Document conveying device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A document transport device includes: a guide member having a guide portion disposed on one side of a transport path for transporting a document placed on a placement table, the guide portion guiding the document along the transport path, the guide portion being disposed on the other side of the transport path, and the guide portion being disposed on the other side of the transport path; the guide component is provided with at least one of a conveying roller for conveying the manuscript along the conveying path and a detection part for detecting the position of the carrying table; and an exterior cover attached to cover the guide member and having an exterior surface exposed to the outside formed thereon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manuscript conveying device and an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] In the exterior cover mounting device described in Patent Document 1, a bracket supporting the exterior cover and a hinge device connected to the exterior cover is rotatably fixed to a frame body, and the bracket is detachably fixed to a shell or a frame body via its elastic component, so that the exterior cover can be tilted away from the upper surface of the image forming device body as the bracket rotates.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-90852

[0004] The document feeding device includes: a guide member having a guide portion disposed on one side of a feeding path for feeding a document placed on a loading table and guiding the document along the feeding path; and an exterior cover installed to cover the guide member and having an exterior surface exposed to the outside.

[0005] Conventionally, a plurality of conveying rollers for conveying the document along the conveying path and a detection unit for detecting the position of the mounting table are all mounted on the exterior cover. Therefore, when removing the exterior cover, the conveying rollers and the detection unit must be removed from the exterior cover. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to reduce the time required to remove the exterior cover, compared to a case where both the conveying roller and the detection unit are mounted on the exterior cover.

[0007] The document conveying device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a guide component, which is formed with a guide portion, and the guide portion is arranged on one side of a conveying path for conveying the document placed on the loading platform, and guides the document along the conveying path, and the guide component is equipped with at least one of a conveying roller for conveying the document along the conveying path and a detection portion for detecting the position of the loading platform; and an exterior cover, which is installed to cover the guide component and is formed with an exterior surface exposed to the outside.

[0008] The document conveying device involved in the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document conveying device described in the first embodiment, the guide component includes: a main body portion, which is configured to face the conveying path; and a rising portion, which rises from both end portions of the main body portion toward the outer cover in a cross direction that intersects with the conveying direction of the conveyed document, and is formed with a box portion in a box shape that is open in the cross direction.

[0009] The document conveying device involved in the third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document conveying device described in the second embodiment, the outer cover has: a plate-shaped upper portion, which covers the guide component from above and forms a part of the outer surface; and a plate-shaped side portion, which extends downward from the end of the upper portion, covers the guide component from the side, and forms the other part of the outer surface, and the box portion has: a bottom plate, the thickness direction of the plate is the cross direction; and an L-shaped flange portion, which stands up from the edge of the bottom plate and extends along the upper portion and the side portion.

[0010] The document conveying device involved in the fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document conveying device described in any one of the first to third embodiments, the outer casing unit is composed of the guide component and the outer casing cover, the outer casing unit is rotatably mounted on the device body, and rotates to a first position capable of conveying the document along the conveying path and a second position opening the conveying path, and the guide component is formed with a rotating shaft portion of the outer casing unit.

[0011] The document conveying device involved in the fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document conveying device described in the fourth embodiment, the guide component comprises: a main body portion, configured to face the conveying path; and a rising portion, which rises from both end portions of the main body portion toward the outer cover in a cross direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the conveyed document, and is formed with a box portion in a box shape opening in the cross direction, the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion is connected to the box portion, and an axis is formed at the front end portion of the rotating shaft portion.

[0012] A document feeding device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document feeding device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, when the exterior unit is moved to the first position, a fixture for attaching the exterior cover to the guide member cannot be visually recognized from the outside.

[0013] The document feeding device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document feeding device according to the sixth aspect, the attachment is visible from the outside and is attachable and detachable in a state in which the exterior unit is moved to the second position.

[0014] The document conveying device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document conveying device described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the conveying roller is mounted on the guide member and is arranged on the side of the exterior cover relative to the conveying path, and the document conveying device includes a tension spring, which is wound around the conveying roller and has both ends mounted on the guide member so as to exert a tensile force, thereby urging the conveying roller toward another conveying roller arranged on the opposite side of the conveying roller with the conveying path interposed therebetween.

[0015] The document conveying device involved in the 9th mode of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document conveying device described in any one of the 1st to 8th modes, a mounting member is provided for mounting the outer cover on the guide member, and the mounting member mounts the outer cover on the guide member only from a cross direction that crosses the conveying direction of the conveyed document.

[0016] The document conveying device involved in the 10th embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the document conveying device described in any one of the 4th to 7th embodiments, a limiting mechanism is provided to limit or release the movement of the outer packaging unit moved to the first position to the second position, and the limiting mechanism, the conveying roller and the detection unit are installed on the guide component.

