Sheet feeding apparatus, image reading apparatus, and recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a sheet feeding device capable of improving the attaching / detaching operability of a separation unit.SOLUTION: A separation unit movable between a first position at which the separation unit contacts and separates the sheet fed from the sheet stacking portion and a second position at which the separation unit is rotated from the first position about a bearing 301a portion with respect to the main body, the separation unit being provided in the main body and being attachable to and detachable from the shaft 353a portion, the sheet stacking portion being configured to stack a plurality of sheets, the feeding member being configured to feed the sheet stacked on the sheet stacking portion, 301a, and a bearing side 353a1 having an opening side 353a having a first length C1 in a widthwise direction of the opening side 353a1, wherein when the widthwise direction of the opening side 353a1 is a first direction when the separation unit is in the first position and the widthwise direction of the opening side 301a is a second direction when the separation unit is in the second position, the shaft side 301a is longer than the first length in the first direction and shorter than the first length in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device, and an image reading device and a recording device that are equipped with the sheet feeding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a sheet supplying device provided in a recording device, an image reading device, etc., a sheet supplying device is known that includes a stacking section for stacking sheets, a supplying member for supplying sheets from the stacking section, and a separation unit for separating the supplied sheets.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a separation unit having a shaft, an apparatus main body having a bearing portion with an opening formed therein that opens upward, and a biasing member holding member that holds a biasing member that biases the separation unit. In this configuration, the biasing member holding member is configured to be rotatable so that the orientation of the biasing member can be adjusted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-34807 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-described configuration, because the bearing is open above, there is a risk that the separation unit may be unintentionally detached from the device body when it is lifted. Also, when installing the separation unit, it is necessary to adjust the position of the biasing member holding member so that the biasing member is attached to a predetermined position on the separation unit.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a sheet feeding device in which the operability of attaching and detaching a separation unit is improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the sheet feeding device of the present invention comprises: a device body having a shaft portion; a sheet stacking section for stacking a plurality of sheets; a supply member that supplies sheets stacked in the sheet stacking section; a separation unit that moves between a first position where the separation unit contacts the sheets supplied from the sheet stacking unit to separate the sheets, and a second position where the separation unit rotates from the first position around the shaft portion relative to the device body; a bearing provided in the separation unit, detachable from the shaft portion, and having an opening with an opening width in a width direction having a first length; Equipped with When the width direction of the opening when the separation unit is in the first position is defined as a first direction, and the width direction of the opening when the separation unit is in the second position is defined as a second direction, the width of the shaft portion in the first direction is longer than the first length, and the width of the shaft portion in the second direction is shorter than the first length. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet feeding device in which the operability of attaching and detaching the separation unit is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a scanner unit and an ADF unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a scanner unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the glass frame unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of a scanner unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement position of a separation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a separation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an attached state of a separation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a method for attaching a separation unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a bearing and a support shaft according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied can be modified or changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For example, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments can be modified as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied, and unless otherwise specified, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] An image reading device equipped with the sheet feeding device of the present invention can be applied to a flatbed scanner device, or a copier, facsimile, multifunction device, or the like that combines a flatbed scanner device with a printing device. The sheet feeding device of the present invention can also be applied not only to an image reading device, but also to a recording device, such as a printer, that has an image recording unit that records an image on a sheet-like recording medium. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image reading device that imports sheet images into a computer or the like will be described. Note that the same reference numerals throughout the drawings indicate the same or corresponding parts. In the following description and drawings, X, Y, and Z indicate directions that are orthogonal to each other. X is the depth direction of the image reading device 100, Y is the width direction, and Z is the height direction.

[0012] First Embodiment 1(a) and 1(b) are external perspective views of a multifunction peripheral 1 in which an image reading device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is combined with a printing device 400, which is an inkjet printer. The image reading device 100 is broadly composed of a scanner unit 200 as an image reading unit that reads an image on a sheet, and an ADF unit 300 configured to be able to transport a sheet. The ADF unit 300 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the scanner unit 200 so that a sheet can be placed on the scanner unit 200. FIG. 1(a) shows the image reading device 100 in a state in which the ADF unit 300 is open. FIG. 1(b) shows the image reading device 100 in a state in which the ADF unit 300 is closed.

[0013] [Image reader] The configuration of the image reading device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2(a) and (b). Figures 2(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the scanner unit 200 and ADF unit 300 of the image reading device 100. Figure 2(a) shows a cross-section of the image reading device 100 in the XZ plane when the ADF unit 300 is closed. Figure 2(b) is an enlarged view of part A surrounded by a dotted line in Figure 2(a). In Figure 2(a), the ADF unit 300 shows the path of a sheet passing through a sheet transport path 311 with a thick solid arrow. Part of the sheet transport path 311 is configured by part of the scanner unit 200.

