Image reader

Abstract

To provide an image reading device enabling the maintainability thereof to be improved.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an image reading device configured to read a reading-object. The image reading device comprises: a correction roller including a roller main body; and a reading sensor. The roller main body is configured to be freely rotatable and includes a white portion and a black portion. The white portion and the black portion are provided on an outer surface of the roller main body and disposed side by side in a circumferential direction of the roller main body. The reading sensor is provided oppositely to the roller main body and when performing white correction of the reading sensor, the reading sensor reads a surface of the white portion which is directed to face the reading sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been proposed an image reading device that reads white dedicated paper and utilizes it for image correction processing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Since the image reading device may not be able to properly read the image of the object to be read (for example, a document or ticket), which may lead to misreading, generally, white correction of the reading sensor of the image reading device is periodically performed, and color information obtained from the dedicated paper may be utilized for this white correction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-022955 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a problem in that making the image reading device read the special paper every time white correction is performed for the reading sensor impairs the maintainability of the image reading device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an image reading device that can improve maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided an image reading device configured to be able to read an object to be read, comprising: a correction roller having a roller body; and a reading sensor, the roller body being configured to be freely rotatable and having a white portion and a black portion, the white portion and the black portion being provided on the outer surface of the roller body and being arranged to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the roller body, the reading sensor being arranged opposite the roller body, and when performing white correction of the reading sensor, the reading sensor being configured to read the surface of the white portion that is oriented opposite the reading sensor.

[0007] According to the present invention, when performing white correction for the reading sensor, the correction roller can be rotated so that the white portion of the correction roller faces the reading sensor. This eliminates the need to make the image reading device read special paper every time white correction is performed for the reading sensor, improving maintainability.

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below can be combined with each other. Preferably, there is provided an image reading device in which the correction roller has a covering portion, the roller body is a cylindrical member and has the black portion on its outer surface, and the covering portion is the white portion and is composed of paint formed on the surface of the roller body. Preferably, there is provided an image reading device, wherein the roller body is configured not to rotate when the reading sensor reads the object to be read that is located on the roller body. Preferably, an image reading device is provided which further includes an input section, an input roller, and a drive section, wherein the input section is configured to hold the object to be read, the input roller is configured to send the object to be read from the input section side to the correction roller side, and the drive section has a motor and a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor to both the input roller and the correction roller. Preferably, an image reading device is provided which further includes a rotation restriction mechanism configured to restrict the roller body at a predetermined angular position from rotating in a first rotation direction, and the black portion of the roller body at the predetermined angular position faces the reading sensor. Preferably, when the reading sensor reads the object to be read located on the roller body, the driving force of the drive unit is transmitted to the correction roller so that the roller body rotates in a first rotation direction, and is transmitted to the feed roller so that the feed roller rotates in a direction that sends the object to be read from the feed section side to the correction roller side, and when performing the white correction of the reading sensor, the driving force of the drive unit is transmitted to the correction roller so that the roller body rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and is transmitted to the feed roller so that the feed roller rotates in a direction that pushes the object to be read back toward the feed section side. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image reading device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the side wall members 1A, 1B and the connecting member 1C are removed from the image reading device 100 shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, the inclined piece 8b is in a lowered state (when paper is being ejected). [Diagram 3] Fig. 3A is an enlarged view of an area A shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3B shows a state in which the inclined piece 8b shown in Fig. 3A faces upward (when paper is being conveyed out). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the framework member 2, the carry-in section 3, the roller biasing mechanisms 4A to 4E, and the reading sensor 6. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the framework member 2 (excluding the roof members 2G-2I and the gate member 2J), the carry-in section 3, the reading sensor 6 and part of the drive section (the carry-in roller 71, the intermediate roller 73, the first and second carry-out rollers 74, 75, the path changing mechanism 8, the correction roller 72 and the first and second discharge rollers 76, 77). [Figure 6] Fig. 6A is a perspective view showing a state in which the inclination member 2D, the discharge member 2F, the first and second discharge rollers 76, 77, and the reading sensor 6 have been removed from the configuration shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6B is a perspective view showing a state in which the support member 2C has been removed from the configuration shown in Fig. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an end view of the image reading device 100 in a vertical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction. [Figure 8] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the driving unit 9. Fig. 8B is a side view of the driving unit 9 shown in Fig. 8A. [Figure 9] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the reading sensor 6 and the correction roller 72. In Fig. 9, the wiring drawn out from the reading sensor 6 is indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 10] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the rotation restricting member 50 and the correction roller 72. In Fig. 10, the correction roller 72 is shown in an exploded state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the rotation restricting member 50 and the correction roller 72 as viewed from a different direction than that in FIG. [Figure 12] Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane passing through the center in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the correction roller 72 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane passing through the cutout portion 72b3 of the correction roller 72 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Various characteristic features shown in the following embodiment can be combined with each other. Also, each characteristic feature can be an invention independently.

