Medium loading device, feeding device, image reading device, and image forming device

Abstract

This invention provides a media loading device, a feeding device, an image reading device, and an image forming device. The media loading device is characterized by comprising a first limiting part, a second limiting part, and a linkage mechanism that is linked to the first and second limiting parts, capable of adjusting the position of a medium placed on a loading section. The linkage mechanism includes a first rack, a second rack, a first pinion, a second pinion, a force-applying part, a first rotating part, and a second rotating part. When the second limiting part is fixed and the first limiting part moves along its width, the second pinion is stationary, the first pinion rotates, and the first rotating part, the second rotating part, and the force-applying part rotate or remain stationary integrally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a media loading device, a feeding device, an image reading device, and an image forming device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a paper feed tray comprising: a pair of paper guides whose spacing is adjustable according to the width of the paper; and a linkage mechanism that links the pair of paper guides together by moving the same amount in opposite directions. The linkage mechanism has a pair of racks that move together with each paper guide and a pair of pinions that mesh with each rack. The pair of pinions are coaxially mounted with a friction pad between them and are pressed against the friction pad by a spring. According to this paper feed tray, when an external force is applied to one of the paper guides, the pair of pinions synchronize due to the friction of the friction pad, and the pair of paper guides operate in a linked manner. On the other hand, when an external force opposite to the synchronized state is applied to both paper guides, the pair of pinions desynchronize, and the pair of paper guides operate without linkage. With this structure, it is possible to switch between a state where the paper guides guide paper at the center of the paper feed tray in the width direction and a state where the paper guides guide paper at one end of the paper feed tray in the width direction.

[0003] However, in the structure described above, the spring sometimes twists as the pinion rotates along with the movement of the paper guide. In this case, even if the paper guide is moved to align with the end of the paper, the twisted spring will cause the paper guide to move again. In other words, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to align the position of the paper guide to the desired position.

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-292541. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The medium loading device is characterized by comprising: a loading section for loading a medium; a first limiting section and a second limiting section, capable of adjusting the position of the medium loaded on the loading section in a width direction intersecting the feeding direction of the medium; and a linkage mechanism for moving the first limiting section and the second limiting section in a linked manner, the linkage mechanism comprising: a first rack section connected to the first limiting section; a second rack section connected to the second limiting section; a first pinion gear meshing with the first rack section; a second pinion gear disposed in a first direction of the first pinion gear and meshing with the second rack section; and a force-applying section for... Force is applied to the first pinion and the second pinion in a direction that is separated from each other along the first direction; a first rotating part is located between the first pinion and the force-applying part in the first direction and is capable of rotating together with the force-applying part; a second rotating part is located between the second pinion and the force-applying part in the first direction and is capable of rotating together with the force-applying part. When the second limiting part is fixed and the first limiting part moves along the width direction, the second pinion is stationary, the first pinion rotates, and the first rotating part, the second rotating part, and the force-applying part rotate or remain stationary as a whole.

[0006] The feeding device is characterized by comprising: a medium loading device; and a feeding section that feeds the medium loaded on the medium loading device, wherein, when viewed from the feeding direction, the feeding section is located between the first limiting section and the second limiting section, and the central position between the first limiting section and the second limiting section in contact with the medium does not overlap with the central position of the feeding section.

[0007] The image reading device is characterized by comprising: a feeding device; and a reading unit that reads an image of the medium fed by the feeding device.

[0008] The image forming apparatus is characterized by comprising: a feeding device; and a recording unit that records the medium fed by the feeding device. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the image reading device.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of an image reading device.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the mounting part.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the fixed part.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the linkage mechanism.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the first rotating part, the second rotating part, and the force-applying part.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the structure of the feed section.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the structure of the feed section. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail. Furthermore, the XYZ coordinate system shown in the figures is an orthogonal coordinate system, with the direction indicated by the arrow being the "+" direction and the opposite direction being the "-" direction. The X-axis direction intersects the feeding direction of medium P, i.e., the width direction of medium P, and is also the width direction of the device. Additionally, the Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the device. Within the Y-axis direction, the +Y direction is the direction from the back of the device towards the front, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front of the device towards the back. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction and serves as the height direction of the device. Within the Z-axis direction, the +Z direction is upward, and the -Z direction is downward.

