JP2016127381A - Document reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a document reader that is superior in visibility of a setting position for any document, forms a path for conveyance in mutual directions to and from a read part in common use, gives no damage to a flexible document such as thick paper, a card, etc., and has a compact product outer shape.SOLUTION: A document reader comprises: document read means 10, 40 for reading a document supplied from a supply part 30; discharge openings 60, 70 arranged below the supply part and for discharging the document read by the document read means; a first conveyance path P1 for conveying a flexible document from the supply tray 31 via one side between the document read means to the other side and allowing the document to reach the discharge opening 60; a second conveyance path P2 for conveying an inflexible document from the supply tray to the one side through the conveyance path reaching the other side between the document read means and discharging the document from the discharge opening 70; and an inclined member 14 for guiding the document to the first conveyance path. The inclined member has a cut part partially in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the document is conveyed, and the cut part comprises a member constituting a part of the second conveyance path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an original reading apparatus, and more particularly, to an original reading apparatus having an original reading means for reading one side of an original, using a common original reading means for a normal sheet original and a card original such as a credit card. The present invention relates to a readable document reading apparatus.

  Conventionally, document reading apparatuses such as scanners, facsimiles, and copiers are widely known. Such a document reading apparatus includes a document reading unit, and is used integrally with a document conveying device such as an ADF (auto document feeder) that automatically conveys a document onto a document reading unit (platen). There are many.

  In this type of document reading device, an integrated document conveying device conveys a flexible document such as plain paper or an inflexible document such as cardboard or a card, and reads the front and back surfaces of the conveyed document. Document reading apparatuses are known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to achieve both reading of plain paper and thick paper, the document transport device employs a transport path that feeds plain paper from above, transports it U-turns, and discharges it downward. Employs a conveyance path that supplies paper from a paper discharge tray disposed below the paper supply tray for plain paper and discharges it straight out through the document reading unit.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to achieve both reading of plain paper and cardboard, the document transport device adopts a transport path that feeds plain paper from above, transports it U-turns, and discharges it downward. Employs a conveying path that supplies paper from a common paper tray and discharges it straight out through the document reading section.

JP-A-8-152882 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) JP 2007-049300 (see FIG. 1)

  By the way, Patent Document 1 discloses an original reading apparatus having a U-turn path and a straight path by changing the paper feed position in order to achieve both reading of plain paper (flexible original) and thick paper (inflexible original). However, since the thick paper feed unit is arranged below the plain paper supply unit (plain paper discharge unit), it is difficult for the user to recognize the set position when setting the thick paper. There is a problem that it is different from usability. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a document reading apparatus in which a paper feeding unit is shared between plain paper and thick paper and has a U-turn path and a straight path so as to solve this problem. Since the position is limited, the reading of either one of the front and back surfaces of the document cannot be shared with the reading unit of the document reading apparatus.

  In view of the above cases, the present invention has excellent visibility of the set position regardless of the original, forms a path to be conveyed in the mutual direction with respect to the service reading unit, and damages flexible originals such as cardboard and cards. It is an object of the present invention to provide a document reading apparatus having a compact product outer shape without giving a large amount.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first aspect of the present invention is a document reading device including a first document reading unit that reads one side of a document, and the document reading device integrated with a document conveying device. The document conveying device is disposed below the supply tray, the supply unit having a supply tray and supplying the document, the second document reading means for reading the other side of the document supplied from the supply unit, First and second discharge ports for discharging the document read by the first and second document reading means, and a conveyance path for flexible documents, the document being the first starting from the supply tray Or a first conveyance path for conveying to the other side through one side of the second document reading means and a conveyance path for the inflexible document, starting from the supply tray. A second conveyance path to the other side of the first or second document reading means; A non-flexible document conveyance path for conveying the document to one side and discharging it through the second discharge port, and an inclined member for guiding the document to the first conveyance path. And a cutout portion in a part of the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the cutout portion is formed, and the cutout portion forms part of the second transport path.

  In the first aspect, in order to convey the flexible document and the inflexible document to different paths, the inclined member has an inclination for guiding the document to the first conveyance path, and the notch portion is configured to convey the document. It is preferable that an inclination for guiding to the first or second document reading means is provided, and the inclination of the inclination member and the inclination of the notch are formed at an angle intersecting each other.

  The inflexible document is narrower in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the document is conveyed than the flexible document, and the width of the notch is wider than the width of the inflexible document and more than the width of the flexible document. Is set too narrow.

  Further, the first and second document reading means are arranged so that the document transported from the platen glass to the inclined member and the document transported from the notch to the platen glass side do not collide with the place where the member is switched. It is arranged so as to oppose each other through the glass, and the end of the inclined member on the upstream side in the document conveying direction is arranged below the platen glass, and the inclination of the notch portion on the downstream side in the document conveying direction It is preferable that the edge part of this is arrange | positioned above platen glass.

  Further, in order to reduce the size of the apparatus, the apparatus is provided with a reading conveyance unit which is in the second conveyance path and sends out the document to the first or second document reading means, and the reading conveyance unit is in contact with the document. It is preferable to have moving means that can move to a first position for conveyance and a second position for retreating away from the reading conveyance path, and the second position of the reading conveyance unit is preferably provided between the notches. .

  According to the present invention, in the image reading apparatus that forms the conveyance path in a direction in which the supply conveyance path and the reading conveyance path intersect with each other, the inclined member that guides the plain paper document after being read by the document reading means to the discharge path. By providing a notch between the two and providing a card document conveyance path between the notches, it is possible to convey documents having different properties to the shared reading means without causing damage. Can be obtained.

  In addition, by providing a notch suitable for the width of the card document between the inclined members, a part of the transport path is shared without affecting the transport of a plain paper document having a width that is significantly different from the card document. be able to.

  The first and second document reading units are arranged so as to face each other through the platen glass, and the end of the inclined member on the upstream side in the document conveyance direction is arranged below the platen glass. The end of the notch part on the downstream side in the document transport direction is arranged above the platen glass, so that the document transported from the platen glass to the tilting member and the notch part to the platen glass side are transported. The effect is that the original to be collided does not collide with the place where the member is switched.

