Media transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium carrying device which allows a roller for assisting the carrying of a medium to be suitably mounted on a placement table.SOLUTION: A medium carrying device has a placement table having a placement surface on which a medium is placed and in which an opening is disposed, a roller for assisting the carrying of the medium, and a holding part which is disposed on the placement surface and holds both ends of a rotary shaft of the roller. The holding part has a first arm and a second arm erecting on the front side of the placement surface, and at least one of the first arm and the second arm is disposed so as to be bent outward in the direction orthogonal to the medium carrying direction when the roller is mounted on the placement surface in a manner passing through the opening from the back side of the placement surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to media transport devices, and more particularly to media transport devices having rollers to assist in transporting media. [Background technology]

[0002] In media transport devices such as scanners that capture images while transporting multiple media, rollers may be provided on the loading platform to assist in transporting the media so that the media placed on the loading platform can be properly guided to the position where the rollers for transporting the media are located.

[0003] A paper feed tray for an image forming apparatus is disclosed that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus body and has a rotating body at the bottom that can rotate back and forth in the paper feed direction (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-86675 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a medium transport device, it is required that rollers for assisting the transport of a medium can be properly mounted on a mounting table.

[0006] The purpose of the media transport device is to enable rollers for assisting the transport of media to be properly mounted on the mounting table.

[0007] A medium transport device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a storage section that stores a medium, a feed roller that feeds the medium stored in the storage section, an auxiliary roller that faces the medium stored in the storage section and rotates in response to the medium when the medium is fed by the feed roller to assist in transporting the medium, and a holding unit that holds both ends of the rotation shaft of the auxiliary roller, the holding unit having a first arm and a second arm, at least one of the first arm and the second arm being arranged to be pressed and bent by the auxiliary roller when the auxiliary roller is attached to the holding unit, and the holding unit Viewed from the media transport direction Auxiliary roller of It can be attached to the storage section using the mounting points provided on the left and right sides.

[0008] According to this embodiment, the medium transport device can be configured so that rollers for assisting the transport of the medium can be properly attached to the mounting table.

[0009] 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 and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting table 103. FIG. [Figure 3] 10(A) and 10(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the auxiliary roller 107 and the like. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an auxiliary roller 107 and the like. FIG. [Figure 5] 10A, 10B, and 10C are schematic diagrams for explaining the auxiliary roller 107 and the like. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the auxiliary roller 107 and the like. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the auxiliary roller 107 and the like. [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] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another holding unit 203. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another auxiliary roller 307. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another auxiliary roller 407. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining other auxiliary rollers 507 and the like. [Figure 16] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining other auxiliary rollers 507 and the like. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 750. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A medium conveying device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys and captures an image of a medium, which is an original document. The medium may be paper, thin paper, thick paper, card, copy paper, or an envelope. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. Note that the conveyed medium may not be an original document but may be a print target or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer or the like. In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium conveying direction, and 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.

[0013] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading table 103, an ejection table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0014] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the medium conveying device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium becomes jammed or when cleaning the inside of the medium conveying device 100, for example.

[0015] The mounting table 103 engages with the lower housing 101 so as to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction. However, the mounting table 103 may also be disposed approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. The mounting table 103 is formed of a resin material such as PS (polystyrene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Because PS or ABS is inexpensive, the medium conveying device 100 can reduce device costs by using PS or ABS as the mounting table 103. The mounting table 103 has a mounting surface 103a on which a medium is placed, and the medium to be fed and conveyed is placed thereon. In FIG. 1, arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 103a.

[0016] The ejection platform 104 engages with the upper housing 102 and places the ejected media thereon. The ejection platform 104 may also engage with the lower housing 101.

[0017] The operation device 105 has input devices such as buttons and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input devices, accepts input operations by a user, and outputs operation signals in response to the user's input operations. The display device 106 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0018] 2(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting table 103. Fig. 2(A) is a perspective view of the mounting table 103 in a state where it is removed from the lower housing 101, and Fig. 2(B) is an enlarged view of an area R1 in Fig. 2(A).

