Medium feeding device and image reading device

Abstract

The present application relates to a medium feeding device and an image reading apparatus, and improves skew correction accuracy of a medium feeding device provided with a skew correction mechanism. A medium feeding device (1) is provided with a skew correction mechanism (200) having a first lever member (180A) and a second lever member (180B) and a first load member (190A) and a second load member (190B). The first lever member (180A) and the second lever member (180B) are capable of displacement to an entry position capable of contacting a document (P) and a retreat position retreating from a conveyance path. The first load member (190A) and the second load member (190B) are capable of displacement to a blocking position blocking a portion of the conveyance path in a width direction and an open position not blocking to open the conveyance path. The first load member (190A) and the second load member (190B) overlap at least a portion of a conveyance roller (14) when positioned at the blocking position as viewed in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media feeding device and an image reading device. Background Technology

[0002] Various media feeding devices have been in use for a long time. Among them, there are media conveying devices that have a skew correction mechanism to correct the skewness of the conveyed media. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a media conveying device that has a skew correction mechanism with a first stop and a second stop, as well as a first rod and a second rod in the media conveying path.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-37478 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the skew correction mechanism of the media conveying device in Patent Document 1, for example, the skew correction accuracy decreases when using a medium with low hardness, such as a thin medium. This is because the greater the distance between the medium and the clamping position of the media conveying section, the weaker the hardness of the medium. Furthermore, in skew correction mechanisms that correct skew by touching the leading edge of the medium in the conveying direction, the further this distance, the easier it is for the medium to bend, thus reducing the skew correction accuracy. Therefore, in conventional media conveying devices equipped with skew correction mechanisms, the technical problem is to improve the skew correction accuracy.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the media feeding device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a mounting section for mounting media; a conveying path for conveying the media; a feed roller for feeding the media mounted on the mounting section; and a skew correction mechanism for correcting the skewness of the fed media, the skew correction mechanism comprising: a first rod member and a second rod member, which are displaceable to an entry position and a retraction position, the entry position being a position in which the media can contact the media and enter the conveying path, and the retraction position being a position in which the media retracts from the conveying path by contacting and passing through the first rod member and the second rod member; and a first load member and a second load member, which are disposed downstream of the first rod member and the second rod member in the feeding direction of the media, and are displaceable to a blocking position and an open position, the blocking position being a blocking position. The open position is a location in the width direction intersecting the feed direction where a portion of the conveying path is open without obstruction. The feed roller is disposed between the first load member and the second load member in the width direction. When the first load member and the second load member are in the blocking position, they overlap with at least a portion of the feed roller when viewed from the width direction. The first load member is configured to be in the blocking position when the first rod member is in the entering position, and to be displaceable from the blocking position to the open position when the first rod member is in the retracting position. The second load member is configured to be in the blocking position when the second rod member is in the entering position, and to be displaceable from the blocking position to the open position when the second rod member is in the retracting position. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a stereoscopic view of the scanner body in its normal reading posture, viewed from the front.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a stereoscopic view of the main body of the device in its normal reading posture as viewed from the rear.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a stereoscopic view of the main body of the device in its normal reading posture with the scanner of the third unit activated, viewed from the front.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a top view of the main body of the device in its normal reading posture, specifically the first unit.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the device in its normal reading posture, with the second unit of the scanner opened relative to the first unit, viewed from the width direction.

[0011] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the device in the original document transport path of the scanner in its normal reading posture, viewed from the width direction.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the scanner's original document transport path when the main body of the device is in a booklet reading posture, viewed from the width direction.

[0013] Figure 8 A perspective view of the scanner with the back cover of the first unit removed, viewed from the rear.

[0014] Figure 9 A block diagram illustrating the scanner's control system.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process during attitude switching of the main body of the device.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the periphery of the separating roller as viewed from above.

[0017] Figure 12 This diagram shows the surrounding structure of the guide components and guide assembly when viewed from above.

[0018] Figure 13 This diagram shows the surrounding structure of the guide components and guide assembly from below.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the guide component and the guide assembly.

[0020] Figure 15 This diagram shows the surrounding structure of the guide component and guide assembly from the side.

[0021] Figure 16 A perspective view showing a portion of the baffle assembly and the mechanism for driving the baffle assembly.

[0022] Figure 17 This is a side sectional view showing the periphery of the separating roller.

[0023] Figure 18 A diagram illustrating the action of the guide group. Figure 18 (A) is a diagram showing the feed standby state. Figure 18 (B) is a diagram showing the state after the separating rollers are displaced.

[0024] Figure 19 A diagram illustrating the action of the guide group. Figure 19 (A) is a diagram showing the state when multiple sheet-like originals are fed in. Figure 19 (B) is a diagram showing the state when the original manuscript in booklet form is being fed.

[0025] Figure 20A diagram illustrating the action of the pressing lever. Figure 20 (A) is a diagram showing the state of the original manuscript during feeding. Figure 20 (B) is a diagram showing the state after the rear end of the fed original has left the contact position between the feed roller and the separation roller.

[0026] Figure 21 The diagram used to illustrate the skew correction mechanism is a perspective view showing the state before the medium comes into contact with the first and second rod components.

[0027] Figure 22 The diagram used to illustrate the skew correction mechanism shows the medium flowing from... Figure 21 The image shows a perspective view of a state where the first contact portion touches the first rod component and the first abutment portion is far away from the first load component.

[0028] Figure 23 The diagram used to illustrate the skew correction mechanism shows the first load member changing from a state away from the first load member via the first abutment portion. Figure 22 The image shows a three-dimensional representation of the state after the blocking position has shifted to the open position.

[0029] Figure 24 The diagram is used to illustrate the skew correction mechanism. Figure 24 (A) represents the corresponding Figure 21 A side view of the first rod component in the entry position before the medium touches the first and second rod components. Figure 24 (B) represents the corresponding Figure 22 A side view of the first rod component being in a retracted position due to contact with the medium.

[0030] Figure 25 This is a diagram used to illustrate the skew correction mechanism. Figure 25 (A) represents the corresponding Figure 21 A side view of the first load member in the blocking position before the medium touches the first and second rod members. Figure 25 (B) is used to schematically represent the corresponding Figure 22 A side view showing how the first abutment portion moves away from the first load component when the medium contacts the first rod component. Figure 25 (C) represents the corresponding Figure 23 A side view of the state after the first load member has been moved from the blocking position to the open position by changing the state of the first abutting part away from the first load member.

[0031] Figure 26 This is a diagram used to illustrate the skew correction mechanism. Figure 26 (A) is a side view showing the instant the medium touches the first rod component. Figure 26(B) is a side view showing the state after the first load component has been displaced from the blocking position to the open position by contacting the first rod component through the medium. Figure 26 (C) is a side view showing the instant the medium touches the second rod component.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 1: Scanner (media transport device, image reading device); 2: Main body of the device; 3: First unit (lower unit); 4: Second unit (upper unit); 4a: Upper surface; 5: Third unit; 6: Main body support; 6a: Vertical wall; 6c: Main body rotation shaft; 7: Operation part; 8a: Lock release part; 10: Upper opening and closing part; 11: Original document support (loading part); 12a, 12b: Edge guides; 13: Feed port; 14: Feed roller (conveyor roller); 15: Separating roller; 16: First conveyor roller pair; 17: First lower roller; 18: First upper roller; 20: Second conveyor roller pair; 21: Second lower roller; 2 2: Second upper roller; 24: Third conveyor roller pair; 25: Third drive roller; 26: Third driven roller; 28: Fourth conveyor roller pair; 29: Fourth drive roller; 30: Fourth driven roller; 32: First reading part; 32a: Contact glass; 33: Second reading part; 33a: Contact glass; 35: Baffle; 35a: Baffle rotation shaft; 37: First outlet; 38: Second outlet; 40: Attitude switching motor; 41: Rotation conversion component; 47b: Gear; 50: Conveyor motor; 63: First frame; 63b: Supported part; 64a: Frame rotation shaft; 66: Back cover; 71: First connecting part (USB) Type-A); 72: Second connection part (USB Type-C); 73: Third connection part (DC socket); 79: Circuit board; 80: Control unit; 81: CPU; 82: Flash ROM; 83: RAM; 84: Interface; 86: First solenoid; 87: First attitude detection sensor; 88: Second attitude detection sensor; 89: First rotation detection unit; 89a: Rotating disc; 89b: Detection unit; 90: Second rotation detection unit; 91: Re-feed detection unit; 92: Loading detection unit; 93: First original document detection unit; 94: Second original document detection unit; 98b: Cylindrical part; 150: Original document feeding device; 151: Guide component (path component); 151a: Bearing part; 153: Assembly guide; 153a: Rotating shaft; 153c, 153d: Long ribs; 153e, 1 53f: Short rib; 153h: Shaft; 153j: Abutment; 153k: Abutment; 153p: Upper surface; 155: Assembly baffle; 155a: Base; 155b: Shaft; 155c: Cam follower; 157: Pressing rod (pressing part); 157a: Shaft fitting part; 157b: Front end; 163: Assembly baffle cam; 164: Spring; 165: Shaft; 166: Gear; 1 67: One-way clutch; 180: Lever assembly; 180A: First lever assembly; 180B: Second lever assembly; 181: Rotating shaft; 181A: First rotating shaft; 181B: Second rotating shaft; 182: Abutment part; 182A: First abutment part; 182B: Second abutment part; 183: Guide part; 183A: First guide part; 183B: Second guide part; 184: Coil spring;184A: First helical spring; 184B: Second helical spring; 190: Load component; 190A: First load component; 190B: Second load component; 190a: Rotating shaft; 200: Skew correction mechanism; 200A: First skew correction unit; 200B: Second skew correction unit; 500: External equipment; R1: Original document feed path (conveyor path); R2: Reading conveyor path (conveyor path); R3: Tilting conveyor path (conveyor path); R4: Non-tilting conveyor path (conveyor path). Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in brief.

[0035] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a medium feeding device characterized by comprising: a mounting section for mounting a medium; a conveying path for conveying the medium; a feed roller for feeding the medium mounted on the mounting section; and a skew correction mechanism for correcting skewness of the fed medium, the skew correction mechanism comprising: a first rod member and a second rod member, capable of being displaced to an entry position and a retraction position, the entry position being a position in which the medium can contact the medium and enter the conveying path, and the retraction position being a position in which the medium retracts from the conveying path by contacting and passing through the first rod member and the second rod member; and a first load member and a second load member, disposed downstream of the first rod member and the second rod member in the feeding direction of the medium, and capable of being displaced to a blocking position and an open position, the blocking position being a position that blocks contact with the medium. The open position is a position in which a portion of the conveying path is opened without obstruction in the width direction where the feed directions intersect. The feed roller is disposed between the first load member and the second load member in the width direction. When the first load member and the second load member are in the blocking position, they overlap with at least a portion of the feed roller when viewed from the width direction. The first load member is configured to be in the blocking position when the first rod member is in the entering position, and to be able to move from the blocking position to the open position when the first rod member is in the retracting position. The second load member is configured to be in the blocking position when the second rod member is in the entering position, and to be able to move from the blocking position to the open position when the second rod member is in the retracting position.

