Medium transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium conveying device capable of satisfactorily conveying a thick medium.SOLUTION: A medium conveying apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a conveyance roller configured to convey a medium, a facing roller arranged to face the conveyance roller, and a support part configured to swingably support the facing roller, wherein a swing center of the support part is arranged on an upstream side of a rotation center of the facing roller in a medium conveying direction and is arranged on a side of the facing roller with respect to the conveyance roller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media transport device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, media transport devices such as scanners that capture images while transporting media are required to transport media of various thicknesses. Patent Document 1 discloses a document feeder that allows passbooks to be inserted and ejected using rollers that can swing relative to the device housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-57777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A medium transport device is required to transport a thick medium well.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium transport device that can transport thick media well. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transport roller for transporting a medium, an opposing roller arranged opposite the transport roller, and a support part for supporting the opposing roller so that it can oscillate, and the center of oscillation of the support part is arranged upstream of the center of rotation of the opposing roller in the media transport direction, and is arranged on the opposing roller side of the transport roller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the medium transport device can transport a thick medium well. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium transport device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a medium transport mechanism of the medium transport device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a support member. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state before the support member is swung. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state after the support member has been swung. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium transport device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device and a processing circuit. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a medium transport mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a support member of a medium transport mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of two second conveyor rollers with different outer diameters. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a medium transport mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a medium transport mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a drive coupling portion of a medium transport mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a medium transport mechanism according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a medium transport mechanism according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from above. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a medium transport mechanism according to a sixth embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a medium conveying device according to a seventh embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit in another medium conveying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A medium transport device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described therein, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0010] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device configured as an image scanner according to the first embodiment. The medium conveying device 100 conveys and captures an image of a medium, which is an original document. The medium may be paper, thin paper, thick paper, a card, or a booklet. An example of a booklet is a passport with a thickness of 7 mm. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP), or the like. Note that the medium being conveyed may not be an original document but may be a print object or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer or the like.

[0011] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0012] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the medium conveying device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium becomes jammed or when cleaning the inside of the medium conveying device 100, for example.

[0013] The loading platform 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that the transported media can be placed on it. The ejection platform 104 is engaged with the upper housing 102 so that the ejected media can be held on it. The ejection platform 104 may be engaged with the lower housing 101.

[0014] The operation device 105 has input devices such as buttons and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input devices, accepts input operations by a user, and outputs operation signals in response to the user's input operations. The display device 106 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0015] 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction and the width direction. Hereinafter, the upstream side refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and the downstream side refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1. The width direction A2 is an example of a direction that intersects with the medium transport direction.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device.

[0017] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, an imaging device 116, a first discharge roller 117, and a second discharge roller 118. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and there may be multiple rollers. In this case, the rollers are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0018] The medium conveying device 100 has a so-called straight path. The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide surface 101a of the medium conveying path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide surface 102a of the medium conveying path. The area (path) defined by the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a is an example of a medium conveying path that guides the medium. The medium conveying device 100 may also have a U-turn path.

[0019] The media sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The media sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

[0020] The feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 are an example of a separation unit. The feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 are arranged upstream of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 in the medium conveyance direction A1. The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the placement table 103 in order from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, and is arranged opposite to the feed roller 112. The separation roller 113 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the direction A5 opposite the medium feed direction. Note that a separation pad may be used instead of the separation roller 113.

[0021] The first conveying roller 114 is an example of a conveying roller. The second conveying roller 115 is an example of an opposing roller. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113, facing each other. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 convey the medium separated and fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116.

[0022] The imaging device 116 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 and upstream of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b. The first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b are disposed near the medium transport path and facing each other with the medium transport path in between.

[0023] The first imaging device 116a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having imaging elements based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging elements and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging elements. The first imaging device 116a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0024] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b has a CIS line sensor with a life-size optical system having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 116b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and A / D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 116b captures an image of the back side of the medium being conveyed, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0025] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first and second imaging devices 116a and 116b, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor with an equal-magnification optical system and a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor with an equal-magnification optical system and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0026] The first discharge roller 117 is an example of a conveying roller. The second discharge roller 118 is an example of an opposing roller. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are disposed downstream of the imaging device 116 and facing each other, and convey the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 further downstream and discharge it onto the discharge tray 104.

[0027] The media placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a in the media transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of arrow A4 in Fig. 2. The separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A5 in Fig. 2 or stops when transporting the media. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 work to separate only the media that are in contact with the feed roller 112 from the media placed on the mounting table 103. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0028] The medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 while being guided by the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b as the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7 in FIG. 2, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 116 is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 as the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9 in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the medium transport mechanism of the medium transport device. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the medium transport mechanism viewed from diagonally above on the downstream side. In Fig. 3, the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, imaging device 116, etc. are omitted from illustration.

[0030] 3, the first conveyance rollers 114 include a first conveyance roller 114a and a first conveyance roller 114b that are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction A2. The second conveyance rollers 115 include a second conveyance roller 115a and a second conveyance roller 115b that are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction A2. In addition to the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115, the medium conveyance device 100 also includes a first conveyance roller shaft 114c, a second conveyance roller shaft 115c, a first conveyance roller gear 121, a second conveyance roller gear 122, a drive connector 130, a first shaft 131, and a support member 140.

[0031] The first conveyor rollers 114a and 114b are formed integrally with a first conveyor roller shaft 114c, and are provided to be rotatable around the first conveyor roller shaft 114c (as a rotation axis).

[0032] The second conveyor rollers 115a and 115b are attached to a second conveyor roller shaft 115c and are provided so as to be rotatable around the second conveyor roller shaft 115c (as a rotation axis).

