JP5282269B2 - Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure the safety of an operator in a composition in which an ADF (automatic draft feeding) unit is open-close-driven by an open-close-drive motor. <P>SOLUTION: The ADF unit is fixed on a scanner unit which reads an image of a draft by a hinge mechanism in openable and closable manner and is open-close-driven by the open-close-drive motor by an operation of an open switch or a close switch. In this case, driving the open-close-drive motor is inhibited (step S5) until setting the draft on a platen glass of the scanner unit is completed by the operator (steps S7 and S8), or until setting the draft on a draft supply tray of the ADF unit is completed by the operator (step S2 and S3), and when setting the draft is completed, the open-close-drive motor is controlled by the operation of the open switch or the close switch (step S4 and S9). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, an automatic document transport unit (ADF unit) for transporting a document to the scanner unit is mounted on a scanner unit for reading an image of the document so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism, and the ADF unit is driven to open and close by an opening / closing drive means. The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus configured as described above, and an image forming apparatus including such an image reading apparatus.

  In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, in order to improve operability and reading efficiency when reading an image of a plurality of documents, the document is automatically conveyed to the scanner unit on the scanner unit that reads the image of the document. An image reading apparatus provided with an automatic document conveyance unit (ADF unit) is employed. Further, in such an image reading apparatus, the ADF unit is installed so that the manuscript is manually set on the platen (contact) glass provided on the upper surface of the scanner unit without using the ADF unit. The scanner unit is configured to be rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism.

  In the image reading apparatus in which the ADF unit can be opened and closed, the ADF unit is relatively heavy, and when the operator manually places the document on the platen glass of the scanner unit, the operator It is necessary to perform an operation of rotating the unit upward, and this operation may be a heavy burden on the operator. In particular, an ADF unit having high functions such as a high-speed function is large in size and increases in weight. Therefore, the opening / closing operation of the ADF unit is a heavy burden for the operator, which is troublesome.

  For this purpose, a configuration has been developed in which the scanner unit and the ADF unit are connected by a hinge mechanism, and the ADF unit is automatically opened and closed with respect to the scanner unit by driving means such as a motor. In this case, for example, when an opening instruction or a closing instruction is given by operating an opening / closing switch, driving means such as a motor is driven to automatically open / close. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 has a configuration in which a user present at a predetermined position with respect to the image forming apparatus is detected by a user detection unit, and the automatic document feeder is automatically opened and closed with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is disclosed. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which the automatic document feeder automatically opens with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus at the end of the image forming operation.

JP-A-6-3752 JP 7-271115 A

  However, in the configuration in which opening / closing of the ADF unit is instructed by the opening / closing switch, if the opening / closing switch is erroneously operated and the ADF unit is driven to open / close against the intention of the operator, the ADF unit may collide with the operator. There is a risk that the safety of the operator cannot be ensured. Further, when a document is set on the ADF unit, there is a possibility that a problem such as scattering of the document occurs.

  In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the user is operating the ADF unit or the like without being located within the range detected by the user detection unit, the user detection unit is other than the user. When the person or object is detected, the ADF unit is automatically opened and closed. For this reason, for example, when the user performs an operation of setting a document on the ADF unit, a paper jam, or the like, the ADF unit that is automatically opened and closed may collide with the user. Further, when a document is set on the ADF unit, there is a possibility that a problem such as scattering of the document occurs.

Furthermore, even in the device disclosed in Patent Document 2, when an operator is in the vicinity of the device, the ADF unit may automatically collide with the operator due to the automatic opening operation, thereby ensuring safety. Inadequate, and there is a risk of problems such as scattering of the original.
In order to secure safety for the operator when the ADF unit is driven to open and close, it is possible to newly provide various sensors to control a motor and the like that opens and closes the ADF unit. However, in the case of such a configuration, since it is necessary to newly provide various sensors and the like, there is a risk that the economy may be impaired and the apparatus may be increased in size.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide an operator with an ADF unit that is opened and closed by an opening and closing drive means, even when an opening and closing switch or the like is operated by mistake. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus that can ensure safety.

In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed. An opening / closing drive means for opening / closing, an opening / closing instruction means for instructing an opening / closing drive by the opening / closing drive means, and a case where it is determined that the manuscript has not been set on the platen glass provided in the scanner unit. wherein the opening and closing drive means a drive prohibited state, and a control means for controlling the opening and closing drive means in accordance with the switching instruction by the switching instruction means when the set of the document is determined to be completed, said control means Determines the completion of document setting on the platen glass, and detects the size of the document placed on the platen glass. And performing based on the output of the sensor provided in order.
The image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed, and an opening / closing drive means for driving the automatic document conveyance unit to open and close. The opening / closing instruction means for instructing the opening / closing drive by the opening / closing driving means, and the opening / closing driving means when it is determined that the setting of the document by the operator on the platen glass provided in the scanner unit is not completed. Control means for controlling the opening / closing driving means in accordance with an opening / closing instruction by the opening / closing instruction means when it is determined that the setting of the original has been completed, and the control means is provided on the platen glass. The image provided to read the image of the document placed on the platen glass, in order to determine whether or not the document has been set in And performing based on the output of the intake means.
Furthermore, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, and an opening / closing drive means for driving the automatic document conveyance unit to open and close. The opening / closing instruction means for instructing the opening / closing drive by the opening / closing driving means, and the opening / closing driving means when it is determined that the setting of the document by the operator on the platen glass provided in the scanner unit is not completed. Control means for controlling the opening / closing driving means in accordance with an opening / closing instruction by the opening / closing instruction means when it is determined that the setting of the original has been completed, and the control means is provided on the platen glass. If the opening / closing angle of the automatic document feeder unit is smaller than a predetermined value, the determination of completion of document setting in When the opening / closing angle of the automatic document transport unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on the output of the image reading means provided for reading the image of the document placed on the ten glass, the platen glass This is performed based on the output of a sensor provided to detect the size of the document to be placed.
The image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed, and an opening / closing drive means for driving the automatic document conveyance unit to open and close. The opening / closing instruction means for instructing the opening / closing drive by the opening / closing driving means, and when it is determined that the setting of the document by the operator is not completed in the automatic document conveying unit, the opening / closing driving means is set in a drive prohibited state, Control means for controlling the opening / closing drive means in accordance with an opening / closing instruction by the opening / closing instruction means when it is determined that the document setting is completed, and the control means is for setting the document in the automatic document conveying unit. The completion judgment is set in order to detect the size of the document placed on the document placement tray of the automatic document transport unit. The automatic document conveyance unit includes a plurality of paper jam detection units that detect a paper jam at each of a plurality of positions in the document conveyance path, and the control unit includes the paper jam detection unit. When the paper jam of the document is detected by the detection means, whether the opening / closing instruction by the opening / closing instruction means is valid or invalid is determined based on the paper jam position, and when it is judged valid, the opening / closing instruction means The opening / closing driving means is controlled according to an instruction.

