JP3590781B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading device that reads an image on a document.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for importing an image of a document, which emphasizes image quality, such as a print photograph or a postcard using the print photograph, into a computer or the like as digital data.
[0003]
Conventionally, as an image reading device that reads an image of a document, a document is fixed to a contact glass that is larger than the maximum document size provided horizontally, and a reading unit including an image sensor or the like is attached to the contact glass. 2. Description of the Related Art A so-called floodbed-type image reading apparatus that scans while moving along the same is known. However, while the flatbed image reading apparatus performs reading while fixing an original, it is easy to obtain high image quality. However, due to the structure described above, there is a limit in reducing the installation area of the apparatus. Further, as an image reading apparatus having a small installation area, there is known a so-called sheet-through type image reading apparatus in which a reading unit composed of an image sensor or the like is fixed and a document is moved to read an image. However, this sheet-through type image reading apparatus has a small installation area as compared with a floodbed type image reading apparatus, but has a problem that it is difficult to obtain high image quality due to vibration during document conveyance.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus with a small installation area that can obtain high image quality.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image reading apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a contact glass supported substantially vertically, a paper feed tray on which a document is placed, and a contact glass disposed below the paper feed tray. A conveyance means for conveying a document from the paper feed tray to a reading position in the conveyance path, and a protruding / retractable conveyance path near the lower end of the contact glass. A stopping member that stops the document conveyed by the conveyance unit at the reading position, and a discharge tray that is disposed substantially horizontally below the conveyance unit and on which the document discharged from the reading position is placed. A curved discharge path for guiding the document discharged from the reading position toward the discharge tray, and the contact glass for reading the document stopped at the reading position by the stop member. Is characterized with reading means performed while increase moving along, further comprising a.
[0006]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1. Constitution
1-1 (whole)
The image reading apparatus of this embodiment is a photo reading apparatus 1 for reading a picture image as shown in FIG. 1, and is installed in a photo shop, for example, and is an image of a printed picture brought in from a customer or a picture just printed. Is read, processed, edited, and stored in a recording medium such as a CD-R.
[0007]
The photo reading device 1 includes a transport device (automatic document feeder) 2 that transports photographs one by one and an input device 3 that reads an image of the photo transported along the contact glass 300. A mode is provided in which a mode is provided in which a photo is automatically conveyed one by one to the input device 3 and read, and a mode in which one photo is conveyed one by one to the input device 3 by hand, and reading is started when the start switch 7 is turned on. Have been.
[0008]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, four columnar legs 500 as installation means are provided on one surface 501 of the frame of the apparatus. The leg 500 is screwed to one surface 501 of the frame. When the device 1 is installed on the installation surface using the legs 500, the contact glass 300 can be supported substantially perpendicularly to the installation surface, and the stability of the device can be maintained.
1-2 (transfer device 2)
The transport device 2 includes a paper feed unit 4, a transport unit 5, and a paper discharge unit 6 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, and includes a paper feed motor 100 as a drive source, a transport / discharge motor 200, and a stopper. It is driven by a motor 274.
[0009]
The paper supply unit 4 includes a paper supply tray 10 on which a plurality of photographs are stacked as shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of photographs on the paper supply tray 10 which are separated into one and supplied from a paper supply port 10C. A manual feed tray 13 on which one photo is placed, and a manual feed unit 14 for feeding a photo placed on the manual feed tray 13 from the manual feed slot 13C to a reading position. Have.
[0010]
The transport section 5 is provided along a substantially vertical contact glass 300 for feeding the fed photo, and includes transport means 12 for transporting the photo to a reading position where the photo is read.
[0011]
The paper discharge unit 6 includes a paper discharge unit 15 that discharges a photo whose image has been read by the input device 3 at the reading position from the paper discharge port 16C, and a discharge unit that stores the photo discharged by the paper discharge unit 15. And a paper tray 16.
[0012]
Note that the paper feed tray 10 is disposed above the transporting means 12, the paper discharge tray 16 is disposed below the transporting means, and the photos placed on the paper feeding tray 10 are transported downward from above. Has become. The manual feed tray 13 is disposed above the paper feed tray 10, and the photos placed on the manual feed tray 13 are also conveyed from above to below. Further, from such a positional relationship, the paper feed port 10C is provided between the manual feed port 13C and the paper discharge port 16C.
[0013]
Further, since the paper feed tray 10 and the paper output tray 16 are provided so as to protrude to one side with respect to the input device 3, the path from the paper feed tray 10 to the paper output tray 16 via the transport unit 12 is substantially U-shaped. The transport path is formed in a curved shape like a letter.
1-2-1 (paper feed unit 4)
On the paper feed tray 10, for example, a photograph of an E size (88 mm × 117 mm), an L size (88 mm × 127 mm), a 4R size (4 inches × 6 inches), a high definition size (88 mm × 156 mm), etc. ) With the instant paper small (86 mm × 54 mm), large instant photograph (86 mm × 108 mm), or a long panoramic photograph (88 mm × 88 mm) thicker than the photo set on the paper feed tray 10, for example. 254 mm) is set with the image side facing up.
[0014]
The paper feed tray 10 is rotatable about a shaft 21, is urged upward by a spring 22, and lowers and raises the paper feed tray 10 by operating a lever 23. The lever 23 is provided with a cam 23K. When the lever 23 is rotated so that the cam portion 23K1 is engaged with the pin 10a, the paper feed tray 10 is lowered and the lever 23 is moved so that the cam portion 23K2 is engaged with the pin 10a. When rotated, the paper feed tray 10 moves up. Further, a pair of side plates 10L, 10R movable in the width direction is provided, and the side edges can be regulated according to the size of the photograph set on the basis of the center.
