Image reading apparatus and medium conveyance apparatus

An image reading apparatus includes a housing having a conveyance path where a first medium and a second medium are conveyed; a pair of first conveyance rollers that has a first driving roller and a first pinch roller; a pair of second conveyance rollers that has a second driving roller and a second pinch roller having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first pinch roller, and wherein the first driving roller and the first pinch roller are positioned at an outside of a conveyance area in the axis direction, wherein the second driving roller and the second pinch roller are positioned at an inside of the conveyance area in the axis direction, wherein the second pinch roller, and wherein the first pinch roller and the second pinch roller are rotatably supported about a driven shaft center parallel with a driving shaft center.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-216432 filed on Sep. 28, 2012, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an image reading apparatus and a medium conveyance apparatus.

BACKGROUND

An image reading apparatus includes a housing, a pair of first conveyance rollers and a pair of second conveyance rollers, for example.

The housing includes a conveyance path. The conveyance path is configured to guide a first medium and a second medium. The second medium is narrower and thicker than the first medium. The second medium is guided in a conveyance area that is positioned at one end side of the conveyance path in a width direction of the first medium.

The pair of first conveyance rollers has a first driving roller that is rotated and a first pinch roller that is biased towards the first driving roller and is driven and rotated by the first driving roller. A part of one end sides of the first driving roller and the first pinch roller in the width direction is positioned in the conveyance area in the width direction. The pair of first conveyance rollers is configured to convey the first medium on the conveyance path and to convey the second medium on the conveyance path.

The pair of second conveyance rollers has a second driving roller that is rotated and a second pinch roller that is biased towards the second driving roller and is driven and rotated by the second driving roller. The second driving roller and the second pinch roller are positioned in the conveyance area in the width direction. The pair of second conveyance rollers is configured to convey the second medium on the conveyance path together with the pair of first conveyance rollers.

The first driving roller and the second driving roller are rotatably supported about a driving shaft center parallel with the width direction. The first pinch roller is rotatably supported about a first driven shaft center parallel with the driving shaft center. The second pinch roller is rotatably supported about a second driven shaft center, which is parallel with the driving shaft center and which is more spaced from the driving shaft center as compared with the first driven shaft center spaced from the driving shaft center.

In the above image reading apparatus, the pair of the first conveyance rollers and the pair of the second conveyance rollers convey the first and second media having different widths each other.

SUMMARY

According to the image reading apparatus, the part of one end sides of the first driving roller and the first pinch roller in the width direction is located in the conveyance area in the width direction. Thus, when conveying the second medium, the part of one end sides of the first pinch roller in the width direction and the second pinch roller contacts the second medium. At this time, the first pinch roller may partially contact the second medium thicker than the first medium. The partial contact means that the first pinch roller partially contacts the second medium and the other part of the first pinch roller contacts the first driving roller, for example. Therefore, the first driven shaft center of the first pinch roller may be inclined. Thereby, a conveyance resistance acting on the second medium from the first pinch roller and a conveyance resistance acting on the second medium from the second pinch roller may be unbalanced. As a result, in the above image reading apparatus, the second medium may skew in the conveyance area of the conveyance path.

In view of the above, this disclosure provides at least an image reading apparatus and a medium conveyance apparatus capable of conveying a first medium and a second medium having different widths and suppressing a skew of the second medium in a conveyance area of a conveyance path.

In view of the above, an image reading apparatus comprises a housing, a pair of first conveyance rollers, a pair of second conveyance rollers, and a reading unit. The housing has a conveyance path where a first medium and a second medium that is narrower and thicker than the first medium are conveyed. The pair of first conveyance rollers has a first driving roller and a first pinch roller, which is biased towards the first driving roller and is rotated by the first driving roller, and is configured to convey the first medium on the conveyance path. The pair of second conveyance rollers has a second driving roller and a second pinch roller, which is rotated by the second driving roller, and is configured to convey the second medium on a conveyance area that is positioned at one end-side of the conveyance path in an axis direction of the second driving roller an outer diameter of the second pinch roller is smaller than an outer diameter of the first pinch roller. The reading unit configured to read images of the first and second media. The first driving roller and the first pinch roller are positioned at an outside of the conveyance area in the axis direction. The second driving roller and the second pinch roller are positioned at an inside of the conveyance area in the axis direction. The first driving roller and the second driving roller are rotatably supported about a driving shaft center parallel with the axis direction. The first pinch roller and the second pinch roller are rotatably supported about a driven shaft center parallel with the driving shaft center.

In another aspect of this disclosure, an image reading apparatus comprises a housing, a pair of first conveyance rollers, pair of second conveyance rollers, and a reading unit. The housing has a conveyance path where a first medium and to guide a second medium that is narrower and thicker than the first medium are conveyed. The pair of first conveyance rollers has a first driving roller; and a first pinch roller, which is biased towards the first driving roller and is rotated by the first driving roller, and is configured to convey the first medium on the conveyance path. The pair of second conveyance rollers has a second driving roller and a second pinch roller, which is rotated by the second driving roller, and is configured to convey the second medium on a conveyance area that is positioned at one end-side of the conveyance path in an axis direction of the second driving roller an outer diameter of the second pinch roller is the same as an outer diameter of the first pinch roller. The reading unit configured to read images of the first and second media. The first driving roller and the first pinch roller are positioned at an outside of the conveyance area in the axis direction. The second driving roller and the second pinch roller are positioned at an inside of the conveyance area in the axis direction. The first driving roller and the second driving roller are rotatably supported about a driving shaft center parallel with the axis direction. The first pinch roller is rotatably supported about a first driven shaft center parallel with the driving shaft center. The second pinch roller is rotatably supported about a second driven shaft center that is parallel with the driving shaft center and is more spaced from the driving shaft center than the first driven shaft center. The first pinch roller has a first driven shaft that defines the first driven shaft center. The second pinch roller has a second driven shaft that is a separate member from the first driven shaft and defines the second driven shaft center. The image reading apparatus comprises a holder that holds the first driven shaft and the second driven shaft and a biasing part that urges the holder towards the driving shaft center.