[0033] The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 form a nip surface that sandwiches the medium between them. Note that one of the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller. Also, one of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller. The driven roller may be a resin roller that can freely rotate around a fixed shaft.

[0034] The first conveyor roller gear 121 is fixed to one end of the first conveyor roller shaft 114c in the width direction A2. The first conveyor roller gear 121 is connected to a driving force transmission mechanism (not shown) including gears, pulleys, belts, etc. that transmit driving force from a motor (described later).

[0035] The second conveying roller gear 122 is engaged with the first conveying roller gear 121 and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first conveying roller gear 121. The second conveying roller gear 122 is fixed to one end in the width direction A2 of the first shaft 131. A drive connecting part 130 is attached to the other end in the width direction A2 of the first shaft 131.

[0036] The drive connecting portion 130 is a universal joint such as a universal joint, or may be another universal joint such as a spherical joint, a constant velocity joint, or a Cardan joint. The drive connecting portion 130 includes a first receiving member 130a, a second receiving member 130b, and a joint shaft member 130c.

[0037] The first receiving member 130a of the drive connecting part 130 is attached to the end of the first shaft 131 opposite to the end to which the second conveyor roller gear 324 is fixed. The second receiving member 130b of the drive connecting part 130 is attached to one end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2. The joint shaft member 130c is connected to the first receiving member 130a and the second receiving member 130b so as to be able to tilt freely.

[0038] As a result, the drive connecting portion 130 connects the first shaft 131 and the second conveyor roller shaft 115c so as to be able to tilt freely, and transmits the driving force from the motor to the second conveyor roller shaft 115c.

[0039] The support member 140 is an example of a support portion. The support member 140 supports the second conveyor roller 115 so that the second conveyor roller 115 can swing. The support member 140 is formed of metal, resin, or the like. The support member 140 includes support members 140a and 140b fixed to the left and right outer sides of the second conveyor roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2. In the width direction A2, the support member 140a is arranged on the outer side of one of the second conveyor rollers 115a with respect to the center position, and the support member 140b is arranged on the outer side of the other of the second conveyor rollers 115b with respect to the center position.

[0040] The support member 140a is attached to the second conveyor roller shaft 115c at a portion between the second receiving member 130b of the drive connecting portion 130 and the second conveyor roller 115a. The support member 140b is attached to the second conveyor roller shaft 115c at a portion outside the second conveyor roller 115b with respect to the center position in the width direction A2. The support members 140a and 140b have bilaterally symmetrical shapes, and will be referred to as the support member 140 unless there is a need to separately explain them. The support member 140 is an example of a support portion.

[0041] Furthermore, the support member 140 of the second transport roller 115 is disposed on the second transport roller 115 side (upper housing 102 side). If the support member of the second transport roller were disposed on the first transport roller side (lower housing side), (a part of) the support member would not be able to block the medium transport path, and therefore the support member needs to be disposed outside the side wall SW of the medium transport path.

[0042] In the medium conveying device 100, the support member 140 of the second conveying roller 115 is disposed on the second conveying roller 115 side (upper housing 102 side), so the support member 140 does not block the medium conveying path. Therefore, the support member 140 may be disposed inside the side wall SW of the medium conveying path in the width direction A2. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can be made smaller in size in the width direction A2.

[0043] 3 and 4, the support member 140 is a plate-like member having an L-shape in a side view, and has a main body portion 141 and legs 142.

[0044] The main body 141 is a plate-like portion that is rectangular in plan view and extends substantially parallel to the medium transport direction A1. The main body 141 has a cylindrical swing shaft 143 at its upstream end in the medium transport direction A1 that protrudes a predetermined length outward in the width direction A2. The swing shaft 143 is supported so as to be able to swing freely by a cylindrical recess (not shown) provided in the inner portion of the upper housing 102.

[0045] The main body 141 has a cylindrical protrusion 145 for attaching the torsion coil spring 144 on the surface opposite to the surface on which the oscillation shaft 143 is provided. The coil portion of the torsion coil spring 144 is attached to the protrusion 145. The oscillation shaft 143 and the protrusion 145 are arranged coaxially.

[0046] The main body 141 has a spring bearing 146, which is a rectangular columnar member, at its downstream end in the medium transport direction A1 and protrudes inward in the width direction A2 by a predetermined length. The spring bearing 146 has a long leg portion 144a and a short leg portion 144b. The long leg portion 144a contacts the spring bearing 146, and the short leg portion 144b is fixed to the main body 141. The long leg portion 144a of the torsion coil spring 144 abuts against the spring bearing 146 from above. The spring bearing 146 may be configured as a cylindrical member instead of a rectangular columnar member, and may not be columnar.

[0047] That is, the torsion coil spring 144 applies pressure to the support member 140 via the long leg portion 144a and the spring seat 146 so as to rotate the support member 140 in an arc shape (indicated by the outline arrow) toward the upstream side in the medium conveyance direction A1 around the swing shaft 143 as the swing center. At this time, the leg portion 142 of the support member 140 is pressed downward in the height direction A3 by the torsion coil spring 144 via the spring seat 146. That is, the torsion coil spring 144 functions as a pressure member for pressing the second conveyance roller 115 toward the first conveyance roller 114. Note that the pressure member is not limited to the torsion coil spring 143, and a compression spring, a sheet metal spring, or the like may also be used.

[0048] The leg portion 142 of the support member 140 is a plate-like portion that is rectangular in plan view and is formed integrally with the downstream end of the main body portion 141 in the medium conveying direction A1, and extends downward approximately parallel along the height direction A3. The second conveying roller shaft 115c is inserted into a through hole provided at the lower end of the leg portion 142. In other words, the support member 140 can swing around the swing shaft 143 with the leg portion 142 and the second conveying roller shaft 115c connected to each other.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state before the support member according to the first embodiment is swung. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the state after the support member according to the first embodiment is swung. Figs. 5 and 6 show how a medium having a thickness such as a passport is transported.

