Medium conveying device and image reading apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a medium conveying device and an image reading device which can suppress power consumption and improve the conveying performance of a medium. The medium transport device includes: a discharge unit having a discharge roller capable of discharging a medium; a discharge tray having a placement surface on which the medium discharged from the discharge unit is placed; and a stopper that is provided on the discharge tray and is displaceable between a first state in which movement of the discharged medium in the discharge direction is restricted by being in a state protruding from the placement surface and a second state in which movement of the discharged medium in the discharge direction is restricted by being in a state protruding from the placement surface. And a second state in which the medium is allowed to move in the discharge direction by being in a state in which the medium does not protrude relative to the placement surface, the discharge unit being configured so that the discharge speed of the medium by the discharge roller when the medium is discharged can be reduced from the first speed to a second speed, and the second state being a state in which the medium is allowed to move in the discharge direction by being in a state in which the discharge roller does not protrude relative to the placement surface. The deceleration degree from the first speed to the second speed when the stop block is in the first state is smaller than that when the stop block is in the second state.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Various media transport devices capable of transporting media have been used throughout history. Among these, there are image reading devices that read images of the transported media. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a media transport device equipped with an imaging device for reading images of the transported media.

[0003] In the media conveying device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a structure capable of discharging media of different sizes is provided, and the media discharged from the discharge roller is placed on a discharge tray. In conventional media conveying devices like the one disclosed in Patent Document 1, when multiple media are continuously conveyed, concerns arise regarding conveyability, such as whether the order of media is changed, during the process of media being discharged from the discharge roller toward the discharge tray. Furthermore, in the media conveying device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to improve the alignment of media on the discharge tray, which is an example of media conveyability, the discharge speed of the media achieved by the discharge roller is reduced from a first conveying speed to a second conveying speed. However, if the discharge speed of the media achieved by the discharge roller is significantly reduced, the power consumption of the motor or the like driving the discharge roller will increase.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-137046 Summary of the Invention The media conveying apparatus of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a discharge section having a discharge roller capable of discharging media; a discharge tray having a mounting surface for mounting the media discharged from the discharge section; and a stop block disposed on the discharge tray and capable of being displaced to a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the movement of the discharged media in the discharge direction is restricted by the media being protruding relative to the mounting surface, and the second state is a state in which the movement of the media in the discharge direction is allowed by the media being non-protruding relative to the mounting surface, wherein the discharge section is configured to reduce the discharge speed of the media, achieved by the discharge roller, during the discharge of the media from a first speed to a second speed, and the degree of reduction from the first speed to the second speed is less when the stop block is in the first state than when the stop block is in the second state.

[0005] Furthermore, another media conveying device of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a feeding tray for placing a medium; a feeding section for feeding the medium placed on the feeding tray; a discharge section for discharging the medium fed by the feeding section; a discharge tray having a mounting surface for placing the medium discharged from the discharge section; an imaging section for imaging the medium; and a control section that causes the imaging section to image the medium before it is discharged from the discharge section, and during or after it is discharged from the discharge section, and determines the state of the medium after it is discharged from the discharge section based on image data of one side of the medium before it is discharged from the discharge section and image data of one side of the medium during or after it is discharged from the discharge section. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a side view of the image reading device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A block diagram of an image reading device.

[0008] Figure 3 To indicate Figure 1 The image reading device is shown as a side view around the discharge tray, and is a diagram used to illustrate the stop when it is in the first state and the second state.

[0009] Figure 4 To indicate Figure 1 The image reading device is shown as a top view around the tray, and is also a diagram illustrating the unfolding and retraction mechanism of the stop.

[0010] Figure 5 To indicate Figure 1 The image reading device is shown in a top view of the area surrounding the discharge tray, and is also a diagram illustrating the moving mechanism of the edge guide.

[0011] Figure 6 To indicate Figure 1 The image reading device is shown as a side view of the area around the discharge tray, and is a diagram showing the first state when the stop is in use with a large-sized medium.

[0012] Figure 7 To indicate Figure 1 The side view of the image reading device surrounding the tray, and from Figure 6 The state of the image further accumulates multiple larger media in the state of the image.

[0013] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic side view of the image reading device.

[0014] Figure 9 To indicate the use Figure 1 The flowchart describes the process of an image reading device discharging media into a discharge tray by determining in the control unit whether to set the stop to the first state or the second state.

[0015] Figure 10 To indicate the use Figure 1 The flowchart describes the process by which an image reading device determines the width of the medium in the control unit based on the camera's shooting results, thereby adjusting the position of the edge guide.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a side view showing the periphery of the discharge tray of the image reading device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the first state when the stop block is in use with a large-sized medium.

[0017] Figure 12 To indicate Figure 11 The side view of the image reading device surrounding the tray, and from Figure 11 The state of the image further accumulates multiple larger media in the state of the image.

[0018] Figure 13 This is a schematic side view of the image reading device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a schematic side view of the image reading device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 15 This is a schematic side view of the image reading device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] First, the present invention will be described in a general sense.

[0022] A media conveying apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a discharge section having a discharge roller capable of discharging media; a discharge tray having a mounting surface for placing the media discharged from the discharge section; and a stop block disposed on the discharge tray and capable of being displaced to a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the movement of the discharged media in the discharge direction is restricted by the media being protruding relative to the mounting surface, and the second state is a state in which the movement of the media in the discharge direction is allowed by the media being non-protruding relative to the mounting surface, wherein the discharge section is configured to decelerate the discharge speed of the media, achieved by the discharge roller, from a first speed to a second speed, and the degree of deceleration from the first speed to the second speed is less when the stop block is in the first state than when the stop block is in the second state.

[0023] According to this method, a stop is provided, which is displaceable to a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the movement of the discharged medium in the discharge direction is restricted by the stop being protruding relative to the mounting surface, and the second state is a state in which the movement of the medium in the discharge direction is allowed by the stop being non-protruding relative to the mounting surface. By configuring the stop in this way, and by setting the stop in the first state as needed, it is possible to suppress the excessive movement of a portion of the medium discharged onto the discharge tray in the discharge direction when the medium is continuously loaded onto the discharge tray. If a portion of the medium discharged onto the discharge tray moves excessively in the discharge direction, there is a possibility that the order of the medium may be reversed or that the medium may be flipped over, but such possibilities can be suppressed. That is, the transportability of the medium can be improved. Furthermore, according to this method, the discharge section is configured to reduce the discharge speed of the medium, which is achieved by the discharge roller, from a first speed to a second speed when the medium is discharged, and the degree of deceleration from the first speed to the second speed is less when the stop is in the first state than when the stop is in the second state. By designing the structure in this way, in the scenario described above (first state) where the movement of the medium in the discharge direction can be suppressed by a stop, the degree of deceleration can be reduced, thereby suppressing the increase in power consumption. That is, the transportability of the medium can be improved while suppressing power consumption.

[0024] The media conveying device of the second aspect of the present invention is subordinate to the first aspect, characterized in that the stop is configured to be displaceable to the first state and the second state depending on the type of the medium.

[0025] According to this method, the device is configured to be able to shift to a first state and a second state depending on the type of medium. Although there are cases where the stop block needs to be in the first state and cases where it does not need to be in the first state, this structure allows the stop block to be appropriately shifted to the first state and the second state depending on the type of medium.

