roller 59 are provided downstream of the fixing device 40 along the paper feeding direction. These feed rollers 58 and discharge rollers 59 discharge the recording paper 5 to a discharge receiving section 57 located at the upper part of the device body 1a.

[0135] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a duplex unit 60, which forms images on both sides of the recording paper 5. When the discharge roller 59 conveys the recording paper 5 with an image formed on one side to the discharge receiving section 57, the duplex unit 60, while holding the rear end of the recording paper 59, guides the recording paper 5 through the switching gate 61 by rotating the discharge roller 59 in the opposite direction. The duplex unit 60 has a duplex transport path 65, which consists of multiple transport rollers 62-64 that transport the introduced recording paper 5 in a state where its front and back sides are reversed, and a transport guide (not shown).

[0136] The recording paper 5 with the image formed is discharged to the discharge and storage section 57 by the conveying roller 58 and the discharge roller 59, which is disposed, for example, on the upper part of the device body 1a.

[0137] Furthermore, when forming images on both sides of the recording paper 5, while the recording paper 5 with an image formed on one side is being conveyed to the discharge receiving section 57 via the discharge roller 59, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 59 is switched to the reverse while the discharge roller 59 is holding the rear end of the recording paper 5. The conveying direction of the recording paper 5 conveyed in the reverse direction by the discharge roller 59 is switched to the duplex unit 60 side by the switching gate 61. Then, the recording paper 5 is conveyed to the paper conveying roller 55 with the front and back sides reversed via the duplex conveying path 65 equipped with conveying rollers 62 to 64, etc. The paper conveying roller 55 feeds out the recording paper 5 and supplies it to the secondary transfer position in accordance with the transfer timing. After the toner image is transferred twice from the intermediate transfer belt 21 on its back side (second side) and is fixed by the fixing device 40, the recording paper 5 is discharged by the discharge roller 59 with the second side facing down to the discharge receiving section 57 provided at the upper part of the device body 1a.

[0138] <Structure of an image reading device>

[0139] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram showing the structure of the image reading device of Embodiment 1.

[0140] In general, the image reading device 3 includes: a housing 31, which serves as the main body of the device 3, with a document reading surface (support surface) formed on its upper surface; and an automatic document feeder (DADF: Duplex Automatic Document Feeder) 33, which serves as a document pressing unit, and is mounted in a manner that allows it to open and close relative to the housing 31 for pressing the document 6. A document pressing cover 32 is provided on the automatic document feeder 33. In addition, the document pressing unit is not limited to the document feeder 33, and may also be constituted by the document pressing cover 32 itself, which does not have an automatic document feeder 33.

[0141] The automatic document transport device 33 includes multiple transport components for transporting the original document 6 and a drive motor as a drive source for driving the multiple transport components. When the automatic document transport device 33 is in a closed state relative to the image reading device 3, it separates (loads) the original document 6 placed on the automatic document transport device 33 one by one and transports it to the reading position. Therefore, the automatic document transport device 33 tends to be heavier overall. Furthermore, the drive source for driving the transport components of the automatic document transport device 33 is energized when the automatic document transport device 33 is closed, but the power can be cut off when it is opened, so that the transport components are not driven when the device is open.

[0142] The image reading device 3 is configured to automatically switch between a first reading mode and a second reading mode according to the operator's operation. The first reading mode is a mode in which the image of the original document 6 is read while the original document 6 is automatically fed one by one by the automatic original document transport device 33. The second reading mode is a mode in which the image of the original document 6 is read when it is placed on the original document table 83 and pressed down by the original document pressing cover 32. Figure 2 This shows the status of each component when reading the original document in the first reading mode.

[0143] The automatic manuscript conveying device 33 has a manuscript conveying mechanism, which consists of the following components: a manuscript storage section 70, which is an example of a sheet loading section, capable of loading and storing multiple manuscripts 6 with the reading surface (first surface) facing upwards; a push roller 71, which is an example of a delivery section, delivers the manuscripts 6 from the manuscript storage section 70; a feed roller 72, which is an example of a delivery section, supplies the manuscripts 6 delivered by the push roller 71 one by one; a pressing pad 72a, which presses the feed roller 72 to arrange the manuscripts 6 one by one; a first conveying roller 73, which conveys the manuscripts 6 to the reading position; conveying rollers 74 and 75, which convey the manuscripts 6 conveyed by the first conveying roller 73 through the reading position; and an discharge roller 77, which is an example of a second conveying roller, discharges the manuscripts 6 to the discharge storage section 76. These push rollers 71, feed rollers 72, conveyor rollers 73-75, and discharge roller 77 are driven when reading the original document 6. The first conveyor roller 73 is a registration roller used to adjust the conveying timing of the original document 6 to the reading position. In addition, although it is not specifically described as a roller pair in this embodiment 1, the terms conveyor roller and discharge roller include the case of a pair of rollers.

[0144] Furthermore, the first conveyor roller 73 also functions as a correction unit, which mechanically corrects the slope of the original document 6 relative to the conveying direction (hereinafter referred to as "skew correction"), correcting the edge of the original document 6 to the same direction as the conveying direction. Figure 2As shown, the first conveyor roller 73b, which serves as the drive roller, is driven by a drive motor or the like, and is driven to rotate in the forward direction Ra of the diagram at a predetermined time from a stopped state. The driven roller 73a rotates along with the conveyor roller 73b in a state of being pressed against the conveyor roller 73b.

[0145] In the first conveyor roller 73, while the conveyor roller 73b, which serves as the drive roller, is stationary, the end of the original document 6, conveyed by the feed roller 72 located upstream of the conveying direction of the original document 6, abuts against the pressing portion between the conveyor roller 73b and the conveyor roller 73a. Then, after the first conveyor roller 73 bends the end region of the original document 6 to align the end of the original document 6 with the axial direction of the first conveyor roller 73, the conveying of the original document 6 begins, thereby performing skew correction.

[0146] Furthermore, the automatic document transport device 33 includes: a curved reading guide 78 that guides the document 6 to the reading position and guides the document 6 from the reading position in the discharge direction; a back support member 80 disposed above the reading window 79 and above the reading guide 78 for supporting the back of the document 6; a first size detection sensor 81 disposed in the document storage section 70 for detecting the size of the document 6 in the sub-scanning direction; and a second size detection sensor 82 disposed in the document storage section 70 for detecting the size of the document 6 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0147] The housing 31 of the image reading device 3 is formed as a cuboid box with a partial opening on its upper end face. The housing 31 has: an upper wall 312 opposite to the original document pressing cover 32; a bottom wall 313 opposite to the upper wall 312; and side walls 314 and 315, which are separated from the bottom wall 313 in the sub-scanning direction. Figure 2 Opposite to each other in the left and right directions; the aforementioned front wall 311 (also refer to Figure 1 ); and the rear wall 316, which is along the main scanning direction ( Figure 2 (The direction orthogonal to the paper) is opposite to the front wall 311.

[0148] On the upper wall 312 of the housing 31, a large rectangular opening 317 is formed at a position corresponding to the original document 6 read in the second reading mode. A transparent document table 83 (imprint plate glass) supporting the original document 6 is disposed in the opening 317. Furthermore, a transparent reading window 79 for reading the original document 6 in the first reading mode is provided on the automatic document transport device 33 side of the document table 83. A guide member 84 with an inclined upper end face is provided between the reading window 79 and the document table 83, which guides the original document 6, which has passed through the reading position in the first reading mode, toward the transport roller 75.

[0149] The image reading device 3 has an image reading unit inside the housing 31. This image reading unit includes: a light source 85, an example of an illumination unit, which is composed of an illumination lamp and an LED for illuminating light used to illuminate the original document 6; a reflector 86 that reflects a portion of the light emitted from the light source 85 toward the original document 6; a first reflector 87 that receives the reflected light from the original document 6; a second reflector 88 that receives the reflected light from the first reflector 87; a third reflector 89 that receives the reflected light from the second reflector 88; and an imaging lens 91, which images the reflected light from the third reflector 89 onto an image reading element 90, an example of an image reading unit, which is composed of a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The light source 85 illuminates the original document 6 and the reflector 86. The first to third reflecting mirrors 87 to 89 and the imaging lens 91 constitute a reading optical system for reading the image of the original document 6 through the image reading element 90.

[0150] The light source 85, reflector 86, and first reflector 87 are arranged along the main scanning direction, which is the depth direction of the image reading device 3, and are mounted on a first moving body 92 composed of a sliding frame. This sliding frame is movable along a sub-scanning direction, which is the width direction of the image reading device 3, by a drive source described later. The first moving body 92 is guided by a first track 93. The first moving body 92 illuminates the reading area of ​​the original document 6 while moving along the sub-scanning direction, and reflects the reflected light from the original document 6 towards the second reflector 88 of the second moving body 94 via the first reflector 87. The first track 93 is arranged along the sub-scanning direction on the rear wall 316 of the housing 31.

[0151] Furthermore, the second reflector 88 and the third reflector 89 are arranged along the main scanning direction and mounted on a second movable body 94 composed of a slide, which is configured to move along the sub-scanning direction via a drive unit. While moving in the sub-scanning direction guided by the second track 95, the second movable body 94 reflects the reflected light from the original document 6 toward the imaging lens 91 of the image reading unit. The second track 95 is arranged along the sub-scanning direction on the bottom wall 313 of the housing 31. One first track 93 and one second track 95 are each arranged opposite each other at their ends along the main scanning direction.

[0152] like Figure 9 As shown, the first and second moving bodies 92 and 94 are driven by a drive motor 34, which is an example of a drive source disposed inside the housing 31 of the image reading device 3, in a reciprocating manner along the sub-scanning direction. The drive motor 34 is driven by a drive pulley and a drive line (not shown).

[0153] like Figure 2 As shown, the image reading unit has an image reading substrate 97 on which an image reading element 90 is mounted. The imaging lens 91 and the image reading substrate 97 are mounted on a base plate 96 supported on a bottom wall 313. In the image reading unit, reflected light from the third mirror 89 passes through the imaging lens 91 and forms an image on the image reading element 90, which is composed of a CCD or CMOS sensor. The image of the original document 6 is read by the image reading element 90, and image data is output. If necessary, predetermined image processing, such as brightness correction, is performed on the image data read by the image reading element 90 using an image processing device (not shown), and the image data is sent to the control device 100 (see reference 100). Figure 1 ).

