JP6660090B2 - Image reading system and holder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a holder and a reading system.

  When a special sheet is transported by a transport mechanism that transports a sheet, it has been proposed to transport a special sheet stored in a holder. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism in which when a thin document is read by a document reading device, the document is accommodated in a holder called a carrier sheet and put into the document reading device. The document reading device conveys the carrier sheet containing the document and reads the document in the carrier sheet.

JP-A-6-77366

  When reading a middle page of a booklet such as a passport, a flatbed scanner is mainly used. However, a flatbed scanner needs to open and close a lid that presses a booklet, and continuous reading may take time and effort. A sheet feed scanner is suitable for continuous reading. However, when a booklet in a double-page spread state is transported, pages may be turned in the middle by the transport mechanism or a paper jam may occur, and in some cases, the booklet may be damaged. As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to store the booklet in a holder such as the carrier sheet of Patent Document 1. However, since the booklet in the double-page spread state has a step, when the step passes between the rollers, the booklet in the holder may be displaced in the carrying direction or the carrying may not be performed smoothly.

  The present invention provides a technology for improving the transportability of a medium having a step.

According to the present invention, a holder that accommodates a passport in a double-page spread state, a roller that transports the holder as a transport medium, and an image reading that reads an image of the double-sided passport accommodated in the holder that is transported by the roller A holder, wherein the holder accommodates the double-opened passport by fixing a first plate portion and a second plate portion at a front end side and a rear end side in the transport direction of the holder. A housing portion is formed, and both sides of the housing portion in the transport direction are open, and a fixing portion for fixing the first plate portion and the second plate portion is located at a front end side in the transport direction of the holder. And a first fixed area along the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and a second fixed area located on the rear end side in the transport direction of the holder and along the width direction, In the transport direction The distance L1 between the first fixed region and the second fixed region is defined as L ≦ L1 ≦ 1.10 × L, where L is the longitudinal width of the passport in the facing state. the filled, the the first plate portion and said second plate portion, the stiffness across the step of the passport linearly plastic material der Rukoto the thickness is 0.25mm or more and 0.6mm or less The passport is accommodated in the holder such that the longitudinal direction and the transport direction are parallel to each other, and is conveyed by the rollers while being held and fixed to the holder. An image reading system is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for improving the transportability of a medium having a step.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus to which a holder of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the image reading apparatus in FIG. 1. (A) is a perspective view of a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is an exploded view of the holder, and (C) is a plan view of the holder. 3A is an explanatory view of a step, FIG. 3B is an explanatory view of a transfer mode using the holder of FIG. 3A, and FIGS. 3C and 3D are views illustrating a mode in which a roller gets over the step. (A)-(D) is an exploded view of another example of a holder. (A)-(C) is explanatory drawing of the holder of another example. (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of another example of a holder, (D) is an explanatory diagram of a fixture, (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing of the holder of another example.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Apparatus configuration>
The image reading device A is a device that transports one or a plurality of transport media S loaded on the mounting table 1 one by one into the device along the route RT, reads the image, and discharges the image to the discharge tray 2. The transport medium S to be read is, for example, a sheet such as OA paper, a check, a check, a card, and the like, and may be a thick sheet or a thin sheet. Examples of the cards include an insurance card, a license, a credit card, and the like. The transport medium S also includes a booklet such as a passport. When targeting a booklet, a holder 100 described later can be used. When the booklet in a double-page spread state is stored in the holder 100 and placed on the mounting table 1, the booklet is transported together with the holder 100, and the image thereof can be read.

  A first transport unit 10 is provided as a feeding mechanism for feeding the transport medium S along the route RT. In the case of the present embodiment, the first transport unit 10 includes a feed roller 11 and a separation roller 12 disposed opposite to the feed roller 11, and sequentially transports the transport medium S on the mounting table 1 one by one in the transport direction D1. Transport. Driving force is transmitted to the feed roller 11 from a drive unit 3 such as a motor via a transmission unit 5, and the feed roller 11 is rotationally driven in a direction indicated by an arrow in the drawing (a forward direction for transporting the transport medium S along the route RT). The transmission unit 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch, and interrupts the driving force from the driving unit 3 to the feed roller 11.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the transmission unit 5 that connects the driving unit 3 and the feed roller 11 is in a state where the driving force is transmitted in a normal state, and shuts off the driving force when the transport medium S is fed backward. When the transmission of the driving force is interrupted by the transmission unit 5, the feed roller 11 is freely rotatable. Note that such a transmission unit 5 may not be provided when the feed roller 11 is driven in only one direction.

