Medium transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium transport device that is capable of properly setting a detachably provided mounting table and properly guiding a medium.SOLUTION: A medium transport device has: a housing where an engaged portion is provided and which has a guide surface of a medium; a mounting table where an engaging portion engageable with the engaged portion is detachably provided on the housing and which is arranged so as to form a first angle with the guide surface when fixed to the housing; and a side guide, wherein the engaged portion is configured to restrict entry or removal of the engaging portion when the mounting surface forms a first angle with the guide surface when the mounting table is attached to or removed from the housing, and to allow entry or removal of the engaging portion when the mounting surface forms a second angle with the guide surface, and a downstream end of the side guide in a medium transport direction is provided so as not to intersect with the guide surface when the mounting surface forms the second angle with the guide surface when the mounting table is attached to or removed from the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media transport device, and more particularly to a media transport device having a mounting table. [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 on which the medium is placed may be detachably provided on a housing so that the medium can be stored compactly on a shelf or the like when not in use.

[0003] There is disclosed an original feeding table made of a plate having an original holding part for holding an original and an insertion part for engaging the original holding part with the device body by inserting it into an engagement member provided in the device body (see Patent Document 1). In this original feeding table, a cutout is provided between the original holding part and the insertion part, giving flexibility to the insertion part.

[0004] A medium feeding device is disclosed that includes a medium loading section that is detachably provided on the device body and has a loading surface on which the medium to be fed is placed, and a pair of edge guides that are provided on the medium loading section and have guide surfaces that guide side edges in the width direction (see Patent Document 2). In this medium feeding device, the edge guides include a protruding portion where at least a part of the guide surface protrudes downstream in the feeding direction from the medium loading section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2940216 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-127331 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a medium transport device in which a removable mounting table is provided, it is required to be able to properly set the mounting table and to properly guide the medium.

[0007] The purpose of the medium transport device is to enable proper setting of the detachably provided mounting table and to enable proper guidance of the medium.

[0008] A media transport device according to one aspect of an embodiment has a housing having an engaged portion and a guide surface for a medium, a mounting table having an engaging portion that is detachably attached to the housing and engageable with the engaged portion and having a media mounting surface arranged to form a first angle with the guide surface when fixed to the housing, and a side guide that is provided on the mounting surface so as to protrude downstream in the media transport direction from the mounting table and regulates the width direction of the medium, wherein the engaged portion is configured to restrict entry or removal of the engaging portion when the mounting surface forms a first angle with the guide surface when the mounting table is attached to or removed from the housing, and to allow entry or removal of the engaging portion when the mounting surface forms a second angle with the guide surface that is different from the first angle, and the downstream end of the side guide in the media transport direction is arranged so as not to intersect with the guide surface when viewed from the width direction perpendicular to the media transport direction when the mounting surface forms the second angle with the guide surface when the mounting table is attached to or removed from the housing.

[0009] According to this embodiment, the medium transport device can properly set the detachably provided mounting table and can properly guide the medium.

[0010] The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory but are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting table 103. FIG. [Diagram 3] 13(A) and 13(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining an engagement portion 103c. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a lower housing 101 and the like. [Diagram 5] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 103c and an engaged portion 101c. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 103c and an engaged portion 101c. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 103c and an engaged portion 101c. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 103c and an engaged portion 101c. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 103c and an engaged portion 101c. FIG. [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 other engaged portions 201c and the like. [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining other engaged portions 201c and the like. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining other engaged portions 301c and the like. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining other engaged portions 301c and the like. FIG. [Figure 18] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining other engaged portions 401c and the like. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 550. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a medium conveying device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure 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 embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original, and captures an image. The medium is paper, thin paper, thick paper, card, copy paper, envelope, or the like. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a printer multifunction device (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the conveyed medium may not be an original but may be a print target, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer, or the like. In FIG. 1, an arrow A1 indicates the medium conveying direction, an arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, and an arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction A1 and the width direction A2. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream of the medium conveying direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream of the medium conveying direction A1.

[0014] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, a side guide 104, a discharge table 105, an operation device 106, a display device 107, and the like.

[0015] The lower housing 101 is an example of a housing. The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 are formed of a resin material such as PS (polystyrene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the upper surface of the medium conveying device 100, and engages with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when a medium is jammed, when the inside of the medium conveying device 100 is cleaned, and the like.

[0016] The mounting table 103 engages with the lower housing 101 so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The mounting table 103 may be disposed approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. The mounting table 103 is formed of a resin material such as PS or ABS. The mounting table 103 has a medium mounting surface 103a, on which the medium to be fed and transported is placed. The mounting table 103 is detachably provided on the lower housing 101.

