Media transport device

Abstract

Provided is a media conveyance device that can reduce the entry of paper dust or rubbish from entering the path of light received by an optical element. The media conveyance device has: a case frame that has a media guiding surface wherein a recessed section having a first opening is formed; a light source frame disposed in the recessed section and having a second opening and a light source; an optical element that receives reflected light that has been emitted from the light source, reflected by a medium that is conveyed along the media guiding surface, and passed through the first opening and the second opening; a first gap formed between the case frame and the light source frame; a second gap formed between the first opening and the second opening; a first passage from the first gap to the second gap; a shielding member disposed on the first passage; and a housing unit that houses the paper dust or rubbish that has been shielded by the blocking member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media handling device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in a media transport device such as a scanner that captures an image of a medium while transporting the medium, paper dust or dirt adhering to the medium may come into contact with a roller or guide for transporting the medium, fall off the medium, and accumulate inside the device. Such a media transport device captures an image of the medium using a light source and an optical element that receives light emitted from the light source and reflected by the transported medium. In the media transport device, if paper dust or dirt enters the path of the light received by the optical element, noise may occur in the image captured of the medium.

[0003] An original reading device that transports an original and reads the original at a predetermined position on a contact glass has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). In this original reading device, a guide member provided at the entrance to the contact glass has many holes, and a dust suction member is disposed behind the position of the guide member where the holes are disposed.

[0004] A paper dust removing device is disclosed that has a paper dust collection case with an opening facing the registration roller surface, and a cleaning blade whose tip abuts against the registration roller surface to scrape off paper dust (see Patent Document 2).

[0005] An image reading device has been disclosed that has a dustproof member that holds foreign matter that falls through a gap between a transport guide and a transport roller in a hole where the transport roller is provided (see Patent Document 3). In this image reading device, the dustproof member separates the space between the transport guide and a scanner unit that reads an image on a document. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3829055 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4115876 [Patent Document 3] JP 2020-21979 A Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a medium transport device, it is required to prevent paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by an optical element.

[0008] A medium conveying device according to an embodiment aims to prevent paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by an optical element.

[0009] A medium transport device according to one aspect of an embodiment includes a housing frame having a medium guide surface in which a recess having a first opening is formed, a light source frame arranged in the recess and having a second opening and a light source, an optical element that receives reflected light that is emitted from the light source and reflected by a medium transported along the medium guide surface and that passes through the first opening and the second opening, a first gap portion formed between the housing frame and the light source frame, a second gap portion formed between the first opening and the second opening, a first path from the first gap portion to the second gap portion, a shielding member arranged on the first path, and a storage section for storing paper powder or debris shielded by the shielding member. and the storage section is provided outside the first path. .

[0010] According to this embodiment, the medium transport device can prevent paper dust or dirt from entering the path of the light received by the optical element.

[0011] The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory but are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first lighting device 116a and the like. [Figure 4] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cover 101b. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing frame 107 and the like. [Figure 6] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first storage section 107c. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a light source frame 108 and the like. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a shielding member 135 and the like. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a shielding member 135 and the like. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a shielding member 135 and the like. FIG. [Figure 11] 1A, 1B, and 1C are schematic diagrams for explaining the inclination. [Figure 12] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining second housing portions 136a and 136b. FIG. [Figure 13] 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a path of movement of paper dust or dirt. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a cover 101b. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 150 and a processing circuit 160. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another first housing portion 207c. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another housing frame 307 etc. [Figure 20] 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining another housing frame 407 etc. [Figure 21] 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining another housing frame 507 etc. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 660. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, a medium conveying device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0014] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original, and captures an image. The medium is paper, thin paper, thick paper, a card, a booklet, an envelope, or the like. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like.

[0015] The medium transport device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading platform 103, an ejection platform 104, an operation device 105, and a display device 106. In Fig. 1, an arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, an arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and an arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium guide surface. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1.

[0016] The upper housing 102 is positioned to cover the top surface of the medium conveying device 100, and is rotatably engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium is jammed, when the inside of the medium conveying device 100 is cleaned, etc.

[0017] The placement stage 103 engages with the lower housing 101 and places thereon the media to be fed and transported. The ejection stage 104 engages with the upper housing 102 and places thereon the ejected media. Note that the ejection stage 104 may also engage with the lower housing 101.

[0018] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit for acquiring a signal from the input device, accepts an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal according to the input operation by the user. The display device 106 has a display including a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0020] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, an illumination device 116, an imaging device 117, a first discharge roller 118, and a second discharge roller 119.

[0021] The number of each of the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 118, and / or second discharge roller 119 is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 118, and / or second discharge roller 119 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction.

[0022] The lower housing 101 includes a housing frame 107 and a light source frame 108. The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a of the medium transport path. The lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a function as a medium guide surface. That is, the housing frame 107 and the light source frame 108 have a medium guide surface.

