Document conveyance device

Abstract

To provide a document conveyance device capable of preventing a discharge tray from being half-open.SOLUTION: A document conveyance device includes: a cover 17 having a first tray plate 91 rotatably supported on a side surface of a device body and covering a part of the side surface, and a second tray plate 93 rotatably connected to the first tray plate 91 and covering a part of an upper surface of the device body; a rigid stopper 95 having a fixed end 95a rotatably connected to the cover 17 and a movable end 95b that moves within an elongated hole 113 formed in the device body as the cover 17 rotates, and the movable end 95b is engaged with one end of an elongated hole 113 to support the cover 17 in a fully open position; and a biasing member 97 that moves the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 to a position P a predetermined distance away from one end of the elongated hole 113.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a document transport device equipped with an openable and closable discharge tray. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, document feeders are often configured to read images on documents while transporting them along a U-shaped curved transport path. In this case, small documents such as business cards or cards, or documents that are heavy and hard, may not be transported smoothly along the curved transport path.

[0003] Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, there is a case where the transport path is configured to include a first linear transport path along which documents placed on a paper feed tray are transported, a curved second transport path branching off from the first transport path, and a third linear transport path branching off from the first transport path and extending in the same direction as the first transport path. The documents discharged from the discharge port of the third transport path are stacked on a discharge tray.

[0004] The ejection tray includes a connecting portion rotatably supported on the device body and a tray body rotatably connected to the connecting portion. When not in use, the ejection tray is stored in a storage recess provided across the side and top surfaces of the device body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-174052 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a document transport device such as that described in Patent Document 1, when the discharge tray is properly accommodated in the accommodation recess, a detection sensor detects the fully closed state and restricts the discharge of documents from the third transport path. In this case, if the discharge tray is half-open, the detection sensor does not detect the closed state, which causes a problem in that documents can be discharged from the discharge opening of the third transport path.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a document transport device that can prevent the discharge tray from being left half-open. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the document transport device of the present invention comprises a cover having a first cover plate rotatably supported on a side surface of a device body and covering a part of the side surface, and a second cover plate rotatably connected to the first cover plate and covering a part of an upper surface of the device body, a rigid stopper having a fixed end rotatably connected to the cover and a movable end that moves within an elongated hole formed in the device body as the cover rotates, the movable end being engaged with one end of the elongated hole to support the cover in a fully open position, and a biasing member that moves the movable end of the stopper to a position P that is a predetermined distance away from one end of the elongated hole, and the second cover plate is rotated relative to the first cover plate. When the cover is closed after the first cover plate is opened, the force that rotates the cover in the closing direction due to the weight of the cover is defined as F1, and the force that rotates the cover in the opening direction due to the weight of the cover is defined as F2. The position P is set so that the force F1 is greater than the force F2, and the biasing force of the biasing member is set smaller than the force F2. When the movable end of the stopper moves between the one end and just before the position P when the cover is closed, the movable end is biased to the position P by the biasing member, and the force F1 causes the cover to rotate to the fully closed position due to its own weight.

[0009] In the present invention, the biasing force of the biasing member may be greater than a component of the force F2 directed in a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the biasing member.

[0010] The document transport device of the present invention may further include a linear first transport path along which documents placed on a paper feed tray are transported, a reading unit that reads an image on one side of the document transported along the first transport path, a curved second transport path that branches off at a branch point downstream of the reading unit in the document transport direction, a linear third transport path that branches off from the first transport path at the branch point and runs in the same direction as the extension direction of the first transport path, and an outlet through which the documents transported to the third transport path are discharged, and the cover may also be characterized in that it doubles as an outlet tray on which the documents discharged from the outlet are stacked.

