Image reading apparatus

Abstract

If switching between a separation function and a non-separation function is performed in addition to switching of a posture of a device main body, the user's operation increases. An image reading apparatus, a device main body of which is capable of being switched between a first posture and a second posture having a smaller inclination angle than the first posture. The image reading apparatus is capable of switching between a separation state in which a separation roller separates a document and a non-separation state in which the separation roller does not separate the document, and the separation roller is set to the separation state when the device main body is in the first posture and is set to the non-separation state when the device main body is in the second posture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image reading device for reading images from a reading medium. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of an image reading device, there exists a paper-feed scanner. In such image reading devices, a structure is sometimes used to separate the medium by clamping it with a separation roller and a feed roller. In addition, the original document may be in the form of a sheet or a booklet. If a separation action is applied to a booklet-shaped original document, the original document may be damaged. Therefore, as in the image reading device described in Patent Document 1, there exists a device that can switch between a separation feed that achieves separation and a non-separation feed that stops separation.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-099298.

[0006] In the image reading device described in Patent Document 1, the separation function and the non-separation function are switched according to the operator's instructions. However, in a structure where the posture of the device body can be switched between a posture suitable for sheet-shaped originals and a posture suitable for booklet-shaped originals, in addition to switching the posture of the device body, it is also necessary to switch between the separation function and the non-separation function, which increases the user's operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The image reading apparatus of the present invention, which addresses the aforementioned problems, is characterized by comprising: a main support portion mounted on a mounting surface of the apparatus; and an apparatus body supported on the main support portion, the apparatus body comprising: an original document support portion supporting an original document; a feed roller for feeding the original document supported on the original document support portion; a separation roller disposed opposite to the feed roller; a reading portion for reading the original document fed by the feed roller; and a reading transport path, which is an original document transport path for transporting the original document and is opposite to the reading portion. The apparatus body is mounted on the main support portion in a manner rotatable relative to the main support portion. The apparatus body can switch between a first posture and a second posture by rotation, the second posture being a posture in which the angle between the reading transport path and the mounting surface is smaller than that of the first posture. The apparatus body further comprises a separation switching unit capable of switching between a separation state in which the separation roller separates the original document and a non-separation state in which the separation roller does not separate the original document. The separation switching unit sets the separation roller to the separation state when the apparatus body is in the first posture and sets the separation roller to the non-separation state when the apparatus body is in the second posture. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a stereoscopic view of the scanner with the main body of the device in a normal reading posture, viewed from the front.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a stereoscopic view of the scanner's main body in its normal reading posture, viewed from the rear.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a stereoscopic view of the main body of the observation device in its normal reading posture with the scanner of the third unit open.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a stereoscopic view of the main body of the device in its normal reading posture with the scanner of the second unit open, viewed from above.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the original document transport path of the scanner, viewed from the width direction, with the main body of the device in a normal reading posture.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the original document transport path of the scanner, with the main body of the device in a booklet reading posture, viewed from the width direction.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a 3D view of the scanner with the back cover of the first unit removed, viewed from the rear.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the posture switching motor and the rotation conversion unit.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the posture switching motor and rotation conversion unit when the main body of the device is in a normal reading posture, viewed from the width direction.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the posture switching motor and rotation conversion unit when the main body of the device is in the booklet reading posture, viewed from the width direction.

[0018] Figure 11 (a) and Figure 11 (b) is a diagram showing the second posture detection sensor.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing the control system of the scanner.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the posture-maintaining unit involved in other embodiments.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the first frame and the separation switching unit (first embodiment) viewed from the rear.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a side view of the roller cage.

[0023] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the separating roller, roller cage, and torque limiter.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the separation switching unit (first embodiment) in a separated state.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a side view of the separation switching unit (first embodiment) in a separated state.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the separation switching unit (first embodiment) in a non-separated state.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a side view of the separation switching unit (first embodiment) in a non-separated state.

[0028] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the separation switching unit (second embodiment) in a separated state.

[0029] Figure 22 This is a side view of the main part of the separation switching unit (second embodiment) in a separated state.

[0030] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the separation switching unit (second embodiment) in a non-separated state.

[0031] Figure 24 This is a side view of the main part of the separation switching unit (second embodiment) in a non-separated state.

[0032] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process during posture switching of the main body of the device.

[0033] Symbol Explanation

[0034] 1. Scanner; 2. Main body of the device; 3. First unit; 4. Second unit; 4a. Upper surface; 5. Third unit; 6. Main body support; 6a; 6a-1. Vertical wall; 6b. Toothed part; 6c. Main body rotation axis; 6d. Protrusion; 6e. First abutment part; 6f. Second abutment part; 6h. Cam part; 7. Operating part; 8a. Lock release part; 10. Upper opening and closing part; 11. Original document support part; 12a, 1 2b. Edge guide; 13. Feed inlet; 14. Feed roller; 15. Separating roller; 16. First conveyor roller pair; 17. First lower roller; 18. First upper roller; 20. Second conveyor roller pair; 21. Second lower roller; 22. Second upper roller; 24. Third conveyor roller pair; 25. Third drive roller; 26. Third driven roller; 28. Fourth conveyor roller pair; 29. ​​Fourth drive roller; 30. Fourth driven roller; 32. First readout roller. Part; 32a, Contact glass; 33, Second reading part; 33a, Contact glass; 35, Baffle; 35a, Baffle rotation shaft; 35b, Detected part; 37, First outlet; 38, Second outlet; 40, Posture switching motor; 41, Rotation conversion unit; 42, Worm gear; 43, Gear; 44, Shaft; 45, Gear; 46, First compound gear; 47, Second compound gear; 50, Conveyor motor; 51, Drive pulley; 52, Belt; 53, Driven pulley; 60, Posture holding unit; 61, Protrusion; 62, Recess; 63, First frame; 63a, Boss; 63b, Supported part; 63g, Bearing part; 63h, Guide groove; 64, Second frame; 64a, Frame rotation shaft; 65, Third frame; 66, Back cover; 71, First connection part (USB Type-A); 72, Second connection part (USB 73. Third connection part (DC socket); 79. Circuit board; 80. Control unit; 81. CPU; 82. Flash ROM; 83. RAM; 84. Interface; 86. First solenoid; 87. First posture detection sensor; 88. Second posture detection sensor; 89. First rotation detection unit; 89a. Rotating disc; 89b. Detection unit; 90. Second rotation detection unit; 90a. Rotating disc; 90b. Detection unit; 91. Stacking detection unit; 92. Placement detection unit; 93. First original document detection unit; 94. Second original document detection unit; 97. Roller holder; 97a, Shaft; 97b, Shaft; 98, Torque limiter; 98a, Shaft; 99, First gear; 100, Separation switching unit; 101, First mechanism; 102, Second mechanism; 103, Linkage assembly; 103a, Hole; 104, Compression coil spring; 105, Guide component; 105a, Spring retainer; 105b, Shaft; 106, Connecting shaft; 107, Second gear; 108, Third gear; 109, Fourth gear; 110, Rotation limiting component; 110a, Tooth; 110b, Boss; 112, Rotating cam; 112a, First cam portion;112b, Second cam section; 113, Rotation limiting component; 113a, Tooth; 113b, Elongated hole; 113c, First cam follower; 113d, Second cam follower; 115, First rotating component; 115a, Tooth; 116, Second rotating component; 116a, Tooth; 116b, Boss; 500, External device; R1, Original document feed path; R2, Reading conveyor path; R3, Tilting conveyor path; R4, Non-tilting conveyor path. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in a general sense.

