Media transport device

Abstract

To provide a media transport device that can be installed compactly. [Solution] The media transport device comprises a first housing provided with an imaging unit, a second housing provided below the first housing and provided with an image forming unit, a mounting table provided in the first housing, a discharge table provided in the first housing, and a transport unit that transports the media placed on the mounting table and discharges it to the discharge table so that the upper surface of the media placed on the mounting table faces upward. The discharge table is provided to be movable between a first position in the media transport direction where at least a part of it is located outside the end of the second housing and a second position where the entire table is located inside the end of the second housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveying device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device comprising a document tray, a reading unit, and a second discharge tray disposed on an opposite side of the document tray with the reading unit interposed therebetween.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand for medium conveying devices that can be installed compactly.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium conveying device that can be installed compactly.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A medium conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a first housing provided with an imaging unit; a second housing provided at a lower portion of the first housing and provided with an image forming unit; a mounting table provided on the first housing; a discharge table provided on the first housing; and a conveying unit that conveys a medium placed on the mounting table and discharges the medium onto the discharge table such that an upper surface of the medium placed on the mounting table faces upward, wherein the discharge table is movably provided between a first position where at least a part of the discharge table is located outside an end portion of the second housing in the medium conveying direction, and a second position where the entire discharge table is located inside the end portion of the second housing.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the media transport device can be installed in a compact manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a media transport device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the upstream side of the second enclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationships and sizes of each part. [Figure 4] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating the slide of the first enclosure. [Figure 5] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating the rotation of the first enclosure. [Figure 6] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating the rotation of the first enclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the rotation of the first discharge platform and the first mounting platform. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the opening and closing of the second upper casing. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a media transport device. [Figure 11] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the memory device and processing circuit. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how image processing works. [Figure 13] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing other media transport devices. [Figure 14] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating other media transport devices. [Figure 15] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating other media transport devices. [Figure 16] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating other media transport devices. [Figure 17]It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a medium conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device configured as an image scanner.

[0011] The medium conveying device 100 has a function of capturing an image of a medium, which is a document, while conveying the medium, a function of capturing an image of a medium placed on a transparent placement surface without conveying the medium, and a function of forming (printing) an image on a medium such as a blank sheet of paper. The medium is paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, a passport, or the like. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile machine or the like.

[0012] The medium conveying device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a first placement table 103, a first discharge table 104, a second placement table 105, a second discharge table 106, an operation panel 107, and the like.

[0013] Figure 3 shows the medium conveying device 100 in a state where the first housing 101, the first placement table 103, and the first discharge table 104 are arranged at initial positions. In Figure 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium conveying direction in the first housing 101 arranged at the initial position, arrow A2 indicates the width direction orthogonal to the medium conveying direction A1, arrow A3 indicates the vertical direction, and arrow A4 indicates the horizontal direction orthogonal to the width direction A2 and the vertical direction A3. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to upstream in the medium conveying direction A1, and "downstream" refers to downstream in the medium conveying direction A1. The width direction A2 is an example of a direction intersecting the medium conveying direction.

[0014] The first housing 101 and the components located within it perform ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) type imaging, which captures images while transporting the medium. The second housing 102 and the components located within it perform flatbed type imaging, which captures images of a medium placed on a transparent mounting surface without transporting it, and also perform image formation (printing) on ​​the medium while transporting it. In other words, the second housing 102 and the components located within it function as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). The first housing 101 is located above the second housing 102, and the second housing 102 is located below the first housing 101.

[0015] The first housing 101 comprises a first lower housing 101a and a first upper housing 101b. The first upper housing 101b is positioned to cover the upper surface of the first lower housing 101a and is engaged with the first lower housing 101a by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when the media jams, when cleaning the inside of the media transport device 100, etc.

[0016] The second housing 102 includes a second lower housing 102a and a second upper housing 102b. The second upper housing 102b is positioned to cover the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a and is engaged with the second lower housing 102a by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when placing a medium on the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a.

[0017] The first housing 101 is fixed to or engaged with the second upper housing 102b. A gripping portion 102c is provided on the lower surface of the second upper housing 102b at a position that overlaps with the first housing 101 in the media transport direction A1. The user can open and close the second upper housing 102b relative to the second lower housing 102a by grasping the gripping portion 102c and lifting or lowering the second upper housing 102b.

[0018] The first mounting platform 103 is an example of a mounting platform and is provided on the first housing 101. The first mounting platform 103 is engaged with the first lower housing 101a so as to be rotatable relative to the first lower housing 101a. The first mounting platform 103 places the medium to be transported in the first housing 101 on it. The first mounting platform 103 may also be engaged with the first upper housing 101b. Furthermore, the first mounting platform 103 may be detachably provided relative to the first housing 101.

[0019] The first discharge platform 104 is an example of a discharge platform and is provided on the first housing 101. The first discharge platform 104 is engaged with the first lower housing 101a so as to be rotatable relative to the first lower housing 101a. The first discharge platform 104 places the medium discharged from the first housing 101 on it. The first discharge platform 104 may also be engaged with the first upper housing 101b. Furthermore, the first discharge platform 104 may be detachably provided relative to the first housing 101.

[0020] The second mounting platform 105 is provided in the second housing 102. In Figure 1, two second mounting platforms 105 are provided, but the number of second mounting platforms 105 is not limited to two; it may be one or any number of three or more. Each second mounting platform 105 is provided according to the size, type, etc., of the medium to be transported to the second housing 102. The second mounting platform 105 is provided so as to be retractable from the second lower housing 102a. The second mounting platform 105 places the medium to be transported to the second housing 102. The user can set the medium on the second mounting platform 105 when the second mounting platform 105 is retracted from the second lower housing 102a. The medium placed on the second mounting platform 105 is supplied to the second lower housing 102a when the second mounting platform 105 is stored in the second lower housing 102a.

[0021] The second discharge platform 106 is provided in the second housing 102. The second discharge platform 106 places the media discharged from the second housing 102 on it.

[0022] The operation panel 107 is provided on the second housing 102. The operation panel 107 is positioned so as to overlap with the first placement platform 103 and not overlap with the first discharge platform 104 in the media transport direction A1, that is, so as to overlap with the first placement platform 103 and not overlap with the first discharge platform 104 when viewed from the width direction A2. This allows the user to smoothly operate the media transport device 100 using the operation panel 107 after placing the media on the first placement platform 103. Furthermore, the media transport device 100 can prevent the user from accidentally touching the media discharged on the first discharge platform 104 while operating the operation panel 107, thus preventing media jams. The operation panel 107 includes an operation device 107a and a display device 107b.

