Medium conveying apparatus including guide mechanism swingably supported about two axes

A medium conveying apparatus includes medium conveying apparatus includes a housing including a locking portion, a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion, a feed roller, a separation roller located to face the feed roller, and a guide mechanism including a locked portion locked with the locking portion, a first shaft portion supported by the first supporting portion, a second shaft portion supported by the second supporting portion, and a conveyance guide portion to regulate a medium fed between the feed roller and the separation roller. The guide mechanism is swingably supported by the housing about the first shaft portion in a state where the locked portion is locked with the locking portion. The guide mechanism is swingably supported by the housing about the second shaft portion in a state where a locking of the locking portion and the locked portion is released.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-198619, filed on Nov. 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments discussed in the present specification relate to medium conveyance.

BACKGROUND

Recently, a medium conveying apparatus, such as a scanner, is required to convey media, such as a plastic card or a passport, having various thicknesses. Further, such a medium conveying apparatus is required that the maintenance can be easily performed.

A medium conveying apparatus provided with a conveying path in which a medium is conveyed, a medium guide provided on the conveying path to include a swing support portion, and a support portion in which the swing support portion to swing the medium guide is supported swingably in a contact/separation direction relative to the conveying path is disclosed (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2009-84007).

A medium conveying apparatus including a conveying member movably arranged in a vertical direction on a conveying path, to convey a medium, and a guide portion to guide the medium, and to be moved in the vertical direction with a movement of the conveying member in the vertical direction is disclosed (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2004-276254).

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, a medium conveying apparatus includes a housing including a locking portion, a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion, a feed roller, a separation roller located to face the feed roller, and a guide mechanism including a locked portion locked with the locking portion, a first shaft portion supported by the first supporting portion, a second shaft portion supported by the second supporting portion, and a conveyance guide portion to regulate a medium fed between the feed roller and the separation roller. The guide mechanism is swingably supported by the housing about the first shaft portion in a state where the locked portion is locked with the locking portion. The guide mechanism is swingably supported by the housing about the second shaft portion in a state where a locking of the locking portion and the locked portion is released.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a medium conveying apparatus according to an embodiment, will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a medium conveying apparatus100configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying apparatus100conveys and images a medium being a document. The medium is a paper, such as a thin paper, a Plain Paper Copier (PPC) paper, etc., or a thick medium, such as a thick paper, a plastic card, a booklet or a passport (for example, a medium having a thickness larger than 2 mm). In other words, the medium supported by the medium conveying apparatus100includes a plurality of media each having a different thickness. The medium conveying apparatus100may be a fax machine, a copying machine, a multifunctional peripheral (MFP), etc. A conveyed medium may not be a document but may be an object being printed on etc., and the medium conveying apparatus100may be a printer etc.

InFIG.1, an arrow A1indicates a medium conveying direction, and an arrow A2indicates a width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction A1. Hereinafter, an upstream refers to an upstream in the medium conveying direction A1, and a downstream refers to a downstream in the medium conveying direction A1.

The medium conveying apparatus100includes a lower housing101, an upper housing102, a medium tray103, and an ejection tray104, etc.

The upper housing102is located at a position covering the upper surface of the medium conveying apparatus100and is engaged with the lower housing101by hinges so as to be opened and closed at a time of medium jam, during cleaning the inside of the medium conveying apparatus100, etc. The upper housing102and the lower housing101is formed of a resin material or a metal material, etc. The upper housing102is an example of a housing.

The medium tray103is engaged with the lower housing101in such a way as to be able to place a medium to be conveyed. The ejection tray104is engaged with the lower housing101in such a way as to be able to hold an ejected medium.

FIG.2is a diagram for illustrating a conveyance path inside the medium conveying apparatus100.

The conveyance path inside the medium conveying apparatus100include a feed roller111, a brake roller112, a first conveyance roller113, a second conveyance roller114, a first imaging device115a, a second imaging device115b, a third conveyance roller116, a fourth conveyance roller117and a guide mechanism120, etc. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and may be plural.

An upper surface of the lower housing101forms a lower guide105aforming a lower surface of the medium conveyance path, and a lower surface of the upper housing102forms an upper guide105bforming an upper surface of the medium conveyance path.

