JP2009188937A - Image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus capable of sharing component, such as a housing and the like, even a light source with different size is used. <P>SOLUTION: The housing 60 includes: a first supporting part 61 supporting a second mirror 52 at a position (a first position) close to a first mirror 51 and a third mirror 53; and a second supporting part 62 supporting the second mirror 52 at a position (a second position) separate from the first mirror 51 and the third mirror 53 compared with the first supporting part 61. In addition, the housing 60 includes a third supporting part 63 supporting the third mirror 53 at a position close to the second mirror 52 and a fourth mirror 54, and a fourth supporting part 64 supporting the third mirror 53 at a position separate from the second mirror 52 and the fourth mirror 54 compared with the third supporting part 63. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document.

  In order to enable acquisition of a read image under a desired condition set by a user, a guide member that guides a reflection mirror or the like along an optical path, and a fixing member to which the guide member is attached and to a frame are provided. A document scanning unit is proposed in which the fixing member is made of a material whose coefficient of thermal expansion is smaller than that of the frame (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-234297 A

Incidentally, an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document may be provided with a light source that irradiates light on the document, a mirror that guides reflected light from the document to a sensor, and the like. Here, if another light source can be used instead of this light source, a reading device according to the application and specifications can be easily configured, and at the same time, other parts such as a housing can be shared. However, depending on the size of the light source used, the optical path length from the surface to be read of the document to the sensor changes, and it may be difficult to use the other components as they are.
An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of sharing parts such as a housing even when light sources having different sizes are used.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, as a light source for irradiating light on a document, a mounting means for attaching the first light source and the second light source in a replaceable manner, a sensor for receiving reflected light from the document, A mirror for guiding reflected light from the document to the sensor; a first support portion for supporting the mirror at a first position when the first light source is attached by the attachment means; When the second light source is mounted by the mounting means instead of the first light source, the mirror or another mirror is moved to the first position for adjusting the optical path length from the document to the sensor. And a second support unit for supporting at a different second position.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the light reflecting surface of the mirror or the other mirror is formed in a flat shape, and the second support portion supports the mirror or the other mirror when the mirror or the other mirror is supported. The light reflecting surface of the other mirror is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the light reflecting surface of the mirror when the first support portion supports the mirror. An image reading apparatus.
The invention according to claim 3 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an angle adjusting mechanism for adjusting an angle of the mirror or the other mirror.
The invention according to claim 4 further includes a housing to which the light source and the sensor are attached and having the first support part and the second support part, and the first support part and the second support part. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support portion is formed integrally with the housing.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first side provided with an insertion slot into which the mirror formed in a long shape is inserted, and arranged facing the insertion slot and arranged opposite to each other across the insertion slot. And a second side portion, the support member supporting the mirror, and the mirror inserted into the insertion port and the second side portion, the mirror being the first side A spring member that presses toward the first support portion formed on the side portion of the mirror, and the spring member is disposed between the mirror inserted into the insertion port and the first side portion. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is pressed toward the second support portion formed on the second side portion when the mirror is disposed between the two. An image reading apparatus.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the second support portion regulates displacement of the spring member disposed between the mirror and the second side portion, and the first support portion is 6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the spring member is disposed between the mirror and the first side portion, displacement of the spring member is restricted.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the first side portion on which the first support portion is formed and the second side portion on which the second support portion is formed have a predetermined symmetry axis. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image reading apparatus is arranged in a substantially symmetrical relationship as a reference.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for irradiating light on a document, a sensor for receiving reflected light from the document, a long shape and a predetermined thickness, A mirror that guides reflected light to the sensor, and a positioning member that supports the mirror at an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the mirror and positions the mirror at a first position. The position 1 is an image reading apparatus characterized in that the mirror or another mirror can be positioned at a second position where the position of the mirror in the thickness direction is different.
The invention according to claim 9 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the other mirror that can position the positioning member at the second position is smaller in size than the mirror. .
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the positioning member includes a first positioning portion that positions the mirror at the first position, and a second position where the mirror or the other mirror can be positioned at the second position. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are formed integrally with the main body side of the positioning member. is there.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the positioning member includes a first positioning portion that positions the mirror at the first position, and a second position that can position the mirror or the other mirror at the second position. Each of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion is configured as a protruding portion protruding from a predetermined reference surface, and the protruding height of the first positioning portion and the The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the protruding heights of the second positioning portions are different from each other.
The invention according to claim 12 further includes a spring member that has a first contact portion that contacts the mirror positioned at the first position and presses the mirror against the positioning member. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a second contact portion that contacts the mirror or the other mirror positioned at the second position.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus capable of sharing parts such as a housing even when light sources having different sizes are used.
According to claim 2 of the present invention, for example, the optical path of the light emitted from the mirror supported by the first support part and the optical path of the light emitted from the mirror supported by the second support part are approximately Compared to a case where the optical paths are parallel and the optical paths are not substantially parallel, the arrangement of the optical paths from the reading surface of the document to the sensor can be easily performed.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, the optical path of the light emitted from the mirror can be adjusted.
According to claim 4 of the present invention, when the first support portion and the second support portion are formed integrally with the housing, the first support portion and the second support portion are formed as separate parts from the housing. For example, optical accuracy can be ensured as compared with the case where it is performed.
According to claim 5 of the present invention, the second support portion can support the mirror by setting the spring member between the mirror and the first side, and the mirror support position. Can be easily changed.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to regulate the positional deviation of the spring member without separately providing a regulating part for regulating the positional deviation of the spring member, and the configuration can be simplified.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, for example, the optical path of the light emitted from the mirror supported by the first support part and the optical path of the light emitted from the mirror supported by the second support part are substantially defined. Can be parallel.