  The separation roller 12 disposed opposite to the feed roller 11 is a roller for separating the transport medium S one by one, and is in pressure contact with the feed roller 11 at a constant pressure. In order to secure this pressure contact state, the separation roller 12 is configured to be swingable and to be urged to the feed roller 11. The driving force is transmitted from the driving unit 3 via the torque limiter 12a to the separation roller 12, and the separation roller 12 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow (the direction opposite to the forward direction of the feed roller 11).

  Since the transmission of the driving force of the separation roller 12 is regulated by the torque limiter 12a, the separation roller 12 rotates in the direction (the direction indicated by the broken arrow) following the feed roller 11 when in contact with the feed roller 11. Thereby, when the plurality of transport media S are transported to the press-contact portion between the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12, two or more transport media S except one are stopped so as not to be transported downstream. .

  In the present embodiment, the separation mechanism is constituted by the separation roller 12 and the feed roller 11. However, such a separation mechanism is not necessarily provided, and a feeding mechanism for sequentially feeding the transport medium S to the path RT one by one. What is necessary is just a sending mechanism. When a separation mechanism is provided, a separation pad for applying a frictional force to the transport medium S is pressed against the feed roller 11 instead of the configuration of the separation roller 121 so that a similar separation operation is performed. You may.

  The second transport unit 20 as a transport mechanism downstream of the first transport unit 10 in the transport direction includes a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 driven by the drive roller 21, and is transported from the first transport unit 10. The transport medium S transported to the downstream side. A driving force is transmitted to the driving roller 21 from a driving unit 4 such as a motor, and the driving roller 21 is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. The driven roller 22 comes into pressure contact with the drive roller 21 at a constant pressure and follows the drive roller 21. The driven roller 22 may be configured to be urged against the drive roller 21 by an urging unit (not shown) such as a spring.

  The third transport unit 30 located on the downstream side in the transport direction from the second transport unit 30 includes a drive roller 31 and a driven roller 32 judo-driven by the drive roller 31, and is transported from the second transport unit 20. The transported medium S is transported to the discharge tray 2. That is, the third transport unit 30 functions as a discharge mechanism. A driving force is transmitted to the driving roller 31 from a driving unit 4 such as a motor, and the driving roller 31 is driven to rotate in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. The driven roller 32 comes into pressure contact with the driving roller 31 at a constant pressure, and is accompanied by the driving roller 31. The driven roller 32 may be configured to be urged against the drive roller 31 by an urging unit (not shown) such as a spring.

  Here, in the image reading device A of the present embodiment, since the image is read by the image reading unit 70 disposed between the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30, the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit The three transport unit 30 transports the transport medium S at a constant speed. By always setting the transport speed to be equal to or higher than the transport speed of the first transport unit 10, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the subsequent transport medium S catches up with the preceding transport medium S. For example, in the present embodiment, the transport speed of the transport medium S by the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30 is controlled so as to be faster than the transport speed of the transport medium S by the first transport unit 10. did.

  In addition, even when the transport speed of the transport medium S by the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30 and the transport speed of the transport medium S by the first transport unit 10 are set to the same condition, the driving unit 3 is controlled. By intermittently shifting the feeding start timing of the subsequent transport medium S, it is possible to form a minimum interval between the preceding transport medium S and the subsequent transport medium S.

  The double feed detection sensor 40 disposed between the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 20 detects that the transport media S, such as paper, are in close contact with each other due to static electricity or the like and have passed through the first transport unit 10 ( In other words, this is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor that detects the behavior or state of a sheet) for detecting this in the case of a double feeding state in which the sheets are conveyed in an overlapping manner. As the double feed detection sensor 40, various types can be used. In the case of the present embodiment, the double feed detection sensor 40 is an ultrasonic sensor, which includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 41 and a reception unit 42 thereof, and a conveyance medium such as paper. The double feed is detected based on the principle that the amount of attenuation of the ultrasonic wave passing through the transfer medium S is different between the case where S is multi-fed and the case where S is conveyed one by one.

