JPH06105073A - Picture information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the picture information reader which takes special-form picture information of many fixed documents or a book in an arbitrary place as the object to read and scan picture information with a high precision and is superior in operability, safety, design, and cost effectiveness. CONSTITUTION:A document to be read is fed into a main body by a leading-ion roll 26, and the document is read and scanned in the stage where the document is ejected out of the main body while passing the read face of a photoelectric conversion part 18 of a scanner part 17 by paper feed rolls 21, 22, 24, and 25. The scanner part 17 can be independently taken to the outside; and when it is taken out to the outside, its housing part is taken with a hand and is moved in the direction of an arrow displayed on this housing to read and scan a document or the like on a desk in an arbitrary place.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image information reading device used in a facsimile device or an image processing terminal device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a general structure of a conventional fixed placement type image information reading apparatus. In this conventional image information reading apparatus 1, numeral 2 and 3 are paper feed rollers, which are driven by a motor 4 through a transmission system (not shown).

Further, 5 and 6 are paper feed rollers 2 and 6, respectively.
3 is a pinch roller that is biased by a spring or the like (not shown) to form a paired structure.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a reading unit for reading image information by photoelectric conversion, and performs reading scanning of the image information while passing an original between the reading unit roller 8 and a reading unit roller 8 facing the image reading unit. The reading section roller 8 is also rotated by the motor 4. In addition, 9 is an electric circuit section, 10 is a power cord, and 11 is a document to be read.

Further, as a conventional image information reading apparatus of this type, there is a portable apparatus in addition to the above-mentioned fixed-mounting apparatus. FIG. 14 shows a schematic structure of a hand scanner used as the portable device. In FIG. 14, a hand scanner reading unit 13 is provided inside the hand scanner body 12. In addition, the hand scanner main body 12 is provided with a speed correction roller 14 and a hand scanner electric circuit section 15 for correcting fluctuations in scanning speed.

In the operation of this hand scanner, the user reads and scans the document by the reading unit 13 while the user moves the main body 12 in a predetermined direction on the document surface. In this way, the conventional image information readers of this type are roughly divided into a fixed placement type in which the paper feed part and the scanner part are integrated and cannot be separated, and a scanner part alone is used as a hand scanner. There was one that was portable. Among them, the former one can read only the image information of the paper sheet limited at the fixed position, while the latter one can also read the book-shaped image information at any position. Is. However, the latter must always be manually scanned by hand, which is inconvenient for a large number of reading scans, and so in order to effectively deal with various reading scans, each device is eventually replaced. There was no choice but to own them separately and operate them according to each application.

In view of the above, as a more advanced apparatus, a portable device consisting only of a scanner unit is detachably incorporated into a main body sheet feeding unit as a stationary type device, and the scanner unit is installed as necessary. There was also a proposal of a device configured to operate as a hand scanner separated from the main body paper feeding unit. However, since this type of conventional apparatus is simply configured such that the scanner unit and the main body paper feeding unit can be separated / integrated, there are various inconveniences in terms of operation.

<1> When the scanner unit is attached to the main body paper feeding unit, it may not be properly placed in a predetermined position and the fed paper sheet (original) may be skewed or may not be fed by a predetermined amount. <2> Even if it is detected by some method that the scanner has been set at a predetermined position, one of the wide scanner units may not reach the predetermined position, and this kind of problem is completely solved. I don't get it.

<3> When the scanner section is used as a hand scanner, if the surface of the original to be read is wavy.
It is difficult to manually move the reading surface of the scanner unit and the document surface along the uneven surface, and the image information cannot be read accurately.

<4> When the document surface is not only wavy but also has an uneven surface in addition to the unevenness, when the outer casing of the scanner unit is manually grasped and moved, the outer casing portion is moved in the width direction and the moving direction. Since it may be tilted, the adhesion between the document surface and the reading surface of the scanner unit deteriorates, and accurate image information cannot be read.

<5> When the scanner unit is mounted on the main body paper feeding unit, it is considerably difficult to ensure the parallelness between the document passing surface and the reading surface of the scanner unit from the viewpoint of the accuracy of components and the assembly accuracy. The image information reading accuracy is lower than that of the image information reading device integrally formed with the image information reading device.

<6> Since the scanner unit is moved while being held by the hand during scanning, if the weight is heavy, the operability is poor and accurate reading cannot be performed.

In addition, since it has a function of being mountable on the paper feeding section of the main body, it is dangerous if it has projections such as positioning and holding metal fittings, and it may be deformed or missing, so that it cannot perform a sufficient function. .

<7> When the scanner unit is manually operated as a hand scanner, it is quite difficult to perfectly match the scanning directions with one direction, and accurate image information cannot be obtained due to meandering or the like.

<8> Even if a rotatable roller is provided in the scanner unit so that it can be easily moved in the scanning direction, if a single roller having a short width is provided, it must be carefully moved to cause meandering. However, accurate image information cannot be obtained.

<9> When scanning a document placed on a desk or the like, since the scanning surface of the scanner unit is moved downward,
The scannable width of the scanner unit cannot be identified, and the desired position of the document cannot be accurately scanned.

<10> When the image information of a document is read while the scanner unit is attached to the main body paper feed unit, an accurate reading is made when the document is carried in using a part of the attachment opening in the main body paper feed unit. In order to make it easy to carry in the position and direction, it is necessary to devise such as providing a paper feed stand protruding from the above-mentioned mounting opening, and it is an obstacle to the operation of the panel part as well as the mounting and removal of the scanner part, The structure becomes complicated, and the appearance design is not preferable either.

<11> When the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner, if the scanner unit is moved in the wrong direction during scanning, the obtained image information is printed and scanned in the reverse direction when output and recorded, which is accurate. I can't recreate such images.

<12> When the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner, if the rotation direction of the roller is restricted so that the scanning direction is limited to one direction, the original will be erroneously used when it is mounted in the main body paper feeding unit as it is and used. In some cases, the document will be pulled out in the opposite direction to the loading direction when it is loaded, and in this case, the rollers on the scanner side will not reverse and
The original may be damaged due to excessive force.