[0023] The operating device 107a has an input device such as a touch panel and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, accepts operations from the user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's operation. The display device 107b has an output device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display and an interface circuit that controls the output device, and displays a predetermined image according to instructions from the processing circuit described later. The operating device 107a may have an input device such as a mechanical button and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device instead of a mechanical button. Alternatively, the display device 107b may have an output device such as an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the output device instead of a display, and may turn the LED on or off according to instructions from the processing circuit.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the upstream side of the second enclosure.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, a manual feed tray 102d is provided on the upstream side of the second housing 102 in the media transport direction A1, i.e., the side facing the first mounting base 103. The manual feed tray 102d engages with the second lower housing 102a by a hinge so as to be rotatable relative to the second lower housing 102a, and is provided on the second lower housing 102a so as to be openable and closable. The manual feed tray 102d is used to place the media to be transported in the second housing 102. When open relative to the second housing 102, the manual feed tray 102d is provided so as to protrude toward the first mounting base 103, allowing the transported media to be placed on it, and when closed relative to the second housing 102, it is stored in the second housing 102. The manual feed tray 102d is used to place special media such as OHP (Overhead projector) sheets. The manual feed tray 102d is not necessarily provided in the second lower housing 102a so as to be openable and closable, but may be provided so as to always be able to hold media. Furthermore, the manual feed tray 102d may be omitted.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationships and sizes of each part.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the media transport device 100 with the first housing 101, the first mounting platform 103, and the first discharge platform 104 in their initial positions. The initial position of the first discharge platform 104 is an example of the first position, and the initial position of the first mounting platform 103 is an example of the third position. With the first housing 101 and the first mounting platform 103 in their initial positions, in the media transport direction A1, at least a portion of the first mounting platform 103 is located outside (upstream) of the upstream end (outermost position) of the second housing 102. With the first housing 101 and the first discharge platform 104 in their initial positions, in the media transport direction A1, at least a portion of the first discharge platform 104 is located outside (downstream) of the downstream end (outermost position) of the second housing 102.

[0028] In the media transport direction A1, the center position P1 between the upstream end of the first mounting platform 103 and the downstream end of the first discharge platform 104 is located upstream of the center position P2 between the upstream and downstream ends of the second housing 102. As described above, in the media transport device 100, the manual feed tray 102d is provided to protrude toward the first mounting platform 103, and the media transport device 100 needs to be installed so that sufficient space is secured toward the manual feed tray 102d. Since sufficient space is secured toward the manual feed tray 102d, it is not a problem even if the first mounting platform 103 protrudes significantly from the media transport device 100. However, if the first discharge platform 104 also protrudes significantly from the media transport device 100, the installation space required for the media transport device 100 in the media transport direction A1 will increase significantly. In the media transport device 100, the first housing 101 is positioned upstream of the second housing 102, allowing the first mounting platform 103 to be positioned in the space required for the manual feed tray 102d, thereby improving the efficiency of space utilization for the media transport device 100. As a result, the media transport device 100 can reduce its required installation space.

[0029] The angle θ1 of the first mounting surface 103a of the first mounting platform 103 with respect to the mounting surface on which the media transport device 100 is installed is greater than the angle θ2 of the second mounting surface 104a of the first discharge platform 104 with respect to the mounting surface on which the media transport device 100 is installed. That is, the angle θ1 of the first mounting surface 103a of the first mounting platform 103 with respect to the horizontal direction A4 is greater than the angle θ2 of the second mounting surface 104a of the first discharge platform 104 with respect to the horizontal direction A4. As a result, the media transport device 100 can efficiently feed the media placed on the first mounting platform 103 using the force of the media's own weight. In addition, the media transport device 100 can hold the media placed on the first discharge platform 104 horizontally, and the user can easily remove the media loaded on the first discharge platform 104.

[0030] For example, the angle θ1 of the first mounting surface 103a of the first mounting platform 103 with respect to the mounting surface on which the media transport device 100 is installed is preferably set within the range of 5° or more and 60° or less. This allows the media transport device 100 to efficiently feed the media placed on the first mounting platform 103 using the force of the media's own weight, while suppressing the rear end of the media placed on the first mounting platform 103 from tilting toward the media transport direction A1. Similarly, the angle θ3 of the media transport path in the first housing 101 with respect to the mounting surface on which the media transport device 100 is installed is preferably set within the range of 5° or more and 60° or less. This allows the media transport device 100 to smoothly transport the media placed on the first mounting platform 103. On the other hand, the angle θ2 of the second mounting surface 104a of the first discharge platform 104 with respect to the mounting surface on which the media transport device 100 is installed is preferably set within the range of 2° or more and 30° or less. As a result, the media transport device 100 can prevent the discharged media from flying out of the first discharge platform 104, while also preventing the contact load between the media and the second mounting surface 104a from becoming too large, which could cause jamming of the media.

[0031] The length L1 of the first mounting surface 103a of the first mounting platform 103 in the media transport direction A1 is smaller than the length L2 of the second mounting surface 104a of the first discharge platform 104 in the media transport direction A1. That is, the length L2 of the second mounting surface 104a of the first discharge platform 104 in the media transport direction A1 is larger than the length L1 of the first mounting surface 103a of the first mounting platform 103 in the media transport direction A1. As a result, the media transport device 100 can prevent the discharged media from flying out and falling from the first discharge platform 104.

[0032] For example, the length L1 of the first mounting surface 103a of the first mounting platform 103 is set to a size of 60% or more and 80% or less of the maximum size of the media supported by the media transport device 100. This allows the media transport device 100 to reliably place the maximum size of the supported media on the first mounting platform 103 while suppressing an increase in the length L1' (≒L1·cosθ1) of the first mounting platform 103 protruding from the first housing 101. Similarly, for example, the length L2 of the second mounting surface 104a is set to a size of 60% or more and 80% or less of the maximum size of the media supported by the media transport device 100. This allows the media transport device 100 to suppress an increase in the length L2' (≒L2·cosθ2) of the first discharge platform 104 protruding from the second housing 102, while preventing the discharged media from flying out and falling from the first discharge platform 104.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length L1'+L3' in the horizontal direction A4 from the upstream end of the first mounting platform 103 to the downstream end of the first housing 101 is less than or equal to the length L4 in the horizontal direction A4 from the upstream end to the downstream end of the second housing 102. Also, it is preferable that the length L3'+L2' in the horizontal direction A4 from the upstream end of the first housing 101 to the downstream end of the first discharge platform 104 is less than or equal to the length L4 in the horizontal direction A4 from the upstream end to the downstream end of the second housing 102. The length L3' is calculated by multiplying the length L3 of the media transport path in the media transport direction A1 by the cosine of the angle θ3 of the media transport path in the first housing 101 with respect to the installation surface on which the media transport device 100 is installed (L3'≒L3·cosθ3). The length L4 of the second housing 102 in the horizontal direction A4 is the length of the second mounting platform 105 (the maximum size of the media supported by the media transport device 100 plus a margin) plus the size of the media transport section in the second housing 102 (approximately 100-200 mm).

[0034] Figures 4(A) and 4(B) are schematic diagrams illustrating the slide of the first enclosure.

[0035] Figure 4(A) shows the media transport device 100 with the first housing 101 positioned upstream of its initial position. Figure 4(B) shows the media transport device 100 with the first housing 101 positioned downstream of its initial position. The position of the first discharge platform 104 when the first housing 101 is positioned upstream of its initial position is an example of the first position, and the position of the first discharge platform 104 when the first housing 101 is positioned downstream of its initial position is an example of the second position. The position of the first mounting platform 103 when the first housing 101 is positioned upstream of its initial position is an example of the fourth position, and the position of the first mounting platform 103 when the first housing 101 is positioned downstream of its initial position is an example of the third position. As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), the first housing 101 is slidable horizontally in direction A4 relative to the second housing 102.

