Patent ID: 12195301

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of a medium conveying apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, in the description below, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components and descriptions of overlapping portions will be omitted.

Embodiment

As illustrated inFIG.1, a medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is provided in an image reading apparatus1.FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus1provided with the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment. The image reading apparatus1includes a medium conveying apparatus main body2and a paper feed tray3. The medium conveying apparatus main body2is formed in a substantially box shape. The medium conveying apparatus main body2is placed on an installation surface on which the image reading apparatus1is installed. A paper feed port5and a paper ejection port6are formed in the medium conveying apparatus main body2. The paper feed port5is formed on the rear side of the medium conveying apparatus main body2. The paper ejection port6is formed on the front side and the upper side of the medium conveying apparatus main body2. A conveying path, which is not illustrated, is formed inside the medium conveying apparatus main body2.

The image reading apparatus1further includes a conveying unit and a reading unit that are not illustrated. The conveying unit supplies one of a plurality of media inserted in the paper feed port5to the conveying path. The conveying unit further conveys the medium supplied to the conveying path along the conveying path, and ejects the medium, which has been conveyed along the conveying path, from the paper ejection port6to an exterior of the medium conveying apparatus main body2. The reading unit captures an image of the medium conveyed along the conveying path.

The paper feed tray3includes a paper feed tray main body7and a paper feed tray extension member8. The paper feed tray main body7is formed in a plate shape. A paper feed tray placement surface11is formed on the paper feed tray main body7. A storage space for storing therein the paper feed tray extension member8is formed inside the paper feed tray main body7. The paper feed tray main body7is supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body2so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis12. The rotation axis12is parallel to the plane which the installation surface where the image reading apparatus1is installed is along, and is parallel to the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along. The paper feed tray main body7is opened and closed as a result of the paper feed tray main body7rotating about the rotation axis12.

The paper feed tray extension member8is formed in a plate shape. A paper feed tray auxiliary placement surface14is formed on the paper feed tray extension member8. The paper feed tray extension member8is supported by the paper feed tray main body7so as to be able to move with respect to the paper feed tray main body7. The paper feed tray3extends and contracts as a result of the paper feed tray extension member8moving with respect to the paper feed tray main body7.

The paper feed tray3is expanded or is stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body2as a result of the paper feed tray main body7being opened or closed or the paper feed tray3being extended or contracted. When the paper feed tray3is appropriately expanded, the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position and is arranged at the rear side of the medium conveying apparatus main body2such that the paper feed tray placement surface11is oriented obliquely upward. When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position, the paper feed port5is connected to the paper feed tray main body7and is connected to the paper feed tray placement surface11of the paper feed tray main body7.

When the paper feed tray3is appropriately expanded, the paper feed tray3is extended. When the paper feed tray3is appropriately extended, the paper feed tray extension member8is arranged at the paper feed tray extension position and is arranged at the exterior of the paper feed tray main body7such that the paper feed tray auxiliary placement surface14is substantially along the plane that is parallel to the paper feed tray placement surface11.

FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus1when the paper feed tray3is stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body2. The paper feed tray3is contracted when the paper feed tray3is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body2. When the paper feed tray3is appropriately contracted, the paper feed tray extension member8is arranged at the paper feed tray contraction position, is arranged at the storage space of the paper feed tray main body7, and is stored. When the paper feed tray3is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body2, the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and is arranged on the medium conveying apparatus main body2such that the paper feed tray placement surface11faces downward and is opposing to the paper feed tray main body7. When the paper feed tray3is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper ejection port6is covered by the paper feed tray main body7. When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the image reading apparatus1is able to prevent a foreign object from entering the conveying path via the paper ejection port6as a result of the paper ejection port6being covered by the paper feed tray main body7.