[0050] 5 and 6, the swing shaft 143, which is the swing center of the support member 140, is disposed upstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from the second conveying roller shaft 115c, which is the rotation center of the second conveying roller 115. Furthermore, the swing shaft 143, which is the swing center of the support member 140, is disposed on the second conveying roller 115 side with respect to the medium MD being conveyed through the medium conveying path. In other words, the swing shaft 143 is disposed closer to the second conveying roller 115 than the first conveying roller 114.

[0051] A first stopper ST1 and a second stopper ST2 are provided inside the upper housing 102. The first stopper ST1 is provided to prevent the second conveying roller 115 from moving upstream of the position where the second conveying roller 115 and the first conveying roller 114 form a nip when the support member 140 swings.

[0052] The second stopper ST2 is arranged so that when the support member 140 oscillates, the second conveying roller 115 moves diagonally upward relative to the first conveying roller 114, but creates a space through which media having the maximum thickness supported by the media conveying device 100 can pass.

[0053] In this way, the range in which the support member 140 can swing is restricted by the first stopper ST1 and the second stopper ST2.

[0054] As described above, the support member 140 is biased toward the upstream side by the torsion coil spring 144. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, when the medium MD fed by the feed roller 112 has not yet reached the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115, the support member 140 stops at a position where the second conveyance roller 115 and the first conveyance roller 114 form a nip due to the frictional force between the second conveyance roller 115 and the first conveyance roller 114. In this case, the leg portion 142 is vertical along the height direction A3, and the second conveyance roller 115 and the first conveyance roller 114 are disposed opposite each other.

[0055] 6, when the medium MD reaches the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115, the second transport roller 115 is pushed downstream in the medium transport direction A1 by the medium MD fed by the feed roller 112. As described above, the support member 140 supports the second transport roller 115 so that it can swing. Furthermore, the swing center of the support member 140 is located upstream of the rotation center of the second transport roller 115 in the medium transport direction A1, and is located closer to the second transport roller 115 than the first transport roller 114.

[0056] Therefore, the second transport roller 115 supported by the support member 140 swings together with the support member 140 around the swing shaft 143. As a result, the second transport roller 115 is lifted upward while moving downstream in the medium transport direction A1, and moves away from the first transport roller 114. This creates a space between the second transport roller 115 and the first transport roller 114 through which the medium MD can pass. Furthermore, because the second transport roller 115 swings together with the support member 140 around the swing shaft 143, the medium MD can lift the second transport roller upward with less force than when it is raised and lowered. In this way, because the second transport roller 115 is swingably provided, it can easily move downstream and upward by the medium MD being transported downstream in the medium transport direction A1, allowing the medium MD to pass through smoothly.

[0057] As described above, the first conveyor roller 114 is disposed below the second conveyor roller 115 supported by the support member 140. Therefore, when the swing center of the support member 140 is disposed downstream in the medium conveyance direction A1 from the portion supporting the second conveyor roller shaft 115c, the portion of the support member 140 that supports the second conveyor roller shaft 115c cannot move downward. Therefore, when the swing center of the support member 140 is disposed downstream in the medium conveyance direction A1 from the portion supporting the second conveyor roller shaft 115c, the portion of the support member 140 that supports the second conveyor roller shaft 115c must move upward on an arc (along an arc that protrudes upward). Therefore, it cannot move efficiently by utilizing the force from the medium moving in the medium conveyance direction A1. Therefore, when the swing center of the support member 140 is located downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from the portion supporting the second conveying roller shaft 115c, a larger force is required to move the second conveying roller than when the swing center of the support member 140 is located upstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from the portion supporting the second conveying roller shaft 115c. In other words, a larger conveying force must be applied to the medium MD so that the medium MD can move the second conveying roller. Therefore, a larger current must be passed through the motor driving the conveying roller, increasing the power consumption of the entire device. Furthermore, a larger load is applied to the second conveying roller 115 and the medium MD pushing the second conveying roller 115 than when the swing center of the support member 140 is located upstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from the portion supporting the second conveying roller shaft 115c, which may result in a jam of the medium MD.

[0058] Furthermore, if the center of oscillation of the support member 140 is located directly above the part that supports the second conveying roller shaft 115c, if the second conveying roller 115 is manufactured too small due to manufacturing errors, the second conveying roller 115 and the first conveying roller 114 will not be able to come into contact with each other, and a nip will not be able to be formed.

[0059] On the other hand, the center of oscillation of the support member 140 of the medium conveying device 100 is located upstream of the center of rotation of the second conveying roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1, and is located closer to the second conveying roller 115 than the first conveying roller 114. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can smoothly convey the thick medium MD.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium transport device according to the first embodiment.

[0061] In addition to the above-described components, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a motor 151, an interface device 152, a storage device 160, a processing circuit 170, and the like.

[0062] The motor 151 includes one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 114, second conveying roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 to transport the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 170.

[0063] The interface device 152 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The interface device 152 is electrically connected to an information processing device (for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) to transmit and receive scanned images and various information. Alternatively, the interface device 152 may be replaced by a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0064] The storage device 160 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or optical disk. The storage device 160 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the medium conveying device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the storage device 160 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or the like. The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed into the storage device 160.