The feed roller111is provided on the lower housing101and sequentially feeds media placed on the medium tray103from the lower side. The brake roller112is an example of a separation roller, is provided on the upper housing102, and is located to face the feed roller111.

The first conveyance roller113is provided on the lower housing101. The second conveyance roller114is provided on the upper housing102, and is located to face the first conveyance roller113on the upward side of the first conveyance roller113. The second conveyance roller114is urged (pressed) in a direction toward the first conveyance roller113side (downward) by a spring (not shown), and is provided movably upward. The first conveyance roller113and the second conveyance roller114are located on the downstream side of the feed roller111and the brake roller112in the medium conveying direction A1, and convey the medium fed by the feed roller111and the brake roller112to the downstream side.

The first imaging device115aincludes a line sensor based on a unity-magnification optical system type contact image sensor (CIS) including an imaging element based on a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) linearly located in a main scanning direction. Further, the first imaging device115aincludes a lens for forming an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter for amplifying and analog-digital (A/D) converting an electric signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device115agenerates and outputs an input image imaging a front surface of a conveyed medium, in accordance with control from a processing circuit (not shown).

Similarly, the second imaging device115bincludes a line sensor based on a unity-magnification optical system type CIS including an imaging element based on a CMOS linearly located in a main scanning direction. Further, the second imaging device115bincludes a lens for forming an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter for amplifying and A/D converting an electric signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device115bgenerates and outputs an input image imaging a back surface of a conveyed medium, in accordance with control from the processing circuit. The second imaging device115bis located to face the first imaging device115aon the upper side of the first imaging device115a, is urged in a direction toward the first imaging device115aside (downward) by a spring (not shown), and is provided movably upward.

Only either of the first imaging device115aand the second imaging device115bmay be located in the medium conveying apparatus100and only one surface of a medium may be read. Further, a line sensor based on a unity-magnification optical system type CIS including an imaging element based on charge coupled devices (CCDs) may be used in place of the line sensor based on a unity-magnification optical system type CIS including an imaging element based on a CMOS. Further, a line sensor based on a reduction optical system type line sensor including an imaging element based on CMOS or CCDs.

The third conveyance roller116is provided on the lower housing101. The fourth conveyance roller117is provided on the upper housing102, and is located to face the third conveyance roller116on the upward side of the third conveyance roller117. The fourth conveyance roller117is urged in a direction toward the third conveyance roller116side (downward) by a spring (not shown), and is provided movably upward. The third conveyance roller116and the fourth conveyance roller117are located on the downstream side of the first conveyance roller113and the second conveyance roller114in the medium conveying direction A1, to further convey the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller113and the second conveyance roller114to the downstream side.

The guide mechanism120is provided at a position overlapping the feed roller111and the brake roller112in the medium conveying direction A1, in the upper housing102. The guide mechanism120is formed of an integral member, such as a resin material or a metal material, etc. The guide mechanism120may be formed of a plurality of members. The guide mechanism120abuts against a front end of the medium entering a nip position of the feed roller111and the brake roller112to regulate floating of the front end of the medium. Further, the guide mechanism120regulates the floating of the medium fed between the feed roller111and the brake roller112so that the medium is appropriately fed between the first imaging device115aand the second imaging device115b.

The medium placed on the medium tray103is fed toward the medium conveying direction A1while being guided by the guide mechanism120by the feed roller111rotating in a direction of an arrow A3inFIG.2, i.e., a medium feeding direction. The medium conveying apparatus100has two operation modes: a separation mode in which the medium is separated and fed when a plurality of media is placed on the medium tray103, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without separating. When operating in the separation mode, the brake roller112rotates in a direction of an arrow A4, i.e., in a direction opposite to the media feeding direction, during feeding the medium. By the workings of the feed roller111and the brake roller112, when a plurality of media are placed on the medium tray103, only a medium in contact with the feed roller111, out of the media placed on the medium tray103, is separated. Consequently, conveyance of a medium other than the separated medium is restricted (prevention of multi-feed) On the other hand, when operating in the non-separation mode, the brake roller112rotates in an opposite direction of the arrow A4, that is, the medium feeding direction, during feeding the medium.

