JPH11234479A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve image quality by always keeping a white balance member clean that provides correction data to correct an original read means with a simple configuration. SOLUTION: In the case of reading an original, rollers such as a carrying roller pair carry the original to an original read sensor 9, a drive roller 15 of a correction reference section 10 is driven in the original carrying direction in synchronism with the drive of the carrying roller pair to drive a correction belt 18 stretched over the drive roller 15 and tension rollers 16, 17. The correction belt 18 is in close contact with the original read sensor 9 by a pressure board 19 and cleans the surface of a contact glass plate 14 while being driven and the correction belt 18 it self is cleaned by a cleaning head 21. The drive of the correction belt 18 is temporarily stopped before reading of an original and an original read sensor 9 reads the correction belt 18 to acquire correction reference data. Then the carrying rollers and the correction belt 18 are driven and the original read sensor 9 reads an image of the original while carrying the original between the original read sensor 9 and a reference correction section 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly, to an image reading apparatus capable of appropriately reading a white reference member without contaminating the white reference member with a document.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image reading apparatus in which a reading sensor is fixed and reads an image of a conveyed document, the reading sensor is corrected at a position facing the reading sensor before image data is taken in. A white reference correction plate is installed.

However, when the image reading apparatus is used for a long time and various kinds of originals (for example, originals with characters written on the underside of the originals with a pencil) are passed through, the white reference correction plate becomes dirty, A problem occurs that makes it impossible to make a correct correction.

In order to remove dirt from the reference correction plate,
Conventionally, a service person or a user of a facsimile machine has performed cleaning with a cloth or the like to which a cleaning liquid has been applied.
The burden on users and service personnel was heavy.

Therefore, conventionally, a document path for conveying a document is formed between opposing surfaces, a reading unit is disposed on one side of the path, and a white correction plate is provided on the other side in a recessed state. A document reading apparatus for preventing a white correction plate from being stained has been disclosed (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-107284).

[0006]

However, in such a conventional image reading apparatus, a white reference correction plate (white reference member) is arranged at a distance from the contact glass so as not to contact the original. Therefore, when reading the white reference member, it is difficult to form an image accurately on the image reading sensor, and there is a possibility that the image quality is rather deteriorated.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, correction data for correcting an image having a predetermined width when a document is read is provided at a reading position of a reading means for reading an image of the document conveyed to the reading position. A correction reference unit having a belt-shaped white reference member to be provided is provided, and the belt-shaped white reference member is urged in the direction of the reading unit by the urging unit so as to be in close contact with the reading unit. At the same time, the white reference member is kept in a clean state by rotating at least the surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side with the cleaning unit while rotating the document in the document conveying direction. To obtain appropriate correction data, read the image of the original appropriately, and always properly correct the image of the original read by the reading means with the correction data. , And its object is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of improving the image quality of the read image.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a belt-shaped white reference member is provided in a white color and is read by a reading means to provide correction data, and is located at a reading position when the reading means reads a document. It is divided into a transport unit and a driving unit.
By moving the belt-shaped white reference member, the correction unit is positioned at the reading position when the correction data is acquired, and the conveyance unit is positioned at the reading position when reading the document. The correction unit for obtaining the correction data is used by switching between the correction unit and the correction unit for providing the correction data, thereby preventing the correction unit for acquiring the correction data from being contaminated by the original, keeping the correction unit always clean, and using the white reference member and the original. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus that can always obtain appropriate correction data by positioning an image at an appropriate image forming position and improve the image quality of a read image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a belt-like white reference member is provided with a cleaning unit for cleaning at least the surface of the reading position of the reading means, and the white reference member is rotated by the driving means. An image reading apparatus capable of always acquiring more appropriate correction data by cleaning a reading unit by a cleaning unit, reading a document image more appropriately, and further improving the image quality of a read image. It is intended to provide.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the white reference member is detected by the position detecting means and the white reference member is driven to rotate, thereby causing an abnormality such as a power failure in the image reading apparatus. In this case, the position of the white reference member is appropriately detected, the white reference member is rotationally driven, the appropriate correction data is always obtained, and the image of the original is read more appropriately, and the image of the read image is read. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading device capable of further improving the quality.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the position detecting means comprises:
By providing a position mark of a predetermined size formed at a predetermined position of the belt-shaped white reference member and an optical sensor for detecting the position mark, the white reference member can be easily and inexpensively provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive image reading apparatus which can detect the position of the image and further improve the image quality of the read image.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a correction reference means provided with a predetermined white reference member formed in an annular belt shape and opposed to a reading means for reading an image on a document. Is disposed in such a manner as to protrude by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction reference member, and the correction reference member is rotationally driven in a document conveying direction at a predetermined timing by a driving unit, and at least a surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side is cleaned By maintaining the white reference member in a clean state while keeping the white reference member in a clean state without providing an urging means for urging the white reference member in the direction of the reading means by cleaning the white reference member and the original at an appropriate image forming position. Thus, with a low-cost configuration and reduced maintenance work, appropriate correction data is always obtained, the image of the document is appropriately read, and the image of the document read by the reading unit is corrected. It is intended to always properly corrected and, providing a good image reading apparatus inexpensive availability capable of improving the image quality of the read image by.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a correction reference means provided with a predetermined white reference member formed in an annular belt shape and opposed to a reading means for reading an image of a document. The member is disposed at a position where it abuts on a transport roller for transporting the document, and is rotated by the rotation of the transport roller to be supported by a support roller that rotates a white reference member in the transport direction of the document, and the reading unit is configured to read the correction reference. The correction reference member is rotated by a support roller which is arranged to protrude by a predetermined amount in the member direction, and is rotated by the conveyance roller, and at least a surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side is cleaned by a cleaning unit. Therefore, the white reference member can always be cleaned without providing an urging means for urging the white reference member in the direction of the reading means, and without providing a dedicated driving mechanism for rotationally driving the white reference member. In addition, the white reference member and the document are positioned at appropriate image forming positions, and a more inexpensive configuration is used.Also, while reducing maintenance work, appropriate correction data is always obtained and the image of the document is obtained. Provided is an even more inexpensive and highly usable image reading apparatus that can appropriately read and constantly correct an image of a document read by a reading unit with correction data to improve the image quality of a read image. It is an object.

According to the present invention, at least a part of the white reference member is formed of a member having a predetermined amount of elasticity, so that the correction reference means is opened in a direction away from the reading means. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus that prevents the white reference member from being loosened or coming off, and that has better usability.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a correcting section for applying a white reference member to white and providing correction data read by a reading section; and a transport section positioned at a reading position when a document is read by the reading section. , The correction unit is positioned at the reading position when the correction data is obtained, and the conveyance unit is positioned at the reading position when reading the document, so that the conveyance unit for the document conveyance of the white reference member and the correction unit for the correction data are provided. The correction unit is switched and used to prevent the correction unit for acquiring the correction data from being contaminated by the document, keep the correction unit always in a clean state, and set the white reference member and the document at an appropriate image forming position. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus that can always obtain appropriate correction data and improve the image quality of a read image.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the white reference member includes:
A cleaning unit that cleans at least the surface of the reading position of the reading unit is provided. When the white reference member is driven to rotate, the reading unit is cleaned by the cleaning unit to always obtain more appropriate correction data. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus capable of reading a document image more appropriately and improving the image quality of a read image.

[0017]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus which irradiates a document conveyed to a reading position with light and reads an image of the document by reflected light of the document. Correction reference means provided at the reading position of the reading means and provided with a predetermined white reference member, wherein image data obtained when the white reference member of the correction reference means is read by the reading means as correction data. In an image reading apparatus that corrects the image of the document read by the reading unit, the white reference member is formed in a belt shape having a predetermined width, and the correction reference unit includes the belt-shaped white reference member. Urging means for urging in the direction of the reading means to come into close contact with the reading means; cleaning means for cleaning at least a surface of the belt-shaped white reference member on the reading means side; A driving means for rotating timber at a predetermined timing in the conveying direction of the document, by providing, it has achieved the above objects.

According to the above arrangement, the belt-like portion having a predetermined width and providing correction data for correcting the image when the document is read is provided at the reading position of the reading means for reading the image of the document conveyed to the reading position. A correction reference means having a white reference member is provided, and while the belt-shaped white reference member is urged in the direction of the reading means by the urging means so as to be in close contact with the reading means, the drive means drives the document at a predetermined timing. Since it is driven to rotate in the transport direction and at least the surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side is cleaned by the cleaning unit, the white reference member is always kept in a clean state, and the white reference member and the document are set at appropriate image forming positions. Position so that appropriate correction data can always be obtained and the image of the document can be read appropriately, and the image of the document read by the reading means can always be appropriately corrected by the correction data. , It is possible to improve image quality of the read image.

In this case, for example, as set forth in claim 2, the belt-shaped white reference member is provided in white and is read by the reading means to provide the correction data; And a transport unit positioned at the reading position when reading the original by the above-described method. The driving unit moves the belt-shaped white reference member and moves the correction unit to the reading position when acquiring the correction data. And the transport unit may be positioned at the reading position when reading the document.

According to the above arrangement, the correction section for applying the belt-shaped white reference member to white and providing the correction data read by the reading section, and the transport section positioned at the reading position when the reading section reads the original. Since the driving unit moves the belt-shaped white reference member, the correction unit is positioned at the reading position when correction data is obtained, and the transport unit is positioned at the reading position when reading a document. The correction unit for obtaining the correction data is prevented from being stained by the original by switching and using the conveyance unit for conveying the document of the white reference member and the correction unit for providing the correction data, and the correction unit is always cleaned. It is possible to keep the white reference member and the original at an appropriate image forming position, always obtain appropriate correction data, and improve the image quality of the read image.

For example, as set forth in claim 3, the belt-shaped white reference member includes a cleaning unit for cleaning at least a surface of the reading position portion of the reading unit, and the cleaning unit includes When the white reference member is rotationally driven by the driving unit, the reading unit may be cleaned.

