Image reading device

Abstract

To make a reading part 5 read images in series by conveying a conveyance passage 2 in series as one job, even when a first medium 301 and a second medium 302 are mixed.SOLUTION: An image reading device 1 comprises: a medium placement part 14 capable of placing a plurality of media 3 including a first medium and a second medium; a conveyance part 9 for conveying the media 3; a conveyance passage 2 through which each medium passes; a reading part 5 for reading an image of each of the media 3, that is arranged in the conveyance passage; and a control part 71. The conveyance passage comprising: a straight passage 45; a U-turn passage 46 where each of the media 3 is reversed and conveyed, that is branched from the straight passage; and a switching part 47 for switching between the U-turn passage and the straight passage, comprises a specific information acquisition part 49 for acquiring specific information A, B, C about specification of each of the conveyed media 3, that is arranged on an upper stream side than the switching part of the conveyance passage. The control part 71 operates the switching part 47 based on the specific information A, B, C to make each of the media 3 pass through either the straight passage or the U-turn passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of device is described in Patent Document 1. The device in Patent Document 1 discloses that the documents to be discharged onto the straight discharge path are preset, and switching control is performed so that only the preset documents are discharged onto the straight discharge path, and the other documents are discharged onto the U-turn discharge path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-206841 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The control disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems: The user needs to set in advance the order in which documents are to be discharged onto the straight discharge path, which takes time for the setting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the image reading device of the present invention comprises a medium mounting section capable of mounting a plurality of media including a first medium and a second medium different from the first medium, a transport section which transports each of the mounted media in a transport direction, a transport path through which each of the transported media passes, a reading section which is disposed on the transport path and reads an image of each of the transported media, and a control section, wherein the transport path has a straight path through which each of the transported media is transported in a straight line, a U-turn path which branches off from the straight path and through which each of the media is transported inverted, and a switching section which switches between the U-turn path and the straight path, and further comprises a specific information acquisition section which is disposed upstream of the switching section on the transport path and acquires specific information regarding the identification of each of the transported media, and the control section operates the switching section based on the specific information to cause each of the media to pass through either the straight path or the U-turn path. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the main components of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment, as viewed from the side; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part of the embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main portion showing a power transmission path according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main portion showing a power transmission path according to the embodiment, as viewed from a different direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a main portion showing a power transmission path according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a nip pressure switching portion of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of a nip pressure switching portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 11A] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation of a nip pressure switching unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11B] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation of a nip pressure switching unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11C] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an operation of a nip pressure switching unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of a sensor portion that senses the position of a cam in the embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of a sensor portion that senses the position of a cam in the embodiment. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a state in which multiple mixed media are arranged in a horizontal row in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing one form of image data and a file read in the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing one form of image data and a file read in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing one form of image data and a file read in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The present invention will first be briefly described below. In order to solve the above problem, an image reading device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a medium mounting section capable of mounting a plurality of media including a first medium and a second medium different from the first medium, a transport section which transports each of the mounted media in a transport direction, a transport path through which each of the transported media passes, a reading section which is disposed on the transport path and reads an image of each of the transported media, and a control section, wherein the transport path has a straight path through which each of the transported media is transported in a straight line, a U-turn path which branches off from the straight path and through which each of the media is transported inverted, and a switching section which switches between the U-turn path and the straight path, and further comprises a specific information acquisition section which is disposed upstream of the switching section on the transport path and acquires specific information regarding the identification of each of the transported media, and the control section operates the switching section based on the specific information to cause each of the media to pass through either the straight path or the U-turn path. Here, the "specific information" in "specific information regarding the identity of each of the media being transported" refers to information that can be used to determine whether the media should take the straight path or the U-turn path, such as the thickness, size, surface properties, etc. of the media.

[0008] According to this aspect, the control unit is configured to operate the switching unit based on the specific information of each of the media acquired by the specific information acquisition unit, and to pass each of the media through either the straight path or the U-turn path. That is, even if a first medium that can pass through the U-turn path and a second medium that is not preferable to pass through the U-turn path and is discharged outside the device through the straight path are mixed and loaded on the medium loading unit, the control unit automatically switches to pass through either the straight path or the U-turn path based on the specific information. As a result, even if the first medium and the second medium are "mixed," the media can be transported along the transport path in a series as one job, and the images can be read by the reading unit in a series. Therefore, the user does not need to previously set the order of the media to be passed along the straight path, reducing the setup time and improving the usability of the image reading device.

[0009] A second aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, wherein the transport section has a feed roller that transports each of the media placed on the medium loading section in the transport direction, a separation roller that nips each of the media between the feed roller and the medium to separate the media, and a nip pressure switching section that switches the nip pressure for each of the media, and the control section operates the nip pressure switching section based on the specific information to switch the nip pressure according to each of the media. Here, "separation of media" in "a separation roller that nips each medium between itself and the feed roller to separate the media" means that when multiple media are fed overlappingly, only one medium in contact with the feed roller is fed in the transport direction, and the other media are not fed.

[0010] For example, when the nip pressure of the separation roller is set to a value suitable for separating a medium called plain paper, and a medium called thin paper that is thinner than the plain paper is fed, the following problem may occur: That is, the nip pressure of the separation roller is too heavy for the thin paper, and the leading edge of the thin paper may not be able to advance in the transport direction beyond the nip position of the separation roller, causing a jam called a paper jam. However, according to this aspect, the control unit is configured to operate the nip pressure switching unit based on the specific information to switch the nip pressure according to each of the media, which allows separation to be performed with a nip pressure appropriate for the type of medium, such as plain paper or thin paper, thereby reducing the risk of jamming.

[0011] A third aspect of the image reading device according to the present invention is dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the control unit adds the specific information to image data of each image read by the reading unit from each of the media, and generates the image data into a file based on the specific information. Note that this aspect can also be dependent on the second aspect.

[0012] According to this aspect, as described above, even if it is not preferable to pass the U-turn path through the media loading section and a mixture of media is loaded to be discharged outside the device through the straight path, the media can be transported in a series as one job and the images can be read in a series by the reading section, in addition to the effect of the first aspect that can be obtained, the following effect can be further obtained. In other words, the specific information is added to the image data of each image read by the reading unit from each medium, so that the user can create the desired file based on the specific information added to the image data.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized in that the control unit further adds information of the reading order of each of the media by the reading unit to the image data, and generates the image data in a single file in the reading order.

[0014] According to this aspect, the control unit further adds information on the reading order of each of the media to the image data, and generates the image data in one file in the reading order. That is, the image data is saved as one file with numbers assigned in the reading order. This makes it easier for a user to use the image data read by the reading unit, since it is saved as one file, compared to a case where the image data is saved individually as two or more files.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized in that the control unit generates the image data of each of the media into a single file by grouping the specific information.

[0016] According to this aspect, the control unit generates a single file by grouping the image data of each medium by the specific information. That is, the image data is stored as a single file by grouping the specific information, not by the reading order. This makes it easier for a user to use the image data read by the reading unit.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is a dependent aspect from the third aspect, and is characterized in that the control unit divides the image data for each piece of specific information and generates it into multiple files.

[0018] According to this aspect, the control unit divides the image data for each of the specific information and generates a plurality of files. That is, the image data is divided for each of the specific information and saved as a plurality of files. This makes it easy for a user to use the image data read by the reading unit.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fifth or sixth aspect, and is characterized in that the image data further includes, in addition to the specific information, information on the reading order of each of the media.

