JP2014099824A - Image reader and transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader in which a second medium narrower than a first medium can sufficiently be inserted into a second introduction port, and a transport device.SOLUTION: An image reader 1 includes a first projection part 131. The first projection part 131 projects from a flat part 34 in a common transfer path 125, and extends in forward/backward directions. Thus, a card CA can be moved to the forward/backward directions along the first projection part 131. Thus, the card CA is prevented from being shifted from a card introduction port 121 and a state of the card CA is prevented from becoming oblique to the forward/backward directions when the card CA is inserted into the card insertion port 121.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and a conveying apparatus.

  The image reading apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing. An inlet for introducing a sheet is formed on the back side of the housing. On the other hand, a discharge port for discharging the sheet is formed on the front side of the housing. A conveyance path from the introduction port to the discharge port is formed inside the housing. An image reading unit is provided in the conveyance path. Further, a pair of conveyance rollers is provided on each of the introduction port side and the discharge port side of the image reading unit.

  The sheet introduced from the introduction port is conveyed along the conveyance path by the conveyance roller pair. During the conveyance of the sheet, an image on the surface of the sheet is read by the image reading unit.

  The image reading device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can also read an image drawn on a card that is narrower and thicker than a sheet. Specifically, a part of the discharge port also serves as a card introduction port for introducing a card and a card discharge port for discharging a card. In addition, a mechanism is provided for rotationally driving the conveying roller pair in one direction and the other direction.

  When a card is inserted into the card introduction port, the conveyance roller pair is rotated in the direction opposite to that during conveyance of the sheet, and the card is drawn into the card introduction port by the conveyance roller pair. When the card passes through the image reading unit, the rotation direction of the conveyance roller pair is reversed, and the conveyance roller pair is rotationally driven in the same direction as the conveyance of the sheet. Thereby, the card conveyance direction is reversed, and the card is conveyed toward the card discharge port. During the conveyance of the card, the image on the card is read by the image reading unit.

JP 2012-100115 A

  However, since a part of the outlet for discharging the sheet also serves as the card inlet, the card may be inserted across the card inlet and the portion other than the card inlet at the sheet outlet. . For this reason, there is a possibility that the card is inserted while being shifted from the card introduction port, or the card is inserted obliquely into the card introduction port.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus and a conveying apparatus that can satisfactorily insert a second medium such as a card that is narrower than the first medium such as a sheet into the second introduction port.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an upper housing and a lower housing, an upper conveyance guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing, and the lower portion A first conveyance guide formed on the upper surface of the housing, and formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide, and configured to convey the first medium to one side in the first direction. It is formed between the transport path and the upper transport guide and the lower transport guide on the one side in the first direction, and is configured to discharge the first medium transported through the first transport path. And a common conveyance path formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide at least partially overlapping with the first conveyance path on the one side in the first direction. The second medium narrower than the first medium is conveyed in the first direction. A second conveyance path configured to be formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide on the one side in the first direction so as to overlap at least partially with the first discharge port. A housing formed with a second introduction port configured such that the medium is introduced from the one side in the first direction, and protrudes into the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide in the common conveyance path. A reading provided and configured to read an image of the protrusion extending in the first direction, the first medium transported through the first transport path, and the second medium transported through the second transport path. A section.

  According to this configuration, the image reading apparatus includes the protruding portion. The protruding portion protrudes from the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide in the common conveyance path, and extends in the first direction. Therefore, the second medium can be moved in the first direction along the protrusion. As a result, when the second medium is inserted into the second introduction port, the second medium is prevented from being displaced from the second introduction port and the state of the second medium is inclined with respect to the first direction. it can. As a result, the second medium can be satisfactorily inserted into the second introduction port.

  It is preferable that the protrusion is provided on the lower conveyance guide.

  The second medium can move on the lower conveyance guide in contact with the lower conveyance guide. In the configuration in which the upper conveyance guide is provided with the protrusion, the protrusion needs to extend below the upper surface of the second medium on the lower conveyance guide. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the protruding portion is provided in the lower conveyance guide, the protruding portion only needs to protrude even slightly from the lower conveyance guide. Therefore, in the configuration in which the protruding portion is provided in the lower conveyance guide, the height of the protruding portion can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the protruding portion is provided in the upper conveyance guide.

  It is preferable that the other end of the protruding portion in the first direction is located at a lower position as one side is located, and the other edge of the protruding portion is located at the same height as the upper surface of the reading unit.

  According to this structure, it can suppress that the 1st medium conveyed to the one side of a 1st direction collides with a protrusion part. In addition, since the first medium is directed downward as it proceeds to the one side in the first direction along the upper surface of the other end in the first direction of the protrusion, it is possible to ensure smooth discharge of the first medium. it can.

  The protrusion on the one side in the first direction of the protrusion may have a smaller protrusion with respect to the lower conveyance guide toward the one side.

  It is preferable that the lower conveyance guide is inclined so that the end on one side in the first direction is lower than the end on the other side in the first direction.

  According to this configuration, the first medium is smoothly discharged along the lower transport guide.

  The image reading apparatus includes a holding unit that holds the reading unit, and the holding unit extends to one side in the first direction at the same position as the second introduction port in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. May be provided.

  According to this configuration, when the second medium is inserted into the second introduction port, the second medium is disposed on the extension part of the holding part. Thereby, it is possible to satisfactorily introduce and transport the second medium while suppressing the catch between the lower transport guide and the holding unit of the second medium.

  A pair of protrusions are provided at intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the housing is provided on the other side of the reading unit in the first direction and from the pair of protrusions in the second direction. May also be formed at the outer position, and a second projecting portion projecting upward from the lower conveyance guide may be formed.