[0017] The image forming device according to the 11th aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: the document feeding device described in any one of the 1st to 10th aspects; a reading device that reads the document fed by the document feeding device; and an image forming unit that forms the image read by the reading device.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] The document feeding device according to the first aspect of the present invention can reduce the man-hours required to remove the exterior cover, compared to a case where both the feeding roller and the detection unit are attached to the exterior cover.

[0020] The document feeding device according to the second aspect of the present invention can improve the rigidity of the rising portion compared to a case where the rising portion is entirely plate-shaped.

[0021] The document feeding device according to the third aspect of the present invention can improve the rigidity of the rising portion compared to a case where the L-shaped flange portion is spaced apart at the corner portion.

[0022] The document feeding device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention can reduce the man-hours required for removing the exterior cover, compared to a case where the rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit is formed on the exterior cover.

[0023] The document feeding device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention can improve the rigidity of the shaft compared to a case where the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion is connected to the plate-shaped portion.

[0024] The document feeding device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention can improve the appearance quality compared to a case where the attachment is visible in a state where the exterior unit is moved to the first position.

[0025] The document feeding device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention can reduce the labor required to remove the exterior cover compared to a case where the attachment is not visible and cannot be attached or detached when the exterior unit is moved to the second position.

[0026] The document feeding device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention can keep the tension spring in the guide member even when the exterior cover is removed.

[0027] The document feeding device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention can reduce the man-hours required for removing the exterior cover compared to a case where the exterior cover is attached to the guide member from multiple directions using fixtures.

[0028] The document feeding device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention can reduce the man-hours required for removing the exterior cover, compared to a case where the restriction mechanism is attached to the exterior cover.

[0029] The image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention can improve maintainability compared to a case where the document transport device is provided in which both the transport roller and the detection unit are attached to the exterior cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram showing an image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing the entire document feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 is an overall cross-sectional view showing an original document feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an exterior unit provided in the document feeding device according to the embodiment of the present invention and capable of opening a feeding path;

[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an exterior unit provided in the document feeding device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 middle, Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) is a structural diagram showing a structure for biasing a transport roller toward an opposing transport roller in the document transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Explanation of symbols

[0039] 10 - Image forming device, 12 - Image forming unit, 120 - Loading table, 122 - Reading unit (an example of a reading device), 140 - Document transport unit (an example of a document transport device), 140a - Main body (an example of a device main body), 140b - Exterior unit, 142 - Transport path, 144 - Detection sensor (an example of a detection unit), 150a - Transport roller, 150b - Transport roller (an example of another transport roller), 152a - Transport roller, 152b - Transport roller (an example of another transport roller) , 160-exterior cover, 160a-exterior surface, 164-top surface (an example of the upper part), 166-side surface, 170-guide component, 170a-guide portion, 174-force spring (an example of a tension spring), 176-force spring (an example of a tension spring), 172-main body, 180-rising portion, 182-box portion, 184-bottom plate, 186-flange portion, 188-rotating shaft portion, 188a-shaft, 200-limiting mechanism, 206-screw (an example of a mounting member). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] according to Figures 1 to 7 An example of a document transport device and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Arrow H in each figure indicates the vertical direction and the vertical direction of the apparatus, arrow W indicates a direction perpendicular to and horizontal to arrow H and the width direction of the apparatus, and arrow D indicates a direction perpendicular to and horizontal to arrows H and W and the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0041] (Overall Structure of Image Forming Apparatus)

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 110 for reading an image formed on an original document G; an image forming unit 12 for forming a toner image using an electrophotographic method; and a transport unit 14 for transporting a recording medium P along a transport path 16. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a plurality of storage members 18 for storing the recording medium P; and a control unit 28 for controlling the entire apparatus.

[0043] In the image forming apparatus 10 having the above-described structure, the image formed on the original document G is read by the image reading device 110. Furthermore, the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodating member 18 is transported along the transport path 16 by the transport unit 14. Furthermore, the toner image formed by the image forming unit 12 is formed on the transported recording medium P, and the recording medium P with the toner image formed thereon is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0044] [Image forming unit 12]

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30 for forming toner images of respective colors, and a transfer unit 32 for transferring the toner images formed by the toner image forming units 30 onto a recording medium P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 for fixing the toner images transferred onto the recording medium P by the transfer unit 32 onto the recording medium P.

[0046] -Toner Image Forming Section 30-

[0047] Multiple toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, four toner image forming units 30 are provided for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the symbols Y, M, C, and K are omitted.