[0017] The side guide 104 is provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 so as to be movable in a width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The side guide 104 is positioned according to the width of the medium mounted on the mounting table 103 and regulates the width direction of the medium. In the example shown in Fig. 1, two side guides 104 are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the width direction A2. The number of side guides 104 may be one.

[0018] The ejection platform 105 engages with the upper housing 102 and places the ejected media thereon. The ejection platform 105 may also engage with the lower housing 101.

[0019] The operation device 106 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 107 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.

[0020] 2(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting table 103. Fig. 2(A) is a perspective view of the mounting table 103 removed from the lower housing 101 as viewed from above, and Fig. 2(B) is a side view of the mounting table 103 removed from the lower housing 101 as viewed from the side.

[0021] 2(A) and (B), the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 facing the lower housing 101 is provided with an engaging portion 103c that can engage with an engaged portion (described later) provided on the lower housing 101. In the example shown in Fig. 2(A), two engaging portions 103c are arranged side by side with an interval in the width direction A2. The number of engaging portions 103c may be one, or three or more.

[0022] The side guide 104 is provided so as to protrude downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from the placement table 103. By the side guide 104 protruding downstream, the medium conveying device 100 can suppress the medium from tilting during conveyance, and can suppress the occurrence of skew of the medium. The downstream end 103d of the engagement portion 103c is disposed downstream of the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104. In particular, the engagement portion 103c is provided so that the length of the engagement portion 103c protruding downstream from the downstream end 103e of the placement surface 103a is greater than the length of the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 protruding downstream from the downstream end 103e of the placement surface 103a. The engagement portion 103c is disposed at a position sufficiently separated from the downstream end 103e of the placement surface 103a (for example, 5 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or more). Further, a downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c is formed so as to protrude upward, that is, toward the placement surface 103a.

[0023] The lower surface 104b of the protruding portion of the side guide 104 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the extension surface of the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103. The lower surface 104b of the protruding portion of the side guide 104 is provided so as to be located higher, i.e., farther away from the extension surface of the mounting surface 103a, as it approaches the downstream side. The angle that the lower surface 104b of the protruding portion of the side guide 104 forms with the mounting surface 103a is set to be, for example, greater than 0° and equal to or less than 30°.

[0024] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams for explaining the engaging portion 103c. Fig. 3A is an enlarged view of the periphery of the engaging portion 103c in Fig. 2A, and Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the engaging portion 103c as viewed from below.

[0025] As shown in Figs. 3(A) and (B), an elastic claw portion 103f is provided inside the engagement portion 103c. The upstream end of the claw portion 103f is disposed on the downstream side surface of the mounting table 103, and the claw portion 103f is provided to be swingable around the upstream end as a swing axis. As shown in Fig. 3(B), a lower surface 103g of the claw portion 103f is formed so as to protrude downward, i.e., toward the opposite side of the mounting surface 103a. The engagement portion 103c and the claw portion 103f are formed integrally with the downstream side surface of the mounting table 103 by a flexible member having flexibility. The claw portion 103f swings upward when the lower surface 103g is pressed upward (toward the mounting surface 103a).

[0026] Further, a downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c is provided with a recess 103h that is engageable with a protrusion provided on the lower housing 101, which will be described later.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 from which the mounting table 103 has been removed, as viewed from the upstream side.

[0028] 4, the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 have a lower guide surface 101a and an upper guide surface 102a, respectively, for guiding a medium being transported. The lower guide surface 101a is an example of a guide surface for a medium.

[0029] In the lower housing 101, an upstream side surface 101b facing the mounting table 103 is provided with engaged portions 101c that can engage with engaging portions 103c provided on the mounting table 103. The number of engaged portions 101c is the same as the number of engaging portions, and in the example shown in Fig. 4, two engaged portions 101c that engage with two engaging portions 103c are arranged side by side with an interval in the width direction A2.

[0030] The engaged portion 101c is provided with a protrusion 101d that can engage with a recess 103h provided in the engaging portion 103c. The protrusion 101d engages with the recess 103h, so that the mounting table 103 is positioned relative to the lower housing 101 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The medium transport device 100 can position the mounting table 103 using the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c for engaging the mounting table 103 with the lower housing 101 without using a special member for positioning, so that the structure of the device can be simplified. Note that a protrusion may be provided on the engaging portion 103c, and a recess may be provided on the engaged portion 101c. In that case, the protrusion provided on the engaging portion 103c engages with the recess provided on the engaged portion 101c, so that the mounting table 103 is positioned relative to the lower housing 101 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0031] Figures 5 to 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining the relationship between the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c. Figures 5 to 9 are cross-sectional views of the periphery of the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c as viewed from the side.

