JP2009206684A - Adjustment mechanism of image reading device, image reading device, scanner, facsimile and adjustment tool - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adjustment mechanism of an image reading device capable of performing adjustment even while incorporated in an apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: This image reading device 2 has a light source, a main frame 9 having a mirror group, and a lens unit 12 provided at a lower part of the main frame 9 to have a lens 6 and a CCD 5. The adjustment mechanism 1 has an adjustment board 13 provided between the main frame 9 and the lens unit 12, fixing screws 17a and 17b penetrating the adjustment board 13 and the main frame 9, and round head screws 14a and 14b penetrating the adjustment board 13 to come into contact with the lens unit 12. When the fixing screws 17a and 17b are made loose, the adjustment board 13 can be moved horizontally and the direction of the lens 6 and the CCD 5 can be adjusted with respect to the main frame 9. Further, when the round head screws 14 and 14b are turned to adjust a distance between the adjustment board 13 and a lens frame 10, the inclination position of the CCD 5 can thereby be adjusted with respect to the main frame 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an adjustment mechanism for an image reading apparatus in which a light source, a mirror, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and a lens are integrated, an image reading apparatus having the adjustment mechanism, a scanner having an image reading apparatus, a facsimile, and an image reading apparatus. It is related with the adjustment jig for adjusting.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image reading apparatus used for image reading, such as a scanner, includes a first carriage having a light source / mirror movable at a constant speed, a second carriage having a mirror moving at half speed, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). It consisted of a fixed lens unit with a lens.

  For example, FIG. 7 of Patent Document 1 describes an image reading apparatus that includes a first carriage and a second carriage, and the second carriage moves at half speed of the first carriage.

  Such an image reading apparatus has a wide space above the lens unit, and a tool can be easily applied to the adjustment mechanism of the lens unit in the apparatus state.

  Therefore, it is easy to adjust the optical system such as the main scanning tip position and inclination of the read image even after shipment on the market (after being incorporated into an apparatus such as a scanner).

  On the other hand, in recent years, while there is a demand for colorization, functional improvement, and cost reduction, the above-described image reading apparatus has established a structural technology, and it is difficult to further simplify the structure and reduce the number of parts. there were.

  Therefore, in order to solve these problems, an image reading apparatus that uses a light source, a mirror, a CCD, and a lens as an integrated module and moves at a constant speed to read an image is becoming mainstream.

  For example, FIG. 3 of Patent Document 2 describes an image reading apparatus in which a mirror, a lens, a CCD, and the like are provided and integrated on a sheet metal frame.

JP 2000-253209 A JP 2005-292190 A

  The structure as in Patent Document 2 is an effective structure in terms of simplifying the structure of the image reading apparatus and reducing the number of parts.

  However, since the above-described structure has a higher component mounting density than the conventional structure (for example, the structure described in Patent Document 1), the optical system is adjusted from the back side of the image reading apparatus such as the main scanning tip position and tilt of the read image. It was.

  For this reason, when adjustment is required, it is difficult to operate an adjustment mechanism such as an adjustment screw in a state where the image reading apparatus is incorporated in the apparatus, and there is a case where apparatus replacement or module replacement is necessary.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an adjustment mechanism of an image reading apparatus that can be adjusted even when incorporated in the apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first invention is provided with a light source for irradiating a reading object with light, a detecting means for detecting the light, and between the light source and the detecting means, A mirror that reflects the light reflected by the object toward the detection unit; and a lens that is provided between the mirror and the detection unit, converges the light reflected by the mirror and irradiates the detection unit, and A module main body that accommodates the light source, the detection unit, the mirror, and the lens and is movable in a reading direction, and the module main body holds the light source and the mirror; and A reading position adjusting mechanism for an image reading module, which is provided at a lower portion of the main frame and includes the detection unit and a lens unit that holds the lens. It provided between the said lens unit, an adjustment mechanism of the image reading apparatus characterized by having an adjustable-configured adjusted means from the main frame side position of the lens unit relative to the main frame.

  A second invention is an image reading apparatus having the adjustment mechanism of the image reading apparatus described in the first invention.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading apparatus including the adjustment mechanism of the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the main frame of the image reading apparatus has the second adjustment mechanism. An image reading apparatus having a notch provided above the screw.

  A fourth invention is a scanner having the image reading apparatus according to the second invention or the third invention.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile including the image reading apparatus according to the second or third aspect of the invention.