According to claim 8 of the present invention, it is possible to adjust the optical path length from the document to the sensor, and to provide an image reading unit capable of sharing parts such as a housing even if light sources having different sizes are used. it can.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the image reading apparatus when the mirror is positioned by the second positioning portion.
According to claim 10 of the present invention, when the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are integrally formed on the main body side of the positioning member, the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are arranged with the positioning member. Compared with the case where the optical element is formed of different parts, for example, optical accuracy can be ensured.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the mirror positioning at the first position and the mirror positioning at the second position can be realized with a simple configuration as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to position the mirror and other mirrors more stably than in the case where the present invention is not adopted.

-First embodiment-
The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image reading apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
The image reading apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a scanner device 10 that reads an image by scanning a document, and a document feeding device 20 that sequentially conveys the document from a stacked document bundle.

  The document feeder 20 includes a document stacking unit 21 that stacks a bundle of documents including a plurality of documents, and a paper discharge stacking unit 22 that is provided below the document stacking unit 21 and loads a document that has been read. In addition, the document feeder 20 is provided with a nudger roll 23 that takes out and conveys the document on the document stacking unit 21 and a paper feeding mechanism 24 that separates sheets one by one. Also, in the conveyance path 25 where the document is conveyed, the document is conveyed while performing registration adjustment on the scanner device 10 and a pre-registration roll 26 that conveys the originals that are individually fed toward the downstream roll. And a registration roll 27 to be supplied. In addition, a platen roll 28 for assisting conveyance of the document being read by the scanner device 10 and an out-roll 29 for conveying the document read by the scanner device 10 further downstream are provided. Further, a discharge roll 30 is provided for discharging the read document to the discharge stacking unit 22.

  The scanner device 10 includes a first platen glass 11A on which a document to be read is placed in a stationary state, and a second platen glass 11B that transmits light for reading the document conveyed by the document feeder 20. . Further, the scanner device 10 includes a reading unit (image reading unit) 12 that reads a document placed on the first platen glass 11A and a document conveyed by the document feeding device 20, and a housing that accommodates the reading unit 12. 13.

  The reading unit 12 includes an illumination lamp 50 (an example of a light source) for irradiating light on a document, a first mirror 51 that receives and reflects reflected light obtained from the document, and light obtained from the first mirror 51. The second mirror 52, the third mirror 53, and the fourth mirror 54 are sequentially provided to provide a CCD image sensor 56 to be described later. Here, each light reflecting surface of the first mirror 51 to the fourth mirror 54 is formed flat. Further, each of the first mirror 51 to the fourth mirror 54 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is formed in a long shape. Further, each of the first mirror 51 to the fourth mirror 54 is arranged along the sub-scanning direction. In addition, each of the first mirror 51 to the fourth mirror 54 is supported at both ends by a mirror support member 40 and a housing 60 described later, and is positioned at a predetermined position. The reading unit 12 includes an imaging lens 55 that optically reduces the optical image obtained from the fourth mirror 54, and a CCD image sensor 56 that photoelectrically converts the optical image formed by the imaging lens 55. And.

In addition, the reading unit 12 includes a housing 60 that holds an illumination lamp 50, a first mirror 51 to a fourth mirror 54, an imaging lens 55, and a CCD image sensor 56. Here, the illumination lamp 50 is attached to an attachment portion 60b that is provided on the upper portion of the housing 60 and functions as one of attachment means.
Thus, in the scanner device 10 according to the present embodiment, an image is formed on the CCD image sensor 56 using a so-called reduction optical system. Here, the reading unit 12 is configured to be guided in the sub-scanning direction by a guide shaft 125 that is located on the back side in the drawing and extends in the sub-scanning direction indicated by an arrow X in the drawing.

  The housing 13 includes a first housing 13A that holds the first platen glass 11A and the second platen glass 11B, and a second housing 13B that houses the reading unit 12 together with the first housing 13A. . The first housing 13A and the second housing 13B constitute the appearance of the image reading apparatus 1. Here, the second housing 13 </ b> B is provided with a bearing portion 14 that holds both ends of the guide shaft 125.

  The second housing 13B supports the reading unit 12 by contacting a sliding member 60a attached to the bottom of the housing 60 of the reading unit 12, and guides the reading unit 12 in the sub-scanning direction. Rails 15 are provided. The guide rail 15 is located on the front side in the figure. Furthermore, the second housing 13B is provided with a rail receiving portion 16 that holds the guide rail 15. In the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the document feeding device 20 is provided has been described as an example. However, the platen cover that holds the document placed on the first platen glass 11A is used instead of the document feeding device 20. It is also possible to provide a structure (not shown).

  When the image reading apparatus 1 configured as described above reads an image of a document placed on the first platen glass 11A, the reading unit 12 is driven by a drive motor (not shown), for example, a belt member (not shown). ) To move in the sub-scanning direction shown in the X direction in the figure. At this time, the reading unit 12 is guided by the guide shaft 125 and the guide rail 15. Then, the light of the illumination lamp 50 is applied to the surface to be read of the document, and the reflected light from the document is reflected in the order of the first mirror 51, the second mirror 52, the third mirror 53, and the fourth mirror 54 to form an image. Guided to the lens 55 for use. The light guided to the imaging lens 55 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 56. Here, the CCD image sensor 56 in the present embodiment is a one-dimensional sensor and processes one line at a time. When the reading unit 12 further moves in the sub-scanning direction of scanning, the reading unit 12 reads the next line of the document. By executing this over the entire original, reading of one original is completed.