It is a front sectional view of an ADF wearing scanner of an embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. It is a principal part expanded front sectional view of the ADF mounting scanner of an embodiment. It is an enlarged front view of an inclined member. It is a perspective view which shows typically the relationship between a feeding roller, a supply roller, and a separation roller. It is explanatory drawing 1 which shows the card | curd conveyance operation | movement of ADF, and shows the state by which the card | curd was set to the 2nd supply port. It is explanatory drawing 2 which shows the card | curd conveyance operation of ADF, Comprising: The state where the card | curd was conveyed with the supply roller and the card rear end was nipped by the supply roller and the separation roller is shown. It is explanatory drawing 3 which shows the card | curd conveyance operation of ADF, and shows the state by which the card | curd was open | released from the nip of a supply roller and a separation roller. It is explanatory drawing 4 which shows the card | curd conveyance operation of ADF, and shows the state by which the front-end | tip part of the card was nipped by the lead roller. It is explanatory drawing 5 which shows the card | curd conveyance operation | movement of ADF, and shows the state in which the card | curd is conveyed on a horizontal conveyance path. It is explanatory drawing 6 which shows the card | curd conveyance operation of ADF, and shows the state by which the card | curd was discharged | emitted to the 2nd discharge tray. (A) And (b) figure shows the state which the lead roller moved to the retracted position and the advance position. Explanatory drawing which shows the internal structure of the arm part which supports and moves a lead roller. Explanatory drawing which shows the state in which a card | curd is conveyed in the inclination part provided by notching an inclination member. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a plain paper document is conveyed along a protruding guide portion of an inclined member. Overall perspective view of ADF Card document reading control flowchart

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an ADF-mounted scanner will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Constitution)
<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF mounting scanner 1 of this embodiment is configured by mounting an ADF 2 as a document conveying device on a scanner 3 as a document reading device. The ADF-mounted scanner 1 is connected to a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer on the scanner 3 side, and is configured to read the front and back surfaces of a document in accordance with a command from the host device. The ADF 2 is connected to the scanner 3 and the scanner 3 is connected to the host device via a cable with a connector (not shown).

<Scanner 3>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the scanner 3 has a box-shaped frame 11 whose upper surface is opened, and the opening is sealed with a transparent contact glass (flatbed reading glass) 12. Between the inner both ends of the frame 11, a columnar guide shaft 15 is laid so as to slidably hold the first reading unit 10 that reads one side of the document along the longitudinal direction (left and right in FIG. 1). Yes.

  The scanner 3 has a timing belt (not shown) that moves the first reading unit 10 along the longitudinal direction of the scanner 3 inside the frame 11. The first reading unit 10 is configured to have a light source, a rod lens, and a photoelectric conversion element in a box-shaped housing having one open surface. Therefore, the scanner 3 can read one side of the document while moving the first reading unit 10 when, for example, a sheet-like document is placed on the contact glass 12.

  On one side of the contact glass 12 (left side in FIGS. 1 and 2), through a resin inclined member 14 that constitutes a part of the housing of the scanner 3 together with the frame 11, a position slightly above the contact glass 12, A transparent contact glass (ADF reading glass) 13 for sealing the opening formed in the frame 11 is fitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a glass contact portion 14 a that contacts the contact glass 12 is formed at one side lower portion of the inclined member 14, and the glass contact portion 14 a and the contact glass 12 are interposed between the glass contact portion 14 a and the contact glass 12. An adhesive (not shown) is interposed between the two. A glass support portion 14e that supports the contact glass 13 from below is formed on the other side lower portion of the inclined member 14, and an adhesive (not shown) is interposed between the glass support portion 14e and the contact glass 13. .

Further, the inclined member 14 has an inclined portion 14b inclined with respect to the horizontal direction on the front side in FIG. 3, and a protruding guide portion 14d protruding in a curved shape on the ADF 2 side on the rear side in FIG. Is formed.

Furthermore, a guide contact portion 14c that corrects the inclined member 14 in the horizontal direction by cutting the inclined portion 14b into a groove shape is formed on one end side of the inclined portion 14b. The reason why the guide contact portion 14c is formed in a groove shape (a depression is formed in the inclined member 14) will be described later (see <inclined member 14>). 1 and 2 show a state where the first reading unit 10 is positioned at the home position (initial setting position).

  The scanner 3 has a discharge tray 16 at a position closest to one side (left side in FIGS. 1 and 2). A bearing is fixed to one end side (the lower side in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the discharge tray 16, and the other side of the discharge tray 13 is rotated by rotating the bearing with respect to a pin protruding from the frame 11. It is configured to be rotatable between a folding position (see a solid line in FIG. 2) where the portion abuts on the cover frame 21 of the ADF 2 and a document receiving position (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) for receiving a discharged document. .

  The scanner 3 includes a control unit (not shown) having a microcomputer that operates in accordance with a command (command) of the host device and a memory such as a page memory. The control unit reads data read by the first reading unit 10. Send to host device. The control unit also has a function of transferring data read by a second reading unit 40 (described later) of the ADF 2 to the host device. The control unit does not necessarily require the memory described above. For example, when the data transmission (transfer) destination is a printer such as a copier, the printer does not temporarily store the data in the memory. You may make it transmit directly to memory (transfer).

  Further, the frame 3 is located on one side (left side in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the first reading unit 10 positioned at the home position and intersects the longitudinal direction on both sides (the paper surface in FIGS. 1 and 2). Long hole shapes that respectively fit into two columnar legs (not shown) projecting from the frame 21 constituting the ADF 2 toward the lower side (scanner 3 side) at the front side and back side positions. The ADF 2 is attached to the scanner 3 by inserting the leg portion of the ADF 2 into the leg holder of the scanner 3, and the scanner 3 (the first position positioned at the home position) is formed. The relative position between the reading unit 10) and the ADF 2 (second reading unit 40) is determined.