  A sixth invention is an adjustment jig for adjusting a main scanning tip position of a read image of the image reading device according to the third or fourth invention, and is a reading position for confirming the reading position. An adjustment jig having a confirmation chart, wherein the reading position confirmation chart is arranged so that a light shielding range caused by the presence of the reading position adjustment mechanism and a reference position do not overlap.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the adjustment mechanism of an image reading apparatus which can be adjusted even in the state integrated in the apparatus can be provided.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

  First, a schematic configuration of a scanner 25 provided with an image reading apparatus 2 having an adjustment mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner 25 has a box-shaped main body 25a, and a glass plate 25b on which an object to be read is placed is provided on the upper surface of the main body 25a.

  In addition, the image reading device 2 is provided inside the main body 25a.

  The image reading apparatus 2 can be moved in the directions of A1 and A2 in FIG. 1 using an actuator (not shown). By moving, the image reading apparatus 2 reads an object to be read as will be described later.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the image reading apparatus 2 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the configuration of the image reading apparatus 2 will be briefly described.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the image reading apparatus 2 is directed to a light source 8 that irradiates light to a reading object, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 5 to be described later as light that is reflected by the reading object. A mirror group 7 as a mirror that reflects light, a lens 6 that is provided between the mirror group 7 and the CCD 5, converges the light reflected by the mirror group 7 and irradiates it toward the detection means, and the irradiated light. It has a CCD 5 that converts an electrical signal to read an image.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mirror group 7 includes mirrors 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e.

  2 to 5, the image reading apparatus 2 includes a plate-like main frame 9. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the light source 8 and the mirror group 7 are provided on the main frame 9. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a lens unit 12 is provided below the main frame 9, and the lens 6 and the CCD 5 are provided on the lens unit 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lens unit 12 includes a lens frame 10 that holds the lens 6 and a CCD frame 11 that holds the CCD 5. The CCD 5 is held by the lens frame 10 via the CCD frame 11. .

  Here, in the image reading apparatus 2, a main frame 9 and a lens unit 12 constitute a frame main body, and a module type image in which a light source 8, a mirror group 7, a lens 6, and a CCD 5 are integrally provided on the main frame body. It is a reading device.

  Although details will be described later, as shown in FIG. 5, an adjustment plate 13, which is a member constituting the adjustment mechanism 1, is provided between the main frame 9 and the lens unit 12.

  Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus 2 when the scanner 25 reads an image will be briefly described.

  First, in the state shown in FIG. 1, when a document 16 as a reading object is placed on the glass plate 25b of the scanner 25 and a switch or the like (not shown) is pressed, the light source 8 of the image reading device 2 is directed toward the reading object. It moves in the direction of A2 in FIG. 1 while irradiating light.

  The irradiated light is reflected by the surface of the reading object, is incident on each mirror in the order of mirrors 7e, 7d, 7c, 7b, and 7a, is reflected, is converged by the lens 6, and is incident on the CCD 5.

  That is, the light reflected by the surface of the reading object travels in the order of arrows E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, and E7 in FIG.

  The CCD 5 converts the incident light into an electrical signal and transmits it to a control unit (not shown) of the scanner 25. The control unit generates an image based on the received electrical signal.

  When the image reading device 2 reaches the end of the document 16 or the end of the scanner 25, the reading ends.

  Next, the structure and operation of the adjusting mechanism 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the structure of the adjustment mechanism 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 10, the adjustment mechanism 1 is provided by penetrating the adjustment plate 13 provided between the main frame 9 and the lens unit 12 (lens frame 10), and the adjustment plate 13 and the main frame 9. Fixing screws 17a and 17b (first screws) as first holding means and tip round screws 14a and 14b (second screws) provided through the adjustment plate 13 and in contact with the lens frame 10 And a pressing spring 18 as pressing means for pressing the lens frame 10 toward the adjustment plate 13 side.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the adjustment plate 13 has a plate shape, and as shown in FIG. 9, the end portions 31a and 31b in the longitudinal direction are connected to the main frame 9 side. It has a shape bent into a letter shape.

  In the end portions 31 a and 31 b, slits 33 a and 33 b are provided perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the adjustment plate 13.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, one of the side surfaces in the longitudinal direction of the adjustment plate 13 faces the CCD 5, and a part of the other substantially central portion protrudes toward the lens frame 10 side. The half punch 13c is configured.

  The round holding screws 14a and 14b, the half punch 13c, and the pressing spring 18 constitute second holding means.

  The half punch 13 c is in contact with the lens frame 10.

  Note that the CCD 5 moves in the a direction, the b direction, or the c direction shown in FIG. 3 with respect to the lens frame 10 so that the positional deviation of the optical system due to the characteristics of the lens 6 and the shape variation of the metal frame is within the standard. Is a possible structure.