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2(A), auxiliary rollers 107 are provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103. The auxiliary rollers 107 are rollers that rotate in the direction of transporting the medium as the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported or moves due to its own weight, thereby assisting in the transport of the medium. The auxiliary rollers 107 are made of a resin material such as POM (polyacetal), particularly a plastic material or a rubber material. POM has high lubricity, and the use of POM for the auxiliary rollers 107 can effectively assist in the transport of the medium. Although POM is relatively expensive, the auxiliary rollers 107 are sufficiently small, so using POM for the auxiliary rollers 107 does not significantly affect the cost of the device.

[0020] 2(A), two auxiliary rollers 107 are arranged side by side at a distance in the medium conveying direction A1 in the center of the width direction A2. The number of auxiliary rollers 107 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. Furthermore, each auxiliary roller 107 may be arranged at any position on the mounting surface 103a.

[0021] The auxiliary roller 107 is provided so as to protrude from the placement surface 103a in the height direction A3. The placement surface 103a has a rib 103b extending in the medium conveying direction A1 at the center in the width direction A2. The rib 103b is provided so as to protrude from the placement surface 103a. The rib 103b enables the medium conveying device 100 to stiffen the medium placed on the placement table 103, thereby preventing buckling of weak media such as thin paper and causing medium jams. The auxiliary roller 107 is located between the upstream and downstream ends of the rib 103b and is provided so as to protrude further from the rib 103b. The rib 103b and the auxiliary roller 107 enable the medium conveying device 100 to stiffen the medium and properly guide the medium into the conveying path.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2B, openings 103c are provided on the mounting surface 103a. The openings 103c are openings for arranging the auxiliary rollers 107 on the mounting surface 103a, and each opening 103c is provided at a position where each auxiliary roller 107 will be arranged. Also provided on the mounting surface 103a are holding portions 103d. The holding portions 103d are formed of a resin material such as PS or ABS, particularly a flexible material. The holding portions 103d are provided on both ends of each auxiliary roller 107 in the width direction A2 so as to hold both ends of the rotation shaft of the auxiliary roller 107, i.e., to sandwich the auxiliary roller 107. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, two sets of openings 103c and holding portions 103d corresponding to the two auxiliary rollers 107 are arranged side by side at an interval in the medium conveying direction A1 in the center of the width direction A2.

[0023] 3(A), (B), and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting surface 103a and the auxiliary roller 107. Fig. 3(A) is a schematic diagram of the mounting table 103 removed from the lower housing 101, as viewed from above, and Fig. 3(B) is an enlarged view of region R2 in Fig. 3(A). Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 3(B).

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4, the holding portion 103d has a first arm 103e and a second arm 103f. The first arm 103e and the second arm 103f each extend from the outside to the inside in the width direction A2, which is perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction, and are provided so as to stand on the front side of the mounting surface 103a. A first protrusion 103g and a second protrusion 103h are formed on the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f. The first protrusion 103g and the second protrusion 103h are examples of engagement portions and are formed so as to protrude from the inner surfaces of the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f in the width direction A2, respectively.

[0025] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4, the auxiliary roller 107 has a rotation shaft 107a at its rotation center. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the rotation shaft 107a is an opening formed so as to penetrate across the width direction A2.

[0026] 3(B) and 4, the first protrusion 103g and the second protrusion 103h engage with an opening that is the rotation shaft 107a of the auxiliary roller 107. The first protrusion 103g and the second protrusion 103h formed on the holding portion 103d engage with the rotation shaft 107a of the auxiliary roller 107, so that the holding portion 103d properly supports the auxiliary roller 107 so that it can rotate.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, both sides of the surface of the auxiliary roller 107 in the width direction A2 are C-cut. Alternatively, both sides of the surface of the auxiliary roller 107 in the width direction A2 may be R-cut. The auxiliary roller 107 is configured so that the diameter H1 of the surface of the auxiliary roller 107 at the end 107b in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction is smaller than the diameter H2 of the surface of the auxiliary roller 107 at the center 107c in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. This reduces the area of ​​contact between the side surfaces 107d of the auxiliary roller 107 on both sides in the width direction A2 and either the first arm 103e or the second arm 103f. This reduces noise generated by friction between the side surfaces 107d of the auxiliary roller 107 and the first arm 103e or the second arm 103f, enabling the medium conveying device 100 to convey the medium quietly.

