Medium transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium conveying device capable of satisfactorily conveying a plurality of media having different widths.SOLUTION: A first medium placement section provided with a first medium placement surface, a second medium placement section disposed above the first medium placement section and provided with a second medium placement surface, and a third medium placement section disposed above the second medium placement section and provided with a third medium placement surface, A width of the second medium mounting surface in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction and a width of the third medium mounting surface in the direction intersecting the medium transport direction are smaller than a width of the first medium mounting surface in the direction intersecting the medium transport direction, and the third medium mounting section is provided to be swingable with respect to the second medium mounting section according to an amount of the medium mounted on the second medium mounting surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In media transport devices such as scanners and printers, it is desirable to transport multiple media of different widths. To transport multiple media of different widths, media transport devices have been developed that have multiple media loading sections, each with a media loading surface of a different width.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a document transport device having a first document table having a first document placement surface, a second document table having a second document placement surface, and a third document table having a third document placement surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-108221 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A medium transport device is required to transport a plurality of media of different widths in an efficient manner.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium transport device that can effectively transport a plurality of media each having a different width. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first media loading section having a first media loading surface, a second media loading section arranged above the first media loading section and having a second media loading surface, and a third media loading section arranged above the second media loading section and having a third media loading surface, wherein the width of the second media loading surface in a direction intersecting the media transport direction and the width of the third media loading surface in a direction intersecting the media transport direction are smaller than the width of the first media loading surface in the direction intersecting the media transport direction, and the third media loading section is arranged to be swingable relative to the second media loading section depending on the amount of media loaded on the second media loading surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the medium transport device can effectively transport a plurality of media each having a different width. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a medium transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the medium guide seen from diagonally above. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a front view of the medium guide. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the guide body as seen obliquely from above. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the medium guide as seen from below on the downstream side. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second and third medium loading units as viewed obliquely from below on the downstream side. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement position of a swinging portion. [Figure 6A] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement position of a third medium loading section. FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third medium loading section restricted by a stopper. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing media placed on the placement table and second and third medium placement sections. FIG. [Figure 8]10 is a perspective view showing an overlap between a third side wall portion of the third medium loading portion and the suppression portion. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a hinge portion to which a leg portion is attached. [Figure 10A] 10 is a schematic diagram showing how the medium guide is accommodated in conjunction with the mounting table. FIG. [Figure 10B] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the medium guide is housed in conjunction with the mounting table. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a transport path inside the medium transport device. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium transport 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 transport process. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a medium guide according to another embodiment, seen obliquely from above. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a guide body according to another embodiment, as viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

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

[0012] The medium conveying device 100 conveys, captures an image of, and ejects a medium that is an original. The medium may be paper, thin paper, thick paper, a card, a booklet, a passport, or the like. The medium may include multiple media, particularly three or more types, each with a different width. The medium conveying device 100 may also be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like.

[0013] In Figure 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. 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. Upward refers to the top of the height direction A3, and downward refers to the bottom of the height direction A3.

[0014] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading table 103, an ejection table 104, a display operation device 105, a medium guide 110, and the like.

[0015] The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 are formed from a resin material or the like, and cover the inside of the medium conveying device 100. 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 portion so that it can be opened and closed when a medium becomes jammed or when cleaning the inside of the medium conveying device 100. The upper housing 102 has an inclined surface portion 102k on which a display operation device 105 is provided, and a flat lid portion 102f.

[0016] The mounting table 103 is an example of a first medium mounting unit. The mounting table 103 is formed of a resin material or the like, engages with the lower housing 101, and is rotatably provided by a hinge portion. When the medium conveying device 100 is not in use, the mounting table 103 is disposed in a position that covers the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102, and functions as an exterior cover. On the other hand, when the medium conveying device 100 is in use, the mounting table 103 is disposed in a position where a medium can be placed thereon, and the medium to be fed and conveyed is placed on the mounting table 103. Hereinafter, the position where the mounting table 103 covers the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 101 may be referred to as the storage position, and the position where a medium can be placed on the mounting table 103 may be referred to as the use position. The mounting table 103 is provided to be swingable in the medium conveying direction A1 so as to be movable between the use position and the storage position.

[0017] A first medium placement surface 103a for placing a medium is provided on the placement table 103. The width of the first medium placement surface 103a is determined to be a size that allows, for example, an A3-size or A4-size medium to be placed thereon with its longitudinal direction facing the medium transport direction A1.

[0018] The ejection platform 104 engages with the lower housing 101 and places the ejected media on it. The ejection platform 104 may also be engaged with the upper housing 102 by a hinge or the like.

[0019] The display operation device 105 has a display configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs 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 that acquires 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.

[0020] The medium guide 110 is disposed above the first medium placement surface 103a of the placement table 103.