  The medium detection sensor 50 disposed downstream of the double feed detection sensor 40 in the transport direction is upstream of the second transport unit 20 and upstream of the medium transport sensor disposed downstream of the first transport unit 10. This is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor that detects the behavior and state of the sheet), and the position of the transport medium S transported by the first transport unit 10, specifically, the detection position of the transport medium S is detected by the medium detection sensor 50. It detects whether the end has reached or passed. As the medium detection sensor 50, various types can be used. In the present embodiment, the medium detection sensor 50 is an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 51 and a light receiving unit 52 thereof. The transport medium S is detected on the principle that the intensity (light reception amount) changes.

  In the case of the present embodiment, when the leading end of the transport medium S is detected by the medium detection sensor 50, the above-described medium is moved so that the transport medium S has reached a position where double feed can be detected by the double feed detection sensor 40. The detection sensor 50 is provided near the double feed detection sensor 40 and on the downstream side thereof. The medium detection sensor 50 is not limited to the optical sensor described above. For example, a sensor (such as an image sensor) that can detect the end of the transport medium S may be used, or a lever-type sensor that projects to the route RT may be used. A sensor may be used.

  The medium detection sensor 60 that is different from the medium detection sensor 50 is an example of a downstream detection sensor that is disposed upstream of the image reading unit 70 and downstream of the second conveyance unit 20. The position of the transport medium S transported by the unit 20 is detected. As the medium detection sensor 60, various types can be used. In the case of the present embodiment, the medium detection sensor 60 is an optical sensor similarly to the medium detection sensor 50, includes a light emitting unit 61 and a light receiving unit 62, and The transport medium S is detected based on the principle that the light receiving intensity (light receiving amount) changes upon arrival or passage. In the present embodiment, the medium detection sensors 50 and 60 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction of the second transport unit 20, respectively, but only one of them may be provided.

  The image reading unit 70 downstream of the medium detection sensor 60 is, for example, a device that optically scans, converts the data into an electric signal and reads the image data, and internally includes a light source such as an LED, an image sensor, and a lens array. Etc. are provided. In the case of the present embodiment, one image reading unit 70 is arranged on each side of the route RT, and reads the front and back surfaces of the transport medium S. However, a configuration in which one is arranged only on one side of the route RT and only one side of the transport medium S is read may be adopted. Further, in the present embodiment, the image reading units 70 have a structure in which the image reading units 70 are arranged on both sides of the route RT. However, for example, they may be arranged at intervals in the direction of the route RT.

  The control unit 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control unit 8 of the image reading device A.

  The control unit 8 includes a CPU 81, a storage unit 82, an operation unit 83, a communication unit 84, and an interface unit 85. The CPU 81 controls the entire image reading apparatus A by executing a program stored in the storage unit 82. The storage unit 82 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The operation unit 83 includes, for example, a switch, a touch panel, and the like, and receives an operation from an operator.

  The communication unit 84 is an interface that performs information communication with an external device. When a PC (personal computer) is assumed as the external device, examples of the communication unit 84 include a USB interface and a SCSI interface. Further, in addition to such a wired communication interface, the communication unit 84 may be a wireless communication interface, and may include both wired and wireless communication interfaces.

  The interface unit 85 is an I / O interface for inputting and outputting data to and from the actuator 86 and the sensor 87. The actuator 86 includes the drive unit 3, the drive unit 4, the transmission unit 5, and the like. The sensor 87 includes the double feed detection sensor 40, the medium detection sensors 50 and 60, the image reading unit 70, and the like.

  The basic operation of the image reading device A will be described. The control unit 8 starts driving the first to third transport units 10 to 30, for example, when receiving an instruction to start image reading from an external personal computer to which the image reading apparatus A is connected. The transport media S loaded on the mounting table 1 are transported one by one from the transport media S located at the lowest position.

  During the conveyance, the double feed detection sensor 40 determines the presence / absence of the double feed by the double feed detection sensor 40. If it is determined that there is no double feed, the conveyance is continued. If it is determined that there is a double feed, the conveyance is stopped or the first conveyance unit 10 stops taking in the subsequent conveyance medium S, and the conveyance medium S in the multi-feed state is discharged as it is. It may be.

  The control unit 8 starts reading images of the transport medium S transported by the second transport unit 20 by the image reading units 70 and 70 at a timing based on the detection result of the medium detection sensor 60, and reads the read image. The data is temporarily stored and transmitted to an external personal computer. The transport medium S from which the image has been read is discharged to the discharge tray 2 by the third transport unit 30, and the image reading processing of the transport medium S ends.

