Media transport device

Abstract

Provided is a medium conveyance device capable of suppressing the occurrence of medium jams while facilitating the mounting of a medium on a mounting table by a user. This medium conveyance device has: a mounting table having a mounting surface on which a medium is mounted; a side guide that is disposed on the mounting surface and restricts the medium in the width direction; and a recess that is formed in the upstream or downstream end of the side guide in the medium conveyance direction. The recess has a top surface formed so that when the edge of the conveyed medium in a direction perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction enters the recess, the edge of the medium abuts on the top surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medium transport device, and more particularly to a medium transport device in which a side guide that regulates the width direction of a medium is provided on a mounting table. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in a media transport device such as a scanner that transports a medium to capture an image, a side guide that regulates the width of the medium is provided on the mounting table to prevent the medium from being transported tilted and becoming skewed. However, even when the width of the medium is regulated by a side guide, the medium may become skewed due to slippage between the roller that transports the medium and the medium. When the medium becomes skewed, the tilted medium may go over the side guide, causing a medium jam.

[0003] A paper feeder is disclosed that includes a side guide that contacts the widthwise side of a paper stack to regulate the widthwise position of the paper stack (see Patent Document 1). The inner wall surface of the side guide is provided with a concave regulating portion that is located outside the widthwise edge of the paper stack, and the regulating portion extends parallel to the direction in which the paper stack extends in the paper feed direction.

[0004] A medium feeding device is disclosed that is provided on a medium loading section and includes a pair of edge guides that have guide surfaces that guide side edges in a width direction that intersects with the feeding direction of the medium (see Patent Document 2). This medium feeding device further includes a number restriction section that is provided with a gap from the loading surface, extends from the guide surfaces of the pair of edge guides in a direction that intersects with the guide surfaces, and has a restriction surface that restricts the number of media loaded on the medium loading section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-231028 [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-100174 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] A medium transport device is required to prevent the occurrence of medium jams while allowing a user to easily place a medium on the placement table.

[0007] The purpose of the medium transport device is to make it easy for a user to place a medium on the placement table while preventing the occurrence of medium jams.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, a medium conveying device includes a mounting table having a mounting surface on which a medium is placed, and a roller provided on the mounting surface and configured to regulate a width direction of the medium. Has a regulatory aspect The medium conveying device includes a side guide and a recess formed at an end of the side guide on the upstream side or the downstream side in the medium conveying direction, and the recess is The support has an upper surface and a side surface including a first portion that is at a first angle relative to the regulating surface and a second portion that is at a second angle relative to the regulating surface that is different from the first angle, and the upper surface does not protrude toward the center of the support table beyond the regulating surface in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction. .

[0009] According to this embodiment, the medium transport device can prevent the occurrence of medium jams while making it easy for a user to place a medium on the placement table.

[0010] 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]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a side guide 104 as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5]1 is a schematic diagram of the upstream end of a side guide 104 as viewed from above. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a medium M that is transported at an angle. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a medium M that is transported at an angle. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another side guide 204. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 304. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining still another side guide 404. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 504. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 604. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 750. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] 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.

[0013] FIG. 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, or the like. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a printer multifunction device (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium being conveyed may not be an original but may be a print target, or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer, or the like. In FIG. 2, an arrow A1 indicates the medium conveying direction, and an arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the medium conveying direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the medium conveying direction A1.

[0014] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, a side guide 104, a discharge table 105, a display operation device 106, and the like.

[0015] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the medium conveying device 100, and engages with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when the medium is jammed or when the inside of the medium conveying device 100 is cleaned.

[0016] The mounting table 103 is rotatably engaged with the lower housing 101. When the medium conveying device 100 is not in use, the mounting table 103 is disposed in a position that covers the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 101, and functions as an exterior cover. On the other hand, the mounting table 103 has a mounting surface 103a on which a medium is placed, and when the medium conveying device 100 is in use, the mounting table 103 places the medium to be conveyed thereon. In Fig. 1, an arrow A3 indicates a height direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 103a.

