MEDIUM CONVEYING APPARATUS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-103201, filed on June 26, 2024, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a medium conveying apparatus. There are medium conveying apparatuses such as a scanner that images a medium while conveying the medium. Typically, a medium conveying apparatus is desired to convey various media different in thickness. A proposed form feeder uses a roller that swings with respect to the housing of the form feeder to insert and eject a passbook.

SUMMARY

The medium conveying apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a conveyance roller to convey a medium, a facing roller facing the conveyance roller, and a support to support and allow the facing roller to swing. The support has a swing center located upstream from a rotation center of the facing roller in a medium conveying direction, and the swing center is on the same side as the facing roller with respect to a nip between the conveyance roller and the facing roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of embodiments of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages and features thereof can be readily obtained and understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medium conveying apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a medium conveying path inside the medium conveying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a medium conveying mechanism of the medium conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a support according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state before the support illustrated in FIG. 4 swings;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state after the support illustrated in FIG. 4 swings;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the medium conveying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a memory and a processing circuit illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a medium reading process;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a medium conveying mechanism according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support of the medium conveying mechanism according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positions of two second conveyance rollers having different outer diameters;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a medium conveying mechanism according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a medium conveying mechanism according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of a drive coupling of the medium conveying mechanism according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a medium conveying mechanism according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the medium conveying mechanism according to the fifth embodiment, as viewed from above;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a medium conveying mechanism according to a sixth embodiment, as viewed from above;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a medium conveying apparatus according to a seventh embodiment, as viewed from above; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a processing circuit of another medium conveying apparatus.

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.

Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

A medium conveying apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and covers equivalents of elements described below.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medium conveying apparatus 100, which is an image scanner, according to a first embodiment. The medium conveying apparatus 100 conveys media that are documents and images the media. Media include plain paper sheets, thin paper sheets, thick paper sheets, cards, and booklets. Booklets include a passport having a 7-millimeter thickness. The medium conveying apparatus 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, or a multifunction peripheral (MFP). An MFP may be also called a multifunction printer. The media to be conveyed may be printing material (e.g., paper sheets) instead of documents. In this case, the medium conveying apparatus 100 may be, for example, a printer.

The medium conveying apparatus 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a media tray 103, an ejection tray 104, an operation device 105, and a display device 106.

The upper housing 102 is located to cover the upper side of the medium conveying apparatus 100 and is hinged to the lower housing 101 such that the upper housing 102 is opened and closed to, for example, remove a jammed medium or clean the inside of the medium conveying apparatus 100.

The media tray 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 such that the media to be conveyed can be placed on the media tray 103. The ejection tray 104 is engaged with the upper housing 102 such that the ejected media can be held on the ejection tray 104. The ejection tray 104 may be engaged with the lower housing 101.

The operation device 105 includes an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that receives signals from the input device. The operation device 105 receives an input operation performed by a user and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the input operation performed by the user. The display device 106 includes a display and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. Examples of the display include a liquid crystal display and an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display.

In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the direction in which a medium is conveyed, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction and the width direction. In the following, upstream is upstream in the medium conveying direction A1, and downstream is downstream in the medium conveying direction A1. The width direction A2 is an example of a direction intersecting the medium conveying direction A1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a medium conveying path inside the medium conveying apparatus 100.

The medium conveying apparatus 100 includes a media sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first conveyance roller 114, a second conveyance roller 115, an imaging device 116 including an image sensor, a first ejection roller 117, and a second ejection roller 118 along the medium conveying path. The number of each roller is not limited to one, but may be two or more. When one or more of the above rollers are formed of multiple rollers, the multiple rollers are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2.

The medium conveying apparatus 100 has a so-called straight path. The upper face of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a for the medium conveying path, and the lower face of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a for the medium conveying path. The area (path) defined by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a is an example of the medium conveying path that guides media. The medium conveying apparatus 100 may have a U-turn path.