[0036] The image reading device according to the first method is characterized by comprising: a main support portion mounted on a mounting surface of the device; and a device body supported on the main support portion, the device body comprising: an original document support portion supporting an original document; a feed roller feeding the original document supported on the original document support portion; a separation roller disposed at a position opposite to the feed roller; a reading portion reading the original document fed by the feed roller; and a reading transport path being an original document transport path for transporting the original document and opposite to the reading portion. The device body is mounted on the main support portion in a manner rotatable relative to the main support portion. The device body can switch between a first posture and a second posture in which the angle between the reading transport path and the mounting surface is smaller than that of the first posture by rotation. The device body further comprises a separation switching unit capable of switching between a separation state in which the separation roller separates the original document and a non-separation state in which the separation roller does not separate the original document. The separation switching unit sets the separation roller to the separation state when the device body is in the first posture and sets the separation roller to the non-separation state when the device body is in the second posture.

[0037] According to this method, the separation switching unit sets the separation roller to the separated state when the main body of the device is in the first posture, and sets the separation roller to the non-separated state when the main body of the device is in the second posture. Therefore, the user does not need a special operation to switch the separation roller between the separated state and the non-separated state, and the ease of use of the device is improved.

[0038] The second method is characterized in that, in the first method, a resistance application part is provided to apply rotational resistance to the separating roller, and the separation switching unit forms the separation state by restricting the rotation of the resistance application part and restricting the linkage rotation between the separating roller and the resistance application part, and forms the non-separation state by allowing the rotation of the resistance application part and allowing the linkage rotation between the separating roller and the resistance application part.

[0039] According to this method, since the structure switches between the separated state and the non-separated state by restricting and allowing the rotation of the resistance application part, the separated state and the non-separated state can be easily switched.

[0040] The third method is characterized in that, in the second method, the separation switching unit includes: a linkage member that engages with a cam portion formed in the main body support portion and is slidable within the device body; and a pressing member that presses the linkage member toward the cam portion, the cam portion having a shape that allows the linkage member to slide as the device body rotates, thereby switching between the separation state and the non-separation state by the linkage member sliding as the device body rotates, the separation state being a state that restricts the rotation of the resistance application portion, and the non-separation state being a state that allows the rotation of the resistance application portion.

[0041] According to this method, the separation switching unit switches the structure that limits and allows the rotation of the resistance application part by means of a linkage component that slides according to the posture of the main body of the device, thus enabling the separation switching unit to be implemented with a simple structure.

[0042] The fourth method is characterized in that, in the third method, a first gear is provided in the resistance application part, and the separation switching unit includes: a first mechanism part including the linkage member; a second mechanism part associated with the first gear; and a connecting shaft, which is a rotatable shaft extending along the rotation axis direction of the resistance application part, the connecting shaft connecting the first mechanism part and the second mechanism part.

[0043] According to this method, the first mechanism and the second mechanism are connected by the connecting shaft, thus enabling the first mechanism and the second mechanism to be configured off the ground, increasing the design freedom of the device.

[0044] The fifth method is characterized in that, in the fourth method, the second mechanism includes: a second gear that meshes with the first gear; and a third gear that meshes with the second gear and is disposed at one end of the connecting shaft; the first mechanism includes: a fourth gear disposed at the other end of the connecting shaft; and a rotation limiting member that has teeth that can mesh with the fourth gear, engages with the connecting rod member, and rotates with the sliding of the connecting rod member to move the teeth forward and backward relative to the fourth gear. The engagement of the teeth with the fourth gear restricts the rotation of the resistance applying part, thereby achieving the separated state; and the disengagement of the teeth from the fourth gear allows the rotation of the resistance applying part, thereby achieving the non-separated state.

[0045] The sixth method is characterized in that, in the fourth method, the second mechanism includes: a rotation limiting member, which is a member having teeth that mesh with the first gear and is capable of moving forward and backward relative to the first gear; and a rotation cam, which is disposed at one end of the connecting shaft and switches between a state in which the rotation limiting member moves forward toward the first gear and a state in which the rotation limiting member moves backward from the first gear by rotation, and the first mechanism includes a structure that rotates the connecting shaft by sliding along the connecting rod member.

[0046] The seventh method is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth methods, it has a frame constituting the main body of the device, the frame being shaped to extend along the reading and conveying path, and the separation switching unit being disposed in a region formed on the lower side of the frame.

[0047] According to this method, a frame comprising a base body of the device is formed in a shape extending along the reading and conveying path, and the separation switching unit is disposed in a region formed on the lower side of the frame. Therefore, by utilizing the region formed on the lower side of the frame to arrange the separation switching unit, the enlargement of the device can be suppressed.

[0048] The eighth method is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh methods, it comprises: a flipping conveyor path, which is a manuscript conveyor path downstream of the reading conveyor path, for flipping the read manuscript upward and discharging it; a non-flipping conveyor path, which is a manuscript conveyor path downstream of the reading conveyor path, for discharging the read manuscript without flipping it; and a conveyor path switching unit, which switches the manuscript conveyor path connected to the reading conveyor path to either the flipping conveyor path or the non-flipping conveyor path, wherein the conveyor path switching unit connects the reading conveyor path to the flipping conveyor path when the device body obtains the first posture, and connects the reading conveyor path to the non-flipping conveyor path when the device body obtains the second posture.

[0049] According to this method, the image reading device can switch between the flip-feed transport path and the non-flip-feed transport path, thus enabling efficient transport of flexible original documents by utilizing the non-flip-feed transport path. Here, the device body can switch between a first posture and a second posture where the angle between the reading transport path and the mounting surface is smaller than the first posture by rotation. Furthermore, the transport path switching unit connects the reading transport path to the flip-feed transport path when the device body achieves the first posture, and connects the reading transport path to the non-flip-feed transport path when the device body achieves the second posture. Therefore, compared to discharging the original document using the non-flip-feed transport path when the first posture is achieved, the document discharge direction can be along the mounting surface. As a result, larger original documents can be discharged compared to discharging the original document using the non-flip-feed transport path when the first posture is achieved.

[0050] Furthermore, by assuming the device body in the first posture, the angle between the reading and conveying path and the mounting surface can be larger than in the second posture, thereby reducing the space occupied by the device body.

[0051] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0052] Hereinafter, as an example of an image reading device, a scanner 1 capable of reading at least one of the first side and the opposite second side of an original document will be described. The scanner 1 is a so-called paper feed scanner that reads the original document while moving it relative to the reading unit described later.

[0053] In this specification, the original manuscript includes not only sheet-like original manuscripts, but also card-like original manuscripts and booklet-like original manuscripts.

[0054] Furthermore, in the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, which is also the width direction of the original document. The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the device, and the Z-axis direction is along the vertical direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, the +Y direction is defined as the direction from the back of the device toward the front surface, and the -Y direction is defined as the direction from the front surface of the device toward the back. Additionally, the left direction when viewed from the front surface of the device is defined as the +X direction, and the right direction is defined as the -X direction.

[0056] Additionally, the direction in which the original manuscript is transported is sometimes referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction as "upstream."

[0057] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 In the scanner 1, there is a device body 2 and a main support part 6 that supports the device body 2 so that it can rotate.

[0058] The main body 2 of the device is configured to have a first unit 3, a second unit 4 and a third unit 5.

[0059] The second unit 4 and the third unit 5 are configured to be able to rotate around the frame axis 64a (see reference). Figure 3 The frame rotation axis 64a is a rotation axis that forms a center parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0060] The second unit 4 and the third unit 5 can rotate as a unit relative to the first unit 3 about the frame rotation axis 64a (see reference). Figure 4 By rotating the second unit 4 and the third unit 5 relative to the first unit 3, it is possible to achieve the following: Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the original document transport path is exposed. In particular, the original document feed path R1 and the read transport path R2, described later, are exposed. By sliding the locking release part 8a in the -X direction, the user can release the lock of the second unit 4 relative to the first unit 3 and open the second unit 4.

[0061] Furthermore, the third unit 5 can rotate relative to the first unit 3 and the second unit 4 about the frame rotation axis 64a (see reference). Figure 3 By rotating the third unit 5 relative to the first unit 3 and the second unit 4, as follows: Figure 3 This allows a portion of the original document transport path to be exposed. In particular, it allows the flip transport path R3, described later, to be exposed.

