JP3802252B2 - Image reading head and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
【Technical field】
  The present invention relates to an image reading head used for reading a document image.,AndthisImage reading headDoThe present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that is provided.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  For example10As shown in FIG. 3, the general structure of the facsimile apparatus is such that an image reading head 95 is provided opposite to the transport path of the document D in the housing 9e, and the recording paper K fed out from the take-up roll R is provided. The print head 96 is provided opposite to the transfer path. The general structure of the image reading head 95 is a structure in which a light source and a plurality of light receiving elements are incorporated in a case equipped with a glass transparent cover, and light emitted from the light source is the surface of the transparent cover. When the original supplied above is irradiated and reflected, the reflected light is received by a plurality of light receiving elements so that an image signal corresponding to the amount of received light is output. On the other hand, a thermal print head is frequently used as the print head 96, and its general structure is that a plurality of heating elements for printing on the surface of the substrate and a driving IC for controlling the driving of the plurality of heating elements. It has a structure equipped with.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, conventionally, when an image processing apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus is manufactured using the image reading head 95 or the print head 96, the following problems have occurred.
[0004]
  That is, the conventional image reading head 95 has only a function of reading an image of the document D supplied to a predetermined position. On the other hand, in order to appropriately perform the document image reading operation, for example, the image reading head 95 and the document platen roller P facing the image reading head 95 are used.₁In the meantime, it is required to be able to determine whether or not the document D is actually set. For this reason, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, a document detection sensor 97a is provided separately from the image reading head 95.
[0005]
  However, when such a means is employed, the work of individually incorporating the image reading head 95 and the document detection sensor 97a into the housing 9e becomes complicated. For example, when the document detection sensor 97a detects the end of the document D, and the control for finishing the image reading operation when the paper is fed by a certain dimension from the end detection time is performed, It is also necessary to accurately set the distance between the document detection sensor 97a and the image reading head 95 to a predetermined dimension, and the alignment of the distance becomes complicated. Therefore, conventionally, the assembling workability of the image processing apparatus configured using the image reading head 95 is poor, and the manufacturing cost thereof is high.
[0006]
  Further, the conventional print head 96 also has only a function of printing out image data on the recording paper K supplied to a predetermined position. Therefore, for example, it is detected that the recording paper K is out of paper. In this case, it is necessary to provide the recording paper detection sensor 97 b separately from the print head 96. Therefore, as in the case of the image reading head 95 described above, the assembling workability of the image processing apparatus is poor.
[0007]
  The present invention has been conceived under such circumstances, and makes it possible to easily assemble an image processing apparatus having a function of detecting a document or recording paper, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the image processing apparatus. The challenge is to reduce it.
[0008]
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.
[0009]
  According to a first aspect of the present invention, an image reading head is provided. This image reading headFirst,A case equipped with a transparent cover, a light source for irradiating light on a document opposed to the surface of the transparent cover, and a reflected light from the document, and outputting an image signal corresponding to the received light amount An image reading head comprising a plurality of light receiving elements, and comprising a document detecting means for detecting whether a document is present on or near the surface of the transparent cover.The document detection means comprises a movable member having one end for contacting the document and the other end for facing the light source in the document transport path; and This movable member is used when the one end is not in contact with the original. The other end portion blocks light traveling from the light source toward the transparent cover, while the other end portion retracts to a position where it does not block the light when the one end portion contacts the document. Has beenIt is characterized by that.Secondly, the image reading head receives a case where a transparent cover is mounted, a light source for irradiating light on a document opposed to the surface of the transparent cover, and reflected light from the document. An image reading head having a plurality of light receiving elements that output image signals corresponding to the amount of received light, and detecting whether or not a document is present on or near the surface of the transparent cover The document detection means is arranged in an optical path from the one end part for contacting the document in the document transfer path and the transparent cover to the plurality of light receiving elements. And a movable member having a second end portion for the second end portion, and the movable member is configured such that when the one end portion is not in contact with the original, the other end portion is separated from the transparent cover by the plurality of the plurality of the end portions. While blocking the light traveling in the direction of the optical element, the other end is characterized in that is provided so as to be retracted to a position not blocking the light when said one end is in contact with the document.
