Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2013-070837 and 2013-070846 both filed on Mar. 29, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     FIELD 
     Aspects described herein relate to an image reading apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A known image reading apparatus includes a housing, a first guide portion, a second guide portion, and a reader. The housing includes a first introduction opening, a second introduction opening, and a discharge opening. A medium is inserted into the first introduction opening. The length of the second introduction opening is shorter than that of the first introduction opening. A medium having a width smaller than that of the medium to be inserted into the first introduction opening is inserted into the second introduction opening. The mediums inserted from the first introduction opening and the second introduction opening are both discharged from the discharge opening. The first guide portion includes a first conveyance path through which the medium inserted from the first introduction opening is guided toward the discharge opening. The second guide portion includes a second conveyance path through which the medium inserted from the second introduction opening is guided to join the first guide portion. The reader is disposed on a discharge opening side with respect to a junction where the second guide portion joins the first guide portion. The reader is configured to read an image on the medium guided by the first guide portion and the second guide portion. 
     In the image reading apparatus, the first guide portion and the second guide portion are provided such that the second conveyance path continues generally straightly to a portion of the first conveyance path on the discharge opening side with respect to the junction. With such a structure, various mediums, such as plastic cards, that are relatively thick and inflexible, may be conveyed favorably while being guided by the first guide portion and the second guide portion. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     An image reading apparatus generally includes a sensor configured to detect the medium being conveyed. However, such an image reading apparatus does not distinguish between media inserted through the first opening versus the second opening. 
     An aspect of the disclosure relates to an image reading apparatus configured to distinguishably detect a medium inserted through a first introduction opening and a medium inserted through a second introduction opening. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an image reading apparatus may comprise a housing, a reader, a first detection portion, and a second detection portion. The housing has a first introduction opening, a second introduction opening, and a discharge opening. The first detection portion may be configured to detect media inserted through the first introduction opening while the second detection portion may be configured to detect media inserted through the second introduction opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, needs satisfied thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawing. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an image reading apparatus, in an example embodiment according to one or more aspects of the disclosure, in which a sheet tray is open. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the image reading apparatus in which the sheet tray is closed. 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the image reading apparatus in which the sheet tray is closed. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic top view of the image reading apparatus in which the sheet tray is open. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the image reading apparatus, taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the image reading apparatus, taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the image reading apparatus in which a first chute member is pivotally moved. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the image reading apparatus showing a separation roller and a drive shaft. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An example embodiment is described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings. 
     In  FIG. 1 , a side of an image reading apparatus  1  on which a discharge opening  13  is disposed may be defined as the front side of the image reading apparatus  1 . A side of the image reading apparatus  1  that is placed on the left when viewed from the side facing the discharge opening  13  may be defined as the left side of the image reading apparatus  1 . To facilitate understanding of the orientation and relationship of the various elements disclosed herein, the front, rear, left, right, up, and down of the image reading apparatus  1  may be determined with reference to axes of the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system included in each of the relevant drawings. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-8 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise a housing  30  and a sheet tray  36 . The housing  30  may comprise a first chute member  31 , a second chute member  32 , and a pair of left and right side frames  33 L and  33 R that may be combined. Left and right side frames  33 L and  33 R may be spaced apart in the left and right direction. The upper end of each of the left and right side frames  33 L and  33 R may be connected to each of the left and right ends of the first chute member  31 , respectively. The lower end of each of the left and right side frames  33 L and  33 R may be connected to each of the left and right ends of the second chute member  32 , respectively. 
     The first chute member  31  disposed on the upper side of the image reading apparatus  1  and the second chute member  32  disposed on the lower side of the image reading apparatus  1  may oppose one another in a vertical direction, e.g., an up-down direction, with a distance therebetween. The first chute member  31  and the second chute member  32  may be interposed between the left and right side frames  33 L and  33 R. 
