Medium transportation device

Abstract

To provide a medium transportation device capable of preferably keeping a closed state of a mounting table when the mounting table provided openably / closably is in the closed state.SOLUTION: A medium transportation device comprises: a housing having a frame; a mounting table openably / closably provided on the housing to allow media to be mounted thereon in an open state; an engaged part provided on the frame; an engaging part provided on at least one side of the mounting table to face the engaged part when the mounting table is in a closed state; an abutted part provided on the frame; and an abutting part provided on the mounting table. The engaging part engages with the engaged part when the mounting table is in the closed state, and the closed state of the mounting table is kept. When the mounting table is in the closed state, the abutting part abuts on the abutted part to limit movement of the mounting table so as to separate the engaging part apart from the engaged part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device having a mounting table that is provided so as to be openable and closable. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a medium transport device such as a scanner that captures an image of a medium while transporting it, a mounting table for placing the medium may be provided on a housing in an openable and closable manner in order to reduce the size of the device when not in use.

[0003] A paper feeder is disclosed in which a manual feed tray is rotatably provided with respect to a storage recess provided in a front cover of the device body (see Patent Document 1). In this paper feeder, the manual feed tray is rotated and stored in the storage recess when not in use. The storage recess has locking parts such as snap fits on its left and right inner surfaces, and the manual feed tray has locking holes on its left and right side surfaces that are locked by the snap fits.

[0004] A document feeder is disclosed that has locking mechanisms provided on both sides of the opening / closing cover in the direction of its rotation axis, and an opening / closing sensor provided on one side of the opening / closing cover in the direction of its rotation axis (see Patent Document 2). The locking mechanism is composed of a locking claw provided on the opening / closing cover side, and an engaging member provided on the device body side. When the locking mechanism switches from an unlocked state to a locked state, the contact position of the locking claw with the engaging member is set to a first engaging position, and the contact position of the engaging member with the locking claw is set to a second engaging position. The locking claw and the engaging member are positioned so that when the opening / closing cover is completely closed, the distance between the first engaging position and the second engaging position is shorter on the side where the opening / closing sensor is provided, and longer on the side where the opening / closing sensor is not provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6586933 [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-035349 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a medium transport device in which a mounting table is provided so as to be able to be opened and closed, it is required that the mounting table can be satisfactorily maintained in a closed state when the mounting table is in a closed state.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium transport device that can maintain the openable / closable mounting table in a closed state when the mounting table is in the closed state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention has a housing having a frame, a mounting table that is openably and closably attached to the housing and on which media can be placed when the housing is open, an engaged portion provided on the frame, an engaging portion provided on at least one side of the mounting table so as to face the engaged portion when the mounting table is in a closed state, an abutted portion provided on the frame, and an abutment portion provided on the mounting table, wherein when the mounting table is in a closed state, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion to maintain the mounting table in a closed state, and when the mounting table is in a closed state, the abutment portion abuts against the abutted portion to restrict movement of the mounting table such that the engaging portion moves away from the engaged portion. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the medium transport device can satisfactorily maintain the openable / closable mounting table in a closed state when the mounting table is in a closed state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 111 and an engaged portion 112. FIG. [Figure 4]2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a supply tray 103. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a frame 107. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first contact portion 113 and the like. FIG. [Figure 7] 13(A) and 13(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining a first contact portion 113 and the like. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a supply tray 103 and a frame 107. FIG. [Figure 9] 13(A) and 13(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining a second contact portion 115 and the like. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining another supply tray 203 and a frame 207. FIG. [Figure 15] 13A is a schematic diagram for explaining another supply tray 303, and FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram for explaining another supply tray 403. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 550. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0012] 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original document, and captures an image. The medium is paper, cardboard, card, or the like. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium being conveyed may not be an original document, but may be a print target, or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer, or the like.

[0013] 1 and 2, arrow A1 indicates the substantially vertical direction (height direction), arrow A2 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A3 indicates the medium discharge direction, and arrow A4 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream of the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3, and downstream refers to the downstream of the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3.

[0014] The medium conveying device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a supply tray 103, a discharge tray 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0015] The first housing 101 is an example of a housing. The second housing 102 is disposed inside the first housing 101 and rotatably engaged with the first housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when a medium is jammed or when the inside of the medium conveying device 100 is cleaned. The first housing 101 has a frame 107. The frame 107 is provided inside the first housing 101 so as to face the supply tray 103 in a closed state.

