JPH1117895A - Scanner printer and image reading head - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust or set distance between a record head and record sheet and/or between an image read head and an original by an easy operation. SOLUTION: A guide shaft 48 is fixed on a chassis 20. One end of a follower member 50 following to the thickness of the recording sheet is fit with the guide shaft 48 so as to be slid and oscillated and a sliding part 50b at the other end is brought into contact with a guide receiving part 34a right on a needle roller 36 of a guide plate 34. A carrier 52 is pivotally supported to be freely oscillated by an axis receiving part 50a of the follower member 50 and a shaft 56 to be fixed on the chassis 20 is slid in the guide receiving part 52a. A discriminating member 58 to discriminate whether a head attached to the carrier 52 is the record head or the image reading head is pivotally supported to an axis receiving part 52c of the carrier 52 to be freely oscillated and energized by a spring in the clockwise direction. A surface of the record head 54 on which a protruding part 58c at one end of the discriminating member 58 is abutted is flat, however, a recessed part is provided on the image read head.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading / printing apparatus capable of reading an image using a head moving mechanism for moving a recording head or a print head in a lateral direction, that is, a so-called image reading / printing apparatus.
The present invention relates to an image reading head used in place of a scanner / printer and a recording head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printer which performs printing while moving a recording head laterally along a platen, a so-called serial printer, the distance between the recording head and recording paper is maintained within a predetermined range in order to maintain print quality. It is important to.
For example, in an ink jet printer that forms an image by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head onto recording paper, if the recording head is too close to the recording paper, the recording head comes into contact with the recording paper and the ink droplets on the recording paper are dried before the ink drops dry. If the ink droplets are rubbed and stained, and if the ink droplets are too far away, the deviation of dots due to slight errors in the ejection direction of ink will increase.

Moreover, since the thickness of the recording paper is generally not uniform, even if the distance between the platen and the recording head is precisely adjusted, the above-mentioned phenomenon cannot be completely prevented.

In order to solve such a problem, a pressing member for pressing the recording paper on the platen against the platen is provided.
There has been proposed a configuration in which a guide member for guiding a scanning member for scanning a recording head is movable, and the guide member is positioned by the press-contact member (for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 41278/1984). By employing such a configuration, the distance between the recording head and the platen is automatically adjusted so that the distance between the recording head and the recording surface of the recording paper is constant regardless of the thickness of the recording paper.

In the serial printer, since the era of the dot impact printer, a printer capable of mounting an image reading head on a recording head or its scanning member and capable of operating as an image scanner has been put to practical use and commercialized. ing. Specifically, an image reading head having a reading width approximately equal to the printing width of the recording head (width in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction) is attached to the scanning member, and a reading original is used instead of recording paper. Paper feed and transport,
The document is read one line at a time in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the scanning member. This method has an advantage that the function of the image scanner can be added at a low cost because the feeding and conveying mechanism of the printer and the scanning mechanism are also used for feeding and feeding of the document and scanning of the image reading head.

[0006]

However, in the conventional example,
There was a problem in maintaining the distance between the document and the image reading head. That is, the original tends to be an irregular type whose size deviates from the A-series or B-series, and the thickness thereof also varies. If the original is copy paper, the original can be read as it is. However, for example, a photograph or a business card or the like is small, and therefore, it is often impossible to feed or convey it with a normal paper feed / conveyance mechanism. There is also a possibility that the surface may be scratched when the photograph is forcibly fed.

In order to deal with these problems, there is a method as shown in FIG. 8 in which a dedicated folder having at least one side transparent is prepared, a photograph serving as a document is inserted into the folder, and the folder is set in a paper feed mechanism. in use. 10 is A
It is a folder of a fixed size such as 4 and has a flexible base 10a and a transparent cover 10b, and both are fixed at one of the four sides. The photograph 12 is sandwiched between the base 10a and the cover 10b, and is set on the paper feeding / conveying mechanism. Since the size is almost fixed and flexible, the paper can be fed and conveyed in the same manner as a paper feeding and conveying mechanism of a printer and ordinary recording paper. Since the transparent cover 10b covers the photograph 12, there is no hindrance to image reading, the surface of the photograph 12 can be protected, and the surface of the photograph 12 is not damaged.

However, when the thick photograph 12 is sandwiched, the thickness of the folder changes greatly between the portion where the photograph 12 exists and the portion where the photograph 12 does not exist, and the thickness of the original document greatly changes during the reciprocating operation of the scanning member. As a result, the scanning member vibrates, and stable image reading becomes difficult. That is, the read image is distorted.

