Media transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium transport device that prevents such a failure as a medium going over the side guide and reduces the space where the tray is stored.SOLUTION: An image reading device includes: a paper feeding tray body that is rotatably supported by a medium transport device body so as to be stored and extended; and a right side guide 21 where a left facing side guide surface 23 that faces the end face of the medium mounted on the paper feeding tray body is formed. The right side guide 21 includes: a side guide body 32 supported by the paper feeding tray body; and a movable member 33 that is supported by the side guide body 32 so as to be stored and extended. The movable member 33 has a left side notch 61 formed thereon so that a recess 64 is formed on the left facing side guide surface 23 when the movable member 33 is extended.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a medium transport device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a medium conveying device in which a tray is provided with side guides that prevent the medium from being fed at an angle (Patent Documents 1 to 3). By storing the tray, the medium conveying device becomes smaller and can be stored in a small space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 131117 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-143709 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-144315 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of media transport device, by reducing the space required to store the side guides, the space required to store the tray can be reduced, thereby making the device smaller. However, in this type of media transport device, when the height of the side guides is low, a problem easily occurs in which media placed on the tray goes over the side guides.

[0005] The disclosed technology has been developed in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a media conveying device that prevents the media from climbing over the side guides and reduces the space required to store the tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medium transport device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tray that is supported so as to be retractable into a device body, and side guides that guide a medium placed on the tray. , a lifting member and The side guide has a side guide main body that guides the medium in the width direction, and a movable member that guides the medium upstream of the side guide main body in the medium transport direction, the movable member is supported by the side guide main body at two different positions: a guide position that guides the medium and a storage position, and the height of the movable member when positioned at the guide position is higher than the height of the movable member when positioned at the storage position. The push-up member is supported by the side guide body and pushes up the movable member toward the guide position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The disclosed media transport device can prevent the media from climbing over the side guides and reduce the space required to store the tray. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading device provided with a medium conveying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image reading device when the paper feed tray is stored in the medium conveying device main body. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the paper feed tray, the right side guide, and the left side guide. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the right side guide. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the right side guide when the movable member is disposed at the movable member deployed position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5, showing the movable member, the push-up member, and the storage-time fixing protrusion. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view showing the right side guide. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 7, showing the right side guide. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view showing the right side guide. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the right side guide when the movable member is located at the movable member retracted position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross section taken along line CC in FIG. 10, showing the right side guide when the movable member is located at the movable member retracted position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the right side guide when the paper feed tray is stored in the media transport device main body. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing multiple media properly placed in a paper tray. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing media placed on a paper feed tray at an angle relative to the transport direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium tilted with respect to the transport direction. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross section taken along line DD in FIG. 14, showing the medium tilted with respect to the transport direction and the right side guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A medium conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description does not limit the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in the following description, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. [Example]

[0010] The medium transport device of the embodiment is provided in an image reading device 1, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the image reading device 1 provided with the medium transport device of the embodiment. The image reading device 1 includes a medium transport device main body 2 and a paper feed tray 3. The medium transport device main body 2 is formed in a roughly box shape. The medium transport device main body 2 is placed on an installation surface on which the image reading device 1 is installed. The medium transport device main body 2 is formed with a paper feed opening 5 and a paper discharge opening 6. The paper feed opening 5 is formed on the back side of the medium transport device main body 2. The paper discharge opening 6 is formed on the front side of the upper side of the medium transport device main body 2. A transport path (not shown) is further formed inside the medium transport device main body 2.

[0011] The image reading device 1 further includes a transport unit and a reading unit, both of which are not shown. The transport unit supplies one medium from among a plurality of media inserted into the paper feed slot 5 to a transport path. The transport unit further transports the medium supplied to the transport path along the transport path, and discharges the medium transported along the transport path from the paper discharge slot 6 to the outside of the medium transport device main body 2. The reading unit captures an image of the medium being transported along the transport path.

[0012] The paper feed tray 3 includes a paper feed tray main body 7 and a paper feed tray extension member 8. The paper feed tray main body 7 is formed in a plate shape. A paper feed tray mounting surface 11 is formed in the paper feed tray main body 7. A storage space for storing the paper feed tray extension member 8 is formed inside the paper feed tray main body 7. The paper feed tray main body 7 is supported by the medium transport device main body 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 12. The rotation shaft 12 is parallel to the plane along which the installation surface on which the image reading device 1 is installed and is also parallel to the plane along which the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 is installed. The paper feed tray main body 7 opens and closes by rotating about the rotation shaft 12.

[0013] The paper feed tray extension member 8 is formed in a plate shape. A paper feed tray auxiliary placement surface 14 is formed on the paper feed tray extension member 8. The paper feed tray extension member 8 is supported by the paper feed tray main body 7 so as to be movable relative to the paper feed tray main body 7. The paper feed tray 3 expands and contracts as the paper feed tray extension member 8 moves relative to the paper feed tray main body 7.

[0014] The paper feed tray 3 is deployed and stored in the media conveying device main body 2 by opening and closing the paper feed tray main body 7 and by extending and retracting the paper feed tray 3. When the paper feed tray 3 is properly deployed, the paper feed tray main body 7 is placed in the paper feed tray deployed position and is located at the rear of the media conveying device main body 2 so that the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 faces diagonally upward. When the paper feed tray main body 7 is placed in the paper feed tray deployed position, the paper feed opening 5 is connected to the paper feed tray main body 7 and is connected to the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 of the paper feed tray main body 7.

