Medium carrier

Abstract

To provide a medium carrier allowing for easily carrying out maintenance while suitably carrying a plurality of media respectively having different thicknesses.SOLUTION: A medium carrier 100 comprises: housings 102, 202, 402 having a locking portion, a first bearing and a second bearing; a feed roller 111; a separation roller 112 arranged opposed to the feed roller; and guide mechanisms 120, 220, 320, 420 having a locked portion locked by the locking portion, a first shaft portion pivotally supported by a first bearing, a second shaft portion pivotally supported by a second bearing, and a transport guide portion for regulating a medium being fed between the feed roller and the separation roller. In a state that the locked portion is locked by the locking portion, the guide mechanism is rockably supported about the first shaft portion by the housing. In a state that the locking portion and the locked portion are released from locking, the guide mechanism is rockably supported about the second shaft portion by the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device, and more particularly to a medium transport device having a transport guide portion that regulates a medium transported between a feed roller and a separation roller. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, media transport devices such as scanners are required to transport not only general paper but also media of various thicknesses such as plastic cards or passports. Furthermore, such media transport devices are required to be easily maintained.

[0003] A media transport device is disclosed that includes a transport path along which a medium is transported, a media guide provided on the transport path and having a swingable support part, and a support part that supports the swingable support part so that the media guide can swing and so that it can swing in a direction toward and away from the transport path (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] A media transport device is disclosed that has a transport member that is arranged so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction on a transport path and transports a medium, and a guide portion that guides the medium and is moved in the vertical direction in conjunction with the vertical movement of the transport member (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-84007 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-276254 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is desirable for a medium transport device to be able to properly transport a plurality of media having different thicknesses and to be easy to maintain.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium transport device that can appropriately transport a plurality of media having different thicknesses while allowing easy maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention has a housing having a locking portion, a first bearing and a second bearing, a feed roller, a separation roller arranged opposite the feed roller, a locked portion locked to the locking portion, a first shaft portion supported by the first bearing, a second shaft portion supported by the second bearing, and a guide mechanism having a transport guide portion that regulates media fed between the feed roller and the separation roller, wherein when the locked portion is locked to the locking portion, the guide mechanism is supported by the housing so as to be swingable around the first shaft portion, and when the locking portion and the locked portion are released, the guide mechanism is supported by the housing so as to be swingable around the second shaft portion. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the medium transport device can appropriately transport a plurality of media each having a different thickness, while allowing easy maintenance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Diagram 3] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 4A] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 4B] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 5A] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 5B]10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 6A] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 6B] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a brake roller 112. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of a guide mechanism 120. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 10] 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of the brake roller 112. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of a guide mechanism 120. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of a guide mechanism 120. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of a guide mechanism 120. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a guide mechanism 120. FIG. [Figure 16A] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another engaged member 220a. FIG. [Figure 16B] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another engaged member 220a. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another engaged member 320a. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining still another pressing member 402d. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a medium conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original, and captures an image. The medium is paper such as thin paper or PPC (Plain Paper Copier) paper, or a thick medium (e.g., a medium having a thickness of more than 2 mm) such as cardboard, plastic cards, booklets, or passports. In other words, the media supported by the medium conveying device 100 include a plurality of media each having a different thickness. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium to be conveyed may not be an original but may be a print target, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer, or the like.

[0013] 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, and arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction A1. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1.

[0014] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, and a discharge table 104.

[0015] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the medium conveying device 100, and engages with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium is jammed or when cleaning the inside of the medium conveying device 100. The upper housing 102 and the lower housing 101 are formed of a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The upper housing 102 is an example of a housing.

[0016] The placement stage 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that the medium to be transported can be placed thereon. The ejection stage 104 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that the ejected medium can be held thereon.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0018] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a feed roller 111, a brake roller 112, a first transport roller 113, a second transport roller 114, a first imaging device 115a, a second imaging device 115b, a third transport roller 116, a fourth transport roller 117, and a guide mechanism 120. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and each roller may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0019] The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 105a that forms the lower surface of the medium transport path, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 105b that forms the upper surface of the medium transport path.