[0010]
[0011]
  In the present invention, since the image reading head itself includes the document detecting means, when the image processing apparatus is manufactured using the image reading head, the document detecting means is provided separately from the image reading head. The necessity can be eliminated, or the number of document detection means provided separately from the image reading head can be reduced. Further, at the stage of incorporating the image reading head into a predetermined portion of the image processing apparatus, the positional relationship between each part of the image reading head and the document detecting means is already determined. There is no need to align the image reading head with the document detecting means when it is incorporated in a location. Therefore, the assembling work of the image processing apparatus using the image reading head is facilitated, and the manufacturing cost of the image processing apparatus can be reduced.
[0012]
[0013]
  Characterized in the firstAccording to the configuration, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a document using the light source of the image reading head and the plurality of light receiving elements. That is, when the original does not exist on or near the surface of the transparent cover and the original is not in contact with one end of the movable member, the other end of the movable member emits light traveling from the light source toward the transparent cover. In order to block the light, the plurality of light receiving elements do not receive the light emitted from the light source. On the other hand, for example, when the original is positioned on the surface of the transparent cover and contacts one end of the movable member, the other end of the movable member is positioned so as not to block light traveling from the light source toward the transparent cover. In order to evacuate, the light emitted from the light source is reflected by a document located on the surface of the transparent cover and then received by a plurality of light receiving elements. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the document exists at a predetermined location depending on whether or not the plurality of light receiving elements are in a light receiving state. In this way, if it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a document using the parts originally possessed by the image reading head, the configuration will be rational, and the parts cost or production of the document detection means will be correspondingly increased. Cost can be reduced.
[0014]
[0015]
  Characterized by the second aboveAccording to the configuration, when the document is not present on or near the surface of the transparent cover and the document is not in contact with one end of the movable member, the other end of the movable member is transferred from the transparent cover to the plurality of light receiving elements. The plurality of light receiving elements do not receive the light emitted from the light source in order to block the optical path to reach. In contrast, when the original is positioned on the surface of the transparent cover and contacts one end of the movable member, for example, the other end of the movable member is emitted from the light source and reflected by the surface of the original. Therefore, the light is received by a plurality of light receiving elements. Therefore, also with the above configuration, as in the configuration described above, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of a document by effectively using the light source and the plurality of light receiving elements that the image reading head originally has. Cost or production cost can be reduced.
[0016]
  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an image read / write integrated head further comprising a plurality of printing elements and capable of reading a document image and printing output of image data onto recording paper by the plurality of printing elements. It is configured as.
[0017]
  According to such a configuration, when manufacturing an image processing apparatus of a type that has both an image reading function and an image data printout function, it is not necessary to incorporate a print head separately from the image reading head. The production process of the image processing apparatus can be made easier. In addition, the image processing apparatus can be downsized.
[0018]
  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided recording sheet detecting means for detecting whether or not a recording sheet exists on or near the surface of the plurality of printing elements.
[0019]
  According to such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide a device for detecting the recording paper separately from the image reading head, so that the manufacturing operation of the image processing apparatus can be facilitated.
[0020]
  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recording paper detecting means reaches one of the light receiving elements for image reading from the one end for contacting the recording paper in the recording paper transport path and the transparent cover. A movable member having a second end portion disposed in the optical path, and the movable member is configured so that the other end portion is in accordance with whether or not the one end portion contacts the recording paper. The position is changed between a position where light traveling from the transparent cover toward the plurality of light receiving elements is blocked and a position where light is not blocked.
[0021]
  According to such a configuration, the plurality of light receiving elements can be switched between a state of receiving light traveling from the direction of the transparent cover and a state of not receiving light depending on whether or not the recording paper is present at a predetermined position. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the recording paper is present at a predetermined location depending on whether or not the plurality of light receiving elements are in a light receiving state. Therefore, the presence or absence of the recording paper can be rationally performed by using the parts that the image reading head originally has, and the parts cost or the manufacturing cost of the recording paper detection means can be reduced.
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
  No. of the present invention2According to the above aspect, an image processing apparatus is provided. This image processing apparatus is an image reading head provided by the first aspect of the present invention.DoIt is characterized by having.
[0025]
  No. of the present invention2In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention,On the faceTherefore, an effect similar to that obtained can be expected.
[0026]
  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, the present inventionReference examples andA preferred embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
  FIG. 1 shows an image reading head according to the present invention.Reference exampleFIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the image reading head shown in FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of IV-IV in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG.
[0029]
  thisThe image reading head A is configured as an image reading / writing integrated head having not only an image reading function but also a print output function of image data. 2 and 3, the image reading head A includes a case 1, a plurality of document detection sensors 2A, a plurality of recording paper detection sensors 2B, a transparent cover 19, a lens array 5, a light reflection, and the like. The prevention member 6, the substrate 4, the heat radiating plate 7, and other components described later are provided.