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a state in which the mounting table 103 is attached and fixed to the lower housing 101. In the following, as shown in Fig. 5, the position where the mounting table 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101 and where the medium is placed is sometimes referred to as a fixed position.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the engaged portion 101c provided in the lower housing 101 includes a first engaged portion 101e and a second engaged portion 101f. The first engaged portion 101e is provided above the engaging portion 103c arranged in the engaged portion 101c so as to extend substantially parallel to the extending direction of the engaging portion 103c. A wall portion 101i and a recessed portion 101j are formed at the downstream end of the first engaged portion 101e. The second engaged portion 101f is provided below the engaging portion 103c arranged in the engaged portion 101c so as to extend substantially parallel to the height direction A3. The first engaged portion 101e and the second engaged portion 101f form an entrance of the engaging portion 103c to the engaged portion 101c. Since the upstream end 101g of the first engaged portion 101e is disposed downstream and above the upper end 101h of the second engaged portion 101f, the entrance is formed to open upstream and upward.

[0034] When the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c abuts against the wall portion 101i provided in the engaged portion 101c and fits into the recess 101j, the upper surface of the engaging portion 103c abuts against the first engaged portion 101e, and the lower surface of the engaging portion 103c abuts against the second engaged portion 101f. This causes the engaging portion 103c to engage with the engaged portion 101c. With the engaging portion 103c engaged with the engaged portion 101c, the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 abuts against the upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101. This causes the mounting table 103 to be supported and fixed to the lower housing 101.

[0035] The mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 is disposed so as to form a first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a of the lower housing 101 when the mounting table 103 is disposed at a fixed position and fixed to the lower housing 101. The first angle θ1 is, for example, 180°. That is, the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a are provided so as to be flush with each other when the mounting table 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101. This enables the medium conveying device 100 to smoothly convey the medium along the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a, thereby improving the conveyance of the medium.

[0036] The first angle θ1 is not limited to 180°, but is set to an angle within a range in which the medium can be transported (for example, a range of 150° to 180°).

[0037] Furthermore, with the mounting table 103 placed at a fixed position, the lower surface 104b of the protruding portion of the side guide 104 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the lower guide surface 101a of the lower housing 101. The lower surface 104b of the protruding portion of the side guide 104 is provided so as to be positioned higher, i.e., farther away from the lower guide surface 101a, as it approaches the downstream side. The angle that the lower surface 104b of the protruding portion of the side guide 104 forms with the lower guide surface 101a is set to be, for example, greater than 0° and equal to or less than 30°.

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a state in which the mounting table 103 is in the process of being attached to the lower housing 101. In the state shown in Fig. 6, the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a are disposed so as to form a first angle θ1 between the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting table 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101.

[0039] 6, in the thickness direction A4 perpendicular to the extension direction of the engaging portion 103c when the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the first angle θ1, the size H1 of the entrance of the lower housing 101 into the engaged portion 101c is smaller than the thickness T of the engaging portion 103c. Therefore, the engaging portion 103c is caught in the entrance of the engaged portion 101c and cannot enter the engaged portion 101c. In this way, the engaged portion 101c is configured to restrict the entrance of the engaging portion 103c when the mounting surface 103a forms the first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a, that is, when the engaging portion 103c has the same inclination as the fixed position, when the mounting surface 103a forms the first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting base 103 is attached to the lower housing 101.

[0040] 7 shows a state in which the mounting table 103 is being attached to the lower housing 101, similarly to FIG. 6. However, in the state shown in FIG. 7, the mounting table 103 is tilted with respect to the fixed position. That is, the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a are disposed so as to form a second angle θ2 different from the first angle θ1 formed by the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting table 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101. In particular, the second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1 and is set in the range of, for example, 120° to 150°.

[0041] As described above, the upstream end 101g of the first engaged portion 101e is disposed downstream and above the upper end 101h of the second engaged portion 101f, that is, in a diagonal direction with respect to the height direction A3. Therefore, the Euclidean distance between the upstream end 101g of the first engaged portion 101e and the upper end 101h of the second engaged portion 101f is sufficiently larger than the distance in the height direction A3. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, in the thickness direction A5 perpendicular to the extension direction of the engaging portion 103c in a state in which the placement surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the second angle θ2, the size H2 of the entrance to the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 is equal to or larger than the thickness T of the engaging portion 103c. Therefore, the engaging portion 103c can enter the engaged portion 101c through the entrance to the engaged portion 101c.

[0042] Fig. 8 shows a state in which the engaging portion 103c has entered the engaged portion 101c from the state shown in Fig. 7. Hereinafter, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a position in which the mounting base 103 is inclined with respect to a fixed position for mounting to the lower housing 101 may be referred to as an inclined position.