According to the above arrangement, the belt-shaped white reference member is provided with the cleaning section for cleaning at least the surface of the reading position of the reading means, and when the white reference member is rotationally driven by the driving means, the cleaning section is cleaned. Since the reading unit is cleaned by the unit, it is possible to always obtain more appropriate correction data, read the image of the document more appropriately, and further improve the image quality of the read image. .

Further, for example, as set forth in claim 4, the image reading apparatus further comprises a position detecting means for detecting a rotational position of the belt-shaped white reference member, and the driving means comprises: The white reference member may be driven to rotate based on the detection result of the detection means.

According to the above construction, the rotation position of the belt-shaped white reference member is detected by the position detecting means, and the white reference member is driven to rotate. Also, the position of the white reference member can be appropriately detected, the white reference member can be rotationally driven, appropriate correction data can always be obtained, and the image of the document can be read more appropriately. Can be further improved.

For example, as described in claim 5, the position detecting means detects a position mark of a predetermined size formed at a predetermined position of the belt-shaped white reference member and the position mark. And an optical sensor that performs the operation.

According to the above arrangement, the position detecting means includes a position mark of a predetermined size formed at a predetermined position of the belt-like white reference member, and an optical sensor for detecting the position mark. Therefore, the position of the white reference member can be detected easily and inexpensively, and the image quality of the read image can be further improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus, comprising: reading means for irradiating a document conveyed to a reading position with light and reading an image of the document by reflected light; and the reading position of the reading means. Correction reference means provided so as to be separated from the reading position and provided with a predetermined white reference member, wherein the correction means converts the image data when the white reference member of the correction reference means is read by the reading means into correction data. In the image reading device that corrects the image of the document read by the reading unit, the white reference member is formed in an annular belt shape having a predetermined width, and the correction reference unit is formed of the white reference member. Cleaning means for cleaning at least the surface on the reading means side; and driving means for rotating the white reference member at a predetermined timing in a direction in which the document is conveyed. By being arranged in a state where the reading position by a predetermined amount of projection to the white reference member direction to achieve the above object.

According to the above arrangement, the correction reference means provided with the predetermined white reference member formed in an annular belt shape is provided opposite to the reading means for reading the image of the document, and the reading means is provided with the correction reference means. The correction reference member is disposed so as to protrude by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction reference member, and the correction reference member is driven to rotate in a document conveying direction at a predetermined timing by a driving unit, and at least a surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side is cleaned by a cleaning unit. Therefore, without providing an urging means for urging the white reference member in the direction of the reading means, always keeping the white reference member in a clean state and positioning the white reference member and the original at an appropriate image forming position, With an inexpensive configuration and while reducing maintenance work, it is possible to always obtain appropriate correction data, read an image of a document appropriately, and read the image of the document read by the reading unit. The always properly corrected by the correction data, it is possible to improve the image quality of the read image, the image reading apparatus can be made favorable for inexpensive availability.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus, comprising: reading means for irradiating a document conveyed to a reading position by a predetermined conveying roller with light to read an image of the document by reflected light; Correction reference means provided at the reading position of the means so as to be separated from the reading position and provided with a predetermined white reference member, wherein the reading means reads the white reference member of the correction reference means. In the image reading device that corrects the image of the document read by the reading unit with the image data as correction data, the white reference member is formed in an annular belt shape having a predetermined width,
The correction reference unit includes a cleaning unit that cleans at least a surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side, and a cleaning unit that rotatably holds the white reference member and that is disposed at a position where the white reference member abuts on the conveyance roller. The above object is achieved by providing a support roller that rotates by rotation of the roller to rotate the white reference member in the document conveyance direction.

According to the above arrangement, the correction reference means having a predetermined white reference member formed in an annular belt shape is disposed opposite to the reading means for reading the image of the document. The support roller is disposed at a position in contact with the transport roller for transporting the document, and is rotated by the rotation of the transport roller to be supported by a support roller that rotates the white reference member in the direction of transport of the document, and the reading unit is moved in the direction of the correction reference member. The correction reference member is rotated by a supporting roller that rotates following the conveyance roller, and at least the surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side is cleaned by the cleaning unit. The white reference member is always kept in a clean state without providing an urging unit for urging the member in the reading unit direction and without providing a dedicated driving mechanism for rotating and driving the white reference member. In addition, by positioning the white reference member and the document at an appropriate image forming position, it is possible to obtain appropriate correction data at all times while reducing the maintenance work with a more inexpensive configuration, and to obtain the image of the document. It is possible to read the document properly, and to always properly correct the image of the document read by the reading means with the correction data, thereby improving the image quality of the read image. It can be.

In each of the above cases, for example, as described in claim 8, at least a part of the white reference member may be formed of a member having a predetermined amount of elasticity.

According to the above configuration, at least a part of the white reference member is formed of a member having a predetermined amount of elasticity. Therefore, even when the correction reference means is opened in a direction away from the reading means, In addition, the white reference member can be prevented from loosening or coming off, and the usability of the image reading apparatus can be further improved.

Further, for example, as described in claim 9, the white reference member is provided in white and is provided with a correction section which is read by the reading means to provide the correction data, And the conveyance unit positioned at the reading position at the time of reading, and the driving unit or the support roller moves the white reference member to position the correction unit at the reading position at the time of acquiring the correction data. The transport unit may be positioned at the reading position when reading the document.

[0034] According to the above arrangement, the white reference member is provided with the correction unit which is provided in white and is provided with the correction data by being read by the reading means, and the transport unit which is located at the reading position when the document is read by the reading means. When the correction data is obtained, the correction unit is positioned at the reading position when the correction data is obtained, and the conveyance unit is positioned at the reading position when reading the document. The switching unit is used to prevent the correction unit for obtaining the correction data from being stained by the document, keep the correction unit always in a clean state, and position the white reference member and the document at an appropriate image forming position. Therefore, appropriate correction data can be always obtained, and the image quality of the read image can be improved.

Further, for example, as set forth in claim 10, the white reference member includes a cleaning unit for cleaning at least a surface of the reading position of the reading unit, and the cleaning unit includes the white reference member. When the is driven to rotate, the reading means may be cleaned.

According to the above construction, the white reference member is provided with a cleaning section for cleaning at least the surface of the reading portion of the reading means, and the cleaning section cleans the reading means when the white reference member is driven to rotate. Therefore, it is possible to always obtain more appropriate correction data, read the image of the document more appropriately, and further improve the image quality of the read image.

[0037]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, various technically preferable limitations are added. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description. The embodiments are not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention. This embodiment corresponds to claim 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of an image reading apparatus 1 to which a first embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, an image reading apparatus 1 includes a document table 2, a document detection sensor 3, a pickup roller 4, a feed roller 5, a reverse roller 6, a pair of conveyance rollers 7, a conveyance detection sensor 8, a document reading sensor 9, A reference section 10 and a pair of transport rollers 11 are provided, and a plurality of documents 12 are set on the document table 2.

As the document detection sensor 3, for example, a reflection type or transmission type optical sensor is used, detects the document 12 set on the document table 2, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 31 (see FIG. 3). I do.

The pickup roller 4 feeds the lowermost document 12 of the plurality of documents 12 set on the document table 2 in the direction of the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6.
The feed roller 5 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 1 and conveys the original 12 sent out by the pickup roller 4 in the direction of the conveying roller pair 7. The reverse roller 6 is driven to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 to separate the originals 12 other than the lowermost one of the originals 12 sent out between the feeder roller 5 from the lowermost original 12,
Pull back in the direction of the platen 2.

When the document detection sensor 3 detects the document 12 and a start key of an operation unit (not shown) is turned on, the control unit 31 controls the pickup roller 4 and the feed roller 5.
And the reverse roller 6 is driven so that the plurality of originals 12 set on the original table 2 are sent out by the pickup roller 4 in the direction of the feed roller 5, and separated one by one by the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6 to form a pair of transport rollers. 7
Transport to

The transport roller pair 7 is driven by a drive motor 32 (FIG. 3).
), And as the drive motor 32,
A stepping motor is used. Transport roller pair 7
The original reading sensor 9 separates the originals 12 separated one by one by the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6 and sent out.
And the correction reference unit 10.

As the transport detection sensor 8, for example, a reflection type or transmission type optical sensor is used, and the transport roller pair 7 detects the document 12 transported between the document reading sensor 9 and the correction reference unit 10, and The detection result is output to the control unit 31.

The original reading sensor (reading means) 9 is a CCD using a contact type image sensor or a reduction optical system.
(Charge Coupled Device) An image sensor is used, and a contact glass 14 is provided on the side of a document transport path 13 on which the document 12 is transported. The document reading sensor 9 reads an image of the document 12 conveyed on the contact glass 14 at a predetermined conveying speed at a predetermined resolution.

The correction reference section (correction reference means) 10
As shown in FIG. 1, the drive roller 15 and a pair of tension rollers 16, 17, a correction belt 18, a pressure plate 19, a pressure member 20, a cleaning head 21, and the like are provided.

The tension roller 16 and the tension roller 17 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other and close to the contact glass 14 of the original reading sensor 9.
Is disposed above the tension roller 16 and the tension roller 17 by a predetermined amount at an intermediate position. The correction belt (white reference member) 18 is made of a member such as polyester.
It is formed in a film-like sheet having a thickness of several tens μm to several hundreds μm and in which wrinkles and breakage are unlikely to occur, and is formed in a ring shape. The correction belt 18 is disposed around the tension roller 16, the tension roller 17, and the drive roller 15, and is disposed in close contact with the document reading sensor 9.

The tension roller 16 and the tension roller 17 are urged by an urging member (not shown) in a direction parallel to the document conveying path 13 and in a direction away from each other.
A predetermined tension is applied to the correction belt 18.

The driving roller 15 is connected to a driving motor 32 for driving the conveying roller pair 7 by a driving force transmission mechanism such as a gear, and is driven to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the conveying roller pair 7.

