JP2006050059A - Original reading apparatus and original reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an original reading apparatus that can discharge an original placed on an original placing part with their tips aligned to an original discharging part in a state that the tips are aligned once again after the reading of image information, and is easy in handling the original after the reading of the image information, and to provide an image reading method. <P>SOLUTION: A controller 50 ejects the original S to an original discharge tray T1 after the image information of one side or both sides of the original S is read at an original reading position A, when the image information of the original S of the same size is read. Consequently, the back edge of the original S is aligned on the surface of the wall 41 of the original discharge tray T1, and the tips are also aligned. Further, the controller 50 ejects the original S to an original discharge tray T2 by the switchback conveyance of the original S by a switchback roller 17 after the image information of the one side or both sides of the original S is read at the original reading position A when the image information of the original including the original of different size is read. The tips of the original S are aligned by the discharging on the surface of the wall 42 of the original discharge tray T2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an original reading apparatus and an original reading method of an original moving method for reading image information of an original moving at a predetermined speed on an original reading position.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a document moving type document reading apparatus that reads image information of a document moving on a document table at a predetermined speed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 18, a conventional document reading apparatus 100 of the document moving system includes a document placing tray 101, a document main transport path R11, a document sub transport path R12, document tables 102 and 103, a switchback roller 104, a document discharge. The apparatus includes a tray 106, a document reading unit 108, and the like, and has a single-sided reading mode for reading only image information on one side of a document, and a double-sided reading mode for reading image information on both sides of a document. In order to prevent an error in feeding paper by the pickup roller 109, the original is placed on the original placement tray 101 with the aligned side as the leading edge. Although not shown, the document discharge tray 106 is inclined downward toward the switchback roller 104 in order to prevent the discharged document from dropping.

  In the single-sided reading mode, the document placed on the document placing tray 101 is first transported to the document reading position A11 on the document table 102 via the document main transport path R11. The original is read on one side (first side) of image information by the original reading unit 108 of the reduction optical system disposed below the original table 102 at the original reading position A11. Next, the document is discharged to the document discharge tray 106 via the switchback roller 104. At this time, the document discharged to the document discharge tray 106 has the first surface facing downward, and the rear end in the document transport direction when placed on the document placement tray 101 is closer to the switchback roller 104. The document is placed on the document discharge tray 106 in the arranged state.

  In the duplex mode, the document placed on the document placing tray 101 is first transported to the document reading position A11 via the document main transport path R11, and one of the main documents is read by the document reading unit 108 at the document reading position A11. Image information on the first surface, which is a surface, is read.

  Next, the switching gate 107 is set at a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 18, and the document is conveyed in a direction to be discharged to the reverse tray 105 via the switchback roller 104, and the rear end portion in the document conveyance direction is switched. It is chucked by the back roller 104 and is held in a state where the front end portion is placed on the reverse tray 170. Then, the switchback roller 104 is rotationally driven in the direction opposite to the previous direction, and the document is conveyed again to the document reading position A11 via the document sub-transport path R12 and the document main transport path R11 in this order. At this time, the document is conveyed to the document reading position A11 in a state where the front and back are reversed by being switched back and conveyed, so that the image information on the second surface which is the other main surface is read by the image reading unit 108. .

Next, the document is again chucked by the switchback roller 104 and, as described above, is transported in this order in the document sub-transport path R12, the document main transport path R11, and the document reading position A11, and then the document is discharged by the switchback roller 104. It is discharged to the tray 106. At this time, the document discharged to the document discharge tray 106 has the first surface facing downward, and the rear end in the document transport direction when placed on the document placement tray 101 is closer to the switchback roller 104. The document is placed on the document discharge tray 106 in the arranged state.
JP 2001-42577 A

  As described above, since the document discharge tray 106 is inclined downward toward the switchback roller 104 in order to prevent the discharged document from dropping, the conventional document reading apparatus 100 has the single-sided reading mode and the double-sided reading. In both modes, the rear end in the document transport direction when placed on the document placement tray 101 is disposed on the side close to the switchback roller 104, and the rear end of the document is aligned on the switchback roller 104 side. It becomes a state.

  Therefore, when a plurality of documents including documents of different sizes placed on the document placing tray 101 are continuously read, the plurality of documents whose leading ends are aligned on the document placing tray 101 are discharged from the document. On the other hand, the tray 106 is placed with its rear ends aligned. For this reason, for example, a punch hole is formed on one end side of each document, and image information is read when a plurality of documents are placed on the document placing tray 101 with the side where the punch hole is formed as a tip. After that, the document discharged onto the document discharge tray 106 is placed in a state where punch holes are not aligned at all, and there is a problem that handling of the document after reading image information becomes complicated. .

  An object of the present invention is to allow a document placed with its leading edge aligned on the document placing portion to be discharged to the document discharge portion with the leading edge aligned again after reading the image information, and handling the document after reading the image information is easy. An original reading apparatus and an original reading method are provided.

  The document reading apparatus of the present invention is configured as follows to solve the above-described problems.

  (1) In a document reading device that continuously reads image information of a plurality of documents placed on a document placement unit, when the plurality of documents have the same size, after the image information is read The first document discharge unit that discharges the document and the first document discharge unit after the image information is read when the plurality of documents include documents of different sizes. And a second document discharge unit that discharges the document that has been switched back and conveyed without reversing the front and back from the document discharge unit.