  The image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed, and an opening / closing drive means for driving the automatic document conveyance unit to open and close. An opening / closing instruction means for instructing an opening / closing drive by the opening / closing driving means, a plurality of paper jam detecting means for detecting a paper jam at each of a plurality of positions in the document conveying path of the automatic document conveying unit, and the paper jam detecting means. When a paper jam is detected, whether the opening / closing instruction by the opening / closing instruction means is valid or invalid is determined based on the position of the paper jam. And a control means for controlling the opening / closing drive means.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the image reading devices.

  In the present invention, until the operator completes the setting of the document in the scanner unit or the automatic document transport unit, the opening / closing instruction by the opening / closing instruction means is invalidated. There is no possibility that the automatic document transport unit is opened and closed during the operation, so that there is no danger that the operator will collide with the automatic document transport unit, and safety for the operator can be ensured.

  In addition, when a paper jam occurs in the automatic document transport unit, an instruction for opening / closing drive other than the opening / closing drive by the required opening / closing instruction means is invalidated. The automatic document transport unit is prevented from operating against the operator's intention even when trying to perform the operation, and there is no risk that the operator will collide with the automatic document transport unit. Safety can be ensured. In this case, since the opening / closing operation of the automatic document conveyance unit intended by the operator is executed, it is possible to quickly and easily remove the paper jam.

1 is a perspective view showing an MFP as an example of an image forming apparatus provided with an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a configuration of a document feed tray provided in an ADF unit in the image reading apparatus. 2 is a schematic plan view of a scanner unit in the image reading apparatus. FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the hinge mechanism which connects the scanner unit and ADF unit in the image reading apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the MFP shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the control system in an image reading apparatus. 5 is a flowchart for explaining control of an opening / closing drive motor executed by an ADF-CPU in the image reading apparatus. 6 is a flowchart for explaining control of the opening / closing drive motor executed by the ADF-CPU when a paper jam occurs in the ADF unit.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an image forming apparatus provided with an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This image forming apparatus is a MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral) having functions such as a copying machine, a scanner, a printer, and a fax machine, and can transmit and receive data to and from a terminal device or the like via a network. . As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP includes an image forming apparatus main body A that forms a toner image on a recording sheet such as a recording sheet, and an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention provided on the image forming apparatus main body A. Device B. The image reading apparatus B includes a scanner unit 10 that reads a document image, and an ADF (automatic document feeder) unit 20 provided on the scanner unit 10.

  The ADF unit 20 constituting the image reading apparatus B of the present embodiment is attached to the scanner unit 10 by a hinge mechanism so as to be freely opened and closed, and for reading an image with the upper surface of the scanner unit 10 closed. The document is automatically supplied to the scanner unit 10. The scanner unit 10 optically reads an image of a document supplied by the ADF unit 20 or an image of a document that is manually placed at a predetermined position on a platen glass 18 (see FIG. 2) in the scanner unit 10 by an operator. To generate image data.

  The image forming apparatus main body A is provided with a printer unit 61 and a paper feeding unit 62 provided on the lower side of the printer unit 61, and a recording sheet of the paper feeding unit 62 is supplied to the printer unit 61. The printer unit 61 generates a color toner image on a recording sheet by a known electrophotographic method based on image data generated by the scanner unit 10 or image data sent from a terminal device or the like via a network. Print. The recording sheet on which the toner image is printed by the printer unit 61 is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 63 provided on the lower side of the scanner unit 10.

  An operation panel 14 for inputting information and the like is provided on the front side portion of the scanner unit 10. The operation panel 14 is provided with an open switch 19a and a close switch 19b that are operated by an operator when the ADF unit 20 is opened and closed. When the open switch 19a is operated by the operator, the ADF unit 20 is automatically opened upward, and when the close switch 19b is operated by the operator, the ADF unit 20 is automatically closed downward. Is done.

<Configuration of ADF Unit in Image Reading Apparatus>
The ADF unit 20 includes an ADF unit main body 21 that opens the upper surface of the scanner unit 10 by rotating upward from the closed state in FIG. 1 that covers the entire upper surface of the scanner unit 10, and the scanner unit 10. It has a document feed tray 22 attached to the ADF unit main body 21 so that a document to be conveyed is placed.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus B according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. A document placed on the document feed tray 22 is conveyed to the left side of the ADF unit main body 21 (hereinafter simply referred to as “left side” and the opposite side as “right side”). A sheet feeding main body 21a having a conveyance path is provided, and a reversing path forming unit 21b having a reversing path 21p formed therein is provided on the right side of the sheet feeding main body 21a. It is provided so as to extend in a horizontal state.