The pressure plate 19 is disposed on the opposite side of the original reading sensor 9 with the correction belt 18 interposed therebetween.
0 is urged in the direction of the original reading sensor 9 by a predetermined pressing force. As the pressure member 20, a spring or the like is used.
The original 1 is placed on the original reading position of the original reading sensor 9 with the pressing plate 19.
2 is pressed against the contact glass 14 to such an extent that the conveyance of the document 12 is not hindered, so that the reading of the document 12 by the document reading sensor 9 is appropriate. Therefore, the pressure plate 19 and the pressure member 20 function as urging means.

The correction belt 18 has at least its outer surface subjected to a process for ensuring a white color and a reflectance suitable for correcting the document reading sensor 9, for example, shading correction, for example, applying a white paint. Go or
The correction belt 18 is formed of a white material. Note that the conditions of the whiteness and the reflectance of the correction belt 18 vary depending on the original reading sensor 9 to be used, so that it is necessary to set the conditions suitable for the original reading sensor 9 to be used. Further, the correction belt 18 has an inner surface formed to have a predetermined roughness, and a suitable amount of contact friction is generated with the drive roller 15 so that the correction belt 18 can be conveyed by the drive roller 15.

The cleaning head 21 is attached to the tip of a support member 21a made of plastic or the like so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the correction belt 18, and is moved in the direction of the correction belt 18 by an urging member (not shown) such as a spring. It is urged by a predetermined urging force and is pressed against the correction belt 18. The cleaning bed 21 is formed of felt or the like, is impregnated with a cleaning liquid, and cleans (cleans) the outer surface of the correction belt 18.
Therefore, the cleaning head 21, the support member 21a
The urging member functions as a cleaning unit.

The document 12 whose image has been read by the document reading sensor 9 is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown) by the pair of conveying rollers 11.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a control unit 31, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, a motor driver 33, a drive motor 34, and the like. 8 is provided.

The control unit 31 has a CPU (Central Process
ng Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.
In the OM, various programs such as a basic processing program and a correction control processing program as the image reading apparatus 1 are stored, and data and system data necessary for executing each processing program are stored in advance. . While using the RAM 32 as a work memory, the control unit 31 controls each unit of the image reading apparatus 1 based on a program in the ROM, performs basic processing as the image reading apparatus 1, and executes a correction control processing program. I do.

The RAM 32 is used as a work memory of the control unit 31 and controls various kinds of data necessary for performing drive control of the drive motor 34 and performing correction control processing.
For example, the drive speed of the drive motor 34,
2 is stored.

The motor driver 33 operates under the control of the control unit 31 to control the drive of the drive motor 34. As described above, the drive motor 34 controls the rotation amount, that is, the original 1
A stepping motor that can easily measure the transport amount is used.

The control section 31 controls each section of the image reading apparatus 1 based on a key operation of an operation section (not shown) and detection results of the document detection sensor 3 and the conveyance detection sensor 8 to perform an image reading process. The drive of the drive motor 34 is controlled via the motor driver 33 to perform a correction control process described later. Therefore, the control unit 31 and the motor driver 3
3. The drive motor 34, the drive roller 15, and the tension rollers 16, 17 function as drive means as a whole.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment rotates the belt-shaped correction belt 18 in accordance with the transport of the document 12, cleans the correction belt 18 with the cleaning head 21, and appropriately corrects the document reading sensor 8. I do.

That is, in the image reading apparatus 1, when the document 12 is set on the document table 2, the document detection sensor 3 detects the document 12 and outputs a detection result to the control unit 31. When a key operation for instructing start is performed on the operation unit of the image reading apparatus 1, the control unit 31 drives the pickup roller 4, the feed roller 5, the reverse roller 6, and the conveyance roller pair 7 to copy one document 12. Each sheet is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9. Specifically, the pickup roller 4 sends out the original 12 on the original table 2 between the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6, and the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6 separate the original 12 one by one, and The sheet is transported on the transport path 13 to the transport roller pair 7.

At this time, the driving motor 3 of the conveying roller pair 7
The driving roller 15 of the correction reference unit 10 connected to the stepping motor 4 by a gear or the like is driven to rotate in the document conveying direction, that is, clockwise in FIG. 1 is rotated clockwise in FIGS. 1 and 2. This correction belt 18
Is rotated to clean the surface of the contact glass 14 of the document reading sensor 9 cleanly.
The correction belt 18 itself is cleaned cleanly by the cleaning head 21.

Document 12 transported by transport roller pair 7
Is transported to the document reading sensor 9 by the transport roller pair 7, and when the transport detection sensor 8 disposed downstream of the transport roller pair 7 detects the leading end of the document 12, the control unit 31
By temporarily stopping the drive of the drive motor 34 that rotationally drives the transport roller pair 7, the rotation of the transport roller pair 7 is stopped,
In synchronization with the stop of the rotation of the transport roller pair 7, the rotation of the drive roller 15 is stopped, and the rotation of the correction belt 18 is temporarily stopped.

When the rotation of the transport roller pair 7 is stopped, the controller 31 drives the original reading sensor 9 to read the white reference of the correction belt 18 and obtains correction reference data (correction data). And store it in the memory.

Next, the controller 31 restarts the driving of the drive motor 34 for driving the pair of conveying rollers 7 to restart the rotation of the pair of conveying rollers 7, and in synchronization with the rotation of the pair of conveying rollers 7, The rotation of the drive roller 15 is restarted, and the rotation of the correction belt 18 is started. When the transport roller pair 7 is driven to rotate, the temporarily stopped document 12 is transported in the direction of the document reading sensor 9, and the document reading sensor 9 and the correction reference unit 1 are moved.
The original 12 transported between the transport rollers 7 and
While being pressed against the contact glass 14 by the rotationally driven correction belt 18.
It is transported over the contact glass 14 at a constant transport speed. At this time, the drive roller 15 for rotating the correction belt 18 is connected to the drive motor 34 for driving the transport roller pair 7 via a gear or the like and is rotationally driven by the drive motor 34 as described above. , Correction belt 18
Rotates at the same speed as the transport speed of the document 12, and appropriately transports the document 12 on the contact glass 14.

The original reading sensor 9 includes the contact glass 1
The controller 31 reads the image of the document 12 conveyed on the upper side at a predetermined resolution, and corrects the image data of the document read by the document reading sensor 9 based on the correction reference data.

The rotation of the correction belt 18 causes the original 12
While the document is being conveyed over the contact glass 14, the image of the document 12 is read by the document reading sensor 9, and the correction belt 18 is cleaned by the cleaning head 21.

Therefore, the correction belt 18 to which the correction reference data is applied can always be cleaned, and appropriate correction reference data can be obtained, and the original reading sensor 9 can be appropriately corrected. As a result, the image quality of the read image can be improved.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the correction belt is divided into a transport section and a correction section. Item 2,
This corresponds to claims 4 and 5.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a correction reference portion of an image forming apparatus to which the second embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied.

This embodiment is applied to the same image reading apparatus as that of the first embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the same image reading apparatus as that of the first embodiment will be described. The components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail, and the description will be made using the reference numerals used in the first embodiment as needed.

In FIG. 4, in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the correction reference section 40 is disposed at a position facing the document reading sensor 9 with the document conveying path 13 interposed therebetween. In the reference means 40, a correction belt 41 is disposed around the drive roller 15 and the tension rollers 16 and 17.

The correction belt (white reference member) 41 is given by
It is formed on a film-like sheet having a thickness of from μm to several hundreds of μm and in which wrinkles and breakage are unlikely to occur, is formed in a ring shape, and is disposed in close contact with the document reading sensor 9. .

The correction belt 41 is indicated by broken lines Ha, Hb in FIG.
Are divided into two functional units at the portions indicated by
a, a transport unit 41 in which a portion above Hb transports the document 12
The part below the broken lines Ha and Hb is a correction unit 41b for acquiring correction data. The transport unit 41a has a smooth outer surface and a small frictional resistance, and the correction unit 41b secures a white color and a reflectance suitable for giving correction data necessary for correcting the document reading sensor 9. For example, a white paint is applied, or the correction unit 41b is formed of a white material.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the correction belt 41 has a slit (position mark) 42 of a predetermined size at least at a position where the correction data is not obstructed. And the image reading device 1
A belt position detection sensor (optical sensor) 43 is provided at a position where the correction belt 41 passes through the slit 42.

The belt position detecting sensor 43 includes an actuator 44. The actuator 44 is disposed so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle, and is urged toward the correction belt 41 by a predetermined urging member such as a spring. Have been.
As the belt position detection sensor 43, a transmission type optical sensor is used, and the actuator 44 rotates in the direction of the correction belt, and the actuator 44 transmits and blocks light. That is, when the slit 42 of the correction belt 41 is not located at the position of the actuator 44, the rotation of the actuator 44 is restricted by the correction belt 41, and the light of the belt position detection sensor 43 is blocked. When driven by the drive roller 15 and the slit 42 of the correction belt 41 comes to the position of the actuator 44, the actuator 44 enters the slit 42 and transmits the light of the belt position detection sensor 43.

The slit 42 is provided so that the correction belt 41
For example, it is formed at a position where the actuator 44 of the belt position detection sensor 43 enters when the transport unit 41a faces the document reading sensor 9.

The slit 42, the belt position detecting sensor 43, and the actuator 44 function as position detecting means as a whole.

When detecting the transmission of light, the belt position detection sensor 43 outputs a detection signal to the effect that the slit 42 of the correction belt 41 has been detected to the control unit 31 as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device 1 according to the present embodiment has a control unit 31, a RAM 32, a motor driver 33, a driving motor 34, and the like, similarly to the image reading device 1 according to the first embodiment. A document detection sensor 3 and a conveyance detection sensor 8 are provided, and a belt position detection sensor 43 indicated by an alternate long and short dash line is provided.
3 outputs the detection signal to the control unit 31. Control unit 3
Reference numeral 1 denotes the rotational position of the correction belt 41 based on the detection result of the belt position detection sensor 43, particularly
The position of 1b is determined, and the rotation of the drive roller 15 is controlled.