[0015] The paper feed tray 3 is extended when the paper feed tray 3 is properly unfolded. The paper feed tray extension member 8 is disposed at the paper feed tray extended position when the paper feed tray 3 is properly extended, and is disposed outside the paper feed tray main body 7 so that the paper feed tray auxiliary mounting surface 14 is generally aligned with the plane along which the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 is aligned.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image reading device 1 when the paper feed tray 3 is stored in the media conveying device main body 2. The paper feed tray 3 is retracted when the paper feed tray 3 is properly stored in the media conveying device main body 2. The paper feed tray extension member 8 is located in the paper feed tray retracted position and is located and stored in the storage space of the paper feed tray main body 7 when the paper feed tray 3 is properly retracted. The paper feed tray main body 7 is located in the paper feed tray storage position when the paper feed tray 3 is properly stored in the media conveying device main body 2, and is located on the media conveying device main body 2 so that the paper feed tray placement surface 11 faces downward and faces the media conveying device main body 2. The paper discharge port 6 is covered by the paper feed tray main body 7 when the paper feed tray 3 is located in the paper feed tray storage position. When the paper feed tray main body 7 is located in the paper feed tray storage position, the image reading device 1 can prevent foreign objects from entering the transport path through the paper discharge port 6 because the paper feed tray main body 7 covers the paper discharge port 6.

[0017] The paper feed tray 3 further includes a paper feed tray extension mechanism (not shown). The paper feed tray extension mechanism mechanically moves the paper feed tray extension member 8 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the paper feed tray main body 7, and mechanically extends and retracts the paper feed tray 3 as the paper feed tray main body 7 opens and closes. That is, the paper feed tray extension mechanism moves the paper feed tray extension member 8 toward the paper feed tray extended position when the paper feed tray main body 7 moves toward the paper feed tray extended position. The paper feed tray extension mechanism positions the paper feed tray extension member 8 at the paper feed tray extended position when the paper feed tray main body 7 is located at the extended position. The paper feed tray extension mechanism moves the paper feed tray extension member 8 toward the paper feed tray retracted position when the paper feed tray main body 7 moves toward the paper feed tray retracted position. The paper feed tray extension mechanism positions the paper feed tray extension member 8 at the paper feed tray retracted position when the paper feed tray main body 7 is located at the paper feed tray retracted position.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device 1 further includes a right side guide 21 and a left side guide 22. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the paper feed tray 3, the right side guide 21, and the left side guide 22. The right side guide 21 has a left-facing side guide surface 23. The right side guide 21 is disposed in the right region of the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 so that the left-facing side guide surface 23 faces leftward and so that the right side guide 21 protrudes from the paper feed tray mounting surface 11. The left side guide 22 has a right-facing side guide surface 24. The left side guide 22 is disposed in the left region of the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 so that the right-facing side guide surface 24 faces rightward and so that the left side guide 22 protrudes from the paper feed tray mounting surface 11. The plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 runs is perpendicular to the plane along which the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 runs and is parallel to the conveyance direction 25. Conveying direction 25 is parallel to the plane on which sheet feed tray mounting surface 11 runs and is perpendicular to rotation shaft 12. The plane on which right-facing side guide surface 24 runs is perpendicular to the plane on which sheet feed tray mounting surface 11 runs and is parallel to conveying direction 25. In other words, right-side guide 21 and left-side guide 22 are arranged so that left-facing side guide surface 23 and right-facing side guide surface 24 face each other.

[0019] 4 is a perspective view showing the right side guide 21. The right side guide 21 includes a side guide base 31, a side guide main body 32, a movable member 33, and a push-up member 34. The side guide base 31 is formed in a generally plate-like shape. The side guide base 31 is disposed along the sheet feed tray mounting surface 11 and is supported by the sheet feed tray main body 7 so as to be able to translate in the width direction 35. The width direction 35 is parallel to the rotation axis 12, i.e., parallel to the plane along which the sheet feed tray mounting surface 11 lies, and perpendicular to the conveyance direction 25.

[0020] The side guide main body 32 is formed with a main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36. The main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36 is part of the left-facing side guide surface 23; that is, the plane along which the main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36 runs is perpendicular to the plane along which the paper feed tray placement surface 11 runs and is parallel to the conveyance direction 25. The side guide main body 32 is disposed so that the side guide main body 32 protrudes from the paper feed tray placement surface 11. The side guide main body 32 is formed integrally with the side guide base 31 and is fixed to the side guide base 31.

[0021] The movable member 33 is disposed on the upstream side of the side guide main body 32 in the conveying direction 25. The movable member 33 is supported by the side guide main body 32 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 37. The rotation shaft 37 is parallel to the width direction 35, i.e., parallel to the plane on which the sheet feed tray mounting surface 11 is aligned, and perpendicular to the conveying direction 25. The movable member 33 is deployed and retracted by rotating about the rotation shaft 37. When deployed, the movable member 33 is disposed in a movable member deployed position. The boost member 34 is disposed on the upstream side of the side guide main body 32 in the conveying direction 25, between the movable member 33 and the sheet feed tray main body 7, and is disposed below the movable member 33.