[0048] The toner image forming sections 30 of the respective colors are basically constructed in the same manner except for the toner used. Figure 2 As shown, the toner image forming unit 30 includes a rotating cylindrical image holder 40 and a charger 42 for charging the image holder 40. Furthermore, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 44 for irradiating the charged image holder 40 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 46 for developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using a developer Z containing toner. Thus, the toner image forming unit 30 for each color forms an image of that color using the toner of that color.

[0049] And, as Figure 1 As shown, the image holders 40 of each color are in contact with a transfer belt 50 (described in detail later) that is moving in a circular motion. Furthermore, the toner image forming units 30 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in order from the upstream side in the direction of rotation of the transfer belt 50 (see arrow in the figure).

[0050] -Transfer unit 32-

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the transfer section 32 includes: a transfer belt 50; and a primary transfer roller 52, which is arranged on the opposite side of the image retaining member 40 of each color with the transfer belt 50 sandwiched therebetween, and transfers the colorant image formed on the image retaining member 40 of each color to the transfer belt 50.

[0052] The transfer section 32 includes a winding roller 56 on which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a driving roller 58 on which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits a rotational force to the transfer belt 50. As a result, the transfer belt 50 is wound in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0053] The transfer section 32 further includes a secondary transfer roller 54 , which is disposed on the opposite side of the take-up roller 56 with the transfer belt 50 interposed therebetween, and transfers the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the recording medium P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roller 54 and the transfer belt 50 , where the toner image is transferred to the recording medium P.

[0054] In this configuration, the primary transfer roller 52 primarily transfers the toner images in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) onto the transfer belt 50. The secondary transfer roller 54 then transfers the toner images from the transfer belt 50 onto the recording medium P, which is being transported between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roller 54. The recording medium P, onto which the toner images have been transferred, is then transported to the fixing device 34.

[0055] -Fixing device 34-

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the fixing device 34 is disposed downstream of the transfer nip NT in the conveying direction of the recording medium P. The fixing device 34 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred onto the recording medium P to fix the toner image to the recording medium P.

[0057] [Transmission Unit 14]

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the transport section 14 includes a feed roller 20 for feeding the recording medium P accommodated in the accommodating member 18 to the transport path 16, and a prevention roller 22 for preventing overlapping of the recording medium P fed by the feed roller 20. Furthermore, the transport section 14 includes an adjustment roller 24 for adjusting the timing of feeding the recording medium P to the transfer nip NT, and a discharge roller 26 for discharging the recording medium P, after the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34, to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0059] [Image reading device 110]

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image reading device 110 is disposed above the image forming device 10. Figure 4 As shown, the image reading device 110 includes a loading platform 120, which is used when reading images of multiple documents G and on which the documents G are loaded; and a document transport unit 140, which is located on one side (left side in the figure) of the loading platform 120 in the width direction and transports the documents G. Furthermore, the image reading device 110 includes a platen glass 130, which is used when reading an image of a single document G and on which the document G is loaded. The document transport unit 140 has a main body 140a disposed within it, which opens or closes the platen glass 130. The main body 140a is an example of a device main body.

[0061] Furthermore, the image reading device 110 includes a reading unit 122 that reads an image of a document G conveyed by the document conveying unit 140 at a predetermined position and reads an image of the document G placed on the platen glass 130 while moving; and a discharge unit 126 that discharges the document G after the image has been read by the reading unit 122 and is disposed below the placement table 120. The reading unit 122 is an example of a reading device.

[0062] (Main structure)

[0063] Next, the document transport unit 140 will be described. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the document transport unit 140 is disposed on one side in the width direction of the mounting table 120. The document transport unit 140 is an example of a document transport device.

[0064] When viewed from the depth direction, a U-shaped conveying path 142, open on the side of the mounting table 120, is formed within the document conveying unit 140. The document conveying unit 140 includes a detection sensor 144 for detecting the height of the mounting table 120 on which the document G is placed; a feed roller 146 for feeding the document G placed on the mounting table 120 toward the conveying path 142; and a double-feed prevention roller pair 148 for preventing double-feeding of the document G. Furthermore, the document conveying unit 140 includes a feed roller pair 150, 152, 154, 156, and 158, and a feed roller 159, for conveying the document G along the feed path 142.

[0065] Furthermore, the document conveying section 140 includes an exterior unit 140 b that rotates relative to a main body 140 a of the document conveying section 140 to open an upstream portion of the conveying path 142 .

[0066] [Detection sensor 144, delivery roller 146]

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the detection sensor 144 is positioned above the leading end of the document G placed on the loading platform 120, on the side closest to the document conveyor 140. The delivery roller 146 is positioned above the leading end of the document G placed on the loading platform 120, on the side closest to the document conveyor 140, with the axial direction being the depth direction. Furthermore, the detection sensor 144 and delivery roller 146 are positioned outside the U-shaped conveyor path 142. Here, the outside of the U-shaped conveyor path 142 refers to the outside of the portion enclosed by the U-shape. The detection sensor 144 is an example of a detection unit.