[0020] The feed roller 111 is provided in the lower housing 101, and feeds the media placed on the placement table 103 from the bottom up. The brake roller 112 is an example of a separation roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, and is disposed opposite the feed roller 111.

[0021] The first conveyor roller 113 is provided in the lower housing 101. The second conveyor roller 114 is provided in the upper housing 102, and is disposed facing the upper side of the first conveyor roller 113. The second conveyor roller 114 is biased (pressed) in a direction (downward) toward the first conveyor roller 113 by a spring (not shown), and is disposed so as to be movable upward. The first conveyor roller 113 and the second conveyor roller 114 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 in the medium conveying direction A1, and convey the medium fed by the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 downstream.

[0022] The first imaging device 115a has a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 115a 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 device 115a generates and outputs an input image by capturing an image of the surface of the transported medium under the control of a processing circuit (not shown).

[0023] Similarly, the second imaging device 115b has a line sensor using a CIS of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS arranged in a straight line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 115b 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 second imaging device 115b generates and outputs an input image that captures the back side of the transported medium according to control from the processing circuit. The second imaging device 115b is disposed opposite the upper side of the first imaging device 115a, and is biased in a direction (downward) toward the first imaging device 115a by a spring (not shown), and is provided so as to be movable upward.

[0024] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b arranged, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0025] The third conveying roller 116 is provided in the lower housing 101. The fourth conveying roller 117 is provided in the upper housing 102, and is disposed facing the upper side of the third conveying roller 116. The fourth conveying roller 117 is biased in a direction (downward) toward the third conveying roller 116 by a spring (not shown), and is disposed so as to be movable upward. The third conveying roller 116 and the fourth conveying roller 117 are disposed downstream of the first conveying roller 113 and the second conveying roller 114 in the medium conveying direction A1, and convey the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 113 and the second conveying roller 114 further downstream.

[0026] The guide mechanism 120 is provided in the upper housing 102 at a position overlapping the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 in the medium transport direction A1. The guide mechanism 120 is formed of a single member made of a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The guide mechanism 120 may be formed of a plurality of members. The guide mechanism 120 abuts against the leading edge of the medium entering the nip position between the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 to prevent the leading edge of the medium from lifting up. Furthermore, the guide mechanism 120 prevents the medium fed between the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 from lifting up so that the medium is appropriately fed between the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b.

[0027] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is fed in the medium conveying direction A1 while being guided by the guide mechanism 120 by the rotation of the feed roller 111 in the direction of the arrow A3 in FIG. 2, i.e., in the medium feeding direction. The medium conveying device 100 has two operation modes: a separation mode in which the medium is separated and fed when multiple media are placed on the placement table 103, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without being separated. When operating in the separation mode, the brake roller 112 rotates in the direction of the arrow A4, i.e., in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction, when feeding the medium. When multiple media are placed on the placement table 103, only the media in contact with the feed roller 111 among the media placed on the placement table 103 is separated by the action of the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112. This limits the conveyance of media other than the separated media (prevention of double feeding). On the other hand, when operating in the non-separation mode, the brake roller 112 rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow A4, that is, in the medium feeding direction, during medium feeding.

[0028] The medium is fed between the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b by the first conveyor roller 113 and the second conveyor roller 114 rotating in the directions of the arrows A5 and A6, respectively. After the medium is read by the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b, the medium is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 by the third conveyor roller 116 and the fourth conveyor roller 117 rotating in the directions of the arrows A7 and A8, respectively.

[0029] 3, 4A, and 4B are schematic diagrams for explaining the guide mechanism 120. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism 120 removed from the upper housing 102, as viewed from above (the opposite side of the medium transport path). Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the guide mechanism 120 removed from the upper housing 102, as viewed from the upstream side. Fig. 4B is an enlarged view of the cross section taken along line A-A' in part R1 of Fig. 4A.

[0030] 3, the guide mechanism 120 has a plurality of locked portions 120a, a plurality of first shaft portions 120b, a plurality of second shaft portions 120c, a plurality of pressed portions 120d, a transport guide portion 120e, and an opening 120f. The locked portions 120a, the first shaft portions 120b, the second shaft portions 120c, the pressed portions 120d, and the transport guide portion 120e of the guide mechanism 120 are integrally formed. This allows the medium transport device 100 to have a reduced number of parts, thereby reducing the device cost.

