Media transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium conveyance device capable of preventing the medium conveyance device from being used while a cover of a roller is open.SOLUTION: A medium conveyance device includes: a housing; a placement table provided so as to move between a fixed position where it is fixed to the housing in a detachable manner for placing a medium thereon, and an inclined position which is inclined with respect to the fixed position so as to be mounted on the housing; a roller for separating the medium; and a cover provided so as to oscillate between a closed position for covering the roller and for forming part of a guide surface of the medium, and an open position for attaching / detaching the roller in an openable / closable manner with respect to the housing. The placement table has a contact part which comes into contact with the cover and pushes the cover into the closed position, in the case of being arranged at the inclined position in a state where the cover is arranged in the open position, or when moving from the inclined position to the fixed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media transport device, and more particularly to a media transport device having a mounting table. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, in media transport devices such as scanners that capture images while transporting media, roller covers are provided that can be opened and closed so that the rollers can be replaced, cleaned, or the jammed media can be removed when the rollers wear out, paper dust adheres to the rollers, the media becomes jammed, etc. In such media transport devices, if the roller covers are not closed properly after the user replaces the rollers, cleans the rollers, or removes the jammed media, the media may not be transported properly, and the media may become jammed or skewed.

[0003] A paper transport device is disclosed that includes an exterior cover that is attached to the device body in a state where it covers a transport guide member and is pivotally supported on the device body so as to be able to open and close, and a locking member that locks the transport guide member in a closed position (see Patent Document 1). This paper transport device includes a pressing member that protrudes between the exterior cover and the transport guide member and presses the transport guide member when the exterior cover moves to the closed position, thereby moving the transport guide member to the closed position.

[0004] A medium feeding device has been disclosed that includes a cover member that has a cover surface that forms part of the upper surface of a lower unit and covers a holding portion of the feed roller while exposing part of the feed roller to the conveyance path (see Patent Document 2). In this medium feeding device, the cover member is configured to be removable in a direction that includes a component toward the upstream side of the conveyance direction relative to the lower unit, and a sliding portion provided at the downstream end of the cover member is guided by the sliding surface to be attached and detached. The sliding portion is guided in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction and is determined by the sliding surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4012857 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6756970 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the media transport device, rollers A housing section for housing The cover of When the mounting table is attached to the housing in the open state, the cover is pushed in the closing direction. This is what is required.

[0007] The purpose of the media transport device is to A housing section for housing The cover of When the mounting table is attached to the housing in the open state, the cover is pushed in the closing direction. The reason is that.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the medium transport device includes a housing and a removable storage medium. Na The mounting table and ,B The controller can be opened and closed relative to the housing. In the closed state, the housing covers the housing that houses the roller and forms part of the guide surface for the medium. A cover and ,mosquito The bar Opened In state The mounting table is attached to the housing In that case, The contact part of the mounting table or the contact part of the side guide It comes into contact with the cover and closes the cover. Push in the closing direction .

[0009] According to this embodiment, the medium transport device includes a roller A housing section for housing The cover of When the mounting table is attached to the housing in the open state, the cover is pushed in the closing direction. This makes it possible to do so.

[0010] The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Figure 3]10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting table 103. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a lower housing 101 and an upper housing 102. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 103c and an engaged portion 101c. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an engaging portion 103c and an engaged portion 101c. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a feed roller cover 121. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the feed roller cover 121. FIG. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the feed roller cover 121. FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the feed roller cover 121. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a separation roller 113. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the separation roller cover 122. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a separation roller cover 122. FIG. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a separation roller cover 122. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the separation roller cover 122. FIG. [Figure 16] 10(A) and 10(B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the separation roller frame 123. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a separation roller frame 123. FIG. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the separation roller 113. FIG. [Figure 19]1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining another side guide 204. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another shaft 313a. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another shaft 413a. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 550. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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 accompanying 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.

[0013] 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, booklet, envelope, or the like. 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, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer, or the like. In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium conveying direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction A1 and the width direction A2. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium conveying direction A1, and "downstream" refers to the downstream side of the medium conveying direction A1.

[0014] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading table 103, side guides 104, a discharge table 105, an operation device 106, a display device 107, and the like.

[0015] The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 are examples of housings. The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 are formed of a resin material such as PS (polystyrene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). 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 the medium becomes jammed, when replacing or cleaning the rollers, etc.

[0016] 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 be disposed approximately parallel to the horizontal direction. The mounting table 103 is formed of a resin material such as PS or ABS. The mounting table 103 has a medium mounting surface 103a, on which a medium to be fed and transported is placed. The mounting table 103 is detachably provided on the lower housing 101.

[0017] The side guide 104 is provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 so as to be movable in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The side guide 104 is positioned to match the width of the medium placed on the mounting table 103 and regulates the width direction of the medium. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two side guides 104 are arranged side by side with a gap in between in the width direction A2. The number of side guides 104 may be one. The side guide 104 is an example of an abutment portion.

[0018] The ejection platform 105 engages with the upper housing 102 and places the ejected media thereon. The ejection platform 105 may also engage with the lower housing 101.

[0019] The operation device 106 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, accepts input operations by a user, and outputs operation signals in response to the user's input operations. The display device 107 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0023] The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide surface 101a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide surface 102a of the medium transport path. The lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 102a are examples of medium guide surfaces.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 are examples of rollers for separating media. 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, arranged opposite the feed roller 112, and rotates in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction to separate the media. Note that the feed roller 112 may be provided in the upper housing 102, and the separation roller 113 may be provided in the lower housing 101.