[0028] 5(A), (B), and (C) are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting surface 103a and the auxiliary roller 107. Fig. 5(A) is a schematic diagram of the mounting table 103 from above with the auxiliary roller 107 removed, and Fig. 5(B) is an enlarged view of region R3 in Fig. 5(A). Fig. 5(C) is a perspective view showing the auxiliary roller 107 removed from the mounting table 103.

[0029] 5(A), (B), and (C), the auxiliary roller 107 is detachably provided on the placement surface 103a. This makes it possible to replace the auxiliary roller 107, which is prone to wear, in the medium conveying device 100, thereby extending the device's lifespan.

[0030] 6(A), 6(B) and 7(A), 7(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the mounting table 103 and the auxiliary roller 107. FIG.

[0031] Fig. 6(A) is a schematic diagram of the mounting table 103 viewed from the downstream side with the auxiliary roller 107 removed. As shown in Fig. 6(A), when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached to the mounting table 103, it is disposed inside the mounting table 103, i.e., on the back side of the mounting surface 103a, in a position facing the opening 103c.

[0032] 6(B) is a schematic diagram of the mounting table 103 viewed from the downstream side immediately before the auxiliary roller 107 is attached. As shown in FIG. 6(B), when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached to the mounting table 103, the auxiliary roller 107 is pushed into the opening 103c from the inside to the outside of the mounting table 103, i.e., from the back side to the front side of the mounting surface 103a, by an operator assembling the medium conveying device 100. As described above, the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f (holding portion 103d) are each formed of a flexible member, extend from the outside to the inside in the width direction A2, and are provided so as to stand on the front side of the mounting surface 103a. That is, the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f are provided to be swingable (rotatable) about the swing axes C1 and C2 located at their bases.

[0033] When the first protrusion 103g of the first arm 103e is pressed upward by the auxiliary roller 107, it swings toward the upper left around the swing axis C1. Similarly, when the second protrusion 103h of the second arm 103f is pressed upward by the auxiliary roller 107, it swings toward the upper right around the swing axis C2. As a result, the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f bend outward in the width direction A2, and the distance between the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f increases, so that the auxiliary roller 107 can be easily attached between the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f.

[0034] The lower surfaces of the first protrusion 103g and / or the second protrusion 103h, i.e., the surfaces that come into contact with the auxiliary roller 107 when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached, are inclined with respect to the width direction A2 and the height direction A3. Similarly, the surfaces of the auxiliary roller 107 that come into contact with the first protrusion 103g and / or the second protrusion 103h when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached may also be inclined with respect to the width direction A2 and the height direction A3. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to smoothly bend the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f outward in the width direction A2 when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached without damaging the auxiliary roller 107, the first protrusion 103g, or the second protrusion 103h.

[0035] In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 6(B), both the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f are bent by the auxiliary roller 107, but only one of the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f may be configured to be bent, and the other may be fixed.

[0036] 7(A) is a schematic diagram of the mounting table 103 with the auxiliary roller 107 attached, viewed from the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 7(A), when the auxiliary roller 107 is further pushed from the back side of the mounting surface 103a toward the front side from the state shown in FIG. 6(B), the first protrusion 103g of the first arm 103e and the second protrusion 103h of the second arm 103f engage with the rotation shaft 107a of the auxiliary roller 107. As a result, the auxiliary roller 107 is attached to the mounting table 103.

[0037] In this way, at least one of the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f is configured to bend outward in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached. This allows the operator to properly attach the auxiliary roller 107 to the mounting table 103 of the medium conveying device 100.

