Image reading apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an image reading device. The problem is to properly remove foreign matter attached to the reading section. An image reading device (1) characterized by comprising: a conveyance path (3) for conveying a medium; a reading section (5) for reading an image of the medium; a lower unit (71); an upper unit (72) disposed in a manner capable of opening and closing with respect to the lower unit (71), and forming a part of the conveyance path (3) with the lower unit (71) in a closed state; a cleaning section (100) capable of ventilating an air current for removing foreign matter on the reading section (5) from a vent hole (113); and an air current generating section (140) for generating an air current in the cleaning section (100), the cleaning section (100) being connected to the air current generating section (140) at a fixed end (122), capable of removing foreign matter on the reading section (5) by the air current from the vent hole (113) present at a free end (121).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image reading device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, various image reading devices have been used, which read images of a transported medium using a reading unit. In such image reading devices, foreign matter such as paper dust may sometimes remain or adhere to the reading unit. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device equipped with a guide member that has a suction fan and multiple elongated holes as suction ports, and is capable of suctioning paper dust from the contact glass of the original document reading unit through the multiple elongated holes.

[0003] The image reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can suck up paper dust located opposite the suction port. However, the guide member of the suction mechanism is fixed, making it difficult to recover paper dust that is a distance away from the suction port. Therefore, even if it is desired to clean foreign matter from the reading section using the fixed suction mechanism, it is sometimes impossible to properly clean the foreign matter attached to the reading section. If foreign matter is attached to the reading section, it may sometimes cause streaks or the like in the read image.

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-270707. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The image reading apparatus of the present invention, which addresses the aforementioned problems, is characterized by comprising: a transport path for transporting a medium; a reading unit for reading an image of the transported medium; a lower unit; an upper unit configured to be able to open and close relative to the lower unit by rotating about a rotation axis, and forming part of the transport path with the lower unit in the closed state; a cleaning unit capable of ventilating airflow to remove foreign matter adhering to the reading unit through a ventilation hole; and an airflow generating unit that generates airflow in the cleaning unit, the cleaning unit being connected to the airflow generating unit at a fixed end, and removing foreign matter adhering to the reading unit through airflow from the ventilation hole located at a free end opposite to the fixed end. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of the image reading device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 When the upper unit is in the closed state relative to the lower unit Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of an image reading device.

[0008] Figure 3When the upper unit is in a closed state relative to the lower unit, the slave and the slave are in a closed state. Figure 2 Observed from different angles Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of an image reading device.

[0009] Figure 4 When the upper unit is in the open state relative to the lower unit Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of an image reading device.

[0010] Figure 5 When the upper unit is in the open state relative to the lower unit, it is a slave-like entity. Figure 4 Observed from different angles Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of an image reading device.

[0011] Figure 6 To indicate Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the area around the brush section of the cleaning unit of the image reading device.

[0012] Figure 7 To indicate in Figure 1 A three-dimensional image of an image reading device in which foreign matter is being removed from the reading unit using a brush.

[0013] Figure 8 To indicate Figure 1 A portion of the housing of the image reading device is removed, and a three-dimensional view of the area surrounding the airflow generation section of the cleaning unit is shown.

[0014] Figure 9 To indicate from Figure 8 This state further involves removing plates, parts of the shell, etc., and indicating... Figure 1 Rear view of the area surrounding the airflow generation section of the cleaning unit of the image reading device.

[0015] Figure 10 To be viewed from the back side Figure 1 The image reading device observed a stereoscopic view, which is a view showing the state of the covered component.

[0016] Figure 11 To be viewed from the back side Figure 1 The image reading device observed a three-dimensional view, which shows the state where the cover component is removed and the recovery unit constituting the airflow generation unit is installed.

[0017] Figure 12 To be viewed from the back side Figure 1 The image reading device observed a three-dimensional view, which is a diagram showing the state when the cover component is removed and the recovery section constituting the airflow generating section is removed.

[0018] Figure 13 To indicate the use Figure 1A flowchart illustrating an example of a cleaning action performed by an image reading device.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the housing of the image reading device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention removed and the area around the airflow generating part of the cleaning section. Detailed Implementation

[0020] First, the present invention will be described in a general sense.