The drive roller 15 is different from the first embodiment in that it is driven to rotate by a dedicated drive motor via a transmission mechanism such as gears.
A stepping motor that can easily measure the rotation amount is used.

The control unit 31 rotates a dedicated drive motor at a rotational speed for rotating the correction belt 41 at a transport speed higher than the transport speed of the document 12 by the transport roller pair 7.

In the image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the document 12 is set on the document table 2 and a key operation for instructing the start of reading of the document 12 is performed on the operation unit, the control unit 31
Before the reading of the document 12 is started, the correction unit 41b of the correction belt 41 is positioned at a position facing the document reading sensor 9 based on the detection result of the belt position detection sensor 43. In this state, The pickup roller 4, the feed roller 5, the reverse roller 6, and the transport roller pair 7 are driven to transport the originals 12 one by one to the original reading sensor 9.

As described above, when the slit 42 of the correction belt 41 is formed in the transport unit 41a, and the initial position for positioning the correction belt 41 when the image reading apparatus 1 is not operating is the transport unit 41a, Original 12
Before the document is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9 or before the document 12 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9, the correction belt 41 is rotated by a half rotation by a dedicated driving motor to
b is rotated to a position facing the document reading sensor 9.

In this state, when the original 12 is conveyed to the conveying roller pair 7 and conveyed from the conveying roller pair 7 to the original reading sensor 9, when the conveyance detecting sensor 8 detects the leading end of the original 12, the controller 31 Stops the rotation of the conveying roller pair 7 and causes the document reading sensor 9 to read the correction section 41b of the correction belt 41 to acquire correction data.

Next, the control section 31 drives the transport roller pair 7 to transport the original 12 to the original reading sensor 9.
At this time, the control unit 31 drives the dedicated drive motor to rotate the correction belt 41 only by half a turn, and before the document 12 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9, the correction belt 4
The first transport unit 41a is positioned so as to face the document reading sensor 9.

In this state, the original 12 is read by the original reading sensor 9.
The document 12 is conveyed in a state in which the document 12 is closely contacted with the contact glass 14 between the conveyance portion 41 a having a small frictional resistance of the correction belt 41 and the contact glass 14. Document reading sensor 9
Read by

The image reading apparatus 1 discharges the original 12 whose image has been read onto the discharge tray by the pair of conveying rollers 11.

When the reading of the image of one document 12 is completed and the next document 12 is on the document table 2, the control unit 31 rotates the dedicated drive motor to rotate the correction belt 4.
1 is rotated by a half turn, and the correction unit 41 b is positioned so as to face the document reading sensor 9.

After rotating the correction belt 41 or while rotating the correction belt 41, the control unit 31 transports the next document 12 from the document table 2 to the transport roller pair 7 and transports the next document. When the detection sensor 8 detects the leading edge of the document 12, the conveyance of the document 12 is temporarily stopped, and the correction unit 41b is read by the document reading sensor 9 to acquire correction data.

When the acquisition of the correction data is completed, the control unit 31 drives the pair of conveying rollers 7 to convey the original 12 to the original reading sensor 9 and drives the correction belt 41 by the exclusive driving motor in the same manner as described above. Before the original 12 is conveyed to the original reading sensor 9 by rotating only half a turn, the conveying unit 41 a of the correction belt 41 is moved to the original reading sensor 9.
To face. The image reading device 1 includes a document 1
2 is conveyed between the conveyance section 41 a of the correction belt 41 and the contact glass 14, and the image of the document 12 is read by the document reading sensor 9.

The image reading apparatus 1 performs the above operations sequentially, and before reading each original 12, the correction belt 41
While reading the correction unit 41b, a plurality of originals 1
Read 2 consecutively.

When reading of all the originals 12 is completed, the control section 31 drives the dedicated drive motor to rotate the correction belt 41 to the initial position. When the initial position of the correction belt 41 is the position where the conveyance unit 41a faces the document reading sensor 9, the conveyance unit 41a is set to the state where the conveyance unit 41a faces the document reading sensor 9 without rotating the correction belt 41. When the position where the portion 41b faces the document reading sensor 9 is the initial position, the correction belt 41 is rotated by a half turn, and the correction portion 41b is rotated.
Face the document reading sensor 9.

As described above, in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the correction belt 41 is provided with the correction section 41b which is white and is read by the document reading sensor 9 to provide correction data.
And a transport unit 41a positioned at a reading position when the document reading sensor 9 reads the document 12. When the correction data is acquired, the correction unit 41b is positioned at the reading position.
When reading is performed, the transport unit 41a is positioned at the reading position.
Therefore, the correction unit 41b for obtaining the correction data
Is prevented from being stained by the document 12, and the correction unit 41b
Can always be kept in a clean state, and the correction belt 41 and the document 12 can be positioned at an appropriate image forming position, and always obtain appropriate correction data to improve the image quality of a read image. Can be.

Further, since the rotation position of the correction belt 41 is detected by the belt position detection sensor 43 provided with the actuator 44 and the correction belt 41 is driven to rotate, an abnormality such as a power failure in the image reading apparatus 1 occurs. In such a case, the position of the correction belt 41 is appropriately detected, the correction belt 41 is driven to rotate, so that appropriate correction data can always be obtained, and the image of the document 12 can be read more appropriately. As a result, the image quality of the read image can be further improved.

Further, the position of the correction belt 41 is detected by detecting a position of a slit 42 as a position mark of a predetermined size formed at a predetermined position of the correction belt 41 and a belt position detection provided with an actuator 44 for detecting the slit 42. Since the detection is performed by the sensor 43, the position of the correction belt 41 can be detected easily and inexpensively, and the image quality of the read image can be further improved.

In the above embodiment, when a plurality of originals 12 are read, the correction unit 41b reads the originals 12 to obtain correction data before reading the originals 12. The present invention is not limited to the one in which the correction unit 41b is read before reading the originals 12. For example, the correction unit 41b is read only before the first original 12 is read.
May be read. In this case, when the correction section 41b is read and the conveyance section 41a rotates the correction belt 41 to a position facing the document reading sensor 9, the correction belt 41 is rotated until the reading of all the documents 12 is completed. The rotation is stopped, and the conveyance unit 41 a is set to face the document reading sensor 9.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a third embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the correction belt is divided into a conveying section, a correction section and a cleaning section. It corresponds to claim 3, claim 4, and claim 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a correction reference portion of an image forming apparatus to which the third embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied.

This embodiment is applied to the same image reading apparatus as that of the first embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the same image reading apparatus as that of the first embodiment will be described. The components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail, and the description will be made using the reference numerals used in the first embodiment as needed.

In FIG. 7, in the image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a correction reference unit 50 is provided at a position facing the document reading sensor 9 with the document conveying path 13 interposed therebetween. In the reference unit 50, a correction belt 51 is disposed around the driving roller 15 and the tension rollers 16 and 17.

The correction belt (white reference member) 51 is given by
It is formed on a film-like sheet having a thickness of from μm to several hundreds of μm and in which wrinkles and breakage are unlikely to occur, is formed in a ring shape, and is disposed in close contact with the document reading sensor 9. .

The correction belt 51 is shown by broken lines Ta, T in FIG.
b and Tc are divided into three functional parts.
A portion between the dashed line Ta and the dashed line Tc is a conveying portion 51a for conveying the document 12, and a portion between the dashed line Ta and the dashed line Tb is a cleaning portion 51 for cleaning the contact glass 14.
b, and a portion between the broken line Tb and the broken line Tc is a correcting unit 51c for acquiring correction data. The transport unit 51a has a smooth outer surface and a small frictional resistance, and the correction unit 51c ensures a white color and a reflectance suitable for giving correction data necessary for correcting the document reading sensor 9. For example, a white paint is applied, or the correction unit 51c is formed of a white material. Further, the cleaning unit 51b includes:
A sheet having a predetermined softness formed of felt or the like is attached to the surface of the cleaning portion 51b of the correction belt 51, and is impregnated with a predetermined cleaning liquid.
The contact glass 14 is cleaned (cleaned).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the second embodiment, a slit 42 having a predetermined size is formed at least at a position where the correction belt 51 does not hinder the application of correction data. The image reading device 1 includes
A belt position detection sensor 43 including an actuator 44 is provided at a position where the correction belt 51 passes through the slit 42.

When the belt position detecting sensor 43 detects the transmission of the light without the light being blocked by the actuator 44, the detection signal indicating that the slit 42 of the correction belt 51 has been detected, as shown in FIG. Output to the control unit 31.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 31, a RAM 32, and a motor driver 3 similar to the image reading device 1 according to the first embodiment.
3, a drive motor 34, a document detection sensor 3 and a conveyance detection sensor 8, and a belt position detection sensor 43 indicated by an alternate long and short dash line.
Outputs the detection signal to the control unit 31. Control unit 31
Controls the rotation of the drive roller 15 by determining the rotational position of the correction belt 51, in particular, the positions of the transport unit 51a, the cleaning unit 51b, and the correction unit 51c, based on the detection result of the belt position detection sensor 43.

The slit 42 is provided so that the correction belt 51
For example, it is formed at a position where the actuator 44 of the belt position detection sensor 43 enters when the transport unit 51a faces the document reading sensor 9.

Unlike the first embodiment, the drive roller 15 is driven to rotate by a dedicated drive motor via a transmission mechanism such as a gear. As a dedicated drive motor, a stepping motor capable of easily measuring a rotation amount is used. A motor is used.

The control unit 31 rotates a dedicated drive motor at a rotation speed at which the correction belt 51 is rotated at a transport speed higher than the transport speed of the document 12 by the transport roller pair 7.

In the image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the document 12 is set on the document table 2 and a key operation for instructing the start of reading of the document 12 is performed on the operation unit, the control unit 31
Before the reading of the document 12 is started, the correction unit 51c of the correction belt 51 is positioned at a position facing the document reading sensor 9 based on the detection result of the belt position detection sensor 43, and in this state, The pickup roller 4, the feed roller 5, the reverse roller 6, and the transport roller pair 7 are driven to transport the originals 12 one by one to the original reading sensor 9.