Furthermore, in the conventional example, it is difficult to keep the distance between the image reading head and the document constant due to the movement accuracy of the document feeder or the carrier, or the state of the crease or wrinkle of the document. In the case of a small apparatus, since the depth of field cannot be made large, the optical focal point of the image reading head tends to be shifted from the document surface, and as a result, the resolution is deteriorated and the reading accuracy is deteriorated.

When an image is read after printing, the ink mist floats in the traveling space of the carrier holding the image reading head, which accumulates on the optical section of the image reading head and deteriorates the reading accuracy. In general,
Since the optical lens is made of plastic, it is easy to attract ink mist and dust due to static electricity.

The document (recording paper) has a large opening in the paper supply / discharge section, which makes it easy to be affected by external light when reading an image. In particular, since recent sensors have increased sensitivity, this effect is large.

If the distance between the image reading head and the white reference plate is different from the distance from the document surface during white correction, the illuminance changes. As a result, the white reference is read with an illuminance different from the original, making accurate white correction difficult.

Further, conventionally, in a conventional ink-jet printer or a scanner / printer in which a recording head and an image reading head are interchangeable or selectable and have both functions of recording and image reading, a recording head is used. A movable mechanism (distance adjustment mechanism) is incorporated in the carrier holding the recording head so that the distance between the recording medium and the recording medium can be adjusted. However, the conventional distance adjustment mechanism has a very simple structure, and simply adjusts the distance between the nozzle surface of the ink ejection head and the recording medium surface by simply tilting the entire carrier with respect to the recording medium surface. Was to do.

If a recording head is mounted, this may be used, but if an image reading head is mounted instead of the recording head, the following problem occurs. That is, since the image reading head is expected to face the document in parallel, the distance between the recording head and the recording medium is adjusted, and the recording head is tilted with respect to the recording medium. Is replaced with an image reading head, the head surface of the image reading head is inclined with respect to the document, and the user often does not notice such inclination. Such an inclination causes adverse effects such as a different depth of field within the image reading range, a loss of the optimum depth of field, a shift in the illumination center position, and a different illuminance within the reading range. As a result, inaccurate image reading is performed without the user noticing.

An object of the present invention is to provide a scanner / printer in which the distance between a recording head and a recording sheet and the distance between an image reading head and a document are both stabilized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a scanner / printer capable of adjusting or setting the distance between a recording head and a recording sheet and / or the distance between an image reading head and a document by a simple operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a scanner / printer which can appropriately adjust or set the distance between the recording head and the recording paper and / or the distance between the image reading head and the document.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image reading head suitable for use in a scanner / printer.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading head capable of maintaining a constant distance from a document surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image reading head which is resistant to dirt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image reading head capable of accurately reading a white reference.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading head in which the head surface always has a predetermined relationship (for example, parallel) to the original surface when the recording head is mounted in place of the recording head. I do.

[0023]

A scanner according to the present invention is provided.
The printer includes a conveying unit that feeds and conveys the paper medium, a recording unit that records information on the paper medium, an image reading unit that optically reads the content of the paper medium, the recording unit, Scanning means mounted with at least one of image reading means and reciprocating along the paper-like medium in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the paper-like medium; and surface follower following and in contact with a predetermined surface of the paper-like medium Means, and fixed guide means for guiding the scanning means, wherein the scanning means interlocks the distance between the mounted recording means and the paper-like medium with the surface driven means. The first to decide
And a second distance determining means for determining a distance between the mounted image reading means and the paper-like medium according to the guide means.

By the surface follower and the first distance determiner,
In the case of recording, the recording head is moved according to the thickness of the recording medium, and the distance between the recording head and the recording surface of the recording medium can be kept constant regardless of the thickness of the recording medium. In the case of reading an image, the position of the image reading head with respect to the document is fixed by the second distance determining means regardless of the thickness of the document. The change in the distance from the document can be minimized. Thereby, high quality can achieve both printing and accurate image reading.

Detecting means for detecting whether the recording means or the image reading means is mounted on the scanning means;
By providing switching means for switching between the first distance determining means and the second distance determining means based on the detection result of the detecting means, it is possible to simply replace the recording means and the image reading head and mount the desired distance condition. , Which saves the user time and effort.

By allowing the second distance determining means to set a plurality of distances freely, it is possible to deal with documents having different thicknesses.

