Image reading apparatus

A scanner includes a reading unit that reads an image of a paper, a medium feeding portion that is capable of selecting a first feeding mode in which a separation feeding for separately feeding a paper bundle in which a plurality of sheets of paper is overlapped with each other is performed and a second feeding mode in which a non-separation feeding for collectively feeding the paper bundle without separating is performed, and a pair of first transporting rollers and a pair of second transporting rollers that transport the paper fed by the medium feeding portion, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the paper in the second feeding mode, a first driven roller and a second driven roller respectively constituting the pair of first transporting rollers and the pair of second transporting rollers are driven in a rotation direction where the paper is transported.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus reading an original document.

2. Related Art

In a scanner which is an example of an image reading apparatus, an automatic document feeder (also refer to as ADF) which automatically feeds an original document as a medium is provided, and the scanner may be configured to automatically feed and read a plurality of the original documents.

In the image reading apparatus having such a configuration, there is a need for a user to read a booklet-like body such as a passport or a passbook.

In a case in which an opened page of the booklet body is read by the automatic document feeder which automatically feeds the plurality of the original documents, the automatic document feeder is designed to separate overlapped pages and to send the pages one by one, thus is incapable of feeding the opened booklet body, and furthermore, there is a concern that paper jam (clogging) may be generated and the pages of the booklet body may be impaired.

In addition, there is a case in which the opened booklet body is thick, the booklet body is not capable of passing between two rollers of a pair of transporting rollers which transports a medium, and thus a non-feed state is caused.

Here, as a scanner capable of feeding the booklet body with the automatic document feeder, there is a scanner which is configured to place the booklet body in a state in which a page to be read is opened in a transparent holder and to feed the booklet body with the automatic document feeder (for example, JP-A-2016-174247).

However, in the scanner disclosed in JP-A-2016-174247 which transports and reads the booklet body placed in the holder, an effort is required for placing the booklet body in the holder.

In addition, a thickness of the booklet body placed in the holder is thicker than that of the booklet body alone, and thus a problem of generation of the non-feed in the pair of transporting rollers is not solved.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an image reading apparatus which is capable of easily and appropriately reading a booklet body.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus including a reading unit that reads an image of a medium, a medium feeding portion that is capable of selecting a first feeding mode in which a separation feeding for separately feeding a media bundle in which a plurality of media is overlapped with each other is performed, and a second feeding mode in which a non-separation feeding for collecting and feeding the media bundle without separating is performed, in a case in which the medium placed on a medium placing portion is fed toward the reading unit, a driving roller that is provided on a downstream side of the medium feeding portion in a medium feeding direction, and a driven roller that is driven and rotated in accordance with rotation of the driving roller, in which, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, the driven roller is driven in a rotation direction where the medium is transported.

In this configuration, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, since the driven roller is driven in a rotation direction where the medium is transported, the second feeding mode is performed, it is possible to simply set and feed a medium bundle (for example, booklet body such as a passport or a passbook or a bundle of paperwork) having a concern of occurrence of a feeding failure or a paper jam when the medium bundle is separated one by one and fed by performing the second feeding mode, and also a concern of a so-called non-feed state in which the medium bundle which is thicker than one medium is not capable of entering between the driving roller and the driven roller is reduced, and an appropriate transportation of the medium bundle can be realized.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus including a reading unit that reads an image of a medium, a medium feeding portion that is capable of selecting a first feeding mode in which a separation feeding for separating and feeding a media bundle in which a plurality of media is overlapped with each other is performed, and a second feeding mode in which a non-separation feeding for collecting and feeding the media bundle without separating is performed, in a case in which the medium placed on a medium placing portion is fed toward the reading unit, a driving roller that is provided on a downstream side of the medium feeding portion in a medium feeding direction, and a driven roller that is driven and rotated in accordance with rotation of the driving roller, in which, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, a contact load being applied by the driven roller to driving roller is set to be smaller than a contact load of a case in which the first feeding mode is performed.

In this configuration, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, since the contact load being applied by the driven roller to the driving roller is smaller than the contact load of a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the first feeding mode, the second feeding mode is performed, a medium bundle having a concern of generation of a feeding failure or a paper jam when the medium is fed while being separated one by one can be simply set and fed, and also a concern that a so-called non-feed state in which the medium bundle which is thicker than one sheet of a medium is not entered between the driving roller and the driven roller can be reduced, and an appropriate transportation of the medium bundle can be realize.

Also, the contact load of a case of performing the second feeding mode simply needs to be smaller than the contact load in the case of performing the first feeding mode, and the contact load may also be zero.

In the image reading apparatus, a load applying unit that includes a spring supporting portion which is displaceable along a direction where the driven roller applies the contact load to the driving roller, and a pressing spring which is provided between the spring supporting portion and the driven roller and presses the driven roller may be further included, in which the contact load may be adjusted by displacing the spring supporting portion.

In this configuration, it is possible to easily adjust the contact load being applied to the driving roller by driven roller.

In the image reading apparatus, the driven roller is configured to be separable from the driving roller, and in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, the driven roller is separated from the driving roller.

