Original scanning apparatus

An original scanning apparatus is provided in which a translucent member can be easily cleaned. A glass (31) on a reading surface is configured openable and closable with respect to an upper original conveying guide (24), whereby a surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) in a reading window can be easily cleaned and deterioration of an image due to a dust inside the apparatus adhering to the surface (C) on the inner side of the glass (31) can be prevented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an original scanning apparatus for scanning an original, and more particularly, to an apparatus provided with a translucent member in an original scanning unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, as modes for reading an image on an original which are employed in an image reading apparatus, the following two modes are well known.

First, a first mode is an original stationary reading mode for setting an original on an original table with a predetermined method and scanning the original set on an original table glass by a movable optical carriage, thereby reading the image on the original in an image reading part.

In addition, a second mode is an original flow reading mode for conveying an original at a predetermined conveying speed and reading an image on the original in a predetermined reading part where a stationary optical carriage unit is disposed.

In the latter original flow reading mode, the optical carriage can be fixed and it is unnecessary to reciprocatingly move the optical carriage every time image is read, as opposed to the former original stationary reading mode. Consequently, the latter original flow reading mode has advantages over the former original stationary reading mode in that an apparatus configuration is not complicated and acceleration of processing is realized.

Moreover, in a copying machine and the like, it has become sufficient to read an original only once even if a plurality of copies are formed from an identical original as a digital processing technique has advanced in recent years. That is, when image information is read once, it is temporarily stored as digital information in a storage medium such as a computer, whereby it has become easy to re-form a necessary number of copied images based on this stored image information. Image reading by the original flow reading mode has an additional advantage in this respect.

Further, from a viewpoint of realizing convenience of operations and acceleration in reading images in the case in which the images are contained in front and rear surfaces of an original, a reading apparatus has also been manufactured which is provided with opposing two optical carriages along a conveying path of an original and is configured to read images contained in respective surfaces of an original by each optical carriage. According to such an apparatus configuration, since images contained in the front and rear surfaces of the original conveyed along a predetermined path can be almost simultaneously flow-read, acceleration of reading processing in duplex copying of the original can be realized.

However, a reading position of an original is always fixed in the conventional image reading apparatus employing the above-mentioned original flow reading mode. Thus, if a dust adheres to the reading part, the dust is inevitably read while an image is read and appears as a streak over the read image.

In general, since a reading part becomes a conveying surface of a moving original, the original is prevented from entering an inside of an optical system by covering the reading part with a transparent member (translucent plate member) such as glass. This reading surface is required to be cleaned periodically in the image reading apparatus of the original moving system due to the reasons described above.

An outer side, which is an original conveying path side, of the reading surface can be easily cleaned because it is exposed to the outside of the image reading apparatus. However, the image reading apparatus must be disassembled in order to remove a dust adhering to its inside on the opposite side of the original conveying path of the reading surface. In particular, in the case of an image reading apparatus having optical systems (reading units) opposing each other above and below an original conveying path in order to read both surfaces of an original, it is highly likely that, in the optical system on the upper side of the original conveying path, dusts in the optical system deposit on the inner side of glass of the reading unit. Thus, stains on the inner surface of the glass are even more serious.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an original scanning apparatus in which a translucent member can be easily cleaned.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an original scanning apparatus in which breakage of the apparatus or damage to an original that may be caused by a translucent member is prevented.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an original scanning apparatus which comprises: a light source for illuminating an original; a translucent member through which light from the original illuminated by said light source transmits; and scanning means having said light source and said translucent member, and in which said translucent member is openable and closable with respect to said scanning means.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the description of the invention given hereinbelow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be hereinafter described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3.FIG. 1is a side sectional view schematically showing a structure of an image reading mechanism in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition,FIG. 2is an enlarged side sectional view showing an original conveying unit of the mechanism. Moreover,FIGS. 3A and 3Bare enlarged side sectional views showing an image reading part of a second optical carriage B of the mechanism.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the image reading apparatus functioning as an original scanning apparatus comprises a flat bed (FB) image reading unit (FB unit)1for mounting and fixing an original to read a surface image of the original and an automatic sheet-feeding device (ADF unit)2attached to an upper surface of the FB unit1. Moreover, a part of the FB unit1and a part of the ADF unit2are combined to form an original flow reading unit.

