JP6580747B2 - Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention also relates copier, the image reading apparatus and an image forming equipment such as an image scanner provided in the image forming apparatus such as a facsimile device or a multifunction machine.

Conventionally, a copying machine, an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile device or a multifunction machine, generally, to ensure that the document table of the document placed on the transparent member of the document placing table having a transparent member such as a transparent glass A document pressing device is provided so as to obtain an image with good image quality by being in close contact.

The document pressing device includes a pressing member that covers and holds the document. The pressing member generally includes a document pressing member and an elastic member that is provided on the document pressing side of the document pressing member and presses the document. The document pressing device has a function of uniformly pressing the elastic member against the document placed on the transparent member of the document placement table.

However, in a conventional document pressing device, when an image of a document (especially a glossy document such as a photographic document) is read, if the pressing force of the elastic member on the document is increased, the gap between the document and the transparent member is reduced. while a spot by the interference of light waves reflected on both sides (so-called Newton ring) on the document read image occurs, in order to prevent spots by the interference, the weakened pressing force to the document of the elastic member, the document to the transparent member There is an inconvenience that a shadow is generated in the read image of the document due to floating.

  In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses that the thickness of the central portion of this surface is formed on the surface facing the contact glass (transparent plate of the document placement table) of the document pressing plate (document pressing member), and By disposing an elastic member in which the thickness around the central portion is continuously reduced in a stepwise or linear manner, a document pressing plate (document pressing member) is opened in Patent Document 2. It has been proposed to provide a plurality of elastic members that protrude when the document is closed and that are in close contact with the document when the document is in the closed state, thereby preventing the document from being displaced or rolled up when the document pressing member is opened or closed.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, at least one of the compression amount and the elastic modulus of the pressing member is gradually reduced from the side closer to the hinge portion toward the side farther from the hinge portion, so that the opening / closing side end portion of the document pressing member can be reduced. It has been proposed to prevent floating.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-27339 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-91635 JP 2008-152185 A

However, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 prevent the document from being displaced and wound when the document pressing member is opened and closed, and the invention described in Patent Document 3 is a floating of the opening and closing side end of the document pressing member. In any case, spots that may occur in the read image of the original due to light wave interference in the gap between the original and the transparent member , and the read image of the original due to the floating of the original with respect to the transparent member No consideration is given to preventing both possible shadows.

Accordingly, the present invention provides both spots that may occur in a read image of a document due to light wave interference in the gap between the document and the transparent member, and shadows that may occur in the read image of the document due to the floating of the document with respect to the transparent member. and to provide an image reading apparatus and an image forming equipment which can be effectively prevented.

The present inventors, in order to solve the above problems, intensive result of extensive study, plural kinds of defined size that are placed on the transparent member of the document placing table having a transparent member (e.g., A3 size, B4 size, A4 In an image reading apparatus provided with a document pressing device that presses a document of a size, B5 size, A5 size, 2L size, B6 size, A6 size, L size), a pressing member that presses a plurality of types of specified size documents, In a first pressing area that presses a document of a predetermined size (for example, 2L size) smaller than the maximum size (for example, A3 size) among a plurality of types of specified sizes (especially a glossy document such as a photo document). The first pressing force is configured to be smaller than at least the second pressing force in the region near the outside of the first pressing region among the second pressing regions other than the first pressing region. , While a pressing force first pressing area of the pressing member, with both the at least the outer region near the first press area of the second pressing region can be those appropriate, thereby, the original transparent member and The present invention has found that it is possible to effectively prevent both spots that may occur in a read image of a document due to interference of light waves in a gap between them and shadows that may occur in a read image of a document due to floating of the document with respect to a transparent member . completed.

The present invention is based on such a finding, it provides a next image reading apparatus and an image forming equipment.

(1) Image Reading Device Image reading device including an image reading unit including a document placing table made of a transparent member for placing a document, and a document pressing device that presses the document placed on the document placing table. The document pressing device includes a rotation support unit that supports the image reading unit so that the document pressing device main body can be opened and closed at one end side, at least the first document, and the first document. A pressing member that presses the second original having a large size, wherein the pressing member is a first pressing area that presses the first original and the first pressing area other than the first pressing area. And a second pressing region that presses the second document and is disposed adjacent to the rotation support portion in the main scanning direction, and the pressing member has a thickness of the first pressing region that is the first pressing region. 2 is smaller than the thickness of the pressing area, and the original Is supported by both one end side in the main scanning direction and one end side in the sub scanning direction, and the second pressing region includes the other end of the pressing member in the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. The image reading apparatus is formed up to the other end of the image reading apparatus.

(2) Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprising the image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, the pressing force of the first pressing region before Symbol pressing member, wherein it is possible to those moderate in both the second pressing area, whereby said transparent member and the original Effectively preventing both spots that may occur in the read image of the original document due to interference of light waves in the gap between them and shadows that may occur in the read image of the original document due to the floating of the original document with respect to the transparent member Can do. This is particularly effective when the original is a glossy original such as a photo original (for example, a glossy paper original).

Moreover, it is possible to pre-Symbol is the second pressing force easily realize a structure to be smaller than in the second pressing area other than the first said pressing force first press area in the first pressing region.

In the present invention, a mode in which the thickness of the first pressing region in the main scanning direction is smaller than the thickness of the second pressing region can be exemplified.

In the present invention, the pressing member can be exemplified by an aspect in which the thickness of the first pressing region and / or the second pressing region is constant.

In the present invention, the pressing member is configured such that the thickness of the pressing member increases from the first pressing area toward the second pressing area at the boundary between the first pressing area and the second pressing area. An embodiment having an inclined portion that is inclined can be exemplified.

In the present invention, the pressing member can be exemplified embodiment comprises a first pressing area parts which constitute the first pressing region, and a second pressing area part constituting the second pressing area. Then, wherein the first pressing region portion and the second press area unit, can be exemplified state like that are integrally formed.

In this specific matter, since the first pressing region portion and the second pressing region portion are integrally formed, the step of bonding the first pressing region portion and the second pressing region portion can be omitted. Therefore, workability can be improved as much .

In the present invention, prior SL document, if it is a rectangular shape, and a second side adjacent the first side and the first side before SL document placed on the transparent member of said original table The aspect further provided with the support part to support can be illustrated. The supporting portion is provided with a character indicating the size at a position indicating the size of the document, and an arrow indicating the intersection at a position indicating the intersection of the first side and the second side. Can be illustrated.

In this particular matter, that the character indicating the size is provided at a position indicating the size of the original of the support portion, can inform reliably double several standard size to the user, also the By providing the arrow indicating the intersection at the position of the intersection of the first side and the second side of the document in the support unit, the reference of the support position by the support unit of the document of the specified size is provided. It is possible to reliably notify the user that the arrow is present, and it is possible to reduce the error in placing the original by the user.

