JP7690602B2 - Media transport device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a media conveying device.

Generally, in media transport devices such as scanners that capture images while transporting media, paper dust or debris adhering to the media can come into contact with transport rollers for transporting the media, discharge rollers for discharging the media, or guides, and fall off the media, potentially accumulating on the media transport path. If such paper dust or debris accumulates around the transport rollers or discharge rollers, the rollers will no longer rotate properly, and the media transport device will be unable to transport or discharge the media properly.

A document reading device that transports a document and reads the document at a predetermined position on a contact glass has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). In this document reading device, a guide member provided at the entrance to the contact glass has multiple holes, and a dust suction member is arranged behind the position of the guide member where the holes are arranged.

A paper dust removal device is disclosed that has a paper dust collection case with an opening facing the surface of the registration roller, and a cleaning blade whose tip abuts against the surface of the registration roller to scrape off the paper dust (see Patent Document 2).

An image reading device is disclosed that has a dustproof member that holds foreign objects that fall through the gap between the transport guide and the transport roller in the hole where the transport roller is provided (see Patent Document 3). In this image reading device, the dustproof member separates the space between the transport guide and the scanner unit that reads the image of the document.

Patent No. 3829055 Patent No. 4115876 JP 2020-21979 A

Media transport devices are required to be able to efficiently collect paper dust or debris present on the media transport path in a storage section.

The media transport device of the embodiment aims to efficiently collect paper dust or debris present on the media transport path in a storage section.

A media transport device according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises a housing frame having a media guide surface with a recess formed therein, a transport roller arranged in the recess for transporting the media, a discharge roller arranged in the recess downstream of the transport roller in the media transport direction for discharging the media, an optical frame arranged in the recess between the transport roller and the discharge roller and having an optical element, a first gap formed between the transport roller and the optical frame, a second gap formed between the discharge roller and the optical frame, a path forming a space extending from the first gap to the second gap, and a storage section arranged on the path for storing paper dust or debris.

According to this embodiment, the media transport device is able to efficiently collect paper dust or debris present on the media transport path in the storage section.

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

1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an imaging device 116. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing cover 101b. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing frame 107 and the like. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first storage portion 107b. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an optical frame 108 and the like. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining third storage portions 133a and 133b. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing cover 101b. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 150 and a processing circuit 160. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another first storage portion 207b. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another housing frame 307. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another housing frame 307. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining another housing frame 407. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 560.

Hereinafter, a medium conveying 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, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a medium transport device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium transport device 100 transports a medium, which is an original document, and captures an image. The medium is paper, thin paper, thick paper, a card, a booklet, an envelope, etc. The medium transport device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), etc.

The media transport device 100 comprises a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading platform 103, an ejection platform 104, an operation device 105, and a display device 106. In Fig. 1, arrow A1 indicates the media transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the media transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the media guide surface. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the media transport direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the media transport direction A1.

The upper housing 102 is positioned to cover the top surface of the media transport device 100, and is rotatably engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when media becomes jammed, when cleaning the inside of the media transport device 100, etc.

The loading platform 103 engages with the lower housing 101 and places the media to be fed and transported on it. The ejection platform 104 engages with the upper housing 102 and places the ejected media on it. The ejection platform 104 may also engage with the lower housing 101.

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

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device 100.

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

The number of each of the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 114, second conveying roller 115, first discharge roller 117 and/or second discharge roller 118 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 114, second conveying roller 115, first discharge roller 117 and/or second discharge roller 118 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveying direction.

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

The media sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The media sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101 and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102 and arranged opposite the feed roller 112. The separation roller 113 is arranged so that it can rotate or stop in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the separation roller 113 is arranged downstream of the rotation axis of the feed roller 112. As a result, the leading edge of the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 passes through the nip portion between the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113, then heads downward and comes into contact with the lower guide 101a. Therefore, paper dust or dirt present on the lower guide 101a is carried downstream by the leading edge of the fed medium. Alternatively, the feed roller 112 may be provided in the upper housing 102 and the separation roller 113 may be provided in the lower housing 101, and the feed roller 112 may feed the media placed on the placement table 103 in order from the top.

The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the media conveying direction A1, and convey the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116. The first conveying roller 114 is provided in the upper housing 102, and the second conveying roller 115 is provided in the lower housing 101, facing the first conveying roller 114. The second conveying roller 115 is an example of a conveying roller, and is disposed in the recess 107a of the housing frame 107. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the first conveying roller 114 is disposed downstream of the rotation axis of the second conveying roller 115. As a result, the leading edge of the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 passes through the nip portion between the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115, then heads downward and comes into contact with the lower guide 101a (the upper surface of the optical frame 108). Therefore, paper dust or dirt present on the lower guide 101a (the upper surface of the optical frame 108) is carried downstream by the leading edge of the transported medium.