[0026] The third-party medium conveying device of the present invention is a method subordinate to the first or second method, characterized in that the stop is configured to change its position in the discharge direction according to the size of the medium.

[0027] According to this method, the stop block is configured to change its position in the discharge direction according to the size of the medium. By adopting this structure, the stop block can be positioned downstream in the discharge direction when the medium size is large, and upstream in the discharge direction when the medium size is small. That is, for media of various sizes, good alignment of the medium on the loading surface can be achieved, thereby appropriately improving the transportability of the medium.

[0028] The media conveying device of the fourth aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that the stop is configured to change the amount of protrusion relative to the mounting surface in the first state according to the amount of the medium placed on the mounting surface.

[0029] According to this method, the stop is configured to change its protrusion relative to the mounting surface in the first state according to the amount of medium loaded on the mounting surface. By configuring it in this way, the protrusion of the stop can be reduced when the amount of medium loaded is small, and increased as the amount of medium loaded increases. That is, the alignment of the medium on the mounting surface can be improved according to the amount of medium loaded, thereby appropriately improving the transportability of the medium.

[0030] The media conveying device of the fifth aspect of the present invention is a type belonging to any one of the first to fourth aspects, characterized in that the discharge tray is configured to be able to change the position of the mounting surface relative to the discharge part in the loading direction of the medium according to the loading amount of the medium placed on the mounting surface.

[0031] According to this method, the discharge tray is configured to change the position of the mounting surface relative to the discharge section in the loading direction of the medium according to the amount of medium loaded on the mounting surface. By configuring it in this way, the position of the mounting surface can be set closer to the discharge section when the amount of medium loaded is small, and the position of the mounting surface can be set farther from the discharge section as the amount of medium loaded increases. That is, the alignment of the medium on the mounting surface can be good according to the amount of medium loaded, thereby appropriately improving the transportability of the medium.

[0032] The sixth aspect of the medium conveying device of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that it comprises: an imaging unit that captures images of the medium; and a displacement mechanism that displaces the stop block to the first state and the second state, wherein the displacement mechanism is configured to displace the stop block to the first state and the second state based on image data of the medium captured by the imaging unit.

[0033] According to this method, the device includes: an imaging unit that captures images of a medium; and a displacement mechanism that displaces a stop block to a first state and a second state. Furthermore, the displacement mechanism is configured to displace the stop block to the first state and the second state based on image data of the medium captured by the imaging unit. By configuring it in this way, the stop block can be appropriately displaced to the first state and the second state based on the image data of the medium captured by the imaging unit. That is, the transportability of the medium can be appropriately improved based on the image data of the medium.

[0034] The media conveying device of the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a feeding tray for placing a medium; a feeding section for feeding the medium placed on the feeding tray; a discharge section for discharging the medium fed by the feeding section; a discharge tray having a mounting surface for placing the medium discharged from the discharge section; an imaging section for imaging the medium; and a control section that causes the imaging section to image the medium before it is discharged from the discharge section, and during or after it is discharged from the discharge section, and determines the state of the medium after it is discharged from the discharge section based on image data of one side of the medium before it is discharged from the discharge section and image data of one side of the medium during or after it is discharged from the discharge section.

[0035] According to this method, images are taken of the medium before it is discharged from the discharge section, and during or after discharge. The state of the discharged medium is determined based on image data of one side of the medium before discharge and image data of one side of the medium during or after discharge. This structure allows for appropriate determination of the state of the discharged medium based on the image data captured by the imaging unit. In other words, the transportability of the medium can be appropriately improved based on the image data. Furthermore, this structure allows for adjustment of the discharge speed of the medium by the discharge roller based on the determined state of the medium, thereby reducing the chance of a significant decrease in the discharge speed of the medium by the discharge roller, which would increase power consumption.

[0036] The media conveying device of the eighth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the seventh aspect, characterized in that the control unit causes the imaging unit to photograph the medium placed on the feed tray, and causes the imaging unit to photograph the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge section, and determines the state of the medium after being discharged from the discharge section based on the image data of the medium placed on the feed tray and the image data of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge section.

[0037] According to this method, the state of the medium discharged from the discharge section is determined based on image data of the medium placed on the feed tray and image data of the medium being discharged or discharged from the discharge section. By setting the structure in this way, the state of the medium discharged from the discharge section can be appropriately determined by comparing the image data of the medium placed on the feed tray and the image data of the medium being discharged or discharged from the discharge section, and the reordering or flipping of the medium can be appropriately detected.

[0038] The media conveying device of the ninth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the seventh aspect, characterized in that the control unit causes the imaging unit to photograph the medium being conveyed along the conveying path from the feed tray to the discharge section, and causes the imaging unit to photograph the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge section, and determines the state of the medium after being discharged from the discharge section based on the image data of the medium being conveyed along the conveying path and the image data of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge section.

[0039] According to this method, the state of the medium discharged from the discharge unit is determined based on image data of the medium being transported along the transport path and image data of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit. By configuring the structure in this way, the state of the medium discharged from the discharge unit can be appropriately determined by comparing image data of the medium being transported along the transport path with image data of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit, and appropriate detection can be performed on changes in the order of the media or media flipping.

[0040] The media conveying device of the tenth aspect of the present invention is a type belonging to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, characterized in that the feed tray has an edge guide that is movable in a direction intersecting the feed direction of the medium, the control unit causes the imaging unit to photograph the medium placed on the feed tray, and moves the edge guide based on the image data of the medium photographed by the imaging unit.

[0041] According to this method, the edge guide is moved based on image data of the medium placed on the feed tray. This structure allows the edge guide to be positioned appropriately, resulting in good alignment of the medium in the feed tray and improved transportability of the medium.

[0042] The media conveying device of the eleventh aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, characterized in that the discharge tray has an edge guide that is movable in a direction intersecting the discharge direction of the medium, the control unit causes the imaging unit to photograph at least one of the medium placed on the feed tray and the medium placed on the discharge tray, and moves the edge guide based on the image data of the medium photographed by the imaging unit.

[0043] According to this method, the edge guide is moved based on image data of the medium placed on the feed tray or the medium placed on the discharge tray. By configuring the edge guide in this way, the edge guide can be positioned appropriately, thereby improving the alignment of the medium on the loading surface and enhancing the transportability of the medium.

[0044] The media conveying device of the twelfth aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, characterized in that it includes a stop block disposed on the discharge tray and is displaceable to a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is a state in which the movement of the discharged medium in the discharge direction is restricted by the medium being protruding relative to the mounting surface, and the second state is a state in which the medium is allowed to move in the discharge direction by the medium being tilted toward the mounting surface, wherein the control unit causes the imaging unit to photograph the medium placed on the feed tray, and displaces the stop block to the first state and the second state based on the image data of the medium placed on the feed tray.

[0045] According to this method, the stop block is displaced to a first state and a second state based on image data of the medium placed on the feed tray. By configuring the structure in this way, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to displace the stop block to the first state or the second state, and by setting the stop block to the first state as needed, it is possible to suppress excessive movement of a portion of the medium discharged onto the discharge tray in the discharge direction when the medium is continuously placed onto the discharge tray. In other words, the transportability of the medium can be improved.

[0046] The media conveying device of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects, characterized in that the control unit causes the imaging unit to capture a portion of the medium.