As described above, according to the present invention, the spots that may be generated in the read image of the original due to the interference of light waves in the gap between the original and the transparent member , and the floating of the original with respect to the transparent member Both shadows that can occur in the read image of the original can be effectively prevented.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the image reading apparatus mounted on the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image reading apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when viewed from the front. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of 1st Embodiment, Comprising: The state which the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of 1st Embodiment is pressing the original document was seen from the plane. It is a schematic plan view. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the document pressing device shown in FIG. 4 is separated from the image reading device main body, and is a view showing a state seen from the direction A shown in FIG. 4. It is the model for demonstrating the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of 1st Embodiment, Comprising: The state which the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of 1st Embodiment is pressing the original document was seen from the plane It is a schematic plan view. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the document pressing device shown in FIG. 6 is separated from the image reading apparatus main body, and is a view showing a state seen from the B direction shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a document pressing device according to Example 3 of the first embodiment when the document pressing device according to Example 3 of the first embodiment is pressing the document when viewed from a plane. It is a schematic plan view. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document pressing device illustrated in FIG. 8 is separated from the image reading apparatus main body, and (a) is a diagram illustrating a state viewed from the A direction illustrated in FIG. These are figures which show the state seen from the B direction shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the change of the amount of dents of the base member by an auxiliary member by the difference in the physical property value of the base member and auxiliary member in Examples 1-3 of 1st Embodiment, Comprising: (a) It is a figure which shows the state before the press to the contact glass of an elastic member in the case where a physical property value is the same with an auxiliary member, (b) of the elastic member in the case where a physical property value is the same with a base member and an auxiliary member It is a figure which shows the press state to contact glass, (c) is a figure which shows the state before the press to the contact glass of an elastic member in case a physical property value is mutually different by a base member and an auxiliary member, ( d) is a figure which shows the press state to the contact glass of the elastic member in case a physical-property value differs between a base member and an auxiliary member. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example in which an auxiliary member of the document pressing device according to Example 1 of the first embodiment is provided between a base member and a contact member, and shows a state viewed from the B direction shown in FIG. 4. FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of 2nd Embodiment, Comprising: The state which the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of 2nd Embodiment has pressed the original document was seen from the plane. It is a schematic plan view. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document pressing device illustrated in FIG. 12 is separated from the image reading apparatus main body, and (a) is a diagram illustrating a state viewed from the A direction illustrated in FIG. These are figures which show the state seen from the B direction shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of 2nd Embodiment, Comprising: The state which the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of 2nd Embodiment is pressing the original document was seen from the plane. It is a schematic plan view. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document pressing device illustrated in FIG. 14 is separated from the image reading apparatus main body, and (a) is a diagram illustrating a state viewed from the A direction illustrated in FIG. These are figures which show the state seen from the B direction shown in FIG. It is the model for demonstrating the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: The state which the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of 3rd Embodiment is pressing the original document was seen from the plane. It is a schematic plan view. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document pressing device illustrated in FIG. 16 is separated from the image reading device main body, and (a) is a diagram illustrating a state viewed from the A direction illustrated in FIG. These are figures which show the state seen from the B direction shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of 3rd Embodiment, Comprising: The state which the original document pressing apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of 3rd Embodiment is pressing the original document was seen from the plane. It is a schematic plan view. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the document pressing device illustrated in FIG. 18 is separated from the image reading apparatus main body, and (a) is a diagram illustrating a state viewed from the A direction illustrated in FIG. These are figures which show the state seen from the B direction shown in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the state from which the thickness of the elastic member in 1st Embodiment to 3rd Embodiment becomes large as it goes to the near side from an opening-and-closing axis side, Comprising: (a) is an Example of 1st Embodiment FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of Example 1 of the second embodiment, and FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of Example 2 of the third embodiment. . Evaluation of the occurrence state of speckles that can occur in a scanned image of a document due to light wave interference in the gap between the document and the contact glass, and shadows that can occur in the scanned image of the document due to the floating of the document with respect to the contact glass It is a chart which shows a result.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 400 provided with an image reading apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

  An image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 1 reads an image of an original G, and records an image of the original G read by the image reading apparatus 100 or an image received from the outside in color or single color on plain paper or the like. An image forming apparatus main body 400d for recording and forming on a sheet is provided, and the image reading apparatus 100 is mounted on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus main body 400d.

[Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
The image forming apparatus main body 400d includes an exposure device 1, a developing device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), a photosensitive drum 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) that acts as an image carrier, and a charger 5 (5a, 5d). 5b, 5c, 5d), cleaner device 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), intermediate transfer belt device 8 including intermediate transfer roller 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) acting as a transfer portion, fixing device 12, A sheet transport device 50, a paper feed tray 10 that functions as a paper feed unit, and a paper discharge tray 15 that functions as a paper discharge unit are provided.

  The image data handled in the image forming apparatus main body 400d corresponds to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), or a single color (for example, black). This corresponds to a monochrome image using. Accordingly, the developing device 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), the photosensitive drum 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), the charger 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), and the cleaner device 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and four intermediate transfer rollers 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) are provided so as to form four types of images corresponding to the respective colors. Is associated with black, b with cyan, c with magenta, and d with yellow to form four image stations. Hereinafter, the description will be made with the suffixes a to d omitted.

  The photoconductive drum 3 is disposed substantially at the center in the vertical direction of the image forming apparatus main body 400d. The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential, and a charger type charger is used in addition to a contact type roller type or brush type charger. .

  Here, the exposure apparatus 1 is a laser scanning unit including a laser diode and a reflection mirror, and exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 3 in accordance with image data, and electrostatically in accordance with the image data on the surface. A latent image is formed.

  The developing device 2 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 with (K, C, M, Y) toner. The cleaner device 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The intermediate transfer belt device 8 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 7, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, a driven roller 22, a tension roller 23, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning in addition to the intermediate transfer roller 6. A device 9 is provided.

  Roller members such as the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21, the intermediate transfer roller 6, the driven roller 22, and the tension roller 23 stretch and support the intermediate transfer belt 7, and the intermediate transfer belt 7 is supported in a predetermined sheet conveyance direction (in the drawing). Move around in the direction of the arrow).

  The intermediate transfer roller 6 is rotatably supported inside the intermediate transfer belt 7 and is pressed against the photosensitive drum 3 via the intermediate transfer belt 7.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 is provided so as to be in contact with each photoconductive drum 3, and a color toner image (each color is transferred by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner image on the surface of each photoconductive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 7. Toner image).

  The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 7 is performed by the intermediate transfer roller 6 that is in pressure contact with the inner side (back surface) of the intermediate transfer belt 7. A high voltage transfer bias (for example, a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 6 in order to transfer the toner image.

  The image forming apparatus main body 400d further includes a secondary transfer device 11 including a transfer roller 11a that functions as a transfer unit. The transfer roller 11a is in contact with the opposite side (outside) of the intermediate transfer belt 7 from the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 21.

  As described above, the toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 7 and become a color toner image indicated by the image data. The stacked toner images of the respective colors are transported together with the intermediate transfer belt 7 and transferred onto the recording sheet by the secondary transfer device 11.

  The intermediate transfer belt 7 and the transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 are pressed against each other to form a nip region. The transfer roller 11a of the secondary transfer device 11 has a voltage (for example, a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (-)) for transferring the toner image of each color on the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording sheet. Is applied).

  Further, the secondary transfer device 11 removes and collects the residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 7 without the toner image being completely transferred onto the recording sheet. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 9 includes, for example, a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 7 as a cleaning member, and residual toner can be removed and collected by the cleaning blade.

  The paper feed tray 10 is a tray for storing recording sheets, and is provided below the image forming unit 110 of the image forming apparatus main body 400d. A paper discharge tray 15 provided on the upper side of the image forming unit 110 is a tray for placing printed recording sheets face down.

  Further, the image forming apparatus main body 400d is provided with a sheet conveying device 50 for sending the recording sheet on the paper feed tray 10 to the paper discharge tray 15 via the secondary transfer device 11 and the fixing device 12. The sheet conveying device 50 has an S-shaped sheet conveying path S, and along the sheet conveying path S, a pickup roller 16, a first separating roller 14a, a second separating roller 14b, each conveying roller 13, and a pre-registration roller Conveying members such as the roller pair 19, the registration roller pair 106, the fixing device 12, and the paper discharge roller 17 are arranged.

  The pickup roller 16 is a draw-in roller that is provided at the downstream end of the sheet feeding tray 10 in the sheet conveying direction and supplies recording sheets from the sheet feeding tray 10 to the sheet conveying path S one by one. The first separation roller 14a passes the recording sheet between the second separation roller 14b and conveys it to the sheet conveyance path S while separating the recording sheets one by one. Each conveyance roller 13 and the pre-registration roller pair 19 are small rollers for promoting and assisting conveyance of the recording sheet. Each conveying roller 13 is provided at a plurality of locations along the sheet conveying path S. The pre-registration roller pair 19 is provided in the immediate vicinity of the registration roller pair 106 on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and conveys the recording sheet to the registration roller pair 106.

