JP2010178049A - Image reader, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus (image forming apparatus) capable of reducing the height dimension of the image reading apparatus.
SOLUTION: The document table 201 is depressed between hinge portions 203A and 203B and a first reading window 202A below the upper end surface position of the document table 201, and a gear when the document cover 203 is in the closed position. When the storage unit 203F that stores the unit portion is provided and the document cover 203 is in the open position, the document that protrudes upward and is placed on the first reading window 202A moves to the storage unit 203F side. An elastically deformable regulating member 210 that constitutes the wall portion 211 that regulates the above is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the document placed on the first reading window 202A from being bent while reducing the height of the image reading apparatus.
[Selection] Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus having a stationary original reading function and an automatic conveyance original reading function, and an image forming apparatus including the image reading apparatus.

  When the automatic transport document reading function is executed, a document transport mechanism that automatically transports a document requires a gear train composed of a plurality of gears, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP 2007-84326 A

  However, when the number of gears increases and the gear train becomes large, there is a high possibility that the size of the document transport mechanism, particularly the height of the image reading device, will increase.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can reduce the height of the image reading apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in the invention described in claim 1, a stationary document reading function for reading a document placed in a stationary state, and an automatic transport document reading function for reading a document that has been automatically transported A document table (201) having a flat plate-shaped reading window (202A) on which a document to be read by a stationary document reading function is placed and spreading horizontally, and a reading window (202A) The document cover (203) that swings and displaces between a close position that covers the image from above and an open position that opens the upper side of the reading window (202A), and the document cover (203) with respect to the document table (201) The hinges (203A, 203B) that are slidably connected and the document cover (203) are provided on the side of the reading window (202A) when the automatic conveyance document reading function is executed. A document transport mechanism (220) having a gear unit (223) composed of a plurality of gears for automatically transporting a document and transmitting rotational force, and a hinge portion (203A, 203B) of the document table (201) and reading. A storage provided between the window (202A) and recessed downward from the position of the upper end surface of the document table (201) and storing the gear unit (223) when the document cover (203) is in the closed position. Wall that restricts the movement of the document that protrudes upward and is placed on the reading window (202A) toward the storage unit (203F) when the section (203F) and the document cover (203) are in the open position And an elastically deformable regulating member (210) constituting the portion (211).

  Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the document cover (203) is in the closed position, the gear unit (223) portion is stored so as to fit into the storage portion (203F). Even when a mechanism such as a double-sided conveyance mechanism is added and the number of gears increases to increase the gear train, or when a large motor is installed in the drive source to limit the space for storing gears, etc. Thus, it is possible to reduce the height of the image reading apparatus.

  Further, the gear unit (223) portion is housed so as to fit into the housing portion (203F), so that the portion () housed in the housing portion (203F) can read the document with the stationary document reading function. Since it also serves as a light shielding member for preventing external light from entering the reading window when performing the reading, it is possible to reduce reading defects due to the entry of external light.

  By the way, in the first aspect of the invention, the document table (201) is recessed between the hinges (203A, 203B) and the reading window (202A) below the position of the upper end surface of the document table (201). Since the storage section (203F) is provided, the document placed on the reading window (202A) may move to the storage section (203F). When the document cover (203) is set to the close position with the document positioned in the storage unit (203F), the document is bent.

  On the other hand, in the invention described in claim 1, since the elastically deformable restricting member (210) that protrudes upward and constitutes the wall portion (211) is provided, the document cover (203) is opened. When the document cover (203) is in the closed position, the movement of the document is suppressed. On the other hand, when the document cover (203) is in the closed position, the restriction member (210) is moved downward by the document cover (203). The document cover (203) can be easily closed by being pressed and elastically deformed.

  When the document cover (203) swings from the closed position to the open position, the regulating member (210) returns to its original position so as to restore the wall portion (211) protruding upward by the restoring force. . Therefore, without causing any inconvenience when the document cover (203) is opened and closed, the document placed on the reading window (202A) can be prevented from moving to the storage unit (203F), and bending of the document can be suppressed.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the document placed on the reading window (202A) from being bent while reducing the height of the image reading apparatus.