In this configuration, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, since the driven roller is separated from the driving roller, the contact load in the second feeding mode is set to zero, and thus it is possible to further reduce a concern of generation of a non-feed.

In the image reading apparatus, the medium feeding portion includes a feeding roller that feeds the medium, and a separating roller that is configured to be displaceable between a contact state of coming into contact with the feeding roller and a separation state of being separated from the feeding roller, in which, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the first feeding mode, the separating roller is set in the contact state and is rotary-driven in a reverse rotation direction reverse to a normal rotation direction which is a rotation direction of a case in which the medium is fed in a reading direction by the reading unit, and in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, the separating roller is set in the separation state.

In this configuration, it is possible to easily realize switching of the medium feeding portion between the first feeding mode and the second feeding mode.

In the image reading apparatus, a medium detecting portion that is provided between the medium feeding portion and the driving roller at the closest position to the medium feeding portion, and detects the medium may be included, in a case in which the medium detecting portion detects passing of a distal end of a medium which is fed by the medium feeding portion in the second feeding mode, the separating roller may be set in the contact state and may be rotary-driven in the normal rotation direction.

In this configuration, in a case in which the medium bundle to be fed in some degree by the feeding roller, the separating roller can be set in the contact state and be rotary-driven in the normal rotation direction. Accordingly, a transporting force can be applied to the medium bundle by the separating roller rotary-driven in the normal rotation direction and the feeding roller.

In the image reading apparatus, the medium feeding portion may include a feeding roller that feeds the medium, a separating roller that is rotary-driven in a reverse rotation direction reverse to the normal rotation direction which is a rotation direction of a case in which at least a medium is fed in a reading direction by the reading unit, and a power transmitting mechanism that includes a train wheel constituted by a plurality of toothed wheels meshing with each other, and transmits power from a driving source to the separating roller, in which, in a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds the medium in the second feeding mode, meshing of a part of the plurality of toothed wheels constituting the train wheel may be released.

In this configuration, it is possible to easily realize switching of the medium feeding portion between the first feeding mode and the second feeding mode.

In the image reading apparatus, the reading unit includes a first reading unit that reads a first surface of the medium fed by the medium feeding portion and a second reading unit that reads a second surface which is an opposite surface of the first surface, and is configured to be displaceable a gap between the first reading unit and the second reading unit, and the gap in a case in which the medium feeding portion performs the second feeding mode is set to be wider than a gap in a case in which the medium feeding portion performs the first feeding mode.

In this configuration, since the gap between the first reading unit and the second reading unit is configured to be changeable, and the gap in a case in which the medium feeding portion performs the second feeding mode set to be wider than the gap in a case in which the medium feeding portion performs the first feeding mode, it is possible to reduce a concern that the medium bundle thicker than a medium to be transported one by one is caught between the first reading unit and the second reading unit so as to generate a paper jam.

In the image reading apparatus, the driven roller may include a page turning mechanism.

In this configuration, in a case in which a plurality of sheets of a media bundle is a booklet body, it is possible to automatically turn and read pages thereof.

In the image reading apparatus, the page turning mechanism may turn over a medium on the uppermost of the media bundle by the driven roller which is rotary-driven in a reverse rotation direction where the medium is transported in a direction reverse to a reading direction by the reading unit.

In this configuration, it is possible to simply form a configuration of the page turning mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

First, an outline of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention will be described.

As an example of the image reading apparatus in the embodiment, a document scanner (hereinafter, simply refer to as scanner1) which is capable of reading at least one surface of a front surface and a rear surface of paper as a “medium” is exemplified.

FIG. 1is an exterior perspective view illustrating a scanner according to a first embodiment.FIG. 2is a side sectional view illustrating a paper transporting path in the scanner according to the first embodiment.FIG. 3is a schematic side sectional view illustrating the scanner according to the first embodiment.

Regarding an X-Y-Z coordinate system illustrated in each drawing, an X direction indicates a paper width direction which is an apparatus width direction, and a Y direction indicates a paper transporting direction. A Z direction indicates a direction intersecting the Y direction and substantially orthogonal to a surface of the paper being basically transported. In addition, a +Y direction side is set to an apparatus front surface side, and a −Y direction side is set to an apparatus rear surface side. In addition, a left side seen from the apparatus front surface side is set to a +X direction, and a right side is set to a −X direction. In addition, a +Z direction is set to an upper side (including upper portion, upper surface, and the like) of the apparatus, and a −Z direction side is set to a lower side (including lower portion, lower surface, and the like) of the apparatus. In addition, a direction (+Y direction side) where paper P is fed is set to a “downstream”, and an opposite direction thereof (−Y direction side) is set to an “upstream”.

Outline of Scanner

Hereinafter, a scanner1according to the invention will be described mainly with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.

The scanner1illustrated inFIG. 1includes an apparatus main body2in which a reading unit20(FIG. 2) reading an image of paper P (medium) is included.

