Image reading device

Abstract

To provide an image reader which suppresses occurrence of damage to a member for moving a backing.SOLUTION: An image reader includes: a second imaging unit 117b arranged in a first housing; a first backing member 123a arranged in a second housing so as to be moved between a first position facing the second imaging unit and a second position displaced from the first position; a first cam member 127a arranged in the second housing and coupled with the first backing member to move the first backing member from the first position to the second position; and an abutting member 135 arranged in the first housing so as to be moved in a direction orthogonal to a medium conveyance path to move the first cam member. The abutting member is arranged in a projection position projecting from the first housing when the second housing is closed with respect to the first housing, to move the first cam member so that the first backing member is moved from the first position to be second position. The abutting member is provided so as to be retracted when the second housing is opened / closed with respect to the first housing and abuts against the cam, while being located at the projection position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device having an imaging unit and a backing. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, an image reading device such as a scanner has a backing at a position opposite to an imaging unit that images a medium, and the background color of the medium is changed by moving the backing.

[0003] An image reading device has been disclosed that rotates a cam to rotate the backing to a predetermined position, and by abutting the abutting part to the abutted part, stops the cam and locks the backing in a predetermined position even when the supply of power to the drive part is cut off (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6084272 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In an image reading device, if a member for moving the backing is arranged to protrude from the housing, when the housing is opened or closed, the housing may collide with the member for moving the backing, causing damage.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device that can suppress the occurrence of damage to the members that move the backing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image reading device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first housing, a second housing arranged opposite the first housing across a media transport path and configured to be openable and closable relative to the first housing, an imaging unit provided in the first housing, a backing provided on the second housing and movable between a first position opposite the imaging unit and a second position moved from the first position, a cam provided on the second housing and connected to the backing to move the backing from the first position to the second position, and an abutment member provided on the first housing and movable in a direction perpendicular to the media transport path to move the cam, wherein the abutment member is positioned at a protruding position where it protrudes from the first housing when the second housing is closed relative to the first housing, thereby moving the cam so that the backing moves from the first position to the second position, and when positioned in the protruding position, the abutment member is configured to be retractable when the second housing is opened or closed relative to the first housing and abuts against the cam. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the image reading device can suppress the occurrence of damage to the member for moving the backing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading device 100. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the image reading device 100. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the second housing 102. FIG. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the imaging unit 117. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a drive mechanism of a backing member 123. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a contact member 135. FIG. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the drive mechanism. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the drive mechanism. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the drive mechanism. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image reading device 100. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 150 and a processing circuit 160. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 13] 10(A) and 10(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining another contact member 235. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 360 according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An image reading device, an image reading method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading device 100 configured as an image scanner. The image reading device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original, and captures an image. The medium may be paper, cardboard, card, or the like. The image reading device 100 may also be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP), or the like.

[0012] 1, arrow A1 indicates the approximately vertical direction (height direction), arrow A2 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A3 indicates the medium discharge direction, and arrow A4 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3, and "downstream" refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3.

[0013] The image reading device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a loading table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0014] The second housing 102 is disposed inside the first housing 101 and is rotatably engaged with the first housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium is jammed or when the inside of the image reading device 100 is cleaned.

[0015] The loading platform 103 engages with the first housing 101 so that the media to be transported can be placed on it. The loading platform 103 is provided on the side surface of the first housing 101 on the media supply side so that it can move in the height direction A1. When not transporting media, the loading platform 103 is located at the bottom so that media can be easily placed on it, and when transporting media, the uppermost medium placed on the loading platform 103 rises to a position where it comes into contact with a pick roller, which will be described later.

[0016] The discharge tray 104 is formed on the second housing 102. The discharge tray 104 places the media discharged from the discharge ports of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 thereon.

[0017] The operation device 105 has input devices such as buttons and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input devices, accepts input operations by a user, and outputs operation signals in response to the user's input operations. The display device 106 has a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display device 106 may be a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function. In this case, the operation device 105 has an interface circuit for acquiring input signals from the touch panel.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the image reading device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The transport path inside the image reading device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a pick roller 112, a feed roller 113, a separation roller 114, first to sixth transport rollers 115a to 115f, first to sixth driven rollers 116a to 116f, an imaging unit 117, and the like.

[0020] The number of each of the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first to sixth conveying rollers 115a-f, and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 116a-f is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 113, the separation roller 114, the first to sixth conveying rollers 115a-f, and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 116a-f are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4.