[0031] 3, 4A, and 4B, each of the locked portions 120a is a protrusion (claw) formed on the guide mechanism 120. Each of the locked portions 120a is provided at an upstream end of the guide mechanism 120 in the medium transport direction A1, particularly upstream of the brake roller 112, and is arranged at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0032] Each of the first shaft portions 120b is a protrusion formed in an arc shape. The first shaft portions 120b are arranged at an upstream end of the guide mechanism 120 in the medium transport direction A1, particularly upstream of the brake roller 112, and spaced apart from each other in the width direction A2.

[0033] 3, each of the second shaft portions 120c is a protrusion formed in an arc shape. The second shaft portions 120c are arranged at a downstream end of the guide mechanism 120 in the medium transport direction A1, particularly downstream of the brake roller 112, and spaced apart from each other in the width direction A2.

[0034] The pressed portions 120d are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2 at the downstream end of the guide mechanism 120 in the medium transport direction A1, particularly downstream of the brake roller 112.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4A, the transport guide portion 120e is formed on the surface of the guide mechanism 120 on the transport path side, excluding the opening 120f, so as to extend in the width direction A2.

[0036] 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B are schematic diagrams for explaining the guide mechanism 120 in an initial state. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the guide mechanism 120 attached to the upper housing 102, as viewed from below. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' at part R2 in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the downstream end of the guide mechanism 120 attached to the upper housing 102, as viewed from the side.

[0037] 5A and 6A, guide mechanism 120 is attached to upper housing 102 so that opening 120f faces brake roller 112. Guide mechanism 120 is provided with a plurality of stoppers 121, a tip guide 122, and the like.

[0038] The stoppers 121 are arranged upstream of the brake roller 112 in the medium transport direction A1 and spaced apart in the width direction A2. Before the medium is transported, each stopper 121 comes into contact with the leading edge of the medium placed on the mounting table 103 to prevent the medium placed on the mounting table 103 from entering the nip position of the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112.

[0039] The leading edge guide 122 is provided upstream of the brake roller 112 in the medium transport direction A1 and between the two brake rollers 112 in the width direction A2. The leading edge guide 122 is biased downward by a spring (not shown) and presses downward the leading edge of the medium entering the nip position between the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 during medium transport, thereby restricting the leading edge of the medium from floating upward. The number of leading edge guides 122 is not limited to one and may be multiple. In this case, the leading edge guides 122 are provided side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, the upper housing 102 has a plurality of locking portions 102a, a plurality of first bearings 102b, a plurality of second bearings 102c, a pressing member 102d, and the like.

[0041] The locking portions 102a are provided at positions facing the respective locked portions 120a when the guide mechanism 120 is attached to the upper housing 102. The locking portions 102a have an L-shape that abuts against the locked portions 120a.

[0042] The first bearings 102b are provided at positions facing the first shafts 120b when the guide mechanism 120 is attached to the upper housing 102. The first bearings 102b have an arc-shaped recess along the arc surface of the first shafts 120b, and rotatably support the first shafts 120b. The first shafts 120b and the first bearings 102b are provided so as to contact only the upper end side of the first shafts 120b and the lower end side of the first bearings 102b. As a result, even if a force is applied to the guide mechanism 120 from the lower side toward the upper side, the guide mechanism 120 can rotate along the first bearings 102b while receiving the load so as not to be lifted.

[0043] The second bearings 102c are provided at positions facing the second shaft portions 120c when the guide mechanism 120 is attached to the upper housing 102. The second bearings 102c have an arc-shaped recess along the arc surface of the second shaft portions 120c, and rotatably support the second shaft portions 120c at the lower ends of the recesses.