[0022] 5 is a side view showing the right side guide 21 when the movable member 33 is in the movable member extended position. When the movable member 33 is in the movable member extended position, the movable member 33 is restricted so that it does not rotate clockwise around the rotation shaft 37 in FIG. 5. The height of the movable member 33 relative to the paper feed tray main body 7 indicates the distance between the point on the movable member 33 that is farthest from the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 and the plane on which the paper feed tray mounting surface 11 is aligned. When the movable member 33 is in the movable member extended position, the height of the movable member 33 relative to the paper feed tray main body 7 is equal to the first height H1 and is higher than the height H0 of the side guide main body 32 relative to the paper feed tray main body 7.

[0023] The boost member 34 is supported by the side guide base 31 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 39; that is, the boost member 34 is supported by the side guide body 32 via the side guide base 31 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis 39. The rotation axis 39 is parallel to the rotation axis 37; that is, parallel to the plane on which the sheet feed tray loading surface 11 is aligned, and perpendicular to the conveying direction 25. The boost member 34 is deployed and retracted by rotating about the rotation axis 39. The boost member 34 is deployed and positioned at the boost member deployed position when the movable member 33 is positioned at the movable member deployed position.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 6, the right side guide 21 further includes a storage locking protrusion 41. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 5, showing the movable member 33, the push-up member 34, and the storage locking protrusion 41. The storage locking protrusion 41 is rod-shaped and positioned so as to protrude upward toward the sheet feed tray mounting surface 11. The storage locking protrusion 41 is fixed to the side guide base 31, i.e., is fixed to the side guide main body 32 via the side guide base 31.

[0025] The boost member 34 is further formed with a contact surface 42 and a protrusion 43. The contact surface 42 is formed on the upper side of the boost member 34 facing the movable member 33. The protrusion 43 is formed to protrude upward from a central region in the width direction 35 of the contact surface 42, and is formed to protrude toward the movable member 33.

[0026] The boost member 34 is formed with an upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 and an upstream left-facing side guide surface 45. The upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 is formed to be generally flat. The upstream left-facing side guide surface 45 is formed on the side of the boost member 34 opposite the side on which the upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 is formed. The upstream left-facing side guide surface 45 is formed to be generally flat so as to follow another plane that is parallel to the plane on which the upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 follows.

[0027] The boost member 34 is formed to be approximately symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry 46. The plane of symmetry 46 is perpendicular to the width direction 35 and is located at the center of the boost member 34 in the width direction 35. For example, the distance between the plane of symmetry 46 and the upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 is approximately equal to the distance between the plane of symmetry 46 and the upstream left-facing side guide surface 45. The protrusion 43 is formed to intersect with the plane of symmetry 46.

[0028] 7 is an enlarged side view showing the right side guide 21. The boost member 34 is disposed so that the upstream left-facing side guide surface 45 is aligned with the same plane as the main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36 of the side guide main body 32. In other words, the upstream left-facing side guide surface 45 is part of the left-facing side guide surface 23, and the main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36 and the upstream left-facing side guide surface 45 are aligned along the same plane.

[0029] The movable member 33 includes a support portion 51 and a protruding portion 52. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 7 , showing the right side guide 21. The support portion 51 is formed with a sliding surface 53, a notched inner left-facing side guide surface 54, a notched inner right-facing side guide surface 55, and a groove 56. The sliding surface 53 is formed on the side of the support portion 51 facing the boost member 34 and is formed to be generally flat. The notched inner left-facing side guide surface 54 faces leftward and is formed to the right of the plane along which the notched left-facing side guide surface 23 extends, and extends along another plane parallel to the plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 extends. The notched inner right-facing side guide surface 55 faces rightward and is formed on the side of the support portion 51 opposite the side on which the notched inner left-facing side guide surface 54 is formed. The groove 56 is formed in the central region in the width direction 35 of the sliding surface 53, that is, on the side of the support portion 51 facing the boost member 34.

[0030] Protruding portion 52 is disposed on support portion 51 so as to protrude from notched left-facing side guide surface 54 and from notched right-facing side guide surface 55. Protruding portion 52 is formed integrally with support portion 51 and fixed thereto. Protruding portion 52 is formed with protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 and protruding-side right-facing side guide surface 58. Protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 faces the left side and is aligned with the plane along which upstream-side left-facing side guide surface 45 is aligned. In other words, protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 is part of left-facing side guide surface 23, and main-body-side left-facing side guide surface 36, upstream-side left-facing side guide surface 45, and protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 are aligned with the same plane. In other words, protruding portion 52 does not intersect the plane along which left-facing side guide surface 23 is aligned; that is, it does not protrude to the left of the plane along which left-facing side guide surface 23 is aligned. Protruding-side right-facing side guide surface 58 faces to the right and is formed on the side of protruding portion 52 opposite to the side on which protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 is formed, and is aligned with the plane on which upstream-side right-facing side guide surface 44 is aligned. In other words, protruding portion 52 does not intersect with the plane on which upstream-side right-facing side guide surface 44 is aligned, i.e., it does not protrude to the right of the plane on which upstream-side right-facing side guide surface 44 is aligned.

[0031] Movable member 33 is further formed with a left-side notch 61 and a right-side notch 62. Left-side notch 61 is formed by protruding portion 52 protruding from left-facing side guide surface 54 within the notch. Right-side notch 62 is formed by protruding portion 52 protruding from right-facing side guide surface 55 within the notch. Because left-side notch 61 is formed in movable member 33, right-side side guide 21 forms a recess 64 that is recessed from left-facing side guide surface 23 when movable member 33 is positioned in the movable-member extended position.