The apparatus main body2is configured with a lower portion3and an upper portion4. The upper portion4is attached to be capable of being opened and closed based on a downstream side of the lower portion3in a paper transporting direction as a rotation fulcrum, the upper portion4is opened by being rotated on the front surface side of the apparatus, and a paper jam process of the paper P is easily performed by exposing a paper transporting path of the paper P.

A medium placing portion11on which the paper P is placed is provided on the apparatus rear surface side (−Y axis direction side) of the apparatus main body2. In the medium placing portion11, a booklet body G (FIG. 3) in which the plurality of sheets of paper is provided in a booklet-like form can be placed as an original document, in addition to being capable of placing a paper bundle in which the plurality of sheets of paper P is overlapped with each other. InFIG. 3, the spread booklet body G is set so that a stapled rear part thereof is placed along a width direction (X axis direction).

Also, the medium placing portion11is provided to be detachable with respect to the apparatus main body2. A reference number11aindicates a placing surface11aof the paper P.

In addition, the medium placing portion11is provided with a pair of right and left edge guides12and12including a guide surface13for guiding a side edge in a width direction (X axis direction) intersecting a feeding direction (Y axis direction) of the paper P.

The edge guides12and12is provided to be slidably movable in the X axis direction in accordance with a size of the paper P. In the embodiment, the edge guides12and12are configured to follow an X movement of one edge guide12(for example, +X side) by a known rack-pinion mechanism, and to move in a direction opposite to the other edge guide12(−X side).

That is, in the medium placing portion11, it is configured that the paper P is provided at the center in the width direction, a feeding roller14to be described later is provided at a center region in the width direction, and thus paper is fed in a so-called center paper feeding method.

The medium placing portion11includes a first auxiliary paper support8and a second auxiliary paper support9. The first auxiliary paper support8and the second auxiliary paper support9can be accommodated in the medium placing portion11as illustrated inFIG. 2, and can be taken out from the medium placing portion11as illustrated inFIG. 1, such that a length of the placing surface11acan be adjusted.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, an apparatus front surface side of the upper portion4, an operation panel7for displaying operation of setting various reading or performing reading, contents of reading setting, and the like.

A feeding port6continue to an inside of the apparatus main body2is provided on an upper portion of the upper portion4, and the paper P placed on the medium placing portion11is fed toward the reading unit20(FIG. 2) provided inside the apparatus main body2from the feeding port6.

In addition, a paper discharging tray5to be described later is provided on an apparatus front surface side of the lower portion3.

Regarding Paper Transporting Path in Scanner

Next, with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, a paper transporting path in the scanner1will be described. Also, a dotted line inFIG. 2indicates the paper transporting path.

In the scanner1illustrated inFIG. 2, the paper P as an original document is fed toward the reading unit20from the medium placing portion11by the medium feeding portion10.

In the embodiment, the medium feeding portion10includes the feeding roller14feeding the paper P, and a separating roller15which nips the paper P between the separating roller and the feeding roller14and separates the paper P by rotating in a direction (in a counterclockwise direction whenFIG. 3is planarly viewed) opposite to a feeding direction of the paper P. The medium feeding portion10is configured to feed the paper in a center paper feeding method, and the feeding roller14and the separating roller15are provided on a center region in a medium width direction (X axis direction) intersecting a medium transporting direction (+Y direction).

In a case in which the paper P placed on the medium placing portion11is fed to the reading unit20, the medium feeding portion10is capable of selecting the “first feeding mode” in which separation feeding for separating and feeding the paper bundle in which the plurality of sheets of paper P is overlapped with each other is performed, the “second feeding mode” in which non-separation feeding for collecting and feeding the paper bundle without separating is performed.

Therefore, the scanner1sets the paper bundle, which has a concern for causing a feeding failure or a paper jam to be generated when the paper is fed while separating one by one, for example, the booklet body G (FIG. 3) or a bundle of paperwork such as a passport or a passbook as it is in the medium placing portion11without placing the paper bundle into a sheet holder or a case, and is capable of reading the paper bundle using the reading unit20, other than a case in which the paper which is separated one by one (separation feeding) and is fed is read.

Also, an operation of the medium feeding portion10is controlled by a controller19provided inside the apparatus main body2. In a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the paper in the “first feeding mode” or the “second feeding mode”, a specific operation of the medium feeding portion10will be described later.

In addition, a pair of first transporting rollers16and a pair of second transporting rollers17transporting the paper P fed by the feeding roller14(medium feeding portion10) are provided on a downstream side of the feeding roller14.

The reading unit20is provided between the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17.

InFIG. 2, the paper P placed on the medium placing portion11is picked up by the feeding roller14which is rotatably provided with respect to the lower portion3and is fed to a downstream side (+Y direction side). Specifically, when the feeding roller14comes into contact with a surface of the paper P facing the medium placing portion11and is rotated, the paper P is fed toward the downstream side. Therefore, in a case in which the plurality of sheets of paper P is set in the medium placing portion11in the scanner1, the plurality of paper is sequentially fed toward from the paper P on a placing surface11aside toward the downstream side.

The pair of first transporting rollers16is provided on an upstream side of the reading unit20, and transports the paper P fed by the feeding roller14toward the reading unit20. The pair of first transporting rollers16is configured with a first driving roller16a(driving roller) and a first driven roller16b(driven roller).