[0011] 1. Embodiment 1-1 Overall configuration The image reading device 100 according to the embodiment is configured to be capable of reading paper, which is an object to be read. The image reading device 100 is applicable to a device that is installed, for example, at a ticket booth and reads paper tickets. Note that the object to be read by the image reading device 100 is not limited to paper, and may be a plastic or metal card.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the image reading device 100 according to the embodiment includes an outer shell 1, a rotation restriction member 50 (see Fig. 11), a framework member 2, a carry-in unit 3, roller biasing mechanisms 4A to 4E, rollers 5A to 5E, a reading sensor 6, a roller mechanism 7, a path changing mechanism 8, and a driving unit 9. As shown in Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, the roller mechanism 7 includes a carry-in roller 71, a correction roller 72, an intermediate roller 73, first and second carry-out rollers 74, 75, and first and second discharge rollers 76, 77. Although not shown, the image reading device 100 includes a control device, which is configured to be able to control the reading sensor 6 and the driving unit 9.

[0013] 1-2 Detailed configuration explanation 1-2-1 Outer Wall 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the outer shell 1 includes a side wall member 1A, a side wall member 1B, and a plurality of connecting members 1C. The sidewall member 1A is disposed to face the sidewall member 1B. The sidewall members 1A and 1B are plate-like members and have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Various components such as a framework member 2 and a reading sensor 6 are disposed between the sidewall members 1A and 1B. The connecting member 1C is a rod-shaped member, and one end of the connecting member 1C is connected to the side wall member 1A, and the other end of the connecting member 1C is connected to the side wall member 1B. By providing the outer case 1 with the connecting member 1C, the outer case 1 becomes strong.

[0014] 1-2-2 Rotation restriction member 50 The rotation restricting member 50 shown in Fig. 11 is supported directly or indirectly on the side wall member 1A, for example. The rotation restricting member 50 is provided in a cutout portion 72b3 (described later) of the correction roller 72. The rotation restricting member 50 is configured to restrict the rotation of the correction roller 72 (roller main body 72b). The rotation restricting member 50 is configured to protrude toward the correction roller 72, and may be made of, for example, resin or a metal member (screw, bolt, etc.).

[0015] 1-2-3 Frame member 2 The skeleton member 2 constitutes a passage through which an object to be read passes, etc. The skeleton member 2 is fixed to the side wall members 1A and 1B.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the skeleton member 2 includes an input member 2A, an intermediate member 2B, a support member 2C, an inclined member 2D, an output member 2E, a discharge member 2F, roof members 2G to 2I, and a gate member 2J.

[0017] <Carry-in material 2A> The carrying-in member 2A is provided adjacent to the carrying-in section 3 as shown in Figs. 4 to 7. The carrying-in member 2A is supported by a shaft 2A1 and is rotatable as shown by the arrow in Fig. 7. Both ends of the shaft 2A1 are connected and fixed to the side wall members 1A and 1B of the outer shell 1, respectively. A rotating mechanism (not shown) is provided on the underside of the carrying-in member 2A. This rotating mechanism is formed of, for example, a spring, and is configured to be able to bias the carrying-in member 2A from the bottom up. The carrying-in member 2A is rotatable by the biasing force of the rotating mechanism. When the carrying-in member 2A is rotated upward, the leading end of the object to be read comes into contact with the carrying-in roller 71 and is drawn in, and the object to be read is drawn to the rear of the passage.

[0018] <Intermediate part 2B> 4 to 7, the intermediate member 2B is a plate-like member extending from the carry-in member 2A side to the carry-out member 2E side. A carry-in roller 71 is provided on the intermediate member 2B. In addition, a roller biasing mechanism 4A and a roller 5A are provided on the intermediate member 2B.

[0019] The intermediate member 2B has an opening in which the rollers 73b of the intermediate rollers 73 and the rollers 74b of the first discharge rollers 74 are disposed. Furthermore, the intermediate member 2B has an opening into which an inclined piece 8b (described later) of the path changing mechanism 8 enters. The intermediate member 2B is supported directly or indirectly by, for example, the side wall members 1A and 1B.