[0014] The ADF unit 300 includes a mounting table 301, which is a sheet stacking unit capable of stacking multiple sheets to be automatically transported, a sheet transport mechanism configured to transport sheets, and a sheet discharge unit 320 on which discharged sheets are stacked. Fig. 2(a) shows multiple sheets 310 placed on the mounting table 301. The sheet transport mechanism is a transport unit including a sheet transport mechanism from the pickup roller 304 to the discharge roller 309 of the ADF unit 300. In other words, the sheet transport mechanism can be said to be composed of a transport unit that transports the sheets 310 and a discharge unit that includes the discharge roller 309 and discharges the sheets 310.

[0015] The ADF unit 300 can be regarded as a type of sheet supply device that supplies the sheet 310 by a pickup roller 304, or as a type of sheet discharge device that discharges the sheet 310 by a discharge roller 309. The loading platform 301 and the sheet discharge unit 320 are components of the device main body 300a of the ADF unit 300, which is both a sheet supply device and a sheet discharge device.

[0016] A sheet to be automatically conveyed is first placed on a table 301 provided above the ADF unit 300. A sheet 310 placed on the table 301 is conveyed toward a separation roller 355 by a pickup roller 304 of the sheet conveying mechanism. The pickup roller 304 is a supply member that comes into contact with the sheet 310 stacked on the table 301 and supplies the sheet 310 in the conveying direction.

[0017] In the conveying direction of the sheets 310, a sheet separating section made up of a separation roller 355 and a separation unit 351 is provided downstream of the table 301 and the pickup roller 304. The uppermost sheet 310 among the sheets 310 placed on the table 301 is conveyed by the pickup roller 304 to the nipping section between the separation roller 355 and the separation unit 351.

[0018] When the top sheet 310 on the mounting table 301 is supplied (conveyed) by the pickup roller 304, the sheet 310 below it may also move in the conveying direction due to friction between the sheets. However, the succeeding sheet 310 below it comes into contact with the separation unit 351, receives resistance in the direction opposite to the moving direction, and stops. This configuration makes it possible to separate and convey the sheets 310 one by one. The sheets 310 held between the separation roller 355 and the separation unit 351 are conveyed one by one to the conveying roller 307 downstream in the conveying direction.

[0019] Next, sheet 310 is conveyed by conveying rollers 307 to conveying guide 203 on the downstream side in the conveying direction. Conveying guide 203 is a guide unit that is detachably provided with respect to image reading device 100. Sheet 310 guided by conveying guide 203 is pressed by white pressure plate 308 and brought into close contact with ADF glass 205. When sheet 310 is in close contact with ADF glass 205, image sensor 206 reads the image on sheet 310. White pressure plate 308 is sized to cover the entire area of ​​image sensor 206 in the main scanning direction (Y direction).

[0020] The sheet transport mechanism is provided with various sheet detection sensors that detect the passage of the leading and trailing edges of the sheet 310. The outputs of these sheet detection sensors are used to control the timing of reading by the image sensor 206.

[0021] The image reading device 100 of the present invention has two sheet reading methods: a fixed sheet reading method (flatbed reading) and a sheet conveying reading method (ADF reading). In the fixed sheet reading method, the sheet 310 is fixed on a glass table 202 for setting the sheet, and the sheet is read. In this method, the sheet is read by moving the unit 207 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction). In the sheet conveying reading method, the reading unit 207 is fixed at a predetermined position (ADF position), and the sheet is read while being conveyed by the ADF section 300.

[0022] The reading unit 207 in the scanner section 200 in FIG. 2(a) is in a standby state at the ADF position to read the sheet 310 that is automatically conveyed by the ADF section 300 described above.

[0023] [Scanner section] Next, the configuration of the scanner unit 200 of the image reading device 100 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3(a) to 3(c), 4, and 5. Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are explanatory diagrams of the scanner unit 200. Figure 3(a) is a top view of the scanner unit 200 with the ADF unit 300 removed from the image reading device 100, showing the entire glass frame unit 201. Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3(a), showing the scanner unit 200 as viewed from the main scanning direction (Y direction). Figure 3(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 3(a), showing the scanner unit 200 as viewed from the sub-scanning direction (X direction).

[0024] The glass frame unit 201 is composed of a glass table 202 on which a sheet 310 is placed, a conveying guide 203 that guides the automatically conveyed sheet 310, and a glass frame 204 that holds the conveying guide 203. The conveying guide 203 is detachably held by the glass frame 204. The glass frame 204 is provided with a sheet abutment reference 226.

[0025] 4 is a rear view of the glass frame unit 201 in FIG. 3(a), as seen from the printing apparatus 400 side. A white sheet 224 is disposed on the sheet placement surface side of the glass table 202. A portion of the white sheet 224 is shown in FIG. 4.