<13> When the scanner section is used as a hand scanner to read an original and the scannable width of the scanner section is displayed only on one side surface of the scanner section, the scannable width in multi-directional scanning It is difficult to identify the position of, and the predetermined area cannot be correctly scanned.

<14> Since the original contact surface of the scanner section is easily scratched and easily soiled, it is necessary to frequently replace the scanner section or the photoelectric conversion unit section in order to obtain high-quality image information.

<15> When the scanner unit is manually moved to read and scan image information, it is difficult to maintain the moving speed and linearity in order to obtain high-quality image information.

<16> When the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner, it is easier to scan the document on the desk from the back side to the front side. However, the scanner unit corresponding to such a scanning method is used as the main body sheet feeding unit. On the other hand, when the document is mounted from the front panel side, in order to match the scanning direction, the document is fed into the main body sheet feeding section with the image information side of the document being the back side (downside) from the mounting opening located above the scanner section. It is necessary and anxious for those who handle the manuscript.

<17> When the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner, the moving speed during scanning varies considerably, and when the speed is above a certain reference value, the amount of light accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element by the light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit. Accurate image information cannot be obtained due to lack of.

[0025]

As described above, the conventional image information reading apparatus described above is used not only for reading and scanning a large number of fixed originals but also for reading and scanning a small amount of special form image information such as a book at an arbitrary place. In the realization of a device that can deal with this, the scanner part was simply attached to and detached from the main body paper feed part, so accurate image information cannot be read, it is difficult to operate, there is a risk of document damage Is high,
There are various operational problems such as a bad device design and the need for expensive replacement parts.

According to the present invention, these problems can be eliminated and highly accurate image information reading / scanning can be performed.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image information reading device that can satisfy all of safety, design and economy.

[0027]

An image reading apparatus of the present invention has a photoelectric conversion unit, a scanner unit capable of reading image information by a single operation, and a detachable holding unit for the scanner unit, When the scanner unit is attached, the main body of the scanner unit includes a transport drive mechanism for a document to be read by the scanner unit and a main body paper feeding unit that engages with each mechanism on the scanner unit side. Regarding mounting on the paper feed unit, reverse mounting preventing means for preventing mounting in the reverse posture, mounting maintaining means for maintaining mounting in the normal posture, and image information reading operation when the mounting in the normal posture is not performed And a prohibition operation prohibition control means. Desirably, the image information reading device of the present invention comprises the following respective structures.

(A) A structure in which the cross-sectional shape of the mounting surface of the scanner section with respect to the main body sheet feeding section is formed asymmetrical to prevent reverse insertion, and the reverse insertion state can be detected to inform that effect.

(B) It is detected at two places on the left and right whether or not the scanner unit is properly mounted at the predetermined position of the main body paper feeding unit, and the result is notified by a display or the like, and the operation is not possible except when it is normally mounted. And the structure.

(C) The photoelectric conversion unit is slidably held with respect to the outer casing of the scanner unit, and the reading surface side is urged by an elastic body such as a spring or rubber from the inside of the scanner unit, and A structure that is easy to adapt to unevenness.

Further, the above-mentioned sliding is formed with a degree of freedom so that it is not limited to only one direction, and its reading surface is always original without being influenced by the posture of the outer casing of the scanner section. Structure that makes it easy to adapt to unevenness and inclination of the surface.

(D) A positioning stopper member is provided inside the mounting opening of the main body paper feeding unit, and when the scanner unit is mounted to the main body paper feeding unit, the reading surface of the scanner unit is the above-mentioned positioning stopper member so that the document passing surface and the facing surface face each other. The structure that engages with the rear member in an optimal positional relationship.

(E) A structure in which a magnetic body is arranged on the scanner side and a magnet is arranged on the main body paper feeding side with respect to the parts which come into contact with each other when the mounting of the scanner part on the main body feeding part is completed. (f) A structure in which a roller rotatable in the scanning direction is arranged in the outer casing portion on the reading surface side of the scanner unit.

(G) In the scanner unit, a guide-shaped rectangular body (scanning width position guide) is provided which is movable in the reading width direction and whose fixed position indicates the scannable width, and the position is detected by a sensor. A structure capable of detecting and setting the reading width corresponding to the position of the scanning width position guide based on the detection result.

The reading width can be set based on an instruction from the scanning width changeover switch, and at the same time, the set reading width can be displayed by a light emitting element or the like. (h) When the scanner unit is attached to the main body paper feed unit, the side surface of the scanner unit on which the scanning width position guide is disposed faces the document inlet of the main body paper feed unit, and the placement site is the main body paper feed unit. A structure in which the side surface of the scanner unit can function as a paper feed table when a document is carried in, and the scanning width position guide can function as a document width instruction guide in cooperation with the display body.

(I) When the scanner unit is used alone, the rotation direction of the rollers arranged in the outer casing is limited to one direction (scanning direction), and the limitation is lifted when the scanner unit is attached to the main body paper feeding unit. As described above, a structure in which a one-way clutch is connected to the rotary shaft of the roller is provided.

(J) A structure in which display means (display element or the like) for displaying the scannable width of the scanner section is provided on both the surface on which the scanning width position guide is provided and the opposite surface thereof.

(K) A structure in which a transparent member is replaceably held at a position covering the reading surface of the scanner section. (l) When the scanner unit is mounted, it has a driving roller at a position facing a roller on the reading surface of the scanner unit, and the driving roller is driven by a connected driving source so that the driving roller is connected to the roller of the scanner unit. In addition to the structure of forming a pair of conveyance rollers, a sheet feeding unit including a positioning stopper member in the sheet feeding section of the main body and a member similar to the magnet are arranged at the same position relative to the scanner section. It is prepared by the body, and the scanner unit is equipped with an adapter for connection to the paper feeding unit.

(M) When the scanner unit is attached to the scanner unit mounting port provided on one side surface of the main body paper feeding unit outer casing which is substantially vertical to the horizontal plane, the scanner unit is installed between the lower part of the scanner unit and the mounting port. A document carry-in port is formed, and a document discharge port is formed between the upper portion of the scanner unit and the mounting port. In order to discharge the document carried in from the carry-in port to the discharge port through scanning, A structure in which a conveyance path for conveying the original document from below to above is formed between the scanner unit and the main body paper feed unit.