[0023] The media sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The media sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor, and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

[0024] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the placement table 103 in order from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, and is disposed opposite the feed roller 112. The separation roller 113 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the direction opposite to the medium feeding direction. The rotation axis of the separation roller 113 is preferably disposed downstream of the rotation axis of the feed roller 112. As a result, the leading edge of the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 passes through the nip portion between the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113, then heads downward and comes into contact with the lower guide 101a. Therefore, paper dust or dirt present on the lower guide 101a is carried downstream by the leading edge of the fed medium. Alternatively, the feed roller 112 may be provided in the upper housing 102 and the separation roller 113 may be provided in the lower housing 101, and the feed roller 112 may feed the media placed on the placement table 103 in order from the top.

[0025] The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveying direction A1, and convey the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 117. The first conveying roller 114 is provided in the upper housing 102, and the second conveying roller 115 is provided in the lower housing 101 so as to face the first conveying roller 114. The second conveying roller 115 is an example of a conveying roller. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the first conveying roller 114 is disposed downstream of the rotation axis of the second conveying roller 115. As a result, the leading edge of the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 passes through the nip portion between the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115, then heads downward and comes into contact with the lower guide 101a (the upper surface of the light source frame 108). Therefore, paper dust or dirt present on the lower guide 101a (the upper surface of the light source frame 108) is carried downstream by the leading edge of the transported medium.

[0026] The illumination device 116 is disposed downstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 in the medium transport direction A1, and illuminates the medium transported by the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The illumination device 116 includes a first illumination device 116a and a second illumination device 116b disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path.

[0027] The imaging device 117 is disposed downstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 in the medium transport direction A1, and captures an image of the medium transported by the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The imaging device 117 includes a first imaging device 117a and a second imaging device 117b disposed opposite to each other across the medium transport path. The first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b are disposed opposite the first illumination device 116a and the second illumination device 116b, respectively, on the opposite side of the medium transport path across the first illumination device 116a and the second illumination device 116b.

[0028] The first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 are disposed downstream of the imaging device 117 in the medium conveying direction A1, i.e., downstream of the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115. The first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 convey the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 further downstream and discharge the medium onto the discharge tray 104. The first discharge roller 118 is provided in the upper housing 102, and the second discharge roller 119 is provided in the lower housing 101 opposite the first discharge roller 118. The second discharge roller 119 is an example of a conveying roller.

[0029] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of the arrow A4, i.e., the medium feed direction. The separation roller 113 rotates or stops in the direction of the arrow A5, i.e., the opposite direction to the medium feed direction. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that is in contact with the feed roller 112. This limits the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0030] The medium is fed between the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 while being guided by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b as the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of the arrows A6 and A7, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 117 is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 as the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 rotate in the directions of the arrows A8 and A9, respectively.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first illumination device 116a and the first imaging device 117a.

[0032] 3, a recess 107a is formed in a medium guide surface (lower guide 101a) of the housing frame 107, and the recess 107a has a first opening 107b. Meanwhile, the light source frame 108 has a second opening 108a in its lower surface, and is disposed in the recess 107a of the housing frame 107 so that the second opening 108a faces the first opening 107b.

[0033] The first illumination device 116a is provided on the light source frame 108. The first illumination device 116a has a light source group 121 and a transparent member 122. The light source group 121 is an example of a light source, and includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The light source group 121 emits light toward the medium transport path, i.e., toward the medium M being transported. The transparent member 122 is formed of glass, plastic, or the like, and transmits the light irradiated from the light source group 121 to the medium transport path. The upper surface of the transparent member 122 forms a medium guide surface.

[0034] The first imaging device 117a is provided on the housing frame 107. The first imaging device 117a includes a reflecting member group 123, a lens group 124, an imaging sensor 125, and the like. The reflecting member group 123 is a mirror or the like, and reflects light emitted from the light source group 121 and reflected by the medium M being transported toward the lens group 124. The lens group 124 collects the light reflected by the reflecting member group 123 and forms an image on the imaging sensor 125. The imaging sensor 125 is a reduction optical system type imaging sensor including imaging elements using CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 117a further includes an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging sensor 125 and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging device 117a generates and outputs an input image obtained by capturing an image of the transported medium under control of a processing circuit described later.

[0035] The light emitted from the light source group 121 passes through the transparent member 122, is reflected by the medium M transported along the medium guide surface (the upper surface of the transparent member 122), and passes through the transparent member 122 again. The light that passes through the transparent member 122 again passes through the second opening 108a and the first opening 107b, is reflected by the reflecting member group 123, is collected by the lens group 124, and is imaged by the imaging sensor 125. By forming the second opening 108a and the first opening 107b in the light source frame 108 and the housing frame 107, respectively, the light emitted from the light source group 121 and reflected by the medium reaches the reflecting member group 123, the lens group 124, and the imaging sensor 125 satisfactorily.

[0036] The group of reflecting members 123, the group of lenses 124 and the image sensor 125 are examples of optical elements, and receive the reflected light that is emitted from the group of light sources 121, reflected by the medium transported along the medium guide surface, and passes through the first opening 107b and the second opening 108a.

[0037] The second illumination device 116b has a light source group and a transparent member having the same configuration as the light source group 121 and the transparent member 122. The second imaging device 117b has a reflecting member group, a lens group, and an imaging sensor having the same configuration as the reflecting member group 123, the lens group 124, and the imaging sensor 125. The second imaging device 117b further has an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging sensor and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging device 117b generates and outputs an input image obtained by capturing an image of the transported medium under control of a processing circuit described later. Note that the second illumination device 116b and the second imaging device 117b may be omitted.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the cover 101b. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing 101 viewed from above with the upper housing 102 and the mounting base 103 removed.

