JPH04239258A - Picture reader and recording system using the picture reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To save a cost by omitting the positioning of a short focus lens array, and to reduce the working manhour of the short focus lens array by fixing the position of an original board and the short focus lens array, and adjusting the position of a light receiving element. CONSTITUTION:The position adjustment of a light receiving element 1 is usually operated by loosening a screw 57, and adjusting the position of the upward and downward direction of a substrate supporting plate 24 having a large attaching hole 24a, and a theta2 direction of the surrounding of the attaching hole 24a. And also, the short focus lens array is positioned and fixed to a main scanning carriage by abutting the bottom face of the short focus lens array on the supporting face of the main scanning carriage.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading device having a short focus lens array and a light receiving element, and a recording system using the image reading device.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Recording systems such as copying machines and facsimile machines include an image reading device that reads an image on a document surface to obtain an image signal, and a recording device that records an image on a recording material based on the image signal. There are some combinations of configurations. As the reading means of the image reading device, for example, one using a short focus lens array and a light receiving element is used. On the other hand, the recording device is configured to record an image on a sheet-shaped recording material such as paper or a thin plastic plate using a recording head driven based on an image signal from an image reading device.

21 and 22 are principle diagrams of a conventional image reading mechanism using a short focus lens array and a light receiving element. 1 and 2 respectively show cases in which the length of the short focal length lens array is adjusted. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a short focus lens array of a conventional image reading device.

In FIGS. 21 and 22, when the short focus lens array 9 is used, the document surface of the document table 3 and the light receiving surface 1a of the light receiving element 1 are placed at the position of the focal length TC determined by the short focus lens array 9. It is necessary to position the short focus lens array 9 so that the distances from the longitudinal center of the short focus lens array 9 to the document surface and the light receiving surface 1a are the same length S. On the other hand, due to variations in the material of the short focus lens array 9, in order to keep the focal length TC of the short focus lens array 9 constant, it is necessary to adjust the length L of the short focus lens array. For example, if the length of the short focus lens array 9 becomes longer than the nominal dimension L by ΔL due to this length adjustment, it is necessary to maintain the focal length TC=2S, so the lower surface of the short focus lens array 9 This results in a decrease of ΔL/2.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the conventional image reading device, the positions of the light receiving element 1 and the document table 3 are fixed, so in order to maintain the focal length TC=2S, it is necessary to use a short focal length lens array. It was not possible to use its underside for positioning the 9. Therefore, in the conventional image reading device, as shown in FIG. 23, a stepped portion 9a is formed at the center position in the length direction of the short focus lens array 9, and this stepped portion 9a is used for positioning.
A method was adopted to maintain the focal length TC=2S. However, forming the step portion 9a for positioning at the center of the short focus lens array 9 not only increases the number of man-hours for precision machining, but also requires a process to inspect the accuracy of the center position L/2, which increases the cost. There was a technical problem with the high temperature.

The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the number of man-hours for processing the short focus lens array by eliminating the need for positioning the short focus lens array. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device and a recording system using the image reading device, which can reduce costs.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides an image reading device using a short focus lens array and a light receiving element.
Some devices achieve the above object by fixing the positions of the document table and the short focal length lens array and making the position of the light receiving element adjustable. Another aspect of the present invention includes an image reading device that reads an original to obtain an image signal, a recording head for recording on a recording material based on the image signal, and a conveying means for feeding the recording material. In the recording system, the image reading device achieves the above object by having a configuration including a fixed document table, a fixed short focus lens array, and a light receiving element whose position is adjustable. It is something.

[0008]

[Function] According to the above configuration, the position of the light receiving element can be adjusted, so even if positioning of the short focus lens array is omitted, the distance from the center position of the short focus lens array to the document surface and the light receiving surface can be adjusted. Focusing can be done in the same way. However, since it is impossible to avoid variations in the light-receiving surface within the light-receiving element and variations in the mounting of the light-receiving element to the board, the position of the light-receiving element must be adjusted in any case. For example, it is possible to eliminate precision machining of the stepped portion of the short focus lens array, and at the same time, it is also possible to omit position adjustment of the short focus lens array.

[0009]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same or corresponding parts. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the reading means (main part) of an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of pixels of the light receiving element in FIG. 1. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram corresponding to one pixel in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a recording system (image information processing device) having an image reading device according to the present invention, and FIG. is line 5- in Figure 4.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the recording system along line 5;

In FIGS. 1 to 5, an image reading device 2
Reference numeral 8 is configured to read and scan an original O placed on an original table 3 made of transparent glass or the like by moving a main scanning carriage 2 on which a light receiving element 1 such as BASIS is mounted. An image reading means 27 of an image reading device 28 is mounted on the main scanning carriage 2 . The image reading means 27 includes a miniature halogen lamp 4 as a light source for illuminating the original O, a main mirror 5 for focusing the light of the halogen lamp 4 on a part of the original table 3, and a sub-mirror 6. , a side mirror 7 , and a light shielding plate 8 .