     As depicted in FIGS.  1  and  5 - 7 , the first chute member  31  may comprise an upper surface  31 A, a front surface  31 B, and an upper guide surface  31 G. The upper surface  31 A may comprise a flat surface facing upward. The upper surface  31 A may slantingly extend forwardly and downwardly from its rear side in a slanted manner. A touch panel  70  may be disposed at a central portion of the upper surface  31 A. The front surface  31 B may comprise a flat surface facing forward. The front surface  31 B may extend vertically downward from the front end of the upper surface  31 A to a lower end  31 BA. As depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 , the upper guide surface  31 G may comprise a curved surface disposed on a rear portion thereof and a flat surface disposed on a front portion thereof. The curved surface, e.g., an inclined portion, of the upper guide surface  31 G may extend forwardly and downwardly from a rear end  31 GA thereof, e.g., the rear end of the lower side of the upper surface  31 A, in a slanted manner. The flat surface, e.g., a horizontal portion, of the upper guide surface  31 G may extend forwardly from a central portion of the first chute member  31  in the front-rear direction to the lower end  31 BA of the front surface  31 B. In one example, the first chute member  31  may extend forwardly and downwardly from its rear side in a slanted manner. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  FIGS. 5-7 , the second chute member  32  may comprise a front surface  32 B, a lower guide surface  32 G and a rear surface  32 C. The front surface  32 B may comprise a flat surface facing forward. The front surface  32 B may comprise an upper end  32 BA. The upper end  32 BA may be positioned below the lower end  31 BA of the front surface  31 B with a distance therebetween. The front surface  32 B may extend vertically downward from the upper end  32 BA. As depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 , the lower guide surface  32 G may comprise a curved surface disposed on a rear portion thereof. The curved surface, e.g., an inclined portion, of the lower guide surface  32 G may extend forward and downward from a rear end  32 GA thereof, e.g., the upper end of the rear surface  32 C, in a slanted manner along the inclined portion of the upper guide surface  31 G. A horizontal portion of the lower guide surface  32 G may extend forward from a central portion of the second chute member  32  in the front-rear direction to the upper end  32 BA of the front surface  32 B. The rear surface  32 C may comprise a flat surface facing rearward. The rear surface  32 C may extend downward from its upper end in a generally vertical direction. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the second chute member  32  may comprise a lower card guide surface  32 J and an upper card guide surface  32 H. The lower card guide surface  32 J may extend horizontally rearward to the rear surface  32 C from a right end in  FIG. 6 , e.g., the rear end, of the horizontal portion of the lower guide surface  32 G. The upper card guide surface  32 H may be positioned above the lower card guide surface  32 J with a distance therebetween. The upper card guide surface  32 H may extend horizontally rearward from the right end in  FIG. 6 , e.g., the rear end, of the horizontal portion of the upper guide surface  31 G to the rear surface  32 C in parallel with the lower card guide surface  32 J. As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the height or level of the upper card guide surface  32 H in the vertical direction may be the same as the height or level of the horizontal portion of the upper guide surface  31 G in the vertical direction. 
     The upper guide surface  31 G, the lower guide surface  32 G, the upper card guide surface  32 H, and the lower card guide surface  32 J might not be limited to a smooth continuous surface, but may be constituted by, for example, tips of ribs or protrusions. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , a junction J1 may be disposed at a position where the lower card guide surface  32 J may extend to the right end in  FIG. 6 , e.g., the rear end, of the horizontal portion of the lower guide surface  32 G. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the housing  30  may have a first introduction opening  11  and a discharge opening  13 . 
     One or more sheets SH may be inserted into the first introduction opening  11 . The sheet SH may comprise, for example, a sheet of paper or an overhead projector (OHP) sheet. The sheet SH may be an example of a medium. 
     In one example, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the first introduction opening  11  may be defined between the first chute member  31  and the second chute member  32 . The first introduction opening  11  may be may be defined by a space between the rear edge  31 GA of the upper guide surface  31 G and the rear edge  32 GA of the lower guide surface  32 G. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first introduction opening  11  may extend in the left-right direction from a portion near the left side frame  33 L to a portion near the right side frame  33 R. In one example, the length of the first introduction opening  11  in the left-right direction may be longer than the width of the sheet SH. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the sheet SH may be discharged from the discharge opening  13 . The discharge opening  13  may be defined between the first chute member  31  and the second chute member  32 . For example, the discharge opening  13  may be defined by a space between the lower end  31 BA of the front surface  31 B and the upper end  32 BA of the front surface  32 B. The discharge opening  13  may extend in the left-right direction from a portion near the left side frame  33 L to a portion near the right side frame  33 R. In one example, the length of the discharge opening  13  in the left-right direction may be longer than the width of the sheet SH, similar to the first introduction opening  11 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4-6 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise a first guide portion  10 . The first guide portion  10  may comprise the first chute member  31  and the second chute member  32 . The first guide portion  10  may comprise a first conveyance path P1 that may be defined between the upper guide surface  31 G of the first chute member  31  and the lower guide surface  32 G of the second chute member  32  in the vertical direction. The first guide portion  10  may be configured to guide the sheet SH from the first introduction opening  11  to the discharge opening  13  along the first conveyance path P1. 