  In this configuration, two document discharge units, a first document discharge unit and a second document discharge unit, are provided. If all the originals placed on the original placement unit have the same size, the originals are discharged to the first original discharge unit after reading the image information. When a plurality of originals of different sizes are included in a plurality of originals placed on the original placement unit, the originals are discharged through the first original discharge unit after reading the image information. The sheet is conveyed back from the front and back without being reversed and discharged to the second original discharge section. The document is conveyed back and forth from the first document discharge unit without being reversed, so that the document is discharged without changing the page order as compared with the case where the document is discharged to the first document discharge unit. Only the direction is changed and the document is discharged to the second document discharge unit. For example, when the document is discharged to the first document discharge unit with the rear end in the document transport direction in the state of being placed on the document placement unit being set to the rear side, the document is input to the second document discharge unit. The document is discharged with the leading end in the conveyance direction of the document in the state of being placed on the placement unit being the rear side.

  (2) a first document conveyance path provided from the document placement unit to the first document discharge unit via a document reading position for reading image information of the document, and the first document conveyance path in the first document conveyance path Second document conveyance provided from the vicinity of the downstream end in the document conveyance direction to the branch portion provided on the first document conveyance path and between the document placement portion and the document reading position. And a third document transport path provided continuously at a downstream end portion of the second document transport path in the document transport direction, and the first document discharge section includes the first document discharge section. The first document transport path is provided downstream of the document transport direction, and the second document discharge section is provided downstream of the third document transport path in the document transport direction; Arranged in the vicinity of the downstream end of the first document transport path in the document transport direction. A first selectively switched between a state in which the first document transport path and the first document discharge section are in communication with each other and a state in which the first document discharge section and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. Switching gate, a state of being arranged in the branching section and communicating the second document conveying path and the third document conveying path, and communicating the second document conveying path and the first document conveying path. A second switching gate that is selectively switched to a state in which the document placement unit communicates with the document reading position, a document reading unit that reads image information of the document at the document reading position, and And a control unit for controlling the switching operation of each of the first switching gate and the second switching gate.

  In this configuration, a document reading position is set between the branch portion and the first document discharge portion in the first document transport path, and the first document from the branch portion to the first document discharge portion is set. A loop-shaped document conveyance path including a document reading position is formed by the conveyance path and the second document conveyance path. A first document discharge section is provided downstream of the first document transport path, a third document transport path is provided downstream of the second document transport path, and downstream of the third document transport path. A second document discharge portion is provided on the side. A first switching gate is provided in the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the first document conveyance path and at the joining position with the second document conveyance path, and a second switching gate is provided at the branch portion. The switching operation for changing the states of the first switching gate and the second switching gate is controlled by the control unit.

  (3) A switchback which is disposed at the downstream end of the first document transport path in the transport direction of the document and downstream of the first switching gate in the transport direction and is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. Further comprising a roller.

  In this configuration, the document transported through the first document transport path is held by the switchback roller, and the first switching gate is brought into communication between the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path. Then, the document is conveyed to the second document conveyance path in the reverse direction.

  (4) When the control unit reads image information on only one side of a plurality of originals of different sizes, the first switching gate communicates with the first original transport path and the first original discharge unit. In this state, the original is conveyed from the first original conveyance path to the switchback roller via the original reading position to read image information on one side of the original, and the rear end of the original is switched to the switchback. The first switching gate is switched to a state where the first document discharge section and the second document transport path are communicated with each other while being held by the roller, and the second switching gate is further switched to the second document transport. The document is switched back and the second document discharge path is discharged via the second document transport path and the third document transport path. To discharge And wherein the door.

  In this configuration, a plurality of documents including documents of different sizes are placed on the document placement section, and image information on only one side of each document is read. The document from which the image information on one side is read is held at the rear end by the switchback roller, is switched back by the switchback roller, and is discharged to the second document discharge unit. The document is transported in a switchback manner, and is discharged to the second document discharge unit with the front end of the document placed on the document placement unit as the back side.

  (5) When the control unit reads image information on both the first surface and the second surface of a plurality of originals of different sizes, the first switching gate is connected to the first original conveyance path and the first original. In a state where the document discharge unit is in communication with the document, the document is transported from the first document transport path to the switchback roller via the document reading position, and image information on the first surface of the document is read. With the trailing edge of the document held by the switchback roller, the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. The switching gate is brought into a state in which the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication, and the document is switched back and transported to the second document transport path and the first document transport path. Convey and read the original The image information on the second surface of the document is read by the position, the first switching gate is switched to a state where the first document transport path and the first document discharge portion are communicated, and the document is further switched to the switch. The first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document conveying path are communicated with each other while the trailing edge of the document is held by the switchback roller. Further, the second switching gate is brought into a state where the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication with each other, and the document is switched back and transported to the second document transport path and the second document transport path. The trailing edge of the original is again held by the switchback roller via one original conveyance path, and the second switching gate is connected to the second original conveyance path and the third original conveyance path. State Serial manuscripts via the switchback transport to transport the second document path and the third document conveying path, characterized in that discharging into the second document discharge portion.

  In this configuration, a plurality of documents including documents of different sizes are placed on the document placement portion. The document from which the image information on the first surface has been read is held at the rear end by the switchback roller, is switched back by the switchback roller, is sent to the second document conveyance path, and the first document conveyance path. Image information on two sides can be read. At this time, the document is transported with its leading edge at the document placement portion at the rear side as a result of the switchback transport. The document from which the image information on the second surface has been read is again held by the switchback roller. At this time, the document is held by the switchback roller at the rear end in the immediately preceding conveyance direction, that is, at the front end of the document placing portion. Then, the original is switched back and conveyed by the switchback roller again so that the page order when the original is discharged to the second original discharge section is the same as the page order when the original is placed on the original placement section. The second document transport path and the first document transport path are again held by the switchback roller. At this time, the document is held by the switchback roller at the rear end in the immediately preceding conveyance direction, that is, the rear end of the document placing portion. The document is again switched back by the switchback roller, conveyed through the second document transport path and the third document transport path without being reversed, and discharged to the second document discharge section. At this time, the document is discharged to the second document discharge unit with the leading end in the state where it is placed on the document placement unit as the back side by being switched back and conveyed.

