Image reading device

Abstract

To facilitate access to the scanner unit 3 and make maintenance easier. [Solution] This image reading device 1 comprises a receiving port 5 and an discharge port 6 for a medium 2, a scanner unit 3 that reads an image of the medium received and transported from the receiving port, and a container 4 in which the scanner unit is installed. The container comprises a storage section 8 for storing the medium discharged from the scanner unit, and an entry port 9 that communicates with the receiving port and allows the medium to enter. The scanner unit is provided to be switchable between an exposed state, which is exposed to the outside of the container, and a non-exposed state, which is inside the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of the prior art of this type of apparatus, there is one described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a box-type scanner in which a scanner is housed in a case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the scanner is housed in a fixed state in the case, it was difficult to handle the scanner during maintenance or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a media inlet and outlet, a scanner unit that reads an image of a media received from the inlet and conveyed, and a container in which the scanner unit is installed inside. The container includes a storage unit that stores the media discharged from the scanner unit, and an inlet that communicates with the inlet and allows the media to enter. The scanner unit is provided so as to be switchable between an exposed state exposed outside the container and a non-exposed state inside the container.

[0006] Furthermore, the image reading device according to the present invention comprises a scanner unit having a medium receiving port and an outlet for a medium, which reads an image of a medium received and transported from the receiving port, and a container having a storage section for storing the medium, wherein the container is characterized by having an installation area on its upper surface where the scanner unit is installed, and a guide path that guides the medium discharged from the outlet of the scanner unit while it is installed in the installation area to the storage section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the image reading device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Longitudinal section view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the lid in the open position of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A perspective view of the lid in the open position of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A perspective view of a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Longitudinal section view of Figure 5. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the image reading device of Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] A perspective view of the lid in the open position of Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] A perspective view of the image reading device of Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] A perspective view of the drawer section of Embodiment 3 in the extended state. [Figure 11] Longitudinal section view of Figure 8. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the image reading device of Embodiment 4. [Figure 13] A perspective view of the image reading device of Embodiment 4. [Figure 14] Figure 12 shows a longitudinal section of the main part. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional perspective view of the main part of the image reading device of Embodiment 5. [Figure 16] A cross-sectional side view of the main part of the image reading device of Embodiment 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The present invention will now be described in general terms. To solve the above problems, an image reading device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a scanner unit having a medium receiving port and an outlet for a medium, and reading an image of a medium received and transported from the receiving port, and a container in which the scanner unit is installed, wherein the container comprises a storage section for storing the medium discharged from the scanner unit, and an outlet communicating with the receiving port and allowing the medium to enter, and the scanner unit is provided to be switchable between an exposed state, which is exposed to the outside of the container, and a non-exposed state, which is inside the container.

[0009] According to this embodiment, the device comprises a scanner unit that reads an image of a medium received and transported from the receiving port, and a container in which the scanner unit is installed. Furthermore, the container comprises a storage section for storing the medium discharged from the scanner unit, and an entry port that communicates with the receiving port and allows the medium to enter. This allows the scanner unit to read the image of the medium and the medium to be stored after reading to be performed simultaneously in a single process, thereby improving ease of use. Furthermore, the scanner unit is configured to be switchable between an exposed state, where it is exposed to the outside of the container, and a non-exposed state, where it is inside the container. By switching the scanner unit to the exposed state, access to the scanner unit becomes easier, facilitating maintenance and other processes.

[0010] An image reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, wherein the container comprises a container body having the storage section and a lid provided on the container body so as to be switchable between an open state and a closed state for the storage section, the scanner unit is attached to the lid, the entry port is provided on the lid, and the scanner unit is exposed when the lid is opened.

[0011] According to this aspect, the container includes a lid that can switch the storage portion between an open state and a closed state. The scanner unit is attached to the lid. The access port is provided in the lid. And it is configured such that the scanner unit is in the exposed state when the lid is in the open state. Thereby, it is possible to easily access the scanner unit by opening the lid.