  On the other hand, when a document is transported by the document feeder 20, the transported document passes over the second platen glass 11B. At this time, the reading unit 12 is disposed below the second platen glass 11B. Then, the reflected light of the first line of the document that has passed through the platen roll 28 of the document feeder 20 passes through the first mirror 51, the second mirror 52, the third mirror 53, and the fourth mirror 54 to the imaging lens 55. The image is formed and the image is read by the CCD image sensor 56. Next, the next line of the document conveyed by the document feeder 20 is read. Thereafter, the image reading is performed in accordance with the conveyance of the original, and the trailing end of the original passes through the reading position of the second platen glass 11B, thereby completing one original reading in the sub-scanning direction.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining sharing of the reading unit 12.
Various kinds of lamps such as a cold cathode tube lamp and a xenon lamp are used as the illumination lamp 50 used in the reading unit 12 according to the application and specifications. By the way, the diameter of the illumination lamp 50 is generally different depending on the type thereof. For example, the small lamp has a diameter of 3 mm, and the large lamp has a diameter of 10 mm. Here, for example, in the case where the reading unit 12 (using the large-diameter illumination lamp 50 (first light source)) in the present embodiment already exists (see FIG. 5A), the shape of the housing 60, etc. If a new illumination lamp 50 (which employs a small-diameter illumination lamp 50 (second light source)) can be provided without changing (see FIG. 5B), the housing 60 and the like can be shared, thereby reducing costs. It becomes possible to plan.

  Here, when the small-diameter illumination lamp 50 is replaced in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the distance between the original and the illumination lamp 50 increases, and the amount of light applied to the original decreases. Further, if the illumination lamp 50 has a small diameter, the amount of light generally decreases, and in this case also, the amount of light applied to the document decreases. Therefore, when the small-diameter illumination lamp 50 is used, the housing 60 needs to be arranged close to the document so that the illumination lamp 50 approaches the document (first platen glass 11A).

  In this case, the distance between the surface to be read of the document and the first mirror 51 is different. That is, the distance D1 in FIG. 6A becomes a distance D2 smaller than the distance D1 by using the small-diameter illumination lamp 50 (see FIG. 5B). When the distance between the surface to be read and the first mirror 51 becomes different, the optical path length from the surface to be read to the CCD image sensor 56 changes. For this reason, it is difficult to configure a new reading unit 12 without changing the shape of the housing 60 and the like. In this case, the first mirror 51, the third mirror 53, and the first mirror 51 are arranged so that the CCD image sensor 56 and the imaging lens 55 are retracted (see the broken line in FIG. 5B) or the optical path length is increased. It is necessary to newly develop the housing 60 and change specifications so that the four mirrors 54 and the like are positioned (see the broken line in FIG. 4B). In addition, new development of the imaging lens 55 and specification changes may be required. And, new development and specification changes will cause problems such as high costs.

Here, FIG. 3 shows the reading unit 12 in the present embodiment.
As described above, normally, the new reading unit 12 cannot be configured only by replacing the illumination lamp 50, and a new development or specification change of the housing 60 or the like is required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the housing 60 and the like are configured so that the second mirror 52, the third mirror 53, and the fourth mirror 54 are supported by the housing 60 and the like at different positions, and the housing 60 and the like are shared. I am trying.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the housing 60 and the like in the present embodiment support the second mirror 52 at a position (first position) close to the first mirror 51 and the third mirror 53. A first support portion 61 and a second support portion 62 that supports the second mirror 52 at a position (second position) farther from the first mirror 51 and the third mirror 53 than the first support portion 61. I have. In other words, the housing 60 and the like include a first support portion 61 and a second support portion 62 that support the second mirror 52 at different positions in the thickness direction of the second mirror 52. In addition, the housing 60 and the like have the third mirror 63 and the fourth support 63 that support the third mirror 53 at positions close to the second mirror 52 and the fourth mirror 54, and the second mirror 52 and the fourth mirror 63. A fourth support portion 64 that supports the third mirror 53 at a position away from the mirror 54 is provided. In other words, the housing 60 includes a third support portion 63 and a fourth support portion 64 that support the third mirror 53 at different positions in the thickness direction of the third mirror 53.

  Here, when the illumination lamp 50 having a small diameter is used as shown in FIG. 5B, the arrangement positions of the second mirror 52 and the third mirror 53 are changed, and the second mirror 52 is the second support portion. The third mirror 53 is supported by the fourth support portion 64 so as to be supported by the second support portion 64. As a result, the optical path length can be adjusted, and the optical path length after the replacement of the illumination lamp 50 can be made equivalent to the optical path length before the replacement of the illumination lamp 50 (the optical path length in FIG. 5A). For this reason, in this embodiment, the optical path length before replacement | exchange of the illumination lamp 50 can be ensured, without performing new development of a housing 60 grade | etc., Or specification change.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the fifth support portion 65 and the fifth support that support the fourth mirror 54 at a position close to the imaging lens 55 and the third mirror 53 on the housing 60 or the like. A sixth support portion 66 that supports the fourth mirror 54 at a position farther from the imaging lens 55 and the third mirror 53 than the portion 65 may be provided. Furthermore, although not illustrated in the present embodiment, a plurality of support portions can be formed on the housing 60 or the like so that the arrangement position of the first mirror 51 can be changed. In the present embodiment, an optical path connecting the second mirror 52 and the third mirror 53 is formed above the first mirror 51, and the fourth mirror 54 and the imaging lens 55 are disposed below the first mirror 51. A connecting optical path is formed. For this reason, depending on the arrangement position of the first mirror 51, these optical paths and the first mirror 51 may interfere with each other. For this reason, the arrangement change of the first mirror 51 is more restricted than the arrangement change of other mirrors.

