Medium transport device and image reading device

Abstract

To reduce the risk of a medium discharged from a straight path 13 colliding with a wall 34.SOLUTION: A medium transport device 3 includes: an exterior 22; a transport section 11 that transports the media 2 in a transport direction F from the front side of the exterior 22; a straight path 13 where the medium 2 is transported towards the back side of the exterior 22; an U-turn path 14 that branches from the straight path 13 where the media 2 is transported in an inverted direction; and a discharge port 23 located on the back side of the exterior 22 and from which the media 2 is discharged from the straight path 13, where the discharge port 23 is positioned on the front side relative to a back side 24 of the exterior 22 corresponding to the area where the U-turn path 14 is located.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device and an image reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of device is the device described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a sheet conveying device that includes a U-turn conveying path, a straight conveying path, and a switching means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-16058 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the sheet transport device described in Patent Document 1, sheets discharged from the straight transport path are discharged to a paper output tray located on the rear side of the device. The paper output tray is openable and rotatable around a base end as a fulcrum, and is open when in use and closed when not in use. With this structure, when the paper output tray is open, the installation area in the depth direction of the entire device becomes large. Furthermore, if the discharge tray is omitted, the back of the device can be placed close to the wall of the installation location, but paper discharged from the straight transport path is likely to collide with the wall, causing a jam. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the media conveying device of the present invention is a media conveying device having an exterior, and is equipped with a conveying section that conveys the media in a conveying direction from the front side of the exterior, a straight path along which the media is conveyed toward the back side of the exterior, a U-turn path that branches off from the straight path and along which the media is conveyed inverted, and an outlet through which the media is discharged from the straight path and is located on the back side of the exterior, and is characterized in that the outlet is located closer to the front than the position on the back side of the exterior that corresponds to the area where the U-turn path is located.

[0006] In addition, the image reading device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a medium conveying device of any one of the first to ninth aspects described below, and a reading unit that reads an image of the medium conveyed by the medium conveying device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a medium conveying device according to a first embodiment, viewed from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the medium conveying device according to the first embodiment, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a medium conveying device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a main part of a medium conveying device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a medium conveying device according to a second embodiment, seen from the rear. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a medium conveying device according to a modified example of the second embodiment, viewed from the rear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention will now be briefly described. A first aspect of the present invention is a media conveying device having an exterior, comprising: a conveying section that conveys a medium in a conveying direction from the front side of the exterior; a straight path along which the medium is conveyed toward the back side of the exterior; a U-turn path that branches off from the straight path and along which the medium is conveyed inverted; and an outlet through which the medium is discharged from the straight path and is located on the back side of the exterior, wherein the outlet is located closer to the front than the position on the back side of the exterior that corresponds to the area where the U-turn path is located.

[0009] Here, the "exterior" in the "medium transport device having an exterior" refers to the part that constitutes the exterior of the medium transport device. In other words, the "exterior" in this specification is not limited to something that covers the inside of a housing or the like, and for example, in a device in which the discharge port is exposed and forms part of the exterior, the discharge port also constitutes part of the exterior and is included in the exterior.

[0010] According to this aspect, the outlet, which is located on the rear side of the exterior and through which the media are discharged from the straight path, is located closer to the front than the rear side of the exterior corresponding to the area where the U-turn path is located. This leaves a space between the outlet and the wall, even when the rear of the media transport device, i.e., the rear of the U-turn path, is installed close to the wall of the installation location. This space can be used to receive the media discharged from the outlet, thereby reducing the risk of the media being discharged from the straight path colliding with the wall. Furthermore, unlike conventional devices, the paper discharge tray is not provided openably on the rear surface of the device, so that the installation area in the depth direction of the entire device can be reduced.

[0011] A medium conveying device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the depth dimension between the front and back of the exterior in a side view corresponding to the area where the U-turn path is located is shorter than the depth dimension between the front and back of the exterior in a side view corresponding to the area where the straight path is located and the discharge outlet.