[0016] The supply tray 103 is a so-called hopper, and has a placement surface 103a on which a medium is placed. The supply tray 103 is provided in the first housing 101 so as to be openable and closable. The supply tray 103 is rotatably supported on the side surface of the first housing 101 on the medium supply side by a hinge described later. The supply tray 103 can place a medium to be transported in an open state as shown in FIG. 1, and is stored inside the first housing 101 in a closed state as shown in FIG. 2. This allows the medium transport device 100 to store the supply tray 103 in the first housing 101 when not in use, thereby reducing the device size and allowing the user to expand the work space.

[0017] Supply tray 103 is provided so as to be movable in the height direction A1 in the open state, that is, so as to be able to rise and fall. Supply tray 103 is disposed at the lower end position so that media can be easily placed on it when media is not being transported, and when media is being transported, the uppermost medium placed on supply tray 103 rises to a position where it comes into contact with a pick roller, which will be described later.

[0018] The supply tray 103 is provided with an engaging portion 111. The frame 107 is provided with an engaged portion 112 that engages with the engaging portion 111. The engaging portion 111 is, for example, a latch (fastener) and is provided so as to protrude from a side surface of the supply tray 103. The engaged portion 112 is, for example, a recess (hole) and is provided inside the frame 107. The engaging portion 111 is provided on at least one side of the supply tray 103, i.e., at least one end side in the width direction A4, so as to face the engaged portion 112 when the supply tray 103 is in a closed state. The engaged portion 112 is provided on the frame 107 so as to face the engaging portion 111 when the supply tray 103 is in a closed state. As shown in FIG. 2, the engaging portion 111 engages with the engaged portion 112, so that the supply tray 103 is fixed to the frame 107 when stored inside the frame 107.

[0019] For example, the engaging portion 111 is provided only on one side of the supply tray 103, that is, only on one end side in the width direction A4 (the left side in the example shown in FIG. 1). In that case, the engaged portion 112 is also provided only on one side of the frame 107, that is, only on the side where the engaging portion 111 is provided in the width direction A4 (the left side in the example shown in FIG. 1). By providing the engaging portion 111 and the engaged portion 112 only on one end in the width direction A4, the occurrence of so-called one-sided closing, in which only one of the two engaging mechanisms engages while the other does not, is suppressed. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can suppress the occurrence of damage to the supply tray 103 and can improve the convenience of the user. In addition, by providing the engaging portion 111 and the engaged portion 112 only on one end in the width direction A4, the medium conveying device 100 can reduce the number of parts or simplify the structure of each part, thereby reducing the device cost.

[0020] The engaging portions 111 may be provided on both sides of the supply tray 103, i.e., on both ends in the width direction A4. In that case, the engaged portions 112 are also provided on both sides of the frame 107, i.e., on both ends in the width direction A4.

[0021] The discharge tray 104 is provided in the second housing 102 so as to be openable and closable. The discharge tray 104 is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the second housing 102 by a hinge. The discharge tray 104 is capable of placing media discharged from the discharge ports of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. In the open state, the discharge tray 104 is capable of extending an area for placing media, and in the closed state, the discharge tray 104 is stored inside the second housing 102.

[0022] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit for acquiring a signal from the input device, accepts an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal according to the input operation by the user. The display device 106 has a display including a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the engaging portion 111 and the engaged portion 112. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 2. That is, in Fig. 3, the supply tray 103 is in a closed state, and the engaging portion 111 is engaged with the engaged portion 112.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, a hole 103c extending in the width direction A4 is formed in the first side surface 103b of the supply tray 103, and the engaging portion 111 is disposed in the hole 103c. The engaging portion 111 includes a protruding member 111a and an elastic member 111b. The protruding member 111a is formed of a resin such as plastic or a metal such as iron, and is disposed on the opening side (the engaged portion 112 side) of the hole 103c. The elastic member 111b is formed of a spring member such as a compression coil spring or a rubber member. One end of the elastic member 111b is attached to the protruding member 111a, and the other end of the elastic member 111b is attached to the bottom surface of the hole 103c. The elastic member 111b applies a force to the protruding member 111a toward the engaged portion 112 side.