The paper feed tray3further includes a paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism that is not illustrated. The paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism mechanically causes the paper feed tray extension member8to move in conjunction with the opening and closing of the paper feed tray main body7and mechanically causes the paper feed tray3to be extended and contracted as a result of the opening and closing of the paper feed tray main body7. In other words, when the paper feed tray main body7moves toward the paper feed tray expansion position, the paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism causes the paper feed tray extension member8to move toward the paper feed tray extension position. When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the expansion position, the paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism arranges the paper feed tray extension member8at the paper feed tray extension position. When the paper feed tray main body7moves toward the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism causes the paper feed tray extension member8to move toward the paper feed tray contraction position. When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism arranges the paper feed tray extension member8at the paper feed tray contraction position.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the image reading apparatus1further includes a right side guide21and a left side guide22.FIG.3is a plan view illustrating the paper feed tray3, the right side guide21, and the left side guide22. A left-facing side guide surface23is formed on the right side guide21. The right side guide21is arranged in a right side area of the paper feed tray placement surface11such that the left-facing side guide surface23faces the left side and such that the right side guide21protrudes from the paper feed tray placement surface11. A right-facing side guide surface24is formed on the left side guide22. The left side guide22is arranged in a left side area of the paper feed tray placement surface11such that the right-facing side guide surface24faces the right side and such that the left side guide22protrudes from the paper feed tray placement surface11. The plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along is perpendicular to the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along, and is parallel to a conveying direction25. The conveying direction25is parallel to the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along, and is also perpendicular to the rotation axis12. The plane that is parallel to the right-facing side guide surface24is perpendicular to the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along, and is also parallel to the conveying direction25. In other words, both of the right side guide21and the left side guide22are arranged such that the left-facing side guide surface23and the right-facing side guide surface24face each other.

FIG.4is a perspective view illustrating the right side guide21. The right side guide21includes a side guide base31, a side guide main body32, a movable member33, and a lifting member34. The side guide base31is formed in a substantially plate shape. The side guide base31is arranged so as to be along the paper feed tray placement surface11and is supported by the paper feed tray main body7so as to be able to translate in a width direction35. The width direction35is parallel to the rotation axis12, that is, the width direction35is parallel to the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along, and is also perpendicular to the conveying direction25.

A body side left-facing side guide surface36is formed on the side guide main body32. The body side left-facing side guide surface36is a part of the left-facing side guide surface23, that is, the plane that is parallel to the body side left-facing side guide surface36is perpendicular to the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along, and is also parallel to the conveying direction25. The side guide main body32is arranged such that the side guide main body32protrudes from the paper feed tray placement surface11. The side guide main body32is integrally formed with the side guide base31and is fixed to the side guide base31.

The movable member33is arranged on the upstream side of the side guide main body32in the conveying direction25. The movable member33is supported by the side guide main body32so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis37. The rotation axis37is parallel to the width direction35, that is, the rotation axis37is parallel to the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along, and is also perpendicular to the conveying direction25. The movable member33is expanded or stored as a result of the movable member33rotating about the rotation axis37. The movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position when the movable member33is expanded. The lifting member34is arranged between the movable member33and the paper feed tray main body7on the upstream side of the side guide main body32in the conveying direction25, and is arranged below the movable member33.

FIG.5is a side view illustrating the right side guide21when the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position. When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position, the movable member33is regulated such that the movable member33does not rotate about the rotation axis37in a clockwise direction inFIG.5. The height of the movable member33relative to the paper feed tray main body7indicates a distance between a point that is included in the movable member33and that is farthest from the paper feed tray placement surface11and the plane which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along. When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position, the height of the movable member33relative to the paper feed tray main body7is equal to a first height H1and is higher than a height H0of the side guide main body32relative to the paper feed tray main body7.

The lifting member34is supported by the side guide base31so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis39, that is, the lifting member34is supported by the side guide main body32via the side guide base31so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis39. The rotation axis39is parallel to the rotation axis37, that is, the rotation axis39is parallel to the plane, which the paper feed tray placement surface11is along, and is also perpendicular to the conveying direction25. The lifting member34is expanded or stored as a result of the lifting member34rotating about the rotation axis39. When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position, the lifting member34is expanded and is arranged at the lifting member expansion position.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the right side guide21further includes a storage fixing projection41.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A inFIG.5and illustrating the movable member33, the lifting member34, and the storage fixing projection41. The storage fixing projection41is formed in a rod shape, and is arranged so as to protrude upward that is the direction in which the paper feed tray placement surface11faces. The storage fixing projection41is fixed to the side guide base31, that is, the storage fixing projection41is fixed to the side guide main body32via the side guide base31.

An abutting surface42and a projection43are further formed on the lifting member34. The abutting surface42is formed on the upper side of the lifting member34opposing to the movable member33. The projection43is formed so as to protrude to the upper side from the center area of the abutting surface42in the width direction35, and is formed so as to protrude toward the movable member33.