[0030]
  The substrate 4 is made of, for example, ceramic and has a plate shape having a rectangular shape in plan view. A plurality of light sources 30, a plurality of light receiving elements 3, a plurality of driving ICs 80, and a plurality of heating elements 8 are mounted on the surface 4 a (one side) of the substrate 4.
[0031]
  The plurality of light sources 30 are configured using, for example, LED chips, and are mounted in a row at an appropriate interval in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 4. The plurality of light receiving elements 3 are elements having a photoelectric conversion function, and are mounted in a row substantially parallel to the row of the plurality of light sources 30. The plurality of heating elements 8 correspond to an example of a printing element referred to in the present invention, and the manufacture thereof is performed by printing and baking a thick film resistance paste containing, for example, ruthenium oxide as a conductor component. 4 is formed by forming a linear heating resistor that extends in a series in the longitudinal direction, and forming a wiring pattern that electrically divides the heating resistor at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of drive ICs 80 are for controlling the heat generation drive of the plurality of heating elements 8 and, like the plurality of light sources 30, are arranged in rows at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 4. Has been implemented.
[0032]
  The rows of the heating elements 8 are arranged at one side edge 4c extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 4 or in the vicinity thereof, whereas the rows of the driving IC 80, the light receiving elements 3, and the light sources 30 are The heater elements 8 are arranged closer to the other side edge 4d of the substrate 4 than the rows of the heat generating elements 8. On the surface 4a of the substrate 4, wiring patterns (not shown) related to the components mounted on the surface 4a are formed. One or a plurality of connectors (not shown) that are electrically connected to the wiring patterns are provided at appropriate positions on the substrate 4, and power is supplied from an external device to the components by wiring connection to the connectors. And various signals can be input and output.
[0033]
  The heat radiating plate 7 is formed in a plate shape having a shape and size substantially the same as the substrate 4, for example, and is bonded to the back surface 4 b of the substrate 4 via a double-sided adhesive tape or an adhesive, for example. The heat radiating plate 7 is for releasing heat generated from the plurality of heating elements 8 to the outside, and is made of metal having high thermal conductivity.
[0034]
  The case 1 is made of, for example, a white synthetic resin, and its overall length in the longitudinal direction is substantially the same as that of the substrate 4. The case 1 is assembled to the substrate 4 so as to avoid a place where the plurality of heating elements 8 are mounted and to cover other regions of the surface 4a of the substrate 4. As an example of means for assembling the case 1 to the substrate 4, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper end portions of the hooking members 70, 70 are formed in the concave portions 18, 18, and a means for hooking the lower end portions of the hooking members 70, 70 to the lower surface portion of the heat radiating plate 7 is used. Instead of the latch members 70, 70, means using a spring clip for clamping the case 1 and the heat radiating plate 7 in their thickness direction, or an engaging portion for engaging the case 1 and the heat radiating plate 7 with each other. Means such as being provided integrally or separately with the case 1 or the heat sink 7 can also be employed. Furthermore, the case 1 and the substrate 4 may be bonded using an adhesive or the like.
[0035]
  The transparent cover 19 is for guiding a document D to be read, and is, for example, a plate made of glass or synthetic resin with high transparency. As shown in FIG. 3, the transparent cover 19 is fitted into the recess 13 on the upper surface of the case 1 and attached. However, the upper surface portion of the case 1 and the concave portion 13 are inclined, and the transparent cover 19 is also inclined accordingly. More specifically, the transparent cover 19 is inclined so that its height decreases as the distance from the one side edge 4c of the substrate 4 increases. Of the two outer side surfaces 1a and 1b in the width direction of the case 1, the outer side surface 1a near the heating element 8 is inclined so as to be farther from the one side edge 4c of the substrate 4 toward the upper side.
[0036]
  In the lens array 5, a plurality of rod lenses 51 are arranged and held in a long lens holder 50 made of synthetic resin. If the rod lens 51 is used as an imaging lens, it is possible to form an image of the document D on each light receiving element 3 at an equal magnification, but other lenses may be used. The lens array 5 is fitted in a concave groove 12 provided opposite to the transparent cover 19 below the transparent cover 19. Of the surface of the transparent cover 19, a line-shaped region facing the lens array 5 is an image reading target region S.
