JP4739881B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides an image reading unit including an image reading unit that reads an image from a medium on which an image is formed, and a control unit that controls the image reading unit and performs processing for transferring image data read by the image reading unit to an external device. Relates to the device.

  Conventionally, an image can be read from a printing medium such as printing paper on which an image is printed, image data is created, and the image data is transmitted to an externally connected personal computer or the like for image editing or processing. There is an image reading apparatus. An image reading unit that reads an image from a printing medium provided in the image reading device, and a control unit that performs processing for transmitting image data to a personal computer that performs processing such as image editing and processing are an image reading unit. When reading an image, it moves over the surface of the print medium and scans to perform the reading operation. It was connected so that transmission / reception of information and power supply could be performed. Also, for example, an image provided with a housing having a document table at the top, a carriage movable inside the housing, an interface unit fixed inside the housing, and a flexible flat cable connecting the carriage and the interface unit. In the reading device, the flexible flat cable is covered with a flexible film as a coating to ensure flexibility. For this reason, the carriage moves parallel to the document table by the drive unit while connecting the carriage and the interface unit. It is supposed to be. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-236404 A (page 1-3, FIG. 1)

  However, in the conventional image reading apparatus as described above, since the image reading unit or the carriage scans the surface of the print medium and performs a reading operation, the image reading unit or the carriage performs an operation such as parallel movement with respect to the document table. The cable is repeatedly deformed and bent several times, and as the image is read using the image reader, cracks and scratches occur on the surface of the flexible flat cable, causing damage to the flexible flat cable. And its durability has been a problem.

  If such a problem is solved using a flexible flat cable, a flexible cable having a sufficient margin with respect to the movement process according to the movement process such as the parallel movement of the reading operation of the image reading unit. It is necessary to use a flat cable to increase the bending radius in the reading operation as much as possible, and to prevent the bent flexible flat cable from contacting other members inside the image reading apparatus and preventing the bending. However, this would increase the size of the device, leading to an increase in cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to process an image reading unit that performs an image reading operation with excellent durability and the read image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that connects a control unit that performs power supply and a power supply unit that supplies power.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an image reading apparatus including an image reading unit that reads an image from a medium on which an image is formed and a control unit that controls the image reading unit. A moving rail that the image reading unit moves to perform an image reading operation; a power adding unit that adds power to the moving rail; and a power acquisition unit that is provided in the image reading unit and acquires power from the moving rail. A first signal transmission / reception unit that is provided in the control unit, transmits a signal to the moving rail, or receives a signal from the moving rail, and is provided in the image reading unit and transmits a signal to the moving rail, or A second signal transmitting / receiving unit that receives a signal from the moving rail, and the moving rail includes a first moving rail and a second moving rail, and the power adding unit and the power acquiring unit include: Is connected to the first moving rail, said second signal transmitting and receiving unit and the first signal transmitting and receiving unit is characterized by being connected to said second moving rail.

  According to such an invention, even if the image reading unit performs an image reading operation using the moving rail, the power adding unit applies power to the moving rail, and the power acquisition unit attached to the image reading unit is used as the moving rail. Since the added power is conducted to the image reading unit, the image reading unit and the power supply unit that supplies power are connected by realizing excellent durability without causing damage or the like by the image reading operation of the image reading unit. It is possible.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus including an image reading unit that reads an image from a medium on which an image is formed and a control unit that controls the image reading unit. The control unit includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the image reading unit, and the image reading unit moves the moving rail to a predetermined position to move the power supply unit. And a power storage unit that stores electric power acquired from the connection unit, and performs a reading operation using the power stored in the power storage unit.

  According to such an invention, when the image reading unit is in a predetermined position, the power supply unit and the power receiving unit are in contact with each other so that power can be received, and the power storage unit receives the power supplied from the power supply unit. Since electric power is stored from the power receiving unit, it is possible to perform an image reading operation using the stored electric power, and the image reading operation of the image reading unit realizes excellent durability without causing damage or the like. Thus, it is possible to connect the image reading unit and a power supply unit that supplies power.

  As described above, the image reading apparatus of the present invention includes an image reading unit that performs an image reading operation with excellent durability, a control unit that performs processing on the read image data, and a power supply unit that supplies power. Can be connected to each other.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1, 2, and 3 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a configuration of an image reading apparatus 1 such as an image scanner according to the present invention. The image reading apparatus 1 according to the present invention performs a reading operation of the carriage 8 by a signal from a carriage 8 that performs a reading operation of reading an image printed and formed on a print medium or the like, and a main control unit 15 that is a control unit described later. A motor 10 that generates a driving force, a main board 15 that controls the entire image reading apparatus 1, a start button for starting a reading operation for the user to perform a selection operation, a determination operation, and the like, and a cancel that stops the reading operation I / F such as USB or IEEE 1394 for transmitting / receiving information to / from external devices connected to the operation unit 21 provided with buttons and the like and a personal computer or an image forming apparatus. Part 39.

  The main board 15 serving as a control unit converts the input digital signal or analog signal and outputs it as an analog signal or digital signal, and obtains power from the outside and supplies power to the image reading apparatus 1. And a main control unit 23 that is a second signal transmission / reception unit that controls each unit of the image reading apparatus 1 and performs processing on image data obtained by the image reading operation. The first signal superimposing unit 24 which applies a rectifying action by applying the input DC power to a filter inside, and a memory 29 for temporarily storing image data read by the image reading operation.

  A carriage 8 serving as an image reading unit is slid in a linear direction along a conductive rail 9 which will be described in detail later, and can be moved in parallel, and in the vicinity of both ends of the conductive rail 9. Are attached to the belt 13 via a belt attaching portion 14 provided on an endless belt 13 which is wound around the pulley A11 and the pulley B12 which are arranged on the belt 9 and moves along the conductive rail 9.

  The carriage 8 is attached to the reading rail 3 that is a first signal transmission / reception unit that controls each part in the carriage 8 to perform an image reading operation, and is attached to the conductive rail 9 so as to protrude downward from the carriage 8. A power acquisition unit 17 that conducts the added power to a second signal superimposing unit 25 to be described later, and a second signal sorting unit 19 that converts the input digital signal or analog signal and outputs it as an analog signal or digital signal. A sensor unit 20 having an image sensor 4, a lens 5, a mirror 6, and a lamp 7, a second signal superimposing unit 25 for applying a rectifying action to a filter having the input DC power therein, and an input DC voltage Are provided with a DC-DC converter 26 for performing voltage conversion, and a memory 28 for temporarily storing image data read by the image reading operation. The sensor unit 20 illuminates the lamp 7 to illuminate the print medium during a reading operation of reading an image printed on the print medium set on the document table configured on the upper side of the carriage 8. The light that has reflected the image on the surface of the print medium and has reached the mirror 6 is reflected by the mirror 6, and this light is collected by the lens 5 and collected on the image pickup device 4 such as a CCD. The image data is generated by converting it into an electric signal.