[0012] The image reading device according to the third aspect of the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the second aspect, and is characterized in that the lid is attached to the container body so as to be openable and closable by rotating.

[0013] According to this aspect, the lid is attached to the container body so as to be openable and closable by rotating. Thereby, the structure is simplified and the lid can be switched between the open state and the closed state, and thus it is possible to easily access the scanner unit.

[0014] The image reading device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the second aspect, and is characterized in that the lid is detachably provided on the container body.

[0015] According to this aspect, the lid is detachably provided on the container body. Thereby, it is possible to easily access the scanner unit by detaching the lid from the container body.

[0016] The image reading device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the first aspect, and the container includes a case having a drawer opening, and a drawer portion having the storage portion and being drawably stored in the case. The scanner unit is attached inside an operation portion when the drawer portion is drawn out. The access port is provided in the operation portion. The scanner unit is in the exposed state when the drawer portion is drawn out of the case.

[0017] According to this embodiment, the container comprises a case having a drawer opening and a drawer section having a storage section and being retractably housed in the case. The scanner unit is mounted inside an operating section for pulling out the drawer section. The access opening is provided in the operating section. The scanner unit is exposed when the drawer section is pulled out from the case. This allows for easy access to the scanner unit by pulling out the drawer section from the case.

[0018] An image reading device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises a scanner unit having a medium receiving port and an outlet for a medium, which reads an image of a medium received and transported from the receiving port, and a container having a storage section for storing the medium, wherein the container has an installation area on its upper surface where the scanner unit is installed, and a guide path for guiding the medium discharged from the outlet of the scanner unit while it is installed in the installation area to the storage section.

[0019] The image reading device according to this embodiment comprises a container having a scanner unit that reads an image of a medium received and transported from the receiving port, and a storage section for storing the medium. The container has an installation area on its upper surface where the scanner unit is installed, and a guide path that guides the medium discharged from the discharge port of the scanner unit, which is installed in the installation area, to the storage section. As a result, the reading of the image of the medium by the scanner unit and the storage of the medium after reading can be performed simultaneously in a series of operations via the guide path, making it easy to use. Furthermore, since the scanner unit is installed in the installation area located on the upper surface of the container, access to the scanner unit is easy, making maintenance and other operations easier.

[0020] An image reading device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the sixth aspect, characterized in that the scanner unit is detachable from the installation location, and when installed in the installation location, the discharge port is connected to the guide path.

[0021] According to this embodiment, the scanner unit is detachable from the installation location, and when installed in the installation location, the discharge port is connected to the guide path. This allows the scanner unit to be removed from the container. Furthermore, when installing the scanner unit in the container, the installation can be easily carried out.

[0022] An image reading device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the sixth aspect, characterized in that the receiving port receives the medium from a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the discharge port is located on the rear side when the receiving port is located on the front side, and the guide path is located on the rear side. Furthermore, this embodiment may be subordinate to the seventh embodiment.

[0023] According to this embodiment, the receiving port is located on the front side, and the user inserts the medium from the side rather than from above, making it easy to use. Furthermore, there is less risk of foreign objects falling into the receiving port.

[0024] An image reading device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first or sixth aspect, wherein the container comprises two or more storage sections, including a first storage section and a second storage section, as the storage section, and comprises a switching section that switches the destination of the medium discharged from the discharge port to each of the two or more storage sections. Furthermore, this embodiment may be subordinate to any one of the embodiments from the second to fifth embodiments and from the seventh to eighth embodiments.

[0025] According to this embodiment, the container can switch the destination of the medium discharged from the outlet to the first storage section or the second storage section, etc., by the switching unit. This allows the medium to be stored separately according to its type, making it easier to store and handle the medium.

[0026] An image reading device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first or sixth aspect, characterized in that it comprises a shredder for cutting the medium downstream of the discharge port in the direction of discharge of the medium. Furthermore, this embodiment may be subordinate to any one of the embodiments from the second to fifth embodiments and the seventh to ninth embodiments.

