Paper feeder

Abstract

This prevents paper feeding malfunctions caused by incorrect installation of the paper feed roller. [Solution] A paper feeding device comprising: a rotating shaft; a paper feeding roller having a through hole, which is attached to the mounting position of the rotating shaft by passing through the through hole from one end to the rotating shaft and moving along the rotating shaft during installation; and a stopping mechanism that stops the movement of the paper feeding roller before it reaches the mounting position when the paper feeding roller is passed through the through hole from the other end to the rotating shaft and moved along the rotating shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet feeding device including a loading member on which sheets are loaded, a feeding position that can contact the upper surface of the sheets loaded on the loading member and convey the sheets in the feeding direction, a standby position above the feeding position, a feeding roller that is movable between the feeding position and the standby position and is detachable from the apparatus main body, and a detachable unit that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body and at least a part of which is located downstream of the feeding roller in the removal direction of the feeding roller. The detachable unit includes a positioning member that abuts against the sheets in a regulated position to define the sheet position in the feeding direction, and is swingable upward above the sheets conveyed by the feeding roller about a swing axis that moves together with the feeding roller from the regulated position, and a locking member that abuts against the positioning member to lock the regulated position when the feeding roller is in the standby position. Patent Document 2 describes a device comprising: a drive shaft connected to a rotary drive unit and rotatable; a paper feed roller disposed in a sheet feeding unit for feeding sheets from the paper feeding unit; a housing on which the paper feed roller is disposed; and an intermediate shaft disposed between the drive shaft and the paper feed roller, supported by a bearing provided in the housing and movable in the axial direction, wherein one end of the paper feed roller is rotatably supported by a roller bearing provided in the housing, one end of the intermediate shaft is connected to the other end of the paper feed roller and rotates together with it, while the intermediate shaft is disposed to be movable in the axial direction relative to the paper feed roller, and the other end of the intermediate shaft is connected to one end of the drive shaft and rotates together with it. On the other hand, a sheet feeding device is disclosed in which the intermediate shaft is connected to the drive shaft so as to be movable in the axial direction, the intermediate shaft is connected to the other end of the paper feed roller at a first position located on the paper feed roller side, and the connection between the paper feed roller and the intermediate shaft is released at a second position when the intermediate shaft is moved to the opposite side of the paper feed roller, a restricting portion for restricting or releasing the axial movement of the intermediate shaft is integrally formed in the housing, an engaging portion is formed on the intermediate shaft which is restricted by the restricting portion, and the restricting portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the engaging portion, thereby allowing the intermediate shaft to move in the axial direction. Patent Document 3 discloses a rotating body that is detachably attached to the end of a shaft having a recess at its end and a projection extending axially outward from the recess, comprising a hollow member into which the end of the shaft is inserted, an outer peripheral member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow member, a mounting portion attached to the end of the hollow member, and a snap-fit ​​portion rotatably held to the mounting portion via a hinge portion, wherein the snap-fit ​​portion has a hook portion that detachably hooks into the recess, and the snap-fit ​​portion is rotatable between a position in which the hook portion engages with the recess by elastically deforming and overcoming the projection, and a position in which the hook portion disengages from the recess. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6652291 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4933921 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7247591 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The paper feed rollers used in paper feed devices are detachably mounted to the rotating shaft for replacement and maintenance purposes. For example, to replace a paper feed roller, a user removes the old roller by moving it along the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The user then installs the new paper feed roller by passing the rotating shaft through the through-hole of the new roller. If the paper feed roller is installed with the orientation reversed relative to the rotating shaft, it will interfere with the paper feeding operation. The present invention aims to prevent malfunctions in the paper feeding operation caused by the incorrect installation of the paper feed roller. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is a paper feeding device comprising: a rotating shaft; a paper feeding roller having a through hole, which is mounted to a mounting position on the rotating shaft by passing through the through hole from one end to the rotating shaft and moving along the rotating shaft during installation; and a stopping mechanism that stops the movement of the paper feeding roller before it reaches the mounting position when the paper feeding roller is passed through the rotating shaft from the other end of the through hole to the rotating shaft and moves along the rotating shaft. The invention described in claim 2 is a paper feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the paper feeding roller has a projection extending in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft has a first groove into which the projection fits when the paper feeding roller is mounted at the mounting position on the rotating shaft. The invention described in claim 3 is a paper feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotating shaft is provided with a second groove located further inward than the first groove, and the stopping mechanism stops the movement of the paper feeding roller by restricting the movement of the projection with the second groove. The invention described in claim 4 is a paper feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that the projection protrudes from the end face of the paper feeding roller which is on the other end side of the through hole and extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The invention described in claim 5 is a paper feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the paper feeding roller is passed through the other end of the through hole and moves along the rotating shaft, the projection contacts the rotating shaft. The invention described in claim 6 is a paper feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second groove is positioned to restrict the movement of the projection before the rotating shaft penetrates the through hole when the paper feeding roller is moved along the rotating shaft by passing the rotating shaft through the through hole from the other end of the paper feeding roller. The invention described in claim 7 is a paper feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing housing the rotating shaft and the paper feeding roller is provided with an openable and closable cover, and the cover cannot be closed while the movement of the projection is restricted by the second groove. The invention described in claim 8 is a paper feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second groove becomes deeper as it moves from the end side to the back side of the rotating shaft in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The invention described in claim 9 is a paper feeding device according to claim 8, characterized in that the second groove comprises a slope on the axial end side of the second groove that is continuous with the circumferential surface of the rotation shaft, and a vertical surface on the axial rear side that extends radially with respect to the rotation shaft. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in the paper feeding operation caused by the incorrect installation of the paper feed roller. According to the invention of claim 2, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that the paper feed roller is installed in the correct mounting position. According to the invention of claim 3, the movement of the paper feed roller can be restricted with a simple configuration. According to the invention of claim 4, the user can operate the protrusion more easily compared to when the protrusion is located inside the through hole of the paper feed roller. According to the invention of claim 5, the movement of the paper feed roller can be restricted more reliably than in a configuration in which the projection does not come into contact with the rotating shaft. According to the invention of claim 6, it is easy for the user to recognize that the paper feed roller has been passed through the rotating shaft in the reverse direction. According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to prevent the paper feed device from being operated in an inverted state. According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to easily restrict the movement of the paper feed roller. According to the invention of claim 9, the paper feed roller can be easily removed if it is installed incorrectly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the image reading device to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the paper feeding section. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the pickup roll. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the first axis of rotation. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the stopping mechanism. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the pickup roll being installed in the reverse direction, Figure 5(b) shows an example of the pickup roll being moved to the rear side of the first rotation axis, and Figure 5(c) shows an example of the pickup roll being stopped. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a modified example of the first rotation axis. [Figure 7]It is a diagram for explaining the stopping mechanism according to a modified example. FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing a state where the protrusion is in contact with the outer peripheral surface, FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing a state where the protrusion is moving along the inclined surface, and FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing a state where the protrusion is in contact with the stopping surface.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image reading apparatus 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. The image reading apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding device 2 that feeds out papers from a stack of papers and sequentially conveys them, and an image reading unit 3 that reads an image on the paper.