<Holder>
When reading a booklet as the transport medium S, for example, pages may be turned up or paper jams may occur due to the separation action of the separation roller 12. Therefore, such a transport medium S is accommodated in a holder and transported.

  FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and particularly shows a state in which a passport B in a facing state is accommodated. FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the holder 100, and FIG. 3C is a plan view of the holder 100. The holder 100 accommodates a stepped transfer medium S and enables mechanical transfer thereof. By setting the holder 100 and the image reading device A, it is possible to read a thin medium such as paper and a booklet. A simple image reading system is configured.

  Holder 100 includes plate portion 101a, plate portion 102b, and fixing portion FP. The plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a face each other to form a storage pocket 103 for storing the passport B in a gap therebetween. The fixing portion FP fixes the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102b to each other, and defines the edge of the storage pocket 103.

  Refer mainly to FIGS. 3A and 3C. The outer shape of the holder 100 is not particularly limited, but is rectangular in the present embodiment. The holder 100 has four sides 100a to 100d. The sides 100a and 100b face each other, and the sides 100c and 100d face each other. In the case of the present embodiment, the side 100a is the downstream end and the side 100b is the upstream end in the transport direction D1 as a normal mounting state on the mounting table 1 (a mounting state taught to the user such as a manual). Is assumed. It is assumed that the passport B is accommodated in the accommodation pocket 103 as shown in FIG. 3A (A) with the opening direction of the passport B being the transport direction D1 as a normal accommodation mode.

  In the drawing, an arrow D2 indicates a direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1. The direction D2 may be referred to as the width direction of the holder 100. The sides 100a and 100b are parallel to the width direction D2 and are orthogonal to the transport direction D1. Conversely, the sides 100c and 100d are orthogonal to the width direction D2 and parallel to the transport direction D1.

  The fixed part FP includes a fixed area 104 and a fixed area 105. The fixed area 104 is located downstream of the holder 100 in the transport direction D1, and is formed along the width direction D2 (along the side 100a). In the case of the present embodiment, the fixed area 104 is located at the downstream end of the holder 100 in the transport direction D1. Further, they are formed continuously along the width direction D2. The fixed area 105 is located on the upstream side of the holder 100 in the transport direction D1, and is formed along the width direction D2 (along the side 100b). In the case of the present embodiment, the fixed area 105 is located at the upstream end of the holder 100 in the transport direction D1. Further, they are formed continuously along the width direction D2.

  The fixed region 104 defines the edge of the downstream end in the transport direction D1 of the storage pocket 103, and the fixed region 105 defines the edge of the upstream end in the transport direction D1 of the storage pocket 103. As described above, in the present embodiment, the edges of both ends in the transport direction D1 of the storage pocket 103 are defined by the fixing portions FP. On the other hand, both sides (sides 100c, 100d) of the storage pocket 103 in the transport direction D1 are open, and the passport B can be put in and out through these openings.

  The length L1 between both ends of the storage pocket 103 in the transport direction D1 can be substantially the same as the length L of the passport B in the spread state in the spread direction. For example, 0.95 × L ≦ L1 ≦ 1.20 × L. 1.00 × L ≦ L1 can be satisfied in terms of ease of putting in and taking out the passport B. In addition, L1 ≦ 1.10 × L can be satisfied from the viewpoint of preventing displacement described below.

  The fixing portion FP is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line CL of the holder 100 in the width direction D2, as shown in FIG. Generally, the portion where the fixing portion FP is formed has higher rigidity than the portion where the fixing portion FP is not formed, and the portion where the fixing portion FP is formed is less likely to be deformed. By arranging the fixing portions FP symmetrically with respect to the center line CL, the rigidity distribution becomes equal when viewed in the width direction D2. It becomes difficult to do.

  Refer mainly to FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the case of this embodiment, the holder 100 is configured by laminating a sheet-shaped cover member 101 and a sheet-shaped base member 102. The cover member 101 forms a plate portion 101a, and the base member 102 forms a plate portion 102a.