An upstream right-facing side guide surface44and an upstream left-facing side guide surface45are formed on the lifting member34. The upstream right-facing side guide surface44is formed on a substantially flat shape. The upstream left-facing side guide surface45is formed on the opposite side of the side on which the upstream right-facing side guide surface44of the lifting member34is formed. The upstream left-facing side guide surface45is formed in a substantially flat manner so as to be along other plane parallel to the plane which the upstream right-facing side guide surface44is along.

The lifting member34is formed so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane46. The symmetry plane46is perpendicular to the width direction35and is located at the center of the lifting member34in the width direction35. For example, the distance between the symmetry plane46and the upstream right-facing side guide surface44is substantially equal to the distance between the symmetry plane46and the upstream left-facing side guide surface45. The projection43is formed so as to intersect the symmetry plane46.

FIG.7is an enlarged side view illustrating the right side guide21. The lifting member34is arranged such that the upstream left-facing side guide surface45is along the plane which the body side left-facing side guide surface36of the side guide main body32is along. In other words, the upstream left-facing side guide surface45is a part of the left-facing side guide surface23, and both of the body side left-facing side guide surface36and the upstream left-facing side guide surface45are along the same plane.

The movable member33includes a supporting portion51and a protrusion portion52.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view illustrating the right side guide21taken along a line B-B inFIG.7. A sliding surface53, an inside notch left-facing side guide surface54, an inside notch right-facing side guide surface55, and a groove56are formed in the supporting portion51. The sliding surface53is formed on the side opposing to the lifting member34of the supporting portion51and is formed in a substantially flat manner. The inside notch left-facing side guide surface54faces the left side, is formed at a position closer to the right side of the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along, and is along other plane parallel to the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along. The inside notch right-facing side guide surface55faces the right side, and is formed on the opposite side of the side on which the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54of the supporting portion51is formed. The groove56is formed at the center area of the sliding surface53in the width direction35, that is, the groove56is formed on the side opposing to the lifting member34of the supporting portion51.

The protrusion portion52is arranged on the supporting portion51so as to protrude from the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54and also protrude from the inside notch right-facing side guide surface55. The protrusion portion52is integrally formed with the supporting portion51and is fixed to the supporting portion51. A protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57and a protrusion side right-facing side guide surface58are formed on the protrusion portion52. The protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57faces the left side and is along the plane which the upstream left-facing side guide surface45is along. In other words, the protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57is a part of the left-facing side guide surface23, and the body side left-facing side guide surface36, the upstream left-facing side guide surface45, and the protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57are along the same plane. In other words, the protrusion portion52does not intersect the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along, that is, does not protrude to the left side from the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along. The protrusion side right-facing side guide surface58faces the right side, is formed on the opposite side of the side on which the protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57of the protrusion portion52is formed, and is along the plane which the upstream right-facing side guide surface44is along. In other words, the protrusion portion52does not intersect the plane which the upstream right-facing side guide surface44is along, that is, does not protrude to the right side from the plane which the upstream right-facing side guide surface44is along.

A left side notch61and a right side notch62are further formed on the movable member33. The left side notch61is formed as a result of the protrusion portion52protruding from the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54. The right side notch62is formed as a result of the protrusion portion52protruding from the inside notch right-facing side guide surface55. The left side notch61is formed on the movable member33, so that a depression64depressing from the left-facing side guide surface23is formed on the right side guide21when the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position.

The movable member33is formed so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a symmetry plane63. The symmetry plane63is perpendicular to the width direction35and is located at the center of the movable member33in the width direction35. For example, the distance between the symmetry plane63and the protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57is substantially equal to the distance between the symmetry plane63and the protrusion side right-facing side guide surface58. The groove56is formed so as to intersect the symmetry plane63.

FIG.9is another cross-sectional view illustrating the right side guide21. The right side guide21further includes a spring65. The spring65is formed of a torsion coil spring. One end of the spring65is fixed to the lifting member34, whereas the other end of the spring65is fixed to the side guide base31. When the lifting member34is arranged at the lifting member expansion position, the spring65is elastically deformed and applies an elastic force to the lifting member34so as to counteract the movement of the lifting member34toward the lifting member storage position.

