Image reading apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image reading apparatus which can reduce the possibility of generation of carrying failures.SOLUTION: An image reading apparatus 11 includes: a conveying roller 25; a first nip unit 41; a second nip unit 51; and a third nip unit 61. The first nip unit 41 includes: a first pressing unit 42; and a first pressure receiving unit 47. The second nip unit 51 includes: a second pressing unit 52; and a second pressure receiving unit 57. The third nip unit 61 includes: a third pressing unit 62; and a third pressure receiving unit 67. The first pressing unit 42 includes: a first pressing roller; and a first pressing member. The second pressing unit 52 includes: a second pressing roller; and a second pressing member. The third pressing unit 62 includes: a third pressing roller; and a third pressing member. The first pressing roller is positioned so as to overlap with the second pressing roller when viewed from the conveying direction D1 and the third pressing roller, and the second pressing roller is positioned so as to overlap with the third pressing roller when viewed from the conveying direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image reading device that reads an image printed on a document. The image reading device sequentially reads the documents by conveying each document one by one from a stack of documents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-213987 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such image reading devices, originals with wrinkles, creases, etc. may be set, which may cause transport problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image reading device that solves the above problem includes a first reading unit that reads a first side of a document transported along a transport path, and a second reading unit that reads a second side of the document transported along the transport path that is opposite to the first side, and includes a transport roller that transports the document along the transport path, a first nip portion that sandwiches the document along the transport path, a second nip portion that sandwiches the document downstream of the first nip portion on the transport path, and a third nip portion that sandwiches the document downstream of the second nip portion on the transport path, wherein the first nip portion has a first pressing portion that presses the document and a first pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the first pressing portion, the second nip portion has a second pressing portion that presses the document and a second pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the second pressing portion, and the third nip portion has a third pressing portion that presses the document and the and a third pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from a third pressure portion, wherein the first pressure portion has a first pressure roller that contacts the first surface and a first pressure member that presses the first pressure roller against the first pressure receiving portion, the second pressure portion has a second pressure roller that contacts the second surface and a second pressure member that presses the second pressure roller against the second pressure receiving portion, and the third pressure portion has a third pressure roller that contacts the first surface and a third pressure member that presses the third pressure roller against the third pressure receiving portion, and when viewed from the transport direction in which the document is transported at a nip position where the first nip portion nips the document, the first pressure roller is positioned to overlap with the second pressure roller and the third pressure roller, and when viewed from the transport direction, the second pressure roller is positioned to overlap with the third pressure roller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an image reading device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from a different angle than that of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the image reading device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the internal configuration of the image reading device. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a top view showing the nip portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the nip portion when the document is sandwiched therebetween. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the first nip portion as viewed from the conveyance direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view showing a modified example of the image reading device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view showing a modified example different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the first pressure-receiving portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an image reading device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The image reading device is, for example, a scanner that reads images such as characters and photographs printed on an original such as paper or film.

[0008] <Image reader> 1, 2, and 3, the image reading device 11 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 houses various components included in the image reading device 11. The housing 12 includes a frame to which the various components are attached, a cover that covers the frame, and the like.

[0009] The housing 12 may have multiple housing portions. In one example, the housing 12 has a first housing portion 13, a second housing portion 14, and a third housing portion 15. The first housing portion 13, the second housing portion 14, and the third housing portion 15 are connected to each other.

[0010] The first housing part 13 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the second housing part 14 and the third housing part 15. The second housing part 14 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to the first housing part 13. When the second housing part 14 is rotated, the inside of the housing 12 is exposed. The third housing part 15 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to the first housing part 13. When the third housing part 15 is rotated, the inside of the housing 12 is exposed.

[0011] A transport path 16 is formed in the housing 12. The transport path 16 extends within the housing 12. The transport path 16 is a path along which the document M1 is transported. The transport path 16 is configured, for example, by a slit formed in the housing 12. In one example, the transport path 16 is defined by housing parts. More specifically, the transport path 16 is defined by a first housing part 13, a second housing part 14, and a third housing part 15. The transport path 16 extends between the first housing part 13 and the second housing part 14. The transport path 16 extends between the first housing part 13 and the third housing part 15. The transport path 16 is the gap between the first housing part 13 and the second housing part 14, and the gap between the first housing part 13 and the third housing part 15.

[0012] A supply space 17 is formed in the housing 12. The supply space 17 accommodates a document M1 before reading. A document stack consisting of a plurality of documents M1 is set in the supply space 17. For example, a document stack in which a plurality of documents M1 are stacked horizontally is set in the supply space 17. The supply space 17 communicates with the transport path 16. In one example, the supply space 17 is a slit that is wider than the transport path 16. The document M1 is supplied to the transport path 16 from the document stack set in the supply space 17. The supply space 17 is defined by the first housing part 13 and the second housing part 14. The document M1 set in the supply space 17 is supported by the second housing part 14.

[0013] An ejection space 18 is formed in the housing 12. The ejection space 18 accommodates the original M1 after reading. The ejection space 18 is connected to the transport path 16. In one example, the ejection space 18 is a slit that is wider than the transport path 16. The original M1 that has passed through the transport path 16 is ejected into the ejection space 18. In one example, the originals M1 are sequentially ejected into the ejection space 18 so that multiple originals M1 are stacked horizontally. The ejection space 18 is defined by the first housing part 13 and the third housing part 15. The original M1 accommodated in the ejection space 18 is supported by the third housing part 15.