  In addition, the invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the regulating member (210) is formed of an elastically deformable film-like member protruding upward.

  Thus, in the invention according to claim 2, the regulating member (210) can be easily configured.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the film-like member constituting the restricting member (210) is provided with a fold line (212), and when the document cover (203) is in the closed position, the restricting member (210) is restricted. The member (210) is bent on the fold line (212). Note that the “bending line” refers to a portion in which locally plastically deformed portions are linearly connected.

  Thus, according to the third aspect of the present invention, when the document cover (203) is closed, the regulating member (210) is easily bent from the folding line (212) while being elastically deformed. It is possible to reliably suppress the occurrence of inconvenience during the opening and closing of 203).

  In the invention according to claim 4, the film-like member constituting the regulating member (210) is inclined toward the reading window (202A) with respect to the vertical direction when the document cover (203) is in the open position. It is characterized by being.

  Accordingly, in the invention described in claim 4, when the document cover (203) is closed, the regulating member (210) can be surely elastically deformed toward the reading window (202A). It is possible to prevent the restricting member (210) from being bent toward the storage portion (203F) when 203) is closed.

  If the restricting member (210) is bent toward the storage portion (203F), the amount of deformation of the restricting member (210) increases to exceed the elastic limit, and the restricting member (210) may be plastically deformed. is there.

  When the regulating member (210) is plastically deformed, the regulating member (210) restores the wall (211) even when the document cover (203) swings from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the original cannot be returned to the original position, so that the original placed on the reading window (202A) cannot be sufficiently prevented from moving to the storage unit (203F).

  In the invention according to claim 5, the wall portion (211) formed by the restricting member (210) is substantially the entire region parallel to the swinging central axis direction of the hinge portions (203A, 203B) of the reading window (202A). It is provided in the site | part corresponding to.

  Accordingly, in the invention according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to reliably suppress the document placed on the reading window (202A) from moving to the storage unit (203F).

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the protruding dimension of the wall portion (211) is different in a direction parallel to the swinging central axis direction of the hinge portions (203A, 203B).

  Thus, in the invention according to claim 6, when the regulating member (210) is pressed downward by the document cover (203) and elastically deforms, it is elastically deformed in order from the portion with the larger protruding dimension. The operating force when closing the document cover (203) can be gradually changed, and the feeling of operation can be prevented from deteriorating.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet are provided. .

  Incidentally, the reference numerals in parentheses for each of the above means are examples showing the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later, and the present invention is indicated by the reference numerals in the parentheses of the above respective means. It is not limited to a specific hand or the like.

1 is an overall perspective view of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a document cover 203 is opened. 2 is a top view of the image reading apparatus 200. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a gear mechanism 223 of a document conveying mechanism 220. It is A arrow directional view of FIG. It is a perspective view showing storage space 225A. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a document cover 203 viewed from below. It is the perspective view which looked at the document cover 203 which removed hinge mechanism 203A, 203B from the downward side. It is a perspective view showing storage space 225A from which gear holder 224 was removed. It is a top view of storage space 225A from which the gear holder 224 is removed. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-B-C-D-F in FIG. 6. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the image reading apparatus 200 showing a state in which the document cover 203 is removed in the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the action | operation of the control member 210. FIG. It is a figure which shows the characteristic of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the characteristic of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

  In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus (multi-function peripheral) having both an image reading apparatus (scanner section) and an image forming section (printer section). The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
1. Schematic Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has characters written on a document on an upper side of an image forming unit 100 that forms an image on a recording sheet such as printing paper. An image reading apparatus 200 that reads an image such as the above is provided. The image forming unit 100 according to the present embodiment is an electrophotographic image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet by transferring the developer onto the recording sheet.

