Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent a reduction in image quality of image data output by a reading unit without adjusting the attitude of a housing and opening an upper part of the housing.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a CCD that receives light reflected on a document placed on a document placement surface and outputs an electric signal based on the light; a box-shaped housing that forms an accommodation space for accommodating the CCD below the document placement surface and opens in its upper part; a housing support part that supports a bottom 25B of the housing; and an attitude adjustment unit 26 that has an operating unit 34 provided on the outside of the housing and adjusts the attitude of the CCD according to an operation to the operating unit 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a contact glass is known. The reading unit includes optical elements such as a light source, a mirror, a lens, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a box-shaped housing that houses these optical elements. The bottom of the housing is supported by a housing support portion provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] In the image forming apparatus, due to variations in the shape of the housing support portion or the like, the posture of the housing supported by the housing support portion may be distorted. In this case, the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit deteriorates. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus is known in which a mechanism for adjusting the support position of any corner portion at the bottom of the housing in the vertical direction is provided so that the posture of the housing can be adjusted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, the deterioration of the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit due to the distortion of the posture of the housing can also be suppressed by adjusting the posture of the CCD. Specifically, it is conceivable to provide a mechanism for adjusting the posture of the CCD inside the housing.

[0006] Here, when the operation unit used for adjusting the posture of the CCD is provided inside the housing, it is necessary to remove the contact glass and open the upper part of the housing in order to operate the operation unit. In this case, dust may enter the inside of the housing, adhere to the optical element, and the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit may deteriorate.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing deterioration in the image quality of image data output by a reading unit without adjusting the posture of a housing and opening the upper part of the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a housing, a housing support unit, and a posture adjustment unit. The photoelectric conversion unit receives light reflected by a document placed on a document placement surface and outputs an electric signal based on the light. The housing is in a box shape with an open upper side, and forms an accommodation space for accommodating the photoelectric conversion unit below the document placement surface. The housing support unit supports the bottom of the housing. The posture adjustment unit has an operation unit provided outside the housing, and adjusts the posture of the photoelectric conversion unit in response to an operation on the operation unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the image quality of image data output by a reading unit without adjusting the posture of a housing and opening the upper part of the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [First Embodiment] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In FIG. 1, the optical path R1 from the light emitting unit 21A to the CCD 24 in the image reading unit 2 is shown by a broken line with an arrow.

[0013] For convenience of explanation, in the installable state (the state shown in FIG. 1) in which the image forming apparatus 100 can be used, the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction D1. Also, with the front side (front surface) of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 as the front (front face), the front-back direction D2 is defined. Further, with reference to the front of the image forming apparatus 100 in the installable state, the left-right direction D3 is defined.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a fax function and a copy function, together with a scan function for reading an image of a document and a print function for forming an image based on image data. Note that the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus having the scan function such as a fax apparatus and a copy machine.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 1, an image reading unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a paper feeding unit 4, an apparatus main body 5, and a housing support unit 6.

[0016] The ADF 1 conveys a document whose image is read by the image reading unit 2. The ADF 1 includes a document setting unit, a plurality of conveyance rollers, a document presser, and a paper discharge unit. Also, the ADF 1 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to a document placement surface 13A (see FIG. 1), and also serves as a document cover for a document placed on the document placement surface 13A.

[0017] The image reading unit 2 realizes the scan function. Specifically, the image reading unit 2 reads an image from a document conveyed by the ADF 1 and outputs image data including the read image. Also, the image reading unit 2 reads an image from a document placed on the document placement surface 13A (see FIG. 1) and outputs image data including the read image.

[0018] The image forming unit 3 realizes the printing function. Specifically, the image forming unit 3 forms an image by an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, an optical scanning device, a developing device, a transfer roller, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. The image forming unit 3 forms an image based on the image data output by the image reading unit 2.

[0019] The paper feeding unit 4 supplies sheets to the image forming unit 3. The paper feeding unit 4 includes a paper feed cassette and a plurality of conveyance rollers. The image forming unit 3 forms an image on the sheet supplied from the paper feeding unit 4. The sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 3 is discharged to the paper discharge space 6A (see FIG. 1).

[0020] The apparatus main body 5 is a housing that houses the image forming unit 3 and the paper feeding unit 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feeding unit 4 is provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body 5. Also, the image forming unit 3 is provided above the paper feeding unit 4 in the apparatus main body 5.

[0021] Also, the apparatus main body 5 supports the ADF 1 and the image reading unit 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 2 is provided above the apparatus main body 5. Also, the ADF 1 is provided above the image reading unit 2.