[0044] The pressing member 102d is provided at a position facing each of the pressed portions 120d in a state in which the guide mechanism 120 is attached to the upper housing 102. The pressing member 102d is formed of a compression coil spring, one end of which is fixed to the upper housing 102, and the other end of which is provided so as to abut against the pressed portion 120d. As a result, the pressed portion 120d is urged downward by the pressing member 102d. The pressing member 102d may be formed of a torsion coil spring, a rubber member, or the like. The pressing member 102d may be held in a predetermined frame so as not to be exposed when the guide mechanism 120 is opened.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5B, in the initial state, the locked portion 120a is locked to the locking portion 102a. As a result, the upstream end of the guide mechanism 120 is locked to the upper housing 102, and the guide mechanism 120 is held in the upper housing 102 without falling. The first shaft portion 120b is journaled to the first bearing 102b. As shown in FIG. 6B, in a state in which the locked portion 120a is locked to the locking portion 102a, the pressing member 102d presses the pressed portion 120d downward, pressing the guide mechanism 120 toward the feed roller 111. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6A, the second shaft portion 120c is provided in the second bearing 102c so as to be movable upward, and is journaled to the second bearing 102c at the lower end of the second bearing 102c.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the brake roller 112. As shown in FIG.

[0047] 7, the brake roller 112 is provided in a unit 130. A shaft which is a rotation axis of the brake roller 112 is supported at the upstream end of the unit 130, and a downstream end 130a of the unit 130 is supported so as to be swingable (rotatable) by the upper housing 102. One end of a spring 130b, the other end of which is supported by the upper housing 102, is attached to the upper end of the upstream end of the unit 130, and the upstream end of the unit 130 is biased in a direction A12 toward the feed roller 111 side by the spring 130b.

[0048] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state of guide mechanism 120 when paper is transported as the medium (when medium transport device 100 operates in the separation mode). Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of guide mechanism 120 as viewed from the side.

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 8, multiple sheets of paper M1 are placed on the placement table 103. The leading edge of each sheet of paper M1 abuts against the brake roller 112, and the lowest sheet of each sheet of paper M1 is fed to the nip position between the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112. Since the paper is sufficiently thin, the brake roller 112 hardly moves vertically relative to the position before the medium is conveyed, and the unit 130 hardly swings. Also, each sheet of paper M1 does not abut against the guide mechanism 120, and the guide mechanism 120 is pressed downward by the pressing member 102d shown in FIG. 6B, and stops at a position where the second shaft portion 120c abuts against the lower end of the second bearing 102c. That is, the guide mechanism 120 does not change from the initial state. Therefore, the leading edge guide 122 provided on the upstream side of the guide mechanism 120 is positioned at an appropriate position without moving vertically, and when multiple media are placed on the placement table 103, each medium is fed well by the leading edge guide 122. Furthermore, the floating of the paper fed between the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 is regulated by the conveyance guide portion 120e, and the paper is conveyed toward the imaging device 115 in an appropriate manner.

[0050] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the guide mechanism 120 in the first movement state. Fig. 9 shows the guide mechanism 120 that has transitioned from the initial state shown in Fig. 6A to the first movement state.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, when the conveying guide portion 120e is pushed upward from below, the pressed portion 120d shown in FIG. 6B pushes up the pressing member 102d, and the second shaft portion 120c rises relative to the second bearing 102c. Meanwhile, the first shaft portion 120b rotates along the first bearing 102b. As a result, in the first moving state, the guide mechanism 120 (the second shaft portion 120c side arranged on the downstream side) swings (rotates) around the first shaft portion 120b arranged on the upstream side as a swinging shaft (rotating shaft). As a result, the distance between the feed roller 111 and the conveying guide portion 120e changes. For example, the guide mechanism 120 is arranged so that in the initial state, the distance between the lower guide 105a and the conveying guide portion 120e is about 2 mm, and in the first moving state, the distance between the lower guide 105a and the conveying guide portion 120e is about 8 mm. In this manner, the guide mechanism 120 is supported on the upper housing 102 so as to be swingable around the first axis portion 120b in order to vary the distance between the feed roller 111 and the transport guide portion 120e when the locked portion 120a is locked to the locking portion 102a.

[0052] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state of the brake roller 112 when a thick medium such as a passport is transported (when the medium transport device 100 operates in the non-separation mode). FIG 10 shows the brake roller 112 moved from the state shown in FIG 7.

[0053] In the example shown in Fig. 10, the passport M2 is being fed. As described above, the unit 130 is supported by the upper housing 102 so as to be able to swing. As shown in Fig. 10, since the passport M2 has thickness and rigidity, the brake roller 112 is pushed up by the passport M2, and the upstream end of the unit 130 pushes the spring 130b upward. Since the downstream end 130a of the unit 130 is supported by the upper housing 102, the unit 130 swings in the direction of the arrow A13.