[0068] Thus, the delivery roller 146 delivers the document G placed on the placement table 120 , whose position in the height direction is detected by the detection sensor 144 , to the transport path 142 .

[0069] [Overlapping conveyance prevention roller pair 148]

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the overlap prevention roller pair 148 is positioned downstream of the delivery roller 146 in the conveyance direction of the document G (hereinafter referred to as the "document conveyance direction"), with the axial direction being the depth direction. Furthermore, the overlap prevention roller pair 148 includes a conveying roller 148a positioned outside the U-shaped conveyance path 142 and a conveying roller 148b positioned inside the U-shaped conveyance path 142. The conveying roller 148a functions as a driven roller, while the conveying roller 148b functions as a driving roller. Here, the inside of the U-shaped conveyance path 142 refers to the portion enclosed by the U-shape.

[0071] The overlapped feed prevention roller pair 148 rotates when one document G is conveyed between the pair and the delivery roller 146 , and causes slippage between the pair and the documents G when an attempt is made to convey two or more overlapping documents G, so that only one document G is conveyed.

[0072] [Conveyor roller pairs 150, 152, 154, 156]

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the transport roller pairs 150, 152, 154, and 156 are arranged downstream of the overlap prevention roller pair 148 in the document transport direction, and are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transport path 142 in the document transport direction. Furthermore, the transport roller pairs 150 and 152 are arranged in the upstream portion of the transport path 142 in the document transport direction, and the transport roller pairs 154 and 156 are arranged in the downstream portion of the transport path 142 in the document transport direction.

[0074] The conveying roller pair 150 includes a conveying roller 150a, which is arranged outside the U-shaped conveying path 142, and a conveying roller 150b, which is arranged inside the U-shaped conveying path 142. The conveying roller 150a functions as a driven roller, while the conveying roller 150b functions as a driving roller. The conveying roller 150b is an example of another conveying roller.

[0075] The conveying roller pair 152 includes a conveying roller 152a, which is positioned outside the U-shaped conveying path 142, and a conveying roller 152b, which is positioned inside the U-shaped conveying path 142. The conveying roller 152a functions as a driven roller, while the conveying roller 152b functions as a driving roller. The conveying roller 152b is an example of another conveying roller.

[0076] [Exterior unit 140b]

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the exterior unit 140b includes: an exterior cover 160 having an exterior surface 160a exposed to the outside; and a guide member 170 to which the exterior cover is mounted and having a guide portion 170a (see FIG. Figure 4 ), the guide portion 170a guides the original document G along the transport path 142. In addition, a side unit 210 (see FIG. 21) is provided so as to clamp the exterior unit 140b in the depth direction. Figure 3 ).

[0078] -Exterior cover 160-

[0079] The outer cover 160 is formed integrally with a resin material (in this embodiment, as an example, polycarbonate ABS resin (PC-ABS)). Figure 6 As shown, it has an L-shaped main body 162 and mounting ribs 168 when viewed from the depth direction. Furthermore, no functional parts are mounted on the exterior cover 160. Here, a functional part is a component that functions as an independent unit and receives energy to act on other parts or components, such as rollers and detection sensors.

[0080] Main body 162 includes a plate-shaped top portion 164 with its vertical direction along the plate thickness direction, and plate-shaped side portions 166 with its width direction along the plate thickness direction. Top portion 164 includes a top surface 164a, which serves as a portion of exterior surface 160a, and side portions 166 include side surfaces 166a, which serve as other portions of exterior surface 160a. Top portion 164 is an example of an upper portion.

[0081] Furthermore, the top surface portion 164 is formed with a through portion 164 b that is concave relative to the top surface 164 a and penetrates the front and back surfaces to expose a handle 200 b to be described later to the outside.

[0082] The mounting ribs 168 are provided in a pair, spaced apart in the depth direction, with the plate thickness direction as the depth direction, and are arranged between the top surface portion 164 and the side surface portion 166. Furthermore, the mounting ribs 168 are formed with mounting holes 168a extending through the front and back surfaces and arranged in the width direction.

[0083] -Guide member 170 as a whole-

[0084] The guide member 170 is integrally formed of a resin material (in this embodiment, as an example, polycarbonate ABS resin (PC-ABS)). Figure 6 As shown, it is arranged on the lower side of the top surface portion 164 and on the other side in the width direction of the side surface portion 166 (the right side in the figure).

[0085] The guide member 170 includes a main body 172 disposed toward the conveying path 142 (see Figure 4 ), and a guide portion 170a for guiding the original G is formed (refer to Figure 4); a rising portion 180 rising from both ends of the main body portion 172 in the depth direction toward the exterior cover 160; and a rotating shaft portion 188 forming an axis 188a of the exterior unit 140b. The depth direction is an example of a cross direction.