[0065] The processing circuit 170 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 160. The processing circuit 170 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 170 may be a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0066] The processing circuit 170 is connected to and controls the operation device 105, the display device 106, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the motor 151, the interface device 152, the storage device 160, etc. Based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111, the processing circuit 170 performs drive control of the motor 151, image capture control of the imaging device 116, etc., acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 152.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device and a processing circuit.

[0068] 8, the storage device 160 stores a control program 161, an image acquisition program 162, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuitry 170 reads each program stored in the storage device 160 and operates in accordance with the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 171 and an image acquisition unit 172.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device.

[0070] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 170 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 160.

[0071] First, the control unit 171 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or the information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 152 (step S101).

[0072] Next, control unit 171 acquires a medium signal from medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on mounting table 103, control unit 171 ends the series of steps.

[0073] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 171 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 (step S103). The control unit 171 drives the motor 151 to rotate each roller and convey the medium.

[0074] Next, the image acquisition unit 172 causes the imaging device 116 to capture an image of the medium, acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 152 (step S104).

[0075] Next, control unit 171 determines whether or not a medium MD remains on mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 111 (step S105). If a medium MD remains on mounting table 103, control unit 171 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 and S105.

[0076] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 171 stops the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 (step S106). The control unit 171 controls the motor 151 to stop each roller, and the series of steps ends.

[0077] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device 100, the center of oscillation of the support member 140 that oscillates and supports the second conveying roller 115 disposed opposite the first conveying roller 114 is disposed upstream of the center of rotation of the second conveying roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1, and is disposed closer to the second conveying roller 115 than the first conveying roller 114. When the medium being fed is thick, the second conveying roller 115 is oscillated downstream by the medium, moving away from the first conveying roller 114 and ensuring space for the medium to pass through. This enables the medium conveying device 100 to smoothly convey thick medium MD.

[0078] Second Embodiment Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a medium transport mechanism according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the medium transport mechanism viewed from diagonally above on the downstream side. In Fig. 10, the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, imaging device 116, etc. are not shown.

[0079] The medium conveying device 200 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the medium conveying device 100 according to the first embodiment. However, the medium conveying device 200 has a support member 240 instead of the support member 140. The support member 240 is an example of a support portion. Furthermore, the medium conveying device 200 does not have a spring receiving portion 146.

[0080] The support member 240 has the same configuration and function as the support member 140. However, the support member 240 includes a support portion 240a, a support portion 240b, and an arm portion 240c.

[0081] The support portion 240a is disposed on the outer side of the second conveyor roller 115a in the width direction A2. Similar to the support member 140a of the support member 140, the support portion 240a has a main body portion 141 and leg portions 142.

[0082] The support portion 240b is disposed on the outer side of the second conveyor roller 115b in the width direction A2. Similar to the support member 140b of the support member 140, the support portion 240b has a main body portion 141 and leg portions 142. The support portion 240b has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the support portion 240a.

[0083] Arm 240c connects support portion 240a and support portion 240b. One end of arm 240c is attached to support portion 240a near the intersection between main body 141 and leg 142. The other end of arm 240c is attached to support portion 240b near the intersection between main body 141 and leg 142.

[0084] The arm portion 240c is a rectangular columnar member connecting the support portion 240a and the support portion 240b. The arm portion 240c is formed longer in the width direction A2 than the two second conveyor rollers 115a and 115b attached to the second conveyor roller shaft 115c at a predetermined interval. That is, the arm portion 240c connects the support portion 240a and the support portion 240b, which are attached so as to sandwich the second conveyor rollers 115a and 115b from both sides. The support portion 240a, the support portion 240b, and the arm portion 240c are integrally formed. The support portion 240a, the support portion 240b, and the arm portion 240c may be formed as separate parts and attached so as to be fixed to each other. Furthermore, the arm portion 240c may be formed as a cylindrical member instead of a rectangular columnar member. The arm portion 240c does not have to be columnar. The arm portion 240c may be a plate-like member and may have a notch or the like.

[0085] A predetermined gap is provided between the arm 240c and the second conveyor rollers 115a and 115b in the height direction A3, so that the rotation of the second conveyor rollers 115 is not impeded.

[0086] Furthermore, arm portion 240c functions as a spring receiver in place of spring receiver 146. Long leg portions 144a of torsion coil springs 144 provided on protrusions 145 of support portion 240a and long leg portions 144a of torsion coil springs 144 provided on protrusions 145 of support portion 240b abut arm portion 240c from above. Support portion 240a and support portion 240b are pressed by leg portions 144a of the respective torsion coil springs 144 via arm portion 240c, thereby pressing second conveyor roller 115 against first conveyor roller 114.

[0087] The center of oscillation of the two support members 240a and 240b connected by the arm 240c is located upstream of the second conveying roller shaft 115c in the media conveying direction A1, and is located closer to the second conveying roller 115 than the first conveying roller 114.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a support member in the second embodiment.

[0089] Arm portion 240c of support member 240 has torsional rigidity that enables support portion 240a to rotate in the direction of arrow W1 and support portion 240b to rotate in the direction of arrow W2 about swing shaft 143. Similarly, arm portion 240c has torsional rigidity that enables support portion 240a to rotate in the direction opposite to arrow W1 and support portion 240b to rotate in the direction opposite to arrow W1 about swing shaft 143. In other words, arm portion 240c supports support portion 240a and support portion 240b so that they can swing independently of each other.

[0090] In this way, the arm portion 240c supports the second conveyor roller shaft 115c, which is the rotation shaft of the second conveyor roller 115a and the rotation shaft of the second conveyor roller 115b, at a plurality of positions in the width direction A2 and is provided so as to be torsionally deformable.

[0091] Therefore, the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b, which are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction A2 that intersects with the medium conveying direction A1, can be positioned at different positions from each other in the swing direction of the support member 240 via the torsionally deformable arm portion 240c.