[0054] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams for explaining the state of the guide mechanism 120 when a passport M2 is transported. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism 120 in the first movement state, as seen from the side, similar to Figure 8. Figure 12 shows the guide mechanism 120 that has transitioned from the initial state shown in Figure 2 to the first movement state.

[0055] As described above, when the passport M2 is fed, the brake roller 112 is pushed up by the passport M2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the passport M2 comes into contact with the transport guide portion 120e of the guide mechanism 120, and the transport guide portion 120e is pushed up by the passport M2. As described in FIG. 9, when the transport guide portion 120e is pushed up, the pressed portion 120d pushes up the pressing member 102d, and the second shaft portion 120c rises relative to the second bearing 102c. Meanwhile, the first shaft portion 120b rotates along the first bearing 102b, and the guide mechanism 120 swings around the first shaft portion 120b as a swing axis. In this way, the guide mechanism 120 is supported by the upper housing 102 so as to be swingable around the first shaft portion 120b with the locked portion 120a locked to the locking portion 102a.

[0056] 12, when the passport M2 whose leading edge has passed the nip position between the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 is transported further downstream, the second transport roller 114, the second image pickup device 115b, and the fourth transport roller 117 are pushed up by the passport M2. This allows the medium to be transported smoothly and discharged onto the discharge tray 104. In this way, when a thick medium such as the passport M2 is transported, the vertical width of the medium transport path increases, and the medium is fed smoothly without being caught between the lower guide 105a and the guide mechanism 120 and stopping. The medium fed between the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 is regulated by the transport guide section 120e and is properly transported toward the image pickup device 115.

[0057] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the guide mechanism 120 in the second movement state. Fig. 13 shows the guide mechanism 120 that has transitioned from the initial state shown in Fig. 2 to the second movement state.

[0058] 13, upper housing 102 is supported by lower housing 101 so as to be swingable (rotatable) in the direction of arrow A14 by hinge 102e provided at the downstream end. When upper housing 102 is open relative to lower housing 101, guide mechanism 120 can open relative to lower housing 101 in the direction of arrow A15.

[0059] Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams for explaining guide mechanism 120 in the second movement state. Figures 14 and 15 show guide mechanism 120 that has transitioned from the initial state shown in Figure 6A to the second movement state with upper housing 102 open relative to lower housing 101.

[0060] 14 and 15, when the upper housing 102 is open relative to the lower housing 101 and the locking portion 102a and the locked portion 120a are released, the second shaft portion 120c rotates along the second bearing 102c at the lower end of the second bearing 102c. As a result, the first shaft portion 120b moves away from the first bearing 102b, and the pressed portions 120d move away from the pressing member 102d. As a result, the guide mechanism 120 swings (rotates) in the direction of the arrow A15 with the second shaft portion 120c arranged on the downstream side as a swinging axis (rotation axis) and opens relative to the lower housing 101, and the inside of the guide mechanism 120 is exposed. In this manner, when the engagement between the engaging portion 102a and the engaged portion 120a is released, the guide mechanism 120 is supported by the upper housing 102 so as to be swingable about the second axis portion 120c in order to open the inside of the guide mechanism 120.

[0061] 14 and 15, the brake roller 112 is disposed in the upper housing 102 so as to be removable when the inside of the guide mechanism 120 is opened. This allows the user to remove the brake roller 112 from the upper housing 102 in the second movement state, making it possible to easily clean or replace the brake roller 112.

[0062] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 100 supports the guide mechanism 120, which regulates the fed medium, on the housing so that it can swing about two shafts, and makes it possible to change the distance between the feed roller 111 and the conveying guide part 120e while opening the inside of the guide mechanism 120. This makes it possible for the medium conveying device 100 to easily perform maintenance while appropriately conveying a plurality of media each having different thicknesses.