The medium is fed between the first imaging device115aand the second imaging device115bby the first conveyance roller113and the second conveyance roller114rotating in directions of an arrow A5and an arrow A6, respectively. The medium read by the first imaging device115aand the second imaging device115bis ejected on the ejection tray104by rotating the third conveyance roller118and the fourth conveyance roller119in directions of an arrow A7and an arrow A8, respectively.

FIGS.3,4A and4Bare schematic diagrams for illustrating the guide mechanism120.FIG.3is a perspective view of the guide mechanism120removed from the upper housing102, as viewed from the upper side (the opposite side of the medium conveyance path).FIG.4Ais a perspective view of the guide mechanism120removed from the upper housing102, as viewed from the upstream side.FIG.4Bis an enlarged view of a cross-sectional view taken along an A-A′ line in a portion R1inFIG.4A.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the guide mechanism120includes a plurality of locked portions120a, a plurality of first shaft portions120b, a plurality of second shaft portions120c, a plurality of pressed portions120d, a conveyance guide portion120eand an opening portion120f, etc. The locked portions120a, the first shaft portions120b, the second shaft portions120c, the pressed portions120dand the conveyance guide portion120eof the guide mechanism120are integrally formed. Thus, the medium conveying apparatus100can reduce the number of parts and reduce the equipment cost.

As illustrated inFIGS.3,4A and4B, the locked portions120aare projections (claws) formed on the guide mechanism120. The locked portions120aare provided at an upstream end portion of the guide mechanism120in the medium conveying direction A1, in particular, on the upstream side of the brake roller112, and located apart from each other along in the width direction A2.

The first shaft portions120bare projections formed in an arc shape. The first shaft portions120bare provided at the upstream end portion of the guide mechanism120in the medium conveying direction A1, in particular, on the upstream side of the brake roller112, and located apart from each other along in the width direction A2.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the second shaft portions120care projections formed in an arc shape. The second shaft portions120care provided at a downstream end portion of the guide mechanism120in the medium conveying direction A1, in particular, on the downstream side of the brake roller112, and located apart from each other along in the width direction A2.

The pressed portions120dhave a planar shape. The pressed portions120dare provided at the downstream end portion of the guide mechanism120in the medium conveying direction A1, in particular, on the downstream side of the brake roller112, and located apart from each other along in the width direction A2.

As illustrated in theFIG.4A, the conveyance guide portion120eis formed on a surface of the guide mechanism120on the conveyance path side so as to extend in the width direction A2except for the opening portion120f.

FIGS.5A,5B,6A and6Bare schematic diagrams for illustrating the guide mechanism120in an initial state.FIG.5Ais a perspective view of the guide mechanism120attached to the upper housing102, as viewed from the lower side.FIG.5Bis an enlarged view of a sectional view taken along B-B′ line in a portion R2inFIG.5A.FIG.6Ais a cross-sectional view taken along C-C′ line inFIG.5A.FIG.6Bis a perspective view of the downstream end portion of the guide mechanism120attached to the upper housing102, as viewed from the side.

As illustrated inFIGS.5A and6A, the guide mechanism120is attached to the upper housing102such that the opening120ffaces the braking roller112. Further, the guide mechanism120is provided with a plurality of stoppers121and a front end guide122, etc.

The stoppers121are provided on the upstream side of the brake roller112in the medium conveying direction A1, and located apart from each other along in the width direction A2. The stoppers121abut the front end of the medium placed on the medium tray103, to prohibit that the medium placed on the medium tray103enters the nip position of the feed roller111and the brake roller112, before conveying the medium.

The front end guide122is provided on the upstream side of the brake roller112in the medium transport direction A1and between the two brake rollers112in the width direction A2. The front end guide122is urged downward by a spring (not shown). The front end guide122presses the front end of the medium entering the nip position of the feed roller111and the brake roller112downward to regulate the upward floating of the front end of the medium, during conveyance of the medium. The number of the front end guide122is not limited to one, and may be plural. In that case, the front end guides122are located apart from each other along in the width direction A2.