[0086] -Main body 172 of guide member 170-

[0087] The main body portion 172 is formed so as to cover the conveyance path 142 from the upper side and one side in the width direction in the document conveyance direction (see FIG. Figure 4 ) upstream portion. In addition, a plurality of through holes penetrating the surface and the back are formed on the main body 172. Figure 6 As shown, the detection sensor 144 , the feed roller 146 , the conveying roller 148 a of the overlapped conveyance prevention roller pair 148 , the conveying roller 150 a , and the conveying roller 152 a are attached to the guide member 170 so as to be exposed to the conveying path 142 side through the through hole.

[0088] Furthermore, the main body 172 is provided with a pair of rollers 150a and 150b (see FIG. Figure 4 ) and the urging spring 174 urging the conveying roller 152a toward the conveying roller 152b (reference Figure 4 ) A force spring 176 is provided to apply force.

[0089] The conveying roller 150a includes a shaft portion 151a and a cylindrical portion 151b inserted into the shaft portion 151a. A plurality of cylindrical portions 151b are provided, and are rotatably supported by the shaft portion 151a.

[0090] The conveying roller 152a includes a shaft portion 153a and a cylindrical portion 153b that is inserted into the shaft portion 153a. A plurality of cylindrical portions 153b are provided, and are rotatably supported by the shaft portion 153a.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), the biasing spring 174 applies a biasing force to the conveying roller 150a by bending a tension coil spring into a U-shape with an open bottom. Specifically, both ends of the biasing spring 174 are attached to the main body 172. By using the biasing spring 174 in this manner, even if the exterior cover 160 is removed after applying the biasing force to the conveying roller 150a, the biasing spring 174 remains on the guide member 170 side. The biasing spring 174 is an example of a tension spring.

[0092] like Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1B , the biasing spring 176 applies a biasing force to the conveying roller 152a by bending a tension coil spring into a U-shape with an open bottom. Specifically, both ends of the biasing spring 176 are attached to the main body 172. By using the biasing spring 176 in this manner, even if the exterior cover 160 is removed after applying the biasing force to the conveying roller 152a, the biasing spring 176 remains on the guide member 170 side. The biasing spring 176 is an example of a tension spring.

[0093] -Rising portion 180 of guide member 170-

[0094] A pair of rising portions 180 are provided spaced apart in the depth direction, such as Figure 6 As shown, the main body 172 is sandwiched between the upright portion 180 and the outer cover 160. The thickness of the upright portion 180 is primarily in the depth direction. Within the upright portion 180, a box portion 182 is formed on the side of the side portion 166 of the outer cover 160. The box portion 182 has a bottom plate 184 and a flange portion 186 extending outward in the depth direction from the edge of the bottom plate 184. Furthermore, the flange portion 186 is integrally formed along the top portion 164 and the side portion 166 of the outer cover 160, forming an L-shape when viewed from the depth direction. Specifically, the L-shaped flange portion 186 is in surface contact with the back surface of the top portion 164 and the back surface of the side portion 166.

[0095] Furthermore, a pair of embossed portions 190 are formed inside the box portion 182, arranged along the width direction. In this structure, the exterior cover 160 is attached to the guide member 170 by inserting a screw 206 into the mounting hole 168a of the exterior cover 160 from the outside in the width direction and screwing it onto the embossed portions 190. In this way, the exterior cover 160 is attached to the guide member 170 simply by screwing the screw 206 onto the embossed portions 190 from the outside in the width direction. In other words, the exterior cover 160 is attached to the guide member 170 only from the side. Furthermore, attachment of the exterior cover 160 is not limited to one direction. The screw 206 is an example of an attachment member.

[0096] -Rotational Shaft 188 of Guide Member 170-

[0097] The rotating shaft portion 188 of the shaft 188a of the exterior unit 140b is provided as a pair spaced apart in the depth direction. Figure 6 As shown, a shaft 188a, which serves as a rotation axis, is formed at the distal end of the rotating shaft portion 188, which protrudes downward from the box portion 182. In other words, the base end of the rotating shaft portion 188 is connected to the box portion 182, and the shaft 188a is formed at the distal end of the rotating shaft portion 188. Here, the term "shaft" refers to a cylindrical shaft and a bearing, and is the portion that constitutes the rotation axis of the exterior unit 140b.

[0098] In this structure, the exterior unit 140b rotates around the shaft 188a, and the exterior unit 140b rotates and moves to a first position ( ) covering the conveying path 142 so that the document G can be conveyed along the conveying path 142. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 solid line) and the second position (in the upstream portion of the open conveying path 142) Figure 3 、 Figure 4 double-dotted line shown).

