Removable scanning device
The removable scanning device allows users to select and easily combine modules for different functions, addressing space and setup complexity issues of single-function devices and the expense of multifunction devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KINPO ELECTRONICS LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices often require multiple single-function devices for various functionalities, occupying space and necessitating complex setup, while multifunction devices are expensive and large.
A removable scanning device comprising a transmission module with an automatic feed mechanism and a flatbed drag mechanism, allowing users to select and quickly attach/detach modules for desired functions, including an image sensor for scanning.
Enables users to select and easily combine modules for different needs, reducing space occupation and setup complexity, and providing a cost-effective, versatile scanning solution.
Smart Images
Figure 2026110440000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0004] , , , , , , ,
[0005]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scanning device, particularly a removable scanning device.
Background Art
[0002] In daily life, functions such as copying, scanning, or printing are often used in environments such as homes, stores, schools, offices, public institutions, or companies. In contrast, various types of devices such as copiers, printers, scanners, and multifunction devices are available on the market, and consumers can select and purchase the desired device.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] However, many of the above-mentioned devices have only single functions. Therefore, when multiple functions are required, users have to purchase them individually. However, not only do multiple devices occupy space, but before using each device, settings and connections need to be made for each of them, which is inconvenient for users. On the other hand, although multifunction devices have various functions, they are not only expensive but also large in size. Therefore, unless all functions are needed, users will not select multifunction devices. Accordingly, there is an expectation for a proposal of a scanning device that can select and combine modules with desired functions according to different usage needs.
[0004] In view of the above problems, the inventor of the present application has focused on researching the above-mentioned prior art and aims to apply the results to solve the above problems in the present disclosure.
[0005] That is, the main object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to select a desired transmission module according to different needs and quickly detach (remove and assemble) it to a scanning module.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the Disclosure provides a removable scanning device for scanning documents. The removable scanning device comprises a transmission module and a scanning module, the transmission module comprising at least one of an automatic feed mechanism and a flatbed drag mechanism, the automatic feed mechanism comprising a passage roller set, the flatbed drag mechanism comprising a box and a transport member mounted in the box so as to be reciprocally movable along the lateral direction, and the scanning module comprising a housing and an image sensor mounted movably in the housing, and is removablely connected to the transmission module. When the scanning module is connected to the automatic feed mechanism, the passage roller set is capable of driving the document to move along the scanning path and be scanned by the image sensor, and when the scanning module is connected to the flatbed drag mechanism, the transport member is capable of moving the document out of the housing and laterally into the box so as to be scanned by the image sensor.
[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the planar drag mechanism further comprises a drive device, and the scanning module further comprises a coupling member, which is mounted on an image sensor and connected to a transport member when the scanning module is connected to the planar drag mechanism, and the drive device is capable of driving the transport member so that the transport member moves horizontally along the lateral direction, taking the image sensor with it.
[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plate drag mechanism further comprises a slider rod, which extends laterally and is fixed within a box, and a transport member is sleeve-connected to the slider rod and is capable of sliding laterally along the slider rod.
[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scanning module further comprises a connecting rod, which is housed within a housing and assembled to a slider rod.
[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the automatic paper feeder comprises a box and a paper feed tray, the paper feed tray being installed on one side of the box, a passage roller set being installed inside the box and located next to the paper feed tray, the box having a paper discharge port located below the paper feed tray, and the passage roller set connecting the paper feed tray and the paper discharge port to form a scanning path.
[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scanning module is installed so as to overlap the box, and the passage roller set is positioned between the image sensor and the paper output slot.
[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission module further comprises a printing module for printing printed documents, the transmission module comprising at least an automatic paper feed mechanism, the automatic paper feed mechanism being installed to overlap the printing module.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the printing module includes an output tray and a stopper, the output tray being located below the automatic paper feeding mechanism and on one side of the printing module, and the stopper being located on the other side of the printing module, and capable of stopping and positioning the printed documents printed by the printing module and the scanned documents driven by the automatic paper feeding mechanism and scanned by the image sensor.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission module has a first connection structure, the scanning module has a second connection structure, and the first connection structure is detachably connected to the second connection structure.
