Media transport device, image reading device

Abstract

To solve the problem in which a device is not easy to use in a configuration that is configured to allow a user to perform an operation to switch a posture of a curved member that forms the outer side of a curved path.SOLUTION: A device body is capable of being switched between a first posture and a second posture. The outer side of a reversing path is formed by a rotatable path forming member. The path forming member takes a first conveying path connecting posture to connect a second conveying path to a first conveying path when the device body takes the first posture, and takes a second conveying path connecting posture to connect a third conveying path to the first conveying path when the device body takes the second posture. Conveying path switching means includes a switching member that is rotatable and engages with both a body support portion and a conveying path forming member. The path forming member rotates by a change in the engagement of the switching member with the body support portion when the device body switches its posture and a conveying path connecting to the first conveying path is switched.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveyance device for conveying a medium, and an image reading device including the medium conveyance device.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of an image reading device, there is a sheet feed type scanner. The sheet feed scanner is an example of a medium conveyance device from the viewpoint of conveying a medium. Hereinafter, when simply referred to as a scanner, it refers to a sheet feed type scanner. In order to suppress the footprint in a scanner, a configuration may be adopted in which a conveyance path for conveying a sheet is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and the sheet is U-turned and discharged obliquely upward as in the scanner shown in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In addition, in the scanner described in Patent Document 1, by opening a part of the U-shaped conveyance path, the conveyance path can be switched from a U-turn path to a straight path. By switching the conveyance path from a U-turn path to a straight path, for example, a thick sheet that is difficult to bend can be discharged well. A lever for operation is provided on a curved member forming the U-turn path, and the switching of the conveyance path from the U-turn path to the straight path is performed by a user operating the lever.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, the configuration in which the user has to operate the orientation change of the curved member makes the device difficult to use. From the standpoint of improving usability, it is desirable to eliminate the dedicated operation required to change the orientation of the curved member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a media transport device comprising: a main body support portion placed on a mounting surface of the device; and a device body supported by the main body support portion, wherein the device body comprises: a first transport path for transporting media; a media transport path downstream of the first transport path, which includes a reversal path for inverting the transported media upward, and a second transport path for discharging the media inverted by the reversal path; a third transport path downstream of the first transport path for discharging the transported media without reversing it; and a transport path switching means for switching the media transport path connected to the first transport path to either the second transport path or the third transport path, wherein the device body is rotatably mounted on the main body support portion and rotates to a first position and the First transport route The device is switchable to a second position in which the angle it makes with the aforementioned mounting surface is smaller than the first position, the outside of the reversing path is formed by a rotatable path forming member, the path forming member takes a first transport path connection position in which the second transport path is connected to the first transport path when the device body takes the first position, and takes a second transport path connection position in which the third transport path is connected to the first transport path when the device body takes the second position, the transport path switching means comprises a rotatable switching member that engages with both the main body support and the path forming member, and when the device body switches positions, the engagement between the switching member and the main body support changes, causing the path forming member to rotate and the transport path connected to the first transport path to switch.

[0007] Furthermore, the media transport device of the present invention comprises a main body support portion placed on the mounting surface of the device, and a device body supported by the main body support portion, wherein the device body comprises a first transport path for transporting media, a media transport path downstream of the first transport path which includes a reversing path for inverting the transported media upward, a second transport path for discharging the media inverted by the reversing path, and a third transport path downstream of the first transport path for discharging the transported media without inverting it, wherein the device body is rotatably mounted on the main body support portion and rotates to a first position and the First transport route The device is switchable to a second posture in which the angle it makes with the aforementioned mounting surface is smaller than that of the first posture, and a part of the main body support is a path forming part that forms the outside of the reversal path, and the path forming part is characterized in that it connects the second transport path to the first transport path when the device body takes the first posture, and connects the third transport path to the first transport path when the device body takes the second posture.

[0008] Furthermore, the media transport device of the present invention comprises a device body constituting the base of the device, and an opening / closing body that opens and closes a part of the device body, the device body comprising a first transport path for transporting media, a media transport path downstream of the first transport path which includes a reversing path that inverts the transported media upward, a second transport path for discharging the media inverted by the reversing path, a third transport path downstream of the first transport path for discharging the transported media without reversing it, and a transport path switching means for switching the media transport path connected to the first transport path to either the second transport path or the third transport path, the opening / closing body transports the third transport path The discharge port for the medium to be transported is opened and closed, the outside of the reversing path is formed by a rotatable path-forming member, the path-forming member takes a first transport path connection position that connects the second transport path to the first transport path when the opening / closing body is closed, and a second transport path connection position that connects the third transport path to the first transport path when the opening / closing body is open, the transport path switching means comprises a rotatable switching member that engages with both the opening / closing body and the path-forming member, and when the opening / closing body is opened and closed, the engagement between the switching member and the opening / closing body changes, causing the path-forming member to rotate and the transport path connected to the first transport path to switch.

[0009] Furthermore, the image reading device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a media transport device as described in any of the above, and a reading unit provided in the first transport path of the media transport device for reading the media. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the scanner, with the device body in its normal reading position, as seen from the front. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the scanner, with the device body in its normal reading position, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the scanner with the third unit open, with the main unit of the device in its normal reading position, as seen from the front. [Figure 4] A perspective view from above of the scanner with the second unit open, while the main unit of the device is in its normal reading position. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the document conveyance path of the scanner when the device body is in the normal reading position, viewed from the width direction. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the document conveyance path of the scanner when the device body is in the booklet reading position, viewed from the width direction. [Figure 7] Side view of the conveyance path switching means when the flap is in the first conveyance path connection position. <S [Figure 8] Side view of the conveyance path switching means when the flap is in the second conveyance path connection position. [Figure 9] Side view of the conveyance path switching means when the flap is in the first conveyance path connection position. [Figure 10] Perspective view of the flap and the switching member. [Figure 11] Perspective view showing the configuration outside the reverse conveyance path. [Figure 12] Plan view of the members constituting the outside of the reverse conveyance path, disassembled. [Figure 13] Perspective view of the flap in the first conveyance path connection position and the reverse path guiding member. [Figure 14] Side view of the flap in the first conveyance path connection position and the reverse path guiding member. [Figure 15] Side view of the flap and the reverse path guiding member when the third unit is opened from the state of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] Perspective view of the flap in the first conveyance path connection position, the reverse path guiding member, and the first frame. [Figure 17] Side cross-sectional view of the flap in the second conveyance path connection position and the reverse path guiding member. [Figure 18] Side cross-sectional view of the flap in the second conveyance path connection position and the reverse path guiding member. [Figure 19] Side view of the conveyance path switching means when the flap is in the first conveyance path connection position. [Figure 20] Perspective view of the flap in the first conveyance path connection position and the reverse path guiding member. [Figure 21] Side view of the conveyance path switching means when the flap is in the second conveyance path connection position. [Figure 22]Perspective view of the flap taking the second conveyance path connection posture and the reversing path guiding member. [Figure 23] Cross-sectional view showing a state where the path forming portion connects the reading conveyance path to the reversing conveyance path. [Figure 24] Cross-sectional view showing a state where the path forming portion connects the reading conveyance path to the non-reversing conveyance path. [Figure 25] Cross-sectional view showing a state where the path forming portion connects the reading conveyance path to the reversing conveyance path.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be schematically described. The medium conveyance device according to the first aspect includes a main body support portion placed on the mounting surface of the device, and a device main body supported by the main body support portion. The device main body includes a first conveyance path for conveying a medium, a medium conveyance path downstream of the first conveyance path, which includes a reversing path for reversing the conveyed medium upward, a second conveyance path for discharging the medium reversed by the reversing path, a third conveyance path downstream of the first conveyance path for discharging the conveyed medium without reversing it, and conveyance path switching means for switching the medium conveyance path connected to the first conveyance path to either the second conveyance path or the third conveyance path. The device main body is rotatably attached to the main body support portion and can be switched by rotation to a first posture and a second posture in which the angle formed with the mounting surface is smaller than the first posture. The outside of the reversing path is formed by a rotatable path forming member. The path forming member takes a first conveyance path connection posture in which the second conveyance path is connected to the first conveyance path when the device main body takes the first posture, and takes a second conveyance path connection posture in which the third conveyance path is connected to the first conveyance path when the device main body takes the second posture. The conveyance path switching means includes a switching member that is a rotatable member and engages with both the main body support portion and the path forming member. When the posture of the device main body is switched, the engagement between the switching member and the main body support portion changes, causing the path forming member to rotate and switching the conveyance path connected to the first conveyance path. First transport route The angle formed with the mounting surface is smaller than the first posture and can be switched to a second posture. The outside of the reversing path is formed by a rotatable path forming member. The path forming member takes a first conveyance path connection posture in which the second conveyance path is connected to the first conveyance path when the device main body takes the first posture, and takes a second conveyance path connection posture in which the third conveyance path is connected to the first conveyance path when the device main body takes the second posture. The conveyance path switching means includes a switching member that is a rotatable member and engages with both the main body support portion and the path forming member. When the posture of the device main body is switched, the engagement between the switching member and the main body support portion changes, causing the path forming member to rotate and switching the conveyance path connected to the first conveyance path.