The media sensor 111 is located upstream from the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The media sensor 111 includes a contact sensor and detects whether a medium is placed on the media tray 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is placed on the media tray 103. The media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact sensor but may be any sensor, such as an optical sensor, which detects the presence of a medium.

The feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 are an example of a separator. The feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 are located upstream from the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1. The feed roller 112 is in the lower housing 101, separates the media on the media tray 103 one by one from the bottom, and sequentially feeds the media. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, located in the upper housing 102, and faces the feed roller 112. The separation roller 113 is rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow A5 opposite to the rotation direction for conveying the media (may be referred to as a medium feeding direction in the following description). Alternatively, the separation roller 113 is stoppable. Instead of the separation roller 113, a separation pad may be used.

The first conveyance roller 114 is an example of a conveyance roller. The second conveyance roller 115 is an example of a facing roller. The first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 are located downstream from the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 and face each other. The first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 convey the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116.

The imaging device 116 is located downstream from the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 and upstream from the first ejection roller 117 and the second ejection roller 118. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b. The first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b are located near the medium conveying path and face each other across the medium conveying path.

The first imaging device 116a includes a unity-magnification contact image sensor (CIS) as a line sensor. The CIS includes complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging elements aligned linearly in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a further includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging elements and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The A/D converter amplifies the electrical signals output from the imaging elements and performs analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. The first imaging device 116a images the front side of the medium being conveyed, generates an input image, and outputs the input image.

Similarly, the second imaging device 116b includes a unity-magnification CIS including CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction, as a line sensor. The second imaging device 116b further includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging elements and an A/D converter. The A/D converter amplifies the electrical signals output from the imaging elements and performs A/D conversion. The second imaging device 116b images the back side of the medium being conveyed, generates an input image, and outputs the input image.

Alternatively, the medium conveying apparatus 100 may include either the first imaging device 116a or the second imaging device 116b to read only one side of the media. Further, the line sensor may include, instead of the unity-magnification CIS including CMOS imaging elements, a unity-magnification CIS including charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging elements. Alternatively, a reduction-optical type line sensor including CMOS or CCD imaging elements may be used.

The first ejection roller 117 is an example of the conveyance roller. The second ejection roller 118 is an example of the facing roller. The first ejection roller 117 and the second ejection roller 118, which are located downstream from the imaging device 116 and face each other, eject the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 onto the ejection tray 104.

The media placed on the media tray 103 are conveyed between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium conveying direction A1 as the feed roller 112 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A4 in FIG. 2. The separation roller 113 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A5 in FIG. 2 or is kept stationary when the medium is conveyed. When two or more media are placed on the media tray 103, only the medium in contact with the feed roller 112 is separated from the rest of the media on the media tray 103 due to the action of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. This operation prevents the feeding of a medium other than the separated medium (prevention of multi-feed).

The medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 while being guided by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 116a and the second imaging device 116b as the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 rotate in the directions indicated by arrows A6 and A7 in FIG. 2, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 116 is ejected onto the ejection tray 104 as the first ejection roller 117 and the second ejection roller 118 rotate in the directions indicated by arrows A8 and A9 in FIG. 2, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a medium conveying mechanism of the medium conveying apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the medium conveying mechanism as viewed from obliquely above and from downstream in the medium conveying direction A1. In FIG. 3, the components such as the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, and the imaging device 116 are omitted.

In FIG. 3, the first conveyance roller 114 includes first conveyance rollers 114a and 114b located at a predetermined interval in the width direction A2. The second conveyance roller 115 includes second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b located at a predetermined interval in the width direction A2. The medium conveying apparatus 100 includes a first conveyance roller shaft 114c, a second conveyance roller shaft 115c, a first conveyance roller gear 121, a second conveyance roller gear 122, a drive coupling 130, a first shaft 131, and a support 140 in addition to the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115.

The first conveyance roller 114a and the first conveyance roller 114b are integral with the first conveyance roller shaft 114c and rotate about the first conveyance roller shaft 114c as the rotation axis.