[0018] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the image reading device 1 of this embodiment is a scanner capable of reading images of a medium P, and is a sheet-feed type scanner that reads images of the medium P while feeding the medium P. Here, "image of the medium" means something that is visually recorded on the medium, such as text, graphics, tables, pictures, photographs, etc.

[0019] The image reading device 1 includes a media loading device 6, a pickup roller 11, a feed roller 12, a separation roller 13, an upstream feed roller pair 15, a downstream feed roller pair 16, an upstream reversing roller pair 17, an intermediate reversing roller pair 18, a downstream reversing roller pair 19, a paper discharge roller pair 20, and a discharge receiving section 23. These are arranged sequentially along the feed path T. Furthermore, the image reading device 1 includes: a housing 3, which serves as the outer casing of the image reading device 1; a display unit 30, which displays the operating status of the image reading device 1 and accepts input operations based on a touch panel; and a control unit 4.

[0020] The feed path T is formed inside the housing 3. Figure 2 In the diagram, the feed path T is represented by a dashed line. In the feed path T, after being conveyed linearly along the -Y direction, the medium P reverses direction upwards and is discharged in the +Y direction. The structure surrounding the feed path T will be described below along the direction of the feed medium P. Furthermore, in the following text, the direction of the feed medium P is sometimes referred to as "downstream," and its opposite direction as "upstream."

[0021] A medium loading device 6 for loading medium P is provided at the upstream end of the feed path T. The medium loading device 6 includes: a mounting section 9 that supports medium P; a first limiting section 91 and a second limiting section 92 that can limit and adjust the position of medium P in the width direction; and a linkage mechanism 95 that causes the first limiting section 91 and the second limiting section 92 to move in a linked manner. Details regarding the first limiting section 91, the second limiting section 92, and the linkage mechanism 95 will be described later.

[0022] The mounting section 9 horizontally supports the medium P. Alternatively, the mounting section 9 can support the medium P at an angle. The mounting section 9 moves up and down vertically while maintaining its orientation via a power source (not shown). As the mounting section 9 rises, the medium P supported by it can come into contact with the pickup roller 11.

[0023] The pickup roller 11, driven by a motor (not shown), feeds the medium P supported by the mounting section 9 downstream. A feed roller 12, driven by a motor (not shown), is provided downstream of the pickup roller 11 along the feed path T. The feed roller 12 also feeds the medium P downstream. The pickup roller 11 and the feed roller 12 constitute a feed section 10 that feeds the medium P from the mounting section 9. Furthermore, the medium loading device 6 and the feed section 10 constitute a feed device 2.

[0024] A separating roller 13 is provided opposite to the feed roller 12. The separating roller 13 separates the medium P by clamping it between itself and the feed roller 12. The separating roller 13 is driven by a motor (not shown) in the direction that returns the medium P upstream. A torque limiter (not shown) is provided in the power transmission path between the separating roller 13 and the motor (not shown). When there is only one medium P between the feed roller 12 and the separating roller 13, the separating roller 13 is in contact with the medium P and rotates automatically by the torque limiter. When there are multiple mediums P between the feed roller 12 and the separating roller 13, the separating roller 13 is rotated by the power of the motor (not shown) in the direction that returns the medium P upstream, thereby preventing the stacking of medium P. Alternatively, a separating pad may be used instead of the separating roller 13. The pick-up roller 11, the feed roller 12, and the separating roller 13 are provided at the center position in the medium width direction or at a position symmetrical to the center position.

[0025] Downstream of the feeding section 10, an upstream feeding roller pair 15 is provided to feed the medium P downstream in the feeding direction. The upstream feeding roller pair 15 is configured by an upstream feeding lower roller 15a and an upstream feeding upper roller 15b in a manner capable of clamping the medium P, and at least one of the rollers is driven by a motor (not shown). Since the upstream feeding roller pair 15 feeds the medium P while clamping it, the medium P can be fed downstream in a stable state along the feeding path T.

[0026] Downstream of the upstream feed roller pair 15, a reading unit 25 for reading images of the medium P and a downstream feed roller pair 16 are provided. The reading unit 25 consists of a first reading unit 25a and a second reading unit 25b. The first reading unit 25a and the second reading unit 25b are positioned offset in the feeding direction, separated by the downstream feed roller pair 16. The first reading unit 25a is positioned above the feed path T and reads an image of the upper surface of the medium P. The second reading unit 25b is positioned below the feed path T and reads an image of the lower surface of the medium P. As an example, the first reading unit 25a and the second reading unit 25b are configured to have a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). Furthermore, it is preferable that the upstream feed roller pair 15, which feeds the medium P while holding it, is positioned upstream of the reading unit 25. By positioning the upstream feed roller pair 15 upstream of the reading unit 25, the reading unit 25 can read the medium P in a stable feeding state.