[0015]
The paper feed tray 10 is provided with an openable / closable cover 24. The cover 24 also functions as an auxiliary tray for supporting the rear end when a panoramic photograph is transported from the manual feed tray 13 in the closed state.
[0016]
The paper feed section 4 has a paper feed path formed by guides 25 and 26, and is provided with an empty sensor 27, a kick roller 149W, a guide roller 151, a paper feed roller 145W, and a separation roller 146. Further, a guide roller 161, a registration roller 162, and a press roller 163 are provided.
[0017]
Further, there are provided a paper feed transmitting means for transmitting one-direction rotation of the paper feed motor 100 to the paper feeding means 11 and a manual feed transmission means for transmitting the rotation in the other direction to the manual paper feeding means 14. And the manual paper feed unit 14 are driven by a single paper feed motor 100.
[0018]
Further, a carry-in guide 164 for deflecting the direction of the photograph fed from the paper feed tray 10 and carrying the photograph toward the contact glass 300 is provided, and the carry-in guide 164 is provided with a plurality of rollers (rotating / rotating) arranged continuously in the photograph carrying direction. Body) 165. These rollers 165 are arranged in a staggered manner such that the outer circumferences of adjacent rollers 165 overlap each other as shown in FIG.
[0019]
Since the plurality of rollers 165 are provided on the carry-in guide 164 that comes into contact with the photographic surface of the curved paper feed path, the photographic surface can be prevented from being scratched or stained.
[0020]
Further, a size detection sensor 29 for detecting the 4R size, a registration sensor 30, and a timing sensor 31 are provided in the paper feed path. The timing sensor 31 is used for detecting the feed amount from the detection of the leading end of the photo to the detection of the rear end thereof, and the size of the photo other than the 4R size and the feed amount to the stop position. The size detection sensor 29 is provided at a position where it can detect only 4R size photographs in the width direction of the paper feed path.
[0021]
On the other hand, a guide 32 is provided in the manual feed path, and a timing belt 122 supported by the rubber roller 112 and the pulleys 119, 121, and 123 is provided. The guide rollers 135, 166, and 167, the grid roller 134, and the rubber roller 139 are provided ahead of them. Also provided are a manual empty sensor 136, a sensor 137 for determining the type of instant photo, and a timing sensor 138 for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the photo and setting the feed amount to the reading position.
[0022]
When a photo is set on the manual feed tray 13, the operator operates the control device 430 to set the panorama photo mode or the instant photo mode. When a photo is set on the manual feed tray 13, the photo is set on the left side plate.
[0023]
The discrimination sensor 137 is for discriminating between two types of instant photos of a large size and a small size, and is provided at a position where a panorama photo is not detected. In addition, since an instant photograph is thick and difficult to be transported, it is necessary to use a mount made of a substrate and a transparent film and transport the instant photograph between the substrate and the transparent film. The mount is classified into a large size and a small size. In the instant photo mode, when the discriminating sensor 137 detects the mount, the mount is determined to be a large size.
1-2-2 (Transportation unit 5)
The transport unit 5 is disposed opposite to the surface of the contact glass 300 provided on the input device 3 and between the paper feed unit 4 and the paper discharge unit 5. The transport unit 5 is supported substantially perpendicular to the installation surface of the apparatus so as to be along the surface of the contact glass 300. It comprises a paper motor 200 and transmission means for transmitting drive to the transport means 12. The transport unit 12, the transport / discharge motor 200, and the transmission unit for transmitting the drive to the transport unit 12 are unitized as shown in FIG. The transport unit 5 (unit) rotates around the center, and the transport path (guide path) provided between the transport unit 12 and the contact glass 300 can be opened. Therefore, it is easy to clear the jam. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the transport path is opened, the unit is held at the lower side (low position), so that the transport path is kept open without using other parts such as stoppers. And the stability of the device itself when opened can be maintained.
[0024]
The transport unit 5 drives the registration roller 162, drives the transport belt 211, and drives the paper discharge unit 6 by rotating the mounted motor 200 in one direction, and rotates the transport belt 211 and the paper discharge unit 6 by rotating in the other direction. Driving is performed.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 7, the conveying means 12 includes an endless timing belt 211 whose outer peripheral surface is coated with Teflon. The timing belt 211 has a toothed timing pulley 212 for transmitting drive to the timing belt 211 and a rotation of the timing belt 211. It is stretched between a toothed timing pulley 213 driven by driving. The timing belt 211 is elastically urged toward the contact glass 300 by a plurality of timing pulleys 215. Therefore, a photograph can be fixed between the timing belt 300 and the contact glass 300.
[0026]
The timing belts 211 are arranged in a plurality of rows at a predetermined distance in a direction (width direction) orthogonal to the photograph guiding direction.
[0027]
As described above, the transport path (guide path) for transporting the print photograph in the vertical direction is formed between the transport means 12 and the contact glass 300, and the transport force of the transport means 12 and the action of dropping the photograph by its own weight. The nip force can be reduced without reducing the transport force. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a photograph having a large coefficient of friction is attracted to the surface of the contact glass 300 and cannot be transported, and the image surface of the photograph is hardly scratched.
[0028]
As described above, in the present embodiment, since the photograph is an image reading device, the photograph is conveyed by the self-weight dropping action of the photograph. Therefore, the paper feeding tray and the manual feed tray are provided above the conveying means. In addition, it is necessary to provide a paper discharge tray below the conveying means and convey the photographs from above to below. However, when transporting documents such as carbon paper with a smaller coefficient of friction than photographs, it is not necessary to use the weight drop function. It may be conveyed upward from.