[0027] According to this embodiment, a shredder for cutting the medium is provided downstream of the discharge port in the direction of medium discharge. This allows the medium to be easily disposed of by the shredder when it is desired to discard it after reading the image of the medium.

[0028] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an image reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes will be referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as shown in each figure. The direction indicated by the arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) is the positive direction, and the opposite direction is the negative direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts, with the +Z direction indicating vertically upwards and the -Z direction indicating vertically downwards. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction indicates the forward direction of the image reader, and the -Y direction indicates the backward direction of the image reader. The +X direction indicates the right direction of the image reader, and the -X direction indicates the left direction of the image reader.

[0029] The image reading device 1 of this embodiment is a scanner capable of reading images on a medium 2. Here, the image refers to something that is visually recorded on the medium 2, such as text, figures, tables, pictures, photographs, etc. The medium 2 is not limited to sheet-like materials such as A4 or A3 paper, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. The medium 2 is also referred to as the original document.

[0030] [Embodiment 1] The image reading device 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described based on Figures 1 to 4. The image reading device 1 of Embodiment 1 comprises a scanner unit 3 and a container 4. The scanner unit 3 comprises a receiving port 5 and an output port 6 for the medium 2, and a reading unit 7 for reading the image on the medium 2. The receiving port 5 is an inlet for receiving the medium 2 and opens upward (+Z direction) toward the image reading device 1. The reading unit 7 reads the image on the medium 2 that is received and transported from the receiving port 5. The output port 6 is an outlet for discharging the medium 2 that has passed through the image reading area of ​​the reading unit 7 to the outside of the scanner unit 3. As shown in Figure 2, the reading unit 7 (for example, a CIS or CCD type sensor) comprises a first reading unit 71 that reads the image of the surface 41 of the medium 2 and a second reading unit 72 that reads the image of the back surface 42 of the medium 2. In other words, the reading unit 7 is configured to read both the surface 41 and the back surface 42 of the medium 2. However, the reading unit 7 may be configured to only read one side. In this diagram, components of the scanner unit 3 other than the reading unit 7, receiving port 5, and output port 6, such as the transport rollers, are omitted to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the container 4 houses the scanner unit 3. The container 4 includes a storage section 8 for storing the medium 2 discharged from the outlet 6 of the scanner unit 3, and an entrance 9 for introducing the medium 2. The entry port 9 is located on the upper surface 15 of the container 4 and opens upward (in the +Z direction). The entry port 9 is positioned to communicate with the receiving port 5 of the scanner unit 3. In other words, by inserting the leading edge 10 of the medium 2 into the entry port 9 of the container 4, the leading edge 10 of the medium 2 is received by the receiving port 5 of the scanner unit 3. Furthermore, the scanner unit 3 is designed to be switchable between an exposed state, where it is exposed to the outside of the container 4 (Figures 3 and 4), and a non-exposed state, where it is located inside the container 4 (Figures 1 and 2).

[0032] In this embodiment, the container 4 comprises a container body 11 and a lid 12. The container body 11 has a storage compartment 8. The lid 12 is provided so as to be switchable between an open state (Figures 3 and 4) and a closed state (Figures 1 and 2) of the storage compartment 8. In this embodiment, the lid 12 is attached to the opening edge 14 of the container body 11 via a hinge 13. The lid 12 is configured to be switchable between an open state (Figures 3 and 4) and a closed state (Figures 1 and 2) by rotating via the hinge 13. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the scanner unit 3 is mounted on the inside of the lid 12. That is, the scanner unit 3 is fixed to the inside of the lid 12 by a fixing member (not shown) and is integrated with the lid 12. The entry port 9 is provided on the upper surface 15 of the lid 12, which is the upper surface 15 of the container 4. The scanner unit 3 is exposed (Figures 3 and 4) when the lid 12 is opened relative to the container body 11 (Figures 3 and 4).