[0021] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the medium guide removed from the stand, seen from diagonally above. Fig. 2B is a front view of the medium guide removed from the stand. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the guide body of the medium guide, seen from diagonally above.

[0022] The medium guide 110 has a second medium loading section 120 and a third medium loading section 130.

[0023] A second medium placement surface 120a for placing a medium thereon is provided on the second medium placement portion 120. The second medium placement portion 120 includes a guide body 121 and a swinging portion 122.

[0024] The guide body 121 of the second medium loading section 120 is formed of a resin material or the like. The guide body 121 has a main body portion 123 and leg portions 124. The main body portion 123 is a plate-like member extending along the width direction A2. A rectangular opening S1 is provided in the center of the main body portion 123 for attaching the swinging section 122 and the third medium loading section 130.

[0025] A first outlet surface 123a, which is part of the second medium loading surface 120a, is provided upstream of the opening S1 in the medium transport direction A1 of the main body 123 and in the center in the width direction A2. The first outlet surface 123a is inclined so that its downstream end is positioned lower than its upstream end, and outputs the medium to the swinging unit 122. The width of the first outlet surface 123a in the width direction A2 is smaller than the width of the first medium loading surface 103a in the width direction A2. The second medium loading unit 120 is suitable for loading media that are narrower than the media loaded on the loading table 103. By having the second medium loading unit 120 separate from the loading table 103, the medium transport device 100 can efficiently transport multiple media of different widths.

[0026] The main body 123 has two first side walls 123w provided on both side ends of the opening S1 in the width direction A2. The two first side walls 123w are erected to face each other and extend from the upstream side to the downstream side. Two swing shafts 123b are provided on the upstream side of the first side walls 123w, facing each other along the width direction A2. The two swing shafts 123b are swing fulcrums that swingably support the third medium loading unit 130.

[0027] A suppression unit 123s is provided downstream of the opening S1 in the medium transport direction A1 and in the center in the width direction A2 of the main body 123. The suppression unit 123s is formed in a plate shape and is arranged parallel to the first lead-out surface 123a. The suppression unit 123s guides the medium placed on the second medium placement surface 120a or the third medium placement surface 130a downstream while suppressing the medium from floating up.

[0028] First cutout portions 123sk that are cut out in a generally trapezoidal shape in plan view from the upstream side to the downstream side are provided on both ends of the suppression unit 123s on the upstream side in the medium transport direction A1 and in the width direction A2. The two first cutout portions 123sk are arranged to face the third medium loading surface 130a of the third medium loading unit 130. By providing the first cutout portions 123sk in the suppression unit 123s, a space is secured to allow the end of the medium to escape when a medium with a folded or bent end is placed on the third medium loading surface 130a.

[0029] The legs 124 extend downstream from both side ends of the main body 123 in the width direction A2. A swing shaft 124a that protrudes outward in the width direction A2 is provided at the tip of the leg 124. Furthermore, a slide shaft 124b is provided on the leg 124 upstream of and below the swing shaft 124a. The swing shaft 124a is a swing fulcrum for the guide main body 121.

[0030] The swinging portion 122 is made of a resin material or the like. The swinging portion 122 is provided in the opening S1, that is, on the downstream side of the first outlet surface 123a of the main body portion 123, so as to be swingable relative to the main body portion 123. A swing fulcrum of the swinging portion 122 is provided at the upstream end of the swinging portion 122. An upstream portion of the swinging portion 122 is disposed below the first outlet surface 123a and is covered by the first outlet surface 123a. A downstream portion of the swinging portion 122 is exposed and not covered by the first outlet surface 123a.

[0031] The swinging unit 122 is a plate-like member that is rectangular in a plan view. The swinging unit 122 is provided with a second outlet surface 122a that is part of the second medium placing surface 120a. The second outlet surface 122a leads the medium downstream. The width of the second outlet surface 122a in the width direction A2 is the same as or smaller than the length of the first outlet surface 123a in the width direction A2. In other words, the width of the second outlet surface 122a in the width direction A2 is smaller than the width of the first medium placing surface 103a in the width direction A2.

[0032] The third medium loading section 130 is made of a resin material or the like. The third medium loading section 130 is formed in a generally inverted U-shape in a plan view. The third medium loading section 130 is disposed in the opening S1, that is, downstream of the swinging section 122 and above the swinging section 122.

[0033] The third medium loading section 130 has a third medium loading surface 130a and an arm portion 132. The third medium loading surface 130a is inclined so that its downstream end is positioned lower than its upstream end, and it outputs the medium downstream. The width of the third medium loading surface 130a in the width direction A2 is smaller than the width of the second medium loading surface 120a (first output surface 123a and second output surface 122a) in the width direction A2. In other words, the width of the third medium loading surface 130a in the width direction A2 is smaller than the width of the first medium loading surface 103a in the width direction A2. The third medium loading section 130 is suitable for loading media having a width smaller than that of the media loaded on the loading table 103 or the second medium loading section 120. The medium conveying device 100 has the third medium placing section 130 in addition to the placing table 103 and the second medium placing section 120, and is therefore able to effectively convey a plurality of media of different widths.