An image reading head according to the present invention is an image reading head which is mounted in exchange for a recording head of a printer and optically reads the content of a document, and reciprocates in a horizontal direction while supporting the recording head. A housing fixedly mounted on a moving carrier; and a movable portion that houses an illumination / reading optical system and is movably held with respect to the housing and urged in a document direction. Is provided with a stylus portion that comes into contact with the document surface, the stylus portion has a shape that slides smoothly on the document surface, and is made of a material having a small coefficient of friction, and shuts off minute dust such as external light and ink mistakes. And the height of the stylus is substantially the same as the height up to the intersection between the center of the illumination optical axis and the center of the reading axis.

By providing such a stylus, the optical system can be protected from external light and minute dust. The square structure of the housing and the movable part urges the movable part in the direction of the original surface, so that the original surface of any original is at a fixed position with respect to the illumination and reading optical system, improving reading accuracy I do. A white reference piece that normally has a step with respect to the document surface can also be read under the same conditions as the document.

The image reading head according to the present invention further comprises:
Equipped with a distance adjusting member for adjusting the distance between the recording paper,
An image reading head that can be mounted in place of the recording head on a carrier that supports the recording head and reciprocates in the horizontal direction, and a projection is provided at a position that interferes with the distance adjustment lever of the distance adjustment member, It is characterized in that only the distance can be set freely. Alternatively, an index for supporting the position of the distance adjusting lever of the distance adjusting member is provided instead of the protrusion.

The projection allows the image reading head to be mounted on the carrier only at a predetermined set distance. It becomes impossible to adjust to another distance after being mounted on the carrier, and erroneous operation can be prevented. Further, by providing the index, the user can be notified of the position where the distance adjustment lever should be.

The scanner / printer according to the present invention also includes:
Recording means for recording information on a paper-like medium; image reading means for optically reading the information on the paper-like medium; and at least one of the recording means and the image reading means, mounted along the paper-like medium. Scanning means for scanning the recording medium, and a distance changing means for changing a distance between the scanning means and the paper-like medium. When the recording means is mounted on the scanning means, the distance changing means is operated. When the image reading means is mounted, the distance changing means is not operated.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view thereof. Reference numeral 20 denotes a chassis, and reference numeral 22 denotes a frame that forms a recording paper path and holds various mechanisms related to sheet feeding and conveyance. Reference numeral 24 denotes a transport roller rotatably supported by the frame 22, and reference numeral 26 denotes a motor supported by the frame 22 and rotatably driving the transport roller via a gear mechanism (not shown). Transport roller 2
4 has rubber rings 24a fitted at three locations on its outer periphery. Reference numeral 28 denotes a platen fixedly supported by the frame 22.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a pressure plate, which is rotatably supported by the frame 22 around a shaft 30a. The pressure plate 30 is also urged in the left-handed direction in FIG. 2 by a spring material (not shown), but is locked at the current position by a mechanism (not shown). The recording paper to be fed is stacked on the pressure plate 30.

The pinch roller 32 is rotatably supported by a leaf spring and is pressed against the rubber ring 24a. One end of the guide plate 34 is swingably supported by the frame 22, and the other end 34 a of the guide plate 34
6 is rotatably supported. The guide plate 34 is urged by a spring 38 in a direction of pressing the end portion (guide receiving portion) 34 a against the transport roller 24. Needle roller 36
Is a rubber ring 2 as clearly shown in FIG.
3 are provided corresponding to 4a, and are pressed against the rubber ring 24a by a spring 38.

The paper discharge roller 40 is rotatably supported by the platen 28. The connecting roller 42 is rotatably supported by a mechanism (not shown), and its outer periphery is
4a and the paper discharge roller 40. Therefore, the discharge roller 40 rotates in conjunction with the same rotation direction as the transport roller 24. A spur 44 made of a thin plate having a plurality of sharp projections formed on the outer periphery is provided with a spur holder 46 fixed to the platen 28.
And is in pressure contact with the paper discharge roller 40. The recording paper discharged by the discharge roller 40 and the spur 44 is stacked on the discharge tray 47.

The guide shaft 48 is fixed to the chassis 20. Reference numeral 50 denotes a driven member, one end of which is slidably and slidably fitted on the guide shaft 48, and the other sliding portion 50b of the other end is the needle roller 36 of the guide plate 34.
It is in contact with the guide receiving portion 34a immediately above.