[0009] The paper feeding device 2 includes a paper feeding unit 20, a conveyance path 50, and an upper cover 6. The paper feeding unit 20 supplies papers one by one from a stack of papers placed on a paper tray to the conveyance path 50. The paper feeding unit 20 includes a pickup roll 21, a feed roll 22, and a retard roll 23.

[0010] The pickup roll 21 is a roll member that rotates clockwise in the example shown in FIG. 1. The pickup roll 21 is provided above the tray on which the papers are placed. Further, the pickup roll 21 moves so as to contact the uppermost paper in the stack of papers. When the pickup roll 21 rotates, the papers in the stack of papers are sequentially supplied toward the inside of the paper feeding device 2.

[0011] The feed roll 22 is a roll member that rotates in the direction of sending the paper to the downstream side in the conveyance direction (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the clockwise direction). The retard roll 23 is disposed at a position facing the feed roll 22. The retard roll 23 is a roll member that rotates in the direction of returning the paper to the upstream side in the conveyance direction (the clockwise direction in FIG. 1). As will be described later, the feed roll 22 and the retard roll 23 send out the papers one by one to the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

[0012] The conveyance path 50 includes, in order from the upstream side of the conveyance path 50, a conveyance roll 51, a registration roll 52, a platen roll 53, an out roll 54, and a discharge roll 55. The conveyance roll 51 further conveys the sheet that has been conveyed to the conveyance path 50 toward the registration roll 52. The registration roll 52 conveys the sheet toward the platen roll 53 while performing registration adjustment. The platen roll 53 conveys the sheet during which an image is being read by the image reading unit 3. The out roll 54 further conveys the sheet that has been read by the image reading unit 3 downstream. Then, the discharge roll 55 further conveys the sheet on which an image has been read and discharges it to the outside of the paper feeding device 2.