[0021] The image reading apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a transport path for transporting a medium; a reading unit for reading an image of the transported medium; a lower unit; an upper unit configured to be able to open and close relative to the lower unit by rotating about a rotation axis, and forming part of the transport path with the lower unit in the closed state; a cleaning unit capable of ventilating airflow to remove foreign matter attached to the reading unit through a ventilation hole; and an airflow generating unit that generates airflow in the cleaning unit, the cleaning unit being connected to the airflow generating unit at a fixed end, and thereby removing foreign matter attached to the reading unit through airflow from the ventilation hole located at a free end opposite to the fixed end.

[0022] According to this method, the device includes: a cleaning section that allows airflow to remove foreign matter adhering to the reading section through a ventilation hole; and an airflow generating section that generates airflow within the cleaning section. The cleaning section is connected to the airflow generating section at a fixed end, and the foreign matter adhering to the reading section is removed by airflow from the ventilation hole located at a free end opposite to the fixed end. With this structure, the free end of the cleaning section can operate independently of the airflow generating section, thus increasing the area that can be cleaned and enabling precise cleaning of areas desired by the user. Therefore, foreign matter adhering to the reading section can be appropriately removed.

[0023] The image reading device of the second aspect of the present invention is subordinate to the first aspect, characterized in that, when the upper unit is in the open state, the cleaning unit is capable of removing foreign objects attached to the conveying path.

[0024] According to this method, when the upper unit is in the open state, the cleaning unit can remove foreign objects attached to the transport path. By adopting this structure, since the cleaning unit can clean not only the reading unit but also foreign objects attached to the transport path, it is possible to prevent foreign objects attached to the transport path from moving onto the reading unit through the transport of the medium and thus attaching to the reading unit.

[0025] The third aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is a method subordinate to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the cleaning part has: a handle part which is disposed at the free end and has the ventilation hole; and a flexible member which connects the airflow generating part to the handle part.

[0026] According to this method, the cleaning unit has: a handle portion located at the free end and having ventilation holes; and a flexible member connecting the airflow generating portion to the handle portion. With this structure, the user can easily grip the cleaning unit and thus easily perform cleaning actions.

[0027] The fourth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the third aspect, characterized in that the flexible member has a length in the width direction along the length direction of the reading portion that is capable of cleaning the portion of the reading portion furthest from the fixed end.

[0028] According to this method, the flexible member has a length in the width direction that allows it to clean the portion of the reading section furthest from the fixed end. By configuring it in this way, at least the entire area of ​​the reading section can be cleaned, thereby suppressing, for example, the generation of stripes in the read image due to foreign objects.

[0029] The fifth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the fourth aspect, characterized in that it includes a mounting section that is configured to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction and to mount a medium being transported on the transport path, and the flexible member is of a length capable of cleaning the portion of the transport path or the mounting section furthest from the fixed end.

[0030] According to this method, a mounting section is provided, which is configured to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction, and to mount the medium being transported on the transport path. The flexible member is of a length that allows cleaning of the portion of the transport path or the mounting section furthest from the fixed end. With this structure, in addition to cleaning the reading section, the entire area of ​​the transport path or the mounting section can be cleaned.

[0031] The image reading device of the sixth aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the third to fifth aspects, characterized in that the handle portion has a brush portion at the top end of the handle portion, and the brush portion is disposed around the ventilation hole.

[0032] According to this method, the handle has a brush portion at its top, and the brush portion is arranged around the ventilation hole. By configuring it in this way, foreign objects that have entered the conveying path, the gap of the reading section, etc., can be scraped out, thereby reducing the residue of foreign objects.

[0033] The image reading device of the seventh aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the first to sixth aspects, characterized in that it includes a housing, the housing having: a storage section capable of storing the cleaning section inside the housing; and a door section capable of covering the storage section when the cleaning section is stored.