  According to this configuration, when the second medium is introduced, the second medium can be guided from both sides in the second direction by the pair of protrusions. Therefore, the second medium can be satisfactorily introduced from the second introduction port. Further, even when the second medium is skewed with respect to the first direction in the middle of the conveyance, the leading end portion of the second medium abuts on the second projecting portion so that the card conveyance direction is along the first direction. To be corrected. Therefore, it is possible to ensure good conveyance of the second medium in the first direction.

  An image reading apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an upper housing and a lower housing, and is formed on an upper conveyance guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing and an upper surface of the lower housing. A first conveyance path formed between a lower conveyance guide, the upper conveyance guide, and the lower conveyance guide and configured to convey the first medium to one side in the first direction; and the first direction. A first discharge port formed between the upper transport guide and the lower transport guide on the one side of the first transport port, and configured to discharge the first medium transported through the first transport path; A first conveyance path having a common conveyance path formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide at least partially overlapping with the first conveyance path on the one side in the first direction; A second transport path configured to transport a narrow second medium in the first direction; The second medium is formed between the upper transport guide and the lower transport guide on the one side in the first direction at least partially overlapping with the first discharge port, and the second medium is on the one side in the first direction. A housing formed with a second introduction port configured to be introduced from, and a protrusion that protrudes from the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide in the common conveyance path and extends in the first direction A section.

  While the first medium and the second medium are respectively transported along the first transport path and the second transport path, the images of the first medium and the second medium are read by the reading unit.

  The image reading apparatus includes a groove. The groove portion is formed to be recessed in the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide in the common conveyance path, and extends in the first direction. Therefore, the second medium can be moved in the first direction along the protrusion. As a result, when the second medium is inserted into the second introduction port, the second medium is prevented from being displaced from the second introduction port and the state of the second medium is inclined with respect to the first direction. it can. As a result, the second medium can be satisfactorily inserted into the second introduction port.

  A transport apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an upper housing and a lower housing, and is formed on an upper transport guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing and on an upper surface of the lower housing. A first conveyance path formed between the lower conveyance guide, the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide and configured to convey the first medium to one side in the first direction; and the first conveyance path in the first direction. A first discharge port formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide on one side and configured to discharge the first medium conveyed on the first conveyance path; and in the first direction A second medium having a common conveyance path formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide at least partially overlapping with the first conveyance path on the one side, the second medium being narrower than the first medium. A second conveyance path configured to be conveyed in the first direction, the first discharge port, and a small amount Are formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide on the one side in the first direction so that the second medium is introduced from the one side in the first direction. A second inlet, and a projecting portion that projects from the upper transport guide or the lower transport guide in the common transport path and extends in the first direction.

  According to this configuration, the image reading apparatus includes the protruding portion. The protruding portion protrudes from the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide in the common conveyance path, and extends in the first direction. Therefore, the second medium can be moved in the first direction along the protrusion. As a result, when the second medium is inserted into the second introduction port, the second medium is prevented from being displaced from the second introduction port and the state of the second medium is inclined with respect to the first direction. it can. As a result, the second medium can be satisfactorily inserted into the second introduction port.

  A transport apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an upper housing and a lower housing, and is formed on an upper transport guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing and on an upper surface of the lower housing. A first conveyance path formed between a lower conveyance guide, the upper conveyance guide, and the lower conveyance guide and configured to convey the first medium to one side in the first direction; and the first direction. A first discharge port formed between the upper transport guide and the lower transport guide on the one side of the first transport port, and configured to discharge the first medium transported through the first transport path; A first conveyance path having a common conveyance path formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide at least partially overlapping with the first conveyance path on the one side in the first direction; A second transport path configured to transport a narrow second medium in the first direction. , At least partially overlapping the first discharge port and formed between the upper transport guide and the lower transport guide on the one side in the first direction, and the second medium is the one in the first direction. A housing formed with a second introduction port configured to be introduced from the side, and provided in the common conveyance path so as to be recessed in the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide, and the second introduction port And a groove portion extending in the first direction.

  According to this configuration, the image reading apparatus includes the groove portion. The groove portion is formed to be recessed in the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide in the common conveyance path, and extends in the first direction. Therefore, the second medium can be moved in the first direction along the protrusion. As a result, when the second medium is inserted into the second introduction port, the second medium is prevented from being displaced from the second introduction port and the state of the second medium is inclined with respect to the first direction. it can. As a result, the second medium can be satisfactorily inserted into the second introduction port.

  According to the present invention, when the second medium is inserted into the second introduction port, the second medium is displaced from the second introduction port, or the state of the second medium is inclined with respect to the first direction. This can be suppressed. As a result, the second medium can be satisfactorily inserted into the second introduction port.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the image reading apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper left front, and shows a state in which the cover 3 is closed. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the image reading apparatus 1 as viewed from the upper right rear and shows a state in which the cover 3 is closed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image reading apparatus 1 as viewed from the upper right front, and shows a state where the cover 3 is opened. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the image reading apparatus 1 and shows a state in which the cover is opened and the upper housing 14 is disposed at the maintenance position. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for schematically explaining the internal configuration of the image reading apparatus 1 when the image reading apparatus 1 is viewed from the right side. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for schematically showing that the sheet discharge port 202 and the card introduction port 121 overlap at least partially. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the vicinity of the card introduction port 121 of the image reading apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the vicinity of the card introduction port 121 in the lower housing 13 of the image reading apparatus 1. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for schematically explaining a configuration in the vicinity of the protrusion 131 in the lower housing 13 when the lower housing 13 shown in FIG. 4 is viewed from the right. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for schematically explaining the internal configuration of the image reading apparatus 1 when the image reading apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is viewed from the right side. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the vicinity of the card introduction port 121 of the image reading apparatus 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the vicinity of the card introduction port 121 in the lower housing 13 of the image reading apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the vicinity of the card introduction port 121 of the image reading apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the vicinity of the card introduction port 121 in the lower housing 13 of the image reading apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image reading device 1 is an example of a specific aspect of the image reading device and the conveying device of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, the front cover 22 side is defined as the front side of the apparatus, and the side that comes to the left hand when facing the front cover 22 is defined as the left side, and the front, rear, left, and right directions are displayed. And each direction shown after FIG. 1B is displayed corresponding to each direction shown in FIG. 1A. Hereinafter, each component provided in the image reading apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1A and the like.