[0012] According to this embodiment, when the orientation of the device body is changed, the interaction between the switching member and the main body support changes, causing the path forming member to rotate and the transport path connected to the first transport path to switch. As a result, a dedicated operation to switch the orientation of the path forming member is not required, and in addition, the transport path is in an appropriate state according to the orientation of the device body, thus improving usability.

[0013] A second embodiment is characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the transport path switching means comprises a first pressing member that presses the path forming member toward the first transport path connection posture, and a second pressing member that presses the switching member in a direction that causes the switching member to press the path forming member toward the second transport path connection posture, wherein the pressing force of the second pressing member is stronger than the pressing force of the first pressing member, and when the device body is in the first posture, the switching member comes into contact with the body support so that the switching member does not press the path forming member, and the path forming member takes the first transport path connection posture upon receiving the pressing force of the first pressing member, and when the device body is in the second posture, the switching member moves away from the body support so that the switching member presses the path forming member against the pressing force of the first pressing member, and the path forming member takes the second transport path connection posture.

[0014] A third aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the transport path switching means comprises a first pressing member that presses the path forming member toward the first transport path connection posture, and a second pressing member that presses the switching member in a direction that causes the switching member to press the path forming member toward the second transport path connection posture, wherein the first pressing member is stretched between the switching member and the path forming member, and when the device body is in the first posture, the switching member abuts against the body support and the path forming member receives the pressing force of the first pressing member and assumes the first transport path connection posture, and when the device body is in the second posture, the switching member moves away from the body support and the switching member presses the path forming member and the path forming member assumes the second transport path connection posture.

[0015] A fourth aspect is a member constituting the outside of the reversal path, which is located downstream of the path forming member and includes a reversal path guide member that guides the medium received from the path forming member downstream, wherein the path forming member and the reversal path guide member are formed in a comb-like shape along the width direction which intersects the medium transport direction, the downstream end of the comb teeth of the path forming member and the upstream end of the comb teeth of the reversal path guide member are interlocked and connected in at least a portion of the width direction.

[0016] When the path-forming member deforms due to force from the medium, a reverse step difference occurs between the path-forming member and the reversal path guide member, which may cause the tip of the medium to get caught and jam. However, according to this embodiment, the downstream end of the comb teeth of the path-forming member and the upstream end of the comb teeth of the reversal path guide member are interlocked and connected in at least a part of the width direction, so even if the path-forming member deforms due to force from the medium, the reversal path guide member can also deform in accordance. This suppresses the occurrence of the reverse step difference mentioned above and allows for the smooth transfer of the medium from the path-forming member to the reversal path guide member.

[0017] A fifth aspect is, in the fourth aspect, the apparatus body comprises a first unit, a second unit which is openable and closable relative to the first unit and which forms the first transport path when closed relative to the first unit, and a third unit which is openable and closable relative to the first and second units and which forms the second transport path when closed relative to the first and second units, the path forming member is provided on the first unit, the reversing path guide member is rotatably provided relative to the third unit, and the connecting portion to which the path forming member and the reversing path guide member are connected comprises a projection formed on one of the path forming member and the reversing path guide member, and the path forming member and the reversing path guide member On the other handThe device is composed of a long groove formed in the first unit into which the projection enters, and is characterized in that when the third unit opens and closes relative to the first unit, the reversal path guide member rotates relative to the third unit and the projection moves within the long groove.

[0018] Since the path forming member is provided on the first unit and the reversal path guide member is provided on the third unit which can be opened and closed relative to the first and second units, there is a risk that the connection between the path forming member and the reversal path guide member may be damaged when the third unit is opened. However, the connection is composed of a projection and a long groove, and when the third unit is opened and closed relative to the first and second units, the reversal path guide member rotates relative to the third unit and the projection moves within the long groove, thus suppressing the risk of damage to the connection.

[0019] The sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth or fifth aspect, with the second transport path connected to the first transport path, the first surface, which is one surface of the medium, is guided by an upstream guide member located upstream of the path forming member, then by the path forming member and the reversal path guide member, and then by a downstream guide member located downstream of the reversal path guide member, wherein the upstream guide member comprises a plurality of upstream ribs extending in the medium transport direction and provided along the width direction, and the downstream guide member comprises a plurality of downstream ribs extending in the medium transport direction and provided along the width direction, and the heights of the upstream ribs and the downstream ribs in the direction normal to the surface of the medium are lower than the height of the comb teeth of the path forming member and lower than the height of the comb teeth of the reversal path guide member.

[0020] The seventh aspect is characterized in that, in any of the second to sixth aspects, the rotation center of the path forming member is located on the side of the discharge port for discharging the medium from the third transport path with respect to the first transport path, in the direction normal to the surface of the medium being transported along the first transport path.

[0021] The eighth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the second to seventh aspects, the rotation center of the switching member is located away from the first transport path toward the reversing path in the direction normal to the surface of the medium being transported along the first transport path.

[0022] The ninth aspect comprises a main support portion placed on a mounting surface of the device, and a device body supported by the main support portion, wherein the device body comprises a first transport path for transporting a medium, a medium transport path downstream of the first transport path including a reversal path for inverting the transported medium upward, a second transport path for discharging the medium inverted by the reversal path, and a third transport path downstream of the first transport path for discharging the transported medium without inverting it, wherein the device body is rotatably mounted on the main support portion and rotates to a first position and the First transport route The device is switchable to a second posture in which the angle it makes with the aforementioned mounting surface is smaller than that of the first posture, and a part of the main body support is a path forming part that forms the outside of the reversal path, and the path forming part is characterized in that it connects the second transport path to the first transport path when the device body takes the first posture, and connects the third transport path to the first transport path when the device body takes the second posture.