  The material of the cover member 101 and the material of the base member 102 are materials having elasticity, for example, plastic materials such as vinyl chloride and PET. The outer shapes of the cover member 101 and the base member 102 of the present embodiment (in other words, the outer shapes of the plate portions 101a and 102a) are the same. In a state in which the passport B is not accommodated, the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102b are in a posture substantially in contact with each other. When accommodating the passport B, the user takes advantage of the elastic deformation of the cover member 101 and the base member 102 as shown in FIG. As shown in (A), the side of the storage pocket 103 is opened, and the passport B in the double-page state is inserted into the storage pocket 103. At this time, since the passport B is sandwiched in the storage pocket 103 by the elastic deformation of the cover member 101 and the base member 102, the inner surface of the cover member 101 or the base member 102 substantially adheres to the passport B in the double-paged state. .

  In the present embodiment, since it is assumed that the image reading apparatus A reads the passport B, at least one of the cover member 101 and the base member 102 is transparent. Both may be transparent, but in the case of single-sided reading, it is sufficient that one is transparent, and the other may be colored such as white. Specifically, the cover member 101 (plate portion 101a) may be made transparent, and the base member 102 (plate portion 102a) may be colored. When the colored base member 102 (plate portion 102a) is used as described above, the base member 102 forms a background plate of the passport B at the time of image reading.

  The fixing region 104 can be formed by interposing the adhesive layer 104a between the cover member 101 and the base member 102 and bonding them. Similarly, the fixing region 105 can be formed by interposing the adhesive layer 105a between the cover member 101 and the base member 102 and bonding them. The fixing portion FP may be formed by welding other than such adhesion depending on the material of the cover member 101 and the base member 102.

  Next, the function of the holder 100 will be described. In the passport B in the double-page spread state, a step STP occurs between pages as shown in FIG. When the read page is the back of the cover (the back of the cover when the cover is opened), the drop of the step STP becomes particularly large. When the step STP passes between the rollers of the transport mechanism, a force in the transport direction D1 acts on the step STP from the rollers, and the passport B is likely to shift. This affects the quality of the read image. In the case of the present embodiment, since the edges of both ends in the transport direction D1 of the storage pocket 103 are defined by the fixed portion FP, the passport B is substantially compressed in the storage pocket 103 that matches the size of the passport B. Since it is fixed (gripped and fixed), it is possible to smoothly carry the passport B while suppressing this displacement. FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram thereof.

  FIG. 4B shows a stage in which the passport B is accommodated in the holder 100 and conveyed, and the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 cross over the step STP. At this time, a load may act on the step STP in the direction D3 opposite to the transport direction D1 or in the direction D3 'in the same direction as the transport direction D1. This causes the position of the passport B to shift within the holder 100. In particular, when the sheet passes through a transporting part having a separating action such as the separating roller 12, this positional deviation is likely to occur.

  However, in the present embodiment, the fixed region 104 and the fixed region 105 are located at both ends of the storage pocket 103 in the transfer direction D1, so that the position of the passport B in the transfer direction D1 within the storage pocket 103 is shifted. Is suppressed. Particularly, in the region 103b on the upstream side of the storage pocket 103, the end of the passport B is sandwiched between the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 101b due to the fixing of the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 101b by the fixing region 105. The passport B is substantially subjected to the pinching force (compressive stress) by the action of the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 101b. Further, in the region 103a on the downstream side of the storage pocket 103, the end of the passport B is sandwiched between the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 101b by the fixing of the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 101b by the fixing region 104. The movement of the passport B in the direction D3 'is also suppressed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the movement of the passport B in the carrying direction D1 in the storage pocket 103 is suppressed, the positional displacement hardly occurs, and the carrying property of the passport B can be improved.

  Next, when the rigidity of the plate portion 101a (or the rigidity of the plate portion 101b; the same applies hereinafter) is low, for example, the plate portion 101a or the plate portion 101b follows the shape of the step STP around the step STP, and the roller is It is difficult to get over the step STP. FIG. 4C shows an example. FIG. 2 shows a state immediately before the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 cross over the step STP. The separation roller 12 is urged toward the feed roller 11 in the C4 direction by a spring CS. If the rigidity of the plate portion 101a is low, as shown in FIG. 4C, the plate portion 101a is deformed following the shape of the step STP, and a large resistance occurs when the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12 cross over the step STP. Becomes

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 4D, the plate portion 101a has a rigidity that is more slowly deformed than at least the step STP or a rigidity that does not follow the step at a portion overlapping the step STP. Is preferred. Thereby, the separation roller 12 is appropriately separated from the feed roller 11 against the spring CS, so that the separation roller 12 easily gets over the step STP. As shown in FIG. 4D, if the plate portion 101a has a rigidity that linearly crosses the step STP, the roller can more smoothly pass over the step STP. That is, the plate portion 101a exerts a repulsive force against the pressing of the roller across the step STP in the transport direction of the passport B to substantially convert the step STP into an inclination. The load that the roller receives from the step STP interposed between the roller and the step STP can be greatly reduced.