Note that the first housing 13A (see FIG. 1) and the second housing 13B in the present embodiment are configured such that the relative positions in the height direction can be varied. As a result, by changing the relative positions of the first casing 13A and the second casing 13B, the positions of the guide shaft 125 and the guide rail 15 in the height direction can also be changed. For this reason, the arrangement position of the housing 60 can be changed without newly developing the housing 13 or the like.
Note that the arrangement position of the housing 60 can be changed, for example, by changing the fixing positions of the guide shaft 125 and the guide rail 15 that can be fixed at a plurality of different positions in the height direction. The arrangement position of the housing 60 can also be changed by, for example, providing two (plural) guide shafts 125 and guide rails 15 at different positions in the height direction in advance.

Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a manner of fixing the second mirror 52. In the following description, the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62 will be mainly described. However, the other support portions are configured in the same manner as the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62. can do.
As shown in the figure, in the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a mirror support member 40 is provided as a positioning member that is attached to the housing 60 and positions the second mirror 52. The first mirror 51, the third mirror 53, and the fourth mirror 54 including the second mirror 52 are not only directly supported by the housing 60, but may be supported by the housing 60 via such a mirror support member 40. is there. When the second mirror 52 and the like are directly supported by the housing 60 (details will be described later), the housing 60 functions as a positioning member that positions the second mirror 52 and the like.

  The mirror support member 40 in this embodiment can be formed, for example with a metal, and can be formed, for example, by bending a sheet metal. Further, the mirror support member 40 includes a flat plate-like main body portion 41 arranged along the main scanning direction, a first projecting piece 42 arranged orthogonal to the main body portion 41, and orthogonal to the main body portion 41. And a second projecting piece 43 arranged in such a relationship. Here, the first protruding piece 42 is provided at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 41, and the second protruding piece 43 is provided at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 41. The first protruding piece 42 is provided with an opening (insertion opening) 70 that is provided penetratingly arranged in the main scanning direction and into which one end portion of the second mirror 52 is inserted. An opening (insertion opening) 70 is provided, through which the other end of the second mirror 52 is inserted. In the present embodiment, after the second mirror 52 is inserted into the openings 70, the second mirror 52 and the first protruding piece 42, the second mirror 52 and the second protruding piece 43, In between, the mirror clip 80 provided with the contact part 80b which contacts the through-hole 80a and the 2nd mirror 52 is inserted. Thereby, the second mirror 52 is fixed to the mirror support member 40.

  Here, FIG. 5 illustrates the first projecting piece 42, the second projecting piece 43, and the second mirror 52. 2A shows the first projecting piece 42 and the second mirror 52 from the front side, and FIG. 2B shows the second projecting piece 43 and the second mirror 52 on the back surface. It is illustrated from the side. In these figures, the mirror clip 80 is simplified and displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first projecting piece 42 and the second projecting piece 43 include the opening 70 as described above. Here, the opening 70 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape.
And the 1st support part (1st positioning part) 61 in this embodiment is provided in the 1st protrusion piece 42, and goes to the internal direction of the opening 70 from the 1st edge part 71 which faced the opening 70. As shown in FIG. The first projecting portion 61 a that projects and the second projecting portion 61 b that is provided on the first projecting piece 42 and projects from the first side portion 71 toward the inside of the opening 70 are configured. (See (a) of the same figure). The first support portion 61 is provided on the second projecting piece 43, and includes a third projecting portion 61 c that projects from the first side portion 71 facing the opening 70 toward the inside of the opening 70. (Refer to FIG. 2B). That is, the 1st support part 61 is comprised from the 1st protrusion part 61a, the 2nd protrusion part 61b, and the 3rd protrusion part 61c.

The second support part (second positioning part) 62 is provided on the first projecting piece 42, and the second side part disposed at the position facing the first side part 71 with the opening 70 interposed therebetween. A first protrusion 62 a that protrudes from 72 to the inside of the opening 70 and a second protrusion that is provided on the first protruding piece 42 and protrudes from the second side 72 to the inside of the opening 70. Projecting portion 62b (see FIG. 5A). Further, the second support portion 62 is provided on the second projecting piece 43 and extends from the second side portion 72 arranged at the position facing the first side portion 71 across the opening 70 to the inside of the opening 70. It is comprised from the 3rd protrusion part 62c protruded toward (refer the figure (b)). That is, the 2nd support part 62 is comprised from the 1st protrusion part 62a, the 2nd protrusion part 62b, and the 3rd protrusion part 62c.
Here, the 1st protrusion part 61a in the 1st support part 61, the 2nd protrusion part 61b, the 3rd protrusion part 61c, the 1st protrusion part 62a in the 2nd support part 62, the 2nd protrusion The outer edge of the part 62b and the 3rd protrusion part 62c is formed in circular arc shape. Further, these protrusions are formed integrally with the mirror support member 40.

  In this embodiment, the top of the first protrusion 61a, the top of the second protrusion 61b, and the tangential plane in contact with the top of the third protrusion 61c, the top of the first protrusion 62a, These protrusions are arranged so that the top of the second protrusion 62b and the tangential plane in contact with the top of the third protrusion 62c are substantially parallel. Furthermore, the first protrusion 61a and the first protrusion 62a are disposed so as to face each other, and the second protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 62b are also disposed so as to face each other. Moreover, the 3rd protrusion part 61c and the 3rd protrusion part 62c are also arrange | positioned in the opposing relationship. In addition, the arrangement interval between the first projection 61a and the second projection 61b and the arrangement interval between the first projection 62a and the second projection 62b are aligned (become substantially equal). )