  The carriage 8 having the above-described configuration has two linear shapes arranged in parallel with the width of the document table along the linear direction from one end of the document table to the end facing the document table. It is placed on a conductive rail 9 made of a conductive member. Then, a driving force is applied by the rotation of the motor 10 connected to the central axis of the pulley A11, the pulley A11 rotates, the belt 13 rotates, and the carriage 8 moves along the conductive rail 9 via the belt mounting portion 14. Move in parallel. The power acquisition unit 17 that projects downward from the carriage 8 and contacts the conductive rail 9 slides on the surface of the conductive rail 9 according to the parallel movement of the carriage 8. A configuration in which the power acquisition unit 17 slides and contacts the conductive rail 9 during the parallel movement of the carriage 8 may be, for example, a configuration in which the conductive rail 9 is pressed by a leaf spring or the like. Other configurations may be used as long as 17 is always in contact with the conductive rail 9.

  The conductive rail 9, which is a moving rail, includes a power adding unit 16 that is connected to the first signal superimposing unit 24 in the main board 15 and applies power to the conductive rail 9. Is electrically connected only through the conductive rail 9. When power is applied to the conductive rail 9 by the power adding unit 16, the carriage 8 performs a reading operation on the power acquisition unit 17 that slides on the conductive rail 9 via the conductive rail 9 to perform parallel movement. Regardless of whether or not the power is being transmitted, power is transmitted and power is supplied to the carriage 8. Control by transmission / reception of command signals, image data, etc. between the main control unit 23 and the reading control unit 3 and the carriage 8 from the power supply unit 22 by the conduction of electric power through the conductive rail 9 which is a single line transmission path. Full-duplex communication of power supply is performed. That is, the power from the power adding unit 16 and the signal transmitted / received between the main control unit 23 and the reading control unit 3 are superimposed. As a full duplex communication system, for example, transmission / reception signals and power are performed using different frequencies.

  Next, functions and effects produced when the image reading apparatus 1 has the above-described configuration will be described in detail. First, power supply to the carriage 8 of the image reading apparatus 1 will be described. When the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, the power is supplied to the power supply unit 22 from an outlet in the room where the image reading apparatus 1 is installed or a commercial power source. The power supply unit 22 performs AC-DC conversion of this power to obtain DC power. The DC power is supplied to each part of the image reading apparatus 1, that is, the carriage 8, the motor 10, the first signal sorting unit 18, the operation unit 21, the main control unit 23, the first signal superimposing unit 24, the memory 29, I / F section 39 is supplied. The route for supplying power to the carriage 8 is as follows.

  When power is supplied from the power supply unit 22 to the first signal superimposing unit 24, power is transmitted to the power adding unit 16 via the first signal superimposing unit 24, and this power is transmitted from the power adding unit 16 to the conductive rail 9. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the voltage is changed and added. The power applied to the conductive rail 9 is transmitted to the power acquisition unit 17 of the carriage 8. At this time, the conductive rail 9 is entirely composed of a conductive member, and the power acquisition unit 17 is connected to the conductive rail 9. Since the carriage 8 slides above, the carriage 8 moves in parallel on the conductive rail 9 by the image reading operation, and the power is transmitted regardless of the position of the power acquisition unit 17. Then, the electric power transmitted to the power acquisition unit 17 is conducted to the second signal superimposing unit 25 and rectified by a filter included in the second signal superimposing unit to cut an AC component, and then the DC-DC converter 26 The voltage is converted and supplied to each section in the carriage 8, that is, the reading control section 3, the second signal sorting section 19, the sensor section 20, and the image memory 28.

  Next, processing of the entire image reading apparatus 1 in the image reading operation will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. When the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on and power is supplied to each unit as described above, the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on. Then, power is supplied to each unit of the image reading apparatus (STEP 1).

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 activates the main control unit 23 and performs a process of determining whether communication from the first signal sorting unit 18 to the second signal sorting unit 19 is possible (STEP 2). Specifically, the image reading apparatus 1 first activates the main control unit 23 when its power source is turned on. Next, the image reading apparatus 1 activates the first signal sorting unit 18 and then activates the second signal sorting unit 19 in the carriage 8. Here, when the second signal sorting unit 19 is activated, the second signal sorting unit 19 automatically transmits a predetermined signal to the first signal sorting unit 18, for example, and the second signal sorting unit 19 19 is notified that it has started. Here, the predetermined signal transmitted to the first signal sorting unit 18 is sent to the main control unit 23 via the first signal sorting unit 18. The main control unit 23 that has received the predetermined signal transmitted from the first signal sorting unit 18 is in a state where the second signal sorting unit 19 has completed activation and can communicate by receiving this signal. Is determined. On the other hand, if the main control unit 23 does not receive a predetermined signal from the first signal classification unit 18 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the image reading apparatus 1 generates an error and the second signal classification unit 19 Is not in a communicable state, and the series of processes is terminated.

  Next, when the main control unit 23 determines that communication is possible, the image reading apparatus 1 performs an initial operation (STEP 3). As a method for performing the initial operation, first, the main control unit 23 generates a digital signal composed of a plurality of bits such as 16 bits based on the data stored in the memory 29, for example, and the digital signal is converted into a first signal in parallel. The signal is transmitted to the signal sorting unit 18. When receiving the digital signal, the first signal sorting unit 18 converts the received digital signal into an analog signal by a first modulation / demodulation circuit included therein. Then, the power including the voltage signal representing the analog signal is transmitted from the first signal sorting unit 18 to the first signal superimposing unit 24, and is transmitted to the power adding unit 16 through the first signal superimposing unit 24. It is transmitted and added to the conductive rail 9 by the power addition unit 16. The electric power applied to the conductive rail 9 is transmitted to the power acquisition unit 17 through the conductive rail 9 and is transmitted from the power acquisition unit 17 to the second signal superimposing unit 25. The power transmitted to the second signal superimposing unit 25 is transmitted from the second signal superimposing unit 25 to the second signal sorting unit 19. The second signal sorting unit 19 to which the power is transmitted converts an analog signal included in the transmitted power into a digital signal using a second modulation / demodulation circuit included therein. The digital signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted to the reading control unit 3. When the reading control unit 3 receives the digital signal, it performs an initial operation according to this signal. As the initial operation, the output of the image data generated by the image reading operation of the sensor unit 20 is corrected. For example, the image reading operation is performed on the cover of the white plate that covers the upper side of the document table. There is an operation of comparing the image data read by the reading operation with the adjustment image data stored in the image memory 28 in advance and adjusting the output level of the sensor unit 20 based on the comparison result.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 enters a state of waiting for an instruction to start an image reading operation as a standby state for an operation from the user. Specifically, the image reading apparatus 1 waits for the user to press the reading start button (STEP 4).