[0025] When the supply tray 103 is in an open state, the protruding member 111a protrudes from the hole 103c by the force of the elastic member 111b. When the supply tray 103 is closed by the user, the inclined portion 111c formed at the tip of the protruding member 111a abuts against the front surface of the frame 107, and the protruding member 111a is pressed by the frame 107 and pushed into the hole 103c. Thereafter, the protruding member 111a moves while abutting against the first inner side surface 107a of the frame 107, and abuts against the bottom surface 112a of the engaged portion 112. The protruding member 111a is pressed against the bottom surface 112a of the engaged portion 112 by the force of the elastic member 111b, and the engaging portion 111 engages with the engaged portion 112. In this way, when the supply tray 103 is in a closed state, the engaging portion 111 engages with the engaged portion 112, and the closed state of the supply tray 103 is maintained.

[0026] On the other hand, when the user opens the supply tray 103, the tip of the protruding member 111a moves along the inclined portion 112b formed on the edge of the engaged portion 112, and the protruding member 111a is pressed by the frame 107 and pushed into the hole portion 103c. Thereafter, the protruding member 111a moves while abutting against the first inner side surface 107a of the frame 107, and when it moves away from the frame 107, it protrudes from the hole portion 103c due to the force from the elastic member 111b.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining supply tray 103. Fig. 4 shows the periphery of one side surface of supply tray 103 in a state where it is removed from frame 107 (first housing 101).

[0028] 4, in addition to the engagement portion 111, a first abutment portion 113 is provided on the first side surface 103b of the supply tray 103. The first abutment portion 113 is an example of an abutment portion. The first abutment portion 113 is parallel to the placement surface 103a, extends in an extension direction A5 perpendicular to the width direction A4, and has a hook shape that bends toward the outside of the width direction A4 (toward a first inner side surface 107a of the frame 107, which will be described later). The tip portion 113a of the hook shape extends in the opposite direction to the extension direction A5, and an abutment surface 113b is provided inside the tip portion 113a.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the frame 107. Fig. 5 shows the periphery of the side surface formed on the inner side of the frame 107 in a state where the supply tray 103 is removed.

[0030] 5, a first contacted portion 114 is provided on the first inner side surface 107a of the frame 107. The first contacted portion 114 is an example of a contacted portion. The first contacted portion 114 has a hook shape that extends in the medium transport direction A2 and bends toward the inside in the width direction A4 (toward the first side surface 103b of the supply tray 103). A tip portion 114a of the hook shape extends in the opposite direction to the medium transport direction A2, and a contacted surface 114b is provided inside the tip portion 114a.

[0031] 6, 7(A) and 7(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the first contact portion 113 and the first contacted portion 114. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in FIG. 2. FIG. 7(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG. 1. FIG. 7(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' in FIG. 2. That is, in FIG. 7(A), the supply tray 103 is in an open state, and in FIGS. 6 and 7(B), the supply tray 103 is in a closed state.

[0032] 7(A), when the supply tray 103 is in the open state, the tip 113a of the first contact portion 113 is disposed at a position not facing the tip 114a of the first contacted portion 114, and the contact surface 113b of the first contact portion 113 does not contact the contact surface 114b of the first contacted portion 114. As a result, when the supply tray 103 is in the open state, the first contact portion 113 and the first contacted portion 114 do not restrict the movement of the supply tray 103 in the width direction A4 relative to the frame 107. Therefore, the supply tray 103 in the open state can be smoothly rotated, and the user can easily open and close the supply tray 103.

[0033] 6 and 7(B), when the supply tray 103 is in the closed state, the tip 113a of the first contact portion 113 is disposed at a position facing the tip 114a of the first contacted portion 114, and the contact surface 113b of the first contact portion 113 contacts the contact surface 114b of the first contacted portion 114. As a result, when the supply tray 103 is in the closed state, the first contact portion 113 and the first contacted portion 114 restrict movement of the supply tray 103 in the direction in which the engaging portion 111 moves away from the engaged portion 112 in the width direction A4 (to the right in FIG. 6).