<ADF2>
The ADF 2 is roughly divided into a document supply unit 30 having a supply tray 31 and supplying a document, and a main body unit 50 having a document transport path. As shown in FIG. The tray 31 is mounted and held on the main body portion 50 on the base end 33 side opposite to the front end 32 in the longitudinal direction. The supply tray 31 may be configured such that the base end 33 side is detachable from the main body 50.

1. Document supply unit 30
As shown in FIG. 2, the supply tray 31 has a second supply for guiding the inflexible document to the main body 50 (second transport path P <b> 2 thereof) at a position closer to the distal end 32 with respect to the base end 33. A mouth 36 is formed. The second supply port 36 is inclined with respect to the supply tray 31 and passes through the supply tray 31. In the present embodiment, in order to improve operability, the second supply port 36 is formed on one side (the front side in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) of the supply tray 31 in the width direction (direction intersecting the longitudinal direction). However, it may be formed on the other side (the back side in FIGS. 1 and 2).

  Further, the supply tray 31 has a plate-like extension portion 34 that extends toward the main body 50 with respect to the base end 33 and is thinner than the supply tray 31. The extending portion 34 is provided to prevent the flexible document placed on the supply tray 31 from being caught by rollers (a feed roller 51 and a supply roller 52 described later) disposed on the main body portion 50 side. It is what was done.

  The supply tray 31 includes a reflective sensor (not shown) for detecting a flexible document placed on the supply tray 31 and an inflexible document loaded (set) in the second supply port 36. A transmissive sensor (not shown) for detection.

2. Body 50
As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 50 includes a cover frame 21 that forms a part of the casing of the ADF 2 and covers the main body 50 from above, and similarly forms a part of the casing of the ADF 2 and includes a lower side of the main body 50. And a guide frame 26 that also functions as a guide for guiding the inflexible document on the inner bottom surface side. In addition, the discharge tray 22 is disposed below the supply tray 31, but in this embodiment, the guide frame 26 is extended to constitute the discharge tray 22.

  A substantially horizontal (parallel to the contact glass 12) conveyance guide 24 for guiding a flexible document is disposed inside the main body 50 and in the vicinity of the distal end of the extending portion 34 of the supply tray 31. A feeding roller 41 for feeding out a flexible document is arranged above the feeding guide 24, and a space formed between the feeding guide 24 and the feeding roller 41 supplies the flexible document to the main body 50 side. The first supply port 35 for this purpose.

  Therefore, the first supply port 35 for guiding the flexible document to the first transport path P1 and the second supply port 36 for guiding the inflexible document to the second transport path P2 are: A second supply port 36 is formed at a position upstream of the supply tray 31 in the transport direction, straddling the base end 33 opposite to the tip 32 (see FIG. 1) of the supply tray 31. Further, the flexible document and the inflexible document are guided to the first transport path P1 and the second transport path P2, respectively, starting from the supply tray 31.

  A paper feed roller 42 is disposed on the downstream side of the feed roller 41 in the flexible document transport direction. The feed roller 42 separates a flexible document placed on the supply tray 31 by being biased toward the feed roller 42 by a spring whose one end is fixed to an extended portion extending from the conveyance guide 24. For contact with the separation pad 49.

  The shaft core of the feed roller 41 and the shaft core of the paper feed roller 42 are both pivotally supported by the connecting member 38 and are configured to rotate synchronously via a gear (not shown). The connecting member 38 serves as a guide for abutment when a flexible document is set on the supply tray 31 (when the flexible document is set, the document is composed of a paper feed roller 42 and a separation pad 49. A shutter 39 (which is prevented from being pushed into the separating portion) is rotatably attached to the cover frame 21.

  The extended portion extended from the conveyance guide 24 is further extended, and a plurality of rollers are arranged in the further extended portion. A lead roller 43 (drive roller) is disposed on the downstream side of the roller in the direction of conveying the flexible document, and a nip roller 44 is disposed opposite the lead roller 43. A lead roller 45 is disposed on the downstream side of the lead roller 43 in the direction of conveying the flexible document and on the position facing the contact glass 13 of the scanner 3. A guide frame 27 is disposed between the lead roller 43 and the lead roller 45 to guide a flexible document and to constitute a part of the casing of the ADF 2.

  A second reading unit 40 that reads the other side of the flexible document and the non-flexible document supplied from the document supply unit 30 and a second reading unit on the downstream side of the lead roller 45 in the conveyance direction of the flexible document. A contact glass 25 covering the lower side of 40 is disposed. The second reading unit 40 is arranged to face the first reading unit 10 of the scanner 3, and the contact glass 25 is arranged in parallel (substantially horizontally) with the contact glass 13 of the scanner 3. Similar to the first reading unit 10, the second reading unit 40 is configured to include a light source, a rod lens, and a photoelectric conversion element in a box-shaped casing having one open surface.

  A lead roller 46 (drive roller) is disposed on the downstream side of the second reading unit 40 in the flexible document conveyance direction. The lead roller 46 is rotatably attached to one end of an arm member 71 shown in FIG. The arm member 71 is rotatably supported by the arm rotation shaft 72 on the side facing the end where the lead roller 46 is attached.

The arm rotation shaft 72 is rotated by a rotation drive of a motor (not shown), and controls forward rotation and reverse rotation, so that an upward retracted position illustrated in FIG. 11A and an arm rotation shaft 72 illustrated in FIG. The arm member 71 and the lead roller 46 are moved to the advanced position that has advanced to the lower side (the inclined portion 14 side of the scanner 3) in contact with the guide frame 26. The arm rotation shaft 72 is driven by an electromagnetic clutch using a common motor (not shown) with a later-described lead roller 47, and the electromagnetic clutch (not shown) is turned on according to the direction of the document to be conveyed. -OFF may be switched and controlled.

The operation of the lead roller 46 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. When the arm member 71 and the lead roller 46 are moved to the advanced position that has advanced to the lower side in contact with the guide frame 26 shown in FIG. 11B, the arm rotation shaft 72 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction shown in FIG. Move.