  In order to obtain such rigidity, when the material of the cover member 101 and the base member 102 is plastic, the thickness can be set to 0.25 mm or more and 0.60 mm or less. Further, the thickness can be set to 0.35 mm or more and 0.45 mm or less in terms of securing rigidity and facilitating the insertion and removal of the passport B. The thickness of both the cover member 101 and the base member 102 may be within such a numerical range, or the thickness of one member (particularly, the member facing the step STP) may be within such a numerical range. It is good also as thing of. The cover member 101 and the base member 102 may be made of the same rigid material or different rigid materials. For example, a material having higher rigidity may be used on the reading surface side of the passport B. It is better to use That is, it is preferable that the cover member 101 and / or the base member 102 be formed of a member having a repulsive force that is sufficient to relieve the step STP substantially against the pressing force received from the roller during conveyance. The cover member 101 or the base member 102 can be made of a plastic plate, for example, so that the characteristics of the leaf spring provided on the plastic plate can be utilized for the repulsive force. Become.

<Other configuration examples of holder>
In the examples of FIGS. 3A to 3C, the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a have the same shape, but may have different sizes and shapes. 5A to 5C show examples in which the plate portion 102a is larger than the plate portion 101a. Conversely, the plate portion 101a may be larger than the plate portion 102a.

  In the example of FIG. 5A, the plate portion 102a is generally larger than the plate portion 101a. In the example of FIG. 5B, the plate portion 102a is larger than the plate portion 101a only in the width direction D2. In the example of FIG. 5C, the plate portion 102a is larger than the plate portion 101a only in the transport direction D1.

  Next, in the examples of FIGS. 3A to 3C, the plate portion 101 a and the plate portion 102 a are configured by the cover member 101 and the base member 102, which are separate members, respectively. You may comprise from a member. FIG. 3D shows an example. In the example shown in the figure, the sheet-like member 110 is folded in two and attached with the adhesive layer 104. The fixing region 105 is a bent portion of the member 110.

  Next, in the examples of FIGS. 3A to 3C, the fixing regions are provided only at both ends in the transport direction D1 of the storage pocket 103 (104, 105), but may be provided at other portions. .

  FIG. 6A shows an example. In the example shown in the figure, in addition to the fixed regions 104 and 105, a fixed region 106 is formed along the side 100d. The entrance of the storage pocket 103 is only on the side 100c side. According to this configuration, the deformation of the storage pocket 103 is easily suppressed. However, the fixed portion FP is not symmetrically disposed with respect to the center line CL, and the rigidity of the side 100d is higher than that of the side 100c. For this reason, the holder 100 may be easily bent toward the side 100c, and may be easily skewed.

  FIG. 6B shows another example. In the example of FIG. 7, in addition to the fixed regions 104 and 105, a fixed region 106 is formed along the side 100d, and a fixed region 107 is formed along the side 100c. The fixed regions 106 and 107 do not extend over the entire length of the sides 100d and 100c, and the entrance of the storage pocket 103 can be opened from both sides 100c and 100d. Further, since the fixed portion FP is symmetrically disposed with respect to the center line CL, skew is suppressed. According to this configuration, the rigidity of the region on the side 105 side of the storage pocket 103 is increased, and the pinching force (or compressive force) of the passport B on the side 105 side can be improved. By making the distance between the fixed area 106 and the fixed area 107 larger than the width of the passport B, the end of the passport B is inserted between the fixed area 106 and the fixed area 107 so that the storage pocket 103 can be inserted. And the displacement of the passport B in the width direction D2 during transport can be suppressed.