[0011] The document transport device of the present invention may further include a detection sensor that detects the cover when it has been rotated to the fully open position, and when the detection sensor detects the cover, document discharge from the discharge outlet is permitted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the torsion coil spring biases the movable end of the stopper from one end of the elongated hole to a predetermined position, causing the discharge tray to rotate to a fully closed position by its own weight, preventing the discharge tray from being left half-open. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 2 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the internal configuration of the document transport device according to one embodiment of the present invention (in a state where the second discharge tray has been rotated to a fully closed position). FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows the internal configuration of the document transport device (in a state where the second discharge tray has been rotated to a fully open position) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a side view schematically showing a second discharge tray, a stopper, and a biasing member in the document transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4]10 is a side view showing a second discharge tray, a stopper, and an urging member in a fully closed position in the document transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a side view showing a second discharge tray, a stopper, and a biasing member in a fully open position in the document transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a side view showing the second discharge tray, the stopper, and the biasing member during rotation in the document transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a side view showing a second discharge tray, a stopper, and an urging member in a half-open state in the document transport device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A document transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] First, the overall configuration of the document transport device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are cross-sectional views that schematically show the internal configuration of the document transport device 1. In each figure, Fr, Rr, L, and R indicate the front side, rear side, left side, and right side of the document transport device 1, respectively.

[0016] The document transport device 1 is placed, for example, on the top surface of an image forming device (not shown). The document transport device 1 automatically transports a document and reads images on one or both sides (front and back sides) of the transported document. The image forming device forms an image corresponding to the image read by the document transport device 1 on one or both sides of a sheet of paper. Alternatively, the document transport device 1 can be electrically connected to an external computer and used as a document reading device (document input device, scanner).

[0017] The document transport device 1 includes a document transport unit 3 and an image reading unit 5. The document transport unit 3 transports a document and reads images on one or both sides of the document. The image reading unit 5 reads an image on one side of the transported document or the placed document. The document transport unit 3 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the image reading unit 5. A detailed description of the image reading unit 5 will be omitted.

[0018] The document transport unit 3 includes a transport section 11 that transports documents and reads images, a paper feed tray 13 on which documents whose images are to be read by the transport section 11 are placed, and a first discharge tray 15 and a second discharge tray 17 on which documents whose images have been read by the transport section 11 are stacked.

[0019] First, the conveying unit 11 will be described. A paper feed opening 21 and a first discharge opening 23 are formed on the right side surface of the conveying unit 11. The first discharge opening 23 is disposed lower than the paper feed opening 21. A second discharge opening 25 is formed on the left side surface of the conveying unit 11. The second discharge opening 25 is formed at approximately the same height as the paper feed opening 21.

[0020] A transport path for the original document is formed in the transport section 11. The transport path includes a first transport path 31, a second transport path 32, a third transport path 33, and a fourth transport path .

[0021] The first transport path 31 extends linearly to the left from the paper feed port 21. On the first transport path 31, a pickup roller 41, a separation roller unit 43, a first transport roller pair 45, a first reading unit 47, and a second transport roller pair 49 are provided along the transport direction.

[0022] The second transport path 32 branches off from the downstream end of the first transport path 31 and is curved in a downward arc. A third transport roller pair 51, a fourth transport roller pair 53, and a reading guide 55 are provided on the second transport path 32 along the transport direction. The reading guide 55 faces the reading section of the image reading unit 5.

[0023] The third transport path 33 branches off from the downstream end of the first transport path 31 and extends leftward toward the second discharge opening 25. The third transport path 33 is formed as a single straight line extending leftward, the same direction as the extension of the first transport path 31. In other words, the first transport path 31 and the third transport path 33 form a straight transport path. Note that "straight" includes a shape that does not invert the document or bend the document, and refers to a shape that allows plastic cards to be transported without resistance (without curving or bending). A second reading unit 61 and a pair of discharge rollers 63 are provided in the third transport path 33 along the transport direction.

[0024] The fourth transport path 34 is formed along an oblique upper right direction from the downstream end of the second transport path 32 toward the first discharge opening 23. A fourth transport roller pair 71 and a discharge roller pair 73 are provided on the fourth transport path 34 along the transport direction.

[0025] A branching guide 81 is provided at the branching point of the second conveying path 32 and the third conveying path 33. The branching guide 81 guides the document conveyed along the first conveying path 31 to either the second conveying path 32 or the third conveying path 33.

[0026] Next, a description will be given of the paper feed tray 13. The paper feed tray 13 is supported by the transport section 11 in a position inclined downward toward the paper feed opening 21.