[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission module comprises an automatic paper feed mechanism and a flat plate drag mechanism, and the scanning module is pivotally connected to the automatic paper feed mechanism together with the flat plate drag mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]
[0016] The removable scanning device according to this disclosure has a transmission module comprising at least one of an automatic paper feed mechanism and a flat plate drag mechanism, wherein the passage roller set of the automatic paper feed mechanism can drive the document to move along the scanning path and be scanned by the image sensor, and the transport member of the flat plate drag mechanism moves the image sensor along with it, so that the document to be scanned is moved laterally from the housing into the box and scanned by the image sensor, so that the user can select the desired transmission module according to different usage needs and quickly attach and detach (remove and assemble) it to the scanning module. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an external perspective view of a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a cross-section of a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an external perspective view of a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram (1) showing the usage state of the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram (2) showing the usage state of the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0018] In the description of the present disclosure, terms such as "front side", "rear side", "left side", "right side", "front end", "rear end", "terminal", "vertical direction", "horizontal direction", "vertical", "top", "bottom", etc. represent the orientation or positional relationship based on the drawing display, and are merely for facilitating the description of the present disclosure and simplifying the explanation, and do not indicate or imply that the relevant device or component must have a specific orientation and be configured and operated in a specific orientation, and should not be construed as a limitation condition of the present disclosure.
[0019] Terms such as "first", "second", "third", "fourth", and "fifth" used in the description are for describing various components, modules, regions, levels / or parts, but these components, modules, regions, levels / or parts are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component, module, region, level / or part from another. Unless clearly indicated in the context, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", and "fifth" used in the text do not imply order or sequence.
[0020] Terms such as "substantially" and "approximately" used here represent minor changes when not otherwise defined. When this term is used for an event or situation, it means not only the exact time point when the event or situation occurred, but also an approximate time point close to the time point when the event or situation occurred. For example, when this term is used for a numerical value, it means including a variation range of ±10%, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.1%, or ±0.05% or less of this numerical value.
[0021] Hereinafter, while referring to the drawings, the detailed configuration and technical content of the present disclosure will be described. However, the attached drawings are for the purpose of explanation and do not limit the present disclosure.
[0022] This disclosure provides a removable scanning device for scanning a document A. First, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the removable scanning device of this disclosure mainly comprises a transmission module 10 and a scanning module 20. As described below, Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of this disclosure, and Figures 3 to 5 show a second embodiment of this disclosure.
[0023] The transmission module 10 comprises at least one of an automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 and a flat plate drag mechanism 12. In the first embodiment of this disclosure, the transmission module 10 comprises only the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11. In the second embodiment of this disclosure, the transmission module 10 comprises only the flat plate drag mechanism 12. However, in other embodiments of this disclosure, the transmission module 10 may be configured to include both the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 and the flat plate drag mechanism 12, but such configurations are not described here.
[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 comprises a passage roller set 111, a box 112, and a paper feed tray 113. The paper feed tray 113 is installed on one side of the box 112 so that it can hold the scanned documents A awaiting scanning. The passage roller set 111 is installed inside the box 112 and is positioned next to the paper feed tray 113. The box 112 has a paper output port 1121 located below the paper feed tray 113. The passage roller set 111 comprises a paper feed passage (not shown in numerals) and a plurality of paper drive rollers (not shown in numerals). In this embodiment, the paper feed passage is formed in a substantially inverted U shape, with both ends communicating with the paper feed tray 113 and the paper output port 1121, respectively. The paper feed passage allows the scanned documents A to pass from the paper feed tray 113 to the paper output port 1121. The path described is to move to 121, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Each paper drive roller is installed corresponding to the paper feed passage and drives the scanned document A so that it moves along the paper feed passage. Thus, by driving the scanned document A via each paper drive roller of the passage roller set 111, the scanned document A can enter the box 112 from the paper feed tray 113, and then exit the box 112 via the paper output opening 1121 after being turned over. In this way, a scanning path (not shown by symbols) is formed along the path of the scanned document A. In other words, since both ends of the paper feed passage of the passage roller set 111 are in communication with the paper feed tray 113 and the paper output opening 1121, the paper feed tray 113, the passage roller set 111, and the paper output opening 1121 together constitute a scanning path.