[0027] Downstream of the reading section 25 and the downstream feed roller pair 16, an upstream reversing roller pair 17 is provided. The section along the feed path T from the pickup roller 11 to the upstream reversing roller pair 17 extends horizontally. At least one roller of the upstream reversing roller pair 17 is driven by a motor (not shown). The upstream reversing roller pair 17 feeds the medium P downstream.

[0028] Downstream of the upstream reversing roller pair 17, the feed path T bends upward and reverses. Within this bend and reversal section, a middle reversing roller pair 18, a downstream reversing roller pair 19, and a discharge roller pair 20 are sequentially arranged downstream. At least one of the rollers of the middle reversing roller pair 18, the downstream reversing roller pair 19, and the discharge roller pair 20 is driven by a motor (not shown). The middle reversing roller pair 18 and the downstream reversing roller pair 19 convey the medium P downstream. The discharge roller pair 20 discharges the medium P in the +Y direction. The medium P discharged by the discharge roller pair 20 is supported by a discharge receiving portion 23. The discharge receiving portion 23 supports the medium P in an inclined position. Of course, the discharge receiving portion 23 can also support the medium P in a horizontal position.

[0029] The lifting and lowering of the mounting unit 9, the rotation of each roller, the display and input reception of the display unit 30, and the image reading of the medium P by the first reading unit 25a and the second reading unit 25b are all controlled by the control unit 4. This control unit includes a CPU (not shown) and non-volatile memory. Programs and parameters used to implement various controls are stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0030] An opening / closing unit 5 is provided on the housing 3 in a detachable manner. When closed, the opening / closing unit 5 forms part of the feed path T. The discharge receiving part 23 described above is formed by the upper surface of the opening / closing unit 5.

[0031] The first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 are flat plate-shaped components parallel to the YZ plane. On the mounting part 9, the first limiting part 91 is positioned closer to the +X side than the center in the width direction, and the second limiting part 92 is positioned closer to the -X side than the center in the width direction. The first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 are movable along the width direction along the X-axis on the upper surface of the mounting part 9 according to the size of the medium P. The bottom of the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 are movably inserted into the elongated hole 9K provided on the mounting part 9. The elongated hole 9K is a hole extending along the width direction of the mounting part 9 and penetrating the mounting part 9 in the vertical direction.

[0032] A first detection unit 911 for detecting the position of the first restriction unit 91 and a second detection unit 912 for detecting the position of the second restriction unit 92 are disposed on the mounting unit 9.

[0033] The first detection unit 911 and the second detection unit 912 are linear encoders. The first detection unit 911 and the second detection unit 912 are disposed at both ends of the mounting unit 9 in the X-axis direction, detect the positions of the first limiting unit 91 and the second limiting unit 92, and output the detection results to the control unit 4.

[0034] The control unit 4 determines the size of the loaded medium P based on the detection results of the first detection unit 911 and the second detection unit 912, and displays the determined size detection result on the display unit 30. According to this structure, the medium loading device 6 detects the size of the medium P based on the positions of the first detection unit 911 and the second detection unit 912, and displays the size on the display unit 30, thus allowing the user to know the size of the medium P placed on the loading unit 9. The first detection unit 911 and the second detection unit 912 are not limited to linear encoders; laser sensors, linear potentiometers, etc., can also be used.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 have a fixing part 96 that fixes the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 relative to the mounting part 9. The fixing part 96 is held by the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 in a manner that allows it to move in the Z-axis direction. On the upper surface of the mounting part 9, an engaging part 9M is formed that can engage with the bottom of the fixing part 96. On the engaging part 9M, a plurality of V-shaped grooves when viewed from the Y-axis direction are formed in a serrated shape along the X-axis direction. The fixing part 96 can slide between a limiting position in which the bottom of the fixing part 96 enters a certain groove and a releasing position in which the bottom of the fixing part 96 does not enter any groove. A handle protruding in the +Y direction is formed on the +Y side of the fixing part 96, and the user can select the limiting position and the releasing position by operating the handle. The fixing part 96 is disposed on the +Y side of the main body of the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92, and is held by the main body of the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 so that it can move in the Z-axis direction. According to this structure, after the user adjusts the position of one or both of the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92, the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 can be fixed relative to the mounting part 9.