[0063] In particular, the medium conveying device 100 is capable of inserting and conveying a plurality of media having different thicknesses from the same feed port. The medium conveying device 100 is also capable of appropriately conveying the medium to the imaging device 115 while suppressing the lifting of the medium by the guide mechanism 120. The medium conveying device 100 is also capable of preventing the brake roller 112 and its drive mechanism from becoming dust-proof by the guide mechanism 120. The guide mechanism 120 also oscillates around the upstream end as an oscillating axis in the initial state and the first moving state, so that it is possible to reduce the vertical positional fluctuation at the upstream end. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can reduce the vertical positional fluctuation of the leading end guide 122 provided at the upstream end of the guide mechanism 120, and when a plurality of media are placed on the placement table 103, it is possible to satisfactorily feed each medium by the leading end guide 122.

[0064] 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams for explaining an engaged member 220a in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0065] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has a guide mechanism 220 instead of the guide mechanism 120. The guide mechanism 220 has a plurality of engaged members 220a instead of the plurality of engaged portions 120a and the plurality of first shaft portions 120b. Also, as shown in Figure 16B, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has an upper housing 202 instead of the upper housing 102. The upper housing 202 has an engaging portion 202a instead of the engaging portion 102a and the first shaft bearing 102b.

[0066] The engaged member 220a is a member having a cylindrical protrusion, formed separately from the guide mechanism 220, and attached to the guide mechanism 220. The engaged member 220a is biased outward in the width direction A2 with respect to the guide mechanism 220 by a spring (not shown), and is provided so as to be able to be pushed into the guide mechanism 220. The engaged members 220a are provided at the upstream end of the guide mechanism 220 in the medium transport direction A1, and are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0067] The engaging portion 202a is provided at a position facing the protrusion of each engaged member when the guide mechanism 220 is attached to the upper housing 202. The engaging portion 202a has a hole that engages with the protrusion of the engaged member 220a, and supports the engaged member 220a rotatably.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 16B, the engaged member 220a is engaged with the engaging portion 202a and is pivotally supported by the engaging portion 202a. Furthermore, by pushing the protrusion of the engaged member 220a into the inside of the guide mechanism 220, the engaged member 220a is released from the engagement with the engaging portion 202a. In this manner, the engaged member 220a functions as the engaged portion and the first shaft portion. That is, in the medium conveying device according to this embodiment, the first shaft portion and the engaged portion are integrally formed, and the first shaft portion functions as the engaged portion. This simplifies the structure of the guide mechanism 220 in the medium conveying device, and makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the device.

[0069] As described above in detail, the media conveying device has a first shaft portion and a locked portion formed integrally, and even when the first shaft portion functions as the locked portion, it is possible to properly transport multiple media having different thicknesses while easily performing maintenance.

[0070] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaged portion 320a in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment.

[0071] 17, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has a guide mechanism 320 instead of the guide mechanism 220 provided with the engaged member 220a. The guide mechanism 320 has a plurality of engaged portions 320a instead of the plurality of engaged members 220a. The medium conveying device according to this embodiment has an upper housing 202 having an engaging portion 202a.

[0072] The engaged portion 320a has a cylindrical protrusion. The engaged portion 320a is formed integrally with the guide mechanism 320. The engaged portions 320a are provided at the upstream end of the guide mechanism 320 in the medium transport direction A1 and are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0073] The engaged portion 320a is engaged with the engaging portion 202a and is pivotally supported by the engaging portion 202a. At least one of the guide mechanism 320 and the upper housing 202 has flexibility, and the engaged portion 320a is provided detachably with respect to the engaging portion 202a. When the engaged portion 320a is removed from the engaging portion 202a, the engagement between the engaged portion 320a and the engaging portion 202a is released. In this manner, the engaged portion 320a functions as the engaged portion and the first shaft portion. That is, in the medium conveying device according to this embodiment, the first shaft portion and the engaged portion are integrally formed, and the first shaft portion functions as the engaged portion. This allows the medium conveying device to simplify the structure of the guide mechanism 220 while reducing the number of parts, and thus reducing the device cost and the manufacturing cost of the device.

[0074] As described above in detail, the media conveying device has the first shaft portion and the locked portion formed integrally with the guide mechanism, and even when the first shaft portion functions as the locked portion, it is possible to properly transport multiple media having different thicknesses while easily performing maintenance.

[0075] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a pressing member 402d in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment.