[0012] According to this aspect, the depth dimension between the front face and the back face in a side view of the exterior of the portion corresponding to the U-turn path is shorter than the depth dimension between the front face and the discharge outlet in a side view of the exterior of the portion corresponding to the straight path. As a result, by setting the difference between the two depth dimensions in consideration of the size of the media to be discharged from the discharge outlet, it is possible to ensure a discharge area suitable for the media.

[0013] A medium conveying device according to a third aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that an ejection area from which the medium is ejected from the ejection outlet is located below the U-turn path. This aspect can also be subordinate to the second aspect. Here, the "discharge area" is an area formed by the underside of the exterior corresponding to the area where the U-turn path is located and the back surface of the part where the discharge outlet is located.

[0014] According to this aspect, the ejection area where the medium is ejected from the ejection port is located below the U-turn path, which allows the medium to be ejected to the ejection area without providing an ejection tray or the like for ejecting the medium.

[0015] A medium conveying device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized in that the discharge area has an access portion on at least one of the left and right side portions of the exterior, and the discharge area can be accessed from the side via the access portion. Here, "accessible" means that the media ejected to the ejection area is open so that the user can manually remove the media. Therefore, the shape of the access portion is not limited to a specific shape.

[0016] According to this aspect, the ejection area is accessible from the side via an access portion provided on a side portion of the exterior, allowing a user to easily remove the medium ejected in the ejection area.

[0017] A media transport device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the fourth aspect, and is characterized in that the back surface of the side portion is formed with an inclined portion that slopes from the position that forms the back surface of the U-turn path toward the front surface, and the access portion is formed by the inclined portion.

[0018] According to this aspect, the rear surface of the side surface is formed with an inclined portion that slopes from the rear surface of the U-turn path toward the front surface, and the access portion is formed by the inclined portion. This makes the outlet hidden from the side, reducing the risk of the user accidentally touching it. Furthermore, the access portion can be provided with a simple structure.

[0019] A medium transport device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized by including a sensor that detects the state of the medium in the discharge area. This aspect can also be subordinate to the fourth or fifth aspect.

[0020] According to this aspect, since a sensor for detecting the state of the media in the ejection area is provided, the amount of media ejected in the ejection area can be monitored, making it easier for the user to determine when to remove the accumulated media. Also, it is easy to detect improper conditions, such as when the media are jammed in the ejection area or when the stacking state is disordered.

[0021] A media conveying device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized in that it is provided with a guide portion above the discharge outlet, and the media discharged from the discharge outlet is guided by the guide portion and discharged downward from the discharge outlet. This aspect can also be subordinate to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects.

[0022] According to this aspect, the media discharged from the discharge port are guided by the guide portion and discharged downward from the discharge port, thereby stabilizing the stacking state of the media accumulated in the discharge area.

[0023] An eighth aspect of the media conveying device of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the third aspect, and is characterized in that it comprises a media receiving portion that receives the media discharged from the discharge outlet, and the media receiving portion is formed to a size that fits within the discharge area in the direction of the straight path. This aspect can also be subordinate to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects.

[0024] According to this aspect, the printer is provided with a media receiving section that receives media discharged from the discharge port. This allows the discharged media to rest on the media receiving section, rather than on another component such as a table, ensuring safety and preventing the discharged media from scattering. Furthermore, because the media receiving section is sized to fit within the discharge area in the direction of the straight path, there is little risk of interference with the wall surface.

[0025] A ninth aspect of the media transport device according to the present invention is dependent on the eighth aspect, and is characterized in that the media receiving portion has an inclined surface that slopes from the top toward the side.

[0026] According to this aspect, the medium receiving section has an inclined surface that slopes from the top to the side, which makes it easier for the medium discharged into the medium receiving section to move down the inclined surface toward the side, making it easier for the user to remove the medium.

[0027] An image reading device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention comprises a medium conveying device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and a reading unit that reads an image on the medium conveyed by the medium conveying device.