The imaging device 116 is disposed downstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 in the medium transport direction A1, and captures an image of the medium transported by the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path. The first imaging device 116a is provided in the optical frame 108.

The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are arranged downstream of the imaging device 116 in the media transport direction A1, i.e., downstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 transport the medium transported by the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 further downstream and discharge the medium to the discharge tray 104. The first discharge roller 117 is provided in the upper housing 102, and the second discharge roller 118 is provided in the lower housing 101 opposite the first discharge roller 117. The second discharge roller 118 is an example of a discharge roller, and is arranged in a recess 107a of the housing frame 107.

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

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

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram to explain the imaging device 116.

3, the first imaging device 116a has a first transparent member 121a, a first light source 122a, a first imaging sensor 123a, etc. The second imaging device 116b has a second transparent member 121b, a second light source 122b, a second imaging sensor 123b, etc.

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

The first light source 122a and the second light source 122b include an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The first light source 122a and the second light source 122b emit light toward the medium transport path, i.e., toward the medium M being transported.

The first imaging sensor 123a has a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The first imaging sensor 123a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The first imaging sensor 123a generates and outputs an input image of the transported medium M according to control from a processing circuit described later.

Similarly, the second imaging sensor 123b has a line sensor using a CIS of a 1:1 optical system type having CMOS imaging elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging sensor 123b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A/D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging sensor 123b generates and outputs an input image of the transported medium M according to control from a processing circuit described later.

In addition, instead of a CIS line sensor of the life-size optical system type equipped with a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of the life-size optical system type equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor equipped with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

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

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the housing cover 101b. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing 101 viewed from above with the upper housing 102 and the mounting base 103 removed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the housing frame 107 has a housing cover 101b for covering the feed roller 112 and the second transport roller 115. The housing cover 101b forms the lower guide 101a, i.e., the media guide surface.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the housing frame 107 and the optical frame 108. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of line A-A' in Figure 4.

5, at the upstream end of the optical frame 108, a first gap 131a is formed between the second conveying roller 115 and the optical frame 108. Also, at the downstream end of the optical frame 108, a second gap 131b is formed between the second discharge roller 118 and the optical frame 108. When paper dust or dirt attached to the medium comes into contact with each roller or each guide and falls from the medium into the medium conveying path, the paper dust or dirt that has fallen into the medium conveying path is pushed by the leading edge of the medium being conveyed and enters the lower housing 101 through the first gap 131a or the second gap 131b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the paper dust or dirt from accumulating around each roller, causing each roller to not rotate properly, and preventing the medium from being conveyed properly. Also, it is possible to prevent the paper dust or dirt from adhering to the first transparent member 121a and causing noise in the input image generated by the imaging device 116.

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

The housing frame 107 is provided with a first storage section 107b. The first storage section 107b is an example of a storage section, and is disposed on the path 132 to store paper dust or dirt that has entered the first path 132a from the first gap section 131a. The media guide surface (lower guide 101a) of the housing frame 107 has a first opening 107c for positioning the second conveying roller 115. The first storage section 107b is disposed below the second conveying roller 115 so as to face the first opening 107c.

The housing frame 107 is also provided with a second storage section 107d. The second storage section 107d is an example of a storage section, and is disposed on the path 132 to store paper dust or dirt that has entered the second path 132b from the second gap section 131b. The media guide surface (lower guide 101a) of the housing frame 107 has a second opening 107e for positioning the second discharge roller 118. The second storage section 107d is disposed below the second discharge roller 118 so as to face the second opening 107e.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first storage section 107b. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the first storage section 107b viewed from the side.

6, the second transport roller 115 is positioned such that a gap L1 is provided between the upstream end E1 of the second transport roller 115 and the upstream wall W1 of the first storage section 107b in the media transport direction A1. The second transport roller 115 is also positioned such that a gap L2 is provided between the downstream end E2 of the second transport roller 115 and the downstream wall W2 of the first storage section 107b in the media transport direction A1. The second transport roller 115 is positioned such that the upstream gap L1 is smaller than the downstream gap L2 in the media transport direction A1.

