Device for reading a color image from an original document with reciprocating filter

A device for reading a color image from a color original document, comprising:

• a line image sensor for decomposing the color image which is incident to a light-sensitive surface of said line image sensor into pixels each having a predetermined configuration and photoelectrically converting said pixels;
• an optical arrangement for conducting the color image located on the read line to said light sensitive surface of said line image sensor;
• flat filter means having a plurality of color separation stripe filters having a predetermined size and separating a predetermined color component, said filters being spaced at a predetermined distance from each other and extending along the length of said light-sensitive surface wherein said predetermined distance is such that a light beam directed toward said line image sensor is temporarily and completely intercepted;
• filter drive means for driving said flat filter means in a reciprocal motion in a plane which is perpendicular to an optical axis so as to cause any one of said filters to move into alignment with said optical axis;
• and
• filter support means for supporting said filter means in such a manner as to allow said filter means to move in the direction of reciprocation while restricting movement of said filter means in other directions,
• wherein said filter means comprises a red, a blue and a green filter which are mounted at a predetermined distance from each other on a frame which is made of a light intercepting material,
• wherein said filter drive means comprises a linear motor and wherein said green filter is aligned with said optical axis while said linear motor is not driven.