[0028] According to this aspect, in the image reading device, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained by any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0029] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, embodiments of a medium conveying device and an image reading device according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 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 axis, 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 vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates a vertically downward direction. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to horizontal directions. The +Y direction indicates the front direction of the image reading 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.

[0030] <Overall configuration of image reading device> First, the overall configuration of an image reading device 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The image reading device 1 of this embodiment is a document scanner capable of reading an image on a medium 2. Here, the image refers to something visually recorded on the medium 2, such as characters, figures, tables, pictures, photographs, etc. The medium is not limited to sheets, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. The image reading device 1 is not limited to a scanner, but may also be a copy machine, a facsimile machine, etc.

[0031] The image reading device 1 includes a medium conveying device 3 that conveys a medium 2 in a conveying direction F along a conveying path 5, and a reading unit 4 that reads an image on the medium 2 conveyed by the medium conveying device 3. 3, in this embodiment, two reading units 4 are provided as the reading unit 4 that reads an image on the medium 2: a first reading unit 41 and a second reading unit 42. The first reading unit 41 is located above the transport path 5 and reads an image on a first side of the medium 2. The second reading unit 42 is located below the transport path 5 and reads an image on a second side opposite the first side. The reading unit 4 has, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type sensor that extends along the X axis or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type sensor. A first rotating member 43 is disposed in a position facing the first reading unit 41, and a second rotating member 44 is disposed in a position facing the second reading unit 42. The first rotating member 43 and the second rotating member 44 have background portions (not shown) disposed on their peripheral surfaces. The background portions include a white background portion and a black background portion at different positions. When the first reading unit 41 and the second reading unit 42 read an image on the medium 2, the first rotating member 43 and the second rotating member 44 are rotated by a drive source (not shown) to position the white background portion or the black background portion so as to face the reading positions of the first reading unit 41 and the second reading unit 42, respectively.

[0032] Furthermore, the medium 2 is provided with a transport unit 11 that transports the medium 2 along the transport path 5 in the transport direction F. The transport unit 11 includes a first transport roller pair 6 provided upstream of the first reading unit 41, a second transport roller pair 7 provided upstream of the second reading unit 42 located downstream of the first reading unit 41, and a third transport roller pair 8 provided downstream of the second reading unit 42. The first conveying roller pair 6, the second conveying roller pair 7, and the third conveying roller pair 8 are each composed of a driving roller and a driven roller pair that rotates by the power of a driving source (not shown).

[0033] A roller pair consisting of a feed roller 9 and a separation roller 10 is disposed upstream of the first transport roller pair 6 in the transport direction F. The feed roller 9 is a drive roller that rotates using the power of a drive source such as a motor (not shown), and transports the medium 2 in the transport direction F. The separation roller 10 is a drive roller that rotates using the power of a drive source (not shown), and is a roller that separates multiple sheets of media 2 into a single sheet. Here, the separation roller 10 rotates using the power of the drive source in a direction that sends the media 2 upstream (+Y direction) in the transport direction F. The separation roller 10 is equipped with a torque limiter (not shown), and when a torque exceeding a set value is applied to this torque limiter, the separation roller 10 is driven to rotate in a direction that sends the media 2 downstream (-Y direction) in the transport direction F. A pick roller 12 is disposed upstream of the separation roller 10. The pick roller 12 is a drive roller that rotates by the power of a drive source (not shown), and picks up the medium 2 and sends it out in the transport direction F.

[0034] 3, in this embodiment, a U-turn path 14 is provided downstream of the straight path 13 from the feed roller 9 to the third conveying roller pair 8, i.e., downstream of the third conveying roller pair 8. On the U-turn path 14, a fourth conveying roller pair 15, a fifth conveying roller pair 16, and a discharge roller pair 17, which form the conveying section 11, are arranged in this order along the conveying direction F. The fourth conveying roller pair 15, the fifth conveying roller pair 16, and the discharge roller pair 17 are also configured as pairs of a drive roller and a driven roller that rotate by the power of a drive source (not shown). The discharged medium placement unit 18, which receives the medium 2 discharged in the direction of the arrow 19 from the discharge roller pair 17, is disposed above the straight path 13, thereby achieving a compact design.