In another aspect of this disclosure, an image reading apparatus comprises, a housing, a pair of first conveyance rollers, a pair of second conveyance rollers, an image reader. The housing has a conveyance path. The pair of first conveyance rollers comprises: a first driving roller rotatably supported about a first driving shaft center parallel with an axis direction; and a first pinch roller towards the first driving roller and rotatably supported about a driven shaft center parallel with the driving shaft center. The pair of second conveyance rollers comprises: a second driving roller supported about the first driving shaft center; and a second pinch roller rotatably supported about the driven shaft center parallel and having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the first pinch roller. The image reader extending along the axis direction. The pair of the first conveyance rollers is positioned outside of a conveyance area in the axis direction, and the conveyance area is positioned at one end-side of the conveyance path in the axis direction. The pair of the second conveyance rollers is positioned inside the conveyance area in the axis direction.

Therefore, according to the medium conveyance apparatus of this disclosure, it is possible to convey the first and second media having different widths and to suppress the skew of the second medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, first to sixth illustrative embodiments implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Illustrative Embodiment

As shown inFIG. 1, an image reading apparatus1of a first illustrative embodiment is an example of a specific aspect of the image reading apparatus and the medium conveyance apparatus of this disclosure. InFIG. 1, respective directions of front, rear, left, right, upper and lower are indicated by defining a side of a first discharge opening12as an apparatus front and a side of a side frame33L (left side frame), which is an opposite side of the side frame33R (right side frame), as a left side. The respective directions shown inFIGS. 2 to 16are indicated in correspondence to the respective directions shown inFIG. 1. In the below, respective elements of the image reading apparatus1are descried with reference toFIG. 1and the like.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 7, the image reading apparatus1has a housing30, a tray36, a control substrate54, a conveyance unit40, a reading unit55, a touch panel70, and an open/close position sensor60.

As shown inFIGS. 3,6and7, the housing30has a first housing31, a second housing32and a pair of side frames33L,33R.

The first housing31positioned at an upper side and the second housing32positioned at a lower side are opposed to each other at an interval in the upper-lower direction. The left side frame33L and the right side frame33R sandwich the first housing31and the second housing32from outer sides in the left-right direction.

The first housing31has an upper surface31A, a front surface31B, an upper side guide surface31G and the like. The upper surface31A is a plane facing upwards. The upper surface31A is upwards inclined towards the rear. The touch panel70is provided at center of the upper surface31A. The front surface31B is a plane facing in the front direction. The front surface31B continues to a front end edge of the upper surface31A and extends perpendicularly downwards. The upper side guide surface31G continues to a lower end edge31BA of the front surface31B and extends to the rear direction. The upper side guide surface31G is bent upwards at a center of the first housing31in the front-rear direction and is upwards inclined towards the rear.

The second housing32has a front surface32B, a lower side guide surface32G and a rear surface32C. The front surface32B is a plane facing in the front direction. An upper end edge32BA of the front surface32B is spaced downwards from the lower end edge31BA of the front surface31B at an interval. The front surface32B extends perpendicularly downwards. The lower side guide surface32G continues to the upper end edge32BA of the front surface32B and extends to the rear direction. The lower side guide surface32G is bent upwards at a center of the second housing32in the front-rear direction and is upwards inclined towards the rear. The rear surface32C is a plane facing in the rear direction. The rear surface32C extends perpendicularly downwards.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 7, the second housing32has a lower side card guide surface32I and an upper side card guide surface32H. The lower side card guide surface32I continues to a part of the lower side guide surface32G, extends to the rear direction, and reaches the rear surface32C. The upper side card guide surface32H is spaced upwards from the lower side card guide surface32I. The upper side card guide surface32H is parallel with the lower side card guide surface32I, extends to the rear direction, and reaches the rear surface32C. As shown inFIG. 7, a height of the upper side card guide surface32H in the upper-lower direction is substantially the same as a height of a part of the upper side guide surface31G in the upper-lower direction.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3and5to7, the housing30is formed with a first introduction opening11, a first discharge opening12and a conveyance path10.

As shown inFIGS. 3,6, and7, a sheet SH is introduced into the first introduction opening11. The sheet SH is a sheet, an OHP sheet and the like. The first introduction opening11is formed between the first housing31and the second housing32. More specifically, the first introduction opening11is a slit between a rear end edge31GA of the upper side guide surface31G and a rear end edge32GA of the lower side guide surface32G. The first introduction opening11extends in the left-right direction from a vicinity of the left side frame33L to a vicinity of the right side frame33R. A length of the first introduction opening11in the left-right direction is larger than a width of the sheet SH.