The groove56of the movable member33includes a first groove portion66and a second groove portion67. The first groove portion66is formed at a position further away from the rotation axis37than the second groove portion67. The depth of the second groove portion67is reduced toward the first groove portion66. The depth of the first groove portion66is greater than the depth of the second groove portion67at the end that is closer to the first groove portion66. The supporting portion51of the movable member33includes a first supporting portion68and a second supporting portion69. The first groove portion66of the groove56is formed in the first supporting portion68. The second groove portion67of the groove56is formed in the second supporting portion69. In other words, the first supporting portion68is formed at a position further away from the rotation axis37than the second supporting portion69.

The protrusion portion52includes a first protrusion portion71and a second protrusion portion72. The first protrusion portion71protrudes from a portion that is formed at the first supporting portion68of the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54, and protrudes from a portion that is formed at the first supporting portion68of the inside notch right-facing side guide surface55. The first protrusion portion71is formed at a position further away from the rotation axis37than the second protrusion portion72. The second protrusion portion72further protrudes from a portion that is formed at the second supporting portion69of the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54, and protrudes from a portion that is formed at the second supporting portion69of the inside notch right-facing side guide surface55.

The first protrusion portion71protrudes to the upper side than the second protrusion portion72. As a result of the first protrusion portion71protruding to the upper side, even when the second supporting portion69is tapered toward the rotation axis37, the first groove portion66is able to be formed such that the depth of the first groove portion66is greater than the depth of the second groove portion67at the end located on the side of the first groove portion66. Furthermore, even when the depth of the first groove portion66is greater than the depth of the second groove portion67at the end located on the side of the first groove portion66, the first protrusion portion71is able to be formed such that the thickness of the first protrusion portion71is not thinner than a predetermined thickness.

When the lifting member34is arranged at the lifting member expansion position and when the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position, the projection43of the lifting member34comes into inside the second groove portion67. As a result of the projection43coming into inside the second groove portion67, the image reading apparatus1is able to reduce the degree of a movement of the movable member33in the width direction35, and is able to appropriately support the movable member33.

As illustrated inFIG.10, when the movable member33is appropriately stored, the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position.FIG.10is a side view illustrating the right side guide21when the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position. When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position, the height of the movable member33relative to the paper feed tray main body7is equal to a second height H2and is greater than the height H0of the side guide main body32relative to the paper feed tray main body7. Furthermore, the height of the second height H2is lower than the first height H1.

When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position, the lifting member34is stored and is arranged at the lifting member storage position. When the lifting member34is arranged at the lifting member storage position, the spring65is elastically deformed and applies an elastic force to the lifting member34such that the lifting member34moves toward the lifting member expansion position.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C inFIG.10and illustrating the right side guide21when the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position. When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position, the storage fixing projection41is fitted in the first groove portion66of the groove56of the movable member33. As a result of the storage fixing projection41being fitted into the first groove portion66of the groove56, the image reading apparatus1is able to reduce the degree of a movement of the first protrusion portion71of the movable member33in the width direction35with respect to the side guide main body32, and is able to appropriately support the movable member33.

The left side guide22is formed so as to be the same as that the right side guide21is mirrored, and includes, similarly to the right side guide21, a side guide base, a side guide main body, a movable member, a lifting member, a storage fixing projection, and a spring. At this time, as a result of the movable member33being formed symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane63, the movable member33is able to be used as a movable member of the left side guide22. As a result of the lifting member34being formed symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane46, the lifting member34is able to be used as a lifting member of the left side guide22. By using the movable member33and the lifting member34for both of the right side guide21and the left side guide22, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the image reading apparatus1.

Operation of Image Reading Apparatus1

When a user stores the image reading apparatus1, the user moves the paper feed tray main body7toward the paper feed tray storage position and arranges the paper feed tray main body7at the paper feed tray storage position. When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray extension member8is stored in the storage space of the paper feed tray main body7. As a result of the paper feed tray extension member8being arranged at the paper feed tray contraction position and the paper feed tray main body7being arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray3is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body2.

When the paper feed tray main body7moves toward the paper feed tray storage position, the movable member33of the right side guide21moves toward the movable member storage position as a result of the first protrusion portion71of the movable member33coming into contact with the medium conveying apparatus main body2. When the movable member33moves toward the movable member storage position, as a result of the abutting surface42of the lifting member34sliding the sliding surface53of the movable member33, the lifting member34is pushed down by the movable member33and moves toward the lifting member storage position against the elastic force applied by the spring65.