[0039] 4, the housing frame 107 has a cover 101b for covering the feed roller 112 and the second transport roller 115. The cover 101b forms a lower guide 101a, that is, a medium guide surface.

[0040] 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the housing frame 107 and the light source frame 108. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 4.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, a first gap 131a is formed between the housing frame 107 and the light source frame 108 at the upstream end of the light source frame 108. Also, a first gap 131b is formed between the housing frame 107 and the light source frame 108 at the downstream end of the light source frame 108. When paper dust or dirt attached to the medium comes into contact with each roller or each guide and falls from the medium into the medium transport path, the paper dust or dirt that has fallen into the medium transport path is pushed by the leading edge of the medium being transported and enters the lower housing 101 through the first gaps 131a and 131b. This prevents the paper dust or dirt from accumulating around each roller, causing each roller to not rotate properly, and preventing the medium from being transported properly. Also, the paper dust or dirt is prevented from adhering to the transparent member 122, causing noise in the input image generated by the imaging device 117.

[0042] Further, a second gap 132 is formed between a first opening 107b formed on the upper surface of the housing frame 107 and a second opening 108a formed on the lower surface of the light source frame 108. That is, a first path 133a leading from the first gap 131a to the second gap 132 and a first path 133b leading from the first gap 131b to the second gap 132 are formed between the housing frame 107 and the light source frame 108. A dustproof shielding member 135 is disposed on the first path 133a and the first path 133b. The shielding member 135 is formed of a contracting member such as sponge (foaming member) or rubber, and prevents paper dust or dirt that has entered the first path 133a from the first gap 131a and paper dust or dirt that has entered the first path 133b from the first gap 131b from entering the second gap 132.

[0043] The housing frame 107 is provided with a first storage section 107c. The first storage section 107c is an example of a storage section, and stores paper dust or dirt shielded by the shielding member 135. The medium guide surface (lower guide 101a) of the housing frame 107 has a fourth opening 107d for arranging the second conveyor roller 115. The first storage section 107c is disposed below the second conveyor roller 115 so as to face the fourth opening 107d. The first storage section 107c stores paper dust or dirt that has entered the first path 133a from the first gap section 131a, as well as paper dust or dirt that has entered from the fourth opening 107d, so that the medium conveying device 100 can efficiently collect paper dust or dirt.

[0044] Between the shielding member 135 and the first gap 131a, a third opening 134 is formed that opens from the first path 133a toward the first storage unit 107c. That is, the housing frame 107 is formed with a second path 133c for guiding the paper dust or dirt that enters from the first gap 131a and is shielded by the shielding member 135 to the first storage unit 107c from the third opening 134. By forming the second path 133c, the paper dust or dirt that enters the first path 133a from the first gap 131a is well contained in the first storage unit 107c, and the accumulation of the paper dust or dirt in the first path 133a is suppressed. Note that the third opening 134 may be omitted, and the medium conveying device 100 may not have the second path 133c.

[0045] Furthermore, the housing frame 107 has protrusions (ribs) protruding upward and recesses recessed downward, and the light source frame 108 has protrusions (ribs) protruding downward and recesses recessed upward. The housing frame 107 and the light source frame 108 are arranged such that the protrusions of the housing frame 107 are inserted into the recesses of the light source frame 108 and the protrusions of the light source frame 108 are inserted into the recesses of the housing frame 107. Due to gaps between the protrusions and recesses of the housing frame 107 and the protrusions and recesses of the light source frame 108, the first paths 133a, 133b are formed to have a labyrinth structure. As a result, paper dust or debris that has entered the first path 133a from the first gap 131a, and paper dust or debris that has entered the first path 133b from the first gap 131b, are less likely to reach the second gap 132, thereby preventing the paper dust or debris from entering the housing frame 107.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first housing portion 107c, Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the first housing portion 107c as viewed from the side.

[0047] 6, the second transport roller 115 is disposed such that a gap L1 is provided between an upstream end E1 of the second transport roller 115 and an upstream wall W1 of the first accommodating section 107c in the medium transport direction A1. The second transport roller 115 is disposed such that a gap L2 is provided between a downstream end E2 of the second transport roller 115 and a downstream wall W2 of the first accommodating section 107c in the medium transport direction A1. The second transport roller 115 is disposed such that the upstream gap L1 is smaller than the downstream gap L2 in the medium transport direction A1.

[0048] The second conveying roller 115 rotates in the medium conveying direction A1 (arrow A6) on the medium guide surface. That is, the second conveying roller 115 rotates downward on the downstream side and rotates upward on the upstream side. Therefore, the paper dust or dirt that comes into contact with the second conveying roller 115 and is peeled off from the medium falls as the second conveying roller 115 rotates on the downstream side, while it tries to rise as the second conveying roller 115 rotates on the upstream side. In the medium conveying device 100, the second conveying roller 115 is arranged so that the gap L1 on the upstream side is smaller than the gap L2 on the downstream side, thereby preventing the paper dust or dirt contained in the first storage unit 107c from returning to the medium conveying path as the second conveying roller 115 rotates. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can more efficiently store the paper dust or dirt in the first storage unit 107c.