  FIG. 6C shows another example. In the example of FIG. 7, in addition to the fixed regions 104 and 105, fixed regions 106A and 106B are formed along the side 100d, and fixed regions 107A and 107B are formed along the side 100c. The fixed areas 106A, 106B, 107A, and 107B do not extend over the entire length of the sides 100d and 100c, and the entrance of the storage pocket 103 can be provided from both the sides 100c and 100d. Further, since the fixed portion FP is symmetrically disposed with respect to the center line CL, skew is suppressed. According to this configuration, the rigidity of the region on the side 100b side and the region on the side 100a side of the storage pocket 103 is increased, and the holding force of the passport B on the side 100b side and the side 100a side can be improved. In addition, similarly to the configuration example of FIG. 6B, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the passport B in the width direction D2 during the transport.

  Next, in the examples of FIGS. 3A to 3C, the fixed regions 104 and 105 are formed continuously, but may be formed intermittently. FIG. 7A shows an example. In the example shown in the figure, the fixed region 104 is formed by a plurality of small regions 104 'formed intermittently along the side 100a. Similarly, the fixed region 105 is formed by a plurality of small regions 105 'formed intermittently along the side 100b. Since the fixed portion FP is disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL, skew is suppressed.

  Next, in the examples of FIGS. 3A to 3C, the fixing regions 104 and 105 fix the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a inseparably, but may fix them so that they can be separated. . FIG. 7B shows an example. In the example shown in the figure, the fixing area 104 is formed by a plurality of fixing tools 104 'intermittently arranged along the side 100a. Similarly, the fixing region 104 is formed by a plurality of fixing tools 105 'intermittently arranged along the side 100b. Since the fixed portion FP is disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL, skew is suppressed.

  FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of the fixing tool 104 '. The fixing tool 104' includes an engaging tool K1 fixed to the plate portion 101a and an engaging tool K2 fixed to the plate portion 102a. The plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a are fixed by fitting the projection of the engagement member K2 into the hole formed in the engagement member K1, and the plate portion 101a and the plate portion The part 102a is separated. The fixture 105 'has the same configuration. Note that a hook-and-loop fastener may be used as the fixing tool 104 ′ or the fixing tool 105 ′. In this case, the fixing regions 104 and 105 can be formed continuously. By making the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a separable, it is possible to easily accommodate the passport B, and in particular, it is possible to improve the accommodation when the rigidity of the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a is increased.

  FIG. 7C shows another example. In the example shown in the figure, in addition to the fixing regions 104 and 105, a fixing region 106 along the side 100d and a fixing region 107 along the side 100c are also formed by a plurality of fixing tools 106 'and 107'. The fixtures 106 'and 107' can use the example shown in FIG. 7D or a hook-and-loop fastener. Since the fixed portion FP is disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL, skew is suppressed. By making the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a separable, it is possible to easily accommodate the passport B, and in particular, it is possible to improve the accommodation when the rigidity of the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a is increased. In addition, the displacement of the passport B in the width direction D2 during transport can be suppressed.

  Next, through-holes may be formed in the plate portions 101a and 102a. FIG. 8A shows an example. In the example shown in the drawing, a plurality of through holes 102b are formed in the plate portion 102a. Since the fingertip can enter the storage pocket 103 through the through-hole 102b, the passport B in the storage pocket 103 can be easily inserted and removed. The through-hole 102b may be formed in the plate portion 101a, but it is better not to form the through-hole 102b in the case where the through-hole 102b serves as an image reading surface in consideration of reflection. Further, it is preferable that the position of the through hole 102b is a position that does not face the step STP. When the through hole 102b faces the step STP, the deformation of the plate portion at the step STP may be promoted.

  In the example of FIG. 8A, an index PR indicating the transport direction D1 is displayed on the plate 102a. The index PR is an arrow graphic in the example of FIG. This allows the user to recognize the transport direction D1. The index PR may be formed on the plate portion 101a, but it is better not to form the index PR in consideration of the reflection when it is to be a reading surface of an image.

  Next, the fixing portion FP may function as a spacer between the plate portion 101a and the plate portion 102a. FIG. 8B shows an example. In the example shown in the figure, the adhesive layers 104a and 105b are composed of a spacer base material such as plastic and an adhesive provided on the surface thereof. Depending on the height of the spacer base material, the plate portions 101a and 102a are formed. Is defined. By widening the gap W, the transport medium S having a larger step STP can be transported.