[0154] In the first read mode, such as Figure 2 As shown by solid lines, with the first and second moving bodies 92 and 94 stopped at the reading position set at the left end of the housing 31, the original document 6 is automatically transported by the automatic original document transport device 33. The original document 6 passing through the upper part of the reading window 79 is illuminated by the light source 85. The reflected light image from the original document 6 is reflected by the first reflector 87 to the imaging lens 91 via the second and third reflectors 88 and 89. The image reading unit images the reflected light image from the third reflector 89 onto the image reading element 90 through the imaging lens 91, reads the image of the original document 6 through the image reading element 90, and outputs image data from the image reading element 90.

[0155] On the other hand, in the second reading mode, the first moving body 92 and the second moving body 94 are driven by the driving source described later, configured such that the movement amount of the second moving body 94 is half the movement amount of the first moving body 92, so that the optical path length from the image reading position of the original document 6 to the image reading element 90 does not change during the period when the first moving body 92 moves along the sub-scanning direction. Figure 2 In the image, the double-dotted line indicates the position of the first moving body 92 and the second moving body 94 when the first moving body 92 moves to the vicinity of the end in the sub-scanning direction of the original document 6.

[0156] like Figure 3As shown, the image reading device 3 includes a sheet conveying device 320, which organizes the original document 6, which is an example of a sheet, stored in the original document storage section 70, one by one and conveys it to the reading position. The sheet that has passed through the reading position is flipped back and conveyed back to the reading position in a state with the front and back flipped. The sheet conveying device 320 includes: a push roller 71; a feed roller 72; a pressing pad 72a; a first conveying roller 73; conveying rollers 74 and 75; a discharge roller 77; a drive motor 321 as a drive source that drives these rollers; a fixed-direction rotation mechanism 322 that rotates the first conveying roller 73 in a fixed direction regardless of the rotation direction of the drive motor 321; a first drive transmission switching unit 323 that switches between a state of transmitting drive force to the first conveying roller 73 and a state of not transmitting drive force; and a second drive transmission switching unit 324 that switches between a state of transmitting drive force to the feed roller 72 and the push roller 71 and a state of not transmitting drive force. Additionally, Figure 3 In the diagram, the dashed line indicates the transmission path of the driving force.

[0157] like Figure 3 As shown, the sheet conveying device 320 includes: a normal conveying path 325, which conveys the original document 6, fed by the push roller 71, via a feed roller 72, a first conveying roller 73, conveying rollers 74 and 75, and an exit roller 77; and a reverse conveying path 326, which reverses the rotation direction of the exit roller 77 to flip the front and back sides of the original document 6 held by the exit roller 77 at its rear end, and then conveys the original document 6 back to the first conveying roller 73. The normal conveying path 325 is divided into multiple sections, each having guide members 325a and 325b for guiding the front and back sides of the original document 6, a reading guide 78, and a back support member 80. The reverse conveying path 326 has guide members 326a and 326b for guiding the front and back sides of the original document 6. Furthermore, a switching gate 327 is provided at the branch position where the normal transport path 325 and the reverse transport path 326 separate. This switching gate 327 switches the transport path of the original document 6 from the normal transport path 325 to the reverse transport path 326. This switching gate 327 is formed of a flexible, deformable synthetic resin film or the like, with a cross-sectional shape generally forming a Y-shape. Typically, such as... Figure 3As shown, the switching gate 327 is configured such that a portion of it obliquely traverses the normal transport path 325. When the original document 6 is transported along the normal transport path 325 to the discharge roller 77, the switching gate 327 is pressed by the original document 6 and elastically deformed, thereby opening the normal transport path 325 and switching the transport direction of the original document 6 toward the discharge roller 77. On the other hand, when the discharge roller 77 reverses its rotation direction while holding the rear end of the original document 6, and the original document 6 is transported along the reverse transport path 326 toward the first transport roller 73, the switching gate 327 switches the transport path of the original document 6 transported by the discharge roller 77 from the normal transport path 325 to the reverse transport path 326.

[0158] The sheet conveying device 320 has a document sensor 328 at a position corresponding to the push roller 71 for detecting the end of the document 6. Furthermore, a pre-positioning sensor 329 for detecting the end of the document 6 is provided on the upstream side of the first conveying roller 73 along the conveying direction of the document 6. The sheet conveying device 320 also includes: a positioning sensor (not shown) disposed on the downstream side of the conveying roller 74 along the conveying direction of the document 6 for detecting the end of the document 6; and a flipping sensor (not shown) disposed on the upstream side of the discharge roller 77 along the conveying direction of the document 6 for detecting the rear end of the document 6.

[0159] In addition, although the sheet conveying device 320 is configured to read the image on the back side of the original document 6 by conveying the original document 6 to the reverse conveying path 326, it can also be configured to not provide the reverse conveying path 326, but to arrange a second image reading element (not shown) for reading the image on the back side (second side) of the original document 6 in the middle of the normal conveying path 325. In this way, the images on both the front and back sides of the original document 6 can be read without reversing the conveying direction of the original document 6.

[0160] In this case, it is not necessary to reverse the transport path 326, but a new configuration of the second image reading element is required. Therefore, since the second image reading element itself has a certain degree of weight in the image reading device 3, the automatic original transport device 33 may be further weighted.

[0161] <Structure of the main parts of the image reading device>

[0162] like Figure 4As shown, the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1 includes an automatic document transport device 33, which serves as an example of a document pressing unit. As described above, a document pressing cover 32 is provided on the automatic document transport device 33. A pressing member 32a is provided on the lower surface of the document pressing cover 32. The pressing member 32a is formed in the shape of a white sheet and is used to press a document (not shown) placed on the document table 83. The pressing member 32a is formed in the shape of a planar rectangle having a size approximately equal to that of the document table 83. The automatic document transport device 33 is a device that separates and transports the documents 6 placed on the automatic document transport device 33 one by one to the reading position. It includes a push roller 71 and a feed roller 72 for transporting the documents 6, a first transport roller 73, transport rollers 74 and 75, an exhaust roller 77 and other transport components, and a drive motor 321 (see reference) as the drive source for driving these transport components. Figure 3 Therefore, as described above, the automatic manuscript transport device 33 tends to become heavier overall.

[0163] In the image reading device 3, during the second reading mode, when the original document 6 is placed on the original document stage 83 to read the image of the original document 6, the operator needs to manually open and close the automatic original document transport device 33. Therefore, as the weight of the automatic original document transport device 33 of the image reading device 3 increases, the operating force required to open and close the automatic original document transport device 33 also increases. Therefore, for the image reading device 3, it is desirable to improve operability by reducing the operating force required to open and close the automatic original document transport device 33.

[0164] As a technology that can improve the operability of opening and closing the automatic document transport device 33, as described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the following technology has been proposed: detecting the opening and closing angle of the automatic document transport device 33, and controlling the opening and closing speed of the automatic document transport device 33 based on the opening and closing angle of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0165] However, when the automatic document transport device 33 is configured to detect the opening and closing angle of the automatic document transport device 33 in the image reading device 3 and control the opening and closing speed of the automatic document transport device 33 based on the opening and closing angle of the automatic document transport device 33, there is a technical problem that when the automatic document transport device 33 is opened and closed while heavy objects such as books are placed on it, the drive unit that opens and closes the automatic document transport device 33 will be subjected to excessive load. There is a concern that the gears of the drive unit may be damaged or that malfunctions may occur during the opening and closing operation, which will impair operability.

[0166] Therefore, the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1 is configured to include: an automatic original document transport device 33, which is installed in the housing 31 in an openable and closable manner for transporting the original document 6 to the reading position; and an opening force actuation unit, which, when the automatic original document transport device 33 is opened, causes the driving force of the drive motor 34 to act on the automatic original document transport device 33 only temporarily as an opening force (force in the opening direction).

[0167] Here, "temporarily" means only when the automatic document transport device 33 is opened from a completely closed state, and not for an extended period of time. It does not mean that no opening force is applied after the automatic document transport device 33 is fully opened. The effect of the opening force on the automatic document transport device 33 is, for example, limited to a short period of time at the beginning of opening, starting from a closed state.

[0168] That is, such as Figure 4 As shown, the automatic document transport device 33 of the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1 is mounted on the housing 31 of the image reading device 3 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed via the first and second axis support members 431 and 432. The first and second axis support members 431 and 432 have: bearing portions 441 and 442 provided on the housing 31 side of the image reading device 3; and reading rotating portions 451 and 452 provided on the automatic document transport device 33 side. Figure 5 As shown, bearing sections 441 and 442 and reading rotating sections 451 and 452 are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate around rotating axes 461 and 462. A balancing section (not shown) is built into the reading rotating sections 451 and 452. This balancing section applies torque in the opening direction to the automatic document transport device 33 to reduce the load when opening and closing the automatic document transport device 33. The balancing section includes a coil spring (not shown), which applies torque in the opening direction to the automatic document transport device 33 according to the opening and closing angle of the automatic document transport device 33. Alternatively, the balancing section can also be located on the bearing sections 441 and 442.

[0169] Furthermore, the original document 6 whose image is read by the image reading device 3 is not limited to an original document 6 cropped to a desired size such as A4 or A3, but also includes so-called book original documents such as books with multiple pages bound together. In order to read the image of a book original document in the image reading device 3, it is necessary to... Figure 4 As shown, with the automatic manuscript delivery device 33 turned on, the image of the reading page of the book manuscript is placed face down on the manuscript table 83, and the automatic manuscript delivery device 33 is turned off.

[0170] At this time, since the original manuscript has a certain thickness, when the automatic manuscript conveying device 33 is set to be able to open and close only with the first and second axis support members 431 and 432 as fulcrums, when reading the image of the original manuscript, even if the automatic manuscript conveying device 33 is closed, the automatic manuscript conveying device 33 will be in a tilted state relative to the upper surface of the original manuscript, and will not be able to press the entire surface of the original manuscript.

[0171] Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown in (b) and (c), the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432, which support the automatic document transport device 33 and are capable of opening and closing, have cylindrical lifting portions 441a and 442a in the bearing portions 441 and 442 located on the housing 31 side of the image reading device 3. The lifting portions 441a and 442a of the bearing portions 441 and 442 are inserted into the holes 31a provided on the housing 31 in a manner that allows them to be inserted and removed. Furthermore, the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432 are configured such that when reading an image of a document 6 with a certain thickness, such as a book manuscript, the lifting portions 441a and 442a of the bearing portions 441 and 442 inserted into the holes 31a provided on the housing 31 move upward, thereby making the automatic document transport device 33 approximately parallel to the upper surface of the book manuscript, so that the entire surface of the book manuscript can be pressed.