The pair of first transporting rollers16is also provided on a center region in the medium width direction in the same manner as the feeding roller14.

The reading unit20includes a first reading unit20aprovided on the upper portion4side and a second reading unit20bprovided on the lower portion3side. In the embodiment, the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20bare constituted by a contact type image sensor module (CISM) as an example.

The first reading unit20areads a front surface (surface toward upper side) as a “first surface” of the paper P, and the second reading unit20breads a rear surface (surface toward lower side) as a “second surface” which is an opposite surface of the “first surface”.

After at least one surface of the paper P the front surface and rear surface is read by the reading unit20, the paper P is nipped between the pair of second transporting rollers17positioned on the downstream side of the reading unit20and is discharged from the discharging port18provided on the apparatus front surface side of the lower portion3. The pair of second transporting rollers17is configured with a second driving roller17a(driving roller) and a second driven roller17b(driven roller) which is driven and rotated along rotation of the second driving roller17a.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the feeding roller14in the embodiment is rotary-driven by a first driving source26provided inside the lower portion3. In addition, the separating roller15, the first driving roller16a, and the second driving roller17aare rotary-driven by a second driving source27also illustratedFIG. 3.

The first driving source26and the second driving source27are controlled by the controller19, and accordingly, driving of the feeding roller14, the separating roller15, the first driving roller16a, and the second driving roller17aare controlled. That is, the controller19controls a feeding operation of the paper P.

In addition, the paper discharging tray5which can be pulled out from the discharging port18toward the apparatus front surface side is provided in the lower portion3. The paper discharging tray5takes a state of being accommodated on a bottom portion of the lower portion3(FIG. 1) and a state of being pulled to the apparatus front surface side which is not illustrated. In a state in which the paper discharging tray5is pulled out, the paper P discharged from the discharging port18can be loaded on the paper discharging tray5.

Also, as illustrated inFIG. 2, a first detecting portion22detecting presence and absence of the paper P placed on the medium placing portion11is provided inside a placing region of the paper of the medium placing portion11on a downstream side of a medium movement detecting portion21and on an upstream side of the feeding roller14in the medium feeding direction. In addition, a second detecting portion23, a third detecting portion24, and a fourth detecting portion25are sequentially provided on a downstream side of the feeding roller14, a downstream side of the pair of first transporting rollers16, and a downstream side of the pair of second transporting rollers17. A position of the paper P in the medium feeding direction can be detected by the second detecting portion23and the third detecting portion24.

The first detecting portion22, the second detecting portion23, the third detecting portion24, and the fourth detecting portion25are provided on a center region in the width direction.

As the first detecting portion22, the second detecting portion23, the third detecting portion24, and the fourth detecting portion25, a light sensor including a light emitting portion (illustration is omitted) emitting light and a light receiving portion (illustration is omitted) receiving reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting portion can be used. In addition, in addition to the light sensor, an ultrasonic type sensor including a transmitter emitting ultrasonic waves and a receiver provided to face the transmitter with paper to be transported therebetween can also be used. In addition, a lever type sensor, which detects displacement of a mechanical lever moved due to a contact of the paper to be transported in an optical type or an electric contact type manner, can also be used.

Regarding Configuration to Switch First Feeding Mode and Second Feeding Mode

Hereinafter, switching of the medium feeding portion10between the “first feeding mode” performing the separation feeding in which the paper bundle in which the plurality of sheets of paper P is overlapped with each other is separated and fed and the “second feeding mode” performing the non-separation feeding in which the paper bundle is collected and fed without separating will be described.

In the medium feeding portion10according to the embodiment, the separating roller15is configured to be displaceable between a contact state of coming into contact with the feeding roller14and a separation state of being separated from the feeding roller14.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the separating roller15is held by the holder28, and when the holder28is pressed by a pressing member29, the separating roller15is pressed toward the feeding roller14.

The separating roller15is configured to be displaceable in a direction of advancing and retreating with respect to the feeding roller14in each the holder28, and when the first eccentric cam30which is rotated by receiving a power from a not illustrated driving source controlled by the controller19is rotated, the separating roller15can be switched between the contact state (illustrated by solid line inFIG. 3) of coming into contact with the feeding roller14and the separation state (illustrated by dotted line inFIG. 3) in which the separating roller15is separated from the feeding roller14.

Also, inFIG. 3, the pressing member29and the first eccentric cam30in the separation state are also illustrated by a dotted line.

Also, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds paper in the “first feeding mode” in which the separation feeding of the paper is performed, the separating roller15is set in the contact state and is rotary-driven in a reverse rotation direction (counterclockwise direction whenFIG. 3is planarly viewed) reverse to a normal rotation direction (clockwise direction whenFIG. 3is planarly viewed) in a case in which the paper is fed in a reading direction (+Y direction) of the paper by the reading unit20. Thus, the lowest (lowermost) paper among the plurality of sheets of paper is separated and is fed by the feeding roller14.

