Document transport device and image formation device

Abstract

To reduce work hours for removing an exterior cover, compared to a case in which all of a transport roll and a detection unit are attached to the exterior cover.SOLUTION: A document transport device includes: a guide member which is disposed at one side of a transport path in which a document placed on a tray is transported, formed with a guide part for guiding the document along the transport path, and attached with at least one of a transport roll which transports the document along the transport path and a detection unit which detects a position of the tray; and an exterior cover which is attached so as to cover the guide member and formed with an exterior surface exposed to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a document transport device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The outer cover mounting device described in Patent Document 1 rotatably fixes a holder that supports the outer cover and a hinge device connected to the outer cover to a frame housing, and detachably fixes the holder to the housing or frame housing via its elastic member, so that as the holder rotates, the outer cover tilts and can be retracted from the top surface of the image forming device main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-90852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The document transport device includes a guide member that is arranged on one side of a transport path along which a document placed on a loading platform is transported and that has a guide portion formed thereon to guide the document along the transport path, and an exterior cover that is attached to cover the guide member and has an exterior surface that is exposed to the outside.

[0005] Conventionally, the multiple transport rolls that transport the document along the transport path and the detector that detects the position of the loading platform are all attached to the exterior cover, so when removing the exterior cover, the transport rolls and the detector must be removed from the exterior cover.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when all of the transport rolls and the detection unit are attached to the exterior cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The document transport device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a guide member arranged on one side of a transport path along which a document placed on a loading platform is transported, having a guide section formed thereon for guiding the document along the transport path, and having attached thereto at least one of a transport roll for transporting the document along the transport path and a detection section for detecting the position of the loading platform, and an exterior cover attached to cover the guide member and having an exterior surface exposed to the outside.

[0008] A document transport device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the first aspect, the guide member comprises a main body portion arranged to face the transport path, and a raised portion that rises from both ends of the main body portion toward the outer cover in a cross direction that intersects the transport direction in which the document is transported, and has a box-shaped box portion that is open in the cross direction.

[0009] A document transport device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the second aspect, the outer cover has a plate-shaped upper portion that covers the guide member from above and on which a part of the outer surface is formed, and a plate-shaped side portion that extends downward from the end of the upper portion, covers the guide member from the side, and on which the other part of the outer surface is formed, and the box portion has a bottom plate whose thickness direction is the intersecting direction, and an L-shaped flange portion that rises from the edge of the bottom plate and follows the upper portion and the side portion.

[0010] A document transport device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the first aspect, an exterior unit is configured to include the guide member and the exterior cover, the exterior unit is rotatably attached to the device body, and rotates between a first position where the document can be transported along the transport path and a second position where the transport path is open, and a rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit is formed in the guide member.

[0011] A document transport device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the document transport device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the guide member comprises a main body portion arranged to face the transport path, and a raised portion that rises from both ends of the main body portion toward the outer cover in a cross direction that intersects the transport direction in which the document is transported, and has a box portion formed therein that is box-shaped and opens in the cross direction, and the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion is connected to the box portion, and an axis is formed at the tip end portion of the rotating shaft portion.

[0012] A document transport device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the fourth aspect, when the exterior unit is moved to the first position, the mounting fixture that attaches the exterior cover to the guide member is not visible from the outside.

[0013] The document transport device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the sixth aspect, when the exterior unit is moved to the second position, the mounting fixture is visible from the outside and the mounting fixture can be attached and detached.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a document transport device characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the first aspect, the transport roll is attached to the guide member and positioned on the outer cover side of the transport path, and is provided with a tension spring that is wrapped around the transport roll and has both ends attached to the guide member, thereby applying a tensile force and biasing the transport roll against another transport roll that is positioned on the opposite side of the transport roll across the transport path.

[0015] A document transport device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the first aspect, an attachment device is provided for attaching the outer cover to the guide member, and the attachment device attaches the outer cover to the guide member only from a cross direction that intersects with the transport direction in which the document is transported.

[0016] A document transport device according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the document transport device described in the first aspect, a restriction mechanism is provided that restricts or releases the movement of the exterior unit, which has moved to the first position, to the second position, and the restriction mechanism, the transport roll, and the detection unit are attached to the guide member.

[0017] An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a document transporting device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, a reading device that reads a document transported by the document transporting device, and an image forming unit that forms an image read by the reading device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The document transport device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when the transport rolls and the detector are all attached to the exterior cover.