[0172] like Figure 4 As shown, the left end of the automatic document transport device 33, which houses the transport section for automatically transporting the original document 6, is heavier than the right end. As a result, the center of gravity of the automatic document transport device 33 is shifted to the left of the transport section in the diagram, compared to the center in the width direction. Therefore, the balancing units built into the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432 are configured such that the first balancing device, located on the left side of the diagram (which is the drive side of the automatic document transport device 33), applies a greater torque to the automatic document transport device 33 than the second balancing device, located on the right side (which is the non-drive side of the automatic document transport device 33).

[0173] Figure 6 The torques M1, M2, M3, and the resultant torque M are calculated based on the opening and closing angles of the automatic document transport device 33. T The results are plotted as curves based on the values ​​of M1, where M1 is the torque required to open the automatic document transport device 33 from the closed state (opening angle = 0 degrees), M2 is the torque applied to the automatic document transport device 33 by the first axis support member 431, M3 is the torque applied to the automatic document transport device 33 by the second axis support member 432, and the combined torque M... TIt is the combined torque applied by the first and second shaft support components 431 and 432 to the automatic original document conveying device 33.

[0174] In the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1, in order to minimize the operator's operating force when opening the automatic document transport device 33, the torque M1 required to open the automatic document transport device 33 and the combined torque M of the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432 are set to be such that when the automatic document transport device 33 is opened to a predetermined angle θ (e.g., 10 degrees) of about 5 to 25 degrees, the torque M1 required to open the automatic document transport device 33 and the combined torque M of the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432 are such that when the automatic document transport device 33 is opened to a predetermined angle θ of about 5 to 25 degrees, the torque M1 is such that when the automatic document transport device 33 is opened to a predetermined angle θ (e.g., 10 degrees). T The values ​​are equal. The resultant torque M... T The period exceeding the value of torque M1 is an example of "temporary only" in this embodiment. Furthermore, it is set that when the opening angle of the automatic document transport device 33 exceeds a predetermined angle θ, the combined torque M of the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432... T The torque M1 required to open the automatic document transport device 33 is greater than that required to open the device. As a result, even with the increased weight of the automatic document transport device 33, the operator can easily open it in an angle range exceeding the predetermined angle θ. However, for the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432, it is preferable to prevent the automatic document transport device 33 from accidentally opening when the operator has stopped opening it, even when the opening angle of the automatic document transport device 33 exceeds the predetermined angle θ. Therefore, the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432 are configured to apply a frictional force sufficient to maintain the opening angle when the operator releases their hand from the automatic document transport device 33, even when the opening angle of the automatic document transport device 33 exceeds the predetermined angle θ.

[0175] Furthermore, even when the automatic document transport device 33 is fully closed (opening angle = 0 degrees), a resultant torque M in the opening direction is applied to it through the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432. T At this time, as Figure 6 As shown, the required resultant torque M acting on the automatic document transport device 33 through the first and second shaft support components 431 and 432 is... T It becomes a value that is a tiny amount ΔM lower than the torque M1 required to open the automatic manuscript delivery device 33.

[0176] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing operating force, it is preferable that the period for applying the driving force is until the resultant torque M is reached. TIf the period exceeds the required torque M1 value, then, considering individual differences in the device, a slightly larger driving force may be applied. On the other hand, in order to minimize the driving period within the required range, the target angle may be set to an angle slightly ahead of angle θ. Even in this case, the driving force should be applied to make ΔM sufficiently small, for example, until it reaches less than 10% of ΔM at angle 0 degrees.

[0177] Furthermore, continuous application of driving force can sometimes lead to adverse effects. For example, when the automatic document transport device 33 is fully opened to change a document, the opening and closing process takes time. Therefore, if a user opens the automatic document transport device 33 only to a certain extent and intends to change the document in this state and then close the automatic document transport device 33 again, applying the drive may result in the device being unable to close, or may place unnecessary load on the drive source and the components receiving the drive from it.

[0178] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), the image reading device 3 includes a reed switch 220 and a magnetic component 221, which serve as an example of a detection unit for detecting the opening and closing of the automatic document transport device 33. The reed switch 220 is provided, for example, on the front side of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3 near the reading window 79. Figure 7 As shown, the first reed 222 and the second reed 223 of the reed switch 220 are sealed inside the switch body 224. The first reed 222 is composed of a strongly magnetic material with one end magnetized as the S pole and the other end magnetized as the N pole, and the second reed 223 is also composed of a strongly magnetic material with one end magnetized as the N pole and the other end magnetized as the S pole. First and second contact portions 225 and 226 are respectively provided at the other ends of the first reed 222 and the second reed 223. The reed switch 220 is mounted such that the second reed 223 is located on the surface side of the housing 31.

[0179] On the other hand, in the automatic document transport device 33, a magnetic component 221 is installed in the housing 31 of the image reading device 3 at a position corresponding to the reed switch 220. The magnetic component 221 is composed of a slender permanent magnet with an S pole and an N pole magnetized at both ends respectively. The magnetic component 221 is configured such that the S pole is located on the lower surface side of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0180] And, as Figure 7 (b) and Figure 8As shown, in the reed switch 220, when the automatic document feeder 33 is closed, the S pole of the magnetic component 221 approaches the second contact portion 226 of the S pole of the second reed 223. The second contact portion 226 of the S pole experiences magnetic repulsion, and the first contact portion 225 of the N pole experiences magnetic attraction. Thus, the second contact portion 226 of the S pole of the second reed 223 comes into contact with the first contact portion 225 of the N pole of the first reed 222, becoming a closed state. On the other hand, as... Figure 5 (a) and Figure 7 As shown in (a), in the reed switch 220, when the automatic manuscript conveying device 33 is turned on, the S pole of the magnetic component 221 leaves the reed switch 220. Through the elastic restoring force of the first contact portion 225 composed of the N pole and the second contact portion 226 composed of the S pole, the second contact portion 226 of the second reed 223 leaves the first contact portion 225 of the first reed 222 and becomes disconnected.

[0181] In this way, the reed switch 220 can detect the opening and closing of the automatic manuscript conveying device 33 with high precision by determining whether it is in the on or off state with a simple structure.

[0182] In addition, the detection unit for detecting the opening and closing of the automatic document transport device 33 is not limited to the combination of the reed switch 220 and the magnetic component 221. It can also be a mechanical switch with a contact component that moves in and out of the automatic document transport device 33 near the opening and closing pivot point of the automatic document transport device 33, or an optical switch that optically detects the opening and closing of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0183] In the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1, such as Figure 5 As shown, as an example of an opening force action unit, a pusher 200 for pushing the automatic document transport device 33 upward is provided in the back part of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3. When the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the opening force action unit causes the driving force of the drive source to act on the automatic document transport device 33 only temporarily as an opening force.

[0184] In this embodiment 1, as Figure 9 As shown, the push-up device 200 does not have its own drive source, but uses the drive motor 34 of the reading optical system of the image reading device 3 as the drive source. Alternatively, the push-up device 200 may of course have its own drive source.

[0185] like Figure 10 As shown, a drive pulley 201 for driving the reading optical system and a drive gear 202 for driving the push-up device 200 are mounted on the drive shaft 341 of the drive motor 34. Figure 9As shown, a timing belt 204 is wound on the drive pulley 201 between the driven pulley 203 and the reading optical system of the image reading device 3.

[0186] like Figure 10 As shown, in the second reading mode, when reading the image of the original document 6, the drive motor 34 is driven to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. The drive gear 202 meshes with the drive force transmission gear 205, which has a built-in electromagnetic clutch 205c, an example of a switching unit, toggling whether to transmit the rotational drive force of the drive motor 34 to the upward pushing device 200. The drive force transmission gear 205 has a first drive force transmission gear 205a with a relatively large outer diameter on the input side and a second drive force transmission gear 205b with a relatively small outer diameter on the output side. The second drive force transmission gear 205b meshes with a reciprocating gear 208, which causes the linkage mechanism 207 to reciprocate via a drive line 206, an example of a line component.

[0187] A locking pin 209 is provided on the outer peripheral end of one side of the reciprocating gear 208, protruding laterally. One end of the drive line 206 is rotatably engaged with the locking pin 209. The other end of the drive line 206 is engaged with the linkage mechanism 207.

[0188] like Figure 9 As shown, the linkage mechanism 207 is mounted on a support plate 210, which is positioned upright at the bottom of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3. The linkage mechanism 207 pushes the lower surface of the automatic document feeder 33 upward by moving its lower end horizontally and rotating its upper end around a central pivot point 215. Figure 5 As shown in (a), the linkage mechanism 207 sets the position where the automatic document transport device 33 is pushed upwards to a position that is closer to the front (front surface) of the image reading device 3 than the rotation axes 461, 462 of the first and second axis support members 431, 432, and further to the rear (back) of the document stage 83, which serves as the reading position of the document 6. When the position where the linkage mechanism 207 pushes the automatic document transport device 33 upwards is far away from the rotation axes 461, 462 of the first and second axis support members 431, 432, the distance between the point of application of the upward thrust on the automatic document transport device 33 and the rotation axes 461, 462 is longer, and the torque M acting on the automatic document transport device 33 becomes larger.

[0189] However, as Figure 6As shown, for the torque M acting on the automatic document transport device 33 by pushing the automatic document transport device 33 upward by the linkage mechanism 207, it is only necessary to consider the combined torque M1 required to open the automatic document transport device 33 and the torque M applied to the automatic document transport device 33 by the balancing part of the first and second shaft support members 431, 432. T The difference ΔM or more is sufficient. Therefore, the linkage mechanism 207 does not need to apply a particularly large torque M to the automatic original document transport device 33, and the linkage mechanism 207 can be configured close to the rotation axes 461 and 462 of the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432. Therefore, the linkage mechanism 207 only needs to be configured close to the back of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3, thereby avoiding the situation of making the housing 31 of the image reading device 3 large.

[0190] like Figure 9 As shown, the linkage mechanism 207 includes: a first linkage member 211, the upper end 211a of which abuts against the lower surface of the automatic document transport device 33 in the closed state, and the lower end 211b of which is supported to be movable in the horizontal direction; and a second linkage member 212, the upper end 212a of which is rotatably connected to the middle of the first linkage member 211, and the lower end 212b of which is supported to be movable in the horizontal direction.