     A portion of the first guide portion  10  may extend frontward and downward from the first introduction opening  11  in a slanted manner. One or more other portions of the first guide portion  10  may extend horizontally forward from a central portion of the housing  30  in the front-rear direction to the discharge opening  13 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the first chute member  31  may be pivotally attached to the housing  30  about a rotation axis X 31 . The rotation axis X 31  may extend in the left-right direction at the lower end  31 BA of the front surface  31 B of the first chute member  31 . As the first chute member  31  pivotally moves to separate from the second chute member  32  in an upward direction, the first guide portion  10  may open. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , a portion of the first guide portion  10  on the right side and on the discharge opening  13  side with respect to the junction J1 may correspond to a card conveyance area  29 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the housing  30  may have a second introduction opening  12 . A card CA having a width smaller than that of the sheet SH may be inserted into the second introduction opening  12 . The card CA may be a medium having an area smaller than that of the sheet SH. The card CA may be, for example, a business card, an ATM card, a membership card, a license card. The card CA may be, for example, a business card, an ATM card, a membership card, and a license card. In one example, the length of the shorter side, e.g., width, and length of the longer side of the card CA may be, for example, 53.98 mm and 85.60 mm, respectively, of an ID-1 format card whose size is specified by International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The card CA may be thicker and more rigid than the sheet SH. 
     According to one or more arrangements, the second introduction opening  12  may be provided in the second chute member  32 , as depicted in  FIG. 6 . The second introduction opening  12  may be disposed at a portion of the rear surface  32 C on the side of the right side frame  33 R. The second introduction opening  12  may extend in the left-right direction. The length of the second introduction opening  12  in the left-right direction may be shorter than the length of the first introduction opening  11  in the left-right direction. In one example, the length of the second introduction opening  12  in the left-right direction may be longer than the width of the card CA, e.g., 85.60 mm. The height of the second introduction opening  12  in the vertical direction may be the same as the height of the horizontal portion of the first guide portion  10  and the discharge opening  13  in the vertical direction. The second introduction opening  12  may be disposed below a right end portion of the first introduction opening  11  in the vertical direction. 
     The left-right direction of the image reading apparatus  1  may be an example of a width direction. In the example embodiment, one end and an opposite end in the width direction may be examples of a right end and a left end, respectively. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the card CA may be discharged from a right end portion of the discharge opening  13 . For example, the discharge opening  13  may be shared to discharge the sheet SH inserted through the first introduction opening  11  and the card CA inserted through the second introduction opening  12 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  6  and  8 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise a second guide portion  20 . The second guide portion  20  may comprise a second conveyance path P2 that may be defined between the upper card guide surface  32 H of the second chute member  32  and the lower card guide surface  32 J in vertical direction, as depicted in  FIG. 6 . The second guide portion  20  may extend frontward from the second introduction opening  12  and may join the first guide portion  10  at the junction J1. The second guide portion  20  may be configured to guide the card CA inserted through the second introduction opening  12  along the second conveyance path P2, to the first guide portion  10 . 
     The junction J1 may be disposed between the inclined portion and the horizontal portion of the upper guide surface  31 G. Thus, the second guide portion  20  and a right side portion of the first guide portion  10  where the card conveyance area  29  may be disposed, may define a path extending horizontally from the second introduction opening  12  disposed on the rear side of the image reading apparatus  1  to the right end portion of the discharge opening  13  disposed on the front side of the image reading apparatus  1 . The card CA may be guided from the second introduction opening  12  to the right side portion of the discharge opening  13  along the path. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the sheet tray  36  may comprise a base portion  36 A, a central portion  36 B and a tip portion  36 C. The base portion  36 A may be pivotally supported by the side frames  33 L and  33 R about a rotation axis X 36 A extending along the left-right direction. The central portion  36 B may be connected to an end of the base portion  36 A further from the rotation axis X 36 A. The tip portion  36 C may be connected to an end of the central portion  36 B further from the base portion  36 A. The central portion  36 B may have an opening  39  of a rectangular shape at a central portion thereof. 
     When the sheet tray  36  is open as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the base portion  36 A, the central portion  36 B and the tip portion  36 C may extend upward and rearward so as to continue to the inclined portion of the lower guide surface  32 G. When the sheet tray  36  is opened, the first introduction opening  11  may open. One or more sheets SH may be placed on the sheet tray  36 . The sheet tray  36  may comprise a pair of left and right width regulation guides  36 W. The width regulation guides  36 W may be configured to interpose one or more sheets SH placed on the sheet tray  36  therebetween in the left-right direction, to position the sheets SH on the sheet tray  36  with respect to the left-right direction. The sheets SH placed on the sheet tray  36  may be inserted into the first introduction opening  11  and be guided to the discharge opening  13  by the first guide portion  10 . 