[0017] The side guide 104 is provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 so as to be movable in a width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The side guide 104 is positioned according to the width of the medium mounted on the mounting table 103 and regulates the width direction of the medium. In the example shown in Fig. 1, two side guides 104 are arranged with an interval in the width direction A2. The number of side guides 104 may be one.

[0018] The ejection platform 105 is housed inside the lower housing 101 so as to be removable, and holds the ejected media when pulled out. The ejection platform 105 may be engaged with the upper housing 102.

[0019] The display operation device 106 has a display configured with liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display operation device 106 also has a touch panel type input device and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, accepts operations by a user, and outputs an operation signal according to the user's input. The display device and the operation device may be provided separately.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the side guide 104 as viewed from above.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, each side guide 104 has a restricting portion 104a and a supporting portion 104b. The restricting portion 104a abuts against an end portion in the width direction of the medium placed on the mounting table 103 to restrict the width direction of the medium. The supporting portion 104b is provided on the inside of the restricting portion 104a in the width direction A2, supports the lower surface of the medium placed on the mounting table 103, and guides the end portion in the width direction of the medium to the restricting portion 104a. The supporting portion 104b prevents the medium from entering between the restricting portion 104a and the mounting table 103. The restricting portion 104a and the supporting portion 104b are formed of an integral member. It is to be noted that the restricting portion 104a and the supporting portion 104b may be formed of separate members.

[0022] 3 and 4 are perspective views of the side guide 104 removed from the mounting table 103. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the side guide 104 as viewed from the inside in the width direction A2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the upstream end of the side guide 104 as viewed from the upstream side. Note that the shapes of the side guide 104 that regulates the left edge of the medium and the side guide 104 that regulates the right edge of the medium are line-symmetrical and the functions of each side guide 104 are similar, so the side guide 104 that regulates the left edge of the medium will be described below as a representative example.

[0023] 3 and 4, the regulating portion 104a has a regulating surface 104c that regulates the width direction of the medium. A recess 104d is formed at the upstream end of the side guide 104 in the medium transport direction A1. The recess 104d is formed so as to open to the upstream side in the medium transport direction A1 and to open to the regulating surface 104c side of the side guide 104 in the width direction A2. On the other hand, the recess 104d is formed so as not to open to the upper surface of the regulating portion 104a in the height direction A3.

[0024] In the medium transport direction A1, the length of the recess 104d is set to, for example, 1 / 2 or less of the entire length of the regulating surface 104c. Note that, in the medium transport direction A1, the length of the recess 104d is preferably set to 1 / 4 or less of the entire length of the regulating surface 104c. In the medium transport direction A1, the length of the recess 104d is set to, for example, 50 mm or less. Note that, in the medium transport direction A1, the length of the recess 104d is preferably set to 20 mm or less.

[0025] In the width direction A2, the length of the recess 104d is set to, for example, 3 / 4 or less of the entire length of the restricting portion 104a. Note that, in the width direction A2, the length of the recess 104d is preferably set to 1 / 2 or less of the entire length of the restricting portion 104a. In the width direction A2, the length of the recess 104d is set to, for example, 1 mm or less. Note that, in the width direction A2, the length of the recess 104d is preferably set to 0.5 mm or less.

[0026] In the height direction A3, the length of the recess 104d is set to, for example, 3 / 4 or less of the entire length of the restriction surface 104c. Note that, in the height direction A3, the length of the recess 104d is preferably set to 1 / 2 or less of the entire length of the restriction surface 104c. In the height direction A3, the length of the recess 104d is set to, for example, 10 mm or less. Note that, in the height direction A3, the length of the recess 104d is preferably set to 5 mm or less.