[0191] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first link member 211 is formed as an elongated flat plate. The first link member 211 is mounted such that its lower end 211b is movable horizontally along the surface of the support plate 210 in a first guide groove 213 provided on the support plate 210 via a first sliding shaft 214. The first guide groove 213 is provided horizontally along the support plate 210 for a desired length. The upper end 211a of the first link member 211 stops at a position abutting against the lower end face of the automatic document transport device 33. The end of the drive line 206 is rotatably connected to the lower end 211b of the first link member 211 via the first sliding shaft 214.

[0192] On the other hand, the second link member 212 is formed as an elongated flat plate with a length shorter than the first link member 211. The upper end 212a of the second link member 212 is rotatably connected to a pivot point 215, which is located at the midpoint of the first link member 211 along its length. This connection position of the second link member 212 becomes the pivot point 215 when the first link member 211 rotates in an upright direction. The second link member 212 is mounted such that its lower end 212b is located below the lower end 211b of the first link member 211, and can move horizontally along the surface of the support plate 210 in a second guide groove 216 provided on the support plate 210 via a second sliding shaft 217. On the support plate 210, the second guide groove 216 guiding the lower end 212b of the second link member 212 is provided horizontally for a desired length.

[0193] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, for the linkage mechanism 207, by rotating the drive motor 34 in the desired direction, the reciprocating gear 208 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, and the drive line 206 connected to the engagement pin 209 of the reciprocating gear 208 moves to the left in the figure. Thus, the drive line 206 is pulled to the left in the figure as the reciprocating gear 208 rotates, causing the lower end 211b of the first linkage component 211 to move to the left in the horizontal direction.

[0194] The second link member 212 is connected to the middle of the first link member 211 in a manner that allows it to rotate around the pivot point 215. Therefore, as Figure 11 As shown, the upper end 211a of the first link member 211 rotates clockwise around the pivot point 215. Furthermore, the pivot point 215, which serves as the connection point between the second link member 212 and the first link member 211, moves upwards as the first link member 211 rotates clockwise. Therefore, the upper end 212a of the second link member 212 moves to the right in the figure along with the clockwise rotation of the first link member 211, and its lower end 212b also moves to the right in the figure.

[0195] Furthermore, the first link component 211, under the tension of the drive line 206 acting on its lower end 211b, rotates clockwise in the figure, using the rotation fulcrum 215 between it and the second link component 212 as the fulcrum. At the same time, the upper end 211a of the first link component 211 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3 and pushes the automatic document transport device 33 upward, assisting the operator in opening the automatic document transport device 33.

[0196] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, a slit-shaped opening 312a is provided on the upper wall 312 of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3 for the first connecting rod component 211 to enter and exit.

[0197] When the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the drive motor 34 is only temporarily driven for a predetermined time T, pushing the automatic document transport device 33 upward via the linkage mechanism 207. After the automatic document transport device 33 is opened to a set angle that is a few degrees (1 to 2 degrees) larger than the predetermined angle θ, it stops and immediately reverses the rotation drive to end the upward pushing operation of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0198] Here, the predetermined time T for rotating the drive motor 34, i.e. the fixed time T, has the same meaning as the "temporary" mentioned above. It means that the automatic document transport device 33 is only opened from the state of being completely closed, and is not sustained for a long time. It does not mean that no opening force is applied after the automatic document transport device 33 is fully opened.

[0199] Furthermore, the predetermined angle θ refers to, for example, the combined torque M1 required to open the automatic document transport device 33 and the torque M1 of the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432. T Equal angles.

[0200] Alternatively, the following structure can be adopted: the drive line 206 is not connected to the reciprocating gear 208 in a rotatable manner via the locking pin 209, but instead has a spool (not shown) instead of the reciprocating gear 208, one end of the drive line 206 is fixed to the spool, and the drive line 206 is wound around the spool.

[0201] Furthermore, in the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1, when the automatic document transport device 33 is turned off, and a heavy object such as a book is placed on the automatic document transport device 33, the automatic document transport device 33 will not open even if the linkage mechanism 207 is driven, which raises concerns that excessive load may be applied to the drive motor 34 of the linkage mechanism 207.

[0202] Furthermore, in the image reading device 3 of Embodiment 1, there is a situation where, after the operator temporarily opens the automatic document transport device 33, the automatic document transport device 33 is closed before it has opened to a predetermined angle θ. Therefore, in the image reading device 3, there is a concern that forcibly closing the automatic document transport device 33 midway through the operation of opening the automatic document transport device 33 to the predetermined angle θ by driving the linkage mechanism 207 would result in excessive load being applied to the drive motor 34 that drives the linkage mechanism 207.

[0203] Therefore, the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1 includes an absorption section 240, which is used to absorb excessive force when an excessive force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the pushing device 200. The absorption section 240 is an example of an elastic member that absorbs excessive force by elastic deformation when an excessive force is applied to the pushing device 200.

[0204] To further explain, in the image reading device 3, a coil spring 241, serving as an example of an absorption unit 240, is inserted midway along the drive line 206 that transmits the driving force of the drive motor 34 to the linkage mechanism 207. The coil spring 241 has a required spring constant. The spring constant of the coil spring 241 is set to a value that is greater than the tension acting on the drive line 206 when the linkage mechanism 207 pushes up the automatic document transport device 33, but smaller than the tension when the pushing device 200 is subjected to a load exceeding a predetermined value, such as when a heavy object is placed on the automatic document transport device 33. Therefore, although the coil spring 241 stretches to a certain length L2 when the linkage mechanism 207 pushes up the automatic document transport device 33, it is still relatively stable. Figure 14 As shown, the length L2 of the helical spring 241 is shorter than the length L3 when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the pushing device 200. Furthermore, the helical spring 241 has a length L1 before tension is applied to the drive line 206.

[0205] In this embodiment 1, when an excessive load is applied to the drive motor 34, the helical spring 241 is stretched to absorb the excessive load acting on the drive motor 34. Therefore, it avoids the drive motor 34 from overheating and breaking due to overload, or the reciprocating gear 208 that transmits driving force from being damaged or misaligned.

[0206] Figure 13 This is a block diagram showing the control device 100 of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1.

[0207] like Figure 13 As shown, the control device 100 includes: a control unit 101 as an example of a control unit; a timing unit 102 for measuring time; and a storage unit 103 as an example of a storage unit.

[0208] The control unit 101 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1, including the image reading operation of the image reading device 3, by executing a program stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 101 drives the image forming unit 2, which consists of a charging device (not shown), an exposure device, a developing device, a primary transfer device, etc., in each of the imaging devices 10 (Y, M, C, K) for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to perform the forming operation of color images, etc.

[0209] Furthermore, the control unit 101 controls the reading operation of the image reading device 3 through the timing unit 102, the storage unit 103, etc.

[0210] At this time, when the control unit 101 detects that the automatic document transport device 33 has changed from the closed state to the open state based on the open / close signal of the automatic document transport device 33 input from the reed switch 220, it drives the motor 34 for a predetermined time T (temporarily only). Here, the predetermined time T is, for example, set to the time required for the motor 34 to open the automatic document transport device 33 to a set angle a few degrees (1 to 2 degrees) larger than the predetermined angle θ.

[0211] Simultaneously, when the timing unit 102 detects that the automatic document transport device 33 has transitioned from the closed state to the open state based on the opening / closing signal of the automatic document transport device 33 input from the reed switch 220, it measures the elapsed time. Then, when the timing unit 102 measures that a predetermined time T has elapsed, it outputs an elapsed signal to the control unit 101.

[0212] When the control unit 101 receives the passing signal output from the timing unit 102, it performs control so that after stopping the drive motor 34, it causes the drive motor 34 to rotate in the opposite direction for a predetermined time T and then stops it.

[0213] Furthermore, the control unit 101 engages and disengages the electromagnetic clutch 205c at the required times. The control unit 101 sets the moment when it engages the electromagnetic clutch 205c to the moment it detects that the automatic document transport device 33 is open based on the opening / closing signal of the automatic document transport device 33 input from the reed switch 220. Furthermore, the control unit 101 sets the moment when it disengages the electromagnetic clutch 205c to the moment after a predetermined time T has elapsed since the electromagnetic clutch 205c became engaged.

[0214] <Operation of the image reading device>

[0215] In the image forming apparatus 1 using the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1, as follows, when copying the image of the original document 6 or reading the image of the original document 6 and sending it via the fax function, the operating force when opening the automatic original document transport device 33 in the image reading device 3 can be reduced without compromising operability, compared to the case where the automatic original document transport device 33 in the image reading device 3 is driven to open and close within the entire opening and closing angle range.

[0216] That is, in the image reading device 3 of the image forming apparatus 1, such as Figure 4As shown, when reading the image of the original document 6 in the second reading mode, the automatic original document transport device 33, which functions as the original document pressing part, is turned on, the original document 6 is placed on the original document table (imprint plate glass) 83 provided on the upper end surface of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3, the automatic original document transport device 33 is turned off, and then the desired copying operation is performed through the control panel 66 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0217] The image reading device 3 performs the following actions according to the actions specified by the control panel 66: reads the image of the original document 6 using the image reading device 3, forms the image of the original document 6 on the recording paper 5 using the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, or sends the image of the original document 6 read by the image reading device 3 to a personal computer (not shown), or sends the image of the original document 6 read by the image reading device 3 via the fax function.

[0218] In the image reading device 3 that reads the image of the original document 6, the automatic original document transport device 33 includes a transport component for automatically transporting the original document 6 in the first reading mode and a drive motor 321, resulting in a relatively large weight for the image reading device 3. Therefore, in the second reading mode of the image reading device 3, when the original document 6 is placed on the original document stage 83 and the image of the original document 6 is read by pressing the original document 6 with the automatic original document transport device 33, the operator needs to operate the relatively heavy automatic original document transport device 33 to open and close.

[0219] In the image reading device 3, when the operator opens the automatic original document transport device 33, the reed switch 220 detects that the automatic original document transport device 33 has been opened.

[0220] like Figure 13 As shown, when the control unit 101 of the control device 100 detects that the automatic manuscript transport device 33 has been opened by the signal from the reed switch 220 changing from the on state to the off state, it puts the electromagnetic clutch 205c of the drive force transmission gear 205 into the on state, and at the same time drives the drive motor 34 to rotate for a predetermined time T (temporarily only).