  (6) When the control unit reads image information of only one side of a plurality of documents of the same size, the first switching gate communicates with the first document transport path and the first document discharge unit. In such a state, the original is conveyed to the first original conveyance path via the original reading position, image information on one side of the original is read, and the original is discharged to the first original discharge unit. Features.

  In this configuration, a plurality of documents of the same size are placed on the document placement portion. The document is transported through the first document transport path, the image information on one side is read at the document reading position, and the document is placed on the first document discharge portion provided at the downstream end of the first document transport path. It is discharged with the front end at the front side and the rear end at the rear side.

  (7) In the case where the control unit reads image information on both the first surface and the second surface of a plurality of documents of the same size, the control unit moves the first switching gate to the first document transport path and the first document. In a state where the document discharge unit is in communication with the document, the document is transported from the first document transport path to the switchback roller via the document reading position, and image information on the first surface of the document is read. With the trailing edge of the document held by the switchback roller, the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. The switching gate is brought into a state in which the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication, and the document is switched back and transported to the second document transport path and the first document transport path. The document reading position is conveyed The image information on the second surface of the document is read, the first switching gate is switched to a state where the first document transport path and the first document discharge portion are communicated, and the document is further switched to the switchback roller. The first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other while the trailing edge of the document is held by the switchback roller. The second switching gate is brought into a state where the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication with each other, and the document is switched back and transported to the second document transport path and the first document transport path. The document is discharged to the first document discharge section via the document transport path.

  In this configuration, a plurality of documents of the same size are placed on the document placement portion. The document from which the image information on the first surface has been read is held at the rear end by the switchback roller, is switched back by the switchback roller, is sent to the second document conveyance path, and the first document conveyance path. Image information on two sides can be read. At this time, the document is transported with its leading edge at the document placement portion at the rear side as a result of the switchback transport. The document from which the image information on the second surface has been read is again held by the switchback roller. At this time, the document is held by the switchback roller at the rear end in the immediately preceding conveyance direction, that is, at the front end of the document placing portion. Then, the document is switched back and conveyed again by the switchback roller so that the page order when the document is discharged to the second document discharge unit is the same as the page order when the document is placed on the document placement unit. The document is discharged to the first document discharge section via the second document transport path and the first document transport path. At this time, the document is discharged to the first document discharge portion with the rear end of the document placement portion at the rear side as a result of the switchback conveyance.

  (8) The second document discharge portion is disposed so as to be inclined downward toward an upstream side in a discharge direction of the document to the second document discharge portion.

  In this configuration, a document including documents of different sizes discharged to the second document discharge unit is brought upstream in the document discharge direction to the second document discharge unit.

  The document reading method of the present invention is configured as follows to solve the above-described problems.

  (9) In an original reading method for reading image information of a plurality of originals placed on an original placement unit at an original reading position, the original is conveyed to the original reading position and image information on one side of the original is read. Then, the document is conveyed back to the document discharge section inclined downward as the upstream side in the direction in which the document is discharged without switching the front and back sides of the document.

  In this configuration, the original after the image information on one side is read is switched back so that the original is discharged to the original discharge section with the front end in the state of being placed on the original placement section as the back side. Is done. Since the document discharge portion is inclined downward toward the upstream side in the direction in which the document is discharged, the document discharged to the document discharge portion is brought upstream toward the direction in which the document is discharged.

  (10) In an original reading method for reading image information of a plurality of originals placed on an original placement unit at an original reading position, the original is conveyed to the original reading position and image information on the first surface of the original is read Then, the original is switched back and conveyed to the original reading position again to read the image information on the second side of the original, and the original is switched back again and passed through the original reading position. Thereafter, the document is further conveyed back by switchback and discharged to a document discharge portion inclined downward toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the switchback conveyance without reversing the front and back sides.

  In this configuration, the document from which the image information on the first surface has been read is conveyed in a switchback manner and conveyed to the document reading position, and the image information on the second surface is read. At this time, the document is transported with its leading edge at the document placement portion at the rear side as a result of the switchback transport. The document whose image information on the second side has been read is switched back again so that the page order when it is discharged to the document discharge portion is the same as the page order when it is placed on the document placement portion. . At this time, the document is transported again with the back end of the document placing portion being rearward because it is switched back and transported again. Then, after passing through the document reading position, the document is further switched back and conveyed without being turned upside down and discharged to the document discharge unit. At this time, the document is further conveyed back by switchback, and is discharged to the document discharge unit with the leading edge in the state of being placed on the document placement unit as the back side. Since the document discharge portion is inclined downward toward the upstream side in the direction in which the document is discharged, the document discharged to the document discharge portion is brought upstream toward the direction in which the document is discharged.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) Before and after being discharged without changing the page order compared to when the original is discharged to the first original discharge section by carrying out switchback conveyance without reversing the front and back from the first original discharge section. Only the direction can be changed and discharged to the second document discharge section. Therefore, when a document is discharged with the rear end in the document transport direction in the state where the document is placed on the first document discharge unit on the first document discharge unit as the back side, the second document discharge unit includes the document placement unit. The document can be discharged with the front end in the transport direction in the state of being placed on the back side, and the front end of the original can be aligned on the wall surface of the second original discharge unit on the apparatus main body side.

  (2) The image information on both sides of the document can be read by passing the looped document transport path including the document reading position a plurality of times. Further, by switching the state of each of the first switching gate and the second switching gate at a predetermined timing, the first document discharge section or the second document discharge section passes through a desired conveyance path. Can be discharged.

  (3) The document conveyed through the first document conveyance path can be held by the switchback roller and conveyed to the second document conveyance path in the reverse direction.