  The paper feed main body 21a and the reverse path forming portion 21b of the ADF unit main body 21 are integrally configured to cover the upper surface of the scanner unit 10 over almost the entire area. The document feed tray 22 is attached to the upper portion of the feed body portion 21a in a state where the left side portion is inclined above the reverse path forming portion 21b. The ADF unit 20 selectively selects a single-sided reading mode in which the scanner unit 10 reads only one side of a document, and a double-sided reading mode in which the scanner unit 10 sequentially reads both sides (front and back) of the document. In the single-sided reading mode, the document is placed on the document feeding tray 22 with the document surface read by the scanner unit 10 facing upward.

  A document on the document feed tray 22 is supplied to a first transport path 21d that is in a substantially horizontal state by a pickup roller 21c provided in the paper feed main body 21a, and is fed through the first transport path 21d. The paper is supplied to a pair of first registration rollers 21j provided on the upper left side in the paper body 21a. The first registration roller 21j is a pair of second rollers provided in the lower part on the left side in the paper feed main body 21a via the second conveyance path 21e curved in a semicircular shape. 1 is supplied to the reading roller 21f. A pair of second reading rollers 21g is provided on the right side of the first reading roller 21f, and the original surface of the conveyed document is placed between the first reading roller 21f and the second reading roller 21g. An opening is provided to face the slit glass 16 provided on the upper surface of the scanner unit 10.

  A first branch guide 21h arranged in a substantially horizontal state is provided above the right side of the second reading roller 21g. The first branch guide 21h is configured such that the tip portion located on the second reading roller 21g side rotates in the vertical direction, whereby the document conveyed from the second reading roller 21g is transferred to the fourth lower portion below the first branch guide 21h. A state in which the conveying path 21s is passed to the reversing path 21p in the reversing path forming unit 21 via the pair of reversing rollers 21z, and the upper side of the first branch guide 21h is passed to the right side of the first branch guide 21h. The state is switched to the state of supplying to the pair of second registration rollers 21k disposed close to the upper side.

  The reversing roller 21z is capable of normal rotation and reverse rotation, and the original is conveyed to the reversing path 21p by the normal rotation of the reversing roller 21z. The second registration roller 21k is also capable of normal rotation and reverse rotation. By the normal rotation of the second registration roller 21k, the original is moved to the second branch guide 21m disposed close to the second registration roller 21k. Be transported. The second branch guide 21m has a state in which the document conveyed from the second registration roller 21k passes below the second branch guide 21m and is conveyed to the pair of paper discharge rollers 21q, and above the second branch guide 21m. In addition, the state is switched to a state in which the paper passes above the paper discharge roller 21q and is discharged onto a reversing guide (not shown) arranged along the lower surface of the document feed tray 22.

  When the ADF unit 20 is in the single-sided reading mode, the document placed on the document feed tray 22 is supplied to the first transport path 21d by the pickup roller 21c, and the first registration roller 21j and the second transport are performed. It is conveyed to the first reading roller 21f through the path 21e, is tilt-corrected by the first reading roller 21f, and passes over the slit glass (platen glass) 16 provided on the upper surface of the scanner unit 10. While the document passes over the slit glass 16, the scanner unit 10 reads an image of the surface of the document facing the slit glass 16. Thereafter, the original is conveyed to the first branch guide 21h by the second registration roller 21k, passes above the first branch guide 21h, and is moved in the forward direction by the second registration roller 21k. , And passes below the second branch guide 21m, and is discharged onto the document discharge portion provided on the reverse path forming portion 21b via the discharge roller 21q.

  When the ADF unit 20 is in the duplex reading mode, the document placed on the document feeding tray 22 passes through the first transport path 21d and the second transport path 21e as in the single-sided scanning mode. It is conveyed to the second registration roller 21k. When the document passes over the slit glass 16, an image on the document surface (first surface) facing the slit glass 16 is read by the scanner unit 10. The document conveyed to the second registration roller 21k is conveyed to the second branch guide 21m by the second registration roller 21k that is driven to rotate forward. At this time, the second branch guide 21m is switched so that the document passes over the second branch guide 21m, and the document is guided to the upper surface of the second branch guide 21m, so that the document feed tray 22 It is discharged onto a reversing guide arranged along the lower surface.

  The second registration roller 21k that conveys the document on the reversing guide is reversely driven immediately before the trailing edge of the document passes. As a result, the document is switched back and conveyed to the first registration roller 21j through the third conveyance path 21n provided along the lower side of the first conveyance path 21d. Thereafter, the document passes through the second conveyance path 21e with the front and back reversed, and is conveyed above the slit glass 16 by the first reading roller 21f. Then, while the document passes over the slit glass 16, an image on the document surface (second surface) facing the slit glass 16 is read by the scanner unit 10.

  The document from which the image on the second surface has been read is conveyed to the first branch guide 21h. In this case, the first branch guide 21h is switched so that the document passes through the lower side, and the document is guided to the lower surface of the first branch guide 21h, passes through the fourth conveyance path 21s, and the reverse roller. It is conveyed to 21z, and is conveyed to the reverse path 21p in the reverse path forming portion 21b by the normal rotation of the reverse roller 21z. The reversing roller 21z is driven in reverse rotation immediately before the trailing edge of the original passes, whereby the original is switched back and conveyed to the paper discharge roller 21q. It is discharged to the document discharge section.

  The pickup roller 21c is driven by a paper feed unit motor 25a, the first registration roller 21j and the second registration roller 21k are driven by a registration unit motor 25b, and the first reading roller 21f and the second reading roller 21g are driven by a reading unit motor 25c. The paper discharge roller 21q is driven by a discharge motor 25d. Each of the motors 25a to 25d is constituted by, for example, a stepping motor.

  In the sheet feed main body 21a, a first sheet passing sensor 27a that detects a document conveyed to the first registration roller 21j through the first conveyance path 21d or the third conveyance path 21n is provided on the first registration roller 21j. It is provided in the vicinity. Further, in order to detect a document that is supplied to the first reading roller 21f through the second conveyance path 21e and passes on the slit glass 16, the second side is adjacent to the right side of the first reading roller 21f. A paper passing sensor 27b is provided. Further, a third paper passing sensor 27c for detecting a document conveyed from the reverse path 21p to the paper discharge roller 21q is provided close to the left side of the paper discharge roller 21q.