<Other embodiments>
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the holder 100 is applied to the image reading device A has been described. However, the holder 100 is also applicable to an information reading device that reads information other than an image. Examples of the information to be read include magnetic information such as banknotes and stored information such as a wireless IC tag. The reading device may be a device that forms part of a copier or a multifunction peripheral. In addition, the holder 100 is applicable to various devices including a transport mechanism in addition to the reading device.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a booklet such as a passport is stored in the holder 100 is illustrated. However, the type stored in the holder 100 is not limited to this, and various media having a step can be stored.

100 holder, 101a plate portion, 102a plate portion, FP fixing portion, 104 fixing region, 105 fixing region, D1 transport direction

Claims (10)

A holder for accommodating the passport in a spread state,
A roller for transporting the holder as a transport medium,
An image reading unit that reads an image of the passport in the facing state accommodated in the holder conveyed by the roller,
The holder, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are fixed at the leading end side and the rear end side in the transport direction of the holder to form a storage portion in which the double-passed passport is stored, Both sides in the transport direction of the storage section are open,
The fixing portion for fixing the first plate portion and the second plate portion is located on the distal end side in the transport direction of the holder, and a first fixing region along a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, A second fixing region located on the rear end side in the transfer direction of the holder and along the width direction,
The distance L1 between the first fixed region and the second fixed region in the transport direction is L ≦ L1 ≦ 1.10 ×, where L is the width in the longitudinal direction of the passport in the spread state. Satisfy the relationship of L,
The first plate portion and the second plate portion have a rigidity that linearly straddles the step of the passport by being a plastic material having a thickness of 0.25 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less,
The image reading system, wherein the passport is conveyed by the rollers while being held and fixed to the holder by being accommodated in the holder so that the longitudinal direction and the conveying direction are parallel to each other. .   The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the fixing unit functions as a spacer that defines a gap between the first plate unit and the second plate unit.   3. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the passport is sandwiched between the housing portions by elastically deforming the first plate portion and the second plate portion. 4. Having another roller disposed opposite to be in pressure contact with the roller,
The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the holder is conveyed while being held between the roller and the other roller.   The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein a part of the first fixed area is formed along a side of the holder parallel to the transport direction. A separation mechanism for separating the plurality of transport media one by one and transporting the transport media in the transport direction;
A transport mechanism disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the separation mechanism,
The separation mechanism includes a feed roller and a separation roller disposed to face the feed roller,
The transport mechanism includes a driving roller and a driven roller driven by the driving roller,
6. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the roller that conveys the holder is one of the feed roller of the separation mechanism and a drive roller of the conveyance mechanism. 7.   The holder in which the passport in the facing state is accommodated in the accommodating portion so that the read page faces the first plate portion side is transported by a roller that transports the holder, and the first image reading unit is used to transport the holder. The image reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an image of the read page of the passport is read through a plate portion of (i). A holder for enabling a transport in a state in which a passport is accommodated in a double-page spread state by the transport roller of an image reading apparatus including an image reading unit and a transport roller capable of transporting a transport medium to the image reading unit. And
A first plate portion and a second plate portion are fixed at the front end side and the rear end side in the transport direction of the holder to form a storage portion for storing the double-opened passport, and the storage portion Both sides in the transport direction are open,
The fixing portion for fixing the first plate portion and the second plate portion is located on the distal end side in the transport direction of the holder, and a first fixing region along a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction, A second fixing region located on the rear end side in the transfer direction of the holder and along the width direction,
The distance L1 between the first fixed region and the second fixed region in the transport direction is L ≦ L1 ≦ 1.10 ×, where L is the width in the longitudinal direction of the passport in the spread state. Satisfy the relationship of L,
The first plate portion and the second plate portion have a rigidity that linearly straddles the step of the passport by being a plastic material having a thickness of 0.25 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less,
The holder is characterized in that the passport is accommodated in the holder such that the longitudinal direction and the carrying direction are parallel to each other, so that the passport is carried by the carrying roller while being held and fixed to the holder. In the region of the accommodation portion on the tip side in the transport direction, the first plate portion and the second plate portion sandwich the end of a passport so that the first plate portion and the second plate portion sandwich the end portion of the passport. The plate portion and the second plate portion are fixed to each other,
In the area on the rear end side in the transport direction of the storage section, the first plate section and the second plate section sandwich the end of a passport, so that the second The holder according to claim 8 , wherein one plate portion and the second plate portion are fixed to each other. Wherein that first plate portion and the second plate portion is elastically deformed, holder according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that sandwich the passport in the accommodating portion.

Images