FIG.12is a side view illustrating the right side guide21when the paper feed tray3is stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body2. When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, as a result of the first protrusion portion71of the movable member33coming into contact with the medium conveying apparatus main body2, the movable member33is appropriately stored and arranged at the movable member storage position. As a result of the movable member33being arranged at the movable member storage position, the lifting member34is arranged at the lifting member storage position.

When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and when the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position, the storage fixing projection41is fitted into the first groove portion66of the groove56of the movable member33. As a result of the storage fixing projection41being fitted into the first groove portion66, when the movable member33is arranged at the movable member storage position, the image reading apparatus1is able to reduce the degree of movement of the movable member33in the width direction35and is able to appropriately support the movable member33. Similarly to the movable member33, when the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the movable member of the left side guide22is also appropriately stored.

As a result of the movable member33of the right side guide21and the movable member of the left side guide22being stored, the image reading apparatus1is able to reduce the space in the medium conveying apparatus main body2where the paper feed tray3is stored. As a result of the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored being reduced, it is possible to design the medium conveying apparatus main body2small in size, so that it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus when the paper feed tray3is stored.

When the user attempts to read images of a plurality of media by using the image reading apparatus1, the user moves the paper feed tray main body7toward the paper feed tray expansion position and arranges the paper feed tray main body7at the paper feed tray expansion position. When the paper feed tray main body7is arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position, the paper feed tray extension member8is arranged at the paper feed tray extension position due to the paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism.

As a result of the paper feed tray3being expanded, the movable member33of the right side guide21is away from the medium conveying apparatus main body2and released. When the movable member33is released, the lifting member34moves toward the lifting member expansion position due to the elastic force applied by the spring65. When the lifting member34moves toward the expansion position, as a result of the abutting surface42of the lifting member34sliding the sliding surface53of the movable member33, the lifting member34lifts the movable member33and causes the movable member33to move toward the movable member expansion position. As a result of the lifting member34moving toward the lifting member expansion position, the movable member33is expanded and is arranged at the movable member expansion position. When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position, the spring65applies an elastic force to the lifting member34so as to counteract against a movement of the lifting member34toward the lifting member storage position, and then, holds the movable member33so as not to move toward the movable member storage position.

The projection43of the lifting member34is fitted in the groove56of the movable member33, and when the lifting member34moves toward the lifting member expansion position, moves along the groove56of the movable member33. When the movable member33moves toward the movable member expansion position, as a result of the projection43of the lifting member34being fitted in the groove56of the movable member33, the image reading apparatus1is able to reduce the degree of the movement of the movable member33in the width direction35. When the movable member33is arranged at the movable member expansion position, as a result of the projection43of the lifting member34being fitted in the groove56of the movable member33, the image reading apparatus1is able to further reduce the degree of the movement of the movable member33in the width direction35. Similarly to the movable member33of the right side guide21, when the paper feed tray3is expanded, the movable member of the left side guide22is also expanded and is held in an expanded state.

Furthermore, the user performs a translational movement of the right side guide21and the left side guide22in the width direction35such that the distance between the left-facing side guide surface23and the right-facing side guide surface24is substantially equal to the width of a plurality of media from which images are desired to be read in the width direction35. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.13, the user places the plurality of media on the paper feed tray3such that a plurality of media81from which images are desired to be read oppose to the paper feed tray placement surface11.FIG.13is a cross-sectional view illustrating the plurality of media81that are appropriately placed on the paper feed tray3. At this time, as a result of portions of the plurality of media81protruding from the paper feed tray main body7being placed on the paper feed tray extension member8, the image reading apparatus1is able to prevent deviation or drop of the plurality of media81due to the weight of the protruding portions.

Furthermore, the user places the plurality of media on the paper feed tray3such that an end face83of each of the plurality of media81on the right side opposes to the left-facing side guide surface23and such that an end face84of each of the plurality of media81on the left side opposes to the right-facing side guide surface24. For example, when the thickness of the plurality of media81is less than the height H0, the end face83of each of the plurality of media81on the right side opposes to the body side left-facing side guide surface36. At this time, it is possible to appropriately place the plurality of media81on the paper feed tray3such that the end face83of each of the plurality of media81is aligned on the right side. The protrusion portion52of the movable member33of the right side guide21does not protrude toward the left side from the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along, so that the plurality of media81is placed on the paper feed tray3without the right ends of the plurality of media81being obstructed by the protrusion portion52. In other words, the image reading apparatus1is able to simplify an operation, performed by the user, of placing the plurality of media81on the paper feed tray3.