[0020] According to this aspect, in addition to the identification information, information on the reading order of each of the media is further added to the image data, which makes it easier for a user to use the image data read by the reading unit.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the image reading device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the control unit saves the image data read by the reading unit from each of a plurality of media including the first medium and the second medium in one job as a single file. This aspect can also be subordinate to the second aspect. Here, "one job" means a set of operation steps from when the image reading device starts conveying the first medium placed on the medium placement unit in the conveying direction and reading the image, to when the conveying and image reading are completed, with the second and subsequent mediums being conveyed and read continuously. This set of operation steps may be determined by allowing the user to preset the number of sheets whose images are to be read continuously, or may be determined as all of the media placed on the medium placement unit.

[0022] According to this aspect, the control unit saves the image data read by the reading unit from each of the multiple media in one job, where the first medium and the second medium are mixed, as one file. This provides the effect of the first aspect described above, and further improves usability when the user uses the image data read by the reading unit, since the image data is saved as one file, compared to when the image data is saved individually as two or more files.

[0023] [Embodiment] An image reading device according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as shown in each figure. The directions indicated by the arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) are the + directions of each direction, and the opposite directions are the - directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts, the +Z direction indicates a vertical upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates a vertical downward direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction indicates the front direction of the device, and the -Y direction indicates the rear direction of the device. The +X direction indicates the right direction of the device, and the -X direction indicates the left direction of the device.

[0024] <Overall structure of image reading device> First, the overall structure of the image reading device according to the embodiment of the invention will be described. The image reading device 1 of this embodiment is a scanner capable of reading an image on a medium. Here, the image means something that is visually recorded on the medium, such as characters, figures, tables, pictures, photographs, etc. The medium is not limited to sheets, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment includes a reading unit 5 that reads an image on a medium 3. Here, the reading unit 5 is composed of two units, a first reading unit 51 and a second reading unit 52. The image reading device 1 further includes a first transport roller 4 that transports the medium 3 in a transport direction F along a transport path 2, and a second transport roller 6 that transports the medium 3 in the transport direction F upstream of the first reading unit 51, a second transport roller 6 that transports the medium 3 upstream of the second reading unit 52 that is located downstream of the first reading unit 51, and a third transport roller 8 that transports the medium 3 downstream of the second reading unit 52. The first transport roller 4, the second transport roller 6, and the third transport roller 8 are each composed of a pair of a drive roller and a driven roller, and each drive roller is rotated by the power of a motor as a drive source (not shown).

[0025] A roller pair consisting of a feed roller 10 and a separation roller 7 is disposed upstream of the first transport roller 4 in the transport direction F. The feed roller 10 is a drive roller that rotates by the power of a motor serving as a drive source (not shown), and transports the medium 3 in the transport direction F. The separation roller 7 functions as a separation section that separates one sheet from multiple sheets of media to prevent multiple feeding and transport the medium 3. The separation roller 7 rotates in a second rotation direction R2 ( FIG. 1 ) that transports the medium 3 upstream in the transport direction F by the power of a motor serving as the drive source 15. The separation roller 7 is equipped with a torque limiter (not shown), and when transporting one separated sheet of media 3 in the transport direction F, a torque exceeding a set value is applied to the torque limiter, causing the separation roller 7 to rotate in a first rotation direction R1 that transports the medium 3 downstream in the transport direction F. The feed roller 10 and the separation roller 7 are provided at the center in the width direction of the medium 3. The separation roller 7 will be described in further detail below.

[0026] A pick roller 12 is disposed upstream of the separation roller 7. The pick roller 12 is a drive roller that is rotated by the power of the same drive source as the feed roller 10, and transports the medium 3 in the transport direction F. In this embodiment, a curved inversion path 18 is provided downstream of the third transport roller 8. In the curved inversion path 18, a fourth transport roller 20, a fifth transport roller 22, and a discharge roller 24 are arranged in this order along the transport direction F. The rollers 20, 22, and 24 are rotated by power from a drive source (not shown).

[0027] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 14 denotes a medium placement section on which the medium 3 to be read is set, that is, placed, and reference numeral 16 denotes a discharge receiving section onto which the medium 3 after reading is discharged. Here, the medium placement unit 14 is configured to move up and down. When the medium 3 set on the medium placement unit 14 is to be sent in the transport direction F, the medium placement unit 14 first moves upward (in the +Z direction) and stops with the topmost set medium 3 in contact with the pick roller 12. In this state, the pick roller 12 rotates to send the medium 3 in the transport direction F, and the leading edge of the medium 3 reaches the nip position 26 of the roller pair of the feed roller 10 and the separation roller 7.

[0028] In the case of a multiple-feed state in which multiple sheets of medium 3 are fed, the sheets are separated into one by separation roller 7, and that one sheet is transported in transport direction F by first transport roller 4, and the image on the first side of medium 3 is read by first reading unit 51. Furthermore, medium 3 that has been read by first reading unit 51 is transported by second transport roller 6, and the image on the second side of medium 3, which is opposite to the first side, is read by second reading unit 52. The medium 3 that has been read by the second reading unit 52 is sent to the curved inversion path 18 by the third transport roller 8, transported by the fourth transport roller 20 and the fifth transport roller 22, and discharged to the discharge receiving unit 16 by the discharge roller 24. The medium loading section 14 is moved upward, the transport of the medium 3 is started by the pick roller 12, the medium is separated into one sheet of medium by the feed roller 10 and the separation roller 7, and is further transported in the transport direction F where the image is read by each reading section 51, 52, and the series of operations of further transport in the transport direction F are controlled and executed by the control section 71.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 1 includes a transport unit 9 that transports a medium 3 set on a medium placement unit 14 in a transport direction F. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3A, and Fig. 3B, the conveying unit 9 includes a driving source 15, a conveying path 2 along which the medium 3 is conveyed in the conveying direction F between a first path surface 11 and a second path surface 13 located away from the first path surface 11, a plurality of protruding portions 17 protruding from the first path surface 11 and arranged in a width direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the conveying direction F, and a moving unit 19 between the first path surface 11 and the second path surface 13, which increases or decreases the protruding amount of the protruding portion 17 relative to the first path surface 11 by transmitting the power of the driving source 15. Figs. 3A and 3B show a structure in which the protruding portion 17 has two protruding amounts. In Fig. 3A, the protruding amount of the protruding portion 17 is larger than that in Fig. 3B. The protruding portion 17 is disposed between the separation roller 7 and the reading unit 51 in the conveying direction F (Fig. 1).

[0030] Further, a plurality of holes (not shown) are formed in the first path surface 11, and each protrusion 17 protrudes from each hole toward the second path surface 13. A tip surface 29 of each protrusion 17 facing the second path surface 13 functions as a guide surface that guides the transport of the medium 3. By increasing or decreasing the amount of protrusion of the protrusion portion 17 depending on the thickness of the medium 3 being transported, i.e., a small amount of protrusion for medium 3 called thick paper, a medium amount of protrusion for medium 3 called plain paper, and a large amount of protrusion for medium 3 called thin paper, the function of the guide surface can be properly performed and media 3 of each thickness can be transported stably. The transport section 9 will be described in more detail below.

[0031] In this embodiment, the moving portion 19 includes a contact portion 23 that can come into contact with the protruding portion 17. Here, the contact portion 23 is configured with a cam fixed to the rotating shaft 33, but is not limited to a cam. 2, the protruding portion 17 includes a plurality of protruding portions 25 provided in a width direction (X-axis direction) intersecting with the transport direction F, a support portion 27 that supports the protruding portions 25, and a contacted portion 28 that contacts the contact portion 23. At least a portion of the moving portion 19 is disposed so as to overlap with the driving source 15 when viewed from the transport direction F, as shown in FIG. 2 and 3A, in this embodiment, the protrusion 25 has an inclined surface 32 that guides the leading edge of the medium 3 in the direction along the transport direction F. The protrusion 25 is configured such that the more the protrusion 25 moves in the direction increasing the amount of protrusion, the more the inclined surface 32 is exposed.