Also, a torque limiter which is not illustrated is provided in the separating roller15, and in a case in which a medium is not present between the separating roller15and the feeding roller14or a case in which only one sheet of the medium is present therebetween, slippage is generated in the torque limiter described above, and the separating roller15is driven and rotated (clockwise direction inFIG. 3). If a medium subsequent to a second medium enters between the separating roller15and the feeding roller14, slippage is generated between the medium, and the separating roller15is reversely rotated by a rotation torque received from the second driving source27(counterclockwise direction inFIG. 3). In this way, double-feeding of medium is suppressed.

Meanwhile, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the paper in the “second feeding mode” in which the non-separation feeding of the paper is performed, the separating roller15is set in the separation state. When the separating roller15is separated from the feeding roller14, it is possible to decrease a paper separation ability of the separating roller15or to become the separating roller without the separation ability.

Accordingly, the paper bundle (booklet body G inFIG. 3) placed on the medium placing portion11can be fed in a state of not being separated, that is, in a non-separating state.

Also, in a case in which the separating roller15in the separation state is separated to a position where the separating roller dose not contact with the uppermost surface of the paper bundle (booklet body G) placed on the medium placing portion11, separation by the separating roller15is not performed. The separating roller15in the separation state may come into contact with the uppermost surface of the paper bundle (booklet body G) placed on the medium placing portion11, but in this case, the separating roller15can be freely rotated by stopping the rotation thereof or may be rotated when the rotation direction of the separating roller15is set to a normal rotation direction (clockwise direction whenFIG. 3is planarly viewed).

As seen from the above, when the contact state and the separation state of the separating roller15is switched, switching of the “first feeding mode” and the “second feeding mode” in the medium feeding portion10can be easily realized.

Regarding a Pair of First and Second Transporting Rollers

Here, as described in the problem to be solved in the invention, the booklet body G illustrated inFIG. 3is thick, and thus there may be a case in which the booklet body G fed by the medium feeding portion10becomes a non-feeding state because the booklet cannot be entered between the pair of first transporting rollers16or the pair of second transporting rollers17on the downstream side.

In order to suppress the non-feed of the booklet body G in the pair of first transporting rollers16or the pair of second transporting rollers17, in the scanner1, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the booklet in the “second feeding mode”, the first driven roller16bof the pair of first transporting rollers16and the second driven roller17bof the pair of second transporting rollers17are driven in a direction where each pair of transporting rollers transports the paper.

That is, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the booklet in the “second feeding mode”, the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bare rotated in a clockwise direction whenFIG. 3is planarly viewed.

In the embodiment, the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bare configured to receive power from the second driving source27and driving thereof is controlled by the controller19. Of course, the rollers can be configured to receive the power from the first driving source26and also configured to include the other driving source.

Also, a switching unit, which is not illustrated, for switching a transmission state in which power is transmitted from the first driving source26to the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17band a cut-off state of the transmission of the power is provided, and the switching unit is controlled by the controller19so as to be capable of switching a state in which the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bare driven and rotated and a state in which the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bare driven and rotated in accordance with the rotation of the first driving roller16aand the second driving roller17a.

As described above, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the paper in the “second feeding mode”, the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bare also rotary-driven in a direction where the paper is transported, the thick booklet body G is easily entered between the rollers of the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17, and accordingly, it is possible to suppress generation of non-feed in the pair of first transporting rollers16or the pair of second transporting rollers17and to realize appropriate transportation of the booklet body G.

Other Configuration in Second Feeding Mode

In a case in which the “second feeding mode” is performed, a configuration as follows can be used.

That is, in a case in which the second detecting portion23(FIG. 2andFIG. 3) provided as a “medium detecting portion” detecting the paper detects passing of a distal end of an original document (booklet body G) to be fed by the medium feeding portion10in the “second feeding mode” between the medium feeding portion10and the first driving roller16awhich is a “driving roller” at the closest position to the medium feeding portion10, the separating roller15is set in the contact state (state of separating roller15illustrated by solid line inFIG. 3) and is rotary-driven in the normal rotation direction (clockwise direction inFIG. 3).

After the booklet body G being fed by the feeding roller14is fed in some degree, when the separating roller15is set in the contact state and is rotary-driven in the normal rotation direction, the medium feeding portion10can be configured to apply a transporting force to the booklet body G. Accordingly, the booklet body G can be efficiently transported.

Also, a timing when the separating roller15is set in the contact state and is rotary-driven in the normal rotation direction is not limited to a timing when the second detecting portion23detects the booklet body G. For example, after a predetermined time elapses since the second detecting portion23detects the booklet body G, or after a predetermined amount of the booklet body is transported, the separating roller15may be switched from the separation state to the contact state and be rotary-driven in the normal rotation direction.

Regarding Reading Unit

Subsequently, a configuration of the reading unit20will be described.

The reading unit20illustrated inFIG. 3includes the first reading unit20apositioned on an upper side with the paper transporting path and the second reading unit20bpositioned on a lower side. That is, a gap between the reading surface of the first reading unit20aand the reading surface of the second reading unit20bbecomes a pass height of the paper transporting path.

