Media transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium transport device that can prevent the occurrence of medium jams while making it easy for a user to place a medium on a placement stand.SOLUTION: The medium transport device includes: a mounting table having a mounting surface on which a medium is placed; a side guide provided on the mounting surface and regulating the width direction of the medium; and a recess formed at the upstream or downstream end of the side guide in the medium transport direction. The recess has an upper surface formed so that the end of the transported medium abuts thereon when the end enters in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media conveyance device, and particularly to a media conveyance device provided with a side guide for regulating the width direction of a media on a mounting table.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in a media conveyance device such as a scanner that conveys and images a media, a side guide for regulating the width direction of the media is provided on a mounting table to suppress the occurrence of skew in which the media is conveyed while tilted. However, even when the width direction of the media is regulated by the side guide, skew of the media may occur due to the occurrence of slip between the roller that conveys the media and the media. When skew of the media occurs, the tilted media may climb over the side guide, and media jamming may occur.

[0003] A paper feeding device is disclosed that includes a side guide that contacts the width direction side surface of a leaf bundle and regulates the width direction position of the paper leaf bundle (see Patent Document 1). A concave regulating portion located outside the width direction edge of the paper leaf is provided on the inner wall surface of this side guide, and the regulating portion extends parallel to the direction in which the paper leaf extends in the paper feeding direction.

[0004] A media feeding device is disclosed that includes a pair of edge guides provided in a media mounting portion and having a guide surface for guiding a side edge in the width direction that intersects the feeding direction of the media (see Patent Document 2). This media feeding device is provided at an interval with respect to the mounting surface, and further includes a sheet number regulating portion provided so as to extend from the guide surfaces of the pair of edge guides in a direction intersecting the guide surface and having a regulating surface for regulating the number of media sheets mounted on the media mounting portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] Media handling devices are required to facilitate the placement of media onto the loading platform by users while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0007] The purpose of the media transport device is to facilitate the placement of media onto the platform by the user while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0008] A media transport device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a mounting table having a mounting surface on which media are placed, a side guide provided on the mounting surface and having a restricting surface that restricts the width direction of the media, and a side guide Do formed Anti-floating part and, Anti-floating part The top surface and The two sides: the first and second sides. and, have death , The upper surface covers the space formed by the first and second surfaces from above, and the anti-lifting part moves in conjunction with the movement of the side guide in the width direction. .

[0009] According to this embodiment, the media transport device makes it easy for users to place media on the platform while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0010] The object and effect of the present invention will be recognized and obtained, in particular, by using the components and combinations indicated in the claims. Both the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and descriptive, and do not limit the present invention as described in the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a media transport device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the area around the side guide 104 as viewed from above. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of side guide 104. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of side guide 104. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram of the upstream end of the side guide 104 as viewed from above. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the medium M conveyed while being inclined. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the medium M conveyed while being inclined. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining the conveyance path inside the medium conveyance device 100. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the medium conveyance device 100. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the other side guide 204. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 304. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 404. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 504. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram for explaining yet another side guide 604. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the other processing circuit 750.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a media conveyance device 100 configured as an image scanner. The media conveyance device 100 conveys and images a medium that is a document. The medium may be paper, tissue paper, cardboard, card, or booklet, etc. The media conveyance device 100 may also be a facsimile machine, a copying machine, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), etc. Note that the conveyed medium may not be a document but a printing object or the like, and the media conveyance device 100 may also be a printer or the like. In FIG. 2, arrow A1 indicates the media conveyance direction, and arrow A2 indicates the width direction orthogonal to the media conveyance direction. Hereinafter, the upstream means upstream in the media conveyance direction A1, and the downstream means downstream in the media conveyance direction A1.

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

[0015] The upper housing 102 is disposed at a position covering the upper surface of the media conveyance device 100 and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when the media is jammed or when cleaning inside the media conveyance device 100.

[0016] The mounting table 103 is rotatably engaged with the lower housing 101. The mounting table 103 is disposed at a position covering the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 101 when the media conveyance device 100 is not in use and functions as an exterior cover. On the other hand, the mounting table 103 has a mounting surface 103a for mounting the media, and mounts the conveyed media when the media conveyance device 100 is in use. In FIG. 1, arrow A3 indicates the height direction orthogonal to the mounting surface 103a.

