Media transport device

Abstract

Provided is a medium conveyance device in which paper dust or trash present on a medium conveyance path can be preferably accommodated into an accommodation part. This medium conveyance device comprises: a casing frame equipped with a medium guide surface which has recesses formed therein; a conveyor roller which is disposed in one of the recesses so as to convey a medium; a discharge roller which is for discharging a medium and which is disposed in one of the recesses on the downstream side of the conveyor roller in the medium conveyance direction; an optical frame which is equipped with an optical element and which is disposed in one of the recesses between the conveyor roller and the discharge roller; a first gap formed between the conveyor roller and the optical frame; a second gap formed between the discharge roller and the optical frame; a path that extends from the first gap to the second gap; and an accommodation part which is disposed on the path so as to accommodate paper dust or trash therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media conveyance device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in a media conveyance device such as a scanner that images while conveying a media, paper dust or dirt adhering to the media may contact a conveyance roller for conveying the media, a discharge roller for discharging the media, or a guide or the like and fall from the media, and may accumulate on the media conveyance path. When such paper dust or dirt accumulates around the conveyance roller or the discharge roller, the roller may not rotate properly, and the media conveyance device may not be able to properly convey or discharge the media.

[0003] A document reading device that conveys a document and reads the document at a predetermined position on a contact glass is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). In this document reading device, a guide member provided at the contact glass entrance is provided with a large number of holes, and a dust suction member is disposed on the back side of the portion where the holes of the guide member are arranged.

[0004] A paper dust removing device having a paper dust collecting case having an opening facing the surface of a resist roller and a cleaning blade whose tip contacts the surface of the resist roller to scrape off paper dust is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).

[0005] An image reading device having a dustproof member that holds foreign matter falling from a gap between a conveyance guide and a conveyance roller in a hole where the conveyance roller is provided is disclosed (see Patent Document 3). In this image reading device, the dustproof member partitions the space between the conveyance guide and a scanner unit that reads an image of a document.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] In a medium conveyance device, it is required that paper dust or dust present on the medium conveyance path can be satisfactorily accommodated in an accommodation section.

[0008] The medium conveyance device according to the embodiment aims to satisfactorily accommodate paper dust or dust present on the medium conveyance path in an accommodation section.

[0009] The medium conveyance device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a housing frame having a medium guide surface in which a concave portion is formed, a conveyance roller disposed in the concave portion for conveying a medium, a discharge roller disposed in the concave portion on the downstream side of the conveyance roller in the medium conveyance direction for discharging the medium, an optical frame having an optical element disposed in the concave portion between the conveyance roller and the discharge roller, a first gap portion formed between the conveyance roller and the optical frame, a second gap portion formed between the discharge roller and the optical frame, a path from the first gap portion to the second gap portion to form a continuous space and an accommodation section disposed on the path for accommodating paper dust or dust.

[0010] According to the present embodiment, the medium conveyance device can satisfactorily accommodate paper dust or dust present on the medium conveyance path in the accommodation section.

[0011] The objects and effects of the present invention will be recognized and obtained by using the components and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the present invention described in the claims. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0012]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program according to an aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveyance device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveyance device 100 conveys and images a medium that is an original. The medium is paper, thin paper, thick paper, card, booklet, envelope, or the like. The medium conveyance device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like.

[0015] The medium conveyance device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like. In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium conveyance direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction orthogonal to the medium guide surface. Hereinafter, upstream refers to the upstream in the medium conveyance direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream in the medium conveyance direction A1.

[0016] The upper housing 102 is disposed at a position covering the upper surface of the medium conveyance device 100 and is rotatably engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when loading the medium, during cleaning inside the medium conveyance device 100, or the like.

[0017] The placement table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 and places the medium to be fed and conveyed. The discharge table 104 is engaged with the upper housing 102 and places the discharged medium. Note that the discharge table 104 may be engaged with the lower housing 101.

[0018] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, receives an input operation by the user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the input operation of the user. The display device 106 has a display including a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc., and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the conveyance path inside the medium conveyance device 100.

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

[0021] Note that the number of each of the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 is not limited to one, and a plurality may be used. In that case, the plurality of feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first conveyance rollers 114, second conveyance rollers 115, first discharge rollers 117, and / or second discharge rollers 118 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction.