The light shielding plate 8 is for preventing the light from the lamp 4 from directly irradiating the document table 3 without going through a mirror. Reflected light from the document surface illuminated by this illumination system passes through a short focus lens array 9 and an infrared filter 10, enters the light receiving element 1, and is converted into an electrical signal. Note that a light shielding member 25 made of a rubber-like elastic material (such as Moltoprene) having a hole in the center is provided on the upper surface of the light receiving element 1. The electrical signal from the light receiving element 1 is transmitted to an amplifier circuit and an image processing circuit via a substrate 11, a connector 12 and a cord 13, and the information on the document is converted into an image signal sent to a recording device 29 or the like. Ru.

[0012] In an image reading device 28 (such as a copying machine) connected to a recording device 29 such as a printer, the width that can be read in one scan may be the same as or about twice to twice the width recorded by scanning by a printer or the like. That is, in the case of a maximum reduction of 50%, the reading width may be doubled so that the entire area can be recorded, or the reading width may be made the same width so that half of the area can be recorded. In the latter case, recording takes time, but the cost of the light receiving element can be reduced because the light receiving width is small.

Here, the light receiving element (photoelectric conversion element) 1
The details will be explained below. FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of pixels of the light receiving element 1, and FIG. 3 shows an equivalent circuit corresponding to one pixel of the light receiving element 1. In FIG. 2, on the light-receiving surface side of the light-receiving element 1, a plurality of pixels 1-1 are arranged at a predetermined pitch (predetermined density).
1-2---1-i---1-n are provided. The light receiving element 1 has, for example, a resolution of 400 dpi, consists of 128 pixels, and has a reading width of 8.12
An 8mm one is used.

In the equivalent circuit corresponding to one pixel (FIG. 3), PS is a bipolar transistor forming the pixel, SW1 is an NMOS transistor as a switch means for connecting the emitter to the reference voltage source V0 and performing reset, and SW2 is an equivalent circuit corresponding to one pixel (FIG. 3). connects the base to the reference voltage source V1 and connects the PMO as a switching means for resetting.
The S transistor, SW3, is an NMOS transistor as a switching means for signal charge transfer, and CT is a quantitative load that generates a signal voltage. Next, the operation of the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 3 will be briefly explained.

First, in the reset operation, PM
A negative pulse voltage is applied to the gate of the OS transistor SW2, and the base is clamped to the voltage V1. Next, a positive pulse voltage is applied to the gate of the NMOS transistor SW1, and the emitter is connected to the voltage source V0.
A current flows between the base and emitter to eliminate photogenerated carriers remaining in the base. In the storage operation, NM
Both the OS transistors SW1 and SW3 are turned off, their emitters and bases are both in a floating state, and the storage operation is started. Next, in the read operation, after the storage operation, a positive pulse voltage is applied to the gate of the NMOS transistor SW3 to turn it on, the emitter and the capacitor C are connected, and the signal voltage is read to the capacitor C.

The basic structure of such an image sensor is disclosed in US Pat.
No. 86,554 describes a charge storage type photoelectric conversion device with high sensitivity and low noise, in which the emitter of a bipolar transistor is connected to an output circuit including a capacitive load. In addition to the charge storage/amplification type image sensor using bipolar transistors as mentioned above, the above-mentioned pixels include a type that uses a photodiode as a light receiving section and transfers signal charges using a MOS switch, a charge-coupled device (CCD), etc. sensors can also be used. The light receiving element 1 having the image sensor (pixel) as described above is assembled integrally with a light source such as an LED array and an imaging optical system such as a short focus imaging element array in a case made of aluminum or the like. Close-contact image sensor unit (image reading means 27)
Configure.

Next, a recording system comprising the image reading device 28 and recording device 29 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, the image reading device 28
I will explain about it. 4 and 5, an image reading means 27 is mounted on the main scanning carriage 2, and the main scanning carriage 2 is movable back and forth along a main scanning axis 17 fixed to the sub-scanning carriage 16. Guidance is supported. This main scanning carriage 2 can be moved (main scanning) via a main scanning belt 15 by a main scanning motor 14 fixed to a sub scanning carriage 16 .

When the main scanning motor 14 is driven to move the main scanning carriage 2 from right to left in FIGS. 4 and 5 at a constant speed, the image reading means 27 reads information for a constant width of the document O. read. This reading is performed by condensing light from the lamp 4 and illuminating the document surface, applying reflected light from the document surface to the light receiving surface 1a of the light receiving element 1, and photoelectrically converting the light into the light receiving element 1. This is done by obtaining electrical signals. After reading a certain width of information, the main scanning carriage 2 returns from left to right.