1-2-3 (stopping means 214)
The transport unit 12 includes a stop unit 214 for stopping a photograph transported from the paper feed tray 10 or the manual feed tray 13. As will be described later, the image reading apparatus 1 has a mode in which a photograph is fixed along the contact glass 300 and reading is performed while moving the reading unit. Near the lower end.
[0029]
The stop means 214 has a stopper (stop member) 273, and the stopper 273 is supported by a transfer path provided between the transfer means 12 and the contact glass 300 so as to be able to protrude and retract. Then, the leading end of the transported photograph is brought into contact with the stopper 273 protruding into the transport path, and stopped at the reading position (reference position T1) near the lower end of the contact glass 300.
[0030]
Thus, by providing the stopper 273 near the lower end of the contact glass 300, even if the photograph slides down during transportation, the photograph can be reliably stopped at the reference position T1.
[0031]
The stopper 273 is retracted from the transport path in order to discharge the photo after the photo is read. However, the stopper 273 may be protruded or retracted during reading.
[0032]
The stopper 273 has a contact surface with which the end of the photograph conveyed along the conveyance path comes into contact as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and an elastic material 275 such as a rubber plate is attached to this contact surface. .
[0033]
Further, the stopper 273 is provided with a hole 273a through which the shaft 276 is inserted, a hole 273b through which the shaft 257 is inserted, and a flange 273C. The stopper 273 is urged toward the contact glass 300 by a spring 277.
[0034]
The shaft 276 is provided with a gear 279 that meshes with the worm gear 278 attached to the shaft of the motor 274, a cam 280 that engages with the flange 273C, and a light-shielding plate 281 for detecting the rotational position by the stopper sensor 282. By driving the stopper motor 274, the cam 280, the stopper 273, and the light shielding plate 281 rotate or move as follows.
[0035]
When the sensor 282 detects the edge 281a of the light shielding plate 281 rotated by the driving of the stopper motor 274 as shown in FIG. 15, the motor 274 is stopped. If the sensor 282 does not detect the light shielding plate 281 in a state where the light shielding plate 281 is completely stopped, the stopper 273 is retracted from the contact glass 300 as shown in FIGS. Also, when the sensor 282 detects the edge 281b of the rotated light shielding plate 281 and the sensor 282 and stops the motor 274, and the sensor 282 detects the light shielding plate 281, FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. The stopper 273 is in contact with the contact glass 300 as shown in FIG.
[0036]
(1) As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, when the rotation angle of the cam 280 is 0 to 60 degrees, the rubber plate 275 of the stopper 273 is in contact with the contact glass 300 by the urging force of the spring 277. Note that the sensor 282 detects the light shielding plate 281. In this state, the photograph conveyed from above along the contact glass 300 can be stopped at the reference position.
[0037]
(2) When the cam 280 rotates 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 14, the cam 280 starts pushing the flange 273C of the stopper 273, the stopper 273 starts retreating, and a gap of, for example, 0.883 mm is formed between the cam 280 and the contact glass 300. Occurs.
[0038]
(3) As shown in FIG. 15, when the cam 280 rotates 120 degrees, the stopper 273 is further retracted, and a gap of, for example, 3.447 mm is generated between the stopper 273 and the contact glass 300. Note that the sensor 282 does not detect the light shielding plate 281.
[0039]
(4) When the cam 280 rotates 150 to 210 degrees as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the stopper 273 is retracted to the maximum, and an interval of, for example, 4 mm is generated between the stopper 273 and the contact glass 300. This allows a photograph to pass between the stopper 273 and the contact glass 300.
[0040]
(5) When the cam 280 rotates 240 degrees as shown in FIG. 19, the stopper 273 starts to move toward the contact glass 300, and the distance from the contact glass 300 becomes, for example, 3.441 mm.
[0041]
(6) As shown in FIG. 20, when the cam 280 rotates by 270 degrees, the stopper 273 moves further toward the contact glass 300, and the distance from the contact glass 300 becomes, for example, 0.876 mm. Note that the sensor 282 detects the cam 281.
[0042]
(7) As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, when the cam 280 rotates by 300 to 360 degrees, the stopper 273 comes into contact with the contact glass 300.
1-2-4 (discharge unit 6)
The discharge unit 6 is provided with discharge guides 220 and 221 for deflecting the direction of the photograph discharged from the contact glass 300 and guiding the photograph toward the discharge tray 16 as shown in FIG. A plurality of rollers 222 (rotary bodies) are provided continuously in the transport direction. As shown in FIG. 23, the plurality of rollers 222 are arranged in a staggered manner such that the outer circumferences of the adjacent rollers 222 overlap each other.
[0043]
Since the plurality of rollers 222 are provided on the carry-out guide 220 that comes into contact with the photographic surface of the curved paper discharge path, the photographic surface can be prevented from being scratched or stained.
[0044]
The unloading guide 221 is provided with rollers 224, 225, 226, and 227.
Further, a discharge belt 228 that contacts the image surface of the photograph and discharges the photograph to the discharge tray 16 is provided along the carry-out guide 221. The paper discharge belt 221 is supported by rollers 229, 230, 231, and 232. A paper discharge sensor 235 is provided in this paper discharge path. Further, a paper discharge roller 234 is provided on the rotation shaft 233 of the roller 232 as shown in FIG.
[0045]
The carry-out guides 220 and 221 and the paper discharge belt 228 form a curved paper discharge path that guides a photograph to the paper discharge tray 16.
[0046]
By the way, the endless belt 221 is used as the endless belt 221 of at least one of the pair of rotators for sending a photograph, and the belt 221 is used to form the conveyance guide, so that scratches and dirt on the photographic surface can be reduced. Further, the area to which the conveying force is applied to the photograph increases, and the nip force can be reduced without lowering the conveying force.