The second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b are located on the second conveyance roller shaft 115c and rotate about the second conveyance roller shaft 115c as the rotation axis.

The first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 form a nip surface that nips the medium between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115. One of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller. One of the first ejection roller 117 and the second ejection roller 118 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller. The driven roller may be a resin roller that freely rotates with respect to a fixed shaft.

The first conveyance roller gear 121 is fixed to one end of the first conveyance roller shaft 114c in the width direction A2. The first conveyance roller gear 121 is coupled to a driving force transmission mechanism including a gear, a pulley, a belt, and the like that transmit the driving force from a motor described later.

The second conveyance roller gear 122 is engaged with the first conveyance roller gear 121 and rotates following the rotation of the first conveyance roller gear 121. The second conveyance roller gear 122 is fixed to one end of the first shaft 131 in the width direction A2. The drive coupling 130 is located at the other end of the first shaft 131 in the width direction A2.

For example, the drive coupling 130 is a universal joint. The drive coupling 130 may be another joint such as a spherical joint, a constant velocity joint, or a Cardan joint. The drive coupling 130 includes a first receiving portion 130a, a second receiving portion 130b, and a joint shaft 130c.

The first receiving portion 130a of the drive coupling 130 is located at the end of the first shaft 131 that is opposite the end at which the second conveyance roller gear 122 is fixed. The second receiving portion 130b of the drive coupling 130 is located at one end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2. The joint shaft 130c is tiltably coupled to the first receiving portion 130a and the second receiving portion 130b.

Thus, the drive coupling 130 tiltably couples the first shaft 131 and the second conveyance roller shaft 115c and transmits the driving force from the motor to the second conveyance roller shaft 115c.

The support 140 supports the second conveyance roller 115, which is the facing roller, to allow the second conveyance roller 115 to swing. The support 140 is made of, for example, metal or resin. The support 140 includes a support 140a and a support 140b. The support 140a and the support 140b are fixed to the right and left ends of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2. In the width direction A2, the support 140a is located farther than the second conveyance rollers 115a from the center of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c, and the support 140b is located farther than the second conveyance rollers 115b from the center.

The support 140a is located at a portion of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c between the second receiving portion 130b of the drive coupling 130 and the second conveyance roller 115a. The support 140b is located at a portion of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c farther than the second conveyance roller 115b from the center in the width direction A2. The support 140a and the support 140b have laterally symmetrical shapes and may be collectively referred to as the supports 140 when discrimination is not necessary.

The support 140 supporting the second conveyance roller 115 is located on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 (located in the upper housing 102) with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115. If the support 140 supporting the second conveyance roller 115 is located on the same side as the first conveyance roller 114 (located in the lower housing 101), the support 140 needs to be located outward of a side wall SW defining the medium conveying path so that the support 140 or a portion thereof does not block the medium conveying path.

In the medium conveying apparatus 100, since the support 140 supporting the second conveyance roller 115 is located on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 (in the upper housing 102), the support 140 does not block the medium conveying path. The support 140 may be located inward of the side wall SW defining the medium conveying path in the width direction A2. This makes the medium conveying apparatus 100 compact in the width direction A2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the support 140 as viewed from the center side in the width direction A2. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support 140 is plate-shaped member and L-shaped in a side view. The support 140 includes a body portion 141 and a leg portion 142.

The body portion 141 is a plate-shaped portion and rectangular in plan view. The body portion 141 extends substantially parallel to the medium conveying direction A1. The body portion 141 includes a columnar swing shaft 143. The swing shaft 143 protrudes outward by a predetermined distance in the width direction A2 at the upstream end of the body portion 141 in the medium conveying direction A1. The swing shaft 143 is supported by a columnar recess in an inner portion of the upper housing 102 to swing.