     When the sheet tray  36  is closed as depicted in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  6 , the base portion  36 A may extend vertically and be flush with the rear surface  32 C of the second chute member  32 . The central portion  36 B may cover the upper surface  31 A of the first chute member  31  from above. The tip portion  36 C may cover the front surface  31 B of the first chute member  31  from the front side of the front surface  31 B. As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the opening  39  may allow the touch panel  70  to be exposed outside the image reading apparatus  1  when the sheet tray  36  is closed. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4-6 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise a control board  54 , a drive source  40 M, a conveyor  40  and a reader  55 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the control board  54  may be disposed at a bottom portion of the second chute member  32 . The control board  54  may be a flat-shaped electronic circuit board comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random-access memory (“RAM”). Power may be supplied to the control board  54  from a home electric outlet, via an AC adapter and a power supply cord. The control board  54  may be electrically connected to, for example, the drive source  40 M, the reader  55 , and the touch panel  70 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the drive source  40 M may be disposed in the housing  30  at the left side frame  33 L. The drive source  40 M may comprise a motor and transmission gears. The drive source  40 M may be configured to generate the drive force while the motor is controlled by the control board  54 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4-8 , the conveyor  40  may comprise a separation roller  48 , a drive shaft  48 S, a separation pad  49 , an upstream-side conveyor portion  41 , and a downstream-side conveyor portion  42 . The reader  55  may comprise a first reader  55 A and a second reader  55 B. In the first guide portion  10 , the separation roller  48  and the separation pad  49  may be followed by the upstream-side conveyor portion  41 , the second reader  55 B, the first reader  55 A, and the downstream-side conveyor portion  42  that may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in a conveyance direction. The sheet SH and the card CA may be conveyed in the conveyance direction from the first introduction opening  11  and the second introduction opening  12 , respectively, toward the discharge opening  13 . The separation roller  48  and the separation pad  49  may be disposed on the first introduction opening  11  side with respect to the junction J1. The upstream-side conveyor portion  41 , the second reader  55 B, the first reader  55 A and the downstream-side conveyor portion  42  may be disposed on the discharge opening  13  side with respect to the junction J1. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the separation roller  48  may be rotatably supported in the second chute member  32 . An upper portion of the separation roller  48  may be exposed from the inclined portion of the lower guide surface  32 G toward the first guide portion  10 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 8 , the separation roller  48  may be disposed at a central portion of the first guide portion  10  in the left-right direction. At least a part of the central portion of the first guide portion  10  in the left-right direction may be disposed on a left side of the card conveyance area  29 . The separation roller  48  may be connected to the drive source  40 M by the drive shaft  48 S. The drive shaft  48 S may be coaxial with the separation roller  48  and extend in the left-right direction. The right end of the drive shaft  48 S may protrude rightward from a right end surface  48 R of the separation roller  48 . The drive shaft  48 S may be rotatably supported by the second chute member  32 . The right end of the drive shaft  48 S may stop or be positioned at the left of the card conveyance area  29 , e.g., on the left side with respect to the card conveyance area  29 . The drive shaft  48 S may be configured to transmit the drive force from the drive source  40 M to the separation roller  48 . 
     The separation roller  48  may be configured to be driven by the drive source  40 M, via the drive shaft  48 S. The control board  54  may be configured to control the drive source  40 M. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the separation roller  48  may be configured to rotate while making contact with the sheets SH placed on the sheet tray  36  to feed the sheets SH to the first guide portion  10 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the separation pad  49  may be disposed at the first chute member  31 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the separation pad  49  may be exposed to the first guide portion  10  in the upper guide surface  31 G. The separation pad  49  may comprise a friction member, e.g., rubber and elastomer, having a plate shape. The separation pad  49  may be urged by an urging member (not depicted) so that the separation pad  49  may be pressed against the separation roller  48  when the first chute member  31  is closed. The separation roller  48  and the separation pad  49  may be configured to separate the sheets SH to be conveyed in the first guide portion  10  one by one while holding the sheets SH therebetween. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4-8 , the upstream-side conveyor portion  41  may comprise first conveyance roller pairs  42 A and  42 B and a second conveyance roller pair  41 D. The first conveyance roller pairs  42 A and  42 B and the second conveyance roller pair  41 D may be disposed in the horizontal portions of the upper guide surface  31 G and the lower guide surface  32 G at the same positions in the conveyance direction. Each of the first conveyance roller pairs  42 A and  42 B and the second conveyance roller pair  41 D may comprise a drive roller configured to be rotated by the drive source  40 M and a driven roller facing the drive roller in the vertical direction when the first chute member  31  is closed. 