[0023] According to this embodiment, when the orientation of the device body is changed, the transport path connected to the first transport path is switched. Therefore, a dedicated operation to switch the transport path connected to the first transport path is not required, and in addition, the transport path is in an appropriate state according to the orientation of the device body, thus improving usability.

[0024] A tenth embodiment comprises a device body constituting the base of the device, and an opening / closing body for opening and closing a part of the device body, wherein the device body comprises a first transport path for transporting a medium, a medium transport path downstream of the first transport path including a reversing path for inverting the transported medium upward, a second transport path for discharging the medium inverted by the reversing path, a third transport path downstream of the first transport path for discharging the transported medium without reversing it, and a transport path switching means for switching the medium transport path connected to the first transport path to either the second transport path or the third transport path, wherein the opening / closing body transports the medium along the third transport path. The discharge port for the medium is opened and closed, the outside of the reversing path is formed by a rotatable path-forming member, the path-forming member takes a first transport path connection position that connects the second transport path to the first transport path when the opening / closing body is closed, and a second transport path connection position that connects the third transport path to the first transport path when the opening / closing body is open, the transport path switching means comprises a rotatable switching member that engages with both the opening / closing body and the path-forming member, and when the opening / closing body is opened and closed, the engagement between the switching member and the opening / closing body changes, causing the path-forming member to rotate and the transport path connected to the first transport path to switch.

[0025] The opening and closing operation of the opening / closing body is an operation to open the third transport path. In this embodiment, when the opening and closing body is opened and closed, the interaction between the switching member and the opening and closing body changes, causing the path forming member to rotate and the transport path connected to the first transport path to switch. As a result, a dedicated operation to switch the orientation of the path forming member is not required, and in addition, the transport path is in an appropriate state according to the orientation of the main body of the device, thus improving usability.

[0026] The image reading device according to the eleventh embodiment is characterized by comprising a media transport device according to any of the first to tenth embodiments, and a reading unit provided in the first transport path of the media transport device for reading the media. According to this embodiment, the image reading device can obtain any of the effects of the first to ten embodiments described above.

[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below. In the following, as an example of an image reading device, we will use scanner 1, which is capable of reading at least one side of a document, either the first side or the opposite second side. Scanner 1 is a so-called sheet-feed type scanner that reads while moving the document, which is an example of a medium, to the reading unit described later. Since scanner 1 has a configuration for transporting the document, which is an example of a medium, it is also an example of a medium transport device. In this specification, the term "manuscript" includes not only sheet-type manuscripts, but also card-type manuscripts and booklet-type manuscripts.

[0028] In each figure, the XYZ coordinate system is such that the X-axis direction is both the device width and the document width direction. The Y-axis direction is the device depth direction, and the Z-axis direction is along the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the +Y direction is defined as the direction from the back of the device toward the front, and the -Y direction is defined as the direction from the front of the device toward the back. Also, the direction to the left when viewed from the front of the device is defined as the +X direction, and the direction to the right is defined as the -X direction. Furthermore, in the following, the direction in which the manuscript is transported will be referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction will be referred to as "upstream." Furthermore, when describing different embodiments hereafter, the same reference numerals will be used for identical components, and redundant explanations will be avoided.

[0029] In Figures 1 and 2, the scanner 1 comprises a main body 2 and a main body support 6 that rotatably supports the main body 2. The main body of the device 2 is composed of a first unit 3, a second unit 4, and a third unit 5.

[0030] The second unit 4 and the third unit 5 are rotatably mounted around the frame rotation axis 64a (see Figure 3). The frame rotation axis 64a is a rotation axis that forms the center of the rotation axis parallel to the X-axis direction. The second unit 4 and the third unit 5 can rotate together with respect to the first unit 3 around the frame rotation axis 64a (see Figure 4). Reference numeral 8a indicates the unlocking part, and the user can unlock the second unit 4 and the third unit 5 from the first unit 3 by sliding the unlocking part 8a in the -X direction. By rotating the second unit 4 and the third unit 5 relative to the first unit 3, a part of the document transport path can be exposed as shown in Figure 4. In particular, the document feeding path R1 and the reading transport path R2, which will be described later, can be exposed.

[0031] Furthermore, the third unit 5 can rotate around the frame rotation axis 64a relative to the first unit 3 and the second unit 4 (see Figure 3). By rotating the third unit 5 relative to the first unit 3 and the second unit 4, a portion of the document transport path can be exposed, as shown in Figure 3. In particular, the inversion transport path R3, which will be described later, can be exposed.

[0032] The device body 2 is rotatable around the main body rotation axis 6c (see Figures 5 and 6) relative to the main body support 6, and in this embodiment, the device body 2 can maintain two positions by rotating. The two positions of the device body 2 are shown in Figures 5 and 6, and hereafter the position in Figure 5 will be referred to as the normal reading position, and the position in Figure 6 will be referred to as the booklet reading position. The normal reading position is an example of the first position of the device body 2, and the booklet reading position is an example of the second position of the device body 2. As will be explained in more detail later, the first orientation of the device body 2 is the orientation in which the reading transport path R2 is connected to the reversing transport path R3. The second orientation of the device body 2 is the orientation in which the reading transport path R2 is connected to the non-reversing transport path R4.

[0033] In this embodiment, the orientation of the device body 2 is changed by the user applying an external force to the device body 2. The normal reading orientation and the booklet reading orientation of the device body 2 are held by snap-fit ​​parts (not shown), respectively. It is also preferable to provide a handle on the device body 2 to improve the operability of the user's orientation changing operation. Alternatively, instead of a configuration in which the user applies an external force to the device body 2 to change its orientation, the device body 2 may be rotated by a motor or other power source to change its orientation.

[0034] The angles α1 shown in Figure 5 and α2 shown in Figure 6 are the angles formed between the reading transport path R2 (described later) and the mounting surface G of the device, respectively. The angle α2 in the booklet reading position is smaller than the angle α1 in the normal reading position. In the normal reading position, the projected area of ​​the device body 2 on the mounting surface G on which the scanner 1 is placed is minimized, meaning the footprint of the device body 2 is minimized. In this specification, the footprint refers to the area occupied by the device body 2 in the XY plane when viewed from above. The standard scanning orientation is suitable for scanning sheet-like documents, i.e., documents with low rigidity and that are easily bent. The booklet scanning orientation is suitable for scanning documents with high rigidity and that are not easily bent, such as plastic cards and booklets.

[0035] Furthermore, as is clear from Figures 5 and 6, the inclination angle of the document support unit 11 with respect to the mounting surface G is smaller in the booklet reading position than in the normal reading position. Similarly, as is clear from Figures 5 and 6, the inclination angle of the reading transport path R2 with respect to the mounting surface G is smaller in the booklet reading position than in the normal reading position. Similarly, the inclination angle of the straight line connecting the document nip position by the first transport roller pair 16 (described later) and the document nip position by the second transport roller pair 20 (described later) with respect to the mounting surface G is smaller in the booklet reading position than in the normal reading position, as is clear from Figures 5 and 6.

[0036] The front of the device is provided with an operating section 7, which consists of multiple operating buttons, including a power button. Furthermore, on the side facing the +X direction among the sides that constitute the perimeter of the device, a first connection part 71, a second connection part 72, and a third connection part 73 are provided, as shown in Figure 2. The first connection part 71 is a connection part to which a USB Type-A plug (not shown), which is an example of a device to be connected, is connected. The second connection part 72 is a connection part to which a USB Type-C plug (not shown), which is an example of a device to be connected, is connected. The third connection part 73 is a connection part to which a power plug (not shown) for supplying power to the main body of the device 2 is connected. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus, and Type-A and Type-C are each one of several types defined in the USB standard.