[0025] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the plate drag mechanism 12 comprises a box 121, a transfer member 122, and a drive device 123. The box 121 has a first opening 1211 and a first light-transmitting plate 1212, the first opening 1211 located on one side of the box 121, and the first light-transmitting plate 1212 located at the bottom of the box 121. In this embodiment, the first light-transmitting plate 1212 is made of transparent glass, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The drive device 123 is installed inside the box 121. The transfer member 122 is installed inside the box 121 so as to be able to reciprocate along the lateral direction D. Specifically, the drive device 123 can drive the transfer member 122 so as to reciprocate along the lateral direction D within the box 121. In this embodiment, the drive device 123 is a combination of a pulley and a belt, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the drive unit 123 may be a combination of a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a motor and a ball screw, or a linear slide.
[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the scanning module 20 is detachably connected to the transmission module 10. Specifically, the transmission module 10 has at least one first connection structure 13, and the scanning module 20 has at least one second connection structure 21. The first connection structure 13 is detachably connected to the second connection structure 21. In this embodiment, the first connection structure 13 and the second connection structure 21 are matching locking sets, but in other embodiments, they may be matching magnetic adsorption sets or other types of detachable structures. The scanning module 20 comprises a housing 22 and an image sensor 23. In this embodiment, both the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 and the flat plate drag mechanism 12 have the first connection structure 13 installed on one side corresponding to the scanning module 20, while the scanning module 20 has the second connection structure 21 installed on both sides corresponding to the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 and the flat plate drag mechanism 12. Therefore, the scanning module 20 can be detachably connected to either or both of the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 and the flat plate drag mechanism 12. The housing 22 has a second opening 221 and a second light-transmitting plate 222. The second opening 221 is located on one side of the housing 22, and the second light-transmitting plate 222 is located at the bottom of the housing 22 so that the image sensor 23 can scan objects below the scanning module 20. In this embodiment, the second light-transmitting plate 222 is made of transparent glass, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The image sensor 23 is movably installed in the housing 22 and can be moved to the outside of the housing 22 through the second opening 221. In other words, the image sensor 23 can be detached from the housing 22 and used when needed, as will be specifically described later.
[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the scanning module 20 in the first embodiment of this disclosure is installed so as to overlap the box 112 of the automatic paper feed mechanism 11, thereby configuring an automatic document feeder scanner (ADFscanner). The roller set 111 is positioned between the image sensor 23 of the scanning module 20 and the paper output port 1121 of the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11. As a result, when the scanning module 20 is connected to the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11, the passage roller set 111 drives the scanned document A placed on the paper tray 113, moving the scanned document A along the scanning path and causing the image sensor 23 to scan the scanned document A passing below the image sensor 23 via the second light-transmitting plate 222. The scanned scanned document A then moves away from the box 112 of the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 via the paper output port 1121 and is sequentially stacked below the paper tray 113.
[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, in the second embodiment of this disclosure, the scanning module 20 is installed next to the flat plate drag mechanism 12. Therefore, the second opening 221 of the housing 22 of the scanning module 20 and the first opening 1211 of the box 121 of the flat plate drag mechanism 12 are positioned opposite each other and communicate with each other. This constitutes a flatbed scanner. Therefore, when the scanning module 20 is connected to the flat plate drag mechanism 12, the user places the document A to be scanned below the flat plate drag mechanism 12 and drives the transport member 122 with the drive device 123 to move it. As a result, the image sensor 23 is carried by the transport member 122 and moves from the housing 22 of the scanning module 20 along the lateral direction D into the box 121 of the flat plate drag mechanism 12. Thus, the image sensor 23, moving horizontally along the lateral direction D, can scan the document A below the first light-transmitting flat plate 1212.
[0029] To further explain, the scanning module 20 further includes a coupling member 24 installed on the image sensor 23. When the scanning module 20 is connected to the flat plate drag mechanism 12, the coupling member 24 of the scanning module 20 connects to the transport member 122 of the flat plate drag mechanism 12, thereby achieving coupling between the two. As a result, when the transport member 122 is driven and moved by the drive device 123, the transport member 122 can move horizontally together with the image sensor 23 along the lateral direction D. In this embodiment, the coupling member 24 is a hook, and coupling is achieved by this hook hooking onto a projection provided on the transport member 122, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, coupling between the coupling member 24 and the transport member 122 can also be achieved by methods such as locking or magnetic attraction.