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs a process of instructing each member to start an image reading operation in response to the user's pressing operation of the start button (STEP 5). When the user operates the operation unit 21 and presses a start button for instructing start of an image reading operation, the main control unit 23 first generates a digital signal composed of a plurality of bits such as 16 bits as a reading operation start signal. The digital signal generated here is, for example, a signal that refers to various signal data stored in advance in the memory 29 and instructs the carriage 8 to start an image reading operation. The reading operation start signal generated in the main control unit 23 is transmitted to the first signal sorting unit 18 in parallel. When receiving the reading operation start signal, the first signal sorting unit 18 converts the digital signal into an analog signal by a first modulation / demodulation circuit included therein. Then, the power including the voltage signal representing the analog signal is transmitted from the first signal sorting unit 18 to the first signal superimposing unit 24, and is transmitted to the power adding unit 16 through the first signal superimposing unit 24. It is transmitted and added to the conductive rail 9 by the power addition unit 16. The electric power applied to the conductive rail 9 is transmitted to the power acquisition unit 17 through the conductive rail 9 and is transmitted from the power acquisition unit 17 to the second signal superimposing unit 25. The power transmitted to the second signal superimposing unit 25 is transmitted from the second signal superimposing unit 25 to the second signal sorting unit 19. The second signal sorting unit 19 to which the power is transmitted converts an analog signal included in the transmitted power into a digital signal using a second modulation / demodulation circuit included therein. The digital signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted to the reading control unit 3, and the reading control unit 3 receives the digital signal.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 starts an image reading operation using the carriage 8 (STEP 6). The carriage 8 first transmits an image reading operation start signal to the sensor unit 20. The sensor unit 20 that has received the start signal of the reading operation illuminates the print medium set on the document table with the lamp 7 as an image reading operation, and the light reflected from the print medium is further provided with the lens 5 by the mirror 6. Reflected in the direction. The light reflected from the mirror 6 is collected on the image sensor 4 by the lens 5, and the image sensor 4 generates image data based on the collected light. At this time, since the carriage 8 translates on the conductive rail 9 by the driving force of the motor 10, the sensor unit 20 also translates together with the carriage 8. In the image reading apparatus 1, the sensor unit 20 performs such a reading operation even when it moves in parallel, while the carriage 8 moves in parallel, and from the reading operation start position at one end of the document table. Image data is generated by moving to the reading operation end position at the other end opposite to this end. The image data generated here is sequentially transmitted from the sensor unit 20 to the reading control unit 3, and the reading control unit 3 transmits a digital signal including the image data to the second signal sorting unit 19 in parallel. When the second signal sorting unit 19 receives a digital signal including image data, the second signal sorting unit 19 converts the digital signal into an analog signal by a second modulation / demodulation circuit included therein. The power representing the analog signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted to the conductive rail 9 by the power acquisition unit 17 via the second signal superimposing unit 25. The power transmitted to the conductive rail 9 is transmitted on this rail to the power adding unit 16, and is transmitted from the power adding unit 16 to the first signal superimposing unit 24. The power transmitted to the first signal superimposing unit 24 is transmitted to the first signal sorting unit 18, and the first signal sorting unit 18 uses the first modulation / demodulation circuit included therein to Convert included analog signals to digital signals. The digital signal is output from the first signal sorting unit 18 and transmitted to the main control unit 23, and the main control unit 23 receives the digital signal. The main control unit 23 sequentially stores the image data included in the digital signal in the memory 29 and connects the image data to the I / F unit 39 via the I / F unit 39 in parallel with the storage process. Sequentially transferred to the external device. At this time, since the conductive rail 9 is entirely composed of a conductive member, and the power acquisition unit 17 slides on the conductive rail 9, the carriage 8 is moved by the image reading operation. Regardless of the position where the power acquisition unit 17 is translated in parallel, the power representing the analog signal is transmitted, and the image data is transmitted to the main control unit 23.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs a process of determining whether or not the image reading operation is completed (STEP 7). In the image reading apparatus 1, the carriage 8 performs an image reading operation up to the reading end position of the document table, and transmits a digital signal including information indicating that the reading operation is completed to the main control unit 23. When the main control unit 23 sequentially receives the image data and receives a digital signal including information indicating the completion, the main control unit 23 determines that the image reading operation is completed. When a digital signal including information indicating completion is not received, an image reading operation is continuously performed.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs processing for returning the carriage 8 to the home position (STEP 8). In this case, the main control unit 23 refers to various signal data stored in the memory 29 in advance, for example, generates a signal for instructing the carriage 8 to return to the home position, and reads it as described above. Transmit to the control unit 3. The reading control unit 3 performs a process of moving the carriage 8 in parallel by the driving force of the motor 10 and returning it to the standby position of the reading operation start position of the document table. After returning the carriage 8 to the home position, the user waits for the user to press the reading start button until the power is turned off.

  As described above, when the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 22 to each unit of the image reading apparatus 1. As a route for supplying power to the carriage 8, the power is transmitted to the power adding unit 16 via the first signal superimposing unit 24 and added to the conductive rail 9. Further, the electric power is transmitted to the power acquisition unit 17 of the carriage 8. At this time, since the conductive rail 9 is entirely composed of a conductive member, the carriage 8 is parallel on the conductive rail 9 by an image reading operation. The power is transmitted no matter where the power acquisition unit 17 is moved. Then, it is supplied to each part in the carriage 8.