The body portion 141 includes a columnar protruding portion 145 for attaching a torsion coil spring 144. The protruding portion 145 is located on the face of the body portion 141 opposite to the face on which the swing shaft 143 is located. To the protruding portion 145, the coil of the torsion coil spring 144 is attached. The swing shaft 143 and the protruding portion 145 are coaxial.

The body portion 141 includes a prismatic spring receiving portion 146. The spring receiving portion 14 protrudes inward in the width direction A2 by a predetermined distance at the downstream end of the body portion 141 in the medium conveying direction A1. The torsion coil spring 144 includes a long leg 144a and a short leg 144b. The long leg 144a is in contact with the spring receiving portion 146, and the short leg 144b is fixed to the body portion 141. The long leg 144a of the torsion coil spring 144 is in contact with the spring receiving portion 146 from above. The spring receiving portion 146 may be columnar not prismatic and is not necessarily pillar shaped.

In other words, the torsion coil spring 144 presses the support 140 via the long leg 144a and the spring receiving portion 146 to rotate in an arc shape (indicated by outlined arrow in FIG. 4) about the swing shaft 143 (see FIG. 3) as the swing center toward the upstream side in the medium conveying direction A1. At this time, the leg portion 142 of the support 140 is pressed downward in the height direction A3 by the torsion coil spring 144 via the spring receiving portion 146. In other words, the torsion coil spring 144 functions as a pressing member that presses the second conveyance roller 115 toward the first conveyance roller 114. The pressing member is not limited to the torsion coil spring 144, and a compression spring, a sheet metal spring, or the like may be used.

The leg portion 142 of the support 140 is a plate-shaped rectangular portion in plan view and is integral with the downstream end of the body portion 141 in the medium conveying direction A1. The leg portion 142 extends downward substantially parallel to the height direction A3. The second conveyance roller shaft 115c is inserted into a through hole in the lower end of the leg portion 142. In other words, the support 140 is swingable about the swing shaft 143 with the leg portion 142 coupled to the second conveyance roller shaft 115c.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state before the support 140 swings. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state after the support 140 swings. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the conveyance of a relatively thick medium such as a passport.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the swing shaft 143, which is the swing center of the support 140, is located upstream from the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the medium conveying direction A1. The second conveyance roller shaft 115c is the rotation center of the second conveyance roller 115. The swing shaft 143, which is the swing center of the support 140, is located on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to a medium MD conveyed through the medium conveying path. In other words, the swing shaft 143 is located on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115.

Inside the upper housing 102, a first stopper ST1 and a second stopper ST2 are located. The first stopper ST1 prevents the second conveyance roller 115 from moving upstream from the position where the second conveyance roller 115 forms the nip with the first conveyance roller 114, when the support 140 swings.

When the support 140 swings, although the second conveyance roller 115 moves obliquely upward with respect to the first conveyance roller 114, the second stopper ST2 forms a space for the thickest medium supported by the medium conveying apparatus 100 to pass.

In this way, the first stopper ST1 and the second stopper ST2 restrict the swingable range of the support 140.

As described above, the support 140 is urged toward the upstream side by the torsion coil spring 144. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the medium MD fed by the feed roller 112 has not reached the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115, the support 140 stops at the position where the first conveyance roller 114 forms the nip with the second conveyance roller 115 by the frictional force between the second conveyance roller 115 and the first conveyance roller 114. In this case, the leg portion 142 extends vertically in the height direction A3, and the second conveyance roller 115 faces the first conveyance roller 114.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the medium MD reaches the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115, the second conveyance roller 115 is pushed downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 by the medium MD fed by the feed roller 112. As described above, the support 140 supports the second conveyance roller 115 to allow the second conveyance roller 115 to swing. The swing center of the support 140 is located upstream from the rotation center of the second conveyance roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1 and is on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115.