[0036] A third detection unit 913 is provided on the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 to detect when the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 are fixed to the mounting part 9 by the fixing part 96. The third detection unit 913 uses a photoelectric sensor to detect whether the bottom of the fixing part 96 has entered the engaging part 9M. The third detection unit 913 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor, but may also use a magnetic sensor, a cantilever sensor, etc.

[0037] Based on the detection result of the third detection unit 913, the control unit 4 causes the display unit 30 to display the fixed state of the fixing unit 96. With this structure, it is possible to detect the situation where the first limiting unit 91 is fixed to the mounting unit 9 by the fixing unit 96, so that the user can know the fixed state of the first limiting unit 91 and the second limiting unit 92.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the linkage mechanism 95 includes a first rack section 93, a second rack section 94, a first pinion 951, a second pinion 952, a first rotating section 953, a second rotating section 954, and a force-applying section 955. The first rack section 93 is connected to the first limiting section 91, causing the first limiting section 91 to move. The second rack section 94 is connected to the second limiting section 92, causing the second limiting section 92 to move. The first pinion 951 is a gear that meshes with the first rack section 93, and the second pinion 952 is a gear that meshes with the second rack section 94. The first rack section 93 and the first pinion 951, as well as the second rack section 94 and the second pinion 952, function as gear and rack mechanisms, respectively.

[0039] The first rack portion 93 and the second rack portion 94 are disposed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 9 and extend along the X-axis direction. On the +Y side surface of the first rack portion 93, a plurality of teeth are formed along the X-axis direction to mesh with the first pinion 951. On the -Y side surface of the second rack portion 94, a plurality of teeth are formed along the X-axis direction to mesh with the second pinion 952.

[0040] The +X side end of the first rack portion 93 is connected to the bottom of the first limiting portion 91 in the elongated hole. Furthermore, the -X side end of the second rack portion 94 is connected to the bottom of the second limiting portion 92 in the elongated hole.

[0041] A cylindrical support portion 956 extending in the -Z direction is formed on the lower surface of the mounting portion 9. On the support portion 956, a first pinion 951, a first rotating portion 953, a force-applying portion 955, a second rotating portion 954, and a second pinion 952 are sequentially arranged from the +Z side. At the top of the support portion 956, a cover 956a with an outer diameter larger than that of the support portion 956 is provided. The first pinion 951, the first rotating portion 953, the force-applying portion 955, the second rotating portion 954, and the second pinion 952 are supported by the support portion 956 and the cover 956a, enabling them to rotate.

[0042] A first contact portion 9571 is disposed between the lower surface of the mounting portion 9 and the first pinion 951. Furthermore, a second contact portion 9572 is disposed between the second pinion 952 and the cover 956a. The first contact portion 9571 and the second contact portion 9572 are, for example, flat stainless steel washers with an annular appearance. In addition to stainless steel, iron, nylon, ABS resin, polyacetal (POM) resin, etc., can also be used as the first contact portion 9571 and the second contact portion 9572.

[0043] The first pinion 951 rotates about the support portion 956 as its rotation axis. That is, the first pinion 951 rotates about a rotation axis along the Z-axis. Multiple teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first pinion 951, meshing with the teeth of the first rack portion 93. A recess opening in the -Z direction is formed on the first pinion 951, accommodating the first rotating portion 953 (described later). Furthermore, the second pinion 952 rotates about the support portion 956 as its rotation axis. That is, the second pinion 952 rotates about a rotation axis along the Z-axis. Multiple teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second pinion 952, meshing with the teeth of the second rack portion 94. A recess opening in the +Z direction is formed on the second pinion 952, accommodating the second rotating portion 954 (described later).

[0044] In this embodiment, the first pinion 951 and the second pinion 952 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the second pinion 952 is disposed in the -Z direction of the first pinion 951. The Z-axis direction is an example of the first direction. However, the arrangement direction of the first pinion 951 and the second pinion 952 is not limited to the Z-axis direction; for example, they can also be arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0045] The first pinion 951 has a first surface 951n that is in contact with the first contact portion 9571 along the XY plane and a second surface 951m that is in contact with the first rotating portion 953 along the XY plane. The second pinion 952 has a third surface 952m that is in contact with the second rotating portion 954 along the XY plane and a fourth surface 952n that is in contact with the second contact portion 9572 along the XY plane.