[0021] The second housing 102 is disposed opposite the first housing 101 across the medium transport path. The surface of the first housing 101 facing the second housing 102 forms a first guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the surface of the second housing 102 facing the first housing 101 forms a second guide 102a of the medium transport path.

[0022] The media sensor 111 is disposed on the mounting table 103, that is, upstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and detects the state of the media placed on the mounting table 103. The media sensor 111 determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 by using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact with the mounting table 103 or when the medium is not in contact with the mounting table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. Note that the media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

[0023] The pick roller 112 is provided in the second housing 102, and contacts the uppermost medium among the media placed on the mounting table 103, which is raised to approximately the same height as the media transport path, and transports the medium downstream.

[0024] The feed roller 113 is provided in the second housing 102 downstream of the pick roller 112 and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 and fed by the pick roller 112 further downstream. The separation roller 114 is provided in the first housing 101 facing the feed roller 113. The separation roller 114 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided so that it can rotate or stop in the direction opposite to the media feeding direction. The feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 perform a media separation operation, separating the media and feeding them one by one. The feed roller 113 is provided above the separation roller 114, and the image reading device 100 feeds the media using a so-called top-up method. Note that the feed roller 113 may be provided below the separation roller 114, and the image reading device 100 may feed the media using a so-called bottom-up method.

[0025] The first to sixth conveying rollers 115a-f and the first to sixth driven rollers 116a-f are provided facing each other downstream of the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and convey the medium fed by the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114 downstream. The sixth conveying roller 115f and the sixth driven roller 116f discharge the medium onto the discharge tray 104.

[0026] The imaging unit 117 is disposed downstream of the first and second transport rollers 115a-b in the medium transport direction A2, and captures images of the medium transported by the first and second transport rollers 115a-b and the first and second driven rollers 116a-b. The imaging unit 117 includes a first imaging unit 117a and a second imaging unit 117b disposed opposite each other with the medium transport path in between. The first imaging unit 117a is provided in the second housing 102, and the second imaging unit 117b is provided in the first housing 101.

[0027] The media placed on the mounting table 103 are transported between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the media transport direction A2 by the rotation of the pick roller 112 and the feed roller 113 in the media feed directions A11 and A12, respectively. The image reading device 100 has two feeding modes: a separation mode in which the media are separated while being fed, and a non-separation mode in which the media are fed without being separated. The feeding mode is set by the user using the operation device 105 or an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the image reading device 100. When the feeding mode is set to the separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates or stops in the direction of arrow A13, i.e., in the opposite direction to the media feed direction. This restricts the feeding of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding). On the other hand, when the feeding mode is set to the non-separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the opposite direction of arrow A13, i.e., in the media feed direction.

[0028] The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a and fed to the imaging position of the imaging unit 117 by the rotation of the first and second conveyance rollers 115a-b in the directions of arrows A14-A15, and is imaged by the imaging unit 117. Furthermore, the medium is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 by the rotation of the third to sixth conveyance rollers 115c-A15f in the directions of arrows A16-A19, respectively.

[0029] 3(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the second housing 102. Fig. 3(A) shows the second housing 102 in a state where it is closed relative to the first housing 101, and Fig. 3(B) shows the second housing 102 in a state where it is open relative to the first housing 101.

[0030] 3(A) and 3(B), the second housing 102 is engaged with the first housing 101 via a hinge 118. One end 118a of the hinge 118 is fixed to the periphery of the discharge port of the first housing 101, and the second housing 102 is attached to the hinge 118 so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 118b provided at the other end of the hinge 118. As a result, the second housing 102 is provided so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow A5 around the rotation shaft 118b provided around the periphery of the discharge port. In other words, the second housing 102 is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the first housing 101. In particular, the second housing 102 is opened and closed relative to the first housing 101 by moving along the medium transport path, i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path, around the periphery of the second imaging unit 117b.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3(A), when the second housing 102 is closed, it is disposed opposite the first housing 101 and forms a media transport path together with the first housing 101. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3(B), when the second housing 102 is open, it opens the media transport path. This allows the user to clean the media transport path and also remove media that have stopped in the media transport path due to a jam or the like.

[0032] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams for explaining the imaging unit 117. FIG.

[0033] 4(A) and 4(B), the first imaging unit 117a is provided with a first light source 121a, a first imaging sensor 122a, a first backing member 123a, a first wall member 124a, etc. The second imaging unit 117b is provided with a second light source 121b, a second imaging sensor 122b, a second backing member 123b, a second wall member 124b, etc. The second imaging sensor 122b is an example of an imaging unit and is provided in the first housing 101. The first backing member 123a is an example of a backing and is provided in the second housing 102. The first imaging sensor 122a is an example of a second imaging unit and is provided in the second housing 102. The second backing member 123b is an example of a second backing and is provided in the first housing 101.

