Document conveying device

Abstract

A document conveying device (9) has a paper feed tray (44) that loads a document, a paper discharge tray (43) disposed below the paper feed tray (44), a feed roller (51) that feeds the document from the paper feed tray (44) one sheet at a time, a conveying mechanism (35) that conveys the document fed from the paper feed tray (44) to the paper discharge tray (43) via a reading position, a lifting mechanism (38) that lifts and lowers the paper feed tray (44), a paper discharge tray document sensor (18) that detects the document on the paper discharge tray (43), and a control section (10) that controls the lifting mechanism (38) so that the upper surface of the document loaded on the paper feed tray (44) is pressed by the feed roller (51) in a case where the document is conveyed by the conveying mechanism (35), and controls the lifting mechanism (38) to lower the paper feed tray (44) in a case where the document is not detected by the paper discharge tray document sensor (18) at the time of power-on, as compared to a case where the document is detected by the paper discharge tray document sensor (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a manuscript conveying device for conveying a manuscript to a reading position. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, in response to the increasing demand for high-capacity manuscript transport devices installed in manuscript reading devices, technologies for achieving high capacity are being researched. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a manuscript transport device that includes a lifting unit for raising and lowering a paper feed tray and a lifting control unit for raising the paper feed tray in response to the delivery of a manuscript from the paper feed tray, wherein the discharge outlet of the paper discharge tray rises and falls by the same amount as the raising and lowering of the paper feed tray.

[0003] [Existing technical documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-8283 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The technical problem that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, the original document transport device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to lower the paper feed tray to a lower limit position after reading is completed. Therefore, when the paper output tray is loaded with a large number of original documents, the paper feed tray may come into contact with the upper surface of the original documents. In order to easily remove the original documents, it is desirable to have space between the upper surface of the original documents and the paper feed tray for inserting a finger. However, if the lower limit position of the paper feed tray is raised to ensure this space, the capacity of the paper feed tray will decrease.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a manuscript conveying device that can effectively utilize the capacity of the paper feed tray based on whether there is a manuscript on the paper feed tray.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to solve technical problems]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the original document conveying device of the present invention includes a paper supply tray, a paper discharge tray, a delivery roller, a conveying mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a paper discharge tray original document sensor, and a control unit. The paper supply tray is loaded with original documents; the paper discharge tray is located below the paper supply tray; the delivery roller delivers the original documents one sheet at a time from the paper supply tray; the conveying mechanism conveys the original documents delivered from the paper supply tray to the paper discharge tray via a reading position; the lifting mechanism raises and lowers the paper supply tray; the paper discharge tray original document sensor detects the original documents on the paper discharge tray; when the original documents are conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism such that the upper surface of the original documents loaded on the paper supply tray is pressed by the delivery roller; when the power is on and the paper discharge tray original document sensor does not detect the original documents, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism to lower the paper supply tray compared to when the original documents are detected by the paper discharge tray original document sensor.

[0011] [Invention Effects]

[0012] According to the present invention, the capacity of the paper feed tray can be effectively utilized based on whether there is an original document on the paper feed tray. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view illustrating the internal structure of a multifunction printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a manuscript transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a manuscript transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the configuration of the lifting mechanism and sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of a manuscript delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the main operations of the manuscript transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the power is turned on.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the operation of adjusting the height of the conveying path according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the action of lowering the paper feed tray to a lower limit position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the operation that moves the paper feed tray to the middle position according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the main operations of the manuscript transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention during standby. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Below, refer to the appendix. Figure 1 The following describes a multifunction printer 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction printer 100 includes a printer 1 (an example of an image forming apparatus) and a scanner 8 (an example of an original document reading apparatus).

[0025] First, the overall structure of the multifunction printer 100 will be explained. Figure 1 This is a schematic front view showing the internal structure of the multifunction printer 100. Below, we will... Figure 1 The front side of the paper in the diagram is used as the front side of the multifunction printer 100. The left and right directions are explained based on the direction of viewing the multifunction printer 100 from the front. In each diagram, U, Lo, L, R, Fr, and Rr represent up, down, left, right, front, and back, respectively.

[0026] Printer 1 has a rectangular box 2. Inside the box 2 are a paper feeding section 3, an image forming section 4, a fixing section 5, and an ejection section 7. The paper feeding section 3 supplies a sheet S; the image forming section 4 forms a full-color toner image by electrophotography; the fixing section 5 fixes the toner image onto the sheet S; and the ejection section 7 ejects the sheet S. Inside the box 2 is a transport path 6 that runs from the paper feeding section 3 through the image forming section 4 and the fixing section 5 to the ejection section 7.

[0027] When printer 1 receives image data from an external computer or the like, sheet S is fed from paper supply unit 3 to transport path 6, toner image is formed on sheet S by image forming unit 4, toner image is fixed on sheet S by fixing unit 5, and sheet S is discharged to discharge unit 7.

[0028] The scanner 8 has a first carriage 81, a second carriage 82, a lens 83, an imaging element 84, and a contact glass 85, wherein the first carriage 81 has a light source and a reflector; the second carriage 82 has two reflectors; the lens 83 enables light to form an image; the imaging element 84 converts the imaged light into an image signal; and the contact glass 85 holds the original document G.

[0029] When the user places the original document G on the contact glass 85 and instructs the scanner 8 to read it, light is shone onto the original document G from the light source. The first carriage 81 moves to the right at a speed V, and the second carriage 82 moves to the right at a speed V / 2 in conjunction with it. The reflected light from the original document G is reflected by the mirrors of the first carriage 81 and the second carriage 82 and guided to the lens 83, forming an image on the imaging element 84 and converting it into an image signal. The image signal is output to the printer 1 and converted into image data.

[0030] Next, the structure of the original manuscript transport device 9 will be explained. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the original manuscript conveying device 9. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the original manuscript conveying device 9. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the sensor. Figure 5 This is the main view showing the configuration of the lifting mechanism 38 and the sensors.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the original document transport device 9. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the middle, the cover part 32 is omitted (see reference). Figure 3 The illustration is shown.