[0013] The upper cover 6 is provided above the paper feeding unit 20 and is opened when replacing parts of the paper feeding unit 20 or removing paper jams.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the paper feeding unit 20. The paper feeding unit 20 includes a first rotating shaft 11, a second rotating shaft 12, and a third rotating shaft 13. The paper feeding unit 20 also includes a slide-type slide cover 70.

[0015] The first rotating shaft 11 has a coupling recess 46 for transmitting a rotational driving force to the pickup roll 21. The pickup roll 21 is attached to the coupling recess 46. The first rotating shaft 11 rotates in the rotational direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 1) that conveys the sheet downstream in the conveyance direction. The rotation of the first rotating shaft 11 is transmitted to the pickup roll 21 via the coupling recess 46.

[0016] The second rotating shaft 12 includes a coupling recess 47 and a one-way 47a that transmits rotational force in only one direction to the feed roll 22. The feed roll 22 is attached to the coupling recess 47. The second rotating shaft 12 rotates in a direction that transports the paper downstream in the transport direction (clockwise in Figure 1). The rotation of the second rotating shaft 12 is transmitted to the feed roll 22 via the coupling recess 47. The one-way 47a transmits rotational force in only one direction. More specifically, the second rotating shaft 12 transmits a force that rotates in the clockwise direction in Figure 1. When the feed roll 22 is subjected to a force in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 1, the one-way 47a rotates freely with the feed roll 22. For example, if paper jams between the feed roll 22 and the retard roll 23, the feed roll 22 rotates freely when the paper is pulled out to the upstream side in the transport direction.

[0017] The third rotating shaft 13 includes a coupling recess 48 and a torque limiter 48a. A retard roll 23 is attached to the coupling recess 48. The third rotating shaft 13 rotates in a rotational direction (clockwise in Figure 1) that transports the paper upstream in the transport direction. The rotation of the third rotating shaft 13 is transmitted to the retard roll 23 via the coupling recess 46. When the retard roll 23 is rotating in a rotational direction that transports the paper upstream in the transport direction, the torque limiter 48a causes the retard roll 23 to move in the opposite direction if it receives a torque greater than a predetermined force in the opposite direction to the rotational direction.

[0018] When a single sheet of paper is caught between the feed roll 22 and the retard roll 23, the feed roll 22 attempts to transport the paper downstream in the transport direction. On the other hand, the retard roll 23 attempts to transport the paper upstream in the transport direction. However, since the retard roll 23 is equipped with a torque limiter 48a, the retard roll 23 is forced to move in the direction that transports the paper downstream. As a result, one sheet of paper is fed downstream. When two sheets of paper are caught between the feed roll 22 and the retard roll 23, the two sheets of paper slide between them, causing the feed roll 22 and the retard roll 23 to rotate in opposite directions in the paper transport direction. The paper in contact with the feed roll 22 is transported downstream in the transport direction. On the other hand, the paper in contact with the retard roll 23 is pushed back upstream in the transport direction. The feed roll 22 and the retard roll 23 feed the paper one sheet at a time downstream in the transport direction.

[0019] The slide cover 70 is a cover that is movable in the axial direction of the first rotation axis 11. When the user replaces the pickup roll 21, the feed roll 22, and the retard roll 23, it is moved in the axial direction of the first rotation axis 11 but away from the first rotation axis 11.

[0020] Figure 3 shows the pickup roll 21. In this embodiment, the pickup roll 21, feed roll 22, and retard roll 23 are examples of paper feed rolls. The following description will use the pickup roll 21 to illustrate this embodiment. The pickup roll 21 comprises a core section 31 and a roll section 32.