[0062] The main body 2 can rotate relative to the main body support 6 around the main body rotation axis 6c (see reference). Figure 7 , Figure 8 Rotating around a central point, in this embodiment, the device body 2 can maintain two postures by rotating. The two postures of the device body 2 are as follows: Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, in the future... Figure 5 The posture is called the normal reading posture. Figure 6 The posture is called the booklet reading posture. Usually, the reading posture is an example of the first posture of the device body 2, and the booklet reading posture is an example of the second posture of the device body 2.

[0063] Figure 5 The angles α1 and α1 shown Figure 6 The angles α2 shown are the angles formed by the reading and transport path R2 (described later) and the mounting surface G of the device. The angle α2 in the booklet reading posture is smaller than the angle α1 in the normal reading posture.

[0064] Under normal reading posture, the projected area of ​​the device body 2 onto the mounting surface G of the scanner 1 is minimized, which is the posture in which the device body 2 occupies the least space.

[0065] Furthermore, the space occupied in this specification refers to the area occupied by the main body 2 of the device in the XY plane when viewed from above.

[0066] The standard reading posture is suitable for reading sheet-like originals, that is, originals with low rigidity and easy to bend. The booklet reading posture is suitable for reading originals with high rigidity and difficult to bend, such as plastic cards and booklets.

[0067] The front surface of the device is provided with an operation section 7 consisting of multiple operation buttons, including a power button.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, a first connecting portion 71, a second connecting portion 72, and a third connecting portion 73 are provided on the sides in the +X direction surrounding the device. The first connecting portion 71 is a connector that connects to a USB Type-A plug (not shown), for example, as a connection target. The second connecting portion 72 is a connector that connects to a USB Type-C plug (not shown), for example, as a connection target. The third connecting portion 73 is a connector that connects to a power plug (not shown) for supplying power to the device body 2.

[0069] In addition, USB is short for Universal Serial Bus, and Type-A and Type-C are two of the many types specified in the USB standard.

[0070] In addition to connecting external devices via a USB cable (not shown), the first connection unit 71 can also connect storage media such as a USB memory (not shown). Furthermore, the control unit 80 (see reference...) Figure 12 It can save the read data to a storage medium connected to the first connection part 71.

[0071] Additionally, an external device can be connected to the second connection part 72 via a USB cable (not shown).

[0072] The first connecting portion 71, the second connecting portion 72, and the third connecting portion 73 are disposed on the circuit board 79 located on the back side of the device (see reference). Figure 7 )superior.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device body 2 is configured to receive power from an external device connected to the second connection portion 72.

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6The structure of the original document transport path in scanner 1 will be described. The original document being fed is supported at an angle by the original document support 11. The symbol P represents the supported original document. When multiple original documents are supported by the original document support 11, the uppermost original document is fed downstream via the feed roller 14. The original document support 11 is formed in the upper opening / closing section 10. The upper opening / closing section 10 can rotate about a rotation axis (not shown), and the feed port 13 is opened and closed by rotation. Figure 1 This indicates that the upper opening / closing part 10 is closed. Figure 2 This shows the state where the upper opening / closing part 10 is open. The upper opening / closing part 10 constitutes the first unit 3.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, a pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are provided on the original document support 11 to guide the side edges of the original document. The pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are configured to slide in the original document width direction (X-axis direction). The pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are configured to be linked by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) in a manner that separates or approaches each other at a center position in the original document width direction. That is, the scanner 1 adopts a so-called center feed method.

[0076] Return to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The feed roller 14 is located in the second unit 4. The feed roller 14 is powered and rotates by the conveyor motor 50 described later. A separation roller 15 is located in the first unit 3 opposite to the feed roller 14. The separation roller 15 is subjected to rotational torque by a torque limiter (not shown) to suppress the stacking of original documents.

[0077] The feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15 are positioned at the center of the original document width direction (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0078] Alternatively, a separation pad can be provided instead of the separation roller 15.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, the structure is as follows: a feed roller 14 is provided on the upper side relative to the original document placed on the original document support 11, and feeds from the uppermost original document. However, the structure can also be as follows: a feed roller 14 is provided on the lower side relative to the original document placed on the original document support 11, and feeds from the lowermost original document.

[0080] Separating roller 15 can pass through torque limiter 98 (see reference). Figure 16 The separation switching unit 100, described later, generates a separation state with rotating torque and a non-separation state without the torque limiter 98, depending on the action of the torque limiter 98. Figure 14 , Figure 17The separation switching unit 100 switches between a separation state where the separation roller 15 separates the original document and a non-separation state where the separation roller 15 does not separate the original document. In addition, the separation switching unit 100 sets the separation roller 15 to the separation state when the device body 2 is in the normal reading posture, and sets the separation roller 15 to the non-separation state when the device body 2 is in the booklet reading posture.

[0081] The separation switching unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[0082] A first conveyor roller pair 16 is provided downstream of the feed roller 14 and the separating roller 15. The first conveyor roller pair 16 consists of a first lower roller 17 provided in the first unit 3 and a first upper roller 18 provided in the second unit 4. The first upper roller 18 is configured to move forward and backward relative to the first lower roller 17 and is pressed toward the first lower roller 17 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a helical spring.

[0083] Both the first lower roller 17 and the first upper roller 18 are powered and rotated by the conveyor motor 50 described later. Two first lower rollers 17 and two first upper rollers 18 are respectively arranged such that they are positioned at the center of the original document's width direction (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0084] When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3, the first lower roller 17 and the first upper roller 18 are in contact. When the second unit 4 is opened relative to the first unit 3, the first upper roller 18 moves away from the first lower roller 17.

[0085] Downstream of the first conveyor roller pair 16, a first reading section 32 and a second reading section 33 are disposed opposite each other. The first reading section 32 is disposed in the first unit 3, and the second reading section 33 is disposed in the second unit 4. The first reading section 32 reads the lower surface (first surface) of the original supported by the original support section 11, and the second reading section 33 reads the upper surface (second surface) of the original supported by the original support section 11. The second reading section 33 is disposed in a manner that allows it to move forward and backward relative to the first reading section 32, and is pressed toward the first reading section 32 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a coil spring.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33 are composed of a contact-fit image sensor module (CISM). Reference numeral 32a is the contact glass constituting the first reading unit 32, and reference numeral 33a is the contact glass constituting the second reading unit 33.

[0087] A second conveying roller pair 20 is provided downstream of the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33. The second conveying roller pair 20 consists of a second lower roller 21 provided in the first unit 3 and a second upper roller 22 provided in the second unit 4. The second upper roller 22 is configured to move forward and backward relative to the second lower roller 21 and is pressed toward the second lower roller 21 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a helical spring.

[0088] The second lower roller 21 and the second upper roller 22 are both powered by the conveying motor 50 (described later) and rotate. Two of the second lower roller 21 and the second upper roller 22 are respectively arranged such that they are positioned at the center of the original document's width direction (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0089] When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3, the second lower roller 21 and the second upper roller 22 are in contact. When the second unit 4 is opened relative to the first unit 3, the second upper roller 22 moves away from the second lower roller 21.

[0090] exist Figure 5 , Figure 6 The single-dotted line represented by the symbol R1 is the original document feed path. The original document feed path R1 is defined as extending from the clamping position of the feed roller 14 and the separating roller 15 to the clamping position of the first conveying roller pair 16. Additionally, in Figure 5 , Figure 6 In the diagram, the dashed line represented by the symbol R2 is the reading transport path, which extends from the clamping position of the first transport roller pair 16 to the clamping position of the second transport roller pair 20. The reading transport path R2 is the original document transport path opposite to the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33.