[0034] In this way, when the supply tray 103 is in the closed state, the first contact portion 113 contacts the first contacted portion 114, and movement of the supply tray 103 that would cause the engaging portion 111 to move away from the engaged portion 112 is restricted. This prevents the engaging portion 111 and the engaged portion 112 from disengaging and the supply tray 103 from opening when vibration is applied to the medium conveying device 100 with the supply tray 103 in the closed state. Also, even if a gap occurs between the supply tray 103 and the frame 107 due to manufacturing variations in parts, the supply tray 103 moves in the width direction A4, disengaging the engaging portion 111 and the engaged portion 112, and preventing the supply tray 103 from opening.

[0035] In particular, the first contact portion 113 and the first contacted portion 114 have a hook shape with an internal contact surface 113b and an internal contact surface 114b, respectively. When the supply tray 103 is in a closed state, the contact surface 113b comes into contact with the first contacted portion 114, thereby restricting the movement of the supply tray 103 such that the engagement portion 111 moves away from the engagement portion 112. The hook-shaped portion can be easily formed, and the first contact portion 113 and the first contacted portion 114 can be formed simply and at low cost. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the supply tray 103 from opening in a closed state while suppressing an increase in device costs.

[0036] 6, the supply tray 103 is rotatably supported by the frame 107, that is, the first housing 101, through the hinge 108. The first contact portion 113 is disposed at a position between the hinge 108, which is the rotation axis of the supply tray 103, and the engagement portion 111. That is, the distance between the first contact portion 113 and the hinge 108 is smaller than the distance between the engagement portion 111 and the hinge 108. When the distance from the rotation axis to the first contact portion 113 in the supply tray 103 is small, the range in which the first contact portion 113 moves when the supply tray 103 rotates is small. Therefore, in a state in which the engagement portion 111 and the engaged portion 112 are engaged, even if the arrangement positions of the first contact portion 113 and the first engaged portion 114 are slightly misaligned, there is a high possibility that the first contact portion 113 and the first engaged portion 114 will be appropriately contacted. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can reduce the influence of manufacturing errors between devices and improve yields.

[0037] Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 restricts the movement of the supply tray 103 by abutting the supply tray 103 against the frame 107 using the hook-shaped first contact portion 113 and the first abutted portion 114. This allows the supply tray 103 and the frame 107 to be easily separated, and the user can easily remove the supply tray 103 from the frame 107 when cleaning the inside of the medium conveying device 100 or when a medium jam occurs. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the supply tray 103 and the frame 107. Fig. 8 shows the periphery of the second side surface 103d of the supply tray 103 in the open state, which is opposite to the first side surface 103b on which the first contact portion 113 is provided, and the periphery of the second inner side surface 107b of the frame 107, which is opposite to the first inner side surface 107a on which the first contacted portion 114 is provided.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8, a second contact portion 115 is provided on the second side surface 103d of the supply tray 103. The second contact portion 115 is an example of a contact portion. The second contact portion 115 has a protruding portion 115a formed so as to protrude from the second side surface 103d to the outside in the width direction A4 (toward the second inner side surface 107b of the frame 107). The protruding portion 115a has a cross shape and is inclined so that the central position protrudes most. In addition, a second contacted portion 116 is provided on the second inner side surface 107b of the frame 107. The second contacted portion 116 is an example of a contacted portion. The second contacted portion 116 is formed so as to protrude from the second inner side surface 107b to the inside in the width direction A4 (toward the second side surface 103d of the supply tray 103).

[0040] 9(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the second contact portion 115 and the second contacted portion 116. Fig. 9(A) is a schematic diagram of the second side surface 103d of the supply tray 103 in the open state and the periphery of the second inner side surface 107b of the frame 107 as viewed from the side. Fig. 9(B) is a schematic diagram of the second side surface 103d of the supply tray 103 in the closed state and the periphery of the second inner side surface 107b of the frame 107 as viewed from the side.

[0041] 9(A), when supply tray 103 is in the open state, protruding portion 115a of second contact portion 115 is disposed at a position not facing second contacted portion 116, and protruding portion 115a does not contact second contacted portion 116. As a result, when supply tray 103 is in the open state, second contact portion 115 and second contacted portion 116 do not restrict movement of supply tray 103 in width direction A4 relative to frame 107. Therefore, supply tray 103 in the open state can rotate smoothly, and a user can easily open and close supply tray 103.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the supply tray 103 is in the closed state, the protruding portion 115a of the second contact portion 115 is disposed at a position facing the second contacted portion 116, and the protruding portion 115a contacts the second contacted portion 116. As a result, when the supply tray 103 is in the closed state, the second contact portion 115 and the second contacted portion 116 restrict the movement of the supply tray 103 in the direction in which the engaging portion 111 moves away from the engaged portion 112 in the width direction A4 (to the right in FIG. 8). In addition, since the protruding portion 115a is inclined, the second contact portion 115 smoothly slides along the second contacted portion 116 when the supply tray 103 changes between the closed state and the open state. Therefore, the user can open and close the supply tray 103 smoothly.