[0043] 8, when the mounting surface 103a forms a second angle θ2 with the lower guide surface 101a, the engaging portion 103c passes through an entrance to the engaged portion 101c and enters the engaged portion 101c. In this manner, the engaged portion 101c is configured to allow the engagement portion 103c to enter when the mounting surface 103a forms a second angle θ2 with the lower guide surface 101a that is different from the first angle θ1, that is, when the mounting base 103 is disposed in an inclined position, ....

[0044] That is, the entrance to the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 has a shape that allows the engaging portion 103c to enter when the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the second angle θ2. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, the entrance to the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 has a shape that prevents the engaging portion 103c from entering when the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form an angle (including the first angle θ1) outside a predetermined range with respect to the second angle θ2. This makes it possible for the medium conveying device 100 to allow or restrict the engaging portion 103c from entering the engaged portion 101c with a simple structure, and makes it possible to set the placing table 103 well while suppressing an increase in the number of steps for designing and manufacturing the medium conveying device 100.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a state in which the engaging portion 103c is further inserted into the engaged portion 101c from the state shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, the mounting table 103 is moved downstream while being tilted so that the angle between the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a approaches the first angle θ1 from the second angle θ2. As a result, the engaging portion 103c advances further into the engaged portion 101c. As described above, the lower surface 103g of the claw portion 103f is provided so as to be able to swing upward and is formed so as to protrude downward. While passing through the second engaged portion 101f, the lower surface 103g is pushed up by the upper end 101h of the second engaged portion 101f, and then, when passing through the second engaged portion 101f, it returns to its original position and engages with the second engaged portion 101f.

[0047] When inserting the engaging portion 103c of the mounting table 103 into the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101, the user can feel that the engaging portion 103c has engaged with the engaged portion 101c due to the vibration generated when the claw portion 103f engages with the second engaged portion 101f. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to prevent the user from terminating the insertion operation of the mounting table 103 when the mounting table 103 is not completely inserted into the lower housing 101, and prevents damage caused by the mounting table 103 falling, etc.

[0048] From the state shown in Fig. 9, the mounting table 103 is moved downstream until the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c abuts against the wall portion 101i, and then is tilted so that the angle between the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a becomes closer to the first angle θ1. As a result, as shown in Fig. 5, the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c fits into a recess 101j provided in the engaged portion 101c, and the engaging portion 103c engages with the engaged portion 101c. By fitting the end 103d into the recess 101j, the mounting table 103 is prevented from being removed from the lower housing 101 even if a force is mistakenly applied to the mounting table 103 in the removal direction. In addition, the upper and lower surfaces of the engaging portion 103c abut against the first engaged portion 101e and the second engaged portion 101f, respectively, and the side surface 103b of the mounting base 103 abuts against the side surface 101b of the lower housing 101, so that the mounting base 103 is stably supported and fixed to the lower housing 101.

[0049] The second angle θ2 of the mounting surface 103a when the mounting table 103 is arranged in the inclined position is set to be smaller than the first angle θ1 of the mounting surface 103a when the mounting table 103 is arranged in the fixed position. As a result, when the mounting table 103 moves (swings) from the inclined position to the fixed position, the angle of the mounting surface 103a approaches horizontal, and the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 approaches the upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101. Then, when the mounting table 103 is arranged in the fixed position, the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 abuts against the upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101, and the mounting table 103 is stably supported by the lower housing 101.

[0050] The operation of removing the mounting table 103 from the lower housing 101 is performed in the reverse order to the operation of attaching it to the lower housing 101. When the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101 as shown in Fig. 5, the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c is fitted into the recess 101j, and the engaging portion 103c cannot be removed from the engaged portion 101c.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, in the thickness direction A4 of the engaging portion 103c in a state where the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the first angle θ1, the size H1 of the entrance to the engaged portion 101c is smaller than the thickness T of the engaging portion 103c. Therefore, even if the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c is not fitted into the recess 101j, the engaging portion 103c is caught in the entrance to the engaged portion 101c and is not removed from the engaged portion 101c. In this way, the entrance to the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 has a shape that prevents the engaging portion 103c from being removed in a state where the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form an angle (including the first angle θ1) outside the predetermined range with respect to the second angle θ2. Due to the shape of this entrance, when the mounting table 103 is removed from the lower housing 101, the engaged portion 101c is configured to restrict removal of the engaging portion 103c when the mounting surface 103a forms a first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a.

[0052] The mounting table 103 is inclined from the state where it is attached to the lower housing 101 so that the angle between the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a approaches the second angle θ2 from the first angle θ1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c is disengaged from the recess 101j, and the engaging portion 103c is separated from the engaged portion 101c. From this state, as shown in FIG. 8, the mounting table 103 is inclined so that the angle between the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a becomes the second angle θ2, and as shown in FIG. 7, the engaging portion 103c is pulled out from the engaged portion 101c. In this way, the entrance of the lower housing 101 to the engaged portion 101c has a shape that allows the engaging portion 103c to be pulled out when the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the second angle θ2. Due to the shape of this entrance, the engaged portion 101c is configured to allow the engaging portion 103c to be removed when the mounting surface 103a forms a second angle θ2 with the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting base 103 is removed from the lower housing 101.