[0038] 7(B) is a schematic diagram of the mounting table 103 viewed from the downstream side, with the attached auxiliary roller 107 being pressed from the front side to the back side of the mounting surface 103a. As shown in FIG. 7(B), when a medium M is placed on the mounting table 103, the auxiliary roller 107 is pressed from the outside to the inside of the mounting table 103, that is, from the front side to the back side of the mounting surface 103a, by the medium M placed on the mounting table 103. The auxiliary roller 107 pressed from the front side to the back side of the mounting surface 103a presses the first protrusion 103g of the first arm 103e and the second protrusion 103h of the second arm 103f downward.

[0039] When the first protrusion 103g of the first arm 103e is pressed downward by the auxiliary roller 107, it swings downward and to the right about the swing axis C1. Similarly, when the second protrusion 103h of the second arm 103f is pressed downward by the auxiliary roller 107, it swings downward and to the left about the swing axis C2. As a result, the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f bend inward in the width direction A2, and the distance between the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f becomes smaller, which prevents the auxiliary roller 107 from being removed from the holder 103d.

[0040] The upper surfaces of the first protrusions 103g and / or the second protrusions 103h, i.e., the surfaces supporting the attached auxiliary rollers 107, are inclined with respect to the width direction A2 and the height direction A3, similar to the lower surfaces. However, the inclination of the upper surfaces of the first protrusions 103g and / or the second protrusions 103h with respect to the width direction A2 is smaller than the inclination of the lower surfaces with respect to the width direction A2. The upper surfaces of the first protrusions 103g and / or the second protrusions 103h may be formed to extend in the width direction A2.

[0041] Meanwhile, in the auxiliary roller 107, the surface within the rotating shaft 107a that is supported by the first protrusion 103g and / or the second protrusion 103h when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached to the mounting table 103 extends in the width direction A2. Note that in the auxiliary roller 107, the surface within the rotating shaft 107a that is supported by the first protrusion 103g and / or the second protrusion 103h when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached to the mounting table 103 may be inclined with respect to the width direction A2 and the height direction A3. In this case, the inclination of the surface with respect to the width direction A2 is set smaller than the inclination with respect to the width direction A2 of the surface that comes into contact with the first protrusion 103g and / or the second protrusion 103h when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached. As a result, the mounting base 103 can provide good support for the attached auxiliary roller 107, and the worker can remove the auxiliary roller 107 from the mounting base 103 by strongly pushing the auxiliary roller 107 from the front side to the back side of the mounting surface 103a.

[0042] In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 7(B), both the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f are bent by the auxiliary roller 107, but only one of the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f may be configured to be bent, and the other may be fixed.

[0043] In this way, at least one of the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f is configured to bend inward in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction when the auxiliary roller 107 is pressed from the front side to the back side of the loading surface 103a.

[0044] As a result, even when a user presses the auxiliary roller 107 toward the back side of the loading surface 103a, the loading table 103 can properly support both ends of the auxiliary roller 107 in the width direction A2, preventing the auxiliary roller 107 from being accidentally removed by the user. In particular, even when a large amount of media M is loaded, the loading table 103 can properly support both ends of the auxiliary roller 107 in the width direction A2, allowing the medium conveying device 100 to properly convey the media M. Furthermore, because a user cannot easily press the auxiliary roller 107 from the back side of the loading surface 103a, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the auxiliary roller 107 from being accidentally removed by the user. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the auxiliary roller 107 from being removed by a user performing operations such as setting media, cleaning the auxiliary roller 107, or pressing the auxiliary roller 107.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0046] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, an imaging device 116, a first discharge roller 117, and a second discharge roller 118.

[0047] The number of each of the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge 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 conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 are arranged at intervals in the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction A1.

[0048] The upper surface of lower housing 101 forms lower guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the lower surface of upper housing 102 forms upper guide 102a of the medium transport path. In Fig. 2, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction.

[0049] 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 an optical detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

[0050] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103, starting from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, is disposed opposite the feed roller 112, and rotates in the opposite direction to the media feeding direction.