[0034] According to this method, a housing is provided, which has a storage section for storing the cleaning unit inside, and a door section for covering the storage section when the cleaning unit is stored. By configuring it in this way, the cleaning unit will not be exposed outside the housing, thereby preventing the cleaning unit from becoming an obstacle to the user's actions when not in use.

[0035] The image reading device of the eighth aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the first to seventh aspects, characterized in that it has an operation unit capable of receiving cleaning instructions, and is capable of executing a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and a third cleaning mode in order of increasing airflow generated by the airflow generating unit, wherein the operation unit displays a selection of the first cleaning mode, the second cleaning mode, and the third cleaning mode when the operation unit receives a cleaning instruction.

[0036] According to this method, an operating unit is provided that can receive cleaning instructions, and when the operating unit receives a cleaning instruction, it displays a selection of a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and a third cleaning mode. By configuring it in this way, at least three modes can be selected, allowing the user to choose the appropriate mode based on the amount and location of the foreign object, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

[0037] The image reading device of the ninth aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the first to eighth aspects, characterized in that the airflow generating unit has a fan for generating airflow and a pipe connecting the fixed end to the fan.

[0038] According to this method, the airflow generating unit includes a fan that generates airflow and a duct that connects the fixed end of the cleaning unit to the fan. By configuring it in this way, the fan can be positioned at a distance from the fixed end of the cleaning unit, thus increasing the freedom of fan placement.

[0039] The image reading device of the tenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the ninth aspect, characterized in that the fan is disposed in the width direction along the length direction of the reading section at a location close to the fixed end, which is about half the width of the image reading device.

[0040] According to this method, the fan is positioned in the width direction close to the fixed end, approximately half the width of the image reading device. This structure shortens the distance between the fan and the fixed end of the cleaning unit, i.e., the length of the duct, thereby suppressing the weakening of airflow intensity in the ventilation holes and improving cleaning efficiency.

[0041] The image reading device of the eleventh aspect of the present invention is a type subordinate to the ninth or tenth aspect, characterized in that the airflow generating unit generates an airflow that is drawn in through the ventilation hole.

[0042] According to this method, the airflow generating unit generates an airflow that is drawn in through the ventilation holes. By configuring it in this way, foreign objects can be drawn in one direction, thereby enabling cleaning without scattering the foreign objects in the surrounding area.

[0043] The image reading device of the twelfth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the eleventh aspect, characterized in that the airflow generating unit has a recovery unit for recovering foreign matter sucked from the cleaning unit, the recovery unit being disposed between the pipe and the fan.

[0044] According to this method, the airflow generating unit has a recovery unit for recovering foreign objects sucked up from the cleaning unit, and the recovery unit is disposed between the duct and the fan. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to suppress the situation where foreign objects adhere to the fan, and thus suppress the situation where the suction force decreases due to foreign objects adhering to the fan.

[0045] The image reading device of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the twelfth aspect, characterized in that it includes a housing that houses the retraction part inside, the retraction part being able to be attached to or detached relative to the housing by being pulled out from an opening provided on the back side of the housing along a depth direction, the depth direction being a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rotation axis and being a direction from the front side of the housing toward the back side.

[0046] According to this method, a housing is provided inside, and the housing can be detached from the housing by pulling it out from an opening provided on the back of the housing along the depth direction. With such a structure, it becomes easy to clean and replace the housing without disassembling the device.

[0047] Furthermore, by cleaning or replacing the recycling section, the cleaning section can continue to be used, thus reducing the need for responses such as those from service personnel and enabling the cleaning section to be used for a long time.

[0048] The image reading device of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect to the thirteenth aspect, characterized in that the opening is covered by a cover member.

[0049] According to this method, the opening is covered by a cover component. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of foreign matter recovered into the recovery section from the opening to the outside.

[0050] The image reading device of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a type subordinate to the ninth aspect, characterized in that the airflow generating unit generates airflow discharged from the ventilation hole.

[0051] According to this method, the airflow generating unit generates airflow that is discharged from the ventilation hole. By configuring it in this way, even when the attachment of foreign objects in the transport path and the reading unit is slight, for example, when it is desired to remove tiny foreign objects attached to the reading unit, the foreign objects can be moved to a location outside the reading unit by blowing airflow onto them.