[0043] In this manner, when the supply tray 103 is in the closed state, the protruding portion 115a of the second contact portion 115 contacts the second contacted portion 116, thereby restricting the movement of the supply tray 103 such that the engaging portion 111 separates from the engaged portion 112. As a result, when the medium conveying device 100 with the supply tray 103 in the closed state is subjected to vibration, the engagement between the engaging portion 111 and the engaged portion 112 is released, and the supply tray 103 is prevented from opening. In addition, the protruding portion 115a can be easily formed, and the second contact portion 115 and the second contacted portion 116 can be formed simply and at a low cost. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the supply tray 103 in the closed state from opening while preventing an increase in the device cost.

[0044] Similarly to the first contact portion 113, the second contact portion 115 is disposed at a position between the hinge 108 and the engaging portion 111 in the extending direction A5 of the supply tray 103. That is, the distance between the second contact portion 115 and the hinge 108 is smaller than the distance between the engaging portion 111 and the hinge 108. As a result, even if the positions of the second contact portion 115 and the second contacted portion 116 are slightly misaligned when the engaging portion 111 and the engaged portion 112 are engaged with each other, there is a high possibility that the second contact portion 115 and the second contacted portion 116 will be appropriately in contact with each other. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can reduce the influence of manufacturing errors for each device and improve the yield.

[0045] Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 restricts the movement of the supply tray 103 by abutting the supply tray 103 against the frame 107 using the second abutting portion 115 having the protruding portion 115a and the second abutted portion 116. This allows the supply tray 103 and the frame 107 to be easily separated, and the user can easily remove the supply tray 103 from the frame 107 when cleaning the inside of the medium conveying device 100 or when a medium jam occurs. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0047] The conveying path inside medium conveying device 100 includes a medium sensor 121, a pick roller 122, a feed roller 123, a separation roller 124, first to sixth conveying rollers 125a-f, first to sixth driven rollers 126a-f, an imaging device 127, and the like.

[0048] The number of each of the pick roller 122, the feed roller 123, the separation roller 124, the first to sixth conveyor rollers 125a-f, and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 126a-f is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 123, the separation roller 124, the first to sixth conveyor rollers 125a-f, and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 126a-f are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4.

[0049] The surface of first housing 101 facing second housing 102 forms first guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the surface of second housing 102 facing first housing 101 forms second guide 102a of the medium transport path.

[0050] The media sensor 121 is disposed on the supply tray 103, that is, upstream of the feed roller 123 and the separation roller 124, and detects the state of the medium placed on the supply tray 103. The media sensor 121 determines whether or not a medium is placed on the supply tray 103 by using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact. The media sensor 121 generates and outputs a media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the medium is placed on the supply tray 103. Note that the media sensor 121 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 121.

[0051] The pick roller 122 is provided in the second housing 102, and contacts the uppermost medium among the media placed on the supply tray 103 that has been raised to approximately the same height as the media transport path, and transports the medium downstream.

[0052] The feed roller 123 is provided in the second housing 102 downstream of the pick roller 122, and feeds the medium placed on the supply tray 103 and fed by the pick roller 122 further downstream. The separation roller 124 is provided in the first housing 101 facing the feed roller 123. The separation roller 124 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. The feed roller 123 and the separation roller 124 perform a medium separation operation, separate the media, and feed them one by one. The feed roller 123 is provided above the separation roller 124, and the medium conveying device 100 feeds the media by a so-called top-take method.

[0053] The first to sixth conveying rollers 125a-f and the first to sixth driven rollers 126a-f are provided facing each other downstream of the feeding roller 123 and the separation roller 124, and convey the medium fed by the feeding roller 123 and the separation roller 124 downstream. The sixth conveying roller 125f and the sixth driven roller 126f discharge the medium onto the discharge tray 104.