2. Image Reading Device The image reading device 200 has a stationary document reading function (flatbed reading function) for reading a document placed in a stationary state, and an automatic conveyance document reading function (ADF reading function) for reading an automatically conveyed document. Have.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the document table 201 of the image reading apparatus 200 is provided with a first reading window 202A for a stationary document reading function, and the first reading window 202A is a flat plate extending in the horizontal direction. It is comprised with transparent members, such as glass-like or acrylic.

  Further, on the upper surface side of the document table 201, a closed position (the state shown in FIG. 1) covering the first reading window 202A from above and an open position (the state shown in FIG. 2) opening the upper side of the first reading window 202A. The document cover 203 swings and displaces between the document cover 203 and the document table 201 by hinge mechanisms 203A and 203B.

  Incidentally, when reading a document using the stationary document reading function, the user needs to manually open the document cover 203 and place the document on the first reading window 202A.

  Further, on the side of the document table 201 opposite to the document cover 203 across the first reading window 202A, that is, on the lower side of the first reading window 202A, light reflected from the document is received and received. An image pickup device (not shown) that emits an electric signal based on light is disposed, and the image reading apparatus 200 converts an image such as a character written on a document into an electric signal via the image pickup device. Then read the image.

  The image pickup device is assembled to the document table 201 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the document table 201 (left and right direction in FIG. 2). The image of the original placed on the first reading window 202A is read while moving directly under 202A.

  Further, when the automatic transport document reading function is activated, an image of the document passing through the second reading window 202B is read in a state of being stopped and disposed directly below the second reading window 202B for the automatic transport document reading function. The second reading window 202B is provided on the same side as the first reading window 202A with respect to the document cover 203, and is a band plate set on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the document table 201 (the left end side in FIG. 2). This is a reading window.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the first reading window 202A and the second reading window 202B are provided as separate reading windows independent of each other. For example, the first reading window 202A and the second reading window 202B are set to 1 An area for the second reading window 202B may be set on one end in the longitudinal direction of the document table 201.

  A document transport mechanism (auto document feeder) 220 that automatically transports a document is provided in a portion of the document cover 203 corresponding to the second reading window 202B.

  That is, the document transport mechanism 220 automatically transports the documents placed on the document tray 204 (see FIG. 3) set on the upper surface portion of the document cover 203 one by one toward the second reading window 202B and reads the document. The completed document is automatically discharged to a discharge tray 205 (shaded portion in FIG. 3) provided above the document tray 204.

  Incidentally, the discharge tray 205 according to the present embodiment is configured to be stowable. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the discharge tray 205 is depicted as being stored. For this reason, in the image reading apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, when reading a document by the document transport mechanism 220, the document tray 204 swings to the side of the document tray 204 (right side in FIG. 3) to raise the stored discharge tray 205. Thus, after the discharge tray 205 is disposed above the document tray 204, the document transport mechanism 220 needs to be operated.

  Further, as is well known, the document transport mechanism 220 separates documents stacked on the document tray 204 one by one (not shown), and the document separated by the separation mechanism enters the second reading window 202B. A first transport mechanism (not shown) for transporting, a second transport mechanism (not shown) for transporting a document whose image reading has been completed to the discharge tray 205, and the like.

  Each of the separation mechanism and the first and second transport mechanisms includes a transport roller 221 (see FIG. 4) that contacts the document and applies a transport force to the document. On the end side in the axial direction (the front-rear direction of the image reading apparatus 200), as shown in FIG. 4, a gear train 223 (hereinafter referred to as a gear unit 223) composed of a plurality of gears that transmit the rotational force to the respective transport rollers 221 is provided. ) Is provided.

  Incidentally, the electric motor 223A is a drive source for rotating the transport roller 221. The rotational force of the electric motor 223A is transmitted to each transport roller 221 via gears such as gears 223B and 223C. The electromagnetic solenoid 222 is an actuator for switching the transmission path of the rotational force, the document conveyance path, and the like.

  Each gear constituting the gear unit 223 is held by the gear holder 224 via a shaft (not shown) assembled to the gear holder 224 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the holder 224 includes a holding wall portion 224 </ b> A for holding each gear and a base plate portion 224 </ b> B for fixing the gear holder 224 to the gear cover 225.