Next, the sub-scanning carriage 16 is moved from the top to the bottom in FIG. 4 by a width equivalent to the reading width of the light receiving element 1. This sub-scanning carriage 16 is guided and supported by a sub-scanning shaft 19 and a guide rail 20 fixed to the main body of the apparatus. Further, a sub-scanning motor 18 is attached to the main body of the apparatus, and the sub-scanning motor 18 and the sub-scanning carriage 16 are connected via a sub-scanning belt 17. Therefore, movement of the sub-scanning carriage 16 is performed via the sub-scanning belt 17 by driving the sub-scanning motor 18.

After the sub-scanning carriage 16 has been moved by the reading width in this manner, the light-receiving element 1 reads information for the next fixed width of the document O while the main-scanning carriage 2 is moved from right to left again. Next, the operation of moving the main scanning carriage 2 back from left to right is repeated. By repeating the above operations, all information on the document O can be read.

The main scanning motor 14 usually includes:
A pulse motor is used. This pulse motor is
Since the speed can be changed arbitrarily, it is also advantageous when changing the magnification as a copying machine. In addition, the main scanning belt 1
As No. 5, a timing belt is used which has little backlash and is easy to assemble. Sub-scanning carriage 1
The movement 6 requires highly accurate feeding in order to accurately continue document reading information in each main scanning direction. For example, in the light receiving element 1, which has a resolution of 400 dpi and consists of 128 pixels, the width of one reading is 8.128 mm, and its accuracy is practically ± half a pixel, or ±0
．． Approximately 0.03175 mm is required.

Therefore, as the sub-scanning motor 18,
A pulse motor with high rotation angle accuracy is used. Further, as the sub-scanning belt 17, a timing belt with less backlash is used. Note that the short focus lens array 9 has a single reading width of 8.128 mm (8.128 mm).
/25 inch), if an inch-sized belt is used as the sub-scanning belt 17, errors will be reduced and stopping accuracy can be easily increased.

Next, the recording device 29 of the recording system will be explained with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, a recording device 29 installed below the image reading device 28 includes a recording means 32 for recording on a sheet-shaped recording material 31 made of paper, a thin plastic plate, etc., and a recording device 32 for recording the recording material 31. It is equipped with a conveyance means 33 for feeding the paper through the means, and drives the recording means 32 based on the image signal from the image reading device 28, and also feeds the recording material 31 at a predetermined timing. Recording material 31
The camera is configured to record a desired image.

First, the recording material 31 loaded in the cassette 34 is moved by the pickup roller 3 rotated in the feeding direction.
5 and a separation claw 36 disposed at the front end of the cassette 34, one of the cassettes is separated and sent toward the recording section. The fed recording material 31 is fed through a paper guide 37 to a first conveyance roller 38 made up of a pair of rollers, and further fed through a platen 39 to a second conveyance roller 40 made up of a pair of rollers. Ru. The first conveyance roller 38 and the second conveyance roller 40 are driven synchronously.

In the illustrated example, the recording means 32 is mounted on a carriage 42 that is movable along a guide rail 41 in a direction intersecting the recording material 31. This carriage 42 is driven by a carriage motor 43 via a transmission mechanism consisting of a pulley 44 and a timing belt 45. In the illustrated example, the recording means 32 is constituted by a replaceable head cartridge in which a recording head 46 and an ink tank 47 are integrated. As shown in the figure, the recording head 46 faces a portion of the recording material 31 supported by the platen 39 with a predetermined gap therebetween.

When the recording material 31 is set at a predetermined position facing the recording head 46, recording is performed by driving the recording head 46 while moving the carriage 42 (main scanning). When one line of recording is completed, the first and second conveyance rollers 38 and 40 are driven to feed the recording material 31 by a predetermined amount (usually up to the next line), and the next line is recorded. Let's do it. When the recording on the entire recording material 31 is completed by repeating the above operations, the conveyance rollers 38 and 40 are rotated to discharge the recording material 31 onto the paper discharge tray 48.

The recording head 46 is an inkjet recording head that discharges ink using thermal energy, and is equipped with an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy. Further, the inkjet recording head 46 performs recording by ejecting ink from the ejection port using pressure changes caused by growth and contraction of bubbles due to film boiling caused by thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter. It is something. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of the ink ejection section of the recording head 46. As shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, a plurality of ejection ports 72 are formed at a predetermined pitch on an ejection port surface 71 that faces the recording material 31 with a predetermined gap (for example, about 0.5 to 2.0 mm).
is formed, and an electrothermal converter (such as a heating resistor) 75 for generating energy for ink ejection is arranged along the wall surface of each liquid path 74 that communicates the common liquid chamber 73 and each ejection port 72. has been done. In this example, the recording head 46 is
The discharge ports 72 are mounted on the carriage 42 in a positional relationship such that the discharge ports 72 are aligned in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the carriage 42. In this way, the corresponding electrothermal converter 75 is driven (energized) based on the image signal from the image reading device 28 or the ejection signal during the recovery operation, etc., and the ink in the liquid path 74 is brought to film boiling, which is generated at that time. The recording head 4 ejects ink from the ejection ports 72 using the pressure of
6 are configured.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the main scanning carriage 2 and the image reading means 27 mounted on the carriage, and FIG.
is a side view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a front view taken from line 9-9 in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the illumination system of the image reading means 27 of FIG. Figures 7 to 1
0, the main scanning carriage 2 detects an abnormal rise in temperature caused by the continuous lighting of the halogen lamp 4 due to malfunction or the stoppage of cooling means such as a fan, and reduces the current to the halogen lamp 4. A thermostat 22 for cutting is mounted.