[0052] Example 1 The following is for reference Figures 1 to 9 The image reading device 1A, which is an embodiment of the image reading device 1 of the present invention, will be described first. Referring to the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1 of the present invention... Figure 1 Here is a brief overview. In the following description, as shown in the figures, the three mutually orthogonal axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) indicate the positive (+) direction and the negative (-) direction, respectively. The Z-axis corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction of gravity; +Z indicates vertically upward, and -Z indicates vertically downward. The X-axis and Y-axis correspond to the horizontal direction, with the X-axis corresponding to the width direction B. The +Y direction indicates the forward direction of the device, and the -Y direction indicates the rearward direction. The +X direction indicates the rightward direction of the device, and the -X direction indicates the leftward direction.

[0053] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment is a document scanner capable of reading images formed on a medium. Here, an image formed on a medium refers to content visually recorded on the medium, such as text, graphics, tables, pictures, photographs, etc. The medium is not limited to sheets, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. The image reading device 1A of the present invention is not limited to a scanner, but may also be a copier, fax machine, etc.

[0054] The image reading device 1A transports the medium placed on the feed tray 29 along the transport path 3 in the transport direction F, and reads the image of the transported medium by the reading unit 5, which serves as the reading section. Figure 1 As shown, the image reading device 1A includes two reading units, a first reading unit 51 and a second reading unit 52, for reading images of the medium. The first reading unit 51 is located above the transport path 3 and reads the image of the first side of the medium. The second reading unit 52 is located below the transport path 3 and reads the image of the second side, which is the opposite side of the first side. The reading unit 5 is configured, for example, with a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor.

[0055] The image reading device 1A includes a conveying section 6 that conveys a medium along a conveying path 3 in a conveying direction F. As the conveying section 6, the image reading device 1A includes a pair of conveying rollers 7 disposed upstream of the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52, and a pair of conveying rollers 8 disposed downstream of the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52. The conveying rollers 7 and 8 are composed of a pair of drive rollers and driven rollers that are rotated by power from a drive source such as a motor (not shown).

[0056] Upstream of the conveying roller pair 7 in the conveying direction F, a feeding section 10 and a separating section 11 are arranged. The feeding section 10 is rotated by a motor (not shown) to convey the medium in the conveying direction F. The separating section 11 is equipped with a torque limiter and a separating roller that is rotated by a motor (not shown), thereby enabling the separation of one medium from multiple media. A pickup roller 12 is arranged upstream of the separating section 11 in the conveying direction F.

[0057] The pickup roller 12 is a drive roller that rotates under the power of a motor (not shown) and picks up the medium and sends it out in the conveying direction F.

[0058] The image reading device 1A includes a straight path from the feed section 10 to the conveyor roller pair 8, and a U-shaped turning path downstream of the straight path. Along the U-shaped turning path, conveyor roller pair 15, conveyor roller pair 16, and discharge roller pair 17, which serve as the conveyor section 6, are arranged sequentially in the conveying direction F. The conveyor roller pair 15, conveyor roller pair 16, and discharge roller pair 17 are also composed of a pair of drive rollers and driven rollers that rotate under the power of a motor (not shown). Furthermore, the image reading device 1A includes a discharge tray 19 for receiving the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair 17.

[0059] Next, besides Figure 1 In addition, refer to Figures 2 to 5 The structure of the image reading device 1A will be further explained. For example... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the image reading device 1A includes a lower unit 71 and an upper unit 72. The upper unit 72 is configured to, via... Figure 1 The rotating shaft 73 shown rotates around the center, thereby enabling it to open and close relative to the lower unit 71. Figures 1 to 3 This shows the upper unit 72 in a closed state relative to the lower unit 71. On the other hand, Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The diagram shows the upper unit 72 in the open state relative to the lower unit 71. Furthermore, when the upper unit 72 is in the closed state relative to the lower unit 71, it forms part of the transport path 3 with the lower unit 71.