[0034] The first light source 121a is provided on the opposite side of the medium transport path from the second backing member 123b. The first light source 121a has an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The first light source 121a irradiates light toward the surface of the medium transported to the position of the imaging unit 117 (or toward the second backing member 123b or second wall member 124b of the opposing second imaging unit 117b when the medium is not being transported).

[0035] Similarly, the second light source 121b is provided on the opposite side of the medium transport path from the first backing member 123a. The second light source 121b has an LED. The second light source 121b emits light toward the back surface of the medium transported to the position of the imaging unit 117 (or toward the first backing member 123a or first wall member 124a of the opposing first imaging unit 117a when no medium is being transported).

[0036] The first imaging sensor 122a is located on the opposite side of the medium transport path from the second backing member 123b. The first imaging sensor 122a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system with CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first imaging sensor 122a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging sensor 122a generates and outputs an input image by capturing an image of the surface of the transported medium and the periphery of the medium at imaging position L1. When a medium is not being transported, the first imaging sensor 122a also generates and outputs a reference image by capturing an image of the second backing member 123b.

[0037] Similarly, the second imaging sensor 122b is provided on the opposite side of the medium transport path from the first backing member 123a. The second imaging sensor 122b has a CIS line sensor with a 1x magnification optical system having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The second imaging sensor 122b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging sensor 122b generates and outputs an input image at imaging position L2, capturing an image of the back surface of the transported medium and the periphery of the medium. When a medium is not being transported, the second imaging sensor 122b also generates and outputs a reference image capturing an image of the first backing member 123a.

[0038] Note that instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type equipped with a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor equipped with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used. Also, the set of first light source 121a, first imaging sensor 122a, second backing member 123b, and second wall member 124b may be omitted.

[0039] The first backing member 123a is provided at a position facing the second light source 121b and the second imaging sensor 122b across the medium transport path. The first backing member 123a has a first opposing surface 125a facing the second imaging sensor 122b. The first opposing surface 125a has a white color, for example, and functions as a white reference member for correcting images such as shading based on image signals captured by the first opposing surface 125a. Note that the first opposing surface 125a may have a color other than black, and may also have a color other than white, such as gray.

[0040] The first backing member 123a is supported rotatably in the direction of arrow A21 around a first rotation shaft 126a. The first backing member 123a is provided so as to be movable (rotatable) between a facing position (position shown in FIG. 4A) where the first facing surface 125a faces the second imaging sensor 122b, and a non-facing position (position shown in FIG. 4B) where the first facing surface 125a is displaced from the facing position. The facing position of the first backing member 123a is an example of a first position, and the non-facing position of the first backing member 123a is an example of a second position moved from the facing position.

[0041] The second backing member 123b is provided at a position facing the first light source 121a and the first imaging sensor 122a across the medium transport path. The second backing member 123b has a second opposing surface 125b facing the first imaging sensor 122a. The second opposing surface 125b has a white color, for example, and functions as a white reference member for correcting images such as shading based on image signals captured by the second opposing surface 125b. Note that the second opposing surface 125b may have a color other than black, such as gray, other than white.

[0042] The second backing member 123b is supported rotatably in the direction of arrow A22 around the second rotation shaft 126b. The second backing member 123b is provided so as to be movable (rotatable) between a facing position (position shown in FIG. 4A) where the second facing surface 125b faces the first imaging sensor 122a, and a non-facing position (position shown in FIG. 4B) where the second facing surface 125b is out of the facing position. The facing position of the second backing member 123b is an example of a third position, and the non-facing position of the second backing member 123b is an example of a fourth position moved from the facing position.

[0043] The first wall member 124a is provided at a position facing the second imaging sensor 122b when the first backing member 123a is disposed in the non-facing position. The surface of the first wall member 124a facing the second imaging sensor 122b has a color different from that of the first facing surface 125a, such as black.

[0044] Similarly, the second wall member 124b is provided in a position facing the first imaging sensor 122a when the second backing member 123b is disposed in the non-facing position. The surface of the second wall member 124b facing the first imaging sensor 122a has a color different from that of the second facing surface 125b, such as black.