[0046] From the viewpoint of lubrication and wear resistance, the materials for the first pinion 951 and the second pinion 952 are preferably polyacetal (POM) resin. Alternatively, in addition to ABS resin and phenolic resin, acrylic resin may also be used.

[0047] The first rotating part 953 is located between the first pinion 951 and the force-applying part 955 in the Z-axis direction, and can rotate together with the force-applying part 955. In addition, the second rotating part 954 is located between the second pinion 952 and the force-applying part 955 in the Z-axis direction, and can rotate together with the force-applying part 955.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the first rotating part 953 and the second rotating part 954 are composed of components of the same shape but are arranged with different orientations. Since the first rotating part 953 and the second rotating part 954 are of the same shape, the cost of the media loading device 6 can be reduced. The first rotating part 953 and the second rotating part 954 are generally tubular components, and a through hole for the support part 956 to pass through is formed along the Z-axis at the center of the first rotating part 953 and the second rotating part 954. The first rotating part 953 and the second rotating part 954 have an annular portion with a circular cross-section when cut along a direction intersecting the Z-axis and a slit portion with a semi-circular cross-section. The first rotating part 953 is arranged with the slit portion located on the -Z side of the annular portion, and the second rotating part 954 is arranged with the slit portion located on the +Z side of the annular portion.

[0049] Two transmission surfaces parallel to the Z-axis are formed at the cut-out portion. Specifically, two first rotational transmission surfaces 953a are formed at the cut-out portion of the first rotating portion 953, and two second rotational transmission surfaces 954a are formed at the cut-out portion of the second rotating portion 954. That is, the first rotating portion 953 has two first rotational transmission surfaces 953a, and the second rotating portion 954 has two second rotational transmission surfaces 954a. The first rotating portion 953 and the second rotating portion 954 are arranged such that the first rotational transmission surfaces 953a and the second rotational transmission surfaces 954a face each other and abut against each other. According to this structure, the first rotating portion 953 and the second rotating portion 954 are in contact with each other through multiple rotational transmission surfaces, and therefore can rotate as a whole.

[0050] The diameter of the through hole in the cut portion is larger than the diameter of the through hole in the annular portion. In the through hole of the cut portion, a force-applying portion 955 is arranged across the first rotating portion 953 and the second rotating portion 954.

[0051] From the viewpoint of lubrication and wear resistance, the materials of the first rotating part 953 and the second rotating part 954 are preferably polyacetal (POM) resin. In addition, acrylic resin may also be used in addition to ABS resin and phenolic resin.

[0052] The force-applying part 955 is a coil-shaped spring. Specifically, it is a compression helical spring made of alloy steel. The force-applying part 955 applies force to the first pinion 951 and the second pinion 952 in a direction that is separated from each other along the Z-axis via the first rotating part 953 and the second rotating part 954. In addition, the force-applying part 955 is not limited to a coil-shaped spring, but can also be an elastic body, a magnetic spring, etc.

[0053] A slit portion 95S is formed in the first rotating portion 953 and the second rotating portion 954. One end of the force-applying portion 955 enters the slit portion 95S of the first rotating portion 953, and the other end of the force-applying portion 955 enters the slit portion 95S of the second rotating portion 954. Therefore, the force-applying portion 955 is fixed to the first rotating portion 953 and the second rotating portion 954 with respect to the rotation direction about the Z-axis, and can rotate integrally with the first rotating portion 953 and the second rotating portion 954 about the Z-axis.

[0054] The frictional force generated on the first surface 951n where the first pinion 951 contacts the first contact portion 9571 is based on the contact radius of the first pinion 951 and the first contact portion 9571. The frictional force generated on the fourth surface 952n where the second pinion 952 contacts the second contact portion 9572 is based on the contact radius of the second pinion 952 and the second contact portion 9572.

[0055] The frictional force generated on the second surface 951m where the first pinion 951 contacts the first rotating part 953 is based on the contact radius between the first pinion 951 and the first rotating part 953. The frictional force generated on the third surface 952m where the second pinion 952 contacts the second rotating part 954 is based on the contact radius between the second pinion 952 and the second rotating part 954. Furthermore, the frictional forces generated between the first pinion 951 and the first contact part 9571, and between the second pinion 952 and the second contact part 9572, are less than the frictional forces generated between the first pinion 951 and the first rotating part 953, and between the second pinion 952 and the second rotating part 954.