The FB unit1is a mechanism for reading a surface image of an original mounted and fixed thereon. The FB unit1is provided with a reference original table glass3as a translucent plate member on an upper surface of which an original is mounted and is also provided with a first optical carriage A, which functions as first image reading means (first original scanning means) for reading an original, below the original table glass3.

The first optical carriage A is coupled to an endless driving belt5. Further, this driving belt5is coupled to a driving motor6. Power of the driving motor6is transmitted to the first optical carriage A via the driving belt5, whereby the first optical carriage A is made movable in parallel with the original table glass3.

This first optical carriage A is provided with both a function of reading an image on an original mounted and fixed on the original table glass3and a function of staying in a fixed position to read an image on an original that is being conveyed (original flow reading function).

A lamp7disposed on an upper surface of the first optical carriage A is a light source for irradiating light on an original. Light reflected from the original is guided to a CCD9by reflection mirrors8and a condensing lens10. The CCD9is a photoelectric conversion element for converting incident light into an electric signal. In addition, an original bumping reference plate11is provided on the original table glass3.

On the other hand, the ADF unit2is provided with an original loading tray13for mounting and loading an original thereon. An original on the original loading tray13is regulated by an original side regulating plate12on its both sides in a conveying (feeding) direction. In addition, an original existence sensor15recognizes the existence of an original by detecting a leading end of the original with its lever. Moreover, an original length detecting lever14detects a length of the original.

In addition, the ADF unit2is also provided with a weight16for pressing down a leading end of an original delivered from the original loading tray13and an original shutter17for preventing the leading end of the original from entering a separating and feeding unit.

A pickup roller18has a function of letting out loaded originals one after another from the lowermost one. The original let out by the pickup roller18is conveyed to the original flow reading unit by a feeding roller20on its down stream side.

In addition, a separating belt19provided in a position opposing the feeding roller20across a conveying path of an original is driven to rotate in a direction opposite to a rotating direction of the feeding roller20, thereby separating stacked originals such that the originals are surely delivered one by one.

A pre-registration sensor lever21detects a leading end of an original to take timing for making a loop of the original. A registration roller pair22delivers a conveyed original to the first optical carriage A at predetermined timing. An original leading end detecting lever23detects the leading end of the original delivered by the registration roller pair22.

An upper original conveying guide24functioning as guiding means is provided to oppose the original table glass3and guides an original to a first reading part25. The first reading part25is a predetermined gap provided between the original table glass3and the upper original conveying guide24. An image contained in one surface of an original (first surface (lower surface)) is read by the first optical carriage A staying in a fixed position when the original passes through the first reading part25.

A second optical carriage B functioning as second image reading means (second original scanning means) is provided in a position opposing the first optical carriage A across the original table glass3in the ADF unit2functioning as holding means for holding the second optical carriage B.

A light source, reflection mirrors and a CCD, which are the same as those in the first optical carriage A, are arranged in the second optical carriage B.

In this way, the second optical carriage B provided with substantially the same configuration as the first optical carriage A reads an image contained in the other surface of the original (second surface (upper surface)) in a second reading part27. The second reading part27is set slightly on a downstream side of the first reading part25on a conveying path of an original along the original table glass3.

The original is discharged to the outside of the FB unit1by a discharge roller pair28after passing through the first and second reading parts25and27. A discharged sheet stacking tray29for stacking thereon originals discharged by the discharge roller pair28is provided on one side of the FB unit1.

FIG. 3Ais a side sectional view of the vicinity of the reading part27of the second optical carriage B that forms a part of the ADF unit2. Transparent glass (translucent plate member)31as a translucent member is attached to the second reading part27of the second optical carriage B of the ADF unit2. The transparent glass31functions as an optical path for taking reflected light of an original into an optical system and, at the same time, forms a conveying surface for the original to prevent the original from entering a reading window portion (opening) of the optical system.

This glass31is supported by the pivotal shaft32and the upper original conveying guide24, wherein the glass31is movable pivotally around the pivotal shaft32by the optical system and is openable and closable with respect to the second optical carnage B as shown inFIG. 3B. In addition, reference numeral33denotes a reflection plate functioning as a reflecting member.

Operations of the image reading apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration will be hereinafter described.

In the case of image reading in the FB unit1, the ADF unit2is opened to place an original on the original table glass3, and the original is set by bumping the leading end of the original on the original bumping reference plate11.

Next, the original is pressed and fixed to the original table glass3by a pressure plate4as the ADF unit2is closed. Consequently, curl or the like of the original is corrected and, at the same time, the original is brought into close contact with the original table glass3.

