Medium feeding device

Abstract

To provide a medium feeding device capable of reducing a device size.SOLUTION: The medium feeding device includes a medium tray, a feed roller that feeds a medium placed on the medium tray, a drive source that generates a driving force, and a driving force transmission unit that transmits the driving force from the drive source to a rotation shaft of the feed roller, and the driving force transmission unit is disposed inside both ends of a medium transport path in a direction intersecting a medium transport direction. The medium feeding device further includes a second drive source that is disposed on a side opposite to the drive source across a center position of the medium conveyance path in a direction intersecting the medium conveyance direction and generates a second driving force, a conveyance roller disposed on a downstream side of the feed roller in the medium conveyance direction, and a second driving force transmission unit that transmits the second driving force to a rotation shaft of the conveyance roller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a medium feeding device such as a scanner or printer feeds a medium using a feeding roller while performing processing such as imaging or image formation on the fed medium.

[0003] A medium feeding device is disclosed that includes a lower unit that forms the lower part of a housing and an upper unit that opens and closes relative to the lower unit (see Patent Document 1). In this medium feeding device, a first drive source that drives at least the feed roller and a second drive source that drives at least the transport roller are provided on both sides of the center of the lower unit in the width direction that intersects with the medium transport direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-224994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for reducing the size of media feeding devices.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a medium feeding device that can reduce the size of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A media feeding device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a loading table, a feeding roller for feeding a medium placed on the loading table, a driving source for generating a driving force, and a driving force transmission unit for transmitting the driving force from the driving source to the rotation shaft of the feeding roller, and the driving force transmission unit is positioned inside both ends of the media transport path in a direction intersecting the media transport direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the size of the medium feeding device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a medium feeding device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a transport path inside the medium feeding device. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining a set guide and the like. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a medium transport path. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a medium transport path. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a drive mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first motor driving force transmission section. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first motor driving force transmission section. [Figure 9] 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second motor driving force transmission section. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first detection sensor and the like. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first detection sensor and the like. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium feeding device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device and a processing circuit. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining other first detection sensors and the like. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A medium feeding 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.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium feeding device configured as an image scanner.

[0012] The medium feeding device 100 conveys, captures an image of, and discharges a medium that is an original. The medium may be paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, a passport, etc. The medium feeding device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP), etc.

[0013] 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 path. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and "downstream" 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.

[0014] The medium feeding device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading table 103, an ejection table 104, a display operation device 105, and the like.

[0015] The upper housing 102 is positioned to cover the top surface of the medium feeding device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when the medium is jammed or when cleaning the inside of the medium feeding device 100.

[0016] The loading platform 103 engages with the lower housing 101 and is rotatably provided by a hinge. When the medium feeding device 100 is not in use, the loading platform 103 is positioned to cover the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102, and functions as an exterior cover. On the other hand, when the medium feeding device 100 is in use, the loading platform 103 is positioned to allow media to be placed thereon, and media to be fed and transported is placed on the loading platform 103. The ejection platform 104 engages with the lower housing 101 and places ejected media on it. The ejection platform 104 may also engage with the upper housing 102 by a hinge or the like.

[0017] The display operation device 105 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display operation device 105 also has a touch panel type input device and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input device, accepts operations by a user, and outputs signals according to the user's input. The display device and the operation device may be provided separately.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium feeding device.

[0019] The transport path inside the medium feeding device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a feeding 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.

[0020] The number of each of 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 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2. The first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and second discharge roller 118 are examples of conveyance rollers.

[0021] The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a of the medium transport path. As shown in Fig. 2, the medium transport path has a so-called straight path mechanism in which the vertical positional relationship between the front and back surfaces of the medium does not change between the state before transport when the medium is placed on the loading tray 103 and the state after ejection when the medium is placed on the ejection tray 104.

[0022] 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 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.

[0023] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103, starting from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is disposed in the upper housing 102 opposite the feed roller 112, and separates the media placed on the mounting table 103. The feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 are provided rotatably about the feed shaft 112a and the separation shaft 113a, which are rotation axes, respectively. The separation roller 113 is provided rotatably or stoppably in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction. Note that a separation pad may be used instead of the separation roller 113.

[0024] The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are examples of conveying rollers. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are arranged facing each other downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveying direction A1. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are provided to be rotatable about a first conveying shaft 114a and a second conveying shaft 115a, which are rotation axes, respectively. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 convey the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116.

[0025] The imaging device 116 captures an image of the medium transported by the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b that are arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path.

[0026] The first imaging device 116a has an imaging sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 116a captures images of the surface of the medium being transported, sequentially generating and outputting input images.

[0027] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b has an imaging sensor using a CIS of a 1x1 optical system with CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly 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 analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 116b captures the back side of the medium being conveyed, sequentially generating and outputting line images.

[0028] The medium feeding 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. Alternatively, a CIS line sensor with a life-size optical system equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used as the imaging sensor. Alternatively, a reduction optical system line sensor with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used as the imaging sensor.

[0029] The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are examples of conveyance rollers. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are arranged facing each other downstream of the imaging device 116 in the medium conveyance direction A1, i.e., downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are provided rotatably about first discharge shaft 117a and second discharge shaft 118a, which are rotation axes, respectively. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 discharge the medium that has been conveyed by the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 and processed (imaged) by the imaging device 116 onto the discharge tray 104.

[0030] The media placed on the mounting table 103 are transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the media transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of arrow A4 in FIG. 2, i.e., the media feeding direction. The medium feeding device 100 has two operating modes: a separation mode in which, when multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the media are separated and fed, and a non-separation mode in which the media are fed without being separated. When operating in the separation mode, the separation roller 113 rotates or stops in the direction of arrow A5, i.e., the opposite direction to the media feeding direction, when feeding media. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that are in contact with the feed roller 112. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding). On the other hand, when operating in the non-separation mode, the separation roller 113 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A5, that is, in the medium feeding direction, following the feed roller 112 during medium feeding.