As illustrated inFIGS.5A,5B,6A, and6B, the upper housing102includes a plurality of locking portions102a, a plurality of first supporting portions102b, a plurality of second supporting portions102cand pressing members102d, etc.

The locking portions102aare provided at positions facing the locked portions120ain a state where the guide mechanism120is attached to the upper housing102. The locking portions102ahave an L-shape to abut the locked portions120a.

The first supporting portions102bare provided at positions facing the first shaft portions120bin a state where the guide mechanism120is attached to the upper housing102. The first supporting portions102bhave arc-shaped concave portions along the arc surfaces of the first shaft portions120b, to rotatably support the first shaft portions120b. The first shaft portions120band the first supporting portions102bare provided so as to contact only at an upper end side of the first shaft portions120band the lower end side of the first supporting portions102b. Thus, even when a force toward the upper side from the lower side is applied to the guide mechanism120, the guide mechanism120can rotate along the first supporting portions102b, while receiving a load so as not to lift.

The second supporting portions102care provided at positions facing the second shaft portions120cin a state where the guide mechanism120is attached to the upper housing102. The second supporting portions102chave an arc-shaped concave portion along the arc surface of the second shaft portion120c, and rotatably supports the second shaft portion120cat a lower end of the concave portion.

The pressing members102dare provided at positions facing the pressed portions120din a state where the guide mechanism120is attached to the upper housing102. The pressing members102dare formed of compression coil springs, and are provided so that one ends thereof are fixed to the upper housing102and the other ends thereof contact the pressed portions120d. Thus, the pressed portions120dare urged downward by the pressing members102d. The pressing members102dmay be formed of torsion coil springs, or rubber members, etc. The pressing members102dmay be held in a predetermined frame so as not to be exposed when the guide mechanism120is opened.

As illustrated inFIG.5B, the locking portions120aare locked with the locked portions102a, in the initial state. Thus, the upstream end portion of the guide mechanism120is locked with the upper housing102, and the guide mechanism120is held in the upper housing102without falling. Further, the first shaft portions120bare rotatably supported by the first supporting portions102b. As illustrated inFIG.6B, the pressing members102dpress the pressed portions120ddownward and press the guiding member120to the feed roller111side in a state where the locked portions120aare locked with the locking portions102a. On the other hand, as illustrated inFIG.6A, the second shaft portions120care rotatably supported by the second supporting portions102cat a lower end of the second supporting portions102cwhile being movably provided upward in the second supporting portions102c.

FIG.7is a schematic diagram for illustrating the brake roller112.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the brake roller112is provided in a unit130. A shaft being a rotation shaft of the brake roller112is supported by an upstream end portion of the unit130, and a downstream end portion130aof the unit130is swingably (rotatably) supported by the upper housing102. One end of the spring130b, the other end of which is supported by the upper housing102, is attached to an upper end of the upstream end portion of the unit130, and the upstream end portion of the unit130is urged by the spring130bin a direction A12toward the feed roller111side.

FIG.8is a schematic diagram for illustrating a state of the guide mechanism120when a paper is conveyed as the medium (when the medium conveying apparatus100operates in the separation mode).FIG.8is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism120, as viewed from the side.

In the example illustrated inFIG.8, a plurality of papers M1are placed on the medium tray103. A front end of each paper M1contacts the brake roller112, and the lowermost paper among the papers M1is fed to the nip position of the feed roller111and the brake roller112. Since the paper is sufficiently thin, the brake roller112hardly moves in a vertical direction with respect to a position before conveyance of the medium, and the unit130hardly swings. Further, the papers M1do not contact the guide mechanism120, the guide mechanism120is pressed downward by the pressing member102dillustrated inFIG.6B, and the second supporting portion102cstops at a position where the second shaft portion120ccontacts a lower end of the second supporting portion102c. That is, the guide mechanism120does not change from the initial state. Therefore, the front end guide122provided on the upstream side of the guide mechanism120is located at an appropriate position without varying in the vertical direction, and each medium is satisfactorily fed by the front end guide122when a plurality of media is placed on the medium tray103. The floating of the paper fed between the feed roller111and the brake roller112is regulated by the conveyance guide portion120e, and the paper is appropriately conveyed toward the imaging device115.

