Scanner with an internal motor and a contact image sensor

• US 5,895,905 A
• Filed: 02/25/1997
• Issued: 04/20/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Original Assignee: Logitech, Inc. (Logitech International SA)
• Inventors: McVicar, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Gross, Anita Pellman
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Diane I.
• Application Number:
  US08/806,890
• Time in Patent Office: 784 Days
• Field of Search: 358/490, 358/491, 358/474, 250/208.1, 250/234, 355/75, 355/47, 355/104, 310/67 R, 310/83, 235/454
• US Class Current: 235/454
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/1215 Feeding using one or more cylindrical platens or rollers in the immediate vicinity of the main scanning line
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/193 using electrically scanned linear arrays , e.g. linear CCD arrays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0446 Constructional details not otherwise provided for, e.g. mounting of scanning components H04N2201/0448 takes precedence

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved image scanner which has a hollow platen, with a motor mounted inside the platen. A drive mechanism is coupled between the motor and the inside surface of the platen to rotate the platen. Preferably, a circuit board containing circuitry for at least controlling the motor is also mounted inside the platen.

Claims

1. An image scanner comprising:

a hollow platen;

a motor mounted inside said platen;

a drive mechanism coupled between said motor and said platen to rotate said platen in response to said motor;

a circuit board mounted inside said platen;

circuitry for controlling said motor mounted on said circuit board;

a first end plate coupled to said drive mechanism to support said drive mechanism and allow rotation of said platen relative to said first end plate;

a second end plate coupled to said circuit board to support said circuit board and allow rotation of said platen relative to said second end plate;

an opening in said second end plate; and

an electrical connection to said motor extending through said opening.

2. The scanner of claim 1 further comprising:

an annular gear mounted on an inside surface of said platen.

3. The scanner of claim 2 further comprising:

a first annular gear mounted on an inside surface of a first end of said platen;

a second annular gear mounted on an inside surface of a second end of said platen;

said drive mechanism comprising a set of drive gears engaged with said first annular gear; and

at least one undriven idler gear engaged with said second annular gear.

4. The scanner of claim 1 further comprising:

a paper deflector mounted adjacent, outside, and in contact with said platen.

5. The scanner of claim 4 wherein said paper deflector is adjustable to allow paper feed without deflection in one mode.

6. The scanner of claim 1 further comprising an image sensor mounted adjacent said platen.