[0022] The lower housing 101 includes a housing frame 107 and an optical frame 108. The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a of the conveyance path of the medium, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a of the conveyance path of the medium. The lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a function as a medium guide surface. That is, the housing frame 107 and the optical frame 108 have a medium guide surface. A recess 107a is formed in the medium guide surface (lower guide 101a) of the housing frame 107. The optical frame 108 is disposed in the recess 107a of the housing frame 107 between the second conveyance roller 115 and the second discharge roller 118 in the medium conveyance direction A1.

[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 a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a media signal whose signal value changes between a state where a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 and a state where no medium is placed. 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 an optical detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

[0024] The feed roller 112 is provided on the lower housing 101 and sequentially separates and feeds the medium placed on the mounting table 103 from below. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, is provided on the upper housing 102, and is disposed to face the feed roller 112. The separation roller 113 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the direction opposite to the medium feed direction. The rotation axis of the separation roller 113 is preferably disposed downstream of the rotation axis of the feed roller 112. Thereby, the leading end of the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 heads downward after passing through the nip portion between the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 and contacts the lower guide 101a. Therefore, paper dust or dust present on the lower guide 101a is carried downstream by the leading end of the fed medium. Note that the feed roller 112 may be provided on the upper housing 102, the separation roller 113 may be provided on the lower housing 101, and the feed roller 112 may sequentially feed the medium placed on the mounting table 103 from above.

[0025] The first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 are arranged downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and convey the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116. The first conveyance roller 114 is provided on the upper housing 102, and the second conveyance roller 115 is provided on the lower housing 101 so as to face the first conveyance roller 114. The second conveyance roller 115 is an example of a conveyance roller and is arranged in the recess 107a of the housing frame 107. The rotation axis of the first conveyance roller 114 is preferably arranged downstream of the rotation axis of the second conveyance roller 115. Thereby, the leading end of the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 faces downward after passing through the nip portion between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115, and contacts the lower guide 101a (the upper surface of the optical frame 108). Therefore, paper dust or dust existing on the lower guide 101a (the upper surface of the optical frame 108) is carried downstream by the leading end of the conveyed medium.

[0026] The imaging device 116 is arranged downstream of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and images the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b arranged to face each other across the medium conveyance path. The first imaging device 116a is provided on the optical frame 108.

[0027] The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are arranged downstream of the imaging device 116 in the medium conveyance direction A1, that is, downstream of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 further convey the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 to the downstream side and discharge it to the discharge table 104. The first discharge roller 117 is provided on the upper housing 102, and the second discharge roller 118 is provided on the lower housing 101 so as to face the first discharge roller 117. The second discharge roller 118 is an example of a discharge roller and is arranged in the recess 107a of the housing frame 107.

[0028] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is conveyed between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium conveyance direction A1 by the feeding roller 112 rotating in the direction of arrow A4, that is, the medium feeding direction. The separation roller 113 rotates or stops in the direction of arrow A5, that is, the direction opposite to the medium feeding direction. By the action of the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, when a plurality of media are placed on the placement table 103, only the medium in contact with the feeding roller 112 among the media placed on the placement table 103 is separated. Thereby, the conveyance of the media other than the separated media is restricted (prevention of double feeding).

[0029] The medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 while being guided by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b by the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 rotating in the directions of arrows A6 and A7 respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 116 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 rotating in the directions of arrows A8 and A9 respectively.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the imaging device 116.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the first imaging device 116a includes a first transparent member 121a, a first light source 122a, a first imaging sensor 123a, etc. The second imaging device 116b includes a second transparent member 121b, a second light source 122b, a second imaging sensor 123b, etc.

[0032] The first transparent member 121a and the second transparent member 121b are formed of glass, plastic, or the like, and transmit the light irradiated from the first light source 122a and the second light source 122b to the medium conveyance path. The upper surfaces of the first transparent member 121a and the second transparent member 121b form a medium guide surface.

[0033] The first light source 122a and the second light source 122b include an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The first light source 122a and the second light source 122b emit light toward the medium conveyance path, that is, toward the medium M being conveyed.

