Image reading device

Abstract

To prevent an increase in the entire size of an image reading device 1 in a width direction even if a display panel 19 is increased in size in the width direction and mounted in the image reading device.SOLUTION: An image reading device comprises: a base unit 55; an opening and closing unit 56 that is openable and closable relative to the base unit; a medium loading part 14 that is arranged on a front side 40 of the base unit and on which a medium 3 is mounted; a conveyance path 2 that is established in a state where the opening and closing unit is closed relative to the base unit, and through which the medium is conveyed in a conveyance direction F; reading parts 51, 52 that are arranged along the conveyance path and read the medium; and a display panel 19 that displays information. The display panel 19 is attached to the front side of the base unit, and in a front view, overlaps the opening and closing unit in a closed state in a width direction of the conveyance path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of device is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device that includes an upper unit and a lower unit that can be opened and closed to open a transport path, and a display panel disposed in the upper unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-98715 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the image reading device described in Patent Document 1, when the upper unit is opened, the display panel faces downward, making it difficult to check the display guidance on the display panel. In addition, in a so-called high-end image reading device, in which the upper unit is open relative to the lower unit, a small display panel is disposed on the front side of the image reading device at a height position that is easy for the user to see on one end of the lower unit in the left-right direction. However, if the size of the display panel is increased to make it easier to see, there is a problem that the width dimension of the entire device becomes large with the conventional arrangement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the image reading device of the present invention comprises a base unit, an opening / closing unit that can be opened and closed relative to the base unit, a part arranged on the front side of the base unit for placing a medium, a transport path that is established when the opening / closing unit is closed relative to the base unit and along which the medium is transported in a transport direction, a reading unit arranged along the transport path for reading the medium, and a display panel for displaying information, wherein the display panel is arranged on the front side of the base unit and overlaps with the opening / closing unit when viewed from the front in the width direction of the transport path. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of the entire configuration of an image reading device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an image reading device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an image reading device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an image reading device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is an overall cross-sectional side view of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an overall cross-sectional side view of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an overall side view of the image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an overall side view of the image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a main part of a modified example of the image reading device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of an image reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of an image reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is an overall side view of an image reading device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The present invention will first be briefly described below. The image reading device of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a base unit, an opening / closing unit that can be opened and closed relative to the base unit, a media setting section arranged on the front side of the base unit and on which a medium is placed, a transport path that is established when the opening / closing unit is closed relative to the base unit and along which the medium is transported in a transport direction, a reading section arranged along the transport path and which reads the medium, and a display panel that displays information, wherein the display panel is attached to the front side of the base unit and overlaps with the opening / closing unit when viewed from the front in the width direction of the transport path. Here, the "front side of the base unit" means the front side of the image reading device. In addition, "established" in "a transport path that is established when the opening / closing unit is closed relative to the base unit and along which the medium is transported in the transport direction" means that when the opening / closing unit is closed relative to the base unit, the transport path becomes in a state in which the medium can be transported.

[0008] According to this aspect, the display panel is disposed on the front side of the base unit and is disposed so as to overlap with the opening / closing unit in a closed state as viewed from the front in the width direction of the transport path. By increasing the size of the display panel in the overlapping direction in the width direction, it is possible to prevent the image reading device as a whole from becoming larger in the width direction even if the display panel is mounted larger in the width direction.

[0009] A second aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that it comprises a sending section which sends out the medium placed on the media setting section in the transport direction, and a discharge section which discharges the medium which has been transported along the transport path and passed through the reading section to a discharge receiving section, and the discharge receiving section is provided in the opening and closing unit.

[0010] According to this aspect, in an image reading device having the sending section, the discharge section, and the discharge receiving section, the discharge receiving section being provided in the opening / closing unit, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

[0011] A third aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the display panel overlaps in a height direction with the opening / closing unit in a closed state when viewed from the front. This aspect can also be dependent on the second aspect.

[0012] According to this aspect, the display panel overlaps in the height direction with the opening / closing unit in the closed state as viewed from the front. That is, by setting the size of the display panel so that it does not extend beyond the area of ​​the opening / closing unit in the height direction as viewed from the front, it is possible to prevent the display panel from becoming large in the height direction as well as in the width direction.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized in that the opening / closing unit has a recess formed in a portion that overlaps with the display panel, and the display panel can be accommodated in the recess.

[0014] According to this aspect, the opening / closing unit has a recess formed in a portion overlapping with the display panel, and the display panel can be accommodated in the recess. This makes it possible to prevent the image reading device from becoming large in size not only in the width direction and height direction, but also in the depth direction. Also, it is possible to prevent interference with the display panel during the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing unit.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the height position of the display panel when the opening / closing unit is in an open state is the same as the height position of the display panel when the opening / closing unit is in a closed state. This aspect can also be dependent on any one of the second to fourth aspects.