A recording (printing) head 5 is provided on the carrier 52.
4 is attached. The shaft 56 is fixed to the chassis 20. The carrier 52 is swingably supported by a bearing portion 50a of the driven member 50, and is fitted to the shaft 56 so that the guide receiving portion 52a provided above is restricted only in the left and right directions in FIG. , Are held at the positions shown in FIG. In the state shown,
The shaft 56 is slightly higher than the upper surface of the guide receiving portion 52a of the carrier 52.

A discriminating member 58 for discriminating whether a recording head or an image reading head is mounted on the carrier 52.
Is pivotally supported by a bearing portion 52c of the carrier 52 and is urged in a clockwise direction in FIG. 2 by a spring (not shown). However, the discriminating member 58 has a convex portion 58c at one end thereof in contact with the recording head 54, and therefore, as shown in FIG.
The clockwise rotation beyond the position shown in is blocked. The extending portion 58b of the discriminating member 58 extends above the guide receiving portion 52a of the carrier 52.
Not even touched.

The recording head 54 ejects ink droplets from the lower surface of the printing section 54a facing the recording paper to form an image on the recording paper. The sensor 60 fixed to the chassis 20 includes:
It detects that the flag 52b of the carrier 52 crosses the position of the sensor 60. Thereby, the scanning position of the carrier 52 and the like can be detected.

The printed wiring board 62 having flexibility is
One end 62a has a connector shape to be connected to the recording head 54, and the other end is connected to a control board (not shown). The belt 64 is driven by a motor 66 and moves the carrier 52 left and right via a mechanism (not shown).

FIG. 3 shows a case where an image reading head 68 is mounted on the carrier 52 instead of the recording head 54.
FIG. The outer shape of the image reading head 68 is almost the same as the recording head 54, for example,
The mounting method on the carrier 52, the position of the electrical connector, and the like are exactly the same as those of the recording head 54. In a portion 68a facing the platen 28, a light projecting portion for reading a document on the platen 28, a light receiving portion for receiving reflected light, and the like are incorporated. Although the explanation of the detailed internal structure is omitted,
The reflected light of the received document is transmitted through an optical system to the internal C, for example.
An image is formed on a CD line sensor and converted into an electric signal.
The line image signal converted into the electric signal is transferred to a control board (not shown) via the printed wiring board 62 and stored in a predetermined memory or transferred to a computer or the like.

The image reading head 68 includes the carrier 52
A concave portion 68b is provided at a position corresponding to the convex portion 58c of the discriminating member 58 when it is mounted on the disc. Whether the image reading head 68 or the recording head 54 can be determined based on the presence or absence of the recess 68b.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When the transport roller 24 starts rotating in the transport direction by the motor 26, the locking of the pressure plate 30 is released by a drive transmission mechanism (not shown), and the pressure plate 30 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 30a in FIG. I do. The recording paper stacked on the pressure plate 30 is transported by the rotating transport roller 24.
Is pressed by the rubber ring 24a, thereby moving the uppermost recording sheet in the direction of the pinch roller 32. When the recording paper enters between the pinch roller 32 and the transport roller 24, the pressure plate 30 returns to the position shown in FIG. 2 again by a mechanism not shown. The recording paper is conveyed along a recording paper path constituted by the conveying roller 24, the frame 22, and the guide plate 34 by a frictional force between the conveying roller 24 due to the pressure contact of the pinch roller 32 and the needle roller 36,
When the first line of the recording paper reaches the recording head 54, the conveyance by the motor 26 stops.

The distance between the lower surface of the printing portion 54a of the recording head 54 and the platen 28 is such that the position of the platen 28 does not always change, the conveying roller 24, the needle roller 36 whose position changes depending on the presence or absence and the thickness of the recording paper, and the guide. Board 3
4, determined by the driven member 50, the carrier 52, and the recording head 54. When the recording paper reaches the needle roller 36, the needle roller 36 moves upward by the thickness of the recording paper, and the guide plate 34 and the driven member 50 rotate clockwise in FIG. The recording head 54 moves in a direction away from the platen 28. If the recording paper is thick, it will move further away, if it is thin, it will move away less.

When the motor 66 is operated, the driven member 50, the carrier 52, and the recording head 54 are integrally moved in the horizontal direction by the belt 64. During the movement, the recording head 54 ejects ink droplets toward the recording paper in accordance with an electric signal. Discharge. When printing of one line is completed, the conveying roller 24 rotates to convey the recording paper by one line. The recording paper is composed of a discharge roller 40 and a spur 4
4 and also receives a conveying force therefrom, but since the conveying force is sufficiently smaller than the force generated by the pinch roller 32 and the needle roller 36, it does not affect the paper feeding accuracy. . In addition, in the case of the ink jet system, it takes some time until the ink dries, but by forming a sharp projection on the outer periphery of the spur 44 that comes into contact with the printing surface, as much as possible to leave no trace on the printing surface. it can.