[0045] Hereinafter, the first light source 121a and the second light source 121b may be collectively referred to as light source 121. The first imaging sensor 122a and the second imaging sensor 122b may be collectively referred to as imaging sensor 122. The first backing member 123a and the second backing member 123b may be collectively referred to as backing member 123. The first wall member 124a and the second wall member 124b may be collectively referred to as wall member 124. The first opposing surface 125a and the second opposing surface 125b may be collectively referred to as opposing surface 125.

[0046] When the backing member 123 is placed in the facing position as shown in FIG. 4(A), light emitted from the light source 121 is reflected by the facing surface 125 of the backing member 123 in areas where no medium is present, and an image is formed on the imaging sensor 122. In an image based on the image signal generated at this time, pixels corresponding to areas where no medium is present are white. On the other hand, when the backing member 123 is placed in the non-facing position as shown in FIG. 4(B), light emitted from the light source 121 is reflected by the wall member 124, and an image is formed on the imaging sensor 122. In an image based on the image signal generated at this time, pixels corresponding to areas where no medium is present are black.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanism of the backing member 123. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the imaging unit 117 as viewed from the side.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the image reading device 100 further includes a first cam member 127a, a second cam member 127b, a first elastic member 128a, a second elastic member 128b, a first stopper 129a, a second stopper 129b, a first motor 131, a gear 132, a third cam member 133, a slide member 134, and an abutment member 135.

[0049] The first cam member 127a, the first elastic member 128a, and the first stopper 129a are provided on the second housing 102 at an end of the first imaging unit 117a in the width direction A4. On the other hand, the second cam member 127b, the second elastic member 128b, and the second stopper 129b are provided on the first housing 101 at an end of the second imaging unit 117b in the width direction A4 (an end on the same side as the first cam member 127a). The first motor 131, the gear 132, the third cam member 133, the slide member 134, and the abutment member 135 are provided on the first housing 101.

[0050] The first cam member 127a is an example of a cam and is connected to the first backing member 123a. The first cam member 127a is provided so as to rotate by a driving force from the first motor 131. The first cam member 127a is fixed to an end of the first rotating shaft 126a of the first backing member 123a in the width direction A4 so that the first backing member 123a rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first cam member 127a.

[0051] The second cam member 127b is an example of a second cam, and is connected to the second backing member 123b. The second cam member 127b is provided so as to rotate by a driving force from the first motor 131. The second cam member 127b is fixed to an end of the second rotating shaft 126b of the second backing member 123b in the width direction A4 (the end on the same side as the first cam member 127a) so that the second backing member 123b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the second cam member 127b.

[0052] The first elastic member 128a is an example of an elastic member, and is provided on the first rotary shaft 126a so as to apply a biasing force to the first cam member 127a to rotate it in the direction of arrow A23 (the opposite direction of arrow A21).

[0053] The second elastic member 128b is a torsion coil spring or the like, and is provided on the second rotary shaft 126b so as to apply a biasing force to the second cam member 127b to rotate it in the direction of arrow A24 (the opposite direction of arrow A22).

[0054] The first stopper 129a comes into contact with the first cam member 127a that is biased by the first elastic member 128a, and disposes the first cam member 127a in the position shown in FIG.

[0055] The second stopper 129b comes into contact with the second cam member 127b that is biased by the second elastic member 128b, and disposes the second cam member 127b in the position shown in FIG.

[0056] Hereinafter, the first cam member 127a and the second cam member 127b may be collectively referred to as cam member 127. Furthermore, the first elastic member 128a and the second elastic member 128b may be collectively referred to as elastic member 128.

[0057] The first motor 131 rotates in accordance with a control signal from a processing circuit (described later), moves the slide member 134, and generates a driving force for rotating the cam member 127 and the backing member 123. The first motor 131 generates, as driving forces, a first driving force for setting the backing member 123 to the non-opposing position and a second driving force for releasing the backing member 123 from the non-opposing position.

[0058] The gear 132 is provided on the rotation shaft of the first motor 131 and rotates in accordance with the driving force from the first motor 131 .

[0059] The third cam member 133 has a gear portion that meshes with the gear 132, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 132. The third cam member 133 also engages with the slide member 134, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 132, thereby causing the slide member 134 to slide in the up-down direction A6 that is perpendicular to the medium transport path.

[0060] The slide member 134 is an example of a slider and is provided to be movable in the up-down direction A6 perpendicular to the medium transport path. The slide member 134 is provided to be slidable along a guide portion such as a rail (not shown) that extends in the up-down direction A6, and slides in response to the rotation of the third cam member 133. The slide member 134 also has a first extension portion 134a and a second extension portion 134b that extend in the up-down direction A6. An abutting member 135 is attached to the upper end of the first extension portion 134a, and the first extension portion 134a moves in the up-down direction A6 together with the abutting member 135 in response to the movement of the slide member 134 in the up-down direction A6. The second extension portion 134b moves in the up-down direction A6 in response to the movement of the slide member 134 in the up-down direction A6, and abuts against the second cam member 127b to move (rotate) the second cam member 127b.

