Image reading device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image reader capable of allowing a reading area to be easily cleaned when comparing a configuration that the interval between the reading part and the opposite member is narrower in the open state than in the closed state of the opening and closing member, or the same in the closed and open state.SOLUTION: The image reader includes: a housing that has a transport path for transporting documents; an opening / closing member attached to the housing to be opened or closed; a reading unit that reads an image from the document that is transported on the transport path, which is provided at the side of the opening / closing member in the conveying path; and an opposite member arranged opposite to the reading unit across the transport path and is separated from the reading unit in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device that reads an image and an image forming apparatus that includes the image reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a document reading device including a document table having a document reading unit, and an automatic document feeder supported on the document table so as to be rotatable between a closed position that covers the top surface of the document table and an open position that exposes the top surface of the document table. Patent Document 1 also discloses an image forming apparatus including the above-mentioned document reading device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-68980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some document reading devices, an opposing member is disposed opposite the document reading unit. When cleaning the document reading unit, if the distance between the reading unit and the opposing member when the opening / closing member, which serves as the cover of the document reading device, is open is narrower than or equal to the distance between the reading unit and the opposing member when the opening / closing member is closed, the reading unit is difficult to clean.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to obtain an image reading device in which the gap between the reading unit and the opposing member is narrower in the open state than in the closed state of the opening / closing member, or in which the gap is the same in the closed and open states, making it easier to clean the reading unit compared to a configuration in which the gap is the same in the open and closed states. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image reading device of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having a transport path for transporting a document, an opening / closing member that is openable and closable on the housing, a reading unit that is provided on the opening / closing member side of the transport path and reads an image from the document transported along the transport path, and an opposing member that is positioned opposite the reading unit across the transport path and is moved away from the reading unit in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening / closing member.

[0007] An image reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the first aspect, further comprising a link mechanism that moves the opposing member away from the reading unit in conjunction with an opening operation of the opening / closing member.

[0008] An image reading device of a third aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having a transport path for transporting a document; a first reading unit provided on the transport path and configured to read an image from a first side of the document being transported on the transport path; a second reading unit provided on the transport path downstream of the first reading unit and configured to read an image from a second side opposite the first side of the document being transported on the transport path; a first opening / closing member provided on the housing in an openable / closable manner and exposing the first reading unit when open; and a second opening / closing member provided on the housing in an openable / closable manner and exposing the second reading unit when open.

[0009] An image reading device of a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device of the third aspect, wherein when the first opening / closing member is in an open state and the second opening / closing member is in a closed state, the second reading unit is shielded.

[0010] An image reading device of a fifth aspect of the present invention is an image reading device of the third or fourth aspect, which is provided with a first opposing member that is arranged opposite the first reading unit across the conveying path and that moves away from the first reading unit in conjunction with the opening operation of the first opening / closing member.

[0011] An image reading device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the fifth aspect, further comprising a first link mechanism that moves the first opposing member away from the first reading unit in conjunction with an opening operation of the first opening / closing member.

[0012] An image reading device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the first reading unit faces the open side of the first opening / closing member.

[0013] An image reading device of an eighth aspect of the present invention is an image reading device of any one of the third to seventh aspects, further comprising a second opposing member that is arranged opposite the second reading unit across the conveying path and that moves away from the second reading unit in conjunction with the opening operation of the second opening / closing member.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device of the eighth aspect, there is provided a second link mechanism that moves the second opposing member away from the second reading unit in conjunction with an opening operation of the second opening / closing member.

[0015] An image reading device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to any one of the third to ninth aspects, wherein the second reading unit faces the open side of the second opening / closing member.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an image reading device according to any one of the third to tenth aspects, wherein the first opening / closing member has a first transport path forming portion that forms a portion of the transport path upstream of the first reading unit.

[0017] An image reading device of a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an image reading device of any one of the third to eleventh aspects, wherein the second open / close member has a second transport path forming portion that forms a downstream portion of the transport path that includes an area where the second reading unit is arranged.

[0018] An image reading device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to any one of the third to twelfth aspects, wherein the second opening / closing member is covered by the first opening / closing member.

[0019] An image forming apparatus of a fourteenth aspect of the present invention includes an image reading apparatus of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects that reads an image from a document, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the read image information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] In the image reading device of the first aspect, the gap between the reading unit and the opposing member is narrower in the open state than in the closed state of the opening / closing member, or the gap is the same in the closed and open states, making it easier to clean the reading unit.

[0021] In the image reading device of the second aspect, the direction in which the opposing member is separated can be freely set, compared to a configuration in which the opposing member is provided integrally with the opening / closing member.