[0032] The movable member 33 is formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry 63. The plane of symmetry 63 is perpendicular to the width direction 35 and is located at the center of the movable member 33 in the width direction 35. For example, the distance between the plane of symmetry 63 and the protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 is substantially equal to the distance between the plane of symmetry 63 and the protruding-side right-facing side guide surface 58. The groove 56 is formed so as to intersect with the plane of symmetry 63.

[0033] 9 is another cross-sectional view showing the right side guide 21. The right side guide 21 further includes a spring 65. The spring 65 is formed of a torsion coil spring. One end of the spring 65 is fixed to the boost member 34, and the other end of the spring 65 is fixed to the side guide base 31. When the boost member 34 is disposed in the boost member deployed position, the spring 65 elastically deforms, and applies an elastic force to the boost member 34 so as to resist movement of the boost member 34 toward the boost member retracted position.

[0034] The groove 56 of the movable member 33 includes a first groove portion 66 and a second groove portion 67. The first groove portion 66 is formed farther from the rotation shaft 37 than the second groove portion 67. The depth of the second groove portion 67 becomes shallower as it approaches the first groove portion 66. The depth of the first groove portion 66 is deeper than the depth of the end of the second groove portion 67 closer to the first groove portion 66. The support portion 51 of the movable member 33 includes a first support portion 68 and a second support portion 69. The first groove portion 66 of the groove 56 is formed in the first support portion 68. The second groove portion 67 of the groove 56 is formed in the second support portion 69. In other words, the first support portion 68 is formed farther from the rotation shaft 37 than the second support portion 69.

[0035] The protruding portion 52 includes a first protruding portion 71 and a second protruding portion 72. The first protruding portion 71 protrudes from a portion of the notched inner left-facing side guide surface 54 formed at the first support portion 68, and protrudes from a portion of the notched inner right-facing side guide surface 55 formed at the first support portion 68. The first protruding portion 71 is formed on a side farther from the rotation shaft 37 than the second protruding portion 72. The second protruding portion 72 further protrudes from a portion of the notched inner left-facing side guide surface 54 formed at the second support portion 69, and protrudes from a portion of the notched inner right-facing side guide surface 55 formed at the second support portion 69.

[0036] The first protruding portion 71 protrudes upward more than the second protruding portion 72. Because the first protruding portion 71 protrudes upward, the first groove portion 66 can be formed so that the depth of the first groove portion 66 is deeper than the depth of the end of the second groove portion 67 on the first groove portion 66 side, even if the second support portion 69 is formed to taper as it gets farther from the rotation shaft 37. Furthermore, the first protruding portion 71 can be formed so that the thickness of the first protruding portion 71 does not become thinner than a predetermined thickness, even if the depth of the first groove portion 66 is deeper than the depth of the end of the second groove portion 67 on the first groove portion 66 side.

[0037] When the boost member 34 is positioned at the boost member deployed position and the movable member 33 is positioned at the movable member deployed position, the protrusion 43 of the boost member 34 fits into the second groove portion 67. Because the protrusion 43 fits into the second groove portion 67, the image reading device 1 can reduce the degree to which the movable member 33 moves in the width direction 35 and can properly support the movable member 33.

[0038] When the movable member 33 is properly stored, it is located in the movable member storage position, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a side view showing the right side guide 21 when the movable member 33 is located in the movable member storage position. When the movable member 33 is located in the movable member storage position, the height of the movable member 33 relative to the paper feed tray main body 7 is equal to the second height H2, which is higher than the height H0 of the side guide main body 32 relative to the paper feed tray main body 7. Furthermore, the second height H2 is lower than the first height H1.

[0039] The boost member 34 is stored and positioned at the boost member storage position when the movable member 33 is positioned at the movable member storage position. The spring 65 elastically deforms when the boost member 34 is positioned at the boost member storage position, and applies an elastic force to the boost member 34 so that the boost member 34 moves toward the boost member deployed position.

[0040] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 10 , illustrating the right side guide 21 when the movable member 33 is located at the movable member storage position. The storage locking projection 41 fits into the first groove portion 66 of the groove 56 of the movable member 33 when the movable member 33 is located at the movable member storage position. By fitting the storage locking projection 41 into the first groove portion 66 of the groove 56, the image reading device 1 can reduce the degree to which the first protruding portion 71 of the movable member 33 moves in the width direction 35 relative to the side guide main body 32, thereby properly supporting the movable member 33.

[0041] The left side guide 22 is formed to be the same as a mirror image of the right side guide 21, and like the right side guide 21, it includes a side guide base, a side guide body, a movable member, a boost member, a storage locking projection, and a spring. Since the movable member 33 is formed symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry 63, it can be used as the movable member for the left side guide 22. Since the boost member 34 is formed symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry 46, it can be used as the boost member for the left side guide 22. Since the movable member 33 and the boost member 34 are used for both the right side guide 21 and the left side guide 22, the image reading device 1 can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0042] [Operation of image reading device 1] When storing the image reading device 1, the user moves the paper feed tray main body 7 toward the paper feed tray storage position and places the paper feed tray main body 7 in the paper feed tray storage position. When the paper feed tray main body 7 is placed in the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray extension member 8 is stored in the storage space of the paper feed tray main body 7. The paper feed tray 3 is properly stored in the media transport device main body 2 by placing the paper feed tray extension member 8 in the paper feed tray retracted position and placing the paper feed tray main body 7 in the paper feed tray storage position.