The sheet SH is discharged from the first discharge opening12. The first discharge opening12is formed between the first housing31and the second housing32. More specifically, the first discharge opening12is a slit between the lower end edge31BA of the front surface31B and the upper end edge32BA of the front surface32B. The first discharge opening12extends in the left-right direction from a vicinity of the left side frame33L to a vicinity of the right side frame33R. A length of the first discharge opening12in the left-right direction is larger than the width of the sheet SH, like the first introduction opening11.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the conveyance path10guides the sheet SH from the first introduction opening11towards the first discharge opening12. Thus, the sheet SH is fed along the conveyance path10. The conveyance path10is formed between the first housing31and the second housing32. More specifically, the conveyance path10is a passage that is formed between the upper side guide surface31G and the lower side guide surface32G with being sandwiched in the upper-lower direction. In this disclosure, the description ‘the sheet SH is guided to the upper side guide surface31G or lower side guide surface32G’ does not necessarily mean that the sheet SH is conveyed with contacting the upper side guide surface31G or lower side guide surface32G all the time. Therefore, for example, the description of the ‘guide’ also includes a configuration where the sheet SH is conveyed with occasionally contacting the lower side guide surface32G. The conveyance path10is inclined downwards from the first introduction opening11towards the front. The conveyance path10is bent toward the front direction at the center of the housing30in the front-rear direction and extends to the first discharge opening12.

In this illustrative embodiment, a width direction of the sheet SH that is guided on the conveyance path10is the left-right direction. Also, in this illustrative embodiment, one end side in the width direction of the sheet SH is a right end side and the other side in the width direction of the sheet SH is a left end side.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 7, an area that is located at the right end side of the conveyance path10, i.e., the one end side in the width direction of the sheet SH is a card conveyance area20. The card conveyance area20is an example of the ‘conveyance area’ of this disclosure.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3,5and7, the housing30is formed with a second introduction opening21, a second discharge opening22and a card passing path29.

As shown inFIGS. 2,5and7, a card CA narrower than the sheet SH is introduced into the second introduction opening21. The card CA has an area smaller than the sheet SH. The card CA is a name card, a cash card, a membership card, a license or the like, for example. A length of a short side of the card CA is, for example, 53.98 mm of the international standard ID-1 defined by the international standardization organization (ISO)/international electro-technical commission (IEC). A length of a long side of the card CA is, for example, 85.60 mm of the international standard ID-1 defined by the international standardization organization (ISO)/international electro-technical commission (IEC). The card CA is thicker and more rigid than the sheet SH. The card CA is an example of the ‘second medium’ of this disclosure. The second introduction opening21is formed in the second housing32. More specifically, the second introduction opening21is opened in the front-rear direction at a central portion of the rear surface32C in the upper-lower direction and at the right side frame33R-side. The second introduction opening21extends in the left-right direction. A length of the second introduction opening21in the left-right direction is longer than the width of the card CA and narrower than the width of the sheet SH. A height of the second introduction opening21in the upper-lower direction is substantially the same as heights of the conveyance path10and the first discharge opening12in the upper-lower direction.

As shown inFIGS. 1,3,5and7, the card CA is discharged from the second discharge opening22. The second discharge opening22is formed between the first housing31and the second housing32. More specifically, the second discharge opening22is a slit between a right end portion31BB of the lower end edge31BA of the front surface31B and a right end portion32BB of the upper end edge32BA of the front surface32B. The second discharge opening22is elongated leftwards from the vicinity of the right side frame33R. A length of the second discharge opening22in the left-right direction is also longer than the width of the card CA, like the second introduction opening21. The second discharge opening22is used in common with a part of the right end side of the first discharge opening12.

That is, as shown inFIG. 1, the first discharge opening12includes a lower area22A of the second discharge opening22. Therefore, the sheet SH can pass through the lower area22A of the second discharge opening22and then can be discharged from the lower area22A of the second discharge opening22. The card CA may be discharged from the lower area22A of the second discharge opening22or from the lower area22A of the second discharge opening22and the upper area22B of the second discharge opening22. Like this, in this disclosure, the descriptions of the ‘first’ discharge opening and the ‘second’ discharge opening also include a configuration where the first discharge opening includes the second discharge opening. Likewise, the descriptions of the ‘first’ introduction opening and the ‘second’ introduction opening also include a configuration where the first introduction opening includes the second introduction opening.

An opening width W2of the second discharge opening22in the upper-lower direction is larger than an opening width W1of the first discharge opening12in the upper-lower direction, in correspondence to a range of the thickness of the card CA.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 7, the card passing path29is a passage that is formed between the upper side card guide surface32H and the lower side card guide surface32I with being sandwiched in the upper-lower direction. The card passing path29and the card conveyance area20located at the right end side of the conveyance path10extend from the second introduction opening21of the rear to the second discharge opening22of the front. The card passing path29and the card conveyance area20guide the card CA from the second introduction opening21towards the second discharge opening22.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, a pair of hinge parts36L,36R is integrally formed with left and right corner portions of the tray36. A center of the tray36is formed with an operation opening39that is opened upwards. The tray36is supported to both side frames33L,33R via both hinge part36L,36R so that it can be rotated about an opening/closing shaft center X36. The opening/closing shaft center X36is positioned at rear upper end portions of the side frames33L,33R and extends in the left-right direction.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2and7, at a close state, the tray36covers the upper surface31A of the first housing31from the upper. The position of the tray36shown inFIGS. 1,2and7is referred to as a ‘close position.’ When the tray36is located at the close position, the tray36is located so that it is inclined downwards from the opening/closing shaft center X36towards the front. As shown inFIG. 1, the operation opening39exposes the touch panel70to the outside at a state where the tray36is located at the close position.

As shown inFIGS. 3,5and6, the tray36is rotated rearwards from the state shown inFIG. 1and the like about the opening/closing shaft center X36and is thus opened, so that the tray36is displaced to a position at which tray36is upwards inclined towards the rear at the rear side of the housing30. A position of the tray36shown inFIGS. 3,5and6is referred to as an ‘open position.’