[0092] As a result, even if there is a difference in outer diameter between the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b due to manufacturing errors, the medium conveying device 200 can absorb the manufacturing errors because the second conveying rollers 115a and 115b can be positioned at different positions in the swing direction.

[0093] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of two second conveyor rollers having different outer diameters.

[0094] If the arm were not torsionally deformable, the two support parts connected to the arm would always be positioned at the same position in the swing direction, and the centers of rotation of the rollers supported by each support part would always be positioned at the same position in the swing direction. Therefore, if the outer diameters of the two rollers are different, the outer surfaces of the rollers would be positioned at different heights, and one roller may become separated from the medium.

[0095] On the other hand, in the medium conveying device 200, as shown in FIG. 12, the arm 240c is configured to be torsionally deformable, so the two support members 240a and 240b connected to the arm 240c can be positioned at different positions in the swing direction. Therefore, the centers of rotation of the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b, which are supported by the support members 240a and 240b, respectively, can be positioned at different positions in the swing direction. This allows the outer peripheral surfaces of the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b to be positioned at the same height relative to the first conveying roller 114a and the first conveying roller 114b, even if the outer diameters of the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b are different from each other. Therefore, both the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b come into contact with the medium and can apply a uniform pressing force to the medium.

[0096] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 200 is able to convey a thick medium MD well even when the support member 240 is used.

[0097] Third Embodiment Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a medium transport mechanism according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the medium transport mechanism viewed from diagonally above on the downstream side. In Fig. 13, the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, imaging device 116, etc. are also omitted.

[0098] The medium conveying device 300 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the medium conveying device 100 according to the first embodiment. However, in addition to the configuration of the medium conveying device 100, the medium conveying device 300 further includes a first conveying roller gear 323, a second conveying roller gear 324, a drive connector 330, and a second shaft 331. The medium conveying device 300 also includes second conveying roller shafts 115d and 115e instead of the second conveying roller shaft 115c of the medium conveying device 100. The medium conveying device 300 also includes a support member 340 instead of the support member 140 of the medium conveying device 100. The support member 340 has the same configuration and functions as the support member 140. However, the support member 340 includes a first support member 341 and a second support member 342 that are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction A2.

[0099] The first conveyor roller gear 323 is attached to the end of the first conveyor roller shaft 114c opposite to the end to which the first conveyor roller gear 121 is attached.

[0100] The second conveyor roller 115a is attached to a second conveyor roller shaft 115d and is rotatable around the second conveyor roller shaft 115d (as a rotation axis). The second conveyor roller 115b is attached to a second conveyor roller shaft 115e and is rotatable around the second conveyor roller shaft 115e (as a rotation axis). The second conveyor roller shafts 115d and 115e are separate but arranged coaxially.

[0101] A second receiving member 130b of the drive connecting portion 130 is attached to one end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115d. A second conveyor roller 115a is attached to the other end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115d.

[0102] The second conveyor roller 115b is attached to one end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115e, and the first receiving member 330a of the drive connecting portion 330 is attached to the other end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115e.

[0103] The drive connecting portion 330 has a configuration similar to that of the drive connecting portion 130. The drive connecting portion 330 includes a first receiving member 330a, a second receiving member 330b, and a joint shaft member 330c. The first receiving member 330a is attached to the end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115e opposite to the end to which the second conveyor roller 115b is attached. The second receiving member 330b is attached to the end of the second shaft 331 opposite to the end to which the second conveyor roller gear 324 is attached. The joint shaft member 330c is connected to the first receiving member 330a and the second receiving member 330b so as to be able to tilt freely.

[0104] The second receiving member 330b of the drive connecting portion 330 is attached to one end of the second shaft 331, and the second conveying roller gear 324 is attached to the other end of the second shaft 331. The second conveying roller gear 324 is engaged with the first conveying roller gear 323, and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the first conveying roller gear 323.

[0105] As a result, the drive connecting portion 330 connects the second shaft 331 and the second conveyor roller shaft 115e so as to be able to tilt freely, and transmits the driving force from the motor 151 to the second conveyor roller shaft 115e.

[0106] In this way, the second conveyor roller 115a is rotationally driven via the second conveyor roller gear 122, the first shaft 131, and the drive connector 130, and the second conveyor roller 115b is rotationally driven via the second conveyor roller gear 324, the second shaft 331, and the drive connector 330. In other words, the second conveyor roller 115a and the second conveyor roller 115b are rotationally driven while being supported independently of each other by the first support member 341 and the second support member 342.

[0107] The first support member 341 is attached to the second conveyor roller shaft 115d so as to sandwich the second conveyor roller 115a from both sides in the width direction A2. The first support member 341 has a support portion 341a, a support portion 341b, an arm portion 341c, and a shaft portion 341d.

[0108] The support portion 341a is disposed on the outside of one side end surface of the second conveyor roller 115a, and the support portion 341b is disposed on the outside of the other side end surface of the second conveyor roller 115a. The support portion 341a and the support portion 341b have bilaterally symmetrical shapes. The support portion 341a and the support portion 341b have the same configuration and function as the support portion 240a and the support portion 240b of the second embodiment. The arm portion 341c is formed of a rectangular columnar member and connects the support portion 341a and the support portion 341b. The shaft portion 341d is provided coaxially with the oscillation shaft 143 and connects the support portion 341a and the support portion 341b. The shaft portion 341d and the arm portion 341c are disposed parallel to each other along the width direction A2. Like the arm portion 240c, the arm portion 341c may be configured as a cylindrical member instead of a rectangular columnar member, and may not be cylindrical. The arm 341c may be a plate-like member, similar to the arm 240c, and may have a notch or the like.