     The first conveyance roller pairs  42 A and  42 B may be disposed outside the card conveyance area  29  in the left-right direction. The first conveyance roller pairs  42 A and  42 B may be configured to rotate while holding or nipping the sheet SH to convey the sheet SH in the first guide portion  10 . The second conveyance roller pair  41 D may be disposed at the card conveyance area  29 . The second conveyance roller pair  41 D may be configured to rotate while holding or nipping the card CA, to convey the card CA at the card conveyance area  29  in the first guide portion  10 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the second conveyance roller pair  41 D may be disposed in front of the junction J1. For example, the junction J1 may be disposed between the separation roller  48  and the second conveyance roller pair  41 D in the front-rear direction. 
     The second reader  55 B may be attached to the second chute member  32 . For example, the second reader  55 B may comprise a contact image sensor (“CIS”), a CIS holder and a contact glass. The upper surface of the second reader  55 B may be exposed to the first guide portion  10  at the horizontal portion of the lower guide surface  32 G. 
     The first reader  55 A may be attached to the first chute member  31 . For example, the first reader  55 A may comprise a contact image sensor (“CIS”), a CIS holder and a contact glass. The lower surface of the first reader  55 A may be exposed to the first guide portion  10  at the horizontal portion of the upper guide surface  31 G. The first reader  55 A may be disposed closer to the discharge opening  13  than the second reader  55 B. 
     In one or more examples, the first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B may be disposed across an entire length of the first guide portion  10 . The first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B may be disposed opposite to each other in the vertical direction to interpose the first guide portion  10 . 
     With the above-described structure, the first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B may be configured to read an image on each side of the sheet SH when the sheet SH is conveyed in the first guide portion  10 . The first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B may also be configured to read an image on each side of the card CA when the card CA guided by the second guide portion  20  is conveyed in the card conveyance area  29 . 
     The downstream-side conveyor portion  42  may comprise first conveyance roller pairs  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C and a second conveyance roller pair  42 D. The first conveyance roller pairs  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C and the second conveyance roller pair  42 D may be disposed in the horizontal portions of the upper guide surface  31 G and the lower guide surface  32 G at the same position in the conveyance direction. Each of the first conveyance roller pairs  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C and the second conveyance roller pair  42 D may comprise a drive roller configured to be rotated by the drive source  40 M and a driven roller facing the drive roller in the vertical direction when the first chute member  31  is closed. 
     The first conveyance roller pairs  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C may be disposed outside the card conveyance area  29  in the left-right direction. The first conveyance roller pairs  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C may be configured to rotate while holding or nipping the sheet SH being conveyed in the first guide portion  10 , to discharge the sheet SH outside the housing  30  through the discharge opening  13 . The second conveyance roller pair  42 D may be disposed at the card conveyance area  29 . The second conveyance roller pair  42 D may be configured to rotate while holding or nipping the card CA whose image has been read in the card conveyance area  29 , to discharge the card CA outside the housing  30  through the right portion of the discharge opening  13 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the touch panel  70  may be attached to an interior of the first chute member  31  on the upper surface  31 A side. The touch panel  70  may be exposed outside the first chute member  31  through a rectangular-shaped touch panel opening  31 H that may be provided in the upper surface  31 A. The touch panel  70  may comprise a liquid crystal display panel, a light source, e.g., fluorescent lamp or a light-emitting diode (LED), configured to irradiate the liquid crystal display panel with light from the back side of the liquid crystal display panel, and a contact sensing film attached to a surface of the liquid crystal display panel. 
