JP2018104172A - Sheet transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet conveying apparatus capable of realizing simplification of a device configuration and simplification of a work performed by a user before conveying a sheet.SOLUTION: The sheet conveying apparatus 1 includes a first wall surface 10 and a second wall surface 20. The second wall surface 20 is shifted in one direction in the width direction W1 from the first extension surface 10E in which the first wall surface 10 extends to the upstream side in the transport direction D1. The inclination angle α1 of the second wall surface 20 with respect to the first extension surface 10E is set to be an acute angle. Between the first end portion 11 on the upstream side of the first wall surface 10 in the transport direction D1 and the second end portion 22 on the downstream side of the second wall surface 20 in the transport direction D1, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 22 are directly connected, or connecting portions J1 and J2 are formed by connecting via the curved portion J2C. The conveying portion 4 is capable of abutting against the sheet SH supported by the supporting surface 50 at a position facing the supporting surface 50 from above, and includes a first conveying roller 41 driven to rotate about a first axis X1 extending in parallel with the width direction W1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet conveying apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional sheet conveying apparatus. The sheet conveying apparatus includes a document tray, a suction guide, a suction roller, a separation roller, and a pair of document guides.

  The surface of the document tray and the suction guide facing upward constitutes a placement unit that supports the document. The suction roller and the separation roller are in a position facing the suction guide, and can come into contact with the document supported by the placement unit from above. The suction roller and the separation roller convey the sheet supported by the placement unit toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

  The position of the pair of document guides is changed by the user's manual operation in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction in accordance with the width of the document supported by the placement unit. As a result, the pair of document guides abuts on both side edges of the document, positions the document in the width direction, and suppresses inclination with respect to the document transport direction.

JP 2009-161261 A

  By the way, in the conventional sheet conveying apparatus, in order to position the original in the width direction and to suppress the inclination with respect to the conveying direction of the original, it is essential to include a pair of original guides. In addition, it is necessary to adjust the position of the pair of document guides with high accuracy according to the width of the document by the user's manual work. For this reason, in this sheet conveying apparatus, it is difficult to realize simplification of the apparatus configuration and simplification of the work performed by the user before conveying the document.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional situation, and an object thereof is to provide a sheet conveying apparatus capable of realizing simplification of an apparatus configuration and simplification of work performed by a user before sheet conveyance. To do.

The sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention includes a support surface that supports a sheet,
A transport unit that transports the sheet supported by the support surface toward the downstream side in the transport direction;
A sheet conveying apparatus that includes a conveying surface that is connected to a downstream end of the supporting surface in the conveying direction and guides a sheet conveyed by the conveying unit from below,
A first wall surface provided at one end of the transport surface in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, protruding upward from the transport surface and extending in parallel with the transport direction;
A second wall surface provided at one end of the support surface in the width direction, protruding upward from the support surface, and extending obliquely with respect to the transport direction;
The second wall surface is shifted to one side in the width direction from a first extended surface that extends the first wall surface upstream in the transport direction,
An inclination angle of the second wall surface with respect to the first extension surface is set to an acute angle,
Between the first end on the upstream side in the transport direction on the first wall surface and the second end on the downstream side in the transport direction on the second wall surface, the first end and the second end A connection part formed by connecting the part directly or via a bending part,
The transport unit is in contact with the sheet supported on the support surface at a position facing the support surface, and is driven to rotate about a first axis extending in parallel with the width direction. A first conveying roller is included.

  In the sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention, when the user places the sheet on the support surface, the sheet is inclined toward the second wall surface with respect to the conveying direction, and the inclination angle with respect to the conveying direction of the sheet is It is assumed that the distance at which the sheet is separated from the second wall surface varies, that is, the posture of the sheet varies. In this sheet conveying apparatus, even in such a state, the sheet is conveyed toward the conveying surface while correcting the inclination of the sheet, and the position in the width direction of the sheet is along the first wall surface as follows. It can be corrected.

  That is, the first conveying roller at a position facing the support surface contacts the sheet supported on the support surface from above and rotates around the first axis extending in parallel with the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. Therefore, a conveyance force in the conveyance direction is applied to the sheet. As a result, the sheet starts to be conveyed along the conveyance direction. At this time, the sheet in a state where the posture is varied as described above approaches the second wall surface and is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction while being in sliding contact with the second wall surface and the connection portion. Then, when the sheet is further conveyed, the frictional force acts on the sheet by the pressing of the first conveying roller, and the force opposite to the conveying direction acts on the sheet from the second wall surface and the connecting portion. The sheet rotates along the first wall surface while being in sliding contact with the connecting portion. Thus, in this sheet conveying apparatus, the sheet supported toward the conveying surface is corrected while correcting the inclination of the sheet supported by the supporting surface with the posture being varied, and the position in the width direction of the sheet is set along the first wall surface. Can be corrected.

  Thereby, in this sheet conveying apparatus, a configuration equivalent to the document guide of the conventional sheet conveying apparatus is unnecessary, and conveyance along the conveying direction can be realized even when the sheet is not guided from the width direction on the support surface.

  Therefore, in the sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention, simplification of the apparatus configuration and simplification of work performed by the user before sheet conveyance can be realized.

1 is a perspective view of an image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an image reading apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view illustrating a support surface, a conveyance unit, a conveyance surface, a first wall surface, a second wall surface, and the like according to the image reading apparatus of Example 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating a specific example of the posture of a sheet supported on a support surface. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating a specific example of the posture of a sheet supported on a support surface. 4 is a flowchart of an image reading operation execution program according to the image reading apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating a specific example of the posture of a plurality of sheets supported on a support surface in a stacked state. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating the operation of a transport unit, a first wall surface, a second wall surface, and a connection unit. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating the operation of a transport unit, a first wall surface, a second wall surface, and a connection unit. 10 is a flowchart of an image reading operation execution program according to the image reading apparatus of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a partial schematic top view showing a connection portion in which a first end portion of a first wall surface and a second end portion of a second wall surface are connected via a bending portion in an image reading apparatus according to a modified example.