FIG.9is a schematic diagram for illustrating the guide mechanism120in a first moving state.FIG.9illustrates the guide mechanism120which transitions from the initial state illustrated inFIG.6Ato the first moving state.

As illustrated inFIG.9, when the conveyance guide portion120eis pushed upward from a lower side, the pressed portion120dillustrated inFIG.6Bpushes up the pressing member102d, and the second shaft portion120crises up with respect to the second supporting portion102c. On the other hand, the first shaft portion120brotates along the first supporting portion102b. Thus, in the first moving state, the guide mechanism120(on a side of the second shaft portion120clocated on the downstream side) swings (rotates) about the first shaft portion120blocated on the upstream side as a swing axis (rotation axis). As a result, a distance between the feed roller111and the conveyance guide portion120echanges. For example, the guide mechanism120is located such that a distance between the lower guide105aand the conveyance guide portion120eis about 2 mm in the initial state, and the distance between the lower guide105aand the conveyance guide portion120eis about 8 mm in the first moving state. In this manner, the guide mechanism120is swingably supported by the upper housing102about the first shaft portion120bso that a distance between the feed roller111and the conveyance guide portion120eis variable in a state where the locked portion120ais locked with the locking portion102a.

FIG.10is a schematic diagram for illustrating a state of the brake roller112when a thick medium such as a passport is conveyed (when the medium conveying apparatus100operates in the non-separation mode).FIG.10illustrates the brake roller112moved from the state illustrated inFIG.7.

In the example illustrated inFIG.10, a passport M2is fed. As described above, the unit130is swingably supported by the upper housing102. As shown inFIG.10, since the passport M2has thickness and rigidity, the brake roller112is pushed up by the passport M2, and the upstream end portion of the unit130pushes the spring130bupward. Since the downstream end portion130aof the unit130is supported by the upper housing102, the unit130swings in a direction of an arrow A13.

FIGS.11and12are a schematic diagrams for illustrating the state of the guide mechanism120when the passport M2is conveyed.FIG.11is a schematic diagram of the guide mechanism120in the first moving state, as viewed from the side in the same manner as inFIG.8.FIG.12illustrates the guide mechanism120which transitions from the initial state illustrated inFIG.2to the first moving state.

As described above, when the passport M2is fed, the brake roller112is pushed up by the passport M2. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.11, the passport M2contacts the conveyance guide portion120eof the guide mechanism120, and the conveyance guide portion120eis pushed up by the passport M2. As described with reference toFIG.9, when the conveyance guide portion120eis pushed up, the pressed portion120dpushes up the pressing member102d, and the second shaft portion120crises up with respect to the second supporting portion102c. On the other hand, the first shaft portion120brotates along the first supporting portion102b, and the guide mechanism120swings about the first shaft portion120bas a swing axis. In this manner, the guide mechanism120is swingably supported by the upper housing102about the first shaft portion120bin a state where the locked portion120ais locked with the locking portion102a.

As illustrated inFIG.12, when the passport M2whose front end has passed through the nip position of the feed roller111and the brake roller112is further conveyed to the downstream side, the second conveyance roller114, the second imaging device115band the fourth conveyance roller117are pushed up by the passport M2. Thus, the medium is satisfactorily conveyed and ejected on the ejection tray104. In this manner, when the thick medium such as the passport M2is conveyed, a width of the medium conveyance path in the vertical direction becomes large, and the medium is satisfactorily fed without stopping by being pinched between the lower guide105aand the guide mechanism120. The medium fed between the feed roller111and the brake roller112is regulated by the conveyance guide portion120e, and is appropriately conveyed toward the imaging device115.

FIG.13is a schematic diagram for illustrating the guide mechanism120in a second moving state.FIG.13illustrates the guide mechanism120which transitions from the initial state illustrated inFIG.2to the second moving state.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the upper housing102is swingably (rotatably) supported in a direction of an arrow A14by the lower housing101using a hinge102eprovided at a downstream end portion. In a state where the upper housing102is open with respect to the lower housing101, the guide mechanism120is allowed to open in a direction of an arrow A15with respect to the lower housing101.