[0022] In the image reading device of the third aspect, cleaning of the first reading unit and the second reading unit is easier than in a configuration in which the first opening / closing member and the second opening / closing member are in the open state and the first reading unit and the second reading unit are shielded.

[0023] In the image reading device of the fourth aspect, compared to a configuration in which the second reading unit is exposed when the first opening / closing member is in the open state and the second opening / closing member is in the closed state, it is possible to prevent the second reading unit from becoming dirty when the first reading unit is exposed when the second opening / closing member is in the closed state.

[0024] In the image reading device of the fifth aspect, cleaning of the first reading unit is easier than in a configuration in which an operator moves the first opposing member away from the first reading unit after opening the first opening / closing member.

[0025] In the image reading device of the sixth aspect, the separation direction of the first opposing member can be freely set, compared to a configuration in which the first opening / closing member is integrally provided with the first opposing member.

[0026] In the image reading device of the seventh aspect, cleaning of the first reading unit is easier than in a configuration in which the first reading unit faces the side opposite to the open side of the first opening / closing member.

[0027] In the image reading device of the eighth aspect, cleaning of the second reading unit is easier than in a configuration in which an operator moves the second opposing member away from the second reading unit after opening the second opening / closing member.

[0028] In the image reading device of the ninth aspect, the separation direction of the second opposing member can be freely set, compared to a configuration in which the second opening / closing member is integrally provided with the second opposing member.

[0029] In the image reading device of the tenth aspect, cleaning of the second reading unit is easier than in a configuration in which the second reading unit faces the side opposite to the open side of the second opening / closing member.

[0030] In the image reading device of the eleventh aspect, the first opening / closing member can be opened to access the upstream portion of the transport path.

[0031] In the image reading device of the twelfth aspect, the second opening / closing member can be opened to access the downstream portion of the transport path.

[0032] In the image reading device of the thirteenth aspect, the device can be made more compact than in a configuration in which the first opening / closing member and the second opening / closing member are provided at different positions on the housing.

[0033] In the image forming apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, the read image can be formed on a recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration shown in FIG. 2 in a state where the document table has been moved to an open position. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an upper portion (image reading device) of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the document table has been moved to an open position in the configuration shown in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the document table of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment has been moved to an open position. FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving mechanism in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the document table has been moved to an open position in the configuration shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image reading unit in an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which a first opening / closing member and a second opening / closing member are closed. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image reading unit in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which a first opening / closing member is open and a second opening / closing member is closed. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image reading unit in an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which a first opening / closing member is open and a second opening / closing member is open. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the state of the link mechanism in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the state of the link mechanism in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example of the second opening / closing member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a modified example of the second opening / closing member according to the present embodiment in an open state. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a side view showing the state of the link mechanism in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a side view showing the state of the link mechanism in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] An example of an image reading device and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Note that arrow H shown in each figure indicates the up-down direction of the device (specifically, the vertical direction), arrow W indicates the width direction of the device (specifically, the horizontal direction), and arrow D indicates the depth direction of the device (specifically, the horizontal direction). The up-down direction, width direction, and depth direction of the device intersect with each other (specifically, are perpendicular to each other).

[0036] Of the one side and the other side in the device width direction, the one side in the device width direction corresponds to the left side of the image forming device 10. Therefore, hereinafter, the one side in the device width direction will be referred to as the left side. The other side in the device width direction corresponds to the right side of the image forming device 10. Therefore, hereinafter, the other side in the device width direction will be referred to as the right side. These directions are determined for the sake of convenience in explanation, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions.

[0037] Of the one side and the other side in the device depth direction, the one side in the device depth direction corresponds to the front of the image forming device 10. Therefore, hereinafter, the one side in the device depth direction will be referred to as the front. Furthermore, the other side in the device depth direction corresponds to the rear of the image forming device 10. Therefore, hereinafter, the other side in the device depth direction will be referred to as the rear. These directions are defined for the convenience of explanation, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions.

[0038] 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a conveying unit 14, an image forming unit 12, an image reading unit 30, a conveying mechanism 40, a document table 50, a discharge unit 60, and a document table 70. The image reading unit 30 in this embodiment is an example of a document reading device.

[0039] 1, the transport unit 14 transports a recording medium P such as paper stored in the storage unit 16. Specifically, the transport unit 14 has transport members 14A such as a plurality of transport rolls, and transports the recording medium P by the transport members 14A.

[0040] 1, the image forming unit 12 forms an image on a recording medium P conveyed by a conveying unit 14. The image forming unit 12 is capable of forming an image read by an image reading unit 30 on the recording medium P.

[0041] Specifically, the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image (one example of an image) on the recording medium P by electrophotography. More specifically, the image forming unit 12 has toner image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K (hereinafter referred to as 20Y to 20K), a transfer body 24, and a fixing unit 26.