When the thickness of the plurality of media81is greater than the height H0, the end face of each of a plurality of media82on the right side arranged at a position that is higher than the height H0opposes to the protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57. At this time, in the image reading apparatus1, as a result of both of the protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57and the body side left-facing side guide surface36being along the same plane, it is possible to appropriately place the plurality of media81on the paper feed tray3such that the end face83of each of the plurality of media81on the right side is aligned.

As a result of the end face83of each of the plurality of media81on the right side coming into contact with the left-facing side guide surface23, the right side guide21is able to appropriately place the plurality of media81on the paper feed tray3without the plurality of media81being inclined with respect to the conveying direction25. At this time, the right side guide21is able to further prevent an inclination of the plurality of media81with respect to the conveying direction25as the length of the left-facing side guide surface23in the conveying direction25increases. As a result of both of the body side left-facing side guide surface36and the upstream left-facing side guide surface45being included in the left-facing side guide surface23, the right side guide21is able to increase the length of the left-facing side guide surface23in the conveying direction25. As a result, the right side guide21is able to further prevent an inclination of the plurality of media81with respect to the conveying direction25as compared to other right side guide in which the upstream left-facing side guide surface45is not formed on the lifting member34. The left side guide22is formed by using the same method as that used for the right side guide21, so that, similarly to the right side guide21, the left side guide22is also able to prevent an inclination of the plurality of media81with respect to the conveying direction25.

When the plurality of media81is placed on the paper feed tray3, as a result of the paper feed tray placement surface11being oriented obliquely upward, the plurality of media81moves toward the paper feed port5in the conveying direction25due to gravity and is inserted in the paper feed port5. At this time, as a result of the end face83and the end face84of each of the plurality of media81opposing to the left-facing side guide surface23and the right-facing side guide surface24, respectively, the image reading apparatus1is able to prevent a movement of the plurality of media81in the width direction35.

The plurality of media that are inserted in the paper feed port5are supplied to the conveying path one by one by the conveying unit. The medium supplied to the conveying path are conveyed along the conveying path. Images on the medium conveyed along the conveying path are captured by the reading unit. The medium having captured image are ejected from the paper ejection port6by the conveying unit. The image reading apparatus1repeatedly performs an operation of conveying the medium and an operation of capturing the image of the medium until all of the plurality of media inserted in the paper feed port5are ejected from the paper ejection port6.

As illustrated inFIG.14, even when both of the right side guide21and the left side guide22are provided in the image reading apparatus1, a medium86placed on the paper feed tray3is sometimes inclined with respect to the conveying direction25.FIG.14is a plan view illustrating the medium86placed on the paper feed tray3inclined with respect to the conveying direction25.

As illustrated inFIG.15, when the medium86moves in the conveying direction25, the end portion of the medium86opposing to the left-facing side guide surface23sometimes rises along the left-facing side guide surface23and climbs up.FIG.15is a cross-sectional view illustrating the medium86inclined with respect to the conveying direction25.

As illustrated inFIG.16, as a result of an end portion87climbing up, the end portion87opposing to the left-facing side guide surface23of the medium86comes into the depression64of the left-facing side guide surface23.FIG.16indicates a cross-sectional view taken along a line D-D inFIG.14and illustrates the medium86inclined with respect to the conveying direction25and the right side guide21. When the end portion87of the medium86on the right side comes into the depression64, the end portion87rises along the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54and is caught by the protrusion portion52of the movable member33. As a result of the end portion87being caught by the protrusion portion52, the right side guide21is able to prevent a movement of the end portion87of the medium86to the upper side of the protrusion portion52, and is able to prevent the medium86from climbing over the right side guide21.

Because the medium86is prevented from climbing over the right side guide21, when the medium86moves in the conveying direction25, the image reading apparatus1is able to prevent the medium86from being further inclined with respect to the conveying direction25. Because the inclination of the medium86is prevented, the image reading apparatus1is able to prevent skew of the medium86that is supplied to the conveying path in an inclined state, and is able to prevent an occurrence of jam caused by the medium86being jammed on the conveying path due to skew of the medium86.