  Embodiments 1 and 2 embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment is an example of a specific aspect of the sheet conveying apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the side on which the operation unit 8P is arranged is defined as the front of the apparatus, and the side that comes to the left hand when facing the operation unit 8P is defined as the left side, and the front, rear, left, and right directions are displayed. To do. 2 are displayed in correspondence with the directions shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, each component provided in the image reading apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

<Overall configuration>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a main body unit 8, an opening / closing unit 9, an image forming unit 5, a reading unit 3, and a conveying unit 4. The main body 8 is a flat substantially box-shaped body. As shown in FIG. 1, an operation unit 8 </ b> P such as a touch panel is provided on the front surface of the main body unit 8.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit C <b> 1 is accommodated in the main body unit 8. The control unit C1 controls the image forming unit 5, the reading unit 3, the transport unit 4, the operation unit 8P, and the like. The operation unit 8P displays the operating status, setting information, and the like of the image reading apparatus 1, and receives an input operation from the outside and transmits it to the control unit C1. For example, when the user operates the operation unit 8P to instruct “start of image reading operation using the conveyance unit 4”, the operation unit 8P transmits the command to the control unit C1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 5 is provided in the lower part of the main body 8. The image forming unit 5 forms an image on a sheet by an ink jet method or a laser method. The reading unit 3 is provided in the upper part of the main body 8. The reading unit 3 is used when reading an image of a document. A platen glass (not shown) is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 8, and a document support surface 81 </ b> A is formed on the upper surface of the platen glass.

  The transport unit 4 is provided in the opening / closing unit 9. The transport unit 4 is used when causing the reading unit 3 to read an image of the sheet SH while sequentially transporting a plurality of sheets SH along the transport path P1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the opening / closing part 9 is supported by a hinge (not shown) disposed at the rear end of the body part 8 so as to be swingable around an opening / closing axis X9 extending in the left-right direction. In the closed state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening / closing part 9 covers the document support surface 81 </ b> A shown in FIG. 2 from above. Although not shown, the opening / closing part 9 is displaced to an open position where the document supporting surface 81A is exposed by swinging around the opening / closing axis X9 so that the front end side is displaced upward and backward. As a result, the user can support the document to be read on the document support surface 81A. Documents to be read include books, in addition to sheets such as paper and OHP sheets.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the reading unit 3 includes a reading sensor 3S and a scanning mechanism (not shown). As the reading sensor 3S, a known image reading sensor such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used. The scanning mechanism reciprocates the reading sensor 3S in the left-right direction below the document support surface 81A.

  When reading an image of a document supported on the document support surface 81A, the reading sensor 3S moves in the left-right direction below the document support surface 81A to read the image of the document. When reading an image while the sheet SH is conveyed by the conveying unit 4, the reading sensor 3S stops at the position shown in FIG. The position of the reading sensor 3S shown in FIG. 2 is a predetermined stationary reading position.

  In this embodiment, an object whose image is read using the document support surface 81A is referred to as a document, and an object whose image is read while being conveyed by the conveying unit 4 is referred to as a sheet SH. The document and the sheet SH may be substantially the same.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening / closing part 9 includes a base member 91, an upper chute member 92, a lower chute member 93, and a cover member 94. The bottom surface of the base member 91 extends in a planar shape so as to be able to cover the entire document support surface 81A. A discharge surface 70 is formed on the upper surface of the right portion of the base member 91. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the sheet SH discharged from the transport path P <b> 1 by the transport unit 4 is stacked on the discharge surface 70.

  A lower chute member 93 and a left portion of the upper chute member 92 are connected to the left portion of the base member 91 via a frame member (not shown). The left portion of the upper chute member 92 is located above the lower chute member 93. The upper chute member 92 extends so as to rise gently and incline toward the right. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the right portion of the upper chute member 92 is spaced upward from the discharge surface 70. In FIG. 2, the upper chute member 92 is illustrated as one member, but is not limited to this configuration, and a plurality of members may be connected. The cover member 94 is connected to the base member 91 via a frame member (not shown), and covers the left portion of the upper chute member 92 from above.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transport path P <b> 1 is defined by the cover member 94, the left portion of the upper chute member 92, the lower chute member 93, and the left portion of the base member 91.

  The conveyance path P <b> 1 first includes a portion extending leftward along the left portion of the upper chute member 92. Next, the conveyance path P1 includes a portion that curves downward. Next, the conveyance path P <b> 1 includes a portion that extends downward from the curved portion to the right and then extends to the right along the bottom surface of the base member 91. Finally, the conveyance path P1 includes a portion that rises to the right and reaches the discharge surface 70.

  The conveyance direction D1 of the sheet SH conveyed by the conveyance unit 4 is leftward in the upper part of the conveyance path P1, and is changed from leftward to rightward in the part that curves downward in the conveyance path P1, and is conveyed to the right. The lower part is facing right. The extending direction and shape of the transport path P1 are an example. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the width direction W1 orthogonal to the transport direction D1 is the front-rear direction. One side in the width direction W1 is the front side, and the other side in the width direction W1 is the back side.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a support surface 50, a conveyance surface 60, a first wall surface 10, a second wall surface 20, a first opposing wall surface 31, and a second opposing wall surface 32.

  The support surface 50 is the upper surface of the right portion of the upper chute member 92. When the user places the sheet SH to be read on the support surface 50 that is not covered by the cover member 94, the support surface 50 supports the sheet SH from below.

  The conveyance surface 60 is the upper surface of the left portion of the upper chute member 92. The transport surface 60 is connected to the downstream end 50 </ b> D of the support surface 50 in the transport direction D <b> 1. The downstream end 50D extends in parallel with the width direction W1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the support surface 50 and the conveyance surface 60 are gently inclined downward toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction D1. The conveyance surface 60 defines the upper part of the conveyance path P1 from below. The downstream end 60D in the transport direction D1 on the transport surface 60 is located in front of a portion that curves downward in the transport path P1. The conveyance surface 60 guides the sheet SH conveyed from the support surface 50 toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction D1 by the conveyance unit 4 from below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, one end portion of the support surface 50 in the width direction W1, that is, the front end portion 50A is inclined with respect to the transport direction D1 and extends toward the downstream side of the transport direction D1 to support the surface. The surface 50 is connected to the front end of the downstream end 50D in the transport direction D1. In the front end portion 50A, the upstream side in the transport direction D1 is shifted forward from the downstream side.