[0034] The first imaging sensor 123a includes a line sensor of a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of an equi-magnification optical system type having an imaging element made of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging sensor 123a also includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies an electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging sensor 123a generates and outputs an input image obtained by imaging the conveyed medium M according to control from a processing circuit described later.

[0035] Similarly, the second imaging sensor 123b includes a line sensor of a CIS of an equi-magnification optical system type having an imaging element made of CMOS linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The second imaging sensor 123b also includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies an electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging sensor 123b generates and outputs an input image obtained by imaging the conveyed medium M according to control from a processing circuit described later.

[0036] Note that instead of the line sensor of the CIS of the equi-magnification optical system type including the imaging element made of CMOS, a line sensor of the CIS of the equi-magnification optical system type including the imaging element made of CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used. Also, a line sensor of a reduced optical system type including the imaging element made of CMOS or CCD may be used.

[0037] The first transparent member 121a, the first light source 122a, and the first imaging sensor 123a included in the first imaging device 116a are examples of optical elements. Note that the second imaging device 116b may be omitted.

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

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

[0040] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the housing frame 107 and the optical frame 108. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, at the upstream end of the optical frame 108, a first gap 131a is formed between the second transport roller 115 and the optical frame 108. Also, at the downstream end of the optical frame 108, a second gap 131b is formed between the second discharge roller 118 and the optical frame 108. When paper dust or debris adhering to the medium contacts each roller or each guide and falls from the medium into the medium transport path, the paper dust or debris that has fallen into the medium transport path is pushed by the leading edge of the transported medium and enters the lower housing 101 from the first gap 131a or the second gap 131b. Therefore, it is suppressed that paper dust or debris accumulates around each roller and each roller does not rotate properly and the medium is not transported properly. Also, it is suppressed that paper dust or debris adheres to the first transparent member 121a and noise occurs in the input image generated by the imaging device 116.

[0042] In addition, a path 132 extending from a first gap portion 131a to a second gap portion 131b is formed between the housing frame 107 and the optical frame 108. The path 132 includes a first path 132a extending from the first gap portion 131a to the lower region of the optical frame 108 and a second path 132b extending from the second gap portion 131b to the lower region of the optical frame 108. Paper dust or debris that has entered the first path 132a from the first gap portion 131a and paper dust or debris that has entered the second path 132b from the second gap portion 131b are both collected in the lower region of the optical frame 108, so that the user can efficiently collect the paper dust or debris.

[0043] A first storage portion 107b is provided in the housing frame 107. The first storage portion 107b is an example of a storage portion, is disposed on the path 132, and stores paper dust or debris that has entered the first path 132a from the first gap portion 131a. The medium guiding surface (lower guide 101a) of the housing frame 107 has a first opening 107c for disposing the second conveying roller 115. The first storage portion 107b is disposed below the second conveying roller 115 so as to face the first opening 107c.

[0044] In addition, a second storage portion 107d is provided in the housing frame 107. The second storage portion 107d is an example of a storage portion, is disposed on the path 132, and stores paper dust or debris that has entered the second path 132b from the second gap portion 131b. The medium guiding surface (lower guide 101a) of the housing frame 107 has a second opening 107e for disposing the second discharge roller 118. The second storage portion 107d is disposed below the second discharge roller 118 so as to face the second opening 107e.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first storage portion 107b. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the first storage portion 107b as viewed from the side.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the second conveying roller 115 is arranged such that a gap L1 is provided between an upstream end E1 of the second conveying roller 115 and an upstream wall portion W1 of the first accommodating portion 107b in the medium conveying direction A1. Further, the second conveying roller 115 is arranged such that a gap L2 is provided between a downstream end E2 of the second conveying roller 115 and a downstream wall portion W2 of the first accommodating portion 107b in the medium conveying direction A1. The second conveying roller 115 is arranged such that the upstream gap L1 is smaller than the downstream gap L2 in the medium conveying direction A1.

[0047] The second conveying roller 115 rotates in the direction of 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 upward on the upstream side. Therefore, paper dust or debris peeled off from the medium in contact with the second conveying roller 115 tends to fall following the rotation of the second conveying roller 115 on the downstream side, while it tends to rise following the rotation of the second conveying roller 115 on the upstream side. In the medium conveying device 100, since the second conveying roller 115 is arranged such that the upstream gap L1 is smaller than the downstream gap L2, it is possible to suppress the paper dust or debris accommodated in the first accommodating portion 107b from returning to the medium conveying path following the rotation of the second conveying roller 115. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can more efficiently accommodate the paper dust or debris in the first accommodating portion 107b.