(N) A rotary member that rotates due to friction with the object to be scanned is provided on the reading surface of the scanner unit, and the rotation speed of this rotary member is detected. When exceeding the limit, a structure that can notify to that effect by displaying and / or sounding a sound.

[0041]

The image reading apparatus of the present invention has a basic structure in which the scanner unit (hand scanner) can be attached to and detached from the main body paper feed unit, and the scanner unit is separated from the main body paper feed unit as required. By the operation, it is possible to easily cope with not only the scanning for reading a large number of fixed documents but also the scanning for reading a small amount of image information of a special form such as a book at an arbitrary place. Further, in the present invention, various contrivances have been made to enhance the functionality of each unit of the main body sheet feeding portion and the scanner portion with respect to the above-mentioned basic structure, and accordingly, various effects as described below can be expected. .

(A) When the scanner unit is mounted on the main body paper feeding unit, the structure is such that reverse insertion prevention or reverse insertion detection and notification can be performed. It is possible.

(B) Since it is detected whether or not the mounting state of the scanner unit with respect to the main body sheet feeding unit is normal, and the detection result is notified by display or the like, and if it is not normal, control is performed so as to prohibit the operation. It is possible to stabilize the operation of the apparatus and realize highly accurate image information scanning.

(C) In the scanner section, since the photoelectric conversion section is fitted to the outer casing section with a degree of freedom and is biased and held by the elastic body, the scanner section is placed on the original surface. Even if scanning is performed without paying special attention, reading and scanning can be performed in a state where the reading surface is in close contact with the unevenness or inclined surface of the original, and high-quality image information without blur distortion can be obtained.

(D) The scanner unit has a structure in which the reading surface of the scanner unit at the time of mounting is received at an appropriate position with respect to the sheet passing surface of the document by the positioning stopper member provided on the side of the main body paper feeding unit. When the document is attached to the paper feeding unit and scanned for scanning, a highly accurate read image signal can be obtained, and it can contribute to improving the sheet passing property of paper sheets.

(E) When the scanner unit is completely attached to the main body paper feed unit, both have a structure in which they are joined and held by a magnetic material and a magnet, so that the scanner unit can be reliably attached to the main body paper feed unit. Moreover, since no extra and complicated structural parts other than a magnetic body (or a magnet) are required on the side of the scanner unit, safe and highly operable mounting work is possible.

(F) Since the roller rotatable in the scanning direction is provided in the housing portion on the reading surface side of the scanner section, the roller functions as a guide member during scanning for reading, and the scanner section can be easily moved in the scanning direction. In addition, it can be performed in a state where there is no meandering, and a read image signal with less distortion can be obtained under stable scanning.

(G) The scanner unit is provided with a scanning width position guide which is movable in the reading width direction, and the fixed position is used to indicate the scannable width to the user. Since the reading width is set based on the fixed position of the width position guide,
The original can be quickly set at the desired position, and the reading width can be set without waste.

(H) When the scanner section is attached to the paper feeding section of the main body, one side surface of the scanner section serves as a document table at the time of document loading,
Moreover, since the scanning width position guide can work as a document width instruction guide in cooperation with the display body, it is possible to improve the operability of the document loading operation when the scanner unit is used integrally with the main body sheet feeding unit, and Improves paper reliability and design,
Further, the structure can be simplified.

(I) A one-way clutch is incorporated in a roller provided in the scanner section, and when the scanner section is used as a hand scanner, the rotation direction of the roller is limited to only the scanning direction, and when the scanner section is attached to the main body sheet feeding section, the two-way clutch is used. Since it is configured to be rotatable, it is possible to prevent the image information reading error while restricting the movement in the opposite direction, and improve the operability and prevent the original from being damaged.

(J) Display means for displaying the scannable width of the scanner section are provided on both side surfaces of the scanner section outer casing, and the position of the scanning width position guide is set to the side where the scanning width position guide is arranged. Since it is displayed on both the facing side,
The scanning position can be confirmed from either side, which increases the degree of freedom of operation as a hand scanner and contributes to further improvement in operability.

(K) A replaceable transparent member is provided at a position so as to cover the reading surface of the scanner unit, and the reading surface is not in direct contact with the object to be scanned. In addition to being able to contribute, it contributes to facilitating maintenance work due to the replaceable structure.

(L) The scanner unit is attached and connected to a paper feeding unit prepared separately from the main body paper feeding unit through a dedicated connection adapter, and automatic feeding similar to that of the main body paper feeding unit is performed. Since the reading / scanning is performed below, it is possible to perform high-precision reading / scanning by the scanner unit while moving to some extent in a place separated from the main body paper feeding unit.

(M) When the scanner section is attached to the main body paper feeding section, a document inlet is formed in the lower part of the scanner section, and a document outlet is formed in the upper part. The originals are fed from the paper feed section to the scanner section while they are being read and scanned, and then ejected to the upper exit, so that the originals are fed from the entrance with the image information forming surface facing the front side. Since it can be printed on paper, it has a sense of security and contributes to reading work with good operability.

(N) Since the scanning speed is detected from the rotation speed of the rotating body provided on the reading surface of the scanner unit, and an alarm is issued when the scanning speed exceeds a preset speed, it is always possible to While paying attention to the alarm, it is possible to prevent the photoelectric conversion element from reading at an excessively high speed, which causes a shortage of light quantity, and it is possible to obtain a stable read image signal.

[0056]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of an image information reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image information reading apparatus of the present invention is configured such that the main body paper feed unit 16 and the scanner unit 17 are separable, and in particular, FIG.
5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure in a state where a scanner unit (hand scanner unit) 17 is attached to FIG.

In FIG. 1, a light source for irradiating a document and a photoelectric conversion unit 18 for reading and photoelectrically converting image information of the irradiated document are urged by a spring 19 toward the rear roller 20 of the main body sheet feeding unit 16. There is. The back roller 20 and the paper feed rollers 21 and 22 are arranged in the main body paper feed section 16 so as to be rotated by being driven by a drive motor 23.