[0036] According to this method, when the first and second load members are in the blocking position, they overlap at least a portion of the feed roller when viewed in the width direction. That is, a skew correction mechanism is provided at a position not far from the feed roller in the feeding direction of the medium. Therefore, even when using a medium with low hardness, such as a thin medium, skew correction can be performed at a position where the hardness of the medium has not weakened. This allows skew correction to be performed while suppressing medium deflection, thereby improving the accuracy of skew correction.

[0037] Furthermore, the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the media feeding device of the first aspect, a separation section is provided, which is arranged opposite to the feed roller. When multiple sheets of the media are stacked on the loading section, the separation section and the feed roller together clamp the media and separate the media. When viewed from the width direction, the contact position and the clamping position overlap. The contact position is the position where the first load member and the second load member located at the blocking position contact the conveyed media, and the clamping position is the clamping position of the feed roller and the separation section.

[0038] According to this method, a separation section is provided that clamps and separates the medium together with the feed roller. Furthermore, when viewed in the width direction, the contact positions of the first and second load members, located at the blocking position, with the conveyed medium overlap with the clamping position of the feed roller and the separation section. The medium becomes harder closer to the clamping position of the feed roller and the separation section; by configuring it in this way, skew correction can be performed at a position where the hardness of the medium does not decrease due to the proximity of the contact and clamping positions. Therefore, skew correction can be performed while suppressing medium deflection, thus improving skew correction accuracy.

[0039] Furthermore, the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the media feeding device of the first or second aspect, when the first rod member and the second rod member are in the entry position, they overlap with at least a portion of the feed roller when viewed from the width direction.

[0040] According to this method, when the first and second rod components are in the entry position, they overlap with at least a portion of the conveyor roller when viewed from the width direction. That is, the first and second rod components can be configured close to the first and second load components in the conveying direction. With this configuration, skewness can be corrected with high precision.

[0041] Furthermore, the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third-party medium feeding device, the skew correction mechanism has a first skew correction section and a second skew correction section along the width direction. The first skew correction section includes: a first rod member; a first abutment portion capable of being displaceable to a first restricted position that restricts the first load member from the blocking position to the open position and a first unrestricted position that releases the restriction; and a first rotating shaft, with the first rod member provided at one end of the first rotating shaft and the first abutment portion provided at the other end of the first rotating shaft. The second skew correction section includes: a second rod member; a second abutment portion capable of being displaceable to a first restricted position that restricts the first load member from the blocking position to the open position and a first unrestricted position that releases the restriction; and a first rotating shaft with the first rod member provided at one end of the first rotating shaft and the first abutment portion provided at the other end of the first rotating shaft. The second load component is displaced from the blocking position to the open position in a second restricted position and a second unrestricted position to release the restriction; and a second rotating shaft is provided at one end of the second rotating shaft, and a second abutment is provided at the other end of the second rotating shaft. The first abutment is located at the first restricted position when the first rod component is in the entering position and at the first unrestricted position when the first rod component is in the retracted position. The second abutment is located at the second restricted position when the second rod component is in the entering position and at the second unrestricted position when the second rod component is in the retracted position.

[0042] According to this method, it includes: a first abutting portion, which is located in a first restricted position when the first rod member is in the engaged position and in a first unrestricted position when the first rod member is in the retracted position; and a second abutting portion, which is located in a second restricted position when the second rod member is in the engaged position and in a second unrestricted position when the second rod member is in the retracted position. Thus, by configuring the movement of the rod member and the load member to be indirectly linked rather than directly linked, a skew correction mechanism can be easily constructed.

[0043] Furthermore, the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the media feeding device of the fourth aspect, the feed roller is disposed in the width direction between the first rod member and the second load member and between the second rod member and the first load member.

[0044] According to this method, the feed roller is positioned in the width direction between the first rod member and the second load member, and between the second rod member and the first load member. By connecting the first rod member and the first load member, which are far apart in the width direction, and connecting the second rod member and the second load member, which are also far apart in the width direction, skewness greater than a predetermined angle can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, by configuring the connection portion of the load member relative to the rod member to span the feed roller, skewness can also be effectively corrected for narrow media.

[0045] Furthermore, the sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the medium feeding device of the fifth aspect, the first rod member is disposed in the feeding direction at a position overlapping at least a portion of the second load member, and the second rod member is disposed in the feeding direction at a position overlapping at least a portion of the first load member.

[0046] According to this method, the first rod member is positioned in the feed direction at a location that overlaps with at least a portion of the second load member, and the second rod member is positioned in the feed direction at a location that overlaps with at least a portion of the first load member. This configuration shortens the distance between the rod member and the load member in the width direction, thus enabling particularly effective correction of skew, even in narrow media.

[0047] Furthermore, the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the media feeding device of the fourth aspect, the feed roller is disposed in the width direction between the first rod member and the first load member and the second rod member and the second load member.

[0048] According to this method, the feed roller is disposed between the first rod member and the first load member and the second rod member and the second load member in the width direction. In this way, by connecting the first rod member and the first load member, which are close in the width direction, and connecting the second rod member and the second load member, which are close in the width direction, the connection mechanism between the rod member and the load member can be miniaturized.

[0049] Furthermore, the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the media feeding device of the first aspect, it includes: a separation section disposed opposite to the feed roller, wherein when multiple sheets of the media are stacked on the mounting section, the separation section and the feed roller together clamp the media and separate the media; and a group guide member that guides the front end of the media placed on the mounting section to the clamping position of the feed roller and the separation section, wherein the group guide member is capable of adjusting the distance between the separation section and the feed roller according to the thickness of the media, and the skew correction mechanism is provided on the group guide member.

[0050] According to this method, a group guide member is provided that can adjust the distance between the separating section and the feed roller according to the thickness of the medium. Because the distance between the separating section and the feed roller is adjusted according to the thickness of the medium, for example, it is possible to prevent the medium exceeding a predetermined thickness from touching the separating section and thus failing to feed. In addition, a skew correction mechanism is provided in the group guide member. In this way, by integrating the group guide member and the skew correction mechanism into a single structure, the medium conveying device can be miniaturized.

[0051] Furthermore, the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the media feeding device of the eighth aspect, the group guide is disposed in the feeding direction at a position upstream of the clamping position and at both ends of the feed roller in the width direction, and closer to the feed roller than the skew correction mechanism. It has a pressing rod that can be switched between a first position pressed against the feed roller and a second position separated from the feed roller by moving forward or backward relative to the feed roller. The pressing rod is configured such that, after the rear end of the preceding medium, which is fed first by the separation portion among the multiple media stacked in the second position, passes the clamping position in the feeding direction, subsequent media other than the preceding medium among the multiple media stacked in the first position can be pressed against the feed roller.

[0052] According to this method, a pressing rod is provided. After the rear end of the preceding medium, which is placed in a second position separated from the feed roller and overlapped with the preceding medium, passes through a clamping position in the feed direction, the pressing rod can press the subsequent medium, other than the preceding medium, placed in a first position pressed against the feed roller onto the feed roller. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the subsequent medium rapidly returns to the upstream side in the feed direction after the preceding medium has been fed.

[0053] Furthermore, the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the medium feeding device of the eighth or ninth aspect, a path member is provided, the path member being configured to be openably and closedly disposed around at least a portion of the separation portion and being able to dismantle the separation portion by changing to an open state, the path member forming at least a portion of the conveying path by changing to a closed state, and the group guide being disposed on the path member.

[0054] According to this method, a path component is provided, which is configured to allow the separation section to be removed by changing to an open state, and to form at least a portion of a conveying path by changing to a closed state. Therefore, by setting the path component to an open state, the separation section can be easily replaced, etc.

[0055] The image reading device according to the eleventh method is characterized by comprising: a medium feeding device according to any one of the first to tenth methods; and a reading unit for reading an image of the medium transported in the transport path.

[0056] According to this method, the effect of any of the first to tenth methods described above can be obtained in the image reading device.

[0057] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0058] In the following description, as an example of an image reading device, a scanner 1 capable of reading at least one of the first side and the opposite second side of an original document will be cited. Scanner 1 is a so-called sheet-feed type scanner that reads the original document while moving it relative to the reading unit described later. In this specification, the original document is considered to include not only sheet-shaped original documents, but also card-shaped original documents and booklet-shaped original documents. An example of an original document being a medium.

[0059] It should be noted that in the XYZ coordinate system shown in the figures, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, which is also the width direction of the original document. The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the device, and the Z-axis direction is the direction along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the +Y direction is set as the direction from the back of the device to the front, and the -Y direction is set as the direction from the front of the device to the back. In addition, when viewed from the front of the device, the left is set as the +X direction, and the right is set as the -X direction. Furthermore, in the following text, the direction in which the original document is transported is sometimes referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction is sometimes referred to as "upstream."

[0060] The scanner 1 of this embodiment includes a document feeding device 150, which is an example of a media feeding device. In this embodiment, the document feeding device 150 is configured by removing the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33 (described later) from the scanner 1. However, from the viewpoint of feeding the original document into the scanner 1, the entire scanner 1, including the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33, can also be considered as the document feeding device 150. In addition, since the scanner 1 internally transports the original document, it can also be regarded as a media transport device. The scanner 1 according to this embodiment includes a device body 2 and a body support 6 that supports the device body 2 so that it can rotate. The device body 2 is configured to include a first unit 3, a second unit 4, and a third unit 5.

[0061] The second unit 4 and the third unit 5 are configured to be able to rotate around the frame axis 64a (see reference). Figure 3 The frame rotation axis 64a is the center of rotation, which is parallel to the X-axis. The second unit 4 and the third unit 5 can rotate as a single unit relative to the first unit 3 about the frame rotation axis 64a (see reference). Figure 5 By rotating the second unit 4 and the third unit 5 relative to the first unit 3, it is possible to achieve the following: Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the original document transport path (the transport path of the original document P) is exposed. In particular, the original document feed path R1 and the reading transport path R2, described later, are exposed. By sliding the locking release part 8a in the -X direction, the user can release the lock between the second unit 4 and the first unit 3 and open the second unit 4.

[0062] Furthermore, the third unit 5 can rotate relative to the first unit 3 and the second unit 4 about the frame rotation axis 64a (see reference). Figure 3 By rotating the third unit 5 relative to the first unit 3 and the second unit 4, it is possible to achieve the following: Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the original document transport path is exposed. In particular, the flip transport path R3, described later, is exposed.

[0063] The main body 2 can rotate relative to the main body support 6 around the main body rotation axis 6c (see reference). Figure 8 Rotating around a central point, in this embodiment, the device body 2 can maintain two postures by rotating. The two postures of the device body 2 are... Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown in the image, it will be displayed later. Figure 6 The pose is called the normal reading pose. Figure 7 The posture is called the booklet reading posture. Typically, the reading posture is an example of the first posture of the device body 2, and the booklet reading posture is an example of the second posture of the device body 2. It should be noted that... Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a sectional view obtained by cutting at the same position along the X-axis. Figure 5 To pass through the X-axis direction with Figure 6 and Figure 7 Cross-sectional views obtained by cutting at different locations.