[0021] The core portion 31 is a hollow member having a through hole 37 into which the first rotating shaft 11 is inserted. The surface constituting this through hole 37, in other words, the inner surface of the core portion 31, is referred to as the inner circumferential surface 38. The core portion 31 may be molded from a single member or from multiple members. The core portion 31 is molded integrally, for example, by injection molding of a resin such as plastic.

[0022] The core portion 31 includes a protruding portion 33, a projection portion 34, a finger rest portion 35, and a coupling projection portion 36. The dashed line shown in Figure 3 is a hypothetical center line 37a indicating the center of the through hole 37 of the core portion 31. Hereinafter, in the pickup roll 21, the direction parallel to this center line of the through hole 37 may be referred to as the mounting direction. Also, in the pickup roll 21, the side with the protruding portion 33 may be referred to as the other end of the mounting direction, and the side with the coupling projection portion 36 may be referred to as the one end of the mounting direction.

[0023] The protruding portion 33 extends from the end face of the pickup roll 21, which is on the other end of the through hole 37, and extends along the mounting direction. Of the surfaces constituting the protruding portion 33, the inner surface 33a facing the center line 37a is continuous with the inner circumferential surface 38 of the through hole 37. The projection 34 is shaped to protrude from the inner surface 33a of the protruding portion 33 toward the center line 37a. The projection 34 is formed to fit into the mounting groove 42 of the first rotation shaft 11 (see Figure 4, described later). The finger rest portion 35 is provided continuously with the protruding portion 33 and extends beyond the projection portion 34 towards the other end in the mounting direction. The coupling protrusion 36 fits into the coupling recess 46 (see Figure 2) and receives the rotational power of the first rotating shaft 11.

[0024] The roll section 32 is an outer peripheral member that fits onto the outer circumference of the core section 31, and is a cylindrical member made of, for example, rubber. This roll section 32 comes into contact with the paper, and the paper is transported by the frictional force generated between the paper and the roll section 32.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the end of the first rotating shaft 11 with the pickup roll 21 removed. The first rotating shaft 11 includes a tapered section 41, a mounting groove 42, and a stop groove 43. The mounting groove 42 is an example of a first groove, and the stop groove 43 is an example of a second groove. Hereinafter, in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 11, the side from which the pickup roll 21 is removed may be referred to as the front end, and the side opposite to this front end may be referred to as the back end. The tapered portion 41 is provided at the end of the first rotation shaft 11 and has a tapered shape in which the diameter of the first rotation shaft 11 decreases towards the tip. The mounting groove 42 has a recess that reduces the diameter of the first rotation shaft 11, and is provided around the rotation shaft in the circumferential direction. The axial length L1 of the mounting groove 42 is formed to accommodate the projection 34 of the pickup roll 21 (see Figure 3).

[0026] The stop groove 43 has a recess that reduces the diameter of the first rotating shaft 11, and is provided around the circumference of the rotating shaft. The stop groove 43 is located further inward in the axial direction than the mounting groove 42. The stop groove 43 is located further forward in the axial direction than the coupling recess 46 (see Figure 2). The axial length of the stop groove 43 may be the same as or different from the axial length of the mounting groove 42. More specifically, the axial length of the stop groove 43 may be longer than the axial length of the mounting groove 42.

[0027] [Procedure for replacing the pickup roll 21] Next, with reference to Figures 1-4, the procedure for replacing the pickup roll 21 will be explained. For example, if the roll portion 32 of the pickup roll 21 becomes worn down due to friction with the paper, the user will replace the worn-out pickup roll 21 with a new one. First, the user removes the pickup roll 21 from the first rotating shaft 11. Next, the user attaches the new pickup roll 21 to the first rotating shaft 11.

[0028] To remove the pickup roll 21, the user opens the upper cover 6 on the top of the paper feeder 2 and then slides the slide cover 70. The user then places their fingers on the finger rest 35 of the pickup roll 21 and moves the finger rest 35 radially along the first rotation axis 11. This releases the projection 34 of the pickup roll 21 from the mounting groove 42. Furthermore, the user removes the pickup roll 21 by moving it axially towards the leading end along the first rotation axis 11.