[0020] <Support member 2C and inclined member 2D> As shown in Figs. 4 to 7, the support member 2C is disposed on the intermediate member 2B and is configured to be able to support the inclined member 2D. A gap is formed between the support member 2C and the intermediate member 2B, allowing the object to be read to pass through the gap. The support member 2C may be supported directly or indirectly on the intermediate member 2B, or directly or indirectly on the side wall members 1A and 1B, for example. The inclined member 2D is a plate-like member supported by the support member 2C. The inclined member 2D has an inclined surface formed from the first discharge roller 74 side to the first discharge roller 76 side, and a flat surface formed from the first discharge roller 76 side to the second discharge roller 77 side. The inclined member 2D has an opening in which the roller 76b of the first discharge roller 76 is disposed.

[0021] <Exporting member 2E> As shown in Figs. 4 to 7, the discharge member 2E is provided at a position that serves as an exit for discharging the read object from the image reading device 100. A correction roller 72 is disposed between the discharge member 2E and the intermediate member 2B. The discharge member 2E has an opening in which the roller 75b of the second discharge roller 75 is disposed. The discharge member 2E is supported directly or indirectly by, for example, the side wall members 1A and 1B.

[0022] <Exhaust material 2F> As shown in Figs. 4 to 7, the image reading device 100 is configured such that, when the reading sensor 6 cannot properly read the object to be read, the object to be read is not carried out from the carry-out member 2E but is discharged from the discharge member 2F. That is, the discharge member 2F is provided at a position that serves as an exit for discharging the object to be read from the image reading device 100. The discharge member 2F is disposed above the carry-in member 2A and adjacent to the inclined member 2D. The discharge member 2F has an opening in which the roller 77b of the second discharge roller 77 is disposed. The discharge member 2F is supported directly or indirectly by, for example, the side wall members 1A and 1B.

[0023] <Roof components 2G~2I> As shown in Figures 4 to 7, roof member 2G is provided to face the portion of slope member 2D where the sloped surface is formed at a predetermined distance. Roof member 2G is provided with roller biasing mechanism 4B and roller 5B, and roller biasing mechanism 4D and roller 5D. The roof member 2H is provided so as to face, at a predetermined distance, the portion of the slope member 2D where the flat surface is formed. The roof member 2I is provided so as to face the discharge member 2F with a predetermined gap therebetween. The roof member 2I is provided with a roller biasing mechanism 4E and a roller 5E. The roof members 2G to 2I may be supported directly or indirectly by, for example, the inclined member 2D or the discharge member 2F, or may be supported directly or indirectly by the side wall members 1A and 1B.

[0024] <Gate member 2J> 4 to 7, the gate member 2J is provided to face the discharge member 2E with a predetermined gap therebetween. The gate member 2J is provided with a roller biasing mechanism 4C and a roller 5C. The gate member 2J is supported directly or indirectly by, for example, the side wall members 1A and 1B.

[0025] 1-2-4 Loading section 3 As shown in Fig. 4, the carry-in unit 3 has an entrance (insertion port) for inserting an object to be read into the image reading device 100. The carry-in unit 3 is configured to be able to hold an object to be read. The carry-in unit 3 is provided adjacent to the carry-in member 2A. The carry-in unit 3 is supported directly or indirectly by, for example, the side wall members 1A and 1B.

[0026] 1-2-5 Roller biasing mechanisms 4A to 4E and rollers 5A to 5E As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, the roller biasing mechanisms 4A to 4E are configured to bias the rollers 5A to 5E, and are composed of a plate-shaped frame, a spiral spring, and fixing means (screws), etc. Each frame of the roller biasing mechanisms 4A to 4E is biased by a spring, and axially supports each roller (roller 5A to 5E). The fixing means (screws) of the roller biasing mechanisms 4A to 4E pass through the spring and the frame, and are connected to the framework member 2.

[0027] The roller biasing mechanism 4A is provided to bias the roller 5A, and the roller 5A is provided to face the intermediate roller 73. The roller biasing mechanism 4B is provided to bias the roller 5B, and the roller 5B is provided to face the first discharge roller 74. The roller biasing mechanism 4C is provided to bias the roller 5C, and the roller 5C is provided to face the second discharge roller 75. The roller biasing mechanism 4D is provided to bias the roller 5D, and the roller 5D is provided to face the first discharge roller . The roller biasing mechanism 4E is provided to bias the roller 5E, and the roller 5E is provided to face the second discharge roller 77.

[0028] 1-2-6 Reading sensor 6 The reading sensor 6 is configured as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and a light receiving element and a light emitting element are built into a housing. As shown in FIG. 5, the reading sensor 6 is provided to face the correction roller 72 and extend in the axial direction of the correction roller 72. In the embodiment, the longitudinal width of the reading sensor 6 is longer than the longitudinal width of the roller body 72b of the correction roller 72.

[0029] 1-2-7 Roller mechanism 7 The roller mechanism 7 is composed of a plurality of rollers that have the function of carrying in, carrying out, and carrying out the object to be read.