[0043] When the paper feed tray main body 7 moves toward the paper feed tray storage position, the first protruding portion 71 of the movable member 33 comes into contact with the media transport device main body 2, causing the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 to move toward the movable member storage position. When the movable member 33 moves toward the movable member storage position, the abutment surface 42 of the boost member 34 slides along the sliding surface 53 of the movable member 33, causing the boost member 34 to be pushed down by the movable member 33 and move toward the boost member storage position against the elastic force of the spring 65.

[0044] 12 is a side view showing the right side guide 21 when the paper feed tray 3 is stored in the media transport device main body 2. When the paper feed tray main body 7 is located in the paper feed tray storage position, the first protruding portion 71 of the movable member 33 comes into contact with the media transport device main body 2, thereby properly storing the movable member 33 and positioning it in the movable member storage position. The boost member 34 is positioned in the boost member storage position when the movable member 33 is positioned in the movable member storage position.

[0045] When the paper feed tray main body 7 is located at the paper feed tray storage position and the movable member 33 is located at the movable member storage position, the storage locking protrusion 41 fits into the first groove portion 66 of the groove 56 of the movable member 33. By fitting the storage locking protrusion 41 into the first groove portion 66, the image reading device 1 can reduce the degree of movement of the movable member 33 in the width direction 35 when the movable member 33 is located at the movable member storage position, and can properly support the movable member 33. Like the movable member 33, the movable member of the left side guide 22 is also properly stored when the paper feed tray main body 7 is located at the paper feed tray storage position.

[0046] In the image reading device 1, the space required for storing the paper feed tray 3 of the medium conveying device main body 2 can be reduced by storing the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 and the movable member of the left side guide 22. In the image reading device 1, the space required for storing the paper feed tray 3 is small, so that the medium conveying device main body 2 can be designed to be small, and the size of the device when the paper feed tray 3 is stored can be reduced.

[0047] When a user wishes to read images on multiple media using the image reading device 1, the user moves the paper feed tray main body 7 toward the paper feed tray expanded position and places the paper feed tray main body 7 in the paper feed tray expanded position. When the paper feed tray main body 7 is placed in the paper feed tray expanded position, the paper feed tray extension member 8 is placed in the paper feed tray extended position by the paper feed tray extension mechanism.

[0048] When the paper feed tray 3 is deployed, the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 moves away from the media transport device main body 2 and is released. When the movable member 33 is released, the elastic force of the spring 65 moves the boost member 34 toward the boost member deployed position. As the boost member 34 moves toward the deployed position, the abutment surface 42 of the boost member 34 slides along the sliding surface 53 of the movable member 33, pushing up the movable member 33 and moving it toward the movable member deployed position. As the boost member 34 moves toward the boost member deployed position, the movable member 33 is deployed and positioned at the movable member deployed position. When the movable member 33 is positioned at the movable member deployed position, the spring 65 applies an elastic force to the boost member 34 to resist movement of the boost member 34 toward the boost member retracted position, thereby preventing the movable member 33 from moving toward the movable member retracted position.

[0049] The protrusions 43 of the boost member 34 fit into the grooves 56 of the movable member 33 and move along the grooves 56 of the movable member 33 when the boost member 34 moves toward the boost member extended position. In the image reading device 1, the protrusions 43 of the boost member 34 fit into the grooves 56 of the movable member 33 when the movable member 33 moves toward the movable member extended position, thereby reducing the degree to which the movable member 33 moves in the width direction 35. Furthermore, in the image reading device 1, the protrusions 43 of the boost member 34 fit into the grooves 56 of the movable member 33 when the movable member 33 is positioned at the movable member extended position, thereby reducing the degree to which the movable member 33 moves in the width direction 35. Like the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21, the movable member of the left side guide 22 also unfolds and is maintained in the unfolded state when the paper feed tray 3 unfolds.

[0050] The user then translates the right side guide 21 and the left side guide 22 in the width direction 35 so that the distance between the left-facing side guide surface 23 and the right-facing side guide surface 24 is approximately equal to the width in the width direction 35 of the plurality of media from which images are to be read. The user then places the plurality of media 81 from which images are to be read in the paper feed tray 3 so that the media 81 face the paper feed tray loading surface 11, as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the plurality of media 81 properly loaded in the paper feed tray 3. At this time, the image reading device 1 places the portions of the plurality of media 81 protruding from the paper feed tray main body 7 on the paper feed tray extension member 8, thereby preventing the plurality of media 81 from shifting or falling due to the weight of the protruding portions.

[0051] The user then places the media 81 in the paper feed tray 3 so that the right end faces 83 of the media 81 face the left-facing side guide surface 23 and the left end faces 84 of the media 81 face the right-facing side guide surface 24. For example, when the thickness of the media 81 is less than the height H0, the right end faces 83 of the media 81 face the main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36. In this case, the media 81 can be properly placed in the paper feed tray 3 so that the right end faces 83 of the media 81 are aligned. Because the protruding portion 52 of the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 does not protrude to the left of the plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 lies, the media 81 can be placed in the paper feed tray 3 without the right ends of the media 81 being obstructed by the protruding portion 52. In other words, the image reading device 1 facilitates the user's task of placing the media 81 in the paper feed tray 3.

[0052] When the thickness of the plurality of media 81 is greater than height H0, the right end faces of the plurality of media 82 positioned at a position higher than height H0 face the protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57. In this case, the image reading device 1 can properly place the plurality of media 81 in the paper feed tray 3 so that the right end faces 83 of the plurality of media 81 are aligned, because the protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 and the main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36 are flush with each other.