[0019] The document transport device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure can improve the rigidity of the rising portion compared to when the entire rising portion is plate-shaped.

[0020] The document transport device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure can improve the rigidity of the raised portion compared to when the L-shaped flange portions are separated at the corners.

[0021] The document transport device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when the rotation shaft of the exterior unit is formed in the exterior cover.

[0022] The document transport device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure can improve the rigidity of the shaft compared to when the base end portion of the rotation shaft is connected to a plate-shaped portion.

[0023] The document transport device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure can improve the appearance quality when the exterior unit is moved to the first position, compared to when the attachment is visible.

[0024] The document transport device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the labor required to remove the exterior cover when the exterior unit is moved to the second position, compared to when the attachment is not visible and cannot be attached or detached.

[0025] In the document transport device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, even when the exterior cover is removed, the tension spring can remain in the guide member.

[0026] The document transport device according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when the attachment fixture attaches the exterior cover to the guide member from multiple directions.

[0027] The document transport device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when the restriction mechanism is attached to the exterior cover.

[0028] The image forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure can improve maintainability compared to an image forming apparatus equipped with a document transport device in which the transport rolls and the detection unit are all attached to an exterior cover. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an entire document transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is an overall cross-sectional view showing a document transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing an exterior unit provided in a document transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is capable of opening a transport path. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an exterior unit provided in the document transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a configuration for urging a transport roll against an opposing transport roll in a document transport device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] An example of a document transport device and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Note that arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction and the up-down direction of the device, arrow W is perpendicular to arrow H and is horizontal and indicates the width direction of the device, and arrow D is perpendicular to arrows H and W and is horizontal and indicates the depth direction of the device.

[0031] (Overall configuration of image forming apparatus) 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image reading device 110 that reads an image formed on an original G, an image forming unit 12 that forms a toner image by electrophotography, and a conveying unit 14 that conveys a recording medium P along a conveying path 16. The image forming apparatus 10 also includes a plurality of storage members 18 that store the recording medium P, and a control unit 28 that controls the entire apparatus.

[0032] In the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above, an image formed on an original G is read by the image reading device 110. Furthermore, the recording medium P stored in the storage member 18 is transported along the transport path 16 by the transport unit 14. Furthermore, a toner image formed by the image forming unit 12 is formed on the transported recording medium P, and the recording medium P with the formed toner image is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10a.

[0033] [Image forming unit 12] 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30 that form toner images of different colors, and a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed in the toner image forming units 30 onto a recording medium P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred onto the recording medium P by the transfer units 32 onto the recording medium P.

[0034] -Toner image forming unit 30- A plurality of toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 30 are provided for a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the Y, M, C, and K attached to the reference numerals will be omitted.

[0035] 2, each toner image forming unit 30 is equipped with a rotating cylindrical image carrier 40 and a charger 42 that charges the image carrier 40. The toner image forming unit 30 further includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image carrier 40 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image with developer Z containing toner. As a result, the toner image forming unit 30 for each color forms an image of each color using the toner of that color.

[0036] 1, the image carriers 40 of each color are in contact with a rotating transfer belt 50 (details will be described later). In the rotation direction of the transfer belt 50 (see the arrow in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0037] -Transfer section 32- As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer section 32 includes a transfer belt 50 and primary transfer rolls 52 that are arranged on opposite sides of the image carriers 40 of each color across the transfer belt 50 and transfer the toner images formed on the image carriers 40 of each color to the transfer belt 50.

[0038] The transfer unit 32 also includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a driving roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits a rotational force to the transfer belt 50. This causes the transfer belt 50 to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0039] Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 includes a secondary transfer roll 54, which is disposed on the opposite side of the transfer belt 50 from the winding roll 56 and transfers the toner image transferred onto the transfer belt 50 onto the recording medium P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50 to transfer the toner image onto the recording medium P.

[0040] In this configuration, toner images are primarily transferred onto the transfer belt 50 by the primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner images are then transferred from the transfer belt 50 by the secondary transfer roll 54 onto the recording medium P, which is sandwiched and transported between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54. The recording medium P onto which the toner images have been transferred is then transported toward the fixing device 34.

[0041] -Fusing unit 34- 1, the fixing device 34 is disposed downstream of the transfer nip NT in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. The fixing device 34 applies heat and pressure to the toner image transferred onto the recording medium P to fix it to the recording medium P.