Thereafter, reading of the original is started as an operator presses an original reading start button provided on a not-shown control panel.

Then, the driving belt5starts operation upon supply of power by the driving motor6, and the first optical carriage A moves to a predetermined initial position accordingly. The first optical carriage A is accelerated until a predetermined speed is reached while moving from the initial position to an original reading position.

After the predetermined speed is reached, the first optical carriage A reaches the leading end position of the original bumped on the original bumping reference plate11while keeping the speed. Thereafter, the first optical carriage A continues to move while keeping the predetermined speed to read the original.

After reading the entire surface of the original, the first optical carriage A is reversed in a direction opposite to the reading direction by reverse driving of the driving motor6to return to a predetermined standby position.

Next, the case of the original flow reading mode will be described. In the case of the flow reading, an original is loaded on the original loading tray13of the ADF unit2.

The ADF unit2can recognize that the original has been placed on the original loading tray13according to the original length detecting lever14and the original existence sensor15. In addition, an operator sets a width of an original by the original side regulating plate12, whereby the ADF unit2can recognize a size of the original according to the combination of the length detection by the original length detecting lever14and the set width.

In the above-mentioned state, when the operator presses the not-shown original reading start button, the original shutter17regulating the leading end of the original is opened, and a bundle of originals are conveyed to an original separating portion by the weight16and the pickup roller18. Next, the originals are separated and fed one by one by the separating belt19and the feeding roller20.

After the leading end of the original reaches the registration roller pair22and a predetermined loop is formed by the pre-registration sensor lever21, the rotation of the feeding roller20is stopped. After predetermined timing, the registration roller pair22starts rotation to convey the original. The leading end of the conveyed original is detected by the original leading end detecting lever23, and time when the original reaches the original reading position is determined.

The original is guided to the first reading part25by the upper original conveying guide24. In the first reading part25, images on one surface of the original are read one after another by the first optical carriage A while the original is conveyed at a predetermined conveying speed.

Next, the original reaches the second reading part27, where images on the other surface of the original are read one after another by the reading unit of the second optical carriage B while the original is similarly conveyed at the predetermined speed.

After the leading end of the original passes through the second reading part27, the original is conveyed by the discharge roller pair28. After all the images on the original are read, the original is discharged onto the discharged sheet stacking tray29.

These are a series of operation forms for reading both surfaces of an original by both the first and second carriages A and B.

In addition, this embodiment has the following characteristics.FIG. 3Bshows a state in which the glass31is opened with respect to the frame such as the upper original conveying guide24. In the state in which the glass31is opened as shown inFIG. 3B, a user can access a surface (surface on the opposite side of the original conveying side) C in the inner side of the glass31and clean the surface C.

According to the image reading apparatus of this embodiment described above, the glass31on the reading surface is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the upper original conveying guide24that is the frame of the optical system. As a result, the surface C on the inner side of the glass31in the reading window can be cleaned easily and an image can be protected from being deteriorated due to a dust inside the apparatus adhering to the surface C on the inner side of the glass31.

Since this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration shown inFIG. 1, only different parts will be described.FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow a second embodiment of the present invention.FIGS. 4A and 4Bare enlarged side sectional view showing an image reading part of a second optical carriage B in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

In an image reading apparatus having the substantially identical basic configuration as the first embodiment, a reflection plate34for irradiating light of the lamp7on an original is integrally formed with the glass31as shown inFIG. 4A.

That is, the reflection plate34is installed on the pivotal shaft32in the second optical carriage B so as to be integral with the glass31, thereby pivoting following the pivotal movement of the pivotal shaft32.

As shown inFIG. 4B, the surface C on the inner side of the glass31can be cleaned by opening the glass31. At this point, since the reflection plate34is integrally formed with the glass31in this embodiment, the reflection plate34moves to a position for closing an opening that is a reading window of the second optical carriage B in the state in which the glass31is opened. As a result, a finger is prevented from carelessly entering the inside of the second optical carriage B to touch the lamp7when the surface C on the inner side of the glass31is cleaned, or a large dust is prevented from entering the inside of the second optical carriage B.

Since this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration shown inFIG. 1, only different parts will be described. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the openable and closable glass31is biased in a closing direction of the glass31by a biasing member (e.g., rubber or a spring)35as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5Bin an image reading apparatus having the substantially identical configuration as the first embodiment.