[0016] According to this aspect, the height position of the display panel when the opening / closing unit is in the open state is the same as the height position of the display panel when the opening / closing unit is in the closed state. In other words, the height position of the display panel does not change regardless of the open / closed state of the opening / closing unit, so that the display information can be easily confirmed on the display panel.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is a mode dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the medium setting unit is rotatable about a base end as a rotation fulcrum and can be displaced between an unfolded state and a stored state by rotating, and the display panel is covered by the medium setting unit in the stored state of the medium setting unit. Note that this mode can be dependent on any one of the second to fifth aspects.

[0018] According to this aspect, the medium setting section can be displaced between an unfolded state and a stored state by rotating about the base end as a rotation fulcrum, and the display panel is covered by the medium setting section when the medium setting section is in the stored state, thereby protecting the display panel when the image reading device is not in use. When this aspect is subordinate to the third aspect, the gap in the depth direction is reduced when the medium setting section is in the stored state.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the sixth aspect, and is characterized in that at least a part of the area covering the display panel of the medium setting section is a light-transmitting member.

[0020] According to this aspect, at least a part of the area covering the display panel of the medium setting unit is made of a light-transmitting material, which allows a user to check the information displayed on the display panel even when the display panel is covered by the medium setting unit, thereby improving usability.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the position of the free end of the display panel can be changed from a default position by rotating the base end as a rotation fulcrum.

[0022] According to this aspect, the display panel can be rotated around the base end as a pivot point to change the position of the free end from the default position. This allows the user to easily change the orientation of the display panel to one that is easy to view. In addition, when the display panel is in the way during maintenance work such as cleaning the base unit or replacing parts, the maintenance work can be made easier by rotating the display panel.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the eighth aspect, and is characterized in that the medium setting unit is rotatable around a base end as a pivot point, and can be displaced between an unfolded state and a stored state by rotating, and when the position of the free end of the display panel is changed from the default position and the medium setting unit moves from the unfolded state to the stored state, the display panel is pushed to return it to the default position.

[0024] According to this aspect, when the position of the free end of the display panel is changed from the default position and the medium setting unit transitions from the unfolded state to the stored state, the display panel is pushed back to the default position, which is convenient for the user.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the ninth aspect, and is characterized in that it comprises a drive mechanism that moves the media setting section in the stored state upward, and a first imparting mechanism that imparts a force to the media setting section to move it from the stored state position to the unfolded state position by moving the media setting section upward by the drive mechanism.

[0026] According to this aspect, the drive mechanism moves the medium setting unit upward, and the first applying mechanism applies a force to the medium setting unit to move it from the stored state position to the deployed state position. As a result, for example, when the drive mechanism is driven by turning on the power, the medium setting unit starts to move upward, and the first applying mechanism acts on the medium setting unit to automatically move it from the stored state position to the deployed state position, which is easy for the user to use.

[0027] An eleventh aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is a mode dependent on the first aspect, characterized in that the medium setting unit is rotatable about a base end as a pivot point and can be displaced between an unfolded state and a stored state by rotating, and further has a notch, and the display panel is housed in the notch when the medium setting unit is in the stored state. Note that this mode can be dependent on any one of the second to fifth and eighth aspects.

[0028] According to this aspect, the medium setting unit can be displaced between the deployed state and the stored state by rotating, and further has a notch, and the display panel is configured to fit into the notch when the medium setting unit is in the stored state. This allows the user to check the information displayed on the display panel even when the medium setting unit is in the stored state, making it easy for the user to use.

[0029] A twelfth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the eleventh aspect, and is characterized in that the display panel is capable of changing the position of its free end from a default position by rotating around the base end as a pivot point, and is equipped with a drive mechanism that moves the media set section in the stored state upward, a second imparting mechanism that imparts a force to the display panel to change it from the default position by causing the media set section to move upward by the drive mechanism, and a first imparting mechanism that imparts a force to the media set section to move from the stored state position to the unfolded state position by causing the media set section to move further upward by the drive mechanism.

[0030] According to this aspect, when the drive mechanism moves the medium setting unit upward, the second applying mechanism applies a force to the display panel to change it from the default position. The first applying mechanism is then configured to apply a force to the medium setting unit to move it from the stored state position to the unfolded state position. As a result, for example, when the drive mechanism is driven by turning on the power, the medium setting unit starts to move upward, the second applying mechanism acts on the display panel to rotate it, and the first applying mechanism further acts on the medium setting unit to automatically move it from the stored state position to the unfolded state position. In other words, the change of the display panel from the default position to the use position and the transition of the medium setting unit to the unfolded state can be performed in a series and automatically, which is convenient for the user.