[0042] [Transport unit 14] 1, the transport unit 14 includes a feed roll 20 that feeds the recording medium P stored in the storage member 18 to the transport path 16, and a prevention roll 22 that prevents double feeding of the recording medium P fed by the feed roll 20. The transport unit 14 also includes an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing at which the recording medium P is fed to the transfer nip NT, and an ejection roll 26 that ejects the recording medium P, on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34, to the outside of the device main body 10a.

[0043] [Image reading device 110] As shown in Fig. 3, the image reading device 110 is disposed above the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the image reading device 110 includes a table 120 on which the original G is placed, and is used when reading images of multiple originals G, and an original transport unit 140 that is disposed on one side of the table 120 in the width direction (the left side in the figure) and transports the originals G. The image reading device 110 also includes a platen glass 130 on which the original G is placed, and is used when reading the image of one original G. A main body 140a, in which the aforementioned original transport unit 140 is disposed, opens and closes the platen glass 130. The main body 140a is an example of an apparatus main body.

[0044] Furthermore, the image reading device 110 includes a reading unit 122 that reads the image of the document G transported by the document transport unit 140 at a predetermined position and reads the image of the document G placed on the platen glass 130 while moving, and a discharge unit 126 that discharges the document G whose image has been read by the reading unit 122 and is disposed below the loading table 120. The reading unit 122 is an example of a reading device.

[0045] (Main part configuration) Next, a description will be given of the document transport section 140. As shown in Fig. 4, the document transport section 140 is disposed on one side in the width direction of the loading table 120. The document transport section 140 is an example of a document transport device.

[0046] A U-shaped transport path 142 that is open on the side of the table 120 when viewed from the depth direction is formed inside the document transport unit 140. The document transport unit 140 includes a detection sensor 144 that detects the height of the table 120 on which the document G is placed, a feed roll 146 that sends the document G placed on the table 120 to the transport path 142, and a double-feed prevention roll pair 148 that prevents double feeding of the document G. The document transport unit 140 also includes transport roll pairs 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 and a transport roll 159 that transport the document G along the transport path 142.

[0047] Further, the document transport section 140 is provided with an exterior unit 140b that rotates relative to the main body 140a of the document transport section 140 to open the upstream portion of the transport path 142.

[0048] [Detection sensor 144, delivery roll 146] As shown in Fig. 4, the detection sensor 144 is disposed above the leading end of the document G placed on the table 120 on the side closer to the document transport unit 140. The feed roll 146 has its axial direction as the depth direction and is disposed above the leading end of the document G placed on the table 120 on the side closer to the document transport unit 140. The detection sensor 144 and the feed roll 146 are disposed outside the U-shaped transport path 142. Here, the outside of the U-shaped transport path 142 refers to the outside of the part surrounded by the U-shape. The detection sensor 144 is an example of a detection unit.

[0049] As a result, the delivery roll 146 delivers the document G placed on the table 120 , whose height position is detected by the detection sensor 144 , to the transport path 142 .

[0050] [Double-feed prevention roll pair 148] As shown in Fig. 4, the double-feed prevention roll pair 148 has its axial direction as the depth direction, and is disposed downstream of the delivery roll 146 in the transport direction of the document G (hereinafter referred to as the "document transport direction"). The double-feed prevention roll pair 148 includes a transport roll 148a disposed on the outside of the U-shaped transport path 142, and a transport roll 148b disposed on the inside of the U-shaped transport path 142. The transport roll 148a functions as a driven roll, and the transport roll 148b functions as a drive roll. Here, the inside of the U-shaped transport path 142 refers to the part surrounded by the U-shape.

[0051] The double-feed prevention roll pair 148 rotates when transporting one sheet of original G between the delivery roll 146, and when attempting to transport two or more overlapping sheets of original G, slippage occurs between the sheets of original G, so that only one sheet of original G is transported.

[0052] [Transport roll pairs 150, 152, 154, 156] 4, the transport roll pairs 150, 152, 154, and 156 are arranged downstream of the double-feed prevention roll pair 148 in the document transport direction, and are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transport path 142 in the document transport direction. The transport roll pair 150 and 152 are arranged in the upstream part of the transport path 142 in the document transport direction, and the transport roll pair 154 and 156 are arranged in the downstream part of the transport path 142 in the document transport direction.