[0054] The imaging device 127 is disposed downstream of the first and second transport rollers 125a-b in the medium transport direction A2, and captures images of the medium transported by the first and second transport rollers 125a-b and the first and second driven rollers 126a-b. The imaging device 127 includes a first imaging device 127a and a second imaging device 127b disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path.

[0055] The first imaging device 127a has a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 127a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging elements, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging elements. The first imaging device 127a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0056] Similarly, the second imaging device 127b has a line sensor using a CIS of a life-size optical system type having CMOS imaging elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 127b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 127b captures the back side of the medium being transported to generate an input image and output it.

[0057] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 127a and the second imaging device 127b arranged to read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0058] The medium placed on the supply tray 103 is transported between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the medium transport direction A2 by the rotation of the pick roller 122 and the feed roller 123 in the medium feed direction A11 and A12, respectively. The medium transport device 100 has a separation mode in which the medium is separated while being fed, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is not separated and is fed. The feed mode is set by the user using the operation device 105 or an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the medium transport device 100. When the feed mode is set to the separation mode, the separation roller 124 rotates or stops in the direction of the arrow A13, i.e., in the opposite direction to the medium feed direction. This limits the feeding of media other than the separated media (prevention of double feeding). On the other hand, when the feed mode is set to the non-separation mode, the separation roller 124 rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow A13, i.e., in the medium feed direction.

[0059] The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a and sent to the imaging position of the imaging device 127 by the rotation of the first and second transport rollers 125a-b in the directions of arrows A14-A15, and is imaged by the imaging device 127. Furthermore, the medium is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 by the rotation of the third to sixth transport rollers 125c-f in the directions of arrows A16-A19, respectively.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0061] In addition to the components described above, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0062] The motor 131 includes one or more motors. The motor 131 rotates the pick roller 122, the feed roller 123, the separation roller 124, and the first to sixth transport rollers 125a-f to transport the medium and move the supply tray 103 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. The first to sixth driven rollers 126a-f may be provided to rotate according to the driving force of the motor 131, instead of being driven by the first to sixth transport rollers 125a-f.

[0063] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown, for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0064] The storage device 140 includes a memory device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The storage device 140 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the medium conveying device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), or the like.

[0065] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program previously stored in the storage device 140. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 150 may be, for example, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0066] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the medium sensor 121, the imaging device 127, the motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the motor 131, imaging control of the imaging device 127, etc., based on a medium signal received from the medium sensor 121. The processing circuit 150 acquires an input image from the imaging device 127, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 132.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0068] 12, the storage device 140 stores a control program 141, an image acquisition program 142, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The processing circuitry 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to the read program. In this way, the processing circuitry 150 functions as a control unit 151 and an image acquisition unit 152.

[0069] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0070] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 13. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140.

[0071] First, the control unit 151 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or an information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the user to read a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0072] Next, the control unit 151 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 121, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the supply tray 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If a medium is not placed on the supply tray 103, the control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0073] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the supply tray 103, the control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to raise the supply tray 103 to a position where the medium can be fed, and rotates each roller to feed and transport the medium (step S103).

[0074] Next, the control unit 151 causes the imaging device 127 to capture an image of the medium, acquires an input image from the imaging device 127, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S104).

[0075] Next, control unit 151 determines whether or not media remain in supply tray 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 121 (step S105). If media remain in supply tray 103, control unit 151 returns the process to step S104, and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S105.

[0076] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining in the supply tray 103, the control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop each roller (step S106), and ends the series of steps.

[0077] As described above in detail, when the supply tray 103 is stored in the first housing 101, the medium conveying device 100 causes the first contact portion 113 and the second contact portion 115 provided on the supply tray 103 to contact the first contacted portion 114 and the second contacted portion 116 provided on the first housing 101. This causes the medium conveying device 100 to restrict movement of the supply tray 103 that would disengage the engagement portion 111. Therefore, when the supply tray 103, which is provided so as to be able to open and close, is in a closed state, the medium conveying device 100 can satisfactorily maintain the closed state of the supply tray 103.