[0031] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as shown in each figure. The directions indicated by the arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) are the + directions of each direction, and the opposite directions are the - directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts, the +Z direction indicates a vertical upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates a vertical downward direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction indicates the front direction of the device, and the -Y direction indicates the rear direction of the device. The +X direction indicates the right direction of the device, and the -X direction indicates the left direction of the device.

[0032] <Overall structure of image reading device> The image reading device 1 of this embodiment is a scanner capable of reading an image on a medium that is an original. Here, the image means something that is visually recorded on the medium, such as characters, figures, tables, pictures, photographs, etc. The medium is not limited to sheets, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. The image reading device 1 is not limited to a scanner, and may be a copy machine, a facsimile machine, etc. 1, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment includes two reading units, a first reading unit 51 and a second reading unit 52, which are used to read an image on a medium 3. The image reading device 1 further includes a first transport roller 4 provided upstream of the first reading unit 51, a second transport roller 6 provided upstream of a second reading unit 52 located downstream of the first reading unit 51, and a third transport roller 8 provided downstream of the second reading unit 52, which transports the medium 3 in a transport direction F along a transport path 2. A roller pair consisting of a feed roller 10 and a separation roller 7 is disposed upstream of the first transport roller 4 in the transport direction F. The feed roller 10 is a drive roller that rotates by the power of a third drive unit 15, and transports the medium 3 in the transport direction F. The separation roller 7 is a drive roller that rotates by the power of a drive source (not shown), and is a roller that separates multiple sheets of medium 3 into a single sheet.

[0033] Here, the separation roller 7 rotates by the power of the drive source in a direction to send the medium 3 upstream (+Y direction) in the transport direction F. The separation roller 7 is equipped with a torque limiter (not shown), and when a torque exceeding a set value is applied to this torque limiter, the separation roller 7 is driven to rotate in a direction to send the medium 3 downstream (-Y direction) in the transport direction F. A pick roller 12 (the same reference numeral is used) serving as a sending unit 12 is disposed upstream of the separation roller 7. The pick roller 12 is a drive roller that rotates by the power of the third drive unit 15 like the feed roller 10, and sends out the medium 3 in the conveying direction F. The first conveying roller 4, the second conveying roller 6, and the third conveying roller 8 that constitute the conveying unit 5 that conveys the medium 3 in the conveying direction F also include drive rollers that rotate by the power of the third drive unit 15.

[0034] 1, in this embodiment, a curved and inverted path 18 is provided downstream of a straight path 68 from the feed roller 10 to the third conveyor roller 8, i.e., downstream of the third conveyor roller 8. In the curved and inverted path 18, a fourth conveyor roller 20, a fifth conveyor roller 22, and a discharge roller pair 24 (the same reference numerals are used) as a discharge section 24 are arranged in this order along the conveying direction F. The discharge receiver 16 that receives the medium 3 discharged from the curved reversal path 18 is disposed above the straight path 68 to achieve a compact design.

[0035] 1, reference numeral 71 denotes a control unit. The control unit 71 controls the driving of the third driving unit 15 and the driving of a fourth driving unit 27 described below in accordance with the transport of the medium 3. The third driving unit 15 and the fourth driving unit 27 are each constituted by a motor. The control unit 71 includes a CPU, a flash ROM, and a RAM. The CPU performs various arithmetic processing according to programs stored in the flash ROM, and controls the operation of the entire image reading device 1. The flash ROM, which is an example of a storage means, is a non-volatile memory that can be read and written. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM, which is an example of a storage means.

[0036] 1, reference numeral 14 denotes a medium setting unit for setting the medium 3 to be read. The medium 3 on the medium setting unit 14 is transported along the transport path 2 and finally discharged to a discharge receiving unit 16. The medium setting unit 14 is configured to move up and down. When the medium 3 set in the medium setting unit 14 is to be sent in the transport direction F, first, the medium setting unit 14 is moved upward (in the +Z direction) by power transmitted from a drive source (not shown), and the uppermost set medium 3 stops in a state of contact with the pick roller 12. In this state, the pick roller 12 rotates to send the medium 3 in the transport direction F, and the leading edge of the medium 3 reaches the nip position of the roller pair of the feed roller 10 and the separation roller 7.