  The gear holder 224 according to the present embodiment has a cross-sectional shape of approximately L so that the holding wall portion 224A and the pedestal plate portion 224B are substantially orthogonal to each other by pressing a ferrous metal plate such as SPCC. It is formed in a letter shape.

  The holding wall portion 224A is formed in a substantially strip shape so that the wall surface thereof is parallel to the vertical direction and the document conveyance direction (in this embodiment, the front-rear direction of the image reading apparatus 200), and the pedestal plate portion 224B The two ends of the longitudinal direction of the belt cover 225 are detachably fixed to the gear cover 225 by mechanical fastening means such as screws 224C.

  Further, the gear cover 225 is integrally formed of a resin such as HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) together with the casing frame 203G of the document cover 203. As shown in FIG. 7, the gear cover 225 is a gear unit 223. By covering the lower side, a unit storage portion 225A for storing the gear unit 223 is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper side of the unit storage portion 225A is covered with an upper gear cover 226, and this upper gear cover 226 can be attached to and detached from the document cover 203 (housing frame 203G). It is a resin cover assembled in

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 to 12, the gear cover 225 protrudes downward from the upper end surface position P <b> 1 (see FIG. 7) of the document table 201 to form a part of the unit storage portion 225 </ b> A. The first to third protrusions 225B to 225D are formed, and the first protrusion 225B and the third protrusion 225D have a boss 225E in which a female screw part into which the screw 224C is screwed is formed (see FIG. 10). Is integrally formed with the gear cover 225.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D are formed in a box shape (hexahedral shape) in which the gear unit 223 side, that is, the upper side is opened, and the protrusions 225B to 225D. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a reinforcing wall 225 </ b> F that reinforces the protrusions 225 </ b> B to 225 </ b> D is integrally formed inside.

  And the base plate part 224B of the gear holder 224 is fixed to the gear cover 225 in a state where it contacts a part other than the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D in the gear cover 225, as shown in FIG. The hinge mechanism 203A is fixed to the gear holder 224 by a screw 203C that passes through a portion of the gear cover 225 between the first protruding portion 225B and the second protruding portion 225C and is fastened to the pedestal plate portion 224B. .

  For this reason, in this embodiment, the gear cover 225 is sandwiched between the pedestal plate portion 224B and the hinge mechanism 203A. Therefore, when the screw 203C is tightened, the gear cover 225 and the pedestal plate portion 224B 224) and the hinge mechanism 203A are firmly assembled and fixed to each other, and the hinge mechanism 203A and the gear cover 225 (document cover 203) are integrated.

  The hinge mechanism 203A according to the present embodiment is fixed to the gear holder 224 via the gear cover 225 by screws 203C and is positioned relative to the gear cover 225 by positioning pins 203H (see FIG. 9).

  Further, by fixing the pedestal plate portion 224B to the gear cover 225 while being in contact with a portion other than the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D of the gear cover 225, the lower end position P2 of the gear holder 224 (the pedestal plate portion 224B). 7 is configured to be lower than the upper end surface position P1 of the document table 201 as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the portion of the document table 201 between the hinge mechanism 203A and the first reading window 202A and corresponding to the gear cover 225, the document cover 203 is in the closed position as shown in FIGS. In the case of being positioned, a recessed storage portion 203 </ b> F (see FIG. 14) is provided so that the lower side portion of the gear unit 223 is stored.

  The storage portion 203F is a first wall that is substantially parallel to the protruding direction (vertical direction in FIG. 7) of the first to third protruding portions 225B to 225D so as to face the side surfaces of the first to third protruding portions 225B to 225D. It is configured by a second wall portion 203E that is substantially orthogonal to the protruding direction so as to face the portion 203D and the first to third protruding portions 225B to 225D, and the first side wall portion 203D and the second side wall portion 203E are It is integrally formed with the housing frame 203G.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the document placed on the first reading window 202 </ b> A that protrudes upward from the first reading window 202 </ b> A is stored on the storage unit 203 </ b> F side of the outer edge of the first reading window 202 </ b> A. A restricting member 210 that constitutes a wall portion 211 for restricting movement toward the portion 203F is provided.