  In the image reading operation, the generated image data is sequentially transmitted from the sensor unit 20 to the reading control unit 3 and converted into an analog signal by the second modulation / demodulation circuit. Then, the power representing the analog signal is transmitted to the conductive rail 9 by the power acquisition unit 17 via the second signal superimposing unit 25, transmitted on the rail to the power adding unit 16, and the first modulation is performed. It is converted into a digital signal by a demodulation circuit. The main control unit 23 that has received this digital signal sequentially stores the image data included in the digital signal in the memory 29. At this time, since the conductive rail 9 is entirely composed of a conductive member, and the power acquisition unit 17 slides on the conductive rail 9, the carriage 8 is moved by the image reading operation. Regardless of the position where the power acquisition unit 17 is translated in parallel, the power representing the analog signal is transmitted, and the image data is transmitted to the main control unit 23.

  For this reason, troubles such as scratches and cracks in the flexible cable may occur due to the carriage performing an image reading operation, such as a flexible cable connecting the carriage and the main board in a conventional image reading apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to supply power from the power supply unit 22 to the carriage 8 at any position on the conductive rail 9 where the carriage 8 that performs the image reading operation with excellent durability is realized. Further, since the flexible cable is movable and it is not necessary to provide a space for bending, downsizing can be realized.

  Further, a signal or image data for instructing the start of image reading between the main control unit 23 and the reading control unit 3 at any position on the conductive rail 9 where the carriage 8 that performs image reading operation with excellent durability is provided. It is possible to send and receive.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the first signal sorting unit 18 included in the main board 15 that controls the entire image reading apparatus 1 converts the input digital signal or serial signal into a serial signal or The second signal sorting unit 19 provided in the carriage 8 has a function of converting the input digital signal or serial signal and outputting it as a serial signal or digital signal. Has to have.

  In addition, the carriage 8 is attached to the first electric power acquisition unit 17 that projects from the lower side of the carriage 8 and is applied to the first conductive rail 9 to be described later, and conducts the electric power to the second signal superimposing unit 25. The second power acquisition unit 42 is mounted with the same function and conducts the power applied to the second conductive rail 40 described later to the second signal superimposing unit 25.

  The conductive rail 9 in the first embodiment is replaced by the first conductive rail 9 and the second conductive rail 40, and the first conductive rail 9 is the first conductive rail 9 in the main board 15. A first power adding unit 16 that is connected to the signal superimposing unit 24 and applies power to the first conductive rail 9 is provided. Further, the second conductive rail 40 is similarly connected to the first signal superimposing section 24 in the main board 15 and includes a second power adding section 41 for adding power to the second conductive rail 40. . Other configurations are the same as those of the image reading apparatus 1 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, functions and effects produced when the image reading apparatus 1 has the above-described configuration will be described in detail. First, power supply to the carriage 8 of the image reading apparatus 1 will be described. When the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, the power is supplied to the power supply unit 22 from an outlet in the room where the image reading apparatus 1 is installed or a commercial power source. The power supply unit 22 performs AC-DC conversion of this power to obtain DC power. The DC power is supplied to each part of the image reading apparatus 1, that is, the carriage 8, the motor 10, the first signal sorting unit 18, the operation unit 21, the main control unit 23, the first signal superimposing unit 24, the memory 29, I / F section 39 is supplied. The route for supplying power to the carriage 8 is as follows.

  When power is supplied from the power supply unit 22 to the first signal superimposing unit 24, power is transmitted to the first power adding unit 16 and the second power adding unit 41 via the first signal superimposing unit 24, and This power is applied to the first conductive rail 9 and the second conductive rail 40 from the first power addition unit 16 and the second power addition unit 41 with the voltage changed. The power applied to the first conductive rail 9 is transmitted to the first power acquisition unit 17 and the second power acquisition unit 42 of the carriage 8, and at this time, the first conductive rail 9 and the second conductive rail 9 are used. The conductive rail 40 is entirely composed of a conductive member, and the first power acquisition unit 17 and the second power acquisition unit 42 slide on the first conductive rail 9 and the second conductive rail 40. Since the carriage 8 is moving, the carriage 8 is translated on the first conductive rail 9 and the second conductive rail 40 by the image reading operation, and the first power acquisition unit 17 and the second power acquisition unit 42 are moved. Electricity is transmitted no matter where it is. Then, the power transmitted to the first power acquisition unit 17 and the second power acquisition unit 42 is conducted to the second signal superimposing unit 25 and rectified by a filter included in the second signal superimposing unit to be an AC component. Then, the voltage is converted by the DC-DC converter 26 and supplied to each part in the carriage 8, that is, the reading control unit 3, the second signal sorting unit 19, the sensor unit 20, and the image memory 28.

  Next, processing of the entire image reading apparatus 1 in the image reading operation will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. When the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on and power is supplied to each unit as described above, the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on. Then, power is supplied to each unit of the image reading apparatus (STEP 1).

  Next, when the main control unit 23 determines that communication is possible, the image reading apparatus 1 performs an initial operation (STEP 2). As a method for performing the initial operation, first, the main control unit 23 generates a digital signal composed of a plurality of bits such as 16 bits based on the data stored in the memory 29, for example, and the digital signal is converted into a first signal in parallel. The signal is transmitted to the signal sorting unit 18. When receiving the digital signal, the first signal sorting unit 18 converts the received digital signal into a serial signal by the P / S conversion unit included therein. Then, the power including the voltage signal representing the serial signal is transmitted from the first signal sorting unit 18 to the first signal superimposing unit 24, and the second power addition is performed via the first signal superimposing unit 24. Is transmitted to the portion 41, and is added to the second conductive rail 40 by the second power addition portion 41. The power applied to the second conductive rail 40 is transmitted on the rail to the second power acquisition unit 42 and is transmitted from the second power acquisition unit 42 to the second signal superimposing unit 25. The power transmitted to the second signal superimposing unit 25 is transmitted from the second signal superimposing unit 25 to the second signal sorting unit 19. The second signal sorting unit 19 to which the power is transmitted converts an analog signal included in the transmitted power into a digital signal by using an S / P conversion unit included therein. The digital signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted in parallel to the reading control unit 3. When the reading control unit 3 receives the digital signal, it performs an initial operation according to this signal. As the initial operation, the output of the image data generated by the image reading operation of the sensor unit 20 is corrected. For example, the image reading operation is performed on the cover of the white plate that covers the upper side of the document table. There is an operation of comparing the image data read by the reading operation with the adjustment image data stored in the image memory 28 in advance and adjusting the output level of the sensor unit 20 based on the comparison result.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 enters a state of waiting for an instruction to start an image reading operation as a standby state for an operation from the user. Specifically, the image reading apparatus 1 waits for the user to press the reading start button (STEP 3).