[0047] According to this method, the imaging unit captures a portion of the medium. By configuring it in this way, the amount of image data of the medium generated by the imaging unit can be reduced, and the data processing time can be shortened.

[0048] The media conveying device of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a method belonging to any one of the seventh to thirteenth aspects, characterized in that the control unit determines the state of the medium after it is discharged from the discharge unit based on a portion of image data of one side of the medium before it is discharged from the discharge unit and a portion of image data of one side of the medium during or after it is discharged from the discharge unit.

[0049] According to this method, the state of the medium after discharge from the discharge section is determined based on a portion of image data of one side of the medium before discharge from the discharge section and a portion of image data of one side of the medium during or after discharge from the discharge section. By setting up such a structure, data processing time can be shortened.

[0050] The image reading apparatus of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a medium transport device as described in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects; and an image reading unit that reads an image formed on the medium.

[0051] According to this method, the device includes the aforementioned medium transport apparatus and an image reading unit for reading images formed on the medium. Therefore, it is possible to read images formed on the medium while improving the transportability of the medium.

[0052] Example 1 The following is for reference Figures 1 to 10 The following description will illustrate an embodiment of the image reading device 1, which is an example of a media transport device according to the present invention. First, referring to... Figure 1 The general outline of the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1 of the image reading device 1 of the present invention will be described below. In the following description, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the three mutually orthogonal axes are respectively designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The arrow markings of the three axes (X, Y, Z) indicate the positive directions of each direction, and their opposite directions are the negative directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts; the +Z direction indicates vertically upward, and the -Z direction indicates vertically downward. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal directions, with the X-axis direction corresponding to the width direction. The +Y direction indicates the forward direction of the device, and the -Y direction indicates the rearward direction of the device. The +X direction indicates the rightward direction of the device, and the -X direction indicates the leftward direction of the device.

[0053] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment is a document scanner capable of reading images formed on a medium 2. Here, "image formed on the medium 2" refers to an image visually recorded on the medium 2, such as text, graphics, tables, drawings, photographs, etc. The medium is not limited to sheets, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. The image reading device 1 of this invention is not limited to a scanner, and can also be a copier, fax machine, etc.

[0054] like Figure 1As shown, the image reading device 1A can be considered as a medium transport device that transports the medium 2 along the transport path 3 in the transport direction F, and includes a reading unit 5 for reading images of the transported medium 2. In the image reading device 1A, the reading unit 5 for reading images of the medium 2 includes two first reading units 51 and a second reading unit 52. The first reading units 51 are located above the transport path 3 and read images of a first surface of the medium 2. The second reading units 52 are located below the transport path 3 and read images of a second surface, which is the opposite side of the first surface. The reading unit 5 is configured, for example, with a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor.

[0055] Image reading device 1A includes a conveying section 6 that conveys medium 2 along conveying path 3 in conveying direction F. The conveying section 6 includes a first conveying roller pair 7 located upstream of a first reading section 51, a second conveying roller pair 8 located upstream of a second reading section 52 located downstream of the first reading section 51, and a third conveying roller pair 9 located downstream of the second reading section 52. The first conveying roller pair 7, the second conveying roller pair 8, and the third conveying roller pair 9 are composed of a drive roller and a driven roller pair that rotate under the power of a drive source such as a motor (not shown).

[0056] Upstream of the first conveying roller pair 7 in the conveying direction F, a feed roller 10 and a separating roller 11 are respectively arranged. The feed roller 10 is a drive roller that rotates under the power of a drive source such as a motor (not shown) and conveys the medium 2 in the conveying direction F. The separating roller 11 is a drive roller that rotates under the power of a drive source (not shown) and separates the medium 2 from multiple sheets into one sheet. Here, the separating roller 11 rotates under the power of the drive source in the direction of conveying the medium 2 upstream (+Y direction) in the conveying direction F. The separating roller 11 is equipped with a torque limiter (not shown). When a torque exceeding a set value is applied to the torque limiter, the separating roller 11 rotates passively in the direction of conveying the medium 2 downstream (-Y direction) in the conveying direction F. Upstream of the separating roller 11, a pickup roller 12 is arranged. The pickup roller 12 is a drive roller that rotates under the power of a drive source (not shown) and picks up the medium 2 and conveys it in the conveying direction F.

[0057] In the image reading device 1A, a U-shaped turning path 14 is provided downstream of the straight path 13 from the feed roller 10 to the third conveyor roller pair 9, i.e., downstream of the third conveyor roller pair 9. Along the U-shaped turning path 14, a fourth conveyor roller pair 15, a fifth conveyor roller pair 16, and a discharge roller pair 17, serving as the conveying section 6, are arranged sequentially. The fourth conveyor roller pair 15, the fifth conveyor roller pair 16, and the discharge roller pair 17 are also composed of a pair of drive rollers and driven rollers that rotate under the power of a drive source (not shown). A discharge tray 19, which receives the medium 2 discharged from the discharge roller pair 17 in the discharge direction 18, is positioned above the straight path 13, thereby achieving a compact design.

[0058] The medium 2 on the feed tray 21 is picked up by the pick-up roller 12, which serves as a feed unit, and conveyed in the conveying direction F. The feed tray 21 is configured to move up and down under the power of a drive source (not shown). When the medium 2 placed on the feed tray 21 is to be fed in the conveying direction F, the feed tray 21 is first moved upward (in the +Z direction) by the drive source (not shown) and stops when the uppermost medium 2 comes into contact with the pick-up roller 12. In this state, the pick-up roller 12 rotates, thereby feeding the medium 2 in the conveying direction F and bringing the top of the medium 2 to the clamping position of the roller pair of the feed roller 10 and the separation roller 11.

[0059] When multiple sheets of medium 2 are being transported in an overlapping manner, they are separated into one sheet by the separating roller 11 and transported in the transport direction F by the first transport roller pair 7. The first reading unit 51 reads the image of the first side of medium 2. The medium 2, which has been read by the first reading unit 51, is transported by the second transport roller pair 8, and the second reading unit 52 reads the image of the second side of medium 2, which is opposite to the first side.

[0060] The control unit 22 controls the driving of each drive source and the reading operation of the reading unit 5 in a manner corresponding to the transport of the medium 2. Although details will be described later, the control unit 22... Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs various calculations based on the program stored in the ROM 202 and controls the overall operation of the image reading device 1. As an example of a storage unit, the ROM 202 is preferably a non-volatile memory capable of being read and written, namely flash memory ROM. As an example of a storage unit, the RAM 203 temporarily stores various types of information.

[0061] The image reading device 1A includes a media discharge device 30. The media discharge device 30 includes a discharge roller pair 17 serving as a discharge section 31 for discharging media 2, and a discharge tray 19 having a mounting surface 32 for holding the media 2 discharged from the discharge section 31 in the discharge direction 18. The discharge tray 19 is configured to extend and retract in the direction along the mounting surface 32. That is, the discharge tray 19 is configured to extend the length of the mounting surface 32. Furthermore, the media discharge device 30 includes a telescoping and retracting section 33 for extending and retracting the discharge tray 19. The telescoping and retracting section 33 is configured to extend and retract the discharge tray 19 according to the size of the media 2.