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, at the open position, the tray36is inclined so that it continues to the inclined part of the lower side guide surface32G, and opens the first introduction opening11. One or more sheets SH are put on the tray36. Although not shown, the tray36has a pair of left and right guide parts. The guide parts sandwich the sheet SH put on the tray36from the outer sides in the left-right direction and position the sheet in the left-right direction. The sheet SH put on the tray36is introduced into the first introduction opening11and is guided towards the first discharge opening12on the conveyance path10.

As shown inFIGS. 4,6and7, power is fed from a household wall outlet (not shown) to the conveyance unit40, the reading unit55, the touch panel70, the open/close position sensor60and the like via an AC adapter59and the control substrate54.

As shown inFIG. 4, the control substrate54has a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control substrate54is electrically connected to the conveyance unit40, the reading unit55, the touch panel70, the open/close position sensor60, and the like and controls the same.

As shown inFIGS. 5 to 7, the conveyance unit40has a separation roller48, a separation pad49, an upstream-side conveyance unit41, and a downstream-side conveyance unit42. The reading unit55has image reading sensors55A,55B. They are arranged on the conveyance path10in order of the separation roller48, the separation pad49, the upstream-side conveyance unit41, the image reading sensors55A,55B and the downstream-side conveyance unit42from the first introduction opening11towards the first discharge opening12. In the below, the configurations thereof are described in corresponding order.

As shown inFIG. 6, the separation roller48is rotatably supported in the second housing32. An upper part of the separation roller48is exposed to the conveyance path10through the inclined part of the lower side guide surface32G. As shown inFIG. 5, the separation roller48is positioned at the center of the conveyance path10in the left-right direction. The separation roller48is driven by a driving motor40M shown inFIG. 4as the control circuit54controls the driving motor40M. The separation roller48rotates with contacting the sheet SH put on the tray36, thereby conveying the sheet SH towards the conveyance path10.

The separation pad49is mounted on the first housing31. The separation pad49is exposed to the conveyance path10on the upper side guide surface31G. The separation pad49is a plate-shaped member consisting of a friction member made of rubber, elastomer and the like. The separation pad49is biased by a biasing member (not shown) and is thus pressed to the separation roller48. Thereby, the separation roller48and the separation pad49can hold and separate the sheet SH, which is conveyed on the conveyance path10, one by one therebetween.

As shown inFIGS. 5 to 7, the upstream-side conveyance unit41is provided at a downstream side on the conveyance path10from the separation roller48in the housing10, i.e. at a side facing the first discharge opening12and an upstream side on the conveyance path10from the image reading sensors55A,55B, i.e., a side facing the first introduction opening11.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 8to10, the upstream-side conveyance unit41has a pair of first conveyance rollers110and a pair of second conveyance rollers120. The pair of first conveyance rollers110is located at the outside of the card conveyance area20and conveys the sheet SH on the conveyance path10. The pair of second conveyance rollers120is located in the card conveyance area20and conveys the card CA in the card conveyance area20of the conveyance path10.

More specifically, as shown inFIG. 8, the pair of first conveyance rollers110has two pairs of rollers. That is, the pair of first conveyance rollers110has a first driving roller111A, a first pinch roller111B, a first driving roller112A and a first pinch roller112B. The first driving roller111A and the first pinch roller111B are positioned between the separation roller48and the card conveyance area20in the left-right direction. The first driving roller112A and the first pinch roller112B are positioned at the left of the separation roller48in the left-right direction. The first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,112B are positioned at the outside of the card conveyance area20.

As shown inFIG. 5, the pair of second conveyance rollers120is positioned at the right of the separation roller48and the pair of first conveyance rollers110in the left-right direction. As shown inFIG. 8, the pair of second conveyance rollers120has a second driving roller121A and a second pinch roller121B. The second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B are positioned in the card conveyance area20.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, upper parts of the first driving rollers111A,112A and the second driving roller121A are exposed to the conveyance path10from a connection part of the inclined part and not-inclined part of the lower side guide surface32G. Lower parts of the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller121B are exposed to the conveyance path10from a connection part of the inclined part and not-inclined part of the upper side guide surface31G.

The first driving rollers111A,112A and the second driving roller121A have the same outer diameter. As shown inFIG. 8, the second pinch roller121B has an outer diameter D2smaller than the outer diameter D1of the first pinch rollers111B,112B. A friction coefficient μ2 of the second pinch roller121B is smaller than a friction coefficient μ1 of the first pinch rollers111B,112B.

As shown inFIG. 8, the first driving rollers111A,112A and the second driving roller121A are integrally rotatably attached to one driving shaft1105in the second housing32. The driving shaft110S defines a driving shaft center X1A parallel with the left-right direction.

A first driven shaft101are supported to the first housing31. The first pinch rollers111B,112B is rotatable relative to the first driven shaft101. A second driven shaft102is supported to the first housing31. The second pinch rollers121B can rotate relative to a second driven shaft102. An outer diameter D101of the first driven shaft101and an outer diameter D102of the second driven shaft102are the same.

The first driven shaft101is connected with biasing springs101F. The biasing springs101F bias the first driven shaft101towards the driving shaft center X1A, so that the first pinch rollers111B,112B are biased towards the first driving rollers111A,112A. The second pinch roller121B is connected with biasing springs102F. The biasing springs102F bias the second driven shaft102towards the driving shaft center X1A, so that the second pinch roller121B is biased towards the second driving roller121A. Incidentally, it is not necessary to bias the second pinch roller121B towards the second driving roller121A.