[0017] The side guides 104 are provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 so as to be movable in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the media conveyance direction. The side guides 104 are positioned according to the width of the media placed on the mounting table 103 and regulate the width direction of the media. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two side guides 104 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2. The number of side guides 104 may be one.

[0018] The discharge platform 105 is retractably housed inside the lower housing 101 and holds the discharged medium when extended. The discharge platform 105 may also be engaged with the upper housing 102.

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

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the area around the side guide 104 as viewed from above.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, each side guide 104 has a restricting portion 104a and a support portion 104b. The restricting portion 104a abuts against the widthwise end of the medium placed on the mounting base 103, restricting the widthwise direction of the medium. The support portion 104b is provided on the inside of the restricting portion 104a in the widthwise direction A2, and supports the lower surface of the medium placed on the mounting base 103, guiding the widthwise end of the medium to the restricting portion 104a. The support portion 104b prevents the medium from entering between the restricting portion 104a and the mounting base 103. The restricting portion 104a and the support portion 104b are formed from a single integrated member. However, the restricting portion 104a and the support portion 104b may be formed from separate members.

[0022] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the side guide 104 after it has been removed from the mounting base 103. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the side guide 104 from the inside in the width direction A2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upstream end of the side guide 104 from the upstream side. Note that the shapes of the side guide 104 that restricts the left edge of the medium and the side guide 104 that restricts the right edge of the medium are symmetrical, and the functions of each side guide 104 are the same, so below we will describe the side guide 104 that restricts the left edge of the medium as a representative example.

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the upstream end of the side guide 104, which has been removed from the mounting base 103, viewed from above.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the downstream end 104h of the recess 104d in the media transport direction A1 is formed to be inclined with respect to the media transport direction A1 and the width direction A2 which is perpendicular to the media transport direction.

[0030] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the medium M being transported at an angle. Figure 6 is a schematic view of the area around the side guide 104 from above. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 6.

[0031] Figures 6 and 7 show a state in which a medium M placed on a platform 103 is being transported at an angle. As shown in Figure 7, the recess 104d of the side guide 104 is formed to open toward the regulating surface 104c side and has a side surface 104i and an upper surface 104j inside. As shown in Figure 6, when the medium M is transported at an angle, it rotates so that its rear end (downstream end) faces outward in the width direction A2. Because the recess 104d is formed at the upstream end of the medium transport direction A1 on the regulating surface 104c of the side guide 104, the end of the medium M that is transported at an angle on the side guide 104 side enters the recess 104d. The end of the medium M that has entered the recess 104d abuts against the side surface 104i formed within the recess 104d and rises along the side surface 104i. The end of the medium M comes into contact with the upper surface 104j formed within the recess 104d, and the upper surface 104j prevents the end of the medium M from rising further.

[0032] Thus, the upper surface 104j is formed so that when the end of the conveyed medium in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction enters, the end of the medium comes into contact with it. As a result, the recess 104d functions as an overhang so that when the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is conveyed at an angle, the end of the medium in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction enters and restricts the medium from floating up. As a result, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the medium M conveyed at an angle from going over the side guide 104 and floating up, and can prevent the floating medium from entering the medium conveying path and causing a jam.

[0033] In particular, since the media being transported at an angle rotates so that its rear end (upstream side) faces outward in the width direction A2, the recess 104d is provided on the upstream side, allowing the tilted media to enter the recess 104d early. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can suppress the increase in the tilt of the media from immediately after the media begins to tilt, and thus suppress the occurrence of skew in the media.

[0034] Furthermore, when the end of the inclined medium M comes into contact with the upper surface 104j formed within the recess 104d, the inclination of the medium M is suppressed from increasing further, thereby suppressing the occurrence of skew in the medium. It is desirable that the length of the recess 104d be set to a sufficiently small value in the height direction A3 so that the end of the medium M comes into contact with the upper surface 104j earlier. As a result, the medium conveying device 100 can bring the end of the inclined medium M into contact with the upper surface 104j earlier, thereby minimizing the inclination of the medium.