The inflexible document is conveyed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the arm member 71 is swung down (from the right side to the left side in the drawing). A lead roller gear 75 is arranged in order on the rotation shaft of the rotation shaft pulley 74, the pulley gear 72, and the lead roller 46 around the arm rotation shaft 72.

A relay belt 73 is further hung between the rotation shaft pulley 74 and the pulley gear 72, and the rotation of the arm rotation shaft 72 is transmitted to the pulley gear 72. The pulley gear 72 and the lead roller gear 75 mesh with each other, and the rotation of the pulley gear 72 is transmitted to the lead roller 46. Thereby, the operation of swinging down the arm member 71 and the operation of rotating the lead roller 46 in the inflexible document conveyance direction can be driven in a common rotation direction.

A lead roller 47 (drive roller) is disposed on the downstream side of the lead roller 46 in the flexible document conveying direction, and a nip roller 48 is disposed opposite the lead roller 47.

  In addition, on the downstream side of the second reading section 40 in the flexible document conveyance direction, a plate-shaped conveyance guide (a cross-sectional shape is substantially linear) that is inclined and serves as a guide member for conveying the flexible document. 23 is arranged. A space having a triangular cross section defined by the conveyance guide 23 and the guide frame 26 (hereinafter referred to as a chamber Ch or a space in the chamber Ch) also functions as a conveyance path for conveying the inflexible document.

  As described above, the second supply port 36 passes through the supply tray 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a supply roller 52, a feed roller 51, and a separation roller 53 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 4, the separation roller 53 is disposed to face the supply roller 52, and the feed roller 51 is disposed on both sides coaxial with the supply roller 52. The feeding roller 51 is made of a material having a half-moon shape and lower hardness than the supply roller 52, and the edge of the flat surface of the half-moon shaped portion of the feeding roller 51 is brought into contact with the inflexible document to rotate. Thus, the inflexible documents loaded in the second supply port 36 are separated and conveyed one by one.

  That is, since the maneuvering output is weak when the section shape of the feeding roller 51 is simple, the feeding roller 51 has a half moon shape, and the function of knocking the inflexible document at the edge of the flat surface of the half moon portion. Demonstrate. The fed inflexible document reaches a nip point between the supply roller 52 and the separation roller 53. As will be described later, examples of inflexible documents include IC cards and magnetic cards. However, since the material of such inflexible documents is resin and the surface is smooth (low frictional force), the hardness is reduced by half a month. Providing the inflexible document is ensured by providing the shaped portion. A disc (not shown) having a slit is fitted on the same axis of the supply roller 52 and the feed roller 51, and the slit is detected by a transmission type sensor so that the half-moon shape of the feed roller 51 is detected. The position of the flat surface of the part can be grasped.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the guide frame 26 is integrated with the discharge tray 22 by bending upward and bending downward again. A discharge roller 54 that discharges the flexible original to the discharge tray 22 is disposed at the position of the top that is bent upward and bent downward again. A roller facing the discharge roller 54 is fitted coaxially with the separation roller 53 (not shown in FIG. 4). A position on the right side of the nip point between the discharge roller 54 and the roller facing the discharge roller 54 is a first discharge port 60 for discharging the flexible document to the discharge tray 22.

  A paddle 55 having a plurality of blades is disposed below the discharge roller 54. Similarly to the drive roller described above, the rotational driving force of the motor is transmitted to the paddle 55. The rotational force contacts the trailing edge of the inflexible document, and the lead roller 46 positioned at the advanced position places the inflexible document. It has a function of assisting that the tip is securely nipped. (The control method of the paddle 55 will be described in more detail in the card transport / reading operation described later.)

  In addition, there is inflexibility in the chamber Ch between the other side end of the transport guide 23 and the top of the guide frame 26 and between one side end of the transport guide 23 and one side end of the guide frame 26, respectively. An opening for guiding and discharging the document is formed. Note that the guide frame 26 in the chamber Ch is bent at a position where the guide frame 26 bends from substantially horizontal to the upper side, and is inflexible guided into the chamber Ch through an opening between the other end of the conveyance guide 23 and the top of the guide frame 26. A document drop detection means 78 for detecting the fall of a sexual document is disposed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the document drop detection means 78 has a rotation fulcrum on the outside of the guide frame 26, a sensor flag 76 that rotates downward with the weight of the inflexible document that has dropped, and a rotation fulcrum. A document drop detection sensor 77 (transmission type sensor) that detects the presence or absence of a shielding portion provided on the opposite side of the screen.

The sensor flag 76 includes a spring (not shown) having a weak repulsive force that does not repel the weight of the inflexible document on the rotation shaft. Therefore, when the inflexible document has fallen into the chamber Ch and the sensor flag 76 has not been pushed down, the sensor flag 76 is pushed up, and the light shielding portion at the other end shields the document drop detection sensor 77.

  Further, an opening defined between one end of the contact glass 13 of the scanner 3 and the tip of the guide frame 27 serves as a second discharge port 70 for discharging the inflexible document from the ADF 2. Yes. As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2, the first discharge port 60 and the second discharge port 70 are formed below the document supply unit 30. In the present embodiment, the second discharge port 70 is the second discharge port 70. It is arranged at a position lower than the first discharge port 60 (on the scanner 3 side).

  The drive rollers 41 to 43, 45 to 47, and 51 to 54 described above rotate in both forward and reverse directions using a single motor as a drive source, and when conveying a flexible document and when conveying an inflexible document. Then it rotates in the opposite direction. On the other hand, the paddle 55 always rotates counterclockwise. The ADF 2 has a control unit having a slave computer that works as a slave of the microcomputer of the scanner 3 in accordance with a command from the host device. The control unit is a document drop detection sensor arranged in the supply tray 31 or the chamber Ch. The output of 77 is monitored, and the data read by the second reading unit 40 is transmitted to the control unit (page memory) of the scanner 3.