The first housing31is provided with a first bearing101S and a second bearing102S. The first bearing101S contacts the first driven shaft101, which is biased by the biasing springs101F, from a side of the driving shaft center X1A to thus support the first driven shaft101at a state where the first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,112B do not hold the sheet SH therebetween. The second bearing102S contacts the second driven shaft102, which is biased by the biasing springs102F, from a side of the driving shaft center X1A to thus support the second driven shaft102at a state where the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B do not hold the card CA therebetween. At this state, the first driven shaft101and the second driven shaft102define a driven shaft center X1B parallel with the driving shaft center X1A. That is, the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller121B can rotate about the driven shaft center X1B at a state where they do not contact the sheet SH or card CA.

A position at which the first bearing101S contacts the first driven shaft101and a position at which the second bearing102S contacts the second driven shaft102are corresponding to each other. That is, a distance that the first driven shaft101supported to the first bearing101S is spaced from the driving shaft center X1A and a distance that the second driven shaft102supported to the second bearing102S is spaced from the driving shaft center X1A are the same.

Since the outer diameter D101of the first driven shaft101and the outer diameter D102of the second driven shaft102are the same, the first driven shaft101supported to the first bearing101S and the second driven shaft102supported to the second bearing102S define the first driven shaft center X1B.

As shown inFIG. 8, a gap S2is formed at a state where the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B do not hold the card CA therebetween. The gap S2is smaller than a thickness T2of the card CA shown inFIG. 10and larger than a thickness T1of the sheet SH shown inFIG. 9. The thickness T1of the sheet SH is about 0.08 to 0.12 mm when the sheet SH is a normal sheet and about 0.2 mm when it is a cardboard. The thickness T2of the card CA is about 0.76 mm when the card CA is an ISO standard product.

As shown inFIG. 9, the first pinch rollers111B,112B contact the sheet SH and then the biasing springs101F are compressed and moved in parallel, so that the first pinch rollers111B,112B are spaced from the driving shaft center X1A. As shown inFIG. 10, the second pinch roller121B contacts the card CA and the biasing springs102F are compressed and moved in parallel, so that the second pinch roller121B is spaced from the driving shaft center X1A. At this time, since the gap S2is smaller than the thickness T2of the card CA, the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B can securely hold the card CA therebetween.

The first driving rollers111A,112A and the second driving roller121A are rotated about the driving shaft center X1A by the driving motor40M when the control substrate54controls the driving motor40M.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the first pinch rollers111B,122B are biased towards the first driving rollers111A,112A. The first pinch rollers111B,121B are driven and rotated by the first driving rollers111A,112A with holding the sheet SH together with the first driving rollers111A, and112A. Thereby, when the sheet SH is conveyed, the first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,121B are rotated with holding the sheet SH being conveyed on the conveyance path10, thereby conveying the sheet SH towards the first discharge opening12. At this time, since the gap S2is larger than the thickness T1of the sheet SH, the right end portion of the sheet SH is unlikely to contact the second pinch roller121B.

As shown inFIG. 10, the second pinch roller121B that is biased towards the second driving roller121A is driven and rotated by the second driving roller121A with holding the card CA together with the second driving roller121A. Thereby, when the card CA is conveyed, the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B are rotated with holding the card CA, which is introduced from the second introduction opening21and passes through the card passing path29, in the card conveyance area20, thereby conveying the card CA towards the second discharge opening22.

As shown inFIGS. 5 to 7, the image reading sensor55A is mounted on the second housing32. For example, the image reading sensor55A has a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), a CIS holder, a contact glass, and the like. An upper surface of the image reading sensor55A is exposed to the conveyance path10at the horizontal part of the lower side guide surface32G. The image reading sensor55B is mounted on the first housing31. For example, the image reading sensor55bhas a CIS, a CIS holder, a contact glass, and the like. A lower surface of the image reading sensor55B is exposed to the conveyance path10at the horizontal part of the upper side guide surface31G. That is, the image reading sensors55A,55B face with each other so that they sandwich the conveyance path10including the card conveyance area20from the upper-lower direction. According to the above configuration, the image reading sensors55A,55B read images of both sides of the sheet SH being conveyed on the conveyance path10and images of both sides of the card CA being conveyed in the card conveyance area20. That is, the image reading sensors55A,55B read the images of both sides of the sheet SH when the sheet SH is conveyed and read the images of both sides of the card CA when the card CA is conveyed. Meanwhile, in this disclosure, the ‘opposed’ does not necessarily mean the ‘truly opposed’. For example, a part of the image reading sensor55A may deviate relative to the image reading sensor55B in the conveyance direction of the sheet SH.

As shown inFIGS. 5 to 7, the downstream-side conveyance unit42is provided at a downstream-side on the conveyance path10from the image reading sensors55A,55B in the housing30, i.e., at a side of the first discharge opening12.

In this illustrative embodiment, the downstream-side conveyance unit42has the same configuration as that of the upstream-side conveyance unit41and just has a different mounting position in the housing30. That is, the downstream-side conveyance unit42has a pair of first conveyance rollers and a pair of second conveyance rollers having the same configurations as those of the pair of first conveyance rollers110and the pair of second conveyance rollers120of the upstream-side conveyance unit41. Therefore, the detailed descriptions of the downstream-side conveyance unit42will be omitted.

The pair of first conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42are driven by the driving motor40M when the control substrate54controls the driving motor40M and are rotated with holding the sheet SH being conveyed on the conveyance path10, after that the sheet SH is discharged from the first discharge opening12to the outside of the housing30. Also, the pair of second conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42are rotated with holding the card CA, which has passed through the card passing path29and of which the images thereof have been read in the card conveyance area20, the card CA is discharged from the second discharge opening22to the outside of the housing30.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, for example, the touch panel70is mounted to a side of the upper surface31A in the first housing31. The touch panel70is exposed to the outside through a rectangular opening31H for a touch panel formed on the upper surface31A. The touch panel70has a liquid crystal panel, a light source such as fluorescent lamp and LED, which illuminates light from a backside of the liquid crystal panel, and a contact detection film that is adhered on a surface of the liquid crystal panel.