[0034] The arm portions 132 have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and extend downstream from both side ends of the third medium placing surface 130a in the width direction A2. The arm portions 132 are provided integrally with the third medium placing surface 130a.

[0035] Second cutout portions 132k that are cut out in a generally trapezoidal shape in plan view from the upstream side to the downstream side are provided on both ends of the arm portion 132 on the upstream side in the medium transport direction A1 and in the width direction A2. The two second cutout portions 132k are arranged to face the second medium loading surface 120a of the second medium loading portion 120. By providing the second cutout portions 132k in the arm portion 132, a space is secured to allow the end of the medium to escape when a medium with a folded or bent end is placed on the second medium loading surface 120a.

[0036] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the medium guide as viewed from below on the downstream side, and Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the second medium loading section and the third medium loading section as viewed from diagonally below on the downstream side.

[0037] 4A, a swing shaft 125 protruding outward in the width direction A2 is provided on both upstream side ends of the swing part 122 (shown by dashed lines) of the second medium loading part 120. On the rear surface side of the main body part 123, at a position opposite to the swing shaft 125 at the upstream end, a shaft support part 123h that supports the swing shaft 125 is provided.

[0038] The swinging part 122 is attached so as to be swingable around the upstream side of the swinging part 122 as a swing fulcrum, with the swinging shaft 125 supported by the shaft support part 123h. In other words, the swinging part 122 is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the guide main body 121. The swinging part 122 is removed from the main body part 123 by removing the swinging shaft 125 from the shaft support part 123h.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4B, the second medium loading section 120 has two second side walls 122w provided on both side ends of the swinging section 122 in the width direction A2. The two second side walls 122w are erected to face each other and extend from the upstream side to the downstream side. The two second side walls 122w function as side guides that regulate the width direction A2 of the medium loaded on the second medium loading section 120. By having the second side walls 122w, the medium transport device 100 can transport the medium loaded on the second medium loading surface 120a smoothly without tilting it. A recess 122r that is open to the downstream side is formed in the center of the swinging section 122.

[0040] 4A and 4B, the lower surface 123sd of the suppression portion 123s in the guide main body 121 is inclined so that the downstream end is positioned lower than the upstream end. The suppression portion 123s suppresses the lifting up of the medium placed on the second medium loading surface 120a of the second medium loading portion 120 or the medium placed on the third medium loading surface 130a of the third medium loading portion 130. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can suppress the lifting up of the medium placed on the second medium loading surface 120a of the second medium loading portion 120 or the medium placed on the third medium loading surface 130a of the third medium loading portion 130, and can convey the medium well.

[0041] The third medium loading unit 130 has two third side walls 132w provided on both side edges of the third medium loading surface 130a in the width direction A2, which intersects with the medium transport direction A1. The third side walls 132w are an example of a wall. The two third side walls 132w are erected to face each other and extend from the upstream side to the downstream side. The two third walls 132w are inclined so that the downstream end is positioned higher than the upstream end. The two third side walls 132w function as side guides that regulate the width direction A2 of the medium loaded on the third medium loading unit 130. By including the third side walls 132w, the medium transport device 100 can transport the medium loaded on the third medium loading surface 130a smoothly without tilting it.

[0042] Two thin suppression plates 132f extending parallel to the third side wall 132w along the medium transport direction A1 are provided on the back surface of the arm 132 of the third medium loading section 130. The suppression plates 132f are downward-protruding ribs that protrude downward beyond the third side wall 132w. The suppression plates 132f suppress the lifting of media placed on the second medium loading surface 120a of the second medium loading section 120.

[0043] A protrusion 132s is provided on the back surface of the arm portion 132. The protrusion 132s is provided outside the third side wall portion 132w in the width direction A2. A protruding convex portion 132st is formed at the downstream end of the protrusion 132s. Meanwhile, the second medium loading portion 120 has a stopper 123p. The stopper 123p is provided on the back surface of the main body portion 123 of the guide body 121 at a position corresponding to the convex portion 132st of the protrusion 132s. The stopper 123p limits upward swing of the downstream end of the third medium loading portion 130 in the medium conveying direction A1. The provision of the stopper 123p prevents the third medium loading surface 130a from being positioned above the suppression portion 123s, thereby suppressing damage to media loaded on the third medium loading surface 130a.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement position of the swinging portion.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the oscillating unit 122 is provided to be oscillable about an oscillating shaft 125. In particular, the oscillating unit 122 is provided to be oscillable upward relative to the mounting table 103 in accordance with the amount of media placed on the first medium placing surface 103a of the mounting table 103. The amount of media includes the weight, thickness, etc. of the placed media (total). In other words, the oscillating unit 122 oscillates upward by a height corresponding to the amount of media placed on the first medium placing surface 103a. This allows the user to flexibly change the amount of media placed on the mounting table 103 and the amount of media placed on the second medium placing unit 120. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can flexibly change the configuration of the mounting table 103 in accordance with the user's application, improving user convenience.