[0049] In addition, in the medium conveying direction A1, end E3 of the medium guiding surface forming the downstream end of the fourth opening 107d has an inclined surface that is positioned downward as it approaches the upstream side. This allows paper dust or dirt that comes into contact with the second conveying roller 115 and is peeled off from the medium to fall along end E3, allowing the medium conveying device 100 to more efficiently accommodate the paper dust or dirt in the first accommodating section 107c.

[0050] In addition, in the medium conveying direction A1, an upper end E4 of the wall portion W1 on the upstream side of the first storage portion 107c, which forms the upstream end of the fourth opening 107d, has an inclined surface that is positioned downward as it approaches the upstream side. The upper end E4 of the wall portion W1 prevents the paper dust or dirt contained in the first storage portion 107c from returning to the medium conveying path as the second conveying roller 115 rotates, so that the medium conveying device 100 can more efficiently accommodate the paper dust or dirt in the first storage portion 107c.

[0051] Also, convection caused by the rotation of the second conveyor roller 115 is unlikely to occur directly below the second conveyor roller 115. Therefore, by disposing the first storage section 107c directly below the second conveyor roller 115, the movement of the paper dust or dirt accumulated in the first storage section 107c is suppressed, and the first storage section 107c can efficiently accumulate the paper dust or dirt. Note that the greater the distance between the lower surface of the second conveyor roller 115 and the bottom surface of the first storage section 107c, the more preferable it is so that the first storage section 107c can store a large amount of paper dust or dirt. Also, since the paper dust or dirt only needs to enter the first storage section 107c from the gap between the fourth opening 107d and the second conveyor roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1, there is no need for a gap between the fourth opening 107d and the second conveyor roller 115 in the width direction A2. Therefore, the length of the fourth opening 107d in the width direction A2 is set to be substantially the same as the length of the second conveyor roller 115 in the width direction A2.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining removal of the light source frame 108 and the shielding member 135. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 4 in a state in which the light source frame 108 and the shielding member 135 have been removed.

[0053] 7, the light source frame 108 and the shielding member 135 are provided so as to be detachable from the lower housing 101, i.e., from the medium conveying device 100. This allows a user to clean the medium conveying device 100 by removing the light source frame 108 and the shielding member 135 from the lower housing 101, and makes it possible to easily remove paper dust or dirt accumulated in the first paths 133a and 133b. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0054] Furthermore, the housing frame 107 has a protrusion (rib) protruding upward at a position facing the first opening 107b. This prevents paper powder or dirt blocked in the first path 133b by the shielding member 135 from falling from the first opening 107b when the light source frame 108 and the shielding member 135 are removed from the lower housing 101.

[0055] 8, 9, and 10 are schematic diagrams for explaining the shielding member 135 and the housing frame 107. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the housing frame 107 with the light source frame 108 removed, viewed from above. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Fig. 8, showing the housing frame 107 with the shielding member 135 removed, viewed from diagonally above. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Fig. 8, showing the housing frame 107 with the shielding member 135 attached, viewed from the side.

[0056] 8, the shielding member 135 has a square shape and is disposed so as to surround the first opening 107b and the second opening 108a facing the first opening 107b. The shielding member 135 is attached to the light source frame 108 so that no gap is generated between the shielding member 135 and the light source frame 108.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, the housing frame 107 has a first rib 107e, a second rib 107f, and a third rib 107g that protrude upward, i.e., toward the light source frame 108 side. The first rib 107e, the second rib 107f, and the third rib 107g are arranged to surround the first opening 107b and the second opening 108a that faces the first opening 107b, and to face the shielding member 135. The first rib 107e is arranged upstream of the first opening 107b and the second opening 108a, and has a first plane 107h that is inclined so as to be positioned downward toward the upstream side. The second rib 107f is arranged downstream of the first opening 107b and the second opening 108a, and has a second plane 107i that is inclined so as to be positioned downward toward the upstream side. The third rib 107g is disposed at both ends of the first opening 107b and the second opening 108a in the width direction A2, and has a third flat surface 107j that is inclined so as to be positioned downward toward the outside.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, the cross section of the shielding member 135 has a rectangular shape. One corner of the shielding member 135 is pressed against the first plane 107h. Similarly, one corner of the shielding member 135 is pressed against the second plane 107i and the third plane 107j. As a result, one corner of the shielding member 135 is crushed by the first plane 107h, the second plane 107i, and the third plane 107j, and no gap is generated between the shielding member 135 and the light source frame 108 and the housing frame 107. Therefore, the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133a from the first gap 131a and the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133b from the first gap 131b are more reliably prevented from entering the second gap 132.

[0059] 11A, 11B, and 11C are schematic diagrams for explaining the inclination of the first plane 107h, the second plane 107i, and the third plane 107j.

[0060] Fig. 11(A) is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of pushing in of the shielding member 135 (contraction member) and the repulsive force from the shielding member 135. The horizontal axis of Fig. 11(A) shows the amount of pushing in, and the vertical axis shows the repulsive force. Graph 1100 of Fig. 11(A) shows the repulsive force when the shielding member 135 is pushed in by abutting a flat surface of a predetermined rectangular member against the bottom surface (flat surface) of the shielding member 135. Graph 1101 shows the repulsive force when the shielding member 135 is pushed in by abutting an inclined first flat surface 107h against a corner of the shielding member 135.