[0035] On the other hand, as described above, the contact surface 104e of the support portion 104b is formed such that the height of the region 104f that overlaps with the recess 104d is reduced. Therefore, even when a medium with an upward curled end is being transported, the end of the medium is more likely to enter the recess 104d, and the curled portion of the medium is less likely to go over the side guide 104. Also, when a medium with little stiffness, such as thin paper, is being transported, the medium stretches along the contact surface 104e, so the end of the medium is more likely to enter the recess 104d, and the end of the medium is less likely to go over the side guide 104. Thus, the medium transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of medium skew and medium jamming, especially when transporting a medium with an upward curled end or a medium with little stiffness, such as thin paper. Note that the contact surface 104e may be formed such that the height of the region 104f that overlaps with the recess 104d is the same as the height of the region 104g that does not overlap with the recess 104d.

[0036] Furthermore, the recess 104d is formed at the upstream end in the media transport direction A1, and the area of ​​the regulating surface 104c downstream of the recess 104d has a flat surface. In the media transport direction A1, the flat surface of the regulating surface 104c is longer than the recess 104d, and when the media is placed on the mounting table 103, it is set along the flat surface of the regulating surface 104c. As a result, the media transport device 100 can prevent the media from being placed on the mounting table 103 at an angle.

[0037] If the recess is formed not only at the end but across the entire area of ​​the regulating surface in the media transport direction A1, the media will be set along the recess when placed on the mounting platform. In that case, the user would have to go through the trouble of first spreading the set guide outwards, then setting the media, and then narrowing the set guide inwards to allow the media to enter the recess. On the other hand, with the media transport device 100, the user can easily place the media because they set it along the flat surface of the regulating surface 104c. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0038] Furthermore, as described above, the downstream end 104h of the recess 104d is formed to be inclined. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can prevent damage to the media from occurring when the media entering the recess 104d comes into contact with the end 104h. However, the downstream end 104h of the recess 104d may be formed not to be inclined.

[0039] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device 100.

[0040] The transport path inside the media transport device 100 includes a media sensor 111, a feeding roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a first driven roller 115, an imaging device 116, a second transport roller 117, and a second driven roller 118, among others.

[0041] Note that the number of each of the feeding roller 112, separating roller 113, first conveying roller 114, first driven roller 115, second conveying roller 117 and / or second driven roller 118 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In that case, the multiple feeding rollers 112, separating roller 113, first conveying roller 114, first driven roller 115, second conveying roller 117 and / or second driven roller 118 are arranged side by side with spacing between them in the width direction perpendicular to the media conveying direction A1.

[0042] The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms the lower guide 101a of the media transport path, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms the upper guide 102a of the media transport path.

[0043] The medium sensor 111 is positioned upstream of the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The medium sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. Note that the medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the medium sensor 111.

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

[0045] The imaging device 116 is positioned downstream of the first transport roller 114 and images the medium transported by the first transport roller 114. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b, which are positioned opposite each other across the medium transport path. The first imaging device 116a has a line sensor using a 1:1 optical system type CIS (Contact Image Sensor) with image sensors made of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging device 116a generates and outputs an input image by imaging the surface of the transported medium according to control from a processing circuit described later.

[0046] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b has a line sensor with a CIS of the 1:1 optical system type, which has CMOS image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 116b also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging device 116b generates and outputs an input image by imaging the back surface of the transported medium according to the control from the processing circuit described later.

[0047] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b, and may read only one side of the media. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CMOS image sensor, a CIS line sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor may be used. Alternatively, a reduction optical system type line sensor equipped with a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used.

[0048] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a toward the medium transport direction A1 as the feed roller 112 rotates in the direction of arrow A4 in Figure 2, i.e., the medium transport direction. The separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A5, i.e., the opposite direction to the medium transport direction, when medium is being transported. Due to the action of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113, when multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, only the media that are in contact with the feed roller 112 are separated. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

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

[0050] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the media transport device 100.

[0051] In addition to the configuration described above, the media transport device 100 further includes a motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, and a processing circuit 150.