[0027] Next, we will explain the first discharge tray 15 and the second discharge tray 17. The first discharge tray 15 is loaded with documents discharged from the first discharge outlet 23. The second discharge tray 17 is loaded with documents discharged from the second discharge outlet.

[0028] First, we will explain first discharge tray 15. First discharge tray 15 is provided integrally with conveyance unit 11 below paper feed tray 13. A document loading surface that is inclined upward toward the right is formed on the top surface of first discharge tray 15.

[0029] Next, the second discharge tray 17 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the second discharge tray 17. The second discharge tray 17 includes a first tray plate 91 rotatably supported on the left side surface of the conveying unit 11, a second tray plate 93 rotatably connected to the first tray plate 91, a stopper 95 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) disposed between the first tray plate 91 and the conveying unit 11, and a torsion coil spring 97 (see FIG. 3) that biases the stopper 95. The conveying unit 11 is an example of the apparatus main body of the present invention, the second discharge tray 17 is an example of the cover of the present invention, and the first tray plate 91 and the second tray plate 93 are an example of the first cover plate and the second cover plate of the present invention.

[0030] First, the first tray plate 91 will be described. The first tray plate 91 is rotatably supported on a rotation shaft 101 provided below the second discharge opening 25. An original stacking surface is formed on the inner surface of the first tray plate 91, on which the originals discharged from the second discharge opening 25 are stacked. A downwardly protruding light-shielding piece 103 (see FIG. 3) is formed on the lower end of the first tray plate 91.

[0031] Next, the second tray plate 93 will be described. The second tray plate 93 is formed to be longer than the first tray plate 91. An original stacking surface on which originals discharged from the second discharge opening 25 are stacked is formed on the inner surface of the second tray plate 93. The second tray plate 93 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 105 provided at the tip of the first tray plate 91. When the second tray plate 93 is opened relative to the first tray plate 91, the second tray plate 93 is maintained in a position rotated 180° relative to the first tray plate 91 by a regulating portion (not shown).

[0032] The first tray plate 91 and the second tray plate 93 are rotatable between a fully open position where documents discharged from the second discharge opening 25 can be stacked and a fully closed position where they are accommodated in the transport unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, in the fully open position, the first tray plate 91 rotates at a predetermined angle relative to the left side surface of the transport unit 11, and the second tray plate 93 rotates 180° relative to the first tray plate 91. As shown in FIG. 1, in the fully closed position, the first tray plate 91 rotates approximately parallel to the left side surface of the transport unit 11, and the second tray plate 93 rotates 90° relative to the first tray plate 91. The transport unit 11 is formed with an accommodating recess 111 that can accommodate the second discharge tray 17 rotated to the fully closed position. The accommodating recess 111 is L-shaped when viewed from the front, and has a left recess 111a formed on the left side surface of the transport unit 11 and an upper recess 111b formed on the top surface. The left recess 111a accommodates the first tray plate 91, and the upper recess 111b accommodates the second tray plate 93. A long hole 113 (see FIG. 3) is formed in the side wall of the upper recess 111b along the left-right direction.

[0033] Next, the stopper 95 will be described. The stopper 95 is made of a rigid resin or metal. As shown in FIG. 3, one end 95a (fixed end) of the stopper 95 is rotatably supported on a rotation shaft 105 between the first tray plate 91 and the second tray plate 93. The other end 95b (movable end) of the stopper 95 is movably supported in an elongated hole 113 formed in the side wall of the upper recess 111b of the storage recess 111 of the conveying unit 11.

[0034] The operation of the stopper 95 when the second discharge tray 17 is opened or closed will now be described. When the second discharge tray 17 (see FIG. 1) is opened from the fully closed position, the second tray plate 93 is first rotated to a certain extent relative to the first tray plate 91, and then the first tray plate 91 is rotated downward relative to the conveying unit 11. When the first tray plate 91 is rotated, the fixed end 95a of the stopper 95 is pulled by the first tray plate 91, and the movable end 95b moves leftward within the elongated hole 113. The first tray plate 91 rotates until the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 engages with the left end of the elongated hole 113, and the second tray plate 93 rotates 180° relative to the first tray plate 91. As a result, the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully open position (see FIG. 2).