[0061] In order to prevent the light source frame 108 from floating up due to the shielding member 135 (contraction member), it is necessary to set the weight W of the light source frame 108 to be greater than the repulsive force that the light source frame 108 receives from the shielding member 135. On the other hand, in order to reduce the weight of the medium conveying device 100, it is preferable that the weight W of the light source frame 108 is as small (light) as possible. Therefore, it is preferable that the repulsive force from the shielding member 135 is as small as possible.

[0062] 11(A), the repulsive force generated when the first flat surface 107h is brought into contact with a corner of the shielding member 135 and the shielding member 135 is pushed in is sufficiently smaller than the repulsive force generated when the shielding member 135 is brought into contact with a flat surface (flat surface) of the bottom surface (flat surface) of the shielding member 135. By bringing the first flat surface 107h into contact with the corner of the shielding member 135, the medium conveying device 100 can sufficiently reduce the repulsive force from the shielding member 135, thereby reducing the weight of the light source frame 108 and the weight of the medium conveying device 100.

[0063] The shielding member 135 is preferably arranged so as to abut against the first plane 107h of the first rib 107e but not abut against the peripheral region of the first plane 107h (the upper surface of the first rib 107e and the surface located at the bottom of the first rib 107e). Similarly, the shielding member 135 is preferably arranged so as to abut against the second plane 107i of the second rib 107f but not abut against the peripheral region of the second plane 107i (the upper surface of the second rib 107f and the surface located at the bottom of the second rib 107f). In addition, the shielding member 135 is preferably arranged so as to abut against the third plane 107j of the third rib 107g but not abut against the peripheral region of the third plane 107j (the upper surface of the third rib 107g and the surface located at the bottom of the third rib 107g). As a result, the medium conveying device 100 is able to sufficiently reduce the repulsive force from the shielding member 135, making it possible to reduce the weight of the light source frame 108 and the weight of the medium conveying device 100 itself.

[0064] 11(B) is a schematic side view of the periphery of the shielding member 135. Since the first plane 107h, the second plane 107i, and the third plane 107j have the same inclination, the first plane 107h will be described below as a representative.

[0065] As described above, in order to prevent the light source frame 108 from being lifted by the shielding member 135, it is necessary to set the weight W of the light source frame 108 to be greater than the repulsive force that the light source frame 108 receives from the shielding member 135. On the other hand, in order to reduce the weight of the medium conveying device 100, it is preferable that the weight W of the light source frame 108 is as small as possible.

[0066] 11B, the first plane 107h is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the height direction A3. A compressive force N is generated on the first plane 107h by the shielding member 135 along a direction perpendicular to the first plane 107h, and a friction force μN is generated along the first plane 107h. μ is a friction coefficient having a value greater than 0 and less than 1. If the component of the compressive force N in the height direction A3 is P, the following equations (1) and (2) are established, and from equations (1) and (2), equation (3) is established for the ratio of the compressive force N to the weight W of the light source frame 108. N=P / sinθ (1) W=P+μNcosθ (2) N / W=1 / (sinθ+μcosθ) (3)

[0067] FIG. 11C is a graph showing the relationship between the ratio of the compressive force N by the shielding member 135 to the weight W of the light source frame 108 and the angle θ of the first plane 107h to the height direction A3. The horizontal axis of FIG. 11B shows the angle θ of the first plane 107h to the height direction A3, and the vertical axis shows the ratio of the compressive force N by the shielding member 135 to the weight W of the light source frame 108. As shown in FIG. 11B, the smaller the angle θ, the larger the ratio of the compressive force N to the weight W, and the weight W can be made smaller relative to the compressive force N. It is preferable that the angle θ is set in a range of, for example, 10° or more and 40° or less. As a result, the light source frame 108 is prevented from floating up without being fixed by screws or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 can reduce the component cost.

[0068] Furthermore, the portion of the housing frame 107 that comes into contact with the shielding member 135 is preferably mirror-polished or Teflon (registered trademark) coated. This enables the medium conveying device 100 to reduce the coefficient of friction between the housing frame 107 and the shielding member 135, and makes it possible to increase the ratio of the compressive force N by the shielding member 135 to the weight W of the light source frame 108. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can generate a larger compressive force with a smaller pushing force, and can enhance the so-called wedge effect.

[0069] 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second housing portions 136a and 136b, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 12, the second storage units 136a and 136b are disposed at the ends of the first path 133a in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The second storage units 136a and 136b are an example of a storage unit, and store paper dust or dirt that enters the first path 133a from the first gap 131a and is shielded by the shielding member 135. When air is blown onto the medium transport path to remove (clean) the paper dust or dirt on the medium transport path, the paper dust or dirt may enter the first path 133a from the first gap 131a. The paper dust or dirt that enters the first path 133a moves along the shielding member 135 to the ends in the width direction A2 and is stored in the second storage units 136a and 136b.

[0071] A user can collect the paper dust or dirt contained in the second storage units 136a and 136b by removing the light source frame 108 from the lower housing 101. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to prevent the paper dust or dirt that has entered the first path 133a from accumulating in the first path 133a, and makes it possible to efficiently collect the paper dust or dirt.

