WO1992022978A1

WO1992022978A1 - Image scanner

Info

Publication number: WO1992022978A1
Application number: PCT/JP1992/000786
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masashi Sugimoto; Atsushi Noda; Shinya Sonoda; Hiroki Tabata; Junji Hiraishi
Original assignee: Omron Corporation
Priority date: 1991-06-19
Filing date: 1992-06-19
Publication date: 1992-12-23

Abstract

In a case (1) of an image scanner including a base (3) of a bottom plate, a light source (5) is provided, and the projection light emitted from the light source (5) is projected through a reading window (4) on a sheet (S) data on which is to be read. Also, in the case (1), the light transmitted through the reading window (4) of the light reflected from the sheet (S), is focused on an image sensor (9) through a mirror (7) and a lens system (8) to form an image, and read signal is outputted from the image sensor (9). In this image scanner, a window cover (11) made of a flexible transparent member is mounted removably on the reading window (4), and a lens (12), which concentrates the light emitted from the light source (5) and projects it on the sheet (S), is provided in a body on the window cover (11). Thereby, dust is prevented from entering the inside of the image scanner (1) through the reading window (4), and the configuration of the image scanner is simple and its assembling is easy.

Description

Detailed Image Scanner Technical Field

According to the present invention, by manually moving a sheet-like object to be read, a hand that optically reads characters, figures, and the like described on the object to be read is provided. DI-IMAGE * Regarding Skjana. Background art

A light source is set in the case including the bottom plate, and the light from this light source is projected on the read sheet through the reading window opened in the bottom plate, and is read. Of light reflected through the reading window and passing through the reading window, forms an image on the image sensor (line sensor) through the optical system. An image scanner in which a read signal is output from an image sensor is known. The image scanner has a traveling roller on the bottom. The image scanner is placed on the sheet to be read and the traveling roller is rolled by applying force by hand. By moving the tool on the read sheet, the characters and figures described on the read sheet can be read. The amount of rotation of the traveling roller is built into the case. Detected by the rotating transducer. Reading of the read signal from the image sensor is performed in synchronization with the detected rotation speed.

In such an image scanner, dust penetrates into the case through a reading window that is erected at a low surface, and is installed in the case. Since it adheres to the optical system (including mirrors and lenses) and image sensors, there is a problem that accurate reading cannot be performed. Bottom I: Dust enters through the opening where the installed traveling rollers are stored. Dust that has entered the case will also adhere to the rotating transformer user. Generally, a rotating transducer is composed of a slit plate that rotates in synchronization with a traveling roller, and an optical sensor that is installed with the slit plate in between. and than if we Ru is configured, Lee main over-di-Ri by the adhesion of dust, vinegar key catcher na ₀ of al amount of movement that will problem Ji raw have and that accurately Do rather than Na came in the detection of the With only one traveling roller, the linearity of the image scanner's movement is poor, and characters and figures on the read sheet cannot be read accurately and are distorted. O Disclosure of invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image scanner capable of minimizing the adverse effects of dust.o

More specifically, the invention relates to the penetration of dust into a case. The purpose is to prevent intrusion and to enable more accurate reading.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to accurately detect the amount of movement of the image scanner.

The present invention also aims to enhance the straightness of the movement of the image scanner so that a correct image can be read. Target.

In addition, this invention makes effective use of the space in the case and provides an image scanner that is as compact as possible. The purpose is.

Yet another object of the invention is to facilitate assembly of the image scanner.

Yet another purpose of this disclosure is to achieve uniform and stable illumination.

According to the first feature of the invention, the image * scanner is provided on the case including the bottom plate, the light source installed in the case, and the bottom plate. The light from the light source passes through the window and is projected onto the object to be read, and the reflected light from the object to be received passes through the window and is read. It consists of an image sensor that outputs signals, an optical system that forms an image of the reflected light on the image sensor, and a flexible transparent member. Equipped with a window cover that can be installed on its own 0

According to the first feature of the invention, the bottom plate is provided. Since the window cover is attached to the reading window, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the case. This window cover is detachable, and even if a little dust enters the case, the window cover is removed and the inner surface of the window cover, the mirror, Dust adhering to the optical system including the lens can be easily removed. Furthermore, since the window cover is flexible, the entire window cover can be flexed when it is attached to or detached from the window, and the window cover can be bent. It is easy to attach and detach and there is no risk of damaging the window cover. Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, adverse effects due to dust can be eliminated, and accurate reading can always be performed.