[0030] This thermostat 22 has screws 52, 5
2, it is attached to the outer surface of the side mirror 7 in a press-contact state. In this case, one screw 52 connects the side mirror 7 to the mounting hole 5d of the main mirror 5.
and thermostat 22 are both fastened. The halogen lamp 4 is attached to a ceramic lamp socket 23, and the lamp socket 23 is screwed to the main scanning carriage 2.

Therefore, the main mirror 5, side mirror 7, and thermostat 22, which are integrally combined, are attached to the carriage 2 together with the light shielding plate 8. In this case, the engaging portion 5b of the main mirror 5 is inserted into the square hole 2a of the carriage 2, and the attachment hole 5c of the main mirror and the attachment hole 8c of the light shielding plate 8 are fastened to the screw hole 2b of the carriage 2 with the screw 51. By this, it is attached to the carriage 2. At this time, the engaging protrusions 7a of the side mirror 7 and the engaging protrusions 5a of the main mirror 5 are inserted into the engaging holes 8a and 8b of the light shielding plate 8.

FIG. 11 shows the main scanning carriage 2.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the mounting structure of the light receiving element 1 and the substrate 11. FIG. In FIG. 11, the light receiving element 1 is fixed to the substrate 11 directly or via a connector. In addition to the light receiving element 1, a capacitor 53 is provided on the substrate 11.
Electrical components such as a resistor and a resistor 54 are mounted. The board 11 is attached to the board support plate 24 by screws 55 and 56.
It is fixed so that its position can be adjusted in each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ1 direction (rotation direction). That is, the board support plate 24 has screw holes 24c and 24d for mounting the board 11.
A hole or groove (not shown) larger in diameter than the screws 55 and 56 is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole in the substrate 11, and the substrate 11 is attached to the substrate support plate 24 by the screws 55 and 56. It is fastened so that its relative position can be adjusted.

The substrate support plate 24 is fixed to the main scanning carriage 2 by screws 57 in the Z direction and the θ2 direction (
It is attached so that its position can be adjusted in the rotating direction). That is, the board support plate 24 has a mounting hole 24a larger than the diameter of the screw 57 and an engagement pin 58 of the main scanning carriage 2 (
A U-groove 24b having the same width as the diameter shown in FIG. , is fixed to the carriage 2. In this case, by engaging the U-groove 24b with the engagement pin 58 of the carriage 2, the structure is such that the board support plate 24 does not rotate in the θ2 direction with respect to the carriage 2 even when an external force is applied. There is.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the short focus lens array 9, and FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the assembled state of FIG. 12 and 13, the short focal length lens array 9 is inserted into the square hole 2d of the main scanning carriage 2 and mounted thereon. A square hole 2 smaller than the cross section of the short focus lens array 9 is provided at the bottom of the square hole 2d.
e is formed.

After the short focal length lens array 9 is mounted on the main scanning carriage 2, the sub-mirror 6 and lens holder 21 are mounted thereon. First, attach the mounting holes 6a and 6b of the sub-mirror 6 to the pins 2b of the carriage 2,
Insert into 2c. Next, by fitting the sub-mirror 6 into the mirror hole 59 of the lens holder 21, and hooking the square holes 21a, 21a on both sides of the lens holder 21 to the hook parts 2a, 2a (only one side is shown) on both sides of the carriage 2, A sub-mirror 6 and a lens holder 21 are attached to the carriage 2. In this attached state, one surface 21b of the lens holder 21 is in contact with the side surface 60 of the carriage 2, and the short focus lens array 9 is moved in the X direction (FIG. 13) by the spring portion 21c of the lens holder 21.
Then, the lens holder 21 is pressed in the Z direction (FIG. 13) by the spring portions 21e, 21e.