Usually, the gap between the reading surface of the first reading unit20aand the reading surface of the second reading unit20bis set as a gap through which a thin paper passes, and thus the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20bare pressed in a direction close to each other. Thus, the reading surface of each reading unit surely comes into contact with the paper P (original document).

Also, inFIG. 3, a referent number31indicates a first pressing member31such as a coil spring pressing the first reading unit20ato the second reading unit20bside, and a referent number32indicates a second pressing member32such as a coli spring pressing the second reading unit20bto the first reading unit20aside.

In addition, any one of the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20bis configured to be displaceable in an advance and retreat manner with respect to the other, and the gap between the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20bcan be changed.

In the embodiment, a displacement mechanism is provided in the first reading unit20aand is configured to displace the first reading unit20abetween an advanced position illustrated by a solid line inFIG. 3and a retreated position illustrated by a dotted line inFIG. 3as well. As the displacement mechanism, a second eccentric cam33which is rotated by a not illustrated driving source is provided. The driving source is controlled by the controller19, and rotation of the second eccentric cam33is also controlled, and thereby making it possible to adjust the gap between the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20b.

Here, the controller19controls to set the gap between the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20bin a case in which the medium feeding portion10performs the “second feeding mode” to be widen than the gap in a case in which the reading unit performs the “first feeding mode”.

That is, in a case in which the booklet body G is fed in the “second feeding mode”, the gap between the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20bis spread. Thus, it is possible to reduce a concern that the booklet body G thicker than the paper P to be transported one by one is caught between the first reading unit20aand the second reading unit20bso as to generate a paper jam.

Second Embodiment

In the embodiment, with reference toFIG. 4, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds paper in the “second feeding mode”, the other examples of the configuration of the pair of first transporting rollers16or the pair of second transporting rollers17in order to suppress the non-feed of the booklet body G.

FIG. 4is a schematic side sectional view illustrating of a scanner according to a second embodiment.

Also, in embodiments subsequent to this embodiment, the same reference number is given to the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

The non-feed of the booklet body G in the pair of first transporting rollers16or the pair of second transporting rollers17can also be suppressed by a configuration as follows.

That is, with respect to the pair of first transporting rollers16, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds paper in the “second feeding mode”, a contact load applied by the first driven roller16bto the first driving roller16ais set to be smaller than a contact load of a case in which the medium feeding portion feeds paper in the “first feeding mode”. In addition, with respect to the pair of second transporting rollers17, in a case in which the paper is fed in the “second feeding mode”, the contact load being applied by the second driven roller17bto the second driving roller17ais set to be smaller than the contact load of a case in which the paper is fed in the “first feeding mode”.

As more specific configuration, the scanner1includes a load applying unit40which is capable of changing a contact load being applied by the first driven roller16bto the first driving roller16ain the pair of first transporting rollers16and a contact load being applied by the second driven roller17bto the second driving roller17ain the pair of second transporting rollers17.

The load applying unit40includes a spring supporting portion41displaceable along a direction (arrow A direction illustrated inFIG. 4) where the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17brespectively apply a contact load to driving rollers (first driving roller16aand second driving roller17a), and a pressing spring42and a pressing spring43which are provided between the spring supporting portion41and the first driven roller16band between the spring supporting portion41and the second driven roller17band press the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17b.

The contact load of each of the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bcan be adjusted by displacing the spring supporting portion41.

When the spring supporting portion41is displaced in the arrow A direction, that is, the spring supporting portion41is close to the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17b, the contact load increases, and when the spring supporting portion41is displaced in a direction opposite to the arrow A direction, that is, the spring supporting portion41is pulled away from the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17b, the contact load decreases.

In the embodiment, the spring supporting portion41is configured to be displaced by rotating a third eccentric cam44receiving the power of a driving source which is not illustrated. The driving source is controlled by the controller19, and thus rotation of the third eccentric cam44is controlled, and thereby making it possible to adjust the contact load.

Also, in the embodiment, both the pressing spring42for the first driven roller16band the pressing spring43for the second driven roller17bare supported by the spring supporting portion41common to both of them, but each of the pressing spring42for the first driven roller16band the pressing spring43for the second driven roller17bcan be configured to be supported by an individual spring supporting portion.

Using the load applying unit40having such a configuration described above, the contact loads being applied by the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bto the first driving roller16aand the second driving roller17awhich are driving rollers respectively corresponding to the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bcan be easily adjusting.

Also, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the paper in the “second feeding mode”, the contact lade being applied by the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bto the first driving roller16aand the second driving roller17arespectively corresponding to the contact lade being applied by the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bis set to be smaller than the contact load of a case in which the paper is fed in the “first feeding mode”, and thus the booklet body G is easily entered between the rollers of the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17. Accordingly, a concern of generation of the non-feed of the booklet body G in the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17is reduced, and thereby making it possible to realize appropriate transportation of the booklet body G.

In addition, in the embodiment, the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bare moved in a direction separated from the first driving roller16aand the second driving roller17aby a displacement unit which is not illustrated and are configured to be separated from the first driving roller16aand the second driving roller17a. Also, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the paper in the “second feeding mode”, the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bcan be separated from the first driving roller16aand the second driving roller17a.