3. The transport path ADF2 has a first transport path P1 for transporting flexible documents and a second transport path P2 for transporting inflexible documents. The first transport path P1 is a transport path covering almost the entire area from the front side to the back side in FIG. 2, whereas the second transport path P2 is the front side in FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. It is a conveyance path having a predetermined width (the back side in FIG. 2 does not constitute the second conveyance path P2). The first transport path P1 is a flexible document that starts from the supply tray 31 and passes through one side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 (left side in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the other side (FIG. 1). 1, 2), and is discharged to the discharge tray 22 via the first discharge port 60. The second transfer path P <b> 2 starts with the inflexible document and the supply tray 31 as the starting point. The other side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 (the right side in FIGS. 1 and 2) is transported to one side (the left side in FIGS. 1 and 2) and discharged through the second discharge port 70. This is a transport path for discharging to 16, and details are as follows.

  That is, the first transport path P1 is a substantially U-shaped first feed for feeding a flexible document from the supply tray 31 to one side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40. A feed path Ps1, a substantially horizontal horizontal transport path Ph defined between the contact glass 25 and the contact glass 13 and extending from one side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 to the other side, and flexible. A first discharge path for conveying a sexual original along the conveyance guide 23 from the other side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 and discharging the original to the discharge tray 22 through the first discharge port 60. It is composed of Pd1.

  The above-described rollers 41 to 45 and a plurality of rollers are disposed in the first feeding path Ps1, and the above-described rollers 46 to 48 are disposed in the first discharge path Pd1. When the flexible document is conveyed, the lead roller 46 is located at the retracted position, and it rotates but does not have a function of actively conveying the flexible document on the conveyance path. It functions as a guide that regulates the upward jumping of the flexible document relative to the protruding guide portion 14d of the inclined member 14 that guides the conveyed flexible document from the lower side.

  On the other hand, the second conveyance path P2 contacts the second feeding path Ps2 for feeding the inflexible document from the supply tray 31 to the other side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40. A substantially horizontal horizontal conveyance path Ph defined between the glass 25 and the contact glass 13 and extending from the other side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 to the one side, and a first reading of an inflexible document. And a second discharge path Pd2 for discharging to the discharge tray 70 through the second discharge port 70 along the contact glass 13 of the scanner 3 from one side of the unit 10 and the second reading unit 40. .

  The rollers 51 to 53, the paddle 55, the chamber Ch, the lead roller 46 and the like described above are arranged along the second feeding path Ps2, and the conveyance direction (posture) of the inflexible document is in the space in the chamber Ch. This change (detail change of the inflexible document by the cooperation of the paddle 55, the chamber Ch, and the lead roller 46) will be described later (see <Posture Change>). When the inflexible document is conveyed, the lead roller 46 is positioned at the advanced position (see FIG. 8). At this time, the lead roller 46 closes the first discharge path Pd1 of the flexible document. However, since the flexible document and the inflexible document are not conveyed at the same time, the product can be reduced in size by enabling the lead roller 46 to move to the shared space.

Further, the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 are arranged to face each other via the horizontal conveyance path Ph, and the horizontal conveyance path Ph is the first conveyance path P1 and the second conveyance path. It is configured in common as part of the path P2. Further, since the second discharge path Pd2 is formed up to the second discharge port 70 along the contact glass 13 of the scanner 3, in the present embodiment, the second discharge path Pd2 is a substantially horizontal conveyance path. .

4). Flexible Document and Inflexible Document Here, a flexible document and an inflexible document will be described. Typical examples of the flexible original include a sheet original such as plain paper, a film original, and the like. On the other hand, typical examples of inflexible documents include information recording cards such as IC cards and magnetic cards, trading cards and cards such as playing cards, and plate-like members such as cardboard and metal plates. As is clear from this example, the inflexible document includes, for example, a document that can be slightly bent and bent (recoverable) in addition to a document having perfect rigidity such as a metal plate. According to the above example, the document itself is damaged (unrecoverable) when conveyed through the first feeding path P1 having the substantially U-shaped first feeding path Ps1. ing.

(Operation)
Next, the document conveying / reading operation of the ADF-mounted scanner 1 will be described. In the following, for simplicity of explanation, a case where plain paper is used as a flexible document and a magnetic card (hereinafter abbreviated as a card) is used as an inflexible document will be exemplified. In addition, it is assumed that the first reading unit 10 of the scanner 3 is positioned at the home position, and the dimming operation of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 has been completed. It should be noted that the plain paper transport / read operation is apparent from the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document and the above-described configuration, and will be described only briefly. The card transport / read operation will be mainly described.

1. Plain Paper Conveying / Reading Operation When the plain paper is placed on the supply tray 31 by the operator and placed on the first supply port 35, the first sheet is rotated by the rotation of the rollers 41 and 42. The plain paper is separated, and the separated first plain paper (the leading edge thereof) is moved along the first feeding path Ps1 by the rotational driving force of the rollers 42 to 45, and the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit. 40 to one side. The conveyance of plain paper by these rollers is further continued, and the first and second reading units 10 and 40 arranged so as to face each other via the horizontal conveyance path Ph are used for the front and back sides of the plain paper. Is read.

  The rollers 47, 48, and 54 also rotate in synchronization with the rollers 41 to 45, and the plain paper is conveyed on the first discharge path Pd <b> 1 toward the first discharge port 60, and passes through the first discharge port 60. And discharged onto the discharge tray 22. Similarly, the second and subsequent plain papers are transported and read, and the last plain paper is transported and read when the reflective sensor arranged in the supply tray 31 detects the empty state of the plain paper. When the operation is completed, the rotation operation of the roller described above is stopped. Information that the reflection type sensor arranged in the supply tray 31 has detected the empty state of plain paper is also transmitted from the control unit of the ADF 2 to the control unit of the scanner 3, and the control unit of the scanner 3 transmits data to the host device. Refer to this information when sending.

2. Card Conveying / Reading Operation As shown in FIG. 5, the card is loaded and set (set) on the second supply port 36 formed in the supply tray 31 by the operator, and an instruction to start reading is issued from the control unit of the scanner 3. Upon receipt, the lead roller 46 is moved to the retracted position. Thereafter, the first card C is separated by the rotation of the rollers 51 to 53, and the leading end of the separated first card is defined between the other end of the conveyance guide 23 and the top of the guide frame 26. It is guided to the space in the chamber Ch through the opening.