As described above, when the slit 42 of the correction belt 51 is formed in the transport section 51a, and the initial position for positioning the correction belt 51 when the image reading apparatus 1 is not operating is the transport section 51a, Original 12
Before the document 12 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9 or before the document 12 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9, the correction belt 51 is driven to rotate by a half turn by a dedicated driving motor, and
c is rotated to a position facing the document reading sensor 9.

In this state, when the document 12 is conveyed to the conveying roller pair 7 and conveyed from the conveying roller pair 7 to the document reading sensor 9, when the conveyance detecting sensor 8 detects the leading end of the document 12, the control unit 31 Stops the rotation of the conveying roller pair 7 and causes the document reading sensor 9 to read the correction section 51c of the correction belt 51 to acquire correction data.

Next, the control section 31 drives the transport roller pair 7 to transport the original 12 to the original reading sensor 9.
At this time, the control unit 31 drives the dedicated drive motor to rotate the correction belt 51 by ／ of the circumference, and
Before the document 2 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9, the conveyance section 51 a of the correction belt 51 is positioned so as to face the document reading sensor 9.

When the correction belt 51 is rotated from a state in which the correction section 51c faces the document reading sensor 9 to a state in which the transport section 51a faces the document reading sensor 9, the cleaning section 51b passes over the contact glass 14. The cleaning unit 51b cleans (cleans) the contact glass 14 while passing through the contact glass 14.

In this state, the document 12 is
The document 12 is conveyed in a state in which the document 12 is in close contact with the contact glass 14 between the conveyance section 51a having a small frictional resistance of the correction belt 51 and the contact glass 14, and the image of the document 12 being conveyed is Document reading sensor 9
Read by At this time, the contact glass 14
Since the cleaning unit 51b of the correction belt 51 cleans the image, the image of the document 12 can be read in a clean state, and the image quality can be improved.

The image reading apparatus 1 discharges the original 12 whose image has been read onto the discharge tray by the pair of conveying rollers 11.

When the reading of the image of one document 12 is completed and the next document 12 is present on the document table 2, the control unit 31 rotates the dedicated drive motor to drive the drive roller 1.
5, the correction belt 51 is rotated by 1/3 turn, and the correction unit 51c is positioned so as to face the original reading sensor 9.

After rotating the correction belt 51 or while rotating the correction belt 51, the control section 31 transports the next document 12 from the document table 2 to the transport roller pair 7 and transports it. When the detection sensor 8 detects the leading end of the document 12, the conveyance of the document 12 is temporarily stopped, and the correction unit 51c is read by the document reading sensor 9 to acquire correction data.

When the acquisition of the correction data is completed, the control section 31 drives the transport roller pair 7 to transport the original 12 to the original reading sensor 9 and drives the correction belt 51 by the dedicated drive motor in the same manner as described above. Before the document 12 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 9 by rotating by 2/3 of a turn, the contact glass 14 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 51b of the correction belt 51, and then the conveyance unit 51a is moved to the document reading sensor 9. Position facing. The image reading device 1 reads an image of the document 12 with the document reading sensor 9 while conveying the document 12 between the conveyance unit 51 a of the correction belt 51 and the contact glass 14.

The image reading apparatus 1 performs the above operations sequentially, and before reading each original 12, the correction belt 51
Of the plurality of originals 1 while reading the correction unit 51c.
Read 2 consecutively.

When reading of all the originals 12 is completed, the control unit 31 drives the dedicated drive motor to rotate the correction belt 51 to the initial position.

As described above, the cleaning unit 51b for cleaning the surface of the contact glass 14 of the document reading sensor 9 is provided on the correction belt 51, and when the correction belt 51 is driven to rotate, the cleaning unit 51b uses the document reading sensor. 9
Cleaning. Therefore, it is possible to always acquire more appropriate correction data, read the image of the document 12 more appropriately, and further improve the image quality of the read image.

In the above embodiment, when a plurality of originals 12 are read, the correction unit 51c reads the originals 12 to obtain correction data before reading each original 12. The correction unit 51c is not limited to one that reads the correction unit 51c before reading each document 12. For example, the correction unit 51c is read only before reading the first document 12.
May be read. In this case, when the correction unit 51c reads the document and rotates the correction belt 51 to a position where the conveyance unit 51a faces the document reading sensor 9, the correction belt 51 is rotated until reading of all the documents 12 is completed. The rotation is stopped, and the conveyance unit 51 a is set to face the document reading sensor 9.

FIGS. 8 to 10 are diagrams showing a fourth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, and this embodiment corresponds to claims 6 and 10. FIG.

This embodiment is applied to the same image reading apparatus as that of the first embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be described. Portions are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of an image reading apparatus 60 to which the fourth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 8, the image reading apparatus 60 includes a document table 2, a document detection sensor 3, a pickup roller 4, a feed roller 5, a reverse roller 6, a pair of conveyance rollers 7, a conveyance detection sensor 8, a document reading sensor 61, Reference part 62
A plurality of originals 12 are set on the original platen 2. The original table 2, the original detection sensor 3, the pickup roller 4, the feed roller 5, the reverse roller 6, the transport roller pair 7, the transport detection sensor 8, the transport roller pair 11, and the like have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

In FIG. 9, the image reading device 60
As in the first embodiment, the control unit 31 and the RA
M32, a document detection sensor 3, a conveyance detection sensor 8, a motor driver 33, a drive motor 34, and the like.
The control unit 31, the RAM 32, the document detection sensor 3, the conveyance detection sensor 8, the motor driver 33, the drive motor 34, and the belt position detection sensor 43 are provided with a belt position detection sensor 43 as necessary. Since the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment, detailed description is omitted.

In the image reading device 60, when the document detection sensor 3 detects the document 12 and a start key of an operation unit (not shown) is turned on, the control unit 31
By driving the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6, a plurality of documents 12 set on the document table 2 are sent out toward the feed roller 5 by the pickup roller 4 and separated one by one by the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6. The sheet is transported to the transport roller pair 7.

The transport roller pair 7 is driven to rotate by the drive motor 32, transports the originals 12 separated and fed one by one by the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6 on the original transport path 63, and outputs the original reading sensor. 9 and the correction reference unit 10.

The correction reference section (correction reference means) 62
0, the driving roller 64 and the pair of driven rollers 6
5, 66, a correction belt 67 (white reference member), a cleaning head 68, and the like.

The driven roller 65 and the driven roller 66 are arranged close to the contact glass 69 of the document reading sensor 61 at a distance of at least the length of the document reading sensor 61 in the document conveying direction. , A predetermined amount above the intermediate position between the driven roller 65 and the driven roller 66. The correction belt 67 is made of a member such as polyester and has a thickness of several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm, is formed into a film-like sheet in which wrinkles and breaks are unlikely to occur, and is formed in a ring shape. Correction belt 67
Are disposed around the driven rollers 65 and 66 and the driving roller 64, and are disposed in close contact with the document reading sensor 61.

The drive roller 64 is connected to the drive motor 32 for driving the transport roller pair 7 by a drive force transmitting mechanism such as a gear, and is driven to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the transport roller pair 7.

At least the outer surface of the correction belt 67 is subjected to processing for ensuring whiteness and reflectance appropriate for correction of the original reading sensor 61, for example, shading correction, for example, application of white paint. In some cases, the correction belt 67 is formed of a white material. Note that the conditions of the whiteness and the reflectance of the correction belt 67 are various depending on the original reading sensor 61 to be used, so that it is necessary to set the conditions suitable for the original reading sensor 61 to be used. In addition, the correction belt 67 has an inner surface formed to have a predetermined roughness, and a suitable amount of contact friction is generated with the drive roller 64 so that the correction roller 67 can be conveyed by the drive roller 64.

The cleaning head 68 is attached to the tip of a support member 68a made of plastic or the like so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the correction belt 67, and is moved in the direction of the correction belt 67 by an urging member (not shown) such as a spring. It is urged by a predetermined urging force and is pressed against the correction belt 67. The cleaning bed 68 is formed of felt or the like, is impregnated with a cleaning liquid, and cleans (cleans) the outer surface of the correction belt 67.
Therefore, the cleaning head 68 and the support member 68a
The urging member functions as a cleaning unit.

A document reading sensor (reading means) 61 is a contact type image sensor or a CCD using a reduction optical system.
An image sensor is used, and as shown in FIG. 10, a contact glass 69 is provided on the side of the document transport path 63 where the document 12 is transported. Document reading sensor 6
1 is a state in which the upper end of the contact glass 69 is located above the end of the driven roller 65 and the driven roller 66 on the document conveying path 63 side, that is, the upper end of the contact glass 69 protrudes by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction belt 67. The correction belt 67 is pushed into the inside of the ring as much as the document reading sensor 61 is disposed in a state of protruding in the direction of the correction belt 67, and a predetermined state is obtained. The tension is applied.

On the upstream side and the downstream side of the original reading sensor 61 in the conveying direction of the original 12, guide members 70 and 71 for guiding the original 12 by bending the original reading sensor 61 in the direction of the correction belt 67 are provided. The document 12 that is provided and conveyed through the document conveyance path 63 is guided by a guide member 70 and conveyed onto the contact glass 69 of the document reading sensor 61, and the image is read by the document reading sensor 61. The document 12 is guided to the conveying roller pair 11 by the guide member 71.

Then, the original reading sensor 61 detects that the original 12 conveyed on the contact glass 69 at a predetermined conveying speed.
Is read at a predetermined resolution.

The original 12 whose image has been read by the original reading sensor 61 is conveyed to a pair of conveying rollers 11 while being guided by a guide member 71, and is discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown) by the pair of conveying rollers 11.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The image reading device 60 according to the present embodiment rotates the correction belt 67 formed in an annular belt shape in accordance with the conveyance of the document 12, and also causes the document reading sensor 61 to protrude in the direction of the correction belt 67. The correction belt 67 is provided with a predetermined tension, and the cleaning belt 68 is used to clean the correction belt 67 so that the document reading sensor 61 is appropriately corrected.