[0078] 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams for explaining a supply tray 203 and a frame 207 of a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0079] The medium conveying device according to this embodiment has each part of the medium conveying device 100. However, the medium conveying device has a supply tray 203 and a frame 207 instead of the supply tray 103 and the frame 107. The supply tray 203 and the frame 207 have the same structure and function as the supply tray 103 and the frame 107, respectively. However, the supply tray 203 is provided with a first abutting portion 213 instead of the first abutting portion 113, and the frame 207 is provided with a first abutted portion 214 instead of the first abutted portion 114.

[0080] The first contact portion 213 is an example of a contact portion. The first contact portion 213 is provided on the placement surface 203a so as to protrude upward when the supply tray 203 is in an open state, that is, so as to protrude in the medium conveying direction A2 when the supply tray 203 is in a closed state. The first contact portion 213 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a contact surface 213b that is substantially perpendicular to the width direction A4 on the side opposite to the side where the engagement portion 111 is provided in the width direction A4.

[0081] The first contacted portion 214 is an example of a contacted portion. The first contacted portion 214 is formed on a surface facing the placement surface 203a of the supply tray 203 in the closed state, so as to be recessed toward the medium transport direction A2. The first contacted portion 214 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a contacted surface 214b that is substantially perpendicular to the width direction A4 on the side opposite to the side on which the engaged portion 112 is provided in the width direction A4.

[0082] When the supply tray 203 is in the open state, the first contact portion 213 is disposed at a position not facing the first contacted portion 214 and does not contact the first contacted portion 214. As a result, when the supply tray 203 is in the open state, the first contact portion 213 and the first contacted portion 214 do not restrict movement of the supply tray 203 in the width direction A4 relative to the frame 207. On the other hand, when the supply tray 203 is in the closed state, the first contact portion 213 is disposed within the first contacted portion 214 and the contact surface 213b of the first contact portion 213 abuts on the contact surface 214b of the first contacted portion 214. As a result, when the supply tray 203 is in the closed state, the first contact portion 213 and the first contacted portion 214 restrict movement of the supply tray 203 in the width direction A4 in the direction in which the engaging portion 111 moves away from the engaged portion 112.

[0083] In this embodiment as well, the first contact portion 213 is provided so that the distance between the first contact portion 213 and the hinge is smaller than the distance between the engagement portion 111 and the hinge .

[0084] As described above in detail, even when the first abutting portion 213 is arranged so as to protrude and the first abutted portion 214 is arranged so as to be recessed, the medium conveying device is capable of maintaining the closed state of the supply tray 203, which is arranged to be openable and closable, when the supply tray 203 is in the closed state.

[0085] FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram for explaining a supply tray 303 of a medium conveying device according to still another embodiment.

[0086] The medium conveying device according to this embodiment has each part of the medium conveying device described above. However, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has a supply tray 303 instead of the supply tray 103 or 203. The supply tray 303 has the same structure and function as the supply tray 103 or 203. However, a second abutment part 315 is provided on the second side surface 303d of the supply tray 303 instead of the second abutment part 115. The second abutment part 315 is an example of an abutment part and has the same structure and function as the second abutment part 115. The second abutment part 315 has a protruding part 315a formed so as to protrude from the second side surface 303d to the outside in the width direction A4 (towards the second inner side surface 107b of the frame 107). The protruding part 315a has a cross shape and is inclined so that the positions between the center position and each end of the cross are most protruding.

[0087] As described above in detail, even when the second abutment portion 315 is provided, the medium conveying device is able to maintain the closed state of the supply tray 303, which is arranged to be openable and closable, when the supply tray 303 is in the closed state.

[0088] FIG. 15B is a schematic diagram for explaining a supply tray 403 of a medium conveying device according to still another embodiment.

[0089] The medium conveying device according to this embodiment has each part of the medium conveying device described above. However, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has a supply tray 403 instead of the supply tray 103 or 203. The supply tray 403 has the same structure and function as the supply tray 103 or 203. However, a second abutment portion 415 is provided on the second side surface 403d of the supply tray 403 instead of the second abutment portion 115. The second abutment portion 415 is an example of an abutment portion and has the same structure and function as the second abutment portion 115. The second abutment portion 415 has a protrusion portion 415a formed to protrude from the second side surface 403d to the outside in the width direction A4 (toward the second inner side surface 107b of the frame 107). The protruding portion 415a has a generally rectangular shape and is inclined so that one side of the rectangle (the side opposite to the side that first comes into contact with the second contacted portion 116 when the supply tray 103 changes from the open state to the closed state) protrudes.