In this way, the short focus lens array 9 is positioned and fixed on the main scanning carriage 2 by the lens holder 21. In addition, in the Y direction (FIG. 12), the width of the square hole 2d of the carriage 2 is slightly larger (for example, about 0.5 mm larger) than the width of the short focus lens array 9, and due to the tolerance, the width of the square hole 2d of the carriage 2 is larger than the width of the short focus lens array 9. 9 is selected to fit smoothly. Further, the sub mirror 6 is connected to the lens holder 2.
It is pressed and fixed in the X direction (FIG. 13) by the spring portion 21d of No. 1. Furthermore, the lens holder 2
Reference numeral 1 is located near the optical system, and the spring material, phosphor bronze, is plated with black zinc to prevent light reflection. Note that the square hole 2e (FIG. 13) formed in the support part of the carriage 2, which the bottom surface of the short focus lens array 9 comes into contact with,
Since the cross-sectional shape is smaller than the bottom surface of the short focus lens array 9, light from the optical system as shown by the arrow m in FIG. 13 does not enter the infrared cut filter 10a.

In the above configuration, the position of the light receiving element 1 is normally adjusted by loosening the screw 57 and adjusting the vertical position (Z direction) of the substrate support plate 24 having the large mounting hole 24a and the area around the mounting hole 24a. This is done by adjusting the position in the θ2 direction. Further, the short focus lens array 9 is positioned and fixed with respect to the main scanning carriage 2 by bringing its bottom surface into contact with the support surface of the main scanning carriage 2 . Therefore, the sub-scanning carriage 16 is guided and supported in the main body of the apparatus so as to be movable (sub-scanning) in a fixed positional relationship with respect to the document table 3. , is movably guided and supported in a fixed positional relationship with respect to the document table 3, and images of the document O on the document table 3 are sequentially read by the above-mentioned optical system on the main scanning carriage 2. It is composed of

14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams showing the arrangement dimensions of the optical system of the image reading device according to the present invention. FIG. 14 shows the case where the length of the short focus lens array 9 is the nominal dimension, and FIG. shows a case where the length of the short focus lens array 9 is slightly longer than the nominal dimension. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the distance H between the top surface of the document table 3 and the bottom surface of the short focus lens array 9 is a fixed value. Here, Figure 14
As shown in , the length of the short focus lens array 9 matches the nominal dimension L, and half TC/2 of the focal length TC of the short focus lens array 9 extends from the center of the short focus lens array 9 to the top surface of the document table 3. If both the distance S from the short focus lens array 9 to the light receiving surface 1a of the light receiving element 1 are equal to the distance S from the center of the short focus lens array 9 to the light receiving surface 1a of the light receiving element 1, the arrangement is ideal.

However, if the length of the short focal length lens array 9 becomes longer than the nominal dimension L by ΔL, then as shown in FIG.
5, the center position of the short focal length lens array 9 deviates from the state shown in FIG. 14 by ΔL/2. That is,
Distance S between the center of the short focus lens array 9 and the top surface of the document table 3
1 is shortened to (S-ΔL/2), and the distance between the center of the short focus lens array 9 and the light-receiving surface 1a becomes correspondingly longer.

Here, since the short focus lens array 9 is a 1× lens system, if the center of the short focus lens array 9 does not coincide with the center of the focal length TC at the nominal focal length TC, the imaging performance will deteriorate. Although the focal length TC decreases significantly,
By changing the center of the short focus lens array 9 and the focal length T
When the center of C coincides with the center, there is very little deterioration in imaging performance. In other words, if the length of the short focal length lens array 9 becomes longer than the nominal dimension L by ΔL as described above with the arrangement shown in FIG. 14, the imaging performance will be significantly degraded.

Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, the position of the light receiving element 1 can be adjusted as described in detail with reference to FIG. 23, so that such deterioration in imaging performance can be prevented. be able to. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, by adjusting the position of the light receiving element 1, the distance between the center of the short focus lens array 9 and the light receiving surface 1a can be adjusted to the above S1.
= (S-ΔL/2), the distances from the center of the short focus lens array 9 to the upper surface of the document table 3 and the light receiving surface 1a can be made equal, without deteriorating the imaging performance.
You can adjust the focus. As a method for this adjustment, a method can be adopted in which the image of the reference chart is read on a jig and the position of the light receiving element 1 is adjusted so that the focus is in the best condition.