[0060] Furthermore, in the lower unit 71, a separation section 11, one roller from the conveying roller pair 7, a second reading unit 52 from the reading unit 5, and one roller from the conveying roller pair 8 are arranged in sequence along the conveying direction F. On the other hand, in the upper unit 72, a feeding section 10, the other roller from the conveying roller pair 7, a first reading unit 51 from the reading unit 5, and the other roller from the conveying roller pair 8 are arranged in sequence along the conveying direction F.

[0061] As described above, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes a transport path 3 for transporting a medium, a reading unit 5 for reading an image of the transported medium, a lower unit 71, and an upper unit 72. Furthermore, as will be described later, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes: a cleaning section 100, which allows airflow to remove foreign matter adhering to the reading unit 5 through a ventilation hole 113; and an airflow generating section 140, which generates airflow in the cleaning section 100. Additionally, the airflow generating section 140 can also be considered a structural component of the cleaning section 100. Therefore, in the following text, except... Figures 1 to 5 In addition, refer to Figures 6 to 13 The cleaning section 100 and the airflow generating section 140 are described in detail.

[0062] In the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the cleaning unit 100, through methods such as... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the fixed end 122 of the rubber tube 120, as an example of a flexible component, is connected to... Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 The airflow generating unit 140 shown is connected to it. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, a head 110 is connected to the free end 121 of the tube 120, which is a flexible member opposite to the fixed end 122. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, a ventilation hole 113 is provided on the head 110, and it is a structure that can remove foreign objects attached to the reading unit 5 by airflow from the ventilation hole 113.

[0063] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment is configured in such a way that the free end 121 of the cleaning unit 100 can operate independently of the airflow generating unit 140. Therefore, the area that can be cleaned is increased, and the area that the user wants to clean can be cleaned precisely. Thus, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can properly remove foreign objects attached to the reading unit 5.

[0064] In addition, the cleaning department 100, such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 When the upper unit 72 is in the open state as shown, foreign objects attached to the transport path 3 can be removed. With this structure, the cleaning unit 100 can clean not only the reading unit 5 but also foreign objects attached to the transport path 3, thus preventing foreign objects attached to the transport path 3 from moving to the reading unit 5 through the transport of the medium and thus attaching to the reading unit 5.

[0065] Here, as Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the cleaning unit 100 has a head 110 and a tube 120 as a flexible member. The head 110 has a handle 111, which is provided at the free end 121 of the tube 120 and has a ventilation hole 113. The tube 120 connects the airflow generating unit 140 and the handle 111. By providing such a structure with a handle 111, the user can easily hold the cleaning unit 100 and thus easily perform cleaning operations.

[0066] Furthermore, the tube 120 has a width direction B along the length direction of the reading unit 5, which is capable of cleaning the portion of the reading unit 5 furthest from the fixed end 122. For example, one example of having a length capable of cleaning the portion of the reading unit 5 furthest from the fixed end 122 is... Figure 4 The length of the cleaning operation at positions P1 and P2 is specified. By configuring the structure in this way, at least the entire area of ​​the reading unit 5 can be cleaned, thereby suppressing, for example, the formation of stripes in the read image due to foreign objects.

[0067] As described above, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes a feed tray 29. The feed tray 29 is configured to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and serves as a mounting section for placing the medium being transported on the transport path 3. Furthermore, the tube 120 has a length capable of cleaning the portion of the transport path 3 furthest from the fixed end 122 and the portion of the feed tray 29 furthest from the fixed end 122. For example, one example is having a length capable of cleaning the portion of the transport path 3 furthest from the fixed end 122. Figure 4 The length at which positions P3 and P4 are cleaned. Furthermore, for example, it has the capability to clean the portion of the feed tray 29 furthest from the fixed end 122. Figure 4 The length of the cleaning operation is determined by positions P5 and P6.