[0091] When the main body 2 of the device is in Figure 5 In the typical reading posture shown, a reversing conveyor path R3 is formed downstream of the reading conveyor path R2 to flip the read document upwards and discharge it. The reversing conveyor path R3 is the document conveying path downstream of the clamping position of the second conveyor roller pair 20, such as... Figure 5 The double-dotted line in the middle shows the manuscript transport path used to bend and flip the manuscript being transported diagonally downwards and discharged diagonally upwards from the first outlet 37.

[0092] When the main body 2 of the device is in Figure 6 In the illustrated booklet reading posture, a non-reversing conveyor path R4 is formed downstream of the reading conveyor path R2 to discharge the read document without causing it to flip. The non-reversing conveyor path R4 is the document conveyor path downstream of the clamping position of the second conveyor roller pair 20, such as... Figure 6 The double-dotted line in the middle indicates the manuscript transport path used to discharge the manuscript directly from the second outlet 38 downwards without bending or flipping it while it is being transported downwards in the reading transport path R2.

[0093] In addition, the second conveyor roller pair 20 functions as an exhaust roller pair for discharging the original from the non-reversible conveyor path R4.

[0094] The switching between the flip conveyor path R3 and the non-flip conveyor path R4 is performed by a baffle 35, which constitutes the conveyor path switching unit. The baffle 35 is rotatable about its rotation axis 35a. This rotation connects the flip conveyor path R3 to the reading conveyor path R2, or connects the non-flip conveyor path R4 to the reading conveyor path R2. Connecting the flip conveyor path R3 to the reading conveyor path R2 means that the flip conveyor path R3 can be used, and conversely, it means that the non-flip conveyor path R4 cannot be used. Similarly, connecting the non-flip conveyor path R4 to the reading conveyor path R2 means that the non-flip conveyor path R4 can be used, and conversely, it means that the flip conveyor path R3 cannot be used.

[0095] In this embodiment, the baffle 35 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the posture switching of the device body 2. As a structure that rotates the baffle 35 in conjunction with the posture switching of the device body 2, a first solenoid 86 (see reference 86) is used in this embodiment. Figure 12 The control unit 80 performs various controls (see reference). Figure 12 The posture of the device body 2 is detected based on the detection signal from the first posture detection sensor 87 or the second posture detection sensor 88 (described later), and the first solenoid 86 is driven to rotate the baffle 35 based on this posture. Furthermore, the unit that rotates the baffle 35 is not limited to the first solenoid 86, but may also be other actuators such as a motor. Alternatively, the baffle 35 may be configured to rotate mechanically in conjunction with the posture of the device body 2.

[0096] A third pair of conveying rollers 24 and a fourth pair of conveying rollers 28 are provided in the flipping conveyor path R3.

[0097] The third conveying roller pair 24 consists of a third drive roller 25 disposed in the third unit 5 and a third driven roller 26 disposed in the second unit 4. The third driven roller 26 is arranged in a manner that allows it to move forward and backward relative to the third drive roller 25, and is pressed toward the third drive roller 25 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a helical spring. The third drive roller 25 is driven by a conveying motor 50. The third driven roller 26 is a driven rotating roller.

[0098] The fourth conveying roller pair 28 consists of a fourth drive roller 29 disposed in the third unit 5 and a fourth driven roller 30 disposed in the second unit 4. The fourth driven roller 30 is configured to move forward and backward relative to the fourth drive roller 29 and is pressed towards the fourth drive roller 29 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a helical spring. The fourth drive roller 29 is driven by a conveying motor 50. The fourth driven roller 30 is a driven rotating roller.

[0099] The third drive roller 25, the third driven roller 26, the fourth drive roller 29, and the fourth driven roller 30 are each arranged in pairs, with two rollers positioned at the center position along the width direction of the original document (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0100] When the third unit 5 is closed relative to the second unit 4, the third drive roller 25 and the third driven roller 26 are in contact, and the fourth drive roller 29 and the fourth driven roller 30 are also in contact. When the third unit 5 is opened relative to the second unit 4, the third drive roller 25 separates from the third driven roller 26, and the fourth drive roller 29 separates from the fourth driven roller 30.

[0101] The original manuscript conveyed on the flipping conveyor path R3 is discharged obliquely upward, including the -Y direction component, by the fourth conveyor roller pair 28, and is supported in an inclined position by the upper surface 4a of the second unit 4.

[0102] Next, the structure used to rotate the device body 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the device body 2 is rotated by the posture switching motor 40 (see reference 80) under the control of the control unit 80. Figures 7-10 The posture switching motor 40 rotates under the power of the external device 500 connected to the scanner 1, changing its posture. The control unit 80 controls the posture switching motor 40 based on input information from the external device 500 connected to the scanner 1.

[0103] Figure 7 The back cover 66, which will form the appearance of the back of the device, is shown (see reference). Figure 2 The state after dismantling. Symbol 41 represents the rotation conversion unit that converts the rotation of the posture switching motor 40 into the rotation of the device body 2. The posture switching motor 40 and the rotation conversion unit 41 are located on the side closer to the -X direction in the width direction of the device. The side closer to the -X direction in the width direction of the device means that it is located in the -X direction compared to the center position of the device in the X-axis direction.

[0104] On the first frame 63, which forms the base of the first unit 3, two supported portions 63b are provided at an open interval in the X-axis direction. On the main body support 6, two main body rotation shafts 6c are provided at an open interval in the X-axis direction. The first frame 63, i.e., the device main body 2, can rotate about the main body rotation shaft 6c by passing through the supported portions 63b. The main body rotation shaft 6c is a rotation shaft that forms a center parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0105] An attitude switching motor 40 is disposed on a first frame 63. The first frame 63 is shaped along the reading and conveying path R2. The attitude switching motor 40 is disposed on the rear side of the first frame 63, which is positioned in an inclined posture.

[0106] exist Figure 8In the rotary conversion unit 41, there are: a gear 47b, which is rotatably disposed in the first unit 3 and rotates by the power of the posture switching motor 40; and a tooth 6b, which is a tooth fixed on the main body support 6 and meshes with the gear 47b.

[0107] The toothed portion 6b is a toothed portion formed in the vertical wall portion 6a around the main body rotation axis 6c. The vertical wall portion 6a is a component constituting the main body support portion 6.

[0108] More specifically, a worm gear 42 is mounted on the rotating shaft of the attitude switching motor 40, transmitting power from the worm gear 42 to the gear 43. The gear 43 is integrated with the gear 45 via a shaft 44. The gear 45 transmits power to the first compound gear 46, and the first compound gear 46 transmits power to the second compound gear 47. Gear 47b forms part of the second compound gear 47.

[0109] The structure of the attitude switching motor 40 and the aforementioned rotation conversion unit 41, except for the gear 6b, is located in the first unit 3, i.e., the device body 2. Therefore, when the gear 47b rotates under the power of the attitude switching motor 40, as from... Figure 9 Towards Figure 10 Changes or from Figure 10 Towards Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the main body 2 of the device rotates and changes its posture.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure of the posture switching motor 40 and the aforementioned rotation conversion unit 41, except for the tooth 6b, is disposed in the first unit 3, i.e., the device body 2, and the tooth 6b is disposed in the main body support 6. However, it is also possible to replace this by disposing of the structure of the posture switching motor 40 and the aforementioned rotation conversion unit 41, except for the tooth 6b, in the main body support 6 and disposing of the tooth 6b in the device body 2.

[0111] Furthermore, a first abutment portion 6e serving as a first rotation limiting unit and a second abutment portion 6f serving as a second rotation limiting unit are formed on the upright wall portion 6a. A boss 63a provided on the first frame 63 enters between the first abutment portion 6e and the second abutment portion 6f. The device body 2 from... Figure 10 The booklet reading posture shown is towards Figure 9 When the device body 2 rotates in the normal reading posture shown, the normal reading posture is defined by the contact between the boss 63a and the first abutment portion 6e. Furthermore, when the device body 2 rotates from... Figure 9 The typical reading posture shown Figure 10 When the booklet reading posture shown is rotated, the booklet reading posture of the device body 2 is defined by the contact between the boss 63a and the second contact part 6f.