[0037] In the case of a multiple-feed state in which multiple sheets of medium 3 are fed, the sheets are separated into one by separation roller 7, and that one sheet is transported in transport direction F by first transport roller 4, and the image on the first side of medium 3 is read by first reading unit 51. Furthermore, medium 3 that has been read by first reading unit 51 is transported by second transport roller 6, and the image on the second side of medium 3, which is opposite to the first side, is read by second reading unit 52. The medium 3 that has been read by the second reading unit 52 is sent to the curved inversion path 18 by the third transport roller 8, transported by the fourth transport roller 20 and the fifth transport roller 22, and discharged to the discharge receiving unit 16 by the discharge roller pair 24.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52 that read an image of the medium 3 transported in the transport direction F are provided with a first light-transmitting member 431 and a second light-transmitting member 432, which are light-transmitting members 43 arranged between the transport path 2. 1, a first rotating member 131 and a second rotating member 32 are disposed as rotating members on the opposite side of the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52 of the first light-transmitting member 431 and the second light-transmitting member 432. The first rotating member 131 and the second rotating member 32 are disposed opposite the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52, and are rotating members that can rotate around an axis 11. The first rotating member 131 and the second rotating member 32 are substantially cylindrical in shape and are formed to have a length that can cover the reading range (X-axis direction) of the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52.

[0039] 1, the first rotating member 131 and the second rotating member 32 rotate around the shaft 11 by the power of a fourth driving unit 27 which is a common driving source. The rotational operations of the first rotating member 131 and the second rotating member 32 are controlled by the control unit 71. The first rotating member 131 and the second rotating member 32 may be configured to rotate by the power of individual motors, rather than by the common fourth driving unit 27.

[0040] The first reading unit 51, the first light-transmitting member 431, and the second rotating member 32 are disposed above the transport path 2. The second reading unit 52, the second light-transmitting member 432, and the first rotating member 131 are disposed below the transport path 2. 1, in this embodiment, the image reading device 1 is made up of a base unit 55 and an opening / closing unit 56. The opening / closing unit 56 is configured to be able to be opened and closed by rotating in the vertical direction relative to the base unit 55 by an opening / closing mechanism (not shown). The base unit 55 has a second reading section 52, a second light-transmitting member 432, and a first rotating member 131. The opening / closing unit 56 has a first reading section 51, a first light-transmitting member 431, and a second rotating member 32. When the opening / closing unit 56 is closed relative to the base unit 55, the second light-transmitting member 432 and the second rotating member 32 face each other, and the first light-transmitting member 431 and the first rotating member 131 face each other, as shown in FIG. Although not shown, when the opening / closing unit 56 is opened relative to the base unit 55, the second light-transmitting member 432 and the second rotating member 32 do not face each other, and the first light-transmitting member 431 and the first rotating member 131 do not face each other. That is, the opposing surfaces of the base unit 55 and the opening / closing unit 56 are exposed, and the user can access them.

[0041] 1, in this embodiment, a first transport auxiliary unit 61 and a second transport auxiliary unit 62 are provided as transport auxiliary units that face the first light-transmitting member 431 and the second light-transmitting member 432, are disposed upstream of the first rotating member 131 and the second rotating member 32, and assist in the transport of the medium 3. Here, the first transport auxiliary unit 61 and the second transport auxiliary unit 62 are configured as a drive roller 26 called a platen roller 26 that rotates by transmitting power from the third drive unit 15.

[0042] [Embodiment 1] Following the above description of the overall structure of the image reading device 1, the first embodiment of the image reading device 1 will be described below, although some of the description will overlap. As shown in Figs. 1 to 7, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment includes a base unit 55, an opening / closing unit 56 that can be opened and closed relative to the base unit 55, a medium setting section 14 that is disposed on the front side 40 of the base unit 55 and on which the medium 3 is placed, and a transport path 2 that is established when the opening / closing unit 56 is closed relative to the base unit 55 (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7) and transports the medium 3 in the transport direction F. The base unit 55 includes a right cover 57, a left cover 58, and a rear cover 59 as housings. In Fig. 3, reference numerals 41 and 42 denote edge guides. In Figs. 6 and 7, reference numeral 65 denotes a hinge. The opening / closing unit 56 can be switched between a closed state shown in Fig. 5 and an open state shown in Fig. 6 by rotating about the hinge 65 as a rotation fulcrum. Here, the front side 40 of the base unit 55 means the front side 40 (with the same reference numeral) of the image reading device 1. In addition, the term "established" in the transport path 2 that is established when the opening / closing unit 56 is closed relative to the base unit 55 and along which the medium 3 is transported in the transport direction F means that the transport path 2 is in a state in which the medium 3 can be transported when the opening / closing unit 56 is closed relative to the base unit 55.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device is equipped with a first reading unit 51 and a second reading unit 52 (Figure 1) that are arranged along the transport path 2 and serve as reading units that read images on the medium 3, and a display panel 19 (Figures 3 to 6) that displays information necessary when using the image reading device 1. The display panel 19 is disposed on the front side 40 of the base unit 55, and is disposed so as to overlap with the opening / closing unit 56, which is in a closed state when viewed from the front, in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the conveying path 2. Reference numeral 17 denotes the screen of the display panel 19.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the display panel 19 is configured to be able to change the position of the free end 29 from the default position (FIG. 3) by rotating around the base end 28 as a rotation fulcrum. The default position is a state in which the display panel faces the +Y direction, is located in a direction along the Z axis, and the free end is located in the -Z direction with respect to the base end. Here, the display panel 19 is disposed so that the base end 28 is above the free end 29, and rotates in the vertical direction. Specifically, the display panel 19 is attached to the inner surface of the right cover 57 via a hinge (not shown) in a state in which the free end 29 rotates around the base end 28 as a rotation fulcrum to change the orientation of the screen 17. In this embodiment, the display panel 19 is rotated manually. Here, the display panel 19 is disposed so that a part of the right side (+X side) overlaps with a part of the front side 40 of the right cover 57. In addition, the display panel 19 is disposed so as not to protrude from the right cover 57 to the right side (+X side). In other words, the display panel 19 is attached to the base unit 55 side, which does not displace, rather than to the opening / closing unit 56, which is displaced by opening / closing operations, and is configured so that the display panel 19 does not displace even if the opening / closing unit 56 is displaced by opening / closing operations.