[0036] A first engaging portion 102e, which is a rail extending along the horizontal direction A4, is formed on the upper surface of the second housing 102, and a first engaged portion 101c that engages with the first engaging portion 102e is formed on the lower surface of the first housing 101. In addition, a first locking portion is formed on the upper surface of the second housing 102, and a first locked portion that can engage with the first locking portion is formed on the lower surface of the first housing 101. When the first locked portion and the first locked portion are not engaged, the first engaged portion 101c slides along the first engaging portion 102e, causing the first housing 101 to slide horizontally in the direction A4 relative to the second housing 102. When the first housing 101 is positioned in a predetermined position relative to the second housing 102, the locking portion and the locked portion engage, fixing the first housing 101 to the second housing 102.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4(A), by positioning the first housing 101 at the most upstream position, the entire first discharge platform 104 is located inside (upstream) of the downstream end (outermost position) of the second housing 102. Thus, the first discharge platform 104 is provided to be movable between a first position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a part is located outside the end of the second housing 102, and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 102. That is, viewed from above, the first discharge platform 104 is provided to be movable between a first position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a part is located outside the outer circumference of the second housing 102, and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the outer circumference of the second housing 102. As a result, the first discharge platform 104 can be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 102, and the media transport device 100 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(B), since the first housing 101 is positioned at the most downstream location, the entire first mounting platform 103 is located inside (downstream) of the upstream end (outermost position) of the second housing 102. Thus, the first mounting platform 103 is provided to be movable between a third position, in the media transport direction A1, where at least a part is located outside the end of the second housing 102, and a fourth position, in which the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 102. That is, viewed from above, the first mounting platform 103 is provided to be movable between a third position, in the media transport direction A1, where at least a part is located outside the outer circumference of the second housing 102, and a fourth position, in which the entire platform is located inside the outer circumference of the second housing 102. As a result, the first mounting platform 103 can be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 102, and the media transport device 100 can be compactly installed at the installation site according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0039] Figures 5(A), (B), 6(A), and (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating the rotation of the first enclosure. Figures 5(A) and 6(A) show the media transport device viewed from width A2, while Figures 5(B) and 6(B) show the media transport device viewed from above.

[0040] Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show the media transport device 100 with the first housing 101 rotated 90° from its initial position. Figures 6(A) and 6(B) show the media transport device 100 with the first housing 101 rotated 180° from its initial position. The position of the first discharge platform 104 with the first housing 101 rotated 90° from its initial position is an example of the second position, and the position of the first mounting platform 103 with the first housing 101 rotated 90° from its initial position is an example of the fourth position. The position of the first discharge platform 104 with the first housing 101 rotated 180° from its initial position is an example of the first position, and the position of the first mounting platform 103 with the first housing 101 rotated 180° from its initial position is an example of the third position. As shown in Figures 5(A), 5(B), 6(A), and 6(B), the first housing 101 is rotatably mounted relative to the second housing 102.

[0041] A second engaging portion 102f, which has a circular shape when viewed from above, is formed on the upper surface of the second housing 102, and a second engaged portion 101d that engages with the second engaging portion 102f is formed on the lower surface of the first housing 101. In addition, a second locking portion is formed on the upper surface of the second housing 102, and a second locked portion that can engage with the second locking portion is formed on the lower surface of the first housing 101. When the second locking portion and the second locked portion are not engaged, the second engaged portion 101d rotates along the second engaging portion 102f, causing the first housing 101 to rotate around a rotation axis that extends vertically along direction A3 relative to the second housing 102. When the first housing 101 is positioned in a predetermined position (predetermined orientation) relative to the second housing 102, the locking portion and the locked portion engage, fixing the first housing 101 to the second housing 102.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), when the first housing 101 is positioned rotated 90° (or 270°) from its initial position, the entire first discharge platform 104 is located inside both ends (outermost positions) of the second housing 102 in the media transport direction A1 (when the first housing 101 is positioned in its initial position). Also, as shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), when the first housing 101 is positioned rotated 180° from its initial position (or in its initial position), at least a portion of the first discharge platform 104 is located outside either end (outermost position) of the second housing 102 in the media transport direction A1 (when the first housing 101 is positioned in its initial position). Thus, the first discharge platform 104 is provided to be movable between a first position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a portion is located outside the ends of the second housing 102, and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the ends of the second housing 102. As a result, the first discharge platform 104 can be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 102, and the media transport device 100 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), when the first housing 101 is positioned rotated 90° (or 270°) from its initial position, the entire first mounting base 103 is located inside both ends (outermost positions) of the second housing 102 in the media transport direction A1 (when the first housing 101 is positioned in its initial position). Also, as shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), when the first housing 101 is positioned rotated 180° from its initial position (or in its initial position), at least a portion of the first mounting base 103 is located outside either end (outermost position) of the second housing 102 in the media transport direction A1 (when the first housing 101 is positioned in its initial position). Thus, the first mounting base 103 is provided to be movable between a third position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a portion is located outside the ends of the second housing 102, and a fourth position where the entire base is located inside the ends of the second housing 102. As a result, the first mounting base 103 can be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 102, and the media transport device 100 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the rotation of the first discharge platform and the first mounting platform.

[0045] Figure 7 shows the media transport device 100 with the first mounting platform 103 and the first discharge platform 104 rotated relative to their initial positions. The position of the first discharge platform 104 when rotated relative to its initial position is an example of a second position, and the position of the first mounting platform 103 when rotated relative to its initial position is an example of a fourth position. As shown in Figure 7, the first mounting platform 103 and the first discharge platform 104 are rotatably mounted.

[0046] The first mounting platform 103 is rotatable relative to the first housing 101 when viewed from the width direction A2, with the downstream end of the first mounting platform 103 engaged with the upstream end of the first housing 101 by a hinge. Note that, in the first mounting platform 103, the upstream portion above a predetermined position may be engaged with the downstream portion at a predetermined position so that the upstream portion is rotatable relative to the downstream portion. Similarly, the first discharge platform 104 is rotatable relative to the first housing 101 when viewed from the width direction A2, with the upstream end of the first discharge platform 104 engaged with the downstream end of the first housing 101 by a hinge. Note that, in the first discharge platform 104, the downstream portion above a predetermined position may be engaged with the upstream portion at a predetermined position so that the downstream portion is rotatable relative to the upstream portion. Thus, at least a portion of the first mounting platform 103 and / or at least a portion of the first discharge platform 104 are provided to be rotatable.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the first discharge platform 104 is rotated relative to its initial position, so that the entire first discharge platform 104 is positioned inside (upstream) of the downstream end (outermost position) of the second housing 102. Thus, the first discharge platform 104 is provided to be movable between a first position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a part of it is located outside the end of the second housing 102, and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 102. This allows the first discharge platform 104 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 102, and the media transport device 100 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, by rotating the first mounting platform 103 relative to its initial position, the entire first mounting platform 103 is positioned inward (downstream) from the upstream end (outermost position) of the second housing 102. The first mounting platform 103 is provided to be movable between a third position, in the media transport direction A1, where at least a part of it is located outside the end of the second housing 102, and a fourth position, where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 102. This allows the first mounting platform 103 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 102, and the media transport device 100 can be compactly installed at the installation site depending on the conditions of the installation site.

[0049] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the media transport device.

[0050] The media transport device 100 further includes a media sensor 111, a first feeding roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller pair 114, a first imaging device 115, and a first discharge roller pair 116. The media sensor 111, the first feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller pair 114, the first imaging device 115, and the first discharge roller pair 116 are provided in the first housing 101. The first feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller pair 114, and the first discharge roller pair 116 are examples of transport units that transport the media placed on the first mounting table 103 and discharge it to the first discharge table 104. The number of each of the first feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller pair 114, and / or the first discharge roller pair 116 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In that case, the multiple first feeding rollers 112, the separating rollers 113, the first transport roller pair 114, and / or the first discharge roller pair 116 are arranged side by side with a gap in the width direction A2.