  The wall 211 extends in a strip shape in a direction parallel to the swing center axis direction of the hinge mechanisms 203A and 203B (in this embodiment, the left-right direction), and corresponds to the storage portion 203F side of the first reading window 202A. It is provided over substantially the whole area of the part to be performed.

  The restricting member 210 is formed of a film-like member (film-like member) made of an elastically deformable material (for example, a resin such as PET), and the upper end position P1 of the document table 201 in the restricting member 210. Is provided with a fold line 212 extending in the direction of the oscillation center axis.

  This fold line 212 means a part where locally plastically deformed parts (bending folds) are connected in a line, and the restricting member 210 has a document cover as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15A. When 203 is in the open position, it is set to be inclined toward the first reading window 202A with respect to the vertical direction around the folding line 212.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the regulating member 210 has the lower portion of the folding line 212 bonded and fixed to the first wall portion 203D by an adhesive means such as a double-sided tape. However, the present embodiment is limited to this. For example, a slit-shaped gap may be provided in the document table 201, and the regulating member 210 may be fixed to the document table 201 so that the regulating member 210 is inserted into the gap.

3. Features of Image Forming Apparatus (Image Reading Apparatus) According to this Embodiment In this embodiment, first to third projecting portions 225B to 225D that project downward are provided on a gear cover 225 that covers the lower side of the gear unit 223. Therefore, the gear unit 223 can be stored in the unit storage portion 225A formed by the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D.

  Therefore, for example, when a mechanism such as a double-sided conveyance mechanism that reads both the front and back sides of a document is added to increase the number of gears and the gear unit 223 becomes larger, a large electric motor must be arranged as the electric motor 223A. Even in such a case, the height dimension of the image reading apparatus 200 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the lower end position P2 of the gear holder 224 is set lower than the upper end surface position P1 of the document table 201, thereby reliably reducing the height dimension of the image reading apparatus 200. Has been realized.

  Further, since the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D protrude downward from the upper end position P1 of the document table 201, the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D read the original with the stationary original reading function. In this case, it can function as a light blocking member that prevents the outside light from entering the first reading window 202A, and it is possible to reduce reading defects due to the entry of outside light.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, the storage portion 203F that is recessed below the position of the upper end surface of the document table 201 is provided between the hinge mechanism 203A and the first reading window 202A in the document table 201. There is a possibility that the document placed on the first reading window 202A may move to the storage unit 203F. When the document cover 203 is set to the close position with the document positioned in the storage unit 203F, the document is bent.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, the elastically deformable restricting member 210 that protrudes upward and constitutes the wall portion 211 is provided. Therefore, when the document cover 203 is in the open position, FIG. As shown in FIG. 15A, when the movement of the original is suppressed by the restriction member 210 and the original cover 203 is in the closed position, the restriction member 210 is moved by the original cover 203 as shown in FIG. The document cover 203 can be easily closed by being pressed downward and elastically deformed.

  When the document cover 203 swings from the closed position to the open position, the regulating member 210 returns to the original position so as to restore the wall portion 211 protruding upward by its restoring force (FIG. 15A). )reference). Therefore, without causing inconvenience when the document cover 203 is opened and closed, the document placed on the first reading window 202A can be prevented from moving to the storage unit 203F, and the document can be prevented from being bent.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the original placed on the first reading window 202A can be prevented from being bent while the height of the image reading apparatus 200 is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the regulation member 210 is provided with a fold line 212. Therefore, when the document cover 203 is in the closed position, the regulation member 210 is fold line as shown in FIG. 212 is bent.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the folding line 212 is obtained by folding a portion to be bent in advance and attaching a folding crease. Therefore, when the document cover 203 is closed, the regulating member 210 starts from the folding line 212. It is possible to reliably suppress the occurrence of inconvenience when the document cover 203 is opened and closed by being bent while being easily elastically deformed.