[0033] <Description of the operation of Embodiment 1> As shown in Figure 1, when the tip 10 of the medium 2 is inserted into the entry port 9 from above to below the container 4, the tip 10 of the medium 2 is received by the receiving port 5 of the scanner unit 3. The medium 2 is transported inside the scanner unit 3 by transport rollers (not shown), and an image is read as it passes through the image reading area of ​​the reading unit 7. After the image has been read, the medium 2 is discharged downward from the discharge port 6 and stored vertically in the storage section 8 of the container 4. When performing maintenance on the scanner unit 3, the lid 12 is rotated via the hinge 13 to open it relative to the container body 11 (Figures 3 and 4). This exposes the scanner unit 3 to the outside of the container 4 (Figures 3 and 4), allowing access for maintenance. Furthermore, since the storage compartment 8 of the container body 11 is open, it becomes possible to remove the medium 2 stored in the storage compartment 8.

[0034] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 1> (1) In this embodiment, the device includes a scanner unit 3 that reads an image of a medium 2 received and transported from an inlet 5, and a container 4 in which the scanner unit 3 is installed. Furthermore, the container 4 includes a storage section 8 for storing the medium 2 discharged from the scanner unit 3, and an entry port 9 that communicates with the inlet 5 and allows the medium 2 to enter. As described above, this makes it possible to read the image of the medium 2 by the scanner unit 3 and store the medium 2 after reading in a single, continuous process, thereby improving ease of use. Furthermore, the scanner unit 3 is designed to be switchable between an exposed state, where it is exposed to the outside of the container 4, and a non-exposed state, where it is inside the container 4. By switching the scanner unit 3 to the exposed state, access to the scanner unit 3 becomes easier, facilitating maintenance and other processes.

[0035] (2) In this embodiment, the container 4 is equipped with a lid 12 that can switch the storage section 8 between an open state and a closed state. The scanner unit 3 is attached to the lid 12. An access port 9 is provided in the lid 12. The lid 12 is configured to be in the exposed state when it is opened. This allows for easy access to the scanner unit 3 by opening the lid 12. (3) In this embodiment, the lid 12 is attached to the container body 11 so as to be able to be opened and closed by rotation. This simplifies the structure and allows switching between the open and closed states of the lid 12, thereby providing easy access to the scanner unit 3.

[0036] [Modification 1 of Embodiment 1] Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described based on Figures 5 and 6. In Modification 1, the access port 9 is located on the front surface 16 of the cover portion 12 instead of the upper surface 15. As shown in Figure 6, the scanner unit 3 is positioned so that the receiving port 5 opens toward the front 16 side (+Y direction) in accordance with the arrangement of the entry port 9. In other words, if the scanner unit 3 is installed in a "vertical" orientation in Figure 1, it is installed in a "horizontal" orientation in Modification 1. The medium 2 enters sideways through the entry port 9, passes through the receiving port 5 and the image reading area of ​​the reading unit 7, and is discharged from the discharge port 6. After exiting the discharge port 6, the medium 2 is guided downward by its own weight or by contact with the inner surface of the container 4, falls into the storage unit 8, and is stored in an upright position. The explanation of other structures and effects is the same as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, so that explanation will be omitted. In the structure of Modification 1, there is less risk of foreign matter falling inside from the entry point 9.

[0037] [Embodiment 2] Next, the image reading device 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and their configuration and corresponding functions and effects will be omitted. Unlike Embodiment 1, the image reading device 1 of Embodiment 2 has a lid 12 that is detachably attached to the container body 11. That is, instead of a rotating structure using a hinge 13, the lid 12 can be removed from the container body 11 as shown in Figure 8, thereby switching between an open state (Figure 8) and a closed state (Figure 7). A gripping portion 17 is provided around the entire circumference of the periphery of the lid 12. The lid 12 is attached to the container body 11 with the back surface of the top surface 15 resting on the opening edge 14 (Figure 8) of the container body 11, and the gripping portion 17 surrounding the opening edge 14 from the outside. The user can remove the lid from the container body 11 by grasping the gripping portion 17 with their hand and lifting it, as shown in Figure 8, thereby opening the storage compartment 8 and exposing the scanner unit 3 to the outside of the container 4.