[0099] Furthermore, when the outer package unit 140b moves to the first position, the spiral 206 cannot be visually identified from the outside. And then, when the outer package unit 140b moves to the second position, the spiral 206 can be visually identified from the outside, and the spiral 206 can be loaded and unloaded. In addition, with respect to a plurality of spirals 206, when the outer package unit 140b moves to the first position, not all of the spirals 206 can be visually identified from the outside. That is, the positional relationship in which a part of the spirals cannot be visually identified and another part of the spirals can be visually identified can also be.

[0100] -other-

[0101] Next, the restriction mechanism 200 for restricting the rotation of the exterior unit 140 b will be described.

[0102] The limiting mechanism 200 is mounted on the guide member 170, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the restricting mechanism 200 includes a rod 200a extending in the depth direction across a pair of raised portions 180, and a handle 200b attached to the front portion of the rod 200a in the depth direction. Furthermore, the restricting mechanism 200 includes a latch 200c provided at the front end of the rod 200a in the depth direction and outside the raised portions 180, and a biasing member (not shown) that biases the latch 200c.

[0103] When the outer unit 140b moves to the first position, the latch 200c is engaged with the engagement portion (not shown). The pressing member applies force to the latch 200c in order to maintain the engagement state. Figure 5 As shown, the handle 200 b is exposed to the outside through a through portion 164 b formed in the top surface portion 164 .

[0104] In this configuration, when the exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position, if the user grips the handle 200b and rotates the lever 200a, the latch 200c also rotates, thereby disengaging the latch 200c from the engagement portion and releasing the restriction on the movement of the exterior unit 140b to the second position.

[0105] (Function of the main structure)

[0106] Next, an operation of removing only the exterior cover 160 from the main body 140a will be described. In the initial state of the exterior unit 140b, the exterior unit 140b moves to the first position.

[0107] When removing the exterior cover 160, the user grips the handle 200b and rotates the lever 200a, thereby also rotating the latch 200c and releasing the engagement between the latch 200c and the engagement portion.

[0108] Then, the user rotates the exterior unit 140 b about the shaft 188 a to move the exterior unit 140 b to the second position. In this state, the screws 206 are removed from both sides in the depth direction, and then the exterior cover 160 is removed from the guide member 170 .

[0109] Here, functional components such as the conveyor roller and detection sensor are not attached to the exterior cover 160. In other words, there is no need to remove functional components from the exterior cover 160. Therefore, the removal of only the exterior cover 160 is complete. In other words, the removal of only the exterior cover 160 from the main body 140a is complete without removing the guide member 170 from the main body 140a.

[0110] (Summarize)

[0111] As described above, in document conveying section 140, at least one of conveying rollers 150a and 152a and detection sensor 144 is mounted on guide member 170. Therefore, compared with a case where both conveying rollers and detection sensors are mounted on the exterior cover, the man-hours required to remove only exterior cover 160 are reduced.

[0112] Furthermore, in the document transport unit 140 , a box portion 182 opened outward in the depth direction is formed on the rising portion 180 . Therefore, the rigidity of the rising portion 180 is improved compared to a case where the rising portion is entirely plate-shaped.

[0113] Furthermore, in document transport section 140, box portion 182 includes bottom plate 184 whose thickness direction corresponds to the depth direction, and L-shaped flange portion 186 rising from the edge of bottom plate 184. This improves the rigidity of the rising portion compared to a case where the L-shaped flange portion is spaced apart at the corners.

[0114] Furthermore, in the document transport section 140, the rotation shaft 188 of the exterior unit 140b is formed on the guide member 170. This reduces the number of steps required to remove only the exterior cover 160, compared to a case where the rotation shaft of the exterior unit is formed on the exterior cover.

[0115] In document transport unit 140, the base end of rotating shaft 188 is connected to box portion 182, and shaft 188a is provided at the tip of rotating shaft 188. This improves the rigidity of the shaft compared to a case where the rotating shaft is connected to a plate-shaped portion.

[0116] Furthermore, in the document transport section 140 , when the exterior unit 140 b is moved to the first position, the screw 206 cannot be visually recognized from the outside. This improves the appearance quality compared to when the screw is visually recognized when the exterior unit is moved to the first position.

[0117] Furthermore, in the document transport section 140, when the exterior unit 140b is moved to the second position, the screw 206 can be visually recognized from the outside and can be attached and detached. This reduces the time required to remove the exterior cover 160 compared to a case where the screw is not visually recognized and cannot be attached and detached when the exterior unit is moved to the second position.

[0118] Furthermore, in the document transport unit 140 , both ends of the biasing springs 174 and 176 are attached to the main body 172 . Thus, even if the exterior cover 160 is removed, the biasing springs 174 and 176 remain on the guide member 170 .