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs a process of instructing start of an image reading operation in response to a user's start button pressing operation (STEP 4). When the user operates the operation unit 21 and presses a start button for instructing start of an image reading operation, the main control unit 23 first generates a digital signal composed of a plurality of bits such as 16 bits as a reading operation start signal. The digital signal generated here is, for example, a signal that refers to various signal data stored in advance in the memory 29 and instructs the carriage 8 to start an image reading operation. The reading operation start signal generated in the main control unit 23 is transmitted to the first signal sorting unit 18 in parallel. When the first signal sorting unit 18 receives the reading operation start signal, the first signal sorting unit 18 converts the digital signal into a serial signal by an internal P / S conversion unit. Then, the power including the voltage signal representing the serial signal is transmitted from the first signal sorting unit 18 to the first signal superimposing unit 24, and the second power addition is performed via the first signal superimposing unit 24. Transmitted to the portion 41 and added to the second conductive rail 42 by the second power addition portion 41. The electric power applied to the second conductive rail 42 is transmitted to the second power acquisition unit 42 through the second conductive rail 42, and is transmitted from the second power acquisition unit 42 to the second signal superimposing unit 25. Is transmitted to. The power transmitted to the second signal superimposing unit 25 is transmitted from the second signal superimposing unit 25 to the second signal sorting unit 19. The second signal sorting unit 19 to which the power is transmitted converts a serial signal included in the transmitted power into a digital signal using an S / P conversion unit included therein. The digital signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted in parallel to the reading control unit 3, and the reading control unit 3 receives the digital signal.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 starts an image reading operation using the carriage 8 (STEP 5). The carriage 8 first transmits an image reading operation start signal to the sensor unit 20. The sensor unit 20 that has received the start signal of the reading operation illuminates the print medium set on the document table with the lamp 7 as an image reading operation, and the light reflected from the print medium is further provided with the lens 5 by the mirror 6. Reflected in the direction. The light reflected from the mirror 6 is collected on the image sensor 4 by the lens 5, and the image sensor 4 generates image data based on the collected light. At this time, the carriage 8 translates on the first and second conductive rails 9 and 40 by the driving force of the motor 10, so that the sensor unit 20 also translates together with the carriage 8. In the image reading apparatus 1, the sensor unit 20 performs such a reading operation even when it moves in parallel, while the carriage 8 moves in parallel, and from the reading operation start position at one end of the document table. Image data is generated by moving to the reading operation end position at the other end opposite to this end. The image data generated here is sequentially transmitted from the sensor unit 20 to the reading control unit 3, and the reading control unit 3 transmits a digital signal including the image data to the second signal sorting unit 19 in parallel. When the second signal sorting unit 19 receives a digital signal including image data, the second signal sorting unit 19 converts the digital signal into a serial signal by a second modulation / demodulation circuit included therein. The power representing the serial signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted to the conductive rail 9 by the power acquisition unit 17 via the second signal superimposing unit 25. The power transmitted to the conductive rail 9 is transmitted on this rail to the power adding unit 16, and is transmitted from the power adding unit 16 to the first signal superimposing unit 24. The power transmitted to the first signal superimposing unit 24 is transmitted to the first signal sorting unit 18, and the first signal sorting unit 18 is included in the power transmitted by the S / P conversion unit included therein. The serial signal to be converted into a digital signal. The digital signal is output from the first signal sorting unit 18 and transmitted in parallel to the main control unit 23, and the main control unit 23 receives the digital signal. The main control unit 23 sequentially stores the image data included in the digital signal in the memory 29 and connects the image data to the I / F unit 39 via the I / F unit 39 in parallel with the storage process. Sequentially transferred to the external device. At this time, since the conductive rail 9 is entirely composed of a conductive member, and the first power acquisition unit 17 slides on the conductive rail 9, the carriage 8 is electrically conductive by the image reading operation. The power representing the serial signal is transmitted to the main control unit 23 regardless of the position where the first power acquisition unit 17 is moved in parallel on the conductive rail 9 and the image data is transmitted to the main control unit 23.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs a process of determining whether or not the image reading operation is completed (STEP 6). In the image reading apparatus 1, the carriage 8 performs an image reading operation up to the reading end position of the document table, and transmits a digital signal including information indicating that the reading operation is completed to the main control unit 23. When the main control unit 23 sequentially receives the image data and receives a digital signal including information indicating the completion, the main control unit 23 determines that the image reading operation is completed. When a digital signal including information indicating completion is not received, an image reading operation is continuously performed.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs processing for returning the carriage 8 to the home position (STEP 7). In this case, the main control unit 23 refers to various signal data stored in the memory 29 in advance, for example, generates a signal for instructing the carriage 8 to return to the home position, and reads it as described above. Transmit to the control unit 3. The reading control unit 3 performs a process of moving the carriage 8 in parallel by the driving force of the motor 10 and returning it to the standby position of the reading operation start position of the document table. After returning the carriage 8 to the home position, the user waits for the user to press the reading start button until the power is turned off.

  As described above, when the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 22 to each unit of the image reading apparatus 1. As a route for supplying power to the carriage 8, power is transmitted to the first and second power adding units 16 and 41 via the first signal superimposing unit 24 and added to the first and second conductive rails 9 and 40. Is done. Further, the first and second power acquisition units 17 and 42 of the carriage 8 are transmitted to the first and second conductive rails 9 and 40. At this time, the first and second conductive rails 9 and 40 are all composed of conductive members. The carriage 8 translates on the first and second conductive rails 9 and 40 by the image reading operation, and the power is transmitted regardless of the position of the first and second power acquisition units 17 and 42. . Then, it is supplied to each part in the carriage 8.