  In the present embodiment, when the document cover 203 is in the open position, the restricting member 210 is inclined toward the first reading window 202A with respect to the vertical direction, so that the document cover 203 is closed. The restricting member 210 can be reliably elastically deformed toward the first reading window 202A. Therefore, when the document cover 203 is closed, the restriction member 210 can be prevented from being bent toward the storage portion 203F.

  In the present embodiment, since the wall portion 211 is provided over substantially the entire region of the swinging central axis direction, it is ensured that the document placed on the first reading window 202A moves to the storage portion 203F. Can be suppressed.

  By the way, if the document cover 203 is swung, a very large force acts on the hinge mechanism 203A. Therefore, if the hinge mechanism 203A is simply assembled to the gear cover 225, the gear cover 225 is likely to be damaged.

  In order to fix this, a solution means such as providing a hinge fixing holder or the like to fix the hinge mechanism 203A is conceivable. However, in this solution means, the number of parts and assembly man-hours of the image reading apparatus 200 are increased. I will invite you.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the hinge mechanism 203A is fixed to the gear holder 224 via the gear cover 225, so that the gear holder 224 (the base plate portion 224B) functions as a hinge fixing holder, and the parts of the image reading apparatus 200 are used. Increases in points and assembly man-hours are suppressed.

  Incidentally, in the image reading apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, since the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D are provided on the gear cover 225, for example, when the image reading apparatus 200 is conveyed, the gear cover 225 and the first to third protrusions are provided. 225B to 225D may easily collide with each other, and the gear cover 225 may be damaged.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the 1st-3rd protrusion parts 225B-225D are made into the box shape by which the gear unit 223 side was open | released, the mechanical strength of the gear cover 225 itself can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gear cover 225 from being damaged even if the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D collide with each other during the conveyance of the image reading apparatus 200.

  In the present embodiment, the gear holder 224 is made of metal, and the hinge mechanism 203A is fixed to the gear holder 224 in a state where the gear cover 225 is sandwiched between the hinge mechanism 203A and the gear holder 224, and Since the gear holder 224 and the gear cover 225 are fixed to the first protrusion 225B and the third protrusion 225C side of the gear cover 225 by the screw 224C, as described above, the gear cover 225 and the metal gear The holder 224 is integrated.

  Accordingly, the gear cover 225 is reinforced by the gear holder 224, and the mechanical strength of the gear cover 225 can be improved. Therefore, when the document cover 203 is swung or when a large external force is applied to the document cover 203. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of damage to the gear cover 225 to which the hinge mechanism 203A is assembled.

  In the present embodiment, since the first wall portion 203D and the second wall portion 203E are provided on the document table 201, when the document cover 203 is swung, the image forming apparatus 1 (image reading apparatus 200). Even when a large external force is applied to the document cover 203 due to dropping or the like in a packed state, the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D and the first wall 203D or the second wall 203E are in contact with each other. By doing so, the force acting on the hinge mechanism 203A can be reduced, and the hinge mechanism 203A can be prevented from being damaged.

  That is, when a force in a direction substantially parallel to the projecting direction of the first to third projecting portions 225B to 225D is applied, the first to third projecting portions 225B to 225D and the second wall portion 203E come into contact with each other, thereby causing a hinge mechanism. The force acting on 203A is relaxed.

  Moreover, when the force of the direction where the protrusion direction of the 1st-3rd protrusion parts 225B-225D cross | intersects acts, the 1st-3rd protrusion parts 225B-225D and 1st wall part 203D will contact, and hinge mechanism 203A. The force acting on is relaxed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, since the first and second protrusions 225B and 225C are provided on both sides of the hinge mechanism 203A, the first and second protrusions having increased mechanical strength. 225B and 225C exist on both sides of the hinge mechanism 203A. For this reason, even if a large external force is applied to the hinge mechanism 203A, the gear cover 225 can be prevented from being damaged.