That is, in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds paper in the “second feeding mode”, the contact load is set to zero. Thus, generation of the non-feed of the booklet body G in the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17can be further suppressed.

Also, the displacement unit is controlled by the controller19, and separation of the first driven roller16band the second driven roller17bfrom the first driving roller16aand the second driving roller17ais suppressed.

Third Embodiment

A page turning mechanism50which automatically turns pages of the booklet body G to be read can be provided in the scanner1. In the embodiment, with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the page turning mechanism50will be described.

FIGS. 5 and 6are views describing a page turning operation by the page turning mechanism.

In the embodiment, the page turning mechanism50illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6is provided in the first driven roller16bconstituting the pair of first transporting rollers16. In other words, the scanner1includes the first driven roller16bincluding the page turning mechanism50.

More specifically, the page turning mechanism50includes a holding portion51and a distal end portion52which is attached to a distal end of the holding portion51so as to be movable, and these components are provided in the first driven roller16b.

The pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17are configured to be rotatable in both directions of a normal rotation direction (for example, rotation direction illustrated by arrow in top view ofFIG. 5) where paper is transported in a reading direction (+Y direction) of the paper by the reading unit20and a reverse rotation direction (for example, rotation direction illustrated by arrow in second view from top ofFIG. 5) where the paper is transported in a reverse direction (−Y direction) reverse to the reading direction. In addition, the first driven roller16bof the pair of first transporting rollers16is configured to receive power from a driving source which is not illustrated and to be drivable and rotatable at least in the reverse rotation direction.

Also, the page turning mechanism50is configured to turn a medium on the uppermost of booklet body G by the first driven roller16brotated and drive in the reverse rotation direction.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, a page turning operation by the page turning mechanism50will be described.

The top view ofFIG. 5illustrates a state in which a first page P1of two facing pages of the booklet body G is finished to be read. At the time of reading the pages by the reading unit20, the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17are rotated in the normal rotation direction.

After the first page of the two facing pages1is finished to be read, as illustrated in a second view from the top ofFIG. 5, the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17are rotated in the reverse rotation direction, and a distal end of the booklet body G in the reading direction is nipped by the pair of first transporting rollers16.

If the distal end of the booklet body G in the reading direction is nipped by the pair of first transporting rollers16, the first driving roller16ais stopped, and only the first driven roller16bis rotary-driven in the reverse rotation direction.

Then, as illustrated in the second view from a bottom ofFIG. 5, the first driven roller16bpicks up a page on the uppermost.

Continuously, when the first driven roller16bis rotary-driven in the reverse rotation direction, as illustrated in a bottommost view ofFIG. 5, a distal end of the picked-up page is caught and held by the holding portion51and the distal end portion52.

If the first driven roller16bis rotary-driven by a predetermined amount in the reverse rotation direction, driving of the first driven roller16bis stopped, as illustrated in a top view ofFIG. 6, the distal end portion52is displaced so as to be folded upwardly. In this way, the distal end of the page held by the holding portion51and the distal end portion52is deviated and turned, and a second page P2of the two facing pages is opened.

Also, the distal end portion52is operated by receiving power from a driving source which is not illustrated.

After the page of the booklet body G is turned over and the second page P2of two facing pages is opened, as illustrated from a second view from the top ofFIG. 6to a second view from the bottom ofFIG. 6, the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17are rotated in the normal rotation direction so that the second page P2of two facing pages is read.

After the second page P2of two facing pages is finished to be read (second view from bottom ofFIG. 6), in a case in which a next page (third page of two facing pages) is read, as illustrated in the bottommost view ofFIG. 6, the pair of first transporting rollers16and the pair of second transporting rollers17are rotated again in the reverse rotation direction, the distal end of the booklet body G in the reading direction is sent to a position where the distal end is nipped by the pair of first transporting rollers16, the distal end portion52is returned in a direction communicating with the holding portion51, and operations subsequent to that of the second view from the bottom ofFIG. 5.

Also, a timing when the curved distal end portion52in the top view ofFIG. 6is returned to an original state thereof is good to be a timing before a page turning operation (operation in second view from bottom ofFIG. 5) in which the only first driven roller16bis rotary-driven in the reverse rotation direction starts, and is not limited to a timing right before the page turning operation.

As seen from the above, when the scanner1includes the pair of first transporting rollers16including the page turning mechanism50, the page of the booklet body G can be automatically turned and read. Accordingly, it is possible to easily and continuously read a plurality of pages of the booklet body G.

Fourth Embodiment

In the embodiment, with reference toFIGS. 7 to 10, another example of the configuration of the medium feeding portion10to switch the “first feeding mode” and the “second feeding mode” will be described.