[0037] The first connection section 71 can be connected to an external device via a USB cable (not shown), as well as to a storage medium, such as a USB memory stick (not shown). The control unit (not shown) of the device can then save read data to the storage medium connected to the first connection section 71. Furthermore, an external device can be connected to the second connection section 72 via a USB cable (not shown). The first connection part 71, the second connection part 72, and the third connection part 73 are provided on a circuit board (not shown) located on the rear side of the device. In this embodiment, the main unit 2 of the device is also configured to receive power from an external device connected to the second connection part 72.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the document transport path in scanner 1 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Documents to be fed are supported in an inclined position by the document support section 11. The symbol P indicates the supported document. When multiple documents are supported by the document support section 11, the uppermost document is fed downstream by the feed roller 14. The document support section 11 is formed in the upper opening / closing section 10. The upper opening / closing section 10 is rotatable around a rotation axis (not shown), and by rotating, it opens and closes the feed opening 13. Figure 1 shows the upper opening / closing section 10 in a closed state, and Figure 2 shows the upper opening / closing section 10 in an open state. The upper opening / closing section 10 constitutes the first unit 3.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the document support section 11 is provided with a pair of edge guides 12a and 12b that guide the side edges of the document. The pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are slidable in the document width direction (X-axis direction). The pair of edge guides 12a and 12b are arranged to move apart from each other or closer to each other with respect to the center position in the document width direction, by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). In other words, the scanner 1 employs a so-called center feeding system.

[0040] Returning to Figures 5 and 6, the feed roller 14 is located in the second unit 4. The feed roller 14 rotates using power from a motor (not shown). In the first unit 3, a separation roller 15 is located opposite the feed roller 14. The separation roller 15 is given rotational torque by a torque limiter (not shown) to suppress double feeding of documents. The feed roller 14 and the separation roller 15 are located at the center in the width direction of the original document (see Figure 4). Alternatively, a separation pad may be provided instead of the separation roller 15. In this embodiment, the feed roller 14 is provided on the upper side of the document placed on the document support unit 11, and the documents are fed from the top. However, it is also possible to have the feed roller 14 provided on the lower side of the document placed on the document support unit 11, and the documents are fed from the bottom.

[0041] The separation roller 15 and a torque limiter (not shown) are connected via a gear (not shown), and the gear (not shown) is displaced by a solenoid (not shown), which allows switching between a state in which the separation roller 15 and the torque limiter are connected, i.e., a separation state in which the document is separated, and a state in which the separation roller 15 and the torque limiter are not connected, i.e., a non-separation state in which the document is not separated. A control unit (not shown) that controls the solenoid controls the solenoid so that it is in the separation state when the device body 2 is in the normal reading position, and in the non-separation state when the device body 2 is in the booklet reading position.

[0042] Downstream of the feeding roller 14 and the separating roller 15, a first conveying roller pair 16 is provided. The first conveying roller pair 16 consists of a first lower roller 17 provided on the first unit 3 and a first upper roller 18 provided on the second unit 4. The first upper roller 18 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth relative to the first lower roller 17 and is pressed toward the first lower roller 17 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a coil spring. The first lower roller 17 and the first upper roller 18 are both powered by a motor (not shown) and rotate. There are two of each, the first lower roller 17 and the first upper roller 18, positioned so as to straddle the center position in the document width direction (see Figure 4). When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3, the first lower roller 17 and the first upper roller 18 come into contact. When the second unit 4 is opened relative to the first unit 3, the first upper roller 18 separates from the first lower roller 17.

[0043] Downstream of the first transport roller pair 16, a first reading unit 32 and a second reading unit 33 are arranged opposite each other. The first reading unit 32 is provided in the first unit 3, and the second reading unit 33 is provided in the second unit 4. The first reading unit 32 reads the lower surface (first surface) of the document supported by the document support unit 11, and the second reading unit 33 reads the upper surface (second surface) of the document supported by the document support unit 11. The second reading unit 33 is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward relative to the first reading unit 32, and is pressed toward the first reading unit 32 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a coil spring. In this embodiment, the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33 are composed of contact-type image sensor modules (CISM). Reference numeral 32a denotes a contact glass constituting the first reading unit 32, and reference numeral 33a denotes a contact glass constituting the second reading unit 33.

[0044] Downstream of the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33, a second transport roller pair 20 is provided. The second transport roller pair 20 consists of a second lower roller 21 provided on the first unit 3 and a second upper roller 22 provided on the second unit 4. The second upper roller 22 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth relative to the second lower roller 21 and is pressed toward the second lower roller 21 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a coil spring. The second lower roller 21 and the second upper roller 22 are both powered by a motor (not shown) and rotate. There are two of each, the second lower roller 21 and the second upper roller 22, positioned so as to straddle the center position in the document width direction (see Figure 4). When the second unit 4 is closed relative to the first unit 3, the second lower roller 21 and the second upper roller 22 come into contact. When the second unit 4 is opened relative to the first unit 3, the second upper roller 22 separates from the second lower roller 21.

[0045] In Figures 5 and 6, the dashed line indicated by the symbol R1 is the document feeding path, and the document feeding path R1 extends from the nip position between the feeding roller 14 and the separation roller 15 to the nip position of the first transport roller pair 16. Also in Figures 5 and 6, the dashed line indicated by the symbol R2 is the reading transport path, and the reading transport path R2 extends from the nip position of the first transport roller pair 16 to the nip position of the second transport roller pair 20. The reading transport path R2 is a document transport path facing the first reading unit 32 and the second reading unit 33, and is an example of the first transport path.

[0046] When the main unit 2 is in the normal reading position shown in Figure 5, a reversal transport path R3 is formed downstream of the reading transport path R2 for inverting the scanned document upwards before discharge. The reversal transport path R3 is a document transport path from the nip position of the second transport roller pair 20 to the nip position of the fourth transport roller pair 28, and is a document transport path for inverting the document that is transported diagonally downwards as shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, so that it is curved upwards and discharged diagonally upwards from the first discharge port 75, and is an example of the second transport path. In this embodiment, the entire reversal transport path R3 is configured as a reversal path that inverts the transported document upwards, but it may also include, for example, a straight transport path, and the reversal path that inverts the document upwards may constitute a part of the reversal transport path R3. The document discharged diagonally upwards from the first discharge port 75 via the reversal transport path R3 is supported in an inclined position by the +Y direction surface 4a of the second unit 4.

[0047] When the main unit 2 of the device is in the booklet reading position shown in Figure 6, a non-reversing transport path R4 is formed downstream of the reading transport path R2 for ejecting the scanned document without reversing it. The non-reversing transport path R4 is a document transport path downstream of the nip position of the second transport roller pair 20, and as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6, it is a document transport path for ejecting the document that is transported diagonally downward in the reading transport path R2 diagonally downward from the second discharge port 76 without curving or reversing it. The non-reversing transport path R4 is an example of a third transport path for ejecting the transported document without reversing it. Furthermore, the second transport roller pair 20 functions as an ejection roller pair that ejects the document from the non-reversing transport path R4.