[0022] The housing support portion 6 supports the bottom portion 25B (see FIG. 1) of the housing 25 of the image reading unit 2. Also, the housing support portion 6 forms a paper discharge space 6A (see FIG. 1) in which at least one direction along the horizontal direction is open on the lower side of the housing 25.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing support portion 6 is provided at the upper part of the apparatus main body 5. The paper discharge space 6A is a space with the front side and the left side of the image forming apparatus 100 open. On the right side of the paper discharge space 6A, a right side support pillar portion 6B (see FIG. 1) erected upward is provided. On the rear side of the paper discharge space 6A, a rear side support pillar portion 6C (see FIG. 1) erected upward is provided. The housing 25 of the image reading unit 2 is supported by the upper surfaces of the right side support pillar portion 6B and the rear side support pillar portion 6C.

[0024] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the image reading unit 2 will be described.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 2 includes a reading unit 11, an exterior unit 12, and a contact glass 13.

[0026] The exterior unit 12 is a resin cover that covers the side surface of the reading unit 11. An upper portion of the exterior unit 12 is provided with a rectangular opening that opens upward.

[0027] The contact glass 13 is attached to the opening from below the opening of the exterior unit 12. The opening is closed by the contact glass 13. A document to be read is placed on the contact glass 13. That is, the upper surface of the contact glass 13 functions as a document placement surface 13A on which the document is placed.

[0028] The reading unit 11 is provided below the contact glass 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the reading unit 11 includes a first carriage 21, a second carriage 22, an optical lens 23, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 24, a housing 25, and an attitude adjustment unit 26.

[0029] The housing 25 forms a housing space 25A below the document placement surface 13A for housing each component member of the reading unit 11 including the CCD 24. The housing 25 is formed in a box shape with an open upper side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 25 includes a rectangular bottom portion 25B that is long in the left-right direction D3, and four side wall portions 25C that are erected along each side of the bottom portion 25B. The bottom portion 25B and the four side wall portions 25C form the housing space 25A. The housing 25 is formed of a sheet metal member.

[0030] The first carriage 21 is provided so as to be movable in the left - right direction D3 inside the housing 25. The first carriage 21 is formed to be long in the front - rear direction D2. As shown in FIG. 1, the first carriage 21 includes a light emitting unit 21A and a first mirror 21B. The light emitting unit 21A and the first mirror 21B are provided so as to be movable integrally with the first carriage 21.

[0031] The light emitting unit 21A emits light from below the document placement surface 13A toward the document placement surface 13A. The light emitting unit 21A has a plurality of light emitting elements arranged along the front - rear direction D2. The first mirror 21B is formed to be long in the front - rear direction D2. The first mirror 21B reflects the light emitted from the light emitting unit 21A and reflected by the document placed on the document placement surface 13A toward the second mirror 22A of the second carriage 22.

[0032] The first carriage 21 moves in the left - right direction D3 by receiving a driving force supplied from a motor (not shown). Thereby, the irradiation position of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 21A on the document placed on the document placement surface 13A moves in the left - right direction D3.

[0033] The second carriage 22 is provided so as to be movable in the left - right direction D3 inside the housing 25. The second carriage 22 is formed to be long in the front - rear direction D2. As shown in FIG. 1, the second carriage 22 includes a second mirror 22A and a third mirror 22B. The second mirror 22A and the third mirror 22B are provided so as to be movable integrally with the second carriage 22.

[0034] The second mirror 22A reflects the light reflected by the first mirror 21B toward the third mirror 22B. The third mirror 22B reflects the light reflected by the second mirror 22A toward the optical lens 23.

[0035] The second carriage 22 is provided on the left side of the first carriage 21 inside the housing 25. The second carriage 22 is provided so as to be movable in the same direction as the first carriage 21 in conjunction with the first carriage 21. Further, the second carriage 22 is provided so as to be movable at a speed half that of the moving speed of the first carriage 21.

[0036] The optical lens 23 condenses the light reflected by the third mirror 22B and makes it incident on the CCD 24.

[0037] The CCD 24 receives the light reflected by the document placed on the document placement surface 13A and outputs an electrical signal based on the light. The CCD 24 is an image sensor having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged along the front-rear direction D2. The CCD 24 is an example of the photoelectric conversion unit of the present invention.

[0038] In the image reading unit 2, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 21A and reflected by the document to be read is incident on the CCD 24 via the first mirror 21B, the second mirror 22A, the third mirror 22B, and the optical lens 23. As a result, an analog electrical signal corresponding to the image of the document to be read is output from the CCD 24. The analog electrical signal output from the CCD 24 is input to an analog front-end circuit (not shown). In the analog front-end circuit, the input analog electrical signal is converted into a digital electrical signal (image data) and output. The image data output from the analog front-end circuit is input to a control unit (not shown).