  The right side surface 21t of the ADF unit main body 21 on which the document feeding tray 22 of the paper feeding main body portion 21a is provided can be opened and closed. By opening the right side surface 21t, the first transport path 21d and the first transport path 21d due to a paper jam. Documents remaining in each of the three transport paths 21n can be removed. Similarly, the left upper surface 21x provided in an inclined state in the upper left portion of the paper feed main body 21a can also be opened and closed. By opening the left upper surface 21x, the first transport path 21d and the third transport path 21d due to a paper jam. Documents remaining on any one of the transport paths 21n can be removed. Further, the upper surface 21w of the reversing path forming portion 21b can be opened and closed. By opening the upper surface 21w, it is possible to remove a document remaining on the reversing path 21p in the reversing path forming portion 21b due to paper jam.

  An opening / closing door 21y that opens and closes the left side of the second reading roller 21g is provided on the bottom surface of the paper feeding main body 21a, and the front side of the ADF unit 20 is opened so that the upper surface of the scanner unit 10 is largely opened. With the part pivoted upward, the opening / closing door 21y is pivoted downward to open, thereby removing a document remaining in the vicinity of the second reading roller 21g due to a paper jam.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the document feed tray 22. The document feed tray 22 has a tray main body 22a on which the document D is placed. As shown in FIG. 2, the tray main body 22a faces upward from the right side surface 21t of the transport path forming portion 21a. It is arranged in an inclined state. The document D placed on the tray main body 22a is fed along the tray main body 22a toward the lower left side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the side of the tray main body 22a on the paper feed side contacts the side edges on both sides in the width direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction of the placed document D, and puts the document D into the tray. A pair of regulating plates 22b for positioning on the main body 22a is provided. Each regulating plate 22b is configured in a straight line along the feeding direction of the document D (the left direction in FIG. 3). Each of the regulation plates 22b is attached to each end of a pair of racks 22c arranged along the width direction of the tray body 22a. Each rack 22c is parallel to the feeding direction of the document D with an appropriate interval, and between each rack 22c and one pinion 22d provided at the center in the width direction of the tray body 22a. I'm engaged.

  With such a configuration, in a state where the document D is placed on the tray main body 22a between the pair of regulation plates 22b, the one regulation plate 22b is slid and brought into contact with one side edge of the document D. As a result, one rack 22c attached to the moved regulating plate 22b slides in the same direction as the regulating plate 22b, and the pinion 22d rotates. Due to the rotation of the pinion 22d, the other rack 22c slides in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the one rack 22c, and the other regulating plate 22b contacts the other side edge of the document D. As a result, the side edges of both sides of the document D are positioned by the regulation plate 22b.

  In the vicinity of one rack 22c, a document width sensor 24 is provided for detecting the size in the width direction of the document D positioned by both restriction plates 22b. The document width sensor 24 is constituted by a variable resistor, for example, and outputs a voltage value corresponding to the slide position of the adjacent rack 22c. Accordingly, the output of the document width sensor 24 changes in accordance with the interval between the two restricting plates 22b, and the output continues to change while the two restricting plates 22b are moved, and both the documents D placed on the tray body 22a are applied to the document D. When the restricting plate 22b is brought into contact and stopped, the document width sensor 24 maintains a predetermined voltage corresponding to the width direction of the document D.

  The tray body 22a includes three first document length sensors 23a, a second document length sensor 23b, and a third document length for detecting the length of the placed document D along the feeding direction. A height sensor 23c is provided. The first document length sensor 23a is constituted by, for example, a reflection type sensor, and is a central portion in the width direction of the tray main body 22a, and out of documents of different sizes placed on the tray main body 22a. In a state where the front end in the paper direction is located at a predetermined reference position, the document is disposed at a position where a document of a size other than a document of a size smaller than a predetermined size where both side edges are positioned can be detected. The second document length sensor 23b is a reflective sensor disposed at a predetermined interval in the direction opposite to the paper feeding direction with respect to the first document length sensor 23a, and the third document length sensor 23c. Is a reflection type sensor disposed at a predetermined interval on the side opposite to the paper feeding direction with respect to the second document length sensor 23b. The size of the document D placed on the document feed tray 22 is determined based on the detection results of the first to third document length sensors 23a to 23c. Detection is based on the direction.

<Configuration of Scanner Unit in Image Reading Apparatus>
As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 10 includes a housing 11 formed in a flat rectangular shape, and a first reading roller 21 f and a second reading roller of the ADF unit 20 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 11. A slit glass (platen glass) 16 disposed along the front-rear direction so as to face the space 21g, and a rectangular platen glass 18 disposed on the left side of the slit glass 16 are provided. Yes. The platen glass 18 has a length in the front-rear direction that is approximately the same as the length in the front-rear direction (main scanning direction) of the slit glass 16 and extends in the left-right direction (sub-direction) from the position close to the slit glass 16 to the vicinity of the right end of the housing 11. It has a length in the scanning direction).

  A first slider 12 configured to be slidable in the sub-scanning direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 2 is provided inside the housing 11, and a linear light source 12 a is provided in the main scanning direction on the first slider 12. It is mounted along. The first slider 12 is normally located at a home position between the slit glass 16 and the platen glass 18, and when the document is conveyed by the ADF unit 20, the scanner motor 43 causes the slit glass 16 to move. It is moved to the lower seat through position and stopped. On the other hand, when reading the document D on the platen glass 18, the first slider 12 is reciprocated in the sub-scanning direction along the platen glass 18 by the scanner motor 43.