[0038] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, as described above, the lid 12 is detachably attached to the container body 11. This allows for easy access to the scanner unit 3 by removing the lid 12 from the container body 11. Furthermore, placing the gripping portion 17 of the lid 12 on a workbench facilitates maintenance work.

[0039] [Embodiment 3] Next, the image reading device 1 according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, etc., and the explanation of their configuration and corresponding functions and effects will be omitted. In the image reading device 1 of Embodiment 3, the container 4 comprises a case 19 having a drawer opening 18 and a drawer unit 20. The drawer unit 20 has a storage section 8 and is retractably housed in the case 19. The scanner unit 3 is mounted inside an operating section 21 that is operated by hand or the like when pulling out the drawer unit 20. The operating section 21 has a handle 22. The user places their hand on the handle 22 of the drawer unit 20 and pulls the drawer unit 20 out of the case 19. As shown in Figure 10, the inlet 9 is located on the front of the operating section 21. The medium 2 introduced through the inlet 9 is discharged horizontally through the receiving inlet 5 and the discharge port 6 to the storage section 8, which differs from the vertical storage configuration in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0040] <Explanation of the effects of Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, as described above, the container 4 comprises a case 19 having a pull-out opening 18 and a pull-out section 20 having a storage section 8 and being retractably housed in the case 19. The scanner unit 3 is mounted inside the operating section 21 when the pull-out section 20 is pulled out. An access opening 9 is provided in the operating section 21. The scanner unit 3 is exposed (Figure 10) when the pull-out section 20 is pulled out from the case 19. This allows for easy access to the scanner unit 3 by pulling out the pull-out section 20 from the case 19. Furthermore, the top surface 15 of the case 19, which is the top surface of the container 4, can be used as a place to put other items.

[0041] [Embodiment 4] Next, the image reading device 1 according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, etc., and the explanation of their configuration and corresponding functions and effects will be omitted. The image reading device 1 of Embodiment 4 also comprises a scanner unit 3 and a container 4. The scanner unit 3 has a receiving port 5 and an output port 6 for the medium 2, and reads the image of the medium 2 that is received and transported from the receiving port 5. The container 4 has a storage section 8 for storing the medium 2. Similar to Embodiment 1, the container 4 comprises a container body 11 and a lid 12. The upper surface 15 of the lid 12, which forms the upper surface 15 of the container 4, has an installation area 23 where the scanner unit 3 is installed. The container 4 is provided with a guide path 24. The guide path 24 is fixed to the lid 12 of the container 4. The guide path 24 is configured to guide the medium 2 discharged from the discharge port 6 of the scanner unit 3, which is installed in the installation area 23, to the storage section 8.

[0042] In this embodiment, the scanner unit 3 is detachable from the installation location section 23. When the scanner unit 3 is installed in the installation location section 23, the discharge port 6 is connected to the entrance 25 of the guide path 24. Specifically, the installation location section 23 is provided with positioning markers (not shown) for installing the scanner unit 3. As shown in Figure 14, the guidance path 24 includes an inlet 25, a U-shaped reversal section 28, and an outlet 26. The medium 2 discharged from the outlet 6 of the scanner unit 3 enters the inlet 25 of the guidance path 24, has its direction of travel reversed in the U-shaped reversal section 28, and falls into the storage section 8 from the outlet 26. The back surface 32 of the container body 11 is provided with a communication hole 27 that connects the outlet 26 to the inside of the storage section 8. In this embodiment, a groove 29 is formed around the entire circumference of the gripping portion 31 of the lid 12. By placing the container body 11 so that its opening edge 30 fits into the groove 29 of the gripping portion 31 of the lid 12, the lid 12 becomes detachably attached to the container body 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the receiving port 5 is configured to receive the medium 2 from a direction intersecting the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) (+Y direction). The discharge port 6 is located on the back side (-Y side) when the receiving port 5 is located on the front side (+Y side). That is, the guide path 24 is located on the back side 32 of the container.