[0031] The medium is guided by lower guide 101a and upper guide 102a and fed between first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115. The medium is fed between first imaging device 116a and second imaging device 116b as first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7, respectively. The medium read by imaging device 116 is discharged onto discharge tray 104 as first discharge roller 117 and second discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.

[0032] Figures 3(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the set guide, cam member, and arm. Figure 3(A) is a schematic diagram of the set guide, cam member, and arm seen from the side before feeding a medium, and Figure 3(B) is a schematic diagram of the set guide, cam member, and arm seen from the side during feeding a medium.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the medium feeding device 100 further includes a set guide 121, a cam member 122, and an arm 123.

[0034] The set guide 121 is a guide for setting the medium(s) M placed on the placement table 103. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the set guide 121 is rotatably (swingably) supported by the lower housing 101, and is disposed in a position facing the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium transport direction A1 before the medium is fed. When the feeding of the medium M is not being performed, the set guide 121 supports the underside of the medium M placed on the placement table 103 and limits contact between the medium M placed on the placement table 103 and the feed roller 112. Hereinafter, the position where the set guide 121 limits contact between the medium M placed on the placement table 103 and the feed roller 112, as shown in FIG. 3(A), may be referred to as a limiting position. The limiting position is an example of a first position.

[0035] The cam member 122 is an example of a movement mechanism for moving the set guide 121. The cam member 122 is disposed below the set guide 121. The cam member 122 is provided so as to be rotatable (swingable) around a cam shaft 122a, which is a rotation axis. The cam member 122 is supported by the lower housing 101 so as to be rotatable in response to a driving force from a first motor, which will be described later, and contacts the downstream end of the set guide 121 to hold the set guide 121 in the limit position when no medium is being fed.

[0036] An elastic member 122b is provided on the cam member 122. The elastic member 122b is a spring member such as a tension coil spring or a torsion coil spring. One end of the elastic member 122b is attached to a frame fixed to the lower housing, and the other end of the elastic member 122b is attached to the cam member 122. The elastic member 122b applies a downward force to the cam member 122.

[0037] The arm 123 is a guide that holds down the uppermost medium of the medium(s) M placed on the placement table 103 from above or prevents the medium from floating up. The arm 123 is pressed downward (toward the set guide 121) by a spring member, rubber member, or the like (not shown). A flap 123a is swingably provided on the arm 123. The flap 123a is a stopper that prevents the medium M from entering the nip portion between the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 before the medium is fed. The flap 123a is positioned opposite the set guide 121 in the medium transport direction A1. The flap 123a is an example of a limiting portion that engages with the set guide 121, which is positioned in the limiting position, before the medium is fed, to limit contact between the leading edge of the medium placed on the placement table 103 and the separation roller 113.

[0038] The medium feeding device 100 uses the flap 123a to prevent the leading edge of the medium from coming into contact with the separation roller 113 before feeding the medium, causing the leading edge to be lifted up by the separation roller 113 rotating in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction, thereby preventing the medium from jamming.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3(B), when feeding of the medium M is performed, the cam member 122 swings (rotates) downward (in the direction of arrow A10) in accordance with the driving force from the first motor and moves away from the downstream end of the set guide 121. When the downstream end of the set guide 121 moves away from the cam member 122 and is no longer held by the cam member 122, the set guide 121 swings downward (in the direction of arrow A11) below the medium transport surface and moves away from the underside of the medium M placed on the mounting table 103. This allows contact between the medium placed on the mounting table 103 and the feed roller 112. Hereinafter, the position shown in FIG. 3(B) where the set guide 121 moves away from the underside of the medium M placed on the mounting table 103 and allows contact between the medium placed on the mounting table 103 and the feed roller 112 is sometimes referred to as the non-restrictive position. The non-restrictive position is an example of the second position. In this way, the set guide 121 is disposed in a limiting position and a non-limiting position, and the cam member 122 moves the set guide 121 between the limiting position and the non-limiting position.

[0040] As described above, the elastic member 122b applies a downward force to the cam member 122. As a result, a load is applied to the cam member 122 by the elastic member 122b in a direction in which the set guide 121 moves from the restricted position to the non-restricted position.

[0041] When the set guide 121 is placed in the non-restrictive position, the flap 123a is disengaged from the set guide 121. As a result, the flap 123a is pushed by the leading edge of the medium M placed on the mounting table 103 and swings downstream (in the direction of arrow A12), allowing the medium M to enter the nip portion between the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. In this way, when the set guide 121 is placed in the non-restrictive position, the flap 123a allows the medium M to enter the nip portion between the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113.

[0042] 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams for explaining the medium transport path in the medium feeding device. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the lower housing from the downstream side and from above, with the upper housing, the loading table, and the ejection table removed. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing from the above, with the upper housing, the loading table, and the ejection table removed.

[0043] 4 and 5, the lower guide 101a forms a medium transport path. Side walls 101b extending in the height direction A3 are provided at both ends of the lower guide 101a in the width direction A2. That is, the side walls 101b are provided at both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2. The end of the medium in the width direction A2 abuts against the side walls 101b, and the medium is transported along the side walls 101b, thereby preventing the medium from becoming skewed.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the feeding roller 112 and the set guide 121 are disposed in a recess 101c formed in the lower guide 101a.

[0045] Also, as shown in Figure 5, in the width direction A2, the center position P1 of the medium transport path (the imaging range of the imaging device 116) does not coincide with the center position P2 of the entire medium feeding device 100, but is located to the right of the center position P2.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanism for the feed roller, separation roller, first conveyor roller, second conveyor roller, first discharge roller, second discharge roller, and cam member, as viewed from above.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the medium feeding device 100 further includes a first motor 130, a first detection sensor 131, a driving force transmission unit 132 for the first motor, a second motor 140, a second detection sensor 141, and a driving force transmission unit 142 for the second motor.