[0032] Although a structure in which the protruding portion 17 has two protruding amounts is shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the protruding portion 17 may have three protruding amounts as follows. The movable portion 19 is configured so that the protrusion amount of the protrusion 17 can be in a minimum state, a maximum state, or a state between the minimum and maximum states. The state in which the protrusion amount is at a minimum corresponds to the case in which a thick medium 3, such as thick paper, is transported. In this case, the distance between the tip surface 29 of the protrusion 25 and the second path surface 13 is at a maximum. The state in which the protrusion amount is at its maximum corresponds to the case in which a thin medium 3, for example, called thin paper, is transported. In this case, the distance between the tip surface 29 of the protrusion 25 and the second path surface 13 becomes the minimum distance. The state in which the protrusion amount is between the minimum and maximum corresponds to the case in which the medium 3, which is called plain paper and has a thickness between the thick paper and the thin paper, is transported. The distance between the tip surface 29 of the protrusion 25 and the second path surface 13 is between the maximum and minimum. It should be noted that the above three classifications are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0033] 2, in this embodiment, the contact portion 23 includes a first contact portion 231 and a second contact portion 232. The contacted portion 28 includes a first contact portion 281 and a second contact portion 282. The first contact portion 231 and the first contact portion 281 are disposed opposite the second contact portion 232 and the second contact portion 282 with respect to the reference position in the width direction. Here, the reference position is the central position in the width direction of the protruding portion 17. Note that the first contact portion 231 and the first contacted portion 281 are not required to be disposed symmetrically at an equal distance from the central position, and it is sufficient that they are not disposed biased to one side.

[0034] As shown in Figs. 2, 3A, and 3B, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 17 is configured to be fixed at least at two positions in the protruding direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the abutment portion 23, which is formed by the cam of the moving portion 19, is in contact with and pressing the abutted portion 28, which serves as a cam follower, the tip surface 29 of the protrusion portion 17 takes on a first position protruding in the protruding direction. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3B, when the abutting portion 23 moves away from the abutted portion 28, the protruding portion 17 is pushed back by the elastic force of the spring 34, and the tip surface 29 of the protruding portion 17 takes a second position that is farther from the second path surface 13 than the first position. This second position is realized by the top surface 36 of the protruding portion 17 coming into contact with and stopping at a stopper 35 having a fixed structure, as shown in Fig. 3B. In addition, when the tip surface 29 of the protrusion 17 is spaced from the second path surface 13 in three positions, this can be realized by configuring the structure of the contact portion 23 as a cam and the contacted portion 28 as a cam follower so that they can take three positions. Furthermore, they may be spaced in four or more positions.

[0035] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a plurality of convex portions 43 that convex toward the upstream side are provided on an upstream side portion of a holder 42 of the reading unit 5 in the transport direction F. A portion of each protrusion 43 facing the second path surface 13 is formed as an inclined surface 44. The inclined surface 44 guides the leading edge of the medium 3 being transported so as to move along the transport direction F.

[0036] 2, 3A, and 3B, the moving part 19 is driven by power transmitted from the driving source 15. That is, the contact part 23 serving as a cam is rotationally driven, and the protrusion amount of the protrusion part 17 is increased or decreased by the rotational drive. 2, power is transmitted from a motor pinion 37 of the driving source 15 via a gear train 38 to rotate a first gear 39. The rotation of the first gear 39 is transmitted to a second gear 41 by a transmission belt 40. When the second gear 41 rotates, the rotating shaft 33 rotates integrally with the second gear 41 about its axis, causing the contact portion 23 to rotate.

[0037] <Straight route, U-turn route, switching section> As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a straight path 45 having a straight shape that transports the medium 3 read by the reading unit 5 in the transport direction F without curving or reversing it, a U-turn path 46 having a U-turn shape that transports the read medium in the transport direction F after curving or reversing it, and a switching unit 47 that switches between the straight path 45 and the U-turn path 46. 3A, when the protrusion 17 is in a position to transport a medium 3 (first medium 301) such as plain paper, the switching unit 47 takes a position that allows the first medium 301 to be transported to the U-turn path 46. On the other hand, when the protrusion 17 is in a position to transport a medium 3 (second medium 302) such as cardboard or a booklet that is thicker than the first medium 301, as shown in FIG. 3B, the switching unit 47 takes a position that allows the second medium 302 to be transported to the straight path 45. The straight path 45 is used for a second medium 302 called thick paper or the like that is not preferable for passing through the U-turn path 46, a medium 3 called extra thick paper that is transported in a manual feed mode described later, and a medium 3 called a booklet. The U-turn path 46 is used for a first medium 301 called plain paper, a medium 3 called thin paper, and the like that are unlikely to become clogged in the transport path 2 even if they are transported while being curved and inverted.

[0038] 4, the present embodiment includes a power transmission path 48 that transmits the power of the driving source 15 to the switching unit 47. When the driving source 15 rotates in one direction, for example, when the driving source 15 rotates forward, the power transmission path 48 transmits the power so that the switching unit 47 switches to the U-turn path 46 to enable conveyance. On the other hand, when the driving source 15 rotates in the other direction, that is, when the driving source 15 rotates in the reverse direction, the switching unit 47 transmits power so as to switch to the straight path 45 so as to enable conveyance.

[0039] Here, the power transmission path 48 is configured so that when the driving source 15 rotates "a certain amount" in one direction, the switching unit 47 stops in a state where it is switched to the U-turn path 46 so as to be capable of conveying. Similarly, the power transmission path 48 is configured so that when the driving source 15 rotates "a certain amount" in the other direction, the switching unit 47 stops in a state where it is switched to the straight path 45 so as to be capable of conveying. The power transmission section 48 includes a gear train 54 to which power is transmitted from the first gear 39, a third gear 55 to which power is transmitted from the gear train 54, and a switching gear 57 to which power is transmitted from the third gear 55 via a transmission belt 56.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4, 5A and 5B, this embodiment includes a switching gear 57 arranged at a position for transmitting power to the switching portion 47 of the power transmission path 48, a pressing portion 50 which is a protrusion provided on the switching gear 57, and a pressed portion 53 which is a protrusion provided on the switching portion 47. Switching unit 47 is normally in a position that allows first medium 301 (FIG. 3A) such as thin paper or plain paper to be transported to U-turn path 46. When second medium 302 (FIG. 3B) such as cardboard or a booklet that is thicker than plain paper is transported, switching unit 47 is configured such that the power is transmitted to rotate switching gear 57, whereby pressed portion 53 is pressed by pressing portion 50 to rotate, and switching unit 47 is switched to a position that allows second medium 302 to be transported to straight path 45.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment includes a specific information acquisition unit 49 located between the separation roller 7 and the first transport roller 4 in the transport direction F. The specific information acquisition unit 49 acquires specific information A, B, and C relating to the specifics of the medium 3 separated and transported by the separation roller 7. Here, the specific information A, B, and C relating to the specifics of the medium 3 is information that can be used to determine whether the medium 3 should pass through the straight path 45 or the U-turn path 46. Examples of the specific information include the thickness, size, and surface properties of the medium. A specific description of the specific information A, B, and C will be given later. Here, an ultrasonic sensor, which is an example of a medium thickness detection unit capable of detecting the thickness of the medium 3, is used as the specific information acquisition unit 49. Note that the medium thickness detection unit may be an optical sensor as long as it can detect the thickness of the medium 3. As the specific information acquisition unit 49, a camera may be used instead of the medium thickness detection unit.