  The fixing device 12 includes a heat roller 31 and a pressure roller 32. The heat roller 31 and the pressure roller 32 sandwich and convey the recording sheet.

  The temperature of the heat roller 31 is controlled so as to be a predetermined fixing temperature, and the recording sheet is thermocompression bonded together with the pressure roller 32 to melt, mix, and press the toner image transferred to the recording sheet. On the other hand, it has a function of heat fixing. The fixing device 12 is provided with an external heating belt 33 for heating the heat roller 31 from the outside.

  The recording sheet after fixing the toner images of the respective colors is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 15 by the paper discharge roller 17.

  It is also possible to form a monochrome image using at least one of the four image forming stations and transfer the monochrome image to the intermediate transfer belt 7 of the intermediate transfer belt device 8. Similarly to the color image, this monochrome image is also transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 7 to the recording sheet and fixed on the recording sheet.

  In addition, when performing image formation on both the front side and the front side of the recording sheet, the image on the surface of the recording sheet is fixed by the fixing device 12, and then the recording sheet is discharged on the sheet conveying path S in the sheet discharge roller 17. In the middle of the conveyance, the paper discharge roller 17 is stopped and then reversely rotated, the recording sheet is passed through the front / back reversing path Sr, the recording sheet is reversed, and the recording sheet is transferred to the registration roller pair 106 again. As in the case of the front surface of the recording sheet, the image is recorded and fixed on the back surface of the recording sheet, and the recording sheet is discharged to the paper discharge tray 15.

  In the image reading apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, the reference numerals not described among the reference numerals attached will be described later.

[Overall configuration of image reading apparatus]
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the image reading apparatus 100 mounted on the image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the image reading apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image reading apparatus 100 is a reduction optical system type image reading apparatus, and uses an original fixing method to provide an original G (for example, in addition to a general normal original, glossiness). The document image is read with the document having an image of a document) fixed. The image reading apparatus 100 includes a plurality of types of prescribed sizes (here, A3 size, B4) placed on the contact glass 201a of the document placement table 201 having the image reading apparatus main body 100d and the contact glass 201a which is an example of a transparent plate. And a document pressing device 300 for pressing a document G of size A4 size, B5 size, A5 size, 2L size, B6 size, A6 size, L size). Here, the 2L size and the L size are sizes mainly used for photographic documents. The 2L size is 127 mm (5 inches) × 178 mm (7 inches), and the L size is 89 mm (3.5 inches) × 127 mm ( 5 inches).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading apparatus main body 100d illuminates the document G placed on the contact glass 201a while moving the light source unit 210 to one side Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y through the contact glass 201a. The document reading unit 200 reads the document image by scanning the reflected light from the document G illuminated by the light source unit 210 in the main scanning direction X orthogonal to both the sub-scanning direction Y and the vertical direction Z.

  Specifically, the document reading unit 200 includes a contact glass 201a, a light source unit 210 that functions as a scanning body, an optical system driving unit (not shown) that moves the light source unit 210, a mirror unit 203, a condenser lens 204, and photoelectric conversion. An element (CCD in this case) 205 is provided, and these members are accommodated in a metal frame 202. The light source unit 210 includes a light source 211 that irradiates light toward the original G, and a first mirror 230 that guides reflected light from the original G to the mirror unit 203. The light source 211 includes two light emitting element rows 212a and 212b in which a plurality of light emitting elements are arranged in the main scanning direction X, and light source substrates 213a and 213b on which the two light emitting element rows 212a and 212b are respectively mounted.

  The contact glass 201 a on which the document G is placed is made of a transparent glass plate, and both end portions in the main scanning direction X are placed on the frame body 202. The document pressing device 300 includes an opening / closing axis Q (see FIG. 4 and the like to be described later), and one end side (specifically, the image reading device main body 100d or the image forming device main body 400d (here, the image reading device main body 100d)). The operation side where the operation unit 101 (see FIG. 2) of the image reading apparatus main body 100d is provided, the front side (front side) is the other end side opposite to the one end side (specifically, the operation side is openable and closable). Is supported by the opening and closing shaft Q on the opposite side and the back side (back side). The document pressing device 300 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  The mirror unit 203 includes a second mirror 203a, a third mirror 203b, and a support member (not shown). The support member supports the second mirror 203a so that the light from the first mirror 230 in the light source unit 210 is reflected and guided to the third mirror 203b. Further, the support member supports the third mirror 203b so that the light from the second mirror 203a is reflected and guided to the condenser lens 204. The condensing lens 204 condenses the light from the third mirror 203b on the light receiving surface 205d of the photoelectric conversion element 205. The photoelectric conversion element 205 repeatedly scans light (original image light) from the condenser lens 204 in the main scanning direction X, and outputs an analog signal of one scanning line each time.

  Here, the optical system drive unit includes a moving mechanism such as a scanner motor (not shown) and a pulley and a wire (not shown). The scanner motor and the moving mechanism move the light source unit 210 at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction Y. And the mirror unit 203 is also moved in the sub-scanning direction Y at a movement speed that is ½ of the movement speed of the light source unit 210.

  In the image reading apparatus 100 described above, the light source unit 210 is fixed while irradiating the light from the light source 211 to the original G placed on the contact glass 201a in the original placement table 201 through the contact glass 201a. At the same time, it moves to one side Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y to scan the image of the original G. At the same time, the mirror unit 203 is also one side in the sub-scanning direction Y at a moving speed that is ½ the moving speed of the light source unit 210 Move to Y1.

  The reflected light that is illuminated by the light source unit 210 and reflected from the original G is reflected by the first mirror 230 provided in the light source unit 210 and then 180 by the second mirror 203a and the third mirror 203b of the mirror unit 203. ° The optical path is changed. The light reflected from the third mirror 203b forms an image on the light receiving surface 205d of the photoelectric conversion element 205 via the condenser lens 204, where the original image light is read and converted into an analog signal.

  In this embodiment, the image reading apparatus main body 100d includes an automatic document feeder that automatically conveys the document G and also serves as the document pressing device, instead of the document pressing device 300. The original G is moved by the moving method to read the original image. In this case, the image reading apparatus 100 causes the document reading unit 200 to read a document G conveyed to one side Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y so as to pass over the document reading glass 201b by the automatic document feeder. The original image is read by scanning the light reflected from the original G illuminated by the light source unit 210 in the main scanning direction while illuminating through the original reading glass 201b with the light source unit 210 positioned below the glass 201b. Can do.

[Original Press]
The document pressing device 300 includes a pressing member 360 that covers and holds the document G of a plurality of types of specified sizes (here, A3, B4, A4, B5, A5, 2L, B6, A6, and L). ing. The pressing member 360 includes a document pressing member (specifically, a document pressing plate) 310 and an elastic member 320 that is provided on the document pressing side of the document pressing member 310 and presses the document G having a plurality of types of specified sizes. Yes.

  In the document pressing device 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reference numerals not described among the reference numerals attached are described later.

  4 to 20 are schematic views for explaining the document pressing device 300 in the image reading device 100. FIG.

  In the document pressing device 300 shown in FIGS. 4 to 20, the document pressing member 310 is a plate-shaped housing member, and is formed of a resin material such as ABS (acrylonitrile butyrene styrene). The document pressing member 310 supports the elastic member 320 and has a size larger than the maximum size (here, A3 size) of the document G placed on the contact glass 201a. Specifically, the document pressing member 310 includes a document pressing member main body 311 and a plurality of ribs 312 to 312 (see FIG. 9 and the like) erected from the document pressing member main body 311 on the document pressing side. Each rib 312 to 312 extends along the sub-scanning direction Y, and an elastic member 320 is provided on each rib 312 to 312. The document pressing member main body 311 and the ribs 312 to 312 are integrally formed.

  The document pressing member 310 is pivotally supported by an opening / closing axis Q on the back side so that the front side can be opened and closed.