[0045] As described above, this embodiment includes the pick roller 12 as the sending section 12 that sends out the medium 3 placed in the medium setting section 14 in the transport direction F. Furthermore, the device includes a pair of discharge rollers 24 as a discharge section that discharges the medium that has been transported along the transport path 2 in the transport direction F, passed through the first reading section 51 and the second reading section 52, and passed through the reversal path 18, to the discharge receiving section 16. The discharge receiving section 16 is provided in the opening and closing unit 56.

[0046] 3, in this embodiment, the display panel 19 is configured to overlap in the height direction with the opening / closing unit 56 in the closed state when viewed from the front. In other words, the display panel 19 is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the setting of the medium 3 in the medium setting section 14 or the feeding of the set medium 3 in the transport direction F by the pick roller 12. In other words, the height position of the display panel 19 when the opening / closing unit 56 is in the open state is configured to be the same as the height position of the display panel 19 when the opening / closing unit 56 is in the closed state. Here, "the same" does not necessarily mean that it is strictly the same, but it is preferable that it does not protrude upward.

[0047] 4, the opening / closing unit 56 has a recess 21 formed in a portion overlapping with the display panel 19, and is configured so that the display panel 19 can be housed in the recess 21. FIG. 3 shows the display panel 19 housed in the recess 21 with the free end 29 in the default position (FIG. 3). Here, the depth of the recess 21 is configured so that the position of the screen 17 of the display panel 19 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) is approximately the same as the position of the front side 40 of the opening / closing unit 56, i.e., approximately the same as the thickness of the display panel 19.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, in this embodiment, the medium setting unit 14 is rotatable around the base end 23 as a rotation fulcrum. The medium setting unit 14 is configured to be displaceable between an unfolded state (FIG. 3) and a stored state (FIG. 2) by rotating. In this embodiment, it is rotated manually. By putting the medium setting unit 14 in the unfolded state (FIG. 3), it becomes possible to set the medium 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the display panel 19 is configured to be covered by the medium setting section 14 when the medium setting section 14 is in the stored state (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, at least a part of the area covering the display panel 19 of the medium setting unit 14 is formed of a light-transmitting member 25. The presence of the light-transmitting member 25 allows the user to view the screen 17 of the display panel 19 located behind the medium setting unit 14 even when the medium setting unit 14 is in the stored state. It is needless to say that the light-transmitting member 25 does not have to be used.

[0049] In the above description, the display panel 19 has a structure in which it can be rotated up and down as shown in FIG. 9, as a modified example, the display panel 19 may be structured to rotate laterally (in the X-axis direction). That is, the right side of the display panel 19 may be a base end 28 that serves as a rotation fulcrum, and the left side may be a free end 29. Here, the base end 28 side of the display panel 19 is attached to the front side 40 of the right cover 57 via a hinge (not shown). In this structure as well, when the position of the free end 29 is returned to the default position (FIG. 3), it is accommodated in the recess 21. Note that the medium setting portion 14 is not shown in FIG.

[0050] Also, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the medium setting section 14 is configured so that when the position of the free end 29 of the display panel 19 is changed (Figure 7) from the default position (Figure 3) and the medium setting section 14 transitions from the unfolded state (Figure 7) to the stored state (Figure 8), the display panel 19 can be pressed to return it to the default position (Figure 3). The display panel 19 in the state shown in FIG. 9 can also be returned to the default position (FIG. 3) by transitioning the medium setting section 14 from the deployed state (FIG. 7) to the stored state (FIG. 8). It is desirable to set the upper limit of the amount of displacement of the display panel 19 from its default position (Figure 3), i.e., the upper limit of the displacement angle, within the range in which the display panel 19 can be pressed by transitioning the medium setting section 14 from the deployed state (Figure 7) to the stored state (Figure 8), as described above.