  In the image reading operation, the generated image data is sequentially transmitted from the sensor unit 20 to the reading control unit 3 and converted into a serial signal by the P / S conversion unit. Then, the power representing the serial signal is transmitted to the first conductive rail 9 by the first power acquisition unit 17 via the second signal superimposing unit 25, and transmitted on the rail to the first power addition. The signal is transmitted to the unit 16 and converted into a digital signal by the S / P conversion unit. The main control unit 23 that has received the digital signals in parallel sequentially stores the image data included in the digital signals in the memory 29. At this time, since the first conductive rail 9 is entirely composed of a conductive member, the carriage 8 moves in parallel on the first conductive rail 9 by the image reading operation and the first conductive rail 9 is moved to the first conductive rail 9. Regardless of the position of the power acquisition unit 17, the power representing the serial signal is transmitted and the image data is transmitted to the main control unit 23. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the image reading unit and the control unit that processes image data are connected by realizing excellent durability without causing damage or the like by the image reading operation of the image reading unit. Is possible.

  In the second embodiment, power is supplied to the first and second conductive rails 9 and 40, and a signal is transmitted from the main control unit 23 to the reading control unit 3 via the second conductive rail 40. A signal is transmitted from the reading control unit 3 to the main control unit 23 via the first conductive rail 9, but power is supplied to the first conductive rail 9 and the second conductive rail 40 is connected to the main control unit 23. A signal may be transmitted and received between the reading control unit 3 and the main control unit 23 via the control unit. That is, the power addition unit 16 and the power acquisition unit 17 are connected to the first conductive rail 9, and the first signal sorting unit 18 and the second signal sorting unit 19 are connected to the second conductive rail 40. May be. Thereby, excellent durability is realized without causing damage or the like by the image reading operation of the carriage 8.

  For this reason, troubles such as scratches and cracks in the flexible cable may occur due to the carriage performing an image reading operation, such as a flexible cable connecting the carriage and the main board in a conventional image reading apparatus. The power from the power supply unit 22 can be supplied to the carriage 8.

  In addition, since the digital signal is converted into a serial signal instead of an analog signal and transmitted / received, a signal instructing start of image reading and image data transmission / reception between the main control unit 23 and the reading control unit 3 are performed in the first embodiment. It is possible to carry out at high speed as compared with.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the first signal sorting unit 18 included in the main board 15 that controls the entire image reading apparatus 1 converts the input digital signal or optical signal into an optical signal or The second signal sorting unit 19 provided in the carriage 8 has a function of converting the input digital signal or optical signal and outputting it as an optical signal or digital signal. Has to have.

  The first signal classification unit 18 converts a digital signal transmitted in parallel from the main control unit 23 into a serial signal, and converts the serial signal converted by the P / S conversion unit into an optical signal. An optical transmission conversion unit 31 that converts and outputs an optical signal, an optical reception conversion unit 30 that converts an optical signal input from the outside into a serial signal, and a serial signal converted by the optical reception conversion unit is converted into a digital signal and output. And an S / P converter. The second signal classification unit 19 converts a digital signal transmitted in parallel from the reading control unit 3 into a serial signal, and converts the serial signal converted by the P / S conversion unit into an optical signal. An optical transmission conversion unit 32 that converts and outputs, an optical reception conversion unit 33 that converts an optical signal input from the outside into a serial signal, and a serial signal converted by the optical reception conversion unit 33 is converted into a digital signal and output An S / P converter.

  The optical transmission conversion unit 31 and the optical reception conversion unit 33 are connected by a first optical cable 35 capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals. The optical transmission conversion unit 32 and the optical reception conversion unit 30 are optical signals. Are connected by a second optical cable 34. Other configurations are the same as those of the image reading apparatus 1 in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, functions and effects produced when the image reading apparatus 1 has the above-described configuration will be described in detail. Since the power supply to the carriage 8 of the image reading apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the processing of the entire image reading apparatus 1 in the image reading operation will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. To do. When the power supply of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on and power is supplied to each unit as described above, the power supply of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on (STEP 1).

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs a process of determining whether or not the main control unit 23 can communicate (STEP 1). When the image reading apparatus 1 determines that the main control unit 23 is in a communicable state, the image reading apparatus 1 performs an initial operation (STEP 2). As a method for performing the initial operation, first, the main control unit 23 generates a digital signal composed of a plurality of bits such as 16 bits based on the data stored in the memory 29, for example, and the digital signal is converted into a first signal in parallel. The signal is transmitted to the signal sorting unit 18. When receiving the digital signal, the first signal sorting unit 18 converts the received digital signal into a serial signal by the first modulation / demodulation circuit included therein, and further converts the serial signal using the optical transmission conversion unit 31. Convert to optical signal. This optical signal is transmitted from the optical transmission conversion unit 31 to the first optical cable 35, and is transmitted via the first optical cable 35 to the optical reception conversion unit 33 in the second signal sorting unit 19. The optical reception conversion unit 33 to which the optical signal is transmitted converts the transmitted optical signal into a serial signal. The serial signal converted in the optical reception conversion unit 33 is further converted into a digital signal by the S / P conversion unit in the second signal sorting unit 19. This digital signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted to the reading control unit 3 in parallel. When the reading control unit 3 receives the digital signal, the reading control unit 3 performs an initial operation according to the signal. As the initial operation, the output of the image data generated by the image reading operation of the sensor unit 20 is corrected. For example, the image reading operation is performed on the cover of the white plate that covers the upper side of the document table. There is an operation of comparing the image data read by the reading operation with the adjustment image data stored in the image memory 28 in advance and adjusting the output level of the sensor unit 20 based on the comparison result.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 enters a state of waiting for an instruction to start an image reading operation as a standby state for an operation from the user. Specifically, the image reading apparatus 1 waits for the user to press the reading start button (STEP 3).