[0056] The operation of the linkage 95 when a user moves either the first limiting part 91 or the second limiting part 92 along the width direction will be described. For example... Figure 7 As shown, this operation is performed, for example, when a single medium P is placed on the mounting section 9, or when multiple mediums P of equal width are placed on the mounting section 9.

[0057] When a stack of media P of the same width is placed on the mounting section 9, the user operates either the first limiting section 91 or the second limiting section 92 to move the mounted media P along the first limiting section 91 and the second limiting section 92. The force-applying section 955, which constitutes the linkage mechanism 95, applies force to the first pinion 951 and the second pinion 952 in a direction that is separated from each other along the Z-axis via the first rotating section 953 and the second rotating section 954. Therefore, the frictional force generated on the second surface 951m and the third surface 952m when the first pinion 951 or the second pinion 952 rotates is greater than when no force is applied. As a result, the first pinion 951, the first rotating section 953, the force-applying section 955, the second rotating section 954, and the second pinion 952 rotate as a whole. Therefore, for example, when the user moves the first limiting part 91 along the +X axis, which is the width direction, the movement of the first limiting part 91 causes the first pinion 951 and the second pinion 952 to rotate via the first rack part 93 connected to the first limiting part 91. The rotation of the second pinion 952 is transmitted to the second rack part 94, which meshes with the second pinion 952, causing the second limiting part 92 connected to the second rack part 94 to move along the -X axis, which is the width direction. At this time, when viewed from the feeding direction, the central position CP1 between the first limiting part 91 and the second limiting part 92 overlaps with the central position CP2 of the pickup roller 11.

[0058] Next, the scenario where the user restricts the movement of either the first restricting part 91 or the second restricting part 92, while causing the other to move, will be described. This operation (e.g.) Figure 8(As shown) For example, this is done when multiple media P of different widths are loaded onto the mounting section 9.

[0059] When multiple media P of different widths are placed on the mounting section 9, the user adjusts the position of the media P in the width direction so that all the mounted media P are fed along the first limiting section 91 or the second limiting section 92 and all the mounted media P are fed by the pickup roller 11. In this case, the user restricts the movement of either the first limiting section 91 or the second limiting section 92, and moves the other. At this time, when viewed from the feeding direction, the pickup roller 11 is located between the first limiting section 91 and the second limiting section 92, and the central position CP1 between the first limiting section 91 and the second limiting section 92 that is in contact with the media P does not overlap with the central position CP2 of the pickup roller 11.

[0060] For example, when the movement of the second limiting part 92 is restricted while the first limiting part 91 moves in the width direction, the second limiting part 92 and the second rack part 94 connected to the second limiting part 92 do not move, and the second pinion 952 meshing with the second rack part 94 does not rotate. That is, when the second limiting part 92 is fixed and the first limiting part 91 moves in the width direction, the second pinion 952 is stationary, and the first pinion 951 rotates. Moreover, the first rotating part 953, the second rotating part 954, and the force-applying part 955 rotate or remain stationary as a whole. In addition, whether the first rotating part 953, the second rotating part 954, and the force-applying part 955 rotate or remain stationary is determined by the magnitude relationship between the frictional force on the second surface 951m and the frictional force on the third surface 952m. For example, when the frictional force on the second surface 951m is greater than the frictional force on the third surface 952m, the first rotating part 953, the second rotating part 954, and the force-applying part 955 rotate together with the first pinion 951. On the other hand, when the frictional force on the second surface 951m is less than that on the third surface 952m, the first rotating part 953, the second rotating part 954, and the force-applying part 955 remain stationary together with the second pinion 952. According to this structure, the first rotating part 953, the second rotating part 954, and the force-applying part 955 rotate or remain stationary as a whole. Therefore, when the first limiting part 91 is moved while the second limiting part 92 is fixed, the user can easily move the first limiting part 91 to the desired position. Furthermore, when the first limiting part 91 is fixed and the second limiting part 92 moves in the width direction, the first pinion 951 remains stationary while the second pinion 952 rotates. Moreover, the first rotating part 953, the second rotating part 954, and the force-applying part 955 rotate or remain stationary as a whole.