[0029] Next, the user installs the new pickup roll 21. The user inserts the first rotating shaft 11 into the through hole 37 from one end in the mounting direction of the pickup roll 21. Then, the user moves the pickup roll 21 axially towards the back along the first rotating shaft 11. The user connects the coupling projection 36 of the pickup roll 21 with the coupling recess 46 provided on the back side of the first rotating shaft 11. The position where the coupling projection 36 and the coupling recess 46 are connected is the mounting position of the pickup roll 21. With the pickup roll 21 in this mounting position, the user fits the projection 34 of the pickup roll 21 into the mounting groove 42 of the first rotating shaft 11. The projection 34 being fitted into the mounting groove 42 prevents the pickup roll 21 from moving axially.

[0030] Finally, the user moves the slide cover 70 to the rear in the axial direction, closes the upper cover 6, and completes the replacement of the pickup roll 21.

[0031] [Stopping mechanism] Next, referring to Figure 5, the stopping mechanism when attempting to attach the pickup roll 21 in the reverse direction will be described. Here, attaching the pickup roll 21 in the reverse direction means passing the first rotation shaft 11 through the through hole 37 from the side where the projection 34 is provided (the other end side) in the mounting direction of the pickup roll 21. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the stopping mechanism of this embodiment. Figure 5(a) shows an example of the state in which the pickup roll 21 has been started to be installed in the reverse direction. Figure 5(b) shows an example of the state in which the pickup roll 21 has been moved to the rear side of the first rotation shaft 11. Figure 5(c) shows an example of the state in which the pickup roll 21 has been stopped.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5(a), when inserting the first rotating shaft 11 into the through hole 37 of the pickup roll 21 from the other end of the through hole 37, the area of ​​contact between the inner circumferential surface 38 of the pickup roll 21 and the first rotating shaft 11 is small. Therefore, at the initial stage of insertion, the center line 37a of the through hole 37 of the pickup roll 21 tends to be tilted with respect to the center line 11a of the first rotating shaft 11. When the center line 37a is tilted with respect to the first rotating shaft 11, the projection 34 and the mounting groove 42 do not interfere with each other, making it easier for the first rotating shaft 11 to be smoothly inserted into the through hole 37.

[0033] Figure 5(b) shows the state in which the projection 34 of the pickup roll 21 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 45 of the first rotation shaft 11. In this state, the contact area between the inner circumferential surface 38 of the pickup roll 21 and the inner circumferential surface 38 of the first rotation shaft 11 increases, suppressing the tilt of the pickup roll 21. Therefore, the projection 33, which has an inner surface 33a that is continuous with the inner circumferential surface 38 of the first rotation shaft 11, is more likely to come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 45 of the first rotation shaft 11. In addition, a projection 34 is provided that protrudes from the inner surface 33a of the projection 33 toward the first rotation shaft 11, and comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface 45 of the first rotation shaft 11. In this state, when the user moves the pickup roll 21 toward the back of the first rotation shaft 11, the projection 34 slides while in contact with the first rotation shaft 11. In other words, when the pickup roll 21 is passed through the first rotating shaft 11 from the other end of the through hole 37 and moves along the first rotating shaft 11, the projection 34 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface 45 of the first rotating shaft 11.

[0034] In Figure 5(c), when the pickup roll 21 is slid further inward from the state in Figure 5(b), and the projection 34 moves to the position of the stop groove 43, the projection 34, which was pressed against the outer surface 45, falls into the stop groove 43 and catches on the stop groove 43. The catch of the projection 34 on the stop groove 43 restricts the movement of the pickup roll 21 in the axial direction of the first rotation axis 11. This stop groove 43 and projection 34 are an example of a stopping mechanism. In this embodiment, since the length from the end of the first rotating shaft 11 to the back of the stop groove 43 is shorter than the length of the through hole 37 of the pickup roll 21, the end of the first rotating shaft 11 is stopped before it passes through the through hole 37. Furthermore, the stop groove 43 in this embodiment is provided on the end side of the coupling recess 46, so that the movement of the pickup roll 21 is stopped before it moves to the mounting position in the axial direction of the first rotation shaft 11.