  The other end of the support surface 50 in the width direction W1, that is, the rear end 50B, also inclines with respect to the transport direction D1, extends toward the downstream side of the transport direction D1, and transports in the transport direction D1 on the support surface 50. Is connected to the rear end of the downstream end 50D. Also in the rear end portion 50B, the upstream side in the transport direction D1 is shifted forward from the downstream side.

  That is, the front end portion 50A and the rear end portion 50B extend in parallel to each other and are inclined with respect to the downstream end 50D in the transport direction D1 on the support surface 50. As a result, the shape of the support surface 50 is a parallelogram. The center portion 50C in the width direction W1 of the support surface 50 is a straight line that is spaced from the front end portion 50A and the rear end portion 50B by an equal distance.

  One end of the conveyance surface 60 in the width direction W1, that is, the front end 60A is connected to the front end of the downstream end 50D in the conveyance direction D1 on the support surface 50, and is parallel to the conveyance direction D1 and downstream in the conveyance direction D1. It extends toward.

  The other end in the width direction W1 on the transport surface 60, that is, the rear end 60B, is connected to the rear end of the downstream end 50D in the transport direction D1 on the support surface 50, and is parallel to the transport direction D1 in the transport direction D1. It extends toward the downstream side.

  That is, the front end portion 60A and the rear end portion 60B extend in parallel to each other and are orthogonal to the downstream end 50D of the support surface 50 in the transport direction D1. As a result, the shape of the conveyance surface 60 is a rectangle. A central portion 60C in the width direction W1 on the conveyance surface 60 is a straight line that is spaced from the front end portion 60A and the rear end portion 60B by an equal distance.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a first wall 18 and a third wall 19 are formed on the left portion of the upper chute member 92. The first wall 18 is connected to the front end 60A of the transport surface 60 and protrudes upward, and extends in parallel with the front end 60A. The third wall 19 is connected to the rear end portion 60 </ b> B of the transport surface 60 and protrudes upward, and extends parallel to the rear end portion 60.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first wall surface 10 is a rearward facing surface of the first wall 18. That is, the first wall surface 10 is provided at the front end 60A of the transport surface 60, protrudes upward from the transport surface 60, and extends in parallel with the transport direction D1.

  The first opposing wall surface 31 is a front surface of the third wall 19. That is, the first opposing wall surface 31 is provided at the rear end portion 60B of the transport surface 60, protrudes upward from the transport surface 60, and extends in parallel with the transport direction D1.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a second wall 28 and a fourth wall 29 are formed on the right portion of the upper chute member 92. The second wall 28 is connected to the front end 50A of the support surface 50 and protrudes upward, and extends in parallel with the front end 50A. The fourth wall 29 is connected to the rear end portion 50B of the support surface 50 and protrudes upward, and extends parallel to the rear end portion 50B.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second wall surface 20 is a surface of the second wall 28 facing backward. That is, the second wall surface 20 is provided at the front end portion 50A of the support surface 50, protrudes upward from the support surface 50, and extends with an inclination with respect to the transport direction D1. The second wall surface 20 is displaced in one of the width directions W1, that is, the front side, from the first extended surface 10E obtained by extending the first wall surface 10 to the upstream side in the transport direction D1. The inclination angle α1 of the second wall surface 20 with respect to the first extended surface 10E is set to an acute angle.

  A connecting portion J1 is formed between the first end portion 11 on the upstream side in the transport direction D1 on the first wall surface 10 and the second end portion 22 on the downstream side in the transport direction D1 on the second wall surface 20. . In the connection portion J1, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 22 are directly connected to each other at the front end of the downstream end 50D in the transport direction D1 on the support surface 50.

  The second opposing wall surface 32 is a surface facing forward in the fourth wall 29. That is, the second opposing wall surface 32 is provided at the rear end portion 50 </ b> B of the support surface 50, protrudes upward from the support surface 50, and extends in parallel with the second wall surface 20. The second opposing wall surface 32 is connected to the first opposing wall surface 31 at the rear end of the downstream end 50 </ b> D in the transport direction D <b> 1 on the support surface 50.

  The operation unit 8P is located at one position in the width direction W1, that is, a position shifted forward from the first wall surface 10 and the second wall surface 20 in the width direction W1.

  The support surface 50 is partitioned into a first region E1 and a second region E2. The second region E2 is a substantially “L” -shaped region that extends along the rear end portion 50B of the support surface 50 and extends along the rear portion of the downstream end 50D in the transport direction D1 on the support surface 50. The front end of the second region E2 is located behind the central portion 5C of the support surface 50. The first area E1 is an area other than the second area E2.

  The first area E <b> 1 is an area that allows the sheet SH to be conveyed by the supply roller 41, the separation roller 42, the first wall surface 10, and the second wall surface 20. The second region E <b> 2 is a region in which the sheet SH is not allowed to be conveyed by the supply roller 41, the separation roller 42, the first wall surface 10, and the second wall surface 20.

  Here, as a condition that the conveyance of the sheet SH by the supply roller 41, the separation roller 42, the first wall surface 10, and the second wall surface 20 is not allowed, for example, the front edge of the sheet SH is from the second wall surface 20 or the connecting portion J1. It is mentioned that it is largely separated. In this case, even if the sheet SH is conveyed by the supply roller 41, the front end edge of the sheet SH cannot be slidably brought into contact with the second wall surface 20 or the connecting portion J1, and the sheet SH is arranged along the conveying direction D1. The tilt cannot be corrected. Another condition is that the front end of the sheet SH is in a positional relationship that is parallel or nearly parallel to the first axis X1 and the second axis X2. Also in this case, the front end edge of the sheet SH cannot be brought into sliding contact with the second wall surface 20 or the connecting portion J1, and the both ends in the width direction of the sheet SH may be conveyed without being guided by anything. It becomes easy to skew. In the present embodiment, the second sensor S2 detects the sheet SH when the sheet SH is in a position that satisfies these conditions. Therefore, when the second sensor S2 detects the sheet SH, control is performed so that the sheet SH is not conveyed.