[0030] <Feed-in Roller 71> As shown in Figs. 5 to 8B, the carry-in roller 71 is configured to carry the object to be read on the carry-in member 2A toward the intermediate member 2B. The carry-in roller 71 includes a transmission unit 71a, a roller 71b, and a shaft 71c. The transmission unit 71a is a gear connected to one end of the shaft 71c. The roller 71b is connected to a middle portion of the shaft 71c in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] <Correction roller 72> The correction roller 72 shown in Fig. 9 is configured to be freely rotatable, and is provided so as to face the reading sensor 6. As shown in Figs. 10 to 12B, the correction roller 72 includes a pulley 72a, a roller body 72b, a covering portion 72b2, a torque limiter 72c, a shaft 72d, and a connecting portion 72e. The correction roller 72 has a function of supporting the object to be read, but does not have a function of transporting or carrying it out. In other words, when the object to be read is carried out or discharged, the roller body 72b does not rotate. When performing white correction of the reading sensor 6, the roller body 72b rotates and the covering portion 72b2 (white portion) faces upward.

[0032] 10 and 11, the pulley 72a is connected to one end of the shaft 72d. A belt Bt1 of a transmission mechanism described later is wound around the pulley 72a, and a driving force for driving the correction roller 72 is transmitted via the belt Bt1. The rotation of the pulley 72a is transmitted to the roller main body 72b via the shaft 72d and the torque limiter 72c.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the roller body 72b is made of a cylindrical member, and the shaft 72d is inserted through the center of the roller body 72b. The roller body 72b is made of black resin. As shown in Fig. 12A, the black surface (outer peripheral surface) of the roller body 72b is covered with a white covering portion 72b2 over a 180-degree range in the circumferential direction, and the remaining 180-degree range is exposed as a black portion 72b1 made of black. That is, the black portion 72b1 and the covering portion 72b2 are arranged to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the correction roller 72, and the black portion 72b1 and the covering portion 72b2, which is a white portion, are provided on the outer surface of the roller body. The covering portion 72b2 is an example of a white portion.

[0034] The covering portion 72b2 is composed of a layer of paint applied to the outer surface of the roller body 72b, and is independent of the roller body 72b. The formation range of the black portion 72b1 and the formation range of the covering portion 72b2 (white portion) are described as being 180 degrees each, but this is not limited to this. For example, these formation ranges can be appropriately set within a range in which the white correction of the reading sensor 6 is appropriately performed. The formation range (degrees) of the covering portion 72b2 is specifically, for example, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, and 270, and can also be defined as being within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. The formation range of the black portion 72b1 is expressed as 360 degrees minus the angle of the covering portion 72b2.

[0035] The color of the covering portion 72b2 is white, but for example, a paint with a Munsell value of N9.5 (N indicates achromatic color) can be used. The color of the covering portion 72b2 is not limited to this, and can be appropriately determined depending on, for example, the content of white correction required for the image reading device 100, and for example, a Munsell value of N9.3 or Munsell value of N9.0 can be used. The color of the covering portion 72b2 may have a certain degree of hue, for example, yellow.

[0036] 11 and 12B, the roller body 72b has an arc-shaped cutout 72b3 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction (the end on the side where the pulley 72a is disposed). The rotation restricting member 50 is disposed in the cutout 72b3. The roller body 72b also has a pair of walls 72b4 formed therein against which the rotation restricting member 50 abuts, as shown in FIG. 12B. The pair of walls 72b4 are located at the ends of the cutout 72b3 in the circumferential direction of the roller body 72b.

[0037] The rotation restricting member 50 is configured to restrict the rotation of the roller body 72b at a predetermined angular position. The predetermined angular positions include a first angular position of the roller body 72b in a state where one wall portion 72b4 abuts against the rotation restricting member 50, and a second angular position of the roller body 72b in a state where the other wall portion 72b4 abuts against the rotation restricting member 50. At the first angular position, the clockwise rotation of the roller body 72b is restricted, the black portion 72b1 faces upward, and the black portion 72b1 faces the reading sensor 6. At the second angular position, the counterclockwise rotation of the roller body 72b is restricted, the covering portion 72b2 (white portion) faces upward, and the covering portion 72b2 (white portion) faces the reading sensor 6.

[0038] 10 and 11, the roller body 72b has an engagement portion 72b5 formed at the other end in the longitudinal direction (the end on the side where the torque limiter 72c is disposed) that engages with the torque limiter 72c. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 72b5 is configured as a recess.