[0119] Furthermore, in the document transport unit 140, the screw 206 attaches the exterior cover 160 to the guide member 170 only from the outside in the width direction. This reduces the time required to remove the exterior cover 160 compared to when the screw attaches the exterior cover to the guide member from multiple directions.

[0120] Furthermore, in the document transport unit 140 , the restriction mechanism 200 is attached to the guide member 170 . This reduces the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover 160 , compared to a case where the restriction mechanism is attached to the exterior cover.

[0121] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a document conveying unit 140 , thereby improving maintainability.

[0122] Furthermore, while a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may employ various other embodiments within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the document transport unit 140 is provided in the image forming apparatus 10, but it may also be provided in a scanner unit, for example.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all functional components are mounted on the guide member 170, and no functional components are mounted on the exterior cover 160. However, any functional component may be mounted on the exterior cover. It is sufficient that at least one of the conveying rollers 150a, 152a and the detection sensor 144 is mounted on the guide member 170. However, in this case, the functions that would otherwise be provided by not mounting the functional components on the exterior cover 160 are not utilized.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the box portion 182 is formed in the rising portion 180 , but the box portion may not be formed. In this case, the function of the box portion 182 is not exerted.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rotation shaft portion 188 is formed on the guide member 170 , but the rotation shaft portion may be formed on the exterior cover. In this case, the function of the rotation shaft portion 188 formed on the guide member 170 is not achieved.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion 188 is connected to the box portion 182, but the rotating shaft portion may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the box portion. In this case, the function of connecting the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion 188 to the box portion 182 will not be exerted.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the screw 206 is not visible from the outside when the exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position, but it may be visible. However, in this case, the effect of not being visible is not achieved.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the screw 206 is used as the mounting member, but a bolt, a clamp, or the like may also be used.

[0129] (1) A document feeding device comprising:

[0130] a guide member having a guide portion disposed on one side of a conveyance path for conveying an original document placed on a loading table and guiding the original document along the conveyance path, the guide member being equipped with at least one of a conveyance roller for conveying the original document along the conveyance path and a detection portion for detecting a position of the loading table; and

[0131] The exterior cover is installed to cover the guide member and has an exterior surface exposed to the outside.

[0132] (2) The document transport device according to (1), wherein:

[0133] The guide component comprises:

[0134] a main body portion, arranged to face the conveying path; and

[0135] The rising portion rises from both ends of the main body toward the exterior cover in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the document and forms a box portion in a box shape opened in the intersecting direction.

[0136] (3) The document transport device according to (2), wherein:

[0137] The exterior cover includes: a plate-shaped upper portion that covers the guide member from above and forms a portion of the exterior surface; and a plate-shaped side portion that extends downward from an end portion of the upper portion, covers the guide member from the side, and forms the other portion of the exterior surface.

[0138] The box portion includes a bottom plate having a thickness direction extending in the intersecting direction, and an L-shaped flange portion rising from an edge portion of the bottom plate and extending along the upper portion and the side portions.

[0139] (4) The document transport device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein:

[0140] The exterior unit includes the guide member and the exterior cover.

[0141] The exterior unit is rotatably mounted on the apparatus body and is rotatably moved between a first position capable of conveying the document along the conveying path and a second position opening the conveying path.

[0142] The guide member is formed with a rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit.

[0143] (5) The document transport device according to (4), wherein:

[0144] The guide component comprises:

[0145] a main body portion, arranged to face the conveying path; and

[0146] The rising portion rises from both ends of the main body toward the outer cover in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the document and is formed into a box portion in a box shape opened in the intersecting direction.

[0147] The base end portion of the rotating shaft portion is connected to the box portion, and a shaft is formed at the front end portion of the rotating shaft portion.

[0148] (6) The document transport device according to (4) or (5), wherein:

[0149] When the exterior unit is moved to the first position, the attachment member for attaching the exterior cover to the guide member cannot be visually recognized from the outside.

[0150] (7) The document transport device according to (6), wherein:

[0151] When the exterior unit is moved to the second position, the mounting member can be visually recognized from the outside and can be attached and detached.

[0152] (8) The document transport device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein:

[0153] The conveying roller is mounted on the guide member and is arranged on the outer cover side relative to the conveying path.

[0154] The document transport device includes a tension spring wound around the transport roller and having both ends attached to the guide member to apply tension, thereby urging the transport roller toward another transport roller disposed on the opposite side of the transport roller across the transport path.

[0155] (9) The document transport device according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising a mounting member for mounting the exterior cover on the guide member.

[0156] The attachment member attaches the exterior cover to the guide member only in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of a document.

[0157] (10) The document transport device according to any one of (4) to (7), further comprising a restriction mechanism for restricting or releasing movement of the exterior unit moved to the first position to the second position.