[0032] The original document conveying device 9 includes a paper feed tray 44, a paper discharge tray 43, a delivery roller 51, a conveying mechanism 35, a lifting mechanism 38, a paper discharge tray original document sensor 18, and a control unit 10. The paper feed tray 44 holds the original document G; the paper discharge tray 43 is located below the paper feed tray 44; the delivery roller 51 feeds the original document G out of the paper feed tray 44 sheet by sheet; the conveying mechanism 35 transports the original document G from the paper feed tray 44 to the paper discharge tray 43 via a reading position; and the lifting mechanism 38 moves the paper feed tray 44... Lifting; the original document sensor 18 on the paper tray 43 detects the original document G; when the original document G is conveyed by the conveying mechanism 35, the control unit 10 controls the lifting mechanism 38 in such a way that the upper surface of the original document G loaded on the paper feed tray 44 is pressed by the feed roller 51; when the power is turned on and the original document sensor 18 on the paper tray does not detect the original document G, the control unit 10 controls the lifting mechanism 38 in such a way that the paper feed tray 44 is lowered than when the original document sensor 18 on the paper tray detects the original document G.

[0033] [Main Body Section]

[0034] Main body 31 (refer to) Figure 2 The main body 31 has a flat bottom 40, and two opposing first wall portions 41 and 42 along the front-to-back direction (the width direction of the original G intersecting the transport direction of the original G). The rear edge of the main body 31 contacts the contact glass 85 of the scanner 8 (see reference). Figure 1The rear hinge of the main body 31 also functions as a pressing plate for pressing the original document G on the contact glass 85. The first wall portion 41 is provided from the center of the front edge of the bottom 40 to the left end, and the second wall portion 42 is provided on the entire rear edge of the bottom 40.

[0035] [Paper supply tray, paper stacking tray]

[0036] A paper discharge tray 43 is located on the right side of the center of the upper surface of the bottom 40, and a paper feed tray 44 is located above the paper discharge tray 43 (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 The paper feed tray 44 is a plate-shaped component that slopes downwards to the left, and its upper surface has a vernier 45 for aligning the ends of the original document G in the front-back direction (see reference). Figure 2 A limiting part (not shown) is provided adjacent to the left end of the paper feed tray 44 to restrict the loading original G from moving to the left. The paper discharge tray 43 is tilted with the left side lower, and a limiting part (not shown) is provided adjacent to the left end of the paper discharge tray 43 to restrict the discharge original G from moving to the left.

[0037] [Exporting Organization]

[0038] The export mechanism 34 is disposed in the space between the first wall portion 41 and the second wall portion 42 (see reference). Figures 2 to 4 The delivery mechanism 34 has a box-shaped retainer 53 with an opening at the bottom. Inside the retainer 53 are a delivery roller 51, a driven roller 55 located to the left of the delivery roller 51, a drive roller 52 located to the left of the driven roller 55, a rubber belt 56 wound around the drive roller 52 and the driven roller 55, and an auxiliary roller 57 that presses the lower surface of the lower part of the belt 56. The delivery roller 51, driven roller 55, drive roller 52, and auxiliary roller 57 are arranged axially in the back-and-forth direction.

[0039] The feed roller 51 has a spindle and an elastic layer made of rubber or the like (not shown). The driven roller 55, drive roller 52, and auxiliary roller 57 are made of resin or the like. The front and rear ends of the drive shaft 54 ​​of the drive roller 52 are supported by the first wall portion 41 and the second wall portion 42, and are connected to a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The cage 53 is supported on the drive shaft 54 ​​and can swing about the drive shaft 54. The driving force of the drive shaft 54 ​​is transmitted to the feed roller 51 through a transmission mechanism such as a gear set or a timing belt (not shown).

[0040] [Conveying Mechanism]

[0041] Conveying mechanism 35 (refer to) Figure 3 , Figure 4The device has a conveying path 61, a discharge path 65, a discharge outlet 70, and a swing mechanism 37. The conveying path 61 passes through a reading position; the discharge path 65 is connected to the downstream end of the conveying path 61 in the conveying direction; the discharge outlet 70 is located at the downstream end of the discharge path 65 in the conveying direction; and the swing mechanism 37 causes the discharge path 65 to swing vertically with the upstream end of the discharge path 65 in the conveying direction as a fulcrum.

[0042] [Conveying Path]

[0043] The conveying path 61 is formed in a U-shaped bend from the outlet mechanism 34 through the reading position to the upper right of the reading position. Multiple conveying roller pairs 63 are arranged along the conveying direction on the conveying path 61. The reading position is relative to the first carriage 81 located in its original position (see reference). Figure 1 The mirrors are positioned opposite each other. A shielding plate 49 is provided at the reading position (see reference). Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 A passage is provided between the shielding plate 49 and the contact glass 85 to allow the original document G to pass through.

[0044] The gap. Scanner 8 reads the original G passing through the reading position.

[0045] The conveying path 61 is formed by plate-shaped conveying guide members facing each other, with gaps provided to allow the original document G to pass through. The conveying roller pair 63 has a drive roller and a driven roller, with the drive roller connected to a drive source such as a motor (not shown). A plate-shaped cover 32 that can be opened and closed is provided above the conveying mechanism 35. The left end of the cover 32 is hinged to the left end of the bottom 40 of the main body 31.

[0046] [Discharge path, discharge outlet]

[0047] A pair of conveying rollers 67 is provided at the upstream end of the discharge path 65 in the conveying direction, and a pair of discharge rollers 68 is provided at the downstream end of the discharge path 65 in the conveying direction. The discharge path 65 is formed by plate-shaped discharge guide members 66 facing each other through gaps that allow the original document G to pass through. The conveying rollers 67 and the discharge rollers 68 are supported by roller support portions 69 formed vertically at the front and rear ends of the discharge guide members 66. The conveying rollers 67 and the discharge rollers 68 have drive rollers and driven rollers, and the drive rollers are connected to a drive source such as a motor (not shown). A discharge port 70 for discharging the original document G is formed in the contact area between the drive roller and the driven roller of the discharge rollers 68.