[0068] Preferably, the tube 120 is set to a length that allows cleaning of the portion of the conveyor path 3 or the feed tray 29 furthest from the fixed end 122. This is because, in addition to cleaning the reading unit 5, the entire area of ​​the conveyor path 3 or the feed tray 29 can be cleaned. Furthermore, this includes, for example, the area of ​​the conveyor path 3 furthest from the fixed end 122 when the upper unit 72 is in the open state relative to the lower unit 71.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the handle portion 111 has a brush portion 112 at its top end. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the brush portion 112 is arranged around the ventilation hole 113. By configuring it in this way, foreign objects that have entered the gap between the transport path 3 and the reading unit 5 can be scraped out, thereby reducing the amount of foreign objects remaining.

[0070] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 5 as well as Figures 8 to 12 As shown, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes a housing 130. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the housing 130 has: a storage section 134, which can store the head 110 and tube 120 of the cleaning section 100 inside the housing 130; and a door section 131, which can cover the storage section 134 when the head 110 and tube 120 of the cleaning section are stored.

[0071] By configuring the structure in this way, the cleaning part 100 will not be exposed outside the housing 130, thereby preventing the cleaning part 100 from becoming an obstacle to the user's operation when not in use. However, it is not limited to this structure. For example, as a structure that can be selectively installed on the housing 130, it is also possible to configure a structure in which a storage part 134 for the cleaning part 100 is provided outside the housing 130. Furthermore, the storage part 134 may be arranged inside the housing 130 in a position that appears when the upper unit 72 is in the open state relative to the lower unit 71.

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes an operation panel 42, which serves as an operation unit and can receive instructions from the user and display various information. The operation panel 42 can receive cleaning instructions from the user. Furthermore, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can execute a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and a third cleaning mode in sequence from weak to strong airflow generated by the airflow generating unit 140.

[0073] When the operation panel 42 receives a cleaning instruction from the user, it can display a selection of a first cleaning mode, a second cleaning mode, and a third cleaning mode. The image reading device 1A of this embodiment, by having such a structure, can select at least three modes, allowing the user to choose an appropriate mode based on the amount of foreign matter and the location of its attachment, thereby improving cleaning efficiency.

[0074] Here, the first cleaning mode can be set to an energy-saving mode, that is, while the suction power is weak, it prioritizes low power consumption and low noise, and aims to suck up lighter materials such as paper dust and dirt as foreign objects. Furthermore, the second cleaning mode can be a normal cleaning mode, which, in addition to sucking up paper dust and dirt as foreign objects, can also be set to suck up foreign objects such as rubber sheets that are slightly larger and heavier than these. Furthermore, the third cleaning mode can be set to a mode with strong suction power, that is, a mode that can suck up foreign objects accumulated in small areas such as gaps and corners where the head 110 cannot be fully inserted.

[0075] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the airflow generating unit 140 includes a fan 141 that generates airflow and a duct 143 that connects the fixed end 122 to the fan 141. By configuring the airflow generating unit 140 in this way, the fan 141 can be positioned at a distance from the fixed end 122 of the cleaning unit 100, thus increasing the freedom of the fan 141's placement.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown, the fan 141 is positioned in the width direction B along the length of the reading unit 5, closer to the fixed end 122 than at a position C that is half the width W of the image reading device 1A. In other words, the fan 141 is positioned close to the side of the pipe 143 where the fixed end 122 is located.

[0077] By adopting this structure, the distance between the fan 141 and the fixed end 122 of the cleaning unit 100 can be appropriately shortened, and the length of the duct 143 can be made shorter than the width W of the image reading device 1A. Therefore, the weakening of the airflow intensity in the ventilation hole 113 can be suppressed, thereby improving cleaning efficiency. However, although the above-mentioned effects can be obtained by adopting this structure, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and also includes structures that are located further away from the fixed end 122 than half the width W of the image reading device 1A.

[0078] Here, in the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the airflow generating unit 140 is a structure that generates airflow that is drawn in through the ventilation hole 113. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the airflow extends from the vent 113 to the fan 141, and then flows in the suction direction V1 through the pipe 120 and the duct 143. The image reading device 1A of this embodiment, by having such a structure, is able to suction foreign objects in one direction, thereby enabling cleaning without scattering them around.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the airflow generating unit 140 includes a filter 142, which serves as a recovery unit, to recover foreign objects sucked in from the ventilation holes 113 in the cleaning unit 100. Furthermore, the filter 142 is disposed between the duct 143 and the fan 141. This structure prevents foreign objects from adhering to the fan 141, thereby preventing a decrease in suction power due to foreign objects adhering to the fan 141.