[0027] The support portion 104b has a contact surface 104e that contacts the bottom surface of the medium placed on the placement table 103. The contact surface 104e is formed so that the height decreases (the thickness of the support portion 104b decreases) toward the end portion around the upstream end portion in the medium transport direction A1. In particular, the contact surface 104e is formed so that the height H1 of the region 104f that overlaps with the recess 104d is lower than the height H2 of the region 104g that does not overlap with the recess 104d when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. That is, the contact surface 104e is formed so that the height H1 of the region 104f that overlaps with the recess 104d in the medium transport direction A1 is lower than the height H2 of the region 104g that does not overlap with the recess 104d.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the upstream end of the side guide 104 removed from the mounting table 103, as viewed from above.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, an end 104h on the downstream side in the medium transport direction A1 of the recess 104d is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the medium transport direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction A1.

[0030] 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining the medium M that is transported at an angle. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the side guide 104 as viewed from above. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in Fig. 6.

[0031] 6 and 7 show a state in which the medium M placed on the placement table 103 is transported at an incline. As shown in FIG. 7, the recess 104d of the side guide 104 is formed to open to the regulating surface 104c side, and has a side surface 104i and an upper surface 104j inside. As shown in FIG. 6, when the medium M is transported at an incline, it rotates so that the rear end (the end on the downstream side) faces outward in the width direction A2. Since the recess 104d is formed at the end on the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1 in the regulating surface 104c of the side guide 104, the end of the medium M on the side of the side guide 104 that is transported at an incline enters the recess 104d. The end of the medium M that enters the recess 104d hits the side surface 104i formed in the recess 104d and rises along the side surface 104i. The end of the medium M abuts against an upper surface 104j formed in the recess 104d, and the upper surface 104j prevents the end of the medium M from rising further.

[0032] In this way, the upper surface 104j is formed so that when an end of the transported medium in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction enters, the end of the medium abuts against the upper surface 104j. As a result, the recess 104d functions as a visor so that when the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported at an angle, the end of the medium in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction enters and restricts the medium from floating up. As a result, the medium transport device 100 can prevent the medium M transported at an angle from climbing over the side guide 104 and floating up, and can prevent the floating medium from entering the medium transport path and causing a medium jam.

[0033] In particular, since the tilted medium that is transported rotates so that the rear end side (upstream side) faces outward in the width direction A2, by providing the recess 104d on the upstream side, the tilted medium enters the recess 104d early. Therefore, the medium transport device 100 can suppress an increase in the tilt of the medium immediately after the medium starts to tilt, and can suppress the occurrence of skew in the medium.

[0034] Furthermore, when the end of the medium M is conveyed at an angle, the end of the medium M abuts against the upper surface 104j formed in the recess 104d, which prevents the inclination of the medium M from increasing further and prevents the medium from becoming skewed. It is desirable to set the length of the recess 104d in the height direction A3 to a sufficiently small value so that the end of the medium M abuts against the upper surface 104j at an earlier stage. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to bring the end of the medium M, which is conveyed at an angle, into early abutment against the upper surface 104j, thereby minimizing the inclination of the medium.

[0035] On the other hand, as described above, the contact surface 104e of the support portion 104b is formed so that the height of the region 104f overlapping with the recess 104d is low. Therefore, even when a medium with an end curled upward is transported, the end of the medium easily enters the recess 104d, and the curled portion of the medium is prevented from climbing over the side guide 104. When a medium with a weak stiffness such as thin paper is transported, the medium extends along the contact surface 104e, so that the end of the medium easily enters the recess 104d, and the end of the medium is prevented from climbing over the side guide 104. Therefore, the medium transport device 100 can prevent the occurrence of medium skew and medium jamming, particularly when a medium with an end curled upward or a medium with a weak stiffness such as thin paper is transported. The contact surface 104e may be formed so that the height of the region 104f overlapping with the recess 104d is the same as the height of the region 104g that does not overlap with the recess 104d.

[0036] Further, the recess 104d is formed at the upstream end in the medium transport direction A1, and the area of ​​the regulating surface 104c downstream of the recess 104d has a flat surface. In the medium transport direction A1, the flat surface of the regulating surface 104c is longer than the recess 104d, and the medium is set along the flat surface of the regulating surface 104c when placed on the placement table 103. This allows the medium transport device 100 to prevent the medium from being placed on the placement table 103 at an angle.