[0026] The position of the glass table 202 in the X direction is determined by abutting against two glass frame abutment portions 228 of the glass frame 204. The white sheet 224 is located on the sheet placement surface, behind the glass table 202 as viewed in this drawing. As shown in FIG. 4, the position of the white sheet 224 in the X direction is between the glass frame abutment portions 228 and the stationary sheet reading area 237.

[0027] The white sheet 224 integrally comprises a white area 224W for performing shading correction on the image sensor 206 of the reading unit 207, and a black area 224B that serves as a reference position in the sub-scanning direction (X direction) of the image sensor 206. To perform shading processing, the white sheet 224 is sized to cover the entire area in the main scanning direction (Y direction) of the image sensor 206. The position of the black area 224B in the white sheet 224 in the sub-scanning direction is closer to the stationary sheet reading area 237 than the white area 224W.

[0028] 5 is a top view of the scanner unit 200 with the glass frame unit 201 removed. The scanner unit 200 includes a motor 220, a guide rail 221, a belt 222, and a base frame 223. FIG. 5 shows the internal configuration of the entire scanner unit 200, and illustrates the relative positions of the reading unit 207 and the base frame 223.

[0029] A guide rail 221 with its longitudinal direction in the sub-scanning direction (X direction) is arranged in the center of the base frame 223 in the main scanning direction (Y direction). The slider 218 of the reading unit 207 is arranged on the guide rail 221 so as to be slidable in the sub-scanning direction (X direction). The reading unit 207 is connected to a belt 222 via a drive transmission unit. Motor When a driving input is applied to 220, the belt 222 moves in response to the input, and the reading unit 207 performs reciprocating scanning along the guide rail 221. With this configuration, the reading unit 207 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the drive unit is arranged on the base frame 223 and the drive force is transmitted by the belt 222, but the reading unit may also be a self-propelled type in which the drive unit is arranged on the reading unit 207.

[0031] [Sheet separation section] The configuration of the sheet separating section of the ADF section 300 in the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0032] 6(a) to 6(c) are explanatory diagrams of the arrangement position of the separation unit 351. Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the ADF section 300 with the cover member 361 open. Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view of the state in which the separation unit 351 has been removed from the mounting table 301. Fig. 6(c) is an enlarged view of part B surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 6(b), showing details of the mounting section to which the separation unit 351 is attached.

[0033] The mounting table 301 is provided with a support shaft 301a for mounting the separation unit 351 on the mounting table 301. The separation unit 351 is configured to be detachable from the support shaft 301a.

[0034] 7(a) to 7(d) are explanatory diagrams of the separation unit 351. The coordinate system shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) shows the direction when the separation unit 351 is attached to the mounting table 301 and is in a position to separate the sheet 310. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the separation unit 351. FIG. 7(b) is an exploded perspective view of the separation unit 351. FIG. 7(c) is a top view of the separation unit 351. FIG. 7(d) is a bottom view of the separation unit 351. The separation unit 351 is made up of a separation resistance member 352, a holding member 353 that holds the separation resistance member 352, and a biasing member 354 that biases the holding member 353.

[0035] Sheets 310 stacked on the mounting table 301 are transported by the pickup roller 304 to a separation nip portion (clamping portion) between the separation unit 351 and the separation roller 355. Then, the separation unit 351 performs a separating action on the sheets 310 such that, of the sheets 310 transported by the pickup roller 304, only the uppermost sheet 310 on the mounting table 301 is clamped in the separation nip portion. At this time, the separation unit 351 is disposed so that the separation resistance member 352 abuts against the sheet 310.

[0036] The separation resistance member 352 is configured to contact the conveyed sheet 310 in a stationary state, and a biasing member 354 applies a biasing pressure to the sheet 310. The separation resistance member 352 and the biasing member 354 are attached to the holding member 353 with the holding member 353 sandwiched therebetween. The separation resistance member 352 is a flexible elastic body, and can be made of, for example, silicone rubber. This configuration enables the frictional force between the separation resistance member 352 and the sheet 310 to inhibit movement of the sheet 310 in the conveying direction, thereby separating the sheet 310. Furthermore, the separation resistance member 352 deteriorates over time due to friction caused by rubbing against the sheet 310. Therefore, the separation unit 351 is configured to be detachable from the mounting table 301 so that the separation resistance member 352 can be replaced periodically.

[0037] The holding member 353 has a bearing 353a, a protrusion 353b, and a hook portion 353c. The bearing 353a and the protrusion 353b are provided at both ends of the holding member 353 in the Y direction. The hook portion 353c is provided at the center of the holding member 353 in the Y direction. It is provided.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 6(c), the mounting base 301 has a support shaft 301a that engages with the bearing 353a, a wall 301b against which the protrusion 353b abuts, and a hook fixing portion 301c as a locking portion that fixes (locks) the hook portion 353c as a locked portion. Two support shafts 301a are provided corresponding to the bearing 353a, two wall portions 301b are provided corresponding to the protrusion 353b, and one hook fixing portion 301c is provided corresponding to the hook portion 353c. In Fig. 6(c), the wall portion 301b is indicated by a dotted line.