[0109] A torsion coil spring 144 is attached to the center of the shaft portion 341d, with its long leg portion 144a abutting against the arm portion 341c from above. The first support member 341 is pressed by the leg portion 144a of the torsion recoil spring 144, thereby pressing the second conveyor roller 115 against the first conveyor roller 114. The torsion coil spring 144 does not have to be attached to the center of the shaft portion 341d, and may be attached to both ends of the shaft portion 341d.

[0110] The second support member 342 is attached to the second conveyor roller shaft 115e so as to sandwich the second conveyor roller 115b from both sides in the width direction A2. The second support member 342 has a support portion 342a, a support portion 342b, an arm portion 342c, and a shaft portion 342d.

[0111] The support portion 342a is disposed on the outside of one side end surface of the second conveyor roller 115b, and the support portion 342b is disposed on the outside of the other side end surface of the second conveyor roller 115b. The support portion 342a and the support portion 342b have bilaterally symmetrical shapes. The support portion 342a and the support portion 342b have the same configuration and function as the support portion 240a and the support portion 240b of the second embodiment. The arm portion 342c connects the support portion 342a and the support portion 342b. The shaft portion 342d is provided coaxially with the oscillation shaft 143 and connects the support portion 342a and the support portion 342b. The shaft portion 342d and the arm portion 342c are disposed parallel to each other in the width direction A2.

[0112] A torsion coil spring 144 is attached to the center of the shaft 342d, with its long leg 144a abutting against the arm 341c from above. The second support member 342 is pressed by the leg 144a of the torsion coil spring 144, thereby pressing the second conveyor roller 115 against the first conveyor roller 114. The torsion coil spring 144 does not have to be attached to the center of the shaft 342d, and may be attached to both ends of the shaft 342d.

[0113] The swing centers of the first support member 341 and the second support member 342 are located upstream of the second conveying roller shafts 115d, 115e (rotation centers) in the medium conveying direction A1, and are located closer to the second conveying roller 115 than the first conveying roller 114.

[0114] The first support member 341 supports the second conveyor roller 115a so that it can swing with a support portion 341a, a support portion 341b, and an arm portion 341c. The second support member 342 supports the second conveyor roller 115b so that it can swing with a support portion 342a, a support portion 342b, and an arm portion 342c.

[0115] That is, the arm 341c and the arm 342c independently support the second conveyor roller 115a and the second conveyor roller 115b, respectively. The arm 341c is an example of a first arm, and the arm 342c is an example of a second arm.

[0116] In this way, the medium conveying device 300 supports the first support member 341 and the second support member 342 independently of each other via the drive connection portion 130 and the drive connection portion 330, so that the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b can be positioned at different positions in the swinging direction.

[0117] Therefore, even if there is a manufacturing error between the outer diameter of the second conveying roller 115a and the outer diameter of the second conveying roller 115b, the medium conveying device 300 can absorb the manufacturing error by independently oscillating the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b via the first support member 341 and the second support member 342.

[0118] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 300 is able to convey a thick medium MD well even when the support member 340 is used.

[0119] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining a medium transport mechanism of a medium transport device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of a drive connector in the medium transport mechanism of a medium transport device according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed from the front.

[0120] The medium conveying device 400 according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the medium conveying device 300 according to the third embodiment. However, although the medium conveying device 400 has a drive connecting portion 430, it does not have the first conveying roller gear 323, the second conveying roller gear 324, the drive connecting portion 330, the second shaft 331, etc., of the medium conveying device 300.

[0121] 14 and 15, the drive connector 430 connects the first support member 341 and the second support member 342. The drive connector 430 has the same configuration and function as the drive connector 130. The drive connector 430 includes a first support member 430a, a second support member 430b, and a joint shaft member 430c. The first support member 430a is attached to the end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115d on the center side in the width direction A2, and the second support member 430b is attached to the end of the second conveyor roller shaft 115e on the center side in the width direction A2. The joint shaft member 430c connects the first support member 430a and the second support member 430b so that they can tilt freely.

[0122] As a result, the drive connecting portion 430 connects the second conveyor roller shaft 115d and the second conveyor roller shaft 115e so as to be able to tilt freely, and transmits the driving force from the motor 151 from the second conveyor roller shaft 115d to the second conveyor roller shaft 115e.

[0123] In this way, in the medium conveying device 400, the second conveying roller shaft 115d (rotation shaft) of the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller shaft 115e (rotation shaft) of the second conveying roller 115b are connected to each other via the drive connecting part 430. This allows the first support member 341 and the second support member 342 to swing independently in the medium conveying device 400, so that the second conveying roller 115a can be positioned at a different position from the second conveying roller 115b in the swing direction. In other words, the second conveying roller 115a and the second conveying roller 115b are provided so that they can be positioned at different positions from each other in the swing direction of the first support member 341 and the second support member 342.

[0124] Therefore, in the medium conveying device 400, even if a manufacturing error occurs between the outer diameter of one second conveying roller 115a and the outer diameter of the other second conveying roller 115b, the first support member 341 and the second support member 342 can oscillate independently, so the manufacturing error can be absorbed.

[0125] In addition, the swing centers of the first support member 341 and the second support member 342 are located upstream of the second conveying roller shafts 115d, 115e (rotation center) in the medium conveying direction A1, and are located closer to the second conveying roller 115 than the first conveying roller 114.

[0126] As described above in detail, the medium transport device 400 is able to transport a thick medium MD well even when the drive connecting part 430 is used.

[0127] Fifth Embodiment 16 and 17 are schematic diagrams for explaining the medium transport mechanism of the medium transport device according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram of the medium transport mechanism as seen from the downstream side, and Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of the medium transport mechanism as seen from above.