  (4) When reading image information on one side of a plurality of originals including originals of different sizes, the leading edge of the original placed on the original placement portion is set to the back side to the second original discharge portion. Since the paper can be discharged, the front ends of the originals can be aligned on the wall surface of the second original discharge unit on the apparatus main body side.

  (5) When reading image information on both sides of a plurality of originals including originals of different sizes, the leading edge of the original placed on the original placement portion is set to the back side to the second original discharge portion. Since the paper can be discharged, the front ends of the originals can be aligned on the wall surface of the second original discharge unit on the apparatus main body side.

  (6) When reading image information on one side of a plurality of originals of the same size, the originals are all the same size, the front-rear direction of the front end and the rear end of the original in the original placement section, and the first original Regardless of the relationship between the front and back directions of the document when it is discharged to the discharge section, it is possible to align both the leading and trailing edges of the document by aligning one end of the document. Compared to the case where the document contains a document of a different size without the need for a process such as a switchback conveyance after reading the image information in order to adjust the front-rear direction of the document as in the case of including a document. The processing time for reading the image information of the document can be shortened.

  (7) When reading image information on both sides of a plurality of originals of the same size, the originals are all the same size, the front and back directions of the front and rear edges of the original on the original placement section, and the first original Regardless of the relationship between the front and back directions of the document when it is discharged to the discharge section, it is possible to align both the leading and trailing edges of the document by aligning one end of the document. Compared to the case where the document contains a document of a different size without the need for further switchback transport after reading the image information on both sides to adjust the front and back direction of the document as in the case of including the document. Thus, the processing time for reading the image information on both sides of the document can be shortened.

  (8) Since a document including documents of different sizes discharged to the second document discharge section is moved upstream in the discharge direction of the document to the second document discharge section, it is placed on the document placement section. With the leading edge in the rear side as the back side, it is possible to align the leading edge in the state of being placed on the back side of the document discharged to the second document discharge portion, that is, on the document placement portion. Accordingly, the document placed on the document placing portion with the aligned end portion as the leading edge is discharged to the second document discharge portion with the leading edge aligned again after reading the image information. Therefore, it is not necessary to align the leading edge of the document, and handling of the document after reading the image information becomes easy.

  (9) Since the document that has been read on one side of the image and is discharged to the document discharge portion is moved upstream in the discharge direction, the document is placed with the front end placed on the document placement portion as the back side. It is possible to align the rear end of the document discharged to the discharge unit, that is, the leading end of the document placed on the document placing unit. Therefore, the original placed on the original placing portion with the aligned end as the leading end is discharged to the original discharging portion with the leading end aligned again after reading the image information. There is no need to realign the leading edge, and handling of the document after reading the image information becomes easy.

  (10) Since the document which has been read on both sides of the image information and is discharged to the document discharge section is moved upstream in the discharge direction, the document is placed with the front end placed on the document mount section as the back side. It is possible to align the rear end of the document discharged to the discharge unit, that is, the leading end of the document placed on the document placing unit. Therefore, the original placed on the original placing portion with the aligned end as the leading end is discharged to the original discharging portion with the leading end aligned again after reading the image information. There is no need to realign the leading edge, and handling of the document after reading the image information becomes easy.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a document reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the document reading apparatus. The document reading apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on a digital copying machine, and the digital copying machine inputs based on image information of the document S read by the document reading apparatus 10 or via a connected network. Based on the image information, an image is formed on a recording medium such as paper. Further, the document reading device 10 has the same size original single side reading mode for continuously reading image information on only one side of the same size original S, and the same size original both sides for continuously reading image information on both sides of the same size original S. Reading mode, different-size original single-sided reading mode for continuously reading image information on only one side of an original S including originals of different sizes, and different-type reading for reading image information on both sides of an original S including originals of different sizes It has a size original duplex scanning mode. The user selects any one of the above-described processing modes and inputs it from an operation unit (not shown), and the document reading apparatus 10 selectively executes any one of the above-described processing modes based on the input setting by the user.

  The document reading apparatus 10 includes a document table 12, a document conveyance unit 30 disposed mainly above the document table 12, a document reading unit 20 disposed below the document table 12, a control unit 50 (see FIG. 3), and the like. Prepare. The document conveying unit 30 sequentially conveys the document S placed on the document placing tray 11 serving as a document placing unit onto the document table 12, and image information can be read at a document reading position A on the document table 12. Then, the original is discharged to the original discharge tray T1 that is the first original discharge portion or the original discharge tray T2 that is the second original discharge portion. A detailed configuration of the document conveying unit 30 will be described later.

  The document reading unit 20 includes a light source 21, a first reflection mirror 22, a second reflection mirror 23, a third reflection mirror 24, an imaging lens 25, and a CCD sensor 26. The light source 21 emits light toward the document reading position A on the document table 12 and irradiates the document S being conveyed on the document table 12 with light. The first reflection mirror 22 reflects the light emitted from the light source 21 and reflected by the document S toward the second reflection mirror 23. The light reflected by the first reflecting mirror 22 is further reflected by the second reflecting mirror 23 and the third reflecting mirror 24 and enters the imaging lens 25. The imaging lens 25 images the incident light on the CCD sensor 26. The CCD sensor 26 photoelectrically converts the received light and reads it as image information.

  The document transport unit 30 includes a document placement tray 11, document discharge trays T1 and T2, a document main transport path R1, a document sub transport path R2, an escape transport path R3, a pickup roller 13, a first transport roller 14, a registration roller 15, A second transport roller 16, a switchback roller 17, a third transport roller 18, a discharge roller 19, switching gates G1 to G3, and sensors SA, SB, SC, and the like are included. The document main transport path R1 corresponds to the first document transport path of the present invention, the document sub transport path R2 corresponds to the second document transport path of the present invention, and the escape transport path R3 corresponds to the third document transport path of the present invention. Corresponding to the transport path, the switching gate G3 corresponds to the first switching gate of the present invention, and the switching gates G1 and G2 constitute the second switching gate of the present invention.