[0112] When the boss 63a abuts against the first abutting part 6e, or when the boss 63a abuts against the second abutting part 6f, the drive current value of the posture switching motor 40 increases. Therefore, the control unit 80 (refer to...) Figure 12 The posture of the device body 2 can be detected based on the rotation direction of the posture switching motor 40 and the increase in the drive current value. However, in this embodiment, a first posture detection sensor 87 and a second posture detection sensor 88, which will be described later, are provided, and the control unit 80 can also detect the posture of the device body 2 based on the detection signals of these sensors.

[0113] Furthermore, the normal reading posture and book reading posture of the device body 2 are maintained by supplying power to the stop posture switching motor 40 and setting it to a holding state.

[0114] The first posture detection sensor 87 is an optical sensor, disposed on the first frame 63, i.e., the device body 2. When the device body 2 is in a normal reading posture, such as... Figure 8 As shown, a protrusion 6d provided on the main body support 6 blocks the optical axis of the first posture detection sensor 87. When the main body 2 of the device rotates from this state toward the booklet to read the posture, the protrusion 6d disengages from the optical axis of the first posture detection sensor 87.

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, a second posture detection sensor 88 is disposed in the second unit 4. A detection part 35b is formed on the baffle 35. When the main body 2 of the device is in a normal reading posture, such as Figure 11 As shown in (a), the detected part 35b disengages from the optical axis of the second posture detection sensor 88. When the device body 2 rotates from this state toward the booklet to read the posture, as... Figure 11 As shown in (b), the optical axis of the second posture detection sensor 88 is blocked by the detection unit 35b.

[0116] In summary, the control unit 80 is able to detect the posture of the device body 2 based on the detection signal of the first posture detection sensor 87 and the detection signal of the second posture detection sensor 88.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the posture of the device body 2 is switched by the power of the posture switching motor 40, but it is also possible to use a structure in which the posture of the device body 2 is switched by the user applying force to the device body 2 instead, or in addition to that.

[0118] Figure 13The diagram illustrates a structure that allows the user to switch the orientation of the device body 2. Reference numeral 6a-1 denotes the vertical wall portion provided on the body support portion 6. A first abutment portion 6e and a second abutment portion 6f are formed on the vertical wall portion 6a-1. The normal reading orientation of the device body 2 is defined by the abutment of the boss 63a with the first abutment portion 6e, and the booklet reading orientation of the device body 2 is defined by the abutment of the boss 63a with the second abutment portion 6f.

[0119] A protrusion 61 is provided in the upright wall portion 6a-1. A recess 62 is formed in the first frame 63, and the protrusion 61 enters the recess 62 to maintain the posture of the device body 2. Furthermore, Figure 13 This illustrates the typical reading posture, in Figure 13 In the middle, the protrusion 61 enters the hidden recess, maintaining the normal reading posture. The recess 62 (not shown) and the protrusion 61 constitute the posture holding unit 60 that holds the posture of the main body 2.

[0120] Furthermore, in a structure where the posture of the device body 2 is switched by user operation, it is preferable to provide a hand-holding part on the device body 2 to hold the user's hand.

[0121] Next, refer to Figure 12 The control system in scanner 1 will be described.

[0122] The control unit 80 performs various controls on the scanner 1, including original document feeding, transport, ejection control, and reading control. Signals from the operation unit 7 are input to the control unit 80.

[0123] The control unit 80 controls the conveyor motor 50 and the posture switching motor 40. In this embodiment, each motor is a DC motor.

[0124] Reading data from the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33 is input to the control unit 80, and signals for controlling each reading unit are sent from the control unit 80 to each reading unit.

[0125] The control unit 80 also receives signals from the following detection units: the placement detection unit 92, the stacking detection unit 91, the first original document detection unit 93, the second original document detection unit 94, the first posture detection sensor 87, the second posture detection sensor 88, the first rotation detection unit 89, and the second rotation detection unit 90.

[0126] like Figure 7 As shown, the first rotation detection unit 89 is a detection unit provided at the end of the device body 2 in the -X direction. The control unit 80 detects the rotation amount of the conveyor motor 50 through the first rotation detection unit 89, thereby being able to grasp the rotation amount of each roller provided on the original document conveying path.

[0127] The first rotary detection unit 89 is a rotary encoder comprising a rotating circular plate 89a and a detection unit 89b.

[0128] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second rotation detection unit 90 is a rotary encoder, which includes a rotating circular plate 90a mounted on the rotating shaft 40a of the posture switching motor 40 and a detection unit 89b. The control unit 80 detects the rotation amount of the posture switching motor 40 through the second rotation detection unit 90, thereby being able to determine the rotation direction and rotation amount of the posture switching motor 40.

[0129] Return to Figure 12 The control unit 80 includes a CPU 81, a flash ROM 82, and a RAM 83. The CPU 81 performs various calculations based on the program stored in the flash ROM 82 to control the operation of the entire scanner 1. The flash ROM 82, as an example of a storage unit, is a non-volatile memory capable of being read and written. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM 83, which is also an example of a storage unit.

[0130] The interface 84 provided by the control unit 80 is referenced. Figure 2 The first connection portion 71 and the second connection portion 72 are described. The control unit 80 transmits and receives data with the external device 500 via this interface 84.

[0131] Next, the other testing departments will be explained.

[0132] The placement detection unit 92 is a detection unit located upstream of the feed roller 14. The control unit 80 is able to detect whether there is an original document on the original document support 11 based on the signal sent from the placement detection unit 92.

[0133] The first original document inspection unit 93 is an inspection unit located between the feed roller 14 and the first conveying roller pair 16. The control unit 80 is capable of detecting the passage of the top or bottom end of the original document at the inspection position based on the signal sent from the first original document inspection unit 93.

[0134] The stacking detection unit 91 is a detection unit located between the feed roller 14 and the first conveying roller pair 16, and is configured to include an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver arranged opposite each other across the original document feed path R1. The control unit 80 can detect the stacking of the original document based on the signal transmitted from the stacking detection unit 91.

[0135] The second original document detection unit 94 is a detection unit disposed between the first conveyor roller pair 16 and the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33. The control unit 80 is able to detect the passage of the top or bottom end of the original document at the detection position based on the signal sent from the second original document detection unit 94.

[0136] Next, refer to Figure 25Here is an example illustrating the processing performed by the control unit 80. Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit 80 during posture switching of the device body 2. Figure 25 In step S101, when the control unit 80 receives a document reading instruction ("Yes"), the control unit 80 determines whether a posture switch of the device body 2 is required (step S102). Here, the document reading instruction is used as an example from the external device 500 (see [reference]). Figure 12 ) Receiving. In the external device 500, the type of original to be read can be set. When the type of original to be read is a card-shaped original or a booklet-shaped original, the control unit 80 sets the posture of the device main body 2 to the booklet reading posture. When the type of original to be read is a sheet-shaped original, the posture of the device main body 2 is set to the normal reading posture.

[0137] In step S102, the type of original document acquired is compared with the current posture of the device body 2 to determine whether to switch the posture of the device body 2. If posture switching is not required ("No" in step S102), the original document is read without posture switching control (step S106). If posture switching is required ("Yes" in step S102), the control unit 80, based on the target posture (step S103), switches the posture of the device body 2 to the booklet reading posture if the target posture is a booklet reading posture (step S104), and switches the original document transport path to the non-flipping transport path R4 (step S105). Furthermore, steps S104 and S105 can be executed simultaneously. Then, the original document is read (step S106).

[0138] Additionally, based on the target posture (step S103), if the target posture is a normal reading posture, the control unit 80 switches the posture of the device body 2 to the normal reading posture (step S107) and switches the original document transport path to the flip transport path R3 (step S108). Alternatively, steps S107 and S108 can be executed simultaneously. Then, the original document is read (step S106).