The touch panel70is controlled by the control substrate54and displays an operating status and the like of the image reading apparatus1such as a processing status of an image reading operation and an error status. The touch panel70also receives an operation from the outside. Specifically, the touch panel70displays a variety of buttons such as a ‘START’ button B1shown inFIG. 1. When a user contacts the touch panel70so as to input an execution instruction of processing or a setting corresponding to any one button, the touch panel70receives the corresponding operation and transmits the received operation to the control substrate54.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, for example, the open/close position sensor60is to detect a position of the tray36relative to the housing30. More specifically, the open/close position sensor60is provided at a rear upper end portion of the right side frame33R and is thus adjacent to the right hinge part36R. The open/close position sensor60is configured by a micro switch, a rotary switch, and the like and is connected or disconnected as the tray36is rotated about the opening/closing shaft center X36. The open/close position sensor60detects that the tray36is located at the open position and transmits a detection signal thereof to the control substrate54.

<Image Reading Operation of Card and Sheet>

The image reading apparatus1reads images of the card CA and the sheet SH, as follows.

When reading images of the sheet SH, a user keeps the tray36at the open position if the tray is located at the open position and moves the tray36to the open position if the tray is located at the close position. Then, the user puts the sheet SH on the tray36at the open position. When a reading instruction of the sheet SH is input from the touch panel70, the control substrate54starts to read the images of the sheet SH. The sheet reading instruction of the touch panel70is generated as a sheet reading ‘START’ button displayed on the touch panel70is pressed, and then it is transmitted to the control substrate54. Although not shown, the sheet reading ‘START’ button is the same as the card reading ‘START’ button B1shown inFIG. 1.

Then, after the control substrate54confirms that the open/close position sensor60detects that the tray36is located at the open position and a sheet sensor (not shown) detects that the sheet SH is put on the tray36, the control substrate54controls the driving motor40M of the conveyance unit40. Thereby, the separation roller48is rotated with holding the sheet SH between the separation roller48and the separation pad49. The separation roller48introduces the sheet SH on the tray36through the first introduction opening11and delivers the sheet SH onto the conveyance path10. At this time, when a plurality of the sheets SH is conveyed with being overlapped, the sheets SH can be separated one by one by a frictional force and the like between the separation pad49and the sheet SH.

Then, the pair of first conveyance rollers110of the upstream-side conveyance unit41conveys the sheet SH delivered to the separation roller48on the conveyance path10by the first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,112B. The images of both sides of the sheet SH that is conveyed on the conveyance path10are read by the image reading sensors55A,55B. The sheet SH of which the images have been read is discharged to the outside of the housing30through the first discharge opening12by the pair of first conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42.

In the meantime, when reading images of the card CA, the user displaces the tray36to the close position if the tray is located at the open position and keeps the tray36at the close position if the tray is located at the close position. Then, as shown inFIG. 2, the user inserts the card CA into the second introduction opening22from the rear of the housing30. Then, the card CA passes through the card passing path29and a tip thereof reaches the card conveyance area20. When a reading instruction of the card CA is input from the touch panel70, the control substrate54starts to read the images of the card CA. The card reading instruction of the touch panel70is generated as a card reading ‘START’ button B1displayed on the touch panel70is pressed, and then it is transmitted to the control substrate54.

Then, after the control substrate54confirms that a card sensor (not shown) detects that there is card CA in the second introduction opening22, the control substrate54controls the driving motor40M of the conveyance unit40. Thereby, the pair of second conveyance rollers120of the upstream-side conveyance unit41conveys the card CA in the card conveyance area20by the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B. The images of both sides of the card CA that is conveyed in the card conveyance area20are read by the image reading sensors55A,55B. The card CA of which the images have been read is discharged to the outside of the housing30through the first discharge opening12by the pair of second conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42.

According to the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment, the pair of first conveyance rollers110and the pair of second conveyance rollers120are operated to convey the sheet SH and the card CA having the different widths on the conveyance path10.

According to the image reading apparatus1, the first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,112B are located at the outside of the card conveyance area20in the left-right direction. Thus, when conveying the card CA, the first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,112B do not contact the card CA, and the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B can contact the card CA. As a result, in the image reading apparatus1, a situation in that the conveyance resistances acting on the card CA are unbalanced is unlikely to occur.

Hence, according to the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment, it is possible to convey the sheet SH and the card CA having the different widths and to suppress the skew of the card CA in the card conveyance area20of the conveyance path10.

According to the image reading apparatus1, the second pinch roller121B has the outer diameter D2smaller than the outer diameter D1of the first pinch rollers111B,112B, and the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller121B are rotatably supported about the same driven shaft center X1B. Therefore, when the sheet SH thinner than the card CA is conveyed, the sheet SH is unlikely to contact the second pinch roller121B. When the sheet SH contacts the second pinch roller121B, the conveyance resistance is applied from the second pinch roller121B to the sheet SH, so that the sheet SH may serpentine. However, according to the image reading apparatus1, since the sheet SH is unlikely to contact the second pinch roller121B, it is possible to suppress the skew of the sheet SH.