  The first slider 12 reflects the reflected light from the document D passing on the slit glass 16 or the document D placed on the platen glass 18 at a substantially right angle in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow X. One mirror 12b is provided. A second slider 13 is provided on the left side of the first slider 12, and the light reflected by the first mirror 12b is reversed on the second slider 13 in the direction of the arrow X. The second mirror 13a and the third mirror 13b arranged so as to face each other are mounted.

  When reading the image of the document D placed on the platen glass 18, the second slider 13 is synchronized with the movement of the first slider 12 by the scanner motor 43 and 1 / speed of the first slider 12. It is moved in the same direction as the first slider 12 at a speed of 2. The light inverted in the direction of the arrow X by the second mirror 13a and the third mirror 13b is irradiated to the CCD 17 serving as an image reading means via a reduction lens (not shown).

  FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the housing 11 in the scanner unit 10. The slit glass 16 disposed on the left side of the upper surface of the housing 11 is formed in a strip shape extending in the front-rear direction, and an appropriate interval is provided on the right side of the slit glass 16 with respect to the slit glass 13. A platen glass 18 is arranged. As for the 1st slider 13 provided in the inside of the housing 11, the position between the slit glass 16 and the platen glass 18 is a home position.

  Inside the housing 11, a plurality of document sensors are provided for detecting the size of the document D placed on the platen glass 18 by the operator. The document D placed on the platen glass 18 is positioned along, for example, the left side edge of the platen glass 18 and is positioned on the platen glass 18 as a document sensor, for example. A first document sensor 15a and a second document sensor 15b are provided for detecting a side edge on the back side of the document D having a size larger than a predetermined size (for example, B5 size).

  The first document sensor 15a is, for example, a reflection type sensor, and detects a document having a size larger than a predetermined size (for example, B5 size) arranged on the platen glass 18 so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the left-right direction. Has been placed. The second document sensor 15b is a reflective sensor disposed on the right side of the first document sensor 15a with an appropriate interval, and has a predetermined size (for example, A4 size) or more positioned on the platen glass 18. A side edge on the back side is detected when the document D is arranged such that the longitudinal direction is along the left-right direction. Here, the length of the placed document in the front-rear direction (main scanning direction) is detected here by a plurality of document sensors (not shown) arranged at appropriate intervals in the scanning direction.

<Configuration of Hinge Mechanism in Image Reading Apparatus>
The ADF unit 20 in the image reading apparatus B is connected to the back side portion of the scanner unit 10 by a hinge mechanism so that the front side portion is rotated upward with respect to the scanner unit 10. ing. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the hinge mechanism 30. The hinge mechanism 30 includes a fixed-side hinge body 31 attached to the back side of the scanner unit 10, a rotating-side hinge body 32 attached to the back side of the ADF unit 20, and a fixed-side hinge. It has a hinge fulcrum shaft 33 that rotatably supports the end portions on the back side of the body 31 and the rotation side hinge body 32.

  A rotational force of an opening / closing drive motor 34 for opening / closing the ADF unit 20 is transmitted to the hinge fulcrum shaft 33 via a plurality of gears 36 to 38. As the opening / closing drive motor 34, for example, a pulse motor is used. The open / close drive motor 34 is driven to rotate forward and reversely when an open switch 19a and a close switch 19b of the operation panel 14 provided in the scanner unit 10 are selectively turned on.

  The rotation-side hinge body 32 attached to the ADF unit 20 is rotated with the front end on the front side about the hinge fulcrum shaft 33 when the opening / closing drive motor 34 is driven to rotate forward. . As a result, the side edge of the front side of the ADF unit 20 rotates upward, and the upper surface of the housing 11 in the scanner unit 10 is opened. The ADF unit 20 is prevented from turning upward at an opening / closing angle of about 70 ° with respect to the upper surface of the scanner unit 10 by a stopper (not shown). When the opening / closing drive motor 34 is driven in reverse, the front end of the ADF unit 20 is rotated downward. The ADF unit 20 stops rotating by contacting the upper surface of the housing 11 in the scanner unit 10, and is in a closed state covering the platen glass 18 provided on the upper surface of the housing 11.

<ADF unit open / close position detector>
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the MFP. The scanner unit 10 is provided with an open / close position detector 37 that detects that the ADF unit 20 has become a predetermined open / close angle or less. The open / close position detector 37 includes, for example, a sensor rod 37a that is biased so as to protrude upward through the upper surface of the housing 11 of the scanner unit 10, and the sensor rod 37a is formed by the ADF unit 20. The ADF unit 20 is pushed down by rotating downward and reaching an opening / closing angle of a predetermined angle (for example, 20 °) or less with respect to the scanner unit 10.

  When the ADF unit 20 is in contact with the scanner unit 10, the sensor rod 37a is slid upward as the ADF unit 20 is in contact with the scanner unit 10, and the ADF unit 20 moves upward over a predetermined angle (for example, 20 °). The contact state with the ADF unit 20 is released. In such a state, the rotational position detection sensor 37b provided inside the housing 11 is turned on. Even if the ADF unit 20 is rotated upward and reaches a predetermined angle (for example, 20 °) or more, the sensor rod 37a maintains a state in which the sensor rod 37a protrudes upward from the upper surface of the housing 11 by a predetermined length.

<Configuration of control system in image reading apparatus>
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main part of the control system in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus main body A is provided with a system CPU 65 that controls an image forming operation and the like, and a panel CPU 66 that executes control of a display unit on the operation panel 14, transmission / reception control of various data, and the like. The system CPU 65 and the panel CPU 66 are configured so that data can be transmitted and received between them. The scanner unit 10 of the image reading apparatus B is provided with a scanner CPU 41 that controls the scanner motor 43 and the like, and the ADF unit 20 is provided with an ADF-CPU 51 that controls document conveyance and the like. The system CPU 65, the scanner CPU 41, and the ADF-CPU 51 are configured so as to be able to transmit / receive data to / from each other.