[0139] Furthermore, it is preferable that when the device body 2 is in a normal reading posture, the detection information of the stacking detection unit 91 is set to valid, and when the device body 2 is in a booklet reading posture, the detection information of the stacking detection unit 91 is set to invalid.

[0140] As described above, the scanner 1 includes: a main support 6, placed on the mounting surface G of the device; and a device main body 2, supported on the main support 6. The device main body 2 includes: a read transport path R2, which is a document transport path for transporting originals and is opposite to the first read section 32 and the second read section 33 for reading originals; a flip transport path R3, which is a document transport path downstream of the read transport path R2, used to flip the read originals upwards and discharge them; and a non-flip transport path R4, which is a document transport path downstream of the read transport path R2, used to discharge the read originals without flipping them. Additionally, a baffle 35 is provided, which switches the document transport path connected to the read transport path R2 to either the flip transport path R3 or the non-flip transport path R4.

[0141] The main body 2 is mounted on the main body support 6 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the main body support 6, and can be rotated to a normal reading position. Figure 5 The booklet reading posture (where the angle between the reading transport path R2 and the mounting surface G is smaller than that of the normal reading posture) Figure 6 The baffle 35 switches between the reading conveying path R2 and the flipping conveying path R3 when the main body 2 of the device is in the normal reading posture, and connects the reading conveying path R2 and the non-flipping conveying path R4 when the main body 2 of the device is in the booklet reading posture.

[0142] Scanner 1 can efficiently transport originals that are difficult to bend by utilizing the non-flipping transport path R4. These difficult-to-bend originals include booklets and cards. Furthermore, baffle 35 connects the reading transport path R2 to the flipping transport path R3 when the device body 2 is in a normal reading position, and connects the reading transport path R2 to the non-flipping transport path R4 when the device body 2 is in a booklet reading position. Therefore, compared to ejecting the original using the non-flipping transport path R4 when in a normal reading position, the ejection direction of the original can be set along the mounting surface G. As a result, larger originals can be ejected compared to ejecting the original using the non-flipping transport path R4 when in a normal reading position.

[0143] In addition, by setting the device body 2 to the normal reading posture, the angle between the reading transport path R2 and the mounting surface G can be larger than the angle of the book reading posture, which can suppress the space occupied by the device body 2.

[0144] Alternatively, the posture switching of the device body 2 can also be configured to be performed via a button constituting the operation unit 7. For example, one of the buttons constituting the operation unit 7 is assigned to the posture switching button. If the user presses the posture switching button when the current posture is the normal reading posture, the control unit 80 executes steps S104 and S105. Alternatively, if the user presses the posture switching button when the current posture is the booklet reading posture, the control unit 80 controls the posture switching motor 40 to execute steps S107 and S108.

[0145] Furthermore, as described above, the posture switching of the device body 2 can also be achieved by the user applying force to the device body 2. In this case, when the control unit 80 detects that the posture of the device body 2 has been switched from the normal reading posture to the booklet reading posture, the control unit 80 executes steps S104 and S105. Alternatively, when the control unit 80 detects that the posture of the device body 2 has been switched from the booklet reading posture to the normal reading posture, the control unit 80 executes steps S107 and S108.

[0146] Next, the separation switching unit 100 for switching the separation state and non-separation state of the separation roller 15 will be described.

[0147] like Figure 7 , Figure 14 As shown, the separation switching unit 100 is disposed in the -Y direction, i.e., on the back side of the first frame 63, relative to the first frame 63. Regardless of the orientation of the device body 2, the separation switching unit 100 does not protrude from the top of the first frame 63 in the +Z direction toward the -Y direction, and is housed in the area formed on the back side of the first frame 63.

[0148] The separation switching unit 100 is located between the separation roller 15 and the rotation conversion unit 41 in the X-axis direction. A portion of the separation switching unit 100 and a portion of the rotation conversion unit 41 are located at the same position in the Y-axis direction.

[0149] like Figure 16 As shown, the separating roller 15 is configured to rotate within the roller holder 97. Figure 15 As shown, a shaft portion 97a is integrally formed on the roller holder 97. The shaft portion 97a is a shaft whose center line is parallel to the X-axis direction. The shaft portion 97a is supported on a bearing portion 63g formed in the first frame 63. As a result, the roller holder 97 can swing about the shaft portion 97a, that is, the separating roller 15 can move forward and backward relative to the feed roller 14. In addition, the roller holder 97 is pressed by a pressing unit (not shown), such as a torsion spring, in the direction in which the separating roller 15 moves toward the feed roller 14.

[0150] like Figure 16As shown, a torque limiter 98 is rotatably mounted on the roller holder 97. This torque limiter 98 is an example of a resistance application part that applies rotational resistance to the separating roller 15. The center line of the rotation axis of the torque limiter 98 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The separating roller 15 is positioned relative to the torque limiter 98, and when the rotation of the torque limiter 98 is restricted, the separating roller 15 receives rotational torque from the torque limiter 98. That is, it enters a separation state for separating the original document.

[0151] When the rotation of the torque limiter 98 is not restricted, the separating roller 15 rotates in conjunction with the torque limiter 98 and does not receive rotational torque from the torque limiter 98. That is, it becomes a non-separation state where the original is not separated.

[0152] The separation switching unit 100 in this embodiment switches the separation state and non-separation state of the separation roller 15 by switching the rotation state and the non-restricted rotation state of the torque limiter 98 in the limiting roller holder 97.

[0153] The torque limiter 98 has a shaft portion 98a, on which a first gear 99 is fixedly mounted. That is, the first gear 99 and the torque limiter 98 do not rotate relative to each other.

[0154] A shaft portion 97b is formed in the roller holder 97, and a second gear 107 is provided in the shaft portion 97b. The second gear 107 is rotatable relative to the shaft portion 97b. The second gear 107 meshes with the first gear 99.

[0155] like Figure 17 As shown, the separation switching unit 100 includes a connecting shaft 106. The connecting shaft 106 is a shaft whose center line is parallel to the X-axis direction, and is configured to rotate relative to a bearing portion (not shown) formed in the first frame 63. A third gear 108 is fixedly provided at the X-direction end of the connecting shaft 106. That is, the third gear 108 and the connecting shaft 106 do not rotate relative to each other.

[0156] The second gear 107 and the third gear 108 constitute the second mechanism 102.

[0157] A fourth gear 109 is fixedly installed at the end of the connecting shaft 106 in the -X direction. That is, the fourth gear 109 and the connecting shaft 106 do not rotate relative to each other.

[0158] A rotation limiting member 110 is provided on the lower side of the fourth gear 109. The rotation limiting member 110 is configured to rotate relative to the shaft portion 105b formed on the guide member 105. The guide member 105 is a member fixed relative to the first frame 63 by a fixing unit (not shown).

[0159] The rotation limiting member 110 has a tooth 110a. The tooth 110a switches its engagement with the fourth gear 109 by rotating the rotation limiting member 110. Figure 17 , Figure 18 ) and the state of leaving the fourth gear 109 ( Figure 19 , Figure 20 ).

[0160] A boss 110b protruding in the –X direction is formed on the rotation limiting member 110. The boss 110b is loosely inserted into a hole 103a formed on the connecting rod member 103.

[0161] The connecting rod member 103 is a rod-shaped member that is slidable relative to the guide member 105, and its lower end contacts the cam portion 6h formed in the main body support portion 6. The connecting rod member 103 is pressed toward the cam portion 6h by a compression coil spring 104, which is an example of a pressing member. Reference numeral 105a is a spring retaining portion formed in the guide member 105.

[0162] The linkage member 103 slides relative to the guide member 105, therefore, the rotation limiting member 110 rotates due to the sliding motion of the linkage member 103. In other words, the linear motion of the linkage member 103 is converted into the rotational motion of the rotation limiting member 110.