Roller 2 facing the paper feed rollers 21 and 22
4, 25 are provided in the scanner unit 17, and the rollers 24,
Numeral 25 is rotatably biased from the scanner unit 17 by a spring or the like to the sheet feeding rollers 21 and 22 facing each other (not shown). Further, the drawing roller 26 is urged by the main body sheet feeding section 16 so as to contact the upper surface of the scanner section 17, and a sheet feeding plate 29 having a low friction coefficient is arranged at the contact portion of the scanner section 17.

On the other hand, at the bottom of the scanner section 17, one pair of discharge rollers 27, one of which is urged to the other by a spring or the like,
28 is provided. The photoelectric conversion unit 18 is urged by a spring 19 from the housing of the scanner unit 17, but when the photoelectric conversion unit 18 is attached to the main body paper feeding unit 16, the main body feeding unit 16 is stopped so as to stop at a predetermined position. The paper portion 16 is provided with a stopper as described later. Further, the scanner section 17 also has a positioning engagement section as will be described later between the scanner section 17 and the main body sheet feeding section 16 so that the scanner section 17 can be fitted in a fixed position, and thereby the scanner section 17 is accurately mounted in a predetermined position.

To operate this, the original to be read is fed into the main body by the pull-in roller 26, and the reading surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 18 of the scanner unit 17 is passed through the paper by the paper feed rollers 21, 22 and 24, 25. Image information is read and scanned in the process of discharging it outside the main body. FIG. 2 shows the scanner unit 17
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a state in which is independently taken out. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 30 denotes an operation button, the pressing surface of which is depressed from the surface of the outer casing. Reference numeral 31 is a width instruction guide for switching the reading width, and 34 is a width display mark. Reference numeral 32 denotes a connection to the main body paper feed unit 16 and 3
Reference numeral 3 denotes an antenna for sending image information to the main body paper feeding unit 16 in a cordless manner.

To operate this, the outer casing of the scanner unit 17 is held by hand and moved in the direction of the arrow displayed on the outer casing, and the scanning of the document or the like on the desk is performed. At this time, the scanning width can be switched by the width instruction guide 31, but it can be switched by a button on the panel. Further, at this time, if the width indication mark 34 is filled with a light emitting diode or the like, the reading area can be set more accurately. Further, since the width instruction guide 31 can move in the direction of arrow K-K 'in a left-right interlocking manner as shown in FIG. 2, when it is attached to the main body paper feed unit 16 as shown in FIG. Since it can be used as a guide, it is possible to prevent a skew when a document is carried in.

A sensor for detecting the moving position and a micro switch (not shown) are provided inside the width instruction guide 31, and the readable width of the photoelectric conversion unit 18 can be switched based on the detection result. it can. FIG. 3 is an external view of the main body paper feeding unit 16 as viewed from the mounting opening side of the scanner unit 17, and FIG. 4A is an external view of the scanner unit 17 as viewed from the reading surface side. In FIG. 3, numeral 35 is an opening for mounting the scanner unit 17, numeral 36 is a document inlet, and numeral 37 is a document discharge port. Further, 38 is a light-emitting body such as two LEDs on the left and right, 39 is an external connector for electrically connecting with the scanner unit 17, and 40 is the scanner unit 1 disposed inside the opening.
7 is an internal connector for electrical connection with 7. Furthermore,
FIG. 4B is an external view showing another embodiment of the scanner section, and the scanner section 17A of the embodiment has a main body sheet feeding section 16
A connector 41 for electrical connection with the connector and a plate-shaped magnetic body 42 disposed on the left and right are provided.

According to such a structure of the present invention, the following effects can be expected. That is, since the scanner section 17 of FIG. 4A has an asymmetric cross section cut at a right angle to the mounting direction to the main body sheet feeding section 16, the opening section 35 is also asymmetric as shown in FIG. Can be mounted only in a predetermined direction, which prevents erroneous mounting. Also, FIG.
The scanner unit 17A of (b) does not operate at the time of erroneous mounting because the connector connection (40 and 41) with the main body paper feeding unit 16 is possible only in a predetermined direction, and prevents an operation for erroneous reading in advance. it can. Furthermore, the scanner unit 17 or 17
In both cases of A, when it is not inserted to a predetermined position when it is attached to the main body paper feed unit 16, by detecting it by the method described later, it is possible to display whether or not the light emitter 38 is normally attached. This also contributes to prevention of erroneous operation.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an internal sectional structure taken along the line AA of FIG. 1 showing a state where the scanner unit 17 and the main body paper feeding unit 16 are mounted. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 43 is a micro switch that operates when the scanner unit 17 is attached, and two micro switches are provided on the left and right main body paper feeding units 16. Reference numeral 44 is a stopper pin arranged in pairs on the left and right of the photoelectric conversion unit 18 of the scanner unit 17. Reference numeral 45 is a groove provided on the scanner housing side with which the stopper pin 44 is engaged, and the groove 45 and the stopper pin 44 have a clearance of about 0 to 2 mm in any of the vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions. Loosely engaged.

According to such a structure of the present invention, when the scanner section 17 is mounted on the main body sheet feeding section 16 properly when it is mounted at a predetermined position, the end surface of the scanner section 17 causes the micro switch 43 to move to the left and right. It will be operated. Therefore, by detecting the operation and turning on the light emitting body 38 in FIG. 3, it is possible to inform the operator whether or not the device is normally worn.

Further, based on the result of the above detection, it is possible to control the reading operation to be inoperable when neither of the micro switches 43 on both sides is in the operating state, that is, in the half-attached state. By restricting the half-mounting operation, it is possible to prevent the document from skewing, and it is possible to obtain high-quality image information by reading and scanning in the correct posture.