  The first region E1 is set to be a substantially parallelogram having a margin that is larger than the size of the sheet SH. That is, in this embodiment, when the user places the sheet SH on the support surface 50, the sheet SH is inclined toward the second wall surface 20 with respect to the transport direction D1, and the transport of the sheet SH is performed. It is assumed that the inclination angle with respect to the direction D1 and the distance at which the sheet SH is separated from the second wall surface 20 vary, that is, the posture of the sheet SH varies. The sheet SH is not limited to a fixed size, and may be any sheet as long as it can be placed in the first area E1, and assumes sheets of different sizes.

  The second region E2 is subjected to a surface treatment such as coloring or uneven processing. On the other hand, such surface treatment is not performed on the first region E1. Thereby, the user can visually distinguish the first area E1 and the second area E2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the transport unit 4 includes a supply roller 41, a separation roller 42, a separation pad 43, a transport roller 45, a first pinch roller 45P, a second pinch roller 45Q, a pressing member 46, a discharge roller 47, and a discharge pinch. A roller 47P is included. The supply roller 41 is an example of the “first transport roller” in the present invention. The separation roller 42 is an example of the “second transport roller” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the motor M <b> 1 and the transmission mechanism 4 </ b> G are provided at a position behind the third wall 19 in the opening / closing unit 9. The motor M1 rotates under the control of the control unit C1. The transmission mechanism 4G includes a plurality of gear groups, pulleys & timing belts, and the like. The transmission mechanism 4G transmits the driving force of the motor M1 to the supply roller 41, the separation roller 42, the transport roller 45, and the discharge roller 47 shown in FIG. 2 and the like, and rotates them.

  As shown in FIG. 3, transmission of the driving force from the transmission mechanism 4G to the separation roller 42 is performed by a rotation shaft 42S that defines the second axis X2. The second axis X2 extends in parallel with the width direction W1 at a position shifted to the downstream side in the transport direction D1 from the downstream end 50D of the support surface 50, that is, at a position facing the transport surface 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the separation roller 42 is fixed to the rotation shaft 42S so as to be integrally rotatable. The separation roller 42 is a cylindrical member in which a friction layer made of rubber, elastomer or the like is formed on the surface layer. The separation roller 42 is at a position facing the transport surface 60 from above. The separation roller 42 can come into contact with the sheet SH guided on the conveyance surface 60 from above.

  Further, the holder 44 is supported on the rotating shaft 42S so as to be swingable around the second axis X2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the holder 44 surrounds the separation roller 42 from above, from the front, and from the rear. The right end portion of the holder 44 protrudes to the right from the cover member 94 and the conveyance surface 60. The right end portion of the holder 44 faces the support surface 50 from above.

  The supply roller 41 is supported by the right end portion of the holder 44 and is rotatable around the first axis X1. The first axis X1 extends in parallel with the width direction W1 at a position shifted from the downstream end 50D of the support surface 50 to the upstream side in the transport direction D1. That is, the first axis X1 and the second axis X2 are parallel.

  The supply roller 41 is a cylindrical member in which a friction layer made of rubber, elastomer or the like is formed on the surface layer. The supply roller 41 is at a position facing the support surface 50. The supply roller 41 can come into contact with the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 from above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the holder 44 includes a transmission mechanism 44G. The transmission mechanism 44G includes a plurality of gear groups, pulleys & timing belts, and the like. Transmission of driving force from the transmission mechanism 4G to the supply roller 41 is performed by the rotating shaft 42S and the transmission mechanism 44G.

  The central portion 41C in the width direction W1 of the supply roller 41 is shifted closer to the second wall surface 20 than the central portion 50C of the support surface 50 in the width direction W1. The rear end surface of the supply roller 41 is also shifted toward the second wall surface 20 with respect to the central portion 50C of the support surface 50.

  The central portion 42 </ b> C in the width direction W <b> 1 of the separation roller 42 is shifted toward the first wall surface 10 with respect to the central portion 60 </ b> C in the width direction W <b> 1 of the transport surface 60. The rear end surface of the separation roller 42 is also shifted toward the first wall surface 10 with respect to the central portion 60 </ b> C of the transport surface 60.

  The connection portion J1 between the first wall surface 10 and the second wall surface 20 is located between the supply roller 41 and the separation roller 42 in the transport direction D1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a recess 60 </ b> H is formed in a portion facing the separation roller 42 on the transport surface 60 so as to be recessed downward. A separation pad 43 is disposed in the recess 60H. The separation pad 43 is a plate material on which a friction layer such as rubber or elastomer is formed. The separation pad 43 is pressed toward the separation roller 42.

  The conveyance roller 45 defines a portion that curves downward in the conveyance path P1 from the right. The first pinch roller 45P is located above and to the left of the transport roller 45. The first pinch roller 45P is pressed toward the transport roller 45. The second pinch roller 45Q is positioned below and to the left of the transport roller 45. The second pinch roller 45Q is pressed toward the transport roller 45. The first pinch roller 45P and the second pinch roller 45Q are driven to rotate by the transport roller 45 that is rotationally driven.

  The pressing member 46 is supported on the lower surface of the lower chute member 93. The pressing member 46 defines a portion extending from the top to the right along the bottom surface of the base member 91 in the transport path P1. The pressing member 46 presses the sheet SH passing over the reading sensor 3S conveyed along the conveying path P1 and stopped at the stationary reading position toward the reading sensor 3S.

  The discharge roller 47 and the discharge pinch roller 47P are disposed on the most downstream side in the transport path P1. The discharge roller 47 and the discharge pinch roller 47P discharge the sheet SH on which an image has been read passing over the reading sensor 3S stopped at the stationary reading position toward the discharge surface 70.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a first sensor S1 and a second sensor S2. Each of the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 can be displaced between a position where the support surface 50 shown in FIG. 1 protrudes and a position where the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 are retracted below the support surface 50 although not shown. 92. The first sensor S <b> 1 and the second sensor S <b> 2 can be displaced to a position where the first sensor S <b> 1 and the second sensor S <b> 2 are retracted below the support surface 50 when the sheet SH rides on.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first sensor S <b> 1 is provided between the front end surface of the supply roller 41 and the second wall surface 20 in the width direction W <b> 1. The first sensor S1 is provided at substantially the same position as the supply roller 41 in the transport direction D1.