[0090] As described above in detail, even when the second abutment portion 415 is provided, the medium conveying device is able to maintain the closed state of the supply tray 403, which is arranged to be openable and closable, when the supply tray 403 is in the closed state.

[0091] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 of a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0092] The processing circuit 550 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 550 has a control circuit 551, an image acquisition circuit 552, and the like. Note that each of these components may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0093] The control circuit 551 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 551 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 121. The control circuit 551 controls the motor 131 based on each piece of received information.

[0094] The image acquisition circuit 552 is an example of an image acquisition section, and has the same function as the image acquisition section 152. The image acquisition circuit 552 acquires an input image from the imaging device 127, and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0095] As described above in detail, even when the processing circuit 550 is used, the medium conveying device is able to maintain the supply tray, which is provided so as to be openable and closable, in a closed state when the supply tray is in the closed state.

[0096] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the engaging portion 111 may be a recess (hole), and the engaged portion 112 may be a latch. In addition, either one of the combination of the first contact portion and the first contact portion and the combination of the second contact portion and the second contact portion may be omitted. In addition, the second contact portion may have a protrusion, not the second contact portion. In addition, the frame may be provided in the second housing 102, not the first housing 101. In that case, the second housing 102 is an example of a housing. In these cases, the medium conveying device can also maintain the closed state of the supply tray, which is provided so as to be able to open and close, in a good condition when the supply tray is in a closed state.

[0097] The engaging portion, the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion may be provided on the discharge tray instead of the supply tray. In this case, the discharge tray is an example of a placement table. The discharge tray is provided on the second or first housing so as to be openable and closable, and is provided so as to be able to place a medium on the discharge tray in an open state. The frame is provided on the second or first housing so as to face the discharge tray in a closed state. The engaged portion, the first contact portion and the second contact portion are disposed on the frame so as to face the engaging portion, the first contact portion and the second contact portion when the discharge tray is in a closed state. When the discharge tray is in a closed state, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion to maintain the closed state of the discharge tray, and the contact portion contacts the contact portion to restrict movement of the discharge tray such that the engaging portion separates from the engaged portion. In this case, the medium transport device can satisfactorily maintain the closed state of the discharge tray when the discharge tray provided so as to be openable and closable is in a closed state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100 medium transport device, 101 first housing, 102 second housing, 103, 203, 303, 403 supply tray, 107, 207 frame, 111 engaging portion, 112 engaged portion, 113, 213 first abutting portion, 113b abutting surface, 114, 214 first abutting portion, 114b Abutted surface, 115, 315, 415 Second abutted part, 115a Projection part, 116 Second abutted part

Claims

1. A housing, a mounting table that is provided on the housing so as to be openable and closable by rotating about a rotation axis, and on which a medium can be placed when the mounting table is open; an engaged portion provided on the housing; an engaging portion provided on at least one side of the mounting table so as to face the engaged portion when the mounting table is in a closed state; an abutment portion provided on the housing; a contact portion provided on the mounting table, When the mounting table is in a closed state, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion to maintain the closed state of the mounting table; When the mounting table is in a closed state, the abutting portion abuts against the abutted portion, and movement of the mounting table in the extension direction of the rotation axis such that the engaging portion moves away from the engaged portion is restricted. A medium transport device characterized by:

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement portion is provided on only one side of the mounting table.

3. The abutment portion has a hook shape with an abutment surface therein, The contact portion has a hook shape with an internal contact surface, 3. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein when the mounting table is in a closed state, the contact surface comes into contact with the contacted surface, thereby restricting the movement of the mounting table.

4. The abutment portion has a protrusion, The protruding portion has a cross shape and is inclined so that the central position is most protruding, The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein when the mounting table is in a closed state, the protruding portion abuts against the abutted portion, thereby restricting the movement of the mounting table.

5. the mounting table is rotatably supported by the housing, 3. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the contact portion and the rotation shaft of the mounting table is smaller than a distance between the engagement portion and the rotation shaft.

6. The engaged portion is recessed in the extension direction of the rotation shaft, The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the engaging portion protrudes in an extending direction of the rotation shaft.

7. A medium conveying device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the abutment portion is provided at at least one end of the mounting table in the extension direction of the rotation axis.

Images