[0053] The transport roll pair 150 includes a transport roll 150a disposed on the outside of the U-shaped transport path 142 and a transport roll 150b disposed on the inside of the U-shaped transport path 142. The transport roll 150a functions as a driven roll, and the transport roll 150b functions as a drive roll. The transport roll 150b is an example of another transport roll.

[0054] The transport roll pair 152 includes a transport roll 152a disposed on the outside of the U-shaped transport path 142 and a transport roll 152b disposed on the inside of the U-shaped transport path 142. The transport roll 152a functions as a driven roll, and the transport roll 152b functions as a drive roll. The transport roll 152b is an example of another transport roll.

[0055] [Exterior unit 140b] 5, the exterior unit 140b includes an exterior cover 160 having an exterior surface 160a exposed to the outside, and a guide member 170 to which the exterior cover is attached and having a guide portion 170a (see FIG. 4) formed thereon that guides the document G along the transport path 142. Note that a side unit 210 (see FIG. 3) is arranged to sandwich the exterior unit 140b from the depth direction.

[0056] -Exterior cover 160- The exterior cover 160 is integrally formed from a resin material (in this embodiment, as an example, polycarbonate ABS resin (PC-ABS)), and as shown in FIG. 6, has a main body 162 that is L-shaped when viewed from the depth direction, and an attachment rib 168. No functional parts are attached to the exterior cover 160. Here, a functional part is a part that has an independent unit function and receives energy to act on other parts or members, such as a roll or a detection sensor.

[0057] Main body 162 has a plate-shaped top surface 164 with its thickness direction as the up-down direction and a plate-shaped side surface 166 with its thickness direction as the width direction. Top surface 164 is formed with a top surface 164a that is part of exterior surface 160a, and side surface 166 is formed with a side surface 166a that is the other part of exterior surface 160a. Top surface 164 is an example of an upper portion.

[0058] The top surface 164 is also formed with a through-hole 164b that is recessed relative to the top surface 164a, penetrates from the front to the back, and exposes a handle 200b (described later) to the outside.

[0059] The mounting ribs 168 are provided in pairs spaced apart in the depth direction, with the plate thickness direction being the depth direction, and are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the top surface portion 164 and the side surface portion 166. Each mounting rib 168 is formed with mounting holes 168a that penetrate from the front to the back and are aligned in the width direction.

[0060] -The entire guide member 170- The guide member 170 is integrally formed from a resin material (in this embodiment, as an example, polycarbonate ABS resin (PC-ABS)), and as shown in FIG. 6, is disposed below the top surface portion 164 and on the other side in the width direction of the side surface portion 166 (the right side in the figure).

[0061] The guide member 170 is disposed to face the transport path 142 (see FIG. 4) and includes a main body 172 on which a guide portion 170a (see FIG. 4) for guiding the document G is formed, rising portions 180 rising from both ends of the main body 172 in the depth direction toward the exterior cover 160, and a rotation shaft portion 188 on which a shaft 188a of the exterior unit 140b is formed. The depth direction is an example of the intersecting direction.

[0062] -Main body portion 172 of guide member 170- The main body 172 is formed to cover the upstream portion of the transport path 142 (see FIG. 4) in the document transport direction from above and one side in the width direction. The main body 172 also has a plurality of through holes that penetrate from the front to the back. As shown in FIG. 6, the detection sensor 144, the delivery roll 146, and the transport roll 148a, transport roll 150a, and transport roll 152a of the double feed prevention roll pair 148 are attached to the guide member 170 so as to be exposed to the transport path 142 side through the through holes.

[0063] Furthermore, the main body 172 is provided with a biasing spring 174 that biases the transport roll 150a against the transport roll 150b (see FIG. 4), and a biasing spring 176 that biases the transport roll 152a against the transport roll 152b (see FIG. 4).

[0064] The transport roll 150a includes a shaft portion 151a and a cylindrical portion 151b into which the shaft portion 151a is inserted. A plurality of cylindrical portions 151b are provided and are rotatably supported by the shaft portion 151a.