[0064] Figure 6 The angles α1 and α1 shown Figure 7 The angle α2 shown is the angle formed by the extension line L of the reading and transport path R2 (described later) and the mounting surface G of the device. The angle α2 in the booklet reading posture is smaller than the angle α1 in the normal reading posture. In the normal reading posture, the projected area of ​​the device body 2 onto the mounting surface G of the scanner 1 is minimized, i.e., the footprint of the device body 2 is minimized. It should be noted that the footprint in this specification refers to the area occupied by the device body 2 in the XY plane when viewed from above. The normal reading posture is suitable for reading sheet-like originals, i.e., originals with low rigidity and easy flexibility. The booklet reading posture is suitable for reading originals with high rigidity and difficult flexibility, such as plastic cards and booklets.

[0065] An operation section 7, consisting of multiple operation buttons including a power button, is provided on the front of the device. Additionally, on the sides surrounding the device in the +X direction, such as... Figure 2As shown, the device includes a first connecting part 71, a second connecting part 72, and a third connecting part 73. The first connecting part 71 is for connecting to a USB Type-A plug (not shown), an example of which is the connector. The second connecting part 72 is for connecting to a USB Type-C plug (not shown), an example of which is the connector. The third connecting part 73 is for connecting to a power plug (not shown) for supplying power to the device body 2. It should be noted that USB is short for Universal Serial Bus, and Type-A and Type-C are among the various types specified in the USB standard.

[0066] In addition to connecting external devices to the first connection unit 71 via a USB cable (not shown), a storage medium, such as a USB memory (not shown), can also be connected to the first connection unit 71. Furthermore, the control unit 80 (see reference...) Figure 9 The device can save read data to a storage medium connected to the first connection part 71. Additionally, an external device can be connected to the second connection part 72 via a USB cable (not shown). The first connection part 71, the second connection part 72, and the third connection part 73 are disposed on a circuit board 79 located on the back side of the device (see reference 71). Figure 8 It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the device body 2 can also be configured to receive power from an external device connected to the second connection part 72.

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 The configuration of the original document transport path in scanner 1 will be described. The fed original document is supported at an inclined position by the original document support 11. Reference numeral P indicates the supported original document. When multiple original documents are supported by the original document support 11, the uppermost original document is fed downstream by the feed roller 14. The feed roller 14 is in contact with the upper surface of the original document supported by the original document support 11. The original document support 11 is formed in the upper opening / closing part 10. The upper opening / closing part 10 can rotate about a rotation axis (not shown) and opens / closes the feed port 13 by rotating. Figure 1 The state after the upper opening / closing part 10 is closed is shown. Figure 2 The state after the upper opening / closing part 10 is opened is shown. The upper opening / closing part 10 constitutes the first unit 3.

[0068] In the original manuscript support section 11, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are provided to guide the sides of the original document. The pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are configured to slide in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the original document. The pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are linked by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) in a manner that allows them to move apart or closer to each other across a center position in the width direction of the original document. That is, the scanner 1 employs a so-called central feed method.

[0069] Feed roller 14 is disposed in the second unit 4. When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3, feed roller 14 contacts separation roller 15 (described later). When the second unit 4 is opened relative to the first unit 3, feed roller 14 separates from separation roller 15. Feed roller 14 is powered to rotate by conveyor motor 50 (described later). Separation roller 15 is disposed in the first unit 3 at a position opposite to feed roller 14. Separation roller 15 is given rotational torque by torque limiter (not shown) and suppresses overlapping conveying of originals. It should be noted that a separation pad may also be used instead of separation roller 15. Separation roller 15 is disposed at the center position in the width direction of the original (see reference). Figure 4 Additionally, the feed roller 14, which is positioned opposite the separating roller 15, is also located at the center of the original document width direction.

[0070] As an example of a separation section arranged opposite to the feed roller 14, the separation roller 15 can move forward and backward relative to the feed roller 14, and can be in a separation state where the original is separated by generating rotational torque through the action of a torque limiter (not shown), and in a non-separation state where the torque limiter is not activated and the original is not separated. When the device body 2 is in the normal reading posture, the separation roller 15 is in the separation state, and when the device body 2 is in the book reading posture, the separation roller 15 is in the non-separation state.

[0071] A first conveyor roller pair 16 is provided downstream of the feed roller 14 and the separating roller 15. The first conveyor roller pair 16 consists of a first lower roller 17 provided in the first unit 3 and a first upper roller 18 provided in the second unit 4. The first upper roller 18 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the first lower roller 17 while being pushed towards the first lower roller 17 by a pushing component (not shown), such as a helical spring. Both the first lower roller 17 and the first upper roller 18 are powered to rotate by the conveyor motor 50 described later. Two first lower rollers 17 and two first upper rollers 18 are provided at a center position apart in the width direction of the original document (see reference). Figure 4 When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3, the first lower roller 17 and the first upper roller 18 are in contact. When the second unit 4 is opened relative to the first unit 3, the first upper roller 18 separates from the first lower roller 17 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0072] Downstream of the first conveyor roller pair 16, a first reading unit 32 and a second reading unit 33 are arranged opposite each other. The first reading unit 32 is disposed in the first unit 3, and the second reading unit 33 is disposed in the second unit 4. The first reading unit 32 reads the lower surface (first surface) of the original supported on the original support unit 11, and the second reading unit 33 reads the upper surface (second surface) of the original supported on the original support unit 11. The second reading unit 33 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the first reading unit 32 while being pushed toward the first reading unit 32 by a pushing member (not shown), such as a coil spring. In this embodiment, the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33 are constituted by a contact image sensor component (CISM). Reference numeral 32a refers to the contact glass constituting the first reading unit 32, and reference numeral 33a refers to the contact glass constituting the second reading unit 33.

[0073] A second conveyor roller pair 20 is provided downstream of the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33. The second conveyor roller pair 20 consists of a second lower roller 21 provided in the first unit 3 and a second upper roller 22 provided in the second unit 4. The second upper roller 22 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the second lower roller 21 while being pushed towards the second lower roller 21 by a pushing member (not shown), such as a helical spring. Both the second lower roller 21 and the second upper roller 22 are powered by the conveyor motor 50 described later to rotate. Two second lower rollers 21 and two upper rollers 22 are provided at a center position apart in the width direction of the original document (see reference). Figure 4 When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3, the second lower roller 21 contacts the second upper roller 22. When the second unit 4 is opened relative to the first unit 3, the second upper roller 22 separates from the second lower roller 21 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0074] exist Figure 6 , Figure 7 The dashed line indicated by reference numeral R1 in the attached drawing represents the original document feed path. The original document feed path R1 is defined as the path from the clamping position of the feed roller 14 and the separating roller 15 to the clamping position of the first conveying roller pair 16. Furthermore, in Figure 6 , Figure 7 The dashed line indicated by reference numeral R2 in the attached drawing represents the reading transport path, which is defined as the path from the clamping position of the first transport roller pair 16 to the clamping position of the second transport roller pair 20. The reading transport path R2 is the original document transport path opposite to the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33.

[0075] When the main body 2 of the device is in Figure 6In the normal reading posture shown, a flipping conveyor path R3 is formed downstream of the reading conveyor path R2 to flip the read document upwards for discharge. The flipping conveyor path R3 is the document conveyor path downstream of the clamping position of the second conveyor roller pair 20, and as shown in... Figure 6 The document conveying path, indicated by the double-dotted line, is used to bend and flip the downward-conveyed manuscript and discharge it upward-conveyed from the first outlet 37. (The image shows the main body 2 of the device in a position where...) Figure 7 In the illustrated booklet reading posture, a non-reversing conveyor path R4 is formed downstream of the reading conveyor path R2, allowing the read original to be discharged without reversing. The non-reversing conveyor path R4 is the original document conveying path downstream of the clamping position of the second conveyor roller pair 20, as shown in... Figure 7 The double-dotted line indicates the manuscript transport path used to discharge the manuscript, which is conveyed diagonally downwards in the reading transport path R2, directly from the second discharge outlet 38 without bending or flipping it. It should be noted that the second transport roller pair 20 functions as the discharge roller pair for discharging the manuscript from the non-flipping transport path R4.

[0076] The switching between the flip conveyor path R3 and the non-flip conveyor path R4 is performed by a baffle 35, which serves as a baffle component constituting the conveyor path switching member. The baffle 35 is rotatable about a baffle rotation axis 35a, and this rotation connects the flip conveyor path R3 to the reading conveyor path R2, or the non-flip conveyor path R4 to the reading conveyor path R2. Connecting the flip conveyor path R3 to the reading conveyor path R2 means that the flip conveyor path R3 can be used, and also means that the non-flip conveyor path R4 cannot be used. Similarly, connecting the non-flip conveyor path R4 to the reading conveyor path R2 means that the non-flip conveyor path R4 can be used, and also means that the flip conveyor path R3 cannot be used.

[0077] In this embodiment, the baffle 35 is configured to rotate in a manner that is linked to the attitude switching of the device body 2. As a configuration for rotating the baffle 35 in a manner that is linked to the attitude switching of the device body 2, in this embodiment, a first solenoid 86 (see reference 86) is used. Figure 9 The control unit 80 performs various controls (see reference). Figure 9 The attitude of the device body 2 is detected based on the detection signal from the first attitude detection sensor 87 or the second attitude detection sensor 88 (described later), and the first solenoid 86 is driven to rotate the baffle 35 accordingly. It should be noted that the component that rotates the baffle 35 is not limited to the first solenoid 86, but may also be other actuators such as a motor. Alternatively, the baffle 35 may be configured to rotate mechanically in conjunction with the attitude of the device body 2.

[0078] A third conveyor roller pair 24 and a fourth conveyor roller pair 28 are provided in the flipping conveyor path R3. The third conveyor roller pair 24 consists of a third drive roller 25 provided in the third unit 5 and a third driven roller 26 provided in the second unit 4. The third driven roller 26 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the third drive roller 25 while being pushed towards the third drive roller 25 by a pushing component (not shown), such as a helical spring. The third drive roller 25 is driven by a conveyor motor 50. The third driven roller 26 is a roller that rotates passively.

[0079] The fourth conveyor roller pair 28 consists of a fourth drive roller 29 disposed in the third unit 5 and a fourth driven roller 30 disposed in the second unit 4. The fourth driven roller 30 is configured to be able to move forward and backward relative to the fourth drive roller 29 while being pushed towards the fourth drive roller 29 by a pushing component (not shown), such as a helical spring. The fourth drive roller 29 is driven by a conveyor motor 50. The fourth driven roller 30 is a roller that rotates passively.

[0080] The third drive roller 25, the third driven roller 26, the fourth drive roller 29, and the fourth driven roller 30 are each arranged in pairs at a distance from the center position in the direction of the original document width (see reference). Figure 3 When the third unit 5 is closed relative to the second unit 4, the third drive roller 25 and the third driven roller 26 are in contact, and the fourth drive roller 29 and the fourth driven roller 30 are also in contact. When the third unit 5 is opened relative to the second unit 4, the third drive roller 25 and the third driven roller 26 are separated, and the fourth drive roller 29 and the fourth driven roller 30 are also separated.