[0039] By the way, in the image forming apparatus 100, due to variations in the shape of the housing support portion 6 or the like, the posture of the housing 25 supported by the housing support portion 6 may be distorted. In this case, the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit 11 deteriorates. On the other hand, there is known an image forming apparatus provided with a mechanism for adjusting the support position of any corner portion at the bottom 25B of the housing 25 in the vertical direction D1 so that the posture of the housing 25 can be adjusted.

[0040] Here, the image quality degradation of the image data output by the reading unit 11 due to the distortion of the posture of the housing 25 can also be suppressed by adjusting the posture of the CCD 24. Specifically, it is conceivable to provide a mechanism for adjusting the posture of the CCD 24 inside the housing 25.

[0041] However, when the operation unit used for adjusting the posture of the CCD 24 is provided inside the housing 25, it is necessary to remove the contact glass 13 and open the upper part of the housing 25 in order to operate the operation unit. In this case, dust enters the inside of the housing 25, and the dust adheres to optical elements such as the light emitting unit 21A, the first mirror 21B, the second mirror 22A, the third mirror 22B, the optical lens 23, and the CCD 24 provided on the optical path R1, and the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit 11 may deteriorate.

[0042] On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to suppress the degradation of the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit 11 without adjusting the posture of the housing 25 and opening the upper part of the housing 25.

[0043] Next, the posture adjustment unit 26 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Here, FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the support member 31 is removed from the housing 25 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the second gear 32, the first gear 33, and the third gear 35 shown in FIG. 3 cut along a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction D2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second gear 32 viewed from below. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third gear 35 viewed from above. In FIG. 4, the first axis AX1, which is the rotation axis of the first gear 33, and the second axis AX2, which is the common rotation axis of the second gear 32 and the third gear 35, are indicated by a one-dot chain line.

[0044] The posture adjustment unit 26 has an operation unit 34 (see FIG. 1) provided outside the housing 25, and adjusts the posture of the CCD 24 in response to an operation on the operation unit 34.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 34 is provided below the bottom 25B of the housing 25. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the operation unit 34 is formed in a shaft shape that penetrates the bottom 25B of the housing 25 and protrudes downward. The operation unit 34 is rotatable about a first axis AX1 (see FIG. 4) along the protruding direction. The posture adjustment unit 26 adjusts the posture of the CCD 24 according to the rotation of the operation unit 34.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the posture adjustment unit 26 includes, in addition to the operation unit 34, a support member 31, a second gear 32, a first gear 33, and a third gear 35.

[0047] The support member 31 supports the CCD 24 below the CCD 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 31 is a flat plate-shaped member formed in a rectangular shape. An optical lens 23 and a substrate including the CCD 24 are attached to the upper surface of the support member 31. That is, the support member 31 supports the optical lens 23 and the CCD 24. Note that the support member 31 may be a member of any shape. Also, the support member 31 may not support the optical lens 23.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support member 31 is supported from below by support screws 31A (see FIGS. 2 and 3), support screws 31B (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and the second gear 32. The support screw 31A supports the left rear end portion on the bottom surface of the support member 31. The support screw 31B supports the right rear end portion on the bottom surface of the support member 31. The second gear 32 supports the front end portion on the bottom surface of the support member 31.

[0049] The second gear 32 is rotatably provided about a second axis AX2 (see FIG. 4) parallel to the first axis AX1 below the support member 31. The second gear 32 supports the support member 31. The second gear 32 is displaced in the vertical direction D1 according to the rotation. The second gear 32 is a spur gear.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second gear 32 includes a shaft hole portion 41, a disk-shaped portion 42, a tooth portion 43, and a first cam portion 44. The shaft hole portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a rotating shaft standing on the bottom portion 25B of the housing 25 is inserted therethrough. The upper end portion 41A of the shaft hole portion 41 contacts the bottom surface of the support member 31 to support the support member 31. The disk-shaped portion 42 is formed in a disk shape centered on the second axis AX2. The tooth portion 43 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the disk-shaped portion 42. The tooth portion 43 has a plurality of teeth arranged along the outer periphery of the disk-shaped portion 42.