[0048] The first motor 130 is an example of a drive source. The first motor 130 generates a first drive force for rotating (oscillating) the feed roller 112 and the cam member 122 in response to a control signal from a processing circuit (described later). The first drive force is an example of a drive force. The first motor 130 is, for example, a DC (Direct Current) motor, particularly a brushed DC motor. The first motor 130 may be a motor other than a DC motor, such as a stepping motor. The first motor 130 generates a first drive force for rotating the feed roller 112 in the medium feed direction A4 and rotating (oscillating) the cam member 122 downward. Note that either the feed roller 112 or the cam member 122 may be configured to rotate by a drive force generated by the second motor 140 or a motor other than the first motor 130 and the second motor 140.

[0049] The first motor 130 includes a first main body 130a and a first rotating shaft 130b. The first main body 130a is an example of a main body. The first main body 130a includes a winding, a stator, a permanent magnet, a commutator, etc. The first rotating shaft 130b is a rotor. The first rotating shaft 130b protrudes from the first main body 130a toward both the center position P1 of the medium transport path and outward in the width direction A2.

[0050] The first detection sensor 131 is an example of a detection unit, and detects the amount of rotation of the first motor 130. The first detection sensor 131 is provided on a portion of the first rotating shaft 130b of the first motor 130 that protrudes outward. The first detection sensor 131 is disposed outside both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2, i.e., outside the side wall 101b. The first detection sensor 131 may be provided on a portion of the first rotating shaft 130b of the first motor 130 that protrudes toward the center position P1. Alternatively, the first detection sensor 131 may be disposed closer to the center position P1 than both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2.

[0051] The first motor driving force transmission unit 132 includes a feed roller driving force transmission unit 132a and a cam member driving force transmission unit 132b. The feed roller driving force transmission unit 132a is an example of a driving force transmission unit. The feed roller driving force transmission unit 132a transmits the first driving force generated by the first motor 130 from the first motor 130 to the feed shaft 112a. The cam member driving force transmission unit 132b transmits the first driving force generated by the first motor 130 from the first motor 130 to the cam shaft 122a.

[0052] The first motor driving force transmission unit 132 is connected to a portion of the first rotating shaft 130b of the first motor 130 that protrudes toward the center position P1. The first motor driving force transmission unit 132 is disposed closer to the center position P1 than both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2, i.e., closer to the center position P1 than the side wall 101b. The first motor driving force transmission unit 132 is disposed at a position overlapping with the imaging device 116 when viewed from the medium transport direction A1. The first motor driving force transmission unit 132 is disposed closer to the feed roller 112 than the first main body 130a of the first motor 130 in the width direction A2. This allows the medium feeding device 100 to be reduced in size in the width direction A2. The first motor driving force transmission unit 132 may be connected to a portion of the first rotating shaft 130b of the first motor 130 that protrudes from the first main body 130a toward the outside of the medium transport path. The first motor driving force transmission section 132 may also be disposed outside both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2.

[0053] The second motor 140 is an example of a second drive source. The second motor 140 is disposed on the opposite side of the first motor 130 in the width direction A2, across the center position P1 of the medium transport path. By disposing the first motor 130 and the second motor 140 on different sides in the width direction A2, the medium feeding device 100 can maintain an equal weight on both sides in the width direction A2.

[0054] The second motor 140 generates a second driving force for rotating the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. The second motor 140 is, for example, a DC motor, particularly a brushed DC motor. The second motor 140 may be a motor other than a DC motor, such as a stepping motor. The second motor 140 generates a second driving force for rotating the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction and in the medium conveying directions A6 to A9, respectively. Note that the second conveyance roller 115 and the second discharge roller 118 may be driven rollers that rotate following the first conveyance roller 114 and the first discharge roller 117, respectively. In addition, any of the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 may be configured to rotate by a driving force generated by the first motor 130 or a motor other than the first motor 130 and the second motor 140.

[0055] The second motor 140 includes a second main body 140a and a second rotating shaft 140b. The second main body 140a includes a winding, a stator, a permanent magnet, a commutator, etc. The second rotating shaft 140b is a rotor. The second rotating shaft 140b protrudes from the second main body 140a toward both the center position P1 of the medium transport path and outward in the width direction A2.

[0056] The second detection sensor 141 detects the amount of rotation of the second motor 140. The second detection sensor 141 is provided on a portion of the second rotating shaft 140b of the second motor 140 that protrudes toward the center position P1. The second detection sensor 141 is disposed closer to the center position P1 than both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2, i.e., closer to the center position P1 than the side wall 101b. The second detection sensor 141 is also disposed closer to the feed roller 112 than the second main body 140a of the second motor 140 in the width direction A2. This allows the medium feeding device 100 to be reduced in size in the width direction A2. The second detection sensor 141 may be provided on a portion of the second rotating shaft 140b of the second motor 140 that protrudes outward. The second detection sensor 141 may also be disposed outside both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2.

[0057] The second motor driving force transmission unit 142 includes a conveying roller driving force transmission unit 142a and a separation roller driving force transmission unit 142b. The conveying roller driving force transmission unit 142a is an example of a second driving force transmission unit. The separation roller driving force transmission unit 142b is an example of a third driving force transmission unit. The conveying roller driving force transmission unit 142a transmits the second driving force generated by the second motor 140 from the second motor 140 to the first conveying shaft 114a, the second conveying shaft 115a, the first discharge shaft 117a, and the second discharge shaft 118a. The separation roller driving force transmission unit 142b transmits the second driving force generated by the second motor 140 from the second motor 140 to the separation shaft 113a.

[0058] The second motor driving force transmission unit 142 is connected to a portion of the second rotating shaft 140b of the second motor 140 that protrudes from the second main body 140a toward the outside of the medium conveying path. That is, the second motor driving force transmission unit 142 is connected to the opposite side of the feed roller 112 in the width direction A2, across the second main body 140a of the second motor 140. The second motor driving force transmission unit 142 (the conveying roller driving force transmission unit 142a and the separation roller driving force transmission unit 142b) are disposed on the opposite side of the first motor driving force transmission unit 132 with respect to the center position P1 of the medium conveying path in the width direction A2. This allows the medium feeding device 100 to maintain an equal weight on both sides in the width direction A2.