[0014] The image reading device 11 may have a partition plate 19. The partition plate 19 is configured to divide the discharge space 18 into two. The partition plate 19 is attached to the housing 12. For example, the partition plate 19 is attached to the third housing part 15.

[0015] The partition plate 19 divides the discharge space 18 into a first storage space 20 and a second storage space 21. The first storage space 20 stores the document M1 that has been correctly read. The second storage space 21 stores the document M1 that has not been correctly read.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3 , the image reading device 11 has a flap 22. The flap 22 distributes the originals M1 discharged into the discharge space 18. The flap 22 is attached to the partition plate 19. The flap 22 rotates to block the portion of the transport path 16 that communicates with the first storage space 20, or to block the portion of the transport path 16 that communicates with the second storage space 21. In this way, the flap 22 guides the read originals M1 to the first storage space 20 or the second storage space 21. For example, the flap 22 guides the originals M1 that have been correctly read to the first storage space 20. The flap 22 guides the originals M1 that have not been correctly read to the second storage space 21.

[0017] 4, the image reading device 11 includes a transport unit 23. The transport unit 23 is configured to transport the original M1 along the transport path 16. The transport unit 23 transports the original M1 along the transport path 16. The transport unit 23 transports the original M1 from the supply space 17 toward the discharge space 18.

[0018] The transport unit 23 has a plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers are arranged along the transport path 16. The transport unit 23 transports the document M1 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the transport path 16 by the plurality of rollers.

[0019] The transport unit 23 has a pick roller 24. The pick roller 24 is configured to supply the document M1 from the supply space 17 to the transport path 16. The pick roller 24 transports one document M1 that comes into contact with the pick roller 24 from the stack of documents set in the supply space 17 to the transport path 16. In one example, the pick roller 24 is attached to the second housing portion 14.

[0020] The transport unit 23 has transport rollers 25. The transport rollers 25 are configured to transport the document M1 along the transport path 16. More specifically, the transport rollers 25 transport the document M1 supplied by the pick rollers 24.

[0021] The transport roller 25 is disposed at a position along the transport path 16. The transport roller 25 is located upstream of a reading unit, which will be described later, on the transport path 16. The transport roller 25 is the roller located most upstream on the transport path 16. The transport roller 25 is driven to rotate, thereby transporting the document M1 along the transport path 16. In one example, the transport roller 25 is attached to the second housing portion 14.

[0022] The transport unit 23 has a separation roller 26. The separation roller 26 is a roller that separates the documents M1 one by one. The separation roller 26 separates the documents M1 supplied by the pick roller 24 one by one. The separation roller 26 separates the documents M1 one by one, for example, by rotating so as to return the documents M1 from the transport path 16 to the supply space 17. The separation roller 26 faces the transport roller 25. The separation roller 26 is attached to the first housing portion 13.

[0023] The transport unit 23 has one or more drive rollers 27. In one example, the transport unit 23 has a plurality of drive rollers 27. The plurality of drive rollers 27 are arranged along the transport path 16. The plurality of drive rollers 27 include a roller attached to the first housing part 13, a roller attached to the third housing part 15, and a roller attached to the partition plate 19. The drive rollers 27 are driven to rotate, thereby transporting the document M1 along the transport path 16.

[0024] The transport unit 23 has one or more driven rollers 28. In one example, the transport unit 23 has a plurality of driven rollers 28. The transport unit 23 has the same number of driven rollers 28 as the drive rollers 27. The plurality of driven rollers 28 are arranged along the transport path 16. The driven rollers 28 face the drive roller 27. The plurality of driven rollers 28 include a roller attached to the first housing part 13, a roller attached to the second housing part 14, and a roller attached to the partition plate 19. The driven rollers 28 are rotated in response to the drive roller 27, thereby transporting the document M1 along the transport path 16.

[0025] The image reading device 11 has one or more reading units. More specifically, the image reading device 11 includes a first reading unit 31 and a second reading unit 32. The reading units are configured to read an image of the original document M1. The reading units are located along the transport path 16. The reading units read the original document M1 transported along the transport path 16. The first reading unit 31 reads the first side M11 of the original document M1. The second reading unit 32 reads the second side M12. For example, the first reading unit 31 is attached to the second housing part 14. The second reading unit 32 is attached to the first housing part 13.

[0026] The first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 may read the original M1 simultaneously or sequentially. That is, the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 may face each other on the transport path 16, or may be arranged offset from each other. In one example, the first reading unit 31 is located upstream of the second reading unit 32 on the transport path 16. Therefore, the first reading unit 31 reads the original M1 before the second reading unit 32. The first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 are preferably located on a linear portion of the transport path 16. This stabilizes the reading quality.

[0027] The first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 each have a reading surface. The first reading unit 31 has a first reading surface 33. The second reading unit 32 has a second reading surface 34. A reading surface is a surface of the reading unit that faces the document M1. In one example, the first reading surface 33 faces the first surface M11. The second reading surface 34 faces the second surface M12.

[0028] The reading unit is configured by a plurality of image sensors arranged in one direction. In one example, the reading unit is configured by a plurality of image sensors arranged in the vertical direction. The reading unit is a so-called CISM.