[0026] 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 .

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 transported by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 and imaged by the imaging device 116 onto the discharge tray 105.

[0031] The media placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide surface 101a and the upper guide surface 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).

[0032] The medium is guided by lower guide surface 101a and upper guide surface 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 105 as first discharge roller 117 and second discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.

[0033] 3(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the mounting table 103. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the mounting table 103 removed from the lower housing 101 as seen from above, and Fig. 3(B) is a side view of the mounting table 103 removed from the lower housing 101 as seen from the side.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the mounting base 103 has an engaging portion 103c on its downstream side surface 103b facing the lower housing 101, which is engageable with an engaged portion (described later) provided on the lower housing 101. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, two engaging portions 103c are arranged side by side with a gap in between in the width direction A2. The number of engaging portions 103c may be one or may be three or more. The mounting base 103 also has a recess 103d on its downstream side surface 103b facing the lower housing 101. The recess 103d is an example of an abutment portion. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the recess 103d is provided between the two engaging portions 103c, i.e., in the center, in the width direction A2.

[0035] The side guide 104 is provided so as to protrude downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from the mounting table 103. By having the side guide 104 protrude downstream, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium from tilting during conveyance, thereby preventing the medium from becoming skewed. The upper surface 104a of the side guide 104 is inclined downstream so that the lower end is positioned lower, i.e., closer to the mounting surface 103a.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 when viewed from above in an open state with the mounting base 103 removed.

[0037] 4, the lower housing 101 has, on its upstream side surface 101b facing the mounting base 103, engaged portions 101c that can engage with engaging portions 103c provided on the mounting base 103. The number of engaged portions 101c is the same as the number of engaging portions, and in the example shown in FIG. 4, two engaged portions 101c that engage with two engaging portions 103c are arranged side by side with an interval in the width direction A2.

[0038] A feed roller cover 121 is provided on the lower housing 101. The feed roller cover 121 is a cover for covering the top of the feed roller 112, and is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the lower housing 101. As shown in FIG. 4, the feed roller cover 121 is provided so as to be swingable between a closed position in which it is engaged with the lower housing 101 and closed relative to the lower housing 101, and an open position in which it is not engaged with the lower housing 101 and is open relative to the lower housing 101. In the closed position, the feed roller cover 121 covers the feed roller 112 and forms part of the lower guide surface 101a. In the open position, the feed roller cover 121 allows the feed roller 112 to be attached and detached.

[0039] A separation roller cover 122 is provided on the upper housing 102. The separation roller cover 122 is a cover for covering the bottom of the separation roller 113, and is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the upper housing 102. As shown in FIG. 4, the separation roller cover 122 is provided so as to be swingable between a closed position in which it is engaged with the upper housing 102 and closed relative to the upper housing 102, and an open position in which it is not engaged with the upper housing 102 and is open relative to the upper housing 102. In the closed position, the separation roller cover 122 covers the separation roller 113 and forms part of the upper guide surface 102a. On the other hand, in the open position, the separation roller cover 122 allows the separation roller 113 to be attached and detached.

[0040] 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams for explaining the relationship between the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c, and are cross-sectional views of the periphery of the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c as viewed from the side.

[0041] 5 shows a state in which the feed roller cover 121 and the separation roller cover 122 are both placed in the closed position, and the mounting table 103 is attached and fixed to the lower housing 101. Hereinafter, the position in which the mounting table 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101 and on which the medium is placed, as shown in FIG. 5, may be referred to as the fixed position.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, a locking portion 121a is provided on the side of the feed roller cover 121. Meanwhile, a locked portion 101d is provided on the lower housing 101 at a position facing the locking portion 121a of the feed roller cover 121 arranged in the closed position. The locking portion 121a has a protrusion, and the locked portion 101d has a recess. Alternatively, the locked portion 101d may have a protrusion, and the locking portion 121a may have a recess. By fitting the locking portion 121a into the locking portion 101d, the feed roller cover 121 is locked to the lower housing 101 and fixed in the closed position.

[0043] Furthermore, a locking portion 122a is provided on the side of the separation roller cover 122. Meanwhile, a locked portion 102b is provided on the upper housing 102 at a position facing the locking portion 122a of the separation roller cover 122 arranged in the closed position. The locking portion 122a has a protrusion, and the locked portion 102b has a recess. Alternatively, the locked portion 102b may have a protrusion, and the locking portion 122a may have a recess. By fitting the locking portion 122a into the locking portion 102b, the separation roller cover 122 is locked to the upper housing 102 and fixed in the closed position.

[0044] The engaged portion 101c provided on the lower housing 101 has an entrance formed to open upward and upstream. On the other hand, the engaging portion 103c provided on the mounting table 103 is provided to protrude downward and downstream. The engaging portion 103c is inserted into the engaged portion 101c from the entrance and fitted into the engaged portion 101c, whereby the mounting table 103 is supported and fixed to the lower housing 101.

[0045] The mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 is disposed so as to form a first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a of the lower housing 101 when the mounting table 103 is disposed in a fixed position and fixed to the lower housing 101. That is, the first angle θ1 is the angle formed between the lower guide surface 101a and the mounting surface 103a when the mounting table 103 is disposed in a fixed position. The first angle θ1 is, for example, 180°. That is, the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a are disposed so as to be flush with each other when the mounting table 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to smoothly convey the medium along the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a, thereby improving the medium conveyance performance.

[0046] The first angle θ1 is not limited to 180°, but is set to an angle within a range in which the medium can be transported (for example, a range of 150° to 180°).