<Appearance>

  The image reading apparatus 1 includes a housing 2 and a cover 3.

<Case>

  The housing 2 includes a left side plate part 11, a right side plate part 12, a lower case 13 and an upper case 14.

  The left side plate part 11 and the right side plate part 12 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction.

  The lower housing 13 and the upper housing 14 are disposed between the left side plate portion 11 and the right side plate portion 12.

  The lower housing 13 is fixed to the left plate portion 11 and the right plate portion 12.

  On the left front lower end portion and the right front lower end portion of the upper housing 14, shaft portions (not shown) are formed to protrude to the left side and the right side, respectively. Then, the left and right shaft portions are rotatably supported by the left side plate portion 11 and the right side plate portion 12, respectively, so that the upper housing 14 has a normal position shown in FIG. 2 and a maintenance position shown in FIG. It is provided so that rotation is possible between them.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper housing 14 overlaps the lower housing 13 from above at a normal position. The upper surface 14U of the upper casing 14 positioned at the normal position is positioned one level lower than the upper surfaces 11U and 12U of the left plate portion 11 and the right plate portion 12. Further, the front surface 14F of the upper housing 14 located at the normal position is located at a position recessed by one step further to the rear side than the front surfaces 11F and 12F of the left plate portion 11 and the right plate portion 12.

  In addition, the upper housing 14 is deployed to the front side with respect to the lower housing 13 at the maintenance position, and extends forward and upward from the front end portion of the lower housing 13.

<Cover>

  The cover 3 includes an upper cover 21 and a front cover 22.

  The base end portion of the upper cover 21 is rotatably supported by the rear upper end portions of the left side plate portion 11 and the right side plate portion 12 of the housing 2. Thereby, the upper cover 21 is provided so as to be rotatable between a closed position shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and an open position shown in FIG.

  The upper cover 21 overlaps the lower housing 13 and the upper housing 14 from above in the closed position.

  Further, the upper cover 21 extends rearward and upward from the rear upper end of the housing 2 at the open position.

  The front cover 22 is provided so as to be rotatable between a bent position shown in FIG. 1A and an extended position shown in FIG.

  Further, the front cover 22 extends substantially on the same plane as the upper cover 21 at the extended position. With the upper cover 21 in the open position and the front cover 22 in the extended position, the upper cover 21 and the front cover 22 are rearward and upward from the rear upper end of the housing 2 as shown in FIG. The tray extends to form a sheet SH as an example of the first medium fed into the housing 2. The sheet SH is, for example, paper or an OHP sheet.

  The rear end edge 31 of the lower casing 13 is positioned higher than the front end edge 32 of the lower casing 13. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower housing 13 has an inclined portion 33 and a flat portion 34. The inclined portion 33 extends forward and downward from the rear edge 31 to a position having the same height as the front edge 32. The flat portion 34 extends from the inclined portion 33 to the front end edge 32 at the same height as the front end edge 32.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rear edge 71 of the lower surface 14 </ b> B of the upper housing 14 is positioned above the inclined portion 33 of the lower housing 13 with a space therebetween. The front end edge 72 of the lower surface 14B is positioned above the front end edge 32 of the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13 with a space therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper housing 14 has an inclined portion 73 and a flat portion 74. The inclined portion 73 extends from the rear end edge 71 to a position having the same height as the front end edge 72 in parallel with the inclined portion 33 in the front lower direction. The flat portion 74 extends in parallel with the flat portion 34 of the lower housing 13 from the inclined portion 73 to the front end edge 72 at the same height as the front end edge 72.

  A sheet introduction port 201, a sheet discharge port 202, and a sheet conveyance path 203 are formed between the upper housing 14 and the lower housing 13. The sheet introduction port 201 is an example of a first introduction port. The sheet discharge port 202 is an example of a first discharge port. The sheet conveyance path 203 is an example of a first conveyance path. The sheet introduction port 201 is formed between the rear edge 71 of the upper housing 14 and the inclined portion 33 of the lower housing 13 and is opened rearward and upward. The sheet discharge port 202 is formed between the front edge 72 of the upper housing 14 and the front edge 32 of the lower housing 13 and is opened forward. The sheet conveyance path 203 connects the sheet introduction port 201 and the sheet discharge port 202. The sheet conveyance path 203 includes a space between the inclined portion 73 of the upper housing 14 and the inclined portion 33 of the lower housing 13 and a space between the flat portion 74 of the upper housing 14 and the flat portion 34 of the lower housing 13. Space.

  The sheet SH introduced from the sheet introduction port 201 passes through the sheet conveyance path 203 in the housing 2 and is discharged from the sheet discharge port 202. Hereinafter, along with the flow of the sheet SH, each component included in the image reading apparatus 1 will be described.