Further, the photoelectric conversion section 18 is arranged in the housing of the scanner section 17 with a gap in each direction, and this and the engagement relationship between the stopper pin 44 and the groove 45 with a margin. Further, due to the structure in which the housing 19 of the scanner unit 17 is biased by the spring 19, the photoelectric conversion unit 18 is easily adapted to the rear roller 20 side of the main body paper feeding unit 16. Is. FIG. 6A shows a sectional structure taken along the line BB of FIG. Here, 46 is a stopper member disposed at two places on the right and left sides of the main body paper feed unit 16 side, and the photoelectric conversion unit 18 urged by the facing scanner unit 17 abuts against it. In this case, since the abutting surface is easily scratched, an abutting member 47 for protecting it is embedded.

Further, as described above, the photoelectric conversion unit 18 is biased toward the stopper member 46 in a state in which it can be displaced a little freely with respect to the housing side of the scanner unit 17, so that the housing of the scanner unit 17 is the original document. Even if the stopper member 46 is mounted with an inclination angle with respect to the sheet passing surface, the reading surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 18 can be automatically made parallel to the sheet passing surface of the document by widening the width δ of the stopper member 46. Since the height ε of the stopper member 46 can be determined with sufficient accuracy, the positional relationship between the back roller 20 and the reading surface in FIG. 1 can be determined with sufficient accuracy. That is, with such a structure, the reading surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 18 of the scanner unit 17 can be made to coincide with a predetermined surface, and highly accurate reading scanning without distortion can be realized.

Further, FIG. 6B shows another embodiment of the stopper member, which is formed by arranging two stopper round members 48 side by side. With this stopper round member 48,
It goes without saying that the same effect as described above can be obtained. Figure 7
(A) shows a cross-sectional structure taken along the line CC of FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 49 is a magnet arranged on the side of the main body paper feeding unit 16 and two magnets are provided on the left and right. Further, the positioning pin 50 is embedded in a part of the magnet 49, and the positioning can be performed by engaging with the positioning hole 51 formed in the scanner unit 17. 42 is the scanner unit 1
7 is a plate-shaped magnetic body disposed in the case 7.

According to such a structure of the present invention, when the scanner unit 17 is mounted on the main body paper feeding unit 16, it can be properly positioned at a predetermined position. Here, since the magnet 49 and the positioning pin 50 are arranged in the main body paper feed unit 16, there is no obstruction when the scanner unit 17 is held and operated, there is no protrusion, and the weight is light. Since it can be configured as described above, it becomes extremely easy to handle when the scanner unit 17 is operated alone.

In this example, the positioning pin 50 and the positioning hole 51 do not necessarily have to be on the magnet 49.
It is also enough near the magnet 49. Furthermore, the magnetic body 5
2 is not particularly required as long as the housing itself of the scanner unit 17 is a magnetic body. Incidentally, FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing a specific structure of the magnet 49 and the positioning pin 50 of FIG.

Next, FIG. 8A is a sectional structural view showing a state in which another portion in the vicinity of the CC line of FIG. 5 is cut in the same direction as that of the CC line. In addition, L- in FIG.
The sectional structure taken along line L is shown in FIG. Figure 8
In (a) and (b), 53 is a gear fixed to the shaft of the roller 24 with a key or the like. Reference numeral 55 denotes a lever, which is rotatably engaged with a rotation fulcrum 58 and is biased by a lever spring 59 in a direction opposite to the G direction shown in the drawing. The other end of the lever spring 59 has the scanner unit 17
Is locked to the housing side of. A shaft 56 is fixed to the tip of the lever 55, and the one-way clutch 5 is attached to the shaft 56.
A clutch gear 54 in which 7 is press-fitted is fitted. Also, this clutch gear 54 is the lever spring 5
It is biased by 9 and meshes with the gear 53.

Further, a release pin 60 is arranged on the side of the main body feeding section 16, and when the scanner section 17 is mounted on the main body feeding section 16, the release pin 60 attaches a lever 55 to a lever spring 59. It is arranged at a position where it can be rotated in the G direction depending on the force. Therefore, when the scanner unit 17 is attached to the main body paper feeding unit 16, the gear 53
The clutch gear 54 is disengaged. When the clutch gear 54 rotates in the D direction, the clutch gear 54 rotates freely with respect to the shaft 56.
The direction of the clutch is determined so as not to rotate with respect to 5.

According to such a structure of the present invention, the roller 24 is installed with the scanner section 17 mounted on the main body sheet feeding section 16.
Can rotate freely, and the roller 24 rotates in one direction (only in the D direction) when the scanner unit 17 is operated separately, and is kept unrotatable in the E direction. When the scanner unit 17 is used as a hand scanner, this mechanism prevents scanning in the wrong direction and enables correct reading of image information.

Further, since the roller 24 can freely rotate when the scanner unit 17 is mounted on the main body paper feed unit 16, when the main body paper feed unit 16 is used, a mistaken document is rushed and pulled out. However, inconvenience such as damage of the original can be eliminated. FIG. 9A is an external view of the photoelectric conversion unit 18 of the scanner unit 17 when viewed from the reading surface side, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure taken along line HH in FIG. 9A. Is. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, 61
Is a transparent plate that protects the inside of the photoelectric conversion unit 18, and is made of glass or plastic resin.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a leaf spring, which is disposed between the transparent plate 61 and the case 63 of the photoelectric conversion unit 18 in the vicinity of the reading surface of the photoelectric conversion unit 18, and the transparent plate 61 is denoted by M in FIG. 9B.
It is biased in the opposite direction. Further, the transparent plate 61 is configured to be slidable along a slide groove 65 formed in the case 63. Further, the case 63 when the transparent plate 61 is urged upward in FIG. 9B by the plate spring 62 and the gap α on the plate spring side of the transparent plate 61, and the case when similarly urged The relationship between 63 and the size β of the protrusion of the transparent plate 61 engaged with the groove 65 above it is α> β.

Further, the case 63 has a notch 64 formed above the transparent plate 61. According to such a structure of the present invention, if the transparent plate 61 is moved in the M direction of FIG. Can be removed from the case. This mechanism has an effect of facilitating replacement of the transparent plate 61 when the transparent plate 61 is scratched or soiled.