[0047] In a thickness direction A11 perpendicular to the extension direction of the engaging portion 103c when the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the first angle θ1, the size H1 of the entrance into the engaged portion 101c is smaller than the thickness T of the engaging portion 103c. Therefore, the engaging portion 103c gets caught in the entrance into the engaged portion 101c and cannot enter the engaged portion 101c. In this way, the engaged portion 101c is configured to restrict the entrance of the engaging portion 103c when the placing surface 103a forms the first angle θ1 with the lower guide surface 101a, i.e., when the placing surface 103a has the same inclination as the fixed position, when the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the first angle θ1.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a state in which the mounting table 103 is in the process of being attached to the lower housing 101. In the state shown in FIG. 6, the mounting table 103 is tilted with respect to the fixed position. Hereinafter, the position in which the mounting table 103 is tilted with respect to the fixed position for attachment to the lower housing 101, as shown in FIG. 6, may be referred to as the tilted position. In this manner, the mounting table 103 is detachably attached to the lower housing 101 and is movable between the fixed position and the tilted position. When the mounting table 103 is arranged in the tilted position, the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a are arranged to form a second angle θ2 that is different from the first angle θ1 formed between the mounting surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a when the mounting table 103 is fixed to the lower housing 101. In other words, the second angle θ2 is the angle formed between the lower guide surface 101a and the mounting surface 103a when the mounting table 103 is arranged in the tilted position. The second angle θ2 is smaller than the first angle θ1 and is set in the range of 120° to 150°, for example.

[0049] Since the second angle θ2 is set to be smaller than the first angle θ1, when the mounting table 103 moves (swings) from the inclined position to the fixed position, the angle of the mounting surface 103a approaches horizontal, and the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 approaches the upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101. Then, when the mounting table 103 is placed in the fixed position, the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting table 103 abuts against the upstream side surface 101b of the lower housing 101, and the mounting table 103 is stably supported by the lower housing 101.

[0050] As described above, the entrance of the engaged portion 101c is formed to open upward toward the upstream side, while the engaging portion 103c is provided to protrude downward toward the downstream side. Therefore, the Euclidean distance between the ends of the entrance is sufficiently greater than the distance in the height direction A3 between the ends of the entrance. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6 , in the thickness direction A12 perpendicular to the extension direction of the engaging portion 103c when the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the second angle θ2, the size H2 of the entrance to the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 is equal to or greater than the thickness T of the engaging portion 103c. Therefore, when the placing surface 103a forms the second angle θ2 with the lower guide surface 101a, the engaging portion 103c can enter the engaged portion 101c through the entrance to the engaged portion 101c.

[0051] In this way, the engaged portion 101c is configured to allow the engaging portion 103c to enter when the mounting surface 103a forms a second angle θ2 with the lower guide surface 101a that is different from the first angle θ1, i.e., when the mounting base 103 is positioned in an inclined position, when the mounting surface 103a is attached to the lower housing 101.

[0052] That is, the entrance opening to the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 has a shape that allows the engaging portion 103c to enter when the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form the second angle θ2. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, the entrance opening to the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 has a shape that prevents the engaging portion 103c from entering when the placing surface 103a and the lower guide surface 101a form an angle (including the first angle θ1) outside a predetermined range with respect to the second angle θ2. This makes it possible for the medium conveying device 100 to allow or restrict the engaging portion 103c from entering the engaged portion 101c with a simple structure, and makes it possible to set the placing table 103 properly while suppressing an increase in the number of steps required for designing and manufacturing the medium conveying device 100.

[0053] 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the feed roller cover 121. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the feed roller cover 121 removed from the lower housing 101, as viewed from above.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the feed roller cover 121 has a shaft 121b, an opening 121c, and a protrusion 121d in addition to a locking portion 121a.

[0055] The shaft 121b is provided at the downstream end of the feed roller cover 121 in the medium transport direction A1, and is rotatably (swingably) attached to the lower housing 101. That is, the feed roller cover 121 is provided to be swingable relative to the lower housing 101 around the shaft 121b provided at the downstream end in the medium transport direction A1.

[0056] The opening 121c is provided in the center of the feed roller cover 121 in the width direction A2, and the feed roller 112 is disposed inside the opening 121c.

[0057] The protrusion 121d is provided at the upstream end of the feed roller cover 121 so as to protrude toward the upstream side.

[0058] 8(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining feed roller cover 121 attached to lower housing 101. FIGS. 8(A) and (B) are perspective views of the periphery of feed roller cover 121 attached to lower housing 101, viewed from above. FIG. 8(A) shows feed roller cover 121 in an open state, and FIG. 8(B) shows feed roller cover 121 in a closed state. In FIGS. 8(A) and (B), the feed roller 112 is not shown to improve visibility.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 8(A), shaft portion 121b is attached to lower housing 101, thereby attaching feed roller cover 121 to lower housing 101. In the state shown in Fig. 8(A), locking portion 121a is not engaged with locked portion 101d, and feed roller cover 121 is floating relative to lower housing 101. Thus, the open position includes not only a position in which the upstream portion of feed roller cover 121 is not in contact with lower housing 101, but also a position in a so-called semi-locked state in which the upstream portion of feed roller cover 121 is in contact with lower housing 101 but is not locked.