[0128] A medium conveying device 500 according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the medium conveying device 200. However, the medium conveying device 500 has a support member 540 instead of the support member 240. The support member 540 is an example of a support portion.

[0129] The support member 540 has the same configuration and function as the support member 240. However, the support member 540 has an arm portion 540c instead of the arm portion 240c. The arm portion 540c has the same configuration and function as the arm portion 240c. However, the arm portion 540c has a pressing member 550. The pressing member 550 is, for example, a compression coil spring. As the pressing member 550, various other spring-like members such as a sheet metal spring or a torsion coil spring, or a rubber member may also be used.

[0130] The pressing member 550 is disposed between the center of the arm 540c in the width direction A2 and the center of the second conveyor roller shaft 115c, which is the rotation axis of the second conveyor roller 115, in the width direction A2. The pressing member 550 presses the center of the second conveyor roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2 downward and / or downstream. The pressing member 550 is an example of a pressing portion. A sliding member made of resin or the like with excellent sliding properties may be interposed between the pressing member 550 and the second conveyor roller shaft 115c to reduce friction.

[0131] When pressed by the pressing member 550, the second conveyor roller shaft 115c is bent so that the center portion in the width direction A2 is positioned downstream and / or downward, and the ends in the width direction A2 are positioned upstream and / or upward. As a result, the second conveyor rollers 115a and 115b, which have the second conveyor roller shaft 115c as their rotation axis, rotate to convey the medium outward in the width direction A2, and the medium is conveyed as if pulled outward.

[0132] Therefore, the medium conveying device 500 can suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the medium. If wrinkles occur in the conveyed medium, there is a possibility that the gradation will decrease and noise will occur in an image, particularly a color image or grayscale image, captured by the imaging device 116. By suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the medium, the medium conveying device 500 can suppress the occurrence of noise and the decrease in gradation (uneven gradation, uneven shading) caused by wrinkles in the medium in an input image, such as a color image or grayscale image, from the imaging device 116.

[0133] Alternatively, a rod-shaped member may be used as the pressing portion instead of the compression coil spring 550, and the rod-shaped member may press the center portion of the second conveyor roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2 downward and / or downstream. In this case, the arm portion 540c and the rod-shaped member may be integrally formed.

[0134] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 500 is able to convey a thick medium MD well even when the support member 540 is used.

[0135] Sixth Embodiment Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a medium transport mechanism of a medium transport device according to the sixth embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0136] A medium conveying device 600 according to the sixth embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the medium conveying device 300. However, the medium conveying device 600 has a support member 640 instead of the support member 340. The support member 640 is an example of a support portion. The support member 640 has a first support member 641 and a second support member 642. The first support member 641 has a support portion 641a, a support portion 641b, and an arm portion 641c. The second support member 642 has a support portion 642a, a support portion 642b, and an arm portion 642c. The first support member 641 and the second support member 642 have the same configuration and functions as the first support member 341 and the second support member 342. However, the first support member 641 and the second support member 642 are arranged in a tilted state in advance. The first support member 641 and the second support member 642 are arranged so that the central end of the media transport path in the width direction A2 is located downstream and / or below, and the outer end of the media transport path in the width direction A2 is located upstream and / or above.

[0137] The first support member 641 supports the second transport roller shaft 115d so that the end of the second transport roller shaft 115d on the center side of the medium transport path in the width direction A2 is positioned downstream and / or lower in the medium transport direction A1 than the outer end of the medium transport path in the width direction A2. The second support member 342 supports the second transport roller shaft 115e so that the end of the second transport roller shaft 115e on the center side of the medium transport path in the width direction A2 is positioned downstream and / or lower in the medium transport direction A1 than the outer end of the medium transport path in the width direction A2. The second transport roller shaft 115d is an example of a first rotating shaft, and the second transport roller shaft 115e is an example of a second rotating shaft.

[0138] As a result, second conveyor roller 115a, which has second conveyor roller shaft 115d as its rotation axis, and second conveyor roller 115b, which has second conveyor roller shaft 115e as its rotation axis, rotate to convey the medium outward in width direction A2, and the medium is conveyed as if pulled outward. Therefore, medium conveying device 600 can prevent wrinkles from occurring in the medium.

[0139] As with the medium conveying device 400, the first support member 641 and the second support member 642 may be connected to each other so as to be able to swing freely via a drive connecting portion 430 (FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0140] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 600 is able to convey a thick medium MD well even when the support member 640 is used.

[0141] Seventh Embodiment Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining a medium transport mechanism of a medium transport device according to the seventh embodiment, as viewed from above.

[0142] The medium conveying device 700 according to the seventh embodiment has the same configuration and functions as the medium conveying device 200. However, instead of the second conveying roller shaft 115c and the support member 240, the medium conveying device 700 has two second conveying roller shafts 715d and 715e and a support member 740.

[0143] Support member 740 has the same configuration and function as support member 240. However, support member 740 has arm portion 740c instead of arm portion 240c. Arm portion 740c has the same configuration and function as arm portion 240c. However, arm portion 740c has protruding members 741a and 741b.

[0144] The protruding member 741a is disposed between the center of the support member 740 in the width direction A2 and the center of the second conveyor roller shaft 715d, which is the rotation axis of the second conveyor roller 115a. The protruding member 741b is disposed between the center of the support member 740 in the width direction A2 and the center of the second conveyor roller shaft 115e, which is the rotation axis of the second conveyor roller 115b. The protruding members 741a and 741b extend along the medium conveying direction A1 and are disposed at a predetermined interval. The protruding members 741a and 741b have a rectangular prism shape and are provided so as to protrude parallel to each other downward and / or downstream from the support member 740. The protruding members 741a and 741b may have another columnar shape, such as a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the protruding members 741a and 741b do not have to be columnar.