Further, FIG. 9C shows another embodiment of the above-mentioned transparent plate. This transparent plate 61A is provided with a convex curved surface on the outer surface of the reading surface, which eliminates a catch when it comes into contact with a document and enables smoother scanning. When the transparent plate 61A according to this embodiment is used,
If the other surface (inner surface) is formed into a concave curved surface, the transparent plate 61 does not have a light collecting effect, which contributes to reading and scanning of image information without distortion. In addition, with respect to the configuration on the reading surface side shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, it goes without saying that a member having a high elasticity, such as rubber, may be used instead of the leaf spring 62.

Next, FIG. 10 shows the paper feed roller 2 in FIG.
1, 22, the back roller 20, the motor 23, and FIG.
The stopper members 46 and 48 in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the apparatus structure when a paper feeding unit 66 is used in which magnets 49 and positioning pins 50 similar to those in FIG. In particular, a document table 67 and a document detection sensor 68 are arranged in the paper feeding unit 66. In this example, the document detection sensor 68 is composed of a reflective optical sensor. In the paper feeding unit 66 used here, the roller portion is rotationally driven in the same manner as the paper feeding portion of FIG. 1 by applying a current to the drive motor.

In such a structure, when the document 11 is inserted into the paper feed roller from the document table 67, the document detection sensor 68
Detects a document through the sensor hole 70 formed in the document table 67, and thereby starts driving the motor. At this time, the original 11 moves while being sandwiched between the paper feed roller and the opposing roller, and the scanning of the image information is performed by the photoelectric conversion unit 18 as the original 11 moves. in this way,
An extremely simple paper feeding unit 66 different from the main body paper feeding section 16
By using a mechanism for attaching the scanner unit 17 to the main body with one touch, extremely accurate reading and scanning of image information can be realized even at a place distant from the main body paper feeding unit 16.

Further, in the apparatus according to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the document inlet (between the drawing roller 26 and the sheet feeding plate 29) and the discharge port (the discharge roller 2) in FIG.
(Between 7 and 28) are formed upside down. In this embodiment, the mounting direction of the scanner unit 17 is also upside down. However, in addition, in addition to FIG.
The parts corresponding to the respective mechanisms shown in (a) are constructed in exactly the same manner as those of the above-mentioned embodiment. In FIG. 11A, a document carry-in auxiliary stand 71 is attached to the main body sheet feeding section 16 at the document entrance. In this embodiment, if the scanner section 17 is constructed to have a dimensional relationship such that the entire scanner section 17 can be embedded in the main body sheet feeding section 16 as much as possible, the manuscript entrance need not be recessed and operability can be improved.

With such a structure, the manuscript can be carried in while the operator is looking at it with the image information forming surface facing upward, so that a highly reliable reading operation can be realized. Incidentally, FIG. 11 (b)
Is the scanner unit 1 when the same figure (a) is viewed from the JJ line direction.
7 shows the back structure of No. 7. In FIG. 11B, a mechanism for instructing the possible scanning width is provided on the back surface of the scanner unit 17 at a position below it. As for how to use this mechanism, for example, a switch button (not shown) for switching the scanning width to A4 size is pressed to turn on one of the light emitting diodes 72 corresponding to the corresponding width. This allows the user to turn on the light-emitting diode 7
The document can be sent to an accurate reading position by using 2 as a positional index. Since the size indication is provided at a distance close to the document carry-in auxiliary stand 71, the position of the document to be carried in can be set more accurately.

Next, FIG. 12A shows the line N--N of FIG.
FIG. 12B shows a sectional structure taken along the line P--P in FIG. 12A. 12
In (a) and (b), reference numeral 73 is a speed detecting rotator which is rotatably arranged in the internal frame of the housing of the scanner unit 17 via a speed detecting shaft 77. The speed detection shaft 77 is
It is rotatably supported via a bearing 76 between itself and the inner frame. In addition, the speed detecting rotor 73 has a speed detecting shaft 77.
It is fixed integrally with the screw. Further, the speed detecting rotator 73 has an outer periphery slightly protruding from the surface of the scanner unit 17 on the reading surface side to the outside, and has a fixed groove in the circumferential direction at the other end of the rotator 73. A rotating plate 74 having a ring is integrally formed. Therefore, the rotary plate 74 rotates integrally with the speed detecting rotary body 73.

Further, for example, a light transmitting sensor 75 in which a light emitting diode and a light receiving diode (not shown) are arranged so as to sandwich the outer peripheral plate portion of the rotary plate 74 from the left and right.
Is fixedly provided in the housing of the scanner unit 17. According to the structure of the present invention, when the scanner unit 17 is used as a hand scanner to scan the document surface, the speed detecting rotary member 73 rotates and the rotary plate 74 also rotates at the same time. At this time, a rectangular wave corresponding to the speed is output from the light transmission type sensor 75 by the rotation of the rotary plate 74, and the scanning speed of the scanner unit 17 can be detected by monitoring the frequency of the rectangular wave. The detection result is, for example, the scanner unit 1
It can be displayed by a liquid crystal display or the like on the surface of the operation button 30 in FIG. In this case, the scanning speed detected as described above is compared with a preset constant speed, and when the detected scanning speed exceeds a constant speed, an alarm to that effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display or the display and voice. You may make it notify by ringing together.

With the structure having the scanning speed detection display and the scanning speed excess warning function as described above, a warning is sequentially issued so that reading scanning at a certain speed or more is not performed, and the scanning speed is exceeded during the scanning. It is possible to prevent deterioration of reading accuracy due to insufficient light amount of the photoelectric conversion element.

As described above, according to the present invention, image information having various effects as described below is provided by the individual or synergistic effects of the control unit and the scanner unit by providing special control and structural ideas. A reader can be realized. << 1 >> A device that can prevent erroneous attachment of the scanner unit to the paper feed unit. << 2 >> A device that can detect and display whether or not the scanner unit is mounted in a predetermined position of the main body paper feeding unit extremely accurately. << 3 >> When using the scanner unit as a hand scanner,
A device that allows the reading surface to be in close contact with an uneven surface, etc. that undulates in the direction of movement. << 4 >> A device that ensures that the reading surface of the scanner unit can be brought into close contact with the document surface even if the hand scanner is tilted or the document surface is wavy or tilted. <5> When the scanner unit is attached to the main body paper feed unit, the main body paper feed unit side members that can maintain the parallelism between the document surface to be passed and the reading face of the scanner unit and face the read face of the scanner unit A device that can ensure the prescribed positional relationship between

<6> The scanner unit is light, safe and easy to scan, and can be securely attached to the main body paper feeding unit with one touch. << 7 >> The scanner unit is a device that makes it easy to move the reading surface in the scanning direction and does not easily cause meandering. << 8 >> A device that can recognize the scanning width at a glance even when the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner. << 9 >> A device that is easy to mount and remove from the main body paper feed unit of the scanner unit, can set the carry-in position accurately when carrying the original document into the main body paper feed unit, and is excellent in design.