[0048] The reversing conveyor path R3 is equipped with a third conveyor roller pair 24 and a fourth conveyor roller pair 28. The third transport roller pair 24 consists of a third drive roller 25 provided on the third unit 5 and a third driven roller 26 provided on the second unit 4. The third driven roller 26 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth relative to the third drive roller 25 and is pressed toward the third drive roller 25 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a coil spring. The third drive roller 25 is driven by a motor (not shown). The third driven roller 26 is a roller that rotates in a driven manner.

[0049] The fourth transport roller pair 28 consists of a fourth drive roller 29 provided on the third unit 5 and a fourth driven roller 30 provided on the second unit 4. The fourth driven roller 30 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth relative to the fourth drive roller 29 and is pressed toward the fourth drive roller 29 by a pressing member (not shown), such as a coil spring. The fourth drive roller 29 is driven by a motor (not shown). The fourth driven roller 30 is a roller that rotates in a driven manner.

[0050] <First Embodiment> The following describes a first embodiment of a configuration in which the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2 is switched to either the reversing transport path R3 or the non-reversing transport path R4, with reference to Figures 5 to 10. First, the configuration of the first embodiment will be outlined. The outside of the reversing transport path R3 is formed by a rotatable flap 34. The flap 34 takes a first transport path connection position (Figures 5, 7, and 9) in which it connects the reversing transport path R3 to the reading transport path R2 when the device body 2 is in the normal reading position. The flap 34 also takes a second transport path connection position (Figures 6 and 8) in which it connects the non-reversing transport path R4 to the reading transport path R2 when the device body 2 is in the booklet reading position. The orientation of the flap 34 is changed by the transport path switching means 40A. The transport path switching means 40A includes a rotatable switching member 41 that engages with both the main body support 6 and the flap 34. When the device body 2 changes orientation, the engagement between the switching member 41 and the main body support 6 changes, causing the flap 35 to rotate and the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2 to switch. This configuration eliminates the need for a dedicated operation to switch the orientation of the flap 34, and also ensures that the transport path is in an appropriate state according to the orientation of the device body 2, thereby improving usability.

[0051] The transport path switching means 40A also includes a first spring 45 that presses the flap 34 toward the first transport path connection position, and a second spring 46 that presses the switching member 41 in a direction that causes the switching member 41 to press the flap 34 toward the second transport path connection position. The first spring 45 is an example of a first pressing member, and the second spring 46 is an example of a second pressing member. The pressing force of the second spring 46 is stronger than that of the first spring 45. When the device body 2 is in the normal reading position, the switching member 41 comes into contact with the main body support 6, preventing the switching member 41 from pressing the flap 34. The flap 34 then receives the pressing force of the first spring 45 and assumes the first transport path connection position. When the device body 2 is in the booklet reading position, the switching member 41 moves away from the main body support 6. The switching member 41 presses the flap 34 against the pressing force of the first spring 45, causing the flap 34 to assume the second transport path connection position.

[0052] The above configuration will be explained in more detail below. The flap 34 is rotatable around the flap rotation axis 34a, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. By rotating, the flap 34 switches between a first transport path connection position (Figure 5) in which the reversing transport path R3 is connected to the reading transport path R2, and a second transport path connection position (Figure 6) in which the non-reversing transport path R4 is connected to the reading transport path R2. In the first transport path connection orientation, the flap 34 overlaps with the non-reversing transport path R4 when viewed from the X-axis direction. In this specification, connecting the reversing transport path R3 to the reading transport path R2 means making the reversing transport path R3 available for use, and also means blocking the non-reversing transport path R4 and making it unavailable. Similarly, connecting the non-reversing transport path R4 to the reading transport path R2 means making the non-reversing transport path R4 available for use, and also means blocking the reversing transport path R3 and making it unavailable.

[0053] The switching member 41 is provided at the -X end of the flap 34 as shown in Figure 10. The switching member 41 is rotatable around the flap rotation axis 34a. By rotating the switching member 41 in the clockwise direction as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the pressing surface 41a as shown in Figure 10 can press the pressed surface 34d of the flap 34. Figure 10 shows a state in which a gap G is formed between the pressing surface 41a and the pressed surface 34d, and the pressing surface 41a is not pressing the pressed surface 34d. When the gap G is eliminated, the pressing surface 41a presses the pressed surface 34d. The direction in which the pressing surface 41a presses the pressed surface 34d is the direction in which the flap 34 is facing the second transport path connection position (counterclockwise direction in Figures 7 and 8).

[0054] A second spring 46 is provided on the flap rotation shaft 34a, and this second spring 46 presses the switching member 41 in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this embodiment, the second spring 46 is a torsion spring. One end of the second spring 46 is attached to the switching member 41, and the other end of the second spring 46 is attached to a spring attachment part (not shown) of the first unit 3.

[0055] An arm portion 34b is formed at the -X end of the flap 34, and a spring attachment portion 34c is formed on the upper part of the arm portion 34b. As shown in Figure 9, a spring attachment portion 62 is formed on the first unit 3, and a first spring 45 is stretched between the spring attachment portion 34c of the flap 34 and the spring attachment portion 62. In this embodiment, the first spring 45 is a tension coil spring. The first spring 45 presses the flap 34 toward the first transport path connection position (clockwise direction in Figure 9).

[0056] In the state shown in Figure 7, that is, when the device body 2 is in the normal reading position, the switching member 41 is in contact with the contact portion 6a of the main body support portion 6, and the rotation of the switching member 41 in the counterclockwise direction is restricted against the pressing force of the second spring 46. In this state, as shown in Figure 10, a gap G is formed between the pressing surface 41a and the pressed surface 34d, and the switching member 41 does not press the flap 34. As a result, the flap 34 receives the spring force of the first spring 45, comes into contact with the restricting portion 63b of the first frame 63, and assumes the first transport path connection position. Furthermore, it is not necessary for a gap G to be formed between the pressing surface 41a and the pressed surface 34d when the device body 2 is in the normal reading position.

[0057] When the device body 2 rotates from the state shown in Figure 7 toward the booklet reading position, the switching member 41 moves away from the contact portion 6a, and a clockwise pressing force is applied to the switching member 41 by the second spring 46. Here, the pressing force applied by the second spring 46 to the switching member 41 in a counterclockwise direction is stronger than the pressing force applied by the first spring 45 to the flap 34 in a clockwise direction. Therefore, when the device body 2 rotates from the state shown in Figure 7 toward the booklet reading position, as shown in the change from Figure 7 to Figure 8, the switching member 41 presses the flap 34 counterclockwise against the pressing force of the first spring 45, and the flap 34 takes the second transport path connection position. The non-reversal path connection position of the flap 34 is defined by the flap 34 contacting the second frame 64. The second frame 64 is a frame that constitutes the base of the second unit 4.

[0058] Furthermore, when the main unit 2 switches from the booklet reading position shown in Figure 8 to the normal reading position shown in Figure 7, the switching member 41 rotates clockwise upon contact with the contact portion 6a, and the switching member 41 no longer presses against the flap 34, causing the flap 34 to switch to the first transport path connection position shown in Figure 7.