[0221] In the image reading device 3, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the drive motor 34 is rotated, it drives the drive force transmission gear 205 to rotate. Since the electromagnetic clutch 205c is engaged, the drive force transmission gear 205 transmits the rotational drive force from the drive motor 34 to the second drive force transmission gear 205b, and the reciprocating gear 208 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure by the required angle.

[0222] Therefore, the tension pulling to the left in the figure acts on the drive line 206, which is connected to the reciprocating gear 208 at one end, and causes the lower end 211b of the first link component 211 of the linkage mechanism 207 to move to the left in the figure via the helical spring 241.

[0223] like Figure 11 As shown, when the lower end 211b of the first link component 211 moves to the left in the figure, the upper end 211a rotates clockwise around the rotation fulcrum 215 located in the middle, pushing the lower surface of the automatic document transport device 33 upward, thereby opening the automatic document transport device 33.

[0224] Therefore, when the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the operation of opening the automatic document transport device 33 is assisted by the upward pushing action of the first linkage component 211. Thus, the operation of opening the automatic document transport device 33 can be easily performed regardless of the weight of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0225] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the angle at which the first linkage component 211 opens the automatic document transport device 33 is set to a set angle that is a few degrees (1 to 2 degrees) larger than a predetermined angle θ. Therefore, after the operator assists in opening the automatic document transport device 33 through the first linkage component 211, the combined torque M applied by the balancing parts built into the first and second shaft support components 431 and 432 is utilized. T It can easily open the automatic manuscript feeder 33 to the fully open position.

[0226] When the timing unit 102 times out a predetermined time T, the control unit 101 of the control device 100 stops the drive motor 34 and immediately drives the drive motor 34 to rotate in the opposite direction for the predetermined time T. Furthermore, the control unit 101 disengages the electromagnetic clutch 205c at the same time as stopping the drive motor 34.

[0227] Therefore, as the drive motor 34 rotates in the opposite direction, as... Figure 9 As shown, the drive line 206, which is connected to the reciprocating gear 208 at one end, moves to the right in the figure, thereby causing the lower end 211b of the first link component 211 of the linkage mechanism 207 to move to the right in the figure.

[0228] When the lower end 211b of the first link component 211 moves to the right in the figure, the upper end 211a rotates counterclockwise around the central pivot point 215 and moves downward, leaving the lower surface of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0229] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, by disengaging the electromagnetic clutch 205c, the second drive force transmission gear 205b of the drive force transmission gear 205 can rotate freely, thereby releasing the action of pulling the drive line 206.

[0230] Thus, in the image reading device 3 of Embodiment 1 described above, the operator's opening of the automatic document transport device 33 is detected by the reed switch 220, and the automatic document transport device 33 is temporarily pushed upward by the drive motor 34 via the drive line 206 and the linkage mechanism 207. Therefore, even if the automatic document transport device 33 has a relatively large weight, the operation of opening the automatic document transport device 33 can be easily performed by using the drive motor 34 to assist the operator in opening the automatic document transport device 33.

[0231] Furthermore, in the image reading device 3 of Embodiment 1 described above, even when a heavy object such as a book (not shown) is placed on the automatic document transport device 33, or when the operator closes the automatic document transport device 33 midway through its operation, such as... Figure 14 As shown, since a helical spring 241 is sandwiched in the middle of the drive line 206, the excessive load can be absorbed by stretching the helical spring 241 by a length L3, thereby preventing the excessive load from acting on the drive motor 34.

[0232] Therefore, according to the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 1, compared with the case where the automatic document transport device 33 is driven to open and close in the entire range of opening and closing angles, the operating force when opening the automatic document transport device 33 can be reduced without impairing operability.

[0233] Implementation Method 2

[0234] Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is a structural diagram showing the image reading device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0235] like Figure 15 As shown, the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 2 is configured such that the automatic original document transport device 33 is not directly pushed up by the linkage mechanism 207, but is pushed up by the following flat-shaped drop prevention member 300. The drop prevention member 300 is disposed on the back side of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3 to prevent the original document 6 from falling from the upper wall 312 of the housing 31 to the back side.

[0236] A guide member 301 is provided on the housing 31 of the image reading device 3. This guide member 301 guides the fall prevention member 300 in a manner that allows it to move up and down in the vertical direction. The fall prevention member 300 has guide portions 300a at both ends along its width direction, and these guide portions 300a are guided by the guide member 301 in the vertical direction. The guide member 301 is configured to support the fall prevention member 300 with a certain degree of friction, and to maintain the fall prevention member 300 in its raised position when it moves upward.

[0237] Similar to Embodiment 1, the upper end 211a of the first link member 211 of the linkage mechanism 207 abuts against the lower end of the fall prevention member 300. The linkage mechanism 207 is driven by the drive motor 34.

[0238] In this embodiment 2, as Figure 16 As shown, the configuration is such that when the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the drive motor 34 is driven to rotate, and the drop prevention member 300 is moved upward via the linkage mechanism 207, thereby opening the automatic document transport device 33 by pushing it upward through the drop prevention member 300.

[0239] In this way, since the fall prevention component 300 pushes the automatic document transport device 33 upward through its upper end surface, compared with the case where the automatic document transport device 33 is pushed upward through the upper end 211a of the first link component 211 of the linkage mechanism 207, the upward pushing force can be applied evenly to the automatic document transport device 33, thereby enabling smooth upward operation.

[0240] Then, after the drive motor 34 stops, it is driven to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the linkage mechanism 207 to descend. However, the fall prevention member 300 maintains its raised position by means of the friction of the guide member 301. Therefore, in the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 2, even when the automatic document transport device 33 is open, it is possible to prevent the document 6 from falling from between the first and second axis support members 431 and 432 to the back side. In addition, the fall prevention member 300 is pressed down by the automatic document transport device 33 when it is closed.

[0241] Other structures and functions are the same as in Embodiment 1, therefore their descriptions are omitted.

[0242] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case of applying the image reading device to a color copier, which is an example of an image forming apparatus, has been described, but it is not limited thereto. Of course, the image reading device can also be used as a scanner and a fax machine, etc.

[0243] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case of using a helical spring as the absorption part has been described. However, it is also possible to configure a torque limiter that limits the driving torque in the drive force transmission gear 205 or the like as the absorption part.

[0244] Implementation Method 3

[0245] Figure 17 This is a structural diagram showing the overall outline of the image forming apparatus to which the image reading apparatus of Embodiment 3 of the present invention is applied. Furthermore, descriptions of structures identical to those in Embodiment 1 are omitted.

[0246] <Overall Structure of the Image Forming Apparatus>

[0247] The image forming apparatus 1 of Embodiment 3 is configured as a color copier, for example, that forms color images using a so-called inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 1 includes: an image reading device 3, as an example of an image reading unit, which reads the image of the original document 6; and an image forming unit 2, as an example of an image forming unit, which forms an image on a recording medium based on image data read by the image reading device 3, etc. The image reading device 3 is disposed above the apparatus body 1a, which houses the image forming unit 2, and is supported by a support 4. A space is formed between the image reading device 3 and the apparatus body 1a for discharging the recording medium on which the image is formed.

[0248] like Figure 17 As shown, the image forming unit 2 includes the following components: a plurality of inkjet heads 10 that eject ink onto a recording medium to form an image; a paper feeding device 50 that receives and transports recording paper 5, an example of a recording medium, to be supplied to the image forming position of each inkjet head 10; and a transport device 40 that discharges the recording paper 5 supplied from the paper feeding device 50 after transporting it to the image forming position. The main body 1a of the device is formed by a support structure component, an outer cover, etc. Furthermore, the dashed lines in the figure show the transport path for transporting the recording paper 5 inside the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0249] The inkjet head 10 consists of inkjet heads 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K, corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) inks, respectively. The inkjet heads 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K of each color are arranged sequentially in the transport direction of the recording paper 5. Each inkjet head 10 ejects ink droplets under the control of the control device 100, thereby forming an image on the recording paper 5.

[0250] In the inkjet head 10, multiple ink ejection outlets (not shown) are arranged along the width direction, which intersects the transport direction of the recording paper 5. Each inkjet head 10 ejects ink droplets from its ink ejection outlet onto the recording paper 5 supplied from the paper feed unit 50 and transported by the transport unit 40, based on image information. Furthermore, the method by which the inkjet head 10 ejects ink droplets is not particularly limited; for example, a thermosensitive method that uses heat to eject ink droplets, or a piezoelectric method that uses pressure to eject ink droplets, such as using a piezoelectric element, can be appropriately employed.

[0251] Each inkjet head 10 is supplied with ink of the corresponding color from ink cartridge 30. Ink cartridge 30 consists of ink cartridges 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K, which correspond to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) inks, respectively. Each ink cartridge 30 contains its respective color of ink. Specifically, ink cartridge 30Y contains yellow ink, ink cartridge 30M contains magenta ink, ink cartridge 30C contains cyan ink, and ink cartridge 30K contains black ink.

[0252] Furthermore, each ink cartridge 30 is configured to be detachable from the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus 1 and connected to its corresponding inkjet head 10. Moreover, each ink cartridge 30 supplies ink of a specific color to each inkjet head 10 under the control of the control device 100.

[0253] The paper feeding device 50 is positioned below the inkjet head 10. The paper feeding device 20 mainly consists of: one or more paper receivers 51 that hold recording papers 5 of desired size, type, etc.; and feed devices 52 and 53 that feed the recording papers 5 one by one from the paper receivers 51. The paper receivers 51 are, for example, mounted so that they can be pulled out toward the front side (the side facing the operator) of the device body 1a.

[0254] As for the recording paper 5, in addition to uncoated papers such as ordinary paper, coated papers such as art paper and coated paper, which have lower ink absorption than uncoated paper, can also be used. Furthermore, coated paper refers to paper whose surface layer is formed by fillers and adhesive resins. Examples of fillers that can be used include calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, kaolin, talc, silica, alumina, titanium dioxide, aluminum hydroxide, and zinc oxide. Additionally, examples of adhesive resins that can be used include styrene-butadiene copolymers and acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer latexes.