According to the embodiment described above, the positions of the document table 3 and the short focus lens array 9 are fixed, and the light receiving element 1 is
Since the position of the short focus lens array 9 can be adjusted, the positioning means using the short focus lens array 9 can be omitted, that is, the processing of the step 9a for precise positioning at the center of the short focus lens array 9 as described with reference to FIG. It has become possible to omit the precision control, and it has become possible to reduce the number of processing steps for the short focal length lens array 9 and to reduce costs.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the light shielding member 25 in FIG. 1. This light shielding member 25 is made of a rubber-like elastic material such as Moltoprene, and has a square hole 25a formed in its center as shown in the figure. 1 and 16, the upper surface of the light shielding member 25 is bonded to the stepped surface of the main scanning carriage 2, and the lower surface of the light shielding member 25 is attached to the light receiving element 1.
is pressed against the protective glass surface of the The light-receiving element 1 moves up and down with the above-mentioned position adjustment, but the light-shielding member 25 is made of a contractible elastic material, so that no matter where the light-receiving element 1 is located, the light-shielding member 25 will keep the light-receiving element 1 up and down. It is configured to come into pressure contact with the protective glass. By providing such a light shielding member 25, it is possible to prevent external light from entering the light receiving surface 1a, and also to prevent dust and the like from adhering to the protective glass of the light receiving element 1.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the structure of the light shielding member 25. In the figure, the light shielding member 25 made of a rubber-like elastic material has its square hole 25a connected to the side surface of the entire circumference of the light receiving element 1. It is installed by fitting in a press-contact state. In this case as well, the light shielding member 25 is assembled with its upper surface fixed to the stepped surface of the carriage 2 by adhesive or the like, as described above. Similarly to the case of the light blocking member shown in FIG. 16, the light blocking member 25 shown in FIG. 17 prevents external light from entering the light receiving surface 1a while absorbing the vertical position adjustment of the light receiving element 1. It is possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from adhering to the protective glass.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing the substrate 11 in FIG. Ground patterns 11a, 1 for electrically connecting the board support plate 24 made of material and the ground circuit on the board 11
1a is provided. In addition, in the above embodiment, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, a light source 4 such as a halogen lamp and electrical components on a substrate 11 are connected with a short focus lens array 9 between them.
Since it is placed on the opposite side, the electrical components can be protected from the heat of the light source.

In the above embodiments, an inkjet recording device is used as the recording device 29 of the recording system (image information processing device). The present invention can be similarly applied to recording systems using other types of recording devices such as thermal type and laser beam type, and similar effects can be achieved. Further, in the above embodiments, the recording device 29 of the recording system is described using a recording device that records with one recording head 46, but the present invention can use a plurality of recording heads that record in different colors. color recording devices, or recording devices for gradation recording that use multiple recording heads with the same color but different densities, etc.
The present invention can be similarly applied to a recording system having a recording device equipped with a plurality of recording heads, and similar effects can be achieved.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the recording means 32
In the above, the case where a cartridge type recording means in which the recording head 46 and the ink tank 47 are integrated is used as an example. The present invention can be similarly applied to a recording system having a structure in which the recording means is coupled via a recording head or a recording means consisting only of a recording head, and similar effects can be achieved.

Next, a case in which the present invention is applied to a facsimile will be briefly described. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a facsimile as an image information processing apparatus having a communication function to which an image reading apparatus and a recording system using the image reading apparatus according to the present invention are applied. Figure 1
9, 102 is a feeding roller as a feeding means for feeding the original PP toward the reading position, and 104 is a separation piece for reliably separating and feeding the original PP one by one. Reference numeral 106 denotes a platen roller that is provided at a reading position with respect to the sensor unit 100, regulates the surface to be read of the document PP, and serves as a conveying means for conveying the document PP. Note that this sensor unit 100 corresponds to the reading means 27 in the above-mentioned embodiment, but
In the case of the facsimile of this embodiment, the sensor unit 10
0, a fixed type (line type) having a length that covers the entire width of the document PP is used instead of a type that is mounted on a carriage or the like and moves.

In FIG. 19, P is a recording material in the form of a roll paper in the illustrated example, and the sensor unit 10
The image information read by 0 or transmitted from the outside is reproduced on this recording material P. 110 forms an image on the recording material P based on the image information (
This is a recording head that serves as a recording means for (playback). This recording means 110 is the recording means 3 in the above-mentioned embodiment.
2, and the recording means 110 includes:
Various types can be used, such as a thermal head, a wire dot head, and an inkjet head. The recording means 110 may be a full-line type with a length that covers the entire recording area in the width direction of the recording material P, or a serial type that is mounted on a carriage or the like and moves in the width direction of the recording material P. , etc. can be used in various formats.

In FIG. 19, reference numeral 112 denotes a platen roller serving as a conveying means for conveying the recording material P to the recording position by the recording means (recording head) 110 and regulating the recording surface thereof. 120 is an image information processing device (
In this embodiment, it is an operation panel that is provided with switches and messages for receiving operation inputs as an input/output means (facsimile), as well as a display section for notifying the status of the apparatus. Reference numeral 130 denotes a system control board as a control means of the image information processing device, which includes a control unit (controller) that controls each part, a drive circuit (driver) for the photoelectric conversion element (light receiving element), and an image information processing unit ( processor), transmitter/receiver, etc. 140 is a power source for the device.