  The ADF-CPU 51 controls the motor driving ICs 52 to 55 for driving the paper feeding unit motor 25a, the registration unit motor 25b, the reading unit motor 25c, and the discharging unit motor 25d provided in the ADF unit main body 21, respectively. It is like that. Further, the ADF-CPU 51 controls the motor drive IC 56 that drives the opening / closing drive motor 34 for opening / closing the ADF unit 20 so that the opening / closing drive motor 34 is driven forward and backward at a predetermined rotational speed. It has become.

  The ADF-CPU 51 further includes outputs of a first document length sensor 23a, a second document length sensor 23b, and a third document length sensor 23c provided on the document feed tray 22 in the ADF unit 20, and a document width sensor. 24 outputs are provided, the outputs of the open switch 19a and the close switch 19b provided on the operation panel 14, the first paper passing sensor 27a provided in the ADF unit main body 21, and the second paper passing, respectively. Outputs of the sensor 27b and the third paper passing sensor 27c are respectively given.

  The ADF-CPU 51 is based on the outputs of the first document length sensor 23a, the second document length sensor 23b, the third document length sensor 23c, and the document width sensor 24 that constitute the document size sensor. 22 detects the size of the document D placed on the image 22 and transmits data relating to the detected size of the document D to the system CPU 65 in the image forming apparatus main body A. The system CPU 65 selects a recording sheet corresponding to the size of the document D from the paper feeding unit 61 of the image forming apparatus main body A and conveys it to the printer unit 61.

  The scanner CPU 41 drives the scanner motor 43 so that the first slider 12 and the second slider 13 move at a predetermined speed in a predetermined direction by controlling the motor drive IC 42 at the time of image reading. Further, the scanner CPU 41 controls an image processing unit 44 that processes image data read by the CCD 17. The image processing unit 44 performs shading correction, sharpness adjustment, HVC adjustment, density correction, and the like on the image data obtained by the CCD 17.

  Further, the scanner CPU 41 is connected with a first document sensor 15 a and a second document sensor 15 b for detecting the size of the document D placed on the platen glass 18, and an open / close position detector 37. Although not shown, the scanner CPU 41 is also provided with outputs of a plurality of document sensors that detect the size of the document D placed on the platen glass 18 in the main scanning direction. The size of the document D placed on the platen glass 18 is detected based on the outputs of all the document sensors of the plurality of document sensors that detect the size in the main scanning direction.

The scanner CPU 41 transmits data relating to the determined document size to the system CPU 65 in the image forming apparatus main body A. The system CPU 65 selects a recording sheet corresponding to the size of the document D from the paper feeding unit 61 of the image forming apparatus main body A and conveys it to the printer unit 61.
Note that the size in the main scanning direction of the document D placed on the platen glass 18 may be detected based on the output of the CCD 17. In this case, the scanner CPU 41 controls the motor drive IC 42 to drive the scanner motor 43, so that the linear light source 12a can irradiate light on the document placed on the platen glass 18. The first slider 12 is moved until the linear light source 12a is turned on at that position. Based on the amount of light reflected by the document D and received by the CCD 17, the length of the document D along the main scanning direction is detected.

  The scanner CPU 41 transmits the outputs of the first document sensor 15 a and the second document sensor 15 b to the ADF-CPU 51. The ADF-CPU 51 detects that the operator has set the document D on the platen glass 18 based on the outputs of the first document sensor 15a and the second document sensor 15b. That is, when the outputs of the first document sensor 15a and the second document sensor 15b change without being stabilized, it is determined that the setting of the document D on the platen glass 18 by the operator is not completed, When it is detected that the outputs of the first document sensor 15a and the second document sensor 15b do not change over a predetermined time, the setting of the document D on the platen glass 18 by the operator is completed.

<Control of open / close drive motor>
Next, the control of the opening / closing drive motor 34 executed by the ADF-CPU 51 when the open switch 19a and the close switch 19b are selectively turned on will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The ADF-CPU 51 is in a standby state until either the open switch 19a or the close switch 19b is selectively turned on (steps S1 and S6 in FIG. 8), and when the open switch 19a is turned on (in step S1) “YES”), the ADF-CPU 51 outputs at least one of outputs from the first to third document length sensors 23 a to 23 c provided on the document feed tray 22 of the ADF unit 20 and the document width sensor 24. It is determined whether one of the outputs is not constant (step S2). If at least one of the outputs is changed (“YES” in step S2), the document feed tray 22 is checked. Assuming that the operator has set the document D, the opening / closing drive motor 34 is set in a drive prohibited state (step S5).

  Therefore, even if it is detected in step S1 that the open switch 19a is turned on, if the operator is setting the document D on the document feed tray 22, the on state is invalidated. Since the driving of the opening / closing drive motor 34 is prohibited, there is no possibility that the ADF unit 20 will collide with the operator who is setting the original, and there is no possibility that the original D being set will be disturbed.

  In step S2, all the outputs of the first to third document length sensors 23a to 23c and the document width sensor 24 provided on the document feed tray 22 of the ADF unit 20 become constant without change (step S2). If the state continues for a predetermined time (“YES” in step S3), it is detected in step S1 that the setting of the document D on the document feed tray 22 by the operator is completed. The ON state of the open switch 19a is validated and the open / close drive motor 34 is driven forward (step S4).

  If the open switch 19a is not turned on in step S1 ("NO" in step S1), it is determined whether the closed switch 19b is turned on (step S6). When the close switch 19b is turned on (“YES” in step S6), the ADF-CPU 51 provides in the scanner unit 10 whether the document D on the platen glass 18 on the upper surface of the scanner unit 10 is set. A determination is made based on the outputs of the first and second document sensors 15a and 15b (step S7). When the outputs of the first and second document sensors 15a and 15b are not constant and have changed ("YES" in step S7), the setting of the document D by the operator on the platen glass 18 is completed. As a result, the output (ON state) of the closed switch 19b that is turned on in step S6 is invalidated, and the opening / closing drive motor 34 is in a drive prohibited state (step S5). Therefore, when the operator sets an original on the platen glass 18, there is no possibility that the ADF unit 20 rotates downward and collides with the operator.