[0029] The image reading device 11 may also include a magnetic reading unit 35. The magnetic reading unit 35 is configured to read magnetic ink. The magnetic reading unit 35 is a so-called MICR. The magnetic reading unit 35 reads, for example, characters, symbols, and the like printed in magnetic ink from checks. Therefore, in one example, the image reading device 11 is a scanner capable of reading checks. The flap 22 may sort the document M1 based on the reading results of the magnetic reading unit 35.

[0030] The image reading device 11 has three or more nip portions. In one example, the image reading device 11 has three nip portions. More specifically, the image reading device 11 has a first nip portion 41, a second nip portion 51, and a third nip portion 61.

[0031] The nip portions are configured to sandwich the original M1. More specifically, the nip portions sandwich the original M1 being transported along the transport path 16. The three nip portions sandwich the original M1, thereby curving the original M1 along the transport path 16. More specifically, the three nip portions curve the original M1 in a wavy manner. As a result, the nip portions apply tension to the original M1. By applying tension to the original M1, wrinkles, folds, etc. that have occurred in the original M1 are smoothed out. As a result, the wrinkles, folds, etc. are eliminated. By sandwiching the original M1, the nip portions push the original M1 open so as to smooth out wrinkles, folds, etc.

[0032] The first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 are arranged in this order on the conveying path 16. The first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 are arranged consecutively on the conveying path 16. That is, the first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 are arranged together on the conveying path 16. The first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 sandwich the original M1 in this order. More specifically, the first nip portion 41 sandwiches the original M1 upstream of the second nip portion 51 and the third nip portion 61 on the conveying path 16. The second nip portion 51 sandwiches the original M1 downstream of the first nip portion 41 on the conveying path 16. The third nip portion 61 sandwiches the document M1 downstream of the second nip portion 51 on the conveying path 16.

[0033] 5 and 6, the nip portions sandwich the original M1 at the nip position. The first nip portion 41 sandwiches the original M1 at the first nip position P1. The second nip portion 51 sandwiches the original M1 at the second nip position P2. The third nip portion 61 sandwiches the original M1 at the third nip position P3. The nip position is the position where the pressing portion, which will be described later, comes into contact with the original M1.

[0034] The first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 are preferably located in a linear portion of the transport path 16. This makes it easier to eliminate wrinkles, creases, and the like. The first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 are aligned linearly along the transport path 16. The first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 are aligned in the transport direction D1. The transport direction D1 is the direction in which the original document M1 is transported at the first nip position P1. The transport direction D1 is also the direction in which the original document M1 is transported at the second nip position P2. The transport direction D1 is also the direction in which the original document M1 is transported at the third nip position P3.

[0035] The nip portions have pressing portions. Specifically, the first nip portion 41 has a first pressing portion 42. The second nip portion 51 has a second pressing portion 52. The third nip portion 61 has a third pressing portion 62. The pressing portions are configured to press the document M1.

[0036] The first pressing portion 42, the second pressing portion 52, and the third pressing portion 62 alternately press the front and back of the document M1. The first pressing portion 42, the second pressing portion 52, and the third pressing portion 62 press the document M1 so that the document M1 undulates. The first pressing portion 42 and the third pressing portion 62 press the first surface M11. The second pressing portion 52 presses the second surface M12. The first pressing portion 42 and the third pressing portion 62 are attached to the second housing portion 14. The second pressing portion 52 is attached to the first housing portion 13.

[0037] The pressing unit has a pressing roller. More specifically, the first pressing unit 42 has a first pressing roller 43. The second pressing unit 52 has a second pressing roller 53. The third pressing unit 62 has a third pressing roller 63. The pressing rollers may be configured to be driven to rotate, or may be configured to be driven to rotate. The first pressing roller 43 and the third pressing roller 63 contact the first surface M11. The second pressing roller 53 contacts the second surface M12. The apex of the pressing roller is the nip position.

[0038] The pressure rollers have a rotating body and a rotating shaft. Specifically, the first pressure roller 43 has a first rotating body 44 and a first rotating shaft 45. The second pressure roller 53 has a second rotating body 54 and a second rotating shaft 55. The third pressure roller 63 has a third rotating body 64 and a third rotating shaft 65. The rotating bodies come into contact with the document M1. The rotating bodies are supported by the rotating shafts. The rotating bodies rotate around the rotating shafts. The rotating shafts extend in an axial direction D2. In one example, the axial direction D2 is a vertical direction.

[0039] When viewed from the conveyance direction D1, the first pressing roller 43 is positioned so as to overlap with the second pressing roller 53 and the third pressing roller 63. More specifically, when viewed from the conveyance direction D1, the first pressing roller 43 is positioned so as to overlap with at least a portion of the second pressing roller 53 and at least a portion of the third pressing roller 63.

[0040] When viewed from the conveyance direction D1, the second pressing roller 53 is positioned so as to overlap with the first pressing roller 43 and the third pressing roller 63. More specifically, when viewed from the conveyance direction D1, the second pressing roller 53 is positioned so as to overlap with at least a portion of the first pressing roller 43 and at least a portion of the third pressing roller 63.

[0041] The first pressing roller 43, the second pressing roller 53, and the third pressing roller 63 are positioned so as to overlap one another when viewed from the conveyance direction D1. This causes the document M1 to curve. As a result, wrinkles, creases, and the like are eliminated.