  The image reading apparatus 1 includes a supply roller 41, a separation piece 81, an LF roller 42, an LF pinch roller 82, a card LF roller 43, a card LF pinch roller 83, a discharge roller 44, a discharge pinch roller 84, a card discharge roller 45, and a card discharge. A pinch roller 85 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the supply roller 41 includes two rollers. Two rollers of the supply roller 41 are attached to the rotation shaft 51. The supply roller 41 is disposed at the center of the inclined portion 33 in the left-right direction. The rotation shaft 51 extends in the left-right direction inside the lower housing 13 and is rotatably held by the lower housing 13.

  The separation piece 81 is made of rubber, for example. A base end portion of the separation piece 81 is attached to the upper housing 14. The separation piece 81 is in elastic contact with the peripheral surface of the supply roller 41. A plurality of sheets SH can be separated into a single sheet and conveyed by the separation piece 81 and the supply roller 41. The sheet SH is conveyed toward the front. Therefore, in this embodiment, the front is the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and the rear is the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction.

  The LF roller 42 and the LF pinch roller 82 are located downstream of the supply roller 41 and the separation piece 81 in the sheet conveying direction. The LF roller 42 includes two rollers. Two rollers of the LF roller 42 are attached to the rotation shaft 53. The LF pinch roller 82 includes two pinch rollers. Two pinch rollers of the LF pinch roller 82 are attached to the rotation shaft 91. As shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral surface of the LF pinch roller 82 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the LF roller 42 from above. When the LF roller 42 is driven to rotate, the LF pinch roller 82 is driven and rotated by the LF roller 42.

  The card LF roller 43 is disposed on the right side of the LF roller 42 at a spaced position. The card LF roller 43 is attached to a rotation shaft 53 that is common to the LF roller 42. The card LF pinch roller 83 is disposed at a position spaced apart on the right side of the LF pinch roller 82. The card LF pinch roller 83 includes two pinch rollers as shown in FIG. Two pinch rollers of the card LF pinch roller 83 are attached to the rotation shaft 91. As shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral surfaces of the two pinch rollers of the card LF pinch roller 83 are adjacent to the left and right sides of the peripheral surface of the card LF roller 43 of the lower housing 13 with a small space therebetween.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a first reading unit 100 and a second reading unit 60 on the downstream side of the LF roller 42 and the LF pinch roller 82 in the sheet conveying direction. The first reading unit 100 includes a contact image sensor (hereinafter referred to as “CIS”) holder 101, a CIS unit 102, and a contact glass 103. The second reading unit 60 includes a CIS holder 61, a CIS unit 62, and a contact glass 63.

  A CIS unit 62 as an example of a reading unit is accommodated in a CIS holder 61. For example, an LED light source, a lens, and an image sensor are provided inside the CIS unit 62. A CIS unit 102 as an example of a reading unit is accommodated in a CIS holder 101. For example, an LED light source, a lens, and an image sensor are provided inside the CIS unit 102.

  The contact glass 63 is made of colorless and transparent glass. The contact glass 63 is provided so as to close the upper surface of the CIS holder 61 and is held by the CIS holder 61. The contact glass 103 is made of colorless and transparent glass. The contact glass 103 is provided to close the lower surface of the CIS holder 101 and is held by the CIS holder 101.

  The CIS holder 61 is fitted into an opening 64 formed in the flat portion 34 of the lower housing 13 while holding the CIS unit 62 and the contact glass 63. The CIS holder 101 is fitted in the opening 104 formed in the flat portion 74 of the upper housing 14 while holding the CIS unit 102 and the contact glass 103.

  Images on both sides of the sheet SH conveyed by the LF roller 42 and the LF pinch roller 82 are read by the first reading unit 100 and the second reading unit 60.

  The discharge roller 44 and the discharge pinch roller 84 are located downstream of the CIS unit 102 and the CIS unit 62 in the sheet conveyance direction. The discharge roller 44 includes two rollers. Two pinch rollers of the discharge roller 44 are attached to the rotation shaft 56. The discharge pinch roller 84 includes two pinch rollers. Two pinch rollers of the discharge pinch roller 84 are attached to the rotating shaft 94. The peripheral surface of the discharge pinch roller 84 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the discharge roller 44 from above as shown in FIG. When the discharge roller 44 is driven to rotate, the discharge pinch roller 84 is driven to rotate by the discharge roller 44.

  The card discharge roller 45 and the card discharge pinch roller 85 are located downstream of the CIS unit 102 and the CIS unit 62 in the sheet conveyance direction. The card discharge roller 45 includes two rollers. Two rollers of the card discharge roller 45 are attached to the rotation shaft 56. The card discharge pinch roller 85 includes two pinch rollers. Two pinch rollers of the card discharge pinch roller 85 are attached to the rotating shaft 94. The peripheral surface of the card discharge pinch roller 85 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the card discharge roller 45 from above as shown in FIG. When the card discharge roller 45 is driven to rotate, the card discharge pinch roller 85 is rotated following the card discharge roller 45.

<Card transport path>

  The image reading apparatus 1 can read an image drawn on a card CA as an example of a second medium that is narrower than the sheet SH. The card CA is a medium that is narrower and thicker than paper. The card CA is, for example, a business card, a cash card, a membership card or a license.