[0053] The right side guide 21 allows the right end surfaces 83 of the media 81 to contact the left-facing side guide surface 23, thereby allowing the media 81 to be properly placed in the paper feed tray 3 without tilting relative to the transport direction 25. The longer the length of the left-facing side guide surface 23 in the transport direction 25, the more effectively the right side guide 21 prevents the media 81 from tilting relative to the transport direction 25. The left-facing side guide surface 23 of the right side guide 21 includes the main body-side left-facing side guide surface 36 and the upstream-side left-facing side guide surface 45, allowing the length of the left-facing side guide surface 23 in the transport direction 25 to be longer than a predetermined length. Therefore, the right side guide 21 is more effective at preventing the media 81 from tilting relative to the transport direction 25 than other right side guides in which the boost member 34 does not have the upstream-side left-facing side guide surface 45. The left side guide 22 is formed in the same manner as the right side guide 21, and thus, like the right side guide 21, can prevent the plurality of media 81 from tilting relative to the transport direction 25.

[0054] When the plurality of media 81 are placed on the paper feed tray 3, because the paper feed tray loading surface 11 faces diagonally upward, the plurality of media 81 move by gravity in the transport direction 25 toward the paper feed opening 5 and are inserted into the paper feed opening 5. At this time, the image reading device 1 can prevent the plurality of media 81 from moving in the width direction 35 because the end faces 83 and 84 of the plurality of media 81 face the left-facing side guide surface 23 and the right-facing side guide surface 24, respectively.

[0055] The plurality of media inserted into the paper feed port 5 are supplied one by one to the transport path by the transport unit. The media supplied to the transport path are transported along the transport path. The reading unit captures an image of the media transported along the transport path. The media with the captured image are then ejected from the paper ejection port 6 by the transport unit. The image reading device 1 repeatedly transports the media and captures images of the media until all of the plurality of media inserted into the paper feed port 5 are ejected from the paper ejection port 6.

[0056] Even when the image reading device 1 is provided with the right side guide 21 and the left side guide 22, the medium 86 placed on the paper feed tray 3 may be tilted with respect to the conveying direction 25, as shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a plan view showing the medium 86 placed on the paper feed tray 3 at an angle with respect to the conveying direction 25.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 15, the edge of medium 86 facing left-facing side guide surface 23 may rise and curl up along left-facing side guide surface 23 when medium 86 moves in transport direction 25. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing medium 86 tilted with respect to transport direction 25.

[0058] An end 87 of the medium 86 facing the left-facing side guide surface 23 curls up and enters the recess 64 of the left-facing side guide surface 23, as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 14, illustrating the medium 86 and the right-side side guide 21, which are inclined with respect to the conveyance direction 25. When the right-side end 87 of the medium 86 enters the recess 64, it rises along the notched left-facing side guide surface 54 and becomes caught on the protruding portion 52 of the movable member 33. With the end 87 caught on the protruding portion 52, the right-side side guide 21 can prevent the end 87 of the medium 86 from moving above the protruding portion 52, preventing the medium 86 from climbing over the right-side side guide 21.

[0059] By preventing the medium 86 from climbing over the right side guide 21, the image reading device 1 can prevent the medium 86 from further tilting with respect to the conveying direction 25 as the medium 86 moves in the conveying direction 25. By preventing the medium 86 from tilting, the image reading device 1 can prevent the medium 86 from being supplied to the conveying path at an angle, and can prevent the medium 86 from jamming in the conveying path due to the slanted medium 86.

[0060] [Effects of the Medium Conveying Device of the Example] The media conveying device of the embodiment includes a paper feed tray main body 7 rotatably supported on the media conveying device main body 2 so as to be retracted and unfolded, and a right side guide 21 formed with a left-facing side guide surface 23 that faces the edge of a medium placed on the paper feed tray main body 7. The right side guide 21 includes a side guide main body 32 supported on the paper feed tray main body 7, and a movable member 33 supported on the side guide main body 32 so as to be retracted and unfolded. The height of the movable member 33 relative to the paper feed tray main body 7 is equal to a first height H1 that is higher than the height H0 of the side guide main body 32 relative to the paper feed tray main body 7 when the movable member 33 is unfolded, and equal to a second height H2 that is lower than the first height H1 when the movable member 33 is retracted. A left-side notch 61 is formed in the movable member 33 so that a recess 64 is formed in the left-facing side guide surface 23 when the movable member 33 is unfolded.

[0061] In the media transport device of the embodiment, when the media is tilted, the edge of the media enters the recess 64, preventing the edge of the media from climbing over the right side guide 21. Furthermore, the media transport device of the embodiment can store the movable member 33 so that its height relative to the paper feed tray main body 7 is low, thereby reducing the space required to store the right side guide 21. Therefore, the media transport device of the embodiment can prevent the media from climbing over the right side guide 21 and reduce the space required to store the tray.

[0062] Furthermore, the movable member 33 of the medium transport device of the embodiment includes a support portion 51 rotatably supported on the side guide main body 32, and a protruding portion 52 fixed to the support portion 51. The support portion 51 is formed with a left-facing side guide surface 54 within the notch that faces the edge of the medium placed on the paper feed tray main body 7. The left-side notch 61 is formed by the protruding portion 52 protruding from the left-facing side guide surface 54 within the notch. In this case, the medium transport device of the embodiment can appropriately prevent the edge of the medium from climbing over the right side guide 21 by having the edge of the medium that has entered the left-side notch 61 catch on the protruding portion 52.