[0051] The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are disposed downstream of the feeding roller 112 and facing each other, and convey the medium fed by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device .

[0052] The imaging device 116 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance rollers 114 and captures an image of the medium conveyed by the first conveyance rollers 114. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b disposed opposite each other across the medium conveyance path. The first imaging device 116a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements 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 conveyed medium under control of a processing circuit (described later), generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0053] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b has a CIS line sensor with a life-size optical system having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged 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 control of a processing circuit (described later) to generate and output an input image.

[0054] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first and second imaging devices 116a and 116b, and may read only one side of the medium. Instead of a CIS line sensor with an equal-magnification optical system and a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor with an equal-magnification optical system and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Alternatively, a reduction optical system line sensor with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0055] The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are arranged downstream of the imaging device 116, facing each other, and discharge the medium that has been transported by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 and imaged by the imaging device 116 onto the discharge tray 104.

[0056] The media placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the media transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of arrow A4 in FIG. 2, i.e., the media feed direction. When feeding the media, the separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A5, i.e., the opposite direction to the media feed direction. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that are in contact with the feed roller 112. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0057] The medium is guided by lower guide 101a and upper guide 102a and fed between first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115. The medium is fed between first imaging device 116a and second imaging device 116b as first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7, respectively. The medium read by imaging device 116 is discharged onto discharge tray 104 as first discharge roller 117 and second discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0059] In addition to the above-described components, 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.

[0060] The motor 131 has one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and second discharge roller 118 to convey the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. Note that one of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller. Also, one of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller.

[0061] 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 personal digital assistant, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Alternatively, 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 via 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 via a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0062] The storage device 140 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or 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 into 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 CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or the like.

[0063] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 150 may be a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0064] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display 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 the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111, the processing circuit 150 controls the driving of the motor 131, controls the imaging 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.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0066] 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 running on a processor. The processing circuitry 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates in accordance with the read program. As a result, the processing circuitry 150 functions as a control unit 151 and an image acquisition unit 152.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0068] 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. 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.

[0069] First, the control unit 151 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or the information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0070] 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.

[0071] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 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 (step S103). The control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to rotate each roller and convey the medium.

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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 and S105.

[0074] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 stops the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 (step S106). The control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop each roller, and the series of steps ends.

[0075] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 100 has the holding portion 103d that clamps the auxiliary roller 107 protruding toward the mounting surface 103a side of the mounting table 103. As a result, when the auxiliary roller 107 is pressed from the front side of the mounting surface 103a, the holding portion 103d bends inward, making it difficult for the roller to come off. Furthermore, when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached from the back side of the mounting surface 103a, the holding portion 103d bends outward, making it easier to attach the roller. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 makes it possible to properly attach the auxiliary roller 107, which assists in conveying the medium, to the mounting table 103.

[0076] Furthermore, the auxiliary rollers 107 enable the medium conveying device 100 to smoothly guide the medium placed on the mounting table 103 to the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby enabling the medium to be conveyed smoothly. In particular, the auxiliary rollers 107 enable the medium conveying device 100 to reduce friction (resistance) between the medium placed on the mounting table 103 and the mounting surface 103a. Therefore, even if the leading edge of the medium placed on top of the medium to be conveyed on the mounting table 103 is located downstream of the leading edge of the medium to be conveyed, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium placed on top of the medium to be conveyed from being conveyed ahead of the medium to be conveyed.

[0077] Furthermore, the auxiliary roller 107 has a simple structure without any special structure that makes it easy to attach and difficult to remove. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can satisfactorily attach the auxiliary roller 107 to the mounting table 103 while suppressing an increase in device costs.