[0030] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the image sensor 23 moves horizontally along the lateral direction D without tilting as it is carried along by the transport member 122, the flat plate drag mechanism 12 in this embodiment further includes a slider rod 124. The slider rod 124 extends in the lateral direction D and is fixed inside the box 121. The transport member 122 is sleeve-connected to the slider rod 124 so that it can slide stably on the slider rod 124 without tilting along the lateral direction D. In addition, the scanning module 20 in this embodiment further includes a connecting rod 25. The connecting rod 25 is installed inside the housing 22 of the scanning module 20 and assembled to the slider rod 124, thereby increasing the structural stability of the slider rod 124. This further increases the stability of the transport member 122 when it moves horizontally along the lateral direction D. It should be noted that while assembly methods between the connecting rod 25 and the slider rod 124 may include screw fastening, sleeve connection, locking, magnetic attraction, or key positioning, this disclosure does not particularly limit these methods.
[0031] Next, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, the third embodiment of this disclosure differs from the first and second embodiments in that it further comprises a printing module 30 and the transmission module 10 comprises at least an automatic paper feeding mechanism 11. In the drawings of this embodiment, the transmission module 10 comprises both the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 and the flat plate drag mechanism 12. Therefore, it is configured as a multi-function product (MFP). However, the third embodiment of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the transmission module 10 may be configured to include only an automatic paper feeding mechanism 11. The automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 is installed so as to overlap the printing module 30. The printing module 30 is for printing print documents B and has an output tray 31 and a stopper 32. The output tray 31 is located below the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11. Both the output tray 31 and the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 are located on one side of the printing module 30, but the stopper 32 is located on the other side of the printing module 30. As a result, the print document B printed by the printing module 30 and the scanned document A scanned by the image sensor 23 driven by the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 are both stopped and positioned by the stopper 32. This prevents the print document B and the scanned document A from becoming separated. In other words, since the paper output port 1121 of the automatic paper feeding mechanism 11 and the paper output tray 31 of the printing module 30 share the same stopper 32, the height of the removable scanning device according to this disclosure can be effectively reduced.
[0032] To further explain, in the drawings of the third embodiment of this disclosure, the transmission module 10 comprises both an automatic paper feed mechanism 11 and a flatbed drag mechanism 12. Both the scanning module 20 and the flatbed drag mechanism 12 are pivot-connected to the automatic paper feed mechanism 11 so that the user can conveniently place the scanned document A below the flatbed drag mechanism 12. This allows the scanning module 20 and the flatbed drag mechanism 12 to rotate upward relative to the automatic paper feed mechanism 11 and the printing module 30, as shown in Figure 7.
[0033] Furthermore, since the scanning document A is placed below the flat drag mechanism 12, the image sensor 23 can scan the scanning document A from above. As a result, if the scanning document A is a book-type page-turning document, after scanning one page, the user can rotate the scanning module 20 and the flat drag mechanism 12 upward relative to the automatic paper feed mechanism 11 and the printing module 30, and then turn the scanning document A to the next page to perform the next scan. In contrast, conventional scanning devices are configured to scan book-type page-turning documents with the front side facing upwards above the scanning module 20. Therefore, after scanning one page, the user must first turn the page-turning document with the front side facing upwards, then turn the page, and then place the page-turning document again with the front side facing downwards above the scanning module 20 to perform the next scan. Consequently, compared to conventional scanning devices, the removable scanning device of this disclosure can significantly reduce unnecessary actions and operating time when turning pages. As a result, the user can conveniently and quickly perform multiple scans of book-type page-turning documents.
[0034] The removable scanning device of this disclosure includes a transmission module 10 comprising at least one of an automatic paper feed mechanism 11 and a flat plate drag mechanism 12, wherein the passage roller set 111 of the automatic paper feed mechanism 11 can drive the document A to move along the scanning path and be scanned by the image sensor 23, while the transport member 122 of the flat plate drag mechanism 12 can move the image sensor 23 along the lateral direction D from the housing 22 into the box 121 and be scanned by the image sensor 23, so that the document A can be scanned by the image sensor 23. Therefore, the user can select the desired transmission module 10 according to different usage needs and quickly attach and detach (remove and assemble) it to the scanning module 20.