[0081] The original manuscript conveyed in the flipping conveyor path R3 is discharged obliquely upward by the fourth conveyor roller pair 28, including the -Y direction component, and is supported in an inclined posture by the upper surface 4a of the second unit 4.

[0082] In this embodiment, the main body 2 of the device is controlled by the control unit 80, and the attitude switching motor 40 (see reference) Figure 8 The motor rotates under the power of the scanner 1 and changes its posture. The control unit 80 controls the posture switching motor 40 based on input information from the external device 500 connected to the scanner 1. Figure 8 The back cover 66, showing the exterior of the device after it has been removed (see reference). Figure 2 The following is the state after the rotation of the attitude switching motor 40 is converted into the rotation of the device body 2. Reference numeral 41 shows the rotation conversion member that converts the rotation of the attitude switching motor 40 into the rotation of the device body 2. The attitude switching motor 40 and the rotation conversion member 41 are positioned on the side facing the -X direction in the width direction of the device. The side facing the -X direction in the width direction of the device means a position located in the -X direction closer to the center position of the device in the X-axis direction.

[0083] In the first frame 63 constituting the base of the first unit 3, two supported portions 63b are spaced apart in the X-axis direction. In the main body support 6, two main body rotation axes 6c are spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The first frame 63, i.e., the device main body 2, passes through the supported portions 63b via the main body rotation axes 6c, and is able to rotate about the main body rotation axes 6c. The main body rotation axes 6c are rotation axes that form a center of rotation parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0084] An attitude switching motor 40 is mounted on the first frame 63. The first frame 63 is shaped along the reading and conveying path R2. The attitude switching motor 40 is mounted on the back side of the first frame 63, which is positioned at an inclined angle. The rotation conversion member 41 has a gear 47b that is rotatable in the first unit 3 and rotates under the power of the attitude switching motor 40, and a vertical wall portion 6a fixed to the main body support portion 6 and provided with teeth that mesh with the gear 47b. The teeth are formed around the main body rotation axis 6c of the vertical wall portion 6a.

[0085] The components of the attitude switching motor 40 and the aforementioned rotation conversion member 41, excluding the teeth of the vertical wall portion 6a, are disposed in the first unit 3, i.e., the device body 2. Therefore, when the gear 47b rotates under the power of the attitude switching motor 40, the device body 2 rotates, thereby switching attitudes.

[0086] It should be noted that the control unit 80 (refer to...) Figure 9 The attitude of the device body 2 can be detected based on the rotation direction of the attitude switching motor 40, etc. However, in this embodiment, a first attitude detection sensor 87 and a second attitude detection sensor 88, described later, are provided, and the control unit 80 can also detect the attitude of the device body 2 based on the detection signals of these sensors. The normal reading attitude and the book reading attitude of the device body 2 are maintained by supplying power to the stopped attitude switching motor 40 and setting it to a maintenance state.

[0087] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the attitude of the power switching device body 2 of the attitude switching motor 40 can be used as an alternative or a configuration in which the attitude of the device body 2 is switched by the user applying force to the device body 2.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 9 The control system in scanner 1 will be described. Including original document feeding, transport, discharge, and reading control, the control unit 80 also performs various other controls on scanner 1. Signals from the operation unit 7 are input into the control unit 80.

[0089] The control unit 80 controls the conveying motor 50 and the attitude switching motor 40. In this embodiment, each motor is a DC motor. Reading data from the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33 is input into the control unit 80. Additionally, signals for controlling each reading unit are sent from the control unit 80 to each reading unit. Data from the placement detection unit 92 (see reference 92) is also input into the control unit 80. Figure 5 The signals from the detection components are: retransmission detection unit 91, first original document detection unit 93, second original document detection unit 94, first attitude detection sensor 87, second attitude detection sensor 88, first rotation detection unit 89, and second rotation detection unit 90.

[0090] like Figure 8 As shown, the first rotation detection unit 89 is a detection unit provided at the end in the -X direction of the main body 2. The control unit 80 can control the rotation amount of each roller provided on the original document transport path by detecting the rotation amount of the transport motor 50 using the first rotation detection unit 89. The first rotation detection unit 89 is a rotary encoder having a rotating circular plate 89a and a detection unit 89b. The second rotation detection unit 90 is a rotary encoder having a rotating circular plate provided on the rotating shaft 40a of the attitude switching motor 40 and a detection unit. The control unit 80 can control the rotation direction and rotation amount of the attitude switching motor 40 by detecting the rotation amount of the attitude switching motor 40 using the second rotation detection unit 90.

[0091] The control unit 80 includes a CPU 81, a flash ROM 82, and a RAM 83. The CPU 81 performs various calculations according to a program stored in the flash ROM 82 and controls the operation of the entire scanner 1. The flash ROM 82, as an example of a storage component, is a non-volatile memory capable of being read and written. The RAM 83, as an example of a storage component, temporarily stores various information. The interface 84 of the control unit 80 is provided by reference... Figure 2 The first connection part 71 and the second connection part 72 are described. The control unit 80 transmits and receives data with the external device 500 via this interface 84.

[0092] Next, the other detection units will be described. The placement detection unit 92 is located upstream of the feed roller 14. The control unit 80 can detect whether there is an original document on the original document support 11 based on the signal sent from the placement detection unit 92. The first original document detection unit 93 is located between the feed roller 14 and the first transport roller pair 16. The control unit 80 can detect whether the front or rear end of the original document has passed the detection position based on the signal sent from the first original document detection unit 93.

[0093] The re-feed detection unit 91 is a detection unit disposed between the feed roller 14 and the first conveying roller pair 16, and is configured to have an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver arranged opposite each other across the original document feed path R1. The control unit 80 can detect the overlapping conveying of the original document based on the signal sent from the re-feed detection unit 91. The second original document detection unit 94 is a detection unit disposed between the first conveying roller pair 16 and the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33. The control unit 80 can detect the front or rear end of the original document passing the detection position based on the signal sent from the second original document detection unit 94.

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 10 An example of the processing performed by the control unit 80 will be explained. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control unit 80 during attitude switching of the device body 2. Figure 10 In this process, upon receiving a document reading instruction (Yes in step S101), the control unit 80 determines whether a posture switch of the device body 2 is required (step S102). Here, the document reading instruction is, for example, from an external device 500 (see reference). Figure 9 The received instruction. In the external device 500, the type of original document to be read can be set. When the type of original document to be read is a card-shaped original document or a booklet-shaped original document, the control unit 80 sets the posture of the device main body 2 to the booklet reading posture, and when the type of original document to be read is a sheet-shaped original document, the posture of the device main body 2 is set to the normal reading posture.

[0095] In step S102, the type of original document acquired is compared with the current posture of the device body 2 to determine whether to switch the posture of the device body 2. If no posture switch is needed (no in step S102), the original document is read without posture switching control (step S106). If a posture switch is needed (yes in step S102), and if the target posture is a booklet reading posture, the control unit 80 switches the posture of the device body 2 to a booklet reading posture based on the target posture (step S103) (step S104), and also switches the original document transport path to the non-flipping transport path R4 (step S105). It should be noted that steps S104 and S105 can also be executed simultaneously. Then, the original document is read (step S106).

[0096] Additionally, if the target orientation is the normal reading orientation, the control unit 80 switches the orientation of the device body 2 to the normal reading orientation based on the target orientation (step S103) (step S107), and switches the original document transport path to the flip transport path R3 (step S108). It should be noted that steps S107 and S108 can also be executed simultaneously. Then, the original document is read (step S106). It should also be noted that it is suitable to set the detection information of the retransmission detection unit 91 to valid when the device body 2 is in the normal reading orientation, and to set the detection information of the retransmission detection unit 91 to invalid when the device body 2 is in the booklet reading orientation.

[0097] In summary, the scanner 1 includes a main support 6 placed on the mounting surface G of the device and a device main body 2 supported on the main support 6. The device main body 2 includes: a read transport path R2, which is a document transport path for transporting original documents and is opposite to a first reader 32 and a second reader 33 for reading original documents; a flip transport path R3, which is a document transport path downstream of the read transport path R2 and is used to flip the read document upwards to discharge the document; and a non-flip transport path R4, which is a document transport path downstream of the read transport path R2 and is used to discharge the read document without flipping it. In addition, a baffle 35 is provided to switch the document transport path connected to the read transport path R2 to either the flip transport path R3 or the non-flip transport path R4.

[0098] The main body 2 is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the main body support 6, and can be switched to a normal reading posture by rotating. Figure 6 The booklet reading posture (where the angle formed by the reading transport path R2 and the mounting surface G is smaller than the normal reading posture) and the reading posture of the booklet. Figure 7 When the main body 2 of the device is in the normal reading posture, the baffle 35 connects the reading conveying path R2 to the flipping conveying path R3, and when the main body 2 of the device is in the booklet reading posture, the reading conveying path R2 connects to the non-flipping conveying path R4.

[0099] Scanner 1 can efficiently transport originals that are difficult to bend by utilizing the non-flipping transport path R4. Originals that are difficult to bend include booklets and cards. Furthermore, baffle 35 connects the read transport path R2 to the flipping transport path R3 when the device body 2 is in a normal reading position, and connects the read transport path R2 to the non-flipping transport path R4 when the device body 2 is in a booklet reading position. Therefore, compared to ejecting the original using the non-flipping transport path R4 when in a normal reading position, the ejection direction of the original can be set along the mounting surface G. As a result, larger originals can be ejected compared to ejecting the original using the non-flipping transport path R4 when in a normal reading position. Additionally, by setting the device body 2 to a normal reading position, the angle formed by the read transport path R2 and the mounting surface G can be set to be larger than in the booklet reading position, thus reducing the area occupied by the device body 2.

[0100] Alternatively, the attitude switching of the main body 2 can also be configured to be performed via buttons constituting the operation unit 7. For example, one of the buttons constituting the operation unit 7 can be designated as an attitude switching button. When the current attitude is in the normal reading attitude, if the attitude switching button is pressed by the user, the control unit 80 executes steps S104 and S105. Furthermore, when the current attitude is in the booklet reading attitude, if the attitude switching button is pressed by the user, the control unit 80 controls the attitude switching motor 40 to execute steps S107 and S108.

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 11 The peripheral configuration of the feed roller 14 and the separating roller 15 will be described in detail in subsequent drawings and with reference to other drawings as needed. Figure 11 In subsequent diagrams, arrow S corresponds to the feed direction. Around the periphery of the separating roller 15, as... Figure 11 As shown, the device includes a guide component 151, a guide assembly 153, a baffle assembly 155, a pressing rod 157, and a tilt correction mechanism 200. Details of the tilt correction mechanism 200 will be described later.