[0035] When closing the second discharge tray 17, first, the second tray plate 93 is rotated (closed) by a certain angle relative to the first tray plate 91, and then the first tray plate 91 is rotated upward. Then, the first tray plate 91 is accommodated in the left recess 111a of the accommodating recess 111, and the second tray plate 93 is accommodated in the upper recess 111b of the accommodating recess 111. Because the stopper 95 has rigidity, when the first tray plate 91 is rotated upward, the stopper 95 is pressed by the first tray plate 91, and the movable end 95b moves rightward within the elongated hole 113. In this way, when the second discharge tray 17 is closed, the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 moves rightward from the left end of the elongated hole 113.

[0036] Since the second discharge tray 17 has a predetermined weight, it can be rotated to a fully open position or a fully closed position by its own weight. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the force that rotates the second discharge tray 17 in the closing direction due to the weight of the second discharge tray 17 is designated as F1, and the force that rotates the second discharge tray 17 in the opening direction due to the weight of the second discharge tray 17 is designated as F2. When the second discharge tray 17 in the fully open position is closed and the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 reaches the position P which is a predetermined distance away from the left end of the long hole 113, F1 > F2, and the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully closed position by its own weight. When the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully closed position, the movable end 95b moves to the right beyond the position P. On the other hand, when the movable end 95b only reaches before the position P, F1 < F2, and the second discharge tray 17 rotates in the opening direction by its own weight.

[0037] Next, the torsion coil spring 97 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the coil portion 97a of the torsion coil spring 97 is externally fitted to a boss 111c provided below the long hole 113. The fixed side arm portion 97b of the torsion coil spring 97 is locked to a fixing piece (not shown) provided on the side of the boss 11lc. The movable side arm portion 97c of the torsion coil spring 97 crosses the long hole 113 on the left side of the movable end 95b of the stopper 95. Specifically, the movable side arm portion 97c crosses the long hole 113 at a position where it abuts on the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 that has moved to the position P from the left side (from the left end side of the long hole 113).

[0038] When the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully open position, the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 engages with the left end of the elongated hole 113, as described above. That is, as the movable end 95b moves leftward from position P, a load is applied to the movable arm 97c, causing the movable arm 97c to displace toward the fixed arm 97b. When the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully open position and the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 engages with the left end of the elongated hole 113, a biasing force is applied from the movable arm 97c to the right toward the movable end 95b. This biasing force is set smaller than the force F2 that rotates the second discharge tray 17 in the opening direction due to the weight of the second discharge tray 17. Therefore, the second discharge tray 17 can rotate to the fully open position against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 97.

[0039] Furthermore, the transport unit 11 is further provided with an optical sensor 121 (see FIG. 3) whose optical path is blocked or formed by a light-blocking piece 103 provided on the first tray plate 91. When the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully open position, the optical path of the optical sensor 121 is blocked by the light-blocking piece 103, and the optical sensor 121 switches from an off state to an on state. When the second discharge tray 17 rotates from the fully open position, the light-blocking piece moves away from the optical path, and the optical sensor 121 switches from an on state to an off state. In this way, the optical sensor 121 is an example of a detection sensor that detects the cover (second discharge tray 17) rotated to the fully open position in the present invention.

[0040] The optical sensor 121 outputs an ON signal indicating an ON state and an OFF signal indicating an OFF state to a control unit (not shown). When the control unit receives an ON signal from the optical sensor 121, it allows the document to be discharged from the second discharge outlet 25, and when it receives an OFF signal, it restricts the document from being discharged from the second discharge outlet 25.

[0041] An example of the opening and closing operation of second discharge tray 17 in document transport device 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 4 shows the fully closed position, FIG. 5 shows the fully open position, FIG. 6 shows the position during rotation, and FIG. 7 shows the half-open position. In the case of normal documents, the documents are discharged from first discharge outlet 23 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), so as shown in FIG. 4, second discharge tray 17 is rotated to the fully closed position and accommodated in accommodation recess 111 (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIGS. 1 and 2). Optical sensor 121 is in the OFF state and outputs an OFF signal to the control unit. The control unit regulates the discharge of documents from second discharge outlet 25.