[0059] The transport roller driving force transmission unit 142a is disposed outside both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2, i.e., outside the sidewall 101b. The transport roller driving force transmission unit 142a is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the imaging device 116 when viewed from the medium transport direction A1. The transport roller driving force transmission unit 142a is disposed outside the second main body unit 140a of the second motor 140 in the width direction A2. The separation roller driving force transmission unit 142b is disposed on the same side as the transport roller driving force transmission unit 142a with respect to the center position P1 of the medium transport path in the width direction A2. The arrangement range of the second motor driving force transmission unit 142 in the width direction A2 includes the outsides of both ends of the medium transport path, i.e., outside the sidewall 101b. This allows the second motor driving force transmission unit 142 to easily transmit the second driving force from the lower housing 101 to the upper housing 102 via the outside of the medium transport path. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 can drive the first transport roller 114, the second transport roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 by the single second motor 140.

[0060] 5, in the width direction A2, the center position P2 of the entire medium feeding device 100 is located closer to the second motor driving force transmission unit 142 than the center position P1 of the medium transport path (the imaging range of the imaging device 116). This allows the medium feeding device 100 to reduce the space required for the first motor driving force transmission unit 132, which has fewer components, while ensuring space for the second motor driving force transmission unit 142, which has a larger number of components. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 can efficiently arrange the first motor driving force transmission unit 132 and the second motor driving force transmission unit 142, and reduce the device size in the width direction A2.

[0061] The second motor driving force transmission unit 142 may be connected to a portion of the second rotating shaft 140b of the second motor 140 that protrudes toward the center position P1. The second motor driving force transmission unit 142 may also be disposed closer to the center position P1 than both ends of the medium transport path in the width direction A2.

[0062] 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams for explaining the first motor driving force transmission section. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first motor driving force transmission section seen from the upstream left, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the first motor driving force transmission section seen from the upstream right.

[0063] The feed roller driving force transmission unit 132a includes first and second pulleys 133a and 133b, a belt 134, and first and second gears 135a and 135b. The cam member driving force transmission unit 132b includes first and second pulleys 133a and 133b, a belt 134, a first gear 135a, third and fourth gears 135c and 135d, a worm 136, a worm wheel 137, a bevel gear 138, and the like. That is, the feed roller driving force transmission unit 132a and the cam member driving force transmission unit 132b share the first and second pulleys 133a and 133b, the belt 134, and the first gear 135a.

[0064] A first pulley 133a is attached to a portion of the first rotating shaft 130b of the first motor 130 that protrudes toward the center position P1, and a belt 134 is stretched between the first pulley 133a and the second pulley 133b. A gear portion of the second pulley 133b is engaged with a first gear 135a. The first gear 135a is engaged with a second gear 135b. The second gear 135b is attached to a feed shaft 112a to which the feed roller 112 is attached.

[0065] The first gear 135a is further engaged with a third gear 135c. The third gear 135c is engaged with a fourth gear 135d. The worm 136 and the worm wheel 137 form a worm gear having a so-called self-locking function. The worm 136 is a cylindrical worm, and a gear is formed on the side of the worm 136. A gear that engages with the fourth gear 135d is formed on one end of the worm 136, and a screw-like gear is formed on the other portion. The worm wheel 137 has helical teeth that engage with the screw-like gear formed on the side of the worm 136. As a result, the worm wheel 137 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the worm 136. Meanwhile, the lead angle of the groove of the worm 136 is set to a value that prevents rotation from being transmitted from the worm wheel 137 side to the worm 136 side. Therefore, the worm 136 does not rotate in accordance with the rotation from the worm wheel 137 side, and generates a load that limits the transmission of the force transmitted from the worm wheel 137 to the fourth gear 135d.

[0066] A bevel gear is formed on one end of the worm wheel 137, and the bevel gear portion of the worm wheel 137 engages with a bevel gear 138. The bevel gear 138 is attached to a camshaft 122a to which the cam member 122 is attached. The bevel gear 138 includes a one-way clutch 138a. When the first driving force from the first motor 130 causes the bevel gear 138 to rotate in a direction that moves the set guide 121 from the non-restricting position to the restricting position, the one-way clutch 138a transmits the rotational force of the bevel gear 138 to the camshaft 122a. On the other hand, when the first driving force from the first motor 130 causes the bevel gear 138 to rotate in a direction that moves the set guide 121 from the restricting position to the non-restricting position, the one-way clutch 138a causes the bevel gear 138 to rotate freely relative to the camshaft 122a.

[0067] The operation of the cam member 122 and the feed roller 112 will now be described.

[0068] When the first motor 130 generates a driving force that rotates in the direction of arrow B1, the first and second pulleys 133a and 133b rotate in the directions of arrows B1 and B2, respectively, and the first and second gears 135a and 135b rotate in the directions of arrows B3 and B4. As a result, the feed roller 112 rotates together with the feed shaft 112a in the medium feed direction A4 by the first driving force from the first motor 130. In this way, the feed roller driving force transmitter 132a transmits the first driving force for rotating the feed roller 112 from the first motor 130 to the feed shaft 112a.

[0069] Furthermore, as the first gear 135a rotates in the direction of arrow B3, the third and fourth gears 135c and 135d rotate in the directions of arrows B5 and B6, respectively, and the worm 136 and worm wheel 137 rotate in the directions of arrows B7 and B8. Accordingly, the bevel gear 138 rotates in the direction of arrow B9, but the rotational force of the bevel gear 138 is not transmitted to the camshaft 122a by the one-way clutch 138a. However, the camshaft 122a is now rotatable in the direction of arrow B9. Meanwhile, a downward force is applied to the cam member 122 by the elastic member 122b. Therefore, the cam member 122 rotates in the direction of arrow B9 (downward direction A10) together with the camshaft 122a due to the force from the elastic member 122b. As a result, the set guide 121 moves from the restricted position to the non-restricted position. The one-way clutch 138a may be omitted, and the cam member 122 may be rotated in the direction of the arrow B9 (downward direction A10) by the first driving force from the first motor .