[0051] The first cam portion 44 is formed on the lower side surface of the disk-shaped portion 42 perpendicular to the vertical direction D1. In other words, the first cam portion 44 is formed at the opposing portion with the third gear 35. As shown in FIG. 5, the first cam portion 44 is formed outside the shaft hole portion 41 and inside the tooth portion 43. The first cam portion 44 forms a first cam surface 44A that undulates up and down along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2. The first cam surface 44A is a smooth inclined surface continuous along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2. As shown in FIG. 5, the first cam portion 44 has three top portions 44B arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2, and three valley portions 44C arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2 and disposed in the middle of two adjacent top portions 44B in the circumferential direction. The top portion 44B is formed to protrude downward from the tooth portion 43. Note that the number of the top portions 44B and the valley portions 44C is not limited to three.

[0052] The first gear 33 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the operation portion 34. That is, the first gear 33 is provided so as to be rotatable about the first axis AX1. The first gear 33 meshes with the second gear 32 and the third gear 35. The first gear 33 is a spur gear.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the first gear 33 includes a shaft portion 51 and a tooth portion 52. The shaft portion 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 51 is provided so as to project downward through the bottom portion 25B of the housing 25. The protruding portion of the shaft portion 51 from the bottom portion 25B is the operation portion 34. The tooth portion 52 is provided along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 51. The tooth portion 52 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft portion 51. The tooth portion 52 has a plurality of teeth arranged along the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 51.

[0054] For example, the tooth portion 52 has teeth that are 0.4 times the number of teeth of the second gear 32. In this case, when the first gear 33 rotates 180 degrees, the second gear 32 rotates 72 degrees. That is, when the first gear 33 rotates half a turn, the second gear 32 rotates one-fifth of a turn.

[0055] The first gear 33 rotates by the rotational driving force input through the operation portion 34 by the hand of the operator who operates the operation portion 34. Thereby, the second gear 32 and the third gear 35 that mesh with the first gear 33 rotate.

[0056] The third gear 35 is provided so as to be rotatable about the second axis AX2 below the second gear 32. The third gear 35 meshes with the first gear 33. The third gear 35 is a spur gear.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the third gear 35 includes a shaft hole portion 61, a disk-shaped portion 62, a tooth portion 63, and a second cam portion 64. The shaft hole portion 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the shaft hole portion 41 of the second gear 32 is inserted therethrough. The disk-shaped portion 62 is formed in a disk shape centered on the second axis AX2. The tooth portion 63 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the disk-shaped portion 62. The tooth portion 63 has a plurality of teeth arranged along the outer periphery of the disk-shaped portion 62.

[0058] The second cam portion 64 is formed on the upper side surface of the disk-shaped portion 62 that is orthogonal to the vertical direction D1. In other words, the second cam portion 64 is formed at the opposing portion with the second gear 32. As shown in FIG. 6, the second cam portion 64 is formed outside the shaft hole portion 61 and inside the tooth portion 63. The second cam portion 64 forms a second cam surface 64A that undulates up and down along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2. The second cam surface 64A is a smooth inclined surface that is continuous along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2. As shown in FIG. 6, the second cam portion 64 has three apexes 64B arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2, and three valleys 64C arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the second axis AX2 and disposed in the middle of two adjacent apexes 64B in the circumferential direction. The apex 64B is formed to protrude upward from the tooth portion 63. Note that the number of the apexes 64B and the valleys 64C is not limited to three.

[0059] The second cam surface 64A is formed in a shape corresponding to the first cam surface 44A. Specifically, the second cam surface 64A is formed so as to be able to be in close contact with the first cam surface 44A. In other words, the second cam surface 64A is formed such that each apex 64B contacts the valley 44C of the first cam surface 44A, and at the same time, each valley 64C can contact the apex 44B of the first cam surface 44A. Note that the first cam surface 44A does not necessarily have to be formed in a shape corresponding to the second cam surface 64A. Further, instead of the first cam portion 44, the second gear 32 may be provided with one or a plurality of protruding portions that protrude from the lower side surface of the disk-shaped portion 42 to the same position as the apex 44B.

[0060] The third gear 35 supports the second gear 32 from below the second gear 32. Specifically, the second cam surface 64A of the third gear 35 contacts the apex 44B of the second gear 32 to support the second gear 32.

[0061] The tooth portion 63 has a number of teeth different from the number of teeth of the second gear 32. For example, the number of teeth of the tooth portion 63 is one less than the number of teeth of the second gear 32. Thereby, the third gear 35 rotates at a rotation speed slightly faster than the second gear 32 in response to the rotation of the first gear 33. Therefore, the support position of the second gear 32 on the second cam surface 64A, that is, the contact position with the top 44B of the first cam portion 44, moves at a rotation speed corresponding to the speed difference between the second gear 32 and the third gear 35. Thereby, the second gear 32 is displaced in the vertical direction D1 by the second cam surface 64A. Accordingly, the posture of the support member 31 supported by the second gear 32 changes, and the postures of the optical lens 23 and the CCD 24 supported by the support member 31 also change. The second cam surface 64A is an example of the cam surface of the present invention. Further, the top 44B of the first cam portion 44 is an example of the pressed portion of the present invention. Note that the number of teeth of the tooth portion 63 may be one more than the number of teeth of the second gear 32. Further, the tooth number difference between the second gear 32 and the third gear 35 may be arbitrarily determined within a range that does not inhibit the rotation corresponding to the rotation of the first gear 33.