[0053] In this way, in the medium conveying device 100, the placement table 103 is provided so as to be detachable from the lower housing 101 only when it is tilted with respect to the fixed position, which is the arrangement position during use (during medium conveyance). A user can easily attach the placement table 103 to the lower housing 101 by inserting the placement table 103 into the lower housing 101 while tilting it with respect to the fixed position and then tilting it. Also, a user can easily remove the placement table 103 from the lower housing 101 by tilting the placement table 103 arranged at the fixed position. Conversely, the placement table 103 arranged at the fixed position cannot be removed from the lower housing 101 unless it is tilted. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the placement table 103 from accidentally falling when the user's hand accidentally hits the medium conveying device 100, when the user carries the medium conveying device 100, etc.

[0054] For example, the medium transport device may have some kind of locking mechanism to fix the mounting table to the housing. However, in that case, the user must perform a locking operation to lock the mounting table to the housing after attaching the mounting table to the housing, which reduces user convenience. Also, if the user forgets to lock the mounting table, there is a possibility that the mounting table will fall from the housing and be damaged.

[0055] On the other hand, in the medium conveying device 100, the user inserts the mounting table 103 in a tilted state into the lower housing 101 and then places it in a fixed position, thereby attaching the mounting table 103 to the lower housing 101 and locking it to the lower housing 101 at the same time. The user can easily perform the locking operation because the mounting table 103 is locked to the lower housing 101 during a series of attachment operations. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the user's convenience. Also, the possibility that the user will forget to place the mounting table 103 in a fixed position while inserting it into the lower housing 101 during a series of attachment operations is extremely low. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the user from forgetting to lock the mounting table 103, and can prevent the mounting table 103 from falling due to falling, etc.

[0056] The medium conveying device can also fix the removable mounting base to the housing by forming the engaging portion on the mounting base side to be in close contact (press-fitted) with the engaged portion on the housing side. However, in this case, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are subjected to stress for supporting the mounting base by joining the entire engaging portion and the entire engaged portion in addition to the weight of the mounting base. As a result, when a user sets a medium on the mounting base or when the user's hand accidentally hits the mounting base, a great deal of force is applied to the engaging portion or the engaged portion, which may cause the engaging portion or the engaged portion to be damaged. In addition, a great deal of force is required for the user to insert the engaging portion on the mounting base side into the engaged portion on the housing side, and the mounting base may not be inserted to the position where it is fixed to the housing. If the mounting base is not fixed, the medium may float or skew, which may result in a media jam. In addition, a great deal of force is also required for the user to remove the engaging portion on the mounting base side from the engaged portion on the housing side.

[0057] On the other hand, in the medium conveying device 100, only the weight of the mounting table 103 is applied to the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c. Therefore, in the medium conveying device 100, even when a user sets a medium on the mounting table 103 or when the user's hand accidentally hits the mounting table 103, the force applied to the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c is sufficiently small, and the mounting table 103 is unlikely to be damaged. In addition, as described above, since the user locks the mounting table 103 to the lower housing 101 during a series of installation operations, the user is unlikely to forget to lock the mounting table 103. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium from floating up or skewing when used in a state where the mounting table 103 is not fixed, and as a result, the medium can be prevented from jamming. Furthermore, in the medium conveying device 100, the engaging portion 103c on the mounting base 103 side and the engaged portion 101c on the lower housing 101 side are not formed to be in close contact with each other, so that the user can insert the mounting base 103 into the lower housing 101 and remove it from the lower housing 101 with a small amount of force.

[0058] As described above, the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c of the mounting table 103 is provided to protrude from the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 relative to the downstream end 103e of the mounting surface 103a. That is, the protruding amount of the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 is sufficiently smaller than the protruding amount of the downstream end 103d of the engaging portion 103c of the mounting table 103. Furthermore, the engaging portion 103c is disposed at a position sufficiently distant from the downstream end 103e of the mounting surface 103a. Moreover, the lower surface 104b of the protruding portion of the side guide 104 is provided to be farther away from the lower guide surface 101a as it approaches the downstream side.

[0059] 5 and 7 to 9, the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 does not come into contact with the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101 or when it is removed from the lower housing 101. That is, the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 in the medium transport direction is provided so as not to intersect with the lower guide surface 101a when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction when the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101 or when it is removed from the lower housing 101. In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 in the medium transport direction is provided so as not to intersect with the lower guide surface 101a when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction when the mounting surface 103a forms a second angle θ2 with the lower guide surface 101a.