[0065] The transport roll 152a includes a shaft portion 153a and a cylindrical portion 153b into which the shaft portion 153a is inserted. A plurality of cylindrical portions 153b are provided and are rotatably supported by the shaft portion 153a.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 7(A), the biasing spring 174 applies a biasing force to the transport roll 150a by bending a tension coil spring into a U-shape that is open at the bottom. Specifically, both ends of the biasing spring 174 are attached to the main body 172. By using the biasing spring 174 in this way, even if the exterior cover 160 is removed after applying a biasing force to the transport roll 150a, the biasing spring 174 remains on the guide member 170 side. The biasing spring 174 is an example of a tension spring.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 7(B), the biasing spring 176 applies a biasing force to the transport roll 152a by bending a tension coil spring into a U-shape that is open at the bottom. Specifically, both ends of the biasing spring 176 are attached to the main body 172. By using the biasing spring 176 in this way, even if the exterior cover 160 is removed after applying a biasing force to the transport roll 152a, the biasing spring 176 remains on the guide member 170 side. The biasing spring 176 is an example of a tension spring.

[0068] -Upright portion 180 of guide member 170- The rising portions 180 are provided as a pair spaced apart in the depth direction and, as shown in FIG. 6 , are arranged to sandwich the main body portion 172 in the depth direction. The thickness direction of the rising portions 180 is mainly in the depth direction, and a box-shaped box portion 182 that is open to the outside in the depth direction is formed in the rising portion 180 on the side of the side portion 166 of the exterior cover 160. The box portion 182 has a bottom plate 184 and a flange portion 186, the edge of which rises outward in the depth direction. The flange portion 186 is integrally formed along the top surface portion 164 and the side surface portion 166 of the exterior cover 160 and is L-shaped when viewed in the depth direction. Specifically, the L-shaped flange portion 186 is in surface contact with the back surface of the top surface portion 164 and the back surface of the side surface portion 166.

[0069] Furthermore, a pair of embossed portions 190 are formed inside the box portion 182, aligned in the width direction. In this configuration, the exterior cover 160 is attached to the guide member 170 by inserting a screw 206 into the mounting hole 168a of the exterior cover 160 from the outside in the width direction and tightening it into the embossed portion 190. In this manner, the exterior cover 160 is attached to the guide member 170 simply by tightening the screw 206 into the embossed portion 190 from the outside in the width direction. In other words, the exterior cover 160 is attached to the guide member 170 only from the side. Note that the attachment of the exterior cover 160 is not limited to only one direction. The screw 206 is an example of an attachment tool.

[0070] -Rotation shaft portion 188 of guide member 170- The rotating shaft portions 188 each having a shaft 188a of the exterior unit 140b are provided as a pair spaced apart in the depth direction, and as shown in Fig. 6, protrude downward from the box portion 182, with the shaft 188a serving as the rotation shaft formed at the tip portion of the rotating shaft portion 188. In other words, the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion 188 is connected to the box portion 182, and the shaft 188a is formed at the tip portion of the rotating shaft portion 188. Here, the term "shaft" is a concept that includes a cylindrical shaft and a bearing, and is the portion that constitutes the rotation shaft of the exterior unit 140b.

[0071] In this configuration, the exterior unit 140b rotates around the axis 188a, and the exterior unit 140b rotates and moves between a first position (solid lines shown in Figures 3 and 4) where it covers the transport path 142 and can transport the document G along the transport path 142, and a second position (dashed lines shown in Figures 3 and 4) where it opens the upstream portion of the transport path 142.

[0072] Then, when the exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position, the screw 206 is not visible from the outside. Furthermore, when the exterior unit 140b is moved to the second position, the screw 206 is visible from the outside, and the screw 206 can be attached and detached. Note that with respect to the multiple screws 206, when the exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position, all of the screws 206 do not have to be invisible from the outside. In other words, the positional relationship may be such that some of the screws are not visible and other screws are visible.

[0073] -others- Next, the restriction mechanism 200 that restricts the rotation of the exterior unit 140b will be described. 6, the limiting mechanism 200 is attached to the guide member 170 and includes a rod 200a that is hung between the pair of rising portions 180 and extends in the depth direction, and a handle 200b that is attached to a portion of the rod 200a on the front side in the depth direction. The limiting mechanism 200 further includes a latch 200c that is provided at the end of the rod 200a on the front side in the depth direction and on the outside of the rising portions 180, and a biasing member (not shown) that biases the latch 200c.

[0074] When the exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position, the latch 200c engages with an engagement portion (not shown). The biasing member biases the latch 200c to maintain this engaged state. As described above, the handle 200b is exposed to the outside through the through-hole 164b formed in the top surface 164, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0075] In this configuration, when the user grips the handle 200b and rotates the rod 200a while the exoskeleton unit 140b is in the first position, the latch 200c also rotates, thereby disengaging the latch 200c from the engaging portion and releasing the restriction on the exoskeleton unit 140b from moving to the second position.