[0042] 1, the specific information acquisition unit 49 is disposed between the separation roller 7 and the first transport roller 4 in the transport direction F. Note that the specific information acquisition unit 49 may be disposed in another position, such as between the pick roller 12 and the separation roller 7, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. If the detection result of the medium thickness detection unit serving as specific information acquisition unit 49 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the switching unit 47 is switched to a state in which transport is possible to the straight path 45, and if the detection result of the specific information acquisition unit 49 is smaller than the threshold value, the switching unit 47 is switched to a state in which transport is possible to the U-turn path 46. The threshold value is set so as to determine whether the thickness of the medium 3 is that of thick paper or the like that should pass through the straight path 45, or that of thin paper or plain paper or the like that should pass through the U-turn path 46.

[0043] In this embodiment, the switching operation of the switching unit 47 is performed by the control unit 71 receiving the detection result of the medium thickness detection unit, which is the specific information acquisition unit 49, and determining whether the thickness of the medium 3, which is the detection result, is greater than or equal to a threshold value or less than the threshold value. That is, the control unit 71 is configured to determine whether the medium 3 being transported is medium 3 that should pass through the straight path 45 or medium 3 that should pass through the U-turn path 46, and to drive the switching unit 47 to switch based on that determination.

[0044] <Transport section, nip pressure switching section> The structure of the transport unit 9 will be further described below in addition to the above description, although there will be some overlapping portions. 1, the transport unit 9 includes a feed roller 10 that feeds the medium 3 placed on the medium loading unit 14 in a transport direction F, and a separation roller 7 that nips the medium 3 between the feed roller 10 and separates the medium 3. The separation roller 7 is called a retard roller, and is rotatable in a first rotation direction R1 that feeds the medium 3 downstream in the transport direction F, and in a second rotation direction R2 that is opposite to the first rotation direction R1. Furthermore, the conveying section 9 includes a pressing member 111 that generates a pressing force P (Figure 1) to press the separation roller 7 against the feed roller 10, a nip pressure switching section 113 that changes the pressing force P of the pressing member 111, i.e., the nip pressure, and a single driving source 115 that generates the driving force of the separation roller 7 and the driving force of the nip pressure switching section 113. Here, the driving force of the separation roller 7 means the power that rotates the separation roller 7, and the driving force of the nip pressure switching unit 113 means the power that operates the nip pressure switching unit 113 to change the pressing force P of the pressing member 111, and is transmitted from a single driving source 115. Next, a power transmission path from the driving source 115 to the separation roller 7 and a power transmission path from the driving source 115 to the nip pressure switching unit 113 will be described.

[0045] <Power transmission path from the drive source to the separation roller> The power transmission path from the driving source 115 to the separation roller 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. The power, i.e., rotational force, of the motor constituting the driving source 115 is transmitted from the motor pinion 128 to the first gear 130, the second gear 132, the third gear 134, and the fourth gear 136 in this order. The first gear 130, the second gear 132, the third gear 134, and the fourth gear 136 are formed of stepped gears consisting of a large-diameter gear that receives the transmitted power and a small-diameter gear that transmits the power to the next gear. The first gear 130 and the third gear 134 are attached to a shaft 138. The second gear 132 and the fourth gear 136 are attached to a shaft 140.

[0046] The fourth gear 136 is made up of a large diameter gear 361 and a small diameter gear 362. The large diameter gear 361 is also gear-connected to the one-way clutch 117 and transmits power to the one-way clutch 117. On the other hand, the small diameter gear 362 is gear-connected to the connecting gear 119 and transmits power to the connecting gear 119. The connecting gear 119 is gear-connected to the fifth gear 142 and transmits power to the fifth gear 142. The fifth gear 142 has a transmission gear 144 that rotates integrally therewith. 7, the transmission gear 144 transmits power to a seventh gear 148 via a sixth gear 146. The seventh gear 148 is fixed to a shaft 150 to which the separation roller 7 is fixed so as to rotate integrally. When the power of the driving source 115 is transmitted to the seventh gear 148 via the above-mentioned transmissions, the shaft 150 rotates, and thereby the separation roller 7 rotates.

[0047] <Power transmission path from drive source to nip pressure switching unit> The power transmission path from the driving source 115 to the nip pressure switching portion 113 will be described with reference to FIGS. The power transmission path from the driving source 115 to the one-way clutch 117 is the same as above. When the driving source 115 rotates forward, that is, when transmitting power to rotate the separation roller 7 in the second rotation direction R2, the one-way clutch 117 rotates idly and the power is not transmitted to the transmission gear 154 located on the same shaft. In other words, due to the idling of the one-way clutch 117, the power is not transmitted downstream of the one-way clutch 117 in the power transmission direction.

[0048] On the other hand, when the driving source 115 rotates in the reverse direction, the one-way clutch 117 and the transmission gear 154 are connected to each other and rotate together. The transmission gear 154 is gear-connected to an eighth gear 156 and transmits power to the eighth gear 156. The eighth gear 156 is gear-connected to a power-transmitted gear 121 provided in the nip pressure switching unit 113 and transmits power to the power-transmitted gear 121. Next, the configuration of the nip pressure switching unit 113 will be described.

[0049] <Nip pressure switching section> 8 to 10, 11(A), 11(B) and 11(C), nip pressure switching unit 113 includes a pressing unit 123 (FIG. 9, 11(A) to 11(C)) that presses pressing member 111. Pressing member 111 is formed of a coil spring here, and one end thereof is connected to and held by holder 125 that holds separation roller 7. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, the nip pressure switching unit 113 includes a pressing unit 123, an elongated body 129 rotatable around an axis 127, a power-transmitted gear 121 (Figs. 8 and 9) fixed to the elongated body 129 and to which the power of the driving source 115 is transmitted, and a base unit 131 that holds the base end of the pressing member 111 with a base end holding unit 147 and is displaceable in the direction of the pressing force P. The base unit 131 is displaced by the rotational force of the driving source 115 transmitted through the power-transmitted gear 121, the elongated body 129, and the pressing unit 123, thereby changing the pressing load L that presses the pressing member 111. By changing this pressing load L, the pressing force P of the pressing member 111, i.e., the nip pressure of the separation roller 7, can be changed.

[0050] 10 and 11(A) to 11(C), the base portion 131 has a free end 135 rotatably mounted on a rotation shaft 133, with the rotation shaft 133 serving as a rotation fulcrum. The rotation shaft 133 is attached to a main body frame of the conveying unit 9 and extends in the X-axis direction. The base portion 131 has a base end 137 attached to 331133. A leaf spring 139 is fixed to the base portion 131. 11(A) and 11(C), pressing surface 141 of pressing portion 123 presses while in contact with pressing point 143 of leaf spring 139, generating a pressing load L in an elastically balanced state. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 11(B), when pressing surface 141 of pressing portion 123 moves away from pressing point 143 of leaf spring 139 and comes into contact with upper surface 145 of base portion 131, the elastic force of leaf spring 139 is no longer applied, and the pressing load L becomes smaller.