  For reading the image of the card CA, as shown in FIG. 2, the card introduction port 121 as an example of the second introduction port is arranged in the front-rear direction with the card discharge roller 45 and the card discharge pinch roller 85 at the sheet discharge port 202. It is formed in the overlapping part. In the present embodiment, a part of the lower side of the card introduction port 121 overlaps a part of the right side of the sheet discharge port 202 as shown in FIG. That is, both the sheet SH and the card CA can pass through the overlapping portion OL. The flat portion 34 of the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13 is formed as a lower conveyance guide that guides the lower surface of the sheet SH. The flat portion 74 of the lower surface 14B of the upper housing 14 is formed as an upper conveyance guide that guides the upper surface of the sheet SH. The card introduction port 121 is larger than the sheet discharge port 202 in the vertical direction by cutting each front end portion of the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13 and the lower surface 14B of the upper housing 14 into a rectangular shape upward and downward, respectively. It has a width. The width of the card inlet 121 in the left-right direction is larger than the short side length (53.98 mm) of the international standard ID-1 card size by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) / International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The length of the long side (85.60 mm) is smaller.

  The card transport path 124 as an example of the second transport path includes a space between the flat portion 34 of the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13 and the flat portion 74 of the lower surface 14B of the upper housing 14 and the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13. Is formed in a space below the inclined portion 33.

  A space between the flat portion 34 on the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13 and the flat portion 74 on the lower surface 14B of the upper housing 14 is a common transport path 125 through which both sheets and cards are transported. The common conveyance path 125 is an area on the right side of the sheet conveyance path 203 in the card conveyance path 124. That is, the card conveyance path 124 overlaps the sheet conveyance path 203 in the common conveyance path 125.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the card passage port 122 is formed at a position overlapping the card introduction port 121 in the front-rear direction between the front lower end portion of the inclined portion 33 of the lower housing 13 and the flat portion 34. ing.

  The front end of the card transport path 124 is connected to the card introduction port 121. The card passage port 122 is provided in the middle of the card transport path 124. The common transport path 125 communicates with the space below the inclined portion 33 of the lower housing 13 through the card passage port 122. Therefore, the card CA can go back and forth between the common conveyance path 125 and the lower portion of the inclined portion 33 of the lower housing 13 through the card passage port 122.

  The cueing opening 128 is formed in the rear surface 13R of the lower housing 13 so as to open rearward.

<Projection>

  As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the image reading apparatus 1 is provided so as to protrude from the flat portion 34, and is a first protrusion as an example of a pair of protrusions extending in the front-rear direction as an example of the first direction. A protrusion 131 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the pair of first projecting portions 131 project upward from the flat portion 34 to the right front end portion of the flat portion 34 of the upper surface 13 </ b> U of the lower housing 13. . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pair of first protrusions 131 are formed with a space in the left-right direction. The left first protrusion 131 is positioned on the left side of the card introduction port 121. The first protrusion 131 on the right side is located on the right side of the card introduction port 121. The distance between the pair of first protrusions 131 is larger than the length of the short side of the card size of the international standard ID-1 and smaller than the length of the long side of the card size.

  Each first protrusion 131 extends in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion amount P1 from the flat portion 34 is the largest at the center portion 133 in the front-rear direction, and the protrusion amount P2 from the flat portion 34 at the front end portion 134, which is an example of one end portion, and the other The rear end portion 135 which is an example of the side end portion is formed so that the protruding amount P3 from the flat portion 34 is smaller than the protruding amount P1. The upper surface 132 of each first protrusion 131 is formed in an arc shape that bulges upward in a side view. The upper surface of the rear end portion 135 of each first protrusion 131 is located at a lower position toward the front side, and the rear end edge 136 as an example of the other end edge is the front end edge of the CIS holder 61 and the upper surface of the contact glass 63. It is located at the same height as 63U.

  A front end portion of the flat portion 34, that is, a portion of the flat portion 34 located on the front side of the CIS holder 61 is inclined forward and downward so as to be positioned lower toward the front side. Therefore, the upper surface 132 of each first protrusion 131 is located at a lower position on the front side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the casing 2 includes a second CIS unit 62 that is an example of a reading unit and a rear side that is the other side of the contact glass 63 in the front-rear direction that is an example of the first direction. A second protrusion 141 that is provided at a position outside the first protrusion 131 that is an example of the pair of protrusions in the left-right direction as an example of the direction and protrudes upward from the flat part 34 is formed.

  Specifically, a pair of second projecting portions 141 are provided. The pair of second projecting portions 141 is a portion of the flat portion 34 that is located on the rear side of the CIS holder 61, and the flat portion 34 is located at a position that overlaps both the left and right ends of the card passage port 122 in the front-rear direction. It protrudes upward from and extends in the front-rear direction. The distance between the pair of second protrusions 141 is wider than the distance between the pair of first protrusions 131.

<Scanning sheet image>

  When reading an image of the sheet SH in the image reading apparatus 1, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the upper cover 21 is disposed in the open position and the front cover 22 is disposed in the extended position. Then, the sheet SH is placed on a tray formed by the upper cover 21 in the open position and the front cover 22 in the extended position. When a reading button (not shown) or the like is pressed by the user, the supply roller 41 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side, and the image of the sheet SH is read.

  The sheet SH placed on the tray is inserted into the sheet introduction port 201 until the leading end thereof contacts the supply roller 41 and the separation piece 81.

  Thereafter, the supply roller 41 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side. By the rotation of the supply roller 41, a conveying force is applied from the peripheral surface of the supply roller 41 to the lower surface of the sheet SH, and the sheet SH is conveyed toward the LF roller 42 and the LF pinch roller 82. When the leading end of the sheet SH is sandwiched between the supply roller 41 and the separation piece 81, the sheet SH is separated one by one, and only one sheet SH is between the supply roller 41 and the separation piece 81. Pass through.