[0102] As in Figure 4 As shown, the guide component 151 is disposed on the first frame 63. Additionally, as in... Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the guide component 151 includes a set of guide members 153, a set of baffles 155, a pressing rod 157, and a skew correction mechanism 200. The guide component 151 is a frame-shaped component, and is configured with the separation roller 15, the set of guide members 153, the set of baffles 155, the pressing rod 157, and the skew correction mechanism 200 on its inner side. It should be noted that in Figure 13 In the diagram, the baffle 155 is omitted. The guide component 151 is detachably mounted on the first frame 63 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism (not shown) and forms part of the transport path of the original document P in the assembled state.

[0103] like Figures 11 to 15 As shown, the guide member 153 has rotation axes 153a on both sides in the X-axis direction. In the guide member 151, as... Figure 14 As shown, bearing portions 151a are formed on both sides in the X-axis direction, and the rotation axis 153a of the guide member 153 is rotatably supported by the bearing portions 151a. It should be noted that in the first frame 63, a limiting structure (not shown) is formed on both sides in the X-axis direction. When the guide member 151 is assembled into the first frame 63, the movement of the rotation axis 153a of the guide member 153 in the feed direction is limited by this limiting structure.

[0104] A torsion helical spring (not shown) is disposed on both sides of the assembly guide 153 in the X-axis direction, and generates a pushing force between the guide member 151 and the assembly guide 153. Through this torsion helical spring, the downstream direction of the feed direction S of the assembly guide 153 is directed towards the rotational direction of the feed roller 14 about the rotation axis 153a. Figure 14 The rotation direction Rb) pushes.

[0105] like Figure 13 As shown, the abutment portion 153j is formed on both sides of the assembly guide 153 in the X-axis direction. The abutment portion 153j abuts against the lower side of the guide member 151 to restrict the rotation (rotation direction Rb) of the assembly guide 153. It should be noted that, as... Figure 5 As shown, in the open state relative to the first unit 3, the abutment portion 153j abuts against the lower side of the guide member 151. When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3 from this state, the feed roller 14 abuts against the long ribs 153c and 153d of the guide group 153, thereby the guide group 153... Figure 14 The rotation direction Ra is rotated by a predetermined amount. In this state, the abutment portion 153j will separate from the lower side of the guide member 151.

[0106] In the guide member 153, multiple ribs extending in the original document feed direction are formed at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. These multiple ribs consist of long ribs 153c and 153d, and short ribs 153e and 153f, which are shorter than these long ribs in the feed direction S. Here, the multiple ribs are configured to be symmetrical in the X-axis direction with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the original document P. Specifically, long ribs 153c and 153d are configured to be symmetrical in the X-axis direction with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the original document P, and short ribs 153e and 153f are configured to be symmetrical in the X-axis direction with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the original document P. However, the ribs may not necessarily be configured to be symmetrical in the X-axis direction with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the original document P.

[0107] As in Figure 11As shown, long ribs 153c and 153d are formed at positions that can abut against the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 98b forming the torque limiter, and are configured such that when the guide member 153 rotates in the rotation direction Ra, the long ribs 153c and 153d can abut against the cylindrical portion 98b.

[0108] like Figure 12 As shown, two shaft portions 153h are formed in the guide member 153, and the pressing rod 157 is as follows: Figure 12 The shaft 157 is supported by the shaft portion 153h. Reference numeral 157a indicates the shaft fitting portion that engages with the shaft portion 153h in the pressing rod 157. In this embodiment, the rotation center position of the pressing rod 157 coincides with the rotation center position of the assembly guide 153. It should be noted that the rotation center positions of the pressing rod 157 and the assembly guide 153 can also be different. A torsion coil spring (not shown) is provided adjacent to the pressing rod 157 and generates a pushing force between the pressing rod 157 and the assembly guide 153. This coil spring pushes the pressing rod 157 downstream of the feed direction S toward the rotation direction (rotation direction Ra) of the feed roller 14 with the shaft portion 153h as the center. That is, the coil spring pushes the front end portion 157b of the pressing rod 157 toward the feed roller 14.

[0109] In group guide 153, such as Figure 11 , Figure 14 and Figure 17 As shown, an abutment portion 153k is formed, and a pressing rod 157 abuts against the abutment portion 153k, restricting the rotation (rotation direction Rb) of the pressing rod 157. It should be noted that, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the second unit 4 is open relative to the first unit 3, the pressing rod 157 abuts against the abutment portion 153k. When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3 from this state, the feed roller 14 abuts against the pressing rod 157, thereby causing the pressing rod 157 to rotate a predetermined amount in the rotation direction Ra. By using the abutment portion 153k to limit the rotation limit of the pressing rod 157 in the open state of the second unit 4, the pressing rod 157 can rotate appropriately when the second unit 4 is closed. In this state, the pressing rod 157 will be slightly separated from the abutment portion 153k.

[0110] It should be noted that, as Figures 11 to 14As shown, one of the two pressing rods 157 protrudes from the long rib 153c of the group guide 153 and the short rib 153e located in the +X direction relative to the long rib 153c, toward the transport path of the original document P. The other of the two pressing rods 157 protrudes from the long rib 153d of the group guide 153 and the short rib 153f located in the -X direction relative to the long rib 153d, toward the transport path of the original document P. Furthermore, the two pressing rods 157 are configured to be symmetrically positioned in the X-axis direction with respect to a straight line passing through the center of the original document P. Additionally, the two pressing rods 157 are capable of rotating independently. Furthermore, the two pressing rods 157 are located within the region of the feed roller 14 in the X-axis direction and are also located at both ends of the feed roller 14.

[0111] As in Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, two sets of baffles 155 are configured. The two sets of baffles 155 are as follows... Figure 16 As shown, a generally axial base 155a extending in the X-axis direction is integrally rotatable. Shaft portions 155b are formed on both sides of the base 155a in the X-axis direction, and the shaft portions 155b serve as the rotation axes of the baffle 155. The shaft portions 155b are supported in the first frame 63 to enable rotation.

[0112] exist Figure 16 In the shaft 165, a cam follower 155c is formed in the +X direction relative to the +X direction shaft portion 155b. A baffle cam 163 is configured to abut against the cam follower 155c. The baffle cam 163 is fixed to the -X direction end of the shaft 165, and a gear 166 is disposed at the +X direction end of the shaft 165 via a one-way clutch 167. The driving force of the conveyor motor 50 is transmitted to the gear 166, and the gear 166 rotates along with the conveyor motor 50. The power of the conveyor motor 50 is transmitted to the shaft 165 via the gear 166 and the one-way clutch 167.

[0113] Spring 164 is disposed on baffle cam 163. Spring 164 applies a pushing force to the first spring hook (not shown) and baffle cam 163, thereby the pushing force in the rotational direction Rb acts on baffle cam 163, that is, shaft 165. Figure 16 The image shows the feed standby state, in which the cam follower 155c abuts against the baffle cam 163, and the baffle 155 blocks the original document feed path. In this state, the front end of the placed original document P abuts against the baffle 155 and is restricted from entering between the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15. It should be noted that in this state, the rotation of the baffle cam 163, i.e., the shaft 165, in the rotational direction Rb is restricted by the action of the one-way clutch 167. In addition, the gear 166 is stopped by the load in the power transmission path between it and the conveyor motor 50.

[0114] When the conveyor motor 50 rotates forward from this state, and the gear 166 rotates in the rotation direction Rb, the shaft 165 rotates in the rotation direction Rb due to the pushing force of the spring 164, that is, the baffle cam 163 rotates in the rotation direction Rb. As a result, the baffle cam 163 moves away from the cam follower 155c, and then the baffle 155 rotates in the rotation direction Ra, retracting from the original document feed path R1. When the baffle 155 retracts from the original document feed path R1, the placed original document P can move towards the space between the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15. It should be noted that by rotating the conveyor motor 50 forward, each roller located in the conveying path of the original document P rotates in the direction that conveys the original document P downstream. At this time, although... Figure 16 The gear 166 continues to rotate in the direction of rotation Rb, but the torque of the transmission motor 50 is not transmitted to the shaft 165 by the action of the one-way clutch 167.

[0115] When the conveyor motor 50 rotates in the reverse direction while the baffle 155 is retracted from the original manuscript feed path R1, Figure 16 The intermediate gear 166 rotates in the rotational direction Ra. As gear 166 rotates in the rotational direction Ra, torque in the rotational direction Ra is transmitted to shaft 165 through the action of one-way clutch 167. Consequently, shaft 165, i.e., the baffle cam 163, rotates in the rotational direction Ra against the pushing force of spring 164, pushing up cam follower 155c. The baffle 155 then rotates in the rotational direction Rb and returns to its original position. Figure 16 The state shown.

[0116] The above describes the structure around the separating roller 15; the following further describes the guide member 153. As described above, Figure 17 The figure shows the state just before the original P is fed (feeding start state). Reference numeral T1 indicates the contact position (clamping position) between the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15, assuming no elastic deformation of the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15. Reference numeral T2 indicates the contact position between the guide member 153 and the feed roller 14, and reference numeral T3 indicates the contact position between the front end 157b of the pressing rod 157 and the feed roller 14. As shown, contact position T2 is located upstream in the feed direction from contact position T1, and contact position T3 is also upstream in the feed direction from contact position T2. ​​It should be noted that reference numeral Sa is the path forming surface formed by the upper surface of the first frame 63.

[0117] Figure 18 , Figure 19 This diagram omits the illustrations of the baffle 155 and the pressing rod 157 to avoid complicating the diagram. Figure 18 (A) is with Figure 17In the corresponding diagram, in the initial feeding state, unless a booklet-shaped original of equal thickness is used, a gap d will form between the long ribs 153c and 153d of the group guide 153 and the cylindrical portion 98b. Furthermore, since the group guide 153 enters relative to the feed roller 14, the original feed path R1 towards the contact position T1 becomes narrower. When the thickness of the placed original exceeds a predetermined thickness, the gap d of the group guide 153 disappears, and as... Figure 18 As shown in (B), the cylindrical portion 98b, i.e., the separating roller 15, is pressed down by the long rib 153d. This separates the separating roller 15 from the feed roller 14. The above describes the relationship between the guide member 153 and the separating roller 15.

[0118] Figure 19 (A) represents the initial feeding state when multiple sheet-like originals Pt are placed on the substrate. In this state, the long ribs 153c and 153d are separated from the cylindrical portion 98b and the separation roller 15 is not pressed down. As an example, when the thickness of the stack of sheet-like originals Pt is less than 2 mm, the long ribs 153c and 153d do not contact the cylindrical portion 98b. It should be noted that in this state, the upper surface 153p of the group guide 153 provides a preparatory separation function for the front end of the originals Pt. The upper surface 153p of the group guide 153 is formed by the entire upper surface of the group guide 153, including the aforementioned long ribs 153c and 153d and short ribs 153e and 153f.