[0060] When the user presses down the feed roller cover 121 from the state shown in FIG. 8(A), the locking portion 121a engages with the locked portion 101d, and the feed roller cover 121 is locked to the lower housing 101, as shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0061] 9(A), (B) and 10(A), (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the feed roller cover 121 when the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101 with the feed roller cover 121 in the open position. FIG. 9(A) is a schematic diagram showing the mounting table 103 attached to the lower housing 101 with the feed roller cover 121 in the open position, viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 9(B) is a schematic diagram showing the cross section taken along line A-A' in FIG. 9(A) viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 10(A) is a schematic diagram showing the cross section taken along line A-A' in FIG. 9(A) viewed from the side.

[0062] 9(A), (B), and 10(A), when feed roller cover 121 is in the open position, locking portion 121a is not engaged with locked portion 101d, and feed roller cover 121 is floating relative to lower housing 101. As described above, when mounting base 103 is attached to lower housing 101, mounting base 103 is placed in an inclined position. When mounting base 103 is attached to lower housing 101, upper end 103e of recess 103d provided on downstream side surface 103b of mounting base 103 placed in the inclined position abuts against protrusion 121d of feed roller cover 121.

[0063] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the mounting table 103 has moved from the inclined position shown in FIG. 10A to the fixed position.

[0064] 10(B), when the mounting base 103 is tilted from the inclined position toward the fixed position, the upper end 103e of the recess 103d of the mounting base 103 presses down the protrusion 121d of the feed roller cover 121. As a result, the locking portion 121a fits into the locked portion 101d, and the feed roller cover 121 is locked to the lower housing 101 and fixed in the closed position. In this way, when the mounting base 103 moves from the inclined position to the fixed position with the feed roller cover 121 in the open position, the recess 103d of the mounting base 103 abuts against the feed roller cover 121, pushing the feed roller cover 121 into the closed position.

[0065] Typically, when cleaning or replacing the feed roller 112 or removing a medium caught in the feed roller cover 121, a user removes the mounting base 103 from the lower housing 101 and then opens the feed roller cover 121 so that the mounting base 103 does not get in the way. Then, after cleaning or replacing the feed roller 112 or removing a medium caught in the feed roller cover 121, the user closes the feed roller cover 121. In the medium conveying device 100, when the mounting base 103 is attached with the feed roller cover 121 in the open position, the feed roller cover 121 is pushed into the closed position by the mounting base 103. Therefore, in the medium conveying device 100, even if the user forgets to close the feed roller cover 121 or fails to close it, the feed roller cover 121 is reliably closed by the mounting base 103 attached to the lower housing 101. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium from being conveyed with the feed roller cover 121 open, and prevent conveyance abnormalities such as medium jamming or skew.

[0066] Furthermore, in the medium conveying device 100, the recess 103d of the mounting table 103 is provided at the downstream end of the mounting table 103 in the medium conveying direction A1 so as to abut against the protrusion 121d provided at the upstream end of the feed roller cover 121 in the medium conveying direction A1. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to close the feed roller cover 121 provided at the upstream end of the lower housing 101 using the mounting table 103 attached to the upstream end of the lower housing 101. The medium conveying device 100 can close the feed roller cover 121 that has failed to close using the mounting table 103 without using any special parts. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can properly set the feed roller cover 121 while suppressing increases in device cost and size.

[0067] Furthermore, in the medium conveying device 100, the recess 103d of the mounting base 103 is provided so as to press downward the feed roller cover 121 when it is in the open position. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to close the feed roller cover 121, which covers the top of the feed roller 112, using the mounting base 103 attached to the lower housing 101 by tilting it from the inclined position to the fixed position. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can close the feed roller cover 121 that failed to close using the mounting base 103 without using any special parts. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can properly set the feed roller cover 121 while suppressing increases in device cost and size.

[0068] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the separation roller 113. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the separation roller 113 removed from the upper housing 102.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 11 , the separation roller 113 is provided on a shaft 113a, which is a rotation axis. A protrusion 113b extending in the circumferential direction is provided at a predetermined position in the extension direction of the shaft 113a. Furthermore, a first end 113c, which is one end of the shaft 113a, and a second end 113d, which is the other end, are each C-face cut. The second end 113d is an example of an end. The first end 113c and the second end 113d are supported by the upper housing 102, so that the separation roller 113 is rotatably supported by the upper housing 102. The separation roller 113 is provided detachably to the upper housing 102.

[0070] 12(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the separation roller cover 122. Fig. 12(A) is a schematic diagram of the separation roller cover 122 removed from the upper housing 102, viewed from the inside (viewed from the upper housing 102 side).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 12(A), the separation roller cover 122 has a locking portion 122a, a shaft portion 122b, an opening portion 122c, and a bottom surface portion 122d.

[0072] The shaft 122b is provided at the downstream end of the separation roller cover 122 in the medium transport direction A1, and is rotatably (swingably) attached to the upper housing 102. That is, the separation roller cover 122 is provided to be swingable around the shaft 122b provided at the downstream end in the medium transport direction A1 relative to the upper housing 102.

[0073] The opening 122c is provided in the center of the separation roller cover 122 in the width direction A2, and the separation roller 113 is disposed within the opening 122c. A recess 122e is provided outside the opening 122c in the width direction A2.

[0074] The lower surface portion 122d is a surface that faces the medium transport path and forms part of the upper guide surface 102a.

[0075] FIG. 12B is an enlarged perspective view of the recess 122e and its surroundings.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 12(B), the separation roller cover 122 is formed with a curved surface 122f for arranging the shaft 113a of the separation roller 113, and a recess 122e is formed in a part of the curved surface 122f.