[0035] Furthermore, the foregoing statements in this disclosure are intended to enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand and implement the technical content of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, this disclosure can of course be implemented in various other forms not described herein, and those skilled in the art can make various appropriate modifications and variations based on this disclosure without departing from the spirit and substance thereof. However, all such corresponding modifications and variations should fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]
[0036] 10: Transmission Module 11: Automatic paper feeder 111: Aisle Roller Set 112: Box body 1121: Paper output slot 113: Paper feed tray 12: Flat plate drag mechanism 121: Box 1211: First opening 1212: 1st light transmitting flat plate 122: Transfer member 123: Drive unit 124: Slider Rod 13: First connection structure 20: Scanning module 21: Second connection structure 22: Housing 221: Second opening 222:Second light transmitting flat plate 23: Image sensor 24: Connecting member 25: Connecting rod 30: Printing Module 31: Paper output tray 32: Stopper A: Scanned documents B: Printed documents D: Horizontal direction
Claims
1. A removable scanning device for scanning documents, It comprises a transmission module and a scanning module, The transmission module comprises at least one of an automatic paper feeding mechanism and a flat plate drag mechanism, the automatic paper feeding mechanism comprises a passage roller set, and the flat plate drag mechanism comprises a box and a transport member installed within the box so as to be reciprocally movable along the lateral direction. The scanning module comprises a housing and an image sensor movably mounted within the housing, and is detachably connected to the transmission module. When the scanning module is connected to the automatic paper feeding mechanism, the passage roller set can be driven to move the document to be scanned along the scanning path and cause it to be scanned by the image sensor. A removable scanning device characterized in that, when the scanning module is connected to the flat plate drag mechanism, the transfer member moves along with the image sensor, thereby moving laterally from the housing into the box, allowing the image sensor to scan the document being scanned.
2. The removable scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the planar drag mechanism further comprises a drive device, the scanning module further comprises a coupling member, the coupling member is installed on the image sensor and is connected to the transport member when the scanning module is connected to the planar drag mechanism, and the drive device is capable of driving the transport member so that the transport member moves horizontally along the lateral direction, taking the image sensor with it.
3. The removable scanning device according to claim 2, wherein the flat plate drag mechanism further comprises a slider rod, the slider rod extending laterally and fixed to the box, and the transfer member being sleeve-connected to the slider rod and capable of sliding along the laterally direction on the slider rod.
4. The removable scanning device according to claim 3, characterized in that the scanning module further comprises a connecting rod, the connecting rod being installed within the housing and assembled to the slider rod.
5. The removable scanning device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic paper feeder comprises a box and a paper feed tray, the paper feed tray is installed on one side of the box, the passage roller set is installed inside the box and located next to the paper feed tray, the box has a paper discharge port located below the paper feed tray, and the passage roller set connects the paper feed tray and the paper discharge port to form a scanning path.
6. The removable scanning device according to claim 5, characterized in that the scanning module is installed so as to overlap the box body, and the passage roller set is positioned between the image sensor and the paper output slot.
7. The removable scanning device according to claim 1, further comprising a printing module for printing printed documents, wherein the transmission module comprises at least the automatic paper feeding mechanism, and the automatic paper feeding mechanism is installed so as to overlap the printing module.
8. The printing module has an output tray and a stopper, the output tray is located below the automatic paper feeding mechanism and on one side of the printing module, and the stopper is located on the other side of the printing module, and the printed documents printed by the printing module, and The removable scanning device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is possible to stop and position the scanned document which has been driven by the automatic paper feeding mechanism and scanned by the image sensor.
9. The removable scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission module has a first connection structure, the scanning module has a second connection structure, and the first connection structure is detachably connected to the second connection structure.
10. The removable scanning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission module comprises the automatic paper feeding mechanism and the flat plate drag mechanism, and the scanning module is pivotally connected to the automatic paper feeding mechanism together with the flat plate drag mechanism.