JPH0422599Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Industrial Application Field The present invention relates to an image information input device, and more particularly to an image information input device that can prevent deterioration of input images due to dust.

2. Description of the Related Art In general, so-called image scanners, bar code readers, and the like are known as image information input devices that input image information by optical means and supply it to personal computers, word processors, and the like.

However, in the image information input device described above, the image scanner is a stationary type, and due to its structure, it is necessary to represent the image information to be input on a piece of paper and insert it into the image scanner. There were problems such as the inability to perform direct input processing on thick objects such as books.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present applicant previously proposed Japanese Patent Application No. 176299/1982 entitled "Image Information Input Device." Furthermore, in order to prevent dust from entering the case through the opening, we proposed ``Image Information Input Device'' in Utility Model Application No. 62-47538.

According to the above-mentioned "image information input device," the image information input device itself is a handy type, and image information can be sequentially input by placing it on the information medium on which information is to be input and moving (scanning) it. .

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the image information input device described above, as shown in FIG. and case 2 are flush), cover 1 and information medium 3 are close to each other, and information medium 3
There was a problem in that the dust on the cover 1 adhered to it. When dust adheres to the cover 1, the shape of the dust enters the input image, deteriorating the input image.

Furthermore, in the screen information device described above, the light emitting unit 4 serving as a light source is arranged inside the case 2 with respect to the cover 1, so the light emitted by the light emitting unit 4 passes through the cover 1 once and then reaches the information medium 3. is irradiated. At this time, since the light is reflected, refracted, etc. within the cover 1, there was a problem that the information medium 3 could not be efficiently irradiated with the light.

The present invention has been created in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image information input device that is not affected by dust and the like and can always perform good image input.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present invention irradiates light from a light source toward the information medium through an opening provided at the bottom of the case and is closed by a cover, and scans the information medium. An image information input device comprising image reading means for allowing information light having image information reflected by the information medium to enter through the aperture and generating an image data signal from the information light in synchronization with the scanning speed. In this case, the cover is disposed at a position recessed inward from the bottom of the case, and the light source is disposed closer to the bottom than the cover.

Effect By configuring the image information input device as described above, it is possible to close the opening and separate the cover from the information medium, prevent dust from adhering to the cover, and also directly transmit light from the light source to the information medium. The medium can be irradiated.

Embodiments Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an image information input device 4 which is an embodiment of the present invention.
(hereinafter simply referred to as the device). The device 4 shown in the figure is roughly composed of a case 5, a light emitting section 6, a mirror 7, a roller 8, an image reading means 9, a cover 10 (shown with a satin finish) which is a feature of the present application, a rotation detecting means (not shown), a substrate, etc. It is configured. First, the general configuration of the device 4 will be explained.

The case 5 has a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an opening 11 formed in the bottom 5a. A cover 10 is disposed on this opening 11 so as to close it, thereby preventing dust from entering into the case 5 (this will be described in detail later).

The light emitting part 6, the mirror 7 and the roller 8 are connected to the opening 11
It is installed near the The light emitting section 6 is made up of light emitting diodes arranged in a row, and has an opening 11.
Light is irradiated onto the information medium 12 via the information medium 12 . This light is reflected by the information medium 12 to become information light containing image information, and enters the case 5 through the opening 11 again. Mirror 7 reflects this information light toward image reading means 9 .

The roller 8 is a rubber roller, and a part of the roller 8 is the bottom surface 5.
It is configured to protrude from a and come into pressure contact with the information medium 12. Therefore, when the device 4 scans the information medium 12, the roller 8 rotates in accordance with the scanning speed. A rotation detection means (not shown) detects the rotation of the roller 8 and generates a synchronization signal for synchronizing the image data signal generated by the image reading means 9 with the scanning speed.

The image reading means 9 is provided with a one-dimensional image sensor 13, which generates an image data signal from the information light reflected by the mirror 7. A lens 14 for focusing the information light onto the image sensor 13 is attached to the front part of the image reading means 9 near the mirror 7.

Here, the vicinity of the installation position of the cover 10, which is the main part of the present invention, is shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 2, and will be further described in detail.

The cover 10 is made of transparent resin and has a light transmitting part 10.
It has a substantially L-shaped cross section, which is formed by the locking portion 10a and the locking portion 10b. Further, the light emitting section 6 and the mirror 7 are fixed inside the case 5 while being attached to the holder 15. At this time, a protrusion 16 is also provided on the upper part of the light emitting part 6. The height of this protrusion 16 (with respect to the holder 15) is selected to be slightly smaller than the height of the light emitting section 6. Therefore, a stepped portion 17 is formed between the light emitting portion 6 and the protrusion 16.

On the other hand, the bottom 5a of the case 5 is divided according to the formation position of the opening ₁₁ , and in FIG.
- ₂ , the opening 11 in the right bottom part 5a- ₂
An upright flange portion 5a- ₃ is integrally formed at the edge. A groove portion 1 in which the locking portion 10b of the cover 10 is locked is located approximately at the center of the flange portion 5a- ₃ .
8 is formed. In addition, the distance between the left bottom portion 5a- ₁ and the information medium 12 (indicated by arrow a in the figure)
The distance between the right bottom portion 5a- ₂ and the information medium 12 (indicated by arrow b in the figure) is different, and is configured such that a>b.