According to the image reading apparatus1, the gap S2that is formed between the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B is smaller than the thickness T2of the card CA, so that the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B can securely hold the card CA therebetween. Also, the gap S2is larger than the thickness T1of the sheet SH, so that the sheet SH is unlikely to contact the second pinch roller121B. Thereby, the conveyance resistance is unlikely to act on the sheet SH from the second pinch roller121B. As a result, according to the image reading apparatus1, it is possible to suppress the skew of the sheet SH that is conveyed on the conveyance path10.

According to the image reading apparatus1, when the sheet SH is curled in the left-right direction, for example, the right end edge of the sheet SH is easy to contact the second pinch roller121B, as shown inFIG. 9. Even in this case, the friction coefficient μ2 of the second pinch roller121B is smaller than the friction coefficient μ1 of the first pinch rollers111B,112B, so that the conveyance resistance acting on the right end edge of the sheet SH from the second pinch roller121B is reduced. As a result, according to the image reading apparatus1, it is possible to securely suppress the skew of the sheet SH that is conveyed on the conveyance path10.

According to the image reading apparatus1, the first driven shaft101and the second driven shaft102are respectively biased towards the driving shaft center X1A. When the first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,112B hold the sheet SH therebetween, the first driven shaft101is moved in parallel. When the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B hold the card CA therebetween, the second driven shaft102is moved in parallel. Thereby, according to the image reading apparatus1, the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller121B do not influence each other when the first driving rollers111A,112A and the first pinch rollers111B,112B hold the sheet SH therebetween and when the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller121B hold the card CA therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to favorably convey the sheet SH and the card CA having the different widths on the conveyance path10.

According to the image reading apparatus1, the outer diameter D101of the first driven shaft101and the outer diameter D102of the second driven shaft102are the same, and the position at which the first bearing101S contacts the first driven shaft101and the position at which the second bearing102S contacts the second driven shaft102are the same. Thereby, according to the image reading apparatus1, it is possible to form the first bearing101S and the second bearing102S into a flat plate shape. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the first bearing101S and the second bearing102S from increasing, compared to a configuration where the first bearing101S and the second bearing102S have a stepped shape. As a result, according to the image reading apparatus1, it is possible to suppress the skew of the sheet SH and the card CA while securely making the image reading apparatus thinner.

Second Illustrative Embodiment

An image reading apparatus of a second illustrative embodiment adopts an upstream-side conveyance unit241and a downstream-side conveyance unit having the same configuration as that of the upstream-side conveyance unit241shown in FIG.11, instead of the upstream-side conveyance unit41and the downstream-side conveyance unit42of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment. The other configurations of the second illustrative embodiment are the same as those of the first illustrative embodiment. Therefore, the same configurations as those of the first illustrative embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In the upstream-side conveyance unit241, the first driven shaft101and the second driven shaft102of the upstream-side conveyance unit41of the first illustrative embodiment are changed into a common driven shaft201. The common driven shaft201has such a shape that the first driven shaft101and the second driven shaft102are integrally connected, and defines the driven shaft center X1B.

Both left and right end portions of the common driven shaft201are connected with biasing springs201F. The biasing springs201F bias the common driven shaft201towards the driving shaft center X1A, so that the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller121B are biased towards the first driving rollers111A,112A and the second driving roller121A.

Also in the image reading apparatus having the above configuration of the second illustrative embodiment, a situation in that the conveyance resistances acting on the card CA are unbalanced is unlikely to occur. Hence, according to the image reading apparatus of the second illustrative embodiment, it is possible to convey the sheet SH and the card CA having the different widths and to suppress the skew of the card CA in the card conveyance area20of the conveyance path10.

Also, according to the image reading apparatus, it is possible to reduce the number of part and to suppress the skew of the sheet SH and the card CA, compared to a configuration where the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller121B have the dedicated driven shafts, respectively.

Third Illustrative Embodiment

An image reading apparatus of a third illustrative embodiment adopts an upstream-side conveyance unit341and a downstream-side conveyance unit having the same configuration as that of the upstream-side conveyance unit341shown in FIG.12, instead of the upstream-side conveyance unit41and the downstream-side conveyance unit42of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment. The other configurations of the third illustrative embodiment are the same as those of the first illustrative embodiment. Therefore, the same configurations as those of the first illustrative embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The first driven shaft101and the second driven shaft102that are directly biased to the biasing springs101F,102F in the first illustrative embodiment are held to one holder303in the third illustrative embodiment. The first driven shaft101and the second driven shaft102define the driven shaft center X1B with being held to the holder303.

The holder303is connected with biasing springs303F. The biasing springs303F bias the holder303towards the driving shaft center X1A, so that the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller121B are biased towards the first driving rollers111A,112A and the second driving roller121A.

Also in the image reading apparatus having the above configuration of the third illustrative embodiment, a situation in that the conveyance resistances acting on the card CA are unbalanced is unlikely to occur. Hence, according to the image reading apparatus of the third illustrative embodiment, it is possible to convey the sheet SH and the card CA having the different widths and to suppress the skew of the card CA in the card conveyance area20of the conveyance path10.

Fourth Illustrative Embodiment

An image reading apparatus of a fourth illustrative embodiment adopts an upstream-side conveyance unit441and a downstream-side conveyance unit having the same configuration as that of the upstream-side conveyance unit441shown inFIG. 13, instead of the upstream-side conveyance unit41and the downstream-side conveyance unit42of the image reading apparatus of the first illustrative embodiment. The other configurations of the fourth illustrative embodiment are the same as those of the first illustrative embodiment. Therefore, the same configurations as those of the first illustrative embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The first driven shaft101and the second driven shaft102that are directly biased to the biasing springs101F,102F in the first illustrative embodiment are held to one holder403in the fourth illustrative embodiment. The first driven shaft101defines a first driven shaft center X41B with being held to the holder403. The second driven shaft102defines a second driven shaft center X42B parallel with the first driven shaft center X41B with being held to the holder403.