That is, the image reading device 60
Is set on the document table 2, the document detection sensor 3 detects the document 12 and outputs a detection result to the control unit 31.
Thereafter, when a key operation for instructing the start of reading is performed on the operation unit of the image reading device 60, the control unit 31 causes the pickup roller 4, the feed roller 5, the reverse roller 6
Then, the transport rollers 7 are driven to transport the document 12 to the document reading sensor 61 one by one. Specifically, the pickup roller 4 sends out the original 12 on the original table 2 between the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6, and the feed roller 5 and the reverse roller 6 separate the original 12 one by one, and The sheet is transported on the transport path 63 to the transport roller pair 7.

At this time, the driving motor 3 of the conveying roller pair 7
The driving roller 64 of the correction reference portion 62 connected to the stepping motor 4 by a gear or the like is driven to rotate in the document conveying direction, that is, clockwise in FIG. 67 is rotated clockwise in FIG. This correction belt 67 is
The rotation driving cleans the surface of the contact glass 69 of the document reading sensor 61 cleanly, and the correction head 67 itself is cleanly cleaned by the cleaning head 68.

The original reading sensor 61 is disposed so as to protrude by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction belt 67. The correction belt 67, which is annularly stretched around the driving roller 64 and the driven rollers 65 and 66, A predetermined amount of force is applied to the inside of the ring by the reading sensor 61 to apply a predetermined tension.

Therefore, as in the first embodiment, ordinary inexpensive driven rollers 65 and 66 can be used as the rollers for holding the correction belt 67 without using the tension rollers 16 and 17 as in the first embodiment. The image reading device 60 can be inexpensive.

Document 12 conveyed to conveyance roller pair 7
Is transported to the document reading sensor 61 by the transport roller pair 7, and when the transport detection sensor 8 disposed downstream of the transport roller pair 7 detects the leading end of the document 12, the controller 31
Is to temporarily stop the driving of the drive motor 34 for driving the pair of conveying rollers 7 to stop the rotation of the pair of conveying rollers 7, and to rotate the driving roller 64 in synchronization with the stop of the rotation of the pair of conveying rollers 7. Stops, and the rotation of the correction belt 67 is temporarily stopped.

When the rotation of the transport roller pair 7 is stopped, the control section 31 drives the document reading sensor 61 to read the white reference of the correction belt 67 and obtains the correction reference data (correction data). And store it in the memory.

Next, the control section 31 restarts the driving of the drive motor 34 for rotating and driving the transport roller pair 7, restarts the rotation of the transport roller pair 7, and synchronizes with the rotation of the transport roller pair 7. The rotation of the drive roller 64 is restarted, and the rotation of the correction belt 67 is started. When the transport roller pair 7 is driven to rotate, the temporarily stopped document 12 is transported in the direction of the document reading sensor 61, guided by the guide member 70 and transported between the document reading sensor 61 and the correction reference unit 62. The fed document 12 is transported by the transport roller pair 7 and the document reading sensor 61
By being arranged so as to protrude in the direction, it is conveyed over the contact glass 69 at a constant conveyance speed while being pressed against the contact glass 69 by the correction belt 67 to which a predetermined tension is applied. At this time, the correction belt 6
As described above, the drive roller 64 that rotationally drives the transport roller 7 is connected to the drive motor 34 that drives the transport roller pair 7 via gears and the like, and is rotationally driven by the drive motor 34. The document 12 rotates at the same speed as the document 12 and conveys the document 12 on the contact glass 69 appropriately.

The document reading sensor 61 reads an image of the document 12 conveyed on the contact glass 69 at a predetermined resolution, and the control section 31 converts the image data of the document read by the document reading sensor 61 into the correction reference data. Is corrected based on

The image reading device 60 includes the correction belt 67
The image of the original 12 is read by the original reading sensor 61 while the original 12 is conveyed on the contact glass 69 by the rotation of.

Therefore, the correction belt 67 to which the correction reference data is applied can always be cleaned, so that appropriate correction reference data can be obtained and the original reading sensor 61 can be appropriately corrected. As a result, the image quality of the read image can be improved.

As described above, the image reading device 60 according to the present embodiment includes the document reading sensor 61 for reading the image of the document 12.
, A correction belt 6 formed in an annular belt shape
7 and the document reading sensor 61 is disposed so as to protrude by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction belt 67, and the correction belt 61 is driven to rotate at a predetermined timing in the transport direction of the document 12. At the same time, at least the surface of the correction belt 61 on the document reading sensor 61 side is cleaned by the cleaning head 68.

Therefore, without providing an urging means for urging the correction belt 67 in the direction of the document reading sensor 61, the correction belt 67 is always kept in a clean state, and the correction belt 67 and the document 12 are appropriately positioned at the image forming position. , A low-cost configuration, and while reducing maintenance work, it is possible to always obtain appropriate correction data, read the image of the document 12 appropriately, and read the document reading sensor 61. The image of the document 12 can always be appropriately corrected with the correction data to improve the image quality of the read image, and the image reading device 60 can be made inexpensive and have good usability.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. In this embodiment, a part of the correction belt is formed of a member having a predetermined elasticity. This corresponds to claims 8 to 10.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a correction reference portion of an image forming apparatus to which the fifth embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied.

This embodiment is applied to an image reading apparatus similar to the above-described fourth embodiment, and in the description of the present embodiment, the same image reading apparatus as that of the above-described fourth embodiment is used. The components are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the description will be made by using the same reference numerals used in the fourth embodiment as needed.

In FIG. 11, in the image reading apparatus of this embodiment, a correction reference section (correction reference means) 80 is disposed at a position facing the document reading sensor 61 with the document conveying path 63 interposed therebetween. In the reference portion 80, a correction belt (white reference member) 81 is stretched over a driving roller 64 and driven rollers 65 and 66.

The correction belt 81 has a size of several tens μm to several hundreds.
It is formed into a film-like sheet with a thickness of μm and is less likely to generate wrinkles and breaks, and has a ring shape (annular shape)
Is formed.

The original reading sensor 61 is in a state in which the upper end of the contact glass 69 is positioned above the end of the driven roller 65 and the driven roller 66 on the side of the original conveying path 63, that is, the upper end of the contact glass 69 is The correction belt 81 is pushed inwardly by an amount corresponding to the document reading sensor 61 provided in a state of protruding in the direction of the correction belt 81. As a result, a predetermined tension is applied.

The correction belt 81 has an elastic part 81a indicated by a thin line in FIG.
It is formed of a member having a predetermined elasticity, for example, a rubber member. The expansion and contraction portions 81a are provided at three equal positions on the annular correction belt 81,
Since the expansion and contraction portions 81a are provided at three equal positions on the correction belt 81, the expansion and contraction portions 81a have uniform elasticity in the entire length direction.

Further, the correction belt 81 is divided into three functional portions by portions indicated by broken lines Ta, Tb, and Tc in FIG. 11, and a portion between the broken line Ta and the broken line Tc is a transport portion for transporting the document 12. 81b, a portion between the broken lines Ta and Tb is a cleaning unit 81c for cleaning the contact glass 69, and a portion between the broken lines Tb and Tc is a correction unit 81d for acquiring correction data.
The transport unit 81b has a smooth outer surface and a small frictional resistance.
Processing to ensure appropriate whiteness and reflectivity for giving correction data necessary for the correction of 1, for example, applying a white paint or forming the correction unit 81d with a white material Has been done. The cleaning unit 8
1c, a sheet having a predetermined softness formed of felt or the like is attached to the surface of the cleaning portion 81c of the correction belt 81, and is impregnated with a predetermined cleaning liquid to clean the contact glass 69 (cleaning). )
I do.

In the correction belt 81, similarly to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the second embodiment, a slit of a predetermined size is formed at least at a position where it does not hinder the application of correction data. The image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment has a belt position detection sensor 43 (FIG. 9) having an actuator at a position where the correction belt 81 passes through the slit.
See also).

When the belt position detection sensor 43 detects the transmission of light without blocking the light by the actuator,
A detection signal indicating that the slit of the correction belt 81 has been detected,
It outputs to the control part 31 shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment has a control unit 3 similar to the image reading apparatus 60 according to the fourth embodiment.
1, a RAM 32, a document detection sensor 3, a conveyance detection sensor 8, a motor driver 33, a drive motor 34, and a belt position detection sensor 43. The belt position detection sensor 43 sends the detection signal to the control unit 31. Output. The control unit 31 determines the rotation position of the correction belt 81, particularly the positions of the transport unit 81b, the cleaning unit 81c, and the correction unit 81d, based on the detection result of the belt position detection sensor 43, and controls the rotation of the drive roller 64.

The slit is formed at a position where the actuator of the belt position detection sensor 43 enters when the correction belt 81 is, for example, in a state where the conveyance section 81b faces the document reading sensor 61.

Unlike the fourth embodiment, the drive roller 64 is driven to rotate by a dedicated drive motor via a transmission mechanism such as a gear. As a dedicated drive motor, a stepping motor capable of easily measuring the amount of rotation is used. A motor is used.

The control section 31 rotates a dedicated drive motor at a rotation speed for rotating the correction belt 81 at a speed higher than the speed at which the document 12 is transported by the transport roller pair 7.

The correction reference unit 80 has an opening / closing mechanism, not shown, and, if necessary, the original reading sensor 6.
The first contact glass 69 can be opened and closed with its surface opened.

The image reading apparatus of the present embodiment is
When the original 12 is set on the upper part and a key operation for instructing the start of reading of the original 12 is performed on the operation unit, the control unit 31
Before the reading of the document 12 is started, based on the detection result of the belt position detection sensor 43, the correction unit 81d of the correction belt 81 is positioned at a position facing the document reading sensor 61. Pickup roller 4, feed roller 5, reverse roller 6, and transport roller pair 7
To transport the originals 12 to the original reading sensor 61 one by one.