The cover 10 is attached as follows. First, the tip of the light transmitting portion 10a is connected to the stepped portion 17 described above.
bring it into contact with. The tip of the light transmitting portion 10a is slightly tapered, so that the cover 10 can be rotated about this abutting portion while the tip is pressed against the stepped portion 17. Next, the light transmitting section 10
The cover 10 is rotated with the tip end of the cover 10 pressed against the stepped portion 17, and the locking portion 10b is fitted into the groove portion 18 of the flange portion 5a- ₃ . The cover 10 is thereby attached to the case 5. In this attached state, the tip of the light transmitting part 10a is engaged with the step part 17, and the locking part 10b is locked in the groove part 17, so that the cover 10 can be reliably installed on the bottom part 5a of the case 5. . In addition, in this attached state, the light transmitting part 10
The formation position of the stepped portion 17 and the upright dimension of the flange portion 5a- ₃ are selected so that a is parallel to the information medium 12.

Conventional structures for attaching and fixing the dustproof cover to the case include (1) a structure using adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape (Fig. 5A), (2) a structure using heat fusion (Fig. 5B), and (3) a structure using a hook. Although there is a hook structure (FIG. 5C) that has been used, it has the disadvantages that it easily comes off, cannot be disassembled, and has a complicated structure. However, according to the mounting structure according to this embodiment, the light transmitting part 1 that has a dustproof function
A locking portion 10b is formed perpendicular to 0a, and this locking portion 10b is fitted into the groove 18 of the collar portion 5a- ₃ .
By receiving the tip of the light transmitting portion 10a with the stepped portion 17, it is possible to simultaneously prevent vertical wobbling and prevention of falling out. Further, since the locking portion 10b has a structure that is simply inserted into the groove portion 17, disassembly work can be easily performed. This structure is highly advantageous when it is not possible to form flanges on both side edges of the opening 11, as in the device 4 of this embodiment.

The cover 10 installed as described above has the bottom 5
Since the light transmitting portion 10a and the information medium 12 are fixed at a position recessed inward from the bottom surface of the portion a, there is a large distance between the light transmitting portion 10a and the information medium 12. Therefore, even if there is dust on the information medium 12, the dust will not adhere to the light transmitting section 10a, and therefore, the input image will not be degraded by the dust, and good image input can be performed. I can do it. Furthermore, since the stepped portion 17 to which one end of the cover 10 is locked is formed above the light emitting section 6, the light emitting section 6 is located below the cover 10.

Therefore, the light from the light emitting section 6 is directly irradiated onto the information medium 12, and the light can be efficiently irradiated toward the information medium 12 without attenuation due to reflection or refraction as in the conventional case. Further, the entry of dust into the case 5 is reliably prevented because the opening 11 is closed by the flange 5a- ₃ , the light emitting section 6, and the cover 10.

FIG. 3 shows how the device 4 having the above configuration is used. The device 4 reads the image information written on the information medium 12 by scanning in the direction shown by the arrow in the figure, and generates an image data signal. At this time, as described above, the left bottom part 5a- ₁ and the right bottom part 5a- ₂ of the bottom part 5a of the case 5 have different distances a and b (shown in FIG. 2) from the information medium 12, and a >b, a gap 19 is formed on the front side of the operator who operates the device 4. Therefore, the operator can confirm the location on the information medium 12 where the image has been input through this gap 19 (the line of sight of the operator is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). This makes it possible to easily align the device 1 to the position where image input is to be performed, thereby improving operability.
Incidentally, since the inside of the gap 19 is illuminated by the light emitting section 6, the image input position can be easily confirmed.

Effects of the invention As described above, according to the invention, since the cover is recessed from the bottom of the case, dust on the information medium does not adhere to the cover, thereby preventing deterioration of input images due to dust. In addition, since the light source is disposed closer to the bottom than the cover, the light from the light source directly irradiates the information medium, which has the advantage of improving irradiation efficiency.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment of the image information input device (apparatus) of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the cover, and Fig. 3 shows the state in which the device is used. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a conventional device, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a conventional structure for attaching a cover to a case. 4...Device (image information input device), 5...Case, 5a...Bottom, 5a- ₁ ...Left bottom, 5a- ₂
...Right bottom, 5a- ₃ ...Brim part, 6...Light emitting part,
7... Mirror, 9... Image reading means, 10...
...Cover, 11...Opening, 12...Information medium,
17...Step part, 18...Groove part, 19...Gap.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] Light is irradiated from a light source toward an information medium through an opening closed by a cover provided on the bottom of the case, and the information medium is scanned from the opening to the information medium. In an image information input device, the image information input device is provided with an image reading means that receives information light having reflected screen information and generates an image data signal from the information light in synchronization with the scanning speed, the cover being attached to the bottom of the case. An image information input device configured such that the light source is disposed in a recessed position further inward and the light source is disposed on the bottom side of the cover.