[0039] The diameter of the roller body 72b is, for example, 20 (mm), but is not limited thereto. The diameter (mm) of the roller body 72b can be, for example, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, or 50 mm, and can be defined within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0040] The distance between the roller body 72b and the reading sensor 6 (the distance between the top of the roller body 72b and the bottom surface of the reading sensor 6) is, for example, 0.45 (mm), but is not limited to this. This distance (mm) is, for example, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, and can be defined within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here. This distance (mm) is the distance between the top of the covering portion 72b2 (white portion) and the bottom surface of the reading sensor 6.

[0041] The thickness (mm) of the covering portion 72b2 is, for example, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, and can also be defined within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the torque limiter 72c includes a housing 72c1 and a sleeve 72c2. The torque limiter 72c and the rotation restricting member 50 are an example of a rotation restricting mechanism. The torque limiter 72c may be of a spring type or a magnet type. The same applies to the torque limiter 8d described later. The housing 72c1 is formed with an engagement portion 72ca which is a cylindrical member and engages with the engagement portion 72b5. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 72ca is formed with a protrusion which is inserted into the engagement portion 72b5. The sleeve 72c2 is a cylindrical member and is housed in the housing 72c1. The sleeve 72c2 is connected or engaged with the shaft 72d so as to rotate integrally with the shaft 72d. A torque is generated by slippage between the housing 72c1, which rotates integrally with the roller body 72b by the engagement portion 72ca, and the sleeve 72c2, which is engaged with the shaft 72d, which rotates by the pulley 72a. As a result, the roller body 72b stops at a position where the wall portion 72b4 hits the rotation restricting member 50, and the shaft 72d continues to rotate. Specifically, the roller body 72b and the housing 72c do not rotate, but the pulley 72a, the shaft 72d, the sleeve 72c2, and the connection portion 72e continue to rotate. By providing the image reading device 100 with the torque limiter 72c and the rotation restricting member 50 (rotation restricting mechanism), it is not necessary to provide a separate motor just for driving and controlling the correction roller 72, and the manufacturing costs of the image reading device 100 can be reduced.

[0043] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the shaft 72d has one end connected to the pulley 72a and the other end connected to the connecting part 72e. The shaft 72d passes through the roller body 72b and the torque limiter 72c. The shaft 72d and the roller body 72b are not connected to each other. The rotational force of the shaft 72d is transmitted to the roller body 72b via the sleeve 72c2 and the housing 72c1. The connecting portion 72e is, for example, directly or indirectly journaled to the side wall member 1B.

[0044] As described above, the image reading device 100 can rotate the correction roller 72 to orient the covering portion 72b2 (white portion) of the correction roller 72 toward the reading sensor 6. This eliminates the need to make the image reading device 100 read a special paper each time white correction is performed on the reading sensor 6, improving the maintainability of the image reading device 100.

[0045] <Middle roller 73> The intermediate roller 73 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8B is configured to transport the object to be read toward the first output roller 74. The intermediate roller 73 includes a pulley 73a, a pair of rollers 73b, and a shaft 73c. ​​The pulley 73a is connected to one end of the shaft 73c. ​​The pair of rollers 73b are connected to the shaft 73c. ​​The pulley 73a is shared by the belts Bt2 and Bt3. In other words, both of the belts Bt2 and Bt3 are hung on the pulley 73a.

[0046] <First discharge roller 74> The first discharge roller 74 shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8B is configured to transport the object to be read toward the second discharge roller 75 (transport in the forward direction) or to transport the object to be read toward the first discharge roller 76 (transport in the reverse direction). When the first discharge roller 74 transports the object to be read in the forward direction, the first discharge roller 74 rotates clockwise when the image reading device 100 is seen from the side wall member 1A toward the side wall member 1B. When the first discharge roller 74 transports the object to be read in the reverse direction, the first discharge roller 74 rotates counterclockwise when the image reading device 100 is seen from the side wall member 1A toward the side wall member 1B. The first discharge roller 4 includes a pulley 74a, a pair of rollers 74b, and a shaft 74c. The pulley 74a is connected to one end of the shaft 74c. The pair of rollers 74b are connected to a shaft 74c.

[0047] <Second discharge roller 75> The second discharge roller 75 shown in Figs. 5 to 8B is configured to transport the object to be read out of the image reading device 100 (transport in the forward direction) or to transport the object to be read toward the first discharge roller 76 (transport in the reverse direction). The operation of the second discharge roller 75 is similar to that of the first discharge roller 74. The second discharge roller 75 includes a pulley 75a, a pair of rollers 75b, and a shaft 75c. The pulley 75a is connected to one end of the shaft 75c. The pair of rollers 75b are connected to the shaft 75c.

[0048] <First discharge roller 76> The first discharge roller 76 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 to Fig. 8B is configured to transport the object to be read toward the second discharge roller 77. The first discharge roller 76 includes a pulley 76a, a pair of rollers 76b, and a shaft 76c. The pulley 76a is connected to one end of the shaft 76c. The pair of rollers 76b are connected to the shaft 76c.