Consequently, the glass31can be prevented from opening against a user's intention. In addition, the image reading apparatus can be prevented from being used in a state in which the glass31is left open after it is cleaned.

Since this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration shown inFIG. 1, only different parts will be described. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the openable and closable glass31is biased in an opening direction of the glass31by a biasing member (e.g., rubber or a spring)35as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6Bin an image reading apparatus having the substantially identical configuration as the first embodiment. In addition, the glass31is secured to the upper original conveying guide24in its closed state by a hook36functioning as locking means.

Consequently, the glass31is secured to the upper original conveying guide24by the hook36in the closed state and opens by releasing the hook36. As a result, serviceability of cleaning work of the glass31can be improved.

Further, although the glass31is biased by the biasing member35in this embodiment, locking of the glass31may be performed only by providing a hook without biasing the glass31.

FIG. 7is a view showing an image reading apparatus that is an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8is a detailed view of a reading unit. Since this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration shown inFIG. 1, only different parts will be described.FIG. 9is a view showing a state in which the reading unit on the upper side ofFIG. 8is opened. As shown inFIG. 9, the second optical carriage B becomes pivotal with respect to an image reading apparatus main body around a shaft30by releasing a hook37. Consequently, a conveying path of an original is divided into upper and lower parts, thus allowing various sheet handling work such as removal of jammed sheet becomes possible. In addition, the second optical carriage B has an actuator for actuating a not-shown interlock switch provided in the image reading apparatus. As the second optical carriage B is opened, power supply of the image reading apparatus is cut off to prevent it from operating.

Then, in the state in which the second optical carriage B is opened, the glass31is pivotal around the pivotal shaft32and is openable and closable with respect to the second optical carriage B as shown inFIG. 10.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare perspective views showing the vicinity of the reading glass31of the second optical carriage B.FIG. 11Ais a view of the upper surface of the glass31viewed from the inside of the second optical carriage B andFIG. 11Bis a view of the same viewed from below the ADF unit2.

A lock slider38is provided in the second optical carriage B as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B. The lock slider38is biased toward the glass31by a spring39and is slidable in directions of arrows a and b. A projection40engaging with the lock slider38is provided at one end of the glass31. In a closed state of the glass31, the glass31is held in the closed state by the lock slider38. When the lock slider38is slid in the arrow b direction, regulation of the glass31is released so that the glass31can be opened with respect to the second optical carriage B. In the state in which the glass31is opened, the lock slider38is biased in the arrow a direction by the spring39.

When the glass31is closed, since a slope of the projection40of the glass31slides the lock slider38in the arrow b direction, the glass31can be held in its closed position without operating the lock slider38.

In addition, an arm41for guiding the operation of the glass31is provided at the other end of the glass31. In the state in which the second optical carriage B is closed, the arm41is inside the image reading apparatus as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, whereby the glass31cannot be opened even if the lock slider38is slid. When the optical carriage B is opened, it becomes possible to open the glass31. However, when the optical carriage B is gradually closed with the glass31kept open, the glass31is gradually closed as the arm41moves along a guiding portion42provided in the image reading apparatus. When the optical carriage B is completely closed, the glass31is automatically held in its closed position by the lock slider38.

Further, since it is sufficient for the glass31to have a translucent member only in an image reading position, the projection40and the arm41may be separate materials that are integrally formed with the glass31or separate parts that are fixed to the glass31.

Incidentally, the second optical unit B opens and closes, thereby regulating the opening and closing of the glass31in this embodiment. Conversely, the image reading apparatus may be configured such that a component or a unit such as a cover opens and closes with respect to the second optical unit B, thereby opening the arm41and allowing the glass31to open and close.

Therefore, this embodiment has the following characteristics.

FIG. 10is a sectional view showing a state in which the glass31is opened with respect to the second optical carriage B. As shown in the figure, in the state in which the glass31is opened, a user can access a surface (a surface on the opposite side of the original conveying side) C on the inner side of the glass31, and it becomes possible to clean the surface C on the inner side of the glass31even if dusts or the like accumulate on the surface C on the inner side of the glass31.

In addition, as shown inFIGS. 12A to 12C, when the second optical carriage B is gradually closed with the glass31is kept open from a state in which the second optical carriage B is opened and the glass31is also opened, the arm41is gradually closed by abutting the guiding portion42. At an instance when the second optical carriage B is completely closed, the projection40of the glass31moves the lock slider38in the arrow b direction ofFIG. 11A. When the glass31reaches its completely closed position, the lock slider38moves in the arrow a direction by the spring39and holds the glass31in its closed position. Consequently, breakage of the glass31can be prevented even if the second optical carriage B is closed while the glass31is kept open.