[0051] In this embodiment, the separation roller 7 is configured to be switchable between a driving force transmission state in which the driving force is transmitted from the driving source 115 and a driving force non-transmission state in which the driving force is not transmitted. The states in Figures 8, 11(A) and 11(B) correspond to the driving force transmission state. The state in Figure 11(C) corresponds to the driving force non-transmission state. The drive force transmission state of the separation roller 7 is switched to the drive force non-transmission state by the reverse rotation of the drive source 115. This will be specifically described below.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, in this embodiment, the connecting gear 119 has its shaft 153 attached to one end 157 of an L-shaped swing arm 155. Figs. 8, 11(A) and 11(C) show a state in which the connecting gear 119 is engaged with the fifth gear 142, i.e., a driving force transmitting state. The swing arm 155 is attached to a shaft 140 of the fourth gear 136. The shaft 140 serves as a swing fulcrum when the swing arm 155 swings. A cam follower 161 is formed on the other end 159 of the L-shaped swing arm 155. On the other hand, a cam 165 is provided to protrude from a side surface 163 of the power transmitted gear 121 of the nip pressure switching portion 113.

[0053] When the power-transmitted gear 121 receives the reverse power from the driving source 115 and rotates clockwise around the axis 127, the cam 165 moves in the same direction, that is, in the clockwise circumferential direction. The circumferential movement of the cam 165 changes the position where the cam 165 contacts the cam follower 161 as shown in Figs. 11(A), 11(B) and 11(C). That is, when the cam 165 moves in the circumferential direction, the contact position of the cam 165 with the cam follower 161 moves. As a result, the power from the driving source 115 is transmitted to the swing arm 155 via the cam follower 161, and the swing arm 155 swings around the shaft 140 as a swing fulcrum. This swing of the swing arm 155 can change the connecting gear 119 to a state separated from the fifth gear 142 (Fig. 11(C)), that is, to a driving force non-transmitting state. This point will be explained in more detail later.

[0054] The control unit 71 is configured to drive the nip pressure switching unit 113 to change the pressing force P of the pressing member 111 based on the specific information of the medium 3 acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 49, i.e., information about the thickness of the medium 3 detected by the medium thickness detection unit. In other words, the control unit 71 is configured to be able to automatically switch the medium separation mode by the separation roller 7 based on the information about the thickness of the medium 3. The control unit 71 includes a CPU, a flash ROM, and a RAM. The CPU performs various arithmetic processing according to programs stored in the flash ROM, and controls the operation of the entire image reading device 1. The flash ROM, which is an example of a storage means, is a non-volatile memory that can be read and written. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM, which is an example of a storage means.

[0055] <Switching the separation mode of the separation roller> Fig. 11(A) shows a state corresponding to the normal separation mode. Here, the normal separation mode is a separation mode that prevents double feeding of media 3 called plain paper or media 3 that are not as thick as media that need to be transported in the manual feed mode described below but are thicker than plain paper. Also, Fig. 11(B) shows a state corresponding to the thin medium separation mode. Here, the thin medium separation mode is a mode in which media 3 called thin paper, which is thinner than plain paper, can be separated by the separation roller 7 in a state where the risk of paper jams or the like occurring is reduced. In both the normal separation mode and the thin media separation mode, the transport of the medium 3 begins from the medium loading section 14 by the pick roller 12, and when the medium 3 is separated at the separation roller 7 and transported in the transport direction F, the drive source 115 rotates forward. 11C shows a case where separation by the separation roller 7 is not necessary, and the user inserts the media 3 one by one into the transport path 2 and sends them in the transport direction by the feed roller 10 or the first transport roller 4. This case is often called the "manual feed mode," so that is what we will use here. This manual feed mode is often used when transporting media called extra-thick paper or fragile paper.

[0056] <Switching from normal separation mode to thin media separation mode> When switching from the normal separation mode to the thin medium separation mode, the drive source 115 is rotated in the reverse direction instead of forward. This power in the reverse direction is transmitted to the one-way clutch 117 via the power transmission path described above, and in the case of reverse rotation, it is further transmitted to the transmission gear 154, and is transmitted to the power transmitted gear 121 provided in the nip pressure switching unit 113 via the eighth gear 156 (FIGS. 6 to 9). This drives the nip pressure switching unit 113, and the position of the pressing unit 123 rotates from the position shown in FIG. 11(A) to the position shown in FIG. 11(B). In this state, the reverse rotation of the drive source 115 is stopped under the control of the control unit 71. When the pressing unit 123 is in this state, the pressing surface 141 of the pressing unit 123 is released from the pressing point 143 of the leaf spring 139, and the elastic reaction force of the pressing member 111 in the compressed state causes the free end 135 of the base unit 131 to rotate in the -Z direction with the rotation shaft 133 as the rotation fulcrum. In other words, the base unit 131 is displaced in the direction of the pressing force P of the pressing member 111, that is, in the direction away from the separation roller 7.

[0057] Then, when the pressing surface 141 of the pressing portion 123 comes into contact with the lower surface 145 of the base portion 131, the rotation of the base portion 131 in the -Z direction stops. Due to the rotation of the base portion 131 in the -Z direction, the pressing load L pressing the pressing member 111 becomes smaller than in the normal separation mode. This allows the pressing member 111 in the compressed state to extend its entire length, and as a result, the pressing force P becomes smaller and the thin medium separation mode is entered. In this state, the drive source 115 is rotated in the forward direction to separate the medium 3 in the thin medium separation mode. The power of this forward rotation is transmitted to the one-way clutch 117, but is not transmitted to the nip pressure switching unit 113, so the thin medium separation mode, that is, the contact state between the pressing unit 123 and the base unit 131 shown in Figure 11(B) is maintained as is. This allows the separation roller 7 to perform the separation operation with a pressing force P suitable for thin paper.

[0058] <Switching from thin media separation mode to normal separation mode> When switching from the thin medium separation mode to the normal separation mode, the drive source 115 is rotated in the reverse direction to rotate the long body 129 about the axis 127 via the power transmitted gear 121, and the pressing part 123 is rotated further clockwise from the position shown in Fig. 11(B).Then, the pressing part 123 is rotated to the position shown in Fig. 11(A) and stopped there. In this state, the pressing surface 141 of the pressing portion 123 is in contact with the pressing point 143 of the leaf spring 139, and the free end 135 of the base portion 131 is rotated upward around the rotation shaft 133. In other words, the base portion 131 is in a state of being displaced in the direction of the pressing force P of the pressing member 111, that is, in the direction approaching the separation roller 7. As a result, the elastic force of the leaf spring 139 is applied to the pressure load L, which changes the mode to the normal separation mode, which is greater than the thin medium separation mode.

[0059] <Switching from driving force transmission state to driving force non-transmission state> 11(A), 11(B), and 11(C) show schematic positional relationships among the swing arm 155, the cam 165, the cam follower 161, the connecting gear 119, and the fifth gear 142. When the power transmitted gear 121 rotates, the pressing portion 123 rotates about the axis 127 and the cam 165 also moves in the circumferential direction, so that in each of FIGS. 11(A), 11(B), and 11(C), the position of the pressing portion 123 corresponds to the position of the cam 165. In the following description, when the contact position of cam 165 with cam follower 161 is the position shown in Fig. 11(A), that position will be referred to as position 1. When the contact position of cam 165 with cam follower 161 is the position shown in Fig. 11(B), that position will be referred to as position 2. When the contact position of cam 165 with cam follower 161 is the position shown in Fig. 11(C), that position will be referred to as position 3.

[0060] The state where the cam 165 is in position 1 corresponds to the normal separation mode. The state where the cam 165 is in position 2 corresponds to the thin medium separation mode. When the cam 165 is in either position 1 or position 2, i.e., when the cam 165 is not positioned at the top 167 of the cam follower 161, the oscillating arm 155 rotates to a position where the connecting gear 119 and the fifth gear 142 can be maintained in mesh with each other, as shown in Figures 11(A) and 11(B).