As described above, the slit of the correction belt 81 is formed in the conveyance section 81b, and when the initial position for positioning the correction belt 81 when the image reading apparatus is not operating is set to the conveyance section 81b, the above-described original is used. Prior to the conveyance of the original 12 or when the original 12 is
Before it is conveyed to the original, the correction belt 81 is driven to rotate by a half turn by a dedicated drive motor, and the correction unit 81d is rotated to a position facing the document reading sensor 61.

In this state, when the original 12 is conveyed to the conveying roller pair 7 and conveyed from the conveying roller pair 7 to the original reading sensor 61, when the conveyance detecting sensor 8 detects the leading end of the original 12, the controller 31 Stops the rotation of the conveying roller pair 7 and causes the document reading sensor 61 to read the correction section 81d of the correction belt 81 to acquire correction data.

Next, the control section 31 drives the transport roller pair 7 to transport the document 12 to the document reading sensor 61. At this time, the control unit 31 drives the dedicated drive motor to rotate the correction belt 81 by ／ rotation, and before the document 12 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 61, the conveyance of the correction belt 81 is performed. The section 81b is positioned so as to face the document reading sensor 61.

When the correction unit 81 is rotated from a state in which the correction unit 81d faces the document reading sensor 61 to a state in which the conveyance unit 81b faces the document reading sensor 61, the cleaning unit 81c passes over the contact glass 69. The cleaning unit 81c cleans (cleans) the contact glass 69 while passing through the contact glass 69.

At this time, the document reading sensor 61 is disposed so as to protrude by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction belt 81.
The correction belt 81 stretched annularly around the driving roller 64 and the driven rollers 65 and 66 is urged inward by a predetermined amount by the document reading sensor 61 and is given a predetermined tension. Since the correction belt 81 is provided with the elastic portions 81a at three equal positions, the correction belt 81 is in a state where more appropriate tension is applied.

Therefore, as in the first embodiment, ordinary inexpensive driven rollers 65 and 66 can be used as the rollers for holding the correction belt 81 without using the tension rollers 16 and 17 as in the first embodiment. The image reading device can be inexpensive.

In this state, the original 12 is
When the original 12 is conveyed to the contact glass 69, the original 12
Are conveyed in a state of being in close contact with the contact glass 69, and the image of the conveyed document 12 is read by the document reading sensor 6.
Read by 1. At this time, the contact glass 69
Is cleaned by the cleaning unit 81c of the correction belt 81, the image of the document 12 can be read in a clean state, and the image quality can be improved.

The original reading sensor 61 is connected to the correction belt 8
Since it is arranged so as to protrude by a predetermined amount in one direction, and the elastic belt 81 a is arranged on the correction belt 81, a predetermined appropriate tension is applied to the correction belt 81, and the original 12 is appropriately placed on the contact glass 69. , And can be conveyed over the contact glass 69 at a constant conveying speed, so that the image quality can be further improved.

The image reading apparatus 1 discharges the original 12 from which the image has been read onto the discharge tray by the conveying roller pair 11.

When the reading of the image of one document 12 is completed and the next document 12 is present on the document table 2, the control section 31 rotates the dedicated drive motor to rotate the drive roller 6.
4, the correction belt 81 is rotated by 1/3 turn, and the correction unit 81d is positioned so as to face the document reading sensor 61.

After rotating the correction belt 81 or while rotating the correction belt 81, the control section 31 transports the next document 12 from the document table 2 to the transport roller pair 7 and transports the next document. When the detection sensor 8 detects the leading end of the document 12, the conveyance of the document 12 is temporarily stopped, and the correction unit 81 d is read by the document reading sensor 61 to obtain correction data.

When the acquisition of the correction data is completed, the control section 31 drives the transport roller pair 7 to transport the original 12 to the original reading sensor 61 and drives the correction belt 81 by the dedicated drive motor in the same manner as described above. Before the document 12 is conveyed to the document reading sensor 61 after being rotated by 周 of a turn, the cleaning unit 81 c of the correction belt 81 cleans the contact glass 69, and then the conveyance unit 81.
b is positioned so as to face the document reading sensor 61. The image reading device 1 converts the document 12 into the conveying portion 8 of the correction belt 81.
1b and the contact glass 69 while transporting the original 1
2 is read by the document reading sensor 61.

The image reading apparatus 1 performs the above operations sequentially, and before reading each original 12, the correction belt 81
While reading the correction unit 81d, a plurality of originals 1
Read 2 consecutively.

When the reading of all the originals 12 is completed, the control section 31 drives the dedicated drive motor to rotate the correction belt 81 to the initial position.

As described above, the cleaning unit 81c for cleaning the surface of the contact glass 69 of the document reading sensor 61 is provided on the correction belt 81. When the correction belt 81 is driven to rotate, the cleaning unit 81c uses the document reading sensor. 61 is being cleaned. Therefore, it is possible to always obtain more appropriate correction data,
Can be read more appropriately, and the image quality of the read image can be further improved.

Also, the correction reference unit 80
When the document reading sensor 61 is opened with the surface of the contact glass 69 opened, the correction belt 81 is released from the bias of the document reading sensor 61. Since it is provided and has a predetermined tension, it is possible to prevent the correction belt 81 from loosening from the drive roller 64 and the driven rollers 65 and 66 and from being displaced. Thus, the usability of the image reading device can be improved.

In the present embodiment, an elastic member 81a is provided as an elastic member on a part of the correction belt 81. However, the method for imparting elasticity to the correction belt 81 is not limited to the above method. Instead, for example, the entire correction belt 81 may be formed of a member having a predetermined elasticity.

Further, in the present embodiment, when reading a plurality of originals 12, the correction unit 81d reads the originals 12 to obtain correction data before reading the originals 12. Before each original 12 is read, the correction unit 8
The present invention is not limited to the one that reads 1d, for example, the correction unit 81d only before the first document 12 is read.
May be read. In this case, when the correction unit 81d performs reading and the conveyance unit 81b rotates the correction belt 81 to a position facing the document reading sensor 61, the correction belt 81 is rotated until reading of all the documents 12 is completed. The rotation is stopped, and the conveyance unit 81b is set to face the document reading sensor 61.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a sixth embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a supporting roller for supporting a correction belt is brought into contact with a conveying roller for conveying a document. It corresponds to claim 7.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of a correction reference portion of an image forming apparatus to which the sixth embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied.

This embodiment is applied to an image reading apparatus similar to the above-described fourth embodiment, and in the description of the present embodiment, the same as the above-described fourth embodiment is applied. The components are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the description will be made by using the same reference numerals used in the fourth embodiment as needed.

In FIG. 12, in the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment, a correction reference portion (correction reference means) 90 is disposed at a position facing the document reading sensor 61 with the document conveying path 63 interposed therebetween. The reference portion 90 includes two support rollers 9.
A correction belt (white reference member) 93 is stretched between 1 and 92.

The correction belt 81 has a size of several tens μm to several hundreds.
It is formed into a film-like sheet with a thickness of μm and is less likely to generate wrinkles and breaks, and has a ring shape (annular shape)
Is formed.

Below the support roller 91 and the support roller 92 across the document conveying path 63, the support roller 91
A conveyance roller 94 and a conveyance roller 95 for document conveyance are provided in a state of contact with the support roller 92 and the conveyance rollers 94 and 95 are located below the conveyance roller 7 and the conveyance roller 11 shown in FIG. Or a transport roller other than these transport rollers 7 and 11 and disposed near the correction reference unit 90 for transporting the document. The transport roller 94 and the transport roller 95 are driven to rotate by a drive motor (not shown). This transport roller 9
The support roller 91 and the support roller 92 are disposed in a state in which the support roller 91 and the support roller 92 are in contact with the support roller 91 and the support roller 91. Roller 9
2 is rotated.

The original reading sensor 61 is in a state where the upper end of the contact glass 69 is positioned above the end of the supporting roller 91 and the supporting roller 92 on the original conveying path 63 side, that is, the upper end of the contact glass 69 The correction belt 93 is pushed inwardly by an amount corresponding to the document reading sensor 61 provided in a state of protruding in the direction of the correction belt 93. As a result, a predetermined tension is applied.

The correction reference unit 90 includes a support roller 91
The cleaning head 68 is disposed in a state in which the cleaning head 68 is in contact with the correction belt 93. It is arranged in the state where it was done.

The image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the support roller 91 and the support roller 92 supporting the correction belt 93 are in contact with the conveyance rollers 94 and 95 for document conveyance via the correction belt 93. In order to rotationally drive the correction belt 93, a driving motor or the like is additionally provided, or a driving motor for rotating the transport roller is driven to rotate the correction belt 93. There is no need to provide a transmission mechanism to transmit to the rollers,
The image reading device can be made more inexpensive.

The original reading sensor 61 is connected to the correction belt 9.
Since the support rollers 91 and 92 that support the third roller 3 are disposed so as to protrude above the ends on the document conveying path 63 side, a tension roller for applying tension to the correction belt 93 is provided. There is no need for this, and the image reading apparatus can be of an inexpensive and simple structure.

In the present embodiment, a part or all of the correction belt 93 may be formed of a member having a predetermined elasticity.
Even when is opened, it is possible to prevent the correction belt 93 from loosening and coming off the support rollers 91 and 92 and to prevent positional deviation, thereby improving the usability of the image reading apparatus.

As described above, the invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.