[0070] On the other hand, when the first motor 130 generates a first driving force that rotates in the opposite direction of arrow B1, the first and second pulleys 133a and 133b, the first to fourth gears 135a to 135d, the worm 136, the worm wheel 137, and the bevel gear 138 rotate in the opposite directions of arrows B1 to B9, respectively. As a result, the cam member 122 rotates upward, and the set guide 121 moves from the non-restricted position to the restricted position. In this way, the cam member driving force transmission unit 132b transmits the first driving force for moving the set guide 121 from the first motor 130 to the camshaft 122a.

[0071] With the cam member 122 moving upward and the set guide 121 positioned at the limit position, a downward force is applied to the cam member 122 by the elastic member 122b. As a result, a force is applied to the camshaft 122a to rotate in the direction of arrow B9, and the rotational force of the camshaft 122a is transmitted to the worm wheel 137 via the one-way clutch 138a and the bevel gear 138. However, as described above, the worm 136 does not rotate in response to the rotation from the worm wheel 137 side, and generates a load that limits the transmission of the force transmitted from the worm wheel 137 to the fourth gear 135d. As a result, even if the power supply to the first motor 130 is stopped with the set guide 121 positioned at the limit position, the set guide 121 will stop at the limit position.

[0072] 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second motor driving force transmission section, and is a perspective view of the second motor driving force transmission section as seen from above.

[0073] The conveying roller driving force transmission unit 142a includes first to third pulleys 143a to 143c, a belt 144, and first and second gears 145a to 145b. The separation roller driving force transmission unit 142b includes first to third pulleys 143a to 143c, a belt 144, second to twelfth gears 145b to 145l, a shaft 146, a clutch 147, a torque limiter 148, and the like. That is, the conveying roller driving force transmission unit 142a and the separation roller driving force transmission unit 142b share the first to third pulleys 143a to 143c, the belt 144, and the second gear 145b.

[0074] A first pulley 143a is attached to the outwardly protruding portion of the second rotating shaft 140b of the second motor 140, and a belt 144 is stretched between the first pulley 143a, the second pulley 143b, and the third pulley 143c. The second pulley 143b is attached to the first discharge shaft 117a to which the first discharge roller 117 is attached. The third pulley 143c is attached to the first conveyor shaft 114a to which the first conveyor roller 114 is attached. A gear portion of the second pulley 143b is engaged with a first gear 145a, which is attached to the second discharge shaft 118a to which the second discharge roller 118 is attached. A gear portion of the third pulley 143c is engaged with a second gear 145b, which is attached to the second conveyor shaft 115a to which the second conveyor roller 115 is attached.

[0075] The second gear 145b is engaged with the third gear 145c. The third gear 145c is engaged with the fourth gear 145d. The fourth gear 145d is engaged with the fifth gear 145e. The fifth gear 145e is engaged with the sixth gear 145f. The sixth gear 145f is engaged with the seventh gear 145g. The seventh gear 145g is engaged with the eighth gear 145h. The eighth gear 145h is engaged with the ninth gear 145i. The ninth gear 145i is attached to a shaft 146, which further has a tenth gear 145j attached to it. The tenth gear 145j is engaged with an eleventh gear 145k. The eleventh gear 145k is engaged with a twelfth gear 145l. The twelfth gear 145l is attached to a separation shaft 113a to which the separation roller 113 is attached.

[0076] The eighth gear 145h is provided with a clutch 147. The clutch 147 is a mechanical clutch. The clutch 147 may be an electromagnetic clutch. The clutch 147 is provided so as to be able to switch whether or not to transmit the second driving force from the second motor 140 to the separation roller 113 side in response to switching of the rotation direction of the clutch 147 or in response to control from a processing circuit.

[0077] A torque limiter 148 is provided on the separation shaft 113a. The torque limiter 148 defines a limit value for the torque applied to the separation roller 113. The limit value of the torque limiter 148 is set to a value such that the rotational force via the torque limiter 148 is cut off when one medium is being conveyed, and the rotational force via the torque limiter 148 is transmitted when multiple media are being conveyed. As a result, when only one medium is being conveyed, the separation roller 113 does not rotate according to the driving force from the second motor 140 but instead follows the feed roller 112. On the other hand, when multiple media are being conveyed, the separation roller 113 rotates in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction to separate the medium in contact with the feed roller 112 from the other media, preventing double feeding. At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 113 may apply a force in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction to the medium while it is stopped and not rotating in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction.

[0078] The operations of the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 will be described below.

[0079] When the second motor 140 generates a second driving force that rotates in the direction of arrow C1, the first pulley 143a rotates in the direction of arrow C1, and accordingly the second and third pulleys 143b and 143c rotate in the directions of arrows C2 and C3, respectively. As a result, the first and second gears 145a and 145b rotate in the directions of arrows C4 and C5, respectively. As a result, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 rotate in the medium conveyance directions A6 to A9 together with the first conveyance shaft 114a, the second conveyance shaft 115a, the first discharge shaft 117a, and the second discharge shaft 118a, respectively, by the second driving force from the second motor 140, and convey the medium. In this way, the drive force transmission unit 142a for the conveying rollers transmits the second drive force for rotating the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 from the second motor 140 to the first conveying shaft 114a, the second conveying shaft 115a, the first discharge shaft 117a and the second discharge shaft 118a.

[0080] Furthermore, as the second gear 145b rotates in the direction of arrow C5, the third to twelfth gears 145l rotate in the directions of arrows C6 to C15, respectively. As a result, the separation roller 113 rotates together with the separation shaft 113a in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction by the second driving force from the second motor 140, separating the media. In this manner, the separation roller driving force transmitter 142b transmits the second driving force for rotating the separation roller 113 from the second motor 140 to the separation shaft 113a. Note that when the clutch 147 is set to interrupt the transmission of the driving force from the second motor 140, the second driving force is not transmitted to the separation roller 113, and the separation roller 113 rotates in the medium feeding direction (the direction opposite to arrow A5) following the rotation of the feed roller 112.