[0048] Also, in the medium conveying direction A1, an end portion of the medium guide surface forming the downstream end of the first opening 107c, that is, an upstream end E3 of the optical frame 108, has an inclined surface that is positioned lower as it goes upstream. Thereby, the paper dust or debris peeled off from the medium in contact with the second conveying roller 115 falls along the end portion E3, so that the medium conveying device 100 can more efficiently accommodate the paper dust or debris in the first accommodating portion 107b.

[0049] Also, in the medium conveyance direction A1, the upper end E4 of the upstream wall portion W1 of the first housing portion 107b that forms the upstream end of the first opening portion 107c has an inclined surface that is positioned lower as it goes upstream. Since the upper end E4 of the wall portion W1 prevents the paper dust or debris accommodated in the first housing portion 107b from returning to the medium conveyance path following the rotation of the second conveyance roller 115, the medium conveyance device 100 can more efficiently accommodate the paper dust or debris in the first housing portion 107b.

[0050] Also, directly below the second conveyance roller 115, it is difficult for convection to occur due to the rotation of the second conveyance roller 115. Therefore, by arranging the first housing portion 107b directly below the second conveyance roller 115, the movement of the paper dust or debris deposited in the first housing portion 107b is suppressed, and the first housing portion 107b can efficiently accumulate the paper dust or debris. Note that the greater the distance between the lower surface of the second conveyance roller 115 and the bottom surface of the first housing portion 107b, the more preferable it is so that the first housing portion 107b can accommodate a large amount of paper dust or debris. Also, since the paper dust or debris may enter the first housing portion 107b from the gap in the medium conveyance direction A1 between the first opening portion 107c and the second conveyance roller 115, there does not necessarily need to be a gap between the first opening portion 107c and the second conveyance roller 115 in the width direction A2. Therefore, in the width direction A2, the length of the first opening portion 107c in the width direction A2 is set to be substantially the same as the length of the second conveyance roller 115 in the width direction A2.

[0051] Similarly, in the medium conveyance direction A1, the upper end of the upstream wall portion of the second housing portion 107d that forms the upstream end of the second opening portion 107e has an inclined surface that is positioned lower as it goes upstream. Thereby, since the paper dust or debris accommodated in the second housing portion 107d is prevented from returning to the medium conveyance path following the rotation of the second discharge roller 118, the medium conveyance device 100 can more efficiently accommodate the paper dust or debris in the second housing portion 107d.

[0052] Also, directly below the second discharge roller 118, it is difficult for convection to occur due to the rotation of the second discharge roller 118. Therefore, by arranging the second storage portion 107d directly below the second discharge roller 118, the movement of paper dust or garbage accumulated in the second storage portion 107d is suppressed, and the second storage portion 107d can efficiently accumulate paper dust or garbage. Note that, in order for the second storage portion 107d to accommodate a large amount of paper dust or garbage, it is preferable that the distance between the lower surface of the second discharge roller 118 and the bottom surface of the second storage portion 107d is as large as possible. Also, since the paper dust or garbage may enter the second storage portion 107d from the gap in the medium conveyance direction A1 between the second opening 107e and the second discharge roller 118, there may not be a gap between the second opening 107e and the second discharge roller 118 in the width direction A2. Therefore, in the width direction A2, the length of the second opening 107e in the width direction A2 is set to be substantially the same as the length of the second discharge roller 118 in the width direction A2.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the removal of the optical frame 108. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4 in a state where the optical frame 108 has been removed.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the optical frame 108 is detachably provided from the lower housing 101, that is, from the medium conveyance device 100. Thereby, the user can remove the optical frame 108 from the lower housing 101 to clean the medium conveyance device 100, and can easily remove the paper dust or garbage accumulated in the path 132. Therefore, the medium conveyance device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the third storage portions 133a and 133b. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 4.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the third accommodating portions 133a and 133b are respectively arranged at the ends in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction of the path 132. The third accommodating portions 133a and 133b are an example of end accommodating portions, and accommodate paper dust or dust that has entered the path 132 from the first gap portion 131a or the second gap portion 131b. In order to remove (clean) the paper dust or dust on the medium conveyance path, when air is applied to the medium conveyance path, the paper dust or dust may enter the path 132 from the first gap portion 131a or the second gap portion 131b. The paper dust or dust that has entered the path 132 moves along the width direction A2 to the ends in the width direction A2 and is accommodated in the third accommodating portions 133a and 133b.