[0042] The pressure roller is located downstream of the transport roller 25 on the transport path 16. The pressure roller is located downstream of the separation roller 26 on the transport path 16. This allows the pressure roller to come into contact with the document M1 after it has been separated. The pressure roller should be located upstream on the transport path 16 so that it comes into contact with the document M1. This reduces the risk of poor transport of the document M1 on the transport path 16.

[0043] The pressure rollers may be positioned so as to come into contact with the document M1 before the reading unit completes reading of the document M1. For example, the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 may be positioned in the transport path 16 between the separation roller 26 and the first reading unit 31, or between the separation roller 26 and the second reading unit 32. Specifically, the pressure rollers may be positioned between the upstream end of the separation roller 26 and the downstream end of the second reading unit 32. For example, the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 may be positioned in the transport path 16 between the transport roller 25 and the first reading unit 31, or between the transport roller 25 and the second reading unit 32. Specifically, the pressure rollers may be positioned between the upstream end of the transport roller 25 and the downstream end of the second reading unit 32. In one example, the first pressure roller 43 is located upstream of the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 on the transport path 16. The first pressure roller 43 is located between the transport roller 25 and the first reading unit 31 on the transport path 16. The second pressure roller 53 is located so as to face the first reading unit 31 on the transport path 16. The third pressure roller 63 is located so as to face the second reading unit 32 on the transport path 16. This allows the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 to read the original M1 with wrinkles, creases, etc. removed. This improves the reading quality.

[0044] The pressing section has a pressing member. More specifically, the first pressing section 42 has a first pressing member 46. The second pressing section 52 has a second pressing member 56. The third pressing section 62 has a third pressing member 66. The pressing member presses a pressing roller against the document M1. The pressing member is, for example, a coil spring.

[0045] The pressing member may be configured to press the pressing roller against a pressure receiving portion, which will be described later. The first pressing member 46 may press the first pressing roller 43 against the first pressure receiving portion 47, which will be described later, so that the first pressing roller 43 contacts the first pressure receiving portion 47, which will be described later. The second pressing member 56 may press the second pressing roller 53 against the second pressure receiving portion 57, which will be described later, so that the second pressing roller 53 contacts the second pressure receiving portion 57, which will be described later. The third pressing member 66 may press the third pressing roller 63 against the third pressure receiving portion 67, which will be described later, so that the third pressing roller 63 contacts the third pressure receiving portion 67, which will be described later. By the pressing member pressing the pressing roller so that the pressure receiving portion contacts the pressing portion, the force acting on the document M1 is increased. This makes it easier to eliminate wrinkles, creases, and the like.

[0046] The pressing forces of the first pressing member 46, the second pressing member 56, and the third pressing member 66 may be equal to each other. For example, the spring constants of the first pressing member 46, the second pressing member 56, and the third pressing member 66 may be the same. In this case, the pressing forces applied to the document M1 by the first pressing section 42, the second pressing section 52, and the third pressing section 62 are uniform. This allows the document M1 to be pressed and stretched uniformly.

[0047] The pressing forces of the first pressing member 46, the second pressing member 56, and the third pressing member 66 may be different from one another. For example, the spring constants of the first pressing member 46, the second pressing member 56, and the third pressing member 66 may be different from one another. The pressing forces of the first pressing member 46, the second pressing member 56, and the third pressing member 66 may be smaller in this order. That is, the pressing force of the first pressing member 46 may be smaller than the pressing force of the second pressing member 56. The pressing force of the second pressing member 56 may be smaller than the pressing force of the third pressing member 66. In this case, since a gradually increasing pressing force is applied to the document M1 as the document M1 is transported, it is possible to effectively eliminate wrinkles, creases, and the like while reducing the risk of transport problems.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first pressing unit 42 has one or more first pressing rollers 43 and one or more first pressing members 46. In one example, the first pressing unit 42 has two first pressing rollers 43 and four first pressing members 46. The two first pressing rollers 43 are aligned so as to be in contact with the document M1 across its width. In one example, the two first pressing rollers 43 are aligned in the vertical direction. The first pressing roller 43 is pressed against the document M1 by the two first pressing members 46.

[0049] The first pressing roller 43 has one or more first rotating bodies 44. In one example, the first pressing roller 43 has two first rotating bodies 44. The first pressing roller 43 has one or more first rotating shafts 45. In one example, the first pressing roller 43 has one first rotating shaft 45. The one first rotating shaft 45 supports two first rotating bodies 44.

[0050] The first pressing member 46 contacts the first rotating shaft 45. The first pressing member 46 presses the first pressing roller 43 against the document M1 by pressing the first rotating shaft 45. The first pressing member 46 contacts the end of the first rotating shaft 45. In one example, two first pressing members 46 contact both ends of the first rotating shaft 45, respectively. The first pressing members 46 may be positioned so as to contact the central portion of the first rotating shaft 45.

[0051] The second pressing unit 52 and the third pressing unit 62 may also be configured similarly to the first pressing unit 42. That is, the second pressing unit 52 has one or more second pressing rollers 53 and one or more second pressing members 56. For example, the second pressing unit 52 may have two second pressing rollers 53 and four second pressing members 56. The third pressing unit 62 has one or more third pressing rollers 63 and one or more third pressing members 66. For example, the third pressing unit 62 may have two third pressing rollers 63 and four third pressing members 66.