[0061] When the power transmitted gear 121 rotates and the cam 165 moves further in the clockwise circumferential direction from position 2, and completes approximately one revolution, the cam 165 moves to position 3. At position 3, the cam 165 comes into contact with the uppermost portion 167 of the cam follower 161, as shown in FIG. As a result, the swing arm 155 swings clockwise around the shaft 140. This swing separates the connecting gear 119 from the fifth gear 142, and the state switches from a driving force transmission state to a driving force non-transmission state, i.e., to the manual insertion mode state. In this manual insertion mode state, when the driving source 115 is rotated slightly, the cam 165 moves from position 3 to position 1, and the state switches to the normal separation mode state shown in FIG. 11(A).

[0062] <Sensing positions 1, 2, and 3> In this embodiment, the configuration is such that it is possible to sense whether the cam 165 is located at position 1, position 2, or position 3. 9, 12(A) and 12(B), a first sensor 166 and a second sensor 168, each consisting of a pair of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, are installed on the main body frame of the transport unit 9 at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction. In addition, a light-shielding piece 170 is provided on the elongated body 129. The behavior of the light-shielding piece 170 relative to the first sensor 166 and the second sensor 168 is controlled by the control unit 71.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 12(A), when the light blocking piece 170 is located in the optical path of the first sensor 166, the control unit 71 determines that the position is 3, i.e., the manual insertion mode. As shown in Fig. 12(B), when the light blocking piece 170 is located in the optical path of the second sensor 168, the control unit 71 determines that the position is 2, i.e., the thin medium separation mode. When the light blocking piece 170 is located in the predetermined space between the first sensor 166 and the second sensor 168, the control unit 71 determines that the position is 1, i.e., the normal separation mode. Of course, the structure of the sensor that senses whether the cam 65 is located at position 1, position 2, or position 3 is not limited to the above structure.

[0064] [Embodiment 1] Following the description of the overall structure of the image reading device according to the embodiment of the invention, an image reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 1 of the first embodiment includes a medium loading section 14 capable of loading a plurality of media 3, 3, ... including a first medium 301 and a second medium 302 different from the first medium 301, a transport section 9 that transports the loaded media 3, 3, ... in a transport direction F, a transport path 2 along which the transported media 3, 3, ... pass, a reading section 5 that is disposed on the transport path 2 and that reads images of the transported media 3, 3, ..., and a control section 71. The conveying path 2 includes a straight path 45 along which the conveyed media 3, 3, ... are conveyed straight, and a U-turn path 46 which branches off from the straight path 45 and along which the media 3, 3, ... are conveyed in a reversed manner. Furthermore, a switching unit 47 is provided for switching between the U-turn path 46 and the straight path 45.

[0065] In this embodiment, a component having a function of counting the passage of the media 3, 3, ... is disposed in the area between the separation roller 7 and the switching unit 47 on the transport path 2, and is configured to sense each of the media 3, 3, ... that are transported and pass by in order, so that each medium can be sequenced. The specific information acquisition unit 49 or the reading unit 5 may serve as the component having the counting function. Information on the order (1, 2, ...) of each of the sensed media 3, 3, ... is sent to the control unit 71.

[0066] Furthermore, the image reading device 1 includes a specific information acquisition unit 49 that is disposed upstream of the switching unit 47 of the transport path 2 and acquires specific information A, B, C relating to the identification of the transported media 3, 3, .... The specific information A, B, C acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 49 from the transported media 3, 3, ... is sent to the control unit 71. The control unit 71 is configured to operate the switching unit 47 based on the specific information A, B, C to pass the media 3, 3, . . . through either the straight path 45 or the U-turn path 46. The specific information A, B, and C will be explained next.

[0067] <Specific information> In this embodiment, the specific information acquisition unit 49 uses an ultrasonic sensor that is a medium thickness detection unit as described above, and acquires information on the thickness of the medium 3 being transported as specific information. Here, when information on the thickness of a medium 3 called, for example, plain paper that can pass through the U-turn path 46 is acquired, it is designated as specific information A. When information on a medium 3 called thick paper that should pass through the straight path 45 is acquired, it is designated as specific information B. When information on the thickness of a medium 3 called thin paper is acquired, it is designated as specific information C. As described above, since the medium 3 called thin paper can pass through the U-turn path 46, the control unit 71 switches the switching unit 47 so that the medium 3 corresponding to the specific information A and the specific information C passes through the U-turn path 46, and switches the switching unit 47 so that the medium 3 of the specific information B passes through the straight path 45. The switching operation of the switching unit 47 is performed by the power of the driving source 15 as described above.

[0068] In this embodiment, the transport unit 9 includes a feed roller 10 that transports the media 3, 3, ... placed on the medium placement unit 14 in the transport direction F, a separation roller 7 that nips the media 3 between itself and the feed roller 10 to separate the media 3, and a nip pressure switching unit 113 that switches the nip pressure applied to the media 3. The control unit 71 is configured to operate the nip pressure switching unit 113 based on the specific information A, B, C, and switch the nip pressure, i.e., the pressing force P, in accordance with each medium 3. The switching operation of the nip pressure switching unit 113 is performed by the power of the drive source 115, as described above.

[0069] <Description of Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of the first embodiment executed by the control unit 71 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, we will explain the case where a total of 20 sheets of media 3, 3, ... are placed on the medium placement section 14, including a mixture of a first medium 301 (specific information A) called plain paper, a second medium 302 (specific information B) called thick paper, and a third medium 303 (specific information C) called thin paper. FIG. 14 shows 20 sheets of media 301, 301, ..., 302, 302, ..., 303, 303, ... placed on the medium placement unit 14, arranged in a horizontal row from the first sheet located at the top to the 20th sheet located at the bottom, so that the mixed state of the media 301, 302, 303 can be seen. In FIG. 14, the first medium 301 is depicted as a "simple rectangle" that can be imagined as plain paper, etc. The second medium 302 is depicted as a "thick rectangle" that can be imagined as cardboard. The third medium 303 is depicted as an "S-curved rectangle" that can be imagined as thin paper. The numbers 1 to 20 written above each medium 3, 3, ... indicate the order in which the mediums are conveyed. The conveying orders 1 to 20 are also the order in which the images are read by the reading unit 5. As described above, information on this order (1, 2, ..., 19, 20) is acquired for the conveyed media 3, 3, ... by a component having the counting function, such as the specific information acquisition unit 49, and is stored in the memory unit of the control unit 71.

[0070] Based on the flowchart of Figure 13, we will explain the operation of transporting 20 sheets of media 301, 301, ..., 302, 302, ..., 303, 303, ... placed on the media loading section 14 by the transport section 9, the operation of reading images by the reading section 5, the switching operation of the switching section 47, etc., which are performed under the control of the control section 71. First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not there is a medium 3 to be transported to the medium loading section 14. This determination is made by the control section 71 receiving sensing information from a sensor not shown. If the determination is that there is a medium, the process proceeds to step S2, in which the transport section 9 is driven and transport of the media 3, 3, ... begins. Next, the process proceeds to step S3, in which the specific information acquisition section 49 acquires specific information A, B, C, which is information regarding the thickness of the medium 3. At the same time, information regarding the order in which the media 3, 3, ... will be transported (1, 2, 3, ...) is also acquired.