[0042] When a special document is to be discharged from the second discharge opening 25, the second discharge tray 17 is rotated from the fully closed position to the fully open position. First, as described above, the second tray plate 93 is rotated relative to the first tray plate 91, and then the first tray plate 91 is rotated relative to the conveying unit 11. As shown in FIG. 5, the first tray plate 91 rotates until the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 engages with the left end of the elongated hole 113. The second tray plate 93 rotates 180° relative to the first tray plate 91. This causes the second discharge tray 17 to rotate to the fully open position. In addition, the light path of the optical sensor 121 is blocked by the light-blocking piece 103. This switches the optical sensor 121 from an off state to an on state and outputs an on signal to the control unit. The control unit then permits the document to be discharged from the second discharge opening 25 (not shown in FIG. 5; see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0043] Furthermore, when the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully open position in this manner, the movable arm portion 97c of the torsion coil spring 97 is pushed and displaced by the movable end 95b of the stopper 95. As a result, a rightward biasing force A is applied to the movable end 95b. As described above, this force A is smaller than the force F2 (the force that rotates the second discharge tray 17 in the opening direction, generated by the weight of the second discharge tray 17), so the movable end 95b does not move toward position P, and the second discharge tray 17 does not rotate in the closing direction.

[0044] When closing the second discharge tray 17, first, the second tray plate 93 is rotated relative to the first tray plate 91, and then the first tray plate 91 is rotated upward relative to the conveying section 11. When the first tray plate 91 is rotated, the stopper 95 is pressed by the first tray plate 91, and the movable end 95b moves from the left end to the right inside the elongated hole 113, as shown in FIG. 6. At this time, a force A acting in the right direction is applied to the movable end 95b by the movable arm portion 97c of the torsion coil spring 97, so that the movable end 95b is urged rightward. Then, the first tray plate 91 is pulled by the stopper 95 and rotates in the closing direction. Then, when the movable end 95b reaches position P (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 6), as described above, F1 (the force that rotates the second discharge tray 17 in the closing direction, generated by the weight of the second discharge tray 17) > F2 (the force that rotates the second discharge tray 17 in the opening direction, generated by the weight of the second discharge tray 17), and the second discharge tray 17 rotates in the closing direction by its own weight and is accommodated in the accommodating recess 111 (fully closed position). In this way, the torsion coil spring 97 is an example of a biasing member in the present invention that moves the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 from one end of the elongated hole 113 to position P.

[0045] When the second discharge tray 17 rotates to the fully closed position in this manner, as shown in Figure 4, the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 moves to the right within the long hole 113 beyond position P, and the movable arm portion 97c of the torsion coil spring 97 elastically returns to its original position.

[0046] The second discharge tray 17 has a first tray plate 91 and a second tray plate 93 that are rotatably connected, and therefore may be in a half-open state depending on the rotation angle of both tray plates 91, 93. In such a half-open state, the force F1 and the force F2 generated by the weight of the second discharge tray 17 are balanced, and both tray plates 91, 93 are stationary.

[0047] In this half-open state, when the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 has only moved to just before position P, the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 is biased to position P by the torsion coil spring 97, and the second discharge tray 17 is rotated to the fully closed position by force F1. Therefore, the half-open state does not occur.

[0048] 7, in the half-open state, when the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 has moved beyond position P, the light-shielding piece 103 of the first tray plate 91 is separated from the optical path of the optical sensor 121, and the optical sensor 121 is switched to the OFF state. Therefore, the optical sensor 121 outputs an OFF signal to the control unit, and the control unit restricts the discharge of the document from the second discharge opening 25.

[0049] As described above, according to the present invention, the stopper 95 is biased by the torsion coil spring 97 to rotate the second discharge tray 17 to the fully closed position, thereby preventing the second discharge tray 17 from becoming half-open. Specifically, the torsion coil spring 97 biases the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 from the left end of the elongated hole 113 to position P, allowing the second discharge tray 17 to rotate to the fully closed position by its own weight.