[0052] 5 and 6, the pressure roller is positioned so as to exceed the imaginary line L1. More specifically, when viewed from the axial direction D2, the pressure roller is positioned so as to exceed the imaginary line L1. When viewed from the axial direction D2, the imaginary line L1 extends along the conveying path 16 so as to divide the conveying path 16 in half.

[0053] The pressure roller is positioned so as to exceed the imaginary line L1 when the document M1 is not being transported. That is, the pressure roller is positioned so as to exceed the imaginary line L1 when the nip portion does not sandwich the document M1. In one example, the pressure roller is positioned so as to block the transport path 16 when the document M1 is not being transported.

[0054] When the document M1 is transported, the pressure roller is positioned so as to exceed the imaginary line L1. In other words, when the nip portion sandwiches the document M1, the pressure roller is positioned so as to exceed the imaginary line L1. This causes the document M1 to bend significantly.

[0055] The pressure rollers protrude into the transport path 16 beyond the imaginary line L1. Specifically, the first pressure roller 43 protrudes from the second housing portion 14 into the transport path 16 beyond the imaginary line L1. The second pressure roller 53 protrudes from the first housing portion 13 into the transport path 16 beyond the imaginary line L1. The third pressure roller 63 protrudes from the second housing portion 14 into the transport path 16 beyond the imaginary line L1. More specifically, the first pressure roller 43 protrudes so that the first nip position P1 is located between the imaginary line L1 and the first housing portion 13. The second pressure roller 53 protrudes so that the second nip position P2 is located between the imaginary line L1 and the second housing portion 14. The third pressure roller 63 protrudes so that the third nip position P3 is located between the imaginary line L1 and the third housing portion 15. This increases the protrusion amounts of the pressure rollers. As a result, the document M1 is curved significantly, so that wrinkles, creases, etc. are effectively eliminated.

[0056] The second rotation shaft 55 does not overlap the first pressure roller 43 and the third pressure roller 63 when viewed from the conveyance direction D1. That is, the second pressure roller 53 is positioned so that the second rotation shaft 55 does not overlap the first pressure roller 43 and the third pressure roller 63 when viewed from the conveyance direction D1. More specifically, the second rotation shaft 55 does not overlap the first pressure roller 43 and the third pressure roller 63 when the nip portion sandwiches the document M1. This reduces the risk of the nip portion excessively curving the document M1. If the second rotation shaft 55 overlaps the first pressure roller 43 and the third pressure roller 63, the document M1 may be excessively curved. In one example, the second rotation shaft 55 does not overlap the first pressure roller 43 and the third pressure roller 63 even when the nip portion does not sandwich the document M1.

[0057] The nip portion has a pressure receiving portion. Specifically, the first nip portion 41 has a first pressure receiving portion 47. The second nip portion 51 has a second pressure receiving portion 57. The third nip portion 61 has a third pressure receiving portion 67. The pressure receiving portion is configured to receive pressure from the pressing portion. The pressure receiving portion is positioned so as to face the pressing portion. The pressure receiving portion receives a pressing force from the pressing portion.

[0058] The pressure receiving portion may be formed by a housing portion, a reading portion, or a roller. The pressure receiving portion may be anything that receives pressure from the pressing portion. In one example, the first pressure receiving portion 47 is formed by the first housing portion 13. The first pressure receiving portion 47 is formed by a portion of the first housing portion 13 that faces the first pressing portion 42. The second pressure receiving portion 57 is formed by the first reading portion 31. The second pressing portion 52 presses the document M1 against the first reading portion 31. The third pressure receiving portion 67 is formed by the second reading portion 32. The third pressing portion 62 presses the document M1 against the second reading portion 32. By having the reading portion form the pressure receiving portion, reading quality is improved.

[0059] The pressure receiving portion may or may not be in contact with the pressing portion. More specifically, when the document M1 is not being transported through the transport path 16, the pressure receiving portion may or may not be in contact with the pressing portion. In one example, the pressure receiving portion is in contact with the pressing portion. The first pressure receiving portion 47 is in contact with the first pressure roller 43. The second pressure receiving portion 57 is in contact with the second pressure roller 53. The third pressure receiving portion 67 is in contact with the third pressure roller 63.

[0060] The pressure receiving portion has a pressure receiving surface. The first pressure receiving portion 47 has a first pressure receiving surface 48. The second pressure receiving portion 57 has a second pressure receiving surface 58. The third pressure receiving portion 67 has a third pressure receiving surface 68. The pressure receiving surface is a surface that receives pressure from the pressing portion. The pressure receiving surface is a surface that comes into contact with the pressing portion. In one example, the first pressure receiving surface 48 is a surface of the first housing portion 13 that faces the first pressing portion 42. The second pressure receiving surface 58 is the first reading surface 33. The third pressure receiving surface 68 is the second reading surface 34.

[0061] When viewed from the axial direction D2, in the direction perpendicular to the second pressure-receiving surface 58, the distance between the first nip position P1 and the second pressure-receiving surface 58 and the distance between the third nip position P3 and the second reading surface 34 are greater than the distance between the second nip position P2 and the second reading surface 34. When viewed from the axial direction D2, in the direction perpendicular to the third pressure-receiving surface 68, the distance between the second nip position P2 and the third pressure-receiving surface 68 is greater than the distance between the first nip position P1 and the third pressure-receiving surface 68 and the distance between the third nip position P3 and the third pressure-receiving surface 68. This causes the document M1 to curve. As a result, wrinkles, creases, etc. are eliminated.