[0059] <Second Embodiment> Next, with reference to Figures 11 to 22, a second embodiment will be described in which the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2 is switched to either the reversing transport path R3 or the non-reversing transport path R4. First, the configuration of the second embodiment will be outlined. The outside of the reversing transport path R3 is formed by a rotatable flap 35. The flap 35 takes a first transport path connection position (Figures 13, 14, 16, 19, and 20) in which it connects the reversing transport path R3 to the reading transport path R2 when the device body 2 takes a booklet reading position. The flap 35 also takes a second transport path connection position (Figures 17, 18, 21, and 22) in which it connects the non-reversing transport path R4 to the reading transport path R2 when the device body 2 takes a booklet reading position. The orientation of the flap 35 is changed by the transport path switching means 40B. The transport path switching means 40B includes a rotatable switching member 47 that engages with both the main body support 6A and the flap 35. When the device body 2 changes orientation, the engagement between the switching member 47 and the main body support 6A changes, causing the flap 35 to rotate and the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2 to switch. This configuration eliminates the need for a dedicated operation to switch the orientation of the flap 35, and also ensures that the transport path is in an appropriate state according to the orientation of the device body 2, thereby improving usability.

[0060] The above configuration will be explained in more detail below. The flap 35 is rotatably mounted on the first frame 63 around a flap rotation axis 35a (see Figure 12). By rotating, the flap 35 switches between a first transport path connection position (Figure 20) in which the reversing transport path R3 is connected to the reading transport path R2, and a second transport path connection position (Figure 22) in which the non-reversing transport path R4 is connected to the reading transport path R2.

[0061] The transport path switching means 40B rotates the flap 35 in conjunction with the rotation of the device body 2. As shown in Figures 19 and 21, the transport path switching means 40B includes a switching member 47, a first spring 48 that presses the flap 35 toward the first transport path connection position, and a second spring 49 that presses the switching member 47 in a direction that causes the switching member 47 to press the flap 35 toward the second transport path connection position. The first spring 48 is an example of a first pressing member, and the second spring 49 is an example of a second pressing member.

[0062] The switching member 47 is provided at the end of the device body 2 in the -X direction. The switching member 47 is rotatably mounted with respect to the rotation axis 63e of the first frame 63 (see Figures 19 and 21). The first spring 48 is stretched between the first spring attachment portion 47a of the switching member 47 and the spring attachment portion 35h of the flap 35. In this embodiment, the first spring 48 is a tension coil spring. The second spring 49 is stretched between the second spring attachment portion 47b of the switching member 47 and the spring attachment portion 63f of the first frame 63. In this embodiment, the second spring 49 is a tension coil spring.

[0063] When the device body 2 is in the normal reading position, as shown in Figure 19, the switching member 47 contacts the contact portion 6b of the main body support portion 6A, and its counterclockwise rotation by the second spring 49 is restricted. As a result, the spring force of the first spring 48 acts on the flap 35, and a clockwise pressing force acts on the flap 35, causing the flap 35 to assume the first transport path connection position shown in Figure 20. Note that the clockwise rotation of the flap 35 is restricted by the restricting portion 63b formed on the first frame 63, as shown in Figure 20.

[0064] When the main body of the device 2 rotates from this state toward the booklet reading position, the switching member 47 separates from the contact portion 6b, and the switching member 47 rotates counterclockwise due to the pressing force of the second spring 49. At this time, the switching member 47 presses against the pressed portion 47c of the flap 35 as shown in Figure 21, causing the flap 35 to rotate counterclockwise and assume the second transport path connection position. The non-reversal path connection position of the flap 35 is defined by the flap 35 contacting the second frame 64.

[0065] Conversely, when the device body 2 rotates from the booklet reading position to the normal reading position, the switching member 47 comes into contact with the contact portion 6b and rotates clockwise. This extends the first spring 48, and the pressing force of the first spring 48 acts on the flap 35, causing the flap 35 to assume the first transport path connection position.

[0066] In Figures 19 and 21, reference numeral 87 denotes a first attitude detection sensor, and reference numeral 88 denotes a second attitude detection sensor. In this embodiment, both are optical sensors equipped with a light-emitting unit (not shown) and a light-receiving unit (not shown). A detected unit 35g is detected on the flap 35. When the device body 2 is in the normal reading position and the flap 35 is in the first transport path connection position, the detected unit 35g blocks the optical axis of the first attitude detection sensor 87 as shown in Figure 19, thereby allowing the control unit (not shown) to detect that the flap 35 is in the first transport path connection position. Furthermore, when the device body 2 is in the booklet reading position and the flap 35 is in the second transport path connection position, the detected unit 35g blocks the optical axis of the second attitude detection sensor 88 as shown in Figure 21, thereby allowing the control unit (not shown) to detect that the flap 35 is in the second transport path connection position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the document from being transported while the flap 35 is in an inappropriate position other than either the first transport path connection position or the second transport path connection position, and consequently, to prevent document jams.

[0067] Next, the flap 35 and the configuration around the flap 35 will be further explained. Downstream of the flap 35, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, there is a reversal path guide member 37 which is a member that constitutes the outside of the reversal transport path R3 and guides the medium received from the flap 35 downstream. In this embodiment, the flap 35 is a single member that extends in the width direction (X-axis direction), which is the direction intersecting the medium transport direction, whereas there are three reversal path guide members 37 provided along the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0068] The reversal path guide member 37 has holes 37a at both ends in the width direction (X-axis direction), and these holes 37a fit together with the shaft portion 65a formed on the third frame 65, so that the reversal path guide member 37 is rotatable around the shaft portion 65a relative to the third frame 65. The third frame 65 is a frame that constitutes the base body of the third unit 5. The flap 35 and the reversal path guide member 37 are formed in a comb-like shape along the width direction (X-axis direction), and the downstream end of the comb teeth of the flap 35 and the upstream end of the comb teeth of the reversal path guide member 37 interlock and are connected in at least a portion of the width direction.

[0069] The comb teeth of the flap 35 consist of a second rib 35d extending upstream (upward in Figure 12) from a base portion 35c which is long in the width direction (X-axis direction), and a third rib 35e extending downstream (downward in Figure 12) from the base portion 35c. The comb teeth of the reversal path guide member 37 consist of fourth ribs 37b and 37c. The fourth rib 37c is a rib that is longer in the conveying direction than the fourth rib 37b. In this embodiment, the ribs designated 37c and 37d are both referred to as the fourth rib.

[0070] The connecting portion (reference numeral 38 in Figures 13-15, 17, and 18) that connects the flap 35 and the reversing path guide member 37 is composed of a projection 35b provided on the flap 35 and a long groove 37g formed in the fourth rib 37c of the reversing path guide member 37. The connection between the flap 35 and the reversal path guide member 37 in this manner provides the following advantages. Specifically, if the flap 35 deforms outward from the reversal transport path R3 due to force from the original document, a reverse step will occur between the flap 35 and the reversal path guide member 37, potentially causing the leading edge of the original document to get caught and jam. However, as described above, the downstream end of the flap 35 and the upstream end of the reversal path guide member 37 are connected in part, so even if the flap 35 deforms due to force from the original document, the reversal path guide member 37 can also deform in accordance. This suppresses the occurrence of the aforementioned reverse step and allows for a smooth transfer of the original document from the flap 35 to the reversal path guide member 37.

[0071] Next, other effects of the connecting portion 38 will be described. As described above, the device body 2 comprises a first unit 3, a second unit 4 which is openable and closable relative to the first unit 3 and forms a reading transport path R2 when closed relative to the first unit 3, and a third unit 5 which is openable and closable relative to both the first unit 3 and the second unit 4 and forms a reversing transport path R3 when closed relative to the first unit 3 and the second unit 4. In this configuration, the flap 35 is provided on the first unit 3 and the reversing path guide member 37 is provided on the third unit 5. Therefore, when opening the third unit 5, there is a risk that the connecting part 38 that connects the flap 35 and the reversing path guide member 37 may be damaged. However, as described above, the connecting portion 38 is composed of a projection 35b provided on the flap 35 and a long groove 37g formed in the fourth rib 37c of the reversing path guide member 37. Therefore, when the third unit 5 is opened, as shown in Figure 15, the reversing path guide member 37 rotates relative to the third unit 5 and the projection 35b moves within the long groove 37g, thereby suppressing the risk of damage to the connecting portion 38.