1-2-5 (drive mechanism)
Next, a drive mechanism of the transport device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The drawings of the drive mechanism in FIGS. 8 and 9 show how the drive is transmitted, and the arrangement positions are different from those in the drawings showing the transport path.
(Paper feed unit 4)
As shown in FIG. 8, the driving of the sheet feeding motor 100 is transmitted to a rotating shaft 104 via a timing pulley (hereinafter, referred to as a pulley) 101, a timing belt 102, and a pulley 103. A gear 105W (with a one-way clutch), a gear 106W (with a one-way clutch), a pulley 107, and a pulley 108W (with a one-way clutch) are attached to the rotating shaft 104. When the rotation shaft 104 rotates forward, the drive is transmitted to the gear 105W and the pulley 107, and when the rotation shaft 104 rotates reversely, the drive is transmitted to the gear 106W and the pulley 108.
[0047]
The pulley 107 transmits drive to the rotating shaft 111 via a timing belt 109 and a pulley 110W (with a one-way clutch). A rubber roller 112 for transporting the manually inserted photograph is attached to the rotating shaft 111.
[0048]
On the other hand, the pulley 106 </ b> W meshes with the gear 113, and transmits driving to a pulley 115 attached to a rotation shaft 114 of the gear 113. The pulley 115 transmits a drive to a pulley 118W (with a one-way clutch) attached to the rotating shaft 117 via a timing belt 116.
[0049]
A pulley 119 is provided on the rotating shaft 117, and a timing belt 122 is stretched between the pulley 119 and a pulley 121 attached to the rotating shaft 120 in contact with the rubber roller 112, and the tension pulley 123 in FIG. Has been prevented.
[0050]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the pulley 108 </ b> W transmits the drive to the pulley 132 attached to the rotating shaft 131 via the timing belt 130. Reference numeral 133 denotes a tension pulley.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 8, a metal grid roller 134 is provided on the rotation shaft 131. Fine projections are provided on the surface of the grid roller 134 so that a photograph can be transported without slippage.
[0052]
The drive of the rotating shaft 131 is transmitted to the roller 139 attached to the rotating shaft 157 via gears 154, 155, and 156.
[0053]
The gear 105W transmits drive to the rotating shaft 143 via a gear 140 and a gear 141T (with a torque limiter).
[0054]
A pulley 144 and a paper feed roller 145W (with a one-way clutch) are attached to the rotating shaft 143. The paper feed roller 145W is pressed against the separation roller 146 to separate a plurality of photographs into one. A tri-limiter 160 is provided on the shaft of the separation roller 146.
[0055]
The pulley 144 transmits drive to a pulley 147 via a timing belt 146 to drive a kick roller 149W (with a one-way clutch) attached to a shaft 148. In addition, 150 and 151 are guide rollers.
(Conveying unit 5 and paper discharging unit 6)
As shown in FIG. 9, a pulley 240 is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 200, and the drive is transmitted to a pulley 243 attached to the rotating shaft 242 via a timing belt 241.
[0056]
A gear 244W (with a one-way clutch), a gear 245, and a pulley 246W (with a one-way clutch) are attached to the rotating shaft 242.
[0057]
The gear 244W transmits to a gear 248 attached to the rotating shaft 247, and meshes with a gear 171W (with a one-way clutch) attached to the rotating shaft 170 of the registration roller 162 via the gear 249.
[0058]
The pulley 246W transmits the drive via a timing belt 250 to a gear 252W (with a one-way clutch) attached to the rotation shaft 251 of the pulley 212.
[0059]
The gear 245W transmits drive to a gear 254 attached to the rotation shaft 253. A pulley 255W (with a one-way clutch) is provided on the rotating shaft 253, and the drive is transmitted to a pulley 272W (with a one-way clutch) attached to the rotating shaft 251 via a timing belt 256.
[0060]
The drive transmitted to the rotating shaft 251 is transmitted to the pulley 2 to the rotating shaft 257 via the timing belt 211 and the pulley 213. A pulley 258 is provided on the rotating shaft 257, and is attached to the rotating shaft 210 via a timing belt 259 to transmit driving to the pulley 260.
[0061]
A pulley 261 is provided on the rotating shaft 210, and the drive is transmitted to a pulley 264 provided on the shaft 263 via a timing belt 262.
[0062]
A pulley 265 is provided on the shaft 263, and the drive is transmitted to a pulley 268 attached to a rotation shaft 267 of the roller 225 via a timing belt 266.
[0063]
The shaft 263 is further provided with a gear 269, which meshes with a gear 270 provided on the rotating shaft 233. A timing belt 228 is stretched between a pulley 232 attached to the rotating shaft 233 and a pulley 229 attached to the rotating shaft 271.
[0064]
In addition, since both the pair of rollers 225 and the timing belt 228 for nipping and sending a photograph are driven, the nip force can be reduced without reducing the conveyance force. This can reduce scratches and dirt on the photographic surface.
1-3 (input device 3)
As shown in FIGS. 23 to 26, the input device 3 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the installation surface of the device, and forms a guide path for photographs between the input device 3 and the conveying means 12. , A white reference plate 323 for shading correction, reading means for reading a photograph, for example, a carriage 301, and elevating means 302 for moving the carriage 301 up and down along a substantially vertical contact glass 300. .
[0065]
There are two types of reading methods of the photograph by the input device 3. One is a method in which a photograph from the paper feed tray 10 or the manual feed tray 13 is fixed at a reading position (reference position T1) between the transport unit 12 and the contact glass 300, and the carriage 301 serving as the reading unit is moved and read. One is a method in which the carriage 301 is fixed at the reading position T2 and a photograph from the manual feed tray 13 is read while being transported and moved. It should be noted that the method of reading while fixing the photograph and moving the carriage (reading means) 300 facilitates obtaining high image quality because the photograph does not vibrate.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 1, the carriage 301 can be freely moved up and down along the contact glass 300 between the home position H and the reading position T2 by the elevating means 302.