[0051] <Explanation of Effects of First Embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, the display panel 19 is disposed on the front side 40 of the base unit 55, and is disposed so as to overlap with the opening / closing unit 56, which is in a closed state ( FIG. 3 ) when viewed from the front, in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the transport path 2. As a result, by increasing the size of the display panel 19 in the overlapping direction in the width direction (X-axis direction), even if the display panel 19 is mounted with a larger size in the width direction (X-axis direction), it is possible to prevent the image reading device 1 as a whole from becoming larger in the width direction (X-axis direction). (2) Furthermore, in this embodiment, in an image reading device 1 having a structure including a pick roller 12 as the sending section 12 and a pair of discharge rollers 24 as the discharge section 24, and the discharge receiving section 16 is provided in the opening / closing unit 56, the same effect as that described above in (1) can be obtained.

[0052] (3) In addition, in this embodiment, the display panel 19 overlaps in the height direction (Z-axis direction) with the opening / closing unit 56 in the closed state ( FIG. 3 ) when viewed from the front. That is, by setting the size of the display panel 19 so that it does not protrude from the area of ​​the opening / closing unit 56 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) when viewed from the front, it is possible to prevent the display panel 19 from becoming larger in the height direction (Z-axis direction) as well as in the width direction (X-axis direction). (4) In this embodiment, the opening / closing unit 56 has a recess 21 (FIG. 4) formed in a portion overlapping with the display panel 19, and the display panel 19 can be housed in the recess 21. This makes it possible to prevent the image reading device 1 from becoming large in size not only in the width direction (X-axis direction) and height direction (Z-axis direction) but also in the depth direction (Y-axis direction). Also, interference with the display panel 19 during the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing unit 56 can be prevented.

[0053] (5) In addition, in this embodiment, the height position of the display panel 19 when the opening / closing unit 56 is in the open state (FIG. 4) is the same as the height position of the display panel 19 when the opening / closing unit 56 is in the closed state (FIG. 3). In other words, the height position of the display panel 19 does not change regardless of whether the opening / closing unit 56 is in the open or closed state, so that the displayed information on the display panel 19 can be easily confirmed. (6) In this embodiment, the medium setting unit 14 can be displaced between an unfolded state (FIG. 3) and a stored state (FIG. 2) by rotating about the base end 23, and the display panel 19 is covered by the medium setting unit 14 when the medium setting unit 14 is in the stored state (FIG. 2). This makes it possible to protect the display panel 19 when the image reading device 1 is not in use. Also, there is less clearance in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) when the medium setting unit 14 is in the stored state (FIG. 2).

[0054] (7) In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the area covering the display panel 19 of the medium setting unit 14 is made of the light-transmitting member 25. This allows the user to check the information displayed on the display panel 19 even when the display panel 19 is covered by the medium setting unit 14, improving usability. (8) In this embodiment, the display panel 19 can be rotated about the base end 28 as a rotation fulcrum to change the position of the free end 29 from the default position (FIG. 3). This allows the user to easily change the orientation of the display panel 19 to one that is easy to view. In addition, when the display panel 19 is in the way during cleaning of the base unit 55 or during maintenance work such as part replacement, the rotation of the display panel 19 makes it easier to perform the maintenance work. (9) In addition, in this embodiment, when the position of the free end 29 of the display panel 19 is changed from the default position (FIGS. 3 and 7) and the medium setting unit 14 transitions from the unfolded state (FIG. 7) to the stored state (FIG. 8), the display panel 19 is configured to be pushed to return it to the default position (FIG. 3). This provides improved usability for the user.

[0055] [Embodiment 2] Next, an image reading device 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. As shown in Figure 10, this embodiment includes a drive mechanism 30 that moves the medium setting section 14, which is in the stored state (Figure 10), upward, and a first imparting mechanism 31 that imparts a force to the medium setting section 14 to move it from the stored state (Figure 10) position to the deployed state (Figure 12) position by moving the medium setting section 14 upward by the drive mechanism 30.

[0056] The first applying mechanism 31 is composed of an inclined rib 33 provided on the medium setting unit 14 and a push-out unit 34 provided on the right cover 57. When the medium setting unit 14 moves upward (in the +Z direction) from the position shown in FIG. 10, the inclined rib 33 and the push-out unit 34 move while being in contact with each other, and thus a force is applied to the medium setting unit 14 to move from the stored state (FIG. 10) to the deployed state (FIG. 12). Then, the state shown in FIG. 11 is reached, and the medium setting unit 14 rotates due to its own weight to reach the state shown in FIG. 12. The drive mechanism 30 uses a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) whose operation is controlled by a control unit 71.