[0049] <Second discharge roller 77> The second discharge roller 77 shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 to Fig. 8B is configured to transport the object to be read out of the image reading device 100. The second discharge roller 77 includes a pulley 77a, a pair of rollers 77b, and a shaft 77c. The pulley 77a is connected to one end of the shaft 77c. The pair of rollers 77b are connected to the shaft 77c.

[0050] 1-2-8 Passage change mechanism 8 2, 6A, 6B, and 8A is configured to be switchable between a state in which the object to be read is permitted to move along the path from the intermediate roller 73 to the first discharge roller 74, and a state in which the object to be read is permitted to move along the path from the first discharge roller 74 to the first discharge roller 76. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the path changing mechanism 8 includes a pulley 8a, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) inclined pieces 8b, a shaft 8c, and a torque limiter 8d.

[0051] The pulley 8a is provided at one end of the shaft 8c and is connected to a torque limiter 8d. The rotation of the pulley 8a is transmitted to the shaft 8c via the torque limiter 8d. The torque limiter 8d is provided at the end of the shaft 8c. The shaft 8d rotates within a movable angle range of a stopper (not shown) attached to the end of the shaft 8c, and in an angle range outside this movable angle range, slippage occurs within the torque limiter 8d, and only the pulley 8a rotates. The inclined piece 8b is connected to the shaft 8c and can rotate upward (see FIG. 3B) or downward (see FIG. 3A) with the rotation of the shaft 8c. When the inclined piece 8b is facing upward, the movement of the object to be read in the passage from the intermediate roller 73 to the first discharge roller 74 is permitted. When the inclined piece 8b is facing downward, the movement of the object to be read in the passage from the first discharge roller 74 to the first discharge roller 76 is permitted.

[0052] 1-2-9 Drive unit 9 The drive unit 9 includes a motor and a transmission mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the motor includes motors M1 and M2. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the transmission mechanism includes transmission parts t1 to t3, a rotating part t4, a pulley T1, rotating parts T2 to T5, and circular belts Bt1 to Bt3.

[0053] <Motor> The motors M1 and M2 are disposed at the bottom of the image reading device 100. The motor M1 is connected to a transmission unit t1 and configured to rotate the transmission unit t1 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The motor M2 is connected to a pulley T1 and configured to rotate the pulley T1 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0054] <Transmission mechanism> The transmission part t1 includes a pulley and a transmission gear, and is connected to the motor M1. The pulley is hung on the belt Bt1, and the transmission gear is engaged with the transmission part t2. The transmission parts t2 and t3 each include a gear and a shaft, and one end of the shaft is connected to, for example, the side wall member 1A, and the other end is provided with a gear. The gears of the transmission parts t2 and t3 are engaged with each other. The transmission part t2 is engaged with the transmission part t1, and the transmission part t3 is engaged with the transmission part 71a. Therefore, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to the transmission part 71a of the feed roller 71 via the transmission parts t1 and t2 and t3.

[0055] The rotating parts t4, T2 to T5 each include a pulley and a shaft, and one end of the shaft is connected to, for example, the side wall member 1A, and the other end of the shaft is provided with a pulley that is rotatable. A belt is hung on the pulleys of the rotating parts t4, T2 to T5.

[0056] The belt Bt1 is hung on the transmission unit t1, the rotating unit t4, and the pulley 72a. That is, the rotation (driving force) of the transmission unit t1 connected to the motor M1 is transmitted to the pulley 72a of the correction roller 72 via the belt Bt1. Here, in the embodiment, the driving force of the motor M1 is transmitted to both the carry-in roller 71 and the correction roller 72. That is, the rotation of the transmission unit t1 connected to the motor M1 rotates the carry-in roller 71 via the transmission units t2 and t3, and rotates the correction roller 72 via the belt Bt1. By adopting such a configuration in the image reading device 100, the number of motors can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the image reading device 100 can be reduced.

[0057] The belt Bt2 is wound around the pulley T1, the pulley 73a, the rotating part T2, the pulley 8a, the pulley 74a, the rotating part T3, the pulley 75a, and the rotating part T4. That is, the rotation (driving force) of the pulley T1 connected to the motor M2 is transmitted to the pulley 73a of the intermediate roller 73, the pulley 8a of the path changing mechanism 8, and the pulleys 74a and 75a of the first and second discharge rollers 74 and 75 via the belt Bt2.