FIG. 7is an exterior perspective view illustrating the scanner provided with the operation unit performing a switching operation between the “first feeding mode” and the “second feeding mode” of the medium feeding portion.FIG. 8is a perspective view illustrating a state of a power transmitting mechanism in the “first feeding mode” of the medium feeding portion.FIG. 9is a perspective view illustrating a state of the power transmitting mechanism in the “second feeding mode” of the medium feeding portion.FIG. 10is a main part enlarged view of the power transmitting mechanism, and is a view describing displacement of a toothed wheel in a case of being switched between the “first feeding mode” and the “second feeding mode” of the medium feeding portion.

In the embodiment, switching between the “first feeding mode” in which the medium feeding portion10separately feeds the paper and the “second feeding mode” in which the medium feeding portion10non-separately feeds the paper is performed by switching a connection state (FIG. 8) of connecting transmission of power to the separating roller15and a release state (FIG. 9) of releasing the transmission of the power to the separating roller15.

In other words, a power transmitting mechanism60which transmits the power from the second driving source27is provided in the separating roller15, the power transmitting mechanism60includes a second train wheel62as a “train wheel” constituted by a plurality of toothed wheels to be engaged, and in a case in which the medium feeding portion10feeds the paper in the “second feeding mode”, engagement of a part of the plurality of toothed wheels constituting the second train wheel62is released.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIG. 8, the power transmitting mechanism60will be described.

The power transmitting mechanism60includes a first train wheel61including the toothed wheel which is engaged with a not illustrated rotation shaft of the separating roller15, a second train wheel62provided on a −X direction side of in the apparatus main body2(FIG. 1), and a shaft portion63which connects the first train wheel61and the second train wheel62to each other.

The second train wheel62includes a toothed wheel64, a toothed wheel65meshing with the toothed wheel64, and a toothed wheel group66including a toothed wheel meshing with the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel meshing with the shaft portion63.

InFIG. 8, the toothed wheel64is connected to a rotation shaft (not illustrated) of the pair of first transporting rollers16and is configured to receive the power from the second driving source27through the pair of first transporting rollers16(being driven by power of second driving source27). The power that the toothed wheel64of the second train wheel62receives is transmitted to the separating roller15through the shaft portion63and the first train wheel61.

Here, an operation unit67performing the switching operation of the “first feeding mode” and the “second feeding mode” of the medium feeding portion10is provided in the upper portion4of the scanner1, as illustrated inFIG. 7. A referent number67aindicates a knob portion67afor operating.

The operation unit67is provided to slidably reciprocate with respect to the upper portion4in an X axis direction, and as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, is connected to the second train wheel62of the toothed wheel65, which constitutes the power transmitting mechanism60transmitting the power from the second driving source27to the separating roller15, in a connecting portion68.

The toothed wheel65connected to the operation unit67is configured to be shifted and movable in a sliding direction of the operation unit67. Therefore, the operation unit67is slid in the X axis direction, and is capable of switching the connection state (FIG. 8) in which the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel64are meshed with each other and the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel group66are meshed with each other, and the release state (FIG. 9) in which the connection of the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel64is released and the connection of the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel group66is released.

In the embodiment, in a case in which the knob portion67aof the operation unit67is slid to a +X direction side, the toothed wheel65is disposed at a position illustrated by a solid line ofFIGS. 8 and 10, and a state becomes the connection state in which the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel64are meshed with each other and the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel group66are meshed with each other.

In the connection state, the power of the second driving source27is transmitted to the separating roller15, and the paper is separated by the separating roller15. That is, the medium feeding portion10can be set in the “first feeding mode”.

Also, inFIG. 10, disclosure of the operation unit67and the connecting portion68will be omitted.

In addition, in a case in which the operation unit67is slid to a −X direction side, the toothed wheel65is disposed at a position illustrated by a two-dot chain line ofFIGS. 9 and 10, and the state becomes the release state in which meshing of the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel64and meshing of the toothed wheel65and the toothed wheel group66are released. In the release state, since the power from the toothed wheel64is not transmitted to the toothed wheel group66, the separating roller15is not rotated. That is, the paper is not separated by the separating roller15. Therefore, the medium feeding portion10can be set in the “second feeding mode”.

With the configuration described above, switching of feeding in the “first feeding mode” and feeding in the “second feeding mode” by the medium feeding portion10can be easily realized.

Also, as described above, in addition to that the toothed wheel65is manually displaced in the X axis direction using the operation unit67, the toothed wheel65can also be automatically displaced in the X axis direction using, for example, an actuator such as a solenoid.

In addition, as a configuration to switch the “first feeding mode” and the “second feeding mode” of the medium feeding portion10, the scanner1may include both a configuration of separating the separating roller15from the feeding roller14as described in the first embodiment and a configuration of releasing meshing of the toothed wheels constituting the second train wheel62of the power transmitting mechanism60as described in this embodiment.

After the separating roller15is separated from the feeding roller14, since meshing of the toothed wheels constituting the second train wheel62is released, and rotation in a separating direction of the separating roller15can be stopped, a non-separation in which separation is not more reliably performed by the separating roller15can be set.

Also, the invention is not limited to each embodiment described above, various modifications can be performed within a range of the invention disclosed in claims, and it is needless to say that the modifications are also included within the range of the invention.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-188526, filed Sep. 28, 2017 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.