[0037]
  Inside the case 1, a first optical path 14a and a second optical path 14b for guiding the light emitted from the light source 30 are provided. The first optical path 14a is formed so as to penetrate in the vertical thickness direction of the case 1, and is an optical path that guides light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30 to the image reading target region S. The second optical path 14 b is formed including the concave groove 12, and the light reflected by the document surface located on the image reading target region S passes through the lens array 5 onto the plurality of light receiving elements 3. It is the optical path to guide. As described above, the case 1 as a whole is made of a white resin having a high light reflectivity. Therefore, the white wall surface of the first optical path 14a is used for the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30. Thus, the light can be guided to the image reading target region S while being reflected with a high reflectance, and the light irradiation efficiency to the image reading target region S can be increased.
[0038]
  The light reflection preventing member 6 is made of synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or ABS resin containing black pigment or glass powder, for example, and the surface of each part is black with high light absorption. The light reflection preventing member 6 is disposed in a recess 11 provided at the bottom of the case 1 so as to collectively surround the plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the plurality of drive ICs 80. More specifically, the light reflection preventing member 6 protrudes downward from the upper wall portion 60 positioned above the plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the plurality of drive ICs 80 and from both side edges of the upper wall portion 60 in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the two side wall portions 61 a and 61 b have two side wall portions 61 c and 61 d that protrude downward from both longitudinal ends of the upper wall portion 60. The four side wall portions 61a to 61d surround the four sides of the plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the plurality of drive ICs 80, and their tip portions are all in contact with the surface 4a of the substrate 4, and external light is interposed therebetween. It is comprised so that the clearance gap used as an approach path may not arise as much as possible. Of the surface 4 a of the substrate 4, at least a portion in contact with each of the tip portions of the four side wall portions 61 a to 61 d is black having a high light absorption rate. In this way, even if a gap is generated between the surface 4a of the substrate 4 and the tip portions of the side wall portions 61a to 61d, most of the light from the outside that has entered the gap is caused by the black portion. The light can be absorbed, and external light can be prevented from entering the region surrounded by the light reflection preventing member 6. The upper wall portion 60 is provided with a slit 63 so as not to block the second optical path 14b.
[0039]
  As shown in FIG. 4, the light reflection preventing member 6 is formed by fitting a plurality of protrusions 64 provided on the upper wall portion 60 into a plurality of recesses 15 provided on the case 1. It is attached to the case 1. A plurality of clamp projections 65 each having a groove 65a at the tip are projected from one side edge of the light reflection preventing member 6 in the width direction. As clearly shown in FIG. 5, each of the clamp protrusions 65 clamps the rib 16 of the case 1 provided in the first optical path 14a from both sides in the thickness direction with an appropriate elasticity. . The light reflection preventing member 6 is also attached to the case 1 by the plurality of clamp protrusions 65, and is not displaced in the longitudinal direction or the width direction relative to the case 1. . A plurality of the ribs 16 are provided at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first optical path 14a from the viewpoint of ensuring the rigidity of the case 1.
[0040]
  As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of document detection sensors 2 </ b> A are fitted in a plurality of recesses 17 a provided on the upper surface of the case 1 and assembled in the vicinity of the transparent cover 19. Each of the plurality of document detection sensors 2A has a lever 20a that protrudes above the upper surface of the case 1 in a normal state, and when the lever 20a is pressed downward by contact with the document D, At that time, a predetermined detection signal is output. A hole 17a 'is formed below each of the plurality of recesses 17a, and the connection cord 21a of each document detection sensor 2A is pulled out below the case 1 through the hole 17a'. It is. As clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the plurality of document detection sensors 2 </ b> A are distributed in the longitudinal direction of the case 1 at a predetermined interval. This is for determining whether the document D to be read is, for example, A4 portrait, B5 portrait, or B5 landscape.
[0041]
  As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of recording paper detection sensors 2 </ b> B are assembled to the case 1 by being fitted into a plurality of recesses 17 b provided on the outer surface 1 a of the case 1. Each of the plurality of recording paper detection sensors 2B has a lever 20b that is biased so as to protrude to the side of the outer surface 1a. Depending on whether or not the lever 20b is in contact with the recording paper K. And can be moved outwardly of the outer surface 1a. When the lever 20b is in a protruding state not pressed by the recording paper K, the recording paper detection sensor 2B is configured to output a predetermined detection signal for notifying that the recording paper K is out of paper. . A concave groove 17b ′ extending in the longitudinal direction of the case 1 is formed below the plurality of concave portions 17b, and the connection cord 21b of each recording paper detection sensor 2B is supported by the light reflection preventing member 6. However, it can be pulled out to the side of the longitudinal end portion of the case 1 by passing through the concave groove 17b ′. As clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recording paper detection sensor 2 </ b> B is provided at a total of two positions with a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the case 1 in this embodiment. This is because, when a long sheet fed from a take-up roll is used as the recording paper, the width of the recording paper is always constant. It is not necessary to consider. Therefore, from such a viewpoint, a configuration in which only one recording paper detection sensor 2B is provided may be employed. Of course, only one document detection sensor 2A may be provided when it is not necessary to determine the document width.