  Further, the end portions 31a and 31b have projecting plates 51a and 51b projecting downward, as shown in FIGS.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the fixing screws 17a and 17b are provided so that the screw heads face the main frame 9 side.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the surface of the main frame 9 that faces the end portions 31 a and 31 b constitutes cut and bent portions 15 a and 15 b that are cut downward, and the end portions 31 a and 31 b. Are provided so that the bottom surfaces of the first and second bent portions 15a and 15b come into contact with each other.

  In other words, the lens unit 12 (the end portions 31 a and 31 b of the lens frame 10) is disposed so as to descend from the cut and bent portions 15 a and 15 b of the main frame 9.

  The fixing screws 17a and 17b are provided through the end portions 31a and 31b (slits 33a and 33b) and the cut and bent portions 15a and 15b, and connect the end portions 31a and 31b and the cut and bent portions 15a and 15b. .

  That is, the adjustment plate 13 is held by the main frame 9 by the fixing screws 17a and 17b, and the screw heads of the fixing screws 17a and 17b can be seen from above the main frame 9, as shown in FIG. .

  As shown in FIG. 9, the slits 33a and 33b are provided so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the adjustment plate 13, and the width 34 (in the longitudinal direction of the adjustment plate 13) of the slits 33a and 33b is the fixing screw 17a. , 17b (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

  Therefore, as will be described later, in a state where the fixing screws 17a and 17b are loosened, the adjustment plate 13 can be moved in the d and e directions in FIG. 4 and the horizontal position of the lens frame 10 with respect to the main frame 9, that is, the main frame 9 The direction of the lens 6 and the CCD 5 with respect to can be adjusted.

  That is, the fixing screws 17 a and 17 b hold the adjustment plate 13 (and the lens unit 12) so as to be movable in parallel with the main frame 9.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the lens frame 10 can be inclined in the horizontal direction with respect to the main frame 9 (see the white arrow in FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tip round screws 14 a and 14 b are provided through the adjustment plate 13 so that the screw heads face the main frame 9, and contact the upper surface of the lens frame 10. The leading end is formed in a spherical shape.

  As shown in FIG. 4, notches 37a and 37b are provided at positions corresponding to the top of the round head screws 14a and 14b in the main frame 9, and the round head screws 14a and 14b are provided from the top of the main frame 9. The screw head is visible.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the lens frame 10 and the adjustment plate 13 are in contact with three members, that is, a half punch 13c and round tip screws 14a and 14b.

  That is, the lens frame 10 has the “A” point (contact point with the half punch 13c), “I” point (contact point with the round tip screw 14b), and “U” point (tip round screw 14a) shown in FIG. And the adjustment plate 13 at three points.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressing spring 18 has a U-shaped shape, both ends are connected to the protruding plates 51 a and 51 b, and the center is in contact with the lower surface of the lens frame 10.

  That is, the pressing spring 18 is configured to press the lens frame 10 toward the adjustment plate 13 (in the direction of F1 in FIG. 6), and the lens frame 10 and the adjustment plate 13 are always “A” “I” “ It touches at 3 points.

  Therefore, although the details will be described later, the inclined position (angle) of the CCD 5 with respect to the main frame 9 (in the vertical direction) is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the adjustment plate 13 and the lens frame 10 by rotating the round tip screws 14a and 14b. Can be adjusted.

  That is, the round tip screws 14a and 14b, the half punch 13c, and the pressing spring 18 hold the lens unit 12 so as to be tiltable with respect to the adjustment plate 13 (and the main frame 9).

  Next, an adjustment method of the image reading apparatus 2 using the adjustment mechanism 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Note that the adjustments described below are adjustments in a state where the image reading apparatus 2 is incorporated in the scanner 25.

  First, an adjustment method of the image reading apparatus 2 using the fixing screws 17a and 17b will be described.

  First, in the image reading apparatus 2, the optical path position in the reading range direction (e direction in FIG. 4), which is the reference position, needs to be, for example, ± 0.2 mm or less.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixing screws 17a and 17b are loosened using a tool 19b such as a screwdriver, and the adjustment plate 13 and the lens unit 12 (lens frame 10) are slid in the direction e of FIG. The reading position can be adjusted by finely adjusting the direction of the CCD 5.