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, when a predetermined axis of symmetry (see line AA in the figure) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second mirror 52 is used as a reference, the first The opening 70 in the protruding piece 42 is formed in line symmetry. In other words, the first side 71 on which the first protrusion 61a and the second protrusion 61b are formed, and the second side on which the first protrusion 62a and the second protrusion 62b are formed. The portion 72 is arranged in a relationship that is substantially symmetric (substantially line symmetric) with respect to the symmetry axis. In addition, the opening 70 is also axisymmetrical with respect to a predetermined axis of symmetry (see line BB in the figure) along the thickness direction of the second mirror 52. In other words, the first projecting portion 61a and the second projecting portion 61b are arranged in a substantially line-symmetric relationship with respect to the axis of symmetry, and the first projecting portion 62a and the second projecting portion 62b are also arranged. They are arranged in a substantially line-symmetric relationship.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the opening in the second projecting piece 43 when a predetermined symmetry axis (refer to the line CC in the figure) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the second mirror 52 is used as a reference. 70 is formed in line symmetry. In other words, the first side portion 71 on which the third protruding portion 61c is formed and the second side portion 72 on which the third protruding portion 62c is formed are substantially symmetrical with respect to the symmetry axis ( They are arranged in such a relationship as to be substantially line symmetrical. In addition, the opening 70 is also axisymmetrical with respect to a predetermined symmetry axis (see line DD in the drawing) along the thickness direction of the second mirror 52. In other words, the first side 71 on which the third protrusion 61c is formed is substantially line-symmetric with respect to the axis of symmetry, and the second side 72 on which the third protrusion 62c is formed. Is also substantially line symmetric with respect to this symmetry axis.

  When the second mirror 52 is supported by the first support portion 61, a mirror clip 80 serving as a spring member is disposed between the second side portion 72 and the second mirror 52 in the first projecting piece 42. (Refer to (a) of the figure). Further, a mirror clip 80 is also disposed between the second side 72 and the second mirror 52 in the second projecting piece 43 (see FIG. 5B). As a result, the surface side (light reflecting surface side) of the second mirror 52 is pressed by the first support portion 61, and the second mirror 52 is supported by the first support portion 61. In other words, the surface side (light reflection surface side) of the second mirror 52 is pressed by the first support portion 61, and the second mirror 52 is positioned by the first support portion 61.

  Further, when the second mirror 52 is supported by the second support portion 62, the mirror clip 80 is disposed between the first side portion 71 and the second mirror 52 in the first projecting piece 42. . The mirror clip 80 is also disposed between the first side 71 and the second mirror 52 in the second projecting piece 43. In this case, the back surface side of the second mirror 52 is pressed by the second support portion 62, and the second mirror 52 is supported by the second support portion 62 (see the broken lines in FIGS. 5A and 5B). In other words, the back surface side of the second mirror 52 is pressed by the second support portion 62, and the second mirror 52 is positioned by the second support portion 62.

  When the mirror clip 80 is disposed between the second side 72 and the second mirror 52 in the second protruding piece 43, the third protrusion is inserted into the through hole 80a (see FIG. 4) in the mirror clip 80. The part 62c enters and the displacement of the mirror clip 80 is restricted. The third protrusion 62c has a function of supporting the second mirror 52 and also has a function of regulating the positional deviation of the mirror clip 80 in this way. Further, when the mirror clip 80 is disposed between the first side portion 71 and the second mirror 52 in the second projecting piece 43, the third projecting portion 61 c is formed in the through hole 80 a in the mirror clip 80. Intrusion and displacement of the mirror clip 80 are restricted. The third protruding portion 61 c has a function of supporting the second mirror 52 and also has a function of regulating the positional deviation of the mirror clip 80.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, the tangential plane in contact with the top of the first protrusion 61a, the top of the second protrusion 61b, and the top of the third protrusion 61c, and the first protrusion 62a. The protrusions are arranged so that the top of the second protrusion 62b, the top of the second protrusion 62b, and the tangential plane in contact with the top of the third protrusion 62c are substantially parallel. Therefore, when the arrangement of the second mirror 52 is changed from the state supported by the first support part 61 to the state supported by the second support part 62, the second mirror 52 is offset in parallel. It becomes. In other words, the light reflecting surface of the second mirror 52 when the second support portion 62 supports the second mirror 52 is the second mirror 52 when the first support portion 61 supports the second mirror 52. It becomes a state substantially parallel to the light reflecting surface. As a result, the optical paths (optical axes) of the light beams emitted from the second mirror 52 are substantially parallel as indicated by X1 and X2 in FIG. In this embodiment, the position of the mirror provided in the reading unit 12 can be changed. However, the position of the mirror in the image reading apparatus provided with a so-called full-rate carriage and half-rate carriage can be changed. You can also.

-Second Embodiment-
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which the second mirror 52 is fixed in the second embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the mirror support member 40 provided with the 1st protrusion piece 42 provided with the opening 70 and the 2nd protrusion piece 43 provided with the opening 70 is provided. Then, after the second mirror 52 is inserted into these openings 70, the mirror clip 80 is inserted, and the second mirror 52 is fixed (positioned) to the mirror support member 40. Here, in this embodiment, the arrangement | positioning aspect of the 1st support part 61 and the 2nd support part 62 differs from 1st Embodiment.

  Here, FIG. 7 illustrates the first projecting piece 42, the second projecting piece 43, and the second mirror 52. 7A illustrates the first projecting piece 42 and the second mirror 52 from the front side, and FIG. 7B illustrates the second projecting piece 43 and the second mirror 52 from the front. It is illustrated from the side. Moreover, FIG.7 (c) has shown the cross section in the XX line in FIG.7 (b). In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the mirror clip 80 is simplified.