[0037] If the recess is formed over the entire area of ​​the regulating surface, not just the end, in the medium conveying direction A1, the medium is set along the recess when placed on the placement table. In that case, the user must first widen the set guide outward, set the medium, and then narrow the set guide inward to allow the medium to enter the recess. On the other hand, in the medium conveying device 100, the user can easily place the medium because the medium is set along the flat surface of the regulating surface 104c. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0038] As described above, the downstream end 104h of the recess 104d is formed to be inclined. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium that has entered the recess 104d from hitting the end 104h and causing damage to the medium. Note that the downstream end 104h of the recess 104d may be formed not to be inclined.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0040] 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 first driven roller 115, an imaging device 116, a second transport roller 117, and a second driven roller 118.

[0041] The number of each of the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first transport roller 114, first driven roller 115, second transport roller 117, and / or second driven roller 118 is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first transport roller 114, first driven roller 115, second transport roller 117, and / or second driven roller 118 are arranged at intervals in the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction A1.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, disposed opposite the feed roller 112, and rotates in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. Note that the feed roller 112 may be provided in the upper housing 102 and the separation roller 113 in the lower housing 101, and the feed roller 112 may feed the media placed on the mounting table 103 from the top.

[0045] The imaging device 116 is disposed downstream of the first conveying roller 114 and captures an image of the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 114. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b disposed opposite each other across the medium conveying path. The first imaging device 116a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 116a captures an image of the surface of the medium being conveyed, generates an input image, and outputs it, according to control from a processing circuit described later.

[0046] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b has a line sensor using a CIS of a life-size optical system type having CMOS imaging elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 116b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 116b captures the back side of the medium being conveyed under the control of a processing circuit described later, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0047] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b arranged to read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0048] 2, i.e., the medium feeding direction, the medium placed on the placement table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium transport direction A1. When feeding the medium, the separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of the arrow A5, i.e., the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. When multiple media are placed on the placement table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the placement 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).

[0049] The medium is fed between first conveyor roller 114 and first driven roller 115 while being guided by lower guide 101a and upper guide 102a. The medium is fed between first imaging device 116a and second imaging device 116b as first conveyor roller 114 rotates in the direction of arrow A6. The medium read by imaging device 116 is discharged onto discharge tray 105 as second conveyor roller 117 rotates in the direction of arrow A7.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0051] In addition to the components described above, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0052] The motor 131 has one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, and the second conveyor roller 117 to convey the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. The first driven roller 115 and / or the second driven roller 118 may be driven by the motor 131. In this case, the first conveyor roller 114 and / or the second conveyor roller 117 may be provided so as to rotate in a driven manner by the first driven roller 115 or the second driven roller 118.

[0053] The interface device 132 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 132, 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.

[0054] The storage device 140 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 140 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 140 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.

[0055] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program previously stored in the storage device 140. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 150 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).

[0056] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the display operation device 106, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls each of these components. Based on a medium signal received from the media sensor 111, the processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the motor 131, image capture control of the imaging device 116, etc., acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 132.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0058] 10, the storage device 140 stores a control program 141, an image acquisition program 142, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The processing circuitry 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to the read program. In this way, the processing circuitry 150 functions as a control unit 151 and an image acquisition unit 152.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0060] 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. 11. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140.

[0061] First, the control unit 151 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the display operation device 106 or an information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the user to read a medium is received from the display operation device 106 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0062] Next, control unit 151 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 151 ends the series of steps.

[0063] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to rotate the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, and the second conveying roller 117 to convey the medium (step S103).

[0064] Next, the control unit 151 causes the imaging device 116 to capture an image of the medium, acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S104).

[0065] Next, control unit 151 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 151 returns the process to step S104, and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S105.