[0080] like Figure 11 As shown, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment houses a filter 142 inside the housing 130. The filter 142 has a handle portion 142A, and by using the user to hold the handle portion 142A, it can be pulled out from the opening 133 provided on the back of the housing 130 along the -Y direction, specifically the Y-axis direction as the depth direction, thereby... Figure 12 As shown, it can be disassembled and assembled relative to the housing 130, the depth direction being perpendicular to... Figure 1The axial direction (X-axis direction) of the rotating shaft 73 shown is intersecting the direction from the front of the housing 130 toward the back.

[0081] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment is configured in such a way that cleaning and replacing the filter 142 becomes easy without disassembling the device. Furthermore, by cleaning and replacing the filter 142, the cleaning unit 100 can continue to be used, thus reducing the need for intervention by service personnel and enabling the cleaning unit 100 to be used for a longer period.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, in its normal state, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment has a cover member 132 provided on the back side of the housing 130. The opening 133 is covered by the cover member 132. This structure helps to suppress the diffusion of foreign matter collected in the filter 142 from the opening 133 to the outside.

[0083] In the following text, refer to Figure 13 The flowchart is used for Figure 1 An example of a cleaning action performed by an image reading device is illustrated. Figure 13 In the cleaning operation shown in the flowchart, firstly, in step S110, a drive start instruction from the user's cleaning unit 100 is received. At this time, for example, the user can select an energy-saving mode, a normal mode, or a high-speed mode.

[0084] The activation of the cleaning unit 100 is initiated by the user inputting instructions on the operation panel 42 or an external computer (not shown).

[0085] Next, in step S120, the fan 141 is driven. Then, in step S130, the user performs a cleaning operation using the cleaning unit 100. After the user has sufficiently performed the cleaning operation using the cleaning unit 100, in step S140, a drive stop instruction from the user for the cleaning unit 100 is received, and the fan 141 is stopped. Figure 13 The formal cleaning action shown in the flowchart has ended.

[0086] Example 2 Next, use Figure 14 The image reading device 1B of Embodiment 2 will be described. Furthermore, Figure 14 The image reading device 1A corresponding to Embodiment 1 Figure 8 .exist Figure 14In this embodiment, structural components common to those in Embodiment 1 are represented by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Here, the image reading device 1B of this embodiment has the same structure as the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, except for the direction of the airflow generated by the fan 141 of the airflow generating unit 140. Therefore, except for the descriptions below, the image reading device 1B of this embodiment has the same features as the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1.

[0087] As described above, the fan 141 of the airflow generating unit 140 of the image reading device 1A in Embodiment 1 is a structure that generates airflow that is drawn in through the ventilation hole 113, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the airflow flows from the vent 113 to the fan 141 and then flows in the suction direction V1 through the pipe 120 and the duct 143. On the other hand, the fan 141 of the airflow generating unit 140 of the image reading device 1B in this embodiment is structured to generate airflow discharged from the vent 113, as shown... Figure 14 As shown, the airflow flows from the fan 141 to the vent 113 and remains in the pipe 120 and the duct 143 in the discharge direction V2.

[0088] That is, in the image reading device 1B of this embodiment, the airflow generating unit 140 generates airflow that is discharged from the ventilation hole 113. By setting it in this way, when the attachment of foreign objects in the transport path 3 and the reading unit 5 is slight, for example, when it is desired to remove small foreign objects attached to the reading unit 5, the foreign objects can be moved to a location outside the reading unit 5 by blowing airflow onto them. Furthermore, although the image reading device 1B of this embodiment also has a filter 142 provided in the airflow generating unit 140, just like the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, it can also be configured without a filter 142.