[0058] The belt Bt3 is wound around the pulley 73a, the pulley 76a, the rotating part T5, and the pulley 77a. The rotation (driving force) of the pulley T1 connected to the motor M2 is transmitted to the pulley 73a via the belt Bt2, causing the pulley 73a to rotate. The rotation of the pulley 73a is transmitted to the pulleys 76a and 77a of the first and second discharge rollers 76 and 77 via the belt Bt3.

[0059] 2 Operation Description 2-1 Reading operation In the following description of the operation, the rotation direction will be described based on the case where image reading device 100 is viewed from side wall member 1A toward side wall member 1B. When a user inserts an object to be read into loading section 3, a sensor (not shown) detects the object, and motors M1 and M2 are automatically driven. The following description will be given with reference to Figs. 7 to 12B.

[0060] The motor M1 shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B rotates the transmission unit t1 clockwise. As a result, the transmission unit t1 rotates the feed roller 71 counterclockwise via the transmission units t2 and t3. The transmission unit t1 also rotates the pulley 72a of the correction roller 72 clockwise (first rotation direction) via the belt Bt1. When the pulley 72a rotates, a torque is generated in the shaft 72d of the correction roller 72. When the roller body 72b (wall portion 72b4) abuts against the rotation restriction member 50 (see FIG. 11), the roller body 72b does not rotate, and when it does not abut against the rotation restriction member 50, the roller body 72b rotates clockwise until it abuts against the rotation restriction member 50. When the roller body 72b abuts against the rotation restriction member 50, the roller body 72b is in the first angular position. When the roller body 72b abuts against the rotation restricting member 50, the black portion 72b1 faces upward and opposes the reading sensor 6, while the covering portion 72b2 faces downward.

[0061] 8A and 8B rotates the pulley T1 clockwise, which causes the belt Bt2 to rotate the intermediate roller 73 and the first and second discharge rollers 74, 75 clockwise.

[0062] 7, the object to be read passes through input roller 71, intermediate roller 73, and first output roller 74, and is placed directly under reading sensor 6. Then, information displayed on the object to be read is read by reading sensor 6. When the information on the object to be read has been properly read, the object is conveyed out of image reading device 100 by first and second output rollers 74, 75. On the other hand, if the information of the object to be read is not properly read by the reading sensor 6, the motor M2 rotates the pulley T1 counterclockwise. This causes the first and second discharge rollers 74, 75 to rotate counterclockwise, and the intermediate roller 73 to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise rotation of the intermediate roller 73 causes the first and second discharge rollers 76, 77 to rotate counterclockwise via the belt Bt3. Furthermore, the counterclockwise rotation of the pulley T1 causes the shaft 8c of the passage change mechanism 8 to rotate counterclockwise, and the inclined piece 8b faces downward (see FIG. 3A). The object to be read directly below the reading sensor 6 is transported from the inclined piece 8b to the inclined member 2D by the rotational force of the first and second discharge rollers 74, 75, and then discharged outside the image reading device 100 by the rotational force of the first and second discharge rollers 76, 77.

[0063] 2-2 White correction operation of reading sensor 6 The control device of the image reading device 100 performs white correction of the reading sensor 6, for example, when power is turned on to the image reading device 100. The control device may also perform white correction automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed, or may perform white correction when it is determined that the reading sensor 6 cannot properly read the object to be read.

[0064] When the control of white correction of the reading sensor 6 starts, the motor M1 shown in Figures 8A and 8B rotates the transmission unit t1 counterclockwise. This causes the transmission unit t1 to rotate the carry-in roller 71 clockwise via the transmission units t2 and t3. In other words, the carry-in roller 71 rotates in a direction to push back (eject) the object to be read. This makes it possible to prevent the object from being taken into the image reading device 100 even if the user mistakenly inserts the object to be read from the carry-in unit 3 while white correction is being performed.

[0065] The transmission unit t1 rotates the pulley 72a of the correction roller 72 counterclockwise via the belt Bt1. When the pulley 72a rotates counterclockwise, the roller body 72b rotates counterclockwise (second rotation direction) so that the covering portion 72b2 (white portion) faces upward. When the roller body 72b (wall portion 72b4) hits the rotation restriction member 50, the rotation of the roller body 72b is stopped by the action of the torque limiter 72c. When the roller body 72b hits the rotation restriction member 50, the roller body 72b is in the second angular position. When the roller body 72b hits the rotation restriction member 50, the covering portion 72b2 faces upward and faces the reading sensor 6, but the black portion 72b1 faces downward.