     The touch panel  70  may be configured to display an operational status of the image reading apparatus  1 , e.g., a processing status of an image reading operation and errors, and various buttons, e.g., buttons to start an image reading operation and to make settings, under the control of the control board  54 . The touch panel  70  may be configured to permit an external input. When a button displayed in the touch panel  70  is touched (e.g., selected) to perform an operation or setting corresponding to the button, the touch panel  70  may transmit a signal in response to the touch operation, to the control board  54 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  7 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise actuators  111 F and  111 R for the sheets SH. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise photo-interrupters  112 F and  112 R for the sheets SH. The actuator  111 F and the photo-interrupter  112 F for the sheets SH may be an example of a first detection portion. The actuator  111 R and the photo-interrupter  112 R may be an example of the first detection portion. The actuators  111 F and  111 R may be an example of a first pivot member. The photo-interrupters  112 F and  112 R may be an example of a first sensor. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the actuator  111 F may be positioned in the first guide portion  10  upstream of the junction J1 in the conveyance direction. The actuator  111 R may be positioned in the first guide portion  10  downstream of the junction J1 in the conveyance direction. As depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the actuators  111 F and  111 R may be disposed at the upper side of the first guide portion  10 , e.g., the upper guide surface  31 G. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the actuator  111 F may be pivotally supported by the first chute member  31 . More specifically, an upper end portion of the actuator  111 F may be pivotally supported by the first chute member  31  about a rotation axis X 111 F extending along the left-right direction. The rotation axis X 111 F may be positioned above the separation roller  48 . The actuator  111 F may extend downward from the rotation axis X 111 F toward the separation roller  48 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a lower end portion of the actuator  111 F may be positioned near the right end surface  48 R of the separation roller  48 . For example, the actuator  111 F may be positioned at a generally central portion of the first guide portion  10  in the left-right direction. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a shield portion  113 F, that may protrude forward from the rotation axis X 111 F, may be connected to the actuator  111 F. The shield portion  113 F may be configured to pivotally move in the vertical direction, together with the actuator  111 F. When the sheet SH inserted from the first introduction opening  11  is held or nipped between the separation roller  48  and the separation pad  49 , the actuator  111 F may contact the sheet SH. Thus, the actuator  111 F may be pushed by the sheet SH, as depicted by the alternate long and two short dashed line in  FIG. 5 , and may pivotally move clockwise (in the orientation shown in  FIG. 5 ) toward the discharge opening  13 . 
     The actuator  111 R may be pivotally supported by the first chute member  31 . For example, an upper end portion of the actuator  111 R may be pivotally supported by the first chute member  31  about a rotation axis X 111 R extending along the left-right direction. The rotation axis X 111 R may be positioned above the first conveyance roller pair  41 A. The actuator  111 R may extend from the rotation axis X 111 R forwardly and bend downwardly toward a lower roller of the first conveyance roller pair  41 A disposed in the second chute member  32 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a lower end portion of the actuator  111 R may be positioned near the right end face of the lower roller of the first conveyance roller pair  41 A. The actuator  111 F may be positioned at a generally central portion of the first guide portion  10  in the left-right direction. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a shield portion  113 R, that may protrude forward and upward from the rotation axis X 111 R, may be connected to the actuator  111 R. The shield portion  113 R may be configured to pivotally move in the front-rear direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction in the orientation shown in  FIG. 5 ), together with the actuator  111 R. When the sheet SH inserted through the first introduction opening  11  is held or nipped by the first conveyance roller pairs  41 A and  41 B, the actuator  111 R may contact the sheet SH. Thus, the actuator  111 R may be pushed by the sheet SH, as depicted by the alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 5 , to pivotally move toward the discharge opening  13 . 
     The photo-interrupter  112 F may be disposed in the first chute member  31 . The photo-interrupter  112 F may comprise a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The photo-interrupter  112 F may be configured to detect whether the actuator  111 F is pivotally moved, based on whether the light-receiving element receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element. More specifically, the photo-interrupter  112 F may detect that the actuator  111 F is not pivotally moved, when the shield portion  113 F blocks the emitted light. The photo-interrupter  112 F may detect that the actuator  111 F is pivotally moved, when the shield portion  113 F moves in a clockwise direction (e.g., according to the orientation shown in  FIG. 5 ) so as not to block the emitted light. The result of the detection by the photo-interrupter  112 F may be transmitted to the control board  54 . 
     The photo-interrupter  112 R may be disposed in the first chute member  31 . The photo-interrupter  112 R may comprise a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The photo-interrupter  112 R may be configured to detect whether the actuator  111 R is pivotally moved, based on whether the light-receiving element receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element. More specifically, the photo-interrupter  112 R may detect that the actuator  111 R is not pivotally moved when the shield portion  113 R blocks the emitted light. The photo-interrupter  112 R may detect that the actuator  111 R is pivotally moved, when the shield portion  113 R moves in a clockwise direction (e.g., according to the orientation shown in  FIG. 5 ) so as not to block the emitted light. The result of the detection by the photo-interrupter  112 R may be transmitted to the control board  54 . 