[0046] Furthermore, the swinging unit 122 is configured to swing downward in accordance with the amount of media placed on the second medium placing surface 120a. That is, the swinging unit 122 swings downward by a height corresponding to the amount of media placed on the second medium placing surface 120a. This allows the user to flexibly change the amount of media placed on the placement table 103 and the amount of media placed on the second medium placing surface 120a. In particular, even if the user places a large amount of media on the third medium placing surface 130a and the third medium placing unit 130 swings downward, the user can swing the swinging unit 122 downward to place a certain amount of media on the second medium placing surface 120a. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can flexibly change the configuration of the placement table 103 in accordance with the user's application, thereby improving user convenience.

[0047] The swing range of the swinging part 122 around the swing axis 125 is from a lower position where the swinging part 122 contacts the mounting table 103 (first medium mounting surface 103a) to an upper position where the swinging part 122 contacts the third medium mounting part 130.

[0048] When the swinging unit 122 is positioned to contact the third medium loading unit 130, a large amount of media can be loaded on the first medium loading surface 103a. On the other hand, when the swinging unit 122 is positioned to contact the loading table 103, a large amount of media can be loaded on the swinging unit 122 and the third medium loading unit 130.

[0049] A torsion coil spring 129 that biases the swinging portion 122 is attached to the swinging shaft 125 of the main body 123. The torsion coil spring 129 includes a coil portion 129a, a first leg portion 129b, and a second leg portion 129c. The coil portion 129a is fixed to the swinging shaft 125, the first leg portion 129b is fixed to the guide main body 121, and the second leg portion 129c abuts against the lower surface of the swinging portion 122. The spring force of the torsion coil spring 129 is preset so that when a first predetermined amount or more of media is placed on the first medium placing surface 103a, the second medium placing portion 120 swings upward, and when a second predetermined amount or more of media is placed on the second medium placing surface 120a, the second medium placing portion 120 swings downward. The first predetermined amount and the second predetermined amount are set based on the amount of media that can be placed on the first medium placement surface 103a and the amount of media that can be placed on the second medium placement surface 120a, respectively.

[0050] The swinging unit 122 is positioned such that, when no media are placed on the first medium placement surface 103a, the second medium placement surface 120a, or the third medium placement surface 130a (initial state), the spring force of the torsion coil spring 129 positions the swinging unit 122 at the middle position of its swing range. Therefore, the swinging unit 122 is configured to be swingable upward or downward from its initial position. In particular, the second medium placement unit 120 is configured to be swingable downward from its initial position. Furthermore, the second medium placement unit 120 is configured to be swingable downward when a predetermined amount or more of media is placed on the second medium placement surface 120a. This allows the user to automatically position the second medium placement unit 120 in an appropriate position depending on the amount of media placed on the second medium placement unit 120 or the amount of media placed on the third medium placement unit 130. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0051] The initial position of the swinging part 122 may be the uppermost position or the lowermost position within the swing range.

[0052] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement position of the third medium loading unit. Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2B. Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the third medium loading unit restricted by a stopper. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 2B.

[0053] A cylindrical hole 132h with a bottom is provided at the upstream end of the outer end surface in the width direction A2 of the arm portion 132 of the third medium loading portion 130. The swing shaft 123b of the main body portion 123 is fitted into the hole 132h of the third medium loading portion 130, so that the third medium loading portion 130 is swingably attached to the main body portion 123. Therefore, the third medium loading portion 130 is swingably provided with the swing shaft 123b of the main body portion 123 and the hole 132h of the arm portion 132 as swing fulcrums.

[0054] In particular, the third medium loading section 130 is provided so as to be able to swing upward relative to the second medium loading section 120 in accordance with the amount of media loaded on the second medium loading surface 120a of the second medium loading section 120. That is, the third medium loading section 130 swings upward by a height corresponding to the amount of media loaded on the second medium loading surface 120a. This allows the user to flexibly change the amount of media loaded on the second medium loading section 120 and the amount of media loaded on the third medium loading section 130. In particular, even when a large amount of media has been loaded on the first medium loading surface 103a and the second medium loading section 120 has swung upward, the user can swing the third medium loading section 130 upward to load a certain amount of media on the second medium loading surface 120a. Therefore, medium conveying device 100 can flexibly change the state of mounting table 103 depending on the user's purpose, thereby improving user convenience.