  The LF roller 42 and the card LF roller 43 are rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side. The LF pinch roller 82 and the card LF pinch roller 83 rotate clockwise as viewed from the right side. When the leading end of the sheet SH that has passed between the supply roller 41 and the separation piece 81 reaches the contact portion of the peripheral surfaces of the LF roller 42 and the card LF roller 43, the sheet SH is moved by the LF roller 42 and the card LF roller 43. A conveyance force is applied to the.

  The sheet SH that has passed between the LF roller 42 and the LF pinch roller 82 and between the card LF roller 43 and the card LF pinch roller 83 passes over the contact glasses 63 and 103. At this time, light is emitted from the LED light sources of the CIS units 62 and 102 to the sheets SH on the contact glasses 63 and 103, respectively. Then, the reflected light on the sheet SH is received by the image sensors of the CIS units 62 and 102, whereby reading of images drawn on both surfaces of the sheet SH is achieved.

  The discharge roller 44 and the card discharge roller 45 are rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side. The discharge pinch roller 84 and the card discharge pinch roller 85 rotate clockwise as viewed from the right side. When the leading end of the sheet SH that has passed over the contact glasses 63 and 103 reaches the discharge roller 44 and the card discharge roller 45, a conveying force is applied to the sheet SH from the discharge roller 44 and the card discharge roller 45.

  The sheet SH conveyed between the discharge roller 44 and the discharge pinch roller 84 and between the card discharge roller 45 and the card discharge pinch roller 85 passes through the sheet discharge port 202 and is discharged out of the housing 2. .

<Read card image>

  When reading an image of the card CA, the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121. At this time, the card CA is disposed between the pair of first protrusions 131. Thereafter, the card CA is drawn between the peripheral surfaces of the card discharge roller 45 and the card discharge pinch roller 85. When the card CA is introduced, both end edges in the left-right direction of the card CA are guided by the first protrusions 131.

  When the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121, the first protrusion 131 does not always have to be in contact with the card CA. The concept of the guide of the card CA at this time includes, for example, a degree of restricting the card CA from separating from the first protrusion 131 in the left-right direction when the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121. .

  When the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121, the card discharge roller 45 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side. The card discharge pinch roller 85 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the right side as the card discharge roller 45 rotates. A conveying force is applied from the card discharge roller 45 to the card CA.

  Thereafter, the card CA passes between the first reading unit 100 and the second reading unit 60.

  The card LF roller 43 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side simultaneously with the start of rotation of the card discharge roller 45. As the card LF roller 43 rotates, the card LF pinch roller 83 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the right side. When the leading end of the card CA passing between the first reading unit 100 and the second reading unit 60 reaches between the peripheral surface of the card LF roller 43 and the peripheral surface of the card LF pinch roller 83, the card LF roller 43 To the card CA.

  The card CA passes through the card passage opening 122 and reaches a position where the rear end opposite to the front end of the card CA is sandwiched between the peripheral surface of the card LF roller 43 and the peripheral surface of the card LF pinch roller 83. When the conveyance of the card CA proceeds, the rotation of the card LF roller 43 and the card discharge roller 45 is stopped. When the rotation of the card LF roller 43 and the card discharge roller 45 is stopped, the card CA is temporarily stopped with the leading end thereof being cued from the cueing opening 128. The cue opening 128 is formed at a position overlapping with the card passage opening 122 on the rear surface 13R of the lower housing 13 in the front-rear direction.

  Thereafter, the card LF roller 43 and the card discharge roller 45 are rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side. The card LF pinch roller 83 and the card discharge pinch roller 85 rotate clockwise as viewed from the right side. As a result, the card CA is transported in the direction from the rear side to the front side with the transport direction reversed.

  The card CA passes between the first reading unit 100 and the second reading unit 60. At this time, the card CA is irradiated with light from the LED light sources of the CIS units 62 and 102, respectively. Then, when the reflected light from the card CA is received by the image sensors of the CIS units 62 and 102, the images drawn on both surfaces of the card CA are read. Further, even if the card CA transported through the card transport path 124 is skewed with respect to the front-rear direction in the middle of the transport, the front end of the card CA comes into contact with the second projecting portion 141, thereby transporting the card CA. The direction is corrected so as to follow the front-rear direction.

  When the leading end of the card CA that has passed between the first reading unit 100 and the second reading unit 60 reaches a contact portion between the peripheral surface of the card discharge roller 45 and the peripheral surface of the card discharge pinch roller 85, the card is discharged. A conveyance force is applied to the card CA from the roller 45, and the card CA is drawn between the peripheral surface of the card discharge roller 45 and the peripheral surface of the card discharge pinch roller 85. Then, the card CA conveyed between the card discharge roller 45 and the card discharge pinch roller 85 passes through the card introduction port 121 and is discharged out of the housing 2.

  In this way, the card CA introduced from the card introduction port 121 is switched back in the housing 2 and discharged from the card introduction port 121.

<Effect>

  As described above, the image reading apparatus 1 includes the first protrusion 131. The first protruding portion 131 protrudes from the flat portion 34 in the common conveyance path 125 and extends in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the card CA can be moved in the front-rear direction along the first protrusion 131. Thereby, when the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121, the card CA can be prevented from being displaced from the card introduction port 121, or the state of the card CA being inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. As a result, the card CA can be inserted into the card introduction port 121 satisfactorily.

  The card CA moves on the flat portion 34 in contact with the flat portion 34. Therefore, in the configuration in which the first protrusion 131 is provided on the flat portion 74, the first protrusion 131 needs to extend below the upper surface of the card CA on the flat portion 34. On the other hand, in the configuration in which the first projecting portion 131 is provided on the flat portion 34, the first projecting portion 131 only has to project slightly from the flat portion 34. Therefore, in the configuration in which the first protrusion 131 is provided on the flat portion 34, the height of the first protrusion 131 can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the first protrusion 131 is provided on the flat portion 74.