[0089] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented with various structures without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the summary section can be appropriately replaced or combined. Moreover, any technical feature that is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification can be appropriately omitted. For example, an image reading device may be configured such that, in addition to generating airflow drawn through the ventilation hole 113 as in the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, it can also generate airflow discharged from the ventilation hole 113 as in the image reading device 1B of Embodiment 2.

[0090] Symbol Explanation 1…Image reading device, 1A…Image reading device, 1B…Image reading device, 3…Conveyor path, 5…Reading unit (reading section), 6…Conveying section, 7…Conveying roller pair, 8…Conveying roller pair, 10…Feeding section, 11…Separation section, 12…Pick-up roller, 15…Conveying roller pair, 16…Conveying roller pair, 17…Discharge roller pair, 19…Discharge tray, 29…Feeding tray, 42…Operation panel (operation section), 51…First reading unit, 52…Second reading unit, 71…Lower unit, 72… …Upper unit, 73…rotating shaft, 100…cleaning section, 110…head, 111…handle section, 112…brush section, 113…ventilation hole, 120…tube (flexible component), 121…free end, 122…fixed end, 130…housing, 131…door section, 132…cover component, 133…opening, 134…storage section, 140…airflow generating section, 141…fan, 142…filter (recycling section), 142A…handle section, 143…pipe, C…position, W…width.

Claims

1. An image reading device, characterized in that, have: The transport path, which is used to transport the medium; The reading unit reads the image of the transported medium; Lower unit; The upper unit is configured to be able to open and close relative to the lower unit by rotating about a rotation axis, and in the closed state forms part of the conveying path with the lower unit; The cleaning section allows airflow that removes foreign matter adhering to the reading section to be ventilated through ventilation holes; An airflow generating unit generates airflow within the cleaning unit. The cleaning unit is connected to the airflow generating unit at the fixed end, and foreign objects attached to the reading unit can be removed by airflow from the ventilation hole located at the free end opposite to the fixed end.

2. The image reading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the upper unit is in the open state, the cleaning unit can remove foreign objects attached to the conveying path.

3. The image reading device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cleaning section has: A handle portion is provided at the free end and has the ventilation hole; A flexible component that connects the airflow generating part to the handle part.

4. The image reading device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The flexible member has a width along the length direction of the reading section that allows it to clean the portion of the reading section furthest from the fixed end.

5. The image reading device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It includes a mounting section that is configured to move vertically and vertically to mount the medium being transported along the transport path. The flexible member has a length capable of cleaning the portion of the transport path or the mounting portion furthest from the fixed end.

6. The image reading device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The handle portion has a brush portion at its top end. The brush portion is positioned around the ventilation hole.

7. The image reading device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Equipped with a shell, The housing has: A storage section is provided, which allows for cleaning of the cleaning section from inside the housing; The door is capable of covering the storage section when the cleaning section is stored.

8. The image reading device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has an operations unit capable of receiving cleaning instructions. The system can execute the first cleaning mode, the second cleaning mode, and the third cleaning mode in sequence from weak to strong airflow generated by the airflow generating unit. When the operation unit receives a cleaning instruction, it displays a selection of the first cleaning mode, the second cleaning mode, and the third cleaning mode.

9. The image reading device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The airflow generating unit includes a fan that generates airflow and a pipe that connects the fixed end to the fan.

10. The image reading device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The fan is positioned in the width direction along the length of the reading section, close to the fixed end, at a location approximately half the width of the image reading device.

11. The image reading device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The airflow generating unit generates airflow that is drawn in through the ventilation holes.

12. The image reading device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The airflow generating unit includes a recovery unit for recovering foreign matter sucked up from the cleaning unit. The recovery unit is located between the pipe and the fan.

13. The image reading device as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, It has a housing that houses the recycling unit inside. The recovery section can be disassembled and assembled relative to the housing by being pulled out from an opening provided on the back side of the housing along a depth direction, the depth direction being a direction intersecting the axial direction of the rotation axis and being a direction from the front side of the housing toward the back side.

14. The image reading device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The opening is covered by a cover component.

15. The image reading device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The airflow generating unit generates airflow that is discharged from the ventilation hole.

Images