[0081] On the other hand, when the second motor 140 generates a second driving force that rotates in the opposite direction of arrow C1, the first to third pulleys 143a to 143c and the first to twelfth gears 145a to 145l rotate in the opposite directions of arrows C1 to C15, respectively. As a result, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 rotate in the opposite directions to the medium conveyance directions A6 to A9, respectively, due to the second driving force. In addition, the separation roller 113 rotates in the medium feeding direction (the opposite direction of arrow A5) due to the second driving force.

[0082] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams for explaining the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the feed roller, the first motor, the drive force transmission mechanism for the feed roller, the first detection sensor, etc., as viewed from the upstream side. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing including the feed roller, the first motor, the drive force transmission mechanism for the feed roller, the first detection sensor, the second motor, the second detection sensor, etc., as viewed from the upstream side.

[0083] The first detection sensor 131 is, for example, an encoder. The first detection sensor 131 has a disk 131a, a light emitter 131b, and a light receiver 131c. The disk 131a is a scale, and is provided on a first rotating shaft 130b of the first motor 130 so as to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first motor 130. A plurality of slits (light transmitting holes) are formed in the disk 131a. The light emitter 131b and the light receiver 131c are provided so as to face each other across the disk 131a. The light emitter 131b is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light toward the disk 131a. The light receiver 131c is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter 131b via the disk 131a. The light receiver 131c detects the number of times per unit time that a state changes from one in which a slit exists between the light emitter 131b and the light receiver 131c to one in which no slit exists and the light is blocked by the disk 131a. The light receiver 131c divides the detected number of times of change by the number of slits provided in the disk 131a, detects the value as the number of rotations per unit time of the first motor 130, and generates and outputs a first detection signal indicating the detected number of rotations. The number of rotations per unit time of the first motor 130 is an example of the rotation amount of the first motor 130. The first detection sensor 131 may detect the rotation speed, rotation period, etc. of the first motor 130 as the rotation amount.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 11, the feed roller 112 is disposed in a recess 101c formed in the lower guide 101a. The end of the feed shaft 112a opposite the first motor 130, i.e., the end on the second motor 140 side, is rotatably supported by the wall of the recess 101c. The wall of the recess 101c is closed, and there is no gap on the second motor 140 side of the recess 101c through which paper dust that adheres to the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and falls into the recess 101c can pass from the recess 101c to the second motor 140. Meanwhile, the end of the feed shaft 112a on the first motor 130 side is connected to the first motor 130 via a feed roller drive force transmission unit 132a. Therefore, in the recess 101c, on the first motor 130 side, there is a gap leading from the recess 101c to the first motor 130 to allow the driving force transmission part 132a for the feed roller to pass through, and there is a possibility that paper dust may reach the first motor 130 through this gap.

[0085] In the width direction A2, the feed roller drive force transmission unit 132a is disposed closer to the feed roller 112 than the first main body 130a of the first motor 130, and the first detection sensor 131 is disposed on the opposite side of the feed roller 112, across the first main body 130a of the first motor 130. This prevents paper dust that passes through the gap provided for the feed roller drive force transmission unit 132a from the recess 101c and reaches the first detection sensor 131. This prevents paper dust adhering to the fed medium from adhering to the slits of the disc 131a, the light emitter 131b, or the light receiver 131c. The medium feeding device 100 can improve the dustproofness of the first detection sensor 131 and prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the rotation speed of the first motor 130. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 can feed the medium while properly separating it and properly capture images.

[0086] Furthermore, in the lower housing 101, a wall 101d for mounting the first motor 130 is provided between the recess 101c and the first motor 130. By providing the wall 101d between the recess 101c and the first motor 130, paper dust adhering to the medium being fed is further prevented from entering the first motor 130 side.

[0087] Medium feeding device 100 further has a first covering portion 139. First covering portion 139 is an example of a covering portion. First covering portion 139 is a lid member such as a cap, and is provided to cover first detection sensor 131 to protect first detection sensor 131 from debris such as paper powder or dust. Covering first detection sensor 131 with first covering portion 139 prevents paper powder adhering to the medium being fed or debris such as dust that has entered from outside medium feeding device 100 from adhering to the slits of disc 131a, light emitter 131b, or light receiver 131c.

[0088] In particular, first covering portion 139 is attached to first motor 130 so as to cover first detection sensor 131. This more reliably prevents paper dust adhering to the medium being fed or dirt and other debris that has entered from outside medium feeding device 100 from entering first detection sensor 131.

[0089] The second detection sensor 141 is, for example, an encoder. The second detection sensor 141 has a disk 141a, a light emitter 141b, and a light receiver 141c. The disk 141a is a scale, and is provided on the second rotating shaft 140b of the second motor 140 so as to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the second motor 140. A plurality of slits (light transmitting holes) are formed in the disk 141a. The light emitter 141b and the light receiver 141c are provided so as to face each other across the disk 141a. The light emitter 141b is an LED or the like, and emits light toward the disk 141a. The light receiver 141c is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter 141b via the disk 141a. The light receiver 141c detects the number of times per unit time that a state changes from one in which a slit exists between the light emitter 141b and the light receiver 141c to one in which no slit exists and the light is blocked by the disk 141a. The light receiver 141c divides the detected number of times of change by the number of slits provided in the disk 141a, detects the value as the number of rotations per unit time of the second motor 140, and generates and outputs a second detection signal indicating the detected number of rotations. The number of rotations per unit time of the second motor 140 is an example of the amount of rotation of the second motor 140. The second detection sensor 141 may detect the rotation speed, rotation period, etc. of the second motor 140 as the amount of rotation.