[0255] The conveying device 40 includes a paper conveying path 47, which consists of multiple paper conveying rollers 41-46 and a conveying guide (not shown). The multiple paper conveying rollers 41-46 convey the recording paper 5 fed from the paper feeding device 50 through the image forming position to the discharge and receiving section 48 located on the upper part of the device body 1a. In the paper conveying path 47, a paper conveying roller 42 positioned immediately preceding the image forming position is configured, for example, as a roller (registration roller) for adjusting the conveying timing of the recording paper 5. Furthermore, a paper conveying roller 46 positioned immediately preceding the discharge and receiving section 48 is configured as a discharge roller, which discharges the recording paper 5 with the image formed onto it to the discharge and receiving section 48.

[0256] In the example shown, a fixing device S is arranged downstream of the inkjet head 10 along the transport direction of the recording paper 5. This fixing device S fixes the image formed by the inkjet head 10 on the recording paper 5. However, it is not mandatory to provide a fixing device S.

[0257] <Structure of an image reading device>

[0258] like Figure 18 As shown, the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 3 includes: an automatic original document transport device 33, which is installed in the housing 31 in an openable and closable manner for transporting the original document 6 to the reading position; and an upward force action part (e.g., an upward pull device 200), which applies only temporarily the driving force of the drive motor 34 as an upward pull force to pull the automatic original document transport device 33 in the opening direction when the automatic original document transport device 33 is opened.

[0259] Furthermore, in the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 3, the upward pulling force unit is configured to include: an upward pulling force member, which is configured to rotate around a rotation axis inside the automatic document transport device 33; and a line member, which causes an upward pulling force in the direction of opening the automatic document transport device 33 to act on the end of the upward pulling force member located on the opposite side of the rotation axis.

[0260] like Figure 18 As shown, in the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 3, an upward pulling device 200, which is an example of an upward pulling force action unit, is provided on the back side inside the housing 31 of the image reading device 3. When the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the upward pulling device 200 causes the driving force of the drive source to act on the automatic document transport device 33 only temporarily as an upward pulling force that pulls the automatic document transport device 33 in the opening direction.

[0261] In this embodiment 3, as Figure 20As shown, the pull-up device 200 does not have its own drive source; instead, it uses the drive motor 34 of the reading optical system of the image reading device 3 as its drive source. Alternatively, the pull-up device 200 may, of course, have its own drive source.

[0262] like Figure 21 As shown, a drive pulley 201 for driving the reading optical system and a drive gear 202 for driving the pull-up device 200 are mounted on the drive shaft 341 of the drive motor 34. Figure 20 As shown, a timing belt 204 is wound on the drive pulley 201 between the driven pulley 203 and the reading optical system of the driving image reading device 3.

[0263] Figure 21 In the second reading mode, the drive motor 34 is rotated in both the forward and reverse directions when reading the image of the original document 6. The drive gear 202 meshes with the drive force transmission gear 205, which incorporates an electromagnetic clutch 205c, an example of a switching unit, toggling whether the rotational drive force of the drive motor 34 is transmitted to the upward pull-up device 200. The drive force transmission gear 205 has a first drive force transmission gear 205a with a relatively large outer diameter on the input side and a second drive force transmission gear 205b with a relatively small outer diameter on the output side. The second drive force transmission gear 205b meshes with a reciprocating gear 208, which causes the drive line 206, an example of a line component, to reciprocate.

[0264] A locking pin 209 is provided on the outer peripheral end of one side of the reciprocating gear 208, protruding to the side. One end of the drive line 206 is rotatably engaged with the locking pin 209.

[0265] The horizontal end of the drive cable 206 is wound onto the first pulley 210, and the direction of the end of the drive cable 206 changes to the upward direction in the vertical direction. The first pulley 210 is rotatably mounted. Figure 20 The image reading device 3 shown is inside the housing 31. The end of the drive line 206, after being wound around the second pulley 211, is guided into the interior of the automatic document transport device 33, which is rotatably positioned on the back of the automatic document transport device 33 at a position corresponding to the first shaft support member 431.

[0266] like Figure 18As shown in (a), inside the automatic document transport device 33, an opening arm member 212, formed as an elongated plate, is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 461 of the first shaft support member 431. The opening arm member 212 extends with its end portion located near the front end of the automatic document transport device 33. The end of the drive line 206 is connected and fixed to the end portion 212a of the opening arm member 212. A short working arm 212c is integrally provided on the opening arm member 212, which branches out from the middle portion of the opening arm member 212 along the length direction toward the upper part in the vertical direction. The end of the working arm 212c of the opening arm member 212 abuts against the top wall 33a provided on the upper part of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0267] In the pull-up device 200, when the reciprocating gear 208 is rotated in the desired direction by rotating the drive motor 34, the drive line 206 moves towards... Figure 20 The left side of the drive line 206 is pulled and moved, and one end of the drive line 206 is rotatably engaged with the engagement pin 209 provided in the reciprocating gear 208. The movement of the drive line 206 is transmitted via the first and second pulleys 210 and 211 to the opening boom component 212 disposed inside the automatic original document conveying device 33, and the opening boom component 212 moves towards... Figure 18 Rotate clockwise. When the boom assembly 212 is opened... Figure 18 When rotated clockwise, the end of the actuating arm 212c abuts against the top wall 33a located on the upper part of the automatic document transport device 33, thereby pulling the automatic document transport device 33 clockwise.

[0268] As the boom assembly 212 rotates clockwise as shown in the figure, the top wall 33a of the automatic document feeder 33 is pulled up by the arm 212c of the boom assembly 212, thereby assisting the operator in opening the automatic document feeder 33.

[0269] The end portion 212a of the opening boom component 212 along its length becomes the point of application for the upward pulling force applied by the drive line 206. Furthermore, the end of the actuating arm 212c located at the middle along its length of the opening boom component 212 becomes the point of application for the actual upward pulling force applied to the top wall 33a of the automatic document conveying device 33. Therefore, in the pushing device 200, in the torque that causes the end portion 212a of the opening boom component 212 to rotate clockwise in the figure via the drive line 206, a large upward pulling force acts based on a lever effect, which is related to the... Figure 18 The distance from the base end 212b to the end portion 212a shown is proportional to the distance from the base end 212b to the actuating arm 212c.

[0270] When the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the drive motor 34 is driven only temporarily for a predetermined time T, pulling the automatic document transport device 33 upward via the drive line 206. The automatic document transport device 33 is opened to a set angle that is a few degrees (1 to 2 degrees) larger than the predetermined angle θ, and then stops. Then, it immediately rotates in the opposite direction to end the upward action of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0271] Alternatively, the drive line 206 may be configured such that, instead of being rotatably connected to the reciprocating gear 208 via the locking pin 209, it has a spool (not shown) instead of the reciprocating gear 208, with one end of the drive line 206 fixed to the spool and the drive line 206 wound around the spool.

[0272] Furthermore, in the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 3, when the automatic document transport device 33 is turned off, and a heavy object such as a book is placed on the automatic document transport device 33, the automatic document transport device 33 will not turn on even if the drive line 206 is driven, which raises concerns that excessive load may be applied to the drive motor 34 that drives the drive line 206.

[0273] Furthermore, in the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 3, there is a situation where, after the operator temporarily opens the automatic document transport device 33, the automatic document transport device 33 is closed before it is opened to a predetermined angle θ. Therefore, there is a concern in the image reading device 3 that, midway through the operation of the drive line 206 to open the automatic document transport device 33 to the predetermined angle θ, the automatic document transport device 33 is forcibly closed, resulting in excessive load being applied to the drive motor 34 that drives the drive line 206.

[0274] Therefore, the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 3 includes an absorption section 240, which is used to absorb excessive force when an excessive force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the pushing device 200. The absorption section 240 is, for example, made of an elastic member, which elastically deforms when an excessive force is applied to the pulling device 200, thereby absorbing the excessive force.

[0275] To further explain, in the image reading device 3, a helical spring 241, serving as an example of an absorption unit 240, is installed midway along the drive line 206 of the automatic document transport device 33, which transmits the driving force of the drive motor 34 as an upward pulling force. The helical spring 241 has a desired spring constant. The spring constant of the helical spring 241 is set to a value that is greater than the tension acting on the drive line 206 when the automatic document transport device 33 is pulled along the drive line, and less than the tension acting on the upward pulling device 200 under a load exceeding a predetermined value, such as when a heavy object is placed on the automatic document transport device 33. Therefore, the helical spring 241 is stretched to a certain length L2 when the automatic document transport device 33 is pulled along the drive line, but, as... Figure 24 As shown, the length L2 of the helical spring 241 is shorter than the length L3 when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the pulling device 200. Furthermore, the helical spring 241 has a length L1 before tension is applied to the drive line 206.

[0276] In this embodiment 3, when an excessive load is applied to the drive motor 34, the helical spring 241 is stretched to absorb the excessive load acting on the drive motor 34. Therefore, it avoids the drive motor 34 from overheating and breaking due to overload, or the reciprocating gear 208 that transmits the driving force from experiencing tooth damage or misalignment.

[0277] like Figure 20 As shown, in the image reading device 3, when the drive motor 34 is rotated, the drive motor 34 rotates the drive force transmission gear 205. Since the electromagnetic clutch 205c in the drive force transmission gear 205 is engaged, the rotational drive force from the drive motor 34 is transmitted to the second drive force transmission gear 205b, thereby rotating the reciprocating gear 208 counterclockwise by the required angle.

[0278] Therefore, the tension pulling to the left in the figure acts on the drive line 206, which is connected to the reciprocating gear 208 at one end, and pulls the end part 212a of the opening boom component 212, which is located inside the automatic manuscript conveying device 33, in a clockwise direction via the helical spring 241 and the first and second pulleys 210 and 211.

[0279] When the opening boom assembly 212 is pulled clockwise by the drive line 206 connected to the end portion 212a, the opening boom assembly 212 itself also rotates clockwise. Then, the actuating arm 212c located at the middle of the opening boom assembly 212 abuts against the top wall 33a of the automatic document transport device 33, pulling the automatic document transport device 33 in the opening direction, thereby opening the automatic document transport device 33.

[0280] Therefore, when the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the operation of opening the automatic document transport device 33 is assisted by the upward action of the drive line 206. Thus, the operation of opening the automatic document transport device 33 can be easily performed regardless of the weight of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0281] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the drive line 206 sets the opening angle of the automatic document transport device 33 to a set angle that is a few degrees (1 to 2 degrees) larger than the predetermined angle θ. Thus, after the drive line 206 assists in opening the automatic document transport device 33, the combined torque M applied by the balancing parts built into the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432... T The operator can easily open the automatic manuscript feeder 33 to the fully open position.