[0055] Furthermore, the third medium loading unit 130 is provided so as to be able to swing downward relative to the second medium loading unit 120 in accordance with the amount of media loaded on the third medium loading surface 130a. That is, the third medium loading unit 130 swings downward by a height in accordance with the amount of media loaded on the third medium loading surface 130a. This allows the user to flexibly change the amount of media loaded on the second medium loading unit 120 and the amount of media loaded on the third medium loading unit 130. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can flexibly change the configuration of the loading table 103 in accordance with the user's application, improving user convenience.

[0056] The swing fulcrum of the third medium loading unit 130 is located at the upstream end in the medium transport direction A1 of the third medium loading unit 130. By swinging the downstream end of the third medium loading unit 130, the user can easily load media onto the third medium loading unit 130, and the medium transport device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0057] Furthermore, the swing shaft 123b, which is the swing fulcrum of the third medium loading section 130, is disposed, in the width direction A2 that intersects with the medium transport direction A1, outside the second medium loading surface 120a of the second medium loading section 120 that is disposed in the opening S1 of the main body section 123. This allows the medium placed on the second medium loading surface 120a of the second medium loading section 120 to be transported smoothly without being obstructed by the swing shaft 123b of the third medium loading section 130.

[0058] The third medium loading section 130 is provided so as to be able to swing upward or downward from a position (initial state) in which no medium is placed on the first medium loading surface 103a, the second medium loading surface 120a, and the third medium loading surface 130a. The downward swing of the third medium loading section 130 is restricted by contact between the suppression plate 132f (FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the arm section 132 and the second outlet surface 122a of the swinging section 122. Meanwhile, the upward swing of the third medium loading section 130 is restricted by contact between the convex portion 132st of the protruding portion 132s and the stopper 123p of the main body section 123. Within the swing range of the third medium loading section 130, the position at which the third medium loading section 130 swings most upward is set to a position where a medium placed on the third medium loading surface 130a can be transported to the medium transport path.

[0059] Furthermore, suppression unit 123s is positioned to face third medium loading surface 130a when third medium loading unit 130 swings to its uppermost position. Media loaded on third medium loading surface 130a come into contact with lower surface 123sd of suppression unit 123s and are transported along lower surface 123sd of suppression unit 123s. In this way, suppression unit 123s reliably guides media loaded on third medium loading surface 130a to the opening of medium transport device 100.

[0060] The initial position of the third medium loading section 130 may be the uppermost position or the lowermost position within the swing range.

[0061] Furthermore, the third medium loading section 130 is removed from the medium guide 110 by removing the swing shaft 123b from the hole 132h. In this manner, the third medium loading section 130 is provided detachably with respect to the medium guide 110.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a state in which media are placed on the placement table 103, the second medium placement section 120, and the third medium placement section .

[0063] 7, media M1, M2, and M3 can be simultaneously (collectively) placed on the first medium placing surface 103a of the placing table 103, the second medium placing surface 120a of the second medium placing unit 120, and the third medium placing surface 130a of the third medium placing unit 130, respectively. When media M1, M2, and M3 are placed on the first medium placing surface 103a, the second medium placing surface 120a, and the third medium placing surface 130a, respectively, the feed roller and separation roller, described below, first transport the lowest medium M1. After transporting medium M1, the feed roller and separation roller transport medium M2, which is placed below, and after transporting medium M2, transport medium M3, which is placed on the top.

[0064] In this way, medium conveying device 100 automatically and successively conveys media placed on first medium placing surface 103a, second medium placing surface 120a, and third medium placing surface 130a. Users can set multiple media of different sizes at the same time and scan them all at once, which improves user convenience.

[0065] Furthermore, when the third medium loading section 130 swings all the way up, the leading edge of the medium M3 (shown by the thick dashed line) loaded on the third medium loading surface 130a comes into contact with the lower surface 123sd of the suppression section 123s. Because the lower surface 123sd of the suppression section 123s is inclined downward toward the downstream side, the medium M3 being transported from the third medium loading surface 130a comes into contact with the lower surface 123sd of the suppression section 123s, and then travels along the lower surface 123sd and is transported to the internal medium transport path.

[0066] The second medium loading unit 120 prevents the medium M1 loaded on the first medium loading surface 103a from floating up. The third medium loading unit 130 prevents the medium M2 loaded on the second medium loading surface 120a from floating up. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to prevent the loaded medium from tipping forward (toward the front of the medium conveying device 100) and falling off the loading table 103, even when a folded or bent medium is loaded.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining the overlap between the third side wall portion of the third medium loading portion and the suppression portion.

[0068] The third side wall 132w of the third medium loading section 130 has a tip 132wL. The tip 132wL is provided at the downstream tip of the third side wall 132w. When the third medium loading section 130 is attached to the main body 123 of the guide main body 121, the tip 132wL fits into the first notch 123sk of the suppression section 123s. When the tip 132wL of the third side wall 132w fits into the first notch 123sk, the tip 132wL of the third side wall 132w and the suppression section 123s partially overlap when viewed from the width direction A2 that intersects with the medium transport direction A1.