<< 10 >> When the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner, the roller on the reading surface can be rotated only in the scanning direction, and the rotation in the opposite direction is restricted, whereby erroneous scanning can be prevented. << 11 >> A device capable of preventing the original document from being damaged when removing the original document when a jam occurs when the scanner unit is attached to the main body paper feeding unit. << 12 >> A device that can read image information accurately no matter which direction the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner. << 13 >> A device that can prevent scratches or stains on the reading surface of the scanner unit and can always obtain a high-quality read image signal. << 14 >> By preparing a separate sheet feeding unit having a transport mechanism and a holding mechanism equivalent to the main body sheet feeding section, and attaching the scanner section to the sheet feeding unit via an adapter,
A device that can scan and scan image information with high accuracy at any place, as if it were integrated with the main body paper feed unit.

<15> An apparatus which can perform an accurate and safe reading operation when the original is read by mounting the scanner unit on the main body paper feeding unit and the original for reading is fed. << 16 >> When the scanner unit is used as a hand scanner, it is possible to display the scanning speed and to issue an alarm when scanning at a speed higher than a specified speed, whereby an accurate reading scanning can be always performed.

[0090]

As described above, according to the image information reading apparatus of the present invention, the main body sheet feeding portion and the scanner portion are separable from each other, and at the same time, it is possible to accurately attach and detach both of them. Since various structures have been devised in terms of structure and control relating to the ease and ease of use, and the efficiency of operation of each unit when individually used, the scanner part is not limited to the case where both are integrated and used, and Even when it is separated and used as a hand scanner, it is possible to perform highly accurate image information reading scanning with high operability without being difficult to use as in the past or causing distortion in read image information. Has excellent advantages.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a side sectional structure of an image information reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external structure of a scanner unit in the device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external structural view of the main body sheet feeding portion of the apparatus of the present invention as viewed from the front side.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the external structure of each embodiment of the scanner section in the apparatus of the present invention as viewed from the reading surface side.

5 is a schematic view of a cross-sectional structure taken along the line AA of FIG. 1 viewed from above.

FIG. 6 is a structural view showing a main part of a sectional structure taken along line BB in FIG. 5 and another embodiment of a positioning stopper member in the sectional structure.

7 is a perspective view showing a principal part of a sectional structure taken along line CC of FIG. 5 and another embodiment of a positioning pin in the sectional structure.

8A and 8B show a cross-sectional structure main part in the vicinity of the line C-C in FIG. 5 and a main part of the cross-sectional structure taken along the line L-L in the same cross-sectional structure focusing on the one-way rotation control of the roller of the scanner unit in the device of the present invention. Fig.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the structure of the photoelectric conversion unit in the scanner unit of the device of the present invention as viewed from the reading surface side, the main part of the cross-sectional structure along the line HH in the same structure, and another embodiment of the transparent plate in the same structure. Fig.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a side structure when the scanner unit and the paper feeding unit of the apparatus of the present invention are operated in combination.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a back surface structure of a scanner unit when a side structure and a cross-sectional structure of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention are viewed from the JJ line direction.

12 is a view showing a main part of a cross section taken along line NN of FIG. 4 and a main part of a cross section taken along line P-P of the same cross section;

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a conventional image information reading device in which a scanner unit and a paper feeding unit are integrated.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of a conventional hand scanner that can be used alone.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 image information reading device 2, 3 paper feed roller 4 motor 5, 6 pinch roller 7 reading unit 8 reading unit roller 9 electric circuit unit 10 power cord 11 original 12 hand scanner main body 13 hand scanner reading unit 14 speed correction roller 15 hand scanner Electrical circuit section 16 Main body sheet feeding section 17 Scanner section (hand scanner section) 18 Photoelectric conversion section 19 Spring 20 Back roller 21, 22 Paper feeding roller 23 Drive motor 24, 25 Opposing roller 26 Pulling roller 27, 28 Discharging roller 29 Paper feeding plate 30 Operation Button 31 Width Instruction Guide 32 Connection Cable 33 Antenna 34 Width Instruction Mark 35 Opening 36 Document Inlet 37 Document Ejection Port 38 Luminous Element 39 External Connector 40 Internal Connector 41 Connector 42 Magnetic Material 43 Micro Switch 44 Stopper Pin 45 groove 46 stopper member 47 abutting member 48 stopper round member 49 magnet 50 positioning pin 51 positioning hole 53 gear 54 clutch gear 55 lever 56 shaft 57 one-way clutch 58 rotation fulcrum 59 lever spring 60 release pin 61 transparent plate 62 leaf spring 63 Case 64 Notch 65 Sliding Groove 66 Paper Feeding Unit 67 Document Plate 68 Document Detection Sensor 70 Sensor Hole 71 Document Loading Auxiliary Table 72 Light Emitting Diode 73 Speed Detection Rotating Body 74 Rotating Plate 75 Light Transmissive Sensor 76 Bearing 77 77 Speed Detection Axis

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Seizo Ueno 1-chome, 3-1, Asahigaoka, Hino-shi, Tokyo Inside the Toshiba Corporation Hino Plant, a stock company (72) Inventor Toshiharu Hirose 1-3-1, Asahigaoka, Hino, Tokyo Incorporated company Toshiba Hino factory (72) Inventor Koichiro Akima 1-3-1, Asahigaoka, Hino city, Tokyo Incorporated company Toshiba Hino factory