[0062] Thus, in the image forming apparatus 100, the operation unit 34 is provided outside the housing 25. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which the operation unit 34 is provided inside the housing 25, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit 11 without opening the upper part of the housing 25. Further, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the image quality of the image data output by the reading unit 11 without adjusting the posture of the housing 25.

[0063] Further, in the image forming apparatus 100, the operation unit 34 is provided below the bottom portion 25B of the housing 25. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the operation unit 34 is provided outside the side wall portion 25C of the housing 25, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus 100 in the horizontal direction.

[0064] In the image forming apparatus 100, the operation unit 34 is formed in a shaft shape that rotates about the first axis AX1, and the posture of the CCD 24 is adjusted according to the rotation of the operation unit 34. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the operation unit 34 is provided so as to be movable along the horizontal direction and the posture of the CCD 24 is adjusted according to the movement along the horizontal direction, the configuration of the operation unit 34 can be miniaturized.

[0065] In the image forming apparatus 100, a second gear 32 that meshes with a first gear 33 that rotates integrally with the operation unit 34 is provided, and the posture of the CCD 24 is adjusted by the second gear 32 being displaced in the vertical direction D1 according to the rotation of the operation unit 34. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the operation unit 34 is displaced in the vertical direction D1 according to the rotation of the operation unit 34 to adjust the posture of the CCD 24, the amount of protrusion of the operation unit 34 from the bottom portion 25B remains unchanged, so it is possible to avoid a change in the operability of the operation unit 34.

[0066] In the image forming apparatus 100, a third gear 35 that rotates at a speed different from that of the second gear 32 is provided below the second gear 32, and the second gear 32 is displaced in the vertical direction D1 by a second cam portion 64 of the third gear 35. Thus, compared with a configuration in which the third gear 35 is not provided and the second gear 32 is displaced in the vertical direction D1 by a cam surface formed on the bottom portion 25B of the housing 25, when the operation unit 34 is operated by a predetermined amount, the displacement amount of the second gear 32, that is, the adjustment amount of the posture of the CCD 24 can be made smaller. That is, finer adjustment can be performed.

[0067] Note that the posture adjustment unit 26 may not include the third gear 35. Further, the posture adjustment unit 26 may not include both the third gear 35 and the second gear 32. Further, instead of the operation unit 34, the posture adjustment unit 26 may include an operation unit provided so as to be movable along the horizontal direction. For example, it is conceivable to provide a rod-shaped operation unit extending in the vertical direction D1 so as to be movable along the horizontal direction, and to provide an inclined surface that inclines in the vertical direction along the moving direction of the operation unit at a contact portion between the upper end portion of the operation unit and the bottom surface of the support member 31.

[0068] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0069] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment includes a posture adjusting unit 200 shown in FIG. 7 instead of the posture adjusting unit 26.

[0070] The posture adjusting unit 200 includes a support member 31, a second gear 32, a first gear 33, an operation unit 34, a third gear 35, and a belt member 201. The configurations of the support member 31, the second gear 32, and the third gear 35 are the same as those of the posture adjusting unit 26.

[0071] In the posture adjusting unit 200, as shown in FIG. 7, the first gear 33 is provided so as to be separated from the second gear 32 in a direction orthogonal to the second axis AX2. Therefore, the operation unit 34 formed integrally with the first gear 33 is also provided so as to be separated from the second gear 32 in a direction orthogonal to the second axis AX2. Note that the shapes of the first gear 33 and the operation unit 34 are the same as those of the posture adjusting unit 26.

[0072] The belt member 201 is wound around the first gear 33, the second gear 32, and the third gear 35, and transmits the rotational driving force input to the first gear 33 to the second gear 32 and the third gear 35. Specifically, the belt member 201 has tooth portions that mesh with the first gear 33, the second gear 32, and the third gear 35 on the inner peripheral surface.

[0073] Thereby, similarly to the posture adjusting unit 26, the posture of the CCD 24 can be adjusted. Further, in the posture adjusting unit 200, the first gear 33 and the operation unit 34 can be arranged at an arbitrary position on the bottom 25B of the housing 25. Therefore, compared with the posture adjusting unit 26, the operability of the operation unit 34 can be improved.