[0039] Bearing 353a is a bearing portion extending in the Y direction. Bearing 353a is formed with opening 353a1 through which support shaft 301a serving as a shaft portion can pass, and is formed so that the cross section perpendicular to the Y direction has a substantially C-shape. Furthermore, protrusion 353b has a substantially triangular shape when viewed in the Y direction, and is formed so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of non-opening portion 353a2 of bearing 353a to the side opposite to the side on which opening 353a1 is formed.

[0040] The holding member 353 further has a press-fit portion 353d into which the biasing member 354 is press-fitted. One press-fit portion 353d is provided in the center of the holding member 353 in the Y direction, and is located between the bearing 353a and the hook portion 353c in the X direction. The biasing member 354 biases the holding member 353 in a direction that rotates the holding member 353 so that the separation resistance member 352 approaches the separation roller 355.

[0041] The attachment structure of the separation unit 351 to the apparatus main body will be described in more detail. Figures 8(a) to 8(c) are explanatory views of the attachment state of the separation unit 351. Figure 8(a) is a top view of the mounting table 301 to which the separation unit 351 is attached. Figure 8(b) is a DD cross-sectional view of Figure 8(a), showing the attachment state of the separation unit 351 to the mounting table 301. Figure 8(c) is an enlarged view of part C surrounded by a dotted line in Figure 8(b).

[0042] The separation unit 351 is located downstream of the table 301 in the conveying direction of the sheet 310, and is disposed at the center in the width direction (Y direction) of the table 301. A bearing 353a of the holding member 353 is removably attached to the table 301 by a support shaft 301a of the table 301.

[0043] Separation unit 351 is supported on mounting table 301 so as to be rotatable around bearing 353a. At this time, the rotation axis direction of separation unit 351 is parallel to the Y direction. In the following description, the position where separation unit 351 comes into contact with sheet 310 fed from mounting table 301 to separate sheet 310 is referred to as a first position, and the position where separation unit 351 can be removed from mounting table 301 is referred to as a second position.

[0044] The opening width of the opening 353a1 of the bearing 353a (the length in the direction perpendicular to the Y direction) is a first length C1. The length of the cross section of the support shaft 301a in the longitudinal direction is a longitudinal width DL, and the length in the lateral direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction is a lateral width DS. In the first embodiment, the longitudinal width DL is longer than the first length C1, and the lateral width DS is shorter than the first length C1. In the first embodiment, the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the support shaft 301a are substantially perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the support shaft 301a are both directions that intersect with the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) and the direction of gravity (Z direction).

[0045] 8(b) and (c) show the state when the separation unit 351 is in the first position. The second position is a position where the separation unit has rotated from the first position in the clockwise direction in FIG. 8(b), and the rotation direction at this time is the direction in which the biasing member 354 biases the holding member 353.

[0046] The width direction of the opening 353a1 (the direction of the first length C1) when the separation unit 351 is in the first position is defined as the first direction E1. The width of the support shaft 301a in the first direction E1 when the separation unit 351 is in the first position is defined as the second length. In the first embodiment, the first direction E1 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support shaft 301a. Therefore, when the separation unit 351 is in the first position, the second length of the support shaft 301a is a longitudinal width DL that is longer than the first length C1, and therefore the separation unit 351 is prevented from coming off the bearing 353a.

[0047] The width direction of the opening 353a1 (the direction of the first length C1) when the separation unit 351 is in the second position is defined as the second direction E2 (shown in FIG. 9(a)). The width of the support shaft 301a in the second direction E2 when the separation unit 351 is in the second position is defined as the third length. In the first embodiment, the second direction E2 is substantially parallel to the short-side direction of the support shaft 301a. Therefore, when the separation unit 351 is in the second position, the third length of the support shaft 301a is the short-side width DS, which is shorter than the first length C1. Therefore, the separation unit 351 can be removed from the bearing 353a so that the support shaft 301a passes through the opening 353a1. In this way, in the first embodiment, the bearing 353a is C-shaped and the support shaft 301a is substantially oval-shaped, which facilitates attachment and detachment and improves the workability of replacing the separation unit 351 (separation resistance member 352).

[0048] Furthermore, when the separation unit 351 is in the first position, the opening 353a1 of the bearing 353a is open upward in the direction of gravity (Z direction), and the opening 353a1 is located above the support shaft 301a in the direction of gravity. Therefore, even if a user lifts the separation unit 351 placed on the mounting table 301, the support shaft 301a abutting against the non-opening 353a2 of the bearing 353a restricts the movement of the separation unit 351. This configuration prevents the separation unit 351 from being unintentionally detached.