The second conveying roller 115 rotates in the direction of the medium conveying direction A1 (arrow A6) on the medium guide surface. That is, the second conveying roller 115 rotates downward on the downstream side and rotates upward on the upstream side. Therefore, the paper dust or dirt that comes into contact with the second conveying roller 115 and peels off from the medium falls as the second conveying roller 115 rotates on the downstream side, while it tries to rise as the second conveying roller 115 rotates on the upstream side. In the medium conveying device 100, the second conveying roller 115 is arranged so that the gap L1 on the upstream side is smaller than the gap L2 on the downstream side, thereby preventing the paper dust or dirt contained in the first storage section 107b from returning to the medium conveying path as the second conveying roller 115 rotates. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can more efficiently store the paper dust or dirt in the first storage section 107b.

In addition, in the medium transport direction A1, the end of the medium guide surface that forms the downstream end of the first opening 107c, i.e., the upstream end E3 of the optical frame 108, has an inclined surface that is positioned lower the further upstream it is. This allows paper dust or dirt that comes into contact with the second transport roller 115 and is peeled off from the medium to fall along the end E3, allowing the medium transport device 100 to more efficiently store the paper dust or dirt in the first storage section 107b.

In addition, in the medium transport direction A1, the upper end E4 of the wall portion W1 on the upstream side of the first storage portion 107b, which forms the upstream end of the first opening 107c, has an inclined surface that is positioned downward as it approaches the upstream side. The upper end E4 of the wall portion W1 prevents the paper dust or dirt contained in the first storage portion 107b from returning to the medium transport path as the second transport roller 115 rotates, so that the medium transport device 100 can more efficiently store the paper dust or dirt in the first storage portion 107b.

In addition, convection caused by the rotation of the second conveyor roller 115 is unlikely to occur directly below the second conveyor roller 115. Therefore, by arranging the first storage section 107b directly below the second conveyor roller 115, the movement of the paper dust or garbage accumulated in the first storage section 107b is suppressed, and the first storage section 107b can efficiently accumulate the paper dust or garbage. In addition, the greater the distance between the lower surface of the second conveyor roller 115 and the bottom surface of the first storage section 107b, the more preferable it is so that the first storage section 107b can store a large amount of paper dust or garbage. In addition, since the paper dust or garbage only needs to enter the first storage section 107b from the gap between the first opening 107c and the second conveyor roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1, there is no need to be a gap between the first opening 107c and the second conveyor roller 115 in the width direction A2. Therefore, the length of the first opening 107c in the width direction A2 is set to be substantially the same as the length of the second conveying roller 115 in the width direction A2.

Similarly, in the medium transport direction A1, the upper end of the upstream wall of the second storage section 107d, which forms the upstream end of the second opening 107e, has an inclined surface that is positioned downward as it approaches the upstream side. This prevents the paper dust or debris stored in the second storage section 107d from returning to the medium transport path as the second discharge roller 118 rotates, allowing the medium transport device 100 to more efficiently store the paper dust or debris in the second storage section 107d.

In addition, convection caused by the rotation of the second discharge roller 118 is unlikely to occur directly below the second discharge roller 118. Therefore, by arranging the second storage section 107d directly below the second discharge roller 118, the movement of the paper dust or garbage accumulated in the second storage section 107d is suppressed, and the second storage section 107d can efficiently accumulate the paper dust or garbage. In addition, the greater the distance between the lower surface of the second discharge roller 118 and the bottom surface of the second storage section 107d, the more preferable it is so that the second storage section 107d can store a large amount of paper dust or garbage. In addition, since the paper dust or garbage only needs to enter the second storage section 107d from the gap between the second opening 107e and the second discharge roller 118 in the medium conveying direction A1, there is no need for a gap between the second opening 107e and the second discharge roller 118 in the width direction A2. Therefore, in the width direction A2, the length of the second opening 107e in the width direction A2 is set to be approximately the same as the length of the second discharge roller 118 in the width direction A2.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the removal of the optical frame 108. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of line A-A' in Figure 4 with the optical frame 108 removed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the optical frame 108 is provided so as to be detachable from the lower housing 101, i.e., from the media conveying device 100. This allows the user to remove the optical frame 108 from the lower housing 101 to clean the media conveying device 100, making it possible to easily remove paper dust or debris accumulated in the path 132. Therefore, the media conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the third storage sections 133a and 133b. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B' in Figure 4.