[0050] Furthermore, in the half-open state where the second discharge tray 17 has rotated so that the movable end 95b moves beyond position P, the optical sensor 121 outputs an OFF signal and the control unit restricts the discharge of documents from the second discharge opening 25. This restricts the discharge of documents in the half-open state. In this case, by displaying a message indicating that the tray is half-open on the display unit (not shown), the user is made aware of the half-open state and the half-open state can be resolved.

[0051] In this way, it is possible to prevent the second discharge tray 17 from being in a half-open state, and also to restrict the discharge of documents from the second discharge opening 25 in a half-open state.

[0052] Furthermore, the biasing force A of the torsion coil spring 97 is greater than the component of the force F2 that acts in the direction (leftward) opposite to the biasing direction (rightward) of the torsion coil spring 97. This allows the movable end 95b of the stopper 95 to be reliably moved to the position P.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the second discharge tray 17 on which documents discharged from the second discharge port 25 of the document transport device 1 are stacked has been described as the cover. The second discharge tray 17 is used less frequently than the first discharge tray 15, so it is likely that the second discharge tray 17 is often left half-open or forgotten to be closed after use. For this reason, the present invention can eliminate the half-open state or restrict the discharge of documents in the half-open state, thereby enabling the normal discharge of special documents.

[0054] The cover of the present invention can be used as a cover for opening and closing an opening of an office machine or electronic device such as an image forming apparatus, in addition to the second discharge tray 17. For example, it can be used as a cover for opening and closing an opening for inserting and removing a toner container of an image forming apparatus.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art may modify the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 Document transport device 11. Conveying section (device body) 17 Second output tray (cover) 25 2nd discharge port (discharge port) 31 First conveying route 32 Second conveying path 33 Third transport route 91 First tray plate (first cover plate) 93 Second tray plate (second cover plate) 95 Stopper 95a fixed end 95b Movable end 97 Torsion coil spring (biasing member) 113 long hole 121 Detection sensor

Claims

1. a cover including a first cover plate rotatably supported on a side surface of the device body and covering a part of the side surface, and a second cover plate rotatably connected to the first cover plate and covering a part of the top surface of the device body; a stopper having rigidity, the stopper having a fixed end rotatably connected to the cover and a movable end that moves within an elongated hole formed in the device body in association with the rotation of the cover, the movable end being engaged with one end of the elongated hole to support the cover in a fully open position; a biasing member that moves the movable end of the stopper to a position P that is a predetermined distance away from one end of the elongated hole, When the second cover plate is rotated relative to the first cover plate and then the cover is closed so as to rotate the first cover plate relative to the device body, a force that rotates the cover in a closing direction, which is generated by the weight of the cover, is defined as F1, and a force that rotates the cover in a opening direction, which is generated by the weight of the cover, is defined as F2. The position P is set so that the force F1 is greater than the force F2, and the biasing force of the biasing member is set smaller than the force F2. When the cover is closed, the movable end of the stopper moves between the one end and just before the position P, and the movable end is urged toward the position P by the urging member, and the force F1 causes the cover to rotate to a fully closed position under its own weight.

2. 2. The document transport device according to claim 1, wherein the biasing force of the biasing member is greater than a component of the force F2 directed in a direction opposite to the biasing direction of the biasing member.

3. a linear first transport path along which documents placed on a paper feed tray are transported; a reading unit that reads an image on one side of the document conveyed through the first conveying path; a curved second conveyance path branching at a branch point downstream of the reading unit in the document conveyance direction; a linear third transport path that branches off from the first transport path at the branch point and extends in the same direction as the first transport path; a discharge port through which the document conveyed to the third conveying path is discharged, 2. The document transport device according to claim 1, wherein the cover also serves as a discharge tray on which documents discharged from the discharge port are stacked.

4. a detection sensor that detects the cover rotated to the fully open position; 4. The document transport device according to claim 3, wherein when the detection sensor detects the cover, the document is permitted to be discharged from the discharge port.

Images