     As depicted in FIGS.  4  and  6 - 8 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise actuators  121 F,  121 R for the card CA. As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the image reading apparatus  1  may comprise photo-interrupters  122 F,  122 R for the card CA. The actuator  121 F and the photo-interrupter  122 F may be an example of a second detection portion. The actuator  121 F may be an example of a second pivot member. The photo-interrupter  122 F may be an example of a second sensor. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the actuator  121 F may be positioned in the second guide portion  20 . The actuator  121 R may be positioned in the first guide portion  10  downstream of the junction J1 in the conveyance direction of the card CA. As depicted in  FIGS. 4 , the actuator  121 R may be positioned in a right end portion of the first guide portion  10 , e.g., the card conveyance area  29  in the left-right direction. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the actuator  121 F may be pivotally supported by the second chute member  32 . For example, a lower end portion of the actuator  121 F may be pivotally supported by the second chute member  32  about a rotation axis X 121 F extending along the left-right direction. The rotation axis X 121 F may be positioned below the lower card guide surface  32 J. The actuator  121 F may extend upward from the rotation axis X 121 F, to intersect the second guide portion  20 . A shield portion  123 F that may protrude downward from the rotation axis X 121 F may be provided for the actuator  121 F. The shield portion  123 F may be configured to pivotally move in the vertical direction (e.g., rotationally), together with the actuator  121 F. When the card CA inserted from the second introduction opening  12  passes the second guide portion  20 , the actuator  121 F may contact the card CA. Thus, the actuator  121 F may be pushed by the card CA, as depicted by the alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 6 , and may pivotally move toward the discharge opening  13 . 
     The actuator  121 R may be pivotally supported by the first chute member  31 . For example, an upper end portion of the actuator  121 R may be pivotally supported by the first chute member  31  about a rotation axis X 121 R extending along the left-right direction. The rotation axis X 121 R may be positioned above the second conveyance roller pair  41 D. The actuator  121 R may extend from the rotation axis X 121 R forwardly and bend downward toward a lower roller of the second conveyance roller pair  41 D disposed in the second chute member  32 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , a lower end portion of the actuator  121 R may be positioned near the right end face of the lower roller of the second conveyance roller pair  41 D. The actuator  121 R may be positioned closer to the right end of the housing  30  than the actuator  111 R for the sheet SH. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , a shield portion  123 R that may protrude forward and upward from the rotation axis X 121 R may be provided for the actuator  121 R. The shield portion  123 R may be configured to pivotally move in the front-rear direction, together with the actuator  121 R. When the card CA inserted through the second introduction opening  12  is held or nipped by the second conveyance roller pair  41 D, the actuator  121 R may contact the card CA. Thus, the actuator  121 R may be pushed by the card CA, as depicted by the alternate long and two short dashed line in  FIG. 6 , to pivotally move toward the discharge opening  13 . When the sheet SH inserted through the first introduction opening  11  passes the second conveyance roller pair  41 D, the actuator  121 R may contact the sheet SH. Thus, the actuator  121 R may be pushed by the sheet SH, as depicted by the alternate long and two short dashed line in  FIG. 6 , to pivotally move toward the discharge opening  13 . 
     The photo-interrupter  122 F may be disposed in the second chute member  32 . The photo-interrupter  122 F may comprise a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The photo-interrupter  122 F may be configured to detect whether the actuator  121 F is pivotally moved, based on whether the light-receiving element receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element. For example, the photo-interrupter  122 F may detect that the actuator  121 F is not pivotally moved, when the shield portion  123 F blocks the emitted light. The photo-interrupter  122 F may detect that the actuator  121 F is pivotally moved when the shield portion  123 F moves upward, as depicted by the alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 6 , so as not to block the emitted light. The detection result of the photo-interrupter  122 F may be transmitted to the control board  54 . 
     The photo-interrupter  122 R may be disposed in the first chute member  31 . The photo-interrupter  122 R may comprise a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The photo-interrupter  122 R may be configured to detect whether the actuator  121 R is pivotally moved, based on whether the light-receiving element receives the light emitted from the light-emitting element. More specifically, the photo-interrupter  122 R may detect that the actuator  121 R is not pivotally moved when the shield portion  123 R blocks the emitted light. The photo-interrupter  122 R may detect that the actuator  121 R is pivotally moved when the shield portion  123 R moves rearward, as depicted by the alternate long and two short dashes line in  FIG. 6 , so as not to block the emitted light. The result of the detection by the photo-interrupter  122 R may be transmitted to the control board  54 . 
     The image reading apparatus  1  may be configured to read an image on the sheet SH and the card CA. 
     When an image on the sheet SH is read, the sheet tray  36  may be open, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . One or more sheets SH may be placed on the sheet tray  36 . When the control board  54  receives an instruction to read an image on the sheet SH from the touch panel  70 , the control board  54  may refer to the detection result of the photo-interrupter  112 F. When the photo-interrupter  112 F detect that the actuator  111 F is pivotally moved, the control board  54  may determine that at least one sheet SH placed on the sheet tray  36  is held or nipped between the separation roller  48  and the separation pad  49 , and may start the operation of reading an image on the sheet SH. 