[0049] When the separation unit 351 is in the first position, the support shaft 301a abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the bearing 353a at two locations on both ends in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, when the separation unit 351 is in the first position, a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the bearing 353a that is above the direction of gravity and faces downstream in the conveying direction, and a portion that is below the direction of gravity and faces upstream in the conveying direction, abuts against the support shaft 301a. Similarly, when the sheet 310 abuts against the separation resistance member 352 of the separation unit 351, movement of the holding member 353 in the conveying direction and up and down is restricted. Therefore, the attachment position of the separation unit 351 to the mounting table 301 is stable, and deterioration of sheet separation performance can be suppressed.

[0050] Next, a method of attaching (assembling) the separation unit 351 to the mounting table 301 (apparatus main body 300a) will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9(a) to 9(d) and 10(a) to 9(d). Figures 9(a) to 9(d) are explanatory diagrams of the method of attaching the separation unit 351, showing the DD cross section of the separation unit 351 and the mounting table 301 in Figure 8(a). Figures 10(a) to 10(d) are explanatory diagrams of the bearing 353a and the support shaft 301a, showing enlarged views of the bearing 353a and the support shaft 301a.

[0051] 9(a) shows a state in which the bearing 353a of the separation unit 351 is brought close to the support shaft 301a in order to attach the separation unit 351. At this time, the separation unit 351 is in a position in which the width direction of the opening 353a1 of the bearing 353a is roughly parallel to the short direction of the support shaft 301a. By bringing the separation unit 351 close to the mounting table 301 in this position, the bearing 353a is ready to engage with the support shaft 301a.

[0052] The table 301 is provided with a wall portion 301b that faces the support shaft 301a in the X direction. The wall portion 301b is located downstream of the support shaft 301a in the conveying direction of the sheet 310, and has a surface that is inclined so as to approach the support shaft 301a as it goes downward in the direction of gravity. The wall portion 301b has a protruding portion that protrudes from the support shaft 301a when the separation unit 351 is in the second position. The bearings 353a are opposed to each other in the direction in which the bearings 353b protrude. A space is formed between the wall 301b and the support shaft 301a so that the bearings 353a can be disposed therein.

[0053] 9(a), when attaching the separation unit 351, the bearing 353a is first placed between the support shaft 301a and the wall 301b. At this time, the separation unit 351 can be brought close to the mounting table 301 so that the outer circumferential surface of the bearing 353a abuts against the wall 301b, allowing the user to operate the separation unit 351 stably.

[0054] FIG. 9(b) shows the separation unit 351 rotated from the state shown in FIG. 9(a) in a direction that brings the biasing member 354 and the hook portion 353c closer to the mounting base 301 (counterclockwise in the figure). FIG. 9(b) shows the separation unit 351 in a state where the separation resistance member 352 extends straight and is vertical (parallel to the Z direction). In the state shown in FIG. 9(b), the protrusion 353b abuts against the wall portion 301b, the support shaft 301a is positioned across the inside and outside of the bearing 353a, and a portion of the support shaft 301a is positioned within the opening 353a1. The position of the separation unit 351 in FIG. 9(b) is referred to as the third position. The separation unit 351 is configured to be movable to this third position during installation and removal operations.

[0055] When separation unit 351 is rotated, protrusion 353b, which protrudes in the direction opposite to the opening direction of opening 353a1, abuts against wall 301b. This causes protrusion 353b to receive a force from wall 301b in a direction toward support shaft 301a. In other words, by rotating separation unit 351, separation unit 351 receives a force from wall 301b via protrusion 353b so that support shaft 301a passes through opening 353a1. In other words, the force received from wall 301b guides separation unit 351 so that bearing 353a engages with support shaft 301a. This configuration improves operability when installing separation unit 351.

[0056] 9(c) shows a state in which the separation unit 351 has been rotated from the state shown in FIG. 9(b) in a direction (counterclockwise in the figure) in which the biasing member 354 and the hook portion 353c approach the mounting table 301. At this time, the entire support shaft 301a is positioned inside the bearing 353a, the support shaft 301a is engaged with the bearing 353a, and both longitudinal ends of the support shaft 301a abut against the inner circumferential surface of the bearing 353a.

[0057] In the above example, the separation unit 351 is rotated to bring the protrusion 353b into contact with the wall 301b, thereby engaging the bearing 353a with the support shaft 301a. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, the separation unit 351 can be moved in parallel to engage the bearing 353a with the support shaft 301a, thereby transitioning from the state shown in FIG. 9(b) to the state shown in FIG. 9(c). In other words, even during the installation operation of the separation unit 351, the separation unit 351 can be moved to the second position where the width direction of the opening 353a1 (the direction of the first length C1) is substantially parallel to the short-side direction of the support shaft 301a.

[0058] 9(d) shows a state in which the separation unit 351 has been rotated from the state shown in FIG. 9(c) in a direction (counterclockwise in the figure) in which the biasing member 354 and the hook portion 353c approach the table 301. In the state shown in FIG. 9(d), the separation unit 351 is in a first position, which is a position for separating the sheet 310 supplied from the table 301.