[0051] The upper surface of the first lower housing 101a forms the lower guide 101e of the media transport path, and the lower surface of the first upper housing 101b forms the upper guide 101f of the media transport path. The media transport path is formed in a straight line and has a so-called straight path mechanism in which the vertical positional relationship between the front and back surfaces of the media does not change between the state before transport when the media is placed on the first mounting table 103 and the state after discharge when the media is placed on the first discharge table 104. That is, the transport unit transports the media placed on the first mounting table 103 and discharges it to the first discharge table 104 so that the upper surface of the media in the state when it was placed on the first mounting table 103 faces upward. The media transport path is inclined so that the upstream side in the media transport direction A1 is located at a higher position in the vertical direction A3, and the downstream side in the media transport direction A1 is located at a lower position in the vertical direction A3. Furthermore, in the media transport path, the supply port and discharge port are inclined in the same direction, facing downstream and downward, respectively. Because the media transport path has a straight-path mechanism, the media transport device 100 can efficiently transport media with thickness, such as cardboard, cards, or passports. Also, because the media transport path has a straight-path mechanism, the media transport device 100 can place large quantities of media at once onto the first loading platform 103 and transport them continuously.

[0052] The medium sensor 111 is positioned upstream of the first feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The medium sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the first mounting base 103. The medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the first mounting base 103. Note that the medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the medium sensor 111.

[0053] The first feeding roller 112 is provided on the first lower housing 101a and separates and feeds the medium placed on the first mounting base 103 from the bottom up. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller and is positioned on the first upper housing 101b opposite to the first feeding roller 112 and separates the medium placed on the first mounting base 103. The separation roller 113 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. Alternatively, the first feeding roller 112 may be positioned on the first upper housing 101b and the separation roller 113 may be positioned on the first lower housing 101a, and the first feeding roller 112 may separate and feed the medium placed on the first mounting base 103 from the top up. Alternatively, a separation pad may be used instead of the separation roller 113.

[0054] The first transport roller pair 114 includes two rollers facing each other. The first transport roller pair 114 is positioned downstream of the first feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, and transports the medium fed by the first feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the first imaging device 115.

[0055] The first imaging device 115 is an example of an imaging unit. The first imaging device 115 images the medium conveyed by the first transport roller pair 114. The first imaging device 115 includes a first lower imaging device 115a and a first upper imaging device 115b, which are arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path.

[0056] The first lower imaging device 115a has an imaging sensor using a 1:1 optical system type CIS (Contact Image Sensor) with CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first lower imaging device 115a also has a lens that forms an image on the image element and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image element and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The first lower imaging device 115a captures the surface of the transported medium and sequentially generates and outputs first input images.

[0057] Similarly, the first upper imaging device 115b has an imaging sensor with a CIS of the 1:1 optical system type, which has CMOS image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first upper imaging device 115b also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The first upper imaging device 115b sequentially generates and outputs first input images by imaging the back surface of the transported medium.

[0058] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 may have only one of the first lower imaging device 115a and the first upper imaging device 115b, and may read only one side of the media. Also, as the imaging sensor, a CIS imaging sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor may be used. Alternatively, as the imaging sensor, a reduction optical system type imaging sensor equipped with a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used.

[0059] Furthermore, the first lower imaging device 115a and the first upper imaging device 115b each have a reference member that functions as a backing. When no medium is being transported, the imaging sensor of the first lower imaging device 115a images the reference member of the first upper imaging device 115b. When no medium is being transported, the imaging sensor of the first upper imaging device 115b images the reference member of the first lower imaging device 115a. The medium transport device 100 performs image correction such as shading based on the image signal of the image of the reference member.

[0060] The first discharge roller pair 116 includes two rollers facing each other. The first discharge roller pair 116 is located downstream of the first imaging device 115 and is transported by the first transport roller pair 114 to discharge the medium imaged by the first imaging device 115 onto the first discharge platform 104.

[0061] The medium placed on the first loading platform 103 is transported between the lower guide 101e and the upper guide 101f toward the medium transport direction A1 by the rotation of the first feeding roller 112 in the medium transport direction. The separation roller 113 rotates or stops in the opposite direction to the medium transport direction during medium transport. Due to the action of the first feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, if multiple media are placed on the first loading platform 103, only the media that are in contact with the first feeding roller 112 are separated. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0062] The medium is fed between the first transport roller pair 114, guided by the lower guide 101e and the upper guide 101f. The medium is fed between the first lower imaging device 115a and the first upper imaging device 115b as the first transport roller pair 114 rotates. The medium read by the first imaging device 115 is discharged onto the first discharge platform 104 as the first discharge roller pair 116 rotates.

[0063] The media transport device 100 further includes a second feed roller 121, a first separation pad 122, second transport roller pairs 123-130, an image forming device 131, a fixing device 132, a switch 133, a second discharge roller pair 134, a third feed roller 135, a second separation pad 136, a third transport roller pair 137, and a second imaging device 138. The second feed roller 121, the first separation pad 122, the second transport roller pairs 123-130, the image forming device 131, the fixing device 132, a switch 133, the second discharge roller pair 134, the third feed roller 135, the second separation pad 136, the third transport roller pair 137, and the second imaging device 138 are provided in the second housing 102. A set of the second feed roller 121 and the first separation pad 122 is provided for each second mounting base 105. The number of each of the second feeding roller 121, first separation pad 122, second transport roller pair 123-130, second discharge roller pair 134, third feeding roller 135, second separation pad 136 and / or third transport roller pair 137 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In that case, the multiple second feeding rollers 121, first separation pad 122, second transport roller pair 123-130, second discharge roller pair 134, third feeding roller 135, second separation pad 136 and / or third transport roller pair 137 are arranged side by side with spacing in the width direction A2.

[0064] Each second feeding roller 121 is located above each second mounting base 105 and separates and feeds the media placed on each second mounting base 105 sequentially from the top. The first separation pad 122 is positioned opposite each second feeding roller 121 and separates the media placed on each second mounting base 105. Alternatively, a separation roller that rotates or stops in the opposite direction to the media feeding direction may be used instead of the first separation pad 122.

[0065] Each second conveyor roller pair 123-130 includes two rollers facing each other. Each second conveyor roller pair 123-130 conveys the medium supplied by the second feeding roller 121 and the first separation pad 122.

[0066] Image forming apparatus 131 is an example of an image forming unit. Image forming apparatus 131 forms (prints) an image on a medium conveyed by a second transport roller pair 123-130. Image forming apparatus 131 includes a photoreceptor which is an image carrier, an optical writing device which forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor, a charging device which uniformly charges the photoreceptor, a developing device which deposits toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor to make it visible, and a transfer roller which transfers the toner image formed by the developing device onto the medium.

[0067] The fixing device 132 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the medium by the transfer roller to fix it to the medium.

[0068] Switch 133 is a claw that switches whether the medium conveyed from below is conveyed to the second conveying roller pair 126 side or to the second discharge roller pair 134 side.

[0069] The second discharge roller pair 134 includes two rollers facing each other. The second discharge roller pair 134 is conveyed by each second transport roller pair 123-130 and discharges the medium on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 131 onto the second discharge table 106.