[0057] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 moves the medium setting unit 14 upward, and the first applying mechanism 31 applies a force to the medium setting unit 14 to move it from the stored state (FIG. 10) to the unfolded state (FIG. 12). As a result, for example, when the power is turned on to drive the drive mechanism 30, the medium setting unit 14 starts to move upward, and the first applying mechanism 31 further acts on the medium setting unit 14 to automatically move it from the stored state (FIG. 10) to the unfolded state (FIG. 12), which is easy for the user to use.

[0058] [Embodiment 3] Next, an image reading device 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 19. The same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. 13 and 14, in this embodiment, the medium setting unit 14 is rotatable about the base end 23 as a rotation fulcrum, and can be displaced between an unfolded state (FIG. 14) and a stored state (FIG. 13) by rotating, and further has a notch 44. The notch 44 is provided on the side opposite the base end 23 of the medium setting unit 14 and in a corner portion. In other words, the notch 44 is formed at a position corresponding to the position of the display panel 19, so that the display panel 19 is configured to be accommodated in the notch 44 when the medium setting section 14 is in the stored state (FIG. 13). 13 and 14, reference numeral 9 denotes a mounting surface on which the medium 3 of the medium setting unit 14 is placed, and reference numeral 46 denotes an extension tray. Reference numeral 47 denotes a power switch for the image reading device 1. The power switch 47 is provided at a position where it can be operated when the medium setting unit 14 is in the stored state (FIG. 13).

[0059] 15 to 19, in this embodiment, the display panel 19 can be rotated around the base end 28 as a pivot point to change the position of the free end 29 from the default position (FIG. 15). Furthermore, a drive mechanism 30 is provided that moves the medium setting section 14 in the stored state (FIG. 15) upward (in the +Z direction). The drive mechanism 30 is the same as that in the second embodiment, and is driven via the control section 71 when the power switch 47 is turned on. The device further includes a second imparting mechanism 35 that applies a force to the display panel 19 to change it from the default position (Figure 15) when the drive mechanism 30 moves the medium set section 14 upward (in the +Z direction), and a first imparting mechanism 31 that applies a force to the medium set section 14 to move it from the stored state (Figure 15) to the unfolded state (Figures 18 and 19) when the drive mechanism 30 moves the medium set section 14 further upward. The second applying mechanism 35 is composed of a pushing portion 36 formed by utilizing the upper side of the cutout portion 44, and a pushed portion 37 formed by utilizing the lower side of the display panel 19. The first applying mechanism 31 has the same structure as in the second embodiment.

[0060] When the medium setting unit 14 starts to move upward by the drive mechanism 30, first the pushing portion 36 of the second applying mechanism 35 pushes the pushed portion 37. As a result, the free end 29 of the display panel 19 starts to rotate from the default position in FIG. 15 with the base end 28 as the rotation fulcrum, and reaches the state in FIG. 16. When the medium setting section 14 further moves upward, the first providing mechanism 31 starts rotating the medium setting section 14, and the medium setting section 14 starts to move from the stored state (FIGS. 15 and 16) to the deployed state (FIGS. 18 and 19). FIG. 17 shows a state where the medium setting section 14 has further rotated from the state shown in FIG. 16. The second providing mechanism 35 continues to rotate the display panel 19 until the display panel 19 reaches the state shown in FIG. 17, after which the rotation stops. 16 and 17, the medium setting unit 14 is no longer subjected to the force of the first providing mechanism 31, and then rotates by its own weight to reach the unfolded state (FIGS. 18 and 19). After the unfolded state of FIG. 18, the medium setting unit 14 descends to reach a position where the medium 3 is set (FIG. 19).

[0061] <Explanation of Effects of the Third Embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, the medium setting unit 14 can be displaced between an unfolded state (FIG. 14) and a stored state (FIG. 13) by rotating, and further has a cutout portion 44, and the display panel 19 is configured to fit into the cutout portion 44 when the medium setting unit 14 is in the stored state (FIG. 13). This allows the user to check the information displayed on the display panel even when the medium setting unit 14 is in the stored state (FIG. 13), making it easy for the user to use.

[0062] (2) In addition, in this embodiment, when the drive mechanism 30 moves the medium setting unit 14 upward, the second applying mechanism 35 applies a force to the display panel 19 to change it from the default position (FIG. 15). The first applying mechanism 31 is then configured to apply a force to the medium setting unit 14 to move it from the stored state (FIG. 15) to the unfolded state (FIGS. 18 and 19). As a result, for example, when the drive mechanism 30 is driven by turning on the power switch 47, the medium setting unit 14 starts moving upward (+Z walking), the second applying mechanism 35 acts on the display panel 19 to rotate it, and the first applying mechanism 31 acts on the medium setting unit 14 to automatically move it from the stored state (FIG. 15) to the unfolded state (FIGS. 18 and 19). That is, the change of the display panel 19 from the default position (FIG. 15) to the use position (FIG. 19) and the transition of the medium setting unit 14 to the unfolded state (FIG. 19) can be performed in a series and automatically, which is convenient for the user.