[0057] The user can collect the paper dust or dust accommodated in the third accommodating portions 133a and 133b by removing the optical frame 108 from the lower housing 101. Thereby, the medium conveyance device 100 can suppress the paper dust or dust that has entered the path 132 from accumulating in the path 132, and it becomes possible to efficiently collect the paper dust or dust. Note that the medium conveyance device 100 only needs to have at least one of the first accommodating portion 107b, the second accommodating portion 107d, and the third accommodating portions 133a and 133b, and the other accommodating portions may be omitted.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the removal of the housing cover 101b. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing 101 with the housing cover 101b removed, viewed from above.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, the housing cover 101b is detachably provided from the lower housing 101, that is, from the medium conveyance device 100. Thereby, the user can remove the housing cover 101b and easily collect the paper dust or dust from the first accommodating portion 107b, and the medium conveyance device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0060] Note that the housing cover 101b may be provided to cover only the second conveying roller 115 without covering the feeding roller 112. Further, the housing cover 101b may be integrally formed with the optical frame 108. In those cases as well, the housing cover 101b may be detachably provided from the medium conveying device 100.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100.

[0062] In addition to the above-described configuration, 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.

[0063] The motor 141 includes one or a plurality of motors, and rotates the feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 according to a control signal from the processing circuit 160 to convey the medium. Note that, instead of rotating according to the driving force of the motor 141, one of the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 may be provided to rotate in a driven manner according to the other of the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115. Further, instead of rotating according to the driving force of the motor 141, one of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 may be provided to rotate in a driven manner according to the other of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118.

[0064] 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 (for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) not shown in the figure to transmit and receive input images and various types of information. Further, instead of the interface device 142, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals and a radio communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a radio communication line according to 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 according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0065] The storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk and an optical disk. Further, the storage device 150 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the medium conveyance device 100. The computer program 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 CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), etc.

[0066] The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 150. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 160, a DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used.

[0067] The processing circuit 160 is connected to the operating device 105, the display device 106, the media sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the motor 141, the interface device 142, the storage device 150, etc., and controls these respective parts. The processing circuit 160 performs drive control of the motor 141, imaging control of the imaging device 116, etc. based on the media signal received from the media sensor 111. The processing circuit 160 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 142.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 150 and the processing circuit 160.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 11, the storage device 150 stores a control program 151, an image acquisition program 152, etc. These programs are functional modules implemented by software operating on a processor. The processing circuit 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the processing circuit 160 functions as a control unit 161 and an image acquisition unit 162.

[0070] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media conveyance device 100.

[0071] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveyance device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12. The flowchart of the operation described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveyance device 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 150 in advance.

[0072] First, the control unit 161 waits until an instruction to read a medium is input by the user using the operation device 105 or the information processing device, and a control signal instructing the reading of the medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 142 (step S101).

[0073] Next, the control unit 161 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, and determines whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 ends the series of steps.

[0074] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 drives the motor 141 (step S103). Thereby, the control unit 161 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 to feed and convey the medium.

[0075] Next, the control unit 161 causes the imaging device 116 to image the medium while irradiating 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 142 (step S104).

[0076] Next, the control unit 161 determines whether a medium remains on the mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111 (step S105). If a medium remains on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S105.

[0077] On the other hand, when no medium remains on the placement table 103, the control unit 161 stops the motor 141 (step S106). Thereby, the control unit 161 stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118, and stops the feeding and conveyance of the medium. Then, the control unit 161 ends a series of steps.