[0072] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the path of movement of paper powder or dirt, and is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the light source frame 108 as viewed from the side.

[0073] 13, the paper dust or dust that enters the first path 133a from the first gap 131a enters the second path 133c from the third opening 134 and is stored in the first storage unit 107c. The paper dust or dust that does not enter the second path 133c enters along the first path 133a to the position of the shielding member 135. The paper dust or dust that enters the position of the shielding member 135 moves along the shielding member 135 to the end in the width direction A2 and is stored in the second storage units 136a, 136b.

[0074] Similarly, the paper dust or dirt that has entered the first path 133b from the first gap 131b advances along the first path 133b to the position of the shielding member 135. The paper dust or dirt that has advanced to the position of the shielding member 135 moves along the shielding member 135 to the end in the width direction A2 and is received in the second receiving portions 136a, 136b.

[0075] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining removal of cover 101b. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing lower housing 101 from above with cover 101b removed.

[0076] 14, the cover 101b is provided so as to be detachable from the lower housing 101, i.e., from the medium conveying device 100. This allows a user to remove the cover 101b and easily collect paper dust or garbage from the first storage section 107c, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0077] The cover 101b may be provided so as to cover only the second conveying roller 115 without covering the feed roller 112. The cover 101b may also be formed integrally with the light source frame 108. In either case, the cover 101b may be provided so as to be detachable from the medium conveying device 100.

[0078] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0079] In addition to the components described above, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a motor 141, an interface device 142, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like.

[0080] The motor 141 has one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 118, and / or second discharge roller 119 to convey the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160. One of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 may be provided so as to rotate following the other of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115, rather than rotating according to the driving force of the motor 141. Also, one of the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 may be provided so as to rotate following the other of the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119, rather than rotating according to the driving force of the motor 141.

[0081] The interface device 142 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown, for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 142, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0082] The storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The storage device 150 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the medium conveying device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), or the like.

[0083] The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program previously stored in the storage device 150. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 160 may be, for example, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0084] The processing circuit 160 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the medium sensor 111, the lighting device 116, the imaging device 117, the motor 141, the interface device 142, the storage device 150, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 160 performs drive control of the motor 141, irradiation control of the lighting device 116, imaging control of the imaging device 117, etc., based on a medium signal received from the media sensor 111. The processing circuit 160 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 142.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 150 and the processing circuit 160. As shown in FIG.

[0086] 16, the storage device 150 stores a control program 151, an image acquisition program 152, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The processing circuitry 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates according to the read program. In this way, the processing circuitry 160 functions as a control unit 161 and an image acquisition unit 162.

[0087] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0088] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 17. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 150.

[0089] First, the control unit 161 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or an information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the user to read a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 142 (step S101).

[0090] Next, control unit 161 acquires a medium signal from medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on mounting table 103, control unit 161 ends the series of steps.

[0091] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 161 drives the motor 141 (step S103). As a result, the control unit 161 rotates the feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 118, and / or the second discharge roller 119 to feed and convey the medium.

[0092] Next, the control unit 161 causes the lighting device 116 to illuminate the medium while causing the imaging device 117 to capture the medium, acquires an input image from the imaging device 117, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 142 (step S104).

[0093] Next, control unit 161 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 111 (step S105). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 161 returns the process to step S104, and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S105.

[0094] On the other hand, if no media remain on the placement table 103, the control unit 161 stops the motor 141 (step S106). As a result, the control unit 161 stops the feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 118 and / or the second discharge roller 119, and stops the feeding and conveying of the media. Then, the control unit 161 ends the series of steps.

[0095] As described above in detail, medium conveying device 100 is provided with first gaps 131a, 131b between housing frame 107 and light source frame 108 through which paper dust or dirt can enter, and second gap 132 for allowing light to enter housing frame 107. Medium conveying device 100 is provided with shielding member 135 between first gaps 131a, 131b and second gap 132 to block the entry of paper dust. This makes it possible for medium conveying device 100 to prevent paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by the optical element.

[0096] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first container 207c in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0097] The first storage unit 207c shown in FIG. 18 is used in place of the first storage unit 107c of the medium conveying device 100. The first storage unit 207c has a similar configuration to the first storage unit 107c. However, the first storage unit 207c is provided so as to be detachable from the lower housing 101, i.e., from the medium conveying device. This allows the user to easily remove paper dust or dirt stored in the first storage unit 207c, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0098] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device is able to prevent paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by the optical element, even when the first housing portion 207c is provided in a detachable manner.

[0099] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing frame 307, a light source frame 308, and a shielding member 335 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0100] 19 are used in place of the housing frame 107, the light source frame 108, and the shielding member 135 of the medium conveying device 100. The housing frame 307, the light source frame 308, and the shielding member 335 have the same configurations as the housing frame 107, the light source frame 108, and the shielding member 135. However, the shielding member 335 is attached to the housing frame 307, not to the light source frame 308.