[0076] 18, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has a guide mechanism 420 instead of the guide mechanism 120. The guide mechanism 420 has a plurality of second shaft portions 420c instead of the plurality of second shaft portions 120c, and the pressed portion 120d is omitted in the guide mechanism 420. Furthermore, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has an upper housing 402 instead of the upper housing 102. The upper housing 402 has a plurality of second bearings 402c instead of the plurality of second bearings 102c, and has a plurality of pressing members 402d instead of the plurality of pressing members 102d.

[0077] Pressing member 402d is provided in second bearing 402c at a position facing second shaft portion 420c. Pressing member 402d is formed of a compression coil spring, one end of which is fixed to upper housing 402, and the other end of which is provided so as to abut against second shaft portion 420c. As a result, second shaft portion 420c is biased downward by pressing member 402d. Note that pressing member 402d may be formed of a torsion coil spring, a rubber member, or the like.

[0078] The pressing member 402d functions as a regulating portion that regulates the swinging second shaft portion 420c when the guide mechanism 420 swings about the first shaft portion. This simplifies the structure of the guide mechanism 420 in the medium conveying device, and enables the manufacturing cost of the device to be reduced.

[0079] As described above in detail, even when pressing member 402d is provided on second bearing 402c, the medium conveying device can properly convey a plurality of media each having different thicknesses while easily performing maintenance.

[0080] In addition, the number of the locked portion 120a, the first shaft portion 120b, the second shaft portion 120c, 420c, the pressed portion 120d, the locking portion 102a, the first bearing 102b, the second bearing 102c, 402c, the pressing member 102d, 402d, the stopper 121, the engaged member 220a, the engaged portion 320a and / or the engaging portion 202a is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more each.

[0081] In addition, the pressing members 102d and 402d may be provided on the guide mechanism side, not on the upper housing side. In that case, for example, the pressing member 102d is provided on the pressed portion 120d. Or, the pressing member 402d is engaged with the second shaft portion 420c. In these cases, the guide mechanism can also swing smoothly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100 medium conveying device, 102 upper housing, 102a engagement portion, 102b first bearing, 102c, 402c second bearing, 102d, 402d pressing member, 111 feeding roller, 112 brake roller, 120 guide mechanism, 120a engagement portion, 120b first shaft portion, 120c, 420c second shaft portion, 120e conveying guide portion, 202a engagement portion, 220a engagement member, 320a engagement portion

Claims

1. a first housing having a locking portion; A second housing arranged opposite to the first housing; A first roller provided in the second housing; a second roller provided in the first housing and disposed opposite to the first roller; a guide mechanism that guides the medium fed by the first roller and the second roller and has a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion, The guide mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion by the engaged portion being engaged with the engaging portion, the guide mechanism is supported by the first housing so as to be swingable about the engaged portion such that a distance between the first roller and the guide mechanism is variable when the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion; When the locking portion and the locked portion are released from the locking state, the inside of the guide mechanism is opened, and the second roller is supported by a unit portion different from the guide mechanism. A medium transport device comprising:

2. A media conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is positioned upstream in the media conveying direction from the nip portion between the first roller and the second roller.

3. The medium transport device according to claim 2 , further comprising a pressing member that presses the guide mechanism toward the first roller when the locked portion is locked to the locking portion.

4. A medium conveying device as described in claim 3, wherein the pressing member is provided on the guide mechanism.

5. A media conveying device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, further having a tip guide provided on the guide mechanism for guiding the media fed by the first roller and the second roller.

6. The media conveying device as described in claim 5, further comprising a biasing member that biases the tip guide toward the first roller.

7. A medium conveying device as described in claim 6, wherein the tip guide is arranged to protrude toward the medium side beyond a guide surface that guides the medium fed in the guide mechanism.

8. 8. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the second roller is supported by the unit portion so as to be removable when the inside of the guide mechanism is opened.

9. A medium conveying device having a roller for feeding a medium in a housing, a guide mechanism for guiding the medium being fed; a locking portion for locking the guide mechanism to the housing, the guide mechanism is supported by the housing so as to be capable of swinging in a state where the guide mechanism is engaged with the engaging portion, and the roller is supported by a unit portion different from the guide mechanism. A medium transport device comprising:

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