[0061] The abutment member 135 is provided at the upper end of the first extension portion 134a of the slide member 134 so as to be movable in the vertical direction A6 perpendicular to the medium transport path in accordance with the movement of the first extension portion 134a. The abutment member 135 is attached to the slide member 134 so as to move in the vertical direction A6 in accordance with the movement of the slide member 134 in the vertical direction A6, and to abut against the first cam member 127a to move (rotate) the first cam member 127a. The abutment member 135 is supported by the first extension portion 134a so as to be swingable in the direction of arrow A25. That is, the abutment member 135 is provided so as to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path.

[0062] 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the contact member 135. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the contact member 135 as seen from the opposite side to the side as seen from the contact member 135 in FIG.

[0063] 6, the image reading device 100 further includes a third elastic member 135a. The third elastic member 135a is a spring member such as a compression coil spring, and is provided on the first extension portion 134a of the slide member 134 so as to apply a biasing force to the abutting member 135 in the direction of arrow A26 (the opposite direction of arrow A25). The third elastic member 135a may be another spring member such as a torsion coil spring, or a rubber member.

[0064] 7(A), (B), 8(A), (B), and 9(A), (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the drive mechanism of the backing member 123. Figures 7(A), (B), 8(A), (B), and 9(A), (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the imaging unit 117 as viewed from the side.

[0065] 7A shows a state in which second housing 102 is closed relative to first housing 101 and first motor 131 is not generating a driving force. In the state shown in FIG. 7A, slide member 134 is not raised, and abutment member 135 and second extension portion 134b are not in contact with first cam member 127a and second cam member 127b, respectively. First cam member 127a and second cam member 127b are urged in the directions of arrows A23 and A24 by urging forces from first elastic member 128a and second elastic member 128b, respectively, and are stopped by abutting first stopper 129a and second stopper 129b. As a result, backing member 123 is disposed in the opposing position.

[0066] In this way, the elastic member 128 applies a biasing force to the cam member 127 to position the backing member 123 at the opposing position. The image reading device 100 can reduce power consumption by positioning the backing member 123 at the opposing position using the elastic member 128 without driving the first motor 131.

[0067] Due to individual differences in the components that transmit the driving force from the first motor 131 to the first backing member 123a and the second backing member 123b, there is a possibility that the positions of the first backing member 123a and the second backing member 123b, which are moved by the driving force, may be shifted. If the driving force from the first motor 131 is used to position the backing member 123 in either the facing position or the non-facing position, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned shift will accumulate each time the position of the backing member 123 is changed. The image reading device 100 uses the biasing force of the elastic member 128 when positioning the backing member 123 in the facing position. This allows the image reading device 100 to accurately position the backing member 123 in the facing position and suppresses an increase in the shift between the positions of the first backing member 123a and the second backing member 123b.

[0068] FIG. 7(B) shows a state in which the first motor 131 generates a first driving force, as shown in FIG. 7(A). When the first motor 131 generates the first driving force, the gear 132 and the third cam member 133 rotate in the directions of arrows A31 and A32, respectively, in FIG. 5, and the slide member 134 rises. As a result, the abutting member 135 and the second extension portion 134b abut against the first cam member 127a and the second cam member 127b, respectively. The first cam member 127a and the second cam member 127b are pushed up by the abutting member 135 and the second extension portion 134b against the biasing forces of the first elastic member 128a and the second elastic member 128b, respectively, and rotate in the directions of arrows A21 and A22. As a result, the backing member 123 is positioned in the non-opposing position.

[0069] In this way, slide member 134 is moved by the driving force from first motor 131, and moves second cam member 127b. Abutment member 135 is moved by the driving force from first motor 131 in conjunction with the movement of slide member 134, and moves first cam member 127a. First cam member 127a and second cam member 127b are connected to first backing member 123a and second backing member 123b, respectively, and move first backing member 123a and second backing member 123b from the opposing position to the non-opposing position.