[0078] 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a holding unit 203 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0079] In the medium conveying device of this embodiment, the auxiliary roller 107 is not provided directly on the mounting table 103, but is provided on a holding unit 203 that is detachably attached to the mounting table 103. Like the holding portion 103d, the holding unit 203 is formed of a resin material such as PS or ABS, particularly a flexible material. The holding unit 203 may also be formed of a highly lubricating resin material such as POM. This reduces noise caused by friction between the auxiliary roller 107 and the holding unit 203, allowing for quiet conveyance of the medium. In this case, there is no need to apply a lubricant such as grease to the holding unit 203, and the holding unit 203 can also prevent dirt from adhering to the conveyed medium. While POM is relatively expensive, the holding unit 203 is sufficiently small, so using POM for the holding unit 203 has little impact on the device cost.

[0080] The holding unit 203 has a mounting surface 203a. The mounting surface 203a is provided so as to be flush with the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103. An opening 203c similar to the opening 103c is provided in the mounting surface 203a. In addition, holding portions 203d similar to the holding portion 103d are provided on the mounting surface 203a. The holding portions 203d are provided on both ends of the auxiliary roller 107 in the width direction A2 so as to hold both ends of the rotation shaft of the auxiliary roller 107.

[0081] The holding portion 203d has a first arm 203e and a second arm 203f similar to the first arm 103e and the second arm 103f. The first arm 203e and the second arm 203f are each formed of a flexible member, extend from the outside to the inside in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction, and are provided so as to stand on the front side of the mounting surface 103a. The first arm 203e and the second arm 203f have a first protrusion and a second protrusion similar to the first protrusion 103g and the second protrusion 103h. The first protrusion and the second protrusion engage with an opening that is the rotation axis 107a of the auxiliary roller 107.

[0082] At least one of the first arm 203e and the second arm 203f is provided so as to bend outward in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction when the auxiliary roller 107 is attached from the back side of the mounting surface 203a through the opening 203c. Furthermore, at least one of the first arm 203e and the second arm 203f is provided so as to bend inward in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction when the auxiliary roller 107 is pressed from the front side to the back side of the mounting surface 203a.

[0083] The holding unit 203 also has a holding unit engaging portion 203i. The holding unit engaging portion 203i is provided so as to be engageable with an engaged portion (not shown) provided on the mounting base 103. The holding unit 203 is attached to the mounting base 103 by engaging the holding unit engaging portion 203i with the engaged portion provided on the mounting base 103. On the other hand, the holding unit 203 is removed from the mounting base 103 by removing the holding unit engaging portion 203i from the engaged portion provided on the mounting base 103. That is, the holding portion 203d is detachably provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting base 103. In the case where the holding portion 203d is damaged, the medium conveying device can maintain the conveyance auxiliary function of the auxiliary roller 107 by replacing only the inexpensive holding unit 203. Therefore, the medium conveying device can reduce the device maintenance costs.

[0084] As described above in detail, even when the holding portion 203d is detachably provided on the loading surface 103a, the medium transport device can properly attach the auxiliary roller 107 for assisting in transporting the medium to the loading table 103, and can properly transport the medium placed on the loading table 103.

[0085] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining an auxiliary roller 307 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment.

[0086] The medium conveying device of this embodiment has an auxiliary roller 307 instead of the auxiliary roller 107. The auxiliary roller 307 has the same configuration and function as the auxiliary roller 107. The auxiliary roller 307 has a rotation shaft 307a similar to the rotation shaft 107a. However, both sides of the surface of the auxiliary roller 307 in the width direction A2 are formed in a stepped shape, with steps. The auxiliary roller 307 is arranged so that the diameter H1 of the surface of the auxiliary roller 307 at the end 307b in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction is smaller than the diameter H2 of the surface of the auxiliary roller 307 at the center 307c in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. As a result, when the side surfaces 307d on both sides of the auxiliary roller 307 in the width direction A2 come into contact with either the first arm portion 103e or the second arm portion 103f, the contact area is smaller. Therefore, the medium conveying device is able to suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by friction between the side surface 307d of the auxiliary roller 307 and the first arm portion 103e or the second arm portion 103f, and is able to convey the medium quietly.

[0087] The auxiliary roller 307 may be provided on the holding unit 203 in the same manner as the auxiliary roller 107 .