[0163] The fourth gear 109, the rotation limiting component 110, the guide component 105, the connecting rod component 103, the compression coil spring 104, and the cam part 6h constitute the first mechanism part 101.

[0164] When the main body 2 of the device is in the normal reading posture, such as Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the teeth 110a of the rotation limiting member 110 mesh with the fourth gear 109. This restricts the rotation of the fourth gear 109, thereby restricting the rotation of the connecting shaft 106, the third gear 108, the second gear 107, and the first gear 99, and also restricting the rotation of the torque limiter 98. In other words, the separating roller 15 is in a separated state.

[0165] When the device body 2 switches its posture from this state to a book reading posture, the lower end of the linkage member 103 switches to a position that contacts the cam portion 6h. The cam portion 6h is formed such that the +Y direction is higher than the -Y direction. When the device body 2 switches its posture to a book reading posture, the lower end of the linkage member 103 moves relative to the cam portion 6h in the +Y direction (refer to...). Figure 20As a result, the connecting rod member 103 slides upward, the rotation limiting member 110 rotates, and the teeth 110a disengage from the fourth gear 109. This allows rotation of the fourth gear 109, and consequently allows rotation of the connecting shaft 106, the third gear 108, the second gear 107, and the first gear 99, as well as rotation of the torque limiter 98. That is, the separating roller 15 is in the non-separated state.

[0166] When the main body 2 of the device is in the book reading posture and the separating roller 15 is in the non-separated state ( Figure 19 , Figure 20 When the device body 2 is switched to the normal reading posture, the lower end of the linkage member 103 moves in the -Y direction relative to the cam part 6h. As a result, the linkage member 103 slides downward, the rotation limiting member 110 rotates, and the teeth 110a mesh with the fourth gear 109. This restricts the rotation of the fourth gear 109, and consequently restricts the rotation of the connecting shaft 106, the third gear 108, the second gear 107, and the first gear 99, as well as the rotation of the torque limiter 98. That is, the separation roller 15 is in the separated state.

[0167] As described above, the main body 2 of the scanner 1 is mounted on the main support 6 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the main support 6. This rotation enables switching between a normal reading posture and a book reading posture where the angle between the transport path R2 and the mounting surface G is smaller than that of the normal reading posture. Furthermore, a separation switching unit 100 is provided, which can switch between a separation state where the separation roller 15 separates the original document and a non-separation state where the separation roller 15 does not separate the original document. The separation switching unit 100 sets the separation roller 15 to the separation state when the main body 2 is in the normal reading posture and sets the separation roller 15 to the non-separation state when the main body 2 is in the book reading posture.

[0168] Therefore, users do not need to perform special operations to switch the separation state and non-separation state of the separation roller 15, thus improving the ease of use of the device.

[0169] Furthermore, the scanner 1 includes a torque limiter 98 that applies rotational resistance to the separating roller 15. The separation switching unit 100 establishes a separated state by limiting the rotation of the torque limiter 98 and limiting the coordinated rotation of the separating roller 15 and the torque limiter 98. Conversely, by allowing the rotation of the torque limiter 98 and allowing the coordinated rotation of the separating roller 15 and the torque limiter 98, a non-separated state is established. Thus, the separated and non-separated states of the separating roller 15 can be easily switched.

[0170] Furthermore, the separation switching unit 100 is a component that engages with the cam portion 6h formed in the main body support portion 6. It includes a connecting rod member 103 that can slide within the device main body 2 and a compression coil spring 104 that presses the connecting rod member 103 toward the cam portion 6h. The cam portion 6h has a shape that allows the connecting rod member 103 to slide as the device main body 2 rotates. Moreover, by the sliding of the connecting rod member 103 as the device main body 2 rotates, the separation state, which limits the rotation of the torque limiter 98, and the non-separation state, which allows the rotation of the torque limiter 98, are switched.

[0171] Therefore, the separation switching unit 100 can be implemented with a simple structure.

[0172] Furthermore, the torque limiter 98 is provided with a first gear 99, and the separation switching unit 100 includes: a first mechanism 101, which includes a connecting rod member 103; a second mechanism 102, which is associated with the first gear 99; and a connecting shaft 106, which is a rotatable shaft extending along the rotation axis of the torque limiter 98, connecting the first mechanism 101 and the second mechanism 102. Thus, since the first mechanism 101 and the second mechanism 102 are connected by the connecting shaft 106, the first mechanism 101 and the second mechanism 102 can be separately configured, increasing the design freedom of the device.

[0173] Additionally, the second mechanism 102 includes: a second gear 107 that meshes with the first gear 99; and a third gear 108 that meshes with the second gear 107 and is disposed at one end of the connecting shaft 106. The first mechanism 101 includes: a fourth gear 109 disposed at the other end of the connecting shaft 106; and a rotation limiting member 110, which is a member having teeth 110a that can mesh with the fourth gear 109, engages with the connecting rod member 103, and rotates as the connecting rod member 103 slides, thereby allowing the teeth 110a to move forward and backward relative to the fourth gear 109.

[0174] Furthermore, the rotation of the torque limiter 98 is restricted by the engagement of the tooth 110a with the fourth gear 109, thus becoming a disengaged state; the rotation of the torque limiter 98 is allowed by the disengagement of the tooth 110a from the fourth gear 109, thus becoming a non-disengaged state.

[0175] Furthermore, the first frame 63 constituting the base of the device body 2 is shaped to extend along the reading and conveying path R2, and the separation switching unit 100 is disposed in the region formed on the lower side of the first frame 63. Therefore, by utilizing the region formed on the lower side of the first frame 63 to configure the separation switching unit 100, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the device.

[0176] The separation switching unit 100 described above can also be modified as follows. Referring to the following... Figures 21-24 The separation switching unit 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in Figures 21-24 Structures identical to those already described will be marked with the same symbols; repeated descriptions will be avoided below.

[0177] The separation switching unit 100A has a first mechanism 101A and a second mechanism 102A, which are connected by a connecting shaft 106.

[0178] The second mechanism 102A includes a rotation limiting member 113 and a rotary cam 112. The first mechanism 101A includes a first rotating member 115, a second rotating member 116, a guide member 105, a connecting rod member 103, a compression coil spring 104, and a cam 6h.

[0179] like Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, a rotation limiting member 113 is provided on the lower side of the first gear 99. The rotation limiting member 113 is configured to be displaced along the guide groove 63h formed in the first frame 63, and to move forward and backward relative to the first gear 99 by displacing along the guide groove 63h.

[0180] The rotation limiting member 113 has a tooth 113a. By displacing the rotation limiting member 113, the state in which the tooth 113a is engaged with the first gear 99 and the state in which the tooth 113a is disengaged from the first gear 99 can be switched.

[0181] When the tooth 113a meshes with the first gear 99, the rotation of the first gear 99 is restricted, and thus the separating roller 15 is in a separated state. Conversely, when the tooth 113a disengages from the first gear 99, the rotation of the first gear 99 is permitted, and thus the separating roller 15 is in a non-separated state.

[0182] An elongated hole 113b is formed on the rotation limiting member 113 along the displacement direction of the rotation limiting member 113, so that the connecting shaft 106 passes through the elongated hole 113b. Figure 22 As shown, a first cam follower 113c and a second cam follower 113d are formed on the surface of the rotation limiting member 113 in the +X direction, and the rotating cam 112 faces these cam followers.

[0183] The rotary cam 112 is fixed to one end of the connecting shaft 106. That is, the rotary cam 112 and the connecting shaft 106 do not rotate relative to each other. The rotary cam 112 has a first cam portion 112a and a second cam portion 112b that protrude radially.