[0067]
Here, the home position H is a position where the carriage 301 is held when the apparatus is not operated. As will be described later, the carriage is provided with a plurality of components for reading photographs, such as a light source and a lens unit. Therefore, the weight is relatively large. Therefore, when the apparatus is not operated, the carriage 301 is held at a position lower than the center position M of the platen glass located substantially at the center in the height direction of the apparatus (that is, the center position of the apparatus). And the stability of the device can be improved. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lowest position within the operation range of the carriage is set as the home position H, so that further stability can be obtained.
[0068]
As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 301 includes a light source 303 such as a xenon lamp for irradiating a photograph with light, a light source cable 303K and a plurality of mirrors 304, 305, 306, 307 for reflecting light reflected from the photograph, and a mirror 307. A lens unit 308 that forms an image of reflected light from the camera, a color image sensor 309 such as a CCD that photoelectrically converts the formed reflected light, a sensor substrate 325 on which the image sensor 309 is mounted, and a signal cable 325K. It is an integrated unit.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 24, the carriage 301 is supported by a pair of guide shafts 333 and 334 supported by upper and lower frames 331 and 332 provided at both ends so as to be vertically movable using a support member 503. Here, the support member 503 is made of a cylindrical polymer material, and the inside diameter of this cylinder is molded so as to be equal to the diameter of the guide shafts 333 and 334, but there is a slight error in the diameter of both. Therefore, rattling (vibration) occurs slightly when the carriage 301 moves, and the rattling is larger when the carriage 301 is lowered than when it is raised. Therefore, as will be described later, when reading a photograph while fixing the photograph and moving the carriage 301, it is sufficiently possible to perform reading while lowering the carriage 301, but in the present embodiment, the reading of the carriage 301 is performed. In order to further reduce the effect on the image quality of rattling that occurs during movement, reading is performed while moving upward.
[0070]
Note that an A / D converter 326 is provided on the sensor substrate 325 as shown in FIG. The light source 303 is turned on by the inverter 327.
[0071]
Further, an impact absorbing member 335 is provided on the lower end surface of the carriage 301,
Even if the carriage 301 passes through the home position H and collides with the lower frame 332 due to a failure, the impact can be absorbed.
[0072]
The home position sensor 330 of the carriage 301 is provided on the lower frame 332.
[0073]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the driving force of the carriage motor 310 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 313 via the pulley 311, the timing belt 312, and the pulley 314. Further, the power is transmitted from the rotating shaft 313 to the rotating shaft 317 via the pulley 315 and the timing belt 316.
[0074]
A pulley 319 is attached to the rotating shaft 317, and a timing belt 321 is stretched between the pulley 320 provided below the pulley 319, and the timing belt 321 is connected to the conveying device 2 side (the left side in FIG. 3) by a connecting member 322. A carriage 301 (not shown) is connected. Accordingly, the driving force of the motor 310 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 317, and the rotation of the rotation shaft 317 (and the pulley 319) causes the timing belt 321 to rotate, so that the carriage 301 moves up and down. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, when the rotation shaft 317 is driven to rotate clockwise, tension is generated on the left side of the timing belt 321, and the carriage 301 can be moved up more stably. When the reading is performed while the carriage 301 moves upward, the influence of the movement of the carriage 301 during reading on the image is further reduced.
[0075]
As described above, the contact glass is arranged substantially perpendicular to the installation surface of the apparatus, and the reading means is mounted so as to be able to move up and down in accordance with the arrangement, and the transport device is also arranged in accordance with the contact glass. The installation area of the reading device itself can be reduced. Further, in the case of fixing and reading a photograph that easily obtains high image quality, the image quality is further improved.
[0076]
Note that the reading unit may be a unit in which the light source unit and the mirror unit move at a speed of 2: 1 and perform photoelectric conversion using an image sensor fixed or a unit that performs photoelectric conversion using a contact image sensor. That is, it is only necessary that at least a part of the reading unit performs reading while moving up or down the predetermined area. Also in these cases, the home position is preferably provided below the center position of the contact glass.
1-3 (control means)
The photo reader 1 is provided with a control board 400 as shown in FIG. The control board 400 includes a CPU 401, a line correction SRAM 402, a shading correction SRAM 403, a gamma correction SRAM 404, a transmission buffer SDRAM, an image data processing IC 406, a transfer data processing IC 407, a ROM 408, and an SRAM 409. , An EEPROM 410, a motor driver 411 for driving the motors 100, 200, 274, 310, a SCSI-2 interface 412 to which the control device 430 is connected, and an IEEE1394 interface 413, which are connected to an AC power supply.
[0077]
The CPU 401 executes a program stored in the ROM 408, drives the motors 100, 200, 274, 310, etc., based on information of various detection sensors, and causes the motors 100, 200, 274, 310, etc. to carry and read.
[0078]
The line-to-line correction SRAM 402 is used to correct the distance between the three pixel lines of RGB. The output data from the image sensor 309 in which each of the RGB pixel columns is configured to have a fixed distance is such that the data of the first pixel column is the Nth line at a certain time t0, and the second pixel column is the NNth line. And the third pixel column is the (N-2n) th line. The function of temporarily storing past data and outputting data of the same line at the same timing is inter-line correction, which is a storage element for storing past data.
[0079]
The shading correction SRAM 403 stores reference black and reference white data for all pixels of each color of RGB necessary for correction when performing shading correction in order to remove the influence of unevenness of the optical system or uneven sensitivity of the image sensor 309. Storage element.