[0052] The motor 131 has one or more motors and, by control signals from the processing circuit 150, rotates the feeding roller 112, the separating roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, and the second conveying roller 117 to convey the medium. The first driven roller 115 and / or the second driven roller 118 may also be driven by the motor 131. In that case, the first conveying roller 114 and / or the second conveying roller 117 may be provided to rotate in accordance with the first driven roller 115 or the second driven roller 118.

[0053] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as USB, and electrically connects to an information processing device (not shown) (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various types of information. Alternatively, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit may be used that has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may also have a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0054] The storage device 140 includes memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, or portable storage devices such as flexible disks and optical disks. The storage device 140 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc., used for various processes of the media transport 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. Examples of portable recording media include CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) and DVD-ROMs (digital versatile disc read-only memory).

[0055] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program pre-stored in the memory device 140. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processing circuit 150.

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

[0057] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10, the storage device 140 stores the control program 141, the image acquisition program 142, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on the processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to each program it has read. As a result, the processing circuit 150 functions as the control unit 151 and the image acquisition unit 152.

[0059] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media transport device 100.

[0060] The following describes an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media transport device 100, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 11. The operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the media transport device 100, based on a program pre-stored in the storage device 140.

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

[0062] Next, the control unit 151 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 111 and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 terminates the series of steps.

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

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

[0065] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111 (step S105). If there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 returns to step S104 and repeats the process from steps S104 to S105.

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

[0067] As detailed above, the media transport device 100 has a recess 104d at the upstream end of the side guide 104 to suppress the media from floating up when skew occurs. As a result, the media transport device 100 can easily place the media on the loading platform 103 by the user while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0068] In particular, the media transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of jams in various media, such as thin paper, thick paper, and paper with wrinkles or tears, thereby suppressing damage to the media. Furthermore, the media transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of media skew and jams without using special parts, thereby suppressing an increase in equipment costs.

[0069] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating another side guide 204. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the side guide 204 removed from the mounting base 103, viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

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

[0071] Furthermore, the recess 204d has internal side surfaces 204i and top surface 204j, similar to the side surface 104i and top surface 104j. Similarly, the second recess 204k has internal side surfaces 204n and top surface 204o. As described above, when the medium is transported at an angle, it rotates so that its rear end faces outward in the width direction A2. Therefore, the medium, which was slightly tilted and restricted by the side guide 204, rotates significantly so that its rear end faces outward in the width direction A2 when its rear end passes the side guide 204. Because the second recess 204k is formed at the downstream end of the restricting surface 204c of the side guide 204, the slightly tilted rear end of the medium enters the second recess 204k when it is transported to a position facing the second recess 204k. The end of the medium that has entered the second recess 204k abuts against the side surface 204n formed within the second recess 204k and rises along the side surface 204n. The end of the medium comes into contact with the upper surface 204o formed within the second recess 204k, and the upper surface 204o prevents the end of the medium from rising further.

[0072] Thus, the upper surface 204o is formed so that when the end of the conveyed medium enters in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, the end of the medium comes into contact with it. When the medium is conveyed at an angle, the angle increases as the medium is conveyed, and there is a high possibility that the medium will lift up over the side guide 204, especially when the rear end (upstream end) of the medium passes the downstream end of the side guide 204. By providing a second recess 204k at the downstream end in the medium conveying direction A1, the medium conveying device can prevent the medium from lifting up over the side guide 204 when the rear end of the inclined medium passes the downstream end of the side guide 204. Therefore, the medium conveying device can prevent the lifted medium from entering the medium conveying path and causing a medium jam.

[0073] Furthermore, the second recess 204k is formed at the downstream end in the media transport direction A1, and the central part of the regulating surface 204c has a flat surface. Users can set the media along the flat surface of the regulating surface 204c, and the media can be easily placed, thus improving user convenience with the media transport device.

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

[0075] As a result, the media transport device can suppress the occurrence of media skew and media jamming, especially when transporting media with curled ends or media with low stiffness such as thin paper. The contact surface 204e may be formed such that the height of the region 204f overlapping with the recess 204d and / or the region 204l overlapping with the second recess 204k is the same as the height of the region 204g that does not overlap with the recess 204d and the second recess 204k.