[0145] A support member 240a is attached to one end of the second transport roller shaft 715d, and a protruding member 741a is attached to the other end. The support member 740 supports the second transport roller shaft 115d so that the end of the second transport roller shaft 115d that is on the center side of the medium transport path in the width direction A2 is positioned downstream and / or lower in the medium transport direction A1 than the outer end of the medium transport path in the width direction A2.

[0146] A protruding member 741b is attached to one end of the second transport roller shaft 715e, and a support member 240b is attached to the other end. The support member 740 supports the second transport roller shaft 115e so that the end of the second transport roller shaft 115e on the center side of the medium transport path in the width direction A2 is positioned downstream and / or lower in the medium transport direction A1 than the outer end of the medium transport path in the width direction A2.

[0147] As a result, second conveyance roller 115a, which has second conveyance roller shaft 715d as its rotation axis, and second conveyance roller 115b, which has second conveyance roller shaft 715e as its rotation axis, rotate to convey the medium outward in width direction A2, and the medium is conveyed as if pulled outward. Therefore, medium conveyance device 700 can prevent wrinkles from occurring in the medium.

[0148] Instead of the two second conveyor roller shafts 715d and 715e, a single second conveyor roller shaft bent at the center may be used. In this case, a resin roller that can freely rotate with respect to the fixed second conveyor roller shaft may be used as the second conveyor roller.

[0149] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 700 is able to convey a thick medium MD well even when the support member 740 is used.

[0150] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit of a medium conveyance device according to yet another embodiment.

[0151] 20, the processing circuit 800 is used in place of the processing circuit 170 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 170. The processing circuit 800 includes a control circuit 801 and an image acquisition circuit 802. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0152] The control circuit 801 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 171. The control circuit 801 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 152, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111. The control circuit 801 controls the motor 151 based on the received information.

[0153] The image acquisition circuit 802 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 172. The image acquisition circuit 802 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and outputs it to the interface device 152.

[0154] <Other embodiments> Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, support members similar to the support members described above may be applied to the second discharge roller 118. In this case, the swing center of the support member that swingably supports the second discharge roller 118 is located upstream of the rotation center of the second discharge roller 118 in the medium conveying direction A1, and is located closer to the second discharge roller 118 than the first discharge roller 117.

[0155] Furthermore, support members similar to the above-described support members may be applied to the first conveyor roller 114. In this case, the swing center of the support member that swingably supports the first conveyor roller 114 is disposed upstream of the rotation center of the first conveyor roller 114 in the medium conveying direction A1, and is disposed closer to the first conveyor roller 114 than the second conveyor roller 115.

[0156] Furthermore, support members similar to the above-described support members may be applied to the first discharge roller 117. In this case, the swing center of the support member that swingably supports the first discharge roller 117 is disposed upstream of the rotation center of the first discharge roller 117 in the medium conveying direction A1, and is disposed closer to the first discharge roller 117 than the second discharge roller 118.

[0157] The medium transport path of the medium transport device may feed and transport the media placed on the loading tray from the top to the bottom, and then discharge the media onto the discharge tray. In this case, the separation roller is disposed below the feeding roller and opposite the feeding roller.

[0158] Furthermore, the medium transport device may have an image forming device instead of or in addition to the imaging device 116. The image forming device is a printer such as an inkjet type or laser type, and is placed at a position corresponding to the position where the imaging device 116 is placed, and forms an image (prints predetermined information) on the transported medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 Media transport device 112 Feeding roller 113 Separation roller 114 First conveying roller 115 Second conveying roller 140, 240, 340, 540, 640, 740 Support member 240c, 341c, 342c arm 550 Pressing member

Claims

1. a conveying roller for conveying the medium; an opposing roller disposed opposite the conveying roller; a support portion that supports the opposing roller so that the opposing roller can swing, a swing center of the support portion is disposed upstream of a rotation center of the opposing roller in a medium conveying direction, and is disposed closer to the opposing roller than the conveying roller; A medium transport device characterized by:

2. the support portion is disposed on the inner side of a side wall of the medium transport path in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction; The media transport device of claim 1 .

3. a separating unit that is disposed upstream of the conveying roller and the opposing roller in the medium conveying direction and that separates the medium; the conveying roller conveys the medium separated by the separating unit; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the opposing rollers include a first opposing roller and a second opposing roller that are spaced apart in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction, the first opposing roller and the second opposing roller are provided so as to be able to be positioned at different positions from each other in a swing direction of the support portion; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the support portion supports the rotation shafts of the first opposing roller and the second opposing roller at a plurality of positions and includes an arm portion provided to be torsionally deformable; The medium transport device of claim 4 .

6. the support portion includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion that independently support the first opposing roller and the second opposing roller, respectively; The medium transport device of claim 4 .

7. The rotation shaft of the first opposing roller and the rotation shaft of the second opposing roller are connected to each other via a universal joint. The medium transport device of claim 6 .

8. the support portion has a pressing portion that presses a center portion of the rotation shaft of the opposing roller in a direction intersecting with the medium conveyance direction, The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the opposing rollers include a first opposing roller and a second opposing roller that are spaced apart in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction, the support portion supports the first rotation shaft of the first opposing roller and the second rotation shaft of the second opposing roller such that, in the medium transport direction, the end of the first rotation shaft of the first opposing roller and the second rotation shaft of the second opposing roller are positioned downstream of the other end of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft in the direction intersecting with the medium transport direction. The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images