[0070] The image reading device 100 can link the switching of the first backing member 123a and the switching of the second backing member 123b by using a single slide member 134 to move both the first backing member 123a and the second backing member 123b. Furthermore, the image reading device 100 can reduce the number of components required for switching between the first backing member 123a and the second backing member 123b, thereby reducing the cost and weight of the device. Furthermore, the image reading device 100 can reduce the power consumption required for switching between the backing members 123 by switching between the first backing member 123a and the second backing member 123b using the driving force from the single first motor 131. Furthermore, the image reading device 100 can automatically switch between the backing members 123 under computer control by switching between the backing members 123 using the driving force from the first motor 131, thereby improving user convenience.

[0071] Furthermore, abutment member 135 is provided on first housing 101, and first cam member 127a is provided on second housing 102. Therefore, abutment member 135 protrudes upward from first housing 101, and an upper surface F1 of abutment member 135 abuts against a lower surface F2 of first cam member 127a, thereby pushing up first cam member 127a. In this way, when second housing 102 is closed relative to first housing 101, abutment member 135 is disposed at a protruding position where it protrudes from first housing 101, thereby moving first cam member 127a so that first backing member 123a moves from the opposing position to the non-opposing position.

[0072] 8(A) shows a state in which the user has opened the second housing 102 from the state shown in FIG. 7(B) relative to the first housing 101. In the state shown in FIG. 8(A), the second housing 102 has been opened relative to the first housing 101, and is moving in a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path (the opposite direction to the medium transport direction A2). As a result, the first cam member 127a moves away from the abutment member 135.

[0073] Fig. 8(B) shows the state immediately after the state shown in Fig. 8(A). In the state shown in Fig. 8(B), first cam member 127a, which has separated from contact member 135, is urged in the direction of arrow A23 by the urging force of first elastic member 128a, and is stopped by abutting against first stopper 129a.

[0074] 9(A) shows a state in which the user has closed second housing 102 relative to first housing 101 from the state shown in FIG. 8(B). In the state shown in FIG. 9(A), second housing 102 is closed relative to first housing 101, causing it to move in a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path (medium transport direction A2). As a result, first cam member 127a moves toward abutting member 135 and collides with abutting member 135 so that side surface F4 of first cam member 127a abuts against side surface F3 of abutting member 135. As described above, abutting member 135 is provided to be movable in a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path, and when it collides with first cam member 127a, it retreats in a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path (medium transport direction A2).

[0075] In this way, when the abutting member 135 is disposed in the protruding position, the abutting member 135 is retractable when the second housing 102 is opened or closed relative to the first housing 101 and abuts against the first cam member 127a. This allows the image reading device 100 to prevent damage to the abutting member 135 when the second housing 102 is opened or closed by the user with the abutting member 135 protruding from the first housing 101.

[0076] Furthermore, the abutment member 135 (slide member 134) slides in the up-down direction A6 perpendicular to the media transport path, rotating the cam member 127. Various components, such as rollers for transporting the media, a media sensor for detecting the position of the media, and an ultrasonic sensor for detecting double media feed, are arranged around the imaging unit 117 in the media transport direction A2 parallel to the media transport path. Sliding the abutment member 135 (slide member 134) in a direction parallel to the media transport path requires sufficient space around the rollers, media sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc., which increases the device size. By sliding the abutment member 135 (slide member 134) in the up-down direction A6 perpendicular to the media transport path, the image reading device 100 can appropriately move the backing member 123 while suppressing an increase in device size.

[0077] On the other hand, the second housing 102 is opened and closed by the movement of the abutting member 135 relative to the first housing 101 in a direction different from the up-down direction A6 perpendicular to the medium transport path (a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path). This allows the user to clean the medium transport path in the image reading device 100 having a U-shaped medium transport path (U-turn path), and also to remove media that have stopped in the medium transport path due to a jam or the like.

[0078] Furthermore, the abutment member 135 is provided so as to be retractable by moving the first cam member 127a in a direction different from the up-down direction A6 perpendicular to the medium transport path (a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path). This prevents damage to the abutment member 135 when the second housing 102 is opened or closed by a user in the image reading device 100 having a U-shaped medium transport path (U-turn path).

[0079] FIG. 9(B) shows the imaging unit 117 in a state where the first motor 131 generates a second driving force, as opposed to the state shown in FIG. 9(A). When the first motor 131 generates the second driving force, the gear 132 and the third cam member 133 rotate in the opposite directions of arrows A31 and A32 in FIG. 5, respectively, and the slide member 134 descends. As a result, the abutment member 135 and the second extension portion 134b move away from the first cam member 127a and the second cam member 127b, respectively. The first cam member 127a and the second cam member 127b are urged in the directions of arrows A23 and A24 by the urging forces of the first elastic member 128a and the second elastic member 128b, respectively, and come into contact with the first stopper 129a and the second stopper 129b and stop. As a result, the backing member 123 is positioned in the opposing position.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image reading device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0081] In addition to the above-described configuration, the image reading device 100 further includes a second motor 141, an interface device 142, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like.