[0077] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the separation roller cover 122 in which the separation roller 113 is arranged. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the separation roller cover 122 in which the separation roller 113 is arranged, viewed from the inside (viewed from the upper housing 102 side).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 13, the separation roller 113 is positioned so that the protrusion 113b of the shaft 113a of the separation roller 113 engages with the recess 122e, whereby the separation roller 113 is positioned to face the opening 122c and is positioned relative to the separation roller cover 122.

[0079] 14(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the separation roller cover 122 attached to the upper housing 102. FIGS. 14(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the periphery of the separation roller cover 122 attached to the upper housing 102 as viewed from the side. FIG. 14(A) shows the separation roller cover 122 in an open state, and FIG. 14(B) shows the separation roller cover 122 in a closed state. In FIGS. 14(A) and (B), the separation roller 113 is omitted from view to improve visibility.

[0080] 14(A), the separation roller cover 122 is attached to the upper housing 102 by attaching the shaft portion 122b to the upper housing 102. In the state shown in FIG. 14(A), the locking portion 122a is not engaged with the locked portion 102b, and the separation roller cover 122 is floating relative to the upper housing 102. Thus, the open position includes not only a position in which the upstream portion of the separation roller cover 122 is not in contact with the upper housing 102, but also a position in a so-called semi-locked state in which the upstream portion of the separation roller cover 122 is in contact with the upper housing 102 but is not locked.

[0081] When the user pushes up the separation roller cover 122 from the state shown in FIG. 14(A), the locking portion 122a engages with the locked portion 102b, and the separation roller cover 122 is locked to the upper housing 102, as shown in FIG. 14(B).

[0082] 15(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of separation roller cover 122 when separation roller cover 122 is in the open position and mounting table 103 is attached to lower housing 101. Fig. 15(A) is a schematic diagram seen from the side showing mounting table 103 attached to lower housing 101 when separation roller cover 122 is in the open position.

[0083] 15(A), when separation roller cover 122 is in the open position, locking portion 122a is not engaged with locked portion 102b, and separation roller cover 122 is floating relative to upper housing 102. As described above, mounting base 103 is disposed in an inclined position when attached to lower housing 101. When mounting base 103 is attached to lower housing 101, upper surface portion 104a of side guide 104 provided on mounting base 103 disposed in an inclined position abuts against lower surface portion 122d of separation roller cover 122.

[0084] FIG. 15(B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the mounting table 103 is pushed downstream from the position shown in FIG. 10(A).

[0085] 15(B), when the mounting base 103, which is positioned in the inclined position, is pushed downstream so that the engaging portion 103c enters the engaged portion 101c, the upper surface portion 104a of the side guide 104 pushes up the lower surface portion 122d of the separation roller cover 122. As a result, the locking portion 122a fits into the engaged portion 102b, and the separation roller cover 122 is locked to the upper housing 102 and fixed in the closed position. In this way, when the mounting base 103 is positioned in the inclined position with the separation roller cover 122 positioned in the open position, the side guide 104 comes into contact with the separation roller cover 122 and pushes the separation roller cover 122 into the closed position.

[0086] Typically, when cleaning or replacing the separation roller 113 or removing a medium caught in the separation roller cover 122, the user removes the mounting base 103 from the lower housing 101 so that the mounting base 103 does not get in the way, and then opens the separation roller cover 122. Then, after cleaning or replacing the separation roller 113 or removing a medium caught in the separation roller cover 122, the user closes the separation roller cover 122. In the medium conveying device 100, when the mounting base 103 is attached with the separation roller cover 122 in the open position, the separation roller cover 122 is pushed into the closed position by the side guides 104. Therefore, in the medium conveying device 100, even if the user forgets to close the separation roller cover 122 or fails to close it, the separation roller cover 122 is reliably closed by the mounting base 103 attached to the lower housing 101. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium from being conveyed with the separation roller cover 122 open, and prevent conveyance abnormalities such as medium jamming or skew.

[0087] Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 can close the separation roller cover 122 that has failed to close by using the side guides 104 that are used to regulate the width direction of the medium, without using any special parts. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can properly set the separation roller cover 122 while suppressing increases in device cost and device size.

[0088] Furthermore, in the medium conveying device 100, the side guide 104 is arranged to push upward the feed roller cover 121 that is positioned in the open position. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to close the separation roller cover 122 that covers the underside of the separation roller 113 using the side guide 104 arranged on the mounting table 103 attached to the lower housing 101. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can close the separation roller cover 122 that has failed to close using the side guide 104 without using any special parts. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can properly set the separation roller cover 122 while suppressing increases in device cost and device size.

[0089] 16(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the separation roller frame 123. Fig. 16(A) is a schematic diagram of the separation roller frame 123 removed from the upper housing 102, viewed from the inside (viewed from the medium transport path side).

[0090] The separation roller frame 123 is a frame that rotatably supports the separation roller 113 and is provided in the upper housing 102. The separation roller frame 123 is formed of a resin material such as PS or ABS, particularly a flexible material. The separation roller frame 123 is a frame that houses the separation roller 113 and is provided so that it opens toward the medium transport path when attached to the upper housing 102. When the separation roller frame 123 is attached to the upper housing 102, the separation roller cover 122 is disposed on the opposite side of the separation roller frame 123 with the separation roller 113 in between, and covers the separation roller 113 together with the separation roller frame 123. Hereinafter, when the separation roller frame 123 is attached to the upper housing 102, the side facing the medium transport path from the separation roller frame 123 may be referred to as the transport path side. In other words, the transport path side is the side facing the separation roller cover 122 from the separation roller frame 123 when the separation roller cover 122 is attached to the separation roller frame 123.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 16(A), the separation roller frame 123 has a cover portion 123a, a first support portion 123b, and a second support portion 123c.