[0059] When the separation unit 351 is in the first position, the hook portion 353c engages with the hook fixing portion 301c of the mounting table 301, restricting upward movement. Specifically, the hook portion 353c is located below the hook fixing portion 301c. In addition, in the X direction, the distance L1 from the rotation center of the separation unit 351 (the axis center of the support shaft 301a) to the hook portion 353c is greater than the distance L3 from the rotation center of the separation unit 351 to the hook fixing portion 301c. With this configuration, the movement (rotation) of the separation unit 351 from the first position to the second position is restricted by the hook fixing portion 301c. That is, in the first embodiment, the separation unit 351 is urged by the urging member 354 in a direction of rotation from the first position to the second position, while the movement to the second position is restricted by the hook fixing portion 301c, and the orientation of the separation unit 351 is fixed. Note that the hook portion 353c and the hook fixing portion 301c have a snap-fit ​​configuration in which the locked state can be released by pressing and elastically deforming the hook portion 353c.

[0060] Next, a method for removing the separation unit 351 will be described. When removing the separation unit 351 from the mounting table 301 (apparatus main body 300a), the separation unit 351 is rotated clockwise in the figure from the first position (the position shown in FIG. 9(d)). A space is formed on the downstream side of the hook portion 353c in the conveying direction of the sheet 310, allowing the user to press the hook portion 353c with their finger. Therefore, the user can release the engagement between the hook portion 353c and the hook fixing portion 301c by pressing the hook portion 353c with their finger to elastically deform it. In addition, the hook fixing portion 301c has a shape that protrudes upward, preventing the separation unit 351 from rotating toward the second position due to unintentional pressing of the hook portion 353c.

[0061] The engagement between the bearing 353a and the support shaft 301a can be released by rotating the separation unit 351 from the first position to the second position and translating the separation unit 351 in a position where the width direction of the opening 353a1 is approximately parallel to the short direction of the support shaft 301a. As described above, the short width DS, which is the length in the short direction of the support shaft 301a, is configured to be shorter than the first length C1, which is the length in the width direction of the opening 353a1, so the user can remove the separation unit 351 with good workability.

[0062] In the first embodiment, when the separation unit 351 is in the first position, the width direction (first direction E1) of the opening 353a1 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support shaft 301a. Furthermore, when the separation unit 351 is in the second position, the width direction (second direction E2) of the opening 353a1 is approximately parallel to the short direction of the support shaft 301a. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, it is sufficient that when the separation unit 351 is in the first position, the second length, which is the width of the support shaft 301a in the first direction E1, is longer than the first length, and when the separation unit 351 is in the second position, the third length, which is the width of the support shaft 301a in the second direction E2, is shorter than the first length. With this configuration, even if the longitudinal direction of the support shaft 301a intersects with the first direction E1, the separation unit 351 can be easily attached and detached, and sheet separation can be stably achieved.

[0063] Using FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d), the manner in which the separation unit 351 transitions from the state of FIG. 9(a) to the state of FIG. 9(b) will be described in more detail. FIG. 10(a) shows the bearing 353a when the separation unit 351 is in the posture of FIG. 9(b). FIG. 10(b) shows the configuration around the support shaft 301a and the wall portion 301b of the mounting table 301. FIGS. 10(c) and 10(d) show the positional relationship between the bearing 353a and the support shaft 301a.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the opening 353a1 of the bearing 353a is formed between the end portion C1a and the end portion C1b. In the posture of FIG. 10(a), the end portion C1b is located above the end portion C1a, and the X-direction positions of the end portion C1a and the end portion C1b are substantially the same. From the end portion C1a to the end portion C1b, it is connected by a curved surface with a constant radius, and when the support shaft 301a and the bearing 353a are engaged, the curved surface abuts against the support shaft 301a. Further, inclined surfaces are formed linearly from the end portions C1a and C1b and extending so that the distance between them increases. By adopting such a configuration, when the separation unit 351 is attached, the support shaft 301a is guided in the direction toward the opening 353a1. Also, the protruding portion 353b protrudes in the X direction in the direction opposite to the opening 353a1 with respect to the center of the bearing 353a. Let the distance from the rotation center of the bearing 353a to the tip of the protruding portion 353b be the distance B1. Also, let the X-direction distance from the tip of the protruding portion 353b to the opening 353a1 (end portions C1a, C1b) in the posture shown in the figure be the distance B2, and the X-direction distance from the tip of the protruding portion 353b to the opening end portion C1e be the distance B3. In the first embodiment, these distances are in the relationship of B1 < B2 < B3.

[0065]

[0066] ​As shown in FIG. 10(b), let the distance from the axis center of the support shaft 301a to the end of the wall portion 301b be distance b1. The cross-sectional shape of the support shaft 301a is a special shape having inflection points 301a1, 301a2, 301a3, 301a4, and 301a5. The cross-sectional shape of the support shaft 301a is formed by a line connecting these inflection points 301a1 to 301a5.