[0119] Figure 19 (B) represents the state in which the booklet-shaped manuscript Pb is fed after being placed. During this process, as the booklet-shaped manuscript Pb passes through, the guide member 153 is pressed down, the long ribs 153c and 153d abut against the cylindrical portion 98b, and the separating roller 15 is pressed down, creating a gap between the feed roller 14 and the separating roller 15. As an example, when the thickness of the booklet-shaped manuscript Pb is 2 mm or more, the long ribs 153c and 153d contact the cylindrical portion 98b. It should be noted that when the booklet-shaped manuscript Pb is conveyed by the feed roller 14, the separating roller 15 is pressed down by the booklet-shaped manuscript Pb. When the booklet-shaped manuscript Pb is held and conveyed by the feed roller 14 and the separating roller 15, as... Figure 19 As shown in (B), the long ribs 153c and 153d are preferably separated from the cylindrical portion 98b. Since the separating roller 15 is pressed down by the guide member 153, the separating roller 15 is able to stably hold the booklet-shaped original Pb between itself and the feed roller 14.

[0120] In summary, the scanner 1 or the original document feeding device 150 has a guide member 153 upstream of the contact position T1 between the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15 in the original document feeding direction. The guide member 153 can move forward and backward relative to the feed roller 14 according to the thickness of the original document, and narrows the original document feeding path R1 toward the contact position T1 by moving forward relative to the feed roller 14. The guide member 153 can be associated with the separation roller 15, and when an original document P with a thickness exceeding a predetermined thickness is pressed in a direction away from the feed roller 14, it displaces the separation roller 15 in a direction away from the feed roller 14. In this way, when feeding an original document P with a thickness exceeding the predetermined thickness, since the separation roller 15 is separated from the feed roller 14 before the original document P enters between the separation roller 15 and the feed roller 14, it is possible to prevent the original document P with a thickness exceeding the predetermined thickness from touching the separation roller 15 and thus prevent it from feeding.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown in (A), when multiple sheet-shaped originals Pt are supported by the original support portion 11, the upper surface of the group guide 153 imparts a separating effect on the leading edge of the originals Pt. Thus, by using the group guide 153 for separation before the originals Pt are separated by the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15, the originals Pt can be separated more reliably.

[0122] Furthermore, the guide member 153 has multiple ribs (long ribs 153c, long ribs 153d, short ribs 153e, and short ribs 153f) extending in the feed direction S of the original document P. These ribs are arranged symmetrically in the X-axis direction relative to a straight line passing through the center of the original document P, in the width direction (X-axis direction) that intersects the feed direction S. Therefore, the guide member 153 imparts a frictional force to the original document P that is equal in the width direction, thereby suppressing skewing of the original document P.

[0123] Furthermore, a straight line passing through the center of the original P in the width direction passes through the center positions of the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15. Among the multiple ribs, the long ribs 153c and 153d, which are close to the straight line, are located in the width direction across the separation roller 15 and also within the area of ​​the feed roller 14. This allows the original feed path towards the contact position T1 to be appropriately narrowed, and the number of original sheets towards the contact position T1 to be appropriately limited. As a result, the separation effect of the separation roller 15 can be appropriately achieved.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the separation section, which is arranged opposite to the feed roller 14, is composed of a rotatable separation roller 15, and the group guide 153 is configured to associate with the separation roller 15 by abutting against a cylindrical portion 98b centered on the rotation center of the separation roller 15. Additionally, as shown in reference... Figure 18As explained, when the thickness of the original document is less than a predetermined thickness, and there is a gap d between the group guide 153 and the cylindrical portion 98b, and the thickness of the original document exceeds the predetermined thickness, the group guide 153 abuts against the cylindrical portion 98b to displace the separating roller 15 away from the feed roller 14. This allows the separating roller 15 to reliably separate from the feed roller 14. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the group guide 153 is configured to press against the cylindrical portion 98b forming the outer periphery of the torque limiter; however, it could also be configured that the group guide 153 presses against the rotation axis of the separating roller 15. In any of the above cases, the group guide 153 indirectly presses against the separating roller 15 through other components; however, it could also be configured that the group guide 153 directly presses against the separating roller 15.

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 20 The movement of the pressing lever 157 will be explained. It should be noted that, in... Figure 20 The illustration of the baffle 155 is omitted. Figure 20 In the figure, P1 is the original being fed, Pd is the stack of originals below P1, and P2 is the topmost original in the stack of originals Pd that is fed after P1. Figure 20 (A) shows the original P1 in the middle of the feeding process, and it is set in this state that the feed roller 14 rotates in the forward direction (arrow Rg direction), and the feed roller 14 imparts a conveying force to the original P1 to transport it downstream in the feed direction S. At the same time, the stack of originals Pd also moves downstream in the feed direction S. Therefore, the stack of originals Pd presses down on the pressing rod 157 against the spring force of the helical spring (not shown), and the pressing rod 157 is in a state where it does not protrude upward from the group guide 153.

[0126] It should be noted that in this state, the pressing rod 157 does not contact the cylindrical part 98b, and the pressing rod 157 does not press down on the separating roller 15. This prevents the separating roller 15 from moving away from the feed roller 14 at inappropriate timing.

[0127] Next, when the backend of the original P1 is from Figure 20 When state (A) passes through the contact position T1 between the feed roller 14 and the separator roller 15, a rebound occurs in the torque limiter that applies a rotational load to the separator roller 15, causing the separator roller 15 to rotate in the opposite direction (arrow Rj direction). In this embodiment, since no one-way clutch is provided in the feed roller 14, the feed roller 14 also rotates in the opposite direction (arrow Rh direction) as the separator roller 15 rotates in the opposite direction.

[0128] Here, if the feed roller 14 could rotate freely in the reverse direction, the stack of originals Pd, including the original P2, would quickly return to the upstream of the feed direction S due to the reverse rotation of the feed roller 14, which could result in significant skewing or failure to feed. However, with the pressing rod 157 provided, after the rear end of the fed original P1 passes the contact position T1, the stack of originals Pd is pressed towards the feed roller 14 by the front end 157b of the pressing rod 157. This suppresses the phenomenon of the stack of originals Pd quickly returning to the upstream of the feed direction S, and can suppress paper feeding defects such as skewing and failure to feed. In particular, in this embodiment, since the original is fed from the topmost original among the originals supported on the original support 11, the topmost original P2, which is about to return to the upstream of the feed direction S due to the reverse rotation of the feed roller 14, is prone to skewing and easily returns to the upstream of the feed direction S. However, by using the pressing rod 157 to suppress the phenomenon of the original P2 rapidly returning to the upstream of the feed direction S, paper feeding defects such as skewing and non-feeding can be suppressed.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing rod 157 rotates around a shaft portion 153h, which serves as a rotation axis, with its front end portion 157b moving forward and backward relative to the feed roller 14. The shaft portion 153h is located upstream of the front end portion 157b in the feed direction S. Here, when the original document P attempts to return to the upstream of the feed direction S by rotating in the opposite direction via the feed roller 14, if the pressing rod 157 in contact with the original document P easily rotates in the rotation direction Rb, the original document P easily returns to the upstream of the feed direction S. However, because the shaft portion 153h is located upstream of the front end portion 157b in the feed direction S, the pressing rod 157 in contact with the original document P is configured to be difficult to rotate, effectively suppressing the phenomenon of the original document P returning upstream by rotating in the opposite direction via the feed roller 14.

[0130] Furthermore, the guide member 153 is provided with an abutment portion 153k that limits the rotation of the pressing rod 157 in the direction in which the front end 157b of the pressing rod 157 enters the feed roller 14. This more reliably suppresses the rotation of the pressing rod 157 in the rotation direction Rb, and effectively suppresses the phenomenon of the original document P returning upstream due to the reverse rotation of the feed roller 14.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing rod 157 is provided in the region of the feed roller 14 in the X-axis direction, that is, in the width direction intersecting the feed direction S. Thus, the pressing rod 157 can reliably press the original document onto the feed roller 14, and can reliably suppress the phenomenon of the medium returning upstream due to the reverse rotation of the feed roller 14.

[0132] In this embodiment, the pressing rods 157 are disposed at both ends in the width direction relative to one of the feed rollers 14. This suppresses the skewing of the original document P when it is about to return upstream after being rotated in the opposite direction by the feed rollers 14. It should be noted that when there are multiple feed rollers 14 in the X-axis direction, it is suitable to dispose of the pressing rods 157 at both ends relative to all of the multiple feed rollers 14. This suppresses the skewing of the original document P when it is about to return upstream. Alternatively, as an alternative to disposing of multiple pressing rods 157, a single pressing rod 157 may be disposed at the center position in the X-axis direction.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple pressing levers 157 can move independently relative to the feed roller 14. Here, assuming a configuration where the multiple pressing levers 157 move in and out as a single unit, differences in the pressing states of each of the multiple pressing levers 157 on the original document P could lead to document P skewing. For example, document P skewing occurs when one pressing lever 157 is in contact with the original document while another pressing lever 157 is not. However, in this embodiment, because the multiple pressing levers 157 move independently relative to the feed roller 14, each of the multiple pressing levers 157 properly presses the original document P, suppressing the aforementioned skewing.

[0134] In addition, in this embodiment, as referred to Figure 17 As explained, because the contact position T3 where the pressing rod 157 abuts against the feed roller 14 is upstream of the contact position T2 where the guide member 153 abuts against the feed roller 14, the original P can be pressed for a longer period when it wants to return upstream by rotating in the opposite direction through the feed roller 14, and the phenomenon of the original P returning upstream by rotating in the opposite direction through the feed roller 14 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0135] Furthermore, the pushing force of the coil spring push-pressing rod 157 (not shown) is less than the pushing force of the coil spring push-pressing guide 153 (not shown). Therefore, when feeding the original document P, the pressing rod 157 can easily retract from the original document feed path R1, thus preventing the pressing rod 157 from obstructing the feeding of the original document P.

[0136] As described above, the scanner 1 of this embodiment includes a manuscript support 11 as a mounting portion for a manuscript P that serves as a medium, a manuscript feed path R1 as a transport path for transporting the manuscript P, a reading transport path R2, a flip transport path R3, a non-flip transport path R4, and a feed roller 14 as one of the transport rollers that transport the manuscript P in the transport path. It also includes a skew correction mechanism 200 for correcting skewness of the transported manuscript P. Next, the skew correction mechanism 200 will be described in detail. Figures 21 to 23 This illustrates the skew correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment. In Figures 21 to 23 The skew correction mechanism 200, as shown in the figure, is... Figure 13 As shown, it is installed in group guide 153.

[0137] The skew correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment has a rod member 180 and a load member 190 both disposed upstream of the contact position T1, which is the clamping position of the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15, in the feed direction S. The rod member 180 can detect the conveyed original P, and the load member 190 can obstruct the conveying of the original P at a certain position in the width direction. Additionally, as in... Figures 21 to 23 As shown, the tilt correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment has a first tilt correction part 200A and a second tilt correction part 200B. The first tilt correction part 200A has a first rod member 180A in the rod member 180 and a first load member 190A in the load member 190. The second tilt correction part 200B has a second rod member 180B in the rod member 180 and a second load member 190B in the load member 190.