When printing of one sheet is completed, the trailing end of the recording paper comes off the needle roller 36. The recording paper is conveyed only by the paper discharge roller 40 and the spur 44, and is stacked on a paper discharge tray 47.

Next, the operation when the image reading head 68 is mounted will be described.

When the image reading head 68 is mounted on the carrier 52, the reading head 68 has a recess 68b at a position facing the convex portion 58c of the discriminating member 58. 3 to rotate clockwise. The discriminating member 58 pulls the carrier 52 upward after the extended portion 58b contacts the shaft 56, and the extended portion 58b is guided by the guide receiving portion 52a of the carrier 52.
When it comes into contact with the upper surface of the disc, the determination member 58 stops, and the state shown in FIG. 3 is obtained.

As the carrier 52 is pulled up, the driven member 50 rotates clockwise about the guide shaft 48. Thereby, the sliding portion 5 of the driven member 50
A gap is generated between the first portion 0b and the R portion 34a of the guide plate 34. The document is placed on the pressure plate 30 and fed and conveyed in the same manner as the recording paper, but the position or height of the reading head 68 with respect to the platen 28 changes even if the needle roller 36 is moved by the conveyed document. do not do. This is the same for a document using the above-mentioned folder. When the thickness of the document is different, the distance between the reading head 68 and the document on the platen 28 changes accordingly. However, by increasing the depth of field of the reading optical system of the reading head 68, the actual The effect can be suppressed to a negligible level.

In the above embodiment, a detecting means for mechanically detecting whether the recording head 54 or the image reading head 68 is mounted is provided, and the detecting means determines a position corresponding to the recording head 54 or the image reading head 68. Since the decision method is switched, there is an advantage that the operation of the user is simplified.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment in which an image reading head is incorporated in a carrier holding the recording head 54. The same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. An image reading head is built in a side surface portion of the carrier 70 instead of the carrier 52, and an image reading head is provided on a surface of the portion 70d of the carrier 70 corresponding to the scanning direction of the ejection portion 54a of the recording head 54 facing the platen 28. A light projecting unit and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light, similar to the case 68, are incorporated. Also,
Instead of the discriminating member 58, a distance determining member 72 operated by a user is rotatably supported by the carrier 70 around a shaft 72a in accordance with whether to print or read an image. The distance determining member 72 includes a cam portion 72b and an operation lever 72c, and is locked at three positions against rotation by applying a click force or the like.

FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship between the shaft and a carrier 70 and a shaft 56. The cam portion 72b of the distance determining member 72 has cams 72d and 72e facing downward. The height of the cam 72d is slightly below the highest point of the shaft 56, and
At a position higher than the upper surface of the guide receiving portion 70a. Cam 7
The height of 2e is the same as the upper surface of the guide receiving portion 70a of the carrier 70.

FIG. 5 shows the same state as in FIG. 4, in which the distance determining member 70 is at the first left-turned position, and both the cams 27b and 27e of the distance determining member 70
6 away. Therefore, the distance between the recording head and the recording paper is determined by the position where the driven member 50 contacts the guide plate 34. That is, the distance for recording is selected.

When the distance determining member 72 is turned clockwise and stopped at the first click, that is, at the second position, the state shown in FIG. 6 is obtained. The cam portion 72d rides on the shaft 56, and the carrier 70 moves upward by an amount corresponding to the overlap in the height direction. Thus, the position of the carrier 70 is in a state determined by the shaft 56.

When the distance determining member 72 is further turned clockwise and stopped at the next click position, that is, at the third position, FIG.
The state shown in is shown. The cam portion 72e rides on the shaft 56, and the position of the carrier 70 is determined by the shaft 56, and the carrier 70 is pulled further upward than in FIG.

In other words, the distance determining member 72 can be selectively used at the second position at the time of normal image reading, and at the third position particularly for a thick special document.

Further, a switch interlocked with the distance determining member 72 is provided, and it is determined whether the distance determining member 72 is at the first position or the second or third position. In this position, if the user performs image reading instead of recording, switching between recording / image reading and switching of the distance determination method can be performed with a single operation, which is convenient for the user.