[0078] As described in detail above, in the medium conveyance device 100, a path 132 is provided from the first gap portion 131a formed between the second conveyance roller 115 and the optical frame 108 to the second gap portion 131b formed between the second discharge roller 118 and the optical frame 108. Further, in the medium conveyance device 100, a first storage portion 107b, a second storage portion 107d, and third storage portions 133a and 133b for storing paper dust are provided on the path 132. Thereby, the medium conveyance device 100 can satisfactorily store the paper dust or dust existing on the medium conveyance path in the first storage portion 107b, the second storage portion 107d, and the third storage portions 133a and 133b.

[0079] In particular, in the medium conveyance device 100, a path that is connected (joined) directly below the second conveyance roller 115, the optical frame 108, and the second discharge roller 118 is formed. Therefore, the user can remove the paper dust or dust existing in the path collectively, and the medium conveyance device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0080] In addition, in the medium transport device 100, accumulation of paper dust or dust around the second transport roller 115 or the second discharge roller 118 is suppressed, preventing the second transport roller 115 or the second discharge roller 118 from rotating and making it difficult to transport or discharge the medium. Also, in the medium transport device 100, adhesion of paper dust or dust to the first transparent member 121a of the optical frame 108 is suppressed, preventing noise from occurring in the input image. Further, in the medium transport device 100, adhesion of hard dust to the first transparent member 121a of the optical frame 108 is suppressed, preventing damage to the first transparent member 121a. Moreover, the medium transport device 100 can reduce the frequency of cleaning the medium transport path by the user, improving the convenience for the user.

[0081] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first housing portion 207b in a medium transport device according to another embodiment.

[0082] The first housing portion 207b shown in FIG. 13 is used in place of the first housing portion 107b of the medium transport device 100. The first housing portion 207b has the same configuration as the first housing portion 107b. However, the first housing portion 207b is detachably provided from the lower housing 101, i.e., from the medium transport device. Thereby, the user can easily remove the paper dust or dust stored in the first housing portion 207b, and the medium transport device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0083] As described in detail above, the medium transport device can satisfactorily store the paper dust or dust present on the medium transport path in the first housing portion 207b even when the first housing portion 207b is detachably provided.

[0084] FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams for explaining a housing frame 307 in a medium transport device according to another embodiment.

[0085] The housing frame 307 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is used in place of the housing frame 107 of the medium conveying device 100. The housing frame 307 has the same configuration as the housing frame 107. However, the housing frame 307 has a first accommodating portion 307b instead of the first accommodating portion 107b and the second accommodating portion 107d, and further has an accommodating portion cover 307f.

[0086] The first accommodating portion 307b is an example of an accommodating portion, is disposed on the path 132, and accommodates paper dust or dust that has entered the first path 132a from the first gap portion 131a and paper dust or dust that has entered the second path 132b from the second gap portion 131b. The first accommodating portion 307b is disposed below the second conveying roller 115 so as to face the first opening 307c, and is disposed below the second discharging roller 118 so as to face the second opening 307e. That is, the first accommodating portion 307b has a structure in which the first accommodating portion 107b and the second accommodating portion 107d of the medium conveying device 100 are connected.

[0087] The accommodating portion cover 307f is provided at the downstream end of the first accommodating portion 307b in the medium conveying direction A1. The accommodating portion cover 307f is provided below the discharge port formed by the first discharging roller 117 and the second discharging roller 118, that is, at the downstream end of the housing frame 107 in the medium conveying direction. The accommodating portion cover 307f is supported by the housing frame 107 so as to be rotatable (swingable) in the direction of arrow A10, and is urged in the direction opposite to the arrow A10 by a torsion coil spring (not shown) or the like. Thereby, the accommodating portion cover 307f is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the housing frame 107 (lower housing 101). A recess (not shown) is formed at the tip of the accommodating portion cover 307f, and the user can easily open the accommodating portion cover 307f by hooking a finger on the recess.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 2, in the medium conveyance device, the medium conveyance path is inclined so as to be positioned lower toward the downstream side so that the medium can be conveyed well by utilizing the weight of the medium. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first storage unit 307b is provided so as to extend in parallel with the medium conveyance path and is inclined so as to be positioned lower toward the downstream side. The paper dust or dust accommodated in the first storage unit 307b moves downward due to its own weight and gathers around the storage unit cover 307f. By opening the storage unit cover 307f, the user can easily collect the paper dust or dust accommodated in the first storage unit 307b, and the medium conveyance device can improve the convenience for the user.