FIGS.14and15are schematic diagrams for illustrating the guide mechanism120in the second moving state.FIGS.14and15illustrate the guide mechanism120which transitions from the initial state illustrated inFIG.6Ato the second moving state, while the upper housing102is opened with respect to the lower housing101.

As illustrated inFIGS.14and15, when a locking of the locking portion102aand the locked portion120ais released in a state where the upper housing102is opened with respect to the lower housing101, the second shaft portion120crotates along the second supporting portion102cat the lower end of the second supporting portion102c. Thus, the first shaft portion120bis separated from the first supporting portion102b, and the pressed portion120dis separated from the pressing member102d. As a result, the guide mechanism120swings (rotates) in the direction of the arrow A15about the second shaft portion120clocated on the downstream side as the swing axis (rotation axis), and is opened with respect to the lower housing101, and thereby, the inner side of the guide mechanism120is opened. In this manner, the guide mechanism120is swingably supported by the upper housing102about the second shaft portion120cin order to open the inner side of the guide mechanism120in a state where the locking of the locking portion102aand the locked portion120ais released.

As illustrated inFIGS.14and15, the brake roller112is located in the upper housing102so as to be taken out when the inner side of the guide mechanism120is opened. Thus, the user can remove the brake roller112from the upper housing102in the second moving state, and can easily clean or replace the brake roller112.

As described in detail above, the medium conveyance apparatus100swingably supports the guide mechanism120for regulating the fed medium on the housing about the two shaft portions so that the distance between the feed roller111and the conveyance guide portion120eis variable and the inner side of the guide mechanism120is opened. Thus, the medium conveying apparatus100can perform maintenance easily while appropriately conveying a plurality of media having different thicknesses, respectively.

In particular, the medium conveying apparatus100can convey a plurality of media having different thicknesses, respectively, by inserting from the same feed port. Further, the medium conveying apparatus100can appropriately convey the medium to the imaging device115while holding the floating of the medium by the guide mechanism120. Further, the medium conveying apparatus100can protect the brake roller112and its driving mechanism against dust by the guide mechanism120. Further, the guide mechanism120can reduce the vertical position variation in the upstream end portion thereof by swinging about the upstream end portion as a swing axis in the initial state and the first moving state. Therefore, the medium conveying apparatus100can reduce the vertical position variation of the front end guide122provided at the upstream end portion of the guide mechanism120, and can satisfactorily feed a plurality of media by the front end guide122when the plurality of media are placed on the medium tray103.

FIGS.16A and16Bare schematic diagrams for illustrating the engaged member220ain a medium conveying apparatus according to another embodiment.

As illustrated inFIGS.16A and16B, the medium conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a guide mechanism220instead of the guide mechanism120. The guide mechanism220includes a plurality of engaged members220ainstead of the plurality of locked members120aand the plurality of first shaft portions120b. Further, as illustrated inFIG.16B, the medium conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an upper housing202, instead of the upper housing102. The upper housing202includes engaging portions202ainstead of the locking portions102aand the first supporting portions102b.

The engaged members220aare members having a projection formed in a cylindrical shape, are formed separately from the guide mechanism220, and are attached to the guide mechanism220. The engaged members220aare urged toward the outside in the width direction A2with respect to the guide mechanism220by a spring (not shown), and are provided so as to be pushed into the inside of the guide mechanism220. The engaged members220aare provided at an upstream end of the guide mechanism220in the medium conveying direction A1, and are located apart from each other along in the width direction A2.

The engaging portions202aare provided at positions facing the projections of the engaged members in a state where the guide mechanism220is attached to the upper housing202. The engaging portions202ahave holes that engages with projections of the engaged members220a, and rotatably supports the engaged members220a.

As illustrated inFIG.16B, the engaged members220aare engaged with the engaging portions202a, and are rotatably supported by the engaging portions202a. Further, the locking of the engaged members220aand the engagement portion202ais released, by pushing the protrusions of the engaged members220ainto the guide mechanisms220. In this manner, the engaged member220afunctions as the locked portion and the first shaft portion. That is, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment, the first shaft portion and the locked portion are integrally formed, and the first shaft portion functions as the locked portion. Thus, the medium conveying apparatus can simplify a structure of the guide mechanism220, and thereby, reduce a manufacturing cost of the apparatus.