[0138] Here, the first lever component 180A and the second lever component 180B can be displaced to an entry position where they can contact the original document P and enter the transport path of the original document P, and to a retraction position where the original document P retracts from the transport path of the original document P after contacting and passing through the first lever component 180A and the second lever component 180B. Figure 21 This indicates that both the first lever component 180A and the second lever component 180B are in the engaged position. Additionally, with... Figure 21 corresponding Figure 24 (A) indicates that the first lever component 180A is in the engaged position. For example, in... Figure 14 and Figure 24 As shown in (A), the first lever component 180A and the second lever component 180B, in the engaged position, are positioned by contacting the group guide 153. On the other hand, Figure 22 This indicates the front end Pe of the original manuscript P being transported at an angle (refer to...). Figure 24 The state after only the first lever component 180A and the second lever component 180B are in contact, and the first lever component 180A has moved from the entry position to the retraction position. It should be noted that... Figure 26 (A) indicates the instant when the front end Pe of the original P contacts the first rod component 180A. Furthermore, the first rod component 180A then... Figure 26 As the original manuscript P is transported, the state of (A) shifts from the entry position to the retraction position, such as... Figure 26 As shown in (B), continue the transfer of the original document P. Figure 26 In (B), the first lever component 180A is in the retracted position. Additionally, with... Figure 22 corresponding Figure 24(B) indicates that the first rod component 180A is in the retracted position.

[0139] The first load member 190A and the second load member 190B are disposed downstream of the first rod member 180A and the second rod member 180B in the feed direction S, and are capable of displacement to a blocking position that blocks a portion of the conveying path in the width direction intersecting the feed direction S, and an open position that allows the conveying path to be opened without blocking. Here, Figure 21 and Figure 22 This indicates that both the first load component 190A and the second load component 190B are in the blocking position. Additionally, with... Figure 21 corresponding Figure 25 (A) and with Figure 22 corresponding Figure 25 (B) indicates that the first load component 190A is in the blocking position. For example, in Figure 14 and Figure 25 As shown in (A), the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B, in the blocking position, are positioned by contacting the group guide 153. On the other hand, Figure 23 This illustrates the states after the tip Pe of the tilted original manuscript P contacts the first lever component 180A and the first lever component 180A has moved from the entry position to the retraction position, and the states after the first load component 190A has moved from the blocking position to the open position. Additionally, with... Figure 23 corresponding Figure 25 (C) indicates that the first load component 190A is in the open position.

[0140] It should be noted that the above usage Figures 21 to 25 The explanation of the operation of the lever member 180 and the load member 190 pertains to the case of oblique transport, specifically the case of oblique transport. In this oblique transport, the tip Pe of the obliquely transported original P only contacts the first lever member 180A of the first lever member 180A and the second lever member 180B. Oblique transport here refers to the case where, in the width direction of the original, the tip Pe on the side of the first lever member 180A precedes the tip Pe on the side of the second lever member 180B. On the other hand, regarding the oblique transport case where the tip Pe on the side of the second lever member 180B precedes the tip Pe on the side of the first lever member 180A, the operation of the lever member 180 and the load member 190 can be explained by reversing the readings of the first lever member 180A and the second lever member 180B, and reversing the readings of the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B.

[0141] Here, the feed roller 14 is positioned in the width direction between the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B, as shown in... Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, when the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B are in the blocking position, they partially overlap with the feed roller 14 when viewed in the width direction. Furthermore, as described above, the first load member 190A is configured to be in the blocking position when the first lever member 180A is in the entering position, and to be able to move from the blocking position to the open position when the first lever member 180A is displaced from the entering position to the retracted position. Similarly, the second load member 190B is configured to be in the blocking position when the second lever member 180B is in the entering position, and to be able to move from the blocking position to the open position when the second lever member 180B is displaced from the entering position to the retracted position.

[0142] Therefore, it is preferable that the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B are configured such that, when in the blocking position, they overlap at least a portion of the feed roller 14 when viewed in the width direction. In other words, it is preferable that the skew correction mechanism 200 is provided at a position not far from the feed roller 14 in the feed direction S. Because of this configuration, even when using a medium with low hardness, such as a thin medium, skew correction can be performed at a position where the hardness of the medium has not weakened (close to the feed roller 14), thereby enabling skew correction to be performed while suppressing medium deflection, and improving the accuracy of skew correction.

[0143] Furthermore, as described above, the scanner 1 of this embodiment includes: a feed roller 14, which feeds the original document P placed on the original document support 11 as a transport roller; and a separation roller 15, which is arranged opposite to the feed roller 14 and, when multiple original documents P are stacked on the original document support 11, clamps the original documents P together with the feed roller 14 to separate the original documents P. Additionally, as in Figure 25 (A) and Figure 25 As shown in (B), the contact position T4, where the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B are located at the blocking position and contact the conveyed original P, and the contact position T1, which is the clamping position of the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15, are arranged to overlap when viewed in the width direction. The closer the medium, such as the original P, is to the clamping position of the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15, the stronger its hardness. By configuring it in this way, skew correction can be performed at a position where the hardness of the medium does not weaken due to the proximity of the contact positions T4 and T1. Therefore, the scanner 1 of this embodiment can perform skew correction while suppressing medium deflection, thereby improving the accuracy of skew correction.

[0144] Additionally, as in Figure 24As shown in (A), when the first rod member 180A and the second rod member 180B are in the entry position, they overlap a portion of the feed roller 14 when viewed in the width direction. Thus, preferably, when the first rod member 180A and the second rod member 180B are in the entry position, they overlap at least a portion of the feed roller 14 and other conveying rollers when viewed in the width direction. With this configuration, the first rod member 180A and the second rod member 180B can be positioned close to the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B in the feed direction, enabling high-precision correction of skewness.

[0145] Additionally, as in Figures 21 to 23 As shown, the skew correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment has a first skew correction section 200A and a second skew correction section 200B along the width direction. Here, the first skew correction section 200A has a first rod member 180A, a first abutment portion 182A, and a first rotation shaft 181A with the first rod member 180A at one end and the first abutment portion 182A at the other end. The first abutment portion 182A can be displaced to a first restricted position that restricts the first load member 190A from a blocking position to an open position and to a first unrestricted position that releases the restriction. Similarly, the second skew correction section 200B has a second rod member 180B, a second abutment portion 182B, and a second rotation shaft 181B with the second rod member 180B at one end and the second abutment portion 182B at the other end. The second abutment portion 182B can be displaced to a second restricted position that restricts the second load member 190B from a blocking position to an open position and to a second unrestricted position that releases the restriction. (As shown in...) Figure 25 As shown in (A), when the first rod member 180A is in the engaged position, a gap is provided between the first abutment portion 182A in the first restricted position and the first load member 190A in the blocking position. The first load member 190A is pushed by the conveyed manuscript P, causing the first load member and the first abutment portion 182A to abut. Furthermore, as in... Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, when the first lever component 180A is in the retracted position, the first abutment portion 182A is in the first unrestricted position. Consequently, the first load component 190A becomes capable of displacing from the blocked position to the open position. The first load component 190A is pushed by the front end Pe of the conveyed original document P, displacing the first load component 190A from the blocked position to the open position (see reference). Figure 25 (B) and Figure 25Similarly, when the second lever member 180B is in the engaged position, a gap is provided between the second abutment portion and the second load member, which is in the second restricted position. The second load member 190B is pushed by the conveyed original document P, and the second load member abuts against the second abutment portion 182B. When the second lever member 180B is in the retracted position, the second abutment portion 182B is in the second unrestricted position. Thus, the second load member 190B becomes capable of being displaced from the blocked position to the open position, and is displaced from the blocked position to the open position by being pushed by the front end of the conveyed original document P.

[0146] As in the tilt correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment, the tilt correction mechanism 200 can be simply constructed by configuring the movement of the rod member 180 and the load member 190 to be indirectly linked. It should be noted that in the tilt correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment, by having abutment portions 182 (first abutment portion 182A and second abutment portion 182B), the movement of the rod member 180 (first rod member 180A and second rod member 180B) and the load member 190 (first load member 190A and second load member 190B) is not directly linked. However, it is also possible to configure the load member 190 and the rod member 180 to move directly from the blocking position to the open position as they move from the entering position to the retracted position. That is, it can also be configured such that the load member 190 (first load member 190A and second load member 190B) can be displaced from the blocking position to the open position as the rod member 180 (first rod member 180A and second rod member 180B) is displaced from the entering position to the retracting position.

[0147] Here, if we refer to Figures 21 to 23 In further detail, in the skew correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment, both the first skew correction unit 200A and the second skew correction unit 200B include a rod member 180, a rotating shaft 181 (first rotating shaft 181A, second rotating shaft 181B), an abutment part 182, and a load member 190. Furthermore, in addition to these, they also include: a guide part 183 (first guide part 183A, second guide part 183B) for guiding the transport of the original document P in the transport path; a helical spring 184 (first helical spring 184A, second helical spring 184B) for applying force to the rotating shaft 181 in the rotational direction Rb; and a helical spring 191 (first helical spring 191A, second helical spring 191B) for applying force to the load member 190 in the rotational direction Rb. Here, as in... Figure 25 (B) and Figure 25As shown in (C), the load member 190 is configured to have a rotating shaft 190a, and after the abutment portion 182 is displaced from the entry position to the retraction position via the rod member 180 and from the restricted position to the unrestricted position, it is pushed by the front end of the conveyed original document P and rotates in the rotation direction Ra. Furthermore, the load member 190 is configured to rotate in the rotation direction Rb by the spring force of the coil spring 191 after the rear end of the original document P has passed through the load member 190. By providing a gap between the abutment portion 182 in the restricted position and the load member 190 in the blocking position, after the rear end of the conveyed original document P has passed through the load member 190 and the rod member 180, the abutment portion 182 and the load member 190 can easily return to the restricted position and the blocking position.

[0148] The coil spring 184 has a weak spring force. When the rod component 180 is pushed by the front end of the original document P during the transport of the original document P, the rotating shaft 181 rotates in the rotation direction Ra. When the rotating shaft 181 rotates in the rotation direction Ra, as in... Figure 25 As shown in (B), because the abutment portion 182 is displaced from the restricted position to the unrestricted position, therefore, as in Figure 25 As shown in (C), the load member 190 is configured to rotate in the rotation direction Ra by being pushed by the front end Pe of the conveyed original P. In addition, after the rear end of the original P passes the load member 190, it rotates in the rotation direction Rb by the spring force of the helical spring 191.

[0149] That is, in this embodiment, the skew correction mechanism 200, when conveying the original document P, detects the leading edge Pe of the original document P on the first side in the original document width direction via the rod member 180, and while suppressing further conveying of the leading edge of the original document P in the original document width direction via the load member 190, allows the conveying of the trailing edge of the original document P in the original document width direction, thereby improving the degree of skew. Then, when the leading edge Pe of the trailing edge of the original document P in the original document width direction is detected by the rod member 180, it allows the conveying of the original document P on both sides in the width direction of the device. For example, if using Figure 26 To explain, the first rod component 180A detects the front end Pe of the original P on the first side in the original width direction. Then, as in Figure 26 As shown in (B), the first load member 190A on the rearward side in the original width direction is displaced from the blocking position to the open position, and as in Figure 26As shown in (C), the original document P continues to be conveyed until the leading edge Pe of the original document P on the rearward side in the original document width direction is detected by the second rod member 180B. At this time, because the second load member 190B on the leading side in the original document width direction remains in the blocking position, the degree of skewness is improved. Then, when the leading edge Pe of the original document P on the rearward side is detected by the second rod member 180B, the second load member 190B is moved from the blocking position to the open position, and the original document P is conveyed in a non-blocking manner. The above is a summary description of the skew correction operation of the skew correction mechanism 200 of this embodiment.