[0092] The cover portion 123a is disposed on the opposite side to the conveying path and is curved so as to be able to accommodate the separation roller 113. The first support portion 123b has an opening 123d that opens toward the conveying path so that the first end portion 113c of the shaft 113a is disposed therein. The second support portion 123c is an example of a support portion and has a first hole 123e that extends in the width direction A2 so that the second end portion 113d of the shaft 113a is disposed therein. In this way, the first support portion 123b and the second support portion 123c support the shaft 113a.

[0093] FIG. 16(B) is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the second support portion 123c.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 16(B), the side surface 123f of the second support portion 123c, which is formed on the transport path side relative to the first hole 123e, is C-cut toward the transport path side. That is, the side surface 123f is inclined so that it is positioned outward in the width direction A2 as it approaches the transport path side. Second holes 123g are also formed around the second support portion 123c. The second holes 123g are an example of holes. In the example shown in FIG. 16(B), two second holes 123g are formed on the left and right sides of the second support portion 123c. The number of second holes 123g is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

[0095] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the separation roller frame 123 in which the separation roller 113 is arranged. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of the separation roller frame 123 in which the separation roller 113 is arranged, as viewed from the conveyance path side.

[0096] 17, the first end 113c of the shaft 113a is disposed in the opening 123d of the first support part 123b, and the second end 113d is disposed in the first hole 123e of the second support part 123c. As a result, the separation roller 113 is disposed to face the cover part 123a, and the separation roller frame 123 supports the separation roller 113 rotatably.

[0097] 18(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of separation roller 113 when separation roller cover 122 is moved to the closed position with separation roller 113 disposed within separation roller cover 122. Fig. 18(A) is a perspective view showing separation roller 113 in the process of being attached, and Fig. 18(B) is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of second support portion 123c. In the example shown in Figs. 18(A) and (B), the upper housing 102 and separation roller cover 122 are omitted from the illustration to improve visibility.

[0098] 13, when the separation roller 113 is placed in the separation roller cover 122, the protrusion 113b is positioned so as to engage with the recess 122e, thereby positioning the separation roller 113 relative to the separation roller cover 122. In this state, when the separation roller cover 122 is moved to the closed position, the separation roller cover 122 moves (swings) together with the separation roller 113 placed therein, and is connected to the separation roller frame 123.

[0099] 18(A), first, the first end 113c of the separation roller 113 arranged inside the separation roller cover 122 is placed in the opening 123d of the first support portion 123b of the separation roller frame 123. Next, as shown in FIGS. 18(A) and 18(B), the second end 113d of the separation roller 113 moves on the side surface 123f of the separation roller frame 123 toward the first hole 123e and enters the first hole 123e.

[0100] As described above, the second end 113d and the side surface 123f are each C-cut, which makes it easier for the second end 113d to engage with the first hole 123e. Therefore, in the medium conveying device 100, when the separation roller cover 122 is closed with the separation roller 113 disposed inside the separation roller cover 122, the second end 113d can be satisfactorily engaged with the first hole 123e.

[0101] As described above, the second hole 123g is formed around the second support portion 123c. As a result, when the second end portion 113d enters the first hole 123e, the portion of the second support portion 123c between the first hole 123e and the second hole 123g bends toward the second hole 123g, and the first hole 123e expands toward the second hole 123g. Therefore, in the medium conveying device 100, when the separation roller cover 122 is closed with the separation roller 113 disposed inside the separation roller cover 122, the second end portion 113d can be satisfactorily engaged with the first hole 123e.

[0102] The second end 113d and / or the side surface 123f do not have to be C-cut. Alternatively, the second hole 123g does not have to be formed around the second support portion 123c. That is, at least one of the shaft 113a and the second support portion 123c is arranged so that the second end 113d engages with the first hole 123e when the separation roller cover 122 is closed with the separation roller 113 disposed inside the separation roller cover 122.

[0103] In this way, in the medium conveying device 100, the separation roller 113 engages with the separation roller frame 123 (upper housing 102) in conjunction with the operation of closing the separation roller cover 122. Rather than directly engaging the separation roller 113 with the separation roller frame 123, the user places the separation roller 113 on the open separation roller cover 122 and then closes the separation roller cover 122. This allows the user to easily set the separation roller 113, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0104] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 106, the display device 107, 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.

[0111] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0112] 20, 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.

[0113] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0114] 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. 21. 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.

[0115] First, the control unit 151 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 106 or the information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the operation device 106 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device 100, when the mounting table 103 is attached with the feed roller cover 121 or the separation roller cover 122 open, the mounting table 103 abuts against and closes each cover in conjunction with the attachment operation of the mounting table 103. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the medium conveying device 100 from being used with the feed roller cover 121 or the separation roller cover 122 open.

[0122] This makes it possible for the medium conveying device 100 to prevent conveying abnormalities such as medium jamming or skew. Furthermore, the user no longer needs to check whether the feed roller cover 121 or the separation roller cover 122 is locked to the housing after opening the cover, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve the productivity of the user's scanning operations.

[0123] Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 has a removable mounting table 103. This allows the user to easily remove the mounting table 103 and store it compactly when the device is not in use. Furthermore, the user can easily remove the mounting table 103 and remove the media when a media jam occurs. Furthermore, the medium conveying device 100 has a feed roller cover 121 or a separation roller cover 122 that can be opened and closed. This allows the user to easily replace the rollers, clean the rollers, or remove the jammed media when roller wear, paper dust adhesion to the rollers, media jamming, etc. occurs.