[0060] Therefore, in the medium conveying device 100, there is no need to form a hole in the lower guide surface 101a for retracting the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 when the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can form the lower guide surface 101a flat, and can satisfactorily guide the medium along the flat lower guide surface 101a.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0062] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, an imaging device 116, a first discharge roller 117, and a second discharge roller 118.

[0063] The number of each of the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyor roller 114, second conveyor roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first conveyor roller 114, second conveyor roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0064] The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide surface 101a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide surface 102a of the medium transport path.

[0065] The media sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The media sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor, and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the media sensor 111 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 111.

[0066] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom up. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, disposed opposite the feed roller 112, and rotates in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction.

[0067] The first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and facing each other, and transport the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116.

[0068] The imaging device 116 is disposed downstream of the first conveying roller 114 and captures an image of the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 114. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b disposed opposite each other across the medium conveying path. The first imaging device 116a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 116a captures an image of the surface of the medium being conveyed, generates an input image, and outputs it, according to control from a processing circuit described later.

[0069] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b 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 116b 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 116b captures the back side of the medium being conveyed under the control of a processing circuit described later, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0070] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b 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.

[0071] The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are arranged facing each other downstream of the imaging device 116, and discharge the medium that has been transported by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 and imaged by the imaging device 116 onto the discharge tray 105.

[0072] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a in the medium transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of the arrow A6 in Fig. 10, i.e., the medium feed direction. When feeding the medium, the separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of the arrow A7, i.e., the opposite direction to the medium feed direction. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that is in contact with the feed roller 112. This limits the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0073] The medium is fed between the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 while being guided by the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b as the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of the arrows A8 and A9, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 116 is discharged onto the discharge tray 105 as the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of the arrows A10 and A11, respectively.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The motor 131 has one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and second discharge roller 118 to convey the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. Note that one of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller. Also, one of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller.

[0077] 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 device 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 device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 106, the display device 107, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls each of these components. Based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111, the processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the motor 131, image capture control of the imaging device 116, etc., acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 132.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0082] 10, 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.

[0083] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0084] 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.

[0085] First, the control unit 151 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 106 or an information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the user to read a medium is received from the operation device 106 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0086] Next, control unit 151 acquires a medium signal from medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on mounting table 103, control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0087] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the first discharge roller 117 and / or the second discharge roller 118 (step S103). The control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to rotate each roller and convey the medium.

[0088] Next, the control unit 151 causes the imaging device 116 to capture an image of the medium, acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S104).

[0089] Next, control unit 151 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 111 (step S105). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 151 returns the process to step S104, and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S105.

[0090] On the other hand, if no media remain on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the first discharge roller 117 and / or the second discharge roller 118 (step S106). The control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop each roller, and ends the series of steps.

[0091] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device 100, the mounting table 103 is provided so as to be inserted into the lower housing 101 only in a tilted state, and is provided so that the downstream end 104a of the side guide 104 does not abut against the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting table 103 is tilted. This allows the detachable mounting table 103 to be properly set in the medium conveying device 100, and allows the medium to be properly guided.

[0092] In particular, with medium conveying device 100, the user can easily set mounting table 103 in lower housing 101 without complex operations or excessive insertion force. Similarly, with medium conveying device 100, the user can easily remove mounting table 103, and can easily remove mounting table 103 for compact storage when not in use, and can easily remove mounting table 103 for recovery when a media jam occurs.

[0093] Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent damage to the mounting table 103 when a user's hand accidentally bumps into the medium conveying device 100, when the user carries the medium conveying device 100, or when the user performs a user operation such as setting a medium on the mounting table 103. In particular, the mounting table 103 is provided so as to be removed by tilting it upward. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the mounting table 103 from falling and being damaged when a force is applied downward to set a medium on the mounting table 103 or when a force is applied to the mounting table 103 in a direction parallel to the lower guide surface 101a.

[0094] 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams for explaining an engaged portion 201c and an engaging portion 203c in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment. Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 are cross-sectional views of the periphery of the engaged portion 201c and the engaging portion 203c as viewed from the side.

[0095] 14 and 15, in the medium conveying device of this embodiment, an engaging portion 203c is provided on a downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 instead of the engaging portion 103c. Also, an engaged portion 201c that can engage with the engaging portion 203c is provided on an upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101 instead of the engaged portion 101c.

[0096] The engaging portion 203c has a similar configuration to the engaging portion 103c. However, the engaging portion 203c protrudes from the side surface 103b so as to be positioned upward toward the downstream side, and the downstream end 203d of the engaging portion 203c is formed so as to protrude downward. An elastic claw portion 203f is provided inside the engaging portion 203c.