[0080]
The gamma correction SRAM 404 needs to perform gamma correction on the image input data in order to correct the linearity of the color gradation of the obtained image data or to obtain an arbitrary output. This is a storage element that stores the lookup table data at this time in order to convert the data into arbitrary data using a lookup table.
[0081]
The transmission buffer SDRAM 405 is for temporarily storing data to be transferred to the control device 430. The finally obtained data is transferred to the control device 430 via the SCSI-2 interface 412. If the time required for data transfer is longer than the time required for data reading, the reading needs to be interrupted. Therefore, it is a storage element for temporarily storing output data so that data can be read without interruption during data transfer.
[0082]
The image data processing IC (gate array) 406 is an element dedicated to performing each of the above corrections and color correction for removing the influence of the optical system, the image sensor 309, and the like.
[0083]
The transfer data processing IC (gate array) 407 is a dedicated element that processes the processed data before transfer into a form suitable for transfer and controls the transmission buffer SDRAM 405.
[0084]
The ROM 408 stores a program for controlling the entire apparatus.
[0085]
The SRAM 409 is a storage element for temporarily storing operation data of the CPU 401.
[0086]
The EEPROM 410 is a storage element for storing adjustment values of the optical sensor and the like.
[0087]
The control device 430 is a computer, and performs setting of a type of a photo, a command to start reading, a command to perform image processing, and the like.
[0088]
The control device 430 reads the photograph stopped at the first reading position T1 of the contact glass 300 by the transport unit 12 while raising the carriage 301, and the first reading mode along the contact glass 301 by the manual sheet feeding unit 14. And a second reading mode in which the carriage 301 is stopped to read a photograph moved to a second reading position T2 provided above the first reading position T1. A function is provided for executing a reading operation in the first reading mode and executing one of the first reading mode and the second reading mode in accordance with the type of a photo placed on the manual feed tray 13. ing.
[0089]
In the second mode for reading an image while transporting a photo, the image quality is reduced or the amount of data when a panorama size is read is lower than in the case of fixing and reading a photo as in the first mode. For this reason, the resolution of the second reading mode is set lower than that of the first reading mode.
[0090]
For example, in the first reading mode, reading is performed at a resolution of 600 DPI, and in the second reading mode, reading is performed at a resolution of 300 DPI. In addition, the transport speed of the photo moving at the reading position T2 in the second reading mode is twice as high as the reading speed of the carriage 301 in the first reading mode.
2. motion
2-1 (automatic paper feed)
Hereinafter, the operation of the automatic paper feed mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 28 and 29 and the timing charts of FIGS. 33 and 34. Note that the flowchart is a flow for processing one photograph, and the timing chart is an example in a case where there are two photographs.
(Paper feed unit 5)
First, the lever 23 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 2 to lower the paper feed tray 10 to set a plurality of photographs. Then, the lever 23 is rotated counterclockwise to press the photograph against the kick roller 149.
[0091]
On the other hand, the automatic paper feed mode is selected by the control device 430 (step S1), and the start switch 7 is turned on (step S2). If the empty sensor 27 is on, the paper feed motor 100 rotates forward (steps S3, S4).
[0092]
The rotation of the paper feed motor 100 causes the rotary shaft 104 to rotate forward via the pulley 101, the timing belt 102, and the pulley 103 as shown in FIG. As a result, the drive is transmitted to the gear 105W and the pulley 107, and the feed roller 145W and the pickup roller 149W rotate in the feed direction via the gears 140 and 141. For this reason, the picture is paid out. Although the pulley 110W rotates by the rotation of the pulley 107, the one-way clutch is interposed in the pulley 110W, and the rotating shaft 111 does not rotate.
[0093]
A plurality of photographs fed out by the pickup roller 149W are separated and fed out by a paper feed roller 145W rotating in the paper feeding direction and a non-rotating separation roller 146.
[0094]
If the size of the taken-out photograph is 4R, it is detected by the sensor 29 (step S5), and if not, it becomes another size.
[0095]
The leading end of the separated photo is regulated by the pressure contacts with the registration rollers 162 and 163, and the inclination of the photo in the transport direction is corrected. At this time, the photograph whose tip is regulated tends to bend, but since the torque limiter is interposed in the gear 141T, the rotating shaft 143 does not rotate when a load more than a predetermined load is applied.
[0096]
By the way, the leading end of the separated photograph is detected by the registration sensor 30 before reaching the registration rollers 162 and 163 (step S6), and the motor 100 stops after a predetermined time (step S7).
(Conveying unit 5 / paper discharging unit 6)
Thereafter, the transport / discharge motor 200 is driven to rotate forward to transport the registered photo to the reading position T1 (step S8). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation shaft 242 rotates through the pulley 240, the belt 241, and the pulley 243, and the registration roller 162 rotates through the gears 244W, 248, 249, and 171W. For this reason, the photograph whose registration has been corrected is transported by the registration rollers 162 and 163. On the other hand, the stopper motor 274 is driven simultaneously with the driving of the transport / discharge motor 200. The leading end of the photograph sent out by the registration rollers 162 and 163 is detected by the sensor 31, and the sending time is counted (step S9). If the photo is not determined to be a 4R size photo by the sensor 29, the size is determined based on the feed time from when the sensor 31 detects the front end of the photo to when the rear end is detected (step S10).
[0097]
On the other hand, the one-way clutch provided on the pulley 246W attached to the rotating shaft 242 causes the pulley 246W to idle, and the drive is not transmitted to the pulley 252W.
[0098]
The driving force of the rotating shaft 242 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 251 via the gears 245, 254, 255W, and 272W, and the timing belt 211 rotates in a direction for transporting the photograph downward, and the photograph transmitted by the registration roller 162. Is transported along the contact glass 300.