  Here, the first support portion (first positioning portion) 61 in the present embodiment is provided on the first projecting piece 42, from the first side portion 71 of the opening 70 toward the inside of the opening 70. The first projecting portion 61 a that projects and the second projecting portion 61 b that is provided on the first projecting piece 42 and projects from the first side portion 71 toward the inside of the opening 70 are configured. (See (a) of the same figure). The first support portion 61 is provided on the second projecting piece 43, and includes a third projecting portion 61 c projecting from the first side 71 of the opening 70 toward the inside of the opening 70. (Refer to (b) in the figure). That is, the 1st support part 61 is comprised from the 1st protrusion part 61a, the 2nd protrusion part 61b, and the 3rd protrusion part 61c. In the present embodiment, the outer edges of the first protrusion 61a, the second protrusion 61b, and the third protrusion 61c are formed in an arc shape.

  The second support portion (second positioning portion) 62 is provided on the first protruding piece 42, and protrudes from the first side portion 71 toward the inside of the opening 70, and a first protruding portion 62a. Similarly, the first projecting piece 42 is provided with a second projecting portion 62b projecting from the first side portion 71 toward the inside of the opening 70 (see FIG. 5A). The second support portion 62 is provided on the second projecting piece 43, and includes a third projecting portion 62c projecting from the first side portion 71 toward the inside of the opening 70 (same as the above). (Refer figure (b)). That is, the 2nd support part 62 is comprised from the 1st protrusion part 62a, the 2nd protrusion part 62b, and the 3rd protrusion part 62c. Note that the outer edges of the first protrusion 62a, the second protrusion 62b, and the third protrusion 62c are formed in an arc shape.

  Here, the 1st protrusion part 62a and the 2nd protrusion part 62b in the 2nd support part 62 are located between the 1st protrusion part 61a and the 2nd protrusion part 61b in the 1st support part 61. is doing. Furthermore, when the surface of the first side portion 71 in the first projecting piece 42 is used as a reference surface, the projecting heights of the first projecting portion 62a and the second projecting portion 62b in the second support portion 62 are as follows. The first support portion 61 is formed to be lower than the protrusion height of the first protrusion portion 61a and the second protrusion portion 61b. Further, when the surface of the first side portion 71 in the second protruding piece 43 is used as a reference, the protruding height of the third protruding portion 62 c in the second supporting portion 62 is the same as that in the first supporting portion 61. It is formed lower than the protruding height of the third protruding portion 61c.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the third protrusion 62 c in the second support portion 62 is the third protrusion 61 c in the first support portion 61 in the longitudinal direction of the second mirror 52. It is arranged inside. Also in this embodiment, the top of the first protrusion 61a, the top of the second protrusion 61b, and the tangential plane in contact with the top of the third protrusion 61c, the top of the first protrusion 62a, These protrusions are arranged so that the top of the second protrusion 62b and the tangential plane in contact with the top of the third protrusion 62c are substantially parallel. Further, the first protrusion 61 a, the second protrusion 61 b, and the third protrusion 61 c in the first support portion 61 are formed integrally with the mirror support member 40. Further, the first protrusion 62 a, the second protrusion 62 b, and the third protrusion 62 c in the second support part 62 are also formed integrally with the mirror support member 40.

  Here, when the second mirror 52 is supported by the first support portion 61, the second mirror 52 is opened in the first projecting piece 42 as shown in FIGS. 70 and the opening 70 in the second projecting piece 43. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3A, a mirror clip 80 is disposed between the second side 72 and the second mirror 52. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a mirror clip 80 is disposed between the second side portion 72 and the second mirror 52. Thus, the second mirror 52 is disposed in contact with the first protrusion 61a, the second protrusion 61b, and the third protrusion 61c that constitute the first support 61, and the mirror support member 40 (housing) 60).

  Further, when the second mirror 52 is supported by the second support portion 62, the second mirror 52 is inserted into both openings 70. Thereafter, the mirror clip 80 is inserted between the second side portion 72 and the second mirror 52 in the first projecting piece 42. Further, the mirror clip 80 is inserted between the second side portion 72 and the second mirror 52 in the second projecting piece 43. Thus, the second mirror 52 is disposed in contact with the first protrusion 62a, the second protrusion 62b, and the third protrusion 62c constituting the second support part 62, and the mirror support member 40 (housing) 60).

  Here, when the second mirror 52 supported by the first support portion 61 is supported by the second support portion 62 and the arrangement of the second mirror 52 is changed, the second mirror 52 and the first support portion 61 are arranged. Will interfere. For this reason, when performing such an arrangement change, it is necessary to make the width of the second mirror 52 smaller than the width of the second mirror 52 supported by the first support portion 61. In other words, when the support by the second support part 62 is performed, the second mirror 52 supported by the first support part 61 is replaced with a new second mirror having a size different from that of the second mirror 52. 52 (another mirror) is used. In other words, when the second support portion 62 is used for support, the second mirror 52 supported by the first support portion 61 is replaced with a new one having a smaller width (smaller size) than the second mirror 52. A second mirror 52 is used.

In addition, the mirror clip 80 can also be made into the following forms.
Here, FIG. 8 shows another form of the mirror clip 80. As shown in FIG. 5A, the mirror clip 80 in the present embodiment has a first surface that contacts the second mirror 52 and protrudes in a hemispherical shape from the facing surface 80c to the facing surface 80c facing the second mirror 52. A second contact portion 80e that contacts the contact portion 80d and the new second mirror 52 is provided.
Here, the first contact portion 80d is disposed at a position facing the third projecting portion 61c with the second mirror 52 interposed therebetween, as shown in FIG. The second contact portion 80e is disposed at a position facing the third projecting portion 62c with the new second mirror 52 interposed therebetween, as shown in FIG. In the case of this aspect, the 2nd mirror 52 and the new 2nd mirror 52 can be pressed more stably.