[0097] The engaged portion 201c has a similar configuration to the engaged portion 101c. However, the engaged portion 201c includes a first engaged portion 201e and a second engaged portion 201f. The first engaged portion 201e is provided below the engaging portion 203c arranged in the engaged portion 201c so as to extend substantially parallel to the extending direction of the engaging portion 203c. A wall portion 201i and a recessed portion 201j are formed at the downstream end of the first engaged portion 201e. The second engaged portion 201f is provided above the engaging portion 203c arranged in the engaged portion 201c so as to extend substantially parallel to the height direction A3. The first engaged portion 201e and the second engaged portion 201f form an entrance of the engaging portion 203c to the engaged portion 201c. Since the upstream end 201g of the first engaged portion 201e is disposed downstream and below the lower end 201h of the second engaged portion 201f, the inlet is formed to open upstream and downward.

[0098] 14, the downstream end 203d of the engaging portion 203c abuts against the wall portion 201i and fits into the recess 201j, whereby the engaging portion 203c engages with the engaged portion 201c. However, since the mounting table 103 is supported on the lower housing 101 only by the end 203d and the recess 201j, the mounting table 103 of this embodiment is less stable than the mounting table 103 of the medium transport device 100.

[0099] The mounting surface 103a of the mounting base 103 is disposed so as to form a first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a of the lower housing 101 when the mounting base 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101. The engaged portion 201c is configured to restrict the insertion or removal of the engaging portion 203c when the mounting surface 103a forms the first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting base 103 is attached to the lower housing 101 or when the mounting base 103 is removed from the lower housing 101.

[0100] On the other hand, in the state shown in Fig. 15, the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a are disposed to form a second angle θ3 different from the first angle θ1. The second angle θ3 is larger than the first angle θ1 and is set, for example, in the range of 210° to 240°. As shown in Fig. 15, the engaged portion 201c is configured to allow the engagement portion 203c to enter or withdraw when the mounting surface 103a forms the second angle θ3 with the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting base 103 is attached to or detached from the lower housing 101.

[0101] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device, even when the second angle θ3 is set to be greater than the first angle θ1, the detachably provided mounting table 103 can be set properly and the medium can be guided properly.

[0102] 16 and 17 are schematic diagrams for explaining an engaged portion 301c and an engaging portion 303c in a medium conveying device according to still another embodiment. Figures 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of the periphery of the engaged portion 301c and the engaging portion 303c as viewed from the side.

[0103] 16 and 17, in the medium conveying device of this embodiment, an engaging portion 303c is provided on a downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 instead of the engaging portion 103c. Also, an engaged portion 301c that can engage with the engaging portion 303c is provided on an upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101 instead of the engaged portion 101c.

[0104] The engaging portion 303c has a similar configuration to the engaging portion 103c, except that the engaging portion 303c does not have the elastic claw portion 103f, and instead has a recess 303i on the lower surface of the engaging portion 303c.

[0105] The engaged portion 301c has a similar configuration to the engaged portion 101c. However, the engaged portion 301c includes a second engaged portion 301f instead of the second engaged portion 101f. The second engaged portion 301f includes a first surface 301k and a second surface 301l. The first surface 301k and the second surface 301l are provided below the engaging portion 303c arranged in the engaged portion 301c. The first surface 301k and the second surface 301l extend approximately parallel to the height direction A3 and the extending direction of the engaging portion 303c, respectively, and are provided to have an L-shape. The second surface 301l has elasticity and is provided to be swingable with the upstream end connected to the first surface 301k as the swing axis. The second surface 301l swings downward by being pressed from above by the engaging portion 303c. Further, a downstream end 301m of the second surface 301l is formed so as to protrude upward.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 17, when the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101 or detached from the lower housing 101, the engaging portion 303c enters the engaged portion 301c or is removed from the engaged portion 301c in a tilted state. While the engaging portion 303c moves along the second surface 301l, the second surface 301l is pressed down by the engaging portion 303c. When the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101, the recess 303i provided on the lower surface of the engaging portion 303c moves to a position facing the downstream end 301m of the second engaged portion 301f, and engages with the end 301m as shown in Fig. 16.

[0107] When the engaging portion 303c enters the engaged portion 301c, the user can feel that the engaging portion 303c has engaged with the engaged portion 301c due to the vibration caused when the end portion 301m engages with the recess 303i. This makes it possible for the medium transport device to prevent the user from terminating the insertion operation of the mounting table 103 when the mounting table 103 is not completely inserted into the lower housing 101, and thus makes it possible to prevent damage caused by the mounting table 103 falling, etc.

[0108] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device, even when the engaged portion 301c on the lower housing 101 side is configured to be elastic, the detachably provided mounting table 103 can be set properly, and the medium can be guided properly.