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs a process of instructing each member to start an image reading operation in response to the user's pressing operation of the start button (STEP 4). When the user operates the operation unit 21 and presses a start button for instructing start of an image reading operation, when the user operates the operation unit 21 and presses a start button for instructing start of an image reading operation, first, the main control unit 23 generates a digital signal composed of a plurality of bits such as 16 bits as a reading operation start signal. The digital signal generated here is, for example, a signal that refers to various signal data stored in advance in the memory 29 and instructs the carriage 8 to start an image reading operation. The reading operation start signal generated in the main control unit 23 is transmitted to the first signal sorting unit 18 in parallel. When the first signal sorting unit 18 receives the reading operation start signal, the first signal sorting unit 18 converts the digital signal into a serial signal by an internal P / S conversion unit. This optical signal is output from the optical transmission conversion unit 31, transmitted through the first optical cable 35, and transmitted to the optical reception conversion unit 33 in the second signal classification unit 19. The optical reception conversion unit 33 that has received the optical signal converts the transmitted optical signal into a serial signal. Further, this serial signal is converted into a reading operation start signal by the S / P conversion unit in the second signal sorting unit 19. The reading operation start signal is output from the second signal sorting unit 19 and transmitted in parallel to the reading control unit 3, and the reading control unit 3 receives the reading operation start signal.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 starts an image reading operation using the carriage 8 (STEP 5). The carriage 8 first transmits an image reading operation start signal to the sensor unit 20. The sensor unit 20 that has received the start signal of the reading operation illuminates the print medium set on the document table with the lamp 7 as an image reading operation, and the light reflected from the print medium is further provided with the lens 5 by the mirror 6. Reflected in the direction. The light reflected from the mirror 6 is collected on the image sensor 4 by the lens 5, and the image sensor 4 generates image data based on the collected light. At this time, since the carriage 8 translates on the conductive rails 9 and 40 by the driving force of the motor 10, the sensor unit 20 also translates together with the carriage 8. In the image reading apparatus 1, the sensor unit 20 performs such a reading operation even when it moves in parallel, while the carriage 8 moves in parallel, and from the reading operation start position at one end of the document table. Image data is generated by moving to the reading operation end position at the other end opposite to this end. The image data generated here is sequentially transmitted from the sensor unit 20 to the reading control unit 3, and the reading control unit 3 transmits a digital signal including the image data to the second signal sorting unit 19 in parallel. When the second signal sorting unit 19 receives a digital signal including image data, the second signal sorting unit 19 converts the digital signal into a serial signal by an internal P / S conversion unit, and further converts the serial signal into an optical signal by the optical transmission conversion unit 32. The The optical signal converted in the optical transmission conversion unit 32 is output from the optical transmission conversion unit 32, transmitted through the second optical cable 34, and transmitted to the optical reception conversion unit 30 in the first signal sorting unit 18. The optical reception conversion unit 30 that has received the optical signal converts the transmitted optical signal into a serial signal. Further, this serial signal is converted into a digital signal by the S / P conversion unit in the first signal sorting unit 18. The digital signal is output from the first signal sorting unit 18 and transmitted in parallel to the main control unit 23, and the main control unit 23 receives the digital signal. The main control unit 23 sequentially stores the image data included in the digital signal in the memory 29 and connects the image data to the I / F unit 39 via the I / F unit 39 in parallel with the storage process. Sequentially transferred to the external device. At this time, since the digital signal including the image data is converted into an optical signal and transmitted through the second optical cable 34, the digital signal is transmitted at a higher speed than the digital signal.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs a process of determining whether or not the image reading operation is completed (STEP 6). In the image reading apparatus 1, the carriage 8 performs an image reading operation up to the reading end position of the document table, and transmits a digital signal including information indicating that the reading operation is completed to the main control unit 23. When the main control unit 23 sequentially receives the image data and receives a digital signal including information indicating the completion, the main control unit 23 determines that the image reading operation is completed. When a digital signal including information indicating completion is not received, an image reading operation is continuously performed.

  Next, the image reading apparatus 1 performs processing for returning the carriage 8 to the home position (STEP 7). The main control unit 23 refers to various signal data stored in advance in the memory 29, for example, generates a signal for instructing the carriage 8 to return to the home position, and the reading control unit as described above. 3 to send. The reading control unit 3 performs a process of moving the carriage 8 in parallel by the driving force of the motor 10 and returning it to the standby position of the reading operation start position of the document table.

  As described above, during the image reading operation, the generated image data is sequentially transmitted from the sensor unit 20 to the reading control unit 3, and is converted into a serial signal by the P / S conversion unit, and the optical transmission conversion is performed. It is converted into an optical signal by the unit 32. Then, this optical signal travels through the second optical cable 34, is transmitted to the optical reception conversion unit 30 in the first signal sorting unit 18, is converted into a serial signal, and is converted into a digital signal by the S / P conversion unit. The main control unit 23 that has received the digital signals in parallel sequentially stores the image data included in the digital signals in the memory 29. At this time, since the digital signal including the image data is converted into an optical signal and transmitted through the second optical cable 34, the digital signal is transmitted at a higher speed than the digital signal.

  For this reason, troubles such as scratches and cracks in the flexible cable may occur due to the carriage performing an image reading operation, such as a flexible cable connecting the carriage and the main board in a conventional image reading apparatus. Since the digital signal is converted into an optical signal and transmitted / received, the main control unit 23 and the read control unit are provided at any position on the conductive rail 9 where the carriage 8 that realizes excellent durability and performs an image reading operation. Compared with the first embodiment, it is possible to transmit and receive signals and image data for instructing the start of image reading between the three. In addition, it is possible to suppress generation of unnecessary radiation noise in transmission / reception of signals between the main board 15 and the carriage 8.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the first signal sorting unit 18 provided in the main board 15 is replaced with a charging circuit 43 that obtains and charges the power supplied from the power supply unit 22, and the carriage 8 is provided. The second signal sorting unit 19 and the signal obtaining unit 17 are replaced with a power storage unit 36 that stores power transmitted from a power receiving unit 38 described later.

  Then, the conductive rail 9 is replaced with a power supply unit 37 connected to the charging circuit 43 and a power receiving unit 38 connected to the power storage unit 36. The power supply unit 37 and the power reception unit 38 are fixed when the power supply unit 37 is fixed at a predetermined position and is at a reading operation start position or a predetermined position at one end of the document table of the carriage 8. A power receiving unit 38 attached to the carriage 8 and moving in parallel with the carriage 8 contacts or couples to the power supply unit 37. When the power supply unit 37 and the power reception unit 38 are in contact with or coupled to each other, power is supplied from the power supply unit 37 to the power reception unit 38. For example, the contact portions of the power supply unit 37 and the power reception unit 38 may be fitted to each other, and a contact area capable of supplying power may be ensured. Other configurations are the same as those of the image reading apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, functions and effects produced when the image reading apparatus 1 has the above-described configuration will be described in detail. In the fourth embodiment, only the power supply to the carriage 8 of the image reading apparatus 1 is different from that in the third embodiment, and only the power supply will be described. When the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, the power is supplied to the power supply unit 22 from an outlet in the room where the image reading apparatus 1 is installed or a commercial power source. The power supply unit 22 performs AC-DC conversion of this power to obtain DC power. The DC power is supplied to each part of the image reading apparatus 1, that is, the carriage 8, the motor 10, the first signal sorting unit 18, the operation unit 21, the main control unit 23, the first signal superimposing unit 24, the memory 29, I / F section 39 is supplied. The route for supplying power to the carriage 8 is as follows.