[0101] The light source frame 308 has a first rib 308b, a second rib 308c, and a third rib (not shown) that protrude downward, that is, toward the housing frame 307 side. The first rib 308b, the second rib 308c, and the third rib are arranged to surround the first opening 307b and the second opening 308a and to face the shielding member 335. The first rib 308b is arranged upstream of the first opening 307b and the second opening 308a and has a first plane 308d that is inclined so as to be positioned upward toward the upstream side. The second rib 308c is arranged downstream of the first opening 307b and the second opening 308a and has a second plane 308e that is inclined so as to be positioned upward toward the upstream side. The third rib is arranged at both ends of the first opening 307b and the second opening 308a in the width direction A2 and has a third plane (not shown) that is inclined so as to be positioned upward toward the outside.

[0102] The corners of the shielding member 335 are pressed against the first plane 308d, the second plane 308e, and the third plane. As a result, no gap is generated between the shielding member 335 and the light source frame 308 and between the shielding member 335 and the housing frame 307. Therefore, the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133a from the first gap 131a and the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133b from the first gap 131b are more reliably prevented from entering the second gap 132.

[0103] In this case, the portion of the light source frame 308 that comes into contact with the shielding member 335 is preferably mirror-polished or Teflon (registered trademark) coated. This enables the medium transport device to reduce the coefficient of friction between the light source frame 308 and the shielding member 335, and to increase the ratio of the compressive force N by the shielding member 335 to the weight W of the light source frame 308. Therefore, the medium transport device can generate a larger compressive force with a smaller pushing force, and the so-called wedge effect can be enhanced.

[0104] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device is capable of preventing paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by the optical element, even when the shielding member 335 is attached to the housing frame 307.

[0105] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing frame 407 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0106] The housing frame 407 shown in FIG. 20 is used in place of the housing frame 107 of the medium conveying device 100. The housing frame 407 has a similar configuration to the housing frame 107. However, the housing frame 407 has a first rib 407e, a second rib 407f, and a third rib (not shown) instead of the first rib 107e, the second rib 107f, and the third rib 107g. The first rib 407e, the second rib 407f, and the third rib have the same configuration as the first rib 107e, the second rib 107f, and the third rib 107g, respectively. The first rib 407e is disposed upstream of the first opening 407b and the second opening 108a, and has a first plane 407h that is inclined so as to be positioned downward toward the upstream side. The second rib 407f is disposed downstream of the first opening 407b and the second opening 108a, and has a second plane 407i that is inclined so as to be positioned downward toward the upstream side. The third ribs are arranged at both ends of the first opening 407b and the second opening 108a in the width direction A2, and have third flat surfaces (not shown) that are inclined so as to be positioned lower toward the outside.

[0107] The housing frame 407 further includes a fourth rib 407k, a fifth rib 407l, and a sixth rib (not shown). The fourth rib 407k is disposed upstream of the first opening 407b and the second opening 108a, and includes a fourth plane 407m inclined upward toward the upstream side. The fifth rib 407l is disposed downstream of the first opening 407b and the second opening 108a, and includes a fifth plane 407n inclined upward toward the upstream side. The sixth rib is disposed at both ends of the first opening 407b and the second opening 108a in the width direction A2, and includes a sixth plane (not shown) inclined upward toward the outside. The fourth rib 407k, the fifth rib 407l and the sixth rib are arranged so that the fourth plane 407m, the fifth plane 407n and the sixth plane face the first plane 407h of the first rib 407e, the second plane 407i of the second rib 407f and the third plane of the third rib, respectively.

[0108] Two mutually opposing corners of the shielding member 135 are pressed against the first plane 407h and the fourth plane 407m, respectively. Similarly, two mutually opposing corners of the shielding member 135 are pressed against the second plane 407i and the fifth plane 407n, respectively, and are pressed against the third plane and the sixth plane. This prevents a gap from being generated between the shielding member 135 and the light source frame 108 and the housing frame 407. Therefore, the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133a from the first gap 131a and the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133b from the first gap 131b are more reliably prevented from entering the second gap 132. In particular, by pressing the planes against the two mutually opposing corners of the shielding member 135, the forces applied to the corners from the planes are offset, and the medium conveying device can stably hold the shielding member 135.

[0109] Note that even when flat surfaces are pressed against two mutually opposing corners of the shielding member 135, the shielding member 135 may be attached to the housing frame 407 instead of the light source frame 108. That is, the light source frame 108 may be configured to have two flat surfaces against which the two corners of the shielding member 135 are pressed. In this case as well, the medium transport device can stably hold the shielding member 135.

[0110] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device is capable of preventing paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by the optical element, even when flat surfaces are pressed against each of the two opposing corners of the shielding member 135.

[0111] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing frame 507 and a shielding member 535 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0112] A housing frame 507 and a shielding member 535 shown in Fig. 21 are used in place of the housing frame 107 and the shielding member 135 of the medium conveying device 100. The housing frame 507 and the shielding member 535 have the same configurations as the housing frame 107 and the shielding member 135, respectively. However, the housing frame 507 has a first rib 507e, a second rib 507f, and a third rib (not shown) instead of the first rib 107e, the second rib 107f, and the third rib 107g. The first rib 507e, the second rib 507f, and the third rib have the same configurations as the first rib 107e, the second rib 107f, and the third rib 107g, respectively. However, the first rib 507e, the second rib 507f and the third rib each have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and have a first corner 507h, a second corner 507i and a third corner (not shown) instead of the first plane 107h, the second plane 107i and the third plane 107j.