[0069] By arranging the third side wall portion 132w so as to overlap the suppression portion 123s when viewed from the width direction A2, the medium placed on the third medium loading portion 130 is prevented from becoming caught in the gap S2 between the arm portion 132 and the suppression portion 123s at the downstream end of the third medium loading portion 130. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium from becoming caught in the gap S2 and being damaged. Note that a protrusion 132wC having a generally triangular shape in a side view when viewed from the width direction A2 is integrally formed at the upper end of the tip portion 132wL.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a hinge portion to which the leg portion is attached.

[0071] A recess 101hr is provided in the hinge portion 101h of the lower housing 101. The recess 101hr is a substantially cylindrical hole with a bottom, and is formed to have a predetermined depth along the width direction A2. The recess 101hr is provided on both end portions of the lower housing 101 in the width direction A2. A swing shaft 124a (FIG. 3) of the leg portion 124, which is a swing fulcrum of the guide main body 121, is fitted into the recess 101hr.

[0072] A slide groove 103m is provided near the recess 101hr of the hinge portion 101h at the downstream end of the mounting table 103. The slide grooves 103m are provided at both end portions in the width direction A2 of the mounting table 103. A slide shaft 124b of the leg portion 124 of the guide main body 121 is slidably attached to the slide groove 103m of the mounting table 103.

[0073] The guide body 121 swings when the swing shaft 124a engages with the recess 101hr and the slide shaft 124b slides along the slide groove 103m in conjunction with the movement of the mounting base 103 swinging between the use position and the storage position. The medium guide 110 is removed from the lower housing 101 and the mounting base 103 by removing the swing shaft 124a of the leg 124 from the recess 101hr and the slide shaft 124b from the slide groove 103m. In this way, the medium guide 110 is detachably attached to the mounting base 103. The user can smoothly transport multiple media of different widths by setting the medium guide 110 on the mounting base 103, and can load a large number of large-sized media on the mounting base 103 by removing the medium guide 110 from the mounting base 103. The medium conveying device 100 can change the state of the mounting table 103 depending on the user's purpose, thereby improving user convenience.

[0074] Furthermore, slide groove 103m is provided so that when mounting table 103 is in the storage position, the more downstream it is, the closer it is to first medium mounting surface 103a (the further it is from cover portion 102f). As a result, the distance between mounting table 103 and medium guide 110 is smaller when mounting table 103 is in the storage position than when mounting table 103 is in the use position. Therefore, medium conveying device 100 can be made smaller in size when not in use.

[0075] Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram showing how the medium guide is accommodated in conjunction with the mounting base, and Fig. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the medium guide is accommodated in conjunction with the mounting base.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the cover 102f of the upper housing 102 has an abutment portion 102ft. The upstream end of the abutment portion 102ft is bent downward. An end face 102fs is formed at the upstream end of the abutment portion 102ft. The end face 102fs of the abutment portion 102ft is positioned so as to face the protrusion 132wC of the third side wall portion 132w of the third medium loading section 130 when the loading table 103 is positioned in the use position (shown by the dashed line). In other words, the length of the third medium loading section 130 in the medium conveying direction A1 is set so that the protrusion 132wC faces the end face 102fs when attached to the guide body 121.

[0077] In this way, when the second medium loading section 120 and the third medium loading section 130 swing in conjunction with the loading table 103, the abutment section 102ft provided on the upper housing 102 of the medium conveying device 100 abuts against the protrusion 132wC of the third side wall section 132w of the third medium loading section 130. When the loading table 103 moves from the use position to the storage position, the downstream end of the third medium loading section 130 swings forward (toward the lid section 102f) due to its own weight. However, the downstream end of the third medium loading section 130 gets caught on the abutment section 102ft and does not abut against the upper surface of the lid section 102f of the third medium loading section 130. Therefore, the third medium placing section 130 is prevented from getting stuck between the placing table 103 and the lid section 102f, preventing the placing table 103 from being stored, and the user can store the placing table 103 easily.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device.

[0079] The conveyance path inside the medium conveying device 100 includes a medium sensor 141, a feed roller 142, a separation roller 143, a first conveyance roller 144, a second conveyance roller 145, an imaging device 146, a first discharge roller 147, and a second discharge roller 148. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and there may be more than one of each roller. In this case, the rollers are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0080] The medium transport 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 transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide surface 102a of the medium transport path. The area (path) sandwiched between the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a is an example of a medium transport path that guides the medium.

[0081] The media sensor 141 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 142 and the separation roller 143. The media sensor 141 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The media sensor 141 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 141 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 141.