[0062] The image reading device 11 may include a drive unit 71. The drive unit 71 is connected to the pressure rollers. The drive unit 71 is connected to at least one of the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63. In one example, the drive unit 71 is connected to the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63. The drive unit 71 rotates the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63, respectively. The drive unit 71 may rotate one or two of the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63.

[0063] <Actions and Effects of the Example> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) When viewed from the transport direction D1, the first pressure roller 43 is positioned so as to overlap the second pressure roller 53 and the third pressure roller 63. When viewed from the transport direction D1, the second pressure roller 53 is positioned so as to overlap the third pressure roller 63. According to the above configuration, the original M1 is transported along the transport path 16 while being alternately curved by the first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61. By alternately curving the original M1, tension is applied to the original M1. This smooths out wrinkles, creases, and the like. As a result, the risk of transport problems is reduced.

[0064] (2) The first pressing member 46 presses the first pressing roller 43 against the first pressure receiving portion 47 so that the first pressing roller 43 contacts the first pressure receiving portion 47. The second pressing member 56 presses the second pressing roller 53 against the second pressure receiving portion 57 so that the second pressing roller 53 contacts the second pressure receiving portion 57. The third pressing member 66 presses the third pressing roller 63 against the third pressure receiving portion 67 so that the third pressing roller 63 contacts the third pressure receiving portion 67. With the above configuration, the pressure applied to the document M1 by the first pressing portion 42, the second pressing portion 52, and the third pressing portion 62 increases. This makes it easier to eliminate wrinkles, creases, and the like.

[0065] (3) When viewed from the axial direction D2, the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 protrude into the transport path 16 beyond the imaginary line L1. According to the above configuration, the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 protrude significantly from the transport path 16. This causes the document M1 to bend significantly. This makes it easier to eliminate wrinkles, creases, and the like.

[0066] (4) When viewed from the conveying direction D1, the second rotation shaft 55 does not overlap with the first pressure roller 43 and the third pressure roller 63. According to the above configuration, the risk of the original M1 being excessively curved by the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 is reduced.

[0067] (5) The second pressure receiving section 57 is configured by the first reading section 31. The third pressure receiving section 67 is configured by the second reading section 32. According to the above configuration, the document M1 is pressed against the first reading section 31 and the second reading section 32, thereby improving the reading quality.

[0068] (6) The pressing force of the first pressing member 46, the pressing force of the second pressing member 56, and the pressing force of the third pressing member 66 are all equal. With the above configuration, the pressures applied to the document M1 by the first pressing roller 43, the second pressing roller 53, and the third pressing roller 63 can be made uniform. This allows the document M1 to be pressed and stretched uniformly.

[0069] (7) The pressing force of the first pressing member 46 is smaller than that of the second pressing member 56, and the pressing force of the third pressing member 66 in this order. According to the above configuration, the pressure acting on the document M1 increases as the document M1 progresses along the transport path 16. By gradually increasing the pressure acting on the document M1, wrinkles, creases, and the like can be effectively eliminated.

[0070] (8) The first pressing roller 43, the second pressing roller 53, and the third pressing roller 63 are positioned on the transport path 16 between the separation roller 26 and the first reading unit 31, or between the separation roller 26 and the second reading unit 32. With the above configuration, the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 can read the original M1 from which wrinkles, creases, etc. have been removed. This improves the reading quality.

[0071] (9) The first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 are located on the transport path 16 between the transport roller 25 and the first reading unit 31, or between the transport roller 25 and the second reading unit 32. With the above configuration, the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 can read the original M1 with wrinkles, creases, etc. removed. This improves the reading quality.

[0072] (10) The first pressing roller 43 is located on the transport path 16 between the transport roller 25 and the first reading unit 31. According to the above configuration, the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 can read the document M1 from which wrinkles, creases, etc. have been removed by the first pressing roller 43. This improves the reading quality.

[0073] (11) The image reading device 11 includes a drive unit 71. According to the above configuration, the document M1 can be easily transported. (12) The image reader 11 includes a magnetic reader 35. With the above configuration, the image reader 11 can read checks.

[0074] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8 , the first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 may be located upstream of the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 on the conveying path 16. In this modification, the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 are located in a portion of the conveying path 16 defined by the first housing portion 13 and the third housing portion 15. The first pressure receiving portion 47 is formed in the first housing portion 13. The second pressure receiving portion 57 is formed in the second housing portion 14. The third pressure receiving portion 67 is formed in the first housing portion 13.

[0076] 9, the first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 may be located downstream of the first reading unit 31 and the second reading unit 32 on the conveying path 16. In this modification, the first nip portion 41, the second nip portion 51, and the third nip portion 61 are located in a portion of the conveying path 16 defined by the first housing portion 13 and the third housing portion 15. The first pressure receiving portion 47 is formed in the third housing portion 15. The second pressure receiving portion 57 is formed in the first housing portion 13. The third pressure receiving portion 67 is formed in the third housing portion 15.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 10 , the first pressure receiving portion 47 may be formed of a first pressure receiving roller 81. The first pressure receiving roller 81 has the same configuration as the first pressing roller 43. The first pressure receiving roller 81 has a first pressure receiving body 82 and a first pressure receiving shaft 83. The first pressure receiving body 82 faces the first rotating body 44. The first pressure receiving body 82 is supported by the first pressure receiving shaft 83. The first pressure receiving surface 48 is the circumferential surface of the first pressure receiving body 82. The second pressure receiving portion 57 may be formed of a second pressure receiving roller, similar to the first pressure receiving portion 47. The third pressure receiving portion 67 may be formed of a third pressure receiving roller, similar to the first pressure receiving portion 47.