[0043] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 4> (1) The image reading device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a scanner unit 3 that reads an image of a medium 2 received and transported from an inlet 5, and a container 4 having a storage section 8 for storing the medium 2. The container 4 has an installation area 23 on its upper surface 15 where the scanner unit 3 is installed, and a guide path 24 that guides the medium 2 discharged from the discharge port 6 of the scanner unit 3, which is installed in the installation area 23, to the storage section 8. This allows the scanner unit 3 to read the image from the medium 2 and store the medium 2 after reading it, all in a single, integrated process via the guide path 24, making it very user-friendly. Furthermore, since the scanner unit 3 is installed in the mounting area 23 located on the top surface 15 of the container 4, access to the scanner unit 3 is easy, facilitating maintenance and other processes.

[0044] (2) In this embodiment, the scanner unit 3 is detachable from the installation area 23, and when installed in the installation area 23, the discharge port 6 is connected to the guide path 24. This allows the scanner unit 3 to be removed from the container 4. Furthermore, when installing the scanner unit 3 in the container, the installation can be easily carried out. (3) In addition, in this embodiment, the receiving port 5 is located on the front side, and the user inserts the medium 2 from the side rather than from above, making it easy to use. Also, there is less risk of foreign objects falling into the receiving port 5.

[0045] [Embodiment 5] Next, the image reading device 1 according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figure 15. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, etc., and the explanation of their configuration and corresponding functions and effects will be omitted. In the image reading device 1 of Embodiment 5, the container 4 has a storage section 8 which is divided into two sections: a first storage section 81 and a second storage section 82. The storage section 8 may be divided into three or more sections. The first storage section 81 and the second storage section 82 are separated by a partition wall 34. The system includes a switching unit 33 that switches the destination of the medium 2 discharged from the discharge port 6 to either the first storage unit 81 or the second storage unit 82. The switching unit 33 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the partition wall 34. By rotating the switching unit 33, the destination of the medium 2 is switched to either the first storage unit 81 or the second storage unit 82. The switching unit 33 may be configured to be manually switchable, or it may be configured to be switchable using a drive source such as a motor. The switching unit 33 is also referred to as a flap.

[0046] <Explanation of the effects of Embodiment 5> In this embodiment, the container 4 can switch the destination of the medium 2 discharged from the discharge port 6 to the first storage section 81 or the second storage section 82, etc., using the switching section 33. This allows the medium 2 to be stored separately according to its type, making it easier to store and handle the medium 2.

[0047] [Embodiment 6] Next, the image reading device 1 according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to Figure 16. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, etc., and the explanation of their configuration and corresponding functions and effects will be omitted. The image reading device 1 of Embodiment 6 includes a shredder 35 for shredding the medium 2. The shredder 35 is positioned downstream of the discharge port 6 in the direction of discharge of the medium 2. In this embodiment, it is positioned at the entrance of the first storage section 81. As a result, the medium 2 discharged into the first storage section 81 via the switching section 33 is shredded by the shredder 35 and stored. On the other hand, the medium 2 discharged into the second storage section 82 is stored as is without being shredded. The shredder 35 may be placed in both the first storage section 81 and the second storage section 82. Alternatively, a single shredder 35 may be placed in a single storage section 8.

[0048] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 6> In this embodiment, a shredder 35 for shredding the medium 2 is provided downstream of the discharge direction of the medium 2 at the discharge port 6. This allows for easy disposal by the shredder 35 when the medium 2 is to be discarded after the image has been read.