  The card C is still guided to the space in the chamber Ch by the rotational driving force of the supply roller 52 in an oblique posture with respect to the horizontal direction. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the card C is conveyed toward the chamber Ch by the supply roller 52 and the rear end of the card C is nipped by the supply roller 52 and the separation roller 53. At this time, the end of the card C is not in contact with the guide frame 26.

<Posture change>
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the card C from which the nip between the supply roller 52 and the separation roller 53 is released falls in the chamber Ch, and the tip thereof is the inner bottom surface of the guide frame 26 or the inclined member 14 of the scanner 3. It contacts the upper surface of the inclined portion 14b. At this time, the paddle 55 is not rotating.

The rear end of the card C falls on the guide frame 26 as it is, or contacts the blades of the paddle 55 and stays at that position. It is possible to determine whether the trailing edge of the card C has fallen on the guide frame 26 by the document drop detecting means 78 disposed in the chamber.

When the supply roller starts rotating and the document drop detecting means 78 does not detect after a predetermined time has elapsed, the paddle 55 is rotated counterclockwise. The rotational force of the blades of the rotating paddle 55 is applied to the rear end portion of the card C from which the nip between the supply roller 52 and the separation roller 53 is released.

  As a result, the front end of the card C is more first than the position where the nip between the supply roller 52 and the separation roller 53 is released and falls in the chamber Ch and contacts the upper surface of the guide frame 26 or the inclined member 14. It moves to a position closer to the other side of the reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40. That is, the card C falls in the chamber Ch and its transport direction (posture) is changed, and the front end of the card C is defined between the one end of the transport guide 23 and the one end of the guide frame 26. And the leading end of the card C moves to a position where it is surely nipped between the lead roller 46 and the inclined portion 14b of the inclined member 14.

  The lead roller 46 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position after a predetermined time elapses when the document drop detecting means 78 composed of a transmission type sensor arranged in the chamber Ch detects the trailing edge of the card C. As a result, the leading end portion of the card C is nipped between the lead roller 46 and the inclined portion 14 b of the inclined member 14. The rotation direction of the other rollers including the lead roller 46 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction described in “1. Reading operation of plain paper”. The card C is conveyed on the second feeding path Ps2 to one side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 by the rotational driving force of the read roller 46.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the card C is continuously conveyed by the above-described rollers, and the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit arranged to face each other via the horizontal conveyance path Ph. 40 reads the front and back surfaces of plain paper.

<Inclined member 14>
Here, the reason why the contact glass 13 is positioned slightly higher than the contact glass 12 through the inclined member 14 in the scanner 3 will be described.

  As described above, the inclined member 14 of the scanner 3 is formed with the groove-shaped guide abutting portion 14c (for engagement with the one end of the guide frame 26) for receiving one end of the guide frame 26. Yes. As described above, the card C of the inflexible document is once transported to the horizontal transport path Ph after changing its posture in the space in the chamber Ch in a substantially horizontal direction. Therefore, one side end of the guide frame 26 is positioned so as to bite into the guide contact portion 14c (so that one side end of the guide frame 26 is accommodated in the groove-shaped depression of the guide contact portion 14c). . For this reason (in order to carry the card C into the horizontal conveyance path Ph substantially horizontally), it is necessary to ensure the thickness of the inclined member 14 from the viewpoint of strength and the like. As a result, in the scanner 3, the contact glass 13 is contact glass. Positioned slightly higher than 12.

  The end of the inclined portion 14b on the guide frame 26 side is set to be higher than one end of the guide frame 26. This mutual position setting allows the front end of the card C conveyed through the guide frame 26 to be smoothly delivered to the inclined portion 14b.

  Furthermore, the end of the inclined portion 14 b on the contact glass 13 side is set to be higher than the contact glass 13. This is related to the plain paper transport path. As shown in FIG. 3, after the front and back surfaces of plain paper are read by the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40, the plain paper is guided by the projecting guide portion 14d that protrudes in a curved shape and enters the first discharge path Pd1. Be transported.

In order to smoothly convey the document from the contact glass 13 to the protruding guide portion 14d, the contact glass 13 is disposed at a higher position than the end portion of the protruding guide portion 14d on the contact glass 13 side. On the other hand, the end of the inclined portion 14b on the side of the contact glass 13 is set to be higher than the contact glass 13 so that the card C whose transport direction is opposite is not caught by the end of the contact glass 13. To do.

  Furthermore, the inclined member 14 is demonstrated using FIG. 13 (a), (b). An inclined portion 14 b is provided at a substantially central portion of the inclined member 14. The width of the inclined portion 14b in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction is set to be slightly wider than the width of the card C (standard width of a general magnetic card).

  The standard value of the width of the card C and the standard value of the width of plain paper (for example, plain paper equivalent to A6) are greatly different. Therefore, even if the central portion of the inclined member 14 is cut out as the conveyance path of the card C and the inclined portion 14b is provided, the protruding guide portions 14d on both sides sandwiching the inclined portion 14b are usually provided as shown in FIG. The paper is guided and conveyed to the first discharge path Pd1.

  In addition, since the inclined portion side wall 14f formed by the notch of the inclined portion 14b is set to be slightly wider than the standard width of the card C, the card C is placed in the first reading portion 10 and the second reading portion. When transported to 40, it functions as a transport guide.

  Returning the description to the conveyance / reading operation of the card C, as shown in FIG. 10, after the front and back surfaces of the plain paper are read by the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40, the card C The paper is conveyed to the second discharge port 70 on the discharge path Pd2 and dropped from there to be discharged onto the discharge tray 16 positioned at the document receiving position.