[0088] As described above in detail, the media conveying device is capable of properly attaching the auxiliary roller 307 for assisting in the transport of the media to the mounting table 103, even when both sides of the auxiliary roller 307 are formed in a stepped shape, and of properly transporting the media placed on the mounting table 103.

[0089] 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining an auxiliary roller 407 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment.

[0090] The medium conveying device in this embodiment has an auxiliary roller 407 instead of the auxiliary roller 107. The auxiliary roller 407 has the same configuration and function as the auxiliary roller 107. However, the auxiliary roller 407 has a rotation shaft 407a instead of the rotation shaft 107a. The rotation shaft 407a is a recess formed on both ends in the width direction A2 so as not to penetrate in the width direction A2. The first protrusion 103g of the first arm portion 103e and the second protrusion 103h of the second arm portion 103f engage with the recess that is the rotation shaft 407a of the auxiliary roller 407. The first protrusion 103g and the second protrusion 103h formed on the holder 103d engage with the rotation shaft 407a of the auxiliary roller 407, so that the holder 103d properly supports the auxiliary roller 407 for rotation.

[0091] The auxiliary roller 407 may be provided on the holding unit 203, similar to the auxiliary roller 107. The both sides of the surface of the auxiliary roller 407 in the width direction A2 may be formed in a stepped shape, similar to the both sides of the surface of the auxiliary roller 307 in the width direction A2.

[0092] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device is capable of properly attaching the auxiliary roller 407 for assisting in conveying the medium to the mounting table 103, even when the rotation axis 407a of the auxiliary roller 407 is recessed, and of properly conveying the medium placed on the mounting table 103.

[0093] 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining a mounting table 503 and an auxiliary roller 507 in a medium transport device according to still another embodiment.

[0094] The medium conveying device of this embodiment has a mounting table 503 instead of the mounting table 103, and an auxiliary roller 507 instead of the auxiliary roller 107. The mounting table 503 has the same configuration and function as the mounting table 103, and the auxiliary roller 507 has the same configuration and function as the auxiliary roller 107. The mounting table 503 has a mounting surface 503a on which a medium is placed, and the medium to be fed and conveyed is placed. An opening 503c is provided in the mounting surface 503a. In addition, a holding portion 503d is provided on the mounting surface 503a. The holding portion 503d has a first arm 503e and a second arm 503f. The first arm 503e and the second arm 503f have a first opening 503g and a second opening 503h. The first opening 503g and the second opening 503h are formed so as to penetrate the first arm portion 503e and the second arm portion 503f, respectively, in the width direction A2.

[0095] On the other hand, the auxiliary roller 507 has a rotation shaft 507a at its rotation center. The rotation shaft 507a is an example of an engagement portion, and has protrusions formed to protrude from both ends of the auxiliary roller 507 in the width direction A2. The rotation shaft 507a engages with a first opening 503g and a second opening 503h provided in the holding portion 503d. The first opening 503g and the second opening 503h provided in the holding portion 503d engage with the rotation shaft 507a, which is a protrusion formed on the auxiliary roller 507, so that the holding portion 503d properly supports the auxiliary roller 507 so that it can rotate.

[0096] Generally, when auxiliary roller 507 rotates, the protrusions are more likely to wear down due to wear than the openings or recesses. In the medium conveying device of this embodiment, auxiliary roller 507 has protrusions, so that when the protrusions wear down, auxiliary roller 507, which is cheaper than mounting table 103, can be replaced, thereby maintaining the conveyance assist function of auxiliary roller 507. Therefore, the medium conveying device can reduce the device maintenance costs.

[0097] The auxiliary roller 507 may be provided on the holding unit 203, similar to the auxiliary roller 107. The both sides of the surface of the auxiliary roller 507 in the width direction A2 may be formed in a stepped shape, similar to the both sides of the surface of the auxiliary roller 507 in the width direction A2.