  The rear end portion 135 of the first protrusion 131 is located at a lower position toward the front side, and the rear end edge 136 of the first protrusion 131 is located at the same height as the upper surface 63U of the contact glass 63.

  Thereby, it can suppress that the sheet | seat SH conveyed by the front side collides with the 1st protrusion part 131. FIG. Further, since the sheet SH is directed downward as it advances forward along the upper surface of the rear end portion 135 of the first protrusion 131, smooth discharge of the sheet SH can be ensured.

  The front end portion 134 of the first protrusion 131 has a smaller protrusion amount P3 with respect to the flat portion 34 toward the front side. Further, the flat portion 34 is inclined so that the front end portion is lower than the rear end portion. Thereby, the sheet SH is smoothly discharged along the flat portion 34.

  A pair of first projecting portions 131 are provided at intervals in the left-right direction. The casing 2 is formed with a second projecting portion 141 projecting upward from the flat portion 34 at a position outside the pair of first projecting portions 131 in the left-right direction on the rear side of the CIS unit 62. Yes.

  According to this configuration, the card CA can be guided from both sides in the left-right direction by the pair of first protrusions 131 when the card CA is introduced. Therefore, the card CA can be satisfactorily introduced from the card introduction port 121. Further, even when the card CA is skewed with respect to the front-rear direction in the middle of the conveyance, the card CA is corrected so that the conveyance direction of the card CA is along the front-rear direction by the contact of the leading end of the card CA with the second protrusion 141. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to ensure good conveyance of the card CA in the front-rear direction.

  Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same structure as 1st Embodiment.

<Groove>

  Instead of the first protrusion 131 described above, the image reading apparatus 1 may include a groove 151 as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. The groove 151 is provided to be recessed in the flat portion 34 in the common conveyance path 125. The groove 151 is connected to a card introduction port 121 as an example of a second introduction port. The groove 151 extends in the front-rear direction as an example of the first direction.

  Specifically, the groove 151 is formed at the right front end of the flat portion 34 that is the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13. As shown in FIG. 11, the groove 151 is recessed downward with respect to the flat portion 34. The bottom surface 152 of the groove portion 151 is inclined forward and downward so as to be positioned lower on the front side. As shown in FIG. 10, the left side surface 153 of the groove 151 is located on the left side of the card introduction port 121. The right side 154 of the groove 151 is located on the right side of the card introduction port 121. The width of the groove 151 in the left-right direction, that is, the distance between the left side 153 and the right side 154 is larger than the length of the short side of the card size of the international standard ID-1.

  When the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121, the card CA is disposed in the groove 151. Thereafter, the card CA is drawn between the peripheral surface of the card discharge roller 45 and the peripheral surface of the card discharge pinch roller 85. When the card CA is introduced, both end edges in the left-right direction of the card CA are guided by the left side 153 and the right side 154 of the groove 151, respectively.

  Thereby, when the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121, the card CA can be prevented from being displaced from the card introduction port 121, or the state of the card CA being inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. As a result, the card CA can be inserted into the card introduction port 121 satisfactorily.

<Extension part>

  In the above-described configuration, the CIS holder 61 is fitted in the opening 64 formed in the flat portion 34 in a rectangular shape.

  Instead of this configuration, the configuration shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be employed. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the notch 161 is formed at the same position as the card inlet 121 in the left-right direction at the front end of the flat portion 34. The notch 161 is formed to be recessed downward from the upper surface of the flat portion 34. The notch 161 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction from the front end of the opening 64 to the front end edge 32 of the upper surface 13U of the lower housing 13.

  The CIS holder 61 includes a main body portion 162 fitted in the opening 64 and an extending portion 163 that extends to the front at the same position as the card introduction port 121 in the left-right direction. The extension part 163 is fitted in the notch 161. The upper surface of the extending portion 163 is disposed in the same plane as the front end portion of the flat portion 34.

  The pair of first protrusions 131 are disposed outside the notch 161 in the flat portion 34 in the left-right direction.

  According to this configuration, when the card CA is inserted into the card introduction port 121, the card CA is disposed on the extending portion 163 of the CIS holder 61 between the pair of first projecting portions 131. Thereby, card | curd CA can be favorably introduce | transduced and conveyed, suppressing the catch between the flat part 34 of card | curd CA, and the CIS holder 61. FIG.

<Modification>

  As mentioned above, although several embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  For example, the structure provided with a pair of 1st protrusion part 131 was taken up. However, one first protrusion 131 may be omitted. In this case, the first protrusion 131 is positioned such that the distance from the right edge of the sheet discharge port 202 is not less than the length of the short side of the international standard ID-1 and less than the length of the long side of the card size. It is preferable to arrange | position. By arranging the first projecting portion 131 at such a position, it is possible to suppress the card CA from being inserted into the card introduction port 121 in a direction in which the long side thereof is along the card introduction port 121.

Further, although the configuration in which the first protrusion 131 is formed on the flat portion 34 has been taken up, the protrusion may be formed on the flat portion 74. In this case, the protruding portion is formed on the outer side in the left-right direction with respect to the card introduction port 121 and extends below the upper surface of the card CA placed on the flat portion 34 in the card introduction port 121.
The card LF pinch roller 83 includes two pinch rollers, and the peripheral surfaces of the two pinch rollers of the card LF pinch roller 83 are minutely spaced on the left and right sides of the peripheral surface of the card LF roller 43 of the lower housing 13 respectively. Was next to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the card LF pinch roller 83 is composed of one pinch roller, and the peripheral surface of the pinch roller is in contact with the peripheral surface of the card LF roller 43 of the lower housing 13 from above. Good.