  Thereafter, the second and subsequent cards are similarly transported and read, and when the last card C reading operation at the time when the transmissive sensor arranged in the supply tray 31 detects the empty state of the card is completed, The rotation operation of the roller described above stops. Information that the transmission type sensor arranged in the supply tray 31 has detected the empty state of the card is also transmitted from the control unit of the ADF 2 to the control unit of the scanner 3, and the control unit of the scanner 3 sends the data to the host device. Refer to this information when sending.

<Card supply port>
Next, the second supply port 36 for placing the card C on the paper feed tray 31 will be described with reference to FIG. The second supply port 36 is formed with a slot-shaped groove with its opening matching the width of the card C in the short direction. As a result, the card C cannot be set in the second supply port with the width in the longitudinal direction, and after the card C falls into the chamber Ch and changes its posture, the nip position of the lead roller 46 is not reached. Can be avoided.

Further, since the second supply port 36 is a slot-like groove that matches the width of the card C in the short direction, the groove serves as a side plate of the card C, and there is no need to separately provide a guide member in the width direction.

Further, the second supply port 36 is inclined at a steeper angle than the first supply port 35. The card C is inserted into the second supply port 36 and set in contact with the paper feed roller 52. The second supply port 36 sets the card C at an angle different from that of the first supply port 35 which is a plain paper supply unit (an angle closer to the vertical), so that the card C can be loaded using its own weight. It becomes possible to guide to the separation part which is the nip point between the sheet feeding roller 52 and the separation roller 53, and it becomes possible to feed the cards C one by one without the pickup mechanism for swinging down the arm.

Further, since the second supply port 36 is formed at a position upstream of the supply tray 31 in the transport direction, the insertion of the card C can be easily determined and confirmed, and erroneous setting of the card C can be prevented. In addition, when the plain paper is set in the first supply port 35 in a state where the card C is set, the original is lifted, so that the card original and the plain paper original are not set simultaneously. You can also

<Card transport control>
The control from the start of reading of the card C to the start of reading by the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The operator transmits a reading start command (command) from a host device (not shown) to the control unit of the ADF-mounted scanner 1. When the reading start command is received, the read roller 46 is first retracted to the retracted position.

This is because, in the case of a flexible document, the lead roller 46 rotates and relays the position where the conveyance path is blocked, and the lead roller 46 needs to be retracted to secure the conveyance path. In the case of an inflexible document, if the lead roller 46 is in contact with the guide frame 26, the card C dropped from above becomes an obstacle to changing its posture in the chamber Ch, and at the nip point of the lead roller 46. Card C cannot reach. Therefore, the operation of receiving the reading start command and first retracting the read roller 46 is an operation common to the flexible original and the inflexible original.

Next, whether a document (card C) is set in the second supply port 36 is detected by a sensor provided in the second supply port 36. If no card is set in the supply port 36, the process proceeds to a flexible document reading control step. (Here, since the card conveyance control is mainly described, the reading control of the flexible document is not described in detail.)

When it is detected that a card is set in the second supply port 36, the supply roller 52 and the feeding roller 51 are rotated to separate and convey the cards C loaded in the second paper supply port 36 one by one. To do. If the document drop detection sensor does not detect the card C after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of the card C is started, the paddle 55 is rotated.

Although the card C is released from the nip point between the supply roller 52 and the separation roller 53 and falls into the chamber Ch, the rear end of the card C may be caught by the blades of the paddle 55 and stop. The rear end of the card C is pushed out by the rotation, and the card C can be pushed out to the nip point of the lead roller 46 with certainty.

When the card C is dropped directly or when the paddle 55 is pushed out, the document drop detecting means detects the rear end of the card C and moves the lead roller 46 to the advanced position. The lead roller 46 that has been moved nips the card C that has traveled above the guide frame 26 or the inclined portion 14 b, and can transport the card C to the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40. Thereafter, reading of the front and back of the card C is started by the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40.

(Effects etc.)
Next, functions and effects of the ADF-mounted scanner 1 will be described.

  In the ADF-attached scanner 1 of the present embodiment, a first conveyance path P1 that is a conveyance path for a flexible document (plain paper) and a second conveyance path P2 that is a conveyance path for an inflexible document (card C). The starting point is a supply tray 31 constituting the document supply unit 30. Therefore, the visibility of the document setting position can be improved regardless of the flexible document and the inflexible document, and as a result, the operability when the document is set on the document supply unit 30 can be improved.

  Further, in the ADF-attached scanner 1 of the present embodiment, a flexible original (plain paper) is placed on the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 starting from the first conveyance path P1 and the supply tray 31 as a starting point. The first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 read the non-flexible document (card C) on the second conveyance path P2 from the supply tray 31 as a starting point. Since the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 are conveyed to the other side through the other side and read by the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40, the first reading unit 10 of the scanner 3 is read. Can be shared.

  Further, in the ADF-attached scanner 1 of the present embodiment, the second reading unit 40 of the ADF 2 is disposed so as to face the first reading unit 10 provided in the scanner 3 and positioned at the home position. Compared to the case, it is possible to reduce the size of the scanner 3 and the ADF 2 constituting the ADF-attached scanner 1.

  Further, in the ADF-attached scanner 1 according to the present embodiment, the space in the chamber Ch for changing the conveyance direction by dropping the inflexible document (card C) is the second conveyance path constituting the second conveyance path P2. Part of Ps2. The card C transported through the first supply port 35 obliquely provided with respect to the supply tray 31 (inclined with respect to the horizontal direction) is sandwiched by a rotation mechanism and rotated to a substantially horizontal state. After that, a configuration in which the vehicle is dropped in a substantially horizontal state or an elevator after rotation is also considered, but such a configuration leads to an increase in the size of the apparatus, whereas in the present embodiment, the chamber Ch is sufficient. The size of the apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, in the ADF-attached scanner 1 of the present embodiment, between the other side of the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 and the first discharge port 60, along the first conveyance path P1. A conveyance guide 23 for guiding the inflexible document (card C) is provided, and the conveyance guide 23 constitutes one surface of the chamber Ch. For this reason, the apparatus can be further downsized.