[0042] In the image forming unit 12, each of the toner image forming units 20Y to 20K performs the steps of charging, exposing, developing, and transferring to form a toner image of each color, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), on the transfer body 24. Furthermore, in the image forming unit 12, the toner image of each color formed on the transfer body 24 is transferred to the recording medium P, and the toner image is fixed to the recording medium P by the fixing unit 26. In this way, the image forming unit 12 uses an intermediate transfer method in which the image is transferred to the recording medium P via the transfer body 24.

[0043] 5 and 6, the image reading unit 30 is a part that reads an image of the transported document G. As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 30 is installed above the image forming unit 12. In other words, the image reading unit 30 constitutes the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the image reading unit 30 has a housing 31, a reading sensor 32, a reading sensor 33, a cover 34, a chute 35, an opposing member 42, and an opposing member 44.

[0044] (Case 31) 1, 4, and 5, housing 31 houses therein chute 35 and reading sensor 33. Housing 31 also houses therein conveying path 39 and conveying mechanism 40.

[0045] The transport path 39 is a path for transporting the document G placed on the document table 50 from the receiving opening 37 to the discharge opening 38 (i.e., the discharge section 60). Specifically, the transport path 39 extends leftward from the receiving opening 37 toward a side plate 34A of the cover 34, which will be described later, curves in an arc midway, extends rightward toward the discharge opening 38, and reaches the discharge opening 38. For example, the transport path 39 extends in a C-shape from the receiving opening 37 to the discharge opening 38.

[0046] The transport mechanism 40 is a mechanism that transports the document G along the transport path 39. Specifically, the transport mechanism 40 has a plurality of transport members such as transport rolls. Specifically, the transport mechanism 40 has transport members 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, and 40F. The transport members 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, and 40F are arranged in order from the upstream side of the transport path 39.

[0047] (Reading sensor 32) The reading sensor 32 is a component having a reading function for reading an image on one side (for example, the back side of the original G) of the transported original G. The one side of the original G in this embodiment is an example of the first side of the original G in the present invention. As an example, a contact-type image sensor called a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used as the reading sensor 32.

[0048] 1, 4, and 5, the reading sensor 32 is disposed on the conveying path 39. Specifically, the reading sensor 32 is disposed on the conveying path 39 on the side of the side plate 34A of the cover 34. In the present embodiment, as an example, the reading sensor 32 is disposed between the pair of conveying members 40C and the pair of conveying members 40D.

[0049] 4 and 5, the reading sensor 32 faces the open side of the cover 34. Specifically, the reading sensor 32 faces the side opening 31A of the housing 31 (see FIG. 11) that is opened and closed by the cover 34. In the present embodiment, as an example, the reading sensor 32 faces diagonally downward to the left of the housing 31. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and the reading sensor 32 may face leftward along the width direction of the device or may face diagonally upward to the left of the housing 31.

[0050] (Reading sensor 33) The reading sensor 33 is a component having a reading function for reading an image on the other side of the transported document G (the side opposite to one side of the document G, for example, the front side of the document G). The other side of the document G in this embodiment is an example of the second side of the document G in the present invention. As an example, a contact-type image sensor called a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used as the reading sensor 33.

[0051] 1, 4, and 5, the reading sensor 33 is disposed on the conveying path 39. Specifically, the reading sensor 33 is disposed downstream of the reading sensor 32 on the conveying path 39. In the present embodiment, as an example, the reading sensor 32 is disposed between the pair of conveying members 40D and the pair of conveying members 40E.

[0052] 4 and 5, the reading sensor 32 faces the open side of the cover 34. Specifically, the reading sensor 32 faces the upper opening 31C of the housing 31 that is opened and closed by the cover 34. In the present embodiment, as an example, the reading sensor 32 faces diagonally upward to the left of the housing 31 (see FIG. 11).

[0053] (Cover 34) The cover 34 is a member provided on the housing 31 so as to be able to open and close. Specifically, the cover 34 is a member that opens and closes the side openings 31A and 31B and the top opening 31C of the housing 31 shown in FIG. 11, and is a member that opens and closes the upstream portion of the conveying path 39. When the cover 34 is open (the state shown in FIG. 10), the inside of the housing 31 can be seen through the side openings 31A and 31B and the top opening 31C. In other words, when the cover 34 is open, the inside of the housing 31 is exposed to the outside. That is, when the cover 34 is open, the reading sensor 32 is exposed to the outside. On the other hand, when the cover 34 is closed (the state shown in FIG. 9), the side openings 31A and 31B and the top opening 31C are closed, and it is not possible to see the inside of the housing 31. In other words, when the cover 34 is closed, the inside of the housing 31 is covered and shielded by the cover 34. That is, when the cover 34 is closed, the reading sensor 32 is shielded from the outside by the cover 34. The cover 34 of this embodiment is an example of the first opening / closing member of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1, 9, and 10, the cover 34 has a side plate 34A, a side plate 34B, and a top plate 34C.