  When the document cover 203 is in the closed position, the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D are stored in the document table 201 in a state of being fitted in the storage unit 203F. Unnecessary unevenness can be prevented from occurring in the portion, and the appearance design can be made smart.

(Second Embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, when the document cover 203 is in the open position, the protruding dimension H (see FIG. 14) of the wall portion 211 is set to be substantially the same over substantially the entire region in the swing central axis direction. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, when the document cover 203 is in the open position, the projecting dimensions H1 and H2 of the wall portion 211 are different in the swinging central axis direction. It is.

  As a result, in this embodiment, when the regulating member 210 is pressed downward by the document cover 203 and elastically deforms, it is elastically deformed in order from the portion with the larger projecting dimension. The force can be gradually changed, and the feeling of operation can be prevented from deteriorating.

  In FIG. 16, the central portion in the swing axis direction is configured to have the largest protrusion dimension. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. The protrusion dimension may be maximized and the protrusion dimension on the other end side may be minimized.

(Third embodiment)
1. Characteristic Configuration in the Present Embodiment In the above-described embodiment, the restricting member 210 (wall portion 211) is provided in substantially the entire region in the swing axis direction. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. A plurality of members 210 are discretely provided in the swing axis direction. At this time, the projecting dimension of each regulating member 210 may be the same or different.

  The distance between the regulating members 210 is set to a dimension smaller than the dimension W of the portion parallel to the swinging central axis direction in the minimum readable document size (A6 size in the present embodiment).

  Here, the minimum readable document size refers to the smallest document size among the document sizes indicated by the placement scale 202C, and the placement scale 202C includes the document table 201 (including the first reading window 202A). Is a mark indicating the position where the document should be placed.

  The placement scale 202C is attached to the document table 201 for each document size with the corner of the first reading window 202A formed in a rectangular shape as a reference point O1, and the above-mentioned “distance between the regulating members 210”. Means the distance P1 between the two regulating members 210 closest to the reference point O1. Therefore, the distance P2 other than the distance between the two restriction members 210 closest to the reference point O1 may be the dimension W or more depending on the setting of the placement scale 202C.

2. Features of the Image Forming Apparatus (Image Reading Apparatus) According to the Present Embodiment In the present embodiment, the first reading is performed when the document cover 203 changes from the open position to the closed position because it is composed of a plurality of regulating members 210. Airflow generated in the vicinity of the window 202 </ b> A can flow out of the gap between the regulating members 210.

  On the other hand, if the restricting member 210 is configured by a wall surface that extends in the entire region in the direction of the swinging central axis, there is no place for the airflow, and the document placed on the first reading window 202A is caused by the airflow. There is a risk that it will fly up and move to the storage section 203F.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as described above, the air flow generated in the vicinity of the first reading window 202A can be discharged from the gap between the regulating members 210, so that it is placed on the first reading window 202A. It is possible to prevent the original from flying up by the air current and moving to the storage unit 203F.

  At this time, the restriction member 210 is set such that the distance between the restriction members 210 is smaller than the minimum readable document size W, so that the original is stored together with the airflow flowing out from the gap between the restriction members 210. Movement to the 203F side is restricted.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the regulating member 210 is configured by a film-like member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wall portion 211 and the regulating member 210 may be configured by, for example, sponge tape.

  In this example, when the document cover 203 is in the closed position, the sponge cover constituting the restricting member 210 is compressed and elastically deformed so that the document cover 203 can be easily closed. When the document cover 203 is in the open position, the sponge tape is restored so as to protrude upward by its restoring force, and the wall portion 211 is restored.