[0035] In Figure 3, reference numeral 21 denotes a medium setting section in which the medium 2 to be read is set. The medium setting section 21 can be opened and closed by rotating around the base end 48 as a pivot point. The medium setting section 21 is used in the open state shown in Figure 3. Figure 1 shows the medium setting section 21 in a closed state, and it is configured to form part of the exterior casing 22 in this closed state. The medium 2 on the medium setting unit 21 is picked up by the pick roller 12 and sent in the transport direction F. The medium setting unit 21 is configured to move up and down by the power of a drive source (not shown). When sending the medium 2 set in the medium setting unit 21 in the transport direction F, first, the medium setting unit 21 receives power from a drive source (not shown) and moves upward (in the +Z direction), and the topmost medium 2 stops in contact with the pick roller 12. In this state, the pick roller 12 rotates to send the medium 2 in the transport direction F, and the leading edge of the medium 2 reaches the nip position of the roller pair consisting of the feed roller 9 and the separation roller 10.

[0036] In the case of a double feed state in which multiple sheets of medium 2 are sent, the sheets are separated into one sheet by a separation roller 10, and that sheet is transported in the transport direction F by a first transport roller pair 6, and the image on the first side of medium 2 is read by a first reading unit 41. Furthermore, the medium 2 that has been read by the first reading unit 41 is transported by the second transport roller pair 7, and the image on the second side of the medium 2, which is opposite to the first side, is read by the second reading unit 42.

[0037] 3, reference numeral 20 denotes a control unit. The control unit 20 controls the driving of each of the drive sources and the reading operation of the reading unit 4 in accordance with the conveyance of the medium 2. The control unit 20 includes a CPU, a flash ROM, and a RAM. The CPU performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with programs stored in the flash ROM and controls the overall operation of the 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. The RAM, which is also an example of a storage means, temporarily stores various pieces of information.

[0038] [Embodiment 1] <Media transport unit> Following the description of the overall structure of the image reading device 1, the medium conveying device 3 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, although some of the description will overlap with the above description. The medium conveying device 3 has an exterior casing 22 that forms the exterior. As shown in Fig. 3, the medium conveying device 3 includes a conveying unit 11 that conveys the medium 2 in a conveying direction F from the front side (+Y side) of the casing 22, a straight path 13 along which the medium 2 is conveyed toward the rear side of the casing 22, and a U-turn path 14 that branches off from the straight path 13 via a direction switching unit 45 and along which the medium 2 is conveyed in an inverted direction. The direction switching unit 45 is driven by the control unit 20 via a drive mechanism (not shown) to take the positions shown in Figures 4 and 5. When the direction switching unit 45 is in the position shown in Figure 4, the medium 2 is guided in the direction of the U-turn path 14, and when it is in the position shown in Figure 5, the medium 2 is guided in the direction of discharge from the discharge port 23 and is discharged in the direction of the arrow 46.

[0039] The medium conveying device 3 has a discharge outlet 23 through which the medium 2 is discharged from the straight path 13. The discharge outlet 23 is located on the rear side (-Y side) of the exterior casing 22. The discharge outlet 23 is configured to be located on the front side (+Y side) of the position on the rear side 24 of the exterior casing 22 that corresponds to the area where the U-turn path 14 is located. In this specification, exterior 22 refers to the part that constitutes the exterior of the medium transport device. In other words, exterior 22 in this specification is not limited to something that covers the inside of a housing or the like. For example, in a medium transport device in which discharge port 23 is exposed and forms part of the exterior, the discharge port also constitutes part of the exterior and is included in exterior 22.