[0048] [Swing Mechanism]

[0049] The oscillating mechanism 37 has an oscillating shaft 71 and an eccentric cam 72. The oscillating shaft 71 is axially arranged at the upstream end of the discharge path 65 in the conveying direction. In this embodiment, the drive shaft of the conveyor roller pair 67 also serves as the oscillating shaft 71, but the driven shaft of the conveyor roller pair 67 can also serve as the oscillating shaft 71, or a different oscillating shaft 71 can be provided in the discharge guide member 66 than the drive shaft or driven shaft of the conveyor roller pair 67. The eccentric cam 72 can oscillate around a camshaft with the front-rear direction as its axis and is connected to a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The sliding surface of the eccentric cam 72 contacts the lower surface of the discharge guide member 66. By oscillating the eccentric cam 72, the discharge mechanism 36 oscillates around the oscillating shaft 71.

[0050] [Lifting Mechanism]

[0051] Lifting mechanism 38 (reference) Figure 5 The paper feed tray 44 has a drive pulley 74 and a driven pulley 75, and a belt 76 wound around the drive pulley 74 and the driven pulley 75. A lifting mechanism 38 is positioned before and after the paper feed tray 44. The drive pulley 74 is positioned above the paper feed tray 44, and the driven pulley 75 is positioned below the paper feed tray 44. The drive pulley 74 is connected to a drive source such as a motor (not shown).

[0052] Two sliding portions 77 are formed along the left-right direction at the front and rear edges of the paper feed tray 44. Sliding guide portions 78 are formed on the rear surface of the first wall portion 41 and the front surface of the second wall portion 42 to guide the sliding portions 77 in the up-down direction. The sliding portions 77 protrude from, for example, the front and rear edges of the paper feed tray 44, and the sliding guide portions 78 are formed into grooves for the sliding portions 77 to engage. One of the two sliding portions 77 at the front and rear of the paper feed tray 44 (in this example, the left sliding portion 77) is fixed to the belt 76. This is achieved by... Figure 4 The direction of the arrow indicates that the drive belt 76 raises the paper feed tray 44, and the drive belt 76 in the opposite direction of the arrow lowers the paper feed tray 44.

[0053] [Control Department]

[0054] Control Unit 10 (refer to) Figure 6The multifunction printer 100 can be implemented using a processor in software or by logic circuits (hardware) formed in integrated circuits, etc. When using a processor, various processes are performed by reading and executing programs stored in memory. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used as the processor. Memory includes storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The memory stores control programs for controlling various parts of the multifunction printer 100.

[0055] [Operations Department]

[0056] An operation unit (not shown) is provided on the front side of the scanner 8. The operation unit includes a display panel, a touch panel superimposed on the display surface of the display panel, and a keyboard adjacent to the display panel. The control unit 10 displays the operation menu or status of the printer 1 and scanner 8 on the display panel, and controls each part of the printer 1 and scanner 8 based on the operations detected by the touch panel and keyboard.

[0057] [Paper feed tray lower limit sensor]

[0058] Paper tray lower limit sensor 11 (reference) Figure 5 The lower limit sensor 11 detects the paper feed tray 44 at its lower limit position. The lower limit sensor 11 is a transmissive optical sensor (optical interruptor) and is located on the second wall portion 42. A light-shielding plate 44S protruding to the left is provided at the left end of the second wall portion 42 side of the paper feed tray 44. The lower limit sensor 11 is positioned corresponding to the light-shielding plate 44S when the paper feed tray 44 is at its lower limit position.

[0059] [Paper tray center sensor]

[0060] The paper feed tray intermediate sensor 12 detects the paper feed tray 44 at an intermediate position between its lower and upper limits. The intermediate sensor 12 is a transmissive optical sensor and is disposed on the second wall portion 42. The intermediate sensor 12 is positioned corresponding to the light shield 44S when the paper feed tray 44 is in the intermediate position. The intermediate position refers to the position of the paper feed tray 44 located below the paper feed tray 44, that is, a position that ensures sufficient space on the paper discharge tray 43 to hold a specified number (e.g., 300 sheets) of original documents G, and ensures a specified distance (e.g., 10 mm) between the upper surface of the loaded specified number of original documents G and the lower surface of the paper feed tray 44.

[0061] [Paper tray upper limit sensor]

[0062] Paper tray upper limit sensor 13 (reference) Figure 4 The upper limit sensor 13 of the paper feed tray 44 is detected at its upper limit position. The upper limit sensor 13 is a transmissive optical sensor located on the inner surface of the cover 32. A light-shielding plate 53S protruding upwards is provided on the upper part of the holder 53 of the delivery mechanism 34. As described above, the holder 53 is supported by the drive shaft 54 ​​and can swing about the drive shaft 54. The control unit 10 raises the paper feed tray 44, which is loaded with the original document G, via the lifting mechanism 38. The holder 53 swings upwards as the upper surface of the original document G is pressed by the delivery roller 51. When the holder 53 swings upwards by a predetermined amount, the light-shielding plate 53S blocks the light from the upper limit sensor 13. At this time, an appropriate load is applied between the upper surface of the original document G and the delivery roller 51, allowing the delivery roller 51 to deliver the original document G. The position of the paper feed tray 44 at this time is called the upper limit position. Therefore, the upper limit position of the paper feed tray 44 varies depending on the presence and quantity of original documents G on the paper feed tray 44.

[0063] [First Distance Sensor]

[0064] The first distance sensor 14 detects a first predetermined distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70. For example, the first distance sensor 14 is a transmissive optical sensor and is located on the left end side of the lower surface of the paper feed tray 44. A light-shielding plate 69 protruding to the right is provided on the roller support portion 69 at the right end of the upper discharge guide member 66. When the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70 are at the first predetermined distance (e.g., 5 mm), the first distance sensor 14 detects the light-shielding plate 69S. Alternatively, the first distance sensor 14 can be a reflective optical sensor.

[0065] [Discharge path upper limit sensor]

[0066] The discharge path upper limit sensor 15 detects the discharge path 65 at its upper limit position. The discharge path upper limit sensor 15 is a transmissive optical sensor and is disposed on the first wall portion 41 or the second wall portion 42. A light-shielding plate 66S protruding upwards is provided on the upper discharge guide member 66. The discharge path upper limit sensor 15 is positioned corresponding to the light-shielding plate 66S when the discharge path 65 is at its upper limit position.