  Due to the displacement of the first sensor S1, the optical path of the photointerrupter S1A is opened or blocked, and the output signal of the photointerrupter S1A is transmitted to the control unit C1. In other words, the first sensor S1 detects the presence or absence of the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 and transmits the detection result to the control unit C1. In particular, the first sensor S <b> 1 in the position as described above detects that the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 is in a position where it abuts on the supply roller 41.

  The second sensor S2 is provided between the rear end surface of the supply roller 41 and the rear end portion 50B of the support surface 50 in the width direction W1. The second sensor S <b> 2 is located at a position shifted to the downstream side in the transport direction D <b> 1 from the supply roller 41 and is adjacent to the downstream end 50 </ b> D of the support surface 50. Further, the second sensor S2 is provided between the central portion 50C and the rear end portion 50B of the support surface 50, and is close to the second region E2.

  Due to the displacement of the second sensor S2, the optical path of the photointerrupter S2A is opened or blocked, and the output signal of the photointerrupter S2A is transmitted to the control unit C1. That is, the second sensor S2 detects the presence / absence of the sheet SH supported by the support surface 50 and transmits it to the control unit C1. In particular, the second sensor S2 at the position as described above detects that the sheet SH supported by the support surface 50 is at a position close to the second area E2 or a position overlapping the second area E2.

  The posture of the sheet SH (SH1, SH2, SH3) illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the position of the sheet SH with respect to the support surface 50 varies in a state where the front end edge of the sheet SH is parallel to the front end portion 50A of the support surface 50. The first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH1, but does not detect the sheets SH2 and SH3. The second sensor S2 detects the sheet SH3 but does not detect the sheets SH1 and SH2.

  The posture of the sheet SH (SH4, SH5, SH6, SH7) illustrated in FIG. 5 is an example in which the position of the sheet SH with respect to the support surface 50 varies in a state where the front edge of the sheet SH is inclined with respect to the front end 50A of the support surface 50. ing. The first sensor S1 detects the sheets SH4, SH5, SH6, and SH7. The second sensor S2 detects the sheets SH6 and SH7, but does not detect the sheets SH4 and SH5.

  The SH2 and SH3 shown in FIG. 4 and the sheets SH6 and SH7 shown in FIG. 5 are provided with the front edge of the sheet SH on the second wall surface 20 or the connecting portion J1, even if the sheet SH is conveyed by the supply roller 41. It is in a position where it cannot slide. The second region E2 shown in FIG. 3 is set so as to overlap with a part of each of the sheets SH2, SH3, SH6, and SH7.

<Image reading operation>
In the image reading apparatus 1, when reading an image of a document supported on the document support surface 81A, a scanning mechanism (not shown) operates in the reading unit 3, and the reading sensor 3S is moved from the lower side of the left edge of the document support surface 81A to the right end. Move left and right between the edges. As a result, the reading sensor 3S reads the image of the document supported on the document support surface 81A. Thereafter, the scanning mechanism (not shown) moves the reading sensor 3S that has finished reading from the right end side to the left end side in the reading unit 3 to return to the original position.

  In the image reading apparatus 1, when the image of the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 is read using the conveyance unit 4, the control unit C <b> 1 executes the “image reading operation execution program” illustrated in FIG. 6.

  In step S101, the control unit C1 determines whether an instruction to start an image reading operation using the transport unit 4 has been received. If the instruction is received by an input operation or the like on the operation unit 8P by the user, “Yes” is determined in the step S101, and the process proceeds to the step S102.

  On the other hand, if an instruction to start an image reading operation using the transport unit 4 has not been received, “No” is determined in step S101, and the process returns to step S101 to continue the standby state.

  When the process proceeds from step S101 to step S102, the control unit C1 determines whether or not the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH. When the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH, “Yes” is determined in the step S102, and the process proceeds to the step S104. In the case of SH1 shown in FIG. 4 and SH4 to SH7 shown in FIG. 5, since the first sensor S1 detects, the process proceeds to step S104.

  On the other hand, when the first sensor S1 does not detect the sheet SH, “No” is determined in the step S102, and the process proceeds to the step S103. Then, the control unit C1 notifies a message such as “The sheet supported by the support surface 50 cannot be detected”, a warning sound, or the like through the display screen or sound of the operation unit 8P, and then returns to step S102. Then, steps S102 and S103 are repeated until the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH. Thereby, it is possible to guide the user to place the sheet SH on the support surface 50. Note that SH2 and SH3 shown in FIG. 4 can also be guided to correct the posture by the notification in step S103.

  When the process proceeds from step S102 to step S104, the control unit C1 determines whether or not the second sensor S2 detects the sheet SH. When the second sensor S2 detects the sheet SH, “Yes” is determined in the step S104, and the process proceeds to the step S105. In the case of SH6 and SH7 shown in FIG. 5, since the second sensor S2 detects, the process proceeds to step S105. Then, the control unit C1 notifies a message such as “Please correct the posture of the sheet supported by the support surface 50”, a warning sound, or the like on the display screen or sound of the operation unit 8P, and then step S102. Return to. Accordingly, the user can be guided to correct the posture of the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50. At this time, it is effective to notify the user so that the entire sheet SH is placed in the first region E1.

  On the other hand, when the second sensor S2 does not detect the sheet SH in step S104, “No” is determined in step S104, and the process proceeds to step S106. That is, the control unit C1 determines that the posture of the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 is in a state where the image reading operation can be performed. As shown in FIG. 7, the postures of a plurality of sheets SH supported while being stacked on the support surface 50 are an example of a state in which an image reading operation can be performed.

  In step S106, the control unit C1 executes an image reading operation. Specifically, the control unit C1 controls a scanning mechanism (not shown) and stops the reading sensor 3S at the stationary reading position shown in FIG.

  Then, the control unit operates the motor M1 to rotationally drive the supply roller 41, the separation roller 42, the transport roller 45, and the discharge roller 47.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the supply roller 41 contacting the uppermost sheet SH among the sheets SH supported by the support surface 50 rotates, and the sheet SH is supplied toward the downstream side in the transport direction D1. To do. 8 and 9, only the uppermost sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 is shown, and the other sheets SH overlapping the uppermost sheet SH are not shown.