[0072] The following describes the configuration of the ribs that form the outside of the reversal transport path R3. In Figure 12, the first frame 63 has two openings 63a. The openings 63a expose the second lower roller 21. The first frame 63 has multiple first ribs 63c along the width direction (X-axis direction), which are examples of upstream ribs that extend in the document transport direction. Three regulating sections 63b that define the first transport path connection position of the flap 35 are formed along the width direction (X-axis direction). The first ribs 63c formed on the first frame 63 overlap alternately with the second ribs 35d formed on the flap 35 along the width direction (X-axis direction) when the flap 35 is in the inverted transport path formation position, as shown in Figures 11 and 16.

[0073] The second rib 35d formed on the flap 35 has two ribs, one indicated by reference numeral 35d-1 and the other by reference numeral 35d-2. The second rib 35d-1 is longer in the transport direction than the second rib 35d-2. The second rib 35d-2 is provided so as to correspond to the area where the opening 63a is formed in the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0074] Figure 17 shows the positional relationship between the second rib 35d-1 and the second upper roller 22 when the flap 35 assumes a non-reversing transport path formation position. In this state, the second rib 35d-1 extends to a position overlapping with the second upper roller 22, so that even if the document being transported along the non-reversing transport path R4 curls upward, the document can be properly transported downstream. Figure 18 also shows the positional relationship between the second rib 35d-2 and the second upper roller 22 when the flap 35 is in a non-reversing transport path formation position. In this state, the second rib 35d-2 does not overlap with the second upper roller 22, thus avoiding interference with the second upper roller 22.

[0075] The first side of the document being transported along the reversal transport path R3 is guided by a first frame 63, which is an example of an upstream guide member located upstream of the flap 35, then guided by the flap 35 and the reversal path guide member 37, and then guided by a third frame 65, which is an example of a downstream guide member located downstream of the reversal path guide member 37. The third frame 65 has multiple fifth ribs 65b, which are examples of downstream ribs extending in the document transport direction, provided along the width direction (X-axis direction). The heights of the first rib 63c and the fifth rib 65b in the direction normal to the surface of the original document are lower than the heights of the second rib 35d and the third rib 35e that form the comb teeth of the flap 35, and also lower than the heights of the fourth ribs 37b and 37c that form the comb teeth of the reversal path guide member 37.

[0076] In this embodiment, the number of first ribs 63c, second ribs 35d, third ribs 35e, and fourth ribs 37b and 37c are the same, and greater than the number of fifth ribs 65b.

[0077] The following describes other features of the second embodiment described above. As shown in Figures 20 and 22, in the direction normal to the surface of the document being transported along the reading transport path R2 (Figures 5 and 6) (F-axis direction), the flap rotation axis 35a, which forms the rotation center of the flap 35, is located on the side of the first discharge port 75 (+F direction) with respect to the reading transport path R2. Furthermore, in the F-axis direction, the flap rotation axis 35a is located on the side of the first discharge port 75 (+F direction) with respect to the document nip position by the first transport roller pair 16 and the document nip position by the second transport roller pair 20. Furthermore, in the F-axis direction, the flap rotation axis 35a is located on the side of the first output port 75 (+F direction) with respect to the document reading surface by the first reading unit 32 and the document reading surface by the second reading unit 33. Similarly, in Figures 19 and 21, the rotation axis 63e that forms the rotation center of the switching member 47 in the F-axis direction is located on the side of the first discharge port 75 (+F direction) with respect to the reading transport path R2.

[0078] <Third Embodiment> Next, with reference to Figures 23 and 24, a third embodiment will be described in which the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2 is switched to either the reversing transport path R3 or the non-reversing transport path R4. Figures 23 and 24 are side cross-sectional views of the document transport path of scanner 1A according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, a portion of the main support section 6B is configured as a path forming section 6d that forms the outside of the reversing transport path R3. The path forming section 6d connects the reversing transport path R3 to the reading transport path R2, as shown in Figure 23, when the device body 2 is in the normal reading position. The path forming section 6d also connects the non-reversing transport path R4 to the reading transport path R2, as shown in Figure 24, when the device body 2 is in the booklet reading position. This configuration eliminates the need for a dedicated operation to switch the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2, and also improves usability by ensuring that the transport path is in the appropriate state according to the orientation of the device body 2.

[0079] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, with reference to Figure 25, a fourth embodiment will be described in which the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2 is switched to either the reversing transport path R3 or the non-reversing transport path R4. Figure 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the document transport path of scanner 1B according to the fourth embodiment. In scanner 1B, the main body 2 is supported by the main body support portion 6C, but unlike the embodiments described above, the main body 2 does not rotate relative to the main body support portion 6C. In this embodiment, instead of the main body support 6 in the first embodiment or the main body support 6A in the second embodiment described above, an opening / closing body 90 is provided. The opening / closing body 90 is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis 90a, and by rotating, it opens and closes its side in the +Y direction, thereby opening and closing the second discharge port 76 from which the medium being transported along the non-reversing transport path R4 is discharged. The dashed line and reference numeral 90-1 indicate the opening / closing body in the open state.

[0080] In this embodiment, the only difference is that the opening / closing body 90 described above is provided instead of the main body support portion 6 in the first embodiment described above, and it is equipped with the transport path switching means 40A described in the first embodiment described above. The orientation switching of the device body 2 in the first embodiment described above corresponds to the opening and closing of the opening / closing body 90. This embodiment includes the flap 34 according to the first embodiment described above. That is, the outside of the reversing transport path R3 is formed by a rotatable flap 34. When the opening / closing body 90 is closed, the flap 34 takes a first transport path connection position in which the reversing transport path R3 is connected to the reading transport path R2. When the opening / closing body 90 is open, the flap 34 takes a second transport path connection position in which the non-reversing transport path R4 is connected to the reading transport path R2 as shown by the dashed line and reference numeral 34-1. The transport path switching means according to this embodiment is the same as the transport path switching means 40A described with reference to Figures 7 to 10, and the switching member 41 described with reference to Figures 7 to 10 engages with both the opening / closing body 90 and the flap 34. When the opening / closing body 90 is opened or closed, the interaction between the switching member 41 and the opening / closing body 90 changes, causing the flap 34 to rotate and the transport path connected to the reading transport path R2 to switch. This eliminates the need for a special operation to switch the orientation of the flap 34, and also improves usability by ensuring that the transport path is in an appropriate state according to the orientation of the device body 2.

[0081] In this embodiment, the flap 34 according to the first embodiment described above is provided, but the flap 35 and transport path switching means 40B according to the second embodiment described above may also be provided. The opening / closing body 90 may also include the path forming section 6d according to the third embodiment described with reference to Figures 23 and 24.