In the head configuration described with reference to FIGS.
At the time of image reading, the distance between the reading head and the document is switched to a method that does not depend on the thickness of the document, and the position of the image reading head can be set multiple times, so that a more appropriate distance, for example, a clearer reading distance can be freely set Can be selected.

Next, an embodiment of an image reading head suitable for use in the above-described scanner / printer will be described. FIG. 9 is a central cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the image reading head.
12 shows a state in which the document 114 on the document 12 is being read. The image reading head 110 is mounted on a carrier 116 similar to the carrier 52, and is scanned left and right by a driving member (not shown).

The image reading head 110 has a double structure including an outer housing 118 and a movable portion 120 which is movable in the housing 118 and has some elasticity. Outer housing 118 is fixed to carrier 116. The movable section 120 includes a guide hole 120a for accommodating a guide rail 118a protruding toward the document in the housing 118. The movable portion 120 is lightly urged by the coil spring 122 in a direction approaching the document 114. The movable section 120 also has a light-shielding frame 120b that blocks light from the side surface between the original 114 and the light-shielding frame 120b.
A portion 120c of the front end of the sheet facing the document 114 is extended outward in a skate shape. The light-shielding frame 120b and the skate 120c are made of plastic containing carbon graphite and Teflon particles, and can block external light and can contact the original 114 with low friction.

In the movable section 120, a light emitting diode 124 serving as an illumination light source, a rod lens 126 for irradiating the output light of the light emitting diode 124 to the original 114, a line sensor 128, and a reflected light from the original 114・
Reading optical system (field lens 130, mirror 132 and master lens 13) which forms an image on sensor 128
4) is accommodated. These optics are used by the skate 120
The position is adjusted so that the image reading optical system correctly forms an image on the line sensor 128 on the portion of the document 114 illuminated by the output light of the light emitting diode 124 when the document 114 is in close contact with c.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view when a white reference piece is being read. A white reference piece 140 is fixed to a slightly recessed portion of the platen 112. Although the surface of the white reference piece 140 is slightly deeper than the surface of the platen 112, the image reading head 110 has a movable part 120 for accommodating a main part which is urged in the direction of the platen 112 by a coil spring 122. 120b and skate 120c
Accordingly, the distance between the illumination and image reading optical system and the white reference piece 140 becomes a constant value, so that the amount of reflected light from the white reference piece 140 can be accurately read. This enables accurate white correction.

Also, originals having a bending tendency and thin originals having wrinkles can be corrected by the skate 120c, so that the written contents can be read in a good flat state.

Such an image reading head 110 is
As shown in FIG. 11, by replacing the recording head 142 with the carrier 116 and mounting the same on the carrier 116 and setting a document in place of the recording paper, it is possible to operate as an image scanner.

FIG. 12 is a central sectional view of another configuration of the image reading head. In this embodiment, the movable portion 152 of the image reading head 150 that accommodates the main components is formed on the platen 112 by using the elasticity of the flexible substrate 154.
Energize towards. The flexible substrate 154 has one end electrically connected to an electric component in the movable portion 152 and the other end electrically connected to a connector (not shown) of a housing 156 that accommodates the movable portion 152.

In the embodiment of the image reading head shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the light shielding frame 120b and the coil spring 122
Alternatively, the distance between the illumination / reading optical system and the document can be kept constant by the flexible substrate 154, so that even in an optical system with a small depth of field, the accuracy is not affected by the moving accuracy of the document feeder or the carriage. Good reading becomes possible, and the image reading accuracy does not depend on the thickness of the document.

Further, since the means for pressing the periphery of the image reading portion of the document with a large area is provided, the image can be read accurately while correcting these without being affected by the folds and wrinkles of the document.

The light-shielding frame 120b also serves to protect the optical system from floating mist and dust of the printing ink.
Since the external light can be blocked by the light-shielding frame 120b, accurate reading without being affected by the external light can be performed.

Since a white reference piece having a step with respect to the original can be read under the same conditions as the original, accurate white correction can be performed.