  In the present embodiment, the document pressing device 300 further includes a hinge portion 330 that acts as a rotation support portion that supports the document pressing member 310 so as to be opened and closed.

  The hinge part 330 is a pair of ones provided on one side Y1 and the other side Y2 in the sub-scanning direction Y, and main body side members provided on the heel side (back side) of the image reading apparatus main body 100d, respectively. 331 and a document pressing side member 332 that is provided on the heel side (back side) of the document pressing member 310 and rotates in the opening / closing direction W (see FIG. 7 and the like) with respect to the main body side member 331.

  The document pressing member 310 is provided in the image reading apparatus main body 100d such that the opening / closing axis Q is movable in the vertical direction.

  Specifically, the main body side member 331 is provided to be detachable with respect to the image reading apparatus main body 100d. The document pressing side member 332 is pivotally supported by the main body side member 331 so as to be rotatable by an opening / closing axis Q along the sub-scanning direction Y. Specifically, the main body side member 331 is a rod-shaped member that is inserted through an insertion hole 206 provided in the vertical direction Z in the image reading apparatus main body 100d. The document pressing side member 332 is fixed to the document pressing member 310. The document pressing side member 332 and the document pressing member 310 may be integrally formed.

  The hinge 330 is configured to urge the document pressing member 310 toward the document pressing side by a biasing member such as a coil spring. As a configuration for urging the document pressing member 310 toward the document pressing side, a conventionally known configuration can be used, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  In the document pressing apparatus 300 having such a configuration, the main body side member 331 of the document pressing member 310 is inserted into the insertion hole 206 (see FIG. 5 and the like) in the image reading apparatus main body 100d and is mounted on the image reading apparatus main body 100d. As a result, the main body side member 331 rotates with respect to the original pressing side member 332 while being attached to the image reading apparatus main body 100d, so that the original pressing member 310 opens and closes on the front side with respect to the image reading apparatus main body 100d. be able to. Then, the document pressing device 300 applies a pressing member 360 composed of the document pressing member 310 and the elastic member 320 to the contact glass 201 a in the document mounting table 201 by the biasing force of the document pressing member 310 to the document pressing side by the hinge part 330. Can be pressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the document placing table 201 includes a first side (short side) G1 and a second side (long side) orthogonal to the first side G1 of the document G having a specified size placed on the contact glass 201a. Side) G2 is further provided with a support portion 340.

  On the support unit 340, characters indicating the size of the original G (here, each size of A3, B4, A4, B5, A5, 2L, B6, A6, and L) (characters in FIG. 4 and the like) are displayed. (See S1). In FIG. 4 and the like, illustration of the size display of the B column is omitted.

  In addition, the support portion 340 is provided with an arrow (see symbol S2 in FIG. 4 and the like) indicating the intersection at a position indicating the intersection of the first side (short side) G1 and the second side (long side) G2. Yes.

  Specifically, the support unit 340 abuts the first side G1 of the document G and contacts one side in the direction along the second side G2, specifically, the other side Y2 in the sub-scanning direction Y (here, document reading start) The first support portion 341 that restricts the movement to the side) and the second side G2 of the document G are brought into contact with each other, and one side in the direction along the first side G1, specifically, the other side in the main scanning direction X And a second support portion 342 that restricts movement to X2 (here, the back side). Thus, the support unit 340 can support the document G on the basis of the other side Y2 in the sub-scanning direction Y (here, the document reading start side) and the other side X2 in the main scanning direction X (here, the back side).

  The first support portion 341 and the second support portion 342 are provided with characters S1 indicating the size of the document G, and the first support portion 341 has a first side (short side) G1 and a second side (long side). Side) An arrow S2 indicating the intersection of G2 is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the first support portion 341 not only regulates the movement of the document G to one side in the direction along the second side G2, but also causes the first side of the contact glass 201a to contact the first side. The second support portion 342 also serves as a support portion that restricts movement to one side in the direction along the second side perpendicular to one side, and the second support portion 342 is directed to one side in the direction along the first side G1 of the document G. In addition to restricting the movement of the contact glass 201a, the second side of the contact glass 201a is brought into contact with the support glass 201a so as to serve as a support part for restricting movement in one direction along the first side. Further, the support portion 340 abuts the third side opposite to the first side of the contact glass 201a and contacts the other side in the direction along the second side, specifically, one side Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y (here The third support portion 343 that restricts the movement to the document reading end side) and the fourth side opposite to the second side of the contact glass 201a are brought into contact with each other, specifically the other side in the direction along the first side. Is provided with a fourth support portion 344 for restricting movement to one side X1 (here, the front side) in the main scanning direction X.

  In the present embodiment, the document pressing device 300 further includes a sheet-like contact member 350 that contacts the document G placed on the contact glass 201a when the elastic member 320 is pressed against the document G. The contact member 350 is a member having a predetermined color, and is a white member here.

  The contact member 350 is formed of a resin film material such as polypropylene. The elastic member 320 is provided on the document pressing side of the document pressing member 310 (specifically, affixed), and has the same size as the elastic member 320. The thickness of contact member 350 (here, 0.1 mm) is uniform.

  Further, the shape of the document pressing member 310, the elastic member 320, and the contact member 350 is the same rectangular shape (rectangular shape) as the shape of the document G.

  The elastic member 320 presses the document G having a predetermined size (here, 2L size) smaller than the maximum size (here, A3 size) among a plurality of types of specified sizes when pressed against the document G. The first pressing force (force applied per unit area) F1 (see FIG. 5 and the like) in the first pressing region α1 (see FIG. 4 and the like) is the second pressing region α2 (see FIG. 4 and the like) other than the first pressing region α1. The second pressing force (force applied per unit area) F2 (see FIG. 5 and the like) in at least the outer vicinity region β of the first pressing region α1 is smaller than the first pressing region α1.

  The document pressing device 300 having such a configuration can be configured as in the following first to third embodiments.

  Next, details of the document pressing device 300 (300A1 to 300A3) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11, and details of the document pressing device 300 (300B1, 300B2) according to the second embodiment. 12 to FIG. 15, and details of the document pressing device 300 (300C1, 300C2) according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG.

[First Embodiment]
In the document pressing device 300 (300A1 to 300A3) according to the first embodiment, the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) includes a base member 321 that presses a plurality of types of document G having a predetermined size, a document pressing member 310, and a base member. And an auxiliary member 322 provided in the outer vicinity region β between 321.

  The base member 321 is a mat-like member, and is formed of a foamed (foamed) foamed resin material such as urethane foam or a porous resin material having a porous shape. Here, as the base member 321, urethane foam of F-2 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used. The base member 321 is attached to the document pressing side of the document pressing member 310 (specifically, attached), is smaller than the size of the document pressing member 310, and is placed on the contact glass 201a. The maximum size (here, A3 size) or larger than the maximum size (here, A3 size). The base member 321 has a uniform thickness.

  The auxiliary member 322 is provided along the side of the document G having a predetermined size (here, 2L size). The auxiliary member 322 can be formed of a foamed (foamed) foamed resin material such as urethane foam or a porous resin material having a porous shape. Here, as the auxiliary member 322, a urethane foam of SM-55 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used. The auxiliary member 322 is provided on at least one side of the third side (short side) G3 facing the first side (short side) G1 and the fourth side (long side) G4 facing the second side (long side) G2. It is provided along. The auxiliary member 322 has a uniform thickness. A plurality of auxiliary members 322 may be provided along the side of the document G.

  Here, the outside vicinity region β is a region having a predetermined width outside the document G having a predetermined size (here, 2L size). Specifically, the outer vicinity region β includes a predetermined predetermined width m1 (see FIG. 4, about 45 mm here) from the third side (short side) G3 of the first pressing region α1 to the outside, and the first pressing region α1. It has a predetermined width m2 (refer to FIG. 4, here, about 45 mm) outward from the fourth side (long side) G4 of α1.