[0071] Next, proceed to step S4. In step S4, switching unit 47 is switched based on the acquired specific information A, B, C. Specifically, control unit 71 switches the position of switching unit 47 so that medium 3 (301, 303) of specific information A and specific information C passes through U-turn path 46. Switching unit 47 switches the position of switching unit 47 so that medium 3 (302) of specific information B passes through straight path 45. In addition, nip pressure switching unit 113 also switches the nip pressure as described above. Furthermore, for each of the 20 media 3, 3, ..., the specific information A, B, C, which is the data acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 49, is stored in a memory unit within the control unit 71. Information on the order (1, 2, 3, ...) in which the media 3, 3, ... are transported is also stored in the memory unit within the control unit 71.

[0072] Next, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the reading unit 5 reads an image from each of the media 3, 3, .... The read image data 80 (FIG. 15) is stored in a storage unit within the control unit 71. The image data 80 will be described in more detail later. Next, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S, the medium 3 from which the image has been read is discharged via the U-turn path 46 or the straight path 45. After that, the process returns to step S1. When reading of all 20 sheets of the medium 3, 3, ... is completed, it is determined in step S2 that "there is no medium". Next, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the specific information A, B, C acquired for all 20 media 3, 3, ... and the image data 80 in which the information in the order (1, 2, 3, ...) has been added to each image are output to a display panel (not shown), and the process ends.

[0073] <Explanation of Effects of First Embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 71 is configured to operate the switching unit 47 based on the specific information A, B, C of the medium 3 acquired by the specific information acquisition unit 49, and to pass the medium 3 through either the straight path 45 or the U-turn path 46. In other words, even if it is not preferable for the medium loading unit 14 to pass through the U-turn path 46 and a mixture of media 3 to be discharged outside the device through the straight path 45 is loaded, the path is automatically switched to pass through either the straight path 45 or the U-turn path 46 based on the specific information A, B, C. As a result, even if there is "mixing," the media 3 can be transported in a series along the transport path 2 as one job, and the images can be read in a series by the reading unit 5. This eliminates the need for the user to previously set the order in which the media 3 are passed along the straight path 45, thus reducing the setup time and improving the ease of use of the image reading device 1.

[0074] (2) When the nip pressure of the separation roller 7 is set to a level suitable for separating a medium 3 called plain paper, for example, and a medium 3 called thin paper that is thinner than the plain paper is fed, the following problem may occur: That is, the nip pressure of the separation roller 7 is too heavy for thin paper, and the leading edge of the thin paper may not be able to advance in the transport direction F beyond the nip position 26 of the separation roller 7, causing a jam called a paper jam. However, in this embodiment, the control unit 71 is configured to operate the nip pressure switching unit 113 based on the specific information A, B, and C to switch the nip pressure, i.e., the pressing force P, according to the medium 3. This allows separation to be performed with a nip pressure appropriate for the type of medium 3, such as plain paper or thin paper, thereby reducing the risk of the jam occurring.

[0075] [Embodiment 2] Next, an image reading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. In this embodiment, the control unit 71 is configured to add specific information A, B, C to image data 80 of each image read by the reading unit 5 when the media 3, 3, ... placed on the medium placement unit 14 in a mixed state of a first medium 301, a second medium 302, and a third medium 303 are transported along the transport path 2 by the transport unit 9. Furthermore, the control unit 71 is configured to generate the image data 80 in a file 90 based on the specific information A, B, C. Furthermore, the control unit 71 is configured so that, in generating the file 90, the user can input data from an operation panel (not shown) and generate the file 90 in the format intended by the user for the read image data 80.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 71 is configured to generate image data 80 in a single file 90 in a state where the images are arranged in the reading order by adding, in addition to the specific information A, B, C, information on the reading order (1, 2, 3, ...) of the media 3, 3, ... by the reading unit 5 to each image in the image data 80. FIG. 15 is drawn to make it easier to understand the relationship between each image of the image data 80 and each medium 3, 3, ... shown in FIG. 14, that is, first medium 301, second medium 302, and third medium 303. Specifically, the image of first medium 301 is drawn as the above-mentioned "simple rectangle." The image of second medium 302 is drawn as the above-mentioned "thick rectangle." The image of third medium 303 is drawn as the above-mentioned "S-curved rectangle." Each image represented by the above-mentioned "simple rectangle," "thick rectangle," or "S-curved rectangle" is given both the reading order information (1, 2, 3, ...) and specific information A, B, C.

[0077] In this embodiment, the control unit 71 is configured to assign the reading order numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) to each image of the image data 80, i.e., the images described as "simple rectangles", the images described as "thick rectangles", and the images described as "S-curved rectangles", and store them in the storage unit in the reading order (1, 2, 3, ...) as one file 90. Here, as shown in Fig. 15, they are stored as one file 90 with the file name GGGG. The stored file 90 can be used via the operation panel, etc. The single file 90 in the form shown in Fig. 15 is a file in the form intended by the user that is input from the operation panel. If the single file 90 in the form intended by the user is different from the form shown in Fig. 15, for example, in the form shown in Fig. 16 or 17 described later, the single file 90 is saved as a file in that different form. The control unit 71 may be configured in advance to generate a file 90 in the format shown in FIG. 15 without the user having to input anything from the operation panel.

[0078] <Explanation of Effects of the Second Embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, even if it is not preferable to pass the media loading section 14 through the U-turn path 46 and a mixture of media 3, 3, ... is loaded to be discharged outside the device through the straight path 45, the media can be transported in a series as one job and the images can be read in a series by the reading section 5, in addition to the effect of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the following effect can be obtained. That is, specific information A, B, C is added to image data 80 of the image read by the reading unit 5 from each medium 3, 3, ..., and the user can create the desired file 90 based on the specific information A, B, C added to the image data 80.

[0079] (2) In this embodiment, the control unit 71 further assigns the reading order information (1, 2, 3, ...) of each medium 3, 3, ... to the image data 80, and generates the image data 80 in one file 90 in the reading order as shown in Fig. 15. That is, the image data 80 is saved as one file 90 with the file name GGGG, with the reading order numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) assigned to it. This makes it easier for the user to use the image data 80 read by the reading unit 5, since it is saved as one file, compared to a case where the image data is saved individually as two or more files.

[0080] [Embodiment 3] Next, an image reading device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. In this embodiment, the control unit 71 is configured to generate the image data 80 of each of the media 3, 3, . . . into one file 90 in a state where the image data 80 is grouped into specific information A, specific information B, and specific information C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, images of the first medium 301 to which specific information A is assigned are grouped together as image data 801, images of the second medium 302 to which specific information B is assigned are grouped together as image data 802 to the right of image data 801, and images of the third medium 303 to which specific information C is assigned are grouped together as image data 803 to the right of image data 802, and these are stored in a usable form in the memory of the control unit 71 as a single file 90.

[0081] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 71 is configured to generate one file 90 in the form of grouping three image data 801, 802, 803 by adding information (1, 2, 3, ...) of the reading order of the media 3, 3, ... by the reading unit 5 in addition to the specific information A, B, C, and further adding it to each image of the image data 80. That is, the control unit 71 is configured to save the image data 801, 802, 803 in the storage unit as one file 90 with the reading order number (1, 2, 3, ...) added to each image. Here, as shown in FIG. 16, it is saved as one file 90 with the file name HHHH. The saved one file 90 can be used via the operation panel or the like. A file 90 in the form shown in Fig. 16 is a file in a form intended by the user and input from the operation panel. Note that the control unit 71 may be configured in advance to generate a file 90 in the form shown in Fig. 16 even if the user does not input from the operation panel.