  In contrast, in step S7, the outputs of the first and second document sensors 15a and 15b remain constant without change ("NO" in step S7), and such a state continues for a predetermined time. If YES (“YES” in step S8), it is determined that the setting of the document D on the platen glass 18 by the operator is completed, and the output (ON state) of the closed switch 19b turned on in step S6. ) Is activated, and the opening / closing drive motor 34 is driven in reverse (step S9).

  In step S7, the ADF-CPU 51 determines the completion of the setting of the document D based on the outputs of the first and second document sensors 15a and 15b transmitted from the scanner unit 10. Not limited to such a configuration, the scanner unit 10 determines the completion of the setting of the document D based on the outputs of the first and second document sensors 15a and 15b, and opens / closes the drive motor 34 to the ADF-CPU 51. It may be configured to instruct the drive prohibition and the drive prohibition release.

<Control of the opening / closing drive motor 34 when a paper jam occurs>
Next, the control of the opening / closing drive motor 34 executed by the ADF-CPU 51 when a paper jam occurs in the ADF unit 20 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, the ADF-CPU 51 determines whether a paper jam has occurred in the ADF unit 20 based on the outputs of the first to third paper passing sensors 27a to 27c (step S11 in FIG. 9). When all of the first to third paper passing sensors 27a to 27c are turned off ("YES" in step S11), it is determined that no paper jam has occurred, and the opening / closing drive motor 34 at the time of paper jam is displayed. Do not execute control.

  If all of the first to third paper passing sensors 27a to 27c are not turned off (“NO” in step S11), at least one of the paper feeding sensors 27a to 27c is turned on, so that the document is inside the ADF unit 20. It is determined that a paper jam of D has occurred. In this case, it is determined whether only the second paper passing sensor 27b is in an on state or an off state (step S12).

  When the second sheet passing sensor 27b is in the ON state (“YES” in step S12), a paper jam has occurred near the second reading roller 21g, and therefore the bottom surface of the sheet feeding main body portion 21a. Since it is necessary to open the open / close door 21y provided in the case, it is confirmed whether or not the open switch 19a is turned on (step S13). If the open switch 19a is in the on state (“YES” in step S13), the on state is validated and the opening / closing drive motor 34 is driven forward (step S14).

  As a result, the ADF unit 20 is rotated upward to be separated from the upper surface of the housing 11 in the scanner unit 10, and the open / close door 21y on the bottom surface of the paper feed main body 21a can be opened. . Accordingly, in such a state, the operator can open the open / close door 21y on the bottom surface of the paper feed main body 21a to remove the document jammed in the vicinity of the second reading roller 21g.

  When the second sheet passing sensor 27b is not turned on in step S12 (“NO” in step S12), it is necessary to open the opening / closing door 21y provided on the bottom surface of the sheet feeding body 21a in the ADF unit 20. Therefore, even if the close switch 19b is in the on state, the on state is invalidated and the open / close drive motor 34 is in a drive prohibited state (step S15). Further, even if the second sheet passing sensor 27b is in the on state (“YES” in step S12), if the open switch 19a is not in the on state (“NO” in step S13), the closed switch Even if 19b is turned on, the on state is invalidated and the open / close drive motor 34 is set in a drive prohibited state (step S15).

  As described above, in the ADF unit 20, when a paper jam occurs in which the second sheet passing sensor 27b is turned on, the second sheet passing sensor 27b is once turned on, so that the ADF unit 20 is opened. Even if the close switch 19b is turned on, the ADF unit 20 is not closed unless the paper jam is released and the second paper passing sensor 27b is turned off, so that the safety of the operator is ensured.

  In the above embodiment, it is determined that the operator has set the document D on the platen glass 18 of the scanner unit 10 based on the outputs of the first and second document sensors 15a and 15b. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the determination may be made based on the outputs of a plurality of document sensors that detect the size of the document D on the platen glass 18 in the main scanning direction. The determination may be made based on the outputs of all the document sensors including the second document sensors 15a and 15b.

<Other embodiments>
When the open state of the ADF unit 20 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined angle detected by the open / close position detector 37, the output of the CCD 17 indicates that the operator has set the document D on the platen glass 18 of the scanner unit 10. You may make it judge based on. In this case, in step S7 of FIG. 8, the scanner CPU 41 controls the motor driving IC 42 to drive the scanner motor 43, so that the linear light source 12a emits light to the document placed on the platen glass 18. The first slider 12 is moved to a predetermined position where it can be irradiated, and the linear light source 12a is turned on at that position.

  When the linear light source 12 a is turned on, the light emitted from the linear light source 12 a is reflected by the document D and received by the CCD 17. The CCD 17 outputs a signal corresponding to the received light quantity to the image processing unit 44, and the image processing unit 44 performs image processing on the output of the CCD 17. When the output of the image processing unit 44 is not constant, the scanner CPU 41 determines that the setting of the document D placed on the platen glass 18 by the operator has not been completed, and the ADF− The CPU 51 is instructed to prohibit the opening / closing drive motor 34 from being driven. As a result, the ADF-CPU 51 prohibits the drive of the opening / closing drive motor 34 even when the open switch 19a and the close switch 19b are turned on.

  In contrast, when the output of the image processing unit 44 does not change for a predetermined time, the scanner CPU 41 determines that the setting of the document D placed on the platen glass 18 by the operator is completed, The ADF-CPU 51 is instructed to cancel the drive prohibition of the opening / closing drive motor 34. Thereby, in the ADF-CPU 51, the opening / closing drive motor 34 is driven in accordance with the selective ON state of the open switch 19a and the close switch 19b.

  As described above, when the operator detects that the manuscript is set on the platen glass 18 based on the output of the CCD 17, the ADF unit 20 is open at a predetermined angle or less. Even if the linear light source 12a is turned on, the light emitted from the linear light source 12a is not likely to be seen by the operator, and the edge position of the document D in the main scanning direction is moved by the output of the CCD 17. Since it can be directly detected, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of the movement of the document D.

