Optical reader applicable to plurality of uses

An optical reader for scanning a mark carried by an article using scanning light, detecting light reflected from said mark, and thus reading information represented by said mark, comprising:

• a light source;
• a scanning means that is driven by a driving means and scans light emanating from said light source;
• a plurality of reflection mirrors for reflecting scanning light scanned by said scanning means and creating a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories;
• a read window through which scanning light reflected from said reflection mirrors is emitted;
• a head including a light receiving means for receiving light reflected from said mark;
• and
• a grip communicating with said head and enabling a user to grasp said optical reader.

A switch, comprising:

• a switch body incorporated in an apparatus;
• and
• a switch plate that is attached to the top of said switch body and that depresses said switch body when manipulated;
• wherein:
• said switch plate is supported at two or more supporting points;
• and
• when said switch plate is manipulated, said switch plate is pivoted in a manipulated direction with said supporting points as fulcrums and said switch body is pressed.

A stand on which an optical reader, which has a read window through which scanning light is emitted and a grip enabling a user to grasp said optical reader, and which scans a mark borne by an article using scanning light emitted through said read window, detects light reflected from said mark, and thus reads information, is mounted, comprising:

• a holder section in which said grip is mounted so that said grip can be dismounted freely;
• and
• a base for supporting said holder section so that said holder section can pivot;
• said holder section having a slit, through which a cable coupled with said optical reader can pass, on the same side thereof as the side of said optical reader having said read window.

An optical unit for an optical reader, comprising:

• a plurality of reflection mirrors;
• a laser light source;
• a light reception sensor;
• a condenser mirror that has a plane mirror, which reflects laser light emanating from said laser light source, around the center thereof and that gathers incident light to said light reception sensor;
• a rotary scanning means that has a plurality of reflection surfaces for reflecting laser light reflected from said plane mirror, that is driven to rotate by means of a driving means, and that thus scans said laser light;
• and
• a frame which is molded as a united body and in which said reflection mirrors, said laser light source, said light reception sensor, said condenser mirror, and said rotary scanning means are locked.