[0076] (Function of main components) Next, a description will be given of the operation of removing only the exterior cover 160 from the main body 140a. In the initial state of the exterior unit 140b, the exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position.

[0077] To remove the exterior cover 160, the user grips the handle 200b and rotates the rod 200a, which also rotates the latch 200c, disengaging the latch 200c from the engagement portion.

[0078] Furthermore, the user rotates the exterior unit 140b around the shaft 188a to move the exterior unit 140b to the second position. In this state, the user removes the screws 206 from both sides in the depth direction, and then removes the exterior cover 160 from the guide member 170.

[0079] Here, functional components such as transport rolls and detection sensors are not attached to the exterior cover 160. In other words, there is no need to remove functional components from the exterior cover 160. Therefore, the work of removing only the exterior cover 160 is now complete. In other words, the work of removing only the exterior cover 160 from the main body 140a is complete without removing the guide member 170 from the main body 140a.

[0080] (summary) As described above, in the document transport section 140, at least one of the transport rolls 150a, 152a and the detection sensor 144 is attached to the guide member 170. Therefore, the number of steps required to remove only the exterior cover 160 is reduced compared to when all of the transport rolls and the detection sensor are attached to the exterior cover.

[0081] Furthermore, in the document transport unit 140, the rising portion 180 has a box portion 182 that is open on the outside in the depth direction. This improves the rigidity of the rising portion 180 compared to when the entire rising portion is plate-shaped.

[0082] In the document transport unit 140, the box portion 182 has a bottom plate 184 whose thickness direction is the depth direction, and an L-shaped flange portion 186 that rises from the edge of the bottom plate 184. This improves the rigidity of the rising portion compared to when the L-shaped flange portions are separated at the corners.

[0083] Furthermore, in the document transport section 140, a rotation shaft portion 188 of the exterior unit 140b is formed on the guide member 170. This reduces the number of steps required to remove only the exterior cover 160 compared to when the rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit is formed on the exterior cover.

[0084] In addition, in document transport unit 140, the base end portion of rotating shaft 188 is connected to box portion 182, and shaft 188a is provided at the tip portion of rotating shaft 188. This improves the rigidity of the shaft compared to when the rotating shaft is connected to a plate-shaped portion.

[0085] Furthermore, in document transport section 140, screw 206 is not visible from the outside when exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position. This improves the appearance quality compared to when the screw is visible when the exterior unit is moved to the first position.

[0086] Furthermore, in document transport section 140, when exterior unit 140b is moved to the second position, screw 206 is visible from the outside and can be attached and detached. This reduces the number of steps required to remove exterior cover 160 compared to when the screw is not visible and cannot be attached and detached when the exterior unit is moved to the second position.

[0087] In the document transport section 140, both ends of the biasing springs 174, 176 are attached to the main body section 172. This allows the biasing springs 174, 176 to remain on the guide member 170 even when the exterior cover 160 is removed.

[0088] Furthermore, in the document transport unit 140, the screws 206 attach the exterior cover 160 to the guide member 170 only from the outside in the width direction. This reduces the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover 160 compared to when the screws attach the exterior cover to the guide member from multiple directions.

[0089] Furthermore, in the document transport section 140, the limiting mechanism 200 is attached to the guide member 170. This reduces the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover 160 compared to when the limiting mechanism is attached to the exterior cover.

[0090] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with a document transport unit 140. This improves maintainability.

[0091] While the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, the document transport unit 140 is provided in the image forming apparatus 10, but it may also be provided in a scanner alone, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all functional parts are attached to the guide member 170, and no functional parts are attached to the exterior cover 160. However, any functional part may be attached to the exterior cover. It is sufficient that at least one of the transport rolls 150a, 152a and the detection sensor 144 is attached to the guide member 170. However, in this case, the effect achieved by not attaching functional parts to the exterior cover 160 is not achieved.

[0093] In addition, in the above embodiment, the box portion 182 is formed in the rising portion 180, but the box portion may not be formed. In this case, the effect achieved by forming the box portion 182 is not achieved.

[0094] In addition, in the above embodiment, the rotary shaft 188 is formed on the guide member 170, but the rotary shaft may be formed on the exterior cover. In this case, the effect achieved by forming the rotary shaft 188 on the guide member 170 will not be achieved.