[0282] When the timing unit 102 times out a predetermined time T, the control unit 101 of the control device 100 immediately reverses the rotation of the drive motor 34 for the predetermined time T after stopping the drive motor 34. Furthermore, the control unit 101 disengages the electromagnetic clutch 205c at the same time as stopping the drive motor 34.

[0283] Therefore, as Figure 20 As shown, with the rotation of the drive motor 34 in the opposite direction, the drive line 206, which is connected to the reciprocating gear 208 at one end, moves to the right in the figure, thus causing the drive line 206 to move to the right in the figure.

[0284] As the drive line 206 moves to the right in the figure, the opening boom component 212, which is connected to the inside of the automatic document transport device 33 via the first and second pulleys 210 and 211, also rotates counterclockwise and leaves the top wall 33a of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0285] Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, by disengaging the electromagnetic clutch 205c, the second drive force transmission gear 205b of the drive force transmission gear 205 can rotate freely, thereby releasing the action of stretching the drive line 206.

[0286] Thus, in the image reading device 3 of Embodiment 3 described above, the reed switch 220 detects the operator's opening of the automatic document transport device 33 and drives the drive motor 34, thereby temporarily pulling up the automatic document transport device 33 using the drive line 206 and the linkage mechanism 207. Therefore, even when the automatic document transport device 33 has a relatively large weight, the operation of opening the automatic document transport device 33 can be easily performed by assisting the operator's action of opening the automatic document transport device 33 with the drive motor 34.

[0287] Furthermore, in the image reading device 3 of Embodiment 3 described above, even when a heavy object such as a book (not shown) is placed on the automatic document transport device 33, or when the operator closes the automatic document transport device 33 midway through its operation, such as... Figure 24 As shown, since a helical spring 241 is inserted in the middle of the drive line 206, the excessive load can be absorbed by extending the helical spring 241 by a certain amount L3, thus preventing excessive load from acting on the drive motor 34.

[0288] Therefore, according to the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 3, compared with the case where the automatic document transport device 33 is driven to open and close in the entire range of opening and closing angles, the operating force when opening the automatic document transport device 33 can be reduced without impairing operability.

[0289] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case of applying the image reading device to a color copier, which is an example of an image forming apparatus, has been described, but it is not limited thereto. Of course, the image reading device can also be used as a scanner and a fax machine, etc.

[0290] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case of using a helical spring as the absorption part has been described. However, it is also possible to configure a torque limiter that limits the driving torque in the drive force transmission gear 205 or the like as the absorption part.

[0291] Implementation Method 4

[0292] Next, the image reading device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, descriptions of structures identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0293] The image reading device 3 of Embodiment 4 is configured to include: an automatic original document transport device 33, which is installed in the housing 31 in an openable and closable manner for transporting the original document 6 to the reading position; a restoring force action unit, which is compressed and deformed to apply an elastic restoring force in the opening direction to the automatic original document transport device 33; and a release unit, which releases the compression deformation of the restoring force action unit by the operator's hand when the automatic original document transport device 33 is opened.

[0294] like Figure 25 and Figure 26As shown, the automatic document transport device 33 of the image reading device 3 includes a document pressing cover 32 with a flat lower end face. An opening / closing cover 411 is provided on the automatic document transport device 33, which covers the sheet transport device 320 built into the left end of the automatic document transport device 33. The upper end face of the document pressing cover 32 of the automatic document transport device 33 forms a discharge and receiving section 76 for discharging the document 6. Furthermore, the automatic document transport device 33 has a support structure 32b at its rear end, which integrally supports the document pressing cover 32 and the sheet transport device 320, etc., covering the entire width direction of the automatic document transport device 33 (see reference). Figure 26 ).

[0295] Furthermore, an operating section 200 is provided at the lower end of the front surface side of the automatic document transport device 33, in the center of its width direction. This operating section 200 is operated by hand by the operator when opening and closing the automatic document transport device 33. The operating section 200 is composed of an elongated recess having a required width along the width direction of the automatic document transport device 33.

[0296] More specifically, the operating section 200 is formed as an elongated, generally rectangular cuboid recess with an opening on its front surface, comprising: a top surface 201 positioned at a desired height from the lower end face of the automatic document transport device 33; left and right side surfaces 202 and 203, spaced apart by a desired interval along the width direction of the automatic document transport device 33; and a back surface 204 (see reference). Figure 25 The document feeder 33 has a rear surface 205 disposed at the required depth on the back side of the automatic document feeder 33, and a bottom surface 205 disposed at the lower end of the automatic document feeder 33. Figure 25 As shown, the top surface 201 of the operating section 200 is located at a position that is offset downward by a required height ΔH compared to the upper end surface of the end located on the front surface side of the automatic document transport device 33. This required height ΔH is equivalent to the thickness of the handle portion when the operator inserts their hand into the operating section 200 and holds it. Alternatively, the operating section 200 may not have a bottom surface 205, but may be configured as an elongated recess with openings on the front surface and bottom surface.

[0297] like Figure 25 As shown, inside the operating section 200 of the automatic document transport device 33, an operating lever 210, serving as a grip, is rotatably mounted. This operating lever 210 is held by the operator when opening or closing the automatic document transport device 33. Figure 27As shown, the operating lever 210 is formed into an elongated flat plate shape corresponding to the shape of the operating section 200. The operating lever 210 is mounted fixed to a rotating shaft 211, which is located at the inner end of the operating section 200 along the depth direction. The operating lever 210 is subjected to a clockwise force by a force-applying unit such as a torsion spring (not shown) provided on the rotating shaft 211. The rotating shaft 211 is a shaft-shaped component that is longer than the length of the operating section 200 along the width direction.

[0298] like Figure 25 and Figure 27 As shown, the rotating shaft 211 is mounted so that its two ends pass through the left and right sides 202 and 203 of the operating part 200 along its axial direction and can rotate inside the automatic document transport device 33. Inside the automatic document transport device 33, there is a flat support plate 212 that supports the rotating shaft 211 so that it can rotate.

[0299] Inside the automatic document transport device 33, at both ends of the rotating shaft 211 along the axial direction, there are first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, which serve as restoring force units and are compressed to apply an elastic restoring force in the opening direction to the automatic document transport device 33; and first and second latching members 2301 and 2302, which serve as release units and are released by the operator's hand when the automatic document transport device 33 is opened. Furthermore, the number of helical springs 220 and latching members 230 is not limited to two; only one helical spring 220 and latching member 230 may be provided, or more than three may be provided.

[0300] like Figure 27 As shown in (a), the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 are constructed from elastic linear materials such as steel, stainless steel, or synthetic resin, and are formed into a helix with a desired outer diameter and a predetermined spring constant. The spring constants of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 do not necessarily have to be equal. For example, the spring constant of the first helical spring 2201, which is disposed on the sheet conveying device 320 side, may be set to be larger than the spring constant of the other helical spring 2202.

[0301] The first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 are installed in such a state that they are fixed to the support plate portion 212 by means of adhesive bonding, screw fixing, or other methods via a circular plate-shaped fixing member 223 fixed to their upper ends. Furthermore, a circular plate-shaped buffer member 224 made of an elastic material such as rubber is fixed to the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 by means of adhesive bonding or other methods. Additionally, the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 are free ends that are not fixed to other components.

[0302] The retaining member 225 is fixed to the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, respectively. The retaining member 225 holds the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 in a vertically oriented position by abutting against the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302, respectively. The retaining member 225 clamps the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, connecting a pair of plate-like members to each other at the front surface side (right side in the figure), forming a generally triangular-shaped component when viewed from the side extending towards the front surface side of the housing 31. The retaining member 225 is fastened to the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 by means of adhesive or the like. A buffer member 224 is disposed on the lower surface of the retaining member 225. Furthermore, any structure capable of maintaining the posture of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 in the vertical direction is sufficient; a retaining member 225 is not necessarily required. In this case, for example, a structure can be described as follows: by arranging a shaft-shaped or cylindrical member shorter than the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 inside the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, the posture of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 can be maintained in the vertical direction.

[0303] like Figure 25 As shown, in the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, the first helical spring 2201 is positioned corresponding to the first shaft support member 431, and the second helical spring 2202 is positioned closer to the inside of the housing 31 of the automatic document transport device 33 in the width direction than the second shaft support member 432. The weight of the automatic document transport device 33 in the width direction is relatively heavier on the left side of the figure and relatively lighter on the right side, which is its non-drive side. Therefore, the first helical spring 2201 of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 is positioned, for example, corresponding to the relatively heavier first shaft support member 431, while the second helical spring 2202 is positioned closer to the inside of the housing 31 of the automatic document transport device 33 in the width direction than the relatively lighter second shaft support member 432, i.e., closer to the first shaft support member 431.

[0304] like Figure 27 As shown in (a), in the automatic document transport device 33, the upper wall 312 of the housing 31 corresponding to the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 is provided with abutment portions 312a for the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 to abut against. The abutment portion 312a is composed of a protrusion that protrudes upward from the surface of the upper wall 312 of the housing 31. Alternatively, it is not necessary to provide abutment portions 312a; the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 may be configured to directly abut against the upper wall 312 of the housing 31.

[0305] like Figure 27 As shown in (a), the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 are made of synthetic resin or metal, and are configured as plate-shaped members that are approximately L-shaped when viewed from the side and have the required thickness. The first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 are mounted in the recess (not shown) of the support plate portion 212 in a state of being fixed to the rotation shaft 211, in a manner that abuts against the center of the first and second planar circular helical springs 2201 and 2202, respectively.

[0306] The first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 include: an elongated, flat, shaft support portion 231 fixed to a rotating shaft 211; an elongated, generally parallelogram-shaped retaining portion 232 integrally disposed at the lower end of the shaft support portion 231 in an inclined state; and a short plate-shaped latching portion 233 disposed at the lower end of the retaining portion 232 in a manner rotatable about a shaft 234. The upper edge of the inclined retaining portion 232 of the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 abuts against the side of the retaining member 225 of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202.

[0307] like Figure 27 As shown in (b) and (c), the latch portions 233 of the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 are subjected to counterclockwise force by a force-applying unit such as a torsion spring (not shown) disposed on the shaft 234. The latch portions 233 are held in a counterclockwise direction by the stop 235 abutting against the abutment portion 236 provided at the lower end of the retaining portion 232. Figure 27 The stop member 235 is integrally provided in the stopped state shown in (c), which protrudes to the opposite side via the shaft 234.