As described in detail above, the medium conveying apparatus can perform maintenance easily while appropriately conveying a plurality of media having different thicknesses, respectively, even when the first shaft portion and the locked portion are integrally formed, and the first shaft portion functions as the locked portion.

FIG.17is a schematic diagram for illustrating the engaged portion320ain a medium conveying apparatus according to still another embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the medium conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a guide mechanism320instead of the guide mechanism220provided with the engaged member220a. The guide mechanism320has a plurality of engaged portions320ainstead of the plurality of engaged members220a. The medium conveyance apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an upper housing202including an engaging portion202a.

The engaged portions320ahave projections formed in a cylindrical shape. The engaged portions320aare formed integrally with the guide mechanism320. The engaged portions320aare located at an upstream end of the guide mechanism320in the medium conveyance direction A1, and apart from each other along in the width direction A2.

The engaged portion320ais locked with the engaging portion202a, and rotatably supported by the engaging portion202a. At least one of the guide mechanism320and the upper housing202has flexibility, and the engaged portion320ais detachably provided to the engaging portion202a. The locking of the engaged portion320aand the engaging portion202ais released, by the engaged portion320adetached from the engaging portion202a. In this manner, the engaged portion320afunctions as the engaged portion and the first shaft portion. That is, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment, the first shaft portion and the locked portion are integrally formed, and the first shaft portion functions as the locked portion. Thus, the medium conveying apparatus can simplify a structure of the guide mechanism220, reduce the number of parts, and thereby, reduce the equipment cost and the manufacturing cost of the apparatus.

As described in detail above, the medium conveying apparatus can perform maintenance easily while appropriately conveying a plurality of media having different thicknesses, respectively, even when the first shaft portion and the locked portion are integrally formed, and formed integrally with and the guide mechanism, and the first shaft portion functions as the locked portion.

FIG.18is a schematic diagram for illustrating a pressing member402din a medium conveying apparatus according to still another embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.18, the medium conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a guide mechanism420, instead of the guide mechanism120. The guide mechanism420includes a plurality of second shaft portions420c, instead of the plurality of second shaft portions120c. The pressed portion120dis omitted in the guide mechanism420. Further, the medium conveying apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an upper housing402, instead of the upper housing102. The upper housing402includes a plurality of second supporting portions402c, instead of the plurality of second supporting portions102c, and includes a plurality of pressing members402d, instead of the plurality of pressing members102d.

The pressing members402dare provided at positions facing the second shaft portions420cin the second supporting portions402c. The pressing members402dare formed of compression coil springs, and are provided so that one ends thereof are fixed to the upper housing402and the other ends thereof abut the second shaft portions420c. Thus, the second shaft portions420care urged downward by the pressing member402d. The pressing member402dmay be formed of may be formed of torsion coil springs, or a rubber members, etc.

The pressing members402dfunction as regulating portions to regulate the second shaft portions420cto swing when the guide mechanism420swings about the first shaft portions. Thus, the medium conveying apparatus can simplify a structure of the guide mechanism420, and thereby, reduce a manufacturing cost of the apparatus.

As described in detail above the medium conveying apparatus can perform maintenance easily while appropriately conveying a plurality of media having different thicknesses, even when the second supporting portion402cis provided with the pressing member402d.

The number of the locked portions120a, the first shaft portions120b, the second shaft portions120cand420c, the pressed portions120d, the locked portions102a, the first supporting portions102b, the second supporting portions102cand402c, the pressing members102dand402d, the stoppers121, the engaged members220a, the engaged portions320aand/or the engaged portions202ais not limited to two, and may be one or three or more, respectively.

The pressing members102dand402dmay be provided on the guide mechanism side, instead of the upper housing side. In this case, for example, the pressing member102dis provided in the pressed portion120d. Alternatively, the pressing member402dis engaged with the second shaft portion420c. In these cases as well, the guide mechanism can swing well.

According to embodiments, the medium conveying apparatus can perform maintenance easily while appropriately conveying a plurality of media having different thicknesses, respectively.