Further, in the state in which the second optical carriage B is open, a not-shown interlock switch is cut off and the operation of the image forming apparatus becomes impossible. That is, in the state in which the second optical carriage B is closed and the image forming apparatus can operate, the glass31always comes to be in the closed state. Consequently, when the glass31is opened, the image forming apparatus always comes to be in a state in which its operation is stopped, whereby a user is prevented from touching the lighted lamp7during cleaning of the inner side of the glass31and causing the image forming apparatus to operate in the state in which the glass31is open to damage an original.

According to the image reading apparatus in accordance with this embodiment described above, the glass31on the reading surface is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the upper original conveying guide24functioning as the frame of the optical system, whereby the surface C on the inner side of the glass31that is the inner side of the reading window can be easily cleaned, and deterioration of an image due to a dust inside the apparatus adhering to the surface C on the inner side of the glass31can be prevented.

In addition, since the glass31opens only in the state in which the second optical carriage B is opened, the image forming apparatus can be prevented from being operated in the state in which the glass31is open to be broken or to damage an original. Further, if the second optical carriage B is closed with the glass31kept open, since the glass31is automatically closed, breakage of the image forming apparatus can be prevented.

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration shown inFIG. 7, only different parts will be described.FIG. 13is a partial perspective view of an image reading apparatus in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention and is a view of the vicinity of the glass31of the second optical carriage B as taken from below the ADF unit2in the same manner asFIG. 11B.

In an image reading apparatus having substantially the same configuration as the fifth embodiment, the lock slider38is inside the image forming apparatus and cannot be operated from the outside in the state in which the second optical carriage B is closed as shown inFIG. 13. That is, the lock slider38is exposed to the outside only when the second optical carriage B is opened, whereby it becomes possible to release the holding of the glass31.

In the fifth embodiment, since the lock slider38is exposed to the outside when the ADF unit2is opened in order to load an original on the original table, the glass31is prevented from opening by the arm41even if the lock slider38is operated. However, in this embodiment, since the lock slider38is not exposed to the outside even if the ADF unit2is opened, confusion in operating the image forming apparatus can be prevented.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since this embodiment is basically the same as the configuration shown inFIG. 7, only different parts will be described.FIG. 14is a side sectional view of an image forming apparatus in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, another stationary original reading unit43for reading an upper surface of an original mounted on the original table glass3is provided above the FB unit1. A second optical carriage D existing above the original reads an image on the upper surface of the original while moving along the upper surface of the original.

In the image reading apparatuses in accordance with the fifth and sixth embodiments, original reading is performed by reading an image while moving an original at a predetermined speed with respect to the second optical carriage B that is fixed for reading an upper surface of an original. In this embodiment, it is possible to perform original reading by the stationary original reading mode with respect to an upper surface of an original as well.

In the image reading apparatus of such a configuration, glass44is openable and closable with respect to the second optical carriage D in order to clean the inside of the glass44in a reading position of the second optical carriage D as in the fifth embodiment, and the glass44is openable and closable only in the state in which the second optical carriage D is opened. Thus, the same effects as in the fifth embodiment can be realized.

As is evident from the above descriptions, according to the present invention, the following effects can be realized. That is, since the translucent plate member is configured openable and closable with respect to the frame for holding the image reading means, the rear surface of the translucent plate member which is on the opposite side of the original conveying side can be easily cleaned and deterioration of an image due to a dust inside the apparatus adhering to the translucent plate member can be prevented. In addition, since the image reading apparatus does not operate with the translucent plate member kept open, occurrence of breakage of the image reading apparatus and damage to an original can be prevented.

Further, although the translucent plate member positioned above an original is described in the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention may be applied to an optical unit that is positioned below an original and reads a lower surface of the original.

In addition, although the image reading apparatus is described in the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus that has this image reading apparatus as an image reading unit and forms an image of an original read by the image reading unit on a sheet. Examples of the image forming apparatus include, for example, an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system with which exposure is performed on a photosensitive drum according to image information, an electrostatic latent image is developed by toner and a toner image is transferred to a sheet, and an image forming apparatus of an ink jet system with which ink is injected in accordance with a read image. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus as long as it has this image reading apparatus as an image reading unit.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments at all and any modification is possible within technical thoughts of the present invention.