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

[0077] This prevents the media transport device from damaging the media by preventing it from hitting the end 204m after it enters the second recess 204k. The downstream end 204h of the recess 204d and / or the upstream end 204m of the second recess 204k may be formed so as not to be inclined.

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

[0079] As detailed above, even when the media transport device has a second recess 204k formed at the downstream end of the side guide 204, it is possible to facilitate the user placing the media on the loading platform 103 while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0080] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating another side guide 304. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the side guide 304 removed from the mounting base 103, viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0081] The side guide 304 has the same structure and function as the side guide 204 and is used in place of the side guide 204. As shown in Figure 13, the side guide 304 has a restricting portion 304a and a support portion 304b similar to the restricting portion 204a and support portion 204b. The restricting portion 304a has a restricting surface 304c similar to the restricting surface 204c. Recesses 304d and 204k similar to the recesses 204d and 204k are formed at the upstream and downstream ends of the side guide 304 in the media transport direction A1. The recess 304d opens to the upstream side in the media transport direction A1 and extends to both ends in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the media transport direction of the side guide 304. Similarly, the second recess 304k opens to the downstream side in the media transport direction A1 and extends to both ends in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the media transport direction of the side guide 304. The recess 304d and the second recess 304k are formed so as not to open to the upper surface of the restricting portion 304a in the height direction A3.

[0082] The recess 304d and the second recess 304k have upper surfaces 304j and 304o inside, similar to the upper surfaces 204j and 204o. The upper surfaces 304j and 304o are formed so that when the end of the conveyed medium enters in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, the end of the medium comes into contact with the upper surface 304j and 304o. If the medium is conveyed at an angle, the end of the medium on the side guide 304 side enters the recess 304d or the second recess 304k, and the lifting of the end of the medium that has entered the recess 304d or the second recess 304k is prevented by the upper surface 304j or 304o. Therefore, the medium conveying device can prevent the lifted medium from entering the medium conveying path and causing a medium jam.

[0083] Furthermore, the recess 304d and the second recess 304k are formed at the ends in the media transport direction A1, and the central part of the regulating surface 304c has a flat surface. Users can set the media along the flat surface of the regulating surface 304c, and the media can be easily placed, thus improving user convenience with the media transport device.

[0084] Furthermore, the support portion 304b has a contact surface 304e similar to the contact surface 204e. The contact surface 304e is formed such that the height of the region 304f overlapping with the recess 304d and the region 304l overlapping with the second recess 304k, when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the media transport direction, is lower than the height of the region 304g that does not overlap with the recess 304d and the second recess 304k. This allows the media transport device to suppress the occurrence of media skew and media jamming, especially when transporting media with curled ends or media with low stiffness such as thin paper. The contact surface 304e may also be formed such that the height of the region 304f overlapping with the recess 304d and / or the region 304l overlapping with the second recess 304k is the same as the height of the region 304g that does not overlap with the recess 304d and the second recess 304k.

[0085] Furthermore, the downstream end 304h of recess 304d and the upstream end 304m of the second recess 304k are formed to be inclined with respect to the media transport direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the media transport direction, similar to ends 204h and 204m. This prevents the media transport device from damaging the media by preventing it from hitting the end 304h or 304m when it enters recess 304d or the second recess 304k. However, the downstream end 304h of recess 304d and / or the upstream end 304m of the second recess 304k may be formed without inclination.

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

[0087] As described in detail above, even when the media transport device is formed such that the recess 304d or the second recess 304k extends across both ends of the width direction A2 of the side guide 304, it is possible to facilitate the user placing the media on the loading platform 103 while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0088] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating another side guide 404. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the side guide 404 removed from the mounting base 103, viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

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

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

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

[0092] As detailed above, even when the upstream end of the support section 404b is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the regulating section 404a, the media transport device makes it easy for users to place media on the loading platform 103 while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0093] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating another side guide 504. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the side guide 504 removed from the mounting base 103, viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0094] The side guide 504 has the same structure and function as the side guide 204 and is used in place of the side guide 204. As shown in Figure 15, the side guide 504 has a restricting section 504a and a support section 504b similar to the restricting section 204a and the support section 204b. However, the upstream end of the support section 504b is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the restricting section 504a, and the downstream end of the support section 504b is positioned upstream of the downstream end of the restricting section 504a. The support section 504b does not necessarily have to be positioned to face the lower housing 101 but not to face the mounting base 103.