[0074] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In FIG. 9, the third axis AX3, which is the rotation axis of the seventh gear 305, is indicated by a black circle. Also, in FIG. 9, the fourth axis AX4, which is the rotation axis of the fourth gear 302, and the fifth axis AX5, which is the common rotation axis of the fifth gear 303 and the sixth gear 304, are indicated by a one-dot chain line.

[0075] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment includes a posture adjustment unit 300 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 instead of the posture adjustment unit 26.

[0076] The posture adjustment unit 300 includes a support member 31, an operation unit 301, a fourth gear 302, a fifth gear 303, a sixth gear 304, and a seventh gear 305. The configuration of the support member 31 is the same as that of the posture adjustment unit 26.

[0077] The operation unit 301 is provided outside the side wall portion 25C of the housing 25. As shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 301 is formed in an axial shape that penetrates the side wall portion 25C of the housing 25 and protrudes along the horizontal direction. The operation unit 301 is rotatable about the third axis AX3 (see FIG. 9) along the protruding direction. The posture adjustment unit 300 adjusts the posture of the CCD 24 according to the rotation of the operation unit 301.

[0078] The fourth gear 302 is rotatably provided below the support member 31 about the fourth axis AX4 (see FIG. 9) along the vertical direction (up and down direction D1). The fourth gear 302 supports the support member 31. The fourth gear 302 is displaced in the up and down direction D1 according to the rotation. The fourth gear 302 is a spur gear.

[0079] For example, the fourth gear 302 has a shaft hole portion with a thread groove formed in its inner peripheral portion. The fourth gear 302 is inserted into a support screw 302A that protrudes upward from below the bottom 25B of the housing 25 toward the inside of the housing 25. A thread groove having a shape corresponding to the thread groove in the inner peripheral portion of the fourth gear 302 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the support screw 302A. The fourth gear 302 is supported by the thread groove formed on the outer peripheral portion of the support screw 302A so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction D1 according to rotation.

[0080] The fifth gear 303 is provided so as to be rotatable about a fifth axis AX5 (see FIG. 9) parallel to the fourth axis AX4. The fifth gear 303 meshes with the fourth gear 302. The fifth gear 303 is a spur gear.

[0081] For example, the fifth gear 303 includes a cylindrical shaft hole portion 303A (see FIG. 9) that is inserted into a rotating shaft erected on the bottom 25B of the housing 25.

[0082] The sixth gear 304 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the fifth gear 303. That is, the sixth gear 304 is provided so as to be rotatable about the fifth axis AX5 (see FIG. 9). The sixth gear 304 is a worm wheel. The sixth gear 304 is provided above the fifth gear 303.

[0083] The seventh gear 305 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the operation unit 301. That is, the seventh gear 305 is provided so as to be rotatable about the third axis AX3. The seventh gear 305 meshes with the sixth gear 304. The seventh gear 305 is a worm and constitutes a worm gear together with the sixth gear 304. The seventh gear 305 is provided at the left end portion of the operation unit 301.

[0084] In the attitude adjustment unit 300, the seventh gear 305, the sixth gear 304, the fifth gear 303, and the fourth gear 302 are rotated by the rotational driving force input via the operation unit 301. As a result, the fourth gear 302 is displaced in the vertical direction D1, and the attitude of the support member 31 supported by the fourth gear 302, that is, the attitude of the CCD 24 is adjusted. That is, similar to the attitude adjustment unit 26, the attitude of the CCD 24 can be adjusted.

[0085] Here, in the attitude adjustment unit 300, the operation unit 301 is provided outside the side wall portion 25C of the housing 25. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which the operation unit is provided below the bottom portion 25B of the housing 25, it is possible to further improve the operability of the operation unit 301.

[0086] Note that the attitude adjustment unit 300 may include the second gear 32 and the third gear 35 instead of the fourth gear 302. Further, the attitude adjustment unit 300 may include an operation unit that is movably provided along the side wall portion 25C instead of the operation unit 301. For example, a rod-shaped operation unit extending in the left-right direction D3 may be provided so as to be movable along the front-rear direction D2, and an inclined surface that inclines in the vertical direction along the moving direction of the operation unit may be provided at the contact portion of the bottom surface of the support member 31 with the operation unit.

[0087] By the way, when the operation unit used for adjusting the attitude of the CCD 24 is formed in a rotatable shaft shape, it is difficult for the operator of the operation unit to grasp the adjustment amount of the attitude of the CCD 24, and thus fine adjustment may be difficult.