[0049] [Other embodiments] The image reading device 1 according to the present invention is based on having the configuration of the embodiment described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the above embodiment 4, the container 4 was described as having a lid portion 12 and a container body 11, with the lid portion 12 being detachable from the container body 11. However, the container may also have a structure in which the lid portion 12 is not detachable and is integrated with the container body 11. Even in this integrated structure, this can be addressed by providing an opening for removing the medium 2 stored in the storage portion 8 inside the container 4. Furthermore, by arranging a translucent material in part of the container 4 to allow visibility of the storage compartment, the storage state of the storage compartment 8 can be easily observed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1...Image reading device, 2...Media, 3...Scanner unit, 4...Container, 41...Surface 42...back side, 5...receiving port, 6...discharge port, 7...reading unit, 71...first reading unit, 72...Second reading unit, 8...Storage unit, 81...First storage unit, 82...Second storage unit, 9...Entry point, 10...Tip, 11...Container body, 12...Lid, 13...Hinge 14...Opening edge, 15...Top surface, 16...Front surface, 17...Grip part, 18...Drawer opening, 19...Case, 20...Drawer section, 21...Operating section, 22...Handle section, 23...Installation area, 24...Guidance route, 25...Entrance, 26...Exit, 27...Communication hole, 28...U-shaped inverted section, 29...recessed groove, 30...opening edge, 31...grip section, 32...back of container 33... Switching section, 34... Partition wall, 35... Shredder

Claims

1. A scanner unit having a medium receiving port and an outlet, and reading an image of the medium received and transported from the receiving port, The scanner unit comprises a container in which the scanner unit is installed, The aforementioned container is A storage unit for storing the medium discharged from the scanner unit, It comprises an entry port that communicates with the receiving port and allows the medium to enter, The scanner unit is provided in a manner that allows it to be switched between an exposed state, where it is exposed to the outside of the container, and a non-exposed state, where it is inside the container. An image reading device characterized by the following:

2. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned container is The container body having the aforementioned storage section The container body is provided with a lid that can be switched between an open state and a closed state, The scanner unit is attached to the lid, The aforementioned entrance is provided in the cover portion, By opening the lid, the scanner unit becomes exposed. An image reading device characterized by the following:

3. An image reading device according to claim 2, The lid is attached to the container body so as to be able to be opened and closed by rotation. An image reading device characterized by the following:

4. An image reading device according to claim 2, The lid is detachably attached to the container body. An image reading device characterized by the following:

5. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned container is A case with a drawer opening, The case comprises a drawer section having the aforementioned storage section and being retractably stored within the case, The scanner unit is mounted inside the operating section for pulling out the drawer section. The aforementioned entry point is provided in the operating section, By pulling out the aforementioned drawer from the case, the scanner unit becomes exposed. An image reading device characterized by the following:

6. A scanner unit having a media receiving port and an output port, which reads an image of the media received and transported from the receiving port, A container having a storage section for storing the aforementioned medium, The aforementioned container is The upper surface has an installation area where the scanner unit is installed, The scanner unit, while installed in the aforementioned installation location, is provided with a guide path that leads the medium discharged from the discharge port to the storage section. An image reading device characterized by the following:

7. An image reading device according to claim 6, The scanner unit is It is detachable from the aforementioned installation location. When installed in the aforementioned installation location, the discharge port connects to the aforementioned guide path. An image reading device characterized by the following:

8. An image reading device according to claim 6, The receiving port receives the medium from a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The discharge port is located on the rear side when the receiving port is located on the front side. The aforementioned guidance path is located on the rear side, An image reading device characterized by the following:

9. An image reading device according to claim 1 or claim 6, The container comprises two or more storage sections, including a first storage section and a second storage section, The system includes a switching unit that switches the destination of the medium discharged from the discharge port to each of the two or more storage units. An image reading device characterized by the following:

10. An image reading device according to claim 1 or claim 6, A shredder for cutting the medium is provided downstream of the discharge port in the direction of discharge of the medium. An image reading device characterized by the following:

Images