[0090] In the width direction A2, the second motor driving force transmission unit 142 is disposed on the opposite side of the second main body 140a of the second motor 140 from the feed roller 112, and the second detection sensor 141 is disposed closer to the feed roller 112 than the second main body 140a of the second motor 140. As described above, in the recess 101c on the second motor 140 side, there is no gap through which paper dust that adheres to the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and falls into the recess 101c can pass from the recess 101c to the second motor 140. Therefore, even if the second detection sensor 141 is disposed on the feed roller 112 side, the paper dust does not enter the second detection sensor 141. This allows the medium feeding device 100 to improve the dust resistance of the second detection sensor 141 and prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of the rotation speed of the second motor 140. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 can feed the media while separating them appropriately, and can also capture images appropriately.

[0091] On the other hand, by arranging the second motor driving force transmission unit 142 on the outside in the width direction A2, the second driving force can be easily transmitted from the lower housing 101 to the upper housing 102 through the outside of the medium transport path. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 can drive the first transport roller 114, the second transport roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 with the single second motor 140.

[0092] Medium feeding device 100 further has second covering portion 149. Second covering portion 149 is a lid member such as a cap, and is provided to cover second detection sensor 141 and protects second detection sensor 141 from dust and other debris that has entered from outside medium feeding device 100. Covering second detection sensor 141 with second covering portion 149 prevents dust and other debris that has entered from outside medium feeding device 100 from adhering to the slits of disc 141a, light emitter 141b, or light receiver 141c.

[0093] In particular, the second covering portion 149 is attached to the second motor 140 so as to cover the second detection sensor 141. This more reliably prevents dust and other debris from entering the medium feeding device 100 from the outside and entering the second detection sensor 141.

[0094] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium feeding device.

[0095] In addition to the above-described components, the medium feeding device 100 further includes an interface device 151, a storage device 160, a processing circuit 170, and the like.

[0096] The interface device 151 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown) (for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Instead of the interface device 151, 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 may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0097] 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 feeding 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) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory). The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed into the storage device 160.

[0098] The processing circuit 170 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 160. The processing circuit 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.

[0099] The processing circuit 170 is connected to and controls the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the first motor 130, the first detection sensor 131, the second motor 140, the second detection sensor 141, the interface device 151, the storage device 160, etc. The processing circuit 170 performs drive control of the first motor 130 and the second motor 140, image capture control of the imaging device 116, etc., based on the medium signal acquired from the medium sensor 111, the first detection signal acquired from the first detection sensor 131, and the second detection signal acquired from the second detection sensor 141. The processing circuit 170 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 151.

[0100] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device and a processing circuit.

[0101] 13, 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 program. As a result, the processing circuitry 170 functions as a control unit 171 and an image acquisition unit 172.

[0102] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium feeding device.

[0103] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of medium feeding device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 14. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by processing circuit 170 in cooperation with each element of medium feeding device 100 based on a program stored in memory device 160 in advance.

[0104] The control unit 171 controls the first motor 130 to place the set guide 121 in the limit position when the medium feeding device 100 is started up. As a result, the set guide 121 is placed in the limit position before the medium reading process is executed.

[0105] First, the control unit 171 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the display operation device 105 or the information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the display operation device 105 or the interface device 151 (step S101). The operation signal includes the operation mode (separation mode / non-separation mode) of the medium feeding device 100 specified by the user along with the reading instruction using the display operation device 105 or the information processing device. Note that the operation mode may not be included in the operation signal and may be set before the medium reading process is executed.

[0106] 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.

[0107] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 171 controls the first motor 130 and the second motor 140 to start feeding and transporting the medium (step S103). The control unit 171 rotates the first motor 130 in the direction of arrow B1 in Figures 7 and 8 to move the set guide 121 from the limiting position to the non-limiting position and rotates the feed roller 112 in the medium feeding direction A4.

[0108] When the operation mode is set to the separation mode, the control unit 171 rotates the second motor 140 in the direction of arrow C1 in Fig. 9. As a result, the control unit 171 rotates the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction and in the medium conveying directions A6 to A9, respectively.

[0109] On the other hand, when the operating mode is set to the non-separation mode, the control unit 171 rotates the second motor 140 in the direction opposite to the arrow C1 in FIG. 9 for a predetermined time when feeding of each medium begins, thereby rotating the separation roller 113 in the medium feeding direction. The predetermined time is set, for example, to the time from when feeding of the medium begins until the leading edge of the medium passes through the nip between the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. At this time, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 each rotate in the direction opposite to the medium conveyance direction A6 to A9. However, because the leading edge of the medium has not yet reached the positions of the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118, no problem occurs. Thereafter, the control unit 171 sets the second driving force from the second motor 140 not to be transmitted to the separation roller 113. As a result, the separation roller 113 is driven by the feed roller 112. Furthermore, the control unit 171 rotates the second motor 140 in the direction of arrow C1 in FIG. 9, thereby rotating the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 in the medium conveying directions A6 to A9, respectively.

[0110] When the operating mode is set to the non-separation mode, the control unit 171 may be configured so that the second driving force from the second motor 140 is not transmitted to the separation roller 113 when feeding of each medium starts. In this case, the control unit 171 rotates the second motor 140 in the direction of arrow C1 in Fig. 9 when feeding of each medium starts, thereby rotating the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and the second discharge roller 118 in the medium conveyance directions A6 to A9, respectively.

[0111] Thereafter, the control unit 171 periodically receives a first detection signal from the first detection sensor 131, and controls the first motor 130 to rotate at a predetermined speed based on the received first detection signal. The control unit 171 also periodically receives a second detection signal from the second detection sensor 141, and controls the second motor 140 to rotate at a predetermined speed based on the received second detection signal.

[0112] 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 151 (step S104).

[0113] Next, control unit 171 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 111 (step S105). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 171 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 and S105.

[0114] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 171 controls the first motor 130 and the second motor 140 to stop feeding and transporting the media (step S106), thereby ending the series of steps. The control unit 171 rotates the first motor 130 for a certain period of time in the direction opposite to the arrow B1 in FIGS. 7 and 8 to move the set guide 121 from the non-restriction position to the restriction position. Thereafter, the control unit 171 stops the first motor 130 and stops the feed roller 112. As described above, even if the power supply to the first motor 130 is stopped when the set guide 121 is positioned in the restriction position, the set guide 121 remains in the restriction position. The control unit 171 also stops the second motor 140 and stops the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118.