Next, a description will be given of an embodiment in which, when the image reading head is mounted, the head surface is always parallel to the document surface. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the recording head is mounted, FIG. 14 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 15 is a similar side view showing a state in which the distance between the recording head and the recording medium is adjusted to different distances by a distance adjusting mechanism. Show. A recording head 210 is mounted on the carrier 212. The carrier 212 has a guide shaft 214 extending in the main scanning direction.
And is movable along a guide rail 216, and reciprocates along a guide shaft 214 and a guide rail 216 by a drive motor (not shown). The carrier 212 is moved to the guide rail 2 by the cam lever 218.
16 can be approached (or separated) within a predetermined distance range, so that, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the carrier 212 moves around the guide shaft 214 as shown in FIG. 14 (and FIG. 15). ) Is rotated in the plane of FIG.
As shown in (2), the surface 210a of the recording head 210 facing the recording medium (the nozzle surface of the ink ejection head) 210a is slightly tilted, whereby the distance between the recording head 210 and the recording medium can be adjusted.

FIG. 16 shows that the recording head 210 is
12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the image reading head 220 is mounted, detached from FIG. FIG. 17 shows the image reading head 2
FIG. 2 is a side view showing an internal configuration of the apparatus 20; 222 is a light emitting diode serving as an illumination light source, 224 is a light emitting diode 222
Is a rod lens for irradiating the output light of the light onto the original surface.
Light reflected from the document surface is input to a line sensor 226 via an image reading optical system, and is converted into an electric signal. The image reading optical system includes a field lens 228 facing the original, and an imaging lens 230 that forms an optical image formed by the field lens 228 on the line sensor 226.

As clearly shown in FIG. 16, an image reading head 220 has a head surface on which an original (recording medium) is attached.
An arc-shaped projection 220a is provided to prevent the cam lever 218 from being located at a position that is not parallel to the cam lever 218. This projection 2
The cam lever 218 prevents the image reading head 220 from being mounted on the carrier 212 only when the head surface of the image reading head 220 is parallel to the document. 218 also makes it impossible to adjust the distance between the head surface and the document surface.

For the image reading head 220, the cam lever 218 is forced to a predetermined position by the arc-shaped projection 220a. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the cam lever 218 should occupy the upper surface of the image reading head. The index 220b indicating the position may be printed, written, or formed, and the user may match the cam lever 218 to the index.

In this embodiment, the image reading head can be set at a fixed position with respect to the document, regardless of the distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the recording head and the recording medium, and the document can be read under favorable constant conditions. Can be.

[0076]

As can be easily understood from the above description, according to the present invention, the recording head is moved according to the thickness of the recording medium at the time of recording with a simple configuration, and the thickness of the recording medium is reduced. Regardless, the distance between the recording head and the recording medium is kept constant, and when reading an image, the image reading head is fixed regardless of the thickness of the original. The change in the distance between them can be minimized, and good performance can be exhibited in both recording and document reading.

Further, by providing means for detecting which of the recording head and the image reading head is used,
The distance between the head and the recording medium / original can be appropriately and automatically set.

By setting a plurality of distances between the image reading head and the original at the time of image reading, a plurality of types of originals can be read with excellent characteristics.

According to the image reading head of the present invention, the illumination / reading optical system is urged against the document, and the means for keeping the distance between the illumination / reading optical system and the document constant is provided. Even with an optical system having a shallow depth of field, accurate reading can be performed without being affected by the movement accuracy of the document feeder or the carriage, and the image reading accuracy is not affected by the thickness of the document. Since a white reference piece having a step with respect to the document can be read under the same conditions as the document, accurate white correction can be performed.

Since the means for pressing the periphery of the image reading portion of the document with a large area is provided, the image can be read accurately while correcting these without being affected by the folds and wrinkles of the document.

The optical system can be protected from floating mist and dust of the printing ink by using the shielding member as a means for maintaining the distance from the original, and the external light can be shielded by using the light shielding member. As a result, accurate reading without being affected by external light has become possible.

Since a white reference piece having a step with respect to the original can be read under the same conditions as the original, accurate white correction can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the image reading head can be set at a fixed position with respect to the original while having a distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the recording head and the recording medium, and under a good constant condition. Documents can be read.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view when the image reading head 68 is mounted.

4 is a perspective view of an alternative example of the carrier 52. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the carrier 52 shown in FIG. 4 in a first state.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the carrier 52 shown in FIG. 4 in a second state.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the carrier 52 shown in FIG. 4 in a third state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a folder used when feeding non-standard-size paper.

FIG. 9 is a central sectional view of an embodiment of the image reading head.

10 is a central sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 when a white reference piece is being read.

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the structure of the scanner / printer.

FIG. 12 is a central sectional view of a second embodiment of the image reading head.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment in which the recording head is mounted, in which the head surface of the image reading head is always parallel to the document surface.