[0099]
The drive transmitted to the belt 211 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 263 via the pulleys 213 and 258, the belt 259, the pulleys 260 and 261, the belt 262, and the pulley 264.
[0100]
The drive transmitted to the rotation shaft 263 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 233 via gears 269 and 270, and the discharge belt 228 and the discharge roller 234 rotate in the discharge direction, and the gear 265, the belt 266, and the pulley 268. The roller 225 is rotated in the paper discharge direction via.
[0101]
On the other hand, when the sensor 282 detects the edge 281b of the light shielding plate 281 by driving the stopper motor 274 as shown in FIG. The photo that is protruded and pressed against the contact glass 300 and conveyed is stopped at the reading position (reference position) T1. Then, the motor 200 stops (step S11). At this time, the photograph is fixed along the contact glass 300.
[0102]
Then, the stopper motor 274 is driven, and when the sensor 282 detects the edge 281a of the light shielding plate 281 as shown in FIG. 15, the motor 274 is stopped. In this state, the stopper 273 is retracted from the contact glass 300 (Step S12). In addition, as shown in FIG. 33, the paper feed motor 100 is driven to rotate in the normal direction, and the next photograph is sent out in the same manner as described above (second paper feed).
(Input device 3)
After the stopper 273 has retracted, the motor 310 is driven to rotate forward to read the image by raising the carriage 301 (step S13). Is driven, and the carriage 301 coupled to the belt 321 moves up from the home position H.
[0103]
First, the carriage 301 reads the white reference plate 323 for shading correction. Thereafter, reading of the photograph fixed at the reading position (reference position) T1 along the contact glass is performed while ascending from the reference position T1, and the ascending movement (reading) range varies depending on the photograph size. An image is read while the carriage 301 moves in a range corresponding to the size of the photograph stopped by the stopper 273. When the reading is completed, the motor 310 is stopped (step S14), and the transport / discharge motor 200 and the carriage motor 310 are driven to rotate in the reverse direction (step S15). When the carriage 301 descends and the home position sensor 330 detects (step S16), the motor 310 stops (step S17).
(Paper output unit 6)
When the conveyance / discharge motor 200 is driven to rotate reversely by the end of the reading, the drive transmitted to the rotation shaft 242 drives the rotation shaft 251 via the pulley 246W, the belt 250, and the pulley 252W, and the belt 211, the belt 228, and the roller. 225, the roller 234 is rotated in the discharge direction, and the read photograph is discharged to the discharge tray 16. At this time, when the discharge sensor 235 detects that the sheet has been discharged (step S18), the transport / discharge motor 200 stops (step S19).
[0104]
Since the one-way clutch is attached to the gear 244W attached to the rotating shaft 242, the registration roller 162 does not rotate.
[0105]
When the first copy sheet is discharged, the second copy sheet is conveyed as shown in FIG. 33, the photograph is stopped at the reading position T1 in the same manner as above, and the image is read and discharged by the carriage 301.
2-2 (manual feed)
Hereinafter, the manual feed mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 30 to 32 and the timing charts of FIGS. 35 to 37.
2-2-1 (Panorama photos)
When a photograph is set on the manual feed tray 13 (step S1), the operator sets the panoramic photograph mode or the instant photograph mode by the control device 430 (step S30). When a photo is set on the manual feed tray 13, the photo is set to the left side.
[0106]
The position of the discrimination sensor 137 is at a position where a panoramic photo is not detected, and the instant photo is detected by the discrimination sensor 137.
[0107]
When the panoramic photo mode is selected and the start switch 7 is turned on (step S31), it is checked whether the empty sensor 136 of the manual feed tray 13 is on (whether a photo is set on the manual feed tray 13) (step S32). ). When the start switch 7 is turned on, if a photograph is set on the manual feed tray 13, the carriage motor 310 of the input device 3 is driven (step S33), and the carriage 301 is raised to the reading position T2 (step S34).
[0108]
Further, although the paper feeding motor 100 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction (step S35), the driving is not transmitted to the paper feeding means 11 because the one-way clutch is interposed in the gear 105W. However, the drive is transmitted to the manual sheet feeding unit 14 via the gear 106W and the pulleys 107 and 108W, and the roller 112, the belt 122, the grid roller 134, and the roller 139 rotate in the sheet feeding direction.
[0109]
Further, the transport / discharge motor 200 is also driven to rotate in the reverse direction (step S35) to rotate the transport belt 211, the discharge belt 228, the rollers 225, and the discharge rollers 234.
[0110]
The panoramic photograph fed out by the manual paper feed unit 14 is conveyed downward while being conveyed by a predetermined amount after being detected by the sensor 138, while the image is being read by the carriage 301 stopped at the reading position T2 (step S37). When the sensor 138 detects the rear end of the photograph (Step S38), the image sensor 309 terminates the image reading after a predetermined time (Step S39), and after a predetermined amount of driving, stops the paper feed motor 100 (Step S40). Further, the carriage motor 310 rotates in the reverse direction (step S41), and the carriage 301 descends and is stopped by being detected by the home position sensor 330 (steps S42 and S43).
[0111]
When the trailing edge of the photograph is detected by the paper discharge sensor 235 (step S44), the motor 200 stops (step S45).
2-2-2 (instant photos)
First, the photograph is placed on the manual feed tray 13 with the photograph set on the backing paper. Then, the controller 430 selects the instant photo mode (step S36).
[0112]
There are a large size and a small size in the instant photograph, and both of them are conveyed while sandwiched between the mounts. When the discriminating sensor 137 detects the mount, the size becomes a large size.