[0042]
  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus B configured to include the image reading head A.
[0043]
  The image processing apparatus B is configured such that the image reading head A is incorporated in a casing 9 made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and the document D is inserted into the casing 9 from a document insertion opening 90 a provided in the casing 9. , The sheet can be set on the surface of the transparent cover 19 after passing through a portion of the upper surface of the case 1 where the document detection sensor 2A is provided. At a position facing the surface of the transparent cover 19, a platen roller P for freely rotating the drive for transporting the document D while pressing it against the surface of the transparent cover 19 is provided.₁Is provided. After the image reading, the document D is discharged to the outside through the paper discharge port 91. A platen roller P for recording paper that can be driven and rotated is located at a position facing the plurality of heating elements 8.₂Is provided so that the heat-sensitive recording paper K fed from the take-up roll R accommodated in the housing 9 can be conveyed while being pressed against the surfaces of the plurality of heating elements 8. After passing through the plurality of heating elements 8, the recording paper K passes through a position where the recording paper detection sensor 2 </ b> B of the outer surface 1 a of the case 1 is provided, and then is discharged to the outside through the paper discharge port 91. Is done.
[0044]
  The image processing apparatus B is provided with a main control unit 92 that includes various memories, a CPU, and the like. The main control unit 92 is configured to perform the document platen roller P based on a predetermined program procedure or the operation content of an operation switch (not shown) provided in the image processing apparatus B.₁And recording paper platen roller P₂Various operation control and data processing such as control of the rotation operation, processing of an image signal read by the image reading head A, and processing of transmitting image data to be printed out to the image reading head A are executed. Signals output from each document detection sensor 2A and each recording sheet detection sensor 2B are also configured to be transmitted to the main control unit 92.
[0045]
  Next, operations of the image reading head A and the image processing apparatus B will be described.
[0046]
  First, when performing an image reading process of the document D, when the document D inserted into the housing 9 from the document insertion 90a is set on the transparent cover 19 through the upper surface of the case 1, the document detection sensor 2A. The lever 20a is pushed by the document D. Accordingly, a signal indicating that a document has been detected is output from the document detection sensor 2A, and this signal is transmitted to the main control unit 92, whereby the document platen roller P₁The plurality of light sources 30 and the plurality of light receiving elements 3 can be driven. When the reading of one document D is almost finished and the trailing end of the document D passes through the lever 20a, the lever 20a returns to the original posture protruding from the upper surface of the case 1. Therefore, the signal output from the document detection sensor 2A is interrupted at that time, and when the image reading process of the document D is performed for a predetermined time from the signal output stop time, the next new document D is displayed. Unless it is set, the image reading process by the image reading head A ends.
[0047]
  The reading of the image of the document D is performed when light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30 is reflected by the surface of the document D, and then the reflected light is received by the plurality of light receiving elements 3 through the lens array 5. Made. Since the periphery of the plurality of light receiving elements 3 is surrounded by the black light reflection preventing member 6 having a high light absorption rate, the light traveling from the document D toward the plurality of light receiving elements 3 is the plurality of light receiving elements 3. It is possible to prevent scattering and reflection around the light receiving element 3. Further, the light reflection preventing member 6 allows light outside the case 1 to enter the mounting locations of the plurality of light receiving elements 3, or light emitted from the light source 30 travels directly toward the plurality of light receiving elements 3. It also plays a role to prevent this. Therefore, the plurality of light receiving elements 3 can be prevented from receiving disturbance light or scattered light, and a high-quality read image with little noise can be obtained.
[0048]
  Next, in the print output process of the image data on the recording paper K, the image data to be printed out is transmitted from the main control unit 92 to the plurality of drive ICs 80, and the plurality of drive ICs 80 select the plurality of heating elements 8. It is made by generating heat automatically. When the recording paper K is set appropriately, the lever 20b of the recording paper detection sensor 2B is pushed by the recording paper K, but when the recording paper K is out of paper, the lever 20b is A signal notifying that the paper is out is output in a state of protruding from the outer surface 1a of the case 1. Therefore, in this case, the print output operation of the image data is interrupted, and for example, a message indicating that the recording paper is not set can be displayed on the display unit provided in the image processing apparatus B.