  Furthermore, in the ADF-attached scanner 1 according to the present embodiment, flexibility is achieved by rotating the roller forward and backward (in particular, by driving the lead roller 45 disposed on one side of the second reading unit 40 forward and backward). Since the document (plain paper) and the inflexible document (card C) are respectively transported on the first transport path P1 and the second transport path P2, the apparatus can be further reduced in size.

  Further, in the ADF-attached scanner 1 of the present embodiment, a rotational force by the blades of the paddle 55 is applied to the rear end portion of the card C in the chamber Ch in the second feeding path Ps2 constituting the second transport path P2. Since the leading end of the card C moves to the position where the nip can be surely made between the lead roller 46 and the inclined portion 14b, the card C can be reliably conveyed on the second feeding path Ps2. Further, in the ADF-attached scanner 1 according to the present embodiment, the guide contact portion 14c that receives one end of the guide frame 26 is formed on the inclined member 14 of the scanner 3, so that an extra force is applied to the card C of the inflexible document. It can carry in to the horizontal conveyance path Ph.

  In the present embodiment, the scanner 3 is exemplified as the document reading apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the scanner, the present invention can also be applied to a document reading apparatus such as a facsimile or a copying machine exemplified in the background art section.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the discharge tray 22 extending from the guide frame 26 on the ADF 2 side is exemplified, but the contact glass 13 of the scanner 3 is disposed below the first discharge port 60 (contact glass). 13 can be substituted), the discharge tray 22 may not be provided, or the discharge tray 22 may be detachable from the guide frame 26 or the main body 50.

  In the present embodiment, the chamber Ch having a triangular cross section is illustrated using the conveyance guide 23 having a linear cross section, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a conveyance guide having a curved cross section may be used instead of the conveyance guide 23 having a linear cross section. In such an aspect, the conveyance guide constitutes two surfaces of the chamber Ch.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the advance and retreat between the retracted position and the advanced position of the lead roller 46 is performed by a solenoid and a spring that are moved by the rotation operation of the arm is shown, but the present invention is limited to this. is not. For example, the movement may be performed using a solenoid and a spring.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which all the driving rollers are driven by a single motor is shown, but only a specific roller may be driven by employing a clutch mechanism. For example, when the card C is transported among the rollers 41 to 45 arranged in the first feeding path Ps1 constituting the first transport path P1, the second discharge constituting the second transport path P2 is performed. Only the lead roller 45 disposed on the path Pd2 may be driven in reverse.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the position of the second reading unit 40 of the ADF 2 is a position facing the first reading unit 10 positioned at the home position of the scanner 3 has been described. It is not limited to. Since the first reading unit 10 and the second reading unit 40 are only required to read a horizontally conveyed document, they may be separated without facing each other. In addition, since the first reading unit 10 of the scanner 3 can move on the guide rod 15, the first reading unit of the scanner 3 within the movable range according to the information stored in the ROM of the control unit of the ADF 2. 10 may be moved so that the first reading unit 10 of the scanner 3 and the second reading unit 40 of the ADF 2 do not face each other.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the example in which the first supply port 35 is obliquely provided in the supply tray 31 and the card C is conveyed into the chamber Ch is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the supply tray 31 may have a tray that is rotatable relative to the supply tray 31 and that is smaller than the supply tray 31 as a part of the supply tray 31. In such an embodiment, the card is positioned at an appropriate position (angle) with respect to the rollers 51 to 53 by the operator setting and rotating the card on a small tray or by rotating the motor. May be.

  As described above, the present invention provides a document reading device and a document conveying device that are excellent in visibility of the set position regardless of the document and can share the reading unit of the document reading device. Since it contributes to the manufacture and sale of transport equipment, it has industrial applicability.

1 ADF-equipped scanner 2 ADF (original transport device)
3 Scanner (original reading device)
10 First reading section (first document reading means)
23 Transport guide (guide member)
30 Document Supply Unit (Supply Unit)
40 Second reading section (second document reading means)
45 Lead roller (a part of the first feeding means, at least one roller)
46 Lead roller (part of second feeding means)
60 First outlet 70 Second outlet C card (non-flexible document)
Ch chamber P1 first transport path Ps1 first feed path Pd1 first discharge path Ph horizontal transport path P2 second transport path Ps2 second feed path Pd2 second discharge path P plain paper

Claims (5)

In a document reading apparatus provided with a first document reading means for reading one side of a document, the document reading apparatus integrated with a document conveying device,
The document conveying device is
A supply unit having a supply tray for supplying the original;
Second document reading means for reading the other side of the document supplied from the supply unit;
First and second discharge ports disposed below the supply tray for discharging the document read by the first or second document reading means;
A transport path for a flexible document, wherein the document is transported to the other side through one side of the first and second document reading means, starting from the supply tray, and reaches the first discharge port; A first transport path;
An inflexible document transport path, wherein the document is transported to one side via a second transport path starting from the supply tray and reaching the other side of the first or second document reading means. An inflexible document conveying path for discharging through the two discharge ports;
An inclined member for guiding the document to the first transport path,
The inclined member has a notch in a part of a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the document is conveyed, and the notch forms a part of a second conveyance path. . The inclined member includes an inclination for guiding the document to the first conveyance path,
The notch includes an inclination for guiding the document to the first and second document reading means,
2. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclination of the inclined member and the inclination of the notch are formed at an angle that intersects each other. The inflexible document has a narrower width in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the document is conveyed than the flexible document,
The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a width of the notch is wider than a width of the inflexible document and narrower than a width of the flexible document. The first and second document reading means are arranged to face each other with a platen glass interposed therebetween,
The end of the inclined member on the upstream side in the document conveying direction is disposed below the platen glass,
4. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the notch portion on the downstream side in the document transport direction is disposed above the platen glass. 5. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reading and conveying unit that is in the second conveying path and sends the document to the first and second document reading units.
The reading and conveying unit includes a moving unit that is movable to a first position that contacts and conveys the original and a second position that retreats away from the reading and conveying path,
The document reading apparatus, wherein the second position of the reading and conveying unit is between the notches.

Images