[0158] The restriction mechanism, the conveying roller, and the detection unit are attached to the guide member.

[0159] (11) An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0160] The document transport device according to any one of (1) to (10);

[0161] a reading device for reading the manuscript conveyed by the manuscript conveying device; and

[0162] The image forming unit forms the image read by the reading device.

[0163] (1) The document feeding device can reduce the time required to remove the exterior cover compared to a case where both the feeding roller and the detection unit are mounted on the exterior cover.

[0164] (2) The document feeding device can improve the rigidity of the rising portion compared to a case where the rising portion is entirely plate-shaped.

[0165] (3) The document feeding device can improve the rigidity of the rising portion compared to a case where the L-shaped flange portion is spaced apart at the corner portion.

[0166] (4) The document feeding device can reduce the man-hours for removing the exterior cover compared to a case where the rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit is formed on the exterior cover.

[0167] (5) The document feeding device can improve the rigidity of the shaft compared to a case where the base end portion of the rotating shaft is connected to the plate-shaped portion.

[0168] (6) The document feeding device can improve the appearance quality compared to a case where the attachment is visually recognized in a state where the exterior unit is moved to the first position.

[0169] (7) The document feeding device can reduce the man-hours for removing the exterior cover compared to a case where the mounting member cannot be visually recognized and cannot be attached or detached when the exterior unit is moved to the second position.

[0170] (8) In the document feeding device, even when the exterior cover is removed, the tension spring can be retained in the guide member.

[0171] (9) The document feeding device can reduce the man-hours for removing the exterior cover compared to a case where the exterior cover is attached to the guide member from multiple directions using attachments.

[0172] (10) The document feeding device can reduce the man-hours required for removing the exterior cover compared to a case where the restriction mechanism is attached to the exterior cover.

[0173] (11) The image forming apparatus can improve maintainability compared to a document conveying apparatus in which both the conveying roller and the detecting unit are mounted on an exterior cover.

[0174] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A document transport device comprising: a guide member having a guide portion disposed on one side of a conveyance path for conveying an original document placed on a loading table and guiding the original document along the conveyance path, the guide member being equipped with at least one of a conveyance roller for conveying the original document along the conveyance path and a detection portion for detecting a position of the loading table; and The exterior cover is installed to cover the guide member and has an exterior surface exposed to the outside.

2. The document transport device according to claim 1, wherein: The guide component comprises: a main body portion, configured to face the conveying path; and The rising portion rises from both ends of the main body toward the exterior cover in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the document and forms a box portion in a box shape opened in the intersecting direction.

3. The document transport device according to claim 2, wherein: The exterior cover includes: a plate-shaped upper portion that covers the guide member from above and forms a portion of the exterior surface; and a plate-shaped side portion that extends downward from an end portion of the upper portion, covers the guide member from the side, and forms the other portion of the exterior surface. The box portion includes a bottom plate having a thickness direction extending in the intersecting direction, and an L-shaped flange portion rising from an edge portion of the bottom plate and extending along the upper portion and the side portions.

4. The document transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The exterior unit includes the guide member and the exterior cover. The exterior unit is rotatably mounted on the apparatus body and is rotatably moved between a first position capable of conveying the document along the conveying path and a second position opening the conveying path. The guide member is formed with a rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit.

5. The document transport device according to claim 4, wherein: The guide component comprises: a main body portion, configured to face the conveying path; and The rising portion rises from both ends of the main body toward the outer cover in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the document and is formed into a box portion in a box shape opened in the intersecting direction. The base end portion of the rotating shaft portion is connected to the box portion, and a shaft is formed at the front end portion of the rotating shaft portion.

6. The document transport device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: When the exterior unit is moved to the first position, the attachment member for attaching the exterior cover to the guide member cannot be visually recognized from the outside.

7. The document transport device according to claim 6, wherein: When the exterior unit is moved to the second position, the mounting member can be visually recognized from the outside and can be attached and detached.

8. The document transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The conveying roller is mounted on the guide member and is arranged on the outer cover side relative to the conveying path. The document transport device includes a tension spring wound around the transport roller and having both ends attached to the guide member to apply tension, thereby urging the transport roller toward another transport roller disposed on the opposite side of the transport roller across the transport path.

9. The document transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a mounting member for mounting the exterior cover on the guide member. The attachment member attaches the exterior cover to the guide member only in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of a document.

10. The document transport device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a restriction mechanism for restricting or releasing movement of the exterior unit moved to the first position to the second position. The restriction mechanism, the conveying roller, and the detection unit are attached to the guide member.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising: The document conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a reading device for reading the manuscript conveyed by the manuscript conveying device; and The image forming unit forms the image read by the reading device.

Images