[0055] The side plate 34A is a part of the cover 34 that closes the side opening 31A of the housing 31. When the cover 34 is in a closed state, the side plate 34A is disposed on the left side (see FIGS. 1 and 9) of the reading sensor 32, and covers the reading sensor 32 from the left side.

[0056] The side plate 34B is a part of the cover 34 that closes the side opening 31B of the housing 31. When the cover 34 is in a closed state, the side plate 34B is disposed on the right side (see FIGS. 1 and 9) of the reading sensor 32, and covers the reading sensor 32 from the right side.

[0057] The top plate 34C is a part of the cover 34 that closes the upper opening 31C of the housing 31. When the cover 34 is closed, the top plate 34C is disposed above the reading sensor 32 (see FIGS. 1 and 9), and covers the reading sensor 32 from above.

[0058] The side plate 34B is formed with a receiving opening 37 for receiving the document G placed on the document table 50 into the housing 31. The receiving opening 37 is an opening that extends in the depth direction of the device.

[0059] Below the receiving opening 37 in the side plate 34B, a discharge opening 38 through which the document G is discharged from inside the housing 31 to the discharge section 60 is formed. Specifically, the discharge opening 38 is formed in the side wall 31D of the housing 31. The discharge opening 38 is an opening that extends in the depth direction of the device.

[0060] Furthermore, shafts 34X are provided on both sides in the device depth direction at the lower end of the cover 34. Specifically, the pair of shafts 34X are provided on the lower ends of the side plates 34A, respectively. More specifically, one of the shafts 34X protrudes forward from the front surface of the side plate 34A in the device depth direction, and the other shaft 34X protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the side plate 34A in the device depth direction. The pair of shafts 34X are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) provided on the housing 31. When the cover 34 is rotated around the pair of shafts 34X, the cover 34 is opened or closed relative to the housing 31.

[0061] 9, the cover 34 has a chute section 34D that constitutes part of the conveying path 39. Specifically, the chute section 34D is provided inside the cover 34. The chute section 34D constitutes a portion of the conveying path 39 that is upstream of the reading sensor 32. The chute section 34D of this embodiment is an example of a first conveying path forming section of the present invention.

[0062] The transport member 40A and the pair of transport members 40B that constitute the transport mechanism 40 described above are attached to the inside of the cover 34. Specifically, the transport member 40A and the pair of transport members 40B are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) provided inside the cover 34.

[0063] When the cover 34 is closed, a transport path 39 is formed inside the housing 31. Furthermore, a plurality of transport members constituting the transport mechanism 40 are positioned at preset positions. Therefore, the document G is transported smoothly through the transport path 39.

[0064] (Shoot 35) The chute 35 is a member that is provided in the housing 31 so as to be able to open and close. Specifically, the chute 35 is a member that is provided inside the housing 31 and that opens and closes the conveying path 39. When the chute 35 is in an open state (the state shown in FIG. 11), the portion that was covered by the chute 35 can be seen. In other words, when the chute 35 is in an open state, the reading sensor 33 is exposed to the outside. On the other hand, when the chute 35 is closed, the reading sensor 33 is covered by the chute 35. That is, when the chute 35 is closed, the reading sensor 33 is shielded by the chute 35 from the outside. The chute 35 of this embodiment is an example of the second opening / closing member of the present invention.

[0065] The chute 35 has a housing 36. The housing 36 is box-shaped with its longitudinal direction aligned with the depth direction of the device. The housing 36 is provided with shafts 35X on both sides in the depth direction of the device. Specifically, the shafts 35X are provided at corners diagonally above the right of the housing 36. More specifically, one of the shafts 35X protrudes forward from the front surface of the housing 36 in the depth direction of the device, and the other shaft 35X protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the housing 36 in the depth direction of the device. The pair of shafts 35X are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) provided in the casing 31. When the chute 35 is rotated about the pair of shafts 35X, the chute 35 opens and closes relative to the casing 31.

[0066] Furthermore, a plurality of openings 36B, 36C, and 36D are formed at intervals from upstream to downstream of the conveying path 39 in a bottom plate portion 36A located below the housing 36. An opposing member 44 disposed within the housing 36 faces the reading sensor 33 through the opening 36B.

[0067] 9, the bottom plate portion 36A of the chute 35 constitutes a part of the conveying path 39. Specifically, the bottom plate portion 36A constitutes a portion of the conveying path 39 downstream of the reading sensor 32. The bottom plate portion 36A of the present embodiment is an example of a second conveying path forming portion of the present invention.