[0109] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaged portion 401c and an engaging portion 403c in a medium conveying device according to still another embodiment. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of the engaged portion 401c as viewed from above.

[0110] 18, in the medium conveying device of the present embodiment, an engaging portion 403c is provided in place of the engaging portion 103c in the placement table 103. Also, an engaged portion 401c that can be engaged with the engaging portion 403c is provided in place of the engaged portion 101c in the lower housing 101.

[0111] The engaging portion 403c has a similar configuration to the engaging portion 103c. However, the elastic claw portion 103f is not provided inside the engaging portion 403c, and instead, the elastic claw portion 403f is provided outside the engaging portion 403c. The upstream end of the claw portion 403f is disposed on the downstream side surface of the mounting table 103, and the claw portion 403f is provided to be swingable about the upstream end as a swing axis. The lower surface 403g of the claw portion 403f is formed to protrude downward. The claw portion 403f swings upward when the lower surface 403g is pressed upward.

[0112] The engaged portion 401c has a similar configuration to the engaged portion 101c. Furthermore, the lower housing 101 is provided with a receiving portion 401n on the outer side of the engaged portion 401c, the receiving portion 401n engaging with the claw portion 403f.

[0113] When inserting the engaging portion 403c of the mounting table 103 into the engaged portion 401c of the lower housing 101, the user can feel that the engaging portion 403c has engaged with the engaged portion 401c due to the vibration caused when the claw portion 403f engages with the receiving portion 401n. This makes it possible for the medium transport device to prevent the user from terminating the insertion operation of the mounting table 103 when the mounting table 103 is not completely inserted into the lower housing 101, and thus makes it possible to prevent damage caused by the mounting table 103 falling, etc.

[0114] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device, even when the claw portion 403f is provided on the outside of the engagement portion 403c, the detachably provided mounting table 103 can be set properly, and the medium can be guided properly.

[0115] 19 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment. 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. Each of these components may be formed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0116] 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 106 or the interface device 132, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111. The control circuit 551 controls the motor 131 based on each piece of information received.

[0117] 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 116, and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0118] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device, even when the processing circuit 550 is used, the detachably provided mounting table 103 can be set properly, and the medium can be guided properly.

[0119] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in the medium conveying device, the engaged portion provided on the upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101 may have a protruding shape protruding from the side surface 101b, and the engaging portion provided on the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 may have a concave shape. In this case as well, the engaging portion and the engaged portion engage with each other, and the mounting table 103 is supported by the lower housing 101. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100 medium conveying device, 101 lower housing, 101a lower guide surface, 101c, 201c, 301c, 401c engaged portion, 101d protrusion, 103 placement table, 103a placement surface, 103c, 203c, 303c, 403c engagement portion, 103h recess, 104 side guide

Claims

1. a housing provided with an engaged portion and having a guide surface for a medium; a mounting table having an engaging portion that is detachably attached to the housing and that is engageable with the engaged portion, and a medium mounting surface that is disposed so as to form a first angle with the guide surface when the mounting table is fixed to the housing; a side guide provided on the placement surface so as to protrude downstream in a medium transport direction from the placement table and regulates a width direction of the medium; the engaged portion is configured to restrict insertion or removal of the engaging portion when the placement surface forms the first angle with the guide surface when the placement stand is attached to or removed from the housing, and to allow insertion or removal of the engaging portion when the placement surface forms a second angle with the guide surface different from the first angle, a downstream end of the side guide in the medium transport direction is arranged so as not to intersect with the guide surface as viewed from a width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction when the placement surface forms the second angle with the guide surface when the placement table is attached to or detached from the housing. A medium transport device comprising:

2. 2. The medium transport device of claim 1, wherein an entrance to the engaged portion of the housing has a shape such that the engaging portion can enter or be removed when the placement surface and the guide surface form the second angle, but the engaging portion cannot enter or be removed when the placement surface and the guide surface form an angle outside a specified range with respect to the second angle.

3. 3. A media transport device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement portion is configured so that the length by which it protrudes downstream in the media transport direction from the loading surface is greater than the length by which the downstream end of the side guide in the media transport direction protrudes downstream in the media transport direction from the loading surface.

4. The medium transport device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the placement surface and the guide surface are arranged to form an angle in the range of 150° or more and 180° or less when the placement table is fixed to the housing.

5. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the second angle is smaller than the first angle.

6. A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a protrusion provided on one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion engages with a recess provided on the other of the engaging portion and the engaged portion, thereby positioning the placement stand relative to the housing in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

7. A media transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the mounting table is fixed to the housing, the underside of the portion of the side guide that protrudes downstream in the media transport direction is arranged so as to move away from the guide surface the further downstream in the media transport direction.

Images