(Example 1 of the first embodiment)
4 and 5 are schematic views for explaining the document pressing device 300 (300A1) according to Example 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300A1) according to Example 1 of the first embodiment is pressing the document G, as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300A1) shown in FIG. 4 is separated from the image reading apparatus main body 100d, and shows a state seen from the A direction shown in FIG.

  In Example 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the auxiliary member 322 (322 a) is a third surface that is opposed to the first side (short side) G <b> 1 of the document G having a predetermined size (here, 2 L size). It is provided along the side (short side) G3.

  Here, the auxiliary member 322 (322a) is a long member (specifically, a rectangular member), and the longitudinal direction is along the third side (short side) G3. The dimension of the auxiliary member 322 (322a) can be a predetermined size (here, 80 mm × 35 mm). The auxiliary member 322 (322a) is provided at a position separated from the second support portion 342 by a predetermined distance d1 (see FIG. 4, 25 mm here). The auxiliary member 322 (322a) is provided at a position separated from the first support portion 341 by a predetermined distance d2 (see FIG. 4, here, 185 mm). The auxiliary member 322 (322a) has a predetermined thickness (about 2 mm to 3 mm here).

(Example 2 of the first embodiment)
6 and 7 are schematic views for explaining the document pressing device 300 (300A2) according to Example 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300A2) according to Example 2 of the first embodiment is pressing the document G, as viewed from above. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300A2) shown in FIG. 6 is separated from the image reading apparatus main body 100d, and shows a state seen from the B direction shown in FIG.

  In Example 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the auxiliary member 322 (322 b) is provided along the fourth side (long side) G <b> 4 facing the second side (long side) G <b> 2. Yes.

  Here, the auxiliary member 322 (322b) is a long member (specifically, a rectangular member), and its longitudinal direction is along the fourth side (long side) G4. The dimension of the auxiliary member 322 (322b) can be a predetermined size (here, 112 mm × 35 mm). The auxiliary member 322 (322b) is provided at a position separated from the first support portion 341 by a predetermined distance d3 (see FIG. 6, here, 32 mm). The auxiliary member 322 (322b) is provided at a position separated from the second support portion 342 by a predetermined distance d4 (see FIG. 6, here, 134 mm). The auxiliary member 322 (322b) has a predetermined thickness (about 2 mm to 3 mm here).

(Example 3 of the first embodiment)
8 and 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining the document pressing device 300 (300A3) according to Example 3 of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300A3) according to Example 3 of the first embodiment is pressing the document G, as viewed from above. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the document pressing device 300 (300A3) shown in FIG. 8 is separated from the image reading device main body 100d. FIG. 9A shows a state viewed from the A direction shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 9B shows a state viewed from the B direction shown in FIG.

  In Example 3 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) extends along both the third side (short side) G3 and the fourth side (long side) G4. Is provided.

  Example 3 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 includes Example 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and Example 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Is a combination. In Example 3 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the same as Example 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and Example 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment, the auxiliary member 322 (322a) along the third side (short side) G3 and the auxiliary member 322 (322b) along the fourth side (long side) G4 are connected (specifically). May be integrally formed). Further, the auxiliary member 322 may be provided on the entire surface in the outer vicinity region β.

(Configuration common to Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment)
In Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment, the first pressing area α1 includes a pressing area that presses a document G having a size (here, L size) smaller than a predetermined size (here, 2L size). .

  Then, the auxiliary member 322 (322a) and / or the auxiliary member 322 (322b) overlap so as to correspond to the original G of all sizes pressed in the first pressing region α1, in this case, L size and 2L size). Is provided.

  Specifically, the auxiliary member 322 (322a) has a fourth side (long side) opposite to the second support portion 342 having a size (here, L size) smaller than a predetermined size (here, 2L size). The inner side and the outer side are provided. The auxiliary member 322 (322b) has a third side (short side) opposite to the first support portion 341 having a size (here, L size) smaller than a predetermined size (here, 2L size), and the inside of the auxiliary member 322 (322b). It is provided so as to straddle the outside.

  In Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) may be bonded to the base member 321 via an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive or a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet). Alternatively, the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 may be integrally formed. The auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) may be fixed to the document pressing member 310 (specifically, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) may be bonded via an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive or a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet)). , You may be free.

  FIG. 10 shows the amount of depression e1 of the base member 321 due to the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) due to the difference in physical property values between the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) in Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment. It is an expanded sectional view showing change of -e4. FIG. 10A shows a state before the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) is pressed to the contact glass 201a when the physical property value is the same between the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b). . FIG. 10B shows a state in which the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) is pressed against the contact glass 201a when the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) have the same physical property value. FIG.10 (c) shows the state before the press to the contact glass 201a of the elastic member 320 (320A1-320A3) in case the physical property value differs between the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b). Yes. FIG. 10D shows a pressing state of the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) against the contact glass 201a in the case where the physical property values of the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) are different from each other. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment, the base member 321 and the auxiliary members 322 (322a and 322b) are assisted at the time of pressing the document G when the physical property values are the same. Compared with the amount of depression e1 of the base member 321 by the member 322 (322a, 322b) (see FIG. 10B), the amount of depression e2 of the base member 321 by the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) when pressed against the document G. The physical property values are different from each other so as to increase (see FIG. 10D).

  Specifically, the physical property value is a density or hardness. Examples of physical property values include the expansion ratio and elastic modulus of the foamed resin material in addition to the density and hardness. Here, as a hardness, the value of Asker C (ASKER C) which shows the hardness prescribed | regulated to the Japan Rubber Association standard (SRIS0101) can be illustrated. The expansion ratio can be the ratio of the volume after foaming to the volume before foaming of the foamable material. The same applies to other embodiments described later.

Then, at least one of the hardness, density, and elastic modulus of the base member 321 can be made smaller than the physical property value of the corresponding auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b). Alternatively / further, the expansion ratio of the base member 321 can be made larger than the expansion ratio of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b). For example, the density of the base member 321 and ^{23kg / m 3 ~27kg / m 3} , the density of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) can be ^{52kg / m 3 ~62kg / m 3} .

  In the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) having such a configuration, the contact glass 201a of the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) when the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a and 322b) have different physical property values. The compression rate before and after pressing of the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) of the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is the same as that before and after pressing the contact glass 201a. It is getting bigger. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary member 322 before the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) is pressed against the contact glass 201a when the physical properties of the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) are different from each other. 322a and 322b), the amount of depression e4 (see FIG. 10C) of the base member 321 is the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) when the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a and 322b) have the same physical property value. ) Of the base member 321 by the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) before being pressed onto the contact glass 201a is smaller than the amount of depression e3 (see FIG. 10A). Nevertheless, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322a, 322) after the elastic member 320 (320A1-320A3) is pressed against the contact glass 201a when the physical properties of the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) are different from each other. 322b) is the amount of depression e2 of the base member 321 (see FIG. 10D) of the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) when the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) have the same physical property value. The amount of depression e1 of the base member 321 by the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) after being pressed against the contact glass 201a (see FIG. 10B) is larger.

  In Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the auxiliary member 322 (322 a and 322 b) may be provided between the base member 321 and the contact member 350.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which the auxiliary member 322 (322a) of the document pressing device 300 (300A1) according to Example 1 of the first embodiment is provided between the base member 321 and the contact member 350. The state seen from the B direction shown in FIG.

[Second Embodiment]
In the document pressing device 300 (300B1, 300B2) according to the second embodiment, the elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2) is a mat-like member. The elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2) is provided on the document pressing side of the document pressing member 310 (specifically, affixed), is smaller than the size of the document pressing member 310, and is mounted on the contact glass 201a. The size of the original G to be placed is about the maximum size (here, A3 size) or larger than the maximum size (here, A3 size). The thickness of the elastic member 320 is uniform.

  The elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2) has different physical property values in the first pressing region α1 and in at least the outer vicinity region β (here, the entire second pressing region α2) of the second pressing region α2. Yes.

  Specifically, the physical property value is a density or hardness. Examples of physical property values include the expansion ratio and elastic modulus of the foamed resin material in addition to the density and hardness.