Effects of Medium Conveying Apparatus According to the Embodiment

The medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment includes the paper feed tray main body7that is rotatably supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body2so as to be stored and expanded, and the right side guide21in which the left-facing side guide surface23opposing to the end face of the medium placed on the paper feed tray main body7is formed. The right side guide21includes the side guide main body32that is supported by the paper feed tray main body7, and the movable member33that is supported by the side guide main body32so as to be stored and expanded. The height of the movable member33relative to the paper feed tray main body7is equal to the first height H1that is higher than the height H0of the side guide main body32relative to the paper feed tray main body7when the movable member33is expanded, and is equal to the second height H2that is lower than the first height H1when the movable member33is stored. In the movable member33, the left side notch61is formed such that the depression64is formed on the left-facing side guide surface23when the movable member33is expanded.

When the medium is inclined, the end portion of the medium comes into the depression64, so that the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to prevent the end portion of the medium from climbing over the right side guide21. Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to store the movable member33such that the height of the movable member33relative to the paper feed tray main body7is lower, and thus, is able to reduce the space in which the right side guide21is stored. As a result, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to prevent a problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the tray is stored.

Furthermore, the movable member33included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment includes the supporting portion51that is rotatably supported by the side guide main body32, and the protrusion portion52that is fixed to the supporting portion51. The inside notch left-facing side guide surface54opposing to the end face of the medium placed on the paper feed tray main body7is formed on the supporting portion51. The left side notch61is formed as a result of the protrusion portion52protruding from the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54. At this time, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to appropriately prevent the end portion of the medium from climbing over the right side guide21as a result of the end portion that comes into the left side notch61of the medium being caught by the protrusion portion52.

Furthermore, the protrusion portion52included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is formed so as not to intersect the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along. At this time, the protrusion portion52does not interfere when the medium is placed on the paper feed tray main body7, so that the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to simplify an operation, performed by the user, of placing the medium on the paper feed tray main body7.

Incidentally, the protrusion portion52included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above is formed so as not to protrude from the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along; however, the protrusion portion52may protrude from the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along such that the protrusion portion52intersects the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along. Even when the protrusion portion52intersects the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored. Furthermore, the protrusion portion52of the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment described above protrudes such that the protrusion side left-facing side guide surface57forms a part of the left-facing side guide surface23; however, the protrusion portion52may protrude to a lower position so as not to intersect the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along. Even when the protrusion portion52protrudes to a lower position, the end portion of the inclined medium is caught by the protrusion portion52, so that the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment further includes the lifting member34that is rotatably supported by the side guide main body32, and the spring65that applies an elastic force to the lifting member34such that the lifting member34is expanded. When the paper feed tray main body7is stored, the paper feed tray placement surface11of the paper feed tray main body7opposing to the medium opposes to the medium conveying apparatus main body2. When the lifting member34is expanded, the movable member33is expanded as a result of the lifting member34lifting the supporting portion51, and when the paper feed tray main body7is stored, the movable member33is stored as a result of the protrusion portion52coming into contact with the medium conveying apparatus main body2. When the movable member33is stored, the lifting member34is stored against the elastic force applied by the spring65as a result of the supporting portion51pushing down the lifting member34. The medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to automatically open and close the movable member33in conjunction with opening and closing of the paper feed tray main body7, eliminate an operation, performed by the user, of expanded and storing the movable member33, and thus, simplify an operation performed by the user.

Incidentally, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the lifting member34and the spring65are provided; however, the lifting member34and the spring65may be omitted. Even when the lifting member34and the spring65are omitted, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Furthermore, in the lifting member34included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment, the upstream left-facing side guide surface45along the plane which the left-facing side guide surface23is along is formed. As a result of the upstream left-facing side guide surface45being provided, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to increase the length of the left-facing side guide surface23in the conveying direction25without increasing the length of the side guide main body32in the conveying direction25. As a result of the length of the left-facing side guide surface23in the conveying direction25being increased, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is appropriately prevent skew of the medium occurring when the medium moves to the conveying direction25.