[0082] The second motor 141 includes one or more motors. The second motor 141 rotates the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, and the first to sixth conveyance rollers 115a-f to convey the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160. The first to sixth driven rollers 116a-f may be configured to rotate according to the driving force of the second motor 141, rather than being driven to rotate by the first to sixth conveyance rollers 115a-f.

[0083] The interface device 142 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown) (for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Alternatively, instead of the interface device 142, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0084] The storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or optical disk. The storage device 150 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the image reading device 100. Computer programs may be installed into the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. Portable recording media include, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory).

[0085] The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 150. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 160 may be a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0086] The processing circuit 160 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the medium sensor 111, the imaging sensor 122, the first motor 131, the second motor 141, the interface device 142, the storage device 150, etc., and controls each of these components. Based on a signal received from the medium sensor 111, the processing circuit 160 performs drive control of the first motor 131 and the second motor 141, image capture control of the imaging sensor 122, etc. The processing circuit 160 acquires an input image from the imaging sensor 122 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 142. The processing circuit 160 also controls the first motor 131 to position the backing member 123 at the facing position or the non-facing position.

[0087] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 150 and the processing circuit 160. As shown in FIG.

[0088] 11, the storage device 150 stores a control program 151, an image acquisition program 152, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuitry 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates in accordance with the read program. As a result, the processing circuitry 160 functions as a control unit 161 and an image acquisition unit 162.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the image reading device 100.

[0090] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the image reading device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the image reading device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 150.

[0091] First, the control unit 161 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or the information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 142 (step S101).

[0092] Next, control unit 161 acquires a medium signal from medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on mounting table 103, control unit 161 ends the series of steps.

[0093] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 161 controls the first motor 131 to place the backing member 123 in the opposing position (step S103).

[0094] Next, the image acquisition unit 162 causes the imaging sensor 122 to capture an image of the backing member 123, and acquires a reference image from the imaging sensor 122 (step S104).

[0095] Next, the control unit 161 controls the first motor 131 to place the backing member 123 at a designated position designated by the user, either the facing position or the non-facing position (step S105). The designated position is designated by the user using the operation device 105 or the information processing device and is set in advance in the storage device 150 before the medium reading process is executed. By placing the backing member 123 at the facing position, the image reading device 100 can make the background in the input image white, making it possible to obtain an image in which the background does not stand out. On the other hand, by placing the backing member 123 at the non-facing position, the image reading device 100 can make the background in the input image black, making it possible to more accurately crop a medium having white color from the input image.

[0096] Next, the control unit 161 controls the second motor 141 to rotate the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first to sixth conveying rollers 115a-f, and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 116a-f to convey the medium (step S106).

[0097] Next, the image acquisition unit 162 causes the image sensor 122 to capture an image of the medium, and acquires an input image from the image sensor 122 (step S107).

[0098] Next, the image acquisition unit 162 corrects the acquired input image using the reference image acquired in step S104 (step S108). The image acquisition unit 162 uses a known image processing technique to perform shading correction on the input image using the reference image.

[0099] Next, the image acquisition unit 162 outputs the corrected input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 142 (step S109).

[0100] Next, control unit 161 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 111 (step S110). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 161 returns the process to step S107 and repeats the processes of steps S107 to S110.

[0101] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 controls the second motor 141 to stop the rollers (step S111), and ends the series of steps.

[0102] The processes in steps S103, S104 and S108 may be omitted.

[0103] As described above in detail, in image reading device 100, abutment member 135 is arranged to protrude from first housing 101 in order to rotate first cam member 127a for rotating first backing member 123a arranged in second housing 102. Abutment member 135 is provided to be swingable so as to retract when first cam member 127a abuts against it when second housing 102 is closed. This makes it possible for image reading device 100 to prevent damage to abutment member 135 for moving first backing member 123a.

[0104] 13(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating contact member 235 of an image reading device according to another embodiment. Fig. 13(A) is a schematic diagram showing contact member 235 in a state where first cam member 127a is not in contact with it, and Fig. 13(B) is a schematic diagram showing contact member 235 in a state where first cam member 127a is in contact with it.