[0067] In the support shaft 301a, the inflection points 301a1, 301a2, 301a3, 301a4, and 301a5 are arranged in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 10(b) in this order. From the inflection point 301a1 to the inflection point 301a2, it is connected by an arc with a diameter φDL centered on the axis center of the support shaft 301a so as to face downward in the direction of gravity. From the inflection point 301a2 to the inflection point 301a3, it is connected by a straight line in the direction away from the wall portion 301b and downward in the direction of gravity. From the inflection point 301a3 to the inflection point 301a4, it is connected by an arc with a diameter φDL centered on the axis center of the support shaft 301a so as to face upward in the direction of gravity. From the inflection point 301a4 to the inflection point 301a5, it is connected by a straight line in the direction approaching the wall portion 301b and upward in the direction of gravity. From the inflection point 301a5 to the inflection point 301a1, it is connected by a straight line in the direction approaching the wall portion 301b and downward in the direction of gravity. Note that the inflection point 301a5 is located inside (on the axis center side) of the arc with a diameter φDL.

[0068] FIG. 10(c) shows a state where both the outer peripheral surface of the bearing 353a and the protruding portion 353b are in contact with the wall portion 301b. Let the distance from the wall portion 301b to the opening end portion C1e in this state be distance A1, and the distance from the wall portion 301b to the inflection point 301a2 be distance a1. In the first embodiment, in the state of FIG. 10(c), the relationship A1 < a1 holds. Also, in this state, the width direction of the opening 353a1 (the direction of distance C1) and the short side direction of the support shaft 301a (the direction of the short side width DS) are in a substantially parallel relationship. By adopting such a configuration, since C1 > DS, it is possible to easily attach the bearing 353a to the protruding portion 353b.

[0069] Figure 10(d) shows a state where the separation unit 351 is in the posture shown in Fig. 9(b), the bearing 353a is separated from the wall portion 301b, and the protruding portion 353b is in contact with the wall portion 301b. The distance from the contact portion between the protruding portion 353b and the wall portion 301b to the inflection point 301a5 is the distance b2. Also, the distance from the contact portion between the protruding portion 353b and the wall portion 301b to the end portion C1b of the opening 353a1 is the above-mentioned distance B2, and there is a relationship of B2 < b2. Further, the inflection point 301a1 is located below the inflection point 301a5 in the direction of gravity. With these configurations, when the bearing 353a rotates toward the side where it is attached to the protruding portion 353b, it is possible to prevent the end portion C1b of the bearing 353a from being caught by the inflection point 301a1 and the inflection point 301a5.

[0070] Furthermore, the distance from the contact portion between the protruding portion 353b and the wall portion 301b to the inflection point 301a3 in the state of Fig. 10(d) is the distance b3. Also, the distance from the contact portion between the protruding portion 353b and the wall portion 301b to the end portion C1e of the opening is the above-mentioned distance B3, and there is a relationship of B3 < b3. With this configuration, when the bearing 353a rotates toward the side where it is attached to the protruding portion 353b, it is possible to prevent the opening end portion C1e of the bearing 353a from being caught by the inflection point 301a3. With such a configuration, the ease of mounting the separation unit 351 can be improved.