[0095] In addition, in the above embodiment, the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion 188 is connected to the box portion 182, but the rotating shaft portion may be disposed at a position separated from the box portion. In this case, the effect achieved by connecting the base end portion of the rotating shaft portion 188 to the box portion 182 will not be achieved.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the screw 206 is not visible from the outside when the exterior unit 140b is moved to the first position, but it may be visible. In this case, however, the effect of making it invisible is not achieved.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the screw 206 is used as the attachment, but a bolt, a clip, or the like may also be used.

[0098] (((1))) a guide member disposed on one side of a transport path along which the document placed on the loading platform is transported, the guide member having a guide section formed thereon for guiding the document along the transport path, and having at least one of a transport roll for transporting the document along the transport path and a detection section for detecting the position of the loading platform attached thereto; an exterior cover attached to cover the guide member and having an exterior surface exposed to the outside; A document transport device comprising:

[0099] (((2))) The guide member is a main body portion disposed to face the conveying path; and rising portions that rise from both ends of the main body toward the exterior cover in a direction intersecting a conveying direction in which the document is conveyed, and that have a box-like shape with an opening in the intersecting direction. The document transport device according to (((1))).

[0100] (((3))) the exterior cover has a plate-shaped upper portion that covers the guide member from above and on which a part of the exterior surface is formed, and a plate-shaped side portion that extends downward from an end of the upper portion, covers the guide member from a side, and on which another part of the exterior surface is formed, The box portion has a bottom plate whose thickness direction is the intersecting direction, and an L-shaped flange portion that rises from the edge of the bottom plate and extends along the upper portion and the side portion. The document transport device according to (((2))).

[0101] (((4))) an exterior unit is configured including the guide member and the exterior cover, the exterior unit is rotatably attached to the apparatus body and is rotatably moved between a first position where the document can be transported along the transport path and a second position where the transport path is opened; The guide member is formed with a rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit. The document transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0102] (((5))) The guide member is a main body portion disposed to face the conveying path; a rising portion that rises from both ends of the main body portion toward the exterior cover in a direction intersecting a conveying direction in which the document is conveyed, and that has a box-shaped portion that is open in the intersecting direction; A base end portion of the rotating shaft portion is connected to the box portion, and a shaft is formed at a tip end portion of the rotating shaft portion. The document transport device according to (((4))).

[0103] (((6))) When the exterior unit is moved to the first position, a mounting fixture that mounts the exterior cover to the guide member is made invisible from the outside. The document transport device according to (((4))) or (((5))).

[0104] (((7))) When the exterior unit is moved to the second position, the attachment tool is visible from the outside and can be attached and detached. The document transport device according to any one of (((4))) to (((6))).

[0105] (((8))) the transport roll is attached to the guide member and is disposed on the outer cover side with respect to the transport path, a tension spring that is wound around the transport roll and has both ends attached to the guide member, thereby applying a tension force to the transport roll and biasing the transport roll against another transport roll that is arranged on the opposite side of the transport path to the transport roll; The document transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))).

[0106] (((9))) a mounting fixture is provided to mount the exterior cover to the guide member; The attachment tool attaches the exterior cover to the guide member only in a direction intersecting a transport direction in which the document is transported. The document transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))).

[0107] (((10))) a limiting mechanism that limits or releases movement of the exterior unit, which has moved to the first position, to the second position; the limiting mechanism, the transport roll, and the detection unit are attached to the guide member; The document transport device according to any one of ((4))) to (((7))).

[0108] (((11))) A document transport device according to any one of (((1))) to (((10))), a reading device that reads the document transported by the document transport device; an image forming unit that forms an image read by the reading device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0109] The document transport device according to (((1))) can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to a case in which the transport rolls and the detection unit are all attached to the exterior cover.

[0110] The document transport device according to (((2))) can improve the rigidity of the rising portion compared to when the entire rising portion is plate-shaped.

[0111] The document transport device according to (((3))) can improve the rigidity of the raised portion compared to when the L-shaped flange portions are separated at the corners.

[0112] The document transport device according to (((4))) can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when the rotating shaft of the exterior unit is formed on the exterior cover.

[0113] The document transport device according to (((5))) can improve the rigidity of the shaft compared to when the base end portion of the rotation shaft is connected to a plate-shaped portion.

[0114] The document transport device according to (((6))) can improve the appearance quality compared to when the mounting fixture is visible when the exterior unit is moved to the first position.

[0115] The document transport device according to (((7))) can reduce the labor required to remove the exterior cover when the exterior unit is moved to the second position, compared to when the attachment is not visible and the attachment is not detachable.