[0095] The restricting section 504a has a restricting surface 504c similar to the restricting surface 204c. At the end of the side guide 504 in the media transport direction A1, recesses 504d and 204k similar to recesses 204d and 204k are formed. The recess 504d has an internal side surface 504i and an internal top surface 504j similar to the side surface 204i and top surface 204j, and the second recess 504k has an internal side surface 504n and an internal top surface 504o similar to the side surface 204n and top surface 204o. The downstream end 504h of recess 504d and the upstream end 504m of the second recess 504k are formed to be inclined with respect to the media transport direction A1 and the width direction A2 perpendicular to the media transport direction, similar to ends 204h and 204m.

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

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

[0098] As detailed above, even when the end of the support section 504b is positioned closer to the center than the end of the restricting section 504a, the media transport device makes it easy for users to place media on the loading platform 103 while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0099] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating another side guide 604. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the side guide 604 removed from the mounting base 103, viewed from the inside in the width direction A2.

[0100] The side guide 604 has the same structure and function as the side guide 304 and is used in place of the side guide 304. As shown in Figure 16, the side guide 604 has a restricting section 604a and a support section 604b similar to the restricting section 304a and the support section 304b. However, the upstream end of the support section 604b is positioned downstream of the upstream end of the restricting section 604a, and the downstream end of the support section 604b is positioned upstream of the downstream end of the restricting section 604a. The support section 604b does not necessarily have to be positioned to face the lower housing 101 but not to face the mounting base 103.

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

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

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

[0104] As detailed above, even when the end of the support section 604b is positioned closer to the center than the end of the restricting section 604a, the media transport device makes it easy for users to place media on the loading platform 103 while suppressing the occurrence of media jams.

[0105] Figure 17 shows a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 750 in a media transport device according to yet another embodiment. The processing circuit 750 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the media transport device 100 and performs media reading processing, etc., instead of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 750 includes a control circuit 751 and an image acquisition circuit 752, etc. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

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

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

[0108] As detailed above, even when using the processing circuit 750, the media transport device makes it easy for users to place media on the loading platform 103 while suppressing the occurrence of media jams. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 100 Media transport device 103 Mounting platform 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 Side Guides 104d, 204d, 304d, 404d, 504d, 604d recess 104e, 204e, 304e, 404e, 504e, 604e contact surface 104h, 204h, 304h, 404h, 504h, 604h End 104j, 204j, 304j, 404j, 504j, 604j Top 204k, 304k, 504k, 604k Second recess 204m, 304m, 504m, 604m ends 204o, 304o, 504o, 604o top surface

Claims

1. A mounting platform having a mounting surface on which a medium is placed, A side guide provided on the mounting surface and having a restricting surface that restricts the width direction of the medium, The side guide has a lift-prevention portion formed therein, The lift-prevention part has an upper surface and two side surfaces, a first surface and a second surface. The upper surface covers the space formed by the first surface and the second surface from above, and the anti-lifting portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the side guide in the width direction. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

2. The media transport device according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface and the side surface of the lift-prevention part are integrally formed.

3. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the lift-prevention portion in the media transport direction is 1 / 2 or less of the total length of the regulating surface.

4. The side guide further has a contact surface that contacts the lower surface of the medium placed on the aforementioned stand, The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact surface is formed such that the height of the region overlapping with the lift-up prevention portion, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction, is lower than the height of the region not overlapping with the lift-up prevention portion.

5. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lift-prevention portion is formed to open on the side of the restricting surface that restricts the width direction of the media of the side guide.

6. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper surface of the anti-floating portion is formed such that the end of the transported media comes into contact with it when the end of the transported media in a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction enters the surface.

7. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper surface of the anti-floating part is positioned above the aforementioned surface.

8. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first surface is connected to the restricting surface and has an angle with respect to the media transport direction that is different from that of the restricting surface.

Images