[0070] The third feeding roller 135 is located above the manual feed tray 102d and separates and feeds the media placed on the manual feed tray 102d from the top down. The second separation pad 136 is positioned opposite the third feeding roller 135 and separates the media placed on the manual feed tray 102d. Alternatively, a separation roller that rotates or stops in the opposite direction to the media feeding direction may be used instead of the second separation pad 136.

[0071] The third conveyor roller pair 137 includes two rollers facing each other. The third conveyor roller pair 137 conveys the medium supplied by the third feeding roller 135 and the second separation pad 136.

[0072] Before media transport, switch 133 is set so that media transported from below is transported towards the second transport roller pair 126. The media placed on the second mounting table 105 is transported upward by the rotation of the second feed roller 121 in the media feeding direction. The media is fed between the photoreceptor and the transfer roller of the image forming apparatus 131 by the rotation of the second transport roller pair 123-125. An image is formed on one side of the media by the image forming apparatus 131, and the leading edge of the media, with the image fixed by the fixing device 132, is transported to the outside of the media transport path by the rotation of the second transport roller pair 126-127. After the trailing edge of the media passes switch 133, switch 133 is set so that media transported from below is transported towards the second discharge roller pair 134. Before the trailing edge of the media passes the second transport roller pair 127, the second transport roller pair 127 rotates in the reverse direction, causing the media to switch back and return to the media transport path.

[0073] Subsequently, the second transport roller pair 127-130, 125 rotates, and the medium is fed again between the photoreceptor and the transfer roller of the image forming apparatus 131. However, because the medium switches back at the position of the second transport roller pair 127, at this time the side of the medium that does not yet have an image formed on it is facing the photoreceptor. An image is formed on the other side by the image forming apparatus 131, and the image is fixed by the fixing device 132. The medium is then transported to the second discharge roller pair 134 side, and is discharged onto the second discharge platform 106 as the second discharge roller pair 134 rotates.

[0074] The medium placed on the manual feed tray 102d is transported upward by the rotation of the third feed roller 135 in the medium feeding direction and the rotation of the third transport roller pair 137. The medium is then transported in the same manner as when it is transported from the second mounting table 105, and an image is formed on each surface of the medium.

[0075] The upper surface of the second lower housing 102a and the lower surface of the second upper housing 102b are formed of a light-transmitting material such as transparent glass or plastic. The upper surface of the second lower housing 102a and the lower surface of the second upper housing 102b are provided to extend in the same direction as the bottom surface of the second housing 102, that is, to extend in the same direction as the horizontal direction A4. When the second upper housing 102b is opened relative to the second lower housing 102a, the medium can be placed on the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a.

[0076] The second imaging device 138 is provided to move horizontally along the extending direction of the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a and images the medium placed on the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a. The second imaging device 138 includes a second lower imaging device 138a and a second upper imaging device 138b, which are arranged opposite each other with a medium transport path in between.

[0077] The second lower imaging device 138a has an imaging sensor with a CIS of the 1:1 optical system type, which has CMOS image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second lower imaging device 138a also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The first lower imaging device 115a captures the surface of the medium placed on the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a to generate a second input image and outputs it.

[0078] Similarly, the second upper imaging device 138b has an imaging sensor with a CIS of the 1:1 optical system type, which has CMOS image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second upper imaging device 138b also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The second upper imaging device 138b captures the back surface of the medium placed on the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a to generate a second input image and outputs it.

[0079] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 may have only one of the second lower imaging device 138a and the second upper imaging device 138b, and may read only one side of the media. Also, a CIS imaging sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CCD image sensor may be used as the imaging sensor. Alternatively, a reduction optical system type imaging sensor equipped with a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used as the imaging sensor.

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the opening and closing of the second upper housing.

[0081] As described above, a gripping portion 102c is provided on the lower surface of the second upper housing 102b at a position that overlaps with the first housing 101 in the media transport direction A1. The media transport path of the first housing 101 has a straight path mechanism, and each roller and the first imaging device 115 provided on the first housing 101 are arranged substantially evenly in the media transport direction A1. Therefore, in the media transport direction A1, the center of gravity of the first housing 101 is located substantially at the center. Consequently, the user can easily lift the second upper housing 102b by grasping the gripping portion 102c, which is positioned to overlap with the first housing 101 in the media transport direction A1.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in the media transport device 100, the support member 102g, such as a hinge, that supports the second upper housing 102b, which is supported by the second lower housing 102a, is positioned near the center of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 in the media transport direction A1. In the media transport direction A1, the center of gravity of the first housing 101 is not shifted to one side, and the weight of the first housing 101 is not unevenly distributed. Therefore, the media transport device 100 does not need to use a particularly robust material as the support member 102g. Accordingly, the media transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of device deterioration due to the opening and closing of the second upper housing 102b while suppressing an increase in component costs.

[0083] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a media transport device.

[0084] In addition to the configuration described above, the media transport device 100 further includes a first drive unit 141, a second drive unit 142, a third drive unit 143, an interface device 144, a storage device 150, and a processing circuit 160, etc.

[0085] The first drive unit 141 includes one or more motors. The first drive unit 141 generates a driving force to rotate the first feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller pair 114, and / or the first discharge roller pair 116, based on a control signal from the processing circuit 160. The first drive unit 141 is, for example, a DC motor. The first drive unit 141 may also be a stepping motor. One of the rollers included in each of the first transport roller pair 114 and / or the first discharge roller pair 116 may be a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the other roller.

[0086] The second drive unit 142 includes one or more motors. The second drive unit 142 generates driving force to rotate the second feed roller 121, the second transport roller pair 123-130, the second discharge roller pair 134, the third feed roller 135, and / or the third transport roller pair 137, based on control signals from the processing circuit 160. The second drive unit 142 is, for example, a DC motor. The second drive unit 142 may also be a stepping motor. Note that one of the rollers included in each of the second transport roller pair 123-130, the second discharge roller pair 134, and / or the third transport roller pair 137 may be a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the other roller.

[0087] The third drive unit 143 includes one or more motors. The second drive unit 142 generates a driving force to move the second imaging device 138 horizontally based on a control signal from the processing circuit 160. The third drive unit 143 is, for example, a DC motor. The third drive unit 143 may also be a stepping motor.

[0088] The interface device 144 is an example of a communication unit. The interface device 144 has an interface circuit equivalent to a serial bus such as USB (Universal Serial Bus). The interface device 144 is electrically connected to an external information processing device (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive a first input image, a second input image, and various types of information. The interface device 144 may have an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The interface device 144 may also have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0089] The storage device 150 includes memory devices such as RAM and ROM, fixed disk devices such as hard disks, or portable storage devices such as flexible disks and optical disks. The storage device 150 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc., used for various processes of the media transport device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program. Examples of portable recording media include CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) and DVD-ROMs (digital versatile disc read-only memory). Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed from a server or the like and installed into the storage device 150.

[0090] The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program pre-stored in the memory device 150. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU. A DSP (Digital Signal Processor), LSI, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processing circuit 160.

[0091] The processing circuit 160 is connected to the operating device 107a, display device 107b, medium sensor 111, first imaging device 115, image forming device 131, fixing device 132, second imaging device 138, first drive device 141, second drive device 142, third drive device 143, interface device 144, and storage device 150, and controls each of these parts. Based on the operation signals received from the operating device 107a or the interface device 144 and / or the medium signals received from the medium sensor 111, the processing circuit 160 performs drive control of each drive device, imaging control of each imaging device, image forming control of the image forming device 131, etc. The processing circuit 160 acquires each input image from each imaging device and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 144.