[0062] In this embodiment, the discharge tray 19 is configured to rotate vertically with its base end 34 as a pivot point 35. That is, the discharge tray 19 is a structure that allows rotation by the user lifting the top end 37 upwards. The discharge tray 19 includes a base tray 38 and an auxiliary tray 39, the auxiliary tray 39 being movable in a telescopic direction relative to the base tray 38. A protrusion is provided on the base end of the auxiliary tray 39. The protrusion is a plate-shaped member protruding downwards from the auxiliary tray 39.

[0063] The telescopic change part 33 is configured to extend the discharge tray 19 in a manner that is linked to the rotation of the discharge tray 19. When the discharge tray 19 rotates up and down with the base end 34 as the pivot point 35, the other end 44 slides along the direction of the mounting surface 32, i.e., the telescopic direction, while connected to the base tray 38.

[0064] As described above, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes: a discharge section 31 having a discharge roller pair 17 that serves as a discharge roller capable of discharging the medium 2; a discharge tray 19 having a mounting surface 32 for placing the medium 2 discharged from the discharge section 31; and a reading section 5 (first reading section 51 and second reading section 52) serving as an image reading section for reading images formed on the medium 2. Here, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes a stop 101 disposed on the discharge tray 19 and capable of being displaced to a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the movement of the discharged medium 2 in the discharge direction 18 is restricted by the medium being in a state that protrudes relative to the mounting surface 32 (unfolded). The second state is a state in which the medium 2 is allowed to move in the discharge direction 18 by the medium being in a state that does not protrude relative to the mounting surface 32, or in this embodiment, a state that is tilted toward the mounting surface 32 (folded in).

[0065] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment, by providing a stop 101, can set the stop 101 to a first state as needed, thereby suppressing the excessive movement of a portion of the medium 2 discharged onto the discharge tray 19 in the discharge direction 18 when the medium 2 is continuously placed onto the discharge tray 19. If a portion of the medium 2 discharged onto the discharge tray 19 moves excessively in the discharge direction 18, the order of the medium 2 may be reversed or the medium 2 may be flipped, but the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, by providing the stop 101, can suppress such possibilities. That is, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can improve the transportability of the medium 2, and thus can read the image formed on the medium 2 while improving the transportability of the medium 2.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image reading device 1A is configured such that the discharge unit 31 can decelerate the discharge speed of the medium 2, implemented by the discharge roller pair 17, from a first speed to a second speed when discharging the medium 2. Also, in this embodiment, the image reading device 1A is configured such that, under the control of the control unit 22, the degree of deceleration from the first speed to the second speed is less when the stop 101 is in the first state than when the stop 101 is in the second state. By configuring the image reading device 1A in this embodiment, when discharging the medium 2, the stop 101 can be used to suppress the medium 2 from moving more than a certain distance in the discharge direction 18 (first state), thereby reducing the degree of deceleration and suppressing the increase in power consumption. This is because a large change in the discharge speed of the medium 2 implemented by the discharge roller pair 17 would increase the power consumption of the motor driving the discharge roller pair 17, but by reducing the change in the discharge speed of the medium 2 implemented by the discharge roller pair 17, the power consumption of the motor can be reduced. Therefore, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can improve the transportability of the medium 2 while suppressing power consumption.

[0067] Here, the first speed refers to the discharge speed of the medium 2 immediately after it is clamped by the discharge roller pair 17, and the second speed refers to the discharge speed of the medium 2 clamped by the discharge roller pair 17 just before it is discharged. Furthermore, in the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the first speed is the same regardless of the type of medium 2, while the second speed varies relative to the first speed depending on the type of medium 2. Additionally, the second speed can be configured to be a single speed that varies relative to the first speed depending on the type of medium 2, or it can be configured to have multiple speeds that vary relative to the first speed depending on the type of medium 2.

[0068] The following describes the detailed structure of the stop 101 and the detailed features of the discharge tray 19. In the discharge tray 19 of the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, besides the stop 101, there are other components such as... Figure 5As shown, it also includes an edge guide 102 for ensuring good alignment of the medium 2 discharged onto the discharge tray 19 in the width directions D7 and D8. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the stop 101 is configured to move in directions D1 and D2 corresponding to the discharge direction 18, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the discharge tray 19 is configured to move in the downward direction D3 and the upward direction D4, as... Figure 5 As shown, the edge guide 102 is configured to move in the width directions D7 and D8. Here, the stop 101, the discharge tray 19, and the edge guide 102 are configured to move under the control of the control unit 22, which performs overall drive control of the structural components of the image reading device 1A in this embodiment.

[0069] Therefore, in the following text, reference will be made to Figure 2 The electrical structure of the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, based on the control unit 22, will now be described. Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 22 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The control unit 22 receives scan settings from the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52 through a setting receiving unit 205, which can receive user instructions or settings such as the type of medium 2 used, and stores them in the RAM 203 as read setting information or medium setting information.

[0070] Here, the CPU 201 controls the control units 209 of each conveyor roller pair, the control unit 210 of the discharge roller pair 17, the up-and-down movement unit 211 of the discharge tray 19, the unfolding and retracting unit 212 of the stop block 101, and the movement unit 213 of the edge guide 102 based on instructions or settings received from the user via the setting acceptance unit 205. Additionally, as... Figure 8As shown, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes two cameras 120 serving as imaging units. One of the cameras 120 is a first imaging unit 120A capable of photographing the upward-facing surface of the medium 2 placed on the feed tray 21, and the other of the cameras 120 is a second imaging unit 120B capable of photographing the upward-facing surface of the medium 2 placed on the discharge tray 19. The CPU 201 causes the first imaging unit 120A and the second imaging unit 120B, as well as the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52, to acquire images, and stores the images acquired by them as original images in the RAM 203. That is, the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52 also function as imaging units in this invention. Furthermore, based on these original images, the CPU 201 performs detection of medium 2 flipping or reordering of continuously conveyed medium 2, and stores the flipping detection result information and reordering detection result information in the RAM 203.

[0071] The ROM 202 stores a scan setting acceptance program, control programs for each conveying roller pair, control programs for the discharge roller pair 17, a vertical movement control program for the discharge tray 19, an unfolding and folding program for the stop block 101, and a movement program for the edge guide 102. Furthermore, the ROM 202 stores drive control programs for the first imaging unit 120A and the second imaging unit 120B, drive control programs for the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52, a flipping detection program for the medium 2, and a sequential swapping detection program for the medium 2.

[0072] The RAM203 stores, as an information storage unit, shooting setting information and captured images of the first shooting unit 120A and the second shooting unit 120B, reading setting information and read images of the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52, flip detection result information, sequence swap detection result information, and various control parameter tables. These control parameter tables include control parameters for the conveyor roller pair, control parameters for the discharge roller pair 17, control parameters for the up-and-down movement of the discharge tray 19, control parameters for the unfolding and retraction of the stop block 101, and control parameters for the movement of the edge guide 102.

[0073] The control unit 209 of each conveyor roller pair controls the rotational speed of the first conveyor roller pair 7, the rotational speed of the second conveyor roller pair 8, etc., based on the acquired control parameters. The control unit 210 of the discharge roller pair 17 controls the rotational speed of the discharge roller pair 17 based on the acquired control parameters. The up-and-down movement unit 211 of the discharge tray 19 controls the lifting mechanism of the discharge tray 19, which is composed of a motor (not shown), based on the acquired control parameters. The unfolding and retracting unit 212 of the stop block 101 controls the unfolding and retracting of the stop block 101, which is composed of a motor 212C, etc., based on the acquired control parameters. The moving unit 213 of the edge guide 102 controls the adjusting mechanism of the edge guide 102, which is composed of a motor (not shown), based on the acquired control parameters.