Incidentally, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the upstream right-facing side guide surface44is formed on the lifting member34; however, the upstream right-facing side guide surface44may be omitted. Even when the upstream right-facing side guide surface44is omitted, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Furthermore, the groove56is formed in the supporting portion51included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment. In the lifting member34, the projection43that is fitted in the groove56is formed. When the lifting member34moves, the projection43moves along the groove56. When the movable member33moves, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to reduce the degree of a movement of the movable member33in the width direction35.

Incidentally, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the groove56and the projection43are provided; however, the groove56and the projection43may be omitted. Even when the groove56and the projection43are omitted, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment further includes the storage fixing projection41. The storage fixing projection41is fixed to the side guide main body32and when the movable member33is stored, the storage fixing projection41is fit into the groove56. When the movable member33is stored, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to reduce the degree of a movement of the movable member33in the width direction35, and is able to appropriately support the movable member33.

Incidentally, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the storage fixing projection41is provided; however, the storage fixing projection41may be omitted. Even when the storage fixing projection41is omitted, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Furthermore, the supporting portion51included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment includes the first supporting portion68in which the first groove portion66that is fit into the storage fixing projection41of the groove56is formed, and the second supporting portion69in which the second groove portion67that is fit in the projection43of the groove56is formed. The protrusion portion52includes the first protrusion portion71that protrudes from the first supporting portion68of the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54, and the second protrusion portion72that protrudes from the second supporting portion69from the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54. The first protrusion portion71is arranged on the upper side of the plane which the second protrusion portion72is along.

At this time, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment, even when the supporting portion51is tapered such that the first supporting portion68is smaller than the second supporting portion69, the first groove portion66is able to be formed such that the depth of the first groove portion66is greater than a predetermined depth. Furthermore, even when the depth of the first groove portion66is greater than the predetermined depth, the first protrusion portion71is able to be formed such that the thickness of the first protrusion portion71is greater than the predetermined depth. As a result, when the movable member33is stored, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to appropriately support the movable member33so as to reduce the degree of the movement of the movable member33in the width direction35, or, is able to improve the strength of the movable member33.

Incidentally, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the first protrusion portion71is arranged on the upper side of the second protrusion portion72; however, the first protrusion portion71and the second protrusion portion72may be formed to be along a single plane. In this case, also, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Furthermore, in the supporting portion51included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment, the inside notch right-facing side guide surface55is formed on the opposite side of the side on which the inside notch left-facing side guide surface54is formed. The protrusion portion52further protrudes from the inside notch right-facing side guide surface55. At this time, the movable member33is able to be formed symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane63. When the movable member33of the right side guide21is formed symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane63, the movable member33of the right side guide21is able to be used as a movable member of the left side guide22. When the movable member33of the right side guide21is used as the movable member of the left side guide22, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment need not separately manufacture the movable member of the left side guide22and the movable member33of the right side guide21. As a result, by manufacturing the movable member of the left side guide22and the movable member33of the right side guide21as the same parts, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to reduce the manufacturing cost.

Incidentally, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the shape of the movable member of the left side guide22and the shape of the movable member33of the right side guide21are the same; however, the shape of the movable member of the left side guide22may be different from the shape of the movable member33of the right side guide21. In this case, also, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Incidentally, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above includes the paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism; however, the paper feed tray extension-and-contraction mechanism may be omitted. At this time, the paper feed tray extension member8is arranged at the paper feed tray contraction position or arranged at the paper feed tray extension position by a manual operation performed by the user. The paper feed tray extension member8may further manually arranged at other position that is different from the paper feed tray contraction position and the paper feed tray extension position such that the paper feed tray3is adjusted its extension level in stages. Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above includes the paper feed tray extension member8; however, the paper feed tray extension member8may be omitted. In this case, also, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

Incidentally, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above is used in the image reading apparatus1; however the medium conveying apparatus may be used for other device. An example of the other device includes a printer that prints characters or diagrams on a medium. In the printer, the reading unit included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above is replaced with a printing unit that prints characters or diagrams on a medium that is conveyed along the conveying path. In this case, also, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide21, and is also able to reduce the space in which the paper feed tray3is stored.

The medium conveying apparatus of the present disclosure is able to prevent the problem that the medium climbs over the right side guide, and is also able to reduce the space in which the tray is stored.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the disclosure. Although the embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.