[0068] The transport member 40E, the transport member 40F, and the opposing member 44 that constitute the transport mechanism 40 described above are attached inside the housing 36. Specifically, the upper transport member 40E1 of the pair of transport members 40E is attached inside the housing 36, and the upper transport member 40F1 of the pair of transport members 40F is attached inside the housing 36. These transport members 40E1 and 40F1 are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) provided in the housing 36. Furthermore, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the transport member 40E1 protrudes from the opening 36C of the housing 36. Furthermore, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the transport member 40E2 protrudes from the opening 36D of the housing 36.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the chute 35 is covered by the cover 34. Therefore, even if the cover 34 is in an open state (see Figure 10), if the chute 35 is in a closed state, the reading sensor 33 is shielded from the outside by the chute 35.

[0070] (opposing member 42) 9, the opposing member 42 is disposed opposite the reading sensor 33 across the conveyance path 39. Specifically, the opposing member 42 is roll-shaped and disposed with its axial direction aligned with the depth direction of the device. The opposing member 42 is, for example, a color reference member for shading correction. In this embodiment, as an example, the outer peripheral surface of the opposing member 42 is used as a white reference surface.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the facing member 42 is configured to move away from the reading sensor 32 in conjunction with the opening operation of the cover 34. Specifically, the facing member 42 moves by the link mechanism 46 in conjunction with the opening operation of the cover 34 so as to increase the distance between the facing member 42 and the reading sensor 32. Here, the position of the facing member 42 when the facing member 42 faces the reading sensor 32 with the cover 34 closed is referred to as the facing position of the facing member 42 (see Figure 9). Also, the position of the facing member 42 when the facing member 42 is spaced away from the reading sensor 32 with the cover 34 open is referred to as the spaced position of the facing member 42 (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0072] 9, the opposing member 42 is accommodated in a housing 43. The housing 43 is box-shaped, and an opening 43B is formed in a top panel portion 43A. The opposing member 42 faces the reading sensor 32 through this opening 43B.

[0073] (opposing member 44) 9, the opposing member 44 is disposed opposite the reading sensor 33 across the conveyance path 39. Specifically, the opposing member 44 is roll-shaped and disposed with its axial direction aligned with the depth direction of the device. The opposing member 44 is, for example, a color reference member for shading correction. In this embodiment, as an example, the outer peripheral surface of the opposing member 44 is used as a white reference surface.

[0074] Furthermore, the facing member 44 moves away from the reading sensor 33 in conjunction with the opening operation of the chute 35. Specifically, the facing member 44 moves so as to widen the gap between it and the reading sensor 32 in conjunction with the opening operation of the chute 35. Here, the position of the facing member 44 when the facing member 44 faces the reading sensor 33 with the chute 35 closed (see FIGS. 9 and 10) is referred to as the facing position of the facing member 44 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). Furthermore, the position of the facing member 44 when the facing member 44 is separated from the reading sensor 33 with the chute 35 open is referred to as the separated position of the facing member 44 (see FIG. 11).

[0075] 9, the opposing member 44 is housed in the housing 36 of the chute 35. The opposing member 44 faces the reading sensor 33 through an opening 36B of the housing 36. The opposing member 44 is attached to the housing 36 and moves as the housing 36 rotates.

[0076] (Link mechanism 46) 12 and 13, the link mechanism 46 is a mechanism that moves the opposing member 42 away from the reading sensor 32 in conjunction with the opening operation of the cover 34. The link mechanism 46 has a shaft 34X of the cover 34, a side plate 34B of the cover 34, a pin 46A provided on the side plate 34B, a link 46B provided on a side surface of the housing 43, a pin 46C provided on the link 46B, a link 46D connecting the pin 46A and the pin 46C, and a shaft 46E provided on the link 46B. Note that while the link mechanisms 46 are provided on both sides in the device depth direction, the link mechanism 46 on the front side will be described below as a representative example.

[0077] The pin 46A is a protrusion that projects forward from the front surface of the side plate 34A. The pin 46A is disposed above the shaft portion 34X when the cover 34 is closed. The pin 46A is rotatably fitted into a connecting hole 46C1 provided at one longitudinal end of the link 46B.

[0078] Link 46B is a plate member fixed to the side surface of housing 43. When cover 34 is closed, link 46B has a pin 46C arranged on the top, and a shaft 46E arranged below pin 46C. Link 46B also has a mounting hole 46F to the right of shaft 46E. One end of a spring member 47 is fixed to casing 31, and the other end of the spring member 47 is attached to mounting hole 46F. In this embodiment, a coil spring is used as an example of spring member 47.