[0066] The reading sensor 6 reads the surface of the covering portion 72b2 (white portion). Then, the control device of the image reading device 100 acquires the information read by the reading sensor 6, and performs white correction of the reading sensor 6 based on the information. In the white correction, the reading sensor 6 acquires reference black and white values. Specifically, the reference black value is a value corresponding to a signal acquired by the light receiving element of the reading sensor 6 when the light emitting element (LED) of the reading sensor 6 is turned off. The reference white value is a value corresponding to a signal acquired by the light receiving element of the reading sensor 6 when the light emitting element of the reading sensor 6 is turned on. The white correction is adjusted using these reference black and white values.

[0067] During the white correction of the reading sensor 6, the motor M2 may be driven or stopped.

[0068] 3. Other embodiments In the embodiment, the coating portion 72b2 is applied to the roller body 72b, but this is not limited to the above. The roller body 72b may be molded from two-color resin (white and black resin) to form the black and white portions. If the roller body 72b is molded from two-color resin, the color of the white portion may deviate from the desired color, and white correction of the reading sensor 6 may not be performed appropriately. For this reason, it is preferable that the white portion is formed by the coating portion 72b2, as in the embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1: Outer perimeter 1A: Side wall member 1B: Side wall member 1C: Connecting member 2: Frame material 2A: Carry-in materials 2A1: Axis 2B: Intermediate part 2C: Support member 2D: Inclined member 2E: Materials to be removed 2F: Discharge material 2G: Roof material 2H: Roof material 2I: Roof material 2J: Gate material 3: Loading area 4: First discharge roller 4A-4E: Roller biasing mechanism 5A-5E: Roller 6: Reading sensor 7: Roller mechanism 8: Passage change mechanism 8a: Pulley 8b: Inclined piece 8c: Shaft 8d: Torque limiter 9: Drive unit 50: Rotation restriction member 71: Loading roller 71a: Transmission section 71b: Roller 71c: shaft 72: Correction roller 72a: Pulley 72b: Roller body 72b1:Black part 72b2: Covering part 72b3: Notch 72b4 :Wall part 72b5: Engagement part 72c: Torque limiter 72c1 :Housing 72c2: Sleeve 72ca: Engagement part 72d: Shaft 72e: Connection part 73: Intermediate roller 73a: Pulley 73b: Roller 73c: shaft 74: First discharge roller 74a: Pulley 74b: Roller 74c: shaft 75: Second discharge roller 75a: Pulley 75b: Roller 75c: Shaft 76: First discharge roller 76a: Pulley 76b: Roller 76c: Shaft 77: Second discharge roller 77a: Pulley 77b: Roller 77c: Shaft 100: Image reader Bt1: Belt Bt2: Belt Bt3: Belt M1: Motor M2: Motor T1: Pulley T2: Rotating part T3: Rotating part T4: Rotating part T5: Rotating part t1: Transmission section t2: Transmission section t3: Transmission section t4: Rotating part

Claims

1. An image reading device configured to be able to read an object to be read, The correction roller has a roller body, a reading sensor, and a rotation restriction mechanism. The roller body is configured to be freely rotatable and has a white portion and a black portion, the white portion and the black portion are provided on an outer surface of the roller body and are arranged to be aligned in a circumferential direction of the roller body, the reading sensor is provided to face the roller body, When performing white correction of the reading sensor, the reading sensor is configured to read a surface of the white portion oriented so as to face the reading sensor, The rotation restriction mechanism is configured to restrict the roller body from rotating in a first rotation direction at a predetermined angular position by abutting a rotation restriction member configured to protrude toward the correction roller against an end of a cutout portion formed in the roller body, The black portion of the roller body at the predetermined angular position faces the reading sensor.

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, The correction roller has a covering portion, The roller body is a cylindrical member, and the black portion is provided on an outer surface thereof. An image reading device, wherein the covering portion is the white portion and is composed of paint formed on the surface of the roller body.

3. 3. The image reading device according to claim 1, An image reading device, wherein the roller body is configured not to rotate when the reading sensor reads the object to be read that is positioned on the roller body.

4. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Further comprising a carry-in unit, a carry-in roller, and a drive unit, The loading unit is configured to hold the object to be read, The carry-in roller is configured to feed the object to be read from the carry-in unit side to the correction roller side, The drive unit includes a motor and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is configured to transmit a driving force of the motor to both the input roller and the correction roller.

5. 5. The image reading device according to claim 4, When the reading sensor reads the object to be read located on the roller body, The driving force of the driving unit is transmitted to the correction roller so that the roller main body rotates in a first rotation direction, and is transmitted to the feed roller so that the feed roller rotates in a direction in which the object to be read is sent from the feed unit side to the correction roller side, When performing the white correction of the reading sensor, An image reading device in which the driving force of the drive unit is transmitted to the correction roller so that the roller body rotates in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and is transmitted to the feed roller so that the feed roller rotates in a direction that pushes the object to be read back toward the feed unit.

Images