[0049]
  In the image processing apparatus B, a plurality of document detection sensors 2A and a plurality of recording paper detection sensors 2B are provided in the image reading head A itself, and when the image processing apparatus B is assembled and manufactured, It is not necessary to assemble the sensors 2A and 2b in the housing 9 separately from the image reading head A. Further, since the image reading head A also has a print output function of image data, it is not necessary to separately attach a print head. Therefore, the assembling work of the image processing apparatus B becomes very easy.
[0050]
  In the image processing apparatus B, the original platen roller P₁And platen roller P for recording paper₂May be arranged on the same side of the image reading head A, that is, on the upper side. Therefore, these two platen rollers P₁, P₂And the image reading head A can be prevented from becoming bulky in the height direction of the image processing apparatus B, and the image processing apparatus B can be made thinner. Platen roller P for recording paper₂Since the outer side surface 1a of the case 1 facing the head is inclined, the recording paper platen roller P is disposed above the one side edge 4c of the substrate 4 protruding from the case 1.₂A relatively large space space can be secured for arranging the. Accordingly, the platen roller P for recording paper can be used without causing the side edge 4c of the substrate 4 to protrude from the case 1 so much.₂Can be disposed close to the case 1, which is more preferable in reducing the overall size.
[0051]
  The image reading head A is mounted on the surface 4a of the substrate 4 for any of the plurality of light sources 30, the plurality of light receiving elements 3, the plurality of driving ICs 80, and the plurality of heating elements 8. A wiring pattern related to is also formed on the surface 4a. Therefore, it is not necessary to turn the board 4 upside down during the mounting operation of each component or the manufacturing operation of the wiring pattern, and the productivity can be increased. When the case 1 is assembled to the substrate 4 or the heat sink 7, the light reflection preventing member 6 is previously attached to the case 1 in the previous stage. The light reflection preventing member 6 includes a plurality of light receiving elements 3 and a plurality of driving devices. The IC 80 is arranged so as to surround the IC 80 as a whole, and does not cover only the plurality of light receiving elements 3 so as to partition the plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the plurality of driving ICs 80, for example. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the light reflection preventing member 6 will unjustly contact the plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the driving IC 80.
[0052]
  In the image processing apparatus B, the reading operation of the document D and the printing operation of the image on the recording paper K may be performed at the same time. On the other hand, the outer surface 1a of the case 1 has a platen roller P for recording paper at the top.₂The transparent cover 19 is inclined so as to move away from the recording platen roller P for recording paper.₂It is a structure that can be arranged at a position away from the center. Further, the surface of the transparent cover 19 has a platen roller P for recording paper.₂It is inclined to face the opposite side. Therefore, the document platen roller P facing the transparent cover 19 is provided.₁About the platen roller P for recording paper₂It is possible to dispose as far as possible from. As a result, the original platen roller P₁Transport part and recording paper platen roller P₂Thus, the distance between the recording paper transporting portion and the recording paper can be made large so that the original and the recording paper do not easily interfere with each other, and the image reading operation and the printing operation can be performed smoothly.
[0053]
  7 to 9 show the image reading head according to the present invention.EmbodimentFIG. In the figures after FIG.Reference exampleThe same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0054]
  The image reading head Aa shown in FIG. 7 has a configuration in which a gap 23a is formed in the case 1A, and a movable member 24 is provided in the gap 23a. The movable member 24 has a substantially L-shaped side sectional shape, and an intermediate portion thereof is rotatably supported by the case 1A via a shaft 25a. One end portion 24a of the movable member 24 can be projected and retracted on the upper surface portion of the case 1A serving as a transport path for the document D, and the movable member 24 is always a spring so that the one end portion 24a projects above the upper surface portion. It is biased in a certain direction by (not shown) or the like. When the document D is supplied onto the upper surface of the case 1A, the one end 24a is pressed downward as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, and the entire movable member 24 rotates around the shaft 25a. ing. The other end 24b of the movable member 24 is provided so that the tip thereof is located in the first optical path 14a. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 7, the one end 24a is the upper surface of the case 1A. When projecting upward, the light source 30 is positioned so as to block the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30. On the other hand, as shown by the solid line in the figure, when the one end 24a is pressed downward by the document D, the other end 24b moves to a position where it does not block the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30. It is supposed to be.