[0116] In the document transport device according to (((8))), even if the outer cover is removed, the tension spring can remain in the guide member.

[0117] The document transport device according to (((9))) can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when the attachment fixture attaches the exterior cover to the guide member from multiple directions.

[0118] The document transport device according to (((10))) can reduce the number of steps required to remove the exterior cover compared to when the restriction mechanism is attached to the exterior cover.

[0119] The image forming apparatus according to (((11))) can improve maintainability compared to an image forming apparatus equipped with a document transport device in which the transport rolls and the detection unit are all attached to an exterior cover. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10 Image forming device 12 Image forming unit 120 Loading stand 122 Reading unit (an example of a reading device) 140 Document transport unit (an example of a document transport device) 140a Main body (an example of the device main body) 140b exterior unit 142 Transport Route 144 Detection sensor (an example of a detection unit) 150a transport roll 150b Transport roll (an example of another transport roll) 152a Transport roll 152b Transport roll (an example of another transport roll) 160 exterior cover 160a Exterior surface 164 Top surface (example of upper part) 166 Side part 170 Guide member 170a Information Department 174 Bias spring (an example of a tension spring) 176 Bias spring (an example of a tension spring) 172 Main body 180 Start-up section 182 Box part 184 Bottom plate 186 Flange 188 Rotating shaft 188a axis 200 Restriction mechanism 206 Screw (an example of a fixture)

Claims

1. a guide member disposed on one side of a transport path along which the document placed on the loading platform is transported, the guide member having a guide section formed thereon for guiding the document along the transport path, and having at least one of a transport roll for transporting the document along the transport path and a detection section for detecting the position of the loading platform attached thereto; an exterior cover attached to cover the guide member and having an exterior surface exposed to the outside; A document transport device comprising:

2. The guide member is a main body portion disposed to face the conveying path; and rising portions that rise from both ends of the main body toward the exterior cover in a direction intersecting a conveying direction in which the document is conveyed, and that have a box-like shape with an opening in the intersecting direction. The document transport device according to claim 1 .

3. the exterior cover has a plate-shaped upper portion that covers the guide member from above and on which a part of the exterior surface is formed, and a plate-shaped side portion that extends downward from an end of the upper portion, covers the guide member from a side, and on which another part of the exterior surface is formed, The box portion has a bottom plate whose thickness direction is the intersecting direction, and an L-shaped flange portion that rises from an edge of the bottom plate and extends along the upper portion and the side portion. The document transport device according to claim 2 .

4. an exterior unit is configured including the guide member and the exterior cover, the exterior unit is rotatably attached to the apparatus body and is rotatably moved between a first position where the document can be transported along the transport path and a second position where the transport path is opened; The guide member is formed with a rotation shaft portion of the exterior unit. The document transport device according to claim 1 .

5. The guide member is a main body portion disposed to face the conveying path; a rising portion that rises from both ends of the main body portion toward the exterior cover in a direction intersecting a conveying direction in which the document is conveyed, and that has a box-shaped portion that is open in the intersecting direction; A base end portion of the rotating shaft portion is connected to the box portion, and a shaft is formed at a tip end portion of the rotating shaft portion. The document transport device according to claim 4 .

6. When the exterior unit is moved to the first position, a mounting fixture that mounts the exterior cover to the guide member is made invisible from the outside. The document transport device according to claim 4 .

7. When the exterior unit is moved to the second position, the attachment tool is visible from the outside and can be attached and detached. The document transport device according to claim 6.

8. the transport roll is attached to the guide member and is disposed on the outer cover side with respect to the transport path, a tension spring that is wound around the transport roll and has both ends attached to the guide member, thereby applying a tension force to the transport roll and biasing the transport roll against another transport roll that is arranged on the opposite side of the transport path to the transport roll; The document transport device according to claim 1 .

9. a mounting fixture is provided to mount the exterior cover to the guide member; The attachment tool attaches the exterior cover to the guide member only in a direction intersecting a transport direction in which the document is transported. The document transport device according to claim 1 .

10. a limiting mechanism that limits or releases movement of the exterior unit, which has moved to the first position, to the second position; the limiting mechanism, the transport roll, and the detection unit are attached to the guide member; The document transport device according to claim 4 .

11. A document transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a reading device that reads the document transported by the document transport device; an image forming unit that forms an image read by the reading device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images