As shown in FIG. 8, the third storage sections 133a and 133b are each disposed at the end of the path 132 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the media transport direction. The third storage sections 133a and 133b are an example of an end storage section, and store paper dust or dirt that has entered the path 132 from the first gap 131a or the second gap 131b. When air is blown onto the media transport path to remove (clean) paper dust or dirt on the media transport path, the paper dust or dirt may enter the path 132 from the first gap 131a or the second gap 131b. The paper dust or dirt that has entered the path 132 moves along the width direction A2 to the end of the width direction A2 and is stored in the third storage sections 133a and 133b.

A user can collect the paper dust or debris contained in the third storage units 133a and 133b by removing the optical frame 108 from the lower housing 101. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to prevent the paper dust or debris that has entered the path 132 from accumulating in the path 132, making it possible to efficiently collect the paper dust or debris. Note that it is sufficient for the medium conveying device 100 to have at least one of the first storage unit 107b, the second storage unit 107d, and the third storage units 133a and 133b, and the other storage units may be omitted.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the removal of the housing cover 101b. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing 101 from above with the housing cover 101b removed.

9, the housing cover 101b is provided so as to be detachable from the lower housing 101, i.e., from the medium conveying device 100. This allows the user to remove the housing cover 101b and easily collect paper dust or debris from the first storage section 107b, thereby enabling the medium conveying device 100 to improve user convenience.

The housing cover 101b may be provided so as to cover only the second conveying roller 115 without covering the feed roller 112. The housing cover 101b may also be formed integrally with the optical frame 108. In either case, the housing cover 101b may be provided so as to be detachable from the medium conveying device 100.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the media conveying device 100.

In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the medium conveying device 100 further has a motor 141, an interface device 142, a memory device 150, a processing circuit 160, etc.

The motor 141 has one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 114, second conveying roller 115, first discharge roller 117 and/or second discharge roller 118 to convey the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160. Note that one of the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 may be provided so as to rotate following the other of the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115, rather than rotating according to the driving force of the motor 141. Also, one of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 may be provided so as to rotate following the other of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118, rather than rotating according to the driving force of the motor 141.

The interface device 142 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown, for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 142, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

The storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The storage device 150 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the medium conveying device 100. Computer programs may be installed into the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program, etc. Portable recording media include, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), etc.

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

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

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the general configuration of the memory device 150 and the processing circuit 160.

As shown in FIG. 11, the memory device 150 stores a control program 151, an image acquisition program 152, etc. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuit 160 reads each program stored in the memory device 150 and operates in accordance with the read program. In this way, the processing circuit 160 functions as a control unit 161 and an image acquisition unit 162.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media conveying device 100.

Below, an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media conveying device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 12. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the media conveying device 100 based on a program previously stored in the storage device 150.

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

Next, the control unit 161 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If a medium is not placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 161 ends the series of steps.

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

Next, the control unit 161 causes the imaging device 116 to image the medium while irradiating the medium with the imaging device 116, acquires an input image from the imaging device 116, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 142 (step S104).

Next, the control unit 161 determines whether or not a medium remains on the mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111 (step S105). If a medium remains on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S105.

On the other hand, if no media remain on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 stops the motor 141 (step S106). This causes the control unit 161 to stop the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 117 and/or the second discharge roller 118, thereby stopping the feeding and conveying of the media. The control unit 161 then ends the series of steps.

As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device 100, a path 132 is provided from the first gap 131a formed between the second conveying roller 115 and the optical frame 108 to the second gap 131b formed between the second discharge roller 118 and the optical frame 108. Furthermore, in the medium conveying device 100, a first storage section 107b, a second storage section 107d, and a third storage section 133a, 133b for storing paper dust are provided on the path 132. This makes it possible for the medium conveying device 100 to effectively store paper dust or debris present on the medium conveying path in the first storage section 107b, the second storage section 107d, and the third storage sections 133a, 133b.

In particular, in the medium conveying device 100, a connected (jointed) path is formed directly below the second conveying roller 115, the optical frame 108, and the second discharge roller 118. This allows the user to remove all the paper dust or dirt present in the path at once, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

In addition, the medium conveying device 100 prevents paper dust or dirt from accumulating around the second conveying roller 115 or the second discharge roller 118, causing the second conveying roller 115 or the second discharge roller 118 to stop rotating, making it difficult to convey or discharge the medium. In addition, the medium conveying device 100 prevents paper dust or dirt from adhering to the first transparent member 121a of the optical frame 108, causing noise in the input image. In addition, the medium conveying device 100 prevents hard dirt from adhering to the first transparent member 121a of the optical frame 108, causing damage to the first transparent member 121a. In addition, the medium conveying device 100 makes it possible to reduce the frequency at which the user must clean the medium conveying path, thereby improving user convenience.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first storage section 207b in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

The first storage section 207b shown in FIG. 13 is used in place of the first storage section 107b of the medium conveying device 100. The first storage section 207b has a similar configuration to the first storage section 107b. However, the first storage section 207b is provided so as to be detachable from the lower housing 101, i.e., from the medium conveying device. This allows the user to easily remove paper dust or debris contained in the first storage section 207b, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

As described above in detail, the media transport device is now able to effectively store paper dust or debris present on the media transport path in the first storage section 207b, even when the first storage section 207b is provided in a detachable manner.

Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams for explaining the housing frame 307 in a media conveying device according to another embodiment.

14 and 15 is used in place of the housing frame 107 of the medium conveying device 100. The housing frame 307 has a configuration similar to that of the housing frame 107. However, the housing frame 307 has a first storage section 307b instead of the first storage section 107b and the second storage section 107d, and further has a storage section cover 307f.

The first storage section 307b is an example of a storage section, and is disposed on the path 132 to store paper dust or dirt that has entered the first path 132a from the first gap 131a and paper dust or dirt that has entered the second path 132b from the second gap 131b. The first storage section 307b is disposed below the second conveying roller 115 so as to face the first opening 307c, and is disposed below the second discharge roller 118 so as to face the second opening 307e. In other words, the first storage section 307b has a structure that connects the first storage section 107b and the second storage section 107d of the medium conveying device 100.

The storage section cover 307f is provided at the downstream end of the first storage section 307b in the media transport direction A1. The storage section cover 307f is provided below the discharge port formed by the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118, that is, at the downstream end of the housing frame 107 in the media transport direction. The storage section cover 307f is supported by the housing frame 107 so as to be rotatable (swingable) in the direction of arrow A10, and is biased in the opposite direction of arrow A10 by a torsion coil spring (not shown) or the like. This allows the storage section cover 307f to be opened and closed relative to the housing frame 107 (lower housing 101). A recess (not shown) is formed at the tip of the storage section cover 307f, and the user can easily open the storage section cover 307f by hooking their finger into the recess.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the media transport device, the media transport path is inclined so that it is positioned lower on the downstream side, so that the media can be transported well by utilizing the weight of the media. As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the first storage section 307b is provided to extend parallel to the media transport path, and is inclined so that it is positioned lower on the downstream side. The paper dust or dirt stored in the first storage section 307b moves downward due to its own weight and gathers around the storage section cover 307f. By opening the storage section cover 307f, the user can easily collect the paper dust or dirt stored in the first storage section 307b, and the media transport device can improve user convenience.

As described above in detail, the media transport device is now able to effectively store paper dust or debris present on the media transport path in the first storage section 307b, even when the storage section cover 307f is provided on the first storage section 307b.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram for explaining a housing frame 407 in a media conveying device according to another embodiment.

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

As described above in detail, the media transport device is now able to effectively accommodate paper dust or debris present on the media transport path in the first storage section 407b, even when the third opening 407g is provided between the path 132 and the first storage section 407b.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 560 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment. The processing circuit 560 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes media reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 560 has a control circuit 561, an image acquisition circuit 562, and the like. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

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

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

As described above in detail, the media conveying device is now able to effectively collect paper dust or debris present on the media conveying path in the first storage section 307b, even when using the processing circuit 560.

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

Claims (8)

a housing frame having a medium guide surface with a recess formed therein;
a conveying roller disposed in the recess for conveying the medium;
a discharge roller disposed in the recess downstream of the transport roller in a medium transport direction for discharging the medium;
an optical frame disposed in the recess between the conveying roller and the discharge roller and having an optical element;
a first gap formed between the conveying roller and the optical frame;
a second gap formed between the discharge roller and the optical frame;
a path that forms a space extending from the first gap to the second gap;
a storage unit disposed on the path for storing paper dust or dirt;
A medium transport device comprising: The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport roller is arranged such that, in the medium transport direction, the gap between the upstream end of the transport roller and the upstream wall of the storage section is smaller than the gap between the downstream end of the transport roller and the downstream wall of the storage section. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upstream end of the optical frame in the media transport direction has an inclined surface that is positioned downward toward the upstream side. The medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical frame is detachably provided from the medium transport device. The medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an end storage section arranged at an end of the path in a width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, for storing paper dust or dirt. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing frame forms the media guide surface and has a housing cover that is detachable from the media transport device. The medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage section is detachably provided from the medium transport device. The medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage section has a storage section cover that is openable and closable at the downstream end of the housing frame in the medium transport direction.

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