[0067] [Ejection Path Lower Limit Sensor]

[0068] The discharge path lower limit sensor 16 detects the discharge path 65 at its lower limit position. The discharge path lower limit sensor 16 is a transmissive optical sensor and is disposed on the first wall portion 41 or the second wall portion 42. A light-shielding plate 66S protruding downwards is provided on the lower side of the discharge guide member 66. The discharge path lower limit sensor 16 is positioned corresponding to the light-shielding plate 66S when the discharge path 65 is at its lower limit position.

[0069] [Second Distance Sensor]

[0070] The second distance sensor 17 measures the distance between the upper surface of the original document G loaded on the paper discharge tray 43 and the discharge outlet 70. The second distance sensor 17 is a reflective optical sensor located on the roller support 69 at the right end of the discharge guide member 66 on the lower side, facing the left end of the upper surface of the paper discharge tray 43. The second distance sensor 17 illuminates light onto the upper surface of the original document G loaded on the paper discharge tray 43 and measures the distance from the phase difference of the reflected light to the upper surface of the original document G.

[0071] [Paper tray original sensor]

[0072] The document sensor 18 on the paper tray detects the document G on the paper tray 43. The document sensor 18 is a transmissive or reflective optical sensor and is located on the left end of the upper surface of the paper tray 43. The document sensor 18 continuously outputs a document detection signal to the control unit 10, indicating whether a document G is present on the paper tray 43. The value of the document detection signal is 0 when no document G is detected and 1 when a document G is detected.

[0073] [Paper tray original sensor]

[0074] The paper tray original sensor 19 detects original documents G on the paper tray 44. The paper tray original sensor 19 is a reflective optical sensor and is located on the left end of the upper surface of the paper tray 44. The paper tray original sensor 19 continuously outputs a paper tray original detection signal to the control unit 10, indicating whether an original document G is present on the paper tray 44. The value of the paper tray original detection signal is 0 when no original document G is detected, and 1 when an original document G is detected.

[0075] Next, the operation of the original manuscript transport device 9 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the main actions of the original document transport device 9 when the power is turned on. Furthermore, these actions are performed not only when the power is turned on, but also when the original document reading task is completed.

[0076] First, the control unit 10 performs an output path height adjustment (step S01). Details of the output path height adjustment will be explained later. Next, the control unit 10 uses the paper tray original sensor 18 to determine whether there is an original document G on the paper tray 43 (step S02). If the original document G is not detected by the paper tray original sensor 18, the control unit 10 determines that there is no original document G on the paper tray 43 (step S02: No), and lowers the paper feed tray 44 to the lower limit position (step S03). On the other hand, if an original document G is detected, the control unit 10 determines that there is an original document G on the paper tray 43 (step S02: Yes), and moves the paper feed tray 44 to the middle position (step S04). Details of steps S03 and S04 will be explained later.

[0077] Figure 8 It is the height adjustment of the conveyor path ( Figure 7 The flowchart of step S01 is as follows: First, the control unit 10 determines whether the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is greater than a second predetermined distance (e.g., 10 mm) (step S11). If the measurement value is determined to be greater than the second predetermined distance (step S11: Yes), the control unit 10 starts the descent of the discharge path 65 via the swing mechanism 37 (step S12), and determines whether the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is less than or equal to the second predetermined distance (step S13). If the measurement value is determined to be less than or equal to the second predetermined distance (step S13: Yes), the control unit 10 stops the descent of the discharge path 65 (step S15), ending the discharge path height adjustment.

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured value is not below the second specified distance (step S13: No), the control unit 10 uses the discharge path lower limit sensor 16 to determine whether the discharge path 65 has reached the lower limit position (step S14). If it is determined that the discharge path 65 has reached the lower limit position (step S14: Yes), the control unit 10 stops the descent of the discharge path 65 (step S15) and ends the discharge path height adjustment. On the other hand, if it is determined that the discharge path 65 has not reached the lower limit position (step S14: No), the control unit 10 repeats the processing after step S13.

[0079] In step S11, if it is determined that the measured value is not greater than the second predetermined distance (step S11: No), the control unit 10 starts the upward movement of the discharge path 65 via the swing mechanism 37 (step S21), and determines whether the measured value of the second distance sensor 17 is greater than the second predetermined distance (step S22). If it is determined that the measured value is greater than the second predetermined distance (step S22: Yes), the control unit 10 stops the upward movement of the discharge path 65 (step S25), ending the discharge path height adjustment.

[0080] On the other hand, if the measured value is determined to be no greater than the second specified distance (step S22: No), the control unit 10 uses the first distance sensor 14 to determine whether the distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70 is the first specified distance (step S23). If the distance is determined to be the first specified distance (step S23: Yes), since the discharge path 65 cannot be raised further, the control unit 10 stops the rise of the discharge path 65 and outputs a reminder to take the original document G from the paper discharge tray 43 and the paper feed tray 44 (step S24), ending the discharge path height adjustment. The reminder to take the original document G can be displayed on the display panel of the operation unit or output by sound. On the other hand, if the distance is determined to be no greater than the first specified distance (step S23: No), the control unit 10 repeats the processing after step S22.

[0081] Figure 9 This is the action of lowering the paper feed tray 44 to the lower limit position. Figure 7 The flowchart for step S03 is as follows. First, the control unit 10 starts the descent of the paper feed tray 44 via the lifting mechanism 38 (step S31), and uses the first distance sensor 14 to determine whether the distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge port 70 is a first predetermined distance (step S32). If it is determined that the distance is the first predetermined distance (step S31: yes), the control unit 10 stops the descent of the paper feed tray 44 (step S35) and ends the process.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is determined that the distance is not the first predetermined distance (step S32: No), the control unit 10 determines whether the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 has changed (step S33). For example, the control unit 10 acquires measurement values ​​at predetermined times and stores them in memory. If the newly acquired measurement value is different from the previously acquired measurement value, it is determined that the measurement value has changed. If it is determined that the measurement value has not changed (step S33: No), the control unit 10 uses the paper tray lower limit sensor 11 to determine whether the paper tray 44 has reached the lower limit position (step S34). If it is determined that the paper tray 44 has not reached the lower limit position (step S34: No), the control unit 10 repeats the processing after step S32. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper tray 44 has reached the lower limit position (step S34: Yes), the control unit 10 stops the descent of the paper tray 44 (step S35) and ends the processing.