  A plurality of documents S are placed on the document placing tray 11. The original document transport path R1 is provided from the document placement tray 11 to the discharge tray T1 via the document reading position A on the document table 12. A branch portion 31 is provided between the document placing tray 11 and the document reading position A on the document main transport path R1. The document sub-transport path R2 is provided from the vicinity of the downstream end in the transport direction of the document S in the document main transport path R1 to the branching section 31, and the document main transport path R1 and the document sub-transport path R2 after the branching section 31. As a result, a loop-shaped conveyance path is formed. The escape conveyance path R3 is provided continuously to the document sub-transport path R2 at the downstream end of the document S transport direction in the document sub-transport path R2.

  The document discharge tray T1 is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the document S on the document main conveyance path R1, and the document discharge tray T2 is disposed on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the document S on the escape conveyance path R3. Each of the document discharge trays T1 and T2 is inclined downward toward the upstream side in the direction in which the document S is discharged, and has wall surfaces 41 and 42 for receiving the document S at the upstream end in the discharge direction of the document S.

  A switching gate G3 is disposed at a position where the vicinity of the downstream end of the original document transport path R1 in the transport direction of the document S and the upstream end of the document sub transport path R2 in the transport direction of the document S are connected. The The switching gate G3 communicates the document main transport path R1 and the document discharge tray T1 (hereinafter referred to as R1-T1 communication state) and communicates the document discharge tray T1 and the document sub-transport path R2 (hereinafter referred to as R1 and T2). , Referred to as T1-R2 communication state).

  In addition, switching gates G1 and G2 are arranged in the branch portion 31. The switching gates G1 and G2 connect the document sub-transport path R2 and the escape transport path R3 (hereinafter referred to as R1-R3 communication state) and the document sub-transport path R2 and the document main transport path R1. The state is selectively switched between a state (hereinafter referred to as R2-R1 communication state) and a state (hereinafter referred to as 11-A communication state) where the document placing tray 11 and the document reading position A are communicated.

  The pickup roller 13 and the first transport roller 14 are disposed in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the document placement tray 11 and the document main transport path R1, and the document S placed on the document placement tray 11 is placed in the document main transport path R1. Feed paper. The registration roller 15 is disposed on the main document transport path R1 and upstream of the document reading position A in the transport direction of the document S on the document main transport path R1, and temporarily holds the document S at a predetermined timing. To feed the original reading position A. The second transport roller 16 is disposed on the main document transport path R1 and downstream of the document reading position A in the transport direction of the document S in the document main transport path R1, and transports the document S in a predetermined direction. Further, the switchback roller 17 is disposed at the downstream end in the transport direction of the document S on the document main transport path R1 and downstream of the switching gate G3 in the transport direction of the document S, and can be driven to rotate in both forward and reverse directions. It is. The third transport roller 18 is disposed on the document sub-transport path R2 and transports the document S on the document sub-transport path R2 in a predetermined direction. The discharge roller 19 is disposed at the downstream end of the escape transport path R3 in the transport direction of the document S, and discharges the document S transported through the escape transport path R3 to the document discharge tray T2.

  In addition, sensors SA, SB, and SC are arranged on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the document S at the respective positions of the registration roller 15, the switchback roller 17, and the discharge roller 19, and the sensors SA, SB, and SC are respectively The original S passing through the position where the sensors SA, SB, SC are arranged is turned ON / OFF.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the document reading apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 50 at a predetermined position. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, drivers 61 to 69, and an A / D converter 70. The CPU 51 controls the overall operation of the document reading apparatus 10 based on a program stored in the ROM 52. The ROM 52 stores programs and the like necessary for the operation of the document reading apparatus 10. The RAM 53 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores image information and the like of the read document.

  The driver 61 drives the motor M1 to rotate the pickup roller 13 and the first conveyance roller 14. The driver 62 drives the motor M2 to rotate the registration roller 15 and the second conveyance roller 16. The driver 63 drives the motor M3 to rotate the third transport roller 18. The driver 64 drives the motor M4 to rotate the switchback roller 17 in the forward direction or the reverse direction. The driver 65 drives the motor M5 to rotate the discharge roller 19. The drivers 66 to 68 switch the respective states of the switching gates G1 to G3 by switching the solenoids F1 to F3 on and off, respectively. The driver 69 turns on or off the light source 21. The A / D converter 70 performs A / D conversion on the photoelectrically converted image information obtained from the CCD sensor 26 and outputs the image information to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 performs predetermined image processing on the input image information and stores it in the RAM 53.

  The CPU 51 is connected to sensors SA, SB, and SC arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction of the document S at the respective positions of the registration roller 15, the switchback roller 17, and the discharge roller 19. Sensors SA, SB, and SC detect whether or not document S has passed through the positions of sensors SA, SB, and SC, and output the detection results to CPU 51. The CPU 51 switches the states of the switching gates G1 to G3 based on the detection results input from the sensors SA and SB, and swings and rotates the pickup roller 13 in the vertical direction based on the detection results input from the sensor SC. Then, the document S placed on the document placement tray 11 is supplied to the document main transport path R1.

  4 and 5 are explanatory views showing an operation state of the original reading apparatus in the same size original single-sided reading mode. In the following description, for convenience of description, unless otherwise specified, the “front surface”, “back surface”, and “tip” of the document S are based on the direction of the document S placed on the document placing tray 11. "And" rear end ".

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the same size original single-sided reading mode, the control unit 50 first sets the switching gates G1 and G2 to the 11-A communication state, lowers and rotates the pickup roller 13, and the original placement tray. 11 is supplied to the main document transport path R1.