[0074] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment, by providing a control unit 22, can automatically move the stop 101 to a first state and a second state according to the type of medium 2 received via the setting reception unit 205 as an instruction from the user. Here, the type of medium 2 includes, for example, the material, size, and thickness of the medium. Although there are cases where the stop 101 needs to be in the first state and cases where it does not need to be in the first state, by providing the structure of the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the stop 101 can be appropriately moved to the first state and the second state according to the type of medium 2. Furthermore, the more types of medium 2 that can be deployed to the first state with the stop 101 extended, the greater the energy-saving effect.

[0075] Here, Figure 3 The solid line indicates the first state when the block 101 is unfolded from the mounting surface 32 of the discharge tray 19. Figure 3 The single-dotted line indicates the second state, where the stop 101 is housed in the discharge tray 19. In this embodiment, the stop 101A, as the stop 101, rotates from the first state in the rotational direction D5 relative to the mounting surface 32 to reach the second state, and rotates from the second state in the rotational direction D6 relative to the mounting surface 32 to reach the first state. Figure 4 As shown, the expansion and storage unit 212 of the stop block 101 is mounted on a unit base 212L that is movable relative to the mounting surface 32 in directions D1 and D2. A rack 212A is fixed on the discharge tray 19, and a pinion 212B that engages with the rack 212A is provided on the unit base 212L.

[0076] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, on the unit base 212L, there is a motor 212C, a pinion 212E mounted on the rotating shaft 212D of the motor 212C, a pulley 212G mounted together with the pinion 212E via a seamless belt 212F, a gear 212I connected to the rotating shaft 212H connected to the pulley 212G, a gear 212J meshing with the gear 212I, and a stop block 101A connected to the rotating shaft 212K connected to the gear 212J. The control unit 22 can move the stop block 101A to a first state and a second state by driving the motor 212C, and rotate the pinion 212B by driving a motor (not shown), thereby enabling the stop block 101A and the unit base 212L to move together in directions D1 and D2.

[0077] In this manner, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment moves the stop 101A together with the unit base 212L in directions D1 and D2 under the control of the control unit 22, thereby automatically changing the position of the stop 101A in the discharge direction 18 according to the size of the medium 2. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can... Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 When the size of medium 2, such as medium 2B, is large, the baffle 101A is positioned downstream of the discharge direction 18, and in Figure 3 When the size of medium 2, such as medium 2A, is small, the stop block 101A is positioned on the upstream side of the discharge direction 18. That is, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can ensure good alignment of medium 2 on the mounting surface 32 for various sizes of medium 2, thereby appropriately improving the transportability of medium 2.

[0078] in addition, Figure 3 This indicates that the smaller medium 2 is placed on the placement surface 32 of the discharge tray 19. Figure 6 This indicates that a larger-sized medium 2 is placed on the placement surface 32 of the discharge tray 19. Specifically, for example, the position of the stop block 101A in direction D1 and direction D2 can be changed depending on whether an A3-sized medium 2 is being used, an A4-sized medium 2 is being used, or a postcard-sized medium 2 is being used. Furthermore, the size of the medium 2 refers to its length in the conveying direction when it is placed longitudinally (with the long side positioned in the conveying direction) and transversely (with the long side positioned in the width direction). That is, when the medium 2 is placed longitudinally, the stop block 101A is moved in direction D1, and when the medium 2 is placed transversely, the stop block 101A is moved in direction D2.

[0079] Furthermore, as described above, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes a vertical movement unit 211 for the discharge tray 19. In the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the vertical movement unit 211 of the discharge tray 19 is controlled by the control unit 2, thereby allowing the discharge tray 19 to change the position of the mounting surface 32 relative to the discharge section 31 in the lower direction D3 and upper direction D4, corresponding to the mounting direction of the medium 2, according to the amount of medium 2 placed on the mounting surface 32. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can achieve high throughput even when the amount of medium 2 is small. Figure 6 As shown, the position of the mounting surface 32 is set closer to (upper side) than the discharge section 31, and as the amount of medium 2 loaded increases, ... Figure 7 As shown, the position of the mounting surface 32 is set to a position that is farther away from the discharge section 31 (lower side). That is, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can improve the transportability of the medium 2 by ensuring good alignment of the medium 2 on the mounting surface 32 according to the amount of medium 2 loaded.

[0080] Here, refer to Figure 9 The flowchart below describes an example of the process of using the image reading device 1A of this embodiment to determine in the control unit 22 whether to set the stop 101A to the first state or the second state and discharge the medium 2 onto the discharge tray 19. In this process, firstly, in step S110, the setting of the medium 2, such as the type of medium 2 used or the instruction for whether it is vertical or horizontal, is received from the user via the setting acceptance unit 205.

[0081] Next, in step S120, the control unit 22 determines whether the medium 2 used should have the stop 101A set to a first state or a second state. If it is determined that the medium 2 used should have the stop 101A set to a first state, the process proceeds to step S130; if it is determined that the medium 2 used should have the stop 101A set to a second state, the process proceeds to step S140. Examples of medium 2 used where the stop 101A should be set to a first state include photocopying paper, and examples of medium 2 used where the stop 101A should be set to a second state include thin paper with low thickness and low toughness.

[0082] In step S130, as Figure 3 As shown by the solid line, the stop 101A is set to the first state (the state unfolded from the mounting surface 32 of the discharge tray 19). In step S140, as... Figure 3As shown by the single-dotted line, the stop 101A is set to the second state (the state where it is stored in the discharge tray 19). After step S130 or step S140, in step S150, the vertical position of the discharge tray 19 is adjusted. For example, when thick paper or the like is used as the medium 2, even if the first sheet is placed on the mounting surface 32 of the discharge tray 19, the position of the mounting surface 32 can be set to a position that is farther away from the discharge section 31 (lower side).

[0083] Next, in step S160, the discharge speed (second speed) of the medium 2 discharged from the discharge section 31 is adjusted by the control unit 22, and the medium 2 is discharged at the adjusted discharge speed (second speed). For example, when using tissue paper or the like as the medium 2, the discharge speed (second speed) can be slowed down. That is, when the medium 2 used is the type in which the stop 101A should be in the first state, the discharge speed (second speed) can be set to the normal speed, and when the medium 2 used is the type in which the stop 101A should be in the second state, the discharge speed (second speed) can be set to a slower speed than the normal speed (second speed). Then, with the end of step S160, the process ends. Figure 9 The process is shown in the flowchart. Furthermore, as described above, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes a camera 120 as an imaging unit for capturing images of the medium 2, and a block 101 unfolding and retracting unit 212 as a displacement mechanism for moving the block 101A to a first state and a second state. In the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the block 101 unfolding and retracting unit 212 is configured, under the control of the control unit 22, to be able to move the block 101A to the first state and the second state based on the image data of the medium 2 captured by the camera 120.