[0124] 22(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining a side guide 204 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment. Fig. 22(A) is a schematic diagram, seen from the side, showing how the mounting table 103 is attached to the lower housing 101 with the separation roller cover 122 in the open position. Fig. 22(B) is a schematic diagram showing how the mounting table 103 has moved from the inclined position shown in Fig. 22(A) to the fixed position.

[0125] 22(A) and 22(B), in the medium conveying device according to this embodiment, a side guide 204 is provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 instead of the side guide 104. The side guide 204 has the same structure as the side guide 104. However, the upper surface 204a of the side guide 204 is arranged so as to come into contact with the separation roller cover 122 and push the separation roller cover 122 into the closed position when the mounting table 103 moves from the inclined position to the fixed position with the separation roller cover 122 disposed in the open position.

[0126] As described above, the mounting table 103 is disposed in an inclined position when attached to the lower housing 101. As shown in Fig. 22(A) , in the medium conveying device according to this embodiment, when the mounting table 103 is disposed in an inclined position with the separation roller cover 122 disposed in the open position, the locking portion 122a does not engage with the locked portion 102b. The separation roller cover 122 is not pushed into the closed position and floats relative to the upper housing 102.

[0127] 22(B), when the mounting table 103, which is disposed in the inclined position, is moved (tilted) to the fixed position, the upper surface portion 204a of the side guide 204 comes into contact with the lower surface portion 122d of the separation roller cover 122 and pushes up the lower surface portion 122d. As a result, the locking portion 122a fits into the locked portion 102b, and the separation roller cover 122 is locked to the upper housing 102 and fixed in the closed position. In this way, when the mounting table 103 moves from the inclined position to the fixed position with the separation roller cover 122 disposed in the open position, the side guide 204 comes into contact with the separation roller cover 122 and pushes the separation roller cover 122 into the closed position.

[0128] As described above in detail, the media conveying device can prevent the separation roller cover 122 from being used in an open state even when the side guide 204 pushes the separation roller cover 122 into the closed position when the loading table 103 moves from the inclined position to the fixed position.

[0129] 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shaft 313a of the separation roller 113 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the separation roller frame 123 in which the shaft 313a of the separation roller 113 is arranged, viewed from the downstream side.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 23 , in the medium conveying device according to this embodiment, the separation roller 113 is provided on a shaft 313a instead of the shaft 113a. The shaft 313a has a structure similar to that of the shaft 113a. However, an elastic member 323h is provided inside the shaft 313a. The elastic member 323h is a spring member such as a torsion recoil spring. The elastic member 323h may be another spring member such as a leaf spring, or a rubber member. The elastic member 323h is disposed at any position between the second end 113d and the separation roller 113, and applies a pressing force to the second end 113d outward along the extension direction (width direction A2) of the shaft 313a. This allows the second end 113d of the shaft 313a to move in the extension direction of the shaft 313a.

[0131] When the second end 113d of the shaft 313a moves on the side surface 123f toward the first hole 123e of the second support portion 123c, the second end 113d pushes back the elastic member 323h and moves toward the first support portion 123b. Therefore, in the medium conveying device, when the separation roller cover 122 is closed with the separation roller 113 disposed inside the separation roller cover 122, the second end 113d can more reliably engage with the first hole 123e.

[0132] This allows the user to more reliably set the separation roller 113 in the separation roller frame 123, and the medium conveying device can improve user convenience.

[0133] As described above in detail, even when the shaft 313a has the elastic member 323h, the medium conveying device can be prevented from being used with the feed roller cover 121 or the separation roller cover 122 left open.

[0134] Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating the shaft 413a of the separation roller 113 and the second support portion 423c of the separation roller frame 423 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the separation roller frame 423 in which the shaft 413a of the separation roller 113 is arranged, viewed from the downstream side.

[0135] 24, in the medium conveying device according to this embodiment, the separation roller 113 is provided on a shaft 413a instead of the shaft 113a or 313a. The shaft 413a has the same structure as the shaft 113a or 313a. However, a second end 413d of the shaft 413a is rounded.

[0136] Furthermore, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has a separation roller frame 423 instead of the separation roller frame 123. The separation roller frame 423 has a second support portion 423c instead of the second support portion 123c. A side surface 423f of the second support portion 423c, which is formed on the conveying path side of the first hole 123e, is rounded toward the conveying path side. In other words, the side surface 423f is inclined so that it is positioned more outward in the width direction A2 as it approaches the conveying path side.

[0137] Because the second end 413d and the side surface 423f are each rounded, when the separation roller cover 122 is moved to the closed position, the second end 413d moves inward in the width direction A2 along the side surface 423f. As a result, the closer the second end 413d is to the first hole 123e, the more the shaft 413a of the separation roller 113 moves toward the first support portion 123b. Therefore, in the medium conveying device, when the separation roller cover 122 is closed with the separation roller 113 disposed inside the separation roller cover 122, the second end 413d can be satisfactorily engaged with the first hole 123e.

[0138] Note that either the second end portion 413d or the side surface 423f does not have to be rounded.

[0139] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device can prevent the feed roller cover 121 or the separation roller cover 122 from being used in an open state even when the second end 413d or the side surface 423f is rounded.

[0140] 25 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment. The processing circuit 550 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 550 includes a control circuit 551 and an image acquisition circuit 552. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0141] The control circuit 551 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 551 receives an operation signal from the operation device 106 or the interface device 132, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111. The control circuit 551 controls the motor 131 based on the received information.