[0066] On the other hand, if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, and the second conveying roller 117 (step S106), and ends the series of steps.

[0067] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 100 forms the recess 104d at the upstream end of the side guide 104 to prevent the medium from floating up when skew occurs. This makes it possible for the medium conveying device 100 to prevent the occurrence of medium jams while making it easy for the user to place the medium on the placement table 103.

[0068] In particular, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent jamming of various media, such as thin paper, thick paper, and wrinkled or torn paper, and can prevent damage to the media. Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent skew and jamming of the media without using special parts, and can prevent increases in device costs.

[0069] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining another side guide 204. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the side guide 204 removed from the mounting table 103, as viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0070] The side guide 204 has the same structure and function as the side guide 104, and is used instead of the side guide 104. As shown in FIG. 12, the side guide 204 has a regulating portion 204a and a support portion 204b similar to the regulating portion 104a and the support portion 104b. The regulating portion 204a has a regulating surface 204c similar to the regulating surface 104c. A recess 204d similar to the recess 104d is formed at the upstream end of the side guide 204 in the medium conveying direction A1. In addition, a second recess 204k similar to the recess 204d is formed at the downstream end of the side guide 204 in the medium conveying direction A1. The second recess 204k is formed so as to open to the downstream side in the medium conveying direction A1 and to open to the regulating surface 204c side of the side guide 204 in the width direction A2. On the other hand, the second recess 204k is formed so as not to open to the upper surface of the regulating portion 204a in the height direction A3. The size of the second recess 204k is set to be similar to the size of the recess 204d.

[0071] The recess 204d has a side surface 204i and a top surface 204j inside, which are similar to the side surface 104i and the top surface 104j. Similarly, the second recess 204k has a side surface 204n and a top surface 204o inside. As described above, when the medium is transported at an angle, it rotates so that the rear end faces the outside of the width direction A2. Therefore, when the medium is slightly tilted and regulated by the side guide 204, the rear end of the medium rotates significantly so that the rear end faces the outside of the width direction A2 when the rear end passes through the side guide 204. Since the second recess 204k is formed at the downstream end of the regulating surface 204c of the side guide 204, the rear end of the medium that was slightly tilted enters the second recess 204k when it is transported to a position opposite the second recess 204k. The end of the medium that entered the second recess 204k hits the side surface 204n formed in the second recess 204k and rises along the side surface 204n. The end of the medium abuts against the upper surface 204o formed in the second recess 204k, and the upper surface 204o prevents the end of the medium from rising further.

[0072] In this way, the upper surface 204o is formed so that the end of the transported medium abuts against the upper surface 204o when the end of the transported medium in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction enters the upper surface 204o. When the medium is transported at an angle, the angle increases as the medium is transported, and there is a high possibility that the medium will climb over the side guide 204 and float up, especially when the rear end (upstream end) of the medium passes the downstream end of the side guide 204. By providing the second recess 204k at the downstream end in the medium transport direction A1, the medium transport device can prevent the medium from climbing over the side guide 204 and floating up when the rear end of the medium transported at an angle passes the downstream end of the side guide 204. Therefore, the medium transport device can prevent the floating medium from entering the medium transport path and causing a medium jam.

[0073] The second recess 204k is formed at the end on the downstream side in the medium conveying direction A1, and the center of the regulating surface 204c has a flat surface. The user can set the medium along the flat surface of the regulating surface 204c, and the medium can be easily placed, so that the medium conveying device can improve the convenience for the user.

[0074] The support portion 204b also has a contact surface 204e similar to the contact surface 104e. The contact surface 204e is formed so that the height decreases (the thickness of the support portion 204b decreases) as it approaches the end portion around the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1. Similarly, the contact surface 204e is formed so that the height decreases (the thickness of the support portion 204b decreases) as it approaches the end portion around the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1. In particular, the contact surface 204e is formed so that the height of the region 204f overlapping with the recess 204d and the region 204l overlapping with the second recess 204k are lower than the height of the region 204g not overlapping with the recess 204d and the second recess 204k when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0075] This allows the medium conveying device to suppress the occurrence of medium skew and medium jamming, particularly when conveying a medium with an edge curled upward or a medium with weak stiffness such as thin paper. Note that the contact surface 204e may be formed so that the height of the region 204f overlapping with the recess 204d and / or the region 204l overlapping with the second recess 204k is the same as the height of the region 204g that does not overlap with the recess 204d and the second recess 204k.