[0084] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment is configured in such a way that the stop 101A can be appropriately moved to a first state and a second state based on the image data of the medium 2 captured by the camera 120. That is, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can appropriately improve the transportability of the medium 2 based on the image data of the medium 2. Here, although the camera 120, which is the capturing unit of this embodiment, is a high-precision video camera, a smartphone with a built-in camera or a portable small camera can also be used instead.

[0085] From another perspective, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment includes: a feed tray 21 for placing a medium 2; a pickup roller 12 for feeding the medium 2 placed on the feed tray 21; a discharge section 31 for discharging the medium 2 fed by the pickup roller 12; a discharge tray 19 having a mounting surface 32 for placing the medium 2 discharged from the discharge section 31; a camera 120 for capturing images of the medium 2; and a control unit 22. Furthermore, the control unit 22 can cause the camera 120 to capture images of the medium 2 before, during, or after discharge from the discharge section 31. Further, the control unit 22 can determine the state of the medium 2 after discharge from the discharge section 31 based on image data of one side of the medium 2 before discharge from the discharge section 31 and image data of one side of the medium 2 during or after discharge from the discharge section 31.

[0086] The image reading device 1A of this embodiment is configured in such a way that it can appropriately determine the state of the discharged medium 2 based on the image data of the medium 2 captured by the camera 120. That is, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can appropriately improve the transportability of the medium 2 based on the image data of the medium 2, even without input of information about the medium 2 from the user. Furthermore, the state of the medium 2 corresponds to the surface and back of the medium 2, the type of image formed on the medium 2, the size of the medium 2, etc. By determining the state of the medium 2, it is possible to identify changes in the order of the medium 2 or flipping of the medium 2. In addition, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment is configured in such a way that it can adjust the discharge speed of the medium 2 implemented by the discharge roller pair 17 based on the state of the medium 2 determined by the control unit 22, and can reduce the chance of significantly slowing down the discharge speed of the medium 2 implemented by the discharge roller pair 17, thereby increasing power consumption. Furthermore, in the event that the image reading device 1A of this embodiment detects a change in order or a flip of the medium 2, it can report the situation as an error message via the setting reception unit 205, for example, through a display unit (not shown) or an external computer.

[0087] In detail, in the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, as follows: Figure 8As shown, media 2, which are placed on the feed tray 21 before being conveyed, are conveyed sequentially from top to bottom when multiple media 2 are accumulated by the pick-up roller 12. Then, the control unit 22 enables the first imaging unit 120A of the camera 120 to capture an image of the uppermost media 2 placed on the feed tray 21 from above, and the second imaging unit 120B of the camera 120 to capture an image of the media 2 being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit 31 from above. Then, the control unit 22 can determine the state of the media 2 after being discharged from the discharge unit 31 based on the image data of the media 2 placed on the feed tray 21 and the image data of the media 2 being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit 31. The image reading device 1A of this embodiment, by having such a structure, can appropriately determine the state of the media 2 after being discharged from the discharge unit 31 by comparing the image data of the media 2 placed on the feed tray 21 with the image data of the media 2 being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit 31, and can appropriately detect changes in the order of the media 2 or flipping of the media 2. For example, if the image data of medium 2 captured by the first imaging unit 120A in camera 120 is different from the image data of medium 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B in camera 120, it is determined that there is no flipping; if the image data is the same, it can be determined that there is flipping.

[0088] Furthermore, in the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, a first reading unit 51 and a second reading unit 52, which also function as imaging units, are provided in the transport path 3. The control unit 22 enables the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52 to capture (read) images of the medium 2 being transported on the transport path 3 from the feed tray 21 to the discharge unit 31, and enables the second imaging unit 120B in the camera 120 to capture images of the medium 2 being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit 31. Then, based on the image data of the medium 2 being transported on the transport path 3 and the image data of the medium 2 being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit 31, the state of the medium 2 after being discharged from the discharge unit 31 can be determined. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can appropriately determine the state of the medium 2 after being discharged from the discharge unit 31 by comparing the image data of the medium 2 being transported on the transport path 3 with the image data of the medium 2 being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit 31, and can appropriately detect changes in the order of the medium 2 or flipping of the medium.

[0089] For example, if the image data of medium 2 captured by the second reading unit 52 is the same as the image data of medium 2 captured by the second capturing unit 120B of the camera 120, it can be determined that there is no flipping. On the other hand, if the image data of medium 2 captured by the first reading unit 51 is the same as the image data of medium 2 captured by the second capturing unit 120B of the camera 120, it can be determined that there is flipping. Furthermore, if the image data of medium 2 captured by the first reading unit 51, the image data of medium 2 captured by the second reading unit 52, and the image data of medium 2 captured by the second capturing unit 120B of the camera 120 are all different, it can be determined that the order has been reversed.

[0090] Here, as Figure 5 As shown, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment has an edge guide 102 on the discharge tray 19. Furthermore, the edge guide 102 is configured to move in the width directions D7 and D8, which intersect the discharge direction 18 of the medium 2. In the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the control unit 22 can cause at least one of the first imaging unit 120A and the second imaging unit 120B of the camera 120 to capture images of the medium 2 placed on the discharge tray 19, and move the edge guide 102 based on the image data of the medium 2 captured by the camera 120. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can position the edge guide 102 appropriately, ensure good alignment of the medium 2 on the mounting surface 32, and improve the transportability of the medium 2.

[0091] Here, the details of the moving unit 213 of the edge guide 102 that moves the edge guide 102 will be explained. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a rack 213A extending in the width directions D7 and D8 is connected to each of the two edge guides 102. Furthermore, a pinion 213B is provided at a position where it engages with the two racks 213A. The pinion 213B is fixed to the discharge tray 19 and connected to a motor (not shown). Driven by the pinion 213B, the edge guides 102 and the racks 213A move together in the width directions D7 and D8.

[0092] Furthermore, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment also has an edge guide with the same structure as the edge guide 102 on the feed tray 21. That is, the feed tray 21 has an edge guide that can move in a direction intersecting the feed direction of the medium 2, and the control unit 22 can cause the first imaging unit 120A in the camera 120 to capture images of the medium 2 placed on the feed tray 21, and move the edge guide provided on the feed tray 21 based on the image data of the medium 2 captured by the first imaging unit 120A. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can position the edge guide appropriately, ensure good alignment of the medium 2 on the feed tray 21, and improve the transportability of the medium 2.

[0093] Here, refer to Figure 10 The flowchart below illustrates an example of the process by which the image reading device 1A of this embodiment determines the width of the medium 2 in the control unit 22 based on the image captured by the camera 120, and adjusts the position of the edge guide 102 accordingly. In this process, firstly, in step S210, the medium 2 placed on the discharge tray 19 is captured by the second imaging unit 120B of the camera 120. Next, in step S220, the edge guide 102 is moved based on the image data of the medium 2 placed on the discharge tray 19 under the control of the control unit 22. Furthermore, by replacing the discharge tray 19 with the term feed tray 21, and by replacing the second imaging unit 120B with the term first imaging unit 120A, this can be considered a process for adjusting the position of the edge guide formed on the feed tray 21.