[0079] The pin 46C is a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front surface of the link 46B. The pin 46C is rotatably fitted into a connecting hole 46C2 provided at the other end of the link 46B in the longitudinal direction.

[0080] The link 46D is a plate member that connects the pin 46A and the pin 46C.

[0081] The shaft portion 46E protrudes forward from the front surface of the link 46B, and is rotatably supported by a bearing portion (not shown) provided in the housing 31.

[0082] 13, when the cover 34 is opened, the link 46B connected by the link 46D rotates about the shaft 46E in accordance with the rotational movement of the pin 46A. This rotational movement of the link 46B causes the housing 43 of the opposing member 42 to retreat from the position facing the reading sensor 32. In other words, the opposing member 42 moves from the opposing position to the separated position.

[0083] 13, when the cover 34 is open, the spring member 47 extends as the link 46B rotates. That is, when the cover 34 is open, a force acts on the link 46B from the spring member 47 to return the link 46B to its original rotation position (here, the rotation position when the opposing member 42 is in the opposing position). Therefore, when the cover 34 is closed, the link 46B returns to its original rotation position, and the opposing member 42 moves from the separated position to the opposing position facing the reading sensor 32.

[0084] 3 and 5, the document table 50 is a table on which the document G, whose image is to be read by the image reading unit 30 (see FIG. 1), is placed. That is, the document table 50 is a portion on which the document G, which is to be transported by the transport mechanism 40 (see FIG. 1), is placed.

[0085] In this embodiment, as will be described later, when the platen 70 is in the open position, the document G is placed on the platen 50 from above.

[0086] In this embodiment, the term "document table" is used to mean something on which the document G is placed. Therefore, the term "table" does not include the meaning of specifying the shape.

[0087] 1, the document table 50 is placed on the right side of the image reading unit 30. The document table 50 is also placed below the document table .

[0088] The document table 50 is formed in the shape of a plate extending to the right from the side panel 34B of the cover 34. The top surface of the document table 50 extends to the right from the receiving opening 37. This top surface is an inclined surface that slopes upward from the receiving opening 37 to the right.

[0089] 3 and 7, the document table 50 is provided with limiting portions 58 (so-called side guides). The limiting portions 58 come into contact with the side edges of the document G placed on the document table 50, and limit the movement of the document G to one side and the other side in the device depth direction.

[0090] 5 is a portion onto which the document G, the image of which has been read by the image reading unit 30, is discharged. In other words, the discharge unit 60 can also be said to be a portion onto which the document G, transported by the transport mechanism 40, is placed.

[0091] The discharge section 60 is disposed below the top plate 34C, below the document table 50. The discharge section 60 is formed in the shape of a plate extending from the side plate 34B of the cover 34 to the right.

[0092] 2 and 4, the document table 70 is a table on which the document G is placed. The document table 70 is installed above the discharge section 60 and above the document table 50. Therefore, the document table 70 covers the document table 50 from above.

[0093] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the document table 70 has a top panel 71 and side panels 72, 74, and 75. As shown in Fig. 4, the top panel 71 is plate-shaped with its thickness extending in the up-down direction, and as shown in Fig. 6, it is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

[0094] The side plate 75 protrudes downward from the right end of the top plate 71. The side plate 75 is formed in a plate shape with its thickness direction aligned with the width direction of the device. The side plate 75 is installed on the right side of the document table 50, and covers the document table 50 from the right side.

[0095] The side plates 72, 74 each protrude downward from the front end and rear end of the top plate 71 (see FIG. 3). The side plates 72, 74 are formed in a plate shape with their thickness direction aligned with the depth direction of the device. The side plates 72, 74 are each installed on the front and rear sides of the document table 50, respectively, and cover the document table 50 from the front and rear sides.

[0096] Furthermore, platen 70 is movable between a covering position (the position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) in which it covers platen 50 from above, and an open position (the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) in which it opens the upper side of platen 50. In this embodiment, platen 70 is supported by housing 31 so as to be movable between the covering position and the open position.

[0097] 7 and 8, rails 76 are formed in each of the side plates 72, 74 by long holes extending in the left-right direction. Shafts 57, 59 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the document table 50 are inserted into the rails 76. The shafts 57, 59 guide the document table 70 to the covered position (the position shown in FIG. 7) and the open position (the position shown in FIG. 8) via the rails 76, and the document table 70 moves between the covered position (the position shown in FIG. 7) and the open position (the position shown in FIG. 8) along the width direction of the device.

[0098] 3 and 5, the document table 70 is disposed on the opposite side (i.e., the right side) of the image reading unit 30 with respect to the document table 50 in the open position. Then, a portion of the document G placed on the document table 50 is placed on the document table 70 located in the open position.