[0092] Figure 11 shows a schematic configuration of the memory device and processing circuit.

[0093] As shown in Figure 11, the storage device 150 stores the first control program 151, the second control program 152, the third control program 153, and so on. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on the processor. The processing circuit 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates according to each program it has read. As a result, the processing circuit 160 functions as the first control unit 161, the second control unit 162, and the third control unit 163.

[0094] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the image processing operation of a media transport device.

[0095] The following describes an example of the image processing operation of the media transport device 100, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 12. The operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the media transport device 100, based on a program pre-stored in the storage device 150.

[0096] First, the first control unit 161 determines whether or not it has received a first operation signal instructing the ADF to read the medium (step S101). The first control unit 161 determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to read the medium using the ADF via the operating device 107a or the information processing device, and whether or not it has received a first operation signal from the operating device 107a or the interface device 144.

[0097] When the first operation signal is received, the first control unit 161 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 111 and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the first mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the first mounting table 103, the first control unit 161 proceeds to step S108. In this case, as will be described later, the second control unit 162 causes the second imaging device 138 to image the medium placed on the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a and acquires a second input image from the second imaging device 138.

[0098] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the first mounting table 103, the first control unit 161 controls the first drive unit 141 to rotate each roller and transport the medium (step S103). The first control unit 161 drives the first drive unit 141 to rotate the first feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller pair 114 and / or the first discharge roller pair 116.

[0099] Next, the first control unit 161 causes the first imaging device 115 to image the medium and acquires the first input image from the first imaging device 115. The first control unit 161 outputs the acquired first input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 144 (step S104).

[0100] Next, the first control unit 161 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 111 and determines whether or not there is any medium remaining on the first mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S105). If there is any medium remaining on the first mounting table 103, the first control unit 161 returns to step S104 and repeats the processing from step S104 onwards.

[0101] On the other hand, if there is no medium remaining on the first mounting table 103, the first control unit 161 controls the first drive unit 141 to stop each roller (step S106) and returns the process to step S101. The first control unit 161 stops the first drive unit 141 and stops the first feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller pair 114 and / or the first discharge roller pair 116.

[0102] Furthermore, a drive device (motor) for rotating the first discharge platform 104 may be provided, and the first control unit 161 may drive the drive device when the transport of the medium is completed to position the first discharge platform 104 in the second position shown in Figure 7. Alternatively, a drive device (motor) for rotating the first mounting platform 103 may be provided, and the first control unit 161 may drive the drive device when the transport of the medium is completed to position the first mounting platform 103 in the fourth position shown in Figure 7.

[0103] If the first operation signal was not received in step S101, the second control unit 162 determines whether or not it has received a second operation signal instructing the flatbed to read the medium (step S107). The second control unit 162 determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to read the medium using the flatbed via the operating device 107a or the information processing device, and whether or not it has received a second operation signal from the operating device 107a or the interface device 144.

[0104] If a second operation signal is received, or if no medium was placed on the first mounting table 103 in step S102, the second control unit 162 controls the third drive unit 143 to move the second imaging device 138 in the sub-scanning direction (step S108). The first control unit 161 drives the third drive unit 143 to move the second imaging device 138 across both ends of the imaging range in the sub-scanning direction.

[0105] Next, the second control unit 162 causes the second imaging device 138 to image the medium placed on the upper surface of the second lower housing 102a, and acquires a second input image from the second imaging device 138. The second control unit 162 outputs the acquired second input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 144 (step S109).

[0106] Next, the second control unit 162 controls the third drive unit 143 to return the second imaging device 138 to its initial position and stop it (step S110), and then returns to step S101. The second control unit 162 drives the third drive unit 143 to move the second imaging device 138 from the imaging end position to the initial position, and then stops the third drive unit 143 to stop the second imaging device 138.

[0107] If the second operation signal was not received in step S107, the third control unit 163 determines whether or not it has received a third operation signal instructing image formation on the medium (step S111). The third control unit 163 determines whether or not an instruction to form an image on the medium has been input by the user using the operation device 107a or the information processing device, and whether or not it has received a third operation signal from the operation device 107a or the interface device 144. If the third operation signal has not been received, the first control unit 161 returns to step S101.

[0108] On the other hand, when a third operation signal is received, the third control unit 163 controls the second drive unit 142 to rotate each roller and transport the medium (step S112). The third control unit 163 drives the second drive unit 142 to rotate the second feeding roller 121, the second transport roller pair 123-130, the second discharge roller pair 134, the third feeding roller 135 and / or the third transport roller pair 137. The third control unit 163 also controls the switch 133 to switch the transport path while the medium is being transported.

[0109] Next, the third control unit 163 controls the image forming apparatus 131 and the fixing apparatus 132 to form (print) and fix an image on the medium (step S113).

[0110] Next, the third control unit 163 controls the second drive unit 142 to stop each roller (step S114), and returns to step S101. The third control unit 163 stops the second drive unit 142, stopping the second feed roller 121, the second transport roller pair 123-130, the second discharge roller pair 134, the third feed roller 135 and / or the third transport roller pair 137.

[0111] In step S102, if no medium is placed on the first mounting stage 103, the first control unit 161 may return to step S101 without performing imaging of the medium.

[0112] As detailed above, the media transport device 100 has a first discharge platform 104 of the first housing 101, which functions as an ADF and has a straight-path mechanism located on top of the second housing 102, which functions as an MFP, that is movable between a position where at least a part of it is located outside the second housing 102 and a position where the entire platform is located inside the second housing 102. This allows the media transport device 100 to efficiently transport media with thickness, such as cardboard, cards, or passports, while changing the position of the first discharge platform 104 according to the operating environment of the device. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can efficiently transport media with thickness while being installed compactly.

[0113] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 can be installed compactly while supporting ADF-type imaging, flatbed-type imaging, and image formation. In particular, the media transport device 100 can be installed compactly when not in use.

[0114] When transporting thick media using a media transport device with a so-called U-turn path mechanism, there is a possibility of media damage, and a large amount of driving force is required to rotate the rollers, resulting in a large amount of power consumption. The first housing 101 of the media transport device 100 has a straight path mechanism, so it can transport thick media with low power consumption while suppressing the occurrence of media damage.

[0115] Furthermore, if a straight-path mechanism is added to a media transport path that has a U-turn path mechanism, discharge platforms must be placed on both sides of the media transport path, increasing the size of the device. Since the media transport device 100 has a straight-path mechanism separate from the U-turn path mechanism, it can appropriately transport media with thickness while suppressing an increase in the size of the device.

[0116] Furthermore, in general, media transport devices with a U-turn path mechanism have a mounting platform positioned above the discharge platform. As a result, the discharge platform is difficult to see, making it difficult for users to remove the media from the platform. Since nothing is positioned above the first discharge platform 104 of the media transport device 100, users can easily remove the media from the discharge platform, and the media transport device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0117] Furthermore, in general, media transport devices with a U-turn path mechanism have imaging devices that image each surface of the media spaced apart, and rollers must be placed between each imaging device. As a result, media transport devices with a U-turn path mechanism have a complex structure, making maintenance of the device difficult, and there is a possibility that image quality will deteriorate due to misalignment of reading magnification or position in the imaging devices. In the media transport device 100, the first lower imaging device 115a and the first upper imaging device 115b are arranged facing each other, so the media transport device 100 can be made more maintainable and the occurrence of deterioration in image quality can be suppressed.