[0071] As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, while improving the detachability of the separation unit 351 with respect to the mounting table 301 (apparatus main body 300a) of the separation unit 351, the separation unit 351 is stably fixed at the first position, so that stable sheet separation performance is exhibited. The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0072] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) An apparatus main body having a shaft portion, A sheet stacking portion for stacking a plurality of sheets, A supply member for supplying the sheets stacked on the sheet stacking portion, a separation unit that moves between a first position where the separation unit contacts the sheets supplied from the sheet stacking unit to separate the sheets, and a second position where the separation unit rotates from the first position around the shaft portion relative to the device body; a bearing provided in the separation unit, detachable from the shaft portion, and having an opening with an opening width in a width direction having a first length; Equipped with A sheet supplying device characterized in that, when the width direction of the opening when the separation unit is in the first position is defined as a first direction, and the width direction of the opening when the separation unit is in the second position is defined as a second direction, the width of the shaft portion in the first direction is longer than the first length, and the width of the shaft portion in the second direction is shorter than the first length. (Configuration 2) The sheet feeding device described in configuration 1, characterized in that the first direction is a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion, and the second direction is a direction approximately parallel to the short direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion. (Configuration 3) 3. The sheet feeding device according to configuration 2, wherein when the separation unit is in the first position, both ends of the shaft portion in the longitudinal direction abut against the inner circumferential surface of the bearing. (Configuration 4) 4. The sheet feeding device according to configuration 3, wherein the longitudinal direction is a direction intersecting the horizontal direction and the direction of gravity. (Configuration 5) 5. The sheet feeding device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein when the separation unit is at the first position, the opening of the bearing is open upward in the direction of gravity. (Configuration 6) the separation unit includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the opening of the bearing is opened, the device body is provided with a wall portion that faces the shaft portion in a direction in which the protrusion protrudes when the separation unit is in the second position, 6. The sheet supplying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein a space is formed between the shaft portion and the wall portion in which the bearing can be disposed. (Configuration 7) The sheet feeding device described in configuration 6, wherein the separation unit is configured to be movable to a third position in which the protrusion abuts the wall portion and the shaft portion is positioned between the inside and outside of the bearing through the opening. (Configuration 8) 8. The sheet feeding device according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein the bearing and the protrusion are provided at both ends of the separation unit in a direction along the rotation axis of the separation unit. (Configuration 9) The sheet supply device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the separation unit includes a flexible elastic body that contacts the sheet supplied by the supply member, and a holding member that holds the elastic body and has the bearing. (Configuration 10) a separation roller that contacts the elastic body to form a separation nip portion; 10. The sheet feeding device according to configuration 9, wherein the separation unit includes a biasing member that biases the holding member in a direction in which the elastic body approaches the separation roller. (Configuration 11) the separation unit includes a locked portion, The sheet supply device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the device main body has a locking portion that engages with the locked portion when the separation unit is located at the first position and restricts the separation unit from moving from the first position to the second position. (Configuration 12) 12. The sheet supply device according to claim 11, wherein the locking portion and the locked portion have a snap-fit ​​configuration in which the locked state can be released by pressing the locking portion with a finger to cause elastic deformation. (Configuration 13) a sheet feeding device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12; an image reading unit that reads an image on a sheet supplied by the sheet supply device; An image reading device comprising: (Configuration 14) a sheet feeding device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12; an image recording unit that records an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding device; A recording device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 300...ADF section (sheet supply device), 300a...device main body, 301...mounting table (sheet stacking section), 301a...support shaft (shaft section), 304...pickup roller (supply member), 353...separation unit, 353a...bearing, 353a1...opening

Claims

1. a device body having a shaft portion; a sheet stacking section for stacking a plurality of sheets; a supply member that supplies sheets stacked in the sheet stacking section; a separation unit that moves between a first position where the separation unit contacts the sheets supplied from the sheet stacking unit to separate the sheets, and a second position where the separation unit rotates from the first position around the shaft portion relative to the device body; a bearing provided in the separation unit, detachable from the shaft portion, and having an opening with an opening width in a width direction having a first length; Equipped with A sheet supplying device characterized in that, when the width direction of the opening when the separation unit is in the first position is defined as a first direction, and the width direction of the opening when the separation unit is in the second position is defined as a second direction, the width of the shaft portion in the first direction is longer than the first length, and the width of the shaft portion in the second direction is shorter than the first length.

2. 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shaft portion, and the second direction is a direction substantially parallel to a lateral direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion.

3. 3. The sheet feeding device according to claim 2, wherein when the separation unit is in the first position, both ends of the shaft portion in the longitudinal direction abut against inner circumferential surfaces of the bearings.

4. 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the longitudinal direction is a direction intersecting the horizontal direction and the direction of gravity.

5. 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the bearing is open upward in the direction of gravity when the separation unit is at the first position.

6. the separation unit includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction opposite to a direction in which the opening of the bearing is opened, the device body is provided with a wall portion that faces the shaft portion in a direction in which the protrusion protrudes when the separation unit is in the second position, 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein a space in which the bearing can be disposed is formed between the shaft portion and the wall portion.

7. The sheet feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that the separation unit is configured to be movable to a third position in which the protrusion abuts the wall portion and the shaft portion is positioned between the inside and outside of the bearing through the opening.

8. 7. The sheet feeding device according to claim 6, wherein the bearing and the protrusion are provided at both ends of the separation unit in a direction along the rotation axis of the separation unit.

9. 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the separation unit includes a flexible elastic body that contacts the sheet fed by the feeding member, and a holding member that holds the elastic body and has the bearing.

10. a separation roller that contacts the elastic body to form a separation nip portion; The separation unit biases the holding member in a direction in which the elastic body approaches the separation roller.

10. The sheet feeding device according to claim 9, further comprising a biasing member.

11. the separation unit includes a locked portion, 2. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the device main body has a locking portion that engages with the locked portion when the separation unit is located at the first position and restricts the separation unit from moving from the first position to the second position.

12. 12. The sheet feeding device according to claim 11, wherein the locking portion and the locked portion have a snap-fit ​​configuration such that the locked state can be released by pressing the locking portion with a finger to cause elastic deformation.

13. a sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; an image reading unit that reads an image on a sheet supplied by the sheet supply device; An image reading device comprising:

14. a sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; an image recording unit that records an image on the sheet fed by the sheet feeding device; A recording device comprising:

Images