Accordingly, the second conveyance roller 115 supported by the support 140 swings together with the support 140 about the swing shaft 143. As a result, while moving downstream in the medium conveying direction A1, the second conveyance roller 115 is lifted and separated from the first conveyance roller 114. Thus, the space through which the medium MD can pass is formed between the second conveyance roller 115 and the first conveyance roller 114. Since the second conveyance roller 115 swings together with the support 140 about the swing shaft 143, the medium MD can lift the second conveyance roller 115 with a force smaller than the force for lifting the second conveyance roller 115 that does not swing. The swingable second conveyance roller 115 is easily moved upward and downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 by the conveyed medium MD. Thus, the medium MD can smoothly pass.

As described above, the first conveyance roller 114 is located below the second conveyance roller 115 supported by the support 140. When the swing center of the support 140 is located downstream from the portion supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the medium conveying direction A1, the portion of the support 140 supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c does not move downward. Accordingly, when the swing center of the support 140 is located downstream from the portion supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the medium conveying direction A1, the portion of the support 140 supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c should move upward in an arc shape (an arc shape protruding upward). In this case, the second conveyance roller 115 cannot move efficiently by using the force from the medium moving in the medium conveying direction A1. Accordingly, when the swing center of the support 140 is located downstream from the portion supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the medium conveying direction A1, the force for moving the second conveyance roller 115 is large compared with the configuration where the swing center of the support 140 is located upstream from the portion supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the medium conveying direction A1. In other words, it is necessary to apply a large conveying force to the medium MD so that the medium MD moves the second conveyance roller 115. Then, a large current needs to be supplied to the motor that drives the conveyance rollers, and the power consumption of the entire apparatus increases. In addition, compared with the configuration where the swing center of the support 140 is located upstream from the portion supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the medium conveying direction A1, a greater load is applied to the second conveyance roller 115 and the medium MD pushing the second conveyance roller 115, and jamming of the medium MD (paper jam) may occur.

In a configuration where the swing center of the support 140 is directly above the portion supporting the second conveyance roller shaft 115c, when the second conveyance roller 115 is small due to dimensional error in manufacturing, the second conveyance roller 115 fails to contact the first conveyance roller 114 and fails to form the nip.

By contrast, the swing center of the support 140 of the medium conveying apparatus 100 is located upstream from the rotation center of the second conveyance roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1 and is located on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115. Accordingly, the medium conveying apparatus 100 can convey properly the relatively thick medium MD.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the medium conveying apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The medium conveying apparatus 100 further includes a motor 151, an interface device 152, a memory 160, and a processing circuit 170 in addition to the above-described components.

The motor 151 includes one or more motors. In response to a control signal from the processing circuit 170, the motor 151 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first ejection roller 117, and/or the second ejection roller 118 to convey a medium.

The interface device 152 includes an interface circuit compatible with a serial bus such as a universal serial bus (USB). The interface device 152 is electrically connected to an information processing apparatus (e.g., a personal computer or a mobile information processing terminal) to transmit and receive a read image and various kinds of information to and from the information processing apparatus. The interface device 152 may be substituted by a communication device that includes an antenna to transmit and receive wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device to transmit and receive signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN) communication protocol.

The memory 160 includes memories such as a random-access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable memory such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The memory 160 stores, for example, computer programs, databases, and tables used for various processes performed by the medium conveying apparatus 100. The computer programs may be installed in the memory 160 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using, for example, a setup program. The portable recording medium is, for example, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disc read-only memory (DVD-ROM). The computer programs may be distributed from, for example, a server and installed in the memory 160.

The processing circuit 170 operates according to a program prestored in the memory 160. The processing circuit 170 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, a digital signal processor (DSP), a large-scale integration (LSI), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) may be used as the processing circuit 170.

The processing circuit 170 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the media sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the motor 151, the interface device 152, the memory 160, etc., and controls these devices. The processing circuit 170 controls operations such as driving the motor 151 and imaging with the imaging device 116 based on the media signal received from the media sensor 111 to obtain an input image from the imaging device 116. Then, the processing circuit 170 transmits the input image to the information processing apparatus via the interface device 152.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the memory 160 and the processing circuit 170.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the memory 160 stores a control program 161 and an image obtaining program 162. These programs are functional modules implemented by software that operates on the processor. The processing circuit 170 reads the programs from the memory 160 and operates according to the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 171 and an image obtaining unit 172.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a medium reading process performed by the medium conveying apparatus 100.