  As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the control unit 50 then registers the leading edge of the document S with the registration roller 15, and the document S is aligned with the document reading timing with the document reading unit 20. The image is conveyed to a document reading position A on the document table 12 and image information on one side (front surface) of the document S is read.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the leading edge of the document S passes through the sensor SA and the sensor SA is turned on, the control unit 50 sets the switching gate G3 to the R1-T1 communication state and rotationally drives the switchback roller 17. Then, the document S after the image information on one side (front surface) is read is discharged to the document discharge tray T1. Further, when the rear portion (rear end) in the transport direction of the document S passes through the sensor SA and the sensor SA changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the control unit 50 starts transporting the next document from the document placement tray 11. To do.

  In the same-size original single-sided reading mode, the original S is discharged to the original discharge tray T1 with the front end of the original S placed on the original placement tray 11 at the front and the rear end at the rear, and the original S. Is moved toward the upstream side in the discharge direction of the document S by the inclination of the document discharge tray T1, so that the rear end of the document S is aligned by the wall surface 41 of the document discharge tray T1. In the same size original single-sided reading mode, the originals S are all the same size, so that the leading edge is aligned in the same manner when the trailing edge is aligned.

  Further, since the document S is discharged with the front surface of the document S placed on the document placement tray 11 facing down on the document discharge tray T1 and the back surface facing up, the document placement tray 11 is placed. Are stacked on the document discharge tray T1 in the same page order as when the document was placed on the document discharge tray T1.

  6 to 9 are explanatory views showing an operation state of the original reading apparatus in the same size original double side reading mode. As shown in FIG. 6, in the same-size document double-sided reading mode, the control unit 50 places the switching gates G1 and G2 in the 11-A communication state, lowers and rotates the pickup roller 13, and the document S on the document placement tray 11. Is fed to the main document transport path R1, the leading edge of the document S is registered on the registration roller 15, and the document S is conveyed to the document reading position A on the document table 12 in accordance with the document reading timing with the document reading unit 20. Image information on the front surface (first surface) of the document S is read.

  When the leading edge of the document S passes through the sensor SA and the sensor SA is turned on, the control unit 50 sets the switching gate G3 in the R1-T1 communication state and rotates the switchback roller 17 as shown in FIG. By driving, most of the original S after the image information on the front surface is read is discharged to the original discharge tray T1, and a rear portion (rear end) in the transport direction of the original S is held by the switchback roller 17. At this time, the surface of the document S is facing downward.

  When the rear portion (rear end) of the document S passes the sensor SB and the sensor SB changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the control unit 50 connects the switching gate G3 to the T1-R2 communication as shown in FIG. At the same time, the switching gates G1 and G2 are switched to the R2-R1 communication state, the switchback roller 17 is rotated in the reverse direction, and the document S is switched back and conveyed to the document sub-transport path R2. As shown in FIG. 7C, the controller 50 further transports the document S to the document main transport path R1, the front side (rear end) of the document S in the transport direction passes the sensor SA, and the sensor SA is turned on. When the state is reached, the switching gate G3 is switched to the R1-T1 communication state. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit 50 reads the image information on the back surface (second surface) of the document S by passing the document S through the document reading position A, and switches the document S again. The back roller 17 is held. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the document S is held by the switchback roller 17 at the rear side in the transport direction, that is, at the leading end, and the surface is directed upward.

  If the controller 50 discharges the document S to the document discharge tray T1 as it is, the page order of the document S on the document discharge tray T1 is different from the page order on the document placement tray 11, so the document S The following processing is performed to arrange the page order. As shown in FIG. 8C, when the rear portion (front end) in the conveyance direction of the document S passes the sensor SB and the sensor SB changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the control unit 50 sets the switching gate G3 to T1-. The R2 communication state is switched, the switching gates G1 and G2 are switched to the R2-R1 communication state, and the document S is switched back and conveyed to the document sub-transport path R2 by the switchback roller 17 again. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 50 further conveys the document S to the document main transport path R1. At this time, since the control unit 50 has already read the image information on both the front and back surfaces of the document S, the document S passes through the document transport path R1 without reading the image information of the document S at the document reading position A. . When the front portion (front end) of the document S in the transport direction passes through the sensor SA and the sensor SA is turned on, the control unit 50 switches the switching gate G3 to the R1-T1 communication state, and the document S is moved to the document discharge tray T1. To discharge. Further, the control unit 50 switches the switching gates G1 and G2 to the 11-A communication state when the rear portion (rear end) in the conveyance direction of the document S passes through the sensor SA and the sensor SA changes from the ON state to the OFF state. Then, the conveyance of the next document from the document placing tray 11 is started.

  In the same-size original double-sided reading mode, the original S is discharged to the original discharge tray T1 with the leading edge of the original S in the state of being placed on the original placement tray 11 being the front side and the rear end being the rear side. Is moved toward the upstream side in the discharge direction of the document S by the inclination of the document discharge tray T1, so that the rear end of the document S is aligned by the wall surface 41 of the document discharge tray T1. In the same-size original double-sided reading mode, the originals S are all the same size, and therefore the leading edge is aligned in the same manner by aligning the trailing edge.

  Further, since the document S is discharged with the front surface of the document S placed on the document placement tray 11 facing down on the document discharge tray T1 and the back surface facing up, the document placement tray 11 is placed. Are stacked on the document discharge tray T1 in the same page order as when the document was placed on the document discharge tray T1.

  10 to 12 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation state of the original reading apparatus in the different-size original single-sided reading mode. Since STEP1 to STEP4 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A are the same as STEP1 to STEP4 in the operation state of the same size single-sided reading mode shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, detailed description will be given here. Omitted. After reading the image information on one side (front surface) of the document S as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11A, the control unit 50 is behind the transport direction of the document S as shown in FIG. 11B. The side portion (rear end) is held by the switchback roller 17. At this time, the document S is in a state where the surface is directed downward.