[0035] The user can easily recognize that the pickup roll 21 has been installed incorrectly because it stops when there is still distance from the coupling recess 46. Furthermore, because the pickup roll 21 is stopped without penetrating the first rotating shaft 11, it stops with the pickup roll 21 protruding from the tip of the first rotating shaft 11. This prevents the slide cover 70 (see Figure 2) from being closed. Therefore, when a user attempts to close the slide cover 70, they can easily notice that the pickup roll 21 is not installed correctly.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a modified example of the first rotation axis 11, which is the fourth rotation axis 14. In this modified example, the fourth rotation axis 14 is provided with an inclined groove 49 that has a different shape from the stop groove 43 compared to the first rotation axis 11. The inclined groove 49 is an example of a second groove, and the inclined groove 49 and the projection 34 are an example of a stop mechanism. In this modified example, the same reference numerals are used for functions similar to those of the first rotation axis 11, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted here.

[0037] Figure 6 shows the center of the fourth rotation axis 14 as a hypothetical center line 14a, indicated by a dashed line. The modified inclined groove 49 shown in Figure 6 comprises an inclined surface 49a and a stopping surface 49b. The inclined surface 49a is an inclined surface that is continuous with the circumferential surface of the fourth rotation axis 14. The inclined surface 49a becomes deeper as it moves towards the rear side in the axial direction of the fourth rotation axis 14, as the diameter of the rotation axis decreases. The inclined surface 49a is a surface that is inclined with respect to the center line 14a. The stopping surface 49b is a surface provided on the rear side in the axial direction of the inclined groove 49 and is a surface that extends in the radial direction of the rotation axis.

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates a modified stopping mechanism. Figure 7(a) shows the projection 34 in contact with the outer surface 45. Figure 7(b) shows the projection 34 moving along the inclined surface 49a. Figure 7(c) shows the projection 34 in contact with the stopping surface 49b.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7(b), the projection 34 gradually sinks along the slope 49a toward the center line 14a side from the outer surface 45. As shown in Figure 7(c), the projection 34 contacts the stopping surface 49b, preventing it from moving further inward. This makes it easier for the projection 34 to catch on the stopping surface 49b, for example, when the user moves the pickup roll 21 quickly. Furthermore, there is no step between the end of the inclined surface 49a and the outer surface 45. As a result, when moving the pickup roll 21 toward the axial end, it does not get caught on the projection 34 and the inclined surface 49a, and the pickup roll 21 can be easily removed. Because the pickup roll 21 can be easily removed when moving it in the direction of removal, it becomes easier for the user to recognize if it has been installed in the wrong direction.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image reading device 1 was used as an example to transport paper to be read, but it can also be applied, for example, as a paper feeder that transports paper to be printed in an image forming apparatus.

[0041] In this embodiment, the pickup roll 21, feed roll 22, and retard roll 23 are described as having the same shape, but the shape and material of the pickup roll 21, feed roll 22, and retard roll 23 may be different depending on their respective functions.

[0042] (Note) (((1))) The axis of rotation and A paper feed roller having a through hole, which is mounted to the mounting position of the rotating shaft by passing it through one end of the through hole onto the rotating shaft and moving along the rotating shaft during installation, A stopping mechanism that stops the movement of the paper feed roller before it reaches the mounting position when the paper feed roller is moved along the rotating shaft by passing it through the other end of the through hole in the paper feed roller, A paper feeder equipped with a paper feeder. (((2))) The paper feed roller is provided with a projection that extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, The rotating shaft has a first groove into which the projection fits when the paper feed roller is attached to the mounting position on the rotating shaft. A paper feeder as described in (((1))), characterized by the following: (((3))) The rotating shaft has a second groove located further inside than the first groove. The stopping mechanism stops the movement of the paper feed roller by restricting the movement of the projection with the second groove. A paper feeder as described in (((2))), characterized by the following: (((4))) The projection protrudes from the end face of the paper feed roller, which is on the other end side of the through hole, and extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. A paper feeder as described in either (((2))) or (((3))), characterized by the above. (((5))) When the paper feed roller is passed through the other end of the through hole and moves along the rotating shaft, the projection comes into contact with the rotating shaft. A paper feeder as described in any one of (((2))) to (((4))), characterized by the following: (((6))) The second groove is positioned to restrict the movement of the projection before the rotation shaft passes through the through hole when the paper feed roller is moved along the rotation shaft, with the rotation shaft passing through the through hole from the other end of the paper feed roller. A paper feeder as described in (((3))), characterized by the following: (((7))) The housing that houses the rotating shaft and the paper feed roller is provided with an openable and closable cover. The cover cannot be closed while the movement of the projection is restricted by the second groove. A paper feeder as described in any one of (((3))) to (((6))), characterized by the above. (((8))) The second groove is made deeper in the axial direction of the rotating shaft as it moves from the end side to the inner side of the rotating shaft. A paper feeder as described in any one of (((3))) to (((7))), characterized by the above. (((9))) The second groove comprises a slope on the axial end side of the second groove that is continuous with the circumferential surface of the rotation axis, and a vertical surface on the axial rear side that extends radially with respect to the rotation axis. A paper feeder as described in (((8))), characterized by the following:

