# US 7,170,654 B2 · Contact-type image sensor for reciprocally movable document sheet > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,170,654 B2 - Document ID: US7170654B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/238,920 - Filed: 2002-09-09 - Published: 2003-04-17 - Granted: 2007-01-30 - Earliest claimed: 2001-09-10 - Assignees: Rohm Co., Ltd. - Inventors: Hideki Sawada - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7170654B2 ## CPC - H04N 1/00578: {using at least part of a loop, e.g. using a return loop} - H04N 1/031: the photodetectors having a one-to-one and optically positive correspondence with the scanned picture elements, e.g. linear contact sensors - H04N 1/0312: {using an array of optical fibres or rod-lenses} - H04N 1/0314: {using photodetectors and illumination means mounted in the same plane on a common support or substrate} - H04N 1/121: {Feeding arrangements (transporting sheets to or from the scanning position H04N1/0057; control or error compensation of sub-scanning velocity H04N1/0473)} - H04N 2201/03112: Light source - H04N 2201/0312: Reflecting element upstream of the scanned picture elements - H04N 2201/03133: Window, i.e. a transparent member mounted in the frame - H04N 2201/03141: Photodetector lens - H04N 2201/03145: Photodetector - H04N 2201/0317: Shape - H04N 2201/03179: Frame - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION ## Abstract A contact-type image sensor includes a case having an upper surface formed with an opening, a cover glass closing the opening and providing a linear reading region extending in the primary scanning direction. A sheet as an object to be read, coming into contact with the linear reading region, is reciprocally moved in the secondary scanning direction which is perpendicular to the primary scanning direction. The opening is defined by a pair of edges of the case spaced in the secondary scanning direction. Each of the edges includes a convex surface having a top positioned above the outer surface of the cover glass. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A contact-type image sensor comprising: a case having an upper surface formed with an opening; a cover glass closing the opening and providing a linear reading region extending in a primary scanning direction; the linear reading region coming into contact with a sheet as an object to be read, the sheet being reciprocally movable in a secondary scanning direction which is perpendicular to the primary scanning direction; wherein the opening is defined by a pair of edges spaced in the secondary scanning direction; wherein each of the edges includes a convex surface having a top which is positioned above an outer surface of the cover glass; and wherein each of the edges includes a plurality of recesses that are open away from the cover glass for engagement with guide projections of a transfer base. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The contact-type image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the convex surface of each of the edges extends down to a position below the outer surface of the cover glass. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The contact-type image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the convex surface of each of the edges has an arcuate cross section. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The contact-type image sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of recesses are arranged at a predetermined interval in the primary scanning direction. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The contact-type image sensor according to claim 4, wherein each of the recesses is also open upwardly. ### Claim 6 An image reading apparatus comprising: a transfer base having a transfer surface provided with guide projections upon which the sheet is transferred; and a contact-type image sensor placed in the transfer base; wherein the image sensor comprises: a case having an upper surface formed with an opening; a cover glass closing the opening and providing a linear reading region extending in a primary scanning direction; the linear reading region coming into contact with a sheet as an object to be read, the sheet being reciprocally movable in a secondary scanning direction which is perpendicular to the primary scanning direction; wherein the opening is defined by a pair of edges spaced in the secondary scanning direction; wherein the top of each of the edges is positioned above an outer surface of the cover glass and the transfer surface; and wherein each of the edges includes a plurality of recesses that are open away from the cover glass for engagement with the guide projections of the transfer base. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the convex surface of each of the edges extends down to a position below the transfer surface. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the guide projections are spaced at a predetermined interval in the primary scanning direction and extend in the secondary scanning direction. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper surface of each of the guide projections when held in engagement with a corresponding one of the recesses is positioned below the top of the convex surface of the edge. ### Claim 10 An image reading apparatus comprising: a transfer base having a transfer surface upon which the sheet is transferred; and a contact-type image sensor placed in the transfer base; wherein the image sensor comprises: a case having an upper surface formed with an opening; a cover glass closing the opening and providing a linear reading region extending in a primary scanning direction; the linear reading region coming into contact with a sheet as an object to be read, the sheet being reciprocally movable in a secondary scanning direction which is perpendicular to the primary scanning direction; wherein the opening is defined by a pair of edges spaced in the secondary scanning direction; wherein the top of each of the edges is positioned above an outer surface of the cover glass and the transfer surface; and wherein the transfer surface is provided by upper surfaces of guide projections which are spaced at a predetermined interval in the primary scanning direction and extend in the secondary scanning direction. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The image reading apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the upper surface of each of the guide projections when held in engagement with a corresponding recess is positioned below the top of the convex surface of the edge.