  The uppermost sheet SH supported by the support surface 50 is conveyed from the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 and reaches the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. During this time, if the side edge of the sheet SH is not in sliding contact with the second wall surface 20, only the conveying force F1 of the supply roller 41 acts on the sheet SH in the conveying direction D1. For this reason, the inclination of the sheet SH with respect to the conveyance direction D1 does not change. On the other hand, if the side edge of the sheet SH is in sliding contact with the second wall surface 20, a force R1 opposite to the conveying direction D1 acts on the sheet SH. At this time, since the frictional force due to the pressing of the supply roller 41 acts on the sheet SH, the sheet SH is suppressed from being separated from the second wall surface 20 in the width direction W1. For this reason, the sheet SH is conveyed while rotating so that the inclination with respect to the conveyance direction D1 becomes small.

  When the sheet SH reaches the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8 and the side edge of the sheet SH comes into sliding contact with the second wall surface 20 and the connecting portion J1, the sheet SH is opposite to the conveyance direction D1. The force R1 acts more strongly. Therefore, while the sheet SH reaches the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9, the sheet SH is conveyed while rotating so that the inclination with respect to the conveyance direction D1 becomes smaller.

  When the sheet SH reaches the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9, the sheet SH is nipped between the separation roller 42 and the separation pad 43. If another sheet SH overlaps the uppermost sheet SH, the uppermost sheet SH is separated from the other sheet SH and conveyed toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction D1. At this time, the conveying force F2 of the separation roller 42 further acts on the sheet SH. Therefore, the sheet SH is rotated so that the inclination with respect to the conveyance direction D1 is further reduced by the conveyance force F1 of the supply roller 41, the conveyance force F2 of the separation roller 42, and the force R1 opposite to the conveyance direction D1. Be transported.

  Then, at the stage where the sheet SH reaches the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 9, the side edge of the sheet SH is in a state along the first wall surface 10, and the position in the width direction W <b> 1 of the sheet SH is determined by the first wall surface 10. Regulated with high accuracy.

  Thereafter, the sheet SH is conveyed by the conveying roller 45 and the first and second pinch rollers 45P and 45Q and passes above the reading sensor 3S at the stationary reading position shown in FIG. The reading sensor 3S reads an image of the sheet SH that passes therethrough. Then, the sheet SH on which the image has been read is discharged toward the discharge surface 70 by the discharge roller 47 and the discharge pinch roller 47P.

  When the image reading operation for one sheet SH is completed, the process proceeds to step S107. Then, the control unit C1 determines whether or not the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH. At this time, the detection signal of the second sensor S2 is not considered. If “Yes” in step S107, the process returns to step S106. On the other hand, if “No” in step S107, the image reading operation is terminated, and this program is terminated. In addition, after receiving an instruction to start an image reading operation in step S101, if it is not determined “Yes” in step S102 and “No” in step S104 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, this process is performed as a timeout process. finish.

<Effect>
In the image reading apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when the user places the sheet SH on the support surface 50, the sheet SH is inclined closer to the second wall surface 20 with respect to the transport direction D <b> 1. In addition, the angle of the sheet SH with respect to the conveyance direction D1 and the distance at which the sheet SH is separated from the second wall surface 20 vary, that is, the state of the sheet SH varies. In this image reading apparatus 1, even in such a state, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the uppermost sheet SH conveyed by the supply roller 41 and the separation roller 42 has the second wall surface 20. The first wall surface 10 is slidably in contact with the connecting portion J1 by the conveying force F1 of the supply roller 41, the conveying force F2 of the separation roller 42, the frictional force due to the pressing of the supply roller 41, and the force R2 opposite to the conveying direction D1. Rotate along Thus, in the image reading apparatus 1, the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 is conveyed toward the conveyance surface 60 while correcting the inclination, and the position of the sheet SH in the width direction W1 is determined. It can correct so that the 1st wall surface 10 may be met.

  As a result, the image reading apparatus 1 does not require a configuration equivalent to the document guide of the conventional sheet conveying apparatus, and the sheet SH extends along the conveying direction D1 even when the sheet SH is not guided on the support surface 50 from the width direction W1. Transport can be realized.

  Therefore, in the image reading apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to simplify the apparatus configuration and simplify the work performed by the user before the sheet SH is conveyed.

  In the image reading apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the central portion 41C in the width direction W1 of the supply roller 41 is closer to the second wall surface 20 than the central portion 50C of the support surface 50 in the width direction W1. It's off. Thereby, the distance between the supply roller 41 and the second wall surface 20 is shortened, and the portion of the sheet SH positioned between the supply roller 41 and the second wall surface 20 is difficult to bend. For this reason, the force R1 opposite to the conveying direction D1 acting from the second wall surface 20 and the connecting portion J1 can be effectively applied to the sheet SH. As a result, the sheet SH can rotate more suitably along the first wall surface 10 while being in sliding contact with the connection portion J1.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of sheets SH stacked on the support surface 50 are conveyed one by one by the supply roller 41 and the separation roller 42 with their postures varied. Thus, it can be suitably realized that the sheet SH is conveyed toward the conveying surface 60 while correcting the inclination of the sheet SH and the position of the sheet SH in the width direction W1 is corrected along the first wall surface 10.