[0040] The discharge outlet 23 is arranged as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, the depth dimension between the front face 25 and the back face 24 in a side view of the exterior 22 corresponding to the area where the U-turn path 14 is located is defined as L1. The depth dimension between the front face 25 and the discharge outlet 23 in a side view of the exterior 22 corresponding to the area where the straight path 13 is located is defined as L2. The depth dimension L2 corresponding to the position of the discharge outlet 23 is configured to be shorter than the depth dimension L1. Reference numeral 26 denotes the back face on the back side (-Y side) corresponding to the discharge outlet 23. The difference in depth (L1-L2) realizes a structure in which there is a back surface 26 that exposes the discharge outlet 23 and a discharge area 27 below the U-turn path 14 where the media 2 are discharged from the discharge outlet 23. The discharge area 27 is located below the exterior 22 corresponding to the area where the U-turn path 14 is located, and is an area formed by the back surface 24 and the back surface 26 of the part where the discharge outlet 23 is located. The difference in depth (L1-L2) is set based on the size of the medium to be discharged into the discharge area 27. For example, it is set so that the medium 2 can be received, such as a business card or a credit card. Alternatively, it is set so that the medium 2 can be received in the size of a postcard.

[0041] 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the discharge area 27 has an access portion 30 on at least one of the left and right side portions 28, 29 of the exterior casing 22. The discharge area 27 is configured to be accessible to a user from the side (X-axis direction) via the access portion 30. "Accessible" means that the access portion 30 is open so that the user can manually remove the medium 2 discharged in the discharge area 27. Therefore, the shape of the access portion 30 is not limited to a specific shape. In this embodiment, the access section 30 is configured as follows: The rear surfaces of the side sections 28, 29 are formed with inclined sections 31 that slope from the rear surface 24 of the U-turn path 14 toward the front surface (+Y side). The access section 30 is made up of the inclined sections 31 provided on the rear surfaces of the side sections 28, 29.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, a guide portion 32 is provided in the discharge direction of the discharge outlet 23. The medium 2 discharged from the discharge outlet 23 is guided by the guide portion 32 and is configured to be discharged downward from the discharge outlet 23, i.e., in the direction of the arrow 33. The guide portion 32 in this embodiment is a convex portion that protrudes in the -Z direction. The guide portion 32 is positioned in the -Y direction relative to the discharge outlet 23. In addition, the -Z direction end of the convex portion of the guide portion 32 is located in the -Z direction relative to the discharge outlet 23. 5, the reference numeral 34 indicates a wall surface. That is, even if the rear surface 24 of the medium transport device 3 is placed in a position close to the wall surface 34 of the installation location, the medium 2 is guided downward by the guide portion 32 so that it can be discharged into the discharge area 27.

[0043] 6, this embodiment is provided with a sensor 35 that detects the state of the medium 2 in the discharge area 27. Here, an optical sensor is used as the sensor 35, but the sensor is not limited to this and may be any sensor that can detect the state of the medium 2 in the discharge area 27. The sensor 35 is located, for example, below the third transport roller pair 8, in the center of the rear surface 26 in the X-axis direction. 6 shows a case where a medium 2 of a size that cannot fit into the discharge area 27 is discharged from the discharge port 23. The leading edge 36 of the medium 2 is turned back by the wall surface 34, and then moves toward the discharge port 23, where it is detected by the sensor 35. This notifies the user that the medium is not being transported normally. That is, the light emitted from the sensor 35 is reflected by the leading edge 36, and this detects that the medium is not being transported normally. Note that a configuration in which multiple sensors 35 are arranged may also be used.

[0044] [Variations] In the above description, the access portion 30 is formed by the inclined portion 31 provided on the rear surface of the side portions 28, 29. However, the access portion 30 may have a structure in which the entire side portion of the discharge area 27 is open, as shown in FIG. Such an open structure allows the user easier side access to the discharge area 27.