[0055]
  In the image reading head Aa, in a state where the plurality of light sources 30 are driven to light, when the document D is not set on the upper surface portion of the case 1A, the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30 is the movable member 24. Is blocked by the other end 24b. Therefore, the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30 is not received by the plurality of light receiving elements 3. On the other hand, when the document D is set on the upper surface portion of the case 1A and the surface portion of the transparent cover 19, one end portion 24a of the movable member 24 is pressed downward by the document D, and the other end portion 24b has a plurality of portions. It moves to a position where the light emitted from the light source 30 is not blocked. Therefore, the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30 is reflected after reaching the document surface on the surface of the transparent cover 19, and the light is received by the plurality of light receiving elements 3. Therefore, it can be determined whether or not the document D is properly set on the transparent cover 19 depending on whether or not the plurality of light receiving elements 3 are in a light receiving state. The light receiving element 3 and the light source 30 are effectively used.
[0056]
  As described above, when it is determined whether or not a document is present at a predetermined location using the plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the plurality of light sources 30, the plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the plurality of light sources are not necessarily used. It is not necessary to use all 30, and only some of the light receiving elements and only some of the light sources may be used. In this way, the other end 24b of the movable member 24 only needs to be formed to a size that can block only light emitted from a predetermined portion of the plurality of light sources 30, so the size of the movable member 24 is reduced. An advantage that can be reduced is obtained. The same applies to other image reading heads Ab and Ac described later.
[0057]
  The image reading head Ab shown in FIG. 8 has a configuration in which a gap 23b is formed in the upper part of the case 1B, and a movable member 26 is provided in the gap 23b. The movable member 26 has a substantially L-shaped side sectional shape, and an intermediate portion thereof is rotatably supported by the case 1B via a shaft 25b. One end portion 26a of the movable member 26 can be projected and retracted on the upper surface portion of the case 1B serving as a transport path for the document D, and the movable member 26 is a spring (so that the one end portion 26a protrudes above the upper surface portion. It is always urged in a certain direction by an unillustrated). When the document D exists on the upper surface of the case 1B, the one end 26a is pressed by the document D as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, and the entire movable member 26 rotates about the shaft 25b. Yes. The other end 26b of the movable member 26 is provided so that the tip thereof is positioned in the second optical path 14b. When the one end 26a protrudes above the upper surface of the case 1B, the lens array 5 is provided. The lens is opposed to each lens and prevents light from entering each lens. On the other hand, when the one end portion 26a is pushed by the document D, the other end portion 26b moves to a position that does not oppose each lens of the lens array 5, and the lens from the image reading target area S is moved. The light can be incident on each lens of the array 5.
[0058]
  In the image reading head Ab, when the plurality of light sources 30 are turned on, when the document D does not exist on the upper surface of the case 1A and the one end portion 26a of the movable member 26 is not pressed by the document, Since each lens of the lens array 5 is covered with the other end portion 26b, the plurality of light receiving elements 3 are not in a light receiving state. On the other hand, when the document D exists on the upper surface of the case 1A and the surface of the transparent cover 19, and the one end 26a of the movable member 26 is pressed by the document D, the other end 26b covers the lens. The light emitted from the plurality of light sources 30 and reflected by the surface of the document D passes through the lens array 5 and is received by the plurality of light receiving elements 3 in order to move to a position that does not exist. Therefore, in this image reading head Ab, similarly to the image reading head Aa, it can be determined whether or not the document D is present at a predetermined location depending on whether or not the plurality of light receiving elements 3 are in a light receiving state. The plurality of light receiving elements 3 and the light source 30 can be effectively used for document detection.
[0059]
  The image reading head Ac shown in FIG. 9 has a configuration in which a slit-shaped gap 23c extending from the outer surface 1a to the second optical path 14b is formed in the case 1C, and a movable member 27 is provided in the gap 23c. is there. The movable member 27 is slidable in the direction of the arrow in the figure within the gap portion 23c, and one end portion 27a of the movable member 27 can be projected and retracted to the outside of the outer surface 1a of the case 1C serving as a transfer path for the recording paper K. is there. The movable member 27 has a spring portion 27c that constantly exerts a resilient force for projecting one end portion 27a outward of the outer surface 1a. When the recording paper K is present so as to contact the outer surface 1a, the movable member 27 moves so that its one end 27a is immersed in the case 1C against the elastic force of the spring portion 27c. . The other end portion 27b of the movable member 27 has the gap portion 23c so as not to block the second optical path 14b below the lens array 5 when the one end portion 27a protrudes outward from the outer surface 1a of the case 1C. On the other hand, when the one end portion 27a is immersed in the case 1C, the one end portion 27a protrudes from the gap portion 23c toward the second optical path 14b.