[0061] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes an example of the feed device 2 being assembled in the image reading device 1, the feed device 2 can also be assembled in a device other than the image reading device 1. For example, the feed device 2 can also be assembled in an image forming apparatus having a recording unit that records the medium P fed by the feed device 2, and used as a feed mechanism of the image forming apparatus.

[0062] Symbol Explanation

[0063] 1…Image reading device; 2…Feeding device; 3…Housing; 4…Control unit; 5…Opening and closing unit; 6…Media loading device; 9…Loading unit; 9K…Elongated hole; 9M…Clamping part; 10…Feeding part; 11…Pick-up roller; 12…Feeding roller; 13…Separating roller; 15…Upstream side feed roller pair; 15a…Upstream side lower feed roller; 15b…Upstream side upper feed roller; 16…Downstream side feed roller pair; 17…Upstream side reverse roller pair; 18…Intermediate reverse roller pair; 19…Downstream side reverse roller pair; 20…Paper discharge roller pair; 23…Discharge receiving part; 25…Reading part; 25a…First reading part; 25b…Second reading part; 30…Display part; 91…First limiting part; 92…Second limiting part; 93… 94… Second rack section; 95… Linkage mechanism; 95S… Slit section; 96… Fixing section; 956… Support section; 911… First detection section; 912… Second detection section; 913… Third detection section; 951… First pinion; 951m… Second surface; 951n… First surface; 952… Second pinion; 952m… Third surface; 952n… Fourth surface; 953… First rotating section; 953a… First rotation transmission surface; 954… Second rotating section; 954a… Second rotation transmission surface; 955… Force application section; 956… Support section; 956a… Cover; 9571… First contact section; 9572… Second contact section; CP1, CP2… Central position; P… Medium.

Claims

1. A medium loading device, characterized in that, have: The mounting section, which holds the mounting medium; The first limiting part and the second limiting part are capable of adjusting the position of the medium placed on the mounting part in the width direction intersecting the feeding direction of the medium; A linkage mechanism that causes the first limiting part and the second limiting part to move in conjunction. The linkage mechanism has the following features: The first rack portion is connected to the first limiting portion; The second rack portion is connected to the second limiting portion; The first pinion meshes with the first rack portion; The second pinion is disposed in a first direction of the first pinion and meshes with the second rack portion; The force-applying part applies force to the first pinion and the second pinion in a direction that is separated from each other along the first direction; A first rotating part is located between the first pinion and the force-applying part in the first direction, and is capable of rotating together with the force-applying part; The second rotating part is located between the second pinion and the force-applying part in the first direction, and is capable of rotating together with the force-applying part. When the second limiting part is fixed and the first limiting part moves along the width direction, the second pinion is stationary, the first pinion rotates, and the first rotating part, the second rotating part, and the force-applying part rotate or remain stationary as a whole.

2. The medium loading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating part has at least two first rotational transmission surfaces that contact the second rotating part. The second rotating part has at least two second rotating transmission surfaces that are in contact with the first rotating transmission surface.

3. The medium loading device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first rotating part and the second rotating part have the same shape.

4. The medium loading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying part is a spring in the shape of a coil. Both the first rotating part and the second rotating part have slit portions. One end of the spring enters the slit portion of the first rotating part. The other end of the spring enters the slit portion of the second rotating part.

5. The medium loading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, have: The display unit is responsible for displaying information. Control Department; The first detection unit detects the position of the first limiting unit; The second detection unit detects the position of the second limiting unit. The control unit determines the size of the loaded medium based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and causes the display unit to display the size.

6. The medium loading device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting part and the second limiting part each have a fixing part, which fixes the first limiting part and the second limiting part relative to the mounting part. A groove is formed on the mounting portion. The fixing part is movable between a restricted position for entering the groove and a released position for not entering the groove.

7. The medium loading device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It includes a third detection unit that detects when the first limiting part is fixed by the fixing part.

8. A feeding device, characterized in that, have: The medium loading device according to claims 1 to 7; The feeding unit feeds the medium loaded on the medium loading device. When viewed from the feeding direction The feeding part is located between the first restricting part and the second restricting part. The central position between the first limiting part and the second limiting part that are in contact with the medium does not overlap with the central position of the feeding part.

9. An image reading device, comprising: The feeding device as described in claim 8; The reading unit reads the image of the medium fed by the feeding device.

10. An image forming apparatus comprising: The feeding device as described in claim 8; The recording unit records the medium fed by the feeding device.

Images