[0089] As described in detail above, even when the storage unit cover 307f is provided in the first storage unit 307b, the medium conveyance device can satisfactorily accommodate the paper dust or dust present on the medium conveyance path in the first storage unit 307b.

[0090] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining the housing frame 407 in a medium conveyance device according to another embodiment.

[0091] The housing frame 407 shown in FIG. 16 is used in place of the housing frame 307 of the medium conveyance device. The housing frame 407 has the same configuration as the housing frame 307. The housing frame 407 has a first storage unit 407b and a storage unit cover 407f instead of the first storage unit 307b and the storage unit cover 307f. The first storage unit 407b and the storage unit cover 407f have the same structure as the first storage unit 307b and the storage unit cover 307f. However, in the housing frame 407, a third opening 407g is provided between the path 132 and the first storage unit 407b. By providing the third opening 407g, the paper dust or dust that has entered the path 132 falls into the first storage unit 407b, so that the medium conveyance device can efficiently collect the paper dust or dust in the storage unit. Therefore, the user can collect the paper dust or dust more efficiently, and the medium conveyance device can improve the convenience for the user.

[0092] As described in detail above, even when the third opening 407g is provided between the path 132 and the first storage unit 407b, the media transport device can satisfactorily store the paper dust or dirt present on the media transport path in the first storage unit 407b.

[0093] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 560 in a media transport device according to still another embodiment. The processing circuit 560 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 of the media transport device 100 and executes media reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 560 includes a control circuit 561, an image acquisition circuit 562, and the like. Note that each of these units may be configured by an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0094] The control circuit 561 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 161. The control circuit 561 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 142 and a media signal from the media sensor 111. The control circuit 561 controls the motor 141 based on the received information.

[0095] The image acquisition circuit 562 is an example of an image acquisition unit and has the same functions as the image acquisition unit 162. The image acquisition circuit 562 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and outputs it to the interface device 142.

[0096] As described in detail above, even when the processing circuit 560 is used, the media transport device can satisfactorily store the paper dust or dirt present on the media transport path in the first storage unit 307b.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0097] 100 Media conveyance device, 101a Lower guide, 101b Housing cover, 102a Upper guide, 107, 307, 407 Housing frame, 107a Recess, 107b, 307b, 407b First accommodation part, 107c, 307c First opening, 107d Second accommodation part, 107e, 307e Second opening, 108 Optical frame, 115 Second conveyance roller, 118 Second discharge roller, 121a First transparent member, 122a First light source, 123a First imaging sensor, 131a First gap part, 131b Second gap part, 132 Path, 133a, 133b Third accommodation part, 307f, 407f Accommodation part cover

Claims

1. A housing frame having a media guide surface with a recess formed therein, a conveying roller disposed in the recess for conveying a media, a discharge roller disposed in the recess on the downstream side of the conveying roller in the media conveying direction for discharging the media, an optical frame having an optical element disposed in the recess between the conveying roller and the discharge roller, a first gap formed between the conveying roller and the optical frame, a second gap formed between the discharge roller and the optical frame, a path forming a space that continues from the first gap to the second gap, a storage portion disposed on the path for storing paper dust or debris, and a media conveying device characterized by having the above.

2. The conveying roller is arranged such that a gap between an upstream end of the conveying roller and an upstream wall portion of the storage portion is smaller than a gap between a downstream end of the conveying roller and a downstream wall portion of the storage portion in the media conveying direction. The media conveying device according to Claim 1.

3. In the media conveying direction, an upstream end of the optical frame has an inclined surface that is positioned downward as it faces upstream. The media conveying device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The optical frame is detachably provided from the media conveying device. The media conveying device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. The media conveying device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, further comprising an end storage portion disposed at an end in the width direction orthogonal to the media conveying direction of the path for storing paper dust or debris.

6. The housing frame has a housing cover that forms the media guide surface and is detachably provided from the media conveying device. The media conveying device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. The storage portion is detachably provided from the media conveying device. The media conveying device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. The storage portion has a storage portion cover that is openably and closably provided at a downstream end of the housing frame in the media conveying direction. The media conveying device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

Images