Specifically, at least one of the hardness, density, and elastic modulus of the first pressing region α1 can be made smaller than the corresponding physical property value of the second pressing region α2. Alternatively / further, the expansion ratio of the first pressing area α1 can be made larger than the expansion ratio of the second pressing area α2. For example, the density of the first pressing region α1 and ^{18kg / m 3 ~22kg / m 3} , the density of the second press area α2 can be ^{52kg / m 3 ~62kg / m 3} .

(Example 1 of the second embodiment)
12 and 13 are schematic diagrams for explaining the document pressing device 300 (300B1) according to Example 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300B1) according to Example 1 of the second embodiment is pressing the document G, as viewed from above. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the document pressing device 300 (300B1) shown in FIG. 12 is separated from the image reading device main body 100d. FIG. 13A shows a state viewed from the A direction shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 13B shows a state viewed from the B direction shown in FIG.

  In Example 1 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the elastic member 320 (320B1) includes at least the outer side of the first pressing region α2 constituting the first pressing region α1 and the second pressing region α2. It consists of a second pressing region portion 320b that constitutes the vicinity region β (here, the entire second pressing region α2).

The first pressing region portion 320a and the second pressing region portion 320b can be formed of a foamed (foamed) foamed resin material such as urethane foam or a porous resin material having a porous shape. Here, a urethane foam of UEI-3 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used as the first pressing area part 320a, and a urethane foam of SM-55 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used as the second pressing area part 320b. Is used. At least one of the hardness, density, and elastic modulus of the first pressing region portion 320a can be made smaller than the physical property value of the second pressing region portion 320b corresponding thereto. Alternatively / further, the expansion ratio of the first pressing area 320a can be made larger than the expansion ratio of the second pressing area 320b. For example, the density of the first pressing area part 320a and ^{18kg / m 3 ~22kg / m 3} , the density of the second press area portion 320b may be ^{52kg / m 3 ~62kg / m 3} .

  In Example 1 of the second embodiment, the physical property values of the first pressing region α1 and the second pressing region α2 are different from each other, but the physical property values of the first pressing region α1 and the outer vicinity region β are mutually different. Differently, the region other than the outer vicinity region β in the second pressing region α2 may have the same physical property value (same member) as the first pressing region α1. The 1st press area part 320a and the 2nd press area part 320b may be integrally formed, and may be bonded together and formed through an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive agent or a double-sided adhesive sheet).

(Example 2 of the second embodiment)
14 and 15 are schematic diagrams for explaining the document pressing device 300 (300B2) according to Example 2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300B2) according to Example 2 of the second embodiment is pressing the document G, as viewed from above. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300B2) shown in FIG. 14 is separated from the image reading device main body 100d. FIG. 15A shows a state viewed from the A direction shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 15B shows a state viewed from the B direction shown in FIG.

  Example 2 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is the same as Example 1 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and the first pressing region 320 a is composed of a plurality of layers (here, two layers). It has a layered structure.

  In Example 2 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the same components as those in Example 1 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The first pressing area 320a includes a first pressing layer 320a1 disposed on the document G side and a second pressing layer 320a2 disposed on the document pressing member 310 side.

The first pressing layer 320a1 and the second pressing layer 320a2 have different physical property values (members different from each other), and are foamed (foamed) foamed resin material such as urethane foam or porous resin material having a porous shape. Can be formed. Here, a urethane foam of UEI-3 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used as the first pressing layer 320a1, and a urethane foam of SM-55 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used as the second pressing layer 320a2. ing. At least one of the hardness, density, and elastic modulus of the first pressing layer 320a1 can be made smaller than the corresponding physical property values of the second pressing region portion 320b and the second pressing layer 320a2. Alternatively / further, the expansion ratio of the first pressing layer 320a1 can be made larger than the expansion ratio of the second pressing area 320b and the second pressing layer 320a2. For example, it is possible to the density of the first pressing layer 320a1 and ^{18kg / m 3 ~22kg / m 3} , the density of the second press area portion 320b and the second pressing layer 320a2 and 52kg / m ³ ~62kg / m ³ .

  In addition, the 2nd press layer 320a2 and the 2nd press area | region part 320b can be integrally formed. The first pressing layer 320a1 and the second pressing layer 320a2 may be integrally formed, or may be formed by being bonded via an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive or a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet). Moreover, the 1st press layer 320a1 and the 2nd press area | region part 320b may be integrally formed, and may be bonded together and formed through an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive agent or a double-sided adhesive sheet). The second pressing layer 320a2 and the second pressing region portion 320b may have different physical property values (members different from each other).

[Third Embodiment]
In the document pressing device 300 (300C1, 300C2) according to the third embodiment, the elastic member 320 (320C1, 320C2) is a mat-like member. The elastic member 320 (320C1, 320C2) is provided on the document pressing side of the document pressing member 310 (specifically, affixed), is smaller than the size of the document pressing member 310, and is mounted on the contact glass 201a. The size of the original G to be placed is about the maximum size (here, A3 size) or larger than the maximum size (here, A3 size).

  In the elastic member 320 (320C1, 320C2), the thickness h1 of the first pressing area α1 is at least the outer vicinity area β of the first pressing area α1 in the second pressing area α2 (here, the entire area of the second pressing area α2). It is smaller than the thickness h2.

(Example 1 of 3rd Embodiment)
16 and 17 are schematic diagrams for explaining the document pressing device 300 (300C1) according to Example 1 of the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300C1) according to Example 1 of the third embodiment is pressing the document G, as viewed from above. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300C1) shown in FIG. 16 is separated from the image reading device main body 100d. FIG. 17A shows a state viewed from the A direction shown in FIG. 16, and FIG. 17B shows a state viewed from the B direction shown in FIG.

  In Example 1 of 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG.16 and FIG.17, the elastic member 320 (320C1) is the 1st press area | region part 320a which comprises 1st press area | region (alpha) 1, and the outer side at least among 2nd press area | region (alpha) 2. It consists of a second pressing region portion 320b that constitutes the vicinity region β (here, the entire second pressing region α2).

  The first pressing region portion 320a and the second pressing region portion 320b can be formed of a foamed (foamed) foamed resin material such as urethane foam or a porous resin material having a porous shape. Here, as the first pressing region 320a and the second pressing region 320b, SM-55 (made by Inoac Corporation) urethane foam is used. The first pressing region portion 320a has an inclined portion 320b1 whose thickness gradually increases toward the second pressing region portion 320b at the boundary with the second pressing region portion 320b.

  In Example 1 of the third embodiment, the thickness h1 of the first pressing region α1 is made smaller than the thickness h2 of the second pressing region α2, but the thickness h1 of the first pressing region α1 is set to the thickness of the outer vicinity region β. The thickness may be the same in the second pressing region α2 other than the outer vicinity region β and the first pressing region α1. The 1st press area part 320a and the 2nd press area part 320b may be integrally formed, and may be bonded together and formed through an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive agent or a double-sided adhesive sheet).

(Example 2 of 3rd Embodiment)
18 and 19 are schematic diagrams for explaining the document pressing device 300 (300C2) according to Example 2 of the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of a state in which the document pressing device 300 (300C2) according to Example 2 of the third embodiment is pressing the document G, as viewed from above. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the document pressing device 300 (300C2) shown in FIG. 18 is separated from the image reading device main body 100d. FIG. 19A shows a state viewed from the A direction shown in FIG. 18, and FIG. 19B shows a state viewed from the B direction shown in FIG.

  Example 2 of 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG.18 and FIG.19 is the Example 1 of 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG.16 and FIG.17, and the 1st press area | region part 320a is a multilayer (here 2 layers). It has a layered structure.

  In Example 2 of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the same components as those of Example 1 of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The first pressing area 320a includes a first pressing layer 320a1 disposed on the document G side and a second pressing layer 320a2 disposed on the document pressing member 310 side.