  When the open state of the ADF unit 20 is larger than a predetermined angle detected by the open / close position detector 37, the document D is set based on the output of the document sensor provided in the scanner unit 10. Will be judged on the completion of. Further, for example, in the case where the operator does not feel the glare visually by reducing the amount of light or the like, not only when the ADF unit 20 is in an open state of a predetermined angle or less, but always with the CCD 17. The movement of the document D may be detected based on the output.

Furthermore, since the CCD 17 can read the original image itself, the output of the CCD 17 is sampled at regular intervals, and the position of a specific area of the read image within one page of the pixel group is the same as the previous sampling time and the current time. If the sampling is different, it may be determined that the document is moving.
In the above-described embodiment, the opening / closing drive motor is based on the document D set state on the platen glass 18 of the scanner unit 10 and the document D set state on the document feed tray 22 of the ADF unit 20. However, the driving of the opening / closing drive motor 34 may be prohibited by only one of them. Further, the configuration in which the driving of the opening / closing drive motor 34 based on the paper jam of the document D in the ADF unit 20 may be used alone, but the configuration in which the driving of the opening / closing drive motor 34 based on the set state of the document is prohibited. And may be used in combination.

  The present invention provides an image reading apparatus having a scanner unit that reads an image of a document and an automatic document transport unit (ADF unit) that automatically transports a document whose image is read by the scanner unit. It is possible to ensure safety when performed.

A image forming apparatus main body B image reading apparatus 10 scanner unit 12 first slider 13 second slider 14 operation panel 15a first document sensor 15b second document sensor 16 slit glass 17 CCD
18 Platen glass 19a Open switch 19b Close switch 20 ADF unit 21 ADF unit body 21y Open / close door 22 Document feed tray 23a First document length sensor 23b Second document length sensor 23c Third document length sensor 24 Document width sensor 30 Hinge mechanism 31 Fixed side hinge body 32 Rotating side hinge body 33 Hinge fulcrum shaft 34 Opening / closing drive motor 41 Scanner CPU
51 ADF-CPU

Claims (6)

An image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed.
Open / close drive means for opening / closing the automatic document transport unit;
Opening / closing instruction means for instructing opening / closing driving by the opening / closing driving means;
Wherein the said opening and closing drive means and drive inhibition state when the set of originals by the operator on the platen glass provided on the scanner unit is determined not to be completed, it is determined that a set of the document has been completed Control means for controlling the opening and closing drive means according to an opening and closing instruction by the opening and closing instruction means ,
The control means determines whether or not a document has been set on the platen glass based on an output of a sensor provided to detect the size of the document placed on the platen glass. An image reading apparatus. An image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed.
Open / close drive means for opening / closing the automatic document transport unit;
Opening / closing instruction means for instructing opening / closing driving by the opening / closing driving means;
Wherein the said opening and closing drive means and drive inhibition state when the set of originals by the operator on the platen glass provided on the scanner unit is determined not to be completed, it is determined that a set of the document has been completed Control means for controlling the opening and closing drive means according to an opening and closing instruction by the opening and closing instruction means ,
The control means determines whether or not the document has been set on the platen glass based on an output of an image reading means provided for reading an image of the document placed on the platen glass. A characteristic image reading apparatus. An image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed.
Open / close drive means for opening / closing the automatic document transport unit;
Opening / closing instruction means for instructing opening / closing driving by the opening / closing driving means;
Wherein the said opening and closing drive means and drive inhibition state when the set of originals by the operator on the platen glass provided on the scanner unit is determined not to be completed, it is determined that a set of the document has been completed Control means for controlling the opening and closing drive means according to an opening and closing instruction by the opening and closing instruction means ,
The control means determines whether or not the document has been set on the platen glass, and if the opening / closing angle of the automatic document transport unit is smaller than a predetermined value, an image of the document placed on the platen glass. When the opening / closing angle of the automatic document transport unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the size of the document placed on the platen glass is detected. An image reading apparatus that performs the operation based on an output of a sensor provided for the purpose . An image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed.
Open / close drive means for opening / closing the automatic document transport unit;
Opening / closing instruction means for instructing opening / closing driving by the opening / closing driving means;
The opening and closing if the previous SL to the opening and closing drive means and drive inhibition state when the set of originals by the operator in the automatic document transport unit is determined not to be completed, it is determined that a set of the document has been completed Control means for controlling the opening and closing drive means according to the opening and closing instruction by the instruction means ,
The control means determines whether or not the document has been set in the automatic document feeder unit, and outputs an output from a sensor provided to detect the size of the document placed on the document placement tray of the automatic document feeder unit. Based on
The automatic document transport unit has a plurality of paper jam detection means for detecting a paper jam at each of a plurality of positions in the document transport path,
The control means determines whether the opening / closing instruction by the opening / closing instruction means is valid or invalid based on the paper jam position when the paper jam detecting means detects a paper jam of the document. An image reading apparatus that controls the opening / closing driving means according to an instruction of the opening / closing instruction means . An image reading apparatus in which an automatic document conveyance unit is mounted on a scanner unit by a hinge mechanism so as to be opened and closed.
Open / close drive means for opening / closing the automatic document transport unit;
Opening / closing instruction means for instructing opening / closing driving by the opening / closing driving means;
A plurality of paper jam detection means for detecting a paper jam at a plurality of positions in the document transport path of the automatic document transport unit;
When a paper jam is detected by the paper jam detection unit, whether the open / close instruction by the open / close instruction unit is valid or invalid is determined based on the paper jam position. Control means for controlling the opening / closing drive means in accordance with an instruction from the instruction means;
An image reading apparatus comprising: An image forming apparatus comprising an image reading apparatus according is provided in any one of claims 1-5.

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