[0099] In this way, in the image forming apparatus 10, the shafts 57, 59 and the rails 76 form a movement mechanism that moves the document table 70. Note that the movement mechanism is not limited to the above-described configuration, and can be formed using various mechanical elements.

[0100] As described above, the platen 70 also functions as a cover that covers the platen 50. That is, the platen 70 also serves as a cover that covers the platen 50.

[0101] (Action according to this embodiment) In the image reading unit 30 of this embodiment, when the cover 34 is opened, the opposing member 42 is moved away from the reading sensor 32 in conjunction with the opening operation of the cover 34. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, cleaning of the reading sensor 32 is easier compared to a configuration in which the gap between the reading sensor 32 and the opposing member 42 is narrower in the open state of the cover 34 than in the closed state of the cover 34, or the gap is the same in the open and closed states. Also, in the image reading unit 30, cleaning of the reading sensor 32 is easier compared to a configuration in which an operator moves the opposing member 42 away from the reading sensor 32 after opening the cover 34. On the other hand, in the image reading unit 30, when the chute 35 is opened, the opposing member 44 is moved away from the reading sensor 33 in conjunction with the opening operation of the chute 35. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, cleaning of the reading sensor 33 is easier compared to a configuration in which the gap between the reading sensor 33 and the opposing member 44 is narrower in the open state of the chute 35 than in the closed state, or the gap is the same in the open and closed states. Also, in the image reading unit 30, cleaning of the reading sensor 33 is easier compared to a configuration in which an operator moves the opposing member 44 away from the reading sensor 33 after opening the chute 35.

[0102] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the reading sensor 32 is exposed when the cover 34 is open, and the reading sensor 33 is exposed when the chute 35 is open. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, the reading sensors 32 and 33 are easier to clean than in a configuration in which the reading sensors 32 and 33 are shielded when the cover 34 and chute 35 are open.

[0103] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the reading sensor 33 is shielded when the cover 34 is open and the chute 35 is closed. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, the reading sensor 33 can be prevented from becoming dirty when the reading sensor 32 is exposed when the chute 35 is closed, compared to a configuration in which the reading sensor 33 is exposed when the cover 34 is open and the chute 35 is closed.

[0104] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the link mechanism 46 moves the opposing member 42 away from the reading sensor 32 in conjunction with the opening operation of the cover 34. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, the direction and distance of separation of the opposing member 42 can be freely set, compared to a configuration in which the opposing member 42 is provided integrally with the cover 34.

[0105] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the reading sensor 32 faces the open side of the cover 34. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, cleaning of the reading sensor 32 is easier than in a configuration in which the reading sensor 32 faces the side opposite to the open side of the cover 34. Note that the fact that the reading sensor 32 faces the open side of the cover 34 can also be rephrased as meaning that the transport path 39 for the recording medium P is located closer to the outside of the device than the reading sensor 32. Here, in the image reading unit 30, cleaning of the reading sensor 32 is easier than in a configuration in which the transport path 39 is located closer to the inside of the device than the reading sensor 32.

[0106] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the reading sensor 33 faces the open side of the chute 35. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, the reading sensor 33 is easier to clean than in a configuration in which the reading sensor 33 faces the side opposite to the open side of the chute 35.

[0107] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the cover 34 has a chute portion 34D that constitutes the upstream portion of the conveying path 39 relative to the reading sensor 32. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, by opening the cover 34, the conveying path 39 is opened, and the upstream portion of the conveying path 39 can be accessed.

[0108] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the chute 35 has a bottom plate portion 36A that constitutes the downstream portion of the conveying path 39 relative to the reading sensor 32. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, by opening the chute 35, the conveying path 39 is opened, and the downstream portion of the conveying path 39 can be accessed.

[0109] Furthermore, in the image reading unit 30, the chute 35 is covered by the cover 34. Therefore, in the image reading unit 30, the housing 31 can be made more compact than in a configuration in which the cover 34 and the chute 35 are provided in separate positions on the housing 31.

[0110] According to the image forming apparatus 10, an image read by the image reading unit 30 can be formed on the recording medium P by the image forming unit 12.

[0111] (Modification of image forming unit 12) In the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming unit 12 described above is used as an example of the image forming unit of the present invention, but is not limited to this. As an example of the image forming unit of the present invention, for example, each of the toner image forming units 20Y to 20K may use a direct transfer method in which a toner image is formed directly on the recording medium P without using the transfer body 24. Also, as an example of the image forming unit of the present invention, it may be an image forming unit that forms an image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium P. In other words, the image forming unit of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0112] (Modification of Image Reading Unit 30) In the image reading unit 30, a contact-type image sensor is used as an example of a reading unit in the present invention, but this is not limited to this. The reading unit may be, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD. In other words, the reading unit in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of reading an image.