[0045] <Explanation of Effects of First Embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, the discharge opening 23, which is disposed on the rear side (-Y side) of the exterior casing 22 and through which the medium 2 is discharged from the straight path 13, is located on the front side (+Y side) of the rear side 24 of the exterior casing 22 corresponding to the area where the U-turn path 14 is located. As a result, even when the rear side 24 of the medium conveying device 3, i.e., the rear side 24 of the U-turn path 14, is installed close to the wall surface 34 ( FIG. 5 ) of the installation location, a space is created between the discharge opening 23 and the wall surface 34. This space can be used as an area to receive the medium 2 discharged from the discharge opening 23, thereby reducing the risk of the medium 2 discharged from the straight path 13 colliding with the wall surface 34. Furthermore, unlike conventional devices, the paper discharge tray is not provided openably on the rear surface of the device, so that the installation area in the depth direction of the entire device can be reduced.

[0046] (2) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the depth dimension L2 from the front surface 25 to the discharge outlet 23 in a side view of the exterior 22 corresponding to the straight path 13 is shorter than the depth dimension L1 from the front surface 25 to the back surface 24 in a side view of the exterior 22 corresponding to the U-turn path 14. As a result, by setting the difference between the two depth dimensions (L1-L2) in consideration of the size of the media 2 to be discharged from the discharge outlet 23, it is possible to ensure a discharge area 27 suitable for the media 2. (3) In this embodiment, the discharge area 27 where the medium 2 is discharged from the discharge port 23 is located below the U-turn path 14. This allows the medium 2 to be discharged to the discharge area 27 without providing a discharge tray or the like for discharging the medium 2.

[0047] (4) In this embodiment, the ejection area 27 is accessible from the side via an access portion 30 provided on the side portions 28, 29 of the exterior casing 22. This allows the user to easily remove the medium 2 ejected into the ejection area 27. (5) In addition, in this embodiment, the rear surfaces of the side surfaces 28, 29 are formed with an inclined portion 31 that slopes from the rear surface 24 of the U-turn path 14 toward the front surface (+Y side), and the access portion 30 is formed with the inclined portion 31. This makes the outlet 23 hidden from the side, reducing the risk of the user accidentally coming into contact with it. In addition, the access portion 30 can be provided with a simple structure.

[0048] (6) Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sensor 35 is provided that detects the state of the media 2 in the discharge area 27, so the amount of media 2 discharged in the discharge section 27 can be monitored, making it easier for the user to determine the timing to remove the accumulated media 2. In addition, it is possible to easily grasp improper conditions, such as when the media 2 are jammed in the discharge area 27 or when the stacking state is disordered. (7) In this embodiment, the medium 2 discharged from the discharge opening 23 is guided by the guide portion 32 and discharged downward from the discharge opening 23. This makes it possible to stabilize the stacking state of the medium 2 accumulated in the discharge area 27.

[0049] [Embodiment 2] Next, a medium conveying device 3 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and a description of the configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted. 8, this embodiment includes a medium receiving section 37 that receives the medium 2 discharged from the discharge opening 23. Specifically, the discharge area 27 is provided at a position below the rear surface 26 corresponding to the discharge opening 23. In other words, the medium receiving section 37 is sized to fit within the discharge area 27. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the medium receiving portion 37 has an inclined surface 39 that slopes from a top portion 38 located on the side surface portion 28 side toward the side surface portion 29 side. For example, when a medium 2 the size of a business card or the like is transported along the straight path 13 and discharged from the discharge port 23, it rests on the inclined surface 39 of the medium receiving section 37 located below.Then, it slides down the inclined surface 39 and reaches the lower part of the inclined section 31.

[0050] In this embodiment, a medium receiving section 37 is provided to receive the medium 2 discharged from the discharge port 23. This allows the discharged medium 2 to rest on the medium receiving section 37 and not on another member such as a table, ensuring safety and preventing the discharged medium 2 from scattering. In addition, because the size of the medium receiving section 37 fits within the discharge area 27 in the direction of the straight path 13, there is little risk of interference with the wall surface 34. Furthermore, the medium receiving section 37 has an inclined surface 39 that slopes sideways from the top 38. This allows the medium 2 discharged into the medium receiving section 37 to easily move down the inclined surface 39 sideways, making it even easier for the user to remove the medium.