The medium reading process performed by the medium conveying apparatus 100 is described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9. The process described below is executed, for example, by the processing circuit 170 in cooperation with the components of the medium conveying apparatus 100 based on the program prestored in the memory 160.

In step S101, the control unit 171 stands by until an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the operation device 105 or an information processing apparatus via the interface device 152. The operation signal is output when a user inputs an instruction to read the medium using the operation device 105 or the information processing apparatus.

In step S102, the control unit 171 obtains a media signal from the media sensor 111 and determines whether a medium is placed on the media tray 103 based on the obtained media signal. The control unit 171 ends the series of steps when no medium is placed on the media tray 103.

By contrast, when a medium is placed on the media tray 103 (Yes in step S102), the control unit 171 controls the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first ejection roller 117, and/or the second ejection roller 118 to rotate in step S103. The control unit 171 drives the motor 151 to rotate the rollers to feed and convey the medium.

In step S104, the image obtaining unit 172 controls the imaging device 116 to image the medium, obtains an input image from the imaging device 116, and transmits the obtained input image to the information processing apparatus via the interface device 152 to output the input image.

In step S105, the control unit 171 determines whether a medium remains on the media tray 103 based on the media signal received from the media sensor 111. When a medium MD remains on the media tray 103 (Yes in step S105), the control unit 171 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the operations of steps S104 and S105.

By contrast, when no medium remains on the media tray 103 (No in step S105), the control unit 171 stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first ejection roller 117, and/or the second ejection roller 118 in step S106. The control unit 171 controls the motor 151 to stop the rollers and ends the series of steps.

As described above in detail, in the medium conveying apparatus 100, the support 140 supports the second conveyance roller 115, which faces the first conveyance roller 114, to swing. The swing center of the support 140 is located upstream from the rotation center of the second conveyance roller 115 in the medium conveying direction A1 and is located on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115. When the medium to be fed is relatively thick, the second conveyance roller 115 is swung downstream by the medium and is separated from the first conveyance roller 114, thereby allowing a space through which the medium passes. Thus, the medium conveying apparatus 100 can properly convey the medium MD that is relatively thick.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a medium conveying mechanism according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the medium conveying mechanism as viewed from obliquely above and from downstream in the medium conveying direction A1. In FIG. 10, the components such as the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, and the imaging device 116 are omitted.

A medium conveying apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is similar in configuration and function to the medium conveying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. However, the medium conveying apparatus 200 includes a support 240 instead of the support 140. The support 240 supports the second conveyance roller 115 being the facing roller. The medium conveying apparatus 200 does not include the spring receiving portion 146.

The support 240 is similar in configuration and function to the support 140. However, the support 240 includes support portions 240a and 240b, and an arm portion 240c.

The support portion 240a is located outside (farther from the center of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c than) the second conveyance roller 115a in the width direction A2. The support portion 240a includes the body portion 141 and the leg portion 142 similarly to the support 140a of the support 140.

The support portion 240b is located outside the second conveyance roller 115b in the width direction A2. The support portion 240b includes the body portion 141 and the leg portion 142 similarly to the support 140b of the support 140. The support portion 240b and the support portion 240a have laterally symmetrical shapes.

The arm portion 240c couples the support portion 240a and the support portion 240b. One end of the arm portion 240c is located near a portion of the support portion 240a where the body portion 141 and the leg portion 142 intersect. The other end of the arm portion 240c is located near a portion of the support portion 240b where the body portion 141 and the leg portion 142 intersect.