-Third embodiment-
FIG. 9 shows the first support portion 61, the second support portion 62, and the like in the third embodiment. In the drawing, only one end side of the second mirror 52 is shown.
The first support portion 61 in the present embodiment is configured by a protruding portion 61 d that protrudes from the edge portion 92 of the main body portion 91 formed in a flat plate shape of the support plate 90 to the side where the second mirror 52 is disposed. . Here, the support plate 90 is attached to the housing 60. Moreover, the support plate 90 can be formed, for example with a sheet metal. The second support portion 62 is configured by a protruding portion 62d that protrudes from the edge portion 92 to the side where the second mirror 52 is disposed. Here, the protruding portion 61d and the protruding portion 62d are arranged side by side along the arrangement direction of the edge portion 92, and the outer edge portion is formed in an arc shape. Moreover, the top part in the protrusion part 62d is formed lower than the top part in the protrusion part 61d. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the arrangement direction (arrangement direction) of the protrusions 61d and 62d, an adjustment mechanism (angle adjustment mechanism) that adjusts the position (angle) of the second mirror 52 on the side where the protrusions 62d are arranged. ) 93 is provided.

  The adjustment mechanism 93 includes a protruding piece 93a arranged to protrude from the main body 91, a screw hole 93b formed in the protruding piece 93a and formed toward the second mirror 52, and inserted into the screw hole 93b. The screw member 93c is provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the second mirror 52. Here, the protruding piece 93a and the main body 91 are disposed so as to be in a substantially orthogonal relationship with each other. In the present embodiment, the second mirror 52 can be adjusted by moving the screw member 93 c forward and backward with respect to the second mirror 52. Specifically, the position of the second mirror 52 in the height direction (thickness direction) and the angle of the second mirror 52 can be adjusted.

  When the second mirror 52 is supported by the first support portion 61, the protruding portion 61 d and the screw member 93 c are arranged in contact with the second mirror 52. When the second mirror 52 is supported by the second support portion 62, the projecting portion 62 d and the screw member 93 c are disposed in contact with the second mirror 52. For example, when the second mirror 52 supported by the first support portion 61 is supported by the second support portion 62 and the arrangement of the second mirror 52 is changed, the screw member 93c is adjusted by the user or the like. Is called. By this adjustment, the screw member 93 c is positioned at a position farther from the second mirror 52 than the position at which the second mirror 52 is supported by the first support portion 61. In the present embodiment, a member corresponding to the mirror clip 80 is not shown, but it is sufficient if the second mirror 52 can be pressed against the protrusion 61d, the protrusion 62d, and the adjustment mechanism 93. Is not particularly limited.

-Fourth Embodiment-
Here, FIG. 10 shows the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62 in the fourth embodiment. Here, in the present embodiment, the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62 are directly provided on the housing 60, and the second mirror 52 is directly supported on the housing 60. In the drawing, only a part of the housing 60 is shown.

  As shown in the figure, the first support 61 in the present embodiment is a first protrusion 61e that protrudes from the flat portion (flat surface, reference surface) of the housing 60 in the normal direction of the flat portion. It is comprised from the 2nd protrusion part 61f and the 3rd protrusion part 61g. Here, the contact surfaces of the first protrusion 61e, the second protrusion 61f, and the third protrusion 61g that are in contact with the second mirror 52 are formed in a flat shape. The first protrusion 61e and the second protrusion 61f are arranged on one end side of the second mirror 52 to be arranged, and the third protrusion 61g is the other end of the second mirror 52 to be arranged. Placed on the side. Further, the first protrusion 61e, the second protrusion 61f, and the third protrusion 61g are in a state in which the protrusion height (protrusion amount) from the housing 60 is substantially equal.

  On the other hand, similarly to the first support portion 61, the second support portion 62 protrudes from the flat portion of the housing 60 in the normal direction of the flat portion, and includes a first protrusion 62e and a second protrusion 62f. , And a third protrusion 62g. Here, the contact surfaces of the first protrusion 62e, the second protrusion 62f, and the third protrusion 62g that come into contact with the second mirror 52 are formed in a flat shape. The first protrusion 62e and the second protrusion 62f are arranged on one end side of the second mirror 52 to be arranged, and the third protrusion 62g is the other end of the second mirror 52 to be arranged. Placed on the side. Further, the first protrusion 62e, the second protrusion 62f, and the third protrusion 62g are in a state where the protrusion height (protrusion amount) from the housing 60 is substantially equal.

  The first projecting portion 62e and the second projecting portion 62f are located closer to the third projecting portion 61g than the first projecting portion 61e and the second projecting portion 61f in the first support portion 61. ing. The third protrusion 62g is located closer to the first protrusion 61e and the second protrusion 61f than the third protrusion 61g of the first support 61 is. In other words, the first protrusion 62e, the second protrusion 62f, and the third protrusion 62g in the second support part 62 are the first protrusion 61e and the second protrusion in the first support 61, respectively. 61f and the 3rd protrusion part 61g are located inside. Here, in the present embodiment, when the flat portion of the housing 60 is used as a reference surface, the first protrusion 62e, the second protrusion 62f, and the third protrusion 62g of the second support portion 62 protrude. The height is formed lower than the projecting heights of the first projecting part 61e, the second projecting part 61f, and the third projecting part 61g in the first support part 61.