[0196]

According to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect, an image having a predetermined width at the reading position of the reading means for reading the image of the document conveyed to the reading position when the document is read. Correction reference means provided with a belt-shaped white reference member for providing correction data for correcting the data, and the belt-shaped white reference member is urged in the direction of the reading means by the urging means to come into close contact with the reading means. In addition, the driving means rotates the document in the transport direction of the document at a predetermined timing, and at least the surface of the white reference member on the reading means side is cleaned by the cleaning means, so that the white reference member is always kept clean and the white reference member is kept clean. By positioning the member and the original at an appropriate image forming position, it is possible to always obtain appropriate correction data, read the image of the original appropriately, and supplement the image of the original read by the reading means. Always appropriately corrected by the data, it is possible to improve the image quality of the read image.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the correction section for applying the white reference member in a belt shape to white and providing the correction data by being read by the reading means, and reading the original by the reading means. And a transport unit that is sometimes located at the reading position, and the driving unit moves the belt-shaped white reference member so that the correction unit is located at the reading position when acquiring the correction data, and the transport unit is moved when reading the document. Since the scanning unit is located at the reading position, the transport unit for transporting the document of the white reference member and the correction unit for providing the correction data are switched and used to prevent the correction unit for acquiring the correction data from being stained by the document. Prevention, the correction unit can always be kept in a clean state, and the white reference member and the document can be positioned at an appropriate image forming position. Improve It is possible.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the belt-shaped white reference member is provided with a cleaning section for cleaning at least the surface of the reading position of the reading means, and the white reference member is driven by the driving means. When the rotation unit is driven to rotate, the cleaning unit cleans the reading unit, so that it is possible to always obtain more appropriate correction data, and it is possible to read the image of the original more appropriately, thereby improving the image quality of the read image. Can be further improved.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the rotational position of the belt-shaped white reference member is detected by the position detecting means, and the white reference member is driven to rotate. Even when an abnormality such as occurs, the position of the white reference member is appropriately detected, the white reference member is driven to rotate, and appropriate correction data can always be obtained.
The image of the document can be read more appropriately, and the image quality of the read image can be further improved.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the position detecting means detects a position mark of a predetermined size formed at a predetermined position of the belt-like white reference member and the position mark. And the optical sensor, the position of the white reference member can be detected easily and inexpensively, and the image quality of the read image can be further improved.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the correction reference means provided with a predetermined white reference member formed in an annular belt is arranged opposite to the reading means for reading the image of the document. The reading means is disposed so as to protrude by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction reference member, and the correction reference member is driven to rotate at a predetermined timing by the driving means in the document conveying direction, and at least the reading means of the white reference member is provided. Since the side surface is cleaned by the cleaning unit, the white reference member is always kept in a clean state while the white reference member and the document are properly cleaned without providing a biasing unit for biasing the white reference member in the reading unit direction. It is located at the image forming position, it is inexpensive configuration, and while reducing maintenance work, it is possible to always obtain appropriate correction data and read the image of the original properly. An image of the document read stepped always properly corrected by the correction data, it is possible to improve the image quality of the read image, the image reading apparatus can be made favorable for inexpensive availability.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the correction reference means having a predetermined white reference member formed in an annular belt is arranged opposite to the reading means for reading the image of the document. The white reference member is disposed at a position where the white reference member is in contact with a conveyance roller for document conveyance, and is supported by a support roller that rotates by the rotation of the conveyance roller and rotates the white reference member in the document conveyance direction, The reading unit is disposed in a state protruding by a predetermined amount in the direction of the correction reference member, and the correction reference member is rotated by a supporting roller that rotates following the transport roller, and at least a surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side is cleaned. Cleaning means, so that there is no urging means for urging the white reference member in the direction of the reading means,
Without providing a dedicated driving mechanism for rotating and driving the white reference member, the white reference member is always kept in a clean state, and the white reference member and the original are located at appropriate image forming positions.
With an even cheaper configuration and reduced maintenance work,
It is possible to always obtain appropriate correction data and to appropriately read an image of a document, and to always properly correct an image of a document read by a reading unit with correction data, thereby improving the image quality of a read image. In addition to this, the image reading apparatus can be made more inexpensive and have good usability.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, at least a part of the white reference member is formed of a member having a predetermined amount of elasticity, so that the correction reference means is separated from the reading means. Even when opened in the direction, the white reference member can be prevented from loosening or coming off,
The usability of the image reading device can be further improved.

According to the image reading apparatus of the ninth aspect, the white reference member is provided in white and provided to the reading means to provide the correction data by the reading means, and the reading position is set when the reading means reads the original. , And the correction unit is positioned at the reading position when the correction data is acquired, and the conveyance unit is positioned at the reading position when reading the document. The correction unit for providing the correction data is switched and used to prevent the correction unit for obtaining the correction data from being stained by the document, to keep the correction unit always clean, and to use the white reference member and the document. It is possible to always obtain appropriate correction data while being positioned at an appropriate image forming position, and to improve image quality of a read image.

According to the image reading apparatus of the tenth aspect, the white reference member is provided with a cleaning section for cleaning at least the surface of the reading position portion of the reading means, so that when the white reference member is driven to rotate. Since the reading unit is cleaned by the cleaning unit, it is possible to always obtain more appropriate correction data, read the image of the document more appropriately, and further improve the image quality of the read image. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of an image reading apparatus to which a first embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of a document reading sensor and a correction reference unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of the image reading apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of a document reading sensor and a correction reference unit of an image reading apparatus to which an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a belt position detection sensor portion near a tension roller in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of a belt position detection sensor portion near the tension roller in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front view of a document reading sensor and a correction reference unit of an image reading apparatus to which a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main part of an image reading apparatus to which a fourth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of the image reading apparatus of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of a document reading sensor and a correction reference unit of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view of a document reading sensor and a correction reference unit of an image reading apparatus to which a fifth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged front view of a document reading sensor and a correction reference unit of an image reading device to which a sixth embodiment of the image reading device of the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 image reading device 2 document table 3 document detection sensor 4 pickup roller 5 feed roller 6 reverse roller 7, 11 conveyance roller pair 8 conveyance detection sensor 9 document reading sensor 10 correction reference unit 12 document 13 document conveyance path 14 contact glass 15 drive roller 16, 17 Tension roller 18 Correction belt 19 Pressure plate 20 Pressure member 21 Cleaning head 21a Support member 31 Control unit 32 RAM 33 Motor driver 34 Drive motor 40 Correction reference unit 41 Correction belt 41a Transport unit 41b Correction unit 42 Slit 43 Belt position Detection sensor 44 Actuator 50 Correction reference unit 51 Correction belt 51a Transport unit 51b Cleaning unit 51c Correction unit 60 Image reading device 61 Document reading sensor 62 Correction reference unit 63 Document conveyance path 64 Drive unit L 65, 66 Followed roller 67 Correction belt 68 Cleaning head 69 Contact glass 70, 71 Guide member 80 Correction reference part 81 Correction belt 81a Expansion part 81b Transport part 81c Cleaning part 81d Correction part 90 Correction reference part 91, 92 Support roller 93 Correction Belt 94, 95 Transport roller

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A reading means for irradiating a document conveyed to a reading position with light and reading an image of the document by reflected light thereof, and a predetermined white reference member provided at the reading position of the reading means. An image reading unit that corrects an image of the document read by the reading unit using image data obtained by reading the white reference member of the correction reference unit by the reading unit as correction data. In the apparatus, the white reference member is formed in a belt shape having a predetermined width, and the correction reference unit urges the belt-shaped white reference member in the reading unit direction so as to be in close contact with the reading unit. Urging means, cleaning means for cleaning at least the surface of the belt-shaped white reference member on the reading means side, and rotationally driving the belt-shaped white reference member at a predetermined timing in the document transport direction. Image reading apparatus characterized by comprising: a driving means. 2. The belt-like white reference member, which is white and is read by the reading means to provide the correction data, and is located at the reading position when the reading means reads the document. And a transport unit, wherein the driving unit moves the belt-shaped white reference member, positions the correction unit at the reading position when acquiring the correction data, and the transport unit when reading the document. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device is positioned at the reading position. 3. The belt-shaped white reference member includes a cleaning unit that cleans at least a surface of the reading position portion of the reading unit, and the cleaning unit is configured to rotate the white reference member by the driving unit. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is cleaned when the image reading is performed. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: position detecting means for detecting a rotational position of the belt-shaped white reference member, wherein the driving means detects the rotational position of the white reference member based on a detection result of the position detecting means. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the member is driven to rotate. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said position detecting means includes a position mark having a predetermined size formed at a predetermined position of said belt-shaped white reference member, and an optical sensor for detecting said position mark. The image reading device according to claim 4, wherein 6. A reading means for irradiating a document conveyed to a reading position with light and reading an image of the document by reflected light thereof, and provided at the reading position of the reading means so as to be separated from the reading position. Correction reference means provided with a predetermined white reference member, and the original read by the reading means as image data obtained by reading the white reference member of the correction reference means by the reading means as correction data. In the image reading apparatus for correcting the image, the white reference member is formed in an annular belt shape having a predetermined width, and the correction reference unit cleans at least a surface of the white reference member on the reading unit side. Cleaning means, and driving means for driving the white reference member to rotate in the document conveying direction at a predetermined timing; Image reading apparatus characterized by being arranged in a state in which a predetermined amount of projection. 7. A reading means for irradiating a document conveyed to a reading position by a predetermined conveyance roller with light and reading an image of the document by reflected light thereof, and a reading position of the reading means from the reading position to the reading position. Correction reference means provided so as to be separable and provided with a predetermined white reference member, wherein the reading means reads image data obtained by reading the white reference member of the correction reference means as correction data, and In the image reading device that corrects the image of the read original, the white reference member is formed in an annular belt shape having a predetermined width, and the correction reference unit is provided at least on the reading unit side of the white reference member. Cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the
A support roller that rotatably holds the white reference member and is disposed at a position in contact with the conveyance roller and rotates by the rotation of the conveyance roller to rotate the white reference member in the conveyance direction of the document. An image reading apparatus, comprising: 8. An image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of said white reference member is formed of a member having a predetermined amount of elasticity. 9. The white reference member includes: a correction unit that is white and is read by the reading unit to provide the correction data; and a transport unit that is positioned at the reading position when the reading unit reads the document. The driving unit or the support roller moves the white reference member, positions the correction unit at the reading position when acquiring the correction data, and moves the transport unit when reading the document. 9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image reading apparatus is positioned at a reading position. 10. The white reference member includes a cleaning unit that cleans at least a surface of the reading position of the reading unit. The cleaning unit is configured to rotate the reading unit when the white reference member is driven to rotate. 7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein
The image reading device according to claim 1.