[0082] The feed roller 142 and separation roller 143 are arranged upstream of the first conveyance roller 144 and second conveyance roller 145 in the medium conveyance direction A1. The feed roller 142 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 in order from the bottom up. The separation roller 143 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102 and arranged opposite to the feed roller 142. The separation roller 143 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the direction A5 opposite the medium feed direction. Incidentally, the separation roller 143 is rotatable or stoppable in the medium feed direction. Note that a separation pad may be used instead of the separation roller 143.

[0083] The first conveying roller 144 and the second conveying roller 145 are disposed facing each other downstream of the feeding roller 142 and the separation roller 143. The first conveying roller 144 and the second conveying roller 145 convey the medium separated and fed by the feeding roller 142 and the separation roller 143 to the imaging device 146.

[0084] The imaging device 146 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 144 and the second conveyance roller 145 and upstream of the first discharge roller 147 and the second discharge roller 148. The imaging device 146 includes a first imaging device 146a and a second imaging device 146b. The first imaging device 146a and the second imaging device 146b are disposed near the medium transport path and facing each other with the medium transport path in between.

[0085] The first imaging device 146a 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) arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 146a 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 146a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0086] Similarly, the second imaging device 146b 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 146b 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 146b captures an image of the back side of the medium being conveyed, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0087] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first and second imaging devices 146a and 146b, 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.

[0088] The first discharge roller 147 and the second discharge roller 148 are arranged downstream of the imaging device 146, facing each other, and transport the medium transported by the first conveying roller 144 and the second conveying roller 145 further downstream and discharge it onto the discharge table 104.

[0089] The media placed on the mounting table 103, the second medium mounting section 120, and the third medium mounting section 130 are transported between the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a in the medium transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 142 in the direction of arrow A4 in FIG. 11. The separation roller 143 rotates in the direction of arrow A5 in FIG. 12 or stops when transporting the media. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the second medium mounting section 120, and the third medium mounting section 130, the feed roller 142 and the separation roller 143 function to separate only the media in contact with the feed roller 142. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0090] The medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 144 and the second conveyance roller 145 while being guided by the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 146a and the second imaging device 146b as the first conveyance roller 144 and the second conveyance roller 145 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7 in Fig. 12, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 146 is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 as the first discharge roller 147 and the second discharge roller 148 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9 in Fig. 12, respectively.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device according to an embodiment.

[0092] In addition to the above-described configuration, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a drive device 151, an interface device 152, a storage device 160, a processing circuit 170, and the like.

[0093] The drive device 151 includes one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 142, separation roller 143, first conveying roller 144, second conveying roller 145, first discharge roller 147, and / or second discharge roller 148 to transport the medium in response to control signals from the processing circuit 170.

[0094] 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).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The processing circuit 170 is connected to and controls the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 141, the imaging device 146, the drive device 151, the interface device 152, the storage device 160, etc. Based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 141, the processing circuit 170 performs drive control of the drive device 151, image capture control of the imaging device 146, etc., acquires an input image from the imaging device 146, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 152.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device and a processing circuit.

[0099] 13, the storage device 160 stores a control program 161, an image acquisition program 162, etc. 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.

[0100] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device.

[0101] 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. 14. 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.

[0102] 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 the medium is received from the display operation device 105 or the interface device 152 (step S101).

[0103] Next, control unit 171 acquires a medium signal from medium sensor 141 and determines, based on the acquired medium signal, whether a medium is placed on mounting table 103, second medium mounting unit 120, or third medium mounting unit 130 (step S102). If a medium is not placed on mounting table 103, second medium mounting unit 120, or third medium mounting unit 130, control unit 171 ends the series of steps.

[0104] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on any of the placement table 103, the second medium placement unit 120, or the third medium placement unit 130, the control unit 171 rotates the feed roller 142, the separation roller 143, the first conveyance roller 144, the second conveyance roller 145, the first discharge roller 147, and / or the second discharge roller 148 (step S103). The control unit 171 drives the drive device 151 to rotate each roller and convey the medium.

[0105] Next, the image acquisition unit 172 causes the imaging device 146 to capture an image of the medium, acquires an input image from the imaging device 146, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 152 (step S104).

[0106] Next, control unit 171 determines whether or not media remain on mounting table 103, second medium mounting unit 120, or third medium mounting unit 130 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 141 (step S105). If media remain, control unit 171 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 and S105.

[0107] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on any of the mounting table 103, the second medium mounting unit 120, and the third medium mounting unit 130, the control unit 171 stops the feed roller 142, the separation roller 143, the first conveyance roller 144, the second conveyance roller 145, the first discharge roller 147, and / or the second discharge roller 148 (step S106). The control unit 171 controls the drive device 151 to stop each roller, and the series of steps ends.