Here, when the 2nd mirror 52 is supported by the 1st support part 61, the 2nd mirror 52 is pressed by pressing members not shown, such as mirror clip 80, and the 1st projection part 61e and the 2nd The protrusion 61f and the third protrusion 61g are arranged in contact with each other. Thereby, the second mirror 52 is stably supported by the first support portion 61.
On the other hand, when the 2nd mirror 52 is supported by the 2nd support part 62, the 2nd mirror 52 is pressed by the press member not shown, and the 1st protrusion part 62e, the 2nd protrusion part 62f, and the 3rd It is arranged in contact with the protruding portion 62g. Thereby, the second mirror 52 is stably supported by the second support portion 62.

  Note that the second mirror 52 when supported by the second support portion 62 is a new mirror having a smaller dimension in the longitudinal direction than the second mirror 52 when supported by the first support portion 61 ( Other mirrors) are used. In the present embodiment, the first projecting portion 61 e, the second projecting portion 61 f, and the third projecting portion 61 g constituting the first support portion 61 are formed integrally with the housing 60. In addition, the first protrusion 62 e, the second protrusion 62 f, and the third protrusion 62 g constituting the second support portion 62 are also formed integrally with the housing 60.

-Fifth embodiment-
FIG. 11 shows the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62 in the fifth embodiment. Here, the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62 in the present embodiment are configured in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment except for the shape of the protruding portion protruding from the housing 60.
In the present embodiment, the shape of the first protrusion 61e, the second protrusion 61f, and the third protrusion 61g in the first support 61, and the first protrusion 62e in the second support 62, The shapes of the second protrusion 62f and the third protrusion 62g are hemispherical. As a result, the contact form between these protrusions and the second mirror 52 is point contact. For this reason, the contact between the projecting portion and the second mirror 52 can be reliably maintained, and the occurrence of problems such as the second mirror 52 floating from some projecting portions can be suppressed.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating sharing of a reading unit. 2 shows a reading unit in the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed the fixation aspect of the 2nd mirror. The 1st protrusion piece, the 2nd protrusion piece, and the 2nd mirror are illustrated. It is the figure which showed the fixation aspect of the 2nd mirror in 2nd Embodiment. The 1st protrusion piece, the 2nd protrusion piece, and the 2nd mirror are illustrated. The other form of a mirror clip is shown. The 1st support part in the 3rd embodiment, the 2nd support part, etc. are shown. The 1st support part in 4th Embodiment and the 2nd support part are shown. The 1st support part in 5th Embodiment and the 2nd support part are shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Reading unit, 40 ... Mirror support member, 50 ... Illumination lamp, 51 ... 1st mirror, 52 ... 2nd mirror, 53 ... 3rd mirror, 54 ... 4th mirror, 56 ... CCD image sensor, 60 ... Housing, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 61 ... 1st support part, 62 ... 2nd support part, 70 ... Opening, 71 ... 1st edge part, 72 ... 2nd edge part, 80 ... Mirror clip, 90 ... Support plate, 93 ... Adjustment mechanism

Claims (12)

A mounting means for attaching the first light source and the second light source in a replaceable manner as a light source for irradiating light on the document;
A sensor for receiving reflected light from the document;
A mirror for guiding reflected light from the document to the sensor;
A first support portion for supporting the mirror at a first position when the first light source is attached by the attachment means;
When the second light source is mounted by the mounting means instead of the first light source, the mirror or another mirror is moved to adjust the optical path length from the document to the sensor. A second support for supporting at a second position different from the position;
An image reading apparatus. The light reflecting surface of the mirror or the other mirror is formed in a flat shape,
The light reflecting surface of the mirror or the other mirror when the second support part supports the mirror or the other mirror is the light of the mirror when the first support part supports the mirror. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the reflecting surface.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts an angle of the mirror or the other mirror. And further comprising a housing to which the light source and the sensor are attached and having the first support portion and the second support portion,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first support portion and the second support portion are formed integrally with the housing. A first side and a second side provided with an insertion port into which the mirror formed in a long shape is inserted and arranged facing the insertion port and opposed to each other across the insertion port. A support member for supporting the mirror;
A spring member that is disposed between the mirror inserted into the insertion port and the second side portion and presses the mirror toward the first support portion formed on the first side portion; Further comprising
The spring member can also be disposed between the mirror inserted into the insertion port and the first side, and when disposed between the spring member, the mirror is disposed on the second side. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device is pressed toward the formed second support portion. The second support portion regulates a displacement of the spring member disposed between the mirror and the second side portion,
The said 1st support part controls the position shift of the said spring member, when the said spring member is arrange | positioned between the said mirror and the said 1st edge part. Image reading device.   The first side part on which the first support part is formed and the second side part on which the second support part is formed are arranged so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a predetermined symmetry axis. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein A light source that emits light to the document;
A sensor for receiving reflected light from the document;
A mirror that is formed in a long shape and has a predetermined thickness, and that guides reflected light from the document to the sensor;
A positioning member that supports the mirror at an end in the longitudinal direction of the mirror and positions the mirror at a first position;
With
The image reading apparatus, wherein the positioning member is capable of positioning the mirror or another mirror at a second position that is different from the first position in the thickness direction of the mirror.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the other mirror that can position the positioning member at the second position is smaller in size than the mirror.   The positioning member includes a first positioning unit that positions the mirror at the first position, and a second positioning unit that can position the mirror or the other mirror at the second position. 9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are formed integrally with the main body side of the positioning member. The positioning member includes a first positioning unit that positions the mirror at the first position, and a second positioning unit that can position the mirror or the other mirror at the second position.
Each of the first positioning part and the second positioning part is configured as a protruding part protruding from a predetermined reference surface, and the protruding height of the first positioning part and the protruding height of the second positioning part are The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image reading devices are different from each other. A spring member that has a first contact portion that contacts the mirror positioned at the first position and presses the mirror against the positioning member;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the spring member further includes a second contact portion that contacts the mirror or the other mirror positioned at the second position.

Images