[0115] As described above in detail, in medium feeding device 100, feed roller drive force transmission unit 132a, which transmits the first drive force from first motor 130 to feed shaft 112a of feed roller 112, is located inside both ends of the medium transport path in width direction A2. This makes it possible to reduce the device size of medium feeding device 100 in width direction A2, making it possible to reduce the device size.

[0116] 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor in a medium feeding device according to another embodiment, as viewed from the upstream side of a lower housing including a feed roller, a first motor, a drive force transmission mechanism for the feed roller, the first detection sensor, the second motor, and the second detection sensor.

[0117] Medium feeding device 200 has the same structure and function as medium feeding device 100. However, medium feeding device 200 has lower housing 201 instead of lower housing 101, and has first covering portion 201e and / or second covering portion 201f instead of first covering portion 139 and / or second covering portion 149. Lower housing 201 has the same structure and function as lower housing 101. However, lower housing 201 is formed with first covering portion 201e and / or second covering portion 201f.

[0118] First covering portion 201e is an example of a covering portion. First covering portion 201e is a wall portion formed on lower housing 201, and is provided to cover first detection sensor 131 and protect first detection sensor 131 from debris such as paper powder or dust. Covering first detection sensor 131 with first covering portion 201e prevents debris such as paper powder or dust from adhering to the slits of disc 131a, light emitter 131b, or light receiver 131c.

[0119] First covering portion 201e is formed integrally with lower housing 201 of medium feeding device 200. This eliminates the need for a special part to cover first detection sensor 131, and medium feeding device 200 can prevent dust, paper particles, or other debris from entering first detection sensor 131 while suppressing an increase in device costs.

[0120] The second covering portion 201f is a wall portion formed on the lower housing 201, and is provided to cover the second detection sensor 141 and protect the second detection sensor 141 from debris such as paper powder or dust. Covering the second detection sensor 141 with the second covering portion 201f prevents debris such as dust from adhering to the slits of the disc 141a, the light emitter 141b, or the light receiver 141c.

[0121] The second covering portion 201f is formed integrally with the lower housing 201 of the medium feeding device 200. This eliminates the need for a special part to cover the second detection sensor 141, and the medium feeding device 200 can prevent dust and other debris from entering the second detection sensor 141 while suppressing an increase in device costs.

[0122] As described above in detail, the medium feeding device 200 can reduce the size of the device even when the first detection sensor 131 and / or the second detection sensor 141 are covered by the first covering portion 201e and / or the second covering portion 201f.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit in a medium feeding device according to yet another embodiment.

[0124] The processing circuit 370 is used in place of the processing circuit 170 and executes media reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 170. The processing circuit 370 includes a control circuit 371 and an image acquisition circuit 372. Note that these may each be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0125] The control circuit 371 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 171. The control circuit 371 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 105 or the interface device 151, a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, a first detection signal from the first detection sensor 131, and a second detection signal from the second detection sensor 141. The control circuit 371 controls the first motor 130 and the second motor 140 based on the received signals.

[0126] The image acquisition circuit 372 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 172. The image acquisition circuit 372 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and outputs it to the interface device 151.

[0127] As described above in detail, the size of the medium feeding device can be reduced even when the processing circuit 370 is used.

[0128] Although the above has described preferred embodiments, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the medium transport path of the medium feeding device may have a so-called U-turn path mechanism, which feeds and transports the media placed on the loading tray from the top to the bottom and discharges them onto the discharge tray. In this case, the separation roller is disposed below the feeding roller and faces the feeding roller.

[0129] The medium feeding device may also have an image forming device instead of or in addition to the imaging device 116. The image forming device is an inkjet or laser type printer, etc., 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 medium being transported. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 100, 200 medium feeding device, 103 placing table, 112 feeding roller, 112a feeding shaft, 113 separation roller, 113a separation shaft, 114 first conveying roller, 114a first conveying shaft, 115 second conveying roller, 115a second conveying shaft, 117 first discharge roller, 117a first discharge shaft, 118 second discharge roller, 118a second discharge shaft, 130 first motor, 131 first detection sensor, 132a driving force transmission unit for feeding roller, 139, 201e first covering unit, 140 second motor, 142a driving force transmission unit for conveying roller, 142b driving force transmission unit for separation roller

Claims

1. A mounting table; a feeding roller that feeds the medium placed on the placement table; a driving source that generates a driving force; a driving force transmission unit that transmits the driving force from the driving source to a rotation shaft of the feeding roller, the drive force transmission unit is disposed inside both ends of the medium transport path in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction; A medium feeding device characterized by:

2. a second drive source that is disposed on the opposite side of the drive source across the center position of the medium transport path in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction and that generates a second drive force; a conveying roller disposed downstream of the feeding roller in a medium conveying direction; The medium feeding device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second driving force transmission unit that transmits the second driving force to a rotation shaft of the transport roller.

3. a separation roller disposed opposite the feeding roller; a third driving force transmission unit that transmits the second driving force to a rotation shaft of the separation roller, The medium feeding device according to claim 2 , wherein the third driving force transmission unit is disposed on the same side as the second driving force transmission unit with respect to a center position of the medium transport path in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction.

4. the drive source is a DC motor, a detection unit provided on a rotation shaft of the drive source and configured to detect an amount of rotation of the drive source; the drive force transmission unit is disposed closer to the feed roller than the main body of the drive source in a direction intersecting a medium transport direction; The medium feeding device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit is disposed on the opposite side of the feeding roller across the main body of the driving source in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction.

5. The medium feeding device according to claim 4 , further comprising a covering portion that covers the detection portion.

6. The medium feeding device according to claim 5 , wherein the covering portion is a cover member attached to the driving source.

7. The medium feeding device according to claim 5 , wherein the covering portion is formed integrally with a housing of the medium feeding device.

Images