The first pressing layer 320a1 and the second pressing layer 320a2 have different physical property values (members different from each other), and are foamed (foamed) foamed resin material such as urethane foam or porous resin material having a porous shape. Can be formed. Here, a urethane foam of UEI-3 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used as the first pressing layer 320a1, and a urethane foam of SM-55 (manufactured by Inoac Corporation) is used as the second pressing layer 320a2. ing. At least one of the hardness, density, and elastic modulus of the first pressing layer 320a1 can be made smaller than the physical property value of the second pressing region portion 320b corresponding thereto. Alternatively / further, the expansion ratio of the first pressing layer 320a1 can be made larger than the expansion ratio of the second pressing area 320b. For example, it is possible to the density of the first pressing layer 320a1 and ^{18kg / m 3 ~22kg / m 3} , the density of the second press area portion 320b and the second pressing layer 320a2 and 52kg / m ³ ~62kg / m ³ .

  In addition, the 2nd press layer 320a2 and the 2nd press area | region part 320b can be integrally formed. The first pressing layer 320a1 and the second pressing layer 320a2 may be integrally formed, or may be formed by being bonded via an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive or a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet). Moreover, the 1st press layer 320a1 and the 2nd press area | region part 320b may be integrally formed, and may be bonded together and formed through an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive agent or a double-sided adhesive sheet). The second pressing layer 320a2 and the second pressing region portion 320b may have different physical property values (members different from each other).

(Configuration common to the first to third embodiments)
Incidentally, in the first to third embodiments, the document pressing member 310 is pivotally supported by the opening / closing shaft Q on the back side so that the front side can be opened and closed. In general, the pressure tends to gradually decrease from the opening / closing axis Q side toward the front side.

  Therefore, in the first to third embodiments, the elastic member 320 preferably has a thickness that increases from the opening / closing axis Q side toward the front side.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the thickness of the elastic member 320 in the first to third embodiments increases from the opening / closing axis Q side toward the near side. FIG. 20A shows an example of Example 3 of the first embodiment, FIG. 20B shows an example of Example 1 of the second embodiment, and FIG. An example of Example 2 of the third embodiment is shown. In FIG. 20, the thickness of the elastic member 320 is exaggerated from the actual dimension.

  In Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 20A, the thickness ha of the back side (opening / closing shaft side) end of the base member 321 in the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) is the back side (opening / closing shaft side). ) Gradually increases from the end to the front side (operation side) end, and the thickness hb of the front side end is maximum. In addition, the thickness of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is uniform here.

  In Examples 1 and 2 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 20B, the thickness ha of the back side end of the elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2) gradually increases from the back side end to the front side end. The thickness hb at the side end is the maximum. In addition, although illustration was abbreviate | omitted, in Example 2 of 2nd Embodiment, the thickness of the 2nd press layer 320a2 is gradually increasing from the back side end to the near side end here, and the 1st press layer 320a1 The thickness is uniform.

  In Example 1 and 2 of 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG.20 (c), thickness ha1 of the back side end of the 1st press area | region part 320a in elastic member 320 (320C1, 320C2) is from the back side end to the near side end. The thickness is gradually increased, and the thickness ha2 of the front side end is maximum. In the elastic member 320 (320C1, 320C2), the thickness hb1 of the back side end of the second pressing region portion 320b is gradually increased from the back side end to the front side end, and the thickness hb2 of the front side end is maximum. In Example 2 of the third embodiment, the thickness of the second pressing layer 320a2 gradually increases from the back end to the front end, and the thickness of the first pressing layer 320a1 is uniform. ing.

(From the first embodiment to the third embodiment)
As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, the elastic member 320 has a predetermined size (here, A3 size) smaller than the maximum size (here, A3 size) among a plurality of types of specified sizes. The first pressing force F1 in the first pressing area α1 that presses the (2L size) document G is at least in the outer vicinity area β of the first pressing area α1 among the second pressing areas α2 other than the first pressing area α1. Since it is configured to be smaller than the second pressing force F2, the pressing force of the elastic member 320 (specifically, the first pressing force F1 and the second pressing force F2) is set to the first pressing region α1 and the second pressing force α2. The pressure area α2 can be made appropriate in both at least the outer vicinity area β, and this causes an interference in the gap between the original G and the contact glass 201a in the read image of the original G. obtain Both the speckles and the shadow (fogging) that can occur in the read image of the original G due to the floating of the original G with respect to the contact glass 201a can be effectively prevented. This is particularly effective when the original G is a glossy original such as a photo original (for example, a glossy paper original).

  In the first embodiment, the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) includes a base member 321 that presses a plurality of types of document G having a predetermined size, and between the document pressing member 310 and the base member 321, or the base member 321. By providing the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) provided in the outer vicinity region β with the contact member 350, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is provided for the base member 321. The elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3) can be configured such that the first pressing force F1 is smaller than the second pressing force F2 in the configuration.

  In the first embodiment, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is placed along the side of the document G having a predetermined size (here, 2L size), so that a useless portion is eliminated and the auxiliary member 322 is efficiently made. (322a, 322b) can be provided, the cost of the member can be kept low, and the area of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) that protrudes from the base member 321 to the document pressing side can be reduced. The appearance can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the first side G1 and the second side G2 orthogonal to the first side G1 of the document G having a predetermined size (here, 2L size) placed on the contact glass 201a of the document placement table 201 are used. Are supported by the support part 340 (specifically, the first support part 341 and the second support part 342), and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is supported by the third side G3 and the fourth side G4. The size of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) can be made as small as possible by keeping it along at least one of the sides (specifically, making it long). The area of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) that protrudes from the base member 321 to the document pressing side can be reduced, thereby further improving the appearance. It is possible to improve.

  In the first embodiment, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is provided so as to overlap corresponding to the original G of all sizes pressed in the first pressing region α1. Both spots and shadows can be reliably and effectively prevented with respect to all sizes pressed in the pressing area α1.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the amount of depression of the base member 321 by the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) when the original G is pressed is smaller than when the physical property values (specifically, density and hardness) are the same. The physical property values (specifically, density and hardness) of the base member 321 and the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) are made different from each other so as to increase (specifically, the density and hardness of the auxiliary members 322a, 322b are based on Even if the thickness of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) in a state where the original G is not pressed is smaller than that in the case where the physical property value is the same, the density and hardness of the member 321 are made larger. The first pressing force F1 can be surely made smaller than the second pressing force F2, and the thickness of the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) in a state where the original G is not pressed is reduced. It is possible to effectively prevent both the spot and shadow Kushida state.

  In addition, the first pressing force F1 can be made smaller than the second pressing force F2 by a simple change in which the density and hardness are changed between the base member 321 and the auxiliary members 322 (322a, 322b).

  In the first embodiment, the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is attached to the base member 321 (specifically, attached), so that the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) has already been attached. The attached base member 321 can be used, whereby the step of attaching the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) to the base member 321 in the assembling process can be omitted, and the assembling workability can be improved accordingly. it can. In addition, the auxiliary members (322a, 322b) can be easily attached (specifically attached) to the base member 321, so that, for example, a predetermined size can be reduced even for models having different predetermined sizes. In addition to the 2L size model, it is possible to easily cope with a model whose predetermined size is a six-cut size (203 mm (8 inches) × 254 mm (10 inches)).

  In the second embodiment, at least the outer vicinity region β (here, the first pressing region α1 in the elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2) and the second pressing region α2 in the elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2) The physical property values of the second pressing region α2 are made different from each other (here, the density and hardness of the entire second pressing region α2 are made larger than the density and hardness of the first pressing region α1). The pressing force F1 can be surely made smaller than the second pressing force F2.

  In addition, the first pressing force F1 can be changed by a simple change such as changing the density and hardness in at least the outer vicinity region β (here, the entire second pressing region α2) of the first pressing region α1 and the second pressing region α2. It becomes possible to make it smaller than the second pressing force F2.