[0078] The protrusion amounts of the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 may be different from one another. For example, the protrusion amounts of the first pressure roller 43, the second pressure roller 53, and the third pressure roller 63 may be smaller in this order.

[0079] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0080] (A) An image reading device includes a first reading unit that reads a first side of a document transported along a transport path, and a second reading unit that reads a second side of the document transported along the transport path, the second side being opposite to the first side, and includes a transport roller that transports the document along the transport path, a first nip portion that sandwiches the document along the transport path, a second nip portion that sandwiches the document downstream of the first nip portion along the transport path, and a third nip portion that sandwiches the document downstream of the second nip portion along the transport path, the first nip portion having a first pressing portion that presses the document and a first pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the first pressing portion, the second nip portion having a second pressing portion that presses the document and a second pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the second pressing portion, and the third nip portion having a third pressing portion that presses the document and a third pressing portion that sandwiches the document downstream of the third pressing portion. and a third pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the pressing portion, the first pressing portion having a first pressing roller in contact with the first surface and a first pressing member that presses the first pressing roller against the first pressure receiving portion, the second pressing portion having a second pressing roller in contact with the second surface and a second pressing member that presses the second pressing roller against the second pressure receiving portion, the third pressing portion having a third pressing roller in contact with the first surface and a third pressing member that presses the third pressure roller against the third pressure receiving portion, when viewed from the transport direction in which the document is transported at a nip position where the first nip portion nips the document, the first pressing roller is positioned to overlap with the second pressing roller and the third pressing roller, and when viewed from the transport direction, the second pressing roller is positioned to overlap with the third pressing roller. According to the above configuration, the document is conveyed along the conveyance path while being alternately curved by the first nip portion, the second nip portion, and the third nip portion. The alternate curvature of the document applies tension to the document, thereby smoothing out wrinkles, creases, and the like. As a result, the risk of conveyance problems is reduced.

[0081] (B) In the above image reading device, the first pressing member may press the first pressing roller against the first pressure receiving portion so that the first pressing roller contacts the first pressure receiving portion, the second pressing member may press the second pressing roller against the second pressure receiving portion so that the second pressing roller contacts the second pressure receiving portion, and the third pressing member may press the third pressing roller against the third pressure receiving portion so that the third pressing roller contacts the third pressure receiving portion. According to the above configuration, the pressure applied to the document by the first pressing portion, the second pressing portion, and the third pressing portion increases. This makes it easier to remove wrinkles, creases, and the like.

[0082] (C) In the image reading device described above, when viewed from the axial direction of the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller, the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller may protrude into the transport path so as to exceed an imaginary line extending along the transport path and dividing the transport path in half. According to the above configuration, the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller protrude significantly from the transport path. This causes the document to bend significantly. This makes it easier to eliminate wrinkles, creases, and the like.

[0083] (D) In the image reading device, the second pressure roller has a rotation axis, and the rotation axis does not have to overlap with the first pressure roller and the third pressure roller when viewed from the transport direction. This configuration reduces the risk of the document being excessively curved by the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller.

[0084] (E) The image reading device may include a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion defining the transport path, the first pressure receiving portion being configured in the first housing portion, and the second pressure receiving portion being configured in the second housing portion. According to the above configuration, the first pressure receiving portion and the second pressure receiving portion can be easily configured.

[0085] (F) In the image reading device, the second pressure receiving unit may be configured as the first reading unit, and the third pressure receiving unit may be configured as the second reading unit. With this configuration, the document is pressed against the first reading unit and the second reading unit, improving reading quality.

[0086] (G) In the image reading device, the pressing force of the first pressing member, the pressing force of the second pressing member, and the pressing force of the third pressing member may be equal to each other. According to the above configuration, the pressures applied to the document by the first pressing roller, the second pressing roller, and the third pressing roller can be made uniform. This allows the document to be pressed and stretched uniformly.

[0087] (H) In the image reading device, the pressing force of the first pressing member, the pressing force of the second pressing member, and the pressing force of the third pressing member may decrease in this order. According to the above configuration, the pressure acting on the document increases as the document advances along the transport path. By gradually increasing the pressure acting on the document, wrinkles, creases, and the like can be effectively eliminated.

[0088] (I) The image reading device may include a separation roller that separates the document into individual sheets, and the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller may be positioned on the transport path between the separation roller and the first reading unit, or between the separation roller and the second reading unit. According to the above configuration, the first reading unit and the second reading unit can read documents with wrinkles, creases, and the like removed. This improves reading quality.

[0089] (J) In the image reading device described above, the transport roller may be located upstream of the first and second reading units in the transport path, and the first, second, and third pressure rollers may be located between the transport roller and the first reading unit or between the transport roller and the second reading unit in the transport path. According to the above configuration, the first and second reading units can read documents with wrinkles, creases, and the like removed. This improves reading quality.