14 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 with a recording head mounted.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing a state where the distance between the recording head and the recording medium is adjusted to different distances by a distance adjusting mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which an image reading head 220 is mounted in place of the recording head 210.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the image reading head 220.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10: Folder 12: Photograph 20: Chassis 22: Frame 24: Transport roller 28: Platen 30: Pressure plate 32: Pinch roller 34: Guide plate 38: Spring 36: Needle roller 40: Discharge roller 44: Spur 46: Spur holder 42 : Connecting roller 47: paper discharge tray 48: guide shaft 50: driven member 52: carrier 56: shaft 58: discriminating member 54: recording head 54 a: discharge section of the recording head 54 60: sensor 62: wiring board 64: belt 66: Motor 68: Image reading head 70: Carrier 72: Distance determining member 110: Image reading head 112: Platen 114: Document 116: Carrier 118: Housing 118a: Guide rail 120: Moving part 120a: Guide hole 120b: Light shielding frame 120c: Skate 122: Carp Lebane 124: Light-emitting diode 124 126: Rod lens 128: Line sensor 128 130: Field lens 132: Mirror 134: Master lens 140: White reference piece 142: Recording head 150: Image reading head 152: Moving part 154: Flexible board 156: Housing 210: Recording head 210a: Nozzle surface of ink ejection head 212: Carrier 214: Guide shaft 216: Guide rail 218: Cam lever 220: Image reading head 220a: Arc projection 220b: Index 222: Light emission Diode 224: Rod lens 226: Line sensor 228: Field lens 230: Imaging lens

Continued on front page (72) Inventor Shoji Kikuchi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (10)

[Claims] A transport unit that feeds and transports the paper medium; a recording unit that records information on the paper medium; an image reading unit that optically reads the content of the paper medium; and the recording unit Scanning means mounted with at least one of the image reading means and reciprocating along the paper medium in a direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the paper medium, and driven in contact with a predetermined surface of the paper medium. Surface following means, and fixed guide means for guiding the scanning means, wherein the scanning means determines the distance between the recording means and the paper-like medium mounted on the surface following means. And a second distance determining means for determining a distance between the mounted image reading means and the paper-like medium in accordance with the guide means. Characterized by the following Na printer. 2. The scanner / printer according to claim 1, wherein said first distance determining means and said second distance determining means are switchable. 3. A detecting means for detecting whether the scanning means is the recording means or the image reading means, and the first detecting means based on a detection result of the detecting means.
2. The scanner / printer according to claim 1, further comprising switching means for switching between said distance determining means and said second distance determining means. 4. The scanner / printer according to claim 1, wherein said second distance determining means can set a plurality of distances freely. 5. An image reading head which is mounted in exchange for a recording head of a printer and optically reads the written contents of a document, and is fixed to a carrier which supports the recording head and reciprocates in a lateral direction. A housing to be mounted;
A stylus section that houses an illumination / reading optical system, and that is movably held with respect to the housing and urged in the document direction, wherein the movable section has a stylus portion that contacts a document surface; The stylus has a shape that slides smoothly on the document surface, is made of a material with a small coefficient of friction, has a closed structure that blocks minute dust such as external light and ink mist, and has a height of the stylus. An image reading head having a height substantially equal to a height of an intersection between an illumination optical axis center and a reading axis center. 6. An image reading head which is provided with a distance adjusting member for adjusting a distance between the recording paper and a carrier which supports the recording head and reciprocates in the horizontal direction instead of the recording head. An image reading head, wherein a projection is provided at a position of the distance adjustment member that interferes with the distance adjustment lever, and only a predetermined distance can be set freely. 7. An image reading head which is provided with a distance adjusting member for adjusting the distance between the recording paper and a carrier which supports the recording head and reciprocates in the horizontal direction instead of the recording head. And an index for supporting the position of the distance adjusting lever of the distance adjusting member. 8. A recording means for recording information on a paper-like medium, an image reading means for optically reading information on the paper-like medium, and at least one of the recording means and the image reading means, A scanning unit that scans along the paper-like medium; and a distance changing unit that changes a distance between the scanning unit and the paper-like medium, wherein the scanning unit includes the recording unit. A scanner / printer characterized by operating distance changing means and not operating said distance changing means when said image reading means is mounted. 9. A detecting means for detecting whether the scanning means is the recording means or the image reading means, and an operation of the distance changing means is switched based on a detection result of the detecting means. 9. The scanner / printer according to claim 8, further comprising switching means. 10. The scanner / printer according to claim 8, wherein said distance changing means can set a plurality of distances freely.