[0142] The image acquisition circuit 552 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 152. The image acquisition circuit 552 acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0143] As described above in detail, even when the processing circuit 550 is used, the medium conveying device can be prevented from being used with the feed roller cover 121 or the separation roller cover 122 left open.

[0144] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, the recess 103d of the mounting base 103 may be formed so as to come into contact with the feed roller cover 121 and push the feed roller cover 121 into the closed position when the mounting base 103 is positioned in the inclined position with the feed roller cover 121 in the open position. In this case, the upper end of the recess 103d provided on the downstream side surface 103b of the mounting base 103 is formed so as to be inclined so as to be positioned lower toward the upstream side. As a result, when the mounting base 103 is slid downstream while in the inclined position, the recess 103d of the mounting base 103 can push the feed roller cover 121 downward and push it into the closed position.

[0145] Furthermore, the feed roller 112 and the feed roller cover 121 may have the same structure as the separation roller 113 and the separation roller cover 122, and may be provided so that the feed roller 112 engages with the lower housing 101 in conjunction with the operation of closing the feed roller cover 121. In this case, the feed roller 112 is detachably provided in the lower housing 101. A support portion is provided in the lower housing 101 that rotatably supports a shaft that is the rotation axis of the feed roller 112. The shaft of the feed roller 112 and the support portion of the lower housing 101 have the same structures as the shaft 113a of the separation roller 113 and the second support portion 123c of the separation roller frame 123, respectively. At least one of the shaft and the support portion is provided so that the shaft engages with the support portion when the feed roller cover 121 is closed with the feed roller 112 disposed inside the feed roller cover 121.

[0146] Furthermore, the engaging portion 103c of the mounting base 103 and the engaged portion 101c of the lower housing 101 may be provided so as to engage (fit) with each other only when the feed roller cover 121 and / or the separation roller cover 122 are disposed in the closed position. That is, the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c may be provided so as not to engage (fit) with each other when the feed roller cover 121 and / or the separation roller cover 122 are disposed in the open position. This prevents the mounting base 103 from being attached to the lower housing 101 when the feed roller cover 121 or the separation roller cover 122 is not locked, allowing the user to reliably recognize that the covers are not set correctly.

[0147] Similarly, the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c may be provided so as to engage (fit) with each other only when the feed roller 112 is engaged with the lower housing 101 and / or the separation roller 113 is engaged with the upper housing 102. In other words, the engaging portion 103c and the engaged portion 101c may be provided so as not to engage (fit) with each other when the feed roller 112 is not engaged with the lower housing 101 or when the separation roller 113 is not engaged with the upper housing 102. As a result, if the feed roller 112 or the separation roller 113 is not set correctly, the mounting base 103 will not be attached to the lower housing 101, and the user can reliably recognize that the rollers are not set correctly.

[0148] Alternatively, a protrusion may be provided on the side of the mounting table 103, and a recess may be provided on the side of the feed roller cover 121. In this case, a protrusion that protrudes toward the downstream side is provided at the downstream end of the mounting table 103, and a recess is provided at the upstream end of the feed roller cover 121. The protrusion provided on the mounting table 103 abuts against the lower end of the recess provided in the feed roller cover 121, and presses down the feed roller cover.

[0149] In addition, when the mounting table is attached with only one of the feed roller cover 121 and the separation roller cover 122 positioned in the open position, the mounting table 103 may be configured to move to the closed position in conjunction with the mounting operation of the mounting table 103. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 100 medium conveying device, 101 lower housing, 101a lower guide surface, 102 upper housing, 102a upper guide surface, 103 placing table, 103a placing surface, 103d recess, 104 side guide, 112 feeding roller, 113 separation roller, 113a, 313a, 413a shaft, 113d, 413d second end, 121 feeding roller cover, 121b shaft portion, 122 separation roller cover, 122b shaft portion, 123c second support portion, 123g second hole

Claims

1. The housing and a mounting base that is detachable from the housing; With Laura, a cover that can be opened and closed relative to the housing and that, when closed, covers a housing that houses the roller and forms a part of a guide surface for the medium; When the stand is attached to the housing with the cover open, the contact portion of the stand or the contact portion of the side guide contacts the cover and pushes the cover in a direction to close it. A medium transport device characterized by:

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is provided to be swingable about a shaft provided downstream in the medium transport direction relative to the housing.

3. A media conveying device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting table is movable between a first position fixed to the housing on which a medium can be placed, and a second position inclined relative to the first position for attachment to the housing.

4. the mounting table has a mounting surface for a medium, 4. The medium transport device of claim 3, wherein the angle formed between the guide surface and the placement surface when the placement table is positioned at the second position is smaller than the angle formed between the guide surface and the placement surface when the placement table is positioned at the first position.

5. A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the abutment portion of the mounting base is configured to abut against the cover and push the cover downward when the mounting base is attached to the housing with the cover open.

6. The medium transport device according to claim 5 , wherein the contact portion of the mounting table is provided downstream of the mounting table in the medium transport direction.

7. A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the abutment portion of the side guide is configured to abut against the cover and push the cover upward when the mounting stand is attached to the housing with the cover open.

8. A support portion provided in the accommodation portion for supporting a rotation shaft of the roller, the roller is detachably provided on the support part via the rotation shaft, A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the rotating shaft and the support portion is configured so that the rotating shaft engages with the support portion when the cover is closed with the roller positioned inside the cover.

9. The medium transport device according to claim 8 , wherein a hole is formed around the periphery of the support portion.

10. The medium transport device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the end of the rotation shaft is provided so as to be movable in the width direction.

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