In the fourth illustrative embodiment, a second pinch roller421B is adopted instead of the second pinch roller121B of the first illustrative embodiment. The second pinch roller421B has the same outer diameter D1as that of the first pinch rollers111B,112B. The other configurations of the second pinch roller421B are the same as those of the second pinch roller121B.

In correspondence to the configuration where the second pinch roller421B has the same outer diameter D1as that of the first pinch rollers111B,112B, the second driven shaft center X42B is more spaced from the driving shaft center X1A than the first driven shaft center X41B. Thereby, the gap S1is formed between the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller421B at a state where the second driving roller121A and the second pinch roller421B do not hold the card CA therebetween.

The holder403is connected with biasing springs403F. The biasing springs403F bias the holder403towards the driving shaft center X1A, so that the first pinch rollers111B,112B and the second pinch roller421B are biased towards the first driving rollers111A,112A and the second driving roller121A.

Also in the image reading apparatus having the above configuration of the fourth illustrative embodiment, a situation in that the conveyance resistances acting on the card CA are unbalanced is unlikely to occur. Hence, according to the image reading apparatus of the fourth illustrative embodiment, it is possible to convey the sheet SH and the card CA having the different widths and to suppress the skew of the card CA in the card conveyance area20of the conveyance path10.

Fifth Illustrative Embodiment

As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, according to an image reading apparatus of a fifth illustrative embodiment, the second discharge opening22of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment is changed into a second introduction/discharge opening521, and also the second introduction opening21of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment is changed into an intermediate discharge opening522. The other configurations of the fifth illustrative embodiment are the same as those of the first illustrative embodiment. Therefore, the same configurations as those of the first illustrative embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The second introduction/discharge opening521has the same shape as the second discharge opening22of the first illustrative embodiment. The second introduction/discharge opening521is used in common with a part of the right end-side of the first discharge opening12. The intermediate discharge opening522has the same shape as the second introduction opening21of the first illustrative embodiment.

The card CA is introduced into the second introduction/discharge opening521. The pair of second conveyance rollers120of the upstream-side conveyance unit41and the pair of second conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42convey the card CA in the card conveyance area20to the rear direction. The rearward conveyance of the card CA is executed as the CPU of the control substrate54controls the conveyance unit40to perform a counter conveyance in an opposite direction to the rotating direction of the conveyance unit40of the first illustrative embodiment. Then, the card CA passes through the card passing path29and is partially discharged to the outside of the housing30through the intermediate discharge opening522. That is, the card CA is conveyed to the rear direction until it reaches the start position. Then, the pair of second conveyance rollers120of the upstream-side conveyance unit41and the pair of second conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42convey the card CA in the card conveyance area20to the front direction. At this time, the images of the card CA are read by the image reading sensors55A,55B, and then the card CA is discharged to the outside of the housing30through the second introduction/discharge opening521.

The image reading apparatus of the fifth illustrative embodiment can also realize the same operational effects as those of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment.

Sixth Illustrative Embodiment

As shown inFIG. 16, according to an image reading apparatus of a sixth illustrative embodiment, the second discharge opening22of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment is changed into a second introduction opening into which the card CA is introduced, and also the second introduction opening21of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment is changed into a second discharge opening622through which the card CA is discharged. The other configurations of the sixth illustrative embodiment are the same as those of the first illustrative embodiment. Thus, the same configurations as those of the first illustrative embodiment are denoted with the same reference numerals, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

Like the second introduction/discharge opening521of the fifth illustrative embodiment, the second introduction opening of the sixth illustrative embodiment has the same shape as the second discharge opening22of the first illustrative embodiment. Thus, the second introduction opening is not shown. The second discharge opening622has the same shape as the second introduction opening21of the first illustrative embodiment.

The card CA is introduced into the second introduction opening. The pair of second conveyance rollers120of the upstream-side conveyance unit41and the pair of second conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42convey the card CA in the card conveyance area20to the rear direction. After the images of the card CA are read by the image reading sensors55A,55B, the card CA passes through the card passing path29and is discharged to the outside of the housing30through the second discharge opening622.

The image reading apparatus of the sixth illustrative embodiment can also realize the same operational effects as those of the image reading apparatus1of the first illustrative embodiment.

Although this disclosure has been described on the basis of the first to sixth illustrative embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the first to sixth illustrative embodiments and can be appropriately changed and applied without departing from the gist thereof.

In the first illustrative embodiment, the upstream-side conveyance unit41and the downstream-side conveyance unit42have the same configuration. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the downstream-side conveyance unit42may have a configuration different from that of the upstream-side conveyance unit41. Specifically, while the pair of first conveyance rollers110of the upstream-side conveyance unit41may convey the sheet SH and the pair of second conveyance rollers120may convey the card CA, all the pairs of conveyance rollers of the downstream-side conveyance unit42may convey the sheet SH and the card CA.

In the first illustrative embodiment, the card CA is discharged to the outside of the housing30through the second discharge opening22. However, the card CA may be temporarily exposed to the outside through the second discharge opening22, reversely conveyed towards the second introduction opening21and then discharged to the outside of the housing30through the second introduction opening21.

In the first illustrative embodiment, the image reading sensors55A,55B have the CIS. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a charge coupled device (CCD) and the like may be adopted, instead of the CIS.

This disclosure can be applied to an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, a complex machine and the like.