  A part of the lower side of the card introduction port 121 overlapped with a part of the right side of the sheet discharge port 202. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a part of the right side of the sheet discharge port 202 may be the card introduction port 121. That is, the entire area of the card introduction port 121 may be included in the sheet discharge port 202 on the right side. The common conveyance path 125 is an area on the right side of the sheet conveyance path 203 in the card conveyance path 124. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a part of the lower side of the common conveyance path 125 may overlap with a part of the right side of the sheet conveyance path 203.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reader 2 Case 34 Flat part 61 CIS holder 62 CIS unit 63 Contact glass 63U Upper surface 74 Flat part 121 Card introduction port 124 Card conveyance path 125 Common conveyance path 131 First protrusion part 132 Upper surface 134 Front end part 135 Rear end part 136 Rear edge 141 Second projecting portion 151 Groove portion 163 Extension portion 201 Sheet introduction port 202 Sheet discharge port 203 Sheet conveyance path CA card SH sheet

Claims (10)

An upper transport guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing, a lower transport guide formed on an upper surface of the lower housing, the upper transport guide, and the lower transport A first transport path formed between the guide and configured to transport the first medium to one side in the first direction; and the upper transport guide and the lower transport on the one side in the first direction. A first discharge port formed between the guide and configured to discharge the first medium transported through the first transport path; and the first transport path on the one side in the first direction. And a second conveyance medium formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide so as to overlap at least partially, and a second medium narrower than the first medium is conveyed in the first direction. A second conveyance path configured as described above, and at least partially overlaps the first discharge port. A second introduction formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide on the one side in the first direction and configured to introduce the second medium from the one side in the first direction. A housing formed with a mouth;
A projecting portion provided in the common transport path so as to project from the upper transport guide or the lower transport guide, and extending in the first direction;
An image reading apparatus comprising: a reading unit configured to read an image of the first medium transported through the first transport path and the second medium transported through the second transport path.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided on the lower conveyance guide. The end on the other side in the first direction of the protrusion is located at a lower position as the one side is,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an edge on the other side of the protruding portion is positioned at the same height as an upper surface of the reading portion.   4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an end of the protruding portion on one side in the first direction has a smaller protruding amount with respect to the lower conveyance guide toward the one side.   The said lower conveyance guide is inclined so that the edge part of the one side in the said 1st direction may become lower than the edge part of the other side in the said 1st direction. Image reading apparatus. A holding unit for holding the reading unit;
The said holding | maintenance part is provided with the extension part extended in the said one side in the said 1st direction in the same position as the said 2nd inlet in the 2nd direction orthogonal to the said 1st direction. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. A pair of the projecting portions are provided at an interval in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
A second protrusion that protrudes upward from the lower conveyance guide is provided on the housing on the other side of the reading part in the first direction and at a position outside the pair of protrusions in the second direction. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a portion is formed. An upper transport guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing, a lower transport guide formed on an upper surface of the lower housing, the upper transport guide, and the lower transport A first transport path formed between the guide and configured to transport the first medium to one side in the first direction; and the upper transport guide and the lower transport on the one side in the first direction. A first discharge port formed between the guide and configured to discharge the first medium transported through the first transport path; and the first transport path on the one side in the first direction. And a second conveyance medium formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide so as to overlap at least partially, and a second medium narrower than the first medium is conveyed in the first direction. A second conveyance path configured as described above, and at least partially overlaps the first discharge port. A second introduction formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide on the one side in the first direction and configured to introduce the second medium from the one side in the first direction. A housing formed with a mouth;
In the common transport path, a groove provided in a recess in the upper transport guide or the lower transport guide, connected to the second introduction port, and extending in the first direction;
An image reading apparatus comprising: a reading unit configured to read an image of the first medium transported through the first transport path and the second medium transported through the second transport path. An upper transport guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing, a lower transport guide formed on an upper surface of the lower housing, the upper transport guide, and the lower transport A first transport path formed between the guide and configured to transport the first medium to one side in the first direction; and the upper transport guide and the lower transport on the one side in the first direction. A first discharge port formed between the guide and configured to discharge the first medium transported through the first transport path; and the first transport path on the one side in the first direction. And a second conveyance medium formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide so as to overlap at least partially, and a second medium narrower than the first medium is conveyed in the first direction. A second conveyance path configured as described above, and at least partially overlaps the first discharge port. A second introduction formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide on the one side in the first direction and configured to introduce the second medium from the one side in the first direction. A housing formed with a mouth;
And a projecting portion that projects from the upper transport guide or the lower transport guide in the common transport path and extends in the first direction. An upper transport guide formed on a lower surface of the upper housing, a lower transport guide formed on an upper surface of the lower housing, the upper transport guide, and the lower transport A first transport path formed between the guide and configured to transport the first medium to one side in the first direction; and the upper transport guide and the lower transport on the one side in the first direction. A first discharge port formed between the guide and configured to discharge the first medium transported through the first transport path; and the first transport path on the one side in the first direction. And a second conveyance medium formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide so as to overlap at least partially, and a second medium narrower than the first medium is conveyed in the first direction. A second conveyance path configured as described above, and at least partially overlaps the first discharge port. A second introduction formed between the upper conveyance guide and the lower conveyance guide on the one side in the first direction and configured to introduce the second medium from the one side in the first direction. A housing formed with a mouth;
In the common conveyance path, a conveyance device comprising: a groove provided in a recessed manner in the upper conveyance guide or the lower conveyance guide, connected to the second introduction port, and extending in the first direction.

Images