According to a preferred embodiment, a lens for condensing and projecting light from a light source is provided integrally with the window cover. As a result, the number of components is reduced and the alignment of the optical axis is not required, which facilitates assembly.

According to the second feature of the present invention, a light source is provided in a case including a bottom plate, and light to be read from the light source is transmitted through a window provided in the bottom plate. The light that is projected onto the sheet and enters through the window from the reflected light from the read sheet forms an image on the image sensor through the optical system. In the image scanner where the read signal is output from the image sensor, it is located near one end of the bottom surface of the bottom plate near the window. The main roller is installed on a rotating base. Also, the end opposite to the position where this main roller is provided At the bottom of the bottom plate, a groove for accommodating the shaft for rotation is formed in the width direction of the bottom plate, and a projection for preventing the shaft housed in this groove from falling off. At least three resilient tongues each having a tongue are formed integrally with the bottom plate, and these tongues are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. They are arranged in a staggered manner, and a plurality of auxiliary rollers are fixed to the shaft.

According to the second feature of the present invention, a plurality of catching rollers are provided in addition to the main roller. The auxiliary rollers are fixed to the shaft, and the plurality of auxiliary rollers rotate together because the shaft is supported by the rotation itself. However, at least at three points the shaft is held down by tongues with studs, which are arranged alternately across the shaft. So that it does not shake. In this way, when the image scanner is moved, the straightness can be improved, and correct reading can be performed.

Shafts with auxiliary rollers are mounted by placing them in grooves formed in the bottom plate against elastic tongues with projections to prevent them from falling off. It is easy to assemble with zero force.

In addition, the bearing of the shaft provided with the auxiliary roller, that is, the groove and the tongue are formed on the lower surface of the bottom plate of the case. This eliminates the need for additional bearings, and simplification of the configuration can reduce costs. In addition, since the catching roller does not protrude into the case, the space inside the case is effectively used, and the entire image 'scanner is used. Konno ,. You can make a cut. There is no opening in the bottom plate for accommodating the auxiliary roller, so no dust can enter the case.

In a preferred embodiment, a recess for accommodating the main roller is formed on the lower surface of the bottom plate. With this configuration, there is no opening for accommodating the main roller, so that dust can be prevented from entering the case.

According to a third feature of the present invention, a light source is provided in a case including the bottom plate, and the light projected from the light source is read through a window opened in the bottom plate. The light projected on the sheet and reflected from the read sheet and entering through the window forms an image on the image sensor through the optical system. In the image scanner where the read signal is output from the image sensor, the image sensor is mounted on the case's bottom plate to rotate itself. A traveling roller, a gear mechanism installed in the case for transmitting the rotation of the traveling roller, and a traveling mechanism transmitted through the gear mechanism. A rotation transducer for detecting a rotation amount of the roller and outputting a signal indicating a relative movement amount of the image scanner; A gear mechanism and a dust-proof cover that covers the rotary transducer are provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a driving roller is provided. The gear mechanism that transmits the rolling and the rotating transducer that detects the rotation transmitted through this gear mechanism are covered with a dustproof canister. As a result, dust can be prevented from adhering to these components, and the amount of movement of the image scanner can be accurately detected.

According to the fourth feature of the present invention, a light source is provided in a case including the bottom plate, and light projected from the light source is received through a window opened in the bottom plate. The light projected onto the reading sheet and entering through the window out of the reflected light from the reading sheet forms an image on the image sensor through the optical system. In the image scanner in which the read signal is output from the image sensor, the light source is constituted by a rare gas cold-cathode tube. Yes.

In a preferred embodiment, the rare gas cold cathode tube is a xenon cold cathode tube.

In a further preferred embodiment, the lens is formed of a flexible transparent member, and the lens for condensing and projecting the light from the light source is integrally formed. The window power bar can be attached to and detached from the window.

A rare gas cold cathode tube is one in which a rare gas such as xenon is enclosed in a cylindrical glass tube, and since it contains no mercury, it has no effect on the ambient temperature. It has excellent characteristics that the rise time from the start of lighting to the specified illuminance is short, and that the illuminance is stable. According to the fourth feature of the present invention, reading can be started immediately after the light source is turned on. Since rare gas cold cathode tubes generate white light, color images can also be read.

In addition, by providing a window cover integrally formed with a condenser lens on the reading window, it is possible to prevent dust from entering as described above. Simplification and ease of assembly can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an image scanner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the interior of the image 'scanner by breaking the case.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line m—π (or the line n—m in FIG. 4) of FIG.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the window cover.

Figures 5 and 6 are left and right side views of the window cover, respectively.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line W-\ in Fig. 4.

FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 are enlarged sectional views showing how to attach and detach the window cover.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the image scanner.

Fig. 12 shows an enlargement of the bottom plate of the image-scanner case. Take the bottom view.

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the capture roller fixed to the shaft.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view of the bottom plate of the image-scanner case.

FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 are the XV-XV line, XVI-XVI line, XV 11-X 線 1 line and XV m-in Fig. I2, respectively. It is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line XVI II.

FIG. 19 is an assembled perspective view of a gear mechanism, a rotating transducer and a dustproof canister.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a rare gas cold cathode tube.

Fig. 21 is a graph showing the rising characteristics of a rare gas cold-cathode tube.

Fig. 22 is a graph showing the illuminance distribution of a rare gas CCFL.

Figure 23 is a graph showing the rising characteristics of a fluorescent tube. Fig. 24 is a graph showing the illuminance distribution of the LED array, the best mode for carrying out the invention.

First, the overall configuration of the handy-image scanner will be described with reference to FIGS. The upper part of Fig. 1 is the front of the image's scanner, and the lower part is the back. The case 1 of the image scanner is a base (lower half) 3 and a cover (upper half) 2 which is attached to and detached from the base 3. It is composed of These bases 3 and 2 are preferably formed of a synthetic resin. The cover 2 is fixed to the base 3 by a spring. Case 1 has a slightly narrower width in the rear half and a wider width in the front in view of the plane (Fig. 2) force. In this wide front part, the cover 2 has a view window, and the view cover 2 ί made of transparent resin can be attached and detached. Installed.

In the case 1, a cylindrical light source 5 is arranged in front of the case 1 in the width direction. The light source 5 is constituted by a fluorescent tube or, preferably, a rare gas cold cathode tube described later. A part of the light source 5 is covered by a light shielding plate 6 for preventing light scattering. Slightly behind this light source 5, a reading window 4 is provided in the base 3 of the case 1 so as to be elongated in the width direction. The reading window 4 is provided with a window cover 11 which will be described later in detail. The window power bar 11 is recessed inward of the case 1 and is a transparent, flexible resin such as, for example, methacrylic resin (PMMA resin). ). The window lens 11 has a cylindrical lens 12 that collects the light from the light source 5 and projects it on the sheet S to be read. It is formed. Inside the case 1, there are additionally a mirror 7 which constitutes the optical system, a lens system 8 and a line sensor (image sensor). 9 is arranged. In addition, a main board 10, on which various processing circuits are assembled, and other boards (not shown) are provided.

On the lower surface of the base 3 of the case 1, a main running roller 30 is provided at the front, and a plurality of smaller running rollers 40 are provided at the rear. Each is installed on its own. The mounting structure of these rollers 30 and 40 will be described later.

Further, a gear mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the main traveling roller 30 and a rotary for detecting the rotation of the main roller 3 transmitted via the gear mechanism, An encoder (rotary transducer) 50 is installed in case 1. Although the details of these will be described later, the rotation amount of the main roller 30 from the rotary encoder 50, that is, the image * scan A signal (generally, a pulse signal) indicating the amount of movement of the antenna is output.

Such an image scanner is placed on a sheet (paper, manuscript, etc.) S on which the characters and figures to be read are written, and is used by the user. It is moved by applying force with. The image scanner to which the force is applied travels on the sheet S due to the rotation of the main roller 30 and the auxiliary roller 40. Image 'scanner travel (travel ) Is obtained from the rotary encoder 50.

The light generated by the light source 5 is collected by the lens 12 and projected onto the sheet S. A part of the reflected light from the sheet S passes through the transparent window cover 11 provided in the reading window 4 to the mirror 7 and is reflected by the mirror 7 to be reflected by the mirror 7. Go backwards in case 1. The reflected light image is formed on the line sensor 9 arranged behind the lens system 8 by the lens system 8 placed on the way of this optical path. As the image scanner moves, a read signal representing characters and figures described on the sheet S is output from the line sensor 9. The read driving of the line sensor 9 is performed in synchronization with the signal output from the rotary encoder 50. The read signal is transmitted to an external computer or the like via a cable. The user reads the sheet while driving the image scanner through the viewing window cover 21 and the window cover 11. G You can see characters, figures, etc. on S ο

The details of the structure of the window cover 11 attached to the reading window 4 and the method of attaching and detaching the window cover 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As described above, the window cover 11 has an elongated rectangular shape when viewed from a plane (see Fig. 4). When viewed from a cross section, the window cover 11 is in the case 1 when it is mounted. With a concave shape (See Fig. 3 and Fig. 7). In addition, an elongated cylindrical lens 12 is integrally formed on a part of the side wall of the window cover 11.

On one side of the window cover 11, two outwardly projecting claws 13 are formed on the body, and on the other side, two upwardly projecting claws 14 are formed. Are integrally formed.

On the other hand, at the front edge of the reading window 4 formed on the bottom surface of the base 3 of the case 1, a step 31 and a claw 13 for accommodating one edge of the window cover 11 are provided. A locking step portion 33 for locking is formed. In addition, a step Π for receiving the other side edge of the window cover 11 and a locking step 34 for locking the claw 14 are formed on the rear edge of the reading window 4. (See Figures 3 and 7). One of the locking steps is formed in a wall of a recess for accommodating a main opening roller 30 formed in the bottom surface of the base 3.

The window canopy 11 has its side edges on the steps 段 and 3 2 of the base 3, and the claws 13 and 14 are locked on the steps Π and 3 4 respectively. As a result, the reading window 4 is fixed firmly to the reading window 4 and does not come off even when an impact force is applied.

In order to remove the window cover 11 from the mounting state shown in FIG. 8, as shown by the arrow P in FIG. 9, the window cover 11 is almost at the center on the other side as shown by the arrow P in FIG. Apply force to. Since the window cover 11 is flexible, the entire window cover 11 is bent and the locking between the claws 14 and the step is released, as shown in Fig. 10. It can be easily removed. Installation of window cover 11 is as above The procedure should be performed in reverse order.

When the window cover U is attached or detached, the entire flexible window force bar 11 is flexed so that only the claws 13 and 14 can be used with excessive force. They will not be added and the claws U, 14 will not be damaged.

Since the reading window 4 is provided with the window cover 11, it is possible to prevent dust from entering the case 1 from the reading window 4. Wear . Even if a small amount of dust enters the case 1, the window cover 11 can be easily removed, so that the dust adheres to the inner surface of the window cover 11. It is possible to easily remove dust adhering to the optical system including dust and the mirror 7. In this way, accurate reading can be performed without adverse effects of dust. Furthermore, since the window cover 11 can be attached and detached without using a special jig, the user of the image's scanner can use the jig. However, the cleaning operation described above can be performed.

Next, the main traveling roller 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 11. FIG.

On the bottom surface of the base 3 of the case 1, immediately behind the reading window 4, a main roller storage recess 35 is formed integrally with the base 3. The wall forming this recess 35 is recessed when viewed from the lower surface, and protrudes when viewed from the inside of case 1. The main running roller 30 is formed of an elastic body such as rubber, fixed to the shaft 36, and is loosely housed in the recess 35. I'm afraid.

On the lower surface of the base 3, slide bearings 37 are formed integrally with the base 3 at both ends of the recess 35, and the shaft bearings 37 are formed on the slide bearings 37. Both ends are supported by the rotation itself.

One end of the shaft extends through one bearing Π into the inside of case 1, where a pinion Π is fixedly mounted. The small gear 38 is for transmitting the rotation of the main traveling roller 30 to the rotary encoder 50, and will be described later in detail.

As described above, the main traveling roller 30 is housed in the recess 35 formed in the base 3 and protrudes through the opening into the case 1. That is not the case. Accordingly, there is no opening into the case 1 where dust can enter even at the mounting position of the main traveling roller 30.

Further, the mounting structure of the auxiliary traveling roller 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18.

The auxiliary traveling roller 40 has a smaller diameter than the main traveling roller 30. In addition, the main traveling roller 30 has a long axial length, but the auxiliary traveling roller 40 has a short axial length, and two auxiliary rollers are provided. . The auxiliary traveling roller 40 is made of rubber or other elastic material, and is fixed to both ends of the shaft 41 by being pressed into the shaft 41. It has been done. A U-shaped groove extending in the width direction is formed at the rear of the lower surface of the base 3 of the case 1. The U-shaped groove 42 receives the shaft 41 by itself. In the vicinity of both ends of the U-shaped groove 42, a concave portion 43 for loosely storing the assisting traveling roller 40 is formed. On the inner surface of the base 3, the portions corresponding to the U-grooves 42 and the concave portions 43 are inwardly swelled in a semicircular cross section. These portions are indicated by 42a and 43a, respectively.

At the position between the two auxiliary roller storage recesses 43, three rectangular holes 44A, 44B and 44C are seen from the bottom, including the U groove 42. The tongues 45A, 45B and 45C are formed integrally with the base 3 in these holes. The tongue pieces 45A to 45C are resilient because their surroundings are holes 44A. The tongue pieces 45A, 45B, and 46C are provided with projections 46A, 46B, and 46C, respectively, which are directed toward the groove 42 and are formed physically.

The shaft 41 of the catching roller 40 is housed in the U-shaped groove 42, and the outside thereof is pressed by the projections 46A to 46C. Is held in The holes 44A to 44C, the tongue pieces 45A to 45C and the projections A to C are arranged alternately by narrowing the shaft 44.

That is, the holes 44A and 44C on both sides, the tongue pieces 45A and 45C, and the projections 46A and 46C are provided on the shaft 41 (U groove 42). It is located at the rear and has a central hole 44 and a tongue piece 45B. The projection B is located in front of the shaft 41 (the U groove.

If the shaft integrated with the auxiliary roller is pushed into the U-groove from the underside of the base against the projections 46A to 46C, the elastic tongue 45A Since ~ 45C is deformed to allow the intrusion of the shaft 41 into the U-groove 42, the shaft 41 is accommodated in the U-groove 42. Once the shaft 41 is seated in the U-shaped groove 42, the protrusions A to 46C contact the shaft 41 to prevent the shaft 41 from dropping off.

As described above, the catching traveling roller 4G has a relatively small diameter and is accommodated in the recess 43 formed on the lower surface of the base 3, so that The amount of protrusion into Case 1 is small, and the space inside Case 1 can be used effectively. In particular, it is possible to dispose the main substrate 10 close to the bottom surface of the base 3. In addition, at the position of the catching roller 40, the base 3 has no opening, and the holes 44A to 44C are small, so that dust from outside may be in the case 1. Hardly penetrates

According to the configuration described above, two auxiliary traveling rollers 40 are provided in addition to the main traveling roller 3D. Since the capture rollers 40 are fixed to the shaft 41 and the shaft is supported by the rotation itself, a plurality of the capture rollers 40 rotate together. . In addition, the tongue piece provided with the projections 46A to 46C for preventing the fall, which are arranged at least at three points and are staggered with the shaft 41 therebetween. Presser with 45A to 45C Because it is broken, there is no power to shake. In this way, the straightness when the image scanner is moved is improved, and correct reading can be performed.

The shaft 41 with the auxiliary roller 40 is formed on the bottom surface of the base 3 against the elastic tongues 45A to 45C having the projections 46A to 46C for preventing falling off. By mounting in the U-shaped groove 42, the force to be mounted can be easily assembled.

Furthermore, the bearing of the shaft 41 provided with the auxiliary roller 40, that is, the U groove and the tongue pieces 45A to 45C are formed on the lower surface of the base 3. Therefore, a bearing as a separate member is not required, and the cost can be reduced by simplifying the configuration.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 19, from the small gear Π fixed to the shaft 36 of the main traveling roller 30, the rotary encoder Explain the rotation transmission mechanism to 50 o

The rotary encoder 50 has a slit plate 52 in which a number of slits are formed radially, and the slit plate 52 is disposed between the slit plate 52 and the slit plate 52. It is composed of a photoelectric sensor 51 including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The photoelectric sensor 51 is fixed on the main board 10.

A frame 57 supporting the gear mechanism is fixed to the bottom surface of the base 3. This frame 5 has a slit plate 52, large gears 54, 56 and small gears 53, 55 that support the rotation. Have been carried. The slit plate 52 and the small gear 53 are coaxial and integrated, and the large gear 54 and the small gear 55 are coaxial and integrally formed. The small gear fixed to the shaft 36 of the main traveling roller 30 meshes with the large gear 56, the large gear 56 has the small gear 55, and the large gear 54 has the small gear 53. By the engagement, the rotation of the shaft 36 is transmitted to the slit plate 52 via these gears Π, 56, 55, 54, 53.