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A scanner unit having a photoelectric conversion unit and capable of reading image information by a single operation; and a detachably holding the scanner unit. When the scanner unit is attached, each scanner unit side is attached. The scanner unit is configured to include a transport drive mechanism for a document to be read by the scanner unit and a main body sheet feeding unit that forms a transport path. A reverse mounting preventing means for preventing the above-mentioned situation, a mounting maintaining means for maintaining the mounting in the normal posture, and an operation prohibiting control means for prohibiting the image information reading operation when the mounting in the normal posture is not performed. Characteristic image information reader. 2. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reverse mounting preventing means is such that the cross-sectional shape of the mounting surface of the scanner unit with respect to the main body paper feeding unit is asymmetrical. 3. The operation prohibition control means, means for detecting whether or not the scanner section is mounted in the normal position of the main body sheet feeding section, means for displaying the detection result, and when the scanner section is not mounted in the normal position. 3. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit for prohibiting the operation. 4. The detecting means comprises microswitches provided at two left and right positions, and the displaying means is provided at least at two different positions.
Image information reading device described. 5. The mounting maintaining means is composed of a magnet attraction mechanism that joins the relevant portions of the main body sheet feeding portion and the scanner portion at the time of mounting.
The image information reading device described in any one of 1. 6. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the magnet attracting mechanism comprises a magnet provided on the main body sheet feeding section side and a magnetic body provided on the scanner section side. 7. The scanner unit includes a mechanism for elastically urging the photoelectric conversion unit from the outer casing of the scanner unit in the direction of the facing surface of the document to be read.
7. The image information reading device described in any one of 1 to 6. 8. The scanner unit is provided with a degree of freedom in its outer casing so that the photoelectric conversion unit can appropriately change its posture with respect to the urging direction with respect to the mechanism urged by elastic force. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image information reading apparatus is supported. 9. The scanner unit is provided with a scanning guide roller which is rotatable in contact with the document surface at the time of scanning for reading, at a predetermined position of the outer housing facing the reading surface side of the photoelectric conversion unit. 9. The image information reading device described in any one of 8 to 8. 10. The image information reading device according to claim 9, wherein at least two scanning guide rollers are provided in the front-back direction of the reading scanning by the scanner section. 11. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the scanning guide roller includes a one-way clutch means for restricting the rotation thereof in only one direction. 12. The scanner unit comprises means for instructing switching of the scanning width, means for setting a readable width of the self unit based on an instruction from the instructing means, and the scanning width instructed by the instructing means. 12. The image information reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays the image information according to a physical correspondence. 13. A means for instructing switching of the scanning width is movable in the scanning width direction, and its stop position corresponds to the actual value of the scanning width to be instructed, and the position of the guide plate. 13. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: a position sensor that detects the position and outputs the detected position information as scanning width instruction information. 14. The display means comprises a display element embedded in the vicinity of each stop position of the guide plate corresponding to the width of each original to be read, and the display element of the corresponding display element is interlocked with the stop position of the guide plate. 14. The image information reading device according to claim 12, wherein lighting control is performed. 15. The guide plate and the display means are disposed on one side surface of the scanner unit that protrudes to the outside of the mounting port when the scanner unit is mounted on the main body paper feeding unit, and the projecting portion is provided on the document holder. 15. The image information reading device according to claim 12, wherein the image information reading device functions as a document loading guide function when used as a document. 16. The display means is also provided on the back surface of the guide plate mounting surface, according to claim 12.
The image information reading device described in any one of 1. 17. The key input operation section provided on the back side of the reading surface of the scanner section can also be used as the means for instructing the switching of the scanning width.
The image information reading device described in any one of 2 to 16. 18. The scanner unit is provided with a protective member made of a transparent or transparent coloring material at a position covering the reading surface, and the protective member is exchangeably supported with respect to the outer casing of the scanner unit. The image information reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image information reading device is provided. 19. The scanner unit is provided with a unit for detecting the moving speed of the self unit in the reading scanning direction when the unit is separated from the main body paper feeding unit and a unit for displaying the detected speed as the scanning speed or the detecting speed. 19. The image information reader according to claim 1, further comprising one or both of means for issuing an alarm to that effect when a preset scanning speed is exceeded. 20. The scanner unit has a rotating body on its reading surface, which is different from the scanning guide roller that rotates due to friction with an object to be scanned, and the scanning speed is changed from the rotational speed of the rotating body during reading scanning. 20. The image information reading device according to claim 19, wherein the image information reading device detects. 21. When the scanner unit is attached to the main body paper feeding unit,
A stopper member is provided inside the mounting opening of the main body paper feed unit, on a surface facing the reading surface of the scanner unit, for restricting the insertion of the scanner unit more than necessary, and for keeping the reading surface parallel to the document conveying path. 9. The image information reading device according to claim 7, wherein: 22. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the stopper members are provided at two positions on the left and right outside the width of the document conveying path on the surface facing the reading surface of the scanner section. 23. A one-way clutch release mechanism is provided inside the scanner unit mounting opening of the main body paper feed unit, and when the scanner unit is used alone, the scanning guide roller is rotatable only in the one direction. 12. When it is attached to a body and used, it is rotatable in both directions.
Image information reading device described. 24. The scanner unit is a separate sheet feeding unit in which at least a drive roller, a stopper member, and a magnet attracting mechanism in the sheet feeding unit of the main body are arranged at the same position relative to the self unit. 24. A connection adapter for connecting the device is provided.
The image information reading device described in any one of 1. 25. When the scanner unit is mounted on a mounting opening provided on one side surface of the outer housing of the main body paper feeding unit that is substantially vertical to a horizontal plane, a document is placed between the lower portion of the scanner unit and the mounting opening. The scanner has a carry-in port, and a document discharge port is formed between the upper portion of the scanner unit and the insertion port. The document is carried in through the carry-in port to be discharged to the discharge port through scanning. 2. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transport path for transporting the original document from below to above between the sheet feeding section and the main body sheet feeding section. 26. When the scanner unit is attached to the paper feeding unit of the main body,
26. The image information reading apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising display means of a scannable width at a position recognizable from the outside of the scanner unit.