[0083] In step S33, if it is determined that the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 has changed (step S33: Yes), the control unit 10 interrupts the descent of the paper feed tray 44, and then performs the discharge path height adjustment (step S36). After restarting the descent of the paper feed tray 44, the process after step S32 is repeated.

[0084] Figure 10This is the action of moving the paper feed tray 44 to the middle position. Figure 7 The flowchart for step S04 is as follows. First, the control unit 10 starts the descent of the paper feed tray 44 via the lifting mechanism 38 (step S41), and uses the first distance sensor 14 to determine whether the distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge port 70 is a first predetermined distance (step S42). If it is determined that the distance is the first predetermined distance (step S42: yes), the control unit 10 stops the descent of the paper feed tray 44 (step S45) and ends the process.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined that the distance is not the first specified distance (step S42: No), the control unit 10 determines whether the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 has changed (step S43). If it is determined that the measurement value has not changed (step S43: No), the control unit 10 uses the paper tray intermediate sensor 12 to determine whether the paper tray 44 has reached the intermediate position (step S44). If it is determined that the paper tray 44 has not reached the intermediate position (step S44: No), the control unit 10 proceeds to the process of step S51. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper tray 44 has reached the intermediate position (step S44: Yes), the control unit 10 stops the descent of the paper tray 44 (step S45) and ends the process.

[0086] In step S43, if it is determined that the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 has changed (step S43: Yes), the control unit 10 interrupts the descent of the paper feed tray 44, and then performs the discharge path height adjustment (step S45). After the descent of the paper feed tray 44 is restarted, the processing after step S42 is repeated.

[0087] In step S51, the control unit 10 uses the paper feed tray lower limit sensor 11 to determine whether the paper feed tray 44 has reached the lower limit position. If it is determined that the paper feed tray 44 has not reached the lower limit position (step S51: No), the control unit 10 repeats the processing after step S42. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper feed tray 44 has reached the lower limit position (step S51: Yes), the control unit 10 starts the rising of the paper feed tray 44 via the lifting mechanism 38 (step S52).

[0088] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 has changed (step S53). If it is determined that the measurement value has not changed (step S53: No), the control unit 10 uses the paper tray intermediate sensor 12 to determine whether the paper tray 44 has reached the intermediate position (step S54). If it is determined that the paper tray 44 has not reached the intermediate position (step S54: No), the control unit 10 repeats the process after step S53. On the other hand, if it is determined that the paper tray 44 has reached the intermediate position (step S54: Yes), the control unit 10 stops the rise of the paper tray 44 (step S55) and ends the process.

[0089] In step S53, if it is determined that the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 has changed (step S53: Yes), the control unit 10 interrupts the rise of the paper feed tray 44, and then performs the discharge path height adjustment (step S56). After the paper feed tray 44 is raised, the processing after step S53 is repeated.

[0090] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the main operations of the original document transport device 9 during standby. Standby refers to the state where the original document G is not being read and the device is waiting to receive the original document. First, the control unit 10 determines whether the state has changed from having an original document G on the paper tray 43 to not having an original document G on the paper tray 43 (step S61). Specifically, the change from having an original document G on the paper tray 43 to not having an original document G on the paper tray 43 means that the user has taken the original document G from the paper tray 43. The control unit 10 acquires the value of the original document detection signal on the paper tray at predetermined intervals and stores it in the memory. If the previously acquired value is 0 and the newly acquired value is 1, it determines that the state has changed from having an original document G to not having an original document G.

[0091] If the system determines that the state has changed from having a document G to not having a document G (step S61: Yes), the control unit 10 performs a discharge path height adjustment after a specified standby time (e.g., 500ms) (step S62). Then, after a specified standby time (e.g., 500ms) (step S64), the control unit 10 performs a process to lower the paper feed tray 44 to the lower limit position (see [reference]). Figure 9 ), and the process ends.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined that the state has not changed from having a document G on the paper tray 43 to not having a document G on the paper tray 43 (step S61: No), the control unit 10 determines whether the state has changed from not having a document G on the paper tray 43 to having a document G on the paper tray 43 (step S71). The state of changing from not having a document G on the paper tray 43 to having a document G on the paper tray 43 means that the user puts all or part of the document G that was taken from the paper tray 43 back into the paper tray 43. If it is determined that the state has not changed from not having a document G on the paper tray 43 to having a document G on the paper tray 43 (step S71: No), the control unit 10 repeats the processing after step S61.

[0093] On the other hand, when it is determined that the state has changed from no original document G on the paper tray 43 to a state with original document G on the paper tray 43 (step S71: Yes), the control unit 10 uses the paper tray original document sensor 19 to determine whether there is original document G on the paper tray 44 (step S72). If no original document G is detected by the paper tray original document sensor 19, the control unit 10 determines that there is no original document G on the paper tray 44 (step S72: Yes), and determines whether the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is below the second predetermined distance (step S73). If it is determined that the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is below the second predetermined distance (step S73: Yes), the discharge path 65 is raised until the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is greater than the second predetermined distance, and the paper tray 44 is raised until the distance between the paper tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70 is detected by the first distance sensor 14 as being at the first predetermined distance (step S74). On the other hand, if it is determined that the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is not below the second specified distance (step S73: No), the paper feed tray 44 is raised until the paper feed tray 44 is detected by the paper feed tray intermediate sensor 12.

[0094] In step S72, if the original document G is detected by the original document sensor 19 on the paper feed tray, the control unit 10 determines that there is an original document G on the paper feed tray 44 (step S72: No). In this case, since the discharge path 65 cannot be raised, the control unit 10 outputs a message reminding the original document G to be removed from the paper feed tray 44 and the paper discharge tray 43.