     The control board  54  may send an instruction to generate the drive force to the drive source  40 M. In response to the instruction, the separation roller  48  may be first rotated while holding the sheet SH together with the separation pad  49 . The separation roller  48  may introduce the sheet SH placed on the sheet tray  36  through the first introduction opening  11  and feed the sheet SH to the first guide portion  10 . At this time, the sheets SH may be separated one by one due to frictional force between the separation pad  49  and the sheet SH. 
     Thereafter, the first conveyance roller pairs  41 A and  41 B of the upstream-side conveyor portion  41  may convey the sheet SH fed by the separation roller  48  in the first guide portion  10 . The first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B may be read an image on each side of the sheet SH being conveyed in the first guide portion  10 . At this time, to control the start timing of image reading by the first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B, the control board  54  may refer to the detection result of the photo-interrupter  112 R. The control board  54  may determine whether the sheet SH is held or nipped by the first conveyance roller pairs  41 A and  41 B, based on the detection result that the photo-interrupter  112 R detects that the actuator  111 R is pivotally moved. Thus, the control board  54  may control the start timing of an image reading by the first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B. The first conveyance roller pairs  42 A,  42 B, and  42 C of the downstream-side conveyor portion  42  may discharge the sheet SH whose image has been read, outside the housing  30  through the discharge opening  13 . 
     When an image on the card CA is read, the sheet tray  36  may be closed, as depicted in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  6 . When the sheet tray  36  is closed, the card CA may be inserted into the second introduction opening  12  from the rear side of the housing  30 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Thereafter, the card CA may pass through the second guide portion  20 . The leading end of the card CA may reach the card conveyance area  29 . When the control board  54  receives an instruction to read an image on the card CA from the touch panel  70 , the control board  54  may refer to the detection result of the photo-interrupter  122 F. When the photo-interrupter  122 F detects that the actuator  121 F is pivotally moved, the control board  54  may determine that the card CA inserted from the second introduction opening  12  passes the second guide portion  20 , and the leading end of the card CA reaches the card conveyance area  29 . The control board  54  may start the operation of reading an image on the card CA. 
     The control board  54  may be configured to send an instruction to generate the drive force to the drive source  40 M. The second conveyance roller pair  41 D of the upstream-side conveyor portion  41  may convey the card CA in the card conveyance area  29 . The first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B may read an image on each side of the card CA being conveyed in the card conveyance area  29 . At this time, to control the start timing of an image reading by the first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B, the control board  54  may refer to the detection result of the photo-interrupter  122 R. The control board  54  may determine whether the card CA is held or nipped by the second conveyance roller pair  41 D, based on the detection result that the photo-interrupter  122 R detects that the actuator  121 R is pivotally moved. Thus, the control board  54  may control the start timing of image reading by the first reader  55 A and the second reader  55 B. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the second conveyance roller pair  42 D of the downstream-side conveyor portion  42  may discharge the card CA whose image has been read, outside the housing  30  through the discharge opening  13 . 
     In the image reading apparatus  1 , the actuator  111 F and the photo-interrupter  112 F for the sheets SH may be employed as the first detection portion. In the image reading apparatus  1 , the actuator  111 R and the photo-interrupter  112 R may also be employed as the first detection portion. Further, in the image reading apparatus  1 , the actuator  121 F and the photo-interrupter  122 F may be employed as the second detection portion. Thus, manufacturing costs may be reduced in the image reading apparatus  1 , as compared with a case in which, for example, a reflective optical sensor is employed as the first detection portion and the second detection portion. 
     Further, in the image reading apparatus  1 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the separation roller  48  may be disposed at a central portion of the housing  30  in the left-right direction. The drive shaft  48 S that may be coaxially disposed with the separation roller  48  may be configured to transmit the drive force from the drive source  40 M that may be disposed on the left end portion of the housing  30 , to the separation roller  48 . In the image reading apparatus  1 , an available space may be provided in the right side of the housing  30  because the right end of the drive shaft  48 S may stop or be positioned near the right end surface  48 R of the separation roller  48 . Therefore, the second guide portion  20 , the actuator  121 F and the photo-interrupter  122 F may be readily arranged in the available space. Consequently, the reduction in the size of the image reading apparatus  1  may be realized. 
     While the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the specific embodiment thereof, this is merely an example, and various changes, arrangements and modifications may be applied therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     For example, the first detection portion and the second detection portion may be configured to detect a medium in a noncontact manner, e.g., optically or sonically. The first detection portion and the second detection portion may comprise a microswitch configured to switch on or off by contacting a medium.

Technology Category: h