[0184] A first rotating member 115 is fixedly disposed at the end of the connecting shaft 106 in the -X direction. That is, the first rotating member 115 and the connecting shaft 106 do not rotate relative to each other. A second rotating member 116 is rotatably disposed on the shaft portion 105b of the guide member 105. A boss 116b is formed on the second rotating member 116, and the boss 116b is loosely inserted into the hole 103a formed in the connecting rod member 103. Therefore, the second rotating member 116 rotates by the sliding action of the connecting rod member 103.

[0185] A tooth 116a is formed on the second rotating member 116, which meshes with a tooth 115a formed on the first rotating member 115.

[0186] With this structure, when the second rotating component 116 is rotated by sliding the connecting rod component 103, the first rotating component 115, the connecting shaft 106, and the rotating cam 112 rotate.

[0187] When the main body 2 of the device is in the normal reading posture, such as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the teeth 113a of the rotation limiting member 113 mesh with the first gear 99. This state is maintained by the first cam portion 112a of the rotating cam 112 pushing up the first cam follower 113c of the rotation limiting member 113.

[0188] As a result, the rotation of the torque limiter 98 is restricted, and the separating roller 15 is in a separated state.

[0189] When the device body 2 switches from this state to a booklet reading posture, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the connecting rod member 103 is pushed up by the cam portion 6h. As a result, the second rotating member 116, the first rotating member 115, the connecting shaft 106, and the rotating cam 112 are moved from the position... Figure 21 , Figure 22 The state shown is towards Figure 23 , Figure 24 The rotating state is shown. At this time, the rotation direction of the rotating cam 112 is... Figure 22 The middle direction is counterclockwise.

[0190] When rotating cam 112 from Figure 22 When the state rotates counterclockwise, such as from Figure 22 Towards Figure 24 As shown in the diagram, the second cam portion 112b pushes down the second cam follower 113d. This causes the rotation limiting member 113 to disengage from the first gear 99, i.e., disengages the gear portion 113a from the first gear 99, allowing the torque limiter 98 to rotate. In other words, the separating roller 15 is in the non-separated state.

[0191] When the device body 2 switches from a booklet reading posture and the separation roller 15 is in a non-separated state to a normal reading posture, the connecting rod component 103 slides downward, and the rotating cam 112 moves downward. Figure 24 The state rotates clockwise, thereby pushing up the rotation limiting member 113, and the toothed part 113a meshes with the first gear 99. As a result, the rotation of the torque limiter 98 is restricted, resulting in the separation state of the separating roller 15.

[0192] Thus, in the second embodiment, the second mechanism 102A includes: a rotation limiting member 113, which is a member having teeth 113a that mesh with the first gear 99 and is capable of moving forward and backward relative to the first gear 99; and a rotating cam 112, which is a rotating cam provided at one end of the connecting shaft 106, and switches between a state in which the rotation limiting member 113 moves towards the first gear 99 and a state in which the rotation limiting member 113 moves away from the first gear 99 by rotation. The first mechanism 101A has a structure that rotates the connecting shaft 106 by sliding along with the connecting rod member 103. In the first embodiment, the rotation limiting member 113 directly limits the rotation of the first gear 99, thus suppressing backlash in gear meshing. In addition, since there is no torsion of the connecting shaft 106, the separation state of the separating roller 15 can be appropriately formed.

[0193] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, and these modifications are also included within the scope of this invention, which goes without saying.

[0194] For example, it can also be done on external device 500 (refer to...) Figure 12 If the scanner 1 has a display unit, the display unit can show whether the separation roller 15 is in a separated or non-separated state. At this time, it can also show whether the main body 2 is in a normal reading posture or a book reading posture.

[0195] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate examples applicable to image reading devices such as scanners, they can also be applied to recording devices such as printers. That is, by using the original document as the recording medium and the reading unit as the recording unit that records the document, the same effects as in the above embodiments can be achieved in the recording device. As an example of a recording device, an inkjet printer can be cited; as an example of a recording unit, an inkjet recording head can be cited.

Claims

1. An image reading apparatus characterized by comprising: have: The main support portion is placed on the mounting surface of the device; and The main body of the device is supported by the main body support portion. The main body of the device includes: Feed rollers feed the original document; A separating roller is positioned opposite the feed roller; The reading unit reads the original document fed by the feed roller; as well as The read transport path is the original document transport path that transports the original document, and it is opposite to the read unit. The main body of the device is mounted on the main support in a manner that allows it to rotatably relative to the main support. By rotating, the main body of the device can switch between a first posture and a second posture in which the angle between the reading and conveying path and the mounting surface is smaller than that of the first posture. The main body of the device also includes a separation switching unit, which can switch between a separation state where the separation roller separates the original document and a non-separation state where the separation roller does not separate the original document. The separation switching unit sets the separation roller to the separated state when the main body of the device is in the first posture, and sets the separation roller to the non-separated state when the main body of the device is in the second posture. The main body of the device includes a resistance application section that applies rotational resistance to the separating roller. The separation switching unit creates the separation state by restricting the rotation of the resistance application part and restricting the linkage rotation between the separation roller and the resistance application part. The separation switching unit forms the non-separated state by allowing the rotation of the resistance application part and allowing the separation roller to rotate in conjunction with the resistance application part.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation switching unit includes: The connecting rod component is a component that engages with the cam portion formed in the main support portion and is slidable within the device body; and The pressing component presses the connecting rod component toward the cam portion. The cam portion has a shape that allows the connecting rod component to slide as the main body of the device rotates. The linkage component slides as the main body of the device rotates, thereby switching between the separated state and the non-separated state. The separated state restricts the rotation of the resistance application part, while the non-separated state allows the rotation of the resistance application part.

3. The image reading device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first gear is provided in the resistance application section. The separation switching unit includes: The first mechanism includes the connecting rod component; The second mechanism is related to the first gear; and The connecting shaft is a rotatable shaft extending along the rotation axis of the resistance application part, and the connecting shaft connects the first mechanism part and the second mechanism part.

4. The image reading device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second department has: The second gear meshes with the first gear; and The third gear is a gear that meshes with the second gear and is located at one end of the connecting shaft. The first mechanism has: A fourth gear is disposed at the other end of the connecting shaft; and The rotation limiting component is a component having teeth capable of meshing with the fourth gear, engaging with the connecting rod component, and rotating as the connecting rod component slides to move the teeth forward and backward relative to the fourth gear. The rotation of the resistance application part is restricted by the engagement of the teeth with the fourth gear, thereby achieving the separated state; the rotation of the resistance application part is allowed by the disengagement of the teeth from the fourth gear, thereby achieving the non-separated state.

5. The image reading device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second department has: The rotation limiting member is a component having teeth that mesh with the first gear and is capable of moving forward and backward relative to the first gear; and A rotary cam, located at one end of the connecting shaft, switches between a state in which the rotation limiting member moves towards the first gear and a state in which the rotation limiting member retracts from the first gear by rotating. The first mechanism has a structure that rotates the connecting shaft by rotating as the connecting rod member slides.

6. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The main body of the device has a frame that forms the base of the main body of the device. The frame is shaped to extend along the direction of the read delivery path. The separation switching unit is configured in the region formed on the lower side of the frame.

7. The image reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the device includes: The flipping conveyor path is a manuscript conveyor path downstream of the reading conveyor path, used to flip the read manuscript upwards and discharge it; The non-flipping transport path is a document transport path downstream of the reading transport path, used to ensure that read documents are discharged without flipping; and The transport path switching unit switches the original document transport path connected to the reading transport path to either the flipping transport path or the non-flipping transport path. The conveying path switching unit connects the reading conveying path to the flipping conveying path when the main body of the device adopts the first posture, and connects the reading conveying path to the non-flipping conveying path when the main body of the device adopts the second posture.

8. The image reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the device has a handle. The main body of the device is switched in posture by external force from the hanging hand.

9. The image reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the device is equipped with a posture switching motor. The main body of the device is switched in posture by the power of the posture switching motor.

Images