[0118] Figures 13(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing a media transport device according to another embodiment.

[0119] The media transport device 200 according to this embodiment has the same functions and structure as the media transport device 100. However, as shown in Figures 13(A) and (B), the media transport device 200 has a first housing 201, a second housing 202, a first housing 203, and a first discharge platform 204 instead of the first housing 101, the second housing 102, the first mounting platform 103, and the first discharge platform 104. The first housing 201 and the second housing 202 have the same functions and structure as the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0120] The first mounting base 203 is an example of a mounting base and is provided on the first housing 201. The first mounting base 203 has a first mounting tray 203a that engages with the first housing 201 and a second mounting tray 203b that is retractable (slidable) from the first mounting tray 203a. As shown in Figure 13(A), the second mounting tray 203b is retracted from the first mounting tray 203a, and the upstream end of the second mounting tray 203b is positioned upstream of the upstream end of the second housing 202. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13(B), the second mounting tray 203b is stored in the first mounting tray 203a, and the upstream end of the second mounting tray 203b is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the second housing 202. The position of the first mounting base 203 with the second mounting tray 203b pulled out from the first mounting tray 203a is an example of the third position, and the position of the first mounting base 203 with the second mounting tray 203b stored in the first mounting tray 203a is an example of the fourth position. The first mounting base 203 may be provided so that the entire unit can be pulled out (slid) from the first housing 201.

[0121] As described above, by providing at least a portion of the first mounting base 203 to be slidable, the first mounting base 203 is movable between a third position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a portion is located outside the end of the second housing 202 and a fourth position where the entire base is located inside the end of the second housing 202. This allows the first mounting base 203 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 202, and the media transport device 200 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0122] The first discharge platform 204 is an example of a discharge platform and is provided in the first housing 201. The first discharge platform 204 has a first discharge tray 204a that engages with the first housing 201 and a second discharge tray 204b that is retractable (slidable) from the first discharge tray 204a. As shown in Figure 13(A), the second discharge tray 204b is retracted from the first discharge tray 204a, and the downstream end of the second discharge tray 204b is positioned downstream of the downstream end of the second housing 202. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13(B), the second discharge tray 204b is stored in the first discharge tray 204a, and the downstream end of the second discharge tray 204b is positioned upstream of the downstream end of the second housing 202. The position of the first discharge platform 204 when the second discharge tray 204b is pulled out from the first discharge tray 204a is an example of the first position, and the position of the first discharge platform 204 when the second discharge tray 204b is stored in the first discharge tray 204a is an example of the second position. The first discharge platform 204 may be provided so that the entire structure can be pulled out (slid) from the first housing 201.

[0123] As described above, by providing at least a portion of the first discharge platform 204 to be slidable, the first discharge platform 204 is movable between a first position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a portion is located outside the end of the second housing 202 and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 202. This allows the first discharge platform 204 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 202, and the media transport device 200 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0124] As described in detail above, the media transport device 200 can be installed compactly while effectively transporting media with thickness, even when the first mounting platform 203 and / or the first discharge platform 204 are slidably provided.

[0125] Figure 14(A) is a schematic diagram showing a media transport device according to yet another embodiment.

[0126] The media transport device 300 according to this embodiment has the same functions and structure as the media transport device 100. However, as shown in Figure 14(A), the media transport device 300 has a first housing 301, a second housing 302, a first housing 303, and a first discharge platform 304 instead of a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a first mounting platform 103, and a first discharge platform 104. The first housing 301, the second housing 302, and the first mounting platform 303 have the same functions and structure as the first housing 101, the second housing 102, and the first mounting platform 103. The second housing 302 has a second lower housing 302a and a second upper housing 302b, which have the same functions and structure as the second lower housing 102a and the second upper housing 102b.

[0127] The first discharge platform 304 is an example of a discharge platform and is provided in the second housing 302. The first discharge platform 304 has a first discharge tray 304a formed on the upper part of the second housing 302 and a second discharge tray 304b that is retractable (slidable) from the first discharge tray 304a. As shown in Figure 14(A), the second discharge tray 304b is retracted from the first discharge tray 304a, and the downstream end of the first discharge platform 304 is positioned downstream of the downstream end of the second housing 302. On the other hand, the second discharge tray 304b is stored in the first discharge tray 304a, and the downstream end of the first discharge platform 304 is at the same position as the downstream end of the second housing 302. The position of the first discharge platform 304 when the second discharge tray 304b is pulled out from the first discharge tray 304a is an example of a first position, and the position of the first discharge platform 304 when the second discharge tray 304b is stored in the first discharge tray 304a is an example of a second position. The first discharge platform 304 may also be provided on the second upper housing 302b which opens and closes relative to the second lower housing 302a.

[0128] As described above, by providing at least a portion of the first discharge platform 304 to be slidable, the first discharge platform 304 is movable between a first position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a portion is located outside the end of the second housing 302 and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 302. This allows the first discharge platform 304 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 302, and the media transport device 300 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0129] As described in detail above, the media transport device 300 can be installed compactly while effectively transporting media with thickness, even when the first discharge platform 304 is slidably mounted on the second housing 302.

[0130] Figure 14(B) is a schematic diagram showing a media transport device according to yet another embodiment.

[0131] The media transport device 400 according to this embodiment has the same functions and structure as the media transport device 100. However, as shown in Figure 13(B), the media transport device 400 has a first housing 401, a second housing 402, a first housing 403, and a first discharge platform 404 instead of the first housing 101, the second housing 102, the first mounting platform 103, and the first discharge platform 104. The first housing 401, the second housing 402, and the first mounting platform 403 have the same functions and structure as the first housing 101, the second housing 102, and the first mounting platform 103. The second housing 402 has a second lower housing 402a and a second upper housing 402b which have the same functions and structure as the second lower housing 102a and the second upper housing 102b.

[0132] The first discharge platform 404 is an example of a discharge platform and is provided in the second housing 402. The first discharge platform 404 has a first discharge tray 404a formed on the upper part of the second housing 402 and a second discharge tray 404b that is rotatably mounted relative to the first discharge tray 404a. As shown in Figure 14(B), the second discharge tray 404b is positioned so as not to face the first discharge tray 404a, and the downstream end of the first discharge platform 404 is positioned downstream of the downstream end of the second housing 402. On the other hand, the second discharge tray 404b is positioned so as to face the first discharge tray 404a, and the downstream end of the first discharge platform 404 is positioned upstream of the downstream end of the second housing 402. The position of the first discharge platform 404 when the second discharge tray 404b is positioned so as not to face the first discharge tray 404a is an example of a first position, and the position of the first discharge platform 404 when the second discharge tray 404b is positioned so as to face the first discharge tray 404a is an example of a second position. The first discharge platform 404 may also be provided on the second upper housing 402b which opens and closes relative to the second lower housing 402a.

[0133] As described above, by providing at least a portion of the first discharge platform 404 to be rotatable, the first discharge platform 404 is movable between a first position in the media transport direction A1 where at least a portion is located outside the end of the second housing 402 and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 402. This allows the first discharge platform 404 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 402, and the media transport device 400 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0134] As detailed above, the media transport device 400 can be compactly installed while effectively transporting media with thickness, even when the first discharge platform 404 is rotatably mounted on the second housing 402.

[0135] Figures 15(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing media transport devices according to yet another embodiment.