[0095] The original document conveying device 9 according to the above-described embodiment includes a paper feed tray 44, a paper discharge tray 43, a delivery roller 51, a conveying mechanism 35, a lifting mechanism 38, a paper discharge tray original document sensor 18, and a control unit 10. The paper feed tray 44 holds the original document G; the paper discharge tray 43 is located below the paper feed tray 44; the delivery roller 51 delivers the original document G sheet by sheet from the paper feed tray 44; the conveying mechanism 35 conveys the original document G delivered from the paper feed tray 44 to the paper discharge tray 43 via a reading position; the lifting mechanism 38... 8. The paper feed tray 44 is raised or lowered; the paper discharge tray original sensor 18 detects the original document G on the paper discharge tray 43; when the original document G is being transported by the conveying mechanism 35, the control unit 10 controls the lifting mechanism 38 such that the upper surface of the original document G loaded on the paper feed tray 44 is pressed by the delivery roller 51; when the power is on and the original document G is not detected by the paper discharge tray original sensor 18, the control unit 10 controls the lifting mechanism 38 such that the paper feed tray 44 is lowered than when the original document G is detected by the paper discharge tray original sensor 18 (see reference). Figure 7 According to this structure, the capacity of the paper feed tray 44 can be effectively utilized based on whether there is an original document G on the paper feed tray 43.

[0096] Furthermore, the original document transport device 9 according to this embodiment includes a paper tray lower limit sensor 11. This paper tray lower limit sensor 11 detects the paper tray 44 at its lower limit position. When the power is turned on, if the original document G is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18, the control unit 10 lowers the paper tray 44 via the lifting mechanism 38 until the paper tray 44 is detected by the paper tray lower limit sensor 11 (see reference). Figure 7 According to this structure, the capacity of the paper feed tray 44 can be maximized even when the original document G is not loaded on the paper feed tray 43.

[0097] Furthermore, the original document transport device 9 according to this embodiment includes a paper tray intermediate sensor 12. This paper tray intermediate sensor 12 detects the paper tray 44 at an intermediate position between the lower limit position and the upper limit position of the paper tray 44. When the power is turned on and the original document G is detected by the paper discharge tray original document sensor 18, the control unit 10 raises and lowers the paper tray 44 via the lifting mechanism 38 in such a way that the paper tray 44 is detected by the paper tray intermediate sensor 12 (see reference). Figure 7 According to this structure, when the original document G is loaded on the paper tray 43, it is possible to balance the ease of taking the original document G from the paper tray 43 with the effective utilization of the capacity of the paper supply tray 44.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the original document conveying device 9 of this embodiment, the conveying mechanism 35 has a conveying path 61, a discharge path 65, a discharge outlet 70, and a swing mechanism 37. The conveying path 61 passes through a reading position; the discharge path 65 is connected to the downstream end of the conveying path 61 in the conveying direction; the discharge outlet 70 is located at the downstream end of the discharge path 65 in the conveying direction; the swing mechanism 37 causes the discharge path 65 to swing vertically with the upstream end of the discharge path 65 in the conveying direction as a fulcrum. It has a first distance sensor 14, which detects that the distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70 is a first predetermined distance. During the descent of the paper feed tray 44 by the lifting mechanism 38, if the first distance sensor 14 detects that the distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70 is the first predetermined distance, the control unit 10 stops the descent of the paper feed tray 44 (see reference). Figure 9 , Figure 10 According to this structure, interference between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge port 70 can be prevented during the descent of the paper feed tray 44.

[0099] Furthermore, the original document transport device 9 according to this embodiment includes a second distance sensor 17, which measures the distance between the upper surface of the original document G loaded on the paper tray 43 and the discharge port 70. When the distance detected by the second distance sensor 17 changes during the descent of the paper tray 44 by the lifting mechanism 38, the control unit 10 stops the descent of the paper tray 44. Based on the distance detected by the second distance sensor 17, the height of the discharge path 65 is adjusted by the swing mechanism 37. Then, the height of the paper tray 44 is adjusted by the lifting mechanism 38 in a manner where the distance detected by the first distance sensor 14 between the paper tray 44 and the discharge port 70 is a first predetermined distance (see reference). Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 According to this structure, during the descent of the paper feed tray 44, when the amount of original document G on the paper discharge tray 43 changes, the discharge path 65 and the height of the paper feed tray 44 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, when the original document G is detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18 during standby, and then the original document G is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18, the control unit 10 lowers the paper tray 44 via the lifting mechanism 38 after a predetermined time until the paper tray lower limit sensor 11 detects the paper tray 44 (see reference). Figure 11 According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the paper feed tray 44 from touching the user's hand due to the descent of the paper feed tray 44.