FIG. 20 shows the pixel arrangement state of the light receiving element (corresponding to the light receiving element 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment) used in the sensor unit (line type) 100 in FIG. 19 in the same manner as in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view illustrating the method. In FIG. 20, the light receiving element 150 in this case is a light receiving element 151 having the same structure as the light receiving element 1 of FIG.
It has a structure corresponding to a plurality of wafers arranged in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. Furthermore, the structure and operation of the equivalent circuit corresponding to each pixel (one pixel) 151-i constituting each light receiving element 151 are as follows for the pixel 1-i of the above-mentioned embodiment described with reference to FIG. This is virtually the same as the case.

Typical configurations and principles of the recording means used in the information processing apparatus (recording system using an image reading apparatus) according to the present invention are described in, for example, US Pat. No. 4,723,129 and US Pat. No. 4,740,796. is preferred. In this method, at least one electrothermal transducer that corresponds to the recorded information and that causes a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling is applied to an electrothermal transducer placed corresponding to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the liquid path. By applying a drive signal, the electrothermal transducer generates thermal energy and causes a film to boil on the heat-active surface of the recording head, resulting in a one-to-one response to the drive signal that causes bubbles in the liquid (ink) to be removed. It is effective because it can be formed. The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one drop.

Furthermore, as a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the width of the maximum recording material that can be recorded by the recording apparatus, a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above-mentioned specification can be used. Either a configuration that satisfies the length or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally may be used. In addition, there are also replaceable chip-type recording heads that can be installed on the device body to enable electrical connection to the device body and supply of ink from the device body, or an ink tank integrated into the recording head itself. The present invention is also effective when a cartridge type recording head is used.

[0054] Note that the present invention is applicable to, for example, when an inkjet recording device is used as a recording device of a recording system.
It can be applied to recording heads that use electromechanical transducers such as piezo elements, but it is especially effective in those that use bubble jet inkjet recording devices proposed by Canon Inc. be. This is because, according to such a system, higher recording density and higher definition can be achieved.

For its typical configuration and principle, see, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
Preferably, this is done using the basic principles disclosed in the '796 specification. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type, but
In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, the electrothermal transducer placed corresponding to the sheet holding the liquid (ink) or the liquid path is required to respond to the recorded information and rapidly exceed nucleate boiling. By applying at least one drive signal that causes a temperature increase, the electrothermal transducer generates thermal energy that causes a film boiling on the thermally active surface of the recording head, resulting in a liquid in one-to-one correspondence with this drive signal. This is effective because it can form air bubbles within the (ink). The growth and contraction of the bubble causes liquid (ink) to be ejected through the ejection opening to form at least one drop.

[0056] It is more preferable to use a pulse-shaped drive signal because the growth and contraction of bubbles can be carried out immediately and appropriately, so that liquid (ink) ejection with particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved. This pulse-shaped drive signal is described in US Pat.
Those described in Japanese Patent No. 63359 and Japanese Patent No. 4345262 are suitable. Incidentally, U.S. Patent No. 431312 relates to the temperature increase rate of the heat acting surface
By adopting the conditions described in Specification No. 4, even more excellent recording can be achieved.

[0057] In addition to the configuration of the recording head that combines ejection ports, liquid paths, and electrothermal converters (straight liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4 disclose a configuration in which a heat acting part is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 123670 of 1982 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge part for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and a hole that absorbs pressure waves of thermal energy is disclosed. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 138461 of 1981, which discloses a configuration in which a discharge portion corresponds to a discharge portion. That is, regardless of the form of the recording head, according to the present invention, recording can be performed reliably and efficiently.

Furthermore, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full-line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording medium that can be recorded by a recording apparatus. Such a recording head may have a configuration in which the length is satisfied by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as a single recording head formed integrally. In addition, even with the serial type shown in the example above, the recording head is fixed to the device body, or by being attached to the device body, electrical connection to the device body and ink supply from the device body is possible. The present invention is also effective when using a replaceable chip type recording head or a cartridge type recording head in which an ink tank is integrally provided in the recording head itself.

Further, it is preferable to add a recovery means for the recording head, a preliminary auxiliary means, etc., which are provided as a configuration of the recording apparatus, to the present invention because the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. Specifically, these are:
Capping means, cleaning means, pressure or suction means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element, or a combination thereof, and ejection other than recording for the recording head. It is also effective to perform a preliminary ejection mode to perform stable printing.

Regarding the type and number of recording heads to be mounted, for example, in addition to one that corresponds to single-color ink, there are also configurations that correspond to multiple inks with different recording colors and densities. A plurality of them may be provided. That is, for example, the recording mode of the recording device is not only a recording mode for mainstream colors such as black, but also a recording mode for only mainstream colors such as black.
The recording head may be configured integrally or in combination, but the present invention is also extremely effective for devices equipped with at least one of multiple colors of different colors or full color by mixing colors.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid, but ink that solidifies at room temperature or below, softens or liquefies at room temperature, or ink jet In this method, the temperature of the ink itself is generally adjusted within the range of 30°C to 70°C to keep the viscosity of the ink within the stable ejection range. Any liquid may be used. In addition, the temperature rise caused by thermal energy can be actively prevented by using it as energy to change the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or ink that solidifies when left unused is used to prevent ink evaporation. In any case, the ink is liquefied by applying thermal energy according to the recording signal, and the liquid ink is ejected, or the ink already begins to solidify by the time it reaches the recording medium. The present invention is also applicable when using ink that is liquefied only by thermal energy.