[0088] On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as described below, it is possible to easily grasp the adjustment amount of the attitude of the CCD 24.

[0089] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first gear 33 provided in the attitude adjustment unit 400. FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which the support member 31 is removed from the housing 25. In FIG. 10, the rotation path R2 of the tooth tip provided with the contact portion 411 in the tooth portion 52 and the rotation path R3 of the tooth tip not provided with the contact portion 411 are each indicated by a two-dot chain line. In FIG. 12, the rotation path R4 of the mark portion 421 is indicated by a broken line.

[0090] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment includes a posture adjustment unit 400 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 instead of the posture adjustment unit 26.

[0091] The posture adjustment unit 400 includes a support member 31, a second gear 32, a first gear 33, an operation unit 34, and a third gear 35. The configurations of the operation unit 34 and the third gear 35 are the same as those of the posture adjustment unit 26.

[0092] Further, the posture adjustment unit 400 includes a first stimulus output unit 401 and a second stimulus output unit 402.

[0093] The first stimulus output unit 401 and the second stimulus output unit 402 output a stimulus that allows the operator of the operation unit 34 to perceive that the operation unit 34 has rotated by a predetermined specific angle. For example, the specific angle is 180 degrees.

[0094] Specifically, the first stimulus output unit 401 is provided at intervals corresponding to the specific angle in the tooth portion 52 of the first gear 33, and includes a contact portion 411 formed so as to be able to contact the bottom of the tooth of the second gear 32 at the tooth tip of the first gear 33.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 10, in the tooth portion 52 of the first gear 33, the tip circle diameter of the tooth tip where the contact portion 411 is provided is longer than the tip circle diameter of the tooth tip where the contact portion 411 is not provided. Thereby, the tooth tip where the contact portion 411 is provided can contact the bottom of the tooth of the second gear 32. When the contact portion 411 contacts the bottom of the tooth of the second gear 32, the stimulus energy generated at the time of contact is transmitted to the operator of the operation unit 34 via the operation unit 34. Thereby, the operator can tactilely perceive that the operation unit 34 has rotated by the specific angle.

[0096] Further, the second stimulus output unit 402 has a mark portion 421 and a slit 423.

[0097] The mark portion 421 is formed at a position spaced apart from the second axis AX2 on the upper side surface portion along a plane orthogonal to the second axis AX2 in the second gear 32. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the mark portion 421 is a protrusion formed at the edge of the upper side surface portion of the second gear 32. Note that the mark portion 421 may be configured to be visually distinguishable from other locations by its shape, color, pattern, etc.

[0098] The slit 423 is formed in the support member 31 that functions as a cover portion 422 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) covering the upper side surface portion of the second gear 32. As shown in FIG. 12, the slit 423 is formed at a specific interval corresponding to the specific angle along the rotation path R4 (see FIG. 12) of the mark portion 421. The slit 423 exposes the mark portion 421 to the outside of the cover portion 422.

[0099] Specifically, the specific interval is the amount of rotation of the second gear 32 corresponding to the rotation of the first gear 33 by the specific angle. For example, in the image forming apparatus 100, when the first gear 33 is rotated by 180 degrees, which is the specific angle, the second gear 32 is rotated by 72 degrees. In this case, the specific interval is 72 degrees. Then, five slits 423 are formed at intervals of 72 degrees along the rotation path R4. Thereby, each time the first gear 33 is rotated by the specific angle, the mark portion 421 is exposed to the outside of the cover portion 422 through the slit 423. That is, a visual stimulus is output. Therefore, the operator of the operation unit 34 can visually perceive through the contact glass 13 that the operation unit 34 has been rotated by the specific angle.

[0100] Here, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the mark portion 421 and the slit 423 are provided in a positional relationship in which the mark portion 421 is exposed to the outside of the cover portion 422 through the slit 423 at the timing when the stimulating energy is output by the contact portion 411. Thereby, the operator of the operation unit 34 can perceive by both touch and vision that the operation unit 34 has been rotated by the specific angle. Note that the mark portion 421 and the slit 423 do not necessarily have to be provided in the above-described positional relationship.

[0101] Thus, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, every time the operation unit 34 is rotated by the specific angle, a stimulus that allows the operator of the operation unit 34 to perceive this is output. Thereby, it is possible to easily let the operator of the operation unit 34 grasp the adjustment amount of the posture of the CCD 24.

[0102] Note that the contact portion 411 may be provided at intervals corresponding to the specific angle in the tooth portion 52 of the first gear 33, and may be formed to be in contact with the tooth tip of the second gear 32 at the tooth root of the first gear 33. Specifically, in the tooth portion 52 of the first gear 33, the tooth root where the contact portion 411 is provided may be formed such that the tooth root circle diameter is longer than the tooth root where the contact portion 411 is not provided.