  In the image reading apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the central portion 42C in the width direction W1 of the separation roller 42 is closer to the first wall surface 10 than the central portion 60C of the conveyance surface 60 in the width direction W1. It's off. Thereby, the distance between the separation roller 42 and the first wall surface 10 is shortened, and the portion of the sheet SH located between the separation roller 42 and the first wall surface 10 is difficult to bend. For this reason, the force R1 opposite to the conveying direction D1 acting from the second wall surface 20 and the connecting portion J1 can be effectively applied to the sheet SH. As a result, the sheet SH can rotate more suitably along the first wall surface 10 while being in sliding contact with the connection portion J1. Further, the position of the sheet SH in the width direction W <b> 1 can be more suitably corrected so as to follow the first wall surface 10.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion J1 is located between the supply roller 41 and the separation roller 42 in the transport direction D1. As a result, the sheet SH reaches the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 9, and the side edge of the sheet SH is in contact with the connecting portion J1 when the leading end of the sheet SH is in contact with the separation roller 42. Become. Then, the separation roller 42 applies the conveyance force F2 in the conveyance direction D1 to the sheet SH, so that the sheet SH can be further rotated around the connection portion J1.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus 1, when the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH, such as the sheet SH1 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the sheets SH4 and SH5 illustrated in FIG. 5, the sheet SH is the second wall surface 20. There is a high possibility that it is close to. For this reason, the control unit C1 determines in step S102 shown in FIG. 6 that there is a possibility that the posture of the sheet SH can be corrected using the first and second wall surfaces 10 and 20 and the connection unit J1, and the process proceeds to step S104. Can be migrated. As a result, the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 with the posture varied is conveyed toward the conveyance surface 60 while correcting the inclination of the sheet SH, and the position of the sheet SH in the width direction W1 is aligned with the first wall surface 10. It can be corrected as follows.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus 1, when both the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 detect the sheet SH as in the sheets SH6 and SH7 illustrated in FIG. 5, the leading end of the sheet SH is the first sensor. There is a high possibility that it is difficult to correct the posture of the sheet SH using the first and second wall surfaces 10 and 20 and the connecting portion J1. For this reason, the control unit C1 determines in step S104 shown in FIG. 6 that it is difficult to correct the posture of the sheet SH using the first and second wall surfaces 10 and 20 and the connection unit J1, and may proceed to step S105. it can. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the sheet SH from being jammed by being conveyed without being corrected in the inclination of the sheet SH.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus 1, when both the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2 detect that the sheet SH supported by the support surface 50 is present, the support is performed in step S105 shown in FIG. A notification process is performed for notifying that the sheet SH supported by the surface 50 is in a state where the sheet SH cannot be conveyed by display or voice. Accordingly, the user can be guided to correct the posture of the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the operation unit 8P is positioned in the width direction W1 in one of the width directions W1, that is, in front of the first wall surface 10 and the second wall surface 20. It is in a shifted position. With this configuration, when the user is positioned in front of the operation unit 8P and performs an input operation on the operation unit 8P, the second wall surface 20 approaches the user, so the sheet SH is placed on the support surface 50. The supporting operation can be easily performed.

  Further, in the image reading apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the first area E1 and the second area E2 are visually distinguished by applying a surface treatment such as coloring to the second area E2. be able to. As a result, the user can easily visually confirm whether the sheet SH is disposed so as to be within the first region E1 of the support surface 50. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from placing the sheet SH at a position that is extremely displaced on the support surface 50.

(Example 2)
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a regulating member G <b> 1 instead of the second sensor S <b> 2 according to the first embodiment. The regulating member G1 is a movable member having the same shape as the second sensor S1, and is provided at the same position as the second sensor S2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a displacement mechanism G1A instead of the photointerrupter S2A of the second sensor S2 according to the first embodiment. The displacement mechanism G1A is provided at the same position as the photo interrupter S2A. The displacement mechanism G1A is controlled by the control unit C1 and can displace the restricting member G1 between the restricting position and the retracted position. As shown in FIG. 1, the restricting member G1 protrudes from the support surface 50A in the restricted position. On the other hand, although not shown, the regulating member G1 is retracted below the support surface 50 while being in the retracted position.

  Furthermore, the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment executes an image reading operation execution program illustrated in FIG. 10 instead of the program illustrated in FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment.

  Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, about the same structure as Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

  The restricting member G1 can be brought into contact with the leading end of the sheet SH supported by the support surface 50 in a state where the restricting member G1 is in the restricting position shown in FIG. Therefore, when the user places the sheet SH on the support surface 50, the position of the front end of the sheet SH near the rear end 50B of the support surface 50 is restricted by the restriction member G1. Therefore, it is possible to physically restrict the leading end of the sheet SH from exceeding the first region E1 and entering the second region E2 by the restricting member G1.

  In the image reading apparatus 1, when the image of the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 is read using the transport unit 4, the control unit C1 executes the “image reading operation execution program” shown in FIG.

  In step S201, the controller C1 controls the displacement mechanism G1A to displace the restricting member G1 to the restricting position shown in FIG. 1, and then proceeds to step S202.

  In step S <b> 202, the control unit C <b> 1 determines whether a command for starting an image reading operation using the transport unit 4 has been received. When the instruction is received by an input operation or the like on the operation unit 8P by the user, “Yes” is determined in step S202, and the process proceeds to step S203.

  On the other hand, if an instruction to start an image reading operation using the transport unit 4 has not been received, “No” is determined in step S202, and the process returns to step S202 to continue the standby state.

  When the process proceeds from step S202 to step S203, the control unit C1 determines whether or not the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH. When the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH, “Yes” is determined in the step S203, and the process proceeds to the step S205.

  On the other hand, when the first sensor S1 does not detect the sheet SH, “No” is determined in the step S203, and the process proceeds to the step S204. Then, the control unit C1 notifies a message such as “The sheet supported by the support surface 50 cannot be detected”, a warning sound, or the like through the display screen or sound of the operation unit 8P, and then returns to step S203. Step S203 is repeated until the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH. Thereby, it is possible to guide the user to place the sheet on the support surface 50.

  When the process proceeds from step S203 to step S205, the control unit C1 determines that the posture of the sheet SH supported on the support surface 50 is in a state where an image reading operation can be performed. Then, the control unit C1 controls the displacement mechanism G1A to displace the regulating member G1 to the retracted position, and then proceeds to step S206.

  In step S206, the control unit C1 executes an image reading operation. Since the content of step S206 is the same as that of step S106 shown in FIG. 6, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  When the image reading operation for one sheet SH is completed, the process proceeds to step S207. Then, the control unit C1 determines whether or not the first sensor S1 detects the sheet SH. If “Yes” in step S207, the process returns to step S206. On the other hand, if “No” in step S207, the image reading operation is terminated and the program is terminated.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment having such a configuration as well as the image reading apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the apparatus configuration can be simplified and the work performed by the user before the sheet SH can be simplified. it can.

  Further, in this image reading apparatus, the sheet SH is placed at a position where it is difficult to correct the posture of the sheet SH using the first and second wall surfaces and the connecting portion J1 by the restriction member G1 displaced to the restriction position shown in FIG. Can be suppressed. Further, the user only has to place the sheet SH on the first sensor S1 while bringing the leading end of the sheet SH into contact with the restricting member G1 at the restricting position, and the work of supporting the sheet SH on the support surface 50 is easy. Can be done.