  Power is supplied from the power supply unit 22 to the charging circuit 43. At this time, the carriage 8 is moved to the reading operation start position at one end of the document table or a predetermined position, and the power supply unit 37 and the power reception unit 38 come into contact with each other or are coupled. Then, the power supplied to the charging circuit 43 is supplied to the power receiving unit 38, transmitted from the power receiving unit 38, supplied to the power storage unit 36, and charged. When power is supplied, the power storage unit 38 obtains the power and stores the power for use as power for operating the carriage 8. When the carriage 8 is at the reading operation start position or a predetermined position, the power is always supplied from the charging circuit 43 to the power storage unit 38, and sufficient power for operating the carriage 8 is secured. Then, it is transmitted to the DC-DC converter 26, converted into voltage, and supplied to each section in the carriage 8, that is, the reading control section 3, the second signal sorting section 19, the sensor section 20, and the image memory 28.

  As described above, when the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 22 to each unit of the image reading apparatus 1. Charging is performed by supplying power to the charging circuit 43 as a route for supplying power to the carriage 8. When the carriage 8 is at a reading operation start position or a predetermined position and the power supply unit 37 and the power reception unit 38 are in contact with or coupled to each other, power is supplied from the charging circuit 43 via the power supply unit 37 and the power reception unit 38. It is supplied to the power storage unit 36. The power storage unit 36 stores power when power is supplied, and is supplied to each unit in the carriage 8 when sufficient power for operating the carriage 8 is secured.

  For this reason, troubles such as scratches and cracks in the flexible cable may occur due to the carriage performing an image reading operation, such as a flexible cable connecting the carriage and the main board in a conventional image reading apparatus. When the carriage 8 that performs the image reading operation with excellent durability is located at the reading operation start position or a predetermined position, power is supplied from the power supply unit 22 to operate the carriage 8. It is possible to make it. Moreover, since the electric power acquisition part 17 etc. do not slide on the electroconductive rail 9, generation | occurrence | production of the unnecessary radiation noise at the time of this sliding can be suppressed effectively.

  In the above-described embodiment, the power storage unit 36 includes voltage detection means and signal output means for detecting the internal voltage of the power stored therein, and the power is insufficient for the voltage detection means to operate the carriage 8. When the voltage indicating this is detected, the signal output means transmits a signal for returning the carriage 8 to the reading operation start position or a predetermined position to the main control section 23 via the reading control section 3. The main control unit 23 may move the image reading unit by receiving the signal and driving the motor 10 to move the belt 13 and the belt attaching unit 14 which are moving units. Thereby, based on the shortage of power, the image reading unit moves, and the power receiving unit 38 and the power supply unit 37 are in contact with or coupled to each other, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 37 to the power receiving unit 38.

  Moreover, as the electrical storage part 36, you may use the high capacity | capacitance capacitor | condenser and secondary battery which can ensure the voltage of a predetermined numerical value, for example. Thereby, the power storage unit 36 can reliably store the power received by the power reception unit 38.

  The configuration of the present invention in the image reading apparatus of the above-described embodiment can be used in an apparatus having an internal configuration in which the configuration provided inside moves linearly or translates along the rail during operation. Is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first and second power acquisition units 17 and 42 are mounted so as to protrude outward and downward from the carriage 8. However, the first and second power acquisition units 17 and 42 are not limited to this and are attached to the lower portion of the carriage 8. The conductive member may be formed in a wheel shape that rolls on the two conductive rails 9 and 40 and advances.

  In the above-described embodiment, optical signals transmitted from the optical transmission conversion units 31 and 32 and received by the optical reception conversion units 30 and 33 are transmitted through the first or second optical cables 35 and 34. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an optical reception conversion unit 30 installed at a position where light is emitted as an optical signal from the optical transmission conversion units 31 and 32 and opposed to the optical transmission conversion units 31 and 32 at a predetermined interval, An optical signal may be transmitted / received by optical wireless receiving the light signal received by the optical receiver 33 and receiving the optical signal. For example, infrared communication may be used. Also, acoustic communication using sound waves may be used.

  The first and second conductive rails 9 and 40 have conductive lubricating oil or the like to prevent damage due to wear or the like even if the first and second power acquisition units 17 and 42 slide on them. A lubricant may be applied.

  The image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads an image from a medium on which an image is formed, and a control unit that controls the image reading unit and performs processing for transferring image data read by the image reading unit to an external device. It is possible. It can be used for scanners, copiers, multifunction peripherals (MFPs), facsimiles, and the like.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where electric power is applied to the conductive rail of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an image reading operation of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an image reading operation of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the whole image reading apparatus in 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reader 3 Reading control part 4 Image pick-up element 5 Lens 6 Mirror 7 Lamp 8 Carriage 10 Motor 15 Main board 16 Power addition part 17 Power acquisition part 18 1st signal classification part 19 2nd signal classification part 20 Sensor part 21 Operation unit 22 Power supply unit 23 Main control unit 24 First signal superimposing unit 25 Second signal superimposing unit 26 DC-DC converter 28 Image memory 29 Memory 30, 33 Optical reception conversion unit 31, 32 Optical transmission conversion unit 34 Second Optical cable 35 first optical cable 36 power storage unit 37 power supply unit 38 power reception unit 39 I / F unit 40 second conductive rail 41 second power addition unit 42 second power acquisition unit 43 charging circuit

Claims (1)

An image reading apparatus including an image reading unit that reads an image from a medium on which an image is formed, and a control unit that controls the image reading unit.
A moving rail that is formed of a conductive member and moves for the image reading unit to perform an image reading operation;
A power adding unit for adding power to the moving rail;
A power acquisition unit provided in the image reading unit for acquiring power from the moving rail;
A first signal transmitting / receiving unit provided in the control unit, for transmitting a signal to the moving rail or receiving a signal from the moving rail;
A second signal transmitting / receiving unit that is provided in the image reading unit and transmits a signal to the moving rail or receives a signal from the moving rail;
The moving rail comprises a first moving rail and a second moving rail,
The power addition unit and the power acquisition unit are connected to a first moving rail,
The image reading apparatus, wherein the first signal transmission / reception unit and the second signal transmission / reception unit are connected to the second moving rail.