[0082] <Explanation of Effects of the Third Embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 71 generates one file 90 by grouping the image data 80 of each medium 3, 3, ... according to the specific information A, B, C, i.e., grouping the image data into three pieces of image data 801, 802, 803. In other words, the image data 80 is stored as one file 90 by grouping the specific information A, B, C, rather than by the reading order (1, 2, 3, ...). This makes it even easier for the user to use the image data 80 read by the reading unit 5. (2) In this embodiment, the three groups of image data 801, 802, 803 are further provided with information on the reading order of the media 3, 3, ... (1, 2, 3, ...) in addition to the specific information A, B, C. This makes it even easier for the user to use the image data 80 read by the reading unit 5.

[0083] [Embodiment 4] Next, an image reading device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 17. The same parts as those in the first, second and third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. In this embodiment, the control unit 71 is configured to divide the image data 80 for each piece of specific information A, B, and C to generate a plurality of files, three files 90, 90, and 90 in this case. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 17, image data 801 of the first medium 301 to which specific information A is assigned is saved as one file 90 with the file name JJJJ_1. Image data 802 of the second medium 302 to which specific information B is assigned is saved as one file 90 with the file name JJJJ_2. Image data 803 of the third medium 303 to which specific information C is assigned is saved as one file 90 with the file name JJJJ_3. In this embodiment, the image data 801, 802, and 803 are also provided with the specific information A, B, and C, as well as information on the reading order of the media 3, 3, . . . (1, 2, 3, . . . ).

[0084] <Explanation of Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 71 divides the image data 80 for each of the specific information A, B, and C to generate a plurality of files 90, 90, and 90. That is, the image data 80 is divided for each of the specific information A, B, and C to be saved as three files 90, 90, and 90 with the file names JJJJ_1, JJJJ_2, and JJJJ_3. This makes it easy for the user to use the image data 80 read by the reading unit 5. (2) In this embodiment, the image data 801, 802, 803 divided into the three files 90, 90, 90 are further provided with information on the reading order of the media 3, 3, ... (1, 2, 3, ...) in addition to the specific information A, B, C. This makes it even easier for the user to use the image data 80 read by the reading unit 5.

[0085] Other Embodiments The image reading device 1 according to the present invention is based on the configuration of the embodiment described above, but it is of course possible to modify or omit some of the configuration without departing from the gist of the present invention. In this embodiment, three types of media 3 are shown as being placed on the medium loading section 14 and transported by the transport section 9: a first medium 301 called plain paper, a second medium 302 called thick paper, and a third medium 303 called thin paper. However, it is of course not limited to these three, and there may be four or more media, or even just two media.

[0086] In the above-mentioned embodiments 2 to 4, it has been explained that the image data 80 of each image read by the reading unit 5 from the media 3, 3, ... is given specific information A, B, C and reading order information (1, 2, ...) and is saved as one file 90. However, the image data 80 may be saved in a form without the specific information A, B, C or reading order information (1, 2, ...). That is, the control unit 71 may be configured to save, in one job, the image data 80 read by the reading unit 5 from each of a plurality of media 3, 3, . . . including the first medium 301 and the second medium 302, as one file 90.

[0087] Here, "one job" means a set of operational processes from when conveyance in the conveying direction F and image reading of the first medium 3, 3, 3, ... placed on the medium loading section 14 in the image reading device 1 is started, to when the conveyance and image reading are continuously performed on the second and subsequent media, until the conveyance and image reading are completed. This set of operational processes may be determined by a user presetting the number of media whose images are to be continuously read, or may be determined as all of the media placed on the medium loading section 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1... image reading device, 2... transport path, 3... medium, 4... first transport roller, 5... reading unit, 6: second conveying roller; 7: separation roller; 8: third conveying roller; 9: conveying section; 10: feed roller; 11: first path surface; 12: pick roller; 13: second path surface; 14: medium placement portion; 15: driving source; 16: discharge receiving portion; 17: protruding portion; 18: curved inversion path; 19: moving portion; 20: fourth conveying roller; 22: fifth conveying roller; 23: contact portion; 24: discharge roller; 25: protrusion portion; 26...Nip position, 27...Support part, 28...Abutted part, 29...Tip surface, 30...Area, 32 ... inclined surface, 33 ... rotating shaft, 34 ... spring, 35 ... stopper, 36 ... upper surface, 37...motor pinion, 38...tooth wheel train, 39...first gear, 40...transmission belt, 41... second gear, 42... holder, 43... convex portion, 44... inclined surface, 45...straight path, 46...U-turn path, 47...switching section, 48...power transmission path, 49: medium thickness detection unit, 50: pressing unit, 51: first reading unit, 52: second reading unit, 53: pressed portion, 54: gear train, 55: third gear, 56: transmission belt, 57...switching gear, 71...control unit, 111: pressing member; 113: nip pressure switching unit; 115: driving source; 117...one-way clutch, 119...connecting gear, 121...power transmitting gear, 123: pressing portion, 125: holder, 127: axis, 128: motor pinion, 129: long body; 130: first gear; 131: base portion; 132: second gear; 133...rotating shaft, 134...third gear, 135...free end, 136...fourth gear, 137: base end, 138: shaft, 139: leaf spring, 140: shaft, 141: pressing surface, 142...fifth gear, 143...pressure action point, 144...transmission gear, 145...lower surface, 146...sixth gear, 148...seventh gear, 149...thickness detection unit, 150...shaft, 151: Reading unit; 152: Reading unit; 153: Shaft; 154: Transmission gear; 155...oscillating arm, 156...eighth gear, 158...one end, 159...other end, 161... cam follower, 163... side surface, 165... cam, 166... ​​first sensor, 167: uppermost portion, 168: second sensor, 170: light shielding piece, 231: first contact portion, 232...Second contact part, 251...First protrusion, 252...Second protrusion, 281...first abutted part, 282...second abutted part, 301...first medium, 302... second medium, 303... third medium, 361... large diameter gear, 362... small diameter gear, F...Transport direction, L...Pressing load, P...Pressing force, R1...First rotation direction, R2...Second rotation direction

Claims

1. a medium placement section capable of placing a plurality of media, including a first medium and a second medium different from the first medium; a conveying section that conveys each of the media placed on the medium in a conveying direction; a transport path through which each of the transported media passes; a reading unit disposed on the transport path and configured to read an image of each of the media transported; A control unit, The transport path is a straight path along which each of the media is conveyed in a straight line; a U-turn path that branches off from the straight path and along which each of the media is conveyed while being inverted; A switching unit that switches between the U-turn path and the straight path, a specific information acquisition unit that is disposed upstream of the switching unit on the transport path and that acquires specific information regarding the specifics of each of the transported media; The control unit operates the switching unit based on the specific information to pass each of the media through either the straight path or the U-turn path.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, The conveying unit is a feed roller that feeds each of the media placed on the medium placement section in the transport direction; a separation roller for nipping each of the media between the feed roller and the separation roller to separate the media; a nip pressure switching unit that switches the nip pressure for each of the media, the control unit operates the nip pressure switching unit based on the identification information to switch the nip pressure depending on each of the media.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

3. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, The control unit is adding the specific information to image data of each image read by the reading unit from each of the media; generating the image data into a file based on the identification information; 1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

4. 4. The image reading device according to claim 3, The control unit is further adding information on the order in which the medium is read by the reading unit to the image data; generating the image data into one file in the reading order; 1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

5. 4. The image reading device according to claim 3, The control unit generates the image data of each of the media into one file by grouping the image data by the specific information.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

6. 4. The image reading device according to claim 3, The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit divides the image data for each of the specific information and generates the divided files.

7. 7. The image reading device according to claim 5, In addition to the specific information, information on the order in which the media are read is further added to the image data.

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

8. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, the control unit stores, as one file, image data read by the reading unit from each of a plurality of media including the first medium and the second medium in one job; 1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

Images