[0063] Other Embodiments The image reading device 1 according to the present invention is based on the configuration of the embodiment described above, but it is of course possible to modify or omit some of the configuration without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the above embodiment, an image reading device has been described that is equipped with a first reading unit 51 and a second reading unit 52 as reading units and can read both sides of a medium 3, the first side and the second side, but the present invention can also be applied to an image reading device with a single-sided reading structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1... image reading device, 2... transport path, 3... medium, 4... first transport roller, 5... transport unit, 6: second conveying roller; 7: separation roller; 8: third conveying roller; 9: placement surface; 10: Feed roller; 11: Shaft; 12: Pick roller; 13: Periphery; 14: medium setting unit, 15: third drive unit, 16: discharge receiving unit, 17: screen, 18...curved inversion path, 19...display panel, 20...fourth conveying roller, 21...recess, 22: fifth conveying roller; 23: base end; 24: discharge roller pair; 26: driving roller (platen roller), 27: fourth driving portion, 28: base end, 29: free end; 30: drive mechanism; 31: first application mechanism; 32: second rotating member; 33: inclined rib; 34: extrusion portion; 35: second application mechanism; 36: pushing portion; 37: pressed portion, 43: light-transmitting member, 44: notch portion, 46: extension tray, 47: power switch, 50: first drive unit, 51: first reading unit, 52: second reading unit, 55...base unit, 56...opening / closing unit, 61...first conveying auxiliary unit, 62: first conveying auxiliary unit; 65: hinge; 68: straight path; 71: control unit; 431: first light-transmitting member; 432: second light-transmitting member; F: conveying direction

Claims

1. A base unit; an opening / closing unit that is openable and closable relative to the base unit; a medium setting section arranged on a front side of the base unit and configured to hold a medium; a transport path that is established when the opening / closing unit is closed relative to the base unit and along which the medium is transported in a transport direction; a reading unit disposed along the transport path and configured to read the medium; A display panel for displaying information, The display panel includes: Located on the front side of the base unit; and The opening / closing unit overlaps with the opening / closing unit in a closed state in a front view in the width direction of the conveying path.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, a feeding section that feeds the medium placed on the medium setting section in the transport direction; a discharge unit that discharges the medium that has been transported along the transport path and passed through the reading unit to a discharge receiving unit, The discharge receiving portion is provided on the opening / closing unit.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

3. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, The display panel overlaps with the opening / closing unit in a height direction when viewed from the front in a closed state.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

4. 4. The image reading device according to claim 3, a recess is formed in a portion of the opening / closing unit that overlaps with the display panel, and the display panel can be housed in the recess; 1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

5. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, A height position of the display panel when the opening / closing unit is in an open state is the same as a height position of the display panel when the opening / closing unit is in a closed state.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

6. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, The medium setting unit includes: The base end is rotatable about a rotation fulcrum. It can be displaced between an unfolded state and a stored state by rotating, the display panel is covered by the medium setting unit when the medium setting unit is in the stored state; 1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

7. 7. The image reading device according to claim 6, At least a part of the area covering the display panel of the medium setting unit is made of a light-transmitting material.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

8. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, The display panel is capable of rotating about a base end as a rotation fulcrum to change a position of a free end from a default position.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

9. 9. The image reading device according to claim 8, The medium setting unit includes: The base end is rotatable about a rotation fulcrum. It can be displaced between an unfolded state and a stored state by rotating, When the medium setting unit transitions from the deployed state to the stored state in a state in which the position of the free end of the display panel has been changed from the default position, the display panel is pushed to return to the default position.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

10. 10. The image reading device according to claim 9, a drive mechanism for moving the medium setting unit in the stored state upward; a first applying mechanism that applies a force to the medium setting unit to move the medium setting unit from the stored state position to the deployed state position by the drive mechanism moving the medium setting unit upward.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

11. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, The medium setting unit includes: The base end is rotatable about a rotation fulcrum. It can be displaced between an unfolded state and a stored state by rotating, Further, the plate has a notch, The display panel is fitted into the notch when the medium setting section is in the stored state.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

12. The image reading device according to claim 11, the display panel is capable of rotating about a base end as a rotation fulcrum to change a position of a free end from a default position; a drive mechanism for moving the medium setting unit in the stored state upward; a second applying mechanism that applies a force to the display panel to change the display panel from the default position by the drive mechanism moving the medium setting unit upward; a first applying mechanism that applies a force to the medium setting unit to move the medium setting unit from the stored state position to the deployed state position by the drive mechanism further moving the medium setting unit upward, 1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

Images