[0060]
  In the image reading head Ac, the second optical path 14b is blocked or blocked by the other end 27b of the movable member 27 depending on whether or not the recording paper K is present along the outer surface 1a of the case 1C. You can switch to a state that does not. Therefore, whether or not the recording paper K is present at a predetermined location based on whether or not the plurality of light receiving elements 3 receive light emitted from the light source 30 or light from a light source provided separately from the light source 30. Can be judged. However, in the above configuration, the document image reading operation cannot be performed when the other end portion 27b of the movable member 27 blocks the second optical path 14b. Therefore, it is necessary to use the image reading head Ac for an application in which the reading of the document image and the print output operation on the recording paper are not performed simultaneously. Further, since the image reading operation cannot be performed even when the recording paper K presses the one end portion 27a of the movable member 27, the image reading head Ac uses a single-sheet recording paper as the recording paper. In use, it is desirable to prevent the one end 27a of the movable member 27 from being pressed by the recording paper at all times.
[0061]
[0062]
[0063]
[0064]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an image reading head according to the present invention.Reference exampleFIG.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the image reading head shown in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.
4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG.
6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus configured to include the image reading head illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 shows an image reading head according to the present invention.EmbodimentFIG.
FIG. 8 shows another image reading head according to the present invention.EmbodimentFIG.
FIG. 9 shows an image reading head according to the present invention.furtherotherEmbodimentFIG.
FIG. 10It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the conventional image processing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1,1A-1D case
  2A Document detection sensor
  2B Recording paper detection sensor
  3 Light receiving element
  4 Substrate
  7 Heat sink
  8 Heating element (printing element)
  24 Movable members
  26 Movable members
  27 Movable member
  30 Light source
  A, Aa to Ad Image reading head
  Ae print head
  B Image processing device
  D Manuscript
  K recording paper
  S Image reading target area
  P₁  Original platen roller
  P₂  Platen roller for recording paper

Claims (6)

A case equipped with a transparent cover, a light source for irradiating light on a document opposed to the surface of the transparent cover, and a reflected light from the document, and outputting an image signal corresponding to the received light amount An image reading head comprising a plurality of light receiving elements,
Comprising a document detection means for detecting whether a document is present on or near the surface of the transparent cover ,
The document detection means includes a movable member having one end for contacting the document and the other end for facing the light source in the document transfer path, and the movable member is movable. The member blocks the light traveling from the light source toward the transparent cover when the one end is not in contact with the original, while the other end is not in the original when the one end is in contact with the original. An image reading head, wherein the image reading head is provided so as to retract to a position where light is not blocked . A case equipped with a transparent cover, a light source for irradiating light on a document opposed to the surface of the transparent cover, and a reflected light from the document, and outputting an image signal corresponding to the received light amount An image reading head comprising a plurality of light receiving elements,
Comprising a document detection means for detecting whether a document is present on or near the surface of the transparent cover,
The document detection means includes a movable member having one end for contacting the document in the document transfer path and the other end for placing in the optical path from the transparent cover to the plurality of light receiving elements. The movable member is configured such that when the one end portion does not contact the document, the other end portion blocks light traveling from the transparent cover toward the plurality of light receiving elements, while the one end portion An image reading head , wherein the other end is retracted to a position that does not block the light when the portion comes into contact with the original . 2. The image reading / writing head according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of printing elements and capable of reading an original image and printing image data on a recording sheet by the plurality of printing elements. Or the image reading head of 2. The image reading head according to claim 3 , further comprising recording sheet detecting means for detecting whether or not a recording sheet exists on or near the surface of the plurality of printing elements. The recording paper detecting means has one end for contacting the recording paper in the recording paper transport path and the other end for arranging in the optical path from the transparent cover to a plurality of light receiving elements for image reading. Comprising a movable member having, and
The movable member moves so that the other end moves from the transparent cover to a position that blocks light traveling in the direction of the plurality of light receiving elements and a position that does not block depending on whether the one end contacts the recording paper. The image reading head according to claim 4 , wherein the image reading head is provided on the head. Characterized in that it comprises an image reading heads according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the image processing apparatus.

Images