The arm portion 240c is prismatic and couples the support portion 240a with the support portion 240b. The arm portion 240c is longer in the width direction A2 than the two second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b, which are located on the second conveyance roller shaft 115c at the predetermined interval. In other words, the arm portion 240c couples the support portions 240a and 240b, which sandwich the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b from both sides. The support portion 240a, the support portion 240b, and the arm portion 240c are integral with one another. The support portion 240a, the support portion 240b, and the arm portion 240c may be separate parts and fixed to each other. The arm portion 240c may be columnar instead of being prismatic. The arm portion 240c is not necessarily pillar shaped. The arm portion 240c may be plate shaped or have a notch or the like.

The arm portion 240c is at a predetermined interval in the height direction A3 from the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b. Thus, the second conveyance roller 115 is not prevented from rotating.

The arm portion 240c functions as a spring receiving portion instead of the spring receiving portion 146. To the arm portion 240c, the long leg 144a of the torsion coil spring 144 on the protruding portion 145 of the support portion 240a and the long leg 144a of the torsion coil spring 144 on the protruding portion 145 of the support portion 240b contact from above. Each of the support portions 240a and 240b is pressed by the long leg 144a of the torsion coil spring 144 via the arm portion 240c and presses the second conveyance roller 115 against the first conveyance roller 114.

The respective swing centers of the support portions 240a and 240b coupled by the arm portion 240c are located upstream from the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the medium conveying direction A1 and are located on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the support 240 according to the second embodiment.

The arm portion 240c of the support 240 has torsional rigidity that allows the support portion 240a to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow W1 about the swing shaft 143 and allows the support portion 240b to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow W2. Similarly, the arm portion 240c has torsional rigidity that allows the support portion 240a to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow W1 about the swing shaft 143 and allows the support portion 240b to rotate in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow W2. In other words, the arm portion 240c supports the support portions 240a and 240b to swing independently of each other.

As described above, the arm portion 240c supports the second conveyance roller shaft 115c, which serves as the rotation shaft common to the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b, at multiple positions in the width direction A2 and is torsionally deformable.

Accordingly, the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b, which are located at the predetermined interval in the width direction A2 intersecting the medium conveying direction A1, can be positioned at different positions in the swing direction of the support 240 by the torsionally deformable arm portion 240c.

Thus, even if the outer diameter differs between the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b due to manufacturing error, the medium conveying apparatus 200 can position the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b at different positions in the swing direction, thereby absorbing the manufacturing error.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positions of two second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b different in outer diameter.

If the arm portion 240c (FIG. 11) is not torsionally deformable, the two support portions 240a and 240b coupled by the arm portion 240c are constantly located at the same position in the swing direction, and the rotation centers of the rollers supported by the support portions 240a and 240b are constantly located at the same position in the swing direction. Accordingly, when the outer diameters of the two rollers are different from each other, the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers are located at different height positions, and one of the rollers may be separated from the medium.

By contrast, in the medium conveying apparatus 200, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the torsionally deformable arm portion 240c allows the two support portions 240a and 240b coupled by the arm portion 240c to be positioned at different positions in the swing direction. Accordingly, the rotation centers of the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b supported by the support portions 240a and 240b, respectively, can be located at different positions in the swing direction. Thus, even when the outer diameters of the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b are different from each other, the outer circumferential surfaces of the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b can be located at the same height position with respect to the first conveyance rollers 114a and 114b, respectively. Accordingly, the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b can contact the medium and apply uniform pressure to the medium.

As described above in detail, the medium conveying apparatus 200 using the support 240 can properly convey the medium MD that is relatively thick.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a medium conveying mechanism according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the medium conveying mechanism as viewed from obliquely above from downstream in the medium conveying direction A1. In FIG. 13, the components such as the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, and the imaging device 116 are omitted.

The medium conveying apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment is similar in configuration and function to the medium conveying apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. However, the medium conveying apparatus 300 further includes a first conveyance roller gear 323, a second conveyance roller gear 324, a drive coupling 330, and a second shaft 331 in addition to the configuration of the medium conveying apparatus 100. The medium conveying apