JPH0631805Y2 - Image input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The image input device of the present invention will be described according to the following items.

A. Industrial application fields B. Outline of Invention C. Prior art [Fig. 9] D. Problems to be solved by the invention E. Means for Solving Problems F. Example [FIGS. 1 to 8] a. Appearance [Fig. 1] b. Image input device [FIGS. 1 to 5] c. Guide mechanism [FIGS. 1 and 6] d. Traveling mechanism [FIGS. 7 and 8] e. Action G. Effect of the Invention (A. Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a novel image input device. More specifically, it is intended to provide a novel image input device that can be thinned and downsized and can reduce the mounting accuracy of each optical component by devising the arrangement of the optical components. .

(B. Outline of the Invention) In the image input device of the present invention, the light source, the rod lens array, and the line sensor, which are the optical components, are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the document surface, and the rod lens array is substantially parallel to the document surface. It is possible to guide the reflected light on the document surface to the line sensor by arranging it so that it is tilted sideways so that a total of two reflecting mirrors are interposed between each optical component, and to reduce the thickness and size of the device. In addition to being able to contribute, it is possible to use a long rod lens array without increasing the dimension in the thickness direction, and further, it is possible to relax the mounting accuracy of the optical component.

(C. Prior Art) [FIG. 9] Conventionally, an image input device using a rod lens array is shown in FIG.
There was something a as shown in the figure.

Reference numeral b denotes a rod lens array, and the rod lens array b is arranged such that its optical axis is perpendicular to the document surface c and is separated from the rod lens array b by a substantially focal length.

Reference numeral d denotes a light source, and the light source d is arranged in the vicinity of the rod lens array b so that the original surface c facing the rod lens array b is illuminated.

Reference numeral e denotes a line sensor. The line sensor has a light receiving portion f on the side of the original surface c of the rod lens array b opposite to the light emitting surface of the rod lens array b, and a focal length of the rod lens array b. Are spaced apart from each other.

In such an image input device a, the reflected light due to the irradiation of the document surface c of the light source d is magnified by the rod lens array b as a linear image, and the magnified linear image is converted into a line image. An image is formed on the light receiving portion f of the sensor e and read by the line sensor e.

(D. Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the above-mentioned conventional image input device a,
Since the rod lens array b is arranged so that its optical axis is perpendicular to the document surface c, the distance between the document surface c and the line sensor e increases in the thickness direction of the image input device a. Therefore, there is a problem that the thickness of the image input device a cannot be reduced.

In order to reduce the thickness of the image input device a as much as possible,
It is conceivable to use a rod lens array b having a short total length.

However, the rod lens array having a short overall length has a problem that the practically allowable depth of focus becomes shallow, and the mounting accuracy of the optical components must be strict.

(E. Means for Solving Problems) Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the image input device of the present invention arranges the light source, the rod lens array, and the line sensor so as to be substantially parallel to the document surface. Then, the rod lens array is obliquely placed sideways so that its optical axis is substantially parallel to the document surface, and a total of two reflecting mirrors are interposed between the optical components to reflect the light on the document surface. The light is made thin on the line sensor.

Therefore, according to the image input device of the present invention, since the rod lens array is arranged obliquely sideways so that its optical axis is substantially parallel to the document surface, the total number of reflection mirrors interposed between the optical components is Since only two lenses are required, the image input device can be made thinner, and since a rod lens array having a long overall length can be used, the mounting accuracy of each optical component can be eased.

(F. Embodiment) [FIGS. 1 to 8] The details of the image input device of the present invention will be described below according to an embodiment in which the image input device shown in the accompanying drawings is applied to a copying machine.

(A. Appearance) [FIG. 1] Reference numeral 1 in the figure denotes an image reading unit of a copying machine, which includes an image input device 2 according to the present invention, a document table 3 for placing a document, and the image input device 2 on the document table. 3 includes guide mechanisms 4 and 5 that guide the image input device 2 to move along the document placement surface 3a, and a traveling mechanism 6 that causes the image input device 2 to travel. It should be noted that illustration and description of parts other than the image reading unit of the copying machine are omitted.

(B. Image Input Device) [FIGS. 1 to 5] Reference numeral 7 denotes a flat, elongated box-shaped outer casing having an opening on the lower surface, and the outer casing 7 has a glass plate so as to cover the opening on the lower surface. 8 is attached.

Reference numeral 9 is a linear light source, and a light emitting diode array is used in this embodiment.

In the light emitting diode array 9, a large number of light emitting diodes 11, 11, ... Are linearly arranged and supported on a substrate 10 formed in a strip shape, and the light emitting diodes 11, 11 ,. The rod-shaped rod lens 12 is abutted,
Further, the frame 13 molded with white synthetic resin
Is attached to the rod lens 12 and fixed to the substrate 10.

Such a light emitting diode array 9 has a substrate 10 inside the outer casing 7 and is fixed to the front end side of the light emitting diode array 9 so as to be inclined with respect to the upper plate 7a and the front wall plate 7b. The incident light is incident on the glass plate 8 with an inclination, is refracted by the glass plate 8, and illuminates the document surface 14 placed on the document placing surface 3a of the document table 3. .

Reference numeral 15 is a strip-shaped first reflecting mirror, and the first reflecting mirror 15 is arranged so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the outer casing 7 substantially directly above the document surface 14 illuminated by the light emitting diode array 9. The first reflection mirror 15 is tilted so that the light from the document surface 14 is reflected slightly downward toward the rear of the outer casing 7.

Reference numeral 16 is a coupling element for optically coupling between the image to be incident and the image receiving element to form the image on the image receiving element, and a rod lens array is used here.

The rod lens array 16 has a distributed index columnar lens (for example, diameter 1 to 1) whose refractive index increases as it approaches the center.
2 mm) 17, 17, ... are arranged in a plurality of flat plates,
It is configured to be held between the two support plates 18, 18 which are positioned above and below.

Such a rod lens array 16 is arranged inside the outer casing 7 and slightly behind the first reflection mirror 15, and the light reflected by the first reflection mirror 15 is reflected by each columnar lens 1.
The rod lens array 16 is inclined so as to be slightly rearward and downward so as to be incident on 7, 17, ....

Reference numeral 19 is an image receiving element, and an amorphous silicon line sensor is used here.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a substrate of the line sensor 19, the substrate 20 has a light receiving portion 21 at the front end portion of one surface thereof, a circuit portion 22 at the rear end portion of the same surface as the light receiving portion 21, and the other end. The connector 23 is arranged at the rear end of the surface of the
An aluminum plate 24 for reinforcement is attached to a portion of the side surface other than the connector 23.

In the line sensor 19 configured as described above, the substrate 20 is horizontal behind the rod lens array 16, and the light receiving portion 21 and the circuit portion 22 are on the lower side, that is, the light receiving portion 21 is the document surface 14. Are arranged so as to face each other.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a strip-shaped second reflecting mirror, which is arranged below the light receiving portion 21 of the line sensor 19 and reflects the light emitted from the rod lens array 16 to direct it to the light receiving portion 21 of the line sensor 19. Is so inclined.

Then, the light-emitting diode array 9 is turned on to illuminate the linear image to be input on the document surface 14, the linear image is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 15, and the rod lens array 16 and the second reflecting mirror 25. Through the line sensor 1
The image is formed as an erect image on the light receiving unit 21 of 9 and is read by the line sensor 19.

(C. Guide mechanism) [FIGS. 1 and 6] The guide mechanisms 4 and 5 are arranged on both sides of the document table 3 facing each other.

That is, the guide mechanism 4 includes a guide rod 26, one end of which is supported by the document table 3 on one side of the document table 3, and a linear motion bearing arranged at one side end of the image input device 2. The linear motion bearing 27 is slidably fitted on the guide rod 26, and one end of the image input device 2 is slidably supported by the guide rod 26.

The guide mechanism 5 is composed of a guide portion formed along the other side portion of the document table 3 and a guided portion formed at the other side end portion of the image input device 2.

Reference numeral 28 is a ridge formed along the other side edge of the document table 3 and slightly inside the side edge. Reference numeral 29 denotes an inverted L-shaped cover body formed along the other side edge of the document table 3, and the tip of the upper side portion 29a thereof extends to a position facing the protrusion 28 from below. A ridge 30 extending in the same direction as the extending direction of the ridge 28 is formed immediately inside the portion of the lower surface of the upper side portion 29a facing the ridge 28. A predetermined space is provided in the height direction between the upper surface of the ridge 28 and the lower surface of the ridge 30. Thus, the guide portions are formed by these ridges 28 and 30. Reference numeral 31 denotes a support shaft projecting outward from the other side end of the image input device 2, and two rollers 32 and 33 are rotatably supported on the support shaft 31. A guided portion is formed by 32 and 33. The inner side of these rollers 32, 33, that is, the roller 32 on the side of the image input device 2 is rotatably mounted on the ridge 28, and another roller 33 is a cover body 29.
It is in rolling contact with the lower surface of the ridge 30 formed on. Accordingly, the other side end of the image input device 2 is supported so as to be movable along the other side edge of the document table 3.

(D. Traveling Mechanism) [FIGS. 7 and 8] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the traveling mechanism 6.

The traveling mechanism 6 is a cover body 2 formed at one end of the document table 3.
It is arranged in the space inside the ridge 30 in 9.

34, 34 are pulleys rotatably supported at both ends in the cover body 29, and an endless wire 35 is laid over the pulleys 34, 34.

Reference numeral 36 denotes a speed reducer motor for rotating one of the pulleys 34, 34. A worm 37 fixed to an output shaft 36 a of the motor 36 is a shaft 34 of the pulley 34.
It is meshed with a worm wheel 34b fixed to a.

Further, a part of the wire 35 is fixed to the tip portion of the support shaft 31 protruding from the image input device 2.

Then, when the motor 36 rotates, the pulley 34 is rotated via the worm 37. Then, the rotation of the pulley 34 causes the wire 35 to run, and further causes the image input device 2 to run along the guide mechanisms 4 and 5.

That is, at one side end of the image input device 2, the linear motion bearing 27 of the guide rod 2 is supported by the document table 3.
6 and the rollers 32 and 33 of the other side end of the image input device 2 roll on the surfaces of the ridges 28 and 30, respectively, so that the image input device 2 moves onto the document table 3. Will be done.

The traveling mechanism is not limited to the one using the endless wire as described above, but may be any appropriate mechanism such as a rack and pinion.

That is, FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another example of the traveling mechanism.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 38 is a rack formed along the side edge of the document table 3.

Reference numeral 39 denotes a motor supported on one side of the image input device 2, and a pinion gear 40 is fixed to an output shaft of the motor 39 via a reduction gear.

The pinion gear 40 meshes with the rack 38, and the motor 39 drives the pinion gear 40 to rotate and roll on the rack 38, whereby the image input device 2 moves on the document table 3. become.

(E. Operation) In the copying machine 1 described above, when the image input device 2 is moved on the document surface 14 of the document placed on the document table 3, the image input device 2 causes the document to be moved. The surface 14 is sequentially read by the line sensor 19 as a plurality of linear images.

(G. Effect of Invention) As is apparent from the above description, the image input device of the present invention illuminates the surface of the document with a light source and guides the reflected light to the line sensor through the rod lens array. In an image input device adapted to read image information recorded on a surface, the light source, the rod lens array, and the line sensor are arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the original, and the light receiving portion of the line sensor is the original. The rod lens array is arranged so as to face the surface, and the light receiving portion of the rod lens array faces the light source side and the light emitting surface faces the line sensor side, and the light emitting surface side of the rod lens array is closer to the document surface than the light receiving portion side. And a first reflecting mirror that is disposed obliquely sideways and is disposed above the document surface and reflects light from the document surface toward the light receiving portion of the rod lens array. ,
A second reflection mirror is provided below the light receiving portion of the line sensor and reflects the light emitted from the rod lens array toward the light receiving portion of the line sensor.

Therefore, according to the image input device of the present invention, the light source, the rod lens array, and the line sensor, which are optical components, are arranged substantially parallel to the document surface, which can contribute to thinning and downsizing of the device, and Since a long-focus rod lens array can be used and the number of parts can be reduced, the mounting accuracy of optical parts can be eased.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 8 show an embodiment in which the image input device of the present invention is applied to a copying machine. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image reading portion thereof, and FIG. A partially cutaway perspective view, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a light source, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rod lens array, and FIG. Is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a main part of the guide mechanism, FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the traveling mechanism, FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another example of the traveling mechanism, and FIG. 9 is an example of a conventional image input device. FIG. Explanation of symbols 2 ... Image input device, 9 ... Light source, 14 ... Original surface, 15 ... First reflection mirror, 16 ...
Rod lens array, 19 ... Line sensor, 21 ... Light receiving part, 25 ... Second reflecting mirror

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. An image input device adapted to read image information recorded on the surface of an original by irradiating the surface of the original with a light source and guiding the reflected light to a line sensor through a rod lens array. , The rod lens array and the line sensor are arranged in a direction substantially parallel to the document surface, the light receiving portion of the line sensor is arranged so as to face the document surface, and the rod lens array receives light. The light source side faces the light source side and the light emitting side faces the line sensor side, and the light emitting side of the light receiving side faces the document surface. From the rod lens array, which is disposed below the light receiving portion of the line sensor, and a first reflecting mirror that reflects the light of the above direction toward the light receiving portion of the rod lens array. An image input device comprising a second reflecting mirror that reflects the emitted light toward the light receiving portion of the line sensor.