[0113] Furthermore, although the image reading unit 30 of the present embodiment includes the reading sensors 32 and 33, the present invention is not limited to this. The image reading unit 30 may be configured to include only one of the reading sensors 32 and 33. In other words, the image reading unit 30 is only required to be able to read an image on at least one side of the document G.

[0114] (Other variations) In the image reading unit 30, the chute 35 is used as an example of the second opening / closing member of the present invention, and the opposing member 44 is attached to the chute 35, but this is not limiting. For example, a configuration without the opposing member 44 may be used, as in the chute 80 shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. Specifically, the chute 80 includes a conveying member 40E and a conveying member 40C inside a housing 81. Meanwhile, the opposing member 44 includes a box-shaped housing 84. The opposing member 44 moves away from a position facing the reading sensor 33 in conjunction with the opening operation of the chute 80. Specifically, the opposing member 44 and the chute 80 are connected by a link mechanism 86. When the chute 80 is opened, the opposing member 44 moves away in conjunction with the opening operation due to this link mechanism 86. 15 and 16, the link mechanism 86 has a plate-shaped link 86A, a shaft 84X of the housing 84, a pin 86B provided on the link 86A, a link 86C attached to the front surface of the housing 84, a shaft 80X of the housing 81, a pin 86D provided on the link 86C, and a link 86E connecting the pins 86B and 86D. In the above-described modified example, the link mechanism 86 moves the opposing member 44 away from the reading sensor 33 in conjunction with the opening operation of the chute 80. Therefore, in the image reading unit of the modified example, the direction and distance of separation of the opposing member 44 can be freely set, compared to a configuration in which the opposing member 44 is provided integrally with the chute 80.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, a four-bar link mechanism is used as the link mechanism, but this is not limiting. Other link mechanisms may also be used. For example, a slide crank mechanism may also be used.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the image reading unit 30 is provided at the top of the image forming device 10, and the image forming unit 12 is provided at the bottom, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the image reading unit 30 and the document tables 50, 60, and 70 may form an image reading device.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10 Image forming device 12 Image forming unit 30 Image reading unit (an example of an image reading device) 31 Case 32 Reading sensor (an example of a first reading unit) 33 Reading sensor (an example of a second reading unit) 34 Cover (an example of a first opening / closing member) 34D Chute section (an example of a first conveying path component) 35 Chute (an example of a second opening / closing member) 36A bottom plate portion (an example of a first conveying path component) 39 Transport Path 42 opposing member (an example of a first opposing member) 44 opposing member (an example of a second opposing member) 46 Link mechanism 80 Chute (an example of a second opening / closing member) 86 Link mechanism P Recording medium

Claims

1. a housing having a transport path for transporting a document; a first reading unit provided on the transport path within the housing and configured to read an image from a first side of the document transported along the transport path; a second reading unit that is provided downstream of the first reading unit on the transport path within the housing and that reads an image from a second surface of the document that is opposite to the first surface of the document transported on the transport path; a first opening / closing member that is openably and closably provided on the housing and exposes the first reading unit when the first opening / closing member is open; a second opening / closing member that is openably and closably provided on the housing, the second opening / closing member having a rotation axis direction when opening and closing the same as the rotation axis direction when opening and closing the first opening / closing member, and that exposes the second reading unit in an open state; An image reading device comprising:

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second reading unit is shielded when the first opening / closing member is in an open state and the second opening / closing member is in a closed state.

3. 3. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a first opposing member arranged opposite the first reading unit across the transport path and configured to move away from the first reading unit in conjunction with the opening operation of the first opening / closing member.

4. The image reading device according to claim 3 , further comprising a first link mechanism that moves the first opposing member away from the first reading unit in conjunction with an opening operation of the first opening / closing member.

5. 5. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the first reading unit faces an open side of the first opening / closing member.

6. An image reading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second opposing member arranged opposite the second reading unit across the transport path and separated from the second reading unit in conjunction with the opening operation of the second opening / closing member.

7. The image reading device according to claim 6 , further comprising a second link mechanism that moves the second opposing member away from the second reading unit in conjunction with an opening operation of the second opening / closing member.

8. 8. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second reading unit faces an open side of the second opening / closing member.

9. 9. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the first opening / closing member has a first transport path forming portion that forms a portion of the transport path upstream of the first reading portion.

10. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second opening / closing member has a second transport path forming portion that forms a downstream portion of the transport path that includes an area where the second reading unit is disposed.

11. 11. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening / closing member is covered by the first opening / closing member.

12. an image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 that reads an image from a document; an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the read image information; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images