  The e direction is a direction perpendicular to the slits 33a and 33b. However, as described above, the width 34 (in the longitudinal direction) of the slits 33a and 33b is larger than the screw width 36 of the fixing screws 17a and 17b. The lens unit 12 can move in the e direction by a difference 36a between the width 34 and the screw width 36 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

  Next, in the image reading apparatus 2, the width ratio of the reading range that is the reading magnification needs to be, for example, ± 0.11% or less.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, when the fixing screws 17a and 17b are loosened using a tool 19b such as a screwdriver and the lens unit 12 is slid in the direction d in FIG. 4, the position of the lens 6 shown in FIG. The reading magnification can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the optical path according to the individuality.

  Since the d direction is a direction parallel to the slits 33a and 33b, the lens unit 12 can move in the e direction by the length 41 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) of the slits 33a and 33b.

  Next, in the image reading device 2, the inclination of the reading position, which is the inclination in the vertical direction, needs to be, for example, ± 0.1% or less.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the lens unit 12 is tilted with respect to the main frame 9 by rotating at least one of the round tip screws 14a and 14b using the tools 19a and 19b, and the adjustment plate 13 and the lens unit. By tilting the CCD 5 in the vertical direction for every twelve, the vertical tilt of the reading position can be finely adjusted.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6, in the main frame 9, the surfaces facing the end portions 31 a and 31 b of the adjustment plate 13 constitute cut and bent portions 15 a and 15 b.

  The bottom surfaces of the end portions 31a and 31b and the top surfaces of the cut and bent portions 15a and 15b are configured to contact each other, and the screw heads of the fixing screws 17a and 17b face the main frame 9 side.

  Further, notches 37a and 37b are provided at positions on the main frame 9 corresponding to the tops of the rounded screws 14a and 14b. As shown in FIG. 4, the rounded screws 14a and 14b from above the main frame 9 are provided. The screw heads of the round head screws 14a and 14b face the main frame 9 side.

  Therefore, in each of the adjustment operations described above, as shown in FIG. 5, the tip round screws 14 a and 14 b and the fixing screws 17 a and 17 b using the tools 19 a and 19 b from above the image reading device 2 (on the main frame 9 side). As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment operation of the image reading apparatus 2 can be easily performed even when the scanner 25 is mounted.

  In addition, since the tools 19a and 19b are inserted between the mirrors 7b to 7e in FIG. 5 during the above-described adjustment operation, the tools 19a and 19b block the optical path 20 as shown in FIG. There is a range in which the reading position confirmation chart cannot be read.

  Therefore, the adjustment jig used for adjustment of the image reading apparatus 2 using the adjustment mechanism 1 needs to be devised in structure.

  Hereinafter, the structure of the adjustment jig 61 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  The adjustment jig 61 is a special jig that is used when adjustment of the main scanning tip position and inclination of the read image is necessary in a state where the image reading device 2 is incorporated in the scanner 25. The height of the chart is configured to be equal to the reading document surface.

  As shown in FIG. 12, an adjustment jig 61 used for adjustment of the image reading device 2 using the adjustment mechanism 1 includes a lens performance confirmation chart 63, a main scanning tip position confirmation chart 65, and the like as charts for confirming the reading position. However, it is arranged so that these reference positions do not overlap the light shielding range 21.

  In this way, by adopting a structure in which the reference position of the reading position confirmation chart does not overlap the light shielding range 21, even when the tools 19a and 19b block the optical path 20 during the adjustment of the image reading apparatus 2, the adjustment can be performed. It won't get in the way.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 1 of the image reading apparatus 2 includes the adjustment plate 13, the fixing screws 17 a and 17 b provided through the adjustment plate 13 and the main frame 9, and the adjustment plate 13. , And round spring screws 14 a and 14 b provided in contact with the lens frame 10, and a pressing spring 18 that presses the lens frame 10 toward the adjustment plate 13.

  Therefore, in the adjustment operation of the image reading device 2, the round head screws 14 a and 14 b and the fixing screws 17 a and 17 b can be operated from the upper side (main frame 9 side) of the image reading device 2 and are attached to the scanner 25. The adjustment work can be easily performed even in the state where it is done.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the adjustment jig 61 used for adjustment of the image reading apparatus 2 using the adjustment mechanism 1 has a light shielding range 21 formed by the tools 19a and 19b blocking the optical path 20 during the adjustment. The reference positions of the reading position confirmation charts are arranged so as not to overlap.

  For this reason, even when the tools 19a and 19b block the optical path 20 during the adjustment of the image reading apparatus 2, the adjustment is not hindered.

  In the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to an image reading apparatus for a scanner has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus that needs to read an image, for example, It can also be applied to facsimiles and the like.