[0101] Furthermore, the original document conveying device 9 according to this embodiment includes a discharge path lower limit sensor 16. This discharge path lower limit sensor 16 detects the discharge path 65 at its lower limit position. When the power is turned on or when the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is longer than the second predetermined distance at the end of reading, the control unit 10 lowers the discharge path 65 via the swing mechanism 37 until the discharge path 65 is detected by the discharge path lower limit sensor 16 (see reference). Figure 8 According to this structure, if the discharge port 70 is higher than the appropriate height, the height of the paper feed tray 44 can be adjusted after the height of the discharge port 70 is readjusted.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, if the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is below a second predetermined distance during the process of the paper feed tray 44 being lowered by the lifting mechanism 38, the control unit 10 stops the descent of the paper feed tray 44 (see reference). Figure 8 According to this structure, if the discharge port 70 is higher than the appropriate height, the height of the paper feed tray 44 can be adjusted after the height of the discharge port 70 is readjusted.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, if the distance detected by the second distance sensor 17 is shorter than the second predetermined distance when the power is turned on or when reading ends, the control unit 10 raises the discharge path 65 via the swing mechanism 37 until the measured value of the second distance sensor 17 is greater than the second predetermined distance (see reference). Figure 8 According to this structure, if the discharge port 70 is lower than the appropriate height, the height of the paper feed tray 44 can be adjusted after the height of the discharge port 70 is readjusted.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, when the discharge path 65 is raised by the swing mechanism 37, if the first distance sensor 14 detects that the distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70 is a first predetermined distance, the control unit 10 stops the rise of the discharge path 65 and outputs a message reminding the recipient to take the original document G (see reference). Figure 8 According to this structure, the capacity of the paper feed tray 44 can be effectively utilized by removing the original document G.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, when the original document G is detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18 during standby, and then the original document G is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18, the control unit 10, after a predetermined time, until the discharge path 65 is detected by the discharge path lower limit sensor 16, lowers the discharge path 65 by means of the swing mechanism 37. Then, until the paper feed tray 44 is detected by the paper feed tray lower limit sensor 11, the paper feed tray 44 is lowered by means of the lifting mechanism 38 (see reference). Figure 11 According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the paper feed tray 44 from colliding with the user's hand due to the descent of the paper feed tray 44 after the discharge path 65 descends.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, if the original document G is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18 during standby, and then the original document G is detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18 but not by the paper feed tray original document sensor 19, the control unit 10 positions the paper feed tray 44 via the lifting mechanism 38 according to the amount of original document G loaded on the paper tray 43 (see reference). Figure 11 According to this structure, the capacity of the paper feed tray 44 can be effectively utilized based on whether there is an original document G on the paper feed tray 43.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, when the original document sensor 18 of the paper tray does not detect the original document G during standby, and then the original document sensor 18 of the paper tray detects the original document G, but the original document sensor 19 of the paper feed tray does not detect the original document G and the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is smaller than the second predetermined distance, the control unit 10 raises the discharge path 65 by means of the swing mechanism 37 until the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is larger than the second predetermined distance, and the control unit 10 raises the paper feed tray 44 by means of the lifting mechanism 38 until the distance between the paper feed tray 44 and the discharge outlet 70 is detected by the first distance sensor 14 as the first predetermined distance (see reference). Figure 11 According to this structure, when the original document G is returned to the paper feed tray 43 during standby, the discharge path 65 and the paper feed tray 44 can be positioned at an appropriate height.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, if the original document G is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18 during standby, and then the original document G is detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18, but the original document G is not detected by the paper feed tray original document sensor 19 and the measurement value of the second distance sensor 17 is greater than the second predetermined distance, the control unit 10 raises the paper feed tray 44 by the lifting mechanism 38 until the paper feed tray intermediate sensor 12 detects the paper feed tray 44 (see reference). Figure 11 According to this structure, when a small number of original documents G are returned to the paper feed tray 43 during standby, the discharge path 65 and the paper feed tray 44 can be positioned at an appropriate height.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the original document transport device 9 of this embodiment, if the original document G is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor 18 during standby, and then the original document G is detected by both the paper tray original document sensor 18 and the paper feed tray original document sensor 19, the control unit 10 outputs a message reminding the user to remove the original document G (see reference). Figure 11 According to this structure, the capacity of the paper feed tray 44 can be effectively utilized by removing the original document G.

Claims

1. A manuscript conveying device, characterized in that, It includes a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray, a delivery roller, a conveying mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a paper discharge tray original sensor, and a control unit. The paper feed tray is loaded with the original manuscript; The paper discharge tray is located below the paper supply tray; The delivery roller feeds the original document one sheet at a time from the paper supply tray; The conveying mechanism transports the original document sent from the paper feed tray to the paper discharge tray via the reading position; The lifting mechanism causes the paper supply tray to rise and fall; The original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document on the paper tray; When the original document is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism such that the upper surface of the original document loaded on the paper feed tray is pressed by the feed roller. When the power is on, if the original document sensor on the paper tray does not detect the original document, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism to lower the paper feed tray, compared to when the original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document. It also includes a paper feed tray intermediate sensor, which detects the paper feed tray at a position midway between the lower and upper limits of the paper feed tray. When the original document is detected by the original document sensor on the paper tray when the power is turned on, the control unit raises and lowers the paper tray via the lifting mechanism in such a way that the paper tray is detected by the intermediate sensor on the paper tray.

2. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a paper feed tray lower limit sensor, which detects the paper feed tray at the lower limit position of the paper feed tray. If the original document is not detected by the original document sensor on the paper tray when the power is turned on, the control unit lowers the paper tray via the lifting mechanism until the paper tray is detected by the lower limit sensor of the paper tray.

3. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a paper feed tray lower limit sensor, which detects the paper feed tray at the lower limit position of the paper feed tray. When the original document is detected by the original document sensor of the paper tray during standby, and then the original document is not detected by the original document sensor of the paper tray, after a specified time, the control unit lowers the paper tray through the lifting mechanism until the paper tray is detected by the lower limit sensor of the paper tray.

4. A manuscript conveying device, characterized in that, It includes a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray, a delivery roller, a conveying mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a paper discharge tray original sensor, and a control unit. The paper feed tray is loaded with the original manuscript; The paper discharge tray is located below the paper supply tray; The delivery roller feeds the original document one sheet at a time from the paper supply tray; The conveying mechanism transports the original document sent from the paper feed tray to the paper discharge tray via the reading position; The lifting mechanism causes the paper supply tray to rise and fall; The original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document on the paper tray; When the original document is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism such that the upper surface of the original document loaded on the paper feed tray is pressed by the feed roller. When the power is on, if the original document sensor on the paper tray does not detect the original document, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism to lower the paper feed tray, compared to when the original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document. It also includes a paper feed tray lower limit sensor, which detects the paper feed tray at its lower limit position. If the original document is not detected by the original document sensor on the paper feed tray when the power is turned on, the control unit lowers the paper feed tray via the lifting mechanism until the paper feed tray is detected by the lower limit sensor. The conveying mechanism includes a conveying path, a discharge path, a discharge outlet, and a swinging mechanism. The conveying path passes through the reading position; the discharge path is connected to the downstream end of the conveying path in the conveying direction; the discharge outlet is located at the downstream end of the discharge path in the conveying direction; and the swinging mechanism causes the discharge path to swing vertically with its upstream end in the conveying direction as a fulcrum. It has a first distance sensor that detects the distance between the paper feed tray and the discharge port as a first predetermined distance. During the process of the paper feed tray being lowered by the lifting mechanism, if the first distance sensor detects that the distance between the paper feed tray and the discharge port is the first predetermined distance, the control unit stops the descent of the paper feed tray.

5. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It has a second distance sensor that measures the distance between the upper surface of the original document loaded on the paper discharge tray and the discharge outlet. If the distance detected by the second distance sensor changes during the descent of the paper feed tray by the lifting mechanism, the control unit stops the descent of the paper feed tray and adjusts the height of the discharge path by the swing mechanism according to the distance detected by the second distance sensor. Then, the height of the paper feed tray is adjusted by the lifting mechanism in such a way that the distance between the paper feed tray and the discharge outlet detected by the first distance sensor is the first predetermined distance.

6. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It has a discharge path lower limit sensor, which detects the discharge path at the lower limit position of the discharge path. If the measured value of the second distance sensor is longer than the second specified distance when the power is turned on or when the reading ends, the control unit lowers the discharge path through the swing mechanism until the discharge path is detected by the discharge path lower limit sensor.

7. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the measurement value of the second distance sensor is below the second predetermined distance during the process of the paper feed tray being lowered by the lifting mechanism, the control unit stops the descent of the paper feed tray.

8. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, If the distance detected by the second distance sensor is shorter than the second predetermined distance when the power is turned on or when the reading ends, the control unit raises the discharge path via the swing mechanism until the measurement value of the second distance sensor is greater than the second predetermined distance.

9. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that, During the process of the discharge path being raised by the swing mechanism, if the first distance sensor detects that the distance between the paper feed tray and the discharge outlet is a first predetermined distance, the control unit stops the raising of the discharge path and outputs a message reminding the user to take away the original document.

10. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the original document is detected by the paper tray original document sensor during standby, and then the original document is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor, after a specified time, the control unit lowers the discharge path through the swing mechanism until the discharge path is detected by the discharge path lower limit sensor. Then, the paper feed tray is lowered through the lifting mechanism until the paper feed tray is detected by the paper feed tray lower limit sensor.

11. A manuscript conveying device, characterized in that, It includes a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray, a delivery roller, a conveying mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a paper discharge tray original sensor, and a control unit. The paper feed tray is loaded with the original manuscript; The paper discharge tray is located below the paper supply tray; The delivery roller feeds the original document one sheet at a time from the paper supply tray; The conveying mechanism transports the original document sent from the paper feed tray to the paper discharge tray via the reading position; The lifting mechanism causes the paper supply tray to rise and fall; The original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document on the paper tray; When the original document is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism such that the upper surface of the original document loaded on the paper feed tray is pressed by the feed roller. When the power is on, if the original document sensor on the paper tray does not detect the original document, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism to lower the paper feed tray, compared to when the original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document. It also includes a paper tray original sensor that detects the original document on the paper tray. If the original document is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor during standby, and then is detected by the paper tray original document sensor but is not detected by the paper feed tray original document sensor, the control unit positions the paper feed tray via the lifting mechanism based on the amount of original documents loaded on the paper tray. The conveying mechanism includes a conveying path, a discharge path, a discharge outlet, and a swing mechanism. The conveying path passes through the reading position; the discharge path is connected to the downstream end of the conveying path in the conveying direction; the discharge outlet is located at the downstream end of the discharge path in the conveying direction; and the swing mechanism causes the discharge path to swing vertically with its upstream end in the conveying direction as a fulcrum. It has a first distance sensor and a second distance sensor, wherein, The first distance sensor detects that the distance between the paper feed tray and the discharge port is a first predetermined distance; The second distance sensor measures the distance between the upper surface of the original document loaded on the paper tray and the discharge outlet. If the original document is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor during standby, and then the original document is detected by the paper tray original document sensor but not by the paper feed tray original document sensor, and the measured value of the second distance sensor is smaller than the second predetermined distance, the control unit raises the discharge path via the swing mechanism until the measured value of the second distance sensor is larger than the second predetermined distance, and raises the paper feed tray via the lifting mechanism until the distance between the paper feed tray and the discharge outlet is detected by the first distance sensor as the first predetermined distance.

12. The manuscript conveying device according to claim 11, characterized in that, If the original document is not detected by the original document sensor on the paper tray during standby, but is subsequently detected by both the original document sensor on the paper tray and the original document sensor on the paper feed tray, the control unit outputs a reminder to remove the original document.

13. A manuscript conveying device, characterized in that, It includes a paper feed tray, a paper discharge tray, a delivery roller, a conveying mechanism, a lifting mechanism, a paper discharge tray original sensor, and a control unit. The paper feed tray is loaded with the original manuscript; The paper discharge tray is located below the paper supply tray; The delivery roller feeds the original document one sheet at a time from the paper supply tray; The conveying mechanism transports the original document sent from the paper feed tray to the paper discharge tray via the reading position; The lifting mechanism causes the paper supply tray to rise and fall; The original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document on the paper tray; When the original document is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism such that the upper surface of the original document loaded on the paper feed tray is pressed by the feed roller. When the power is on, if the original document sensor on the paper tray does not detect the original document, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism to lower the paper feed tray, compared to when the original document sensor on the paper tray detects the original document. It also includes a paper tray original sensor that detects the original document on the paper tray. If the original document is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor during standby, and then is detected by the paper tray original document sensor but is not detected by the paper feed tray original document sensor, the control unit positions the paper feed tray via the lifting mechanism based on the amount of original documents loaded on the paper tray. The conveying mechanism includes a conveying path, a discharge path, a discharge outlet, and a swing mechanism. The conveying path passes through the reading position; the discharge path is connected to the downstream end of the conveying path in the conveying direction; the discharge outlet is located at the downstream end of the discharge path in the conveying direction; and the swing mechanism causes the discharge path to swing vertically with its upstream end in the conveying direction as a fulcrum. It has a second distance sensor and a paper tray center sensor, wherein, The second distance sensor measures the distance between the upper surface of the original document loaded on the paper tray and the discharge outlet; The intermediate sensor of the paper feed tray detects the paper feed tray at a position midway between the lower limit position and the upper limit position. If the original document is not detected by the paper tray original document sensor during standby, and then the original document is detected by the paper tray original document sensor but not by the paper feed tray original document sensor, and the measured value of the second distance sensor is greater than the second predetermined distance, the control unit raises the paper feed tray through the lifting mechanism until the paper feed tray is detected by the paper feed tray intermediate sensor.

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