[0051] [Variations] In the above description, there is one inclined surface 39, but as shown in Fig. 9, a first inclined surface 391 and a second inclined surface 392 may be provided on the left and right sides of the top 38. The effect is basically the same as that described in the second embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] Other Embodiments The medium conveying device 3 and image reading device 1 according to the present invention are based on the configuration of the embodiment described above, but it is of course possible to modify or omit partial configurations within the scope of the gist of the present invention. In the above description, the access portion 30 is provided on both the side surface portion 28 and the side surface portion 29, but it may be provided on either one of them. The medium transport device 3 can be mounted on devices other than the image reading device 1, and can also be mounted on a recording device such as an inkjet printer for use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...image reading device, 2...medium, 3...medium conveying device, 4...reading unit, 5...conveying path, 6...first conveying roller pair, 7...second conveying roller pair, 8...third conveying roller pair, 9...feed roller, 10...separation roller, 11...conveyor section, 12...pick roller, 13...straight path, 14...U-turn path, 15...fourth conveying roller pair, 16...fifth conveying roller pair, 17...discharge roller pair, 18...discharge medium placement portion, 19...arrow, 20...control section, 21...medium setting section, 22...exterior, 23...discharge port, 24...Back, 25...Front, 26...Back, 27...Ejection area, 28...Side part, 29...side portion, 30...access portion, 31...inclined portion, 32...guide portion, 33...arrow, 34...wall surface, 35...sensor, 36...tip portion, 37...media receiving portion, 38...top portion, 39...inclined surface, 41...first reading unit, 42...second reading unit, 43...first rotating member, 44... second rotating member, 45... direction switching portion, 46... arrow, 48... base end, 391...first inclined surface, 392...second inclined surface, F...Transport direction, L1...Depth dimension, L2...Depth dimension

Claims

1. A media transport device having an exterior, a conveying unit that conveys the medium in a conveying direction from the front side of the exterior; a straight path along which the media is conveyed toward the rear surface of the outer packaging; a U-turn path that branches off from the straight path and along which the medium is conveyed while being reversed; an outlet through which the medium is discharged from the straight path, the outlet being disposed on a rear surface side of the exterior; The outlet is located on the front side of the rear surface of the exterior corresponding to the area where the U-turn path is located. A medium transport device characterized by:

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , With respect to a depth dimension between the front surface and the rear surface in a side view of the exterior corresponding to the area in which the U-turn path is arranged, a depth dimension from the front surface of the exterior corresponding to the area where the straight path is arranged to the outlet in a side view of the exterior; A medium transport device characterized by:

3. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , a discharge area below the U-turn path from which the medium is discharged through the discharge port; A medium transport device characterized by:

4. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 3, The discharge area is an access portion on at least one of the left and right side surfaces of the exterior; The discharge area is accessible from the side via the access portion. A medium transport device characterized by:

5. 5. The medium transport device according to claim 4, a sloped portion is formed in a portion that becomes the back surface of the side surface portion, the sloped portion being inclined from a position that becomes the back surface of the U-turn path toward the front surface side, The access portion is formed by the inclined portion. A medium transport device characterized by:

6. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 3, a sensor for detecting the state of the medium in the discharge area; A medium transport device characterized by:

7. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 3, a guide portion provided in the discharge direction of the discharge port; The medium discharged from the discharge port is guided by the guide portion and discharged downward from the discharge port. A medium transport device characterized by:

8. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 3, a medium receiving portion for receiving the medium discharged from the discharge port; The medium receiving portion is formed to have a size that fits within the discharge area in the direction of the straight path. A medium transport device characterized by:

9. 9. The medium transport device according to claim 8, The medium receiving portion has an inclined surface that slopes from the top toward the side. A medium transport device characterized by:

10. A medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a reading unit that reads an image on the medium transported by the medium transport device; An image reading device comprising:

Images