A dustproof cover 58 is provided so as to cover all of the gears 38, 56 to 53, the slit plate 52, and the photoelectric sensor 51. One 58 is fixed to a frame 57 by a screw 59.

In this way, the gear mechanism including the rotary encoder 50 is covered by the dust cover 58, and particularly, the photoelectric sensor. Dust is prevented from adhering to the support 51, and the amount of movement of the image scanner can be accurately detected.

The light source 5 is realized by a fluorescent tube or a rare gas cold cathode tube as described above. The light source 5 may be composed of a light emitting diode (LED) array.

However, most preferably, the light source 5 is realized using a rare gas cold cathode tube, especially a xenon cold cathode tube. The reason is as described below.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a rare gas cold cathode tube 5A. Xenon gas is sealed in the rare gas cold cathode tube 5A. When a high-frequency voltage is applied to both electrodes, cold-cathode discharge occurs and light is emitted. A capture electrode 62 is attached to the back of the xenon cold-cathode tube 5A. The auxiliary electrode 62 attracts the electrons radiated from the electrode 61 and performs a quick and reliable discharge. Of course, the straight stability of the positive column during lighting is ensured, and the stability of the surface illuminance of the sheet S is also ensured.

Figure 2 shows the rising characteristics of a xenon cold-cathode tube. According to the rise characteristics of the xenon cold-cathode tube, a few seconds after the start of lighting, as evident from the comparison with the rise characteristics of the fluorescent tube shown in Fig. 23, Sufficient sheet surface illuminance (minimum required illuminance is indicated by a dashed line) can be obtained. In addition, the stability of the illuminance on the sheet surface after lighting is extremely high, and the characters and figures on the sheet S can be read accurately. This rise characteristic is hardly affected by the ambient temperature. Also, since white light is emitted, color images can be read, and FIG. 4 shows the rising characteristics of the fluorescent tube. Since the brightness of the fluorescent tube is affected by the mercury vapor pressure, that is, the environmental temperature, the sheet surface is read from the start of lighting, and the illuminance is sufficient for processing (the required illuminance is indicated by a dashed line). The time to reach is long, and the startup characteristics are not good. As a result, it is not possible to start reading immediately after turning on the light source. Figure 22 shows that the illuminance distribution of the xenon cold-cathode tube is not maintained. The horizontal axis shows the position of the xenon cold-cathode tube in the longitudinal direction, and the vertical axis shows the illuminance on the sheet surface. As shown in this drawing, the xenon cold-cathode tube has a more uniform sheet surface illuminance within the effective range than the LED array shown in Fig. 24. O

The LED array is composed of a large number of LEDs arranged in a line. In such an LED array, as shown in Fig. 24, light and dark spots occur on the sheet surface corresponding to the individual LEDs.

If a rare gas cold-cathode tube is used as the light source, its rising characteristics are so good that reading can be started immediately after the light source is turned on. Since the illuminance on the sheet surface to be read becomes uniform, accurate reading becomes possible. Industrial applicability

The image scanner is used in a state where it is connected to a computer system, and it is particularly difficult to input images through a keyboard or the like. It is useful as a means of inputting data to a computer, and its use is expected to expand in the future.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Case including bottom plate,

The light source installed in the above case,

A window, which is provided on the bottom plate and through which the light projected from the light source is projected onto the object to be read;

An image sensor that receives light incident through the above-mentioned window from among the reflected light from the object to be read and outputs a read signal,

An optical system that forms the reflected light onto the image sensor, and

A window cover which is made of a flexible transparent member and can be attached to and detached from the window.

Image Scanner with '

2-The image according to claim 1, wherein a lens for collecting and projecting light from the light source is integrally provided on the window cover. Scanner.

3. The main roller, which is mounted on the lower surface of the bottom plate of the above case,

The vehicle further includes a catching and running means provided on the lower surface of the bottom plate of the case.

The above-mentioned assisting traveling means,

A plurality of assist rollers and

A shaft to which the plurality of auxiliary rollers are fixed, It consists of a sliding bearing that supports the above-mentioned shaft in its own rotation.