  When the rear portion (rear end) of the document S passes the sensor SB and the sensor SB changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the control unit 50 connects the switching gate G3 to the T1-R2 communication as shown in FIG. At the same time, the switching gates G1 and G2 are switched to the R2 and R3 communication state, and the document S is switched back to the document sub-transport path R2 by the switchback roller 17, and as shown in FIG. 12, the escape transport path R3 The document S is discharged to the document discharge tray T2 by the rotational force of the discharge roller 19 via. Further, the control unit 50 switches the switching gates G1 and G2 to the 11-A communication state when the rear portion (front end) in the transport direction of the document S passes through the sensor SC and the sensor SC changes from the ON state to the OFF state. Then, the conveyance of the next original from the original placing tray 11 is started.

  In the different-size original single-sided reading mode, the original S is discharged to the original discharge tray T2 with the rear end of the original S in the state of being placed on the original placement tray 11 being the front side and the front end being the rear side. Since the document discharge tray T2 is inclined toward the upstream side in the discharge direction of the document S, the leading edge of the document S is aligned by the wall surface 42 of the document discharge tray T2. In the different size original single-sided reading mode, the original S includes originals of different sizes, but the original S is aligned in the same manner as when it is placed on the original placement tray 11. Therefore, for example, when a punch hole is opened at the leading edge of the document S, the user can align the leading edge of the document S without aligning the leading edge of the document S and align the punch holes. As described above, even when it is highly necessary to align the leading edge of the document S after the image information is read, it is not necessary for the user to realign the leading edge of the document S. Handling is easy and user workability is improved.

  Further, since the document S is discharged with the front surface of the document S placed on the document placement tray 11 facing down on the document discharge tray T2 and the back surface facing up, the document placement tray 11 is placed. Are stacked on the document discharge tray T1 in the same page order as when the document was placed on the document discharge tray T1.

  FIG. 13 to FIG. 17 are explanatory diagrams showing the operating state of the original reading apparatus in the different size original double-sided reading mode. 13 to 16B are the same as STEP 1 to STEP 10 in the operation state of the same-size original double-sided reading mode shown in FIGS. Is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16B, the control unit 50 reads the image information on the front surface (first surface) by allowing the document S to pass the document reading position A, and the switchback roller. After the image information on the back surface (second surface) is read by switching back transporting at 17 and passing through the document reading position A again, it is further switched back by the switch back roller 17 to be transported back to the document sub-transport path R2 and the document. A so-called empty conveyance is performed on the main conveyance path R1 without reading image information.

  When the front portion (front end) in the transport direction of the document S passes through the sensor SA and the sensor SA is turned on, the control unit 50 brings the switching gate G3 into the R1-T1 communication state as shown in FIG. By switching, the back side portion (rear end) of the document S is held by the switchback roller 17. At this time, the document S is in a state in which the surface of the document S placed on the document placing tray 11 faces downward.

  When the rear portion (rear end) in the transport direction of the document S passes through the sensor SB and the sensor SB changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the control unit 50 sets the switching gate G3 to T1 as shown in FIG. The switching gates G1 and G2 are switched to the R2-R3 communication state and the document S is switched back by the switchback roller 17, and the document as shown in FIGS. 17 (b) and 17 (c). S is discharged to the document discharge tray T2 via the document sub-transport path R2 and the escape transport path R3.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, when the rear side (front end) in the transport direction of the document S passes through the sensor SC and the sensor SC changes from the ON state to the OFF state, the control unit 50 moves from the document placing tray 11 to the next. Starts transporting the original.

  In the different-size document duplex reading mode, the document S is discharged to the document discharge tray T2 with the rear end of the document S being placed on the document placement tray 11 as the front side and the front end as the back side. Since the document discharge tray T2 is inclined toward the upstream side in the discharge direction of the document S, the leading edge of the document S is aligned by the wall surface 42 of the document discharge tray T2. In the different size original double-sided reading mode, the original S includes originals of different sizes, but the original S is aligned in the same manner as when it is placed on the original placement tray 11. Therefore, for example, when a punch hole is opened at the leading edge of the document S, the user can align the leading edge of the document S without aligning the leading edge of the document S and align the punch holes. As described above, even when it is highly necessary to align the leading edge of the document S after the image information is read, it is not necessary for the user to realign the leading edge of the document S. Handling is easy and user workability is improved.

  Further, since the document S is discharged with the front surface of the document S placed on the document placement tray 11 facing down on the document discharge tray T2 and the back surface facing up, the document placement tray 11 is placed. Are stacked on the document discharge tray T1 in the same page order as when the document was placed on the document discharge tray T1.

  According to the document reading device 10, when reading image information of the document S including documents of different sizes, the document is placed on the document placing tray 11 with the front end aligned and the page order is arranged, and the document is placed on the document discharge tray T2. Can be discharged. In addition, when reading image information of a document of the same size, the rear end and the leading edge of the document placed on the document placing tray 11 are aligned and the page order is adjusted to obtain image information of the document S including documents of different sizes. The document can be discharged to the document discharge tray T1 more quickly than the case where it is read and transported through the document sub-transport path R2 and the escape transport path R3.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a document reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a configuration of the document reading apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the document reading apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in the same size document single-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in the same size document single-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in the same size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in the same size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in the same size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in the same size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the document reading device in a different-size document single-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the document reading device in a different-size document single-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation state of the document reading device in a different-size document single-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in a different size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in a different size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in a different size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in a different size document double-sided reading mode. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation state of the document reading device in a different size document double-sided reading mode. It is sectional drawing which shows the schematic structure of the conventional original reading apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 Document Reader 11 Document Placement Tray (Document Placement Unit)
17 switchback roller 20 document reading unit 31 branching unit 50 control unit A document reading position R1 document main transport path (first document transport path)
R2 Document sub-transport path (second document transport path)
R3 escape transport path (third document transport path)
T1 Document discharge tray (first document discharge section)
T2 Document discharge tray (second document discharge section)
G1, G2 switching gate (second switching gate)
G3 switching gate (first switching gate)