[0105] The abutment member 235 is used in place of the abutment member 135 of the image reading device 100. The abutment member 235 has the same structure and function as the abutment member 135. However, the abutment member 235 is fixedly attached to the first extension portion 134a of the slide member 134, rather than being swingably attached thereto. Furthermore, a fourth elastic member 235a is provided on the side surface F3 of the abutment member 235, with which the side surface F4 of the first cam member 127a abuts. The fourth elastic member 235a is formed of a rubber member or the like. When the first cam member 127a moves toward the abutment member 235 and collides with the abutment member 235 so that the side surface F4 of the first cam member 127a abuts against the side surface F3 of the abutment member 235, the abutment member 235 contracts in a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path (the medium transport direction A2).

[0106] In this way, when abutment member 235 is disposed in the protruding position, it is retractable when second housing 102 is opened or closed relative to first housing 101 and abuts against first cam member 127a. This makes it possible for the image reading device to prevent damage to abutment member 135 when second housing 102 is opened or closed by the user with abutment member 235 protruding from first housing 101.

[0107] Furthermore, the abutment member 235 is provided so as to be retractable by moving the first cam member 127a in a direction different from the up-down direction A6 perpendicular to the medium transport path (a direction substantially parallel to the medium transport path). This prevents damage to the abutment member 235 when the second housing 102 is opened or closed by a user in an image reading device having a U-shaped medium transport path (U-turn path).

[0108] As described above in detail, the image reading device is able to suppress damage to the abutment member 235 used to move the first backing member 123a, even when the fourth elastic member 235a is provided on the abutment member 235.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 360 of an image reading device according to another embodiment.

[0110] The processing circuit 360 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 of the image reading device 100, and executes media reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 360 includes a control circuit 361 and an image acquisition circuit 362. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0111] The control circuit 361 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 161. The control circuit 361 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 142 and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, and controls the first motor 131 and the second motor 141 based on the received information.

[0112] The image acquisition circuit 362 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 162. The image acquisition circuit 362 acquires a reference image and an input image from the imaging sensor 122, corrects the input image using the reference image, and outputs the corrected image to the interface device 142.

[0113] As described above in detail, even when the image reading device uses the processing circuit 360, it is possible to prevent damage to the contact member for moving the first backing member 123a.

[0114] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the backing member 123 may be disposed in a non-opposing position by the biasing force of the elastic member 128 when the first motor 131 is not generating the first driving force, and disposed in a facing position when the first motor 131 is generating the first driving force.

[0115] Furthermore, the backing member 123 may be provided so as to be slidable along the medium transport direction A2 instead of being rotatable. In this case, the backing member 123 is arranged in the opposing position by the biasing force of an elastic member, for example, and is provided so as to be pushed along the medium transport direction A2 as the cam member 127 rotates and slide to the non-opposing position.

[0116] The image reading device may be any device as long as the housing is openable and closable, and may be, for example, a so-called flatbed type scanner that captures an image without transporting a medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 100 Image reading device, 101 First housing, 102 Second housing, 122a First imaging sensor, 122b Second imaging sensor, 123a First backing member, 123b Second backing member, 127a First cam member, 127b Second cam member, 128a First elastic member, 128b Second elastic member, 131 First motor, 134 Slide member, 135 Contact member

Claims

1. A first housing; a second housing disposed opposite the first housing across a medium transport path and openable and closable relative to the first housing; an imaging unit provided in the first housing; a backing provided on the second housing and movable between a first position facing the imaging unit and a second position moved from the first position; a cam provided on the second housing and coupled to the backing to move the backing from the first position to the second position; a contact member that is provided on the first housing so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport path and that moves the cam, The abutment member is When the second housing is closed relative to the first housing, the cam is disposed at a protruding position protruding from the first housing, thereby moving the cam so that the backing moves from the first position to the second position; When the second housing is opened or closed relative to the first housing and comes into contact with the cam while the second housing is disposed at the protruding position, the second housing is retractable. An image reading device characterized by:

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member that applies a biasing force to the cam to place the backing at the first position.

3. Further, the motor generates a driving force.

3. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is moved by a driving force from the motor.

4. a second imaging unit provided in the second housing; a second backing provided on the first housing and movable between a third position facing the second imaging unit and a fourth position moved from the third position; a second cam provided on the first housing and connected to the second backing to move the second backing from the third position to the fourth position; a slider that is provided on the first housing so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport path and that moves the second cam, 4. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is attached to the slider so as to move in accordance with the movement of the slider, thereby moving the cam.

5. 5. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second housing is opened and closed by moving in a direction different from a direction in which the contact member moves relative to the first housing.

6. 6. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the contact member is provided so as to be retractable by moving in a direction different from a direction in which the cam is moved.

Images