[0308] like Figure 28As shown, when the operator holds the operating lever 210 by hand, the counterclockwise rotational force of the operating lever 210 is transmitted to the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 via the rotating shaft 211, thereby causing the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 to rotate counterclockwise together with the operating lever 210. Then, in the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302, when the latching part 233 disengages from the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, the compressed state of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 implemented by the latching part 233 is released, and the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 are stretched into a free shape. At this time, the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 abut against the abutment portion 312a of the upper wall 312 of the housing 31 of the automatic document transport device 33, and a pressing force is applied to press the abutment portion 312a downward. As a reaction force of the pressing force of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, an upward pushing force acts on the automatic document transport device 33.

[0309] like Figure 6 As shown, the torque M acting on the automatic document transport device 33 by the upward push of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 is only the resultant torque M1 required to open the automatic document transport device 33 and the torque M1 applied to the automatic document transport device 33 by the balancing parts of the first and second shaft support members 431 and 432. T The difference ΔM or more is sufficient. Therefore, since the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 do not need to apply a particularly large torque M to the automatic document transport device 33, they can be small helical springs with a small spring constant, thereby avoiding the need for the automatic document transport device 33 to be large.

[0310] Furthermore, when the operator's hand leaves the operating lever 210, the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 rotate clockwise in the figure via a force-applying unit such as a torsion spring (not shown) provided on the rotating shaft 211.

[0311] like Figure 29 As shown, when the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 rotate clockwise, the latching part 233 compresses and deforms the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 via the buffer member 224 provided on the lower end face of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202. The first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 stop in the state where the retaining part 232 abuts against the retaining member 225 of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202. Therefore, when the operator's hand leaves the operating lever 210, the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 rotate clockwise, compressing and deforming the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, and then stop.

[0312] <Operation of the image reading device>

[0313] In the image forming apparatus 1 using the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 4, when copying the image of the original document 6 or reading the image of the original document 6 and sending it via a fax function, the operating force when opening the original document pressing unit can be reduced with a simpler structure compared to the case where only a spring component is sandwiched between the original document pressing unit and the main body of the apparatus.

[0314] That is, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the image reading device 3 of the image forming apparatus 1, when reading the image of the original document 6 in the second reading mode, the automatic original document transport device 33, which functions as the original document pressing unit, is turned on, and the original document 6 is placed on the original document table (imprint plate glass) 83 provided on the upper end surface of the housing 31 of the image reading device 3. After the automatic original document transport device 33 is turned off, the desired copying operation is performed through the control panel 66 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0315] The image reading device 3 performs the following actions according to the actions specified by the control panel 66: reads the image of the original document 6 using the image reading device 3, forms the image of the original document 6 on the recording paper 5 using the image forming unit 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, or sends the image of the original document 6 read by the image reading device 3 to a personal computer (not shown), or sends the image of the original document 6 read by the image reading device 3 via the fax function.

[0316] In the image reading device 3 that reads the image of the original document 6, the automatic original document transport device 33 includes a sheet transport device 320 consisting of a transport component for automatically transporting the original document 6 in the first reading mode and a drive motor 321, resulting in a relatively large weight for the image reading device 3. Therefore, in the image reading device 3, in the second reading mode, when the original document 6 is placed on the original document stage 83 and the image of the original document 6 is read by pressing the original document 6 with the automatic original document transport device 33, the operator needs to open and close the relatively heavy automatic original document transport device 33.

[0317] In addition, such as Figure 30 As shown, in this embodiment 4, when the operator opens the automatic document transport device 33, the image reading device 3 holds the operation part 200 located at the end of the front surface side of the automatic document transport device 33 by hand.

[0318] Therefore, when the operator holds the operating part 200 of the automatic document feeder 33 by hand, the operating lever 210 provided on the operating part 200 is rotated counterclockwise by holding the operating lever 210. As a result, the rotating shaft 211, to which the operating lever 210 is fixed, rotates counterclockwise together with the operating lever 210.

[0319] like Figure 28 As shown, the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302, which are also fixed to the rotating shaft 211, rotate counterclockwise together with the operating lever 210, releasing the compression state of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202, which are controlled by the latching part 233. At this time, the lower ends of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 abut against the abutting part 312a of the upper wall 312 of the housing 31 of the automatic document transport device 33, thereby pushing the automatic document transport device 33 upward.

[0320] In addition, such as Figure 29 As shown, when the operator's hand leaves the operating lever 210, the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 rotate clockwise in the figure via a force-applying unit such as a torsion spring (not shown) provided on the rotating shaft 211.

[0321] When the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 rotate clockwise as shown in the figure, the latching part 233 compresses and deforms the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 via the buffer member 224 provided on the lower end face of the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202. Therefore, when the operator's hand leaves the operating lever 210, the first and second latching components 2301 and 2302 rotate clockwise as shown in the figure, causing the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 to compress and deform and stop.

[0322] Therefore, the action of pushing up the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 to compress and deform them is automatically performed by the operator releasing the operating lever 210 of the automatic manuscript conveying device 33. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to push up the first and second helical springs 2201 and 2202 to compress and deform them by any part.

[0323] On the other hand, the action of closing the automatic document transport device 33 is performed by the operator holding the operating part 200. At this time, the operator performs the action of closing the automatic document transport device by pressing down the upper part of the operating part 200 of the automatic document transport device 33, so the locking of the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 will not be released by holding the operating lever 210.

[0324] Alternatively, a locking unit (not shown) can be provided, which stops the rotation of the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 even when the operating lever 210 is held after the automatic document transport device 33 is opened. In this case, the locking unit can be configured to release the locking state when the lower ends of the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 come into contact with the abutment portion 312a after the automatic document transport device 33 is closed.

[0325] Therefore, according to the image reading device 3 of this embodiment 4, compared with the case where the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 are not provided, the operability of opening the original document transport unit can be improved with a simple structure, wherein the first and second latching members 2301 and 2302 release the compression deformation of the restoring force unit by being held by the operator by hand when the automatic original document transport device 33 is opened.

[0326] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case of applying the image reading device to a color copier, which is an example of an image forming apparatus, has been described, but it is not limited thereto. Of course, the image reading device can also be used as a scanner, fax machine, etc.

[0327] The above embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0328] This application claims priority under Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-018454 dated February 6, 2020, Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-035294 dated March 2, 2020, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-035253 dated March 2, 2020.

Claims

1. An image reading device, comprising: The original document pressing part is installed on the main body of the device in a way that allows it to be opened and closed, and presses the original document; and The opening force action part, when the original document pressing part is opened, causes the driving force of the driving source to act on the original document pressing part only temporarily as an opening force.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1, comprising: The detection unit detects the opening and closing of the original document pressing part; and The driving unit drives the driving source only for a fixed time when the detection unit detects that the original document pressing part is in an open state.

3. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit drives the drive source from the moment it detects that the original pressing part is open, until the opening angle of the original pressing part reaches a predetermined angle.

4. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The image reading device includes a balancing unit that applies a force in the opening direction to the original document pressing part. The drive unit drives the drive source until the torque required to open the original document pressing part becomes less than or equal to the torque generated by the force of the balance unit in the opening direction. After the torque required to open the original document pressing part becomes less than or equal to the torque generated by the force of the balance unit in the opening direction, the drive source is stopped.

5. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, After the drive unit performs the temporary drive, it reverses, releasing the force transmitted to the opening force unit.

6. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The opening force application part applies the opening force to a position closer to the front side than the fulcrum and further inward than the reading position of the original document, and the original document pressing part is supported at the fulcrum so that it can be opened and closed.

7. The image reading device according to claim 5, wherein, The opening force application part causes the upward thrust to act on the original manuscript pressing part.

8. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The image reading device includes an absorption section that absorbs the excessive force when an excessive force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the opening force application section.

9. The image reading device according to claim 8, wherein, The absorbing part is composed of an elastic component. When the excessive force is applied to the opening force application part, the elastic component absorbs the excessive force through elastic deformation.

10. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The opening force action part has: A linkage mechanism that pushes the original document pressing part upward by moving the lower end horizontally and rotating the upper end around a central fulcrum; and A linear component that moves the lower end of the linkage mechanism by the driving force of the drive source.

11. The image reading device according to claim 10, wherein, The linkage mechanism has the following characteristics: The first connecting rod component has its upper end abutting against the original document pressing part, and its lower end supported so as to be movable horizontally; and The second link component has its upper end rotatably connected to the middle of the first link component, and its lower end is supported so as to be able to move in the horizontal direction.

12. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The image reading device includes an image reading unit that reads the image of the original document as it is conveyed to the reading position by the original document pressing unit. The driving source is composed of the driving source of the image reading unit.

13. The image reading device according to claim 12, wherein, When the original pressing part is open, the power supply to the drive source is cut off.

14. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, The original manuscript pressing part is mounted on the main body of the device via a rotating shaft. The opening force actuation unit includes an upward actuation unit, which temporarily applies the driving force of the drive source as an upward pulling force in the direction of opening the original document pressing part. The upper tensioning part has: The upper pulling force component is arranged inside the original document pressing part in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation axis as a fulcrum; as well as A thread component that applies an upward pulling force in the direction of opening the original pressing part to the end of the upward pulling force component located on the side opposite to the rotation axis.

15. The image reading device according to claim 14, wherein, The upper pulling force component has an arm that branches out from the middle position along the length of the upper pulling force component and applies an upper pulling force in the opening direction to the original document pressing part.

16. The image reading device according to claim 15, wherein, The upper tensioning part converts the movement direction of the thread component into the opening and closing direction of the original document pressing part via a pulley disposed in the middle of the thread component.

17. The image reading device according to claim 14, wherein, The image reading device includes an absorption section that absorbs the excessive force when an excessive force exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the upper pulling force section.

18. The image reading device according to claim 17, wherein, The absorbing part is composed of an elastic component, which absorbs the excessive force by elastic deformation when the excessive force is applied to the upper tensile force part.

19. The image reading device according to claim 14, wherein, The image reading device includes an image reading unit that reads the image of the original document as it is conveyed to the reading position by the original document pressing unit. The driving source is composed of the driving source of the image reading unit.

20. The image reading device according to claim 19, wherein, When the original pressing part is opened or closed, the power supply to the drive source is cut off.

21. An image forming apparatus comprising: An image reading unit reads an image from the original document; and An image forming unit that forms an image of the original document read by the image reading unit. The image forming apparatus uses the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 20 as the image reading unit.

Images