[0062] The ink used in such a case is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 1983-
56847 or Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-71260, a form in which the porous sheet is held as a liquid or solid in the recesses or through holes and faces the electrothermal converter. You can also use it as In the present invention, the most effective method for each of the above-mentioned inks is to implement the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the inkjet recording device according to the present invention can be used as an image output terminal for information processing equipment such as a computer, a copying device combined with a reader, etc., and a facsimile device having a sending/receiving function. It may also take the form of

[0064]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, in an image reading device using a short focus lens array and a light receiving element, the positions of the document table and the short focus lens array are fixed, and the position of the light receiving element is fixed. Since the configuration allows adjustment of the short focus lens array, positioning of the short focus lens array can be omitted, and an image reading apparatus is provided that can reduce the number of steps for processing the short focus lens array and reduce costs.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading device for reading an original to obtain an image signal, a recording head for recording on a recording material based on the image signal, and a recording head for feeding the recording material. In the recording system having a conveying means, the image reading device has a fixed document table, a fixed short focus lens array, and a light receiving element whose position is adjustable. By eliminating the need for positioning the short focus lens array of the reading device, a recording system is provided that can reduce the number of processing steps for the short focus lens array and reduce costs.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing essential parts of an embodiment of an image reading device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of pixels of the light receiving element in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram corresponding to one pixel in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of an image reading device portion of a recording system using an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the recording system taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

6 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the structure of an ink ejection section of the recording head in FIG. 5. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the reading means of the image reading device shown in FIG. 1;

8 is a side view taken from line 8-8 in FIG. 7. FIG.

9 is a front view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 7. FIG.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the illumination system of the image reading means of FIG. 1;

11 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of a light receiving element and a substrate of the image reading means of FIG. 1; FIG.

12 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting structure of the short focus lens array and submirror in the image reading means of FIG. 1. FIG.

13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of the short focus lens array and submirror in the image reading means of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which the optical system of the image reading device according to the present invention does not require adjustment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the state during adjustment of the optical system of the image reading device according to the present invention.

16 is a perspective view of a light shielding member of the image reading means of FIG. 1. FIG.

17 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing another structural example of the light shielding member shown in FIG. 16 in an attached state; FIG.

18 is a perspective view illustrating the ground pattern of the board in FIG. 11. FIG.

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a facsimile equipped with an image reading device according to the present invention.

20 is a partial top view schematically showing an arrangement of pixels of a light receiving element used in the sensor unit in FIG. 19; FIG.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a state in which the optical system of a conventional image reading device does not require adjustment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the state of the optical system of a conventional image reading device during adjustment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view schematically showing a short focus lens array used in a conventional image reading device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Light receiving element 1a Light receiving surface 2 Main scanning carriage 3 Document table 4 Lamp (light source) 5 Main mirror 9 Short focus lens array 11
Substrate 16 Sub-scanning carriage 21 Lens holder 24 Substrate support plate 25 Light shielding member 27 Image reading means 28 Image reading device 29 Recording device 31 Recorded material 32 Recording means 33 Conveying means 38 Conveying roller 40 Conveying roller 42 Carriage (for recording) 46
Recording head 72 Ejection port (recording head) 74
Liquid path (recording head) 75 Electrothermal converter 100 Sensor unit (pixel reading means) 1
06 Platen roller 110 Recording means (recording head) 112
Platen roller 120 Operation panel 130 System control board O
Original PP Original P Recording material.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image reading device using a short focus lens array and a light receiving element, characterized in that the positions of the document table and the short focus lens array are fixed, and the position of the light receiving element is adjustable. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading surface of the light receiving element is hermetically sealed within the carriage to which the light receiving element is attached. 3. A recording device that includes an image reading device that reads an original to obtain an image signal, a recording head that records on a recording material based on the image signal, and a conveying means that feeds the recording material. A recording system characterized in that the image reading device has a fixed document table, a fixed short focus lens array, and a light receiving element whose position is adjustable. 4. The recording system according to claim 3, wherein the image reading device has an image reading surface of the light receiving element sealed within a carriage to which the light receiving element is attached. 5. The recording head is an inkjet recording head that discharges ink using thermal energy, and includes an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy. recording system. 6. The inkjet recording head is characterized in that the ink is ejected from the ejection port by utilizing a pressure change caused by the growth of bubbles due to film boiling caused by the thermal energy applied by the electrothermal converter. 6. The recording system according to claim 5.