[0108] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device 100, the third medium loading section 130 is provided so as to be able to swing relative to the second medium loading section 120 in accordance with the amount of media loaded on the second medium loading surface 120a. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to load a certain amount of media on the second medium loading surface 120a even when a large amount of media is loaded on the first medium loading surface 103a. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can effectively transport multiple media of different widths.

[0109] <Other embodiments> 15A and 15B are perspective views of a medium guide according to another embodiment, as viewed obliquely from above, and a guide body of the medium guide according to another embodiment, as viewed obliquely from above.

[0110] The medium conveying device of this embodiment has the same structure and function as the medium conveying device 100. However, the medium conveying device of this embodiment has a medium guide 210 instead of the medium guide 110. The medium guide 210 has a second medium loading section 220 and a third medium loading section 230. The second medium loading section 220 and the third medium loading section 230 have the same structure and function as the second medium loading section 120 and the third medium loading section 130, respectively. However, the second medium loading section 220 does not have a suppression section 123s, and the third medium loading section 230 has a suppression section 234. The suppression section 234 has the same structure and function as the suppression section 123s. The suppression section 234 is provided downstream of the third medium loading section 230 and in the center in the width direction A2. The suppression section 234 guides the medium loaded on the third medium loading surface 130a downstream while suppressing the medium from floating up.

[0111] This allows the third medium placement section 230 to effectively guide the medium placed on the third medium placement surface 130a downstream.

[0112] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit of a medium conveyance device according to yet another embodiment.

[0113] 16, processing circuit 380 is used in place of processing circuit 170 of medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of processing circuit 170. Processing circuit 380 includes control circuit 381 and image acquisition circuit 382. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0114] The control circuit 381 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 171. The control circuit 381 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 105 or the interface device 152, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 141. The control circuit 381 controls the drive device 151 based on the received information.

[0115] The image acquisition circuit 382 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 172. The image acquisition circuit 382 acquires an input image from the imaging device 146 and outputs it to the interface device 152.

[0116] As described above in detail, the medium transport device is able to transport the medium well even when using the processing circuit 380.

[0117] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the third document placement section may not have a third document placement surface and may simply be used to hold down the medium placed on the second document placement section.

[0118] The medium transport path of the medium transport device may have a so-called U-turn path mechanism, which feeds and transports the media placed on the loading table from the top to the bottom and discharges them onto the discharge table. In this case, the separation roller is disposed below the feeding roller and faces the feeding roller.

[0119] Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 may have an image forming device instead of or in addition to the imaging device 146. 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 146 is placed, and forms an image (prints predetermined information) on the medium being conveyed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100 Media transport device 102ft contact area 103 Mounting table 110 Media Guide 121 Guide body 123 Main body 123p Stopper 123s suppressor 120 2nd medium placement section 122 Swinging part 130 Third medium placement section 132w 3rd side wall part 234 Suppression part

Claims

1. a first medium placement section provided with a first medium placement surface; a second medium loading section disposed above the first medium loading section and having a second medium loading surface; a third medium loading section disposed above the second medium loading section and having a third medium loading surface; a width of the second medium loading surface in a direction intersecting with the medium transport direction and a width of the third medium loading surface in a direction intersecting with the medium transport direction are smaller than a width of the first medium loading surface in a direction intersecting with the medium transport direction, the third medium loading section is provided to be swingable relative to the second medium loading section in accordance with the amount of media loaded on the second medium loading surface; A medium transport device characterized by:

2. the second medium loading section is provided to be swingable relative to the first medium loading section in accordance with the amount of media loaded on the first medium loading surface; The media transport device of claim 1 .

3. a swing fulcrum of the third medium loading unit is disposed at an upstream end of the third medium loading unit in a medium transport direction; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the second medium loading section has a stopper that limits the swing of the end portion of the third medium loading section on the downstream side in the medium transport direction; The medium transport device of claim 3 .

5. a swing fulcrum of the third medium loading unit is disposed outside the second medium loading surface in a direction intersecting the medium transport direction; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the third medium loading section has a wall portion provided at an end of the third medium loading surface in a direction intersecting with the medium transport direction; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the second medium placement section further includes a suppression section that suppresses lifting of the medium placed on the third medium placement surface, When viewed from a direction intersecting the medium transport direction, the wall portion and the suppression portion overlap each other. The medium transport device of claim 6 .

8. the third medium placement section further includes a suppression section that suppresses lifting of the medium placed on the third medium placement surface; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. a contact portion that is provided in a housing of the medium transport device and that contacts the third medium loading portion when the second medium loading portion and the third medium loading portion swing in conjunction with the first medium loading portion; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the second medium loading section is provided so as to be swingable downward from a position where no medium is loaded on the first medium loading surface and the third medium loading surface; The medium transport device of claim 2 .

11. the second medium loading section swings downward when a predetermined amount or more of media is loaded on the second medium loading surface; The medium transport device according to claim 2 or 10.

Images