3 is a perspective view showing a scanner 25. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an image reading device 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of FIG. 2. 2 is a plan view showing an image reading device 2. FIG. It is BB sectional drawing of FIG. It is CC sectional drawing of the center vicinity of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the area | region D of FIG. It is F2-F2 sectional drawing of FIG. 9A is a side view of the image reading apparatus 2, and FIG. 9B is a plan view of the image reading apparatus 2 (viewed in the direction of the arrow G), and the main frame 9 and members on the main frame 9 are described. Is omitted. It is the perspective view of FIG. 9, Comprising: The adjustment board 13 is represented with the broken line. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a light shielding range 21 when the optical path 20 from the CCD 5 to the document 16 is imaged on a plane, and the light shielding range 21 is indicated by hatching. It is a top view which shows the adjustment jig 61, Comprising: The light-shielding range 21 and the chart 63 for a lens performance confirmation are shown by hatching.

Explanation of symbols

1 …… Adjustment mechanism 5 ………… CCD
6 ………… Lens 7 ………… Mirror group 8 ………… Light source 9 ………… Main frame 10 ……… Lens frame 11 ……… CCD frame 12 ……… Lens unit 13 ……… Adjustment plate 13c …… Half punch 14a …… Pointed screw 15a …… Cutting and bending part 16 ……… Document 17a …… Fixing screw 18 ……… Pressing spring 19a …… Tool 20 ……… Optical path 21 ……… Light shielding range 31a… … End 33a …… Slit 51a …… Protruding plate 61 ……… Adjustment jig

Claims (14)

A light source for irradiating the reading object with light, a detecting means for detecting the light, and a mirror provided between the light source and the detecting means for reflecting the light reflected by the reading object toward the detecting means And a lens that is provided between the mirror and the detection means and converges and irradiates the light reflected by the mirror toward the detection means, and the light source, the detection means, the mirror, and the lens are accommodated. A module main body movably provided in the reading direction, the module main body holding the light source and the mirror, and a lower part of the main frame, the detecting means and the lens A reading position adjusting mechanism of an image reading apparatus having a lens unit for holding
An adjustment mechanism for an image reading apparatus, comprising adjustment means provided between the main frame and the lens unit and configured to adjust a position of the lens unit with respect to the main frame from the main frame side. The adjusting means includes
An adjustment plate provided between the main frame and the lens unit;
First holding means for holding the adjustment plate so as to be parallel to the main frame;
Second holding means for holding the lens unit so as to be tiltable with respect to the adjustment plate;
Have
By sliding the adjustment plate using the first holding means, it is possible to adjust the parallel position of the lens unit with respect to the main frame,
The adjustment mechanism of the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclination position of the lens unit with respect to the main frame can be adjusted by inclining the lens unit using a second holding unit. The first holding means includes
A first screw provided through the main frame and the adjustment plate;
The first screw has a screw head provided on the main frame side,
The adjustment mechanism of the image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the parallel position of the lens unit with respect to the main frame can be adjusted by sliding the adjustment plate in a state where the first screw is loosened. .   The adjustment mechanism for an image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first screw is provided so as to be located at a place other than directly below the mirror. The second holding means is
Two second screws provided so as to pass through the adjustment plate and contact the lens unit;
A protrusion provided on the adjustment plate and provided so as to be in contact with the lens unit;
Have
The second screw has a screw head provided on the main frame side,
The adjustment mechanism of the image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tilt position of the lens unit with respect to the main frame can be adjusted by rotating the second screw and moving it vertically.   6. The adjustment mechanism of an image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is a half punch formed by causing a part of the adjustment plate to protrude toward the lens unit.   6. The adjustment mechanism of an image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second screw is provided so as to be located at a place other than directly below the mirror. The second holding means is
6. The adjustment mechanism of an image reading apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a pressing unit that presses the lens unit toward the adjustment plate.   9. The adjustment mechanism of an image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the pressing means is a spring provided to connect the adjustment plate and the lens unit.   An image reading apparatus comprising the adjustment mechanism of the image reading apparatus according to claim 1.   6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the main frame has a notch provided above the second screw. An image reading apparatus.   A scanner comprising the image reading device according to claim 10.   A facsimile comprising the image reading apparatus according to claim 10. An adjustment jig for adjusting the main scanning tip position of a read image of the image reading device according to claim 10,
It has a reading position confirmation chart for confirming the reading position,
The adjustment jig, wherein the reading position check chart is arranged so that a light shielding range caused by the presence of the reading position adjustment mechanism and a reference position do not overlap.

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