[0090] (K) In the image reading device described above, the first reading unit may be located upstream of the second reading unit on the transport path, the transport roller may be located upstream of the first reading unit on the transport path in the transport direction, and the first pressure roller may be located between the transport roller and the first reading unit on the transport path. According to the above configuration, the first reading unit and the second reading unit can read an original document from which wrinkles, creases, etc. have been removed by the first pressure roller. This improves reading quality.

[0091] (L) The image reading device may include a drive unit that rotates each of the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller. According to the above configuration, it becomes easier to transport the document.

[0092] (M) The image reading device may include a magnetic reading unit that reads magnetic ink. According to the above configuration, the image reading device can read magnetic ink from a document. For example, the image reading device can read a check. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 11...image reading device, 12...housing, 13...first housing part, 14...second housing part, 15...third housing part, 16...conveying path, 17...supply space, 18...discharge space, 19...partition plate, 20...first storage space, 21...second storage space, 22...flap, 23...conveying section, 24...pick roller, 25...conveying roller, 26...separation roller, 27...drive roller, 28...followed roller, 31...first reading section, 32...second reading section, 33...first reading surface, 34...second reading surface, 35...magnetic reading section, 41...first nip section, 42...first pressing section, 43...first pressing roller, 44...first rotating body, 45...first rotating shaft, 46...first pressing member, 47...first pressure receiving section, 48...first pressure receiving surface, 51...second nip portion, 52...second pressing portion, 53...second pressing roller, 54...second rotating body, 55...second rotating shaft, 56...second pressing member, 57...second pressure receiving portion, 58...second pressure receiving surface, 61...third nip portion, 62...third pressing portion, 63...third pressing roller, 64...third rotating body, 65...third rotating shaft, 66... Third pressing member, 67...third pressure receiving portion, 68...third pressure receiving surface, 71...drive portion, 81...first pressure receiving roller, 82...first pressure receiving body, 83...first pressure receiving shaft, D1...conveyance direction, D2...axial direction, L1...imaginary line, M1...original, M11...first surface, M12...second surface, P1...first nip position, P2...second nip position, P3...third nip position.

Claims

1. An image reading device including a first reading unit that reads a first side of a document transported along a transport path, and a second reading unit that reads a second side of the document transported along the transport path, the second side being opposite to the first side, a transport roller that transports the document along the transport path; a first nip portion that sandwiches the document in the transport path; a second nip portion that sandwiches the document downstream of the first nip portion in the transport path; a third nip portion that sandwiches the document downstream of the second nip portion in the transport path, the first nip portion has a first pressing portion that presses the document and a first pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the first pressing portion; the second nip portion has a second pressing portion that presses the document and a second pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the second pressing portion, the third nip portion has a third pressing portion that presses the document and a third pressure receiving portion that receives pressure from the third pressing portion, the first pressing portion includes a first pressing roller that contacts the first surface, and a first pressing member that presses the first pressing roller against the first pressure receiving portion, the second pressing portion includes a second pressing roller that contacts the second surface, and a second pressing member that presses the second pressing roller against the second pressure receiving portion, the third pressing portion includes a third pressing roller that contacts the first surface, and a third pressing member that presses the third pressing roller against the third pressure receiving portion, When viewed from a transport direction in which the document is transported at a nip position where the first nip portion nips the document, the first pressure roller is positioned to overlap the second pressure roller and the third pressure roller, The image reading device is characterized in that, when viewed from the transport direction, the second pressure roller is positioned so as to overlap the third pressure roller.

2. the first pressing member presses the first pressing roller against the first pressure receiving portion so that the first pressing roller contacts the first pressure receiving portion; the second pressing member presses the second pressing roller against the second pressure receiving portion so that the second pressing roller contacts the second pressure receiving portion; 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the third pressing member presses the third pressing roller against the third pressure receiving portion so that the third pressing roller comes into contact with the third pressure receiving portion.

3. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the axial direction of the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller, the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller protrude into the transport path so as to exceed an imaginary line extending along the transport path and dividing the transport path in half.

4. The second pressing roller has a rotation shaft, 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft does not overlap with the first pressing roller and the third pressing roller when viewed from the transport direction.

5. Equipped with a housing, The housing has a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion define the transport path; the first pressure-receiving portion is formed by the first housing portion, 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second pressure receiving portion is formed by the second housing portion.

6. the second pressure receiving unit is configured by the first reading unit, 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the third pressure receiving section is configured as the second reading section.

7. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing force of the first pressing member, the pressing force of the second pressing member, and the pressing force of the third pressing member are all equal to each other.

8. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing force of the first pressing member is smaller than that of the second pressing member, and the pressing force of the third pressing member is smaller in this order.

9. Equipped with a separation roller that separates the documents one by one, 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller are located on the transport path between the separation roller and the first reading unit or between the separation roller and the second reading unit.

10. the transport roller is located upstream of the first reading unit and the second reading unit in the transport path; 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller are located on the transport path between the transport roller and the first reading unit, or between the transport roller and the second reading unit.

11. the first reading unit is located upstream of the second reading unit on the transport path; the transport roller is located upstream of the first reading unit in the transport path in the transport direction; The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the first pressing roller is located between the transport roller and the first reading unit on the transport path.

12. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a driving unit that rotates each of the first pressure roller, the second pressure roller, and the third pressure roller.

13. 13. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic reading unit that reads magnetic ink.

Images