Claims (10)

In a document reading device that continuously reads image information of a plurality of documents placed on a document placement unit,
A first document discharge unit that discharges the document after image information is read when the plurality of documents have the same size;
When the plurality of documents include documents of different sizes, after the image information is read, the image is read back from the first document discharge section via the first document discharge section without being reversed. And a second document discharge section for discharging the document. A first document transport path provided from the document placement unit to the first document discharge unit via a document reading position for reading document image information;
A branching section provided on the first document transport path from the vicinity of the downstream end in the document transport direction on the first document transport path between the document placement section and the document reading position. A second document conveyance path provided up to
A third document conveyance path provided continuously at a downstream end of the second document conveyance path in the document conveyance direction;
The first document discharge section is provided downstream of the first document transport path in the document transport direction,
The second document discharge section is provided downstream of the third document transport path in the document transport direction, and
A state in which the first document transport path and the first document discharge section are communicated with each other, disposed in the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the first document transport path in the document transport direction, and the first document discharge. A first switching gate that can be selectively switched to a state in which the section and the second document transport path are in communication with each other;
A state where the second document transport path and the third document transport path are disposed in the branching section, a state where the second document transport path and the first document transport path are communicated, and the document; A second switching gate that is selectively switched to a state in which the placing portion and the document reading position are in communication with each other;
A document reading unit that reads image information of the document at the document reading position;
2. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls a switching operation of each of the first switching gate and the second switching gate.   A switchback roller disposed at a downstream end of the first document transport path in the document transport direction and downstream of the first switching gate in the transport direction and further rotatable in both forward and reverse directions. The document reading apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: When the controller reads image information on only one side of a plurality of originals of different sizes,
The first switching gate is brought into communication with the first document transport path and the first document discharge section, and the document is transferred from the first document transport path via the document reading position to the switch. Convey it to the back roller and read the image information on one side of the document,
With the trailing edge of the document held by the switchback roller, the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. With the switching gate in a state where the second document transport path and the third document transport path are in communication with each other, the document is switched back and the second document transport path and the third document transport path are switched. The document reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the document is discharged to the second document discharge unit. When the control unit reads image information on both sides of the first side and the second side of a plurality of documents of different sizes,
The first switching gate is brought into communication with the first document transport path and the first document discharge section, and the document is transferred from the first document transport path via the document reading position to the switch. The image information on the first side of the document is read by being conveyed to the back roller,
With the trailing edge of the document held by the switchback roller, the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. The switching gate is brought into a state in which the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication, and the document is switched back and transported to the second document transport path and the first document transport path. The image information on the second side of the document is read at the document reading position, and the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document transport path and the first document discharge unit are communicated with each other. The document is further conveyed to the switchback roller,
With the trailing edge of the document held by the switchback roller, the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. With the switching gate in a state where the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication with each other, the document is switched back and the second document transport path and the first document transport path are switched. Hold the back edge of the document again with the switchback roller,
The second switching gate is brought into communication between the second document transport path and the third document transport path, and the document is switched back to transport the second document transport path and the third document. 4. The document reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the document is discharged to the second document discharge unit via a conveyance path. When the control unit reads image information on only one side of a plurality of documents of the same size,
The first switching gate is brought into communication with the first document transport path and the first document discharge section, and the document is transported to the first document transport path via the document reading position. 4. The document reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein image information on one side of the document is read, and the document is discharged to the first document discharge unit. When the controller reads image information on both sides of the first side and the second side of a plurality of documents of the same size,
The first switching gate is brought into communication with the first document transport path and the first document discharge section, and the document is transferred from the first document transport path via the document reading position to the switch. The image information on the first side of the document is read by being conveyed to the back roller,
With the trailing edge of the document held by the switchback roller, the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. The switching gate is brought into a state in which the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication, and the document is switched back and transported to the second document transport path and the first document transport path. The image information on the second side of the document is read at the document reading position, and the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document transport path and the first document discharge unit are communicated with each other. The document is further conveyed to the switchback roller,
With the trailing edge of the document held by the switchback roller, the first switching gate is switched to a state in which the first document discharge portion and the second document transport path are in communication with each other. With the switching gate in a state where the second document transport path and the first document transport path are in communication with each other, the document is switched back and the second document transport path and the first document transport path are switched. The document reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the document is discharged to the first document discharge unit.   6. The document according to claim 4, wherein the second document discharge unit is disposed so as to be inclined downward toward an upstream side in a discharge direction of the document to the second document discharge unit. Reader. In a document reading method of reading image information of a plurality of documents placed on a document placement portion at a document reading position,
After transporting the document to the document reading position and reading image information on one side of the document, the document is switched back and transported to the upstream side in the direction in which the document is discharged without turning the front and back sides downward. A document reading method, wherein the document is discharged to an inclined document discharge unit. In a document reading method of reading image information of a plurality of documents placed on a document placement portion at a document reading position,
After the original is conveyed to the original reading position and image information on the first side of the original is read, the original is switched back and conveyed again to the original reading position to be image information on the second side of the original. After the document is switched back and conveyed through the document reading position, the document is further switched back and the document is discharged to the upstream side in the direction in which the document is discharged without being reversed. A document reading method, wherein the document is discharged to an inclined document discharge unit.

Images