  In the third embodiment, the thickness of the first pressing region α1 of the elastic member 320 (320C1, 320C2) is set to be at least the outer vicinity region β (here, the entire area of the second pressing region α2) of the second pressing region α2. By making it smaller than the thickness, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the first pressing force F1 is smaller than the second pressing force F2.

  In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2, 320C1, 320C2) includes the first pressing region portion 320a constituting the first pressing region α1 and the second pressing region α2. Of these, the first pressing region portion 320a and the second pressing region are formed in the assembling process by integrally forming at least the second pressing region portion 320b constituting the outer vicinity region β (here, the entire second pressing region α2). The step of bonding the part 320b can be omitted, and the assembly workability can be improved accordingly. On the other hand, since the first pressing region 320a and the second pressing region 320b are formed by being bonded together, the number of steps for bonding the first pressing region 320a and the second pressing region 320b in the assembly process increases. However, in forming the elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2, 320C1, 320C2), the first pressing region 320a and the second pressing region 320b are separately formed, and then the first pressing region 320a and the first pressing region 320a are formed. By bonding the two pressing region portions 320b together, the forming process of the elastic member 320 (320B1, 320B2, 320C1, 320C2) can be facilitated accordingly.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments, the sheet-like contact member 350 that comes into contact with the original G when the elastic member 320 is pressed against the original G is provided, whereby the first pressing force F1 is set to the second. When the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3, 320B1, 320B2, 320C1, 320C2) having a pressure smaller than the pressing force F2 is pressed against the document G, the contact member 350 can stably hold the document G.

  In the first to third embodiments, the document pressing member 310 is pivotally supported by the opening / closing axis Q on the back side so that the front side can be opened and closed, and the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3). 320B1, 320B2, 320C1, 320C2) has a thickness that increases from the opening / closing axis Q side toward the front side, so that the elastic member 320 (320A1 to 320A3, 320B1, 320B2, 320C1, 320C2) is before the pressing force. The decrease on the side can be suppressed.

  In the first to third embodiments, the size of the document G (here, A3, B4, A4, B5) of the support unit 340 (specifically, the first support unit 341 and the second support unit 342). , A5, 2L, B6, A6, L), the character S1 indicating the size is provided at a position indicating the size, so that the user can be surely notified of a plurality of types of specified sizes. An arrow S2 indicating the intersection is provided at the position of the intersection of the first side G1 and the second side G2 of the document G in the support unit 340 (specifically, the first support unit 341), so that the document of a prescribed size is provided. The user can be surely informed that the reference of the support position by the G support portion 340 (specifically, the first support portion 341 and the second support portion 342) is the arrow S2, and the user can copy the original G to that extent. To reduce mounting errors It is possible.

  In the document pressing device 300, here, the first embodiment (examples 1 to 3), the second embodiment (examples 1 to 2), and the third embodiment (examples). 1-2), the first embodiment (examples 1 to 3), the second embodiment (examples 1 to 2), and the third embodiment (examples) You may make it combine at least 2 among 1-2.

  Further, instead of the document pressing device 300, an automatic document feeding device that automatically conveys the document G and also serves as the document pressing device is provided, so that the image reading apparatus main body 100d moves the document G by the document moving method. Even in the case where the document image is read, the document G placed on the contact glass 201a can be pressed by the automatic document feeder that functions as a document pressing device. That is, in the first to third embodiments, an automatic document feeder having the configuration as in the first to third embodiments is mounted as a document pressing device as an automatic document feeder. Can also be supported.

  Further, in the first to third embodiments, the configuration of the centimeter specification has been described, but of course, the configuration of the inch specification may be used.

[Evaluation of spots and shadows]
Next, in Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment, spots that may occur in the read image of the original G due to light wave interference in the gap between the original G and the contact glass 201a, and the original G with respect to the contact glass 201a Since the state of occurrence of shadows (fogging) that can occur in the read image of the original G due to the floating of the image is examined, it will be described below together with Comparative Examples 1-7.

  FIG. 21 shows spots that may occur in the read image of the original G due to light wave interference in the gap between the original G and the contact glass 201a, and the read image of the original G due to the floating of the original G with respect to the contact glass 201a. It is a graph which shows the evaluation result of the generation | occurrence | production state of the shadow (fogging) to obtain. In FIG. 21, “◯” indicates that an acceptable read image is obtained, and “x” indicates that an unacceptable read image is obtained.

  The spots and shadows (fogging) evaluation in Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7 of the first embodiment were all read in a photographic mode using white photographic paper having a thickness of 0.2 mm as the original G. This was done by confirming the printed image printed based on the image.

  In Comparative Examples 1 to 4, in the conventional configuration (a configuration in which the auxiliary member 322 (322a, 322b) is not provided in the first embodiment), the thickness of the base member 321 is changed to 8 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 10 mm, respectively. In Comparative Example 5, the thickness of the back side end of the base member 321 is set to 6 mm and gradually increased from the back side (opening / closing axis side) end to the front side (operation side) end to increase the thickness of the front side end of the base member 321. In Comparative Example 6, the density of the base member 321 is increased in Comparative Example 6, and in Comparative Example 7, the original pressing device in which the hinge part 330 is removed in Comparative Example 1 is used. The occurrence state of fog was evaluated.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in Comparative Examples 1 to 7, at least one of spots and shadows (fogging) was an unacceptable read image, but in Examples 1 to 3 of the first embodiment. In addition, an acceptable reading image was obtained for both spots and shadows.

  In addition, although description was abbreviate | omitted here, the same result was able to be obtained also about Example 1, 2 of 2nd Embodiment, and Example 1, 2 of 3rd Embodiment.

100 Image Reading Device 201 Document Placement Table 201a Contact Glass (Example of Transparent Plate)
300 Document pressing device 310 Document pressing member 320 Elastic member 320a First pressing area 320b Second pressing area 321 Base member 322 Auxiliary member 322a Auxiliary member 322b Auxiliary member 330 Hinge section 340 Support section 341 First support section 342 Second support Part 350 Contact member 400 Image forming apparatus F1 First pressing force F2 Second pressing force G Document G1 First side G2 Second side G3 Third side G4 Fourth side Q Opening / closing axis S1 Character S2 Arrow e1 Depression amount e2 Depression amount e3 Indentation amount e4 Indentation amount h1 Thickness h2 Thickness α1 First pressing region α2 Second pressing region β Outer vicinity region

Claims (7)

An image reading apparatus comprising: an image reading unit provided with a document placing table made of a transparent member for placing a document; and a document pressing device that presses the document placed on the document placing table.
The document pressing device includes:
A rotation support unit that supports the document pressing device main body so that it can be opened and closed on one end side with respect to the image reading unit;
A pressing member that presses at least the first document and a second document having a size larger than the first document;
With
The pressing member is disposed at a position other than the first pressing area that presses the first document and the first pressing area, adjacent to the first scanning area from the rotation support portion in the main scanning direction. A second pressing area for pressing the second document,
In the pressing member, the thickness of the first pressing region is smaller than the thickness of the second pressing region ,
The document is configured to be supported on both one end side in the main scanning direction and one end side in the sub-scanning direction,
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second pressing area is formed up to an end on the other side in the main scanning direction of the pressing member and an end on the other side in the sub scanning direction . The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
An image reading apparatus characterized in that a thickness of the first pressing area in the main scanning direction is smaller than a thickness of the second pressing area. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member has a constant thickness of the first pressing area and / or the second pressing area. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The pressing member has an inclined portion that is inclined so that the thickness of the pressing member increases from the first pressing region toward the second pressing region at a boundary portion between the first pressing region and the second pressing region. An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein:
The pressing member includes a first pressing area part that constitutes the first pressing area, and a second pressing area part that constitutes the second pressing area,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first pressing area and the second pressing area are integrally formed. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The manuscript has a rectangular shape,
A support unit for supporting a first side and a second side adjacent to the first side of the original placed on the transparent member of the original table;
The support portion is provided with a character indicating the size at a position indicating the size of the document, and an arrow indicating the intersection at a position indicating the intersection of the first side and the second side. An image reading apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images