[0082] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, an example of applying the media transport device to an image reading device has been described, but it may also be applied to a recording device that records on a medium. An example of a recording device is an inkjet printer equipped with a recording head that ejects ink onto a medium. In each of the above embodiments, for example, an example of a recording device can be configured by providing a recording head instead of the second reading unit 33. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1, 1A, 1B...Scanner, 2...Main unit, 3...First unit, 4...Second unit, 5...Third unit, 6, 6A, 6B, 6C...Main unit support, 6a, 6b...Contact part, 6d...Path forming part, 7...Operation part, 8a...Lock release part, 10...Upper opening / closing part, 11...Document support part, 12a, 12b...Edge guide, 13...Feed slot, 14...Feed roller, 15...Separation roller, 16...First transport roller pair, 17...First lower roller, 1 8...First upper roller, 20...Second transport roller pair, 21...Second lower roller, 22...Second upper roller, 24...Third transport roller pair, 25...Third drive roller, 26...Third driven roller, 28...Fourth transport roller pair, 29...Fourth drive roller, 30...Fourth driven roller, 32...First reading unit, 32a...Contact glass, 33...Second reading unit, 33a...Contact glass, 34...Flap, 34a...Flap rotation shaft, 34 b...arm section, 34c...spring attachment section, 34d...pressed surface, 35...flap, 35a...flap rotation axis, 35b...projection, 35c...base section, 35d...second rib, 35e...third rib, 35g...detected section, 35h...spring attachment section, 37...reversal path guide member, 37a...hole section, 37b, 37c...fourth rib, 37g...long groove, 38...connecting section, 40A, 40B...conveyor path switching means, 41...switching member, 41a...pressing surface, 45...first spring 46...Second spring, 47...Switching member, 47a...First spring attachment part, 47b...Second spring attachment part, 47c...Pressed part, 48...First spring, 49...Second spring, 62...Spring attachment part, 63...First frame, 63a...Opening, 63b...Restricting part, 63c...First rib, 63e...Rotation shaft, 63f...Spring attachment part, 64...Second frame, 65...Third frame, 65a...Shaft part, 65b...Fifth rib, 66...Rear cover, 71...First connection part (USB) R1…Document feed path, R2…Scanning transport path, R3…Reversing transport path, R4…Non-reversing transport path

Claims

1. The main support part is placed on the mounting surface of the device, The device comprises a main body supported by the main body support portion, The main body of the device includes a first transport path for transporting the medium, A media transport path downstream of the first transport path, which includes a reversing path for inverting the transported media upward, and a second transport path for discharging the media inverted by the reversing path, A third transport path downstream of the first transport path, for discharging the transported medium without reversing it, The system includes a transport path switching means that switches the medium transport path connected to the first transport path to either the second transport path or the third transport path, The main body of the device is rotatably mounted to the main body support, and by rotating, it can be switched between a first position and a second position in which the angle between the first transport path and the aforementioned mounting surface is smaller than that of the first position. The outside of the aforementioned reversing path is formed by a rotatable path-forming member, The path forming member takes a first transport path connection position in which the second transport path is connected to the first transport path when the device body takes the first position, and takes a second transport path connection position in which the third transport path is connected to the first transport path when the device body takes the second position. The transport path switching means comprises a rotatable switching member that engages with both the main body support and the path forming member, When the device body changes its orientation, the relationship between the switching member and the body support changes, causing the path forming member to rotate and the transport path connected to the first transport path to switch. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

2. In the media transport device according to claim 1, the transport path switching means includes a first pressing member that presses the path forming member toward the first transport path connection position, The switching member comprises a second pressing member which presses the switching member in a direction that presses the path forming member toward the second transport path connection position, The pressing force of the second pressing member is stronger than the pressing force of the first pressing member. When the device body is in the first position, the switching member comes into contact with the body support, so that the switching member does not press against the path forming member, and the path forming member receives the pressing force of the first pressing member and assumes the first transport path connection position. When the device body is in the second position, the switching member separates from the body support, the switching member presses the path forming member against the pressing force of the first pressing member, and the path forming member assumes the second transport path connection position. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

3. In the media transport device according to claim 1, the transport path switching means includes a first pressing member that presses the path forming member toward the first transport path connection position, The switching member comprises a second pressing member which presses the switching member in a direction that presses the path forming member toward the second transport path connection position, The first pressing member is stretched between the switching member and the path forming member, When the device body is in the first position, the switching member contacts the body support portion, and the path forming member receives the pressing force of the first pressing member to assume the first transport path connection position. When the device body is in the second position, the switching member separates from the body support, the switching member presses against the path forming member, and the path forming member assumes the second transport path connection position. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

4. A media transport device according to claim 3, comprising a member constituting the outside of the reversal path, located downstream of the path forming member, and comprising a reversal path guide member that guides the media transferred from the path forming member downstream, The path forming member and the reversal path guide member are formed in a comb-like shape along the width direction, which is a direction intersecting the medium transport direction. The downstream end of the comb teeth of the path forming member and the upstream end of the comb teeth of the reversing path guide member are interlocked and connected in at least a portion of the width direction. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

5. In the media transport device according to claim 4, the device body comprises a first unit and A second unit which is openable and closable relative to the first unit, and which forms the first transport path when closed relative to the first unit, The system comprises a third unit which is openable and closable relative to the first and second units, and which forms the second transport path when closed relative to the first and second units, The path forming member is provided in the first unit, The reversal path guide member is rotatably mounted relative to the third unit, The connecting portion to which the path forming member and the reversing path guide member are connected comprises a projection formed on one of the path forming member and the reversing path guide member, It consists of a long groove formed in the other of the path-forming member and the reversing path guide member, into which the projection enters, When the third unit opens and closes relative to the first unit, the reversal path guide member rotates relative to the third unit and the projection moves within the long groove. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

6. In the media transport device according to claim 4 or claim 5, with the second transport path connected to the first transport path, the first surface, which is one side of the media, is guided by an upstream guide member located upstream of the path forming member, then guided by the path forming member and the reversal path guide member, and then guided by a downstream guide member located downstream of the reversal path guide member. The upstream guide member comprises a plurality of upstream ribs extending in the media transport direction and provided along the width direction, The downstream guide member comprises a plurality of downstream ribs extending in the medium transport direction and provided along the width direction, The heights of the upstream rib and the downstream rib in the direction normal to the surface of the medium are lower than the height of the comb teeth of the path forming member and lower than the height of the comb teeth of the reversal path guide member. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

7. In the media transport device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, the rotation center of the path forming member is located on the side of the discharge port for discharging the media from the third transport path with respect to the first transport path, in the direction normal to the surface of the media being transported along the first transport path. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

8. In the media transport device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, the rotation center of the switching member is located away from the first transport path toward the reversing path in the direction normal to the surface of the media being transported along the first transport path. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

9. The main support part is placed on the mounting surface of the device, The device comprises a main body supported by the main body support portion, The main body of the device includes a first transport path for transporting the medium, A media transport path downstream of the first transport path, which includes a reversing path for inverting the transported media upward, and a second transport path for discharging the media inverted by the reversing path, A third transport path is provided, which is a medium transport path downstream of the first transport path, for discharging the transported medium without reversing it. The main body of the device is rotatably mounted to the main body support, and by rotating, it can be switched between a first position and a second position in which the angle between the first transport path and the aforementioned mounting surface is smaller than that of the first position. A portion of the main body support is a path forming portion that forms the outside of the reversal path, The path forming unit connects the second transport path to the first transport path when the device body assumes the first posture, and connects the third transport path to the first transport path when the device body assumes the second posture. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

10. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A reading unit is provided in the first transport path of the media transport device for reading the media, An image reading device equipped with [unclear].

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