[0113] Meanwhile, the shielding member 535 has a first plane 535a inclined downward toward the upstream side at a position facing the first corner 507h. Similarly, the shielding member 535 has a second plane 535b inclined downward toward the upstream side at a position facing the second corner 507i. In addition, the shielding member 535 has a third plane (not shown) inclined downward toward the outside in the width direction A2 at a position facing the third corner.

[0114] The first corner 507h, the second corner 507i, and the third corner of the housing frame 507 are pressed against the first plane 535a, the second plane 535b, and the third plane of the shielding member 535, respectively. As a result, the plane of the shielding member 135 is crushed by the first corner 507h, the second corner 507i, and the third corner, and no gap is generated between the shielding member 535 and the light source frame 108 and the housing frame 507. Therefore, the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133a from the first gap 131a and the paper powder or dust that has entered the first path 133b from the first gap 131b are more reliably prevented from entering the second gap 132.

[0115] Note that even when the corners of the frame are pressed against the flat surface of the shielding member 535, the shielding member 535 may be attached to the housing frame 507 instead of the light source frame 108. That is, the light source frame 108 may be provided with a rib having a corner that is pressed against the flat surface of the shielding member 535. In this case as well, the medium conveying device can prevent paper powder or dirt from entering the second gap 132.

[0116] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device is capable of preventing paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by the optical element, even when the corners of the frame are pressed against the flat surface of the shielding member 535.

[0117] 22 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 660 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment. The processing circuit 660 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 660 has a control circuit 661, an image acquisition circuit 662, and the like. Each of these components may be formed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0118] The control circuit 661 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 161. The control circuit 661 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 142, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111. The control circuit 661 controls the motor 141 based on each piece of information received.

[0119] The image acquisition circuit 662 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 162. The image acquisition circuit 662 controls the lighting device 116 and the imaging device 117 to acquire an input image from the imaging device 117, and outputs it to the interface device 142.

[0120] As described above in detail, even when the processing circuit 660 is used, the medium conveying device is able to prevent paper dust or dirt from entering the path of light received by the optical element. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 100 medium conveying device, 101a lower guide, 101b cover, 102a upper guide, 107, 307, 407, 507 housing frame, 107a recess, 107b first opening, 107c first storage section, 107d fourth opening, 107h, 407h first plane, 107i, 407i second plane, 107j third plane, 407m fourth plane, 407n fifth plane, 507h first corner, 507i second corner, 108, 308 light source frame, 108a second opening, 308d first plane, 308e second plane, 115 second conveying roller, 121 light source group, 123 reflecting member group, 124 lens group, 125 imaging sensor, 131a first gap, 132 second gap, 133a First path, 133c, second path, 134, third opening, 135, 335, 535, shielding member, 535a, first plane, 535b, second plane, 136a, 136b, second storage section

Claims

1. a housing frame having a medium guide surface in which a recess having a first opening is formed; a light source frame disposed in the recess and having a second opening and a light source; an optical element that receives light that is emitted from the light source, reflected by the medium transported along the medium guide surface, and passes through the first opening and the second opening; a first gap portion formed between the housing frame and the light source frame; a second gap portion formed between the first opening and the second opening; a first path extending from the first gap to the second gap; A shielding member disposed on the first path; a storage section for storing the paper dust or dirt shielded by the shielding member, The storage section is provided outside the first path. A medium transport device comprising:

2. a third opening formed between the shielding member and the first gap; The medium transport device of claim 1 , further comprising a second path for guiding paper dust or dirt that enters through the first gap and is blocked by the blocking member from the third opening to the storage section.

3. The medium conveying device further includes a conveying roller for conveying the medium. the medium guide surface further has a fourth opening for disposing the transport roller; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage portion is disposed so as to face the fourth opening portion.

4. The medium transport device of claim 3, wherein the transport roller is positioned such that in the medium transport direction, a gap between the upstream end of the transport roller and the upstream wall of the storage section is smaller than a gap between the downstream end of the transport roller and the downstream wall of the storage section.

5. The medium transport device according to claim 3 , wherein an end of the medium guiding surface that forms a downstream end of the fourth opening in the medium transport direction has an inclined surface that is positioned lower toward the upstream side.

6. The medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source frame is provided detachably from the medium transport device.

7. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the container is detachably provided from the medium transport device.

8. The shielding member is made of sponge, The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the housing frame or the light source frame has a flat surface against which a corner of the shielding member is pressed.

9. The medium transport device according to claim 8 , wherein the housing frame or the light source frame has two flat surfaces against which two corners of the shielding member are respectively pressed.

10. The shielding member is made of sponge, The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the shielding member has a flat surface against which a corner of the housing frame or the light source frame is pressed.

11. A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second storage section arranged at an end in a width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction of the first path, for storing paper dust or debris shielded by the shielding member.

12. The medium conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the first path has a labyrinth structure.

13. 13. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the housing frame or the light source frame that comes into contact with the shielding member is mirror-polished or coated with Teflon (registered trademark).

14. 14. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the housing frame forms the medium guide surface and has a cover that is detachable from the medium transport device.

Images