[0098] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device of this embodiment, the holding portion 503d has the first opening 503g and the second opening 503h, and the auxiliary roller 507 has a protrusion as the rotation axis 507a. Even in this case, the medium conveying device can properly attach the auxiliary roller 507, which assists in conveying the medium, to the mounting table 503, and can properly convey the medium placed on the mounting table 503.

[0099] 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a mounting table 603 and an auxiliary roller 507 in a medium transport device according to yet another embodiment.

[0100] The medium conveying device in this embodiment has a mounting table 603 instead of the mounting table 503. The mounting table 603 has the same configuration and function as the mounting table 503. The mounting table 603 has a mounting surface 603a on which a medium is placed, and the medium to be fed and conveyed is placed. An opening 603c is provided in the mounting surface 603a. A holding portion 603d is also provided on the mounting surface 603a. The holding portion 603d has a first arm portion 603e and a second arm portion 603f. The first arm portion 603e and the second arm portion 603f have a first recess 603g and a second recess 603h. The first recess 603g and the second recess 603h are formed inside the first arm portion 603e and the second arm portion 603f, respectively, so as not to penetrate the first arm portion 603e and the second arm portion 603f in the width direction A2.

[0101] The rotation shaft 507a of the auxiliary roller 507 engages with a first recess 603g and a second recess 603h provided in the holding portion 603d. The first recess 603g and the second recess 603h provided in the holding portion 603d engage with the rotation shaft 507a, which is a protrusion formed on the auxiliary roller 507, so that the holding portion 603d properly supports the auxiliary roller 507 so that it can rotate.

[0102] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device of this embodiment, the holding portion 603d has the first recess 603g and the second recess 603h, and the auxiliary roller 507 has a protrusion as the rotation axis 507a. Even in this case, the medium conveying device can properly attach the auxiliary roller 507, which assists in conveying the medium, to the mounting table 603, and can properly convey the medium placed on the mounting table 603.

[0103] 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 includes a control circuit 751 and an image acquisition circuit 752. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0104] 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 operation device 105 or the interface device 132, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111. The control circuit 751 controls the motor 131 based on the received information.

[0105] The image acquisition circuit 752 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 152. The image acquisition circuit 752 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0106] As described above in detail, even when using the processing circuit 750, the media conveying device is able to properly attach auxiliary rollers to the mounting table to assist in conveying the media, and to properly convey the media placed on the mounting table. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100 Media transport device 103, 503, 603 Mounting table 103a, 203a, 503a, 603a Placement surface 103c, 203c, 503c, 603c opening 103d, 203d, 503d, 603d Holding part 103e, 203e, 503e, 603e 1st arm 103f, 203f, 503f, 603f 2nd arm 103g 1st protrusion 103h 2nd protrusion 107, 307, 407, 507 Auxiliary rollers 107a, 407a, 507a Rotating shaft 503g First opening 503h 2nd opening

Claims

1. a storage section for storing a medium; a feeding roller that feeds the medium contained in the container; an auxiliary roller that faces the medium accommodated in the accommodation unit and rotates following the medium when the medium is fed by the feeding roller to assist in the transport of the medium; a holding unit that holds both ends of the rotation shaft of the auxiliary roller, the holding unit has a first arm and a second arm, at least one of the first arm portion and the second arm portion is provided so as to be pressed by the auxiliary roller and bend when the auxiliary roller is attached to the holding unit; the holding unit can be attached to the accommodation portion by attachment portions provided at two locations on the left and right of the auxiliary roller when viewed from the medium transport direction; A medium transport device characterized by:

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the surface of the auxiliary roller at the end in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction is smaller than the diameter of the surface of the auxiliary roller at the center in the direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

3. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the auxiliary roller is attached to the holding unit by being pushed upward from below while the holding unit is attached to the accommodating section.

4. the holding unit has an opening or a recess; 4. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft of the auxiliary roller engages with the opening or the recess.

5. The holding unit is formed with an engagement portion that engages with the auxiliary roller, 4. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion has an inclined surface that is inclined relative to a mounting surface of the accommodation portion.

Images