[0076] Further, the downstream end 204h of the recess 204d in the medium transport direction A1 is formed to be inclined with respect to the medium transport direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction, similar to the downstream end 104h of the recess 104d in the medium transport direction A1. Similarly, the upstream end 204m of the second recess 204k in the medium transport direction A1 is formed to be inclined with respect to the medium transport direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0077] This allows the medium conveying device to prevent the medium that has entered the second recess 204k from hitting the end 204m and causing damage to the medium. Note that the downstream end 204h of the recess 204d and / or the upstream end 204m of the second recess 204k may be formed so as not to be inclined.

[0078] In addition, in the side guide 204, the recess 204d may be omitted, and only the second recess 204k may be formed.

[0079] As described above in detail, even when the second recess 204k is formed at the downstream end of the side guide 204, the medium conveying device makes it possible to easily allow a user to place the medium on the placement table 103 while preventing the occurrence of medium jams.

[0080] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 304. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the side guide 304 removed from the mounting table 103, as viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0081] The side guide 304 has the same structure and function as the side guide 204, and is used instead of the side guide 204. As shown in FIG. 13, the side guide 304 has a regulating portion 304a and a support portion 304b similar to the regulating portion 204a and the support portion 204b. The regulating portion 304a has a regulating surface 304c similar to the regulating surface 204c. A recess 304d and a second recess 304k similar to the recess 204d and the second recess 204k are formed at the upstream and downstream ends of the side guide 304 in the medium conveying direction A1. The recess 304d is formed so as to open to the upstream side in the medium conveying direction A1 and to extend to both ends of the side guide 304 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. Similarly, the second recess 304k is formed so as to open to the downstream side in the medium conveying direction A1 and to extend to both ends of the side guide 304 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. The recess 304d and the second recess 304k are formed so as not to open to the upper surface of the restriction portion 304a in the height direction A3.

[0082] The recess 304d and the second recess 304k have upper surfaces 304j and 304o inside, which are similar to the upper surfaces 204j and 204o. The upper surfaces 304j and 304o are formed so that the end of the transported medium abuts when the end of the transported medium in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction enters. When the medium is transported at an angle, the end of the medium on the side guide 304 enters the recess 304d or the second recess 304k, and the end of the medium that has entered the recess 304d or the second recess 304k is prevented from floating up by the upper surfaces 304j and 304o. Therefore, the medium transport device can prevent the floating medium from entering the medium transport path and causing a medium jam.

[0083] In addition, the recess 304d and the second recess 304k are formed at the ends in the medium transport direction A1, and the center of the regulating surface 304c has a flat surface. Since the user can set the medium along the flat surface of the regulating surface 304c and can easily place the medium, the medium transport device can improve the convenience for the user.

[0084] Moreover, the support portion 304b has a contact surface 304e similar to the contact surface 204e. The contact surface 304e is formed so that the height of the region 304f overlapping with the recess 304d and the region 304l overlapping with the second recess 304k is lower than the height of the region 304g not overlapping with the recess 304d and the second recess 304k when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. This makes it possible for the medium conveying device to suppress the occurrence of medium skew and medium jamming, particularly when a medium with an end curled upward or a medium with weak stiffness such as thin paper is conveyed. The contact surface 304e may be formed so that the height of the region 304f overlapping with the recess 304d and / or the region 304l overlapping with the second recess 304k is the same as the height of the region 304g not overlapping with the recess 304d and the second recess 304k.