(Modification)
The connecting portion J1 according to the first embodiment can be changed to the connecting portion J2 shown in FIG. The connecting portion J2 is formed by connecting the first end portion 11 of the first wall surface 10 and the second end portion 22 of the second wall surface 20 via the bending portion J2C. The curved portion J2C is smoothly curved. The sheet SH conveyed by the supply roller 41 and the separation roller 42 can be suitably rotated along the first wall surface 10 while being in sliding contact with the connection portion J2. Further, the deformation of the side edge of the sheet SH can be suppressed by the smooth bending of the bending portion J2C.

  In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to the first and second embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, the first transport roller located at a position facing the support surface may serve as both the supply roller and the separation roller.

  As the surface treatment for visually distinguishing the first region and the second region, in addition to coloring, characters, boundary lines, hatching patterns, and the like may be formed by printing or unevenness.

  The support surface and the conveyance surface may be inclined downward toward the first wall surface and the second wall surface in the width direction.

  The regulating member may be provided so as to approach and separate from the support surface from the cover member that covers the conveyance surface.

  The present invention can be used in, for example, an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, or a multifunction machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sheet conveyance apparatus (image reading apparatus), SH ... Sheet D1 ... Conveyance direction, W1 ... Width direction, 4 ... Conveyance part 50 ... Support surface, 50D ... Downstream end of conveyance direction in support surface 60 ... Conveyance surface, 60A ... One end in the width direction on the transport surface (front end)
60C: Center part in the width direction on the conveying surface 50A: One end part (front end part) in the width direction on the support surface
50C: Center portion in the width direction on the support surface 50B: The other end portion (rear end portion) in the width direction on the support surface
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... 1st wall surface, 20 ... 2nd wall surface, 10E ... 1st extended surface (alpha) 1 ... The inclination angle with respect to the 1st extended surface of a 2nd wall surface 11 ... The 1st edge part of a 1st wall surface, 22 ... 2nd of a 2nd wall surface End portion J1, J2 ... Connection portion, J2C ... Curved portion X1 ... First axis, 41 ... First transport roller (supply roller)
41C: widthwise central portion of the first conveying roller X2: second axis 42, second conveying roller (separating roller)
42C: widthwise central portion of the second transport roller C1 ... control unit, S1 ... first sensor, S2 ... second sensor, G1 ... regulating member 8P ... operation unit, E1 ... first region, E2 ... second region

Claims (11)

A support surface for supporting the sheet;
A transport unit that transports the sheet supported by the support surface toward the downstream side in the transport direction;
A sheet conveying apparatus that includes a conveying surface that is connected to a downstream end of the supporting surface in the conveying direction and guides a sheet conveyed by the conveying unit from below,
A first wall surface provided at one end of the transport surface in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, protruding upward from the transport surface and extending in parallel with the transport direction;
A second wall surface provided at one end of the support surface in the width direction, protruding upward from the support surface, and extending obliquely with respect to the transport direction;
The second wall surface is shifted to one side in the width direction from a first extended surface that extends the first wall surface upstream in the transport direction,
An inclination angle of the second wall surface with respect to the first extension surface is set to an acute angle,
Between the first end on the upstream side in the transport direction on the first wall surface and the second end on the downstream side in the transport direction on the second wall surface, the first end and the second end A connection part formed by connecting the part directly or via a bending part,
The transport unit is in contact with the sheet supported on the support surface at a position facing the support surface, and is driven to rotate about a first axis extending in parallel with the width direction. A sheet conveying apparatus including a first conveying roller.   2. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a central portion in the width direction of the first conveying roller is displaced closer to the second wall surface than a central portion in the width direction on the support surface. The transport unit is located at a position facing the transport surface and can contact a sheet guided on the transport surface from above, and is driven to rotate about a second axis extending in parallel with the width direction. Including two transport rollers,
The first conveying roller supplies the sheet supported on the support surface toward the second conveying roller,
The second conveying roller is configured to convey the sheet toward the downstream side in the conveying direction while separating the sheets one by one if the sheets supplied by the first conveying roller are plural sheets. Item 3. The sheet conveying apparatus according to Item 1 or 2.   4. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a central portion in the width direction of the second conveying roller is displaced closer to the first wall surface than a central portion in the width direction on the conveying surface.   5. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion is located between the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller in the conveying direction. A control unit for controlling the transport unit;
A first sensor that is provided between the first transport roller and the second wall surface in the width direction and detects the presence or absence of a sheet supported by the support surface and transmits it to the control unit;
The said control part operates the said conveyance part, and conveys the sheet | seat supported by the said support surface, when the said 1st sensor has detected that the sheet | seat supported by the said support surface exists. Item 6. The sheet conveying apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 5. In the width direction, it is provided between the first conveying roller and the other end of the support surface in the width direction, and detects the presence or absence of a sheet supported by the support surface and transmits it to the control unit. A second sensor that
The sheet conveyance device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit does not operate the conveyance unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect that there is a sheet supported by the support surface. .   When both the first sensor and the second sensor detect that there is a sheet supported by the support surface, the control unit is in a state where the sheet supported by the support surface cannot be conveyed. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a notification process is performed to notify that there is at least one of display and sound. In the width direction, it is provided between the first transport roller and the other end portion of the support surface in the width direction, and comes close to the support surface and abuts against the front end of the sheet supported by the support surface. A regulating member that is displaceable between a regulating position that can be contacted and a retracted position that is separated from the support surface;
In the state where the transport unit is not operated, the control unit displaces the regulation member to the regulation position, while the first sensor detects that there is a sheet supported by the support surface, and the transport unit is The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when operating, the sheet is supported by the support surface by displacing the regulating member to the retracted position and then operating the conveying unit. A control unit for controlling the transport unit;
An operation unit that receives an input operation from the outside and transmits the operation to the control unit,
10. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is located at a position shifted in the width direction from the first wall surface and the second wall surface in the width direction.   The support surface includes a first region that allows sheet conveyance by the conveyance unit, the first wall surface, and the second wall surface, and a first region that does not allow sheet conveyance by the conveyance unit, the first wall surface, and the second wall surface. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a surface treatment for visually distinguishing the two areas is performed.

Images