The sliding bearing includes a groove formed in the lower surface of the bottom plate for storing the shaft in a rotating manner, and a projection for preventing the shaft from falling out of the shaft stored in the groove. The bottom plate is provided with at least three tongue pieces each having at least three elastic pieces formed physically on the bottom plate, and the plurality of tongue pieces are connected to the shaft. Are arranged alternately across the shaft in the longitudinal direction of the

An image scanner according to claim 1.

4. The image scanner according to item 3, wherein the recess for accommodating the catching roller is formed in the bottom plate, and the recess is formed in the bottom plate.

5. The traveling roller mounted on the bottom plate of the case above

A gear mechanism provided in the above case for transmitting the rotation of the above-mentioned rolling roller;

_t 5 ¾ ¾ ¾ 走行量 ¾ ¾ 検出検出 t t 信号 t 信号 t t 信号 t 信号信号信号信号 t 信号信号信号信号信号 t 信号信号信号信号信号信号信号信号信号信号信号. A rotating transducer, and a dust cover that covers the gear mechanism and the rotating transducer.

In claim 1 with additional provisions; a self-contained image scanner.

6. The image 'scanner according to claim 1, wherein said light source is constituted by a rare gas cold cathode tube.

7. A light source is installed in the case including the bottom plate, and the projected light from this light source is projected on the reading sheet through the window opened in the bottom plate. Of the reflected light from the sheet to be read, the light incident through the above window is focused on the image sensor through the optical system, and the image is reflected on the image. In the image scanner where the read signal is output from the sensor,

A main roller is provided at one end of the lower surface of the bottom plate in the vicinity of the window to rotate independently.

At the end opposite to the position where the main roller is installed, on the lower surface of the bottom plate, the shaft is housed in the rotating position- At least three resilient tongues are formed on the bottom plate, each formed with a projection for preventing the fall of the shaft housed in this groove. These tongues are integrally formed, and these tongue pieces are alternately arranged with the above-mentioned shaft interposed therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned shaft, and the above-mentioned shaft has a plurality of auxiliary slots. An image 'scanner characterized in that the roller is fixed.

8. The image * scanner according to claim 7, wherein a recess for accommodating the auxiliary roller is formed in the bottom plate.

9. The recess for accommodating the main roller is located on the underside of the bottom plate. An image scanner according to claim 7, wherein the image scanner is formed.

10. A window cover composed of a flexible transparent member and integrally formed with a lens for condensing and projecting the light from the light source is detachably attached to the window. The image scanner according to claim 7, which is attached to the image scanner.

1 1. A gear mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the main roller and an amount of rotation of the main roller transmitted via the gear mechanism are detected, and an image scaling is performed. Claim 7: A dust-proof power bar is provided to cover the rotary transducer that outputs a signal indicating the relative movement of the fin, and the dust-proof bar is provided. Image, Scanner.

12. The image and the scanner according to claim 7, wherein the light source is constituted by a rare gas cold cathode tube.

1 3. A light source is installed in the case including the bottom plate, and the light from this light source is projected on the reading sheet through the window opened in the bottom plate. Of the light reflected from the read sheet, the light that enters through the window is focused on the image sensor through the optical system, and the image is captured. In the image scanner where the read signal is output from the image sensor,

A traveling roller installed on the bottom plate of the above case in a rotating manner;

In the case above, which transmits the rotation of the traveling roller. Gear mechanism provided in the

A rotation translator that detects the amount of rotation of the traveling roller transmitted through the gear mechanism and outputs a signal indicating the relative amount of movement of the image scanner. A duster, a dust proof can that covers the gear mechanism and the rotating transducer,

An image 'scanner characterized by having:

1. A light source is provided in the case including the bottom plate, and the projected light from this light source is projected on the reading sheet through the window opened in the bottom plate, and Of the reflected light from the reading sheet, the light incident through the above window is focused on the image * sensor through the optical system, and the image is read. · In the image scanner where the read signal is output from the sensor · In the image scanner,

An image scanner characterized in that the light source is constituted by a rare gas cold cathode tube.

15. The image and the scanner according to claim 14, wherein the rare gas cold cathode tube is a xenon cold cathode tube.

16. A window cover composed of a flexible transparent member and integrally formed with a lens for condensing and projecting the light from the light source is detachably attached to the window. The image scanner according to claim H, wherein the image scanner is mounted on an image scanner.