[0094] Furthermore, in the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the control unit 22 can cause the first imaging unit 120A in the camera 120 to capture images of the medium 2 placed on the feed tray 21, and to displace the stop block 101A to a first state and a second state based on the image data of the medium 2 placed on the feed tray 21. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can appropriately determine whether to displace the stop block 101A to the first state or the second state, and by setting the stop block 101A to the first state as needed, it can suppress the situation where a portion of the medium 2 discharged onto the discharge tray 19 moves excessively in the discharge direction 18 when the medium 2 is continuously placed onto the discharge tray 19. That is, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can improve the transportability of the medium 2.

[0095] Furthermore, in the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the control unit 22 enables the camera 120 to capture images of a portion of the medium 2, such as the ends or corners of the medium 2, rather than the entire medium 2. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can reduce the amount of image data of the medium 2 generated by the camera 120, thereby shortening the data processing time.

[0096] Furthermore, in the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the control unit 22 can determine the state of the medium 2 after it has been discharged from the discharge unit 31 based on a portion of image data of one side of the medium 2 before it is discharged from the discharge unit 31, such as image data of the ends or corners of an image formed on the medium 2, and a portion of image data of one side of the medium 2 during or after it is discharged from the discharge unit 31, such as image data of the ends or corners of an image formed on the medium 2. By providing such a structure, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can shorten the data processing time.

[0097] In summary, by adopting the structure described above, the image reading device 1A of this embodiment can improve transportability, such as improving the alignment of the media 2 discharged to the discharge tray 19, by utilizing the lifting control of the discharge tray 19 and the unfolding and retraction control of the stop 101A, while suppressing power consumption during the discharge of the media 2 from the discharge section 31 (during deceleration). Furthermore, in conventional image reading devices, even if the order of the discharged media 2 is reversed or flipped (so-called stacking defects), the scanning operation will normally end as long as no other errors such as paper jams or overload occur, making it difficult for the user to notice the stacking defects. On the other hand, even if the user notices the stacking defects, the transport of the media 2 will not stop unless an error occurs. Therefore, the user needs to stop the transport of the media 2 midway or wait until all media 2 have been transported before searching for the media 2 that caused the stacking defects. In this case, it is difficult to find the media 2 that caused the stacking defects, unless the page numbers are already recorded on the original media 2 or the correct order of the media 2 can be determined based on the preceding and following page numbers. By using the image reading device 1A of this embodiment, the user can notice the stacking defect and easily identify which medium 2 has a stacking defect.

[0098] Example 2 Next, refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The image reading device 1B of Embodiment 2 will now be described. Figure 11 The image reading device 1A corresponding to Embodiment 1 Figure 6 , Figure 12The image reading device 1A corresponding to Embodiment 1 Figure 7 The image reading device 1B of this embodiment is identical to the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, except for the following description, and therefore has the same features as the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1. Therefore, in Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 In this document, the parts that are common to those in Embodiment 1 above are represented by the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0099] like Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the image reading device 1B of this embodiment is configured such that the stop 101 can extend and retract according to the amount of medium 2 placed on the discharge tray 19 in the first state. In other words, the stop 101B of the image reading device 1B of this embodiment is configured such that the amount of protrusion relative to the mounting surface 32 in the first state can be changed according to the amount of medium 2 placed on the mounting surface 32.

[0100] The image reading device 1B of this embodiment is configured in such a way that it can... Figure 11 As shown, when the amount of medium 2 loaded is small, the protrusion of the stop 101B is reduced, and as shown... Figure 12 As shown, the protrusion of the stop 101B increases with the amount of medium 2 loaded. That is, the image reading device 1B of this embodiment can ensure good alignment of the medium 2 on the mounting surface 32 according to the amount of medium 2 loaded, and can appropriately improve the transportability of the medium 2.

[0101] Example 3 Next, refer to Figure 13 The image reading device 1C of Embodiment 3 will now be described. Here, Figure 13 The image reading device 1A corresponding to Embodiment 1 Figure 8 The image reading device 1C of this embodiment is identical to the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, except for the following description, and therefore has the same features as the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1. Therefore, in Figure 13 In this document, the parts that are common to those in Embodiment 1 above are represented by the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0102] As described above, in the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, a structure is provided in which multiple media 2 loaded on the feed tray 21 are sequentially conveyed from top to bottom before conveying. Therefore, in the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, it is possible to determine that there is no flipping when the image data of the media 2 captured by the first imaging unit 120A is different from the image data of the media 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B, and to determine that there is flipping when these image data are the same. Furthermore, in the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, the second reading unit 52 can capture images of the media 2, and it is possible to determine that there is no flipping when the image data of the media 2 captured by the second reading unit 52 is the same as the image data of the media 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B.

[0103] On the other hand, in the image reading device 1C of this embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown, the structure is designed such that multiple media 2 placed on the feed tray 21 are stacked before conveying and then conveyed sequentially from bottom to top. Therefore, unlike the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, in the image reading device 1C of this embodiment, it is impossible to determine whether the media 2 has been flipped by simply comparing the image data of the media 2 captured by the first imaging unit 120A and the image data of the media 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B.

[0104] Therefore, in the image reading device 1C of this embodiment, the second reading unit 52 captures images of the medium 2, and if the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second reading unit 52 and the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second capturing unit 120B are the same, it is determined that there is no flipping. Furthermore, if the image data of the medium 2 captured by the first reading unit 51, the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second reading unit 52, and the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second capturing unit 120B are all different, it can be determined that a change in order has occurred, which is the same as in the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1.

[0105] Example 4 Next, refer to Figure 14 The image reading device 1D of Embodiment 4 will now be described. Here, Figure 14 The image reading device 1A corresponding to Embodiment 1 Figure 8 The image reading device 1D of this embodiment is identical to the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, except for the following description, and therefore has the same features as the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1. Therefore, in Figure 14 In this document, the parts that are common to those in Embodiment 1 above are represented by the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0106] As described above, the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1 has a U-shaped turning path 14, and a feed tray 21 and a discharge tray 19 are formed on the same side in the Y-axis direction relative to the device body. That is, when the medium 2 is conveyed from the feed tray 21 to the discharge tray 19 without flipping, the different faces of the medium 2 are facing upwards when it is placed on the feed tray 21 and when it is placed on the discharge tray 19. Therefore, in the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, it can be determined that there is no flipping when the image data of the medium 2 captured by the first imaging unit 120A and the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B are different, and it can be determined that there is flipping when these image data are the same.

[0107] On the other hand, in the image reading device 1D of this embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown, instead of a U-shaped turning path 14, a feed tray 21 and a discharge tray 19 are formed on different sides in the Y-axis direction relative to the main body of the device. That is, when the medium 2 is conveyed from the feed tray 21 to the discharge tray 19 without flipping, the same side of the medium 2 faces upwards when it is placed on the feed tray 21 and when it is placed on the discharge tray 19. Therefore, unlike the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, in the image reading device 1D of this embodiment, it can be determined that there is no flipping when the image data of the medium 2 captured by the first imaging unit 120A and the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B are the same, and it can be determined that there is flipping when these image data are different.