[0085] Further, the downstream end 304h of the recess 304d and the upstream end 304m of the second recess 304k are formed to be inclined with respect to the medium conveying direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, similar to the ends 204h and 204m. This allows the medium conveying device to prevent the medium that has entered the recess 304d or the second recess 304k from hitting the end 304h or 304m, causing damage to the medium. Note that the downstream end 304h of the recess 304d and / or the upstream end 304m of the second recess 304k may be formed not to be inclined.

[0086] In addition, in the side guide 304, either the recess 304d or the second recess 304k may be omitted, and only the other of the recess 304d or the second recess 304k may be formed.

[0087] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of medium jams while making it easy for the user to place the medium on the placement table 103, even when the recess 304d or the second recess 304k is formed to extend across both ends of the width direction A2 of the side guide 304.

[0088] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 404. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the side guide 404 removed from the mounting table 103, as viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0089] The side guide 404 has the same structure and function as the side guide 104, and is used in place of the side guide 104. As shown in Fig. 14, the side guide 404 has a restricting portion 404a and a supporting portion 404b similar to the restricting portion 104a and the supporting portion 104b. However, the upstream end of the supporting portion 404b is disposed downstream of the upstream end of the restricting portion 404a. The supporting portion 404b does not have to be disposed so as to face the lower housing 101 and not to face the mounting table 103.

[0090] The restricting portion 404a has a restricting surface 404c similar to the restricting surface 104c. A recess 404d similar to the recess 104d is formed at the upstream end of the side guide 404 in the medium transport direction A1. The recess 404d has a side surface 404i and an upper surface 404j similar to the side surface 104i and upper surface 104j inside. A downstream end 404h of the recess 404d is formed to be inclined with respect to the medium transport direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction, similar to the end 104h.

[0091] The support portion 404b has a contact surface 404e similar to the contact surface 104e. The contact surface 404e is formed such that the height of a region 404f overlapping with the recess 404d is lower than the height of a region 404g not overlapping with the recess 404d when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0092] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device is capable of preventing the occurrence of medium jams while making it easy for users to place media on the placement table 103, even when the upstream end of the support portion 404b is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the regulating portion 404a.

[0093] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 504. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the side guide 504 removed from the mounting table 103, as viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0094] The side guide 504 has the same structure and function as the side guide 204, and is used in place of the side guide 204. As shown in Fig. 15, the side guide 504 has a restricting portion 504a and a supporting portion 504b similar to the restricting portion 204a and the supporting portion 204b. However, the upstream end of the supporting portion 504b is disposed downstream of the upstream end of the restricting portion 504a, and the downstream end of the supporting portion 504b is disposed upstream of the downstream end of the restricting portion 504a. The supporting portion 504b does not have to be disposed so as to face the lower housing 101 and not to face the mounting table 103.

[0095] The regulating portion 504a has a regulating surface 504c similar to the regulating surface 204c. At the end of the side guide 504 in the medium conveying direction A1, a recess 504d and a second recess 504k similar to the recess 204d and the second recess 204k are formed. The recess 504d has a side surface 504i and an upper surface 504j similar to the side surface 204i and the upper surface 204j inside, and the second recess 504k has a side surface 504n and an upper surface 504o similar to the side surface 204n and the upper surface 204o inside. The downstream end 504h of the recess 504d and the upstream end 504m of the second recess 504k are formed to be inclined with respect to the medium conveying direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, similar to the end 204h and the end 204m.

[0096] The support portion 504b has a contact surface 504e similar to the contact surface 204e. The contact surface 504e is formed such that the height of a region 504f overlapping with the recess 504d and a region 504l overlapping with the second recess 504k are lower than the height of a region 504g not overlapping with the recess 504d and the second recess 504k when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0097] In addition, in the side guide 504, the recess 504d may be omitted, and only the second recess 504k may be formed.

[0098] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of medium jams while making it easy for users to place media on the placement table 103, even when the end of the support portion 504b is positioned closer to the center than the end of the regulating portion 504a.