[0113]
When the start switch 7 is turned on (step S50), it is checked whether the empty sensor 136 is on (step S51). If the start switch 7 is on, whether the instant photograph with the discrimination sensor 137 set is large or small size Is determined (step S52). In addition, the paper feed motor 100 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, the manual paper feed unit 14 is driven, the transport / discharge motor 200 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, and the transport belt 211 and the paper discharge unit 6 are driven (step S53). Further, the stopper motor 274 is also driven, and the stopper 273 projects.
[0114]
The rear end of the mount is detected by the sensor 138 (step S54), and the feed motor 100 stops after the driving amount of the rear end passing through the roller 139 (step S55).
[0115]
On the other hand, the stopper 273 is in contact with the contact glass 300 by the driving of the stopper motor 274, and when the mount is fed by a predetermined amount and conveyed by an amount hitting the stopper 273, the conveyance / discharge motor 200 stops (step S56). Then, the stopper motor 274 is driven to retract the stopper 273 (step S57).
[0116]
Next, the carriage motor 310 is driven (Step S58), and the carriage 301 reads an image of an instant photograph while rising (Step S59). After the distance according to the size is raised while reading, the motor 310 is stopped. (Step S60). Thereafter, the motor 200 is rotated in the reverse direction to drive the transport belt 211 and the paper discharge unit 6 to discharge the mount, and the motor 310 is rotated in the reverse direction (step S61), and the carriage 301 is lowered to the home position H and moved to the home position. When detected by the sensor 330 (Step S62), the carriage motor 310 is stopped (Step S63). When the trailing end of the sheet being discharged is detected by the discharge sensor 235 (step S64), the transport / discharge motor 200 is stopped (step S65).
[0117]
As described above, in the first reading mode in which the reading is performed by moving the reading unit (carriage) while fixing the photograph, a good image is easily obtained without generating a vibration due to the moving of the photograph, and the carriage is not moved. In order to further reduce the influence on the image due to the vibration during the movement, the reading is performed while moving the carriage upward, and the pulley (rotation) above the rotation driving belt of the belt with which the carriage is engaged is stretched. Shaft) was driven to rotate. Further, since the reference position T1 is provided near the lower end of the contact glass 300 to fix the photograph, and the reading is performed while the carriage 301 is moved upward, the time until the start of reading and, consequently, the reading time can be shortened. It was done.
[0118]
3. Modified example
In the above-described embodiment, the transport device cannot be opened and closed with respect to the input device (contact glass). However, the transport device may be freely opened and closed via a hinge or the like so that the photograph can be manually set at the reading position. . However, at that time, it is necessary to provide a stop member near the lower end of the conveying means to prevent the photograph from dropping.
[0119]
In the above-described embodiment, the apparatus is described as a photo reading apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photograph reading apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of the photo reading device.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a drive mechanism of a transport device and an input device.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a driving mechanism of a sheet feeding unit.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a driving mechanism of a transport unit.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where a transport unit is opened.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transport unit.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a driving mechanism of a sheet feeding unit.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a drive mechanism of a transport unit / discharge unit.
FIG. 10 is a structural explanatory view of a stopping means.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the stopping means.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a part of the input device.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the input device.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the input device.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the input device.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a control device.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart of an automatic paper feed mode.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart of an automatic paper feed mode.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a panoramic photo mode.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an instant photo mode.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart of an instant photo mode.
FIG. 33 is a timing chart of the automatic paper feed mode.
FIG. 34 is a timing chart of the automatic paper feed mode.
FIG. 35 is a timing chart in a panoramic photo mode.
FIG. 36 is a timing chart of a panoramic photograph mode.
FIG. 37 is a timing chart of the instant photo mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Photo reading device
2 Transport device
3 Input device
4 Paper feed unit
5 Transport unit
6 Paper output unit

Claims (9)

A contact glass supported substantially vertically,
A paper tray on which documents are placed,
A transport unit that is disposed below the paper feed tray and forms a substantially vertical transport path with the contact glass, and transports a document from the paper feed tray to a reading position in the transport path,
A stop member that is supported near the lower end of the contact glass so as to be able to protrude and retract in the transport path, and stops the document transported by the transport unit at the reading position.
A paper discharge tray on which a document discharged from the reading position is placed substantially horizontally below the transporting means, and
A curved paper ejection path for guiding a document ejected from the reading position toward the paper ejection tray,
Reading means for reading the document stopped at the reading position by the stop member while moving up along the contact glass;
An image reading apparatus comprising: 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit includes a plurality of belts arranged along a transport direction of the document, and the stop member advances to the transport path from between the plurality of belts. 3. Reader. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a white reference plate is disposed below the contact glass. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a guide member that forms the paper discharge path is provided between the contact glass and the white reference plate. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reading unit is held below a center position of the contact glass when the apparatus is not operated, and the light source is located below the white reference plate. 5. The image reading device according to claim 1. The reading unit includes a light source that irradiates the original with light, a plurality of mirrors that reflect the light from the light source, a lens that forms an image of the light reflected by the mirror, and a light that is formed by the lens. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is an integrated reading unit including photoelectric conversion means for performing photoelectric conversion. A guide shaft for guiding and supporting the reading unit so as to be able to move up and down along the contact glass;
An endless belt that is hung over a pair of rotating shafts that are arranged vertically apart, and one end of the reading unit is locked.
The endless belt is rotated by driving and rotating a rotating shaft disposed above the pair of rotating shafts, and reading of a document arranged along the contact glass is performed while moving the reading unit upward. The image reading device according to claim 6, wherein: The said guide shaft is comprised by two guide shafts arrange | positioned mutually apart along the said contact glass, and the said reading unit is supported by these two guide shafts, The Claim 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The image reading device according to claim 1. The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: a driving motor for driving the rotation shaft disposed above, wherein the driving motor is disposed above a center position of the contact glass. .

Images