[0136] The media transport device 500 according to this embodiment has the same functions and structure as the media transport device 100. However, as shown in Figures 15(A) and (B), the media transport device 500 has a first housing 501, a second housing 502, a first housing 503, and a first discharge platform 504 instead of the first housing 101, the second housing 102, the first mounting platform 103, and the first discharge platform 104. The first housing 501 and the second housing 502 have the same functions and structure as the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0137] The first mounting base 503 is an example of a mounting base and is provided on the first housing 501. The first mounting base 503 is rotatably engaged with the first housing 501. As shown in Figure 15(A), the first mounting base 503 is positioned so as not to face the first housing 501, and the upstream end of the first mounting base 503 is positioned upstream of the upstream end of the second housing 502. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15(B), the first mounting base 503 is positioned so as to face the first housing 501, and the upstream end of the first mounting base 503 is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the second housing 502. In this case, the first mounting base 503 functions as a front cover for the first housing 501. The position of the first mounting base 503 when positioned so as not to face the first housing 501 is an example of the third position, and the position of the first mounting base 503 when positioned so as to face the first housing 501 is an example of the fourth position.

[0138] As described above, the first mounting platform 503 is rotatably mounted, allowing it to move between a third position where at least a portion is located outside the end of the second housing 502 and a fourth position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 502 in the media transport direction A1. This allows the first mounting platform 503 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 502, and the media transport device 500 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0139] The first discharge platform 504 is an example of a discharge platform and is provided in the first housing 501. The first discharge platform 504 engages with the first housing 501 in a retractable (slidable) manner. As shown in Figure 15(A), the first discharge platform 504 is pulled out from the first housing 501, and its downstream end is positioned downstream of the downstream end of the second housing 502. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15(B), the first discharge platform 504 is housed in the first housing 501, and its downstream end is positioned upstream of the downstream end of the second housing 502. The position of the first discharge platform 504 when pulled out from the first housing 501 is an example of a first position, and the position of the first discharge platform 504 when housed in the first housing 501 is an example of a second position.

[0140] As described above, the first discharge platform 504 is slidably provided so that, in the media transport direction A1, it can move between a first position where at least a part of it is located outside the end of the second housing 502 and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 502. This allows the first discharge platform 504 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 502, and the media transport device 500 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0141] As detailed above, the media transport device 500 can be compactly installed while effectively transporting media with thickness, even when the first mounting platform 503 functions as a cover for the first housing 501.

[0142] Figures 16(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing media transport devices according to yet another embodiment.

[0143] The media transport device 600 according to this embodiment has the same functions and structure as the media transport device 100. However, as shown in Figures 16(A) and (B), the media transport device 600 has a first housing 601, a second housing 602, a first housing 603, and a first discharge platform 604 instead of the first housing 101, the second housing 102, the first mounting platform 103, and the first discharge platform 104. The first housing 601, the second housing 602, and the first mounting platform 603 have the same functions and structure as the first housing 101, the second housing 102, and the first mounting platform 103.

[0144] The first discharge platform 604 is an example of a discharge platform and is provided on the first housing 601. The first discharge platform 604 is rotatably engaged with the first housing 601. As shown in Figure 16(A), the first discharge platform 604 is positioned so as not to face the first housing 601, and the downstream end of the first discharge platform 604 is positioned downstream of the downstream end of the second housing 602. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16(B), the first discharge platform 604 is positioned so as to face the first housing 601, and the downstream end of the first discharge platform 604 is positioned upstream of the downstream end of the second housing 602. In this case, the first discharge platform 604 functions as a front cover for the first housing 601. The position of the first discharge platform 604 when positioned so as not to face the first housing 601 is an example of a first position, and the position of the first discharge platform 604 when positioned so as to face the first housing 601 is an example of a second position.

[0145] As described above, the first discharge platform 604 is rotatably mounted, allowing it to move between a first position where at least a portion is located outside the end of the second housing 602 and a second position where the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing 602 in the media transport direction A1. This allows the first discharge platform 604 to be positioned so as not to protrude from the second housing 602, and the media transport device 600 can be installed compactly according to the conditions of the installation site.

[0146] As detailed above, the media transport device 600 can be compactly installed while effectively transporting media with thickness, even when the first discharge platform 604 functions as a cover for the first housing 601.

[0147] Figure 17 shows a schematic configuration of a processing circuit in a media transport device according to yet another embodiment.

[0148] The processing circuit 760 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 and performs image processing and other operations instead. The processing circuit 760 includes a first control circuit 761, a second control circuit 762, a third control circuit 763, and so on. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

[0149] The first control circuit 761 is an example of the first control unit and has the same functions as the first control unit 161. The first control circuit 761 receives a first operation signal from the operating device 107a or the interface device 144 and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111. Based on the received signals, the first control circuit 761 controls the first drive device 141, acquires a first input image from the first imaging device 115, and outputs it to the interface device 144.

[0150] The second control circuit 762 is an example of a second control unit and has the same functions as the second control unit 162. The second control circuit 762 receives a second operation signal from the operating device 107a or the interface device 144. Based on the received second operation signal, the second control circuit 762 controls the third drive device 143, acquires a second input image from the second imaging device 138, and outputs it to the interface device 144.

[0151] The third control circuit 763 is an example of a third control unit and has the same function as the third control unit 163. The third control circuit 763 receives a third operation signal from the operating device 107a or the interface device 144. Based on the received third operation signal, the third control circuit 763 controls the second drive device 142 and controls the image forming apparatus 131 and the fixing device 132.

[0152] As detailed above, even when using the processing circuit 760, the media transport device can transport media with thickness effectively while being installed compactly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Media transport device, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 First housing, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 Second housing, 102d Manual feed tray, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 First mounting platform, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 First discharge platform, 107a Operating device, 112 First feeding roller, 113 Separation roller, 114 First transport roller pair, 116 First discharge roller pair

Claims

1. A first housing equipped with an imaging unit, A second housing is provided at the lower part of the first housing and is equipped with an image forming unit, A mounting platform provided on the first housing, The discharge platform provided in the first housing, The system includes a transport unit that transports the medium placed on the aforementioned platform and discharges it to the discharge platform so that the upper surface of the medium, as it is placed on the aforementioned platform, faces upward, The discharge platform is provided to be movable between a first position in the media transport direction, where at least a portion of it is located outside the end of the second housing, and a second position in which the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

2. The media transport device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the discharge platform is provided to be slidable or rotatable, or the first housing is provided to be slidable or rotatable relative to the second housing, so that the discharge platform is movable between the first position and the second position.

3. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting platform is provided to be movable between a third position in the media transport direction, where at least a portion of it is located outside the end of the second housing, and a fourth position in which the entire platform is located inside the end of the second housing.

4. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle of the first mounting surface of the mounting platform described above with respect to the mounting surface on which the media transport device is installed is greater than the angle of the second mounting surface of the discharge platform with respect to the mounting surface on which the media transport device is installed.

5. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the first mounting surface of the mounting platform in the media transport direction is smaller than the length of the second mounting surface of the discharge platform in the media transport direction.

6. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the media transport direction, the center position between the upstream end of the aforementioned platform and the downstream end of the discharge platform is located upstream of the center position between the upstream end and the downstream end of the second housing.

7. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an operating device provided in the second housing and arranged so as to overlap with the aforementioned storage platform and not overlap with the discharge platform in the media transport direction.

8. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a manual feed tray provided on the second housing so as to protrude toward the stand described above.

Images