[0150] In the scanner 1 of this embodiment, the feed roller 14 is disposed in the width direction between the first rod member 180A and the second load member 190B and the second rod member 180B and the first load member 190A. That is, the first rod member 180A and the first load member 190A, which are far apart in the width direction, are connected, and the second rod member 180B and the second load member 190B, which are far apart in the width direction, are connected. With this configuration, skew greater than a predetermined angle can be effectively suppressed. In addition, by configuring the connection portion of the load member 190 relative to the rod member 180 to span the feed roller 14, skew can be effectively corrected even for originals P with narrow widths.

[0151] Additionally, as in Figures 21 to 23 As shown, the first rod member 180A is positioned in the feed direction S to partially overlap with the second load member 190B, and the second rod member 180B is positioned in the feed direction S to partially overlap with the first load member 190A. Preferably, the configuration is such that the first rod member 180A is positioned in the feed direction S to at least partially overlap with the second load member 190B, and the second rod member 180B is positioned in the feed direction S to at least partially overlap with the first load member 190A. With this configuration, the distance between the rod member 180 and the load member 190 in the width direction can be shortened; for example, even for narrow originals P, skew can be corrected particularly effectively. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the rod member 180 is positioned in the feed direction S to at least partially overlap with the load member 190. However, it can also be configured such that the rod member 180 is positioned in the feed direction S at a position that does not overlap with the load member 190. Alternatively, the first rod member 180A and the second rod member 180B can be positioned in the width direction between the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B.

[0152] Furthermore, the feed roller 14 and other conveying rollers can be configured such that they are positioned in the width direction between the first rod member 180A and the first load member 190A and the second rod member 180B and the second load member 190B. Alternatively, the configuration can be such that the first rod member 180A and the first load member 190A, which are close together in the width direction, are connected, and the second rod member 180B and the second load member 190B, which are also close together in the width direction, are connected. By configuring it in this way, the connection mechanism between the rod member 180 and the load member 190 can be miniaturized.

[0153] Furthermore, the scanner 1 of this embodiment includes a guide member 153 that guides the front end Pe of the original document P placed on the original document support 11 to the clamping position of the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15. As described above, the guide member 153 can adjust the distance between the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15 according to the thickness of the original document P. Additionally, as in... Figure 13 As shown, the skew correction mechanism 200 is provided on the group guide 153. Because the group guide 153, which is equipped with a function to adjust the distance between the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15 according to the thickness of the original document P, can adjust the distance between the feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15 according to the thickness of the original document P, for example, it is possible to prevent the original document P, which exceeds a predetermined thickness, from touching the separation roller 15 and being unable to feed. In addition, by providing the skew correction mechanism 200 on the group guide 153, and by having the group guide 153 and the skew correction mechanism 200 as an integral structure, the media conveying device can be miniaturized.

[0154] Furthermore, the group guide 153 is positioned upstream of the contact position T1, which serves as the clamping position, in the feed direction S, and is also positioned at both ends of the feed roller 14 in the width direction, that is, closer to the feed roller 14 than the rod member 180 and the load member 190 of the skew correction mechanism 200. Additionally, the group guide 153 has a first position that can be switched to by moving forward or backward relative to the feed roller 14 (see reference). Figure 17 ) and the second position separated from the feed roller 14 (see reference) Figure 20 The pressing lever 157. Here, as in Figure 20 As shown, the pressing rod 157 is configured as a leading medium that is fed in advance by the separation roller 15 through separation of multiple overlapping originals P placed in the second position. Figure 20 After the original document P1 passes through the contact position T1 at its rear end in the feed direction S, it is possible to place multiple sheets of subsequent media other than the preceding media in the original document P, which are stacked in the first position. Figure 20 The original document (P2) is pressed onto the feed roller 14. Therefore, the scanner 1 of this embodiment can suppress the subsequent medium from rapidly returning to the upstream side of the feed direction S after feeding the preceding medium.

[0155] Furthermore, in the scanner 1 of this embodiment, the guide member 151, which also functions as a path component, is configured to open and close at least a portion around the separating roller 15. It is designed so that the separating roller 15 can be removed when in the open state and at least a portion of the conveying path can be formed when in the closed state. Additionally, a guide member 153 is provided on the guide member 151. While the separating roller 15 is sometimes replaced periodically depending on its lifespan, the scanner 1 of this embodiment allows for easy replacement of the separating roller 15 by keeping the guide member 151 in the open state.

[0156] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as stated in the claims, which are also included within the scope of this invention. For example, in the scanner 1 of this embodiment, the feed roller 14 is a conveyor roller disposed between the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B in the width direction and disposed at an overlapping position when the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B are in the blocking position. However, as an alternative to the feed roller 14, it may be configured such that the conveyor rollers constituting the first conveyor roller pair 16, the second conveyor roller pair 20, etc., are disposed between the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B in the width direction and disposed at an overlapping position when the first load member 190A and the second load member 190B are in the blocking position. In this case, arrow S corresponds to the conveying direction.

[0157] Alternatively, for example, in the scanner 1 of this embodiment, both the lever member 180 and the load member 190 are configured to be located below the transport path of the original document P and enter from below to above. It can also be configured such that at least one of the lever member 180 and the load member 190 is located above the transport path of the original document P and enters from above to below. In the scanner 1 of this embodiment, by configuring both the lever member 180 and the load member 190 to be located below the transport path of the original document P and enter from below to above, the possibility of the original document P passing through the lever member 180 in the entry position and the load member 190 in the blocking position can be reduced. On the other hand, if at least one of the lever member 180 and the load member 190 is located above the transport path of the original document P and enters from above to below, by configuring the lever member 180 in the entry position and the load member 190 in the blocking position to descend to a position exceeding the lower surface of the transport path, the possibility of the original document P passing through can be reduced.

[0158] Furthermore, while the above embodiments have described examples applied to image reading devices, such as scanners, they can also be applied to recording devices, such as printers. That is, by setting the original document as the recording medium in the above embodiments and setting the reading unit as the recording unit that records on the recording medium, the same effect as in the above embodiments can be obtained in the recording device. As an example of a recording device, an inkjet printer can be cited; as an example of a recording unit, an inkjet recording head can be cited.

Claims

1. A medium feeding device, characterized in that, have: The medium placement section is for placing media. The transport path transports the medium; The feed roller feeds the medium placed in the mounting section; and A skew correction mechanism corrects the skewness of the fed medium. The skew correction mechanism has: The first rod component and the second rod component are movable to an entry position and a retraction position. The entry position is a position in which the medium can contact the medium and enter the conveying path. The retraction position is a position in which the medium retracts from the conveying path by contacting and passing through the first rod component and the second rod component. as well as The first and second load components are disposed downstream of the first and second rod components in the feed direction of the medium, and are movable to a blocking position and an open position. The blocking position is a position that blocks a portion of the conveying path in the width direction intersecting the feed direction, and the open position is a position that opens the conveying path without blocking. The feed roller is disposed between the first load member and the second load member in the width direction. When the first load member and the second load member are in the blocking position, they overlap with at least a portion of the feed roller when viewed from the width direction. The first load member is configured to be in the blocking position when the first rod member is in the entering position, and to be displaceable from the blocking position to the opening position when the first rod member is in the retracting position. The second load member is configured to be in the blocking position when the second rod member is in the entering position, and to be able to move from the blocking position to the opening position when the second rod member is in the retracting position.

2. The medium feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The media feeding device includes a separation section, which is disposed opposite to the feed roller. When multiple sheets of media are stacked on the mounting section, the separation section and the feed roller together clamp the media and separate them. When viewed from the width direction, the contact position and the clamping position overlap. The contact position is the position where the first load member and the second load member, located at the blocking position, contact the conveyed medium. The clamping position is the clamping position of the feed roller and the separating part.

3. The medium feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first rod component and the second rod component are in the entry position, they overlap with at least a portion of the feed roller when viewed from the width direction.

4. The medium feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The skew correction mechanism has a first skew correction section and a second skew correction section along the width direction. The first skew correction unit has: The first rod component; The first abutting portion is movable to a first limiting position that restricts the first load member from the blocking position to the open position and a first unrestricted position that releases the restriction; and A first rotating shaft, with the first rod component disposed at one end of the first rotating shaft and the first abutment portion disposed at the other end of the first rotating shaft. The second tilt correction unit has: Second rod component; The second abutment portion is capable of being displaced to a second restrictive position that limits the displacement of the second load component from the blocking position to the open position, and a second unrestricted position that releases the restriction. as well as A second rotating shaft, with the second rod component provided at one end and the second abutment portion provided at the other end. The first abutment portion is located in the first restricted position when the first rod component is in the entered position, and in the first unrestricted position when the first rod component is in the retracted position. The second abutment portion is located in the second restricted position when the second rod component is in the enter position, and in the second unrestricted position when the second rod component is in the retracted position.

5. The medium feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The feed roller is disposed in the width direction between the first rod component and the second load component and between the second rod component and the first load component.

6. The medium feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first rod component is positioned in the feed direction at a location that overlaps with at least a portion of the second load component. The second rod component is positioned in the feed direction at a location that overlaps with at least a portion of the first load component.

7. The medium feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The feed roller is disposed in the width direction between the first rod member and the first load member and the second rod member and the second load member.

8. The medium feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medium feeding device includes: The separating section is arranged opposite to the feed roller. When multiple sheets of the medium are stacked on the mounting section, the separating section and the feed roller together clamp the medium and separate the medium. as well as The guide member guides the front end of the medium placed in the mounting section to the clamping position between the feed roller and the separating section. The guide assembly can adjust the distance between the separating section and the feed roller according to the thickness of the medium. The skew correction mechanism is disposed on the group of guide members.

9. The medium feeding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The guide assembly has a pressing rod positioned upstream of the clamping position in the feed direction and at both ends of the feed roller in the width direction, closer to the feed roller than the skew correction mechanism. The pressing rod can be switched between a first position pressing against the feed roller and a second position separating from the feed roller by moving forward and backward relative to the feed roller. The pressing rod is configured such that, after the preceding medium, which is fed first through the separation portion among the multiple media stacked in the second position, passes the clamping position at its rear end in the feeding direction, it can press the subsequent medium, other than the preceding medium among the multiple media stacked in the first position, onto the feed roller.

10. The medium feeding device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The medium feeding device includes a path component that can be configured to be openably and closably arranged around at least a portion of the separating section and can be dismantled by changing to an open state. The path component forms at least a portion of the conveying path by changing to a closed state. The group guide is disposed on the path component.

11. An image reading device, characterized in that, have: The medium feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and The reading unit reads an image of the medium being transported in the transport path.

Images