[0063] Furthermore, protruding portion 52 of the medium transport device of the embodiment is formed so as not to intersect with the plane along which left-facing side guide surface 23 runs. In this case, protruding portion 52 does not get in the way when media is placed on paper feed tray main body 7, and the medium transport device of the embodiment can facilitate the user's operation of placing media on paper feed tray main body 7.

[0064] Although the protruding portion 52 of the medium transport device in the previously described embodiment is formed so as not to protrude from the plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 runs, it may also protrude from the plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 runs so as to intersect with the plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 runs. Even when the protruding portion 52 intersects with the plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 runs, the medium transport device can prevent the media from climbing over the right-side side guide 21, as with the medium transport device in the previously described embodiment, and can reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3. Furthermore, although the protruding portion 52 of the medium transport device in the previously described embodiment protrudes so that the protruding-side left-facing side guide surface 57 forms part of the left-facing side guide surface 23, the protruding portion 52 may also protrude low so as not to intersect with the plane along which the left-facing side guide surface 23 runs. Even if the protruding portion 52 protrudes low, the media transport device prevents the media from climbing over the right side guide 21 by having the inclined end of the media get caught on the protruding portion 52, and can reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0065] The media conveying device of the embodiment further includes a boost member 34 rotatably supported by the side guide main body 32 and a spring 65 that applies an elastic force to the boost member 34 so that the boost member 34 is deployed. The paper feed tray mounting surface 11, which faces the media on the paper feed tray main body 7, faces the media conveying device main body 2 when the paper feed tray main body 7 is retracted. When the boost member 34 is retracted, the boost member 34 pushes up the support portion 51, thereby expanding the movable member 33. When the paper feed tray main body 7 is retracted, the protruding portion 52 contacts the media conveying device main body 2, thereby retracting the movable member 33. When the movable member 33 is retracted, the support portion 51 pushes down the boost member 34 against the elastic force of the spring 65, thereby retracting the movable member 34. The media conveying device of the embodiment can automatically open and close the movable member 33 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the paper feed tray main body 7, eliminating the need for the user to retract or retract the movable member 33, simplifying user operation.

[0066] Incidentally, the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment is provided with the boost member 34 and the spring 65, but the boost member 34 and the spring 65 may be omitted. Even if the boost member 34 and the spring 65 are omitted, the medium transport device can prevent the problem of the media climbing over the right side guide 21, as with the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment, and can reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0067] Furthermore, boost member 34 of the medium transport device of the embodiment is formed with upstream left-facing side guide surface 45 that is aligned with the plane along which left-facing side guide surface 23 is aligned. By providing upstream left-facing side guide surface 45, the medium transport device of the embodiment can increase the length of left-facing side guide surface 23 in transport direction 25 without increasing the length of side guide main body 32 in transport direction 25. Because the medium transport device of the embodiment has a long length in transport direction 25 of left-facing side guide surface 23, it can appropriately prevent the medium from skewing as it moves in transport direction 25.

[0068] Incidentally, in the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment, the upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 is formed on the boost member 34, but the upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 may be omitted. Even when the upstream right-facing side guide surface 44 is omitted, the medium transport device can prevent the media from climbing over the right side guide 21, as in the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment, and can also reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0069] Furthermore, a groove 56 is formed in the support portion 51 of the medium transport device of the embodiment. A protrusion 43 that fits into the groove 56 is formed in the boost member 34. The protrusion 43 moves along the groove 56 when the boost member 34 moves. The medium transport device of the embodiment can reduce the degree to which the movable member 33 moves in the width direction 35 when the movable member 33 moves.

[0070] Incidentally, the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment is provided with groove 56 and protrusion 43, but groove 56 and protrusion 43 may be omitted. Even if groove 56 and protrusion 43 are omitted, the medium transport device can prevent the problem of the medium climbing over right side guide 21, as with the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment, and can reduce the space required to store paper feed tray 3.

[0071] The medium transport device of the embodiment further includes a storage fixing protrusion 41. The storage fixing protrusion 41 is fixed to the side guide main body 32 and fits into the groove 56 when the movable member 33 is stored. The medium transport device of the embodiment can reduce the degree to which the movable member 33 moves in the width direction 35 when the movable member 33 is stored, and can properly support the movable member 33.

[0072] Incidentally, the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment is provided with the storage locking protrusion 41, but the storage locking protrusion 41 may be omitted. Even if the storage locking protrusion 41 is omitted, the medium transport device can prevent the problem of the media climbing over the right side guide 21, as with the medium transport device of the previously described embodiment, and can reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0073] Furthermore, the support portion 51 of the medium transport device of the embodiment includes a first support portion 68 in which a first groove portion 66 that fits into the storage fixation protrusion 41 of the groove 56 is formed, and a second support portion 69 in which a second groove portion 67 that fits into the protrusion 43 of the groove 56 is formed. The protruding portion 52 includes a first protruding portion 71 that protrudes from the first support portion 68 of the left-facing side guide surface 54 in the cutout, and a second protruding portion 72 that protrudes from the second support portion 69 of the left-facing side guide surface 54 in the cutout. The first protruding portion 71 is positioned above the plane along which the second protruding portion 72 lies.