  In the above-described embodiment, the folding line 212 is provided on the regulating member 210. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thickness of the part corresponding to the folding line 212 is compared to other parts. The bending promoting portion may be formed such that the portion corresponding to the bending line 212 is easily bent as compared with other portions.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the regulating member 210 is provided with the fold line 212 that forms a bending promoting portion, and the regulating member 210 is tilted toward the first reading window 202A with respect to the vertical direction. Without limitation, for example, the regulating member 210 is bent like a bow without providing a bending promoting portion (bending line 212), and the regulating member 210 is tilted toward the first reading window 202A, or without providing a bending promoting portion. The regulating member 210 that is straight may be inclined toward the first reading window 202A.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the gear unit 223 is not stored using all of the unit storage portions 225A formed by the first to third protrusions 225B to 225D, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, the gear unit 223 may be stored using all of the unit storage portion 225A.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the 1st-3rd protrusion parts 225B-225D were formed in the box shape, this invention is not limited to this, Other shapes may be sufficient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the lower end position P2 of the gear holder 224 is set to a height lower than the upper end surface position P1 of the document table 201. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gear cover is not limited thereto. When 225 is positioned below the upper end surface position P1 of the document table 201, the lower end position P2 of the gear holder 224 and the upper end surface position P1 of the document table 201 may be the same height.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gear holder 224 is made of metal and the gear cover 225 is made of resin. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and both the gear holder 224 and the gear cover 225 are made of resin. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the hinge mechanism 203A is fixed to the gear holder 224 so that the gear cover 225 is sandwiched between the gear holder 224 (the base plate portion 224B) and the hinge mechanism 203A. It is not limited.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gear cover 225 and the housing frame 203G are integrally formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the gear cover 225 and the housing frame 203G are separated. It may be configured.

  In the above-described embodiment, an electrophotographic image forming unit is employed as the image forming unit 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an inkjet image forming unit may be employed, for example. .

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as long as it matches the gist of the invention described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 100 ... Image forming part, 200 ... Image reading apparatus, 201 ... Original platen,
202A ... 1st reading window, 202B ... 2nd reading window, 202C ... Placement scale,
203 ... Document cover, 203A, 203B ... Hinge mechanism, 203C ... Screw,
203D ... 1st wall part, 203E ... 2nd wall part, 203F ... Storage part,
203G: Housing frame, 203H: Positioning pin, 204: Document tray,
205 ... discharge tray, 210 ... regulating member, 211 ... wall, 212 ... folding line,
220 ... Document transport mechanism, 221 ... Transport roller, 222 ... Electromagnetic solenoid,
223 ... gear unit, 223 ... gear train, 223A ... electric motor, 223B ... gear,
224 ... gear holder, 224A ... holding wall part, 224B ... pedestal plate part,
224C ... Screws, 225 ... Gear cover, 225A ... Unit housing.

Claims (7)

An image reading apparatus having a stationary document reading function for reading a document placed in a stationary state and an automatic conveyance document reading function for reading an automatically conveyed document,
An original platen having a plate-like reading window on which an original to be read by the stationary original reading function is placed and which extends horizontally;
An original cover that swings and displaces between a close position that covers the reading window from above and an open position that opens the upper side of the reading window;
A hinge portion that pivotably connects the document cover to the document table;
An original conveying mechanism provided on the original cover and having a gear unit comprising a plurality of gears for automatically conveying an original to the reading window and transmitting a rotational force when the automatic conveying original reading function is executed; ,
Of the document table, provided between the hinge portion and the reading window, is depressed below the position of the upper end surface of the document table and accommodates the gear unit portion when the document cover is in the closed position. A storage section to be
An elastically deformable restricting member that constitutes a wall portion that restricts movement of the document that protrudes upward and is placed on the reading window to the storage portion side when the document cover is in the open position; An image reading apparatus comprising:   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is configured by an elastically deformable film-like member protruding upward. A folding line is provided in the film-like member constituting the regulating member,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the document cover is in the closed position, the restricting member is bent on the folding line.   4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the film-shaped member forming the restriction member is inclined toward the reading window with respect to a vertical direction when the document cover is in the open position. 5. .   5. The wall portion of the restricting member is provided in a portion corresponding to substantially the entire region in a direction parallel to the swinging central axis direction of the hinge portion of the reading window. The image reading apparatus according to one.   6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a protruding dimension of the wall portion is different in a direction parallel to the swinging central axis direction of the hinge portion. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet.

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