[0099] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 604. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the side guide 604 removed from the mounting table 103, as viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0100] The side guide 604 has the same structure and function as the side guide 304, and is used in place of the side guide 304. As shown in Fig. 16, the side guide 604 has a restricting portion 604a and a supporting portion 604b similar to the restricting portion 304a and the supporting portion 304b. However, the upstream end of the supporting portion 604b is disposed downstream of the upstream end of the restricting portion 604a, and the downstream end of the supporting portion 604b is disposed upstream of the downstream end of the restricting portion 604a. The supporting portion 604b does not have to be disposed so as to face the lower housing 101 and not to face the mounting table 103.

[0101] The restricting portion 604a has a restricting surface 604c similar to the restricting surface 304c. At the end of the side guide 604 in the medium conveying direction A1, a recess 604d and a second recess 604k similar to the recess 304d and the second recess 304k are formed. The recess 604d has an upper surface 604j similar to the upper surface 304j inside, and the second recess 604k has an upper surface 604o similar to the upper surface 304o inside. The downstream end 604h of the recess 604d and the upstream end 604m of the second recess 604k are formed to be inclined with respect to the medium conveying direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, similar to the end 304h and the end 304m.

[0102] The support portion 604b has a contact surface 604e similar to the contact surface 304e. The contact surface 604e is formed such that the height of a region 604f overlapping with the recess 604d and a region 604l overlapping with the second recess 604k are lower than the height of a region 604g not overlapping with the recess 604d and the second recess 604k when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0103] In addition, in the side guide 604, either the recess 604d or the second recess 604k may be omitted, and only the other of the recess 604d or the second recess 604k may be formed.

[0104] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of medium jams while making it easy for users to place media on the placement table 103, even when the end of the support portion 604b is positioned closer to the center than the end of the regulating portion 604a.

[0105] 17 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 750 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment. The processing circuit 750 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 750 has a control circuit 751, an image acquisition circuit 752, and the like. Each of these components may be formed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0106] The control circuit 751 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 751 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 106 or the interface device 132, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111. The control circuit 751 controls the motor 131 based on each piece of received information.

[0107] The image acquisition circuit 752 is an example of an image acquisition section, and has the same function as the image acquisition section 152. The image acquisition circuit 752 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0108] As described above in detail, even when the processing circuit 750 is used, the medium conveying device makes it possible for a user to easily place a medium on the placement table 103 while preventing the occurrence of medium jams. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 100 Media transport device 103 Placement table 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 Side Guide 104d, 204d, 304d, 404d, 504d, 604d recess 104e, 204e, 304e, 404e, 504e, 604e contact surface 104h, 204h, 304h, 404h, 504h, 604h End 104j, 204j, 304j, 404j, 504j, 604j Top 204k, 304k, 504k, 604k Second recess 204m, 304m, 504m, 604m Ends 204o, 304o, 504o, 604o top surface

Claims

1. a mounting table having a mounting surface on which a medium is placed; a side guide provided on the placement surface and having a regulating surface for regulating the width direction of the medium; a recess formed at an end of the side guide on the upstream side or the downstream side in the medium transport direction, the recess has an upper surface and a side surface including a first portion that is angled at a first angle with respect to the restriction surface and a second portion that is angled at a second angle with respect to the restriction surface that is different from the first angle; the upper surface does not protrude toward the center of the placement table beyond the regulating surface in a direction perpendicular to a medium transport direction; A medium transport device comprising:

2. the side guide further has a contact surface that contacts a bottom surface of the medium placed on the placement table, The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the contact surface is formed such that a height of a region overlapping the recess when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction is lower than a height of a region not overlapping the recess.

3. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein an end of the recess in the medium transport direction is formed so as to be inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

4. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed so as to open toward a regulating surface side of the side guide that regulates the width direction of the medium.

5. A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper surface of the recess is formed so that an end of the transported medium abuts when the end of the medium enters in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

6. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein an upper surface of the recess is disposed above the placement surface.

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