[0043] According to the invention of (((1))), it is possible to prevent malfunctions in the paper feeding operation caused by the incorrect installation of the paper feed roller. According to the invention of (((2))), it becomes easier for the user to recognize that the paper feed roller is installed in the correct mounting position. According to the invention of (((3))), the movement of the paper feed roller can be restricted with a simple configuration. According to the invention of (((4))), the user can operate the protrusion more easily than when the protrusion is located inside the through hole of the paper feed roller. According to the invention of (((5))), the movement of the paper feed roller can be restricted more reliably than in a configuration in which the projection does not come into contact with the rotating shaft. According to invention (((6))), it is easier for the user to recognize that the paper feed roller has been passed through the rotating shaft in the reverse direction. According to the invention of (((7))), it is possible to prevent the paper feed device from being operated in an inverted state. According to the invention of (((8))), it is possible to easily restrict the movement of the paper feed roller. According to the invention of (((9))), the paper feed roller can be easily removed if it is installed incorrectly. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0044] 1…Image reading device, 2…Paper feed device, 6…Upper cover, 11…First rotation axis, 12…Second rotation axis, 13…Third rotation axis, 20…Paper feed section, 21…Pickup roll, 22…Feed roll, 23…Retard roll, 31…Core section, 32…Roll section, 33…Protruding section, 33a…Inner surface, 34…Projection, 35…Finger grip section, 36…Coupling protrusion, 37…Through hole, 38…Inner circumferential surface, 41…Tapered section, 42…Mounting groove, 43…Stop groove, 45…Outer circumferential surface, 70…Slide cover

Claims

1. The axis of rotation and A paper feed roller having a through hole, which is mounted to the mounting position of the rotating shaft by passing it through one end of the through hole onto the rotating shaft and moving along the rotating shaft during installation, A stopping mechanism that stops the movement of the paper feed roller before it reaches the mounting position when the paper feed roller is moved along the rotating shaft by passing it through the other end of the through hole in the paper feed roller, A paper feeder equipped with a paper feeder.

2. The paper feed roller is provided with a projection that extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, The rotating shaft has a first groove into which the projection fits when the paper feed roller is attached to the mounting position on the rotating shaft. A paper feeder according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The rotating shaft is provided with a second groove located further inward than the first groove. The stopping mechanism stops the movement of the paper feed roller by restricting the movement of the projection with the second groove. The paper feeding device according to claim 2, characterized by the following:

4. The projection protrudes from the end face of the paper feed roller, which is on the other end side of the through hole, and extends in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The paper feeding device according to claim 3, characterized by the following:

5. When the paper feed roller is passed through the other end of the through hole and moves along the rotating shaft, the projection comes into contact with the rotating shaft. The paper feeding device according to claim 4, characterized by the following:

6. The second groove is positioned to restrict the movement of the projection before the rotation shaft passes through the through hole when the paper feed roller is moved along the rotation shaft, with the rotation shaft passing through the through hole from the other end of the paper feed roller. The paper feeding device according to claim 3, characterized by the following:

7. The housing that houses the rotating shaft and the paper feed roller is provided with an openable and closable cover. The cover cannot be closed while the movement of the projection is restricted by the second groove. The paper feeding device according to claim 6, characterized by the following:

8. The second groove is made deeper in the axial direction of the rotating shaft as it is moved from the end side to the inner side of the rotating shaft. The paper feeding device according to claim 3, characterized by the following:

9. The second groove comprises a slope on the axial end side of the second groove that is continuous with the circumferential surface of the rotation axis, and a vertical surface on the axial rear side that extends radially with respect to the rotation axis. The paper feeding device according to claim 8, characterized by the following:

Images