[0074] In this case, in the medium transport device of the embodiment, even when the support portion 51 is tapered so that the first support portion 68 is smaller than the second support portion 69, the first groove portion 66 can be formed so that the depth of the first groove portion 66 is deeper than the predetermined depth. Furthermore, even when the depth of the first groove portion 66 is deeper than the predetermined depth, the first protruding portion 71 can be formed so that the thickness of the first protruding portion 71 is thicker than the predetermined depth. Therefore, the medium transport device of the embodiment can appropriately support the movable member 33 so that the degree of movement of the movable member 33 in the width direction 35 when the movable member 33 is stored is reduced, or the strength of the movable member 33 can be improved.

[0075] Incidentally, in the medium conveying device of the previously described embodiment, the first protruding portion 71 is disposed above the second protruding portion 72, but the first protruding portion 71 and the second protruding portion 72 may be formed to be along a single plane. In this case, as with the medium conveying device of the previously described embodiment, the medium conveying device can prevent the problem of the medium climbing over the right side guide 21 and can reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0076] Furthermore, the support portion 51 of the medium transport device of the embodiment has a notched right-facing side guide surface 55 formed on the side opposite the side where the notched left-facing side guide surface 54 is formed. The protruding portion 52 further protrudes from the notched right-facing side guide surface 55. In this case, the movable member 33 can be formed symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry 63. When the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 is formed symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry 63, the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 can be used as the movable member of the left side guide 22. In the medium transport device of the embodiment, when the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 is used as the movable member of the left side guide 22, it is not necessary to separately manufacture the movable member of the left side guide 22 and the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21. Therefore, the medium transport device of the embodiment can reduce manufacturing costs by manufacturing the movable member of the left side guide 22 and the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21 as the same part.

[0077] In the media transport device of the previously described embodiment, the shape of the movable member of the left side guide 22 is the same as the shape of the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21, but the shape of the movable member of the left side guide 22 may be different from the shape of the movable member 33 of the right side guide 21. In this case, the media transport device, like the media transport device of the previously described embodiment, can prevent the media from climbing over the right side guide 21 and reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0078] Although the media transport device of the previously described embodiment includes a paper feed tray extension mechanism, the paper feed tray extension mechanism may be omitted. In this case, the paper feed tray extension member 8 is manually positioned at the paper feed tray retracted position or the paper feed tray extended position by a user operation. The paper feed tray extension member 8 may also be manually positioned and fixed at a position other than the paper feed tray retracted position or the paper feed tray extended position so that the extension length of the paper feed tray 3 can be adjusted in several stages. Also, although the media transport device of the previously described embodiment includes the paper feed tray extension member 8, the paper feed tray extension member 8 may be omitted. In this case, the media transport device, like the media transport device of the previously described embodiment, can prevent the problem of media climbing over the right side guide 21 and reduce the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0079] The medium conveying device of the above-described embodiment is used in the image reading device 1, but it may also be used in other devices. An example of such a device is a printer that prints characters and graphics on a medium. In the printer, the reading unit of the medium conveying device of the above-described embodiment is replaced with a printing unit that prints characters and graphics on a medium conveyed along a conveyance path. In this case, as with the medium conveying device of the above-described embodiment, the medium conveying device prevents the medium from climbing over the right side guide 21 and reduces the space required to store the paper feed tray 3.

[0080] Although the embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the above content. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, at least one of various omissions, substitutions, and modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1: Image reader 7: Paper feed tray body 11: Paper feed tray mounting surface 21: Right side guide 23: Left-facing side guide surface 32: Side guide body 33: Movable parts 34: Push-up member 36: Left-facing side guide surface on the main body 41: Protrusion for fixing when stored 45: Upstream left-facing side guide surface 51: Support part 52:Protruding part 54: Left-facing side guide surface inside the notch 56: Groove 61: Left side notch 64: Dent 65: Spring 66: 1st groove part 67:Second groove part 68: 1st support part 69:Second support part 71: 1st protruding part 72:Second protruding part

Claims

1. a tray supported so as to be retractable into the device body; a side guide for guiding the medium placed on the tray; a lift-up member; The side guide is a side guide body that guides the medium in the width direction; a movable member that guides the medium upstream of the side guide body in the medium transport direction, the movable member is supported by the side guide body at two different positions, a guide position for guiding the medium and a storage position, and the height of the movable member when positioned at the guide position is higher than the height of the movable member when positioned at the storage position; The push-up member is supported by the side guide body and pushes up the movable member toward the guide position. A medium transport device characterized by:

2. a tray supported so as to be retractable into the device body; a side guide for guiding the medium placed on the tray; The side guide is a side guide body that guides the medium in the width direction; a movable member that guides the medium upstream of the side guide body in the medium transport direction, the movable member is supported by the side guide body at two different positions, a guide position for guiding the medium and a storage position, and the height of the movable member when positioned at the guide position is higher than the height of the movable member when positioned at the storage position; When the movable member is positioned at the guide position, the height of the upstream end of the movable member relative to the tray is higher than the downstream end of the movable member. A medium transport device characterized by:

3. an elastic member that applies elastic force to the push-up member; The push-up member pushes up the movable member by the elastic member. The media transport device of claim 1 .

4. A groove is formed in the movable member, The push-up member is formed with a protrusion that engages with the groove, The protrusion moves along the groove when the push-up member moves. The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 3.

5. When the tray is stored in the main body, the movable member moves in conjunction with the tray to a storage position. The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images