[0103] Further, the contact portion 411 may be provided in the tooth portion 43 of the second gear 32. Further, the contact portion 411 may be provided on both the first gear 33 and the second gear 32. Further, the contact portion 411 may be provided in the tooth portion 52 of the third gear 35.

[0104] Further, the mark portion 421 may be provided on the side surface portion of the first gear 33.

[0105] Further, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment may include either one of the first stimulus output unit 401 and the second stimulus output unit 402.

[0106] Further, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment may have an operation shaft rotatable about an axis along one direction instead of the posture adjustment unit 400, and may include a posture adjustment unit that adjusts the posture of any one of the optical elements such as the light emitting unit 21A, the first mirror 21B, the second mirror 22A, and the third mirror 22B in accordance with the rotation of the operation shaft. In this case, the first stimulus output unit 401 and the second stimulus output unit 402 may be provided in the posture adjustment unit.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0107] 1 ADF 2 Image Reading Unit 3 Image forming unit 4 Paper feeding unit 5 Apparatus main body 6 Housing support part 11 Reading unit 12 Exterior part 13 Contact glass 21 First carriage 22 Second carriage 23 Optical lens 24 CCD 25 Housing 26 Posture adjustment part 31 Support member 32 Second gear 33 First gear 34 Operation part 35 Third gear 100 Image forming apparatus 200 Posture adjustment part 201 Belt member 300 Posture adjustment part 301 Operation part 302 Fourth gear 303 Fifth gear 304 Sixth gear 305 Seventh gear 400 Posture adjustment part 401 First stimulation output part 402 Second stimulation output part

Claims

1. A photoelectric conversion unit that receives light reflected by a document placed on a document placement surface and outputs an electrical signal based on the light; A box-shaped housing that forms a housing space for accommodating the photoelectric conversion unit below the document placement surface and is open at the top; A housing support portion that supports the bottom of the housing; An operation unit provided outside the housing, and an attitude adjustment unit that adjusts the attitude of the photoelectric conversion unit in response to an operation on the operation unit; comprising; The housing support portion forms a paper discharge space that is open in at least one direction along the horizontal direction below the housing; The operation unit is provided below the bottom of the housing; The operation unit is formed in a shaft shape that penetrates the bottom of the housing and protrudes downward, and is rotatable about a first axis along the protruding direction; The attitude adjustment unit adjusts the attitude of the photoelectric conversion unit in response to the rotation of the operation unit; The attitude adjustment unit; A support member that supports the photoelectric conversion unit below the photoelectric conversion unit; A second gear that is rotatably provided about a second axis parallel to the first axis below the support member, supports the support member, and is displaced in the vertical direction in response to rotation; A first gear that is rotatably provided integrally with the operation unit and meshes with the second gear; comprising; The attitude adjustment unit; A third gear that is rotatably provided about the second axis below the second gear, meshes with the first gear, and has a cam surface that undulates up and down along the circumferential direction of the second axis formed at a portion facing the second gear; The second gear has a pressed portion that is pressed by the cam surface formed at a portion facing the third gear, and has a different number of teeth from the third gear; An image forming apparatus.

2. A photoelectric conversion unit that receives light reflected by a document placed on a document placement surface and outputs an electrical signal based on the light; A box-shaped housing that forms a housing space for accommodating the photoelectric conversion unit below the document placement surface and is open at the top; A housing support portion that supports the bottom of the housing; An operation unit provided outside the housing, and an attitude adjustment unit that adjusts the attitude of the photoelectric conversion unit in response to an operation on the operation unit; comprising; The operation unit is provided outside the side wall portion of the housing; The operation unit is formed in a shaft shape that penetrates the side wall portion of the housing and protrudes along the horizontal direction, and is rotatable about a third axis along the protruding direction; The attitude adjustment unit adjusts the attitude of the photoelectric conversion unit in response to the rotation of the operation unit; The attitude adjustment unit; A support member that supports the photoelectric conversion unit below the photoelectric conversion unit; A fourth gear that is rotatably provided about a fourth axis along the vertical direction below the support member, supports the support member, and is displaced in the vertical direction according to rotation; A fifth gear that is rotatably provided about a fifth axis parallel to the fourth axis and meshes with the fourth gear; A sixth gear that is rotatably provided integrally with the fifth gear; A seventh gear that is rotatably provided integrally with the operation unit and meshes with the sixth gear; An image forming apparatus comprising the above.

Images