[0108] Example 5 Next, refer to Figure 15 The image reading device 1E of Embodiment 5 will now be described. Here, Figure 14 The image reading device 1A corresponding to Embodiment 1 Figure 8 The image reading device 1E of this embodiment is identical to the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1, except for the following description, and therefore has the same features as the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1. Therefore, in Figure 15 In this document, the parts that are common to those in Embodiment 1 above are represented by the same symbols, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0109] In the image reading device 1E of this embodiment, such as Figure 15As shown, similar to the image reading device 1D of Embodiment 4, it does not have a U-shaped turning path 14, but instead has a feed tray 21 and a discharge tray 19 formed on different sides in the Y-axis direction relative to the device body. However, the image reading device 1D of Embodiment 4 is a structure that transports media 2 sequentially from top to bottom when multiple media 2 placed on the feed tray 21 are accumulated before transport. In contrast, the image reading device 1E of this embodiment is a structure that transports media 2 sequentially from bottom to bottom when multiple media 2 placed on the feed tray 21 are accumulated before transport.

[0110] Therefore, unlike the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1 or the image reading device 1D of Embodiment 4, in the image reading device 1E of this embodiment, it is impossible to determine whether the medium 2 has been flipped simply by comparing the image data of the medium 2 captured by the first imaging unit 120A and the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B. Therefore, in the image reading device 1E of this embodiment, the first reading unit 51 captures the medium 2, and if the image data of the medium 2 captured by the first reading unit 51 and the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B are the same, it is determined that there is no flipping. Furthermore, if the image data of the medium 2 captured by the first reading unit 51, the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second reading unit 52, and the image data of the medium 2 captured by the second imaging unit 120B are all different, it can be determined that a change in order has occurred, which is the same as in the image reading device 1A of Embodiment 1.

[0111] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the Summary of the Invention section can be appropriately replaced or combined. Additionally, if a technical feature is not required to be described in this specification, it can be appropriately omitted.

[0112] Symbol Explanation 1…Image reading device (media conveying device), 1A…Image reading device, 1B…Image reading device, 1C…Image reading device, 1D…Image reading device, 1E…Image reading device, 2…Media, 2A…Media, 2B…Media, 3…Conveying path, 5…Reading unit, 6…Conveying unit, 7…First conveying roller pair, 8…Second conveying roller pair, 9…Third conveying roller pair, 10…Feed roller, 11…Separation roller, 12…Pick-up roller, 13…Straight path, 14…U-shaped turning path, 15…Fourth conveying roller pair, 16…Fifth conveying roller pair, 17…Discharge roller pair (discharge roller), 18…Discharge direction, 19…Discharge tray, 21…Feed tray, 22…Control unit, 30…Media discharge device, 31…Discharge unit, 32…Placement surface, 33…Extension and change unit, 34…Base end, 35…Rotation fulcrum, 37…Top end, 38…Base tray, 39…Auxiliary tray, 44… At the other end, 51…first reading unit (shooting unit), 52…second reading unit (shooting unit), 101…block, 101A…block, 101B…block, 102…edge guide, 120…camera (shooting unit), 120A…first shooting unit, 120B…second shooting unit, 201…CPU, 202…ROM, 203…RAM, 205…setting acceptance unit, 209…control unit, 210…control unit 211…Up and down moving unit, 212…Expanding and storing unit, 212A…Rack, 212B…Pinary gear, 212C…Motor, 212D…Rotating shaft, 212E…Pinary gear, 212F…Seamless belt, 212G…Pulley, 212H…Rotating shaft, 212I…Gear, 212J…Gear, 212K…Rotating shaft, 213…Moving unit, 213A…Rack, 213B…Pinary gear, F…Conveying direction.

Claims

1. A medium conveying device, characterized in that, have: The discharge section has a discharge roller capable of discharging the medium; A discharge tray having a placement surface for placing the medium discharged from the discharge section; A stop, disposed on the discharge tray, is displaceable to a first state and a second state, wherein the first state restricts the movement of the discharged medium in the discharge direction by protruding relative to the mounting surface, and the second state allows the movement of the medium in the discharge direction by not protruding relative to the mounting surface. The discharge section is configured to reduce the discharge speed of the medium, achieved by the discharge roller, from a first speed to a second speed when the medium is discharged. The degree of deceleration from the first speed to the second speed is less when the stop is in the first state than when the stop is in the second state.

2. The medium conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stop is configured to be displaceable to the first state and the second state depending on the type of medium.

3. The medium conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The baffle is configured to change its position in the discharge direction according to the size of the medium.

4. The medium conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stop is configured to change the amount of protrusion relative to the mounting surface in the first state according to the amount of the medium placed on the mounting surface.

5. The medium conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge tray is configured to change the position of the mounting surface relative to the discharge section in the loading direction of the medium according to the amount of the medium loaded on the mounting surface.

6. The medium conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, have: The imaging unit takes pictures of the medium; A displacement mechanism that displaces the stop block to the first state and the second state. The displacement mechanism is configured to displace the block to the first state and the second state based on image data of the medium captured by the imaging unit.

7. A medium conveying device, characterized in that, have: Feeder tray, which holds the medium; A feeding unit that feeds the medium placed on the feeding tray; The discharge section is capable of discharging the medium fed by the feeding section; A discharge tray having a placement surface for placing the medium discharged from the discharge section; The imaging unit takes pictures of the medium; Control Department The control unit causes the imaging unit to capture images of the medium before it is discharged from the discharge unit, and during or after it is discharged from the discharge unit. Based on the image data of one side of the medium before it is discharged from the discharge unit, and the image data of one side of the medium during or after it is discharged from the discharge unit, the control unit determines the state of the medium after it is discharged from the discharge unit.

8. The medium conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit causes the imaging unit to take pictures of the medium placed on the feed tray, and also causes the imaging unit to take pictures of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit. Based on the image data of the medium placed on the feed tray and the image data of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge unit, the control unit determines the state of the medium after being discharged from the discharge unit.

9. The medium conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit causes the imaging unit to capture images of the medium being transported along the transport path from the feed tray to the discharge section, and also causes the imaging unit to capture images of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge section. Based on the image data of the medium being transported along the transport path and the image data of the medium being discharged from or after being discharged from the discharge section, the control unit determines the state of the medium after being discharged from the discharge section.

10. The medium conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The feed tray has an edge guide that is movable in a direction intersecting the feed direction of the medium. The control unit causes the imaging unit to photograph the medium placed on the feed tray, and moves the edge guide based on the image data of the medium photographed by the imaging unit.

11. The medium conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The discharge tray has an edge guide that is movable in a direction intersecting the discharge direction of the medium. The control unit causes the imaging unit to capture images of at least one of the medium placed on the feed tray and the medium placed on the discharge tray, and moves the edge guide based on the image data of the medium captured by the imaging unit.

12. The medium conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The device includes a stop block disposed on the discharge tray and capable of displacement to a first state and a second state. The first state restricts the movement of the discharged medium in the discharge direction by protruding relative to the mounting surface. The second state allows the medium to move in the discharge direction by tilting towards the mounting surface. The control unit causes the imaging unit to capture images of the medium placed on the feed tray, and based on the image data of the medium placed on the feed tray, causes the stop block to shift to the first state and the second state.

13. The medium conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit causes the imaging unit to capture an image of a portion of the medium.

14. The medium conveying device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit determines the state of the medium after it has been discharged from the discharge unit based on a portion of image data of one side of the medium before it is discharged from the discharge unit, and a portion of image data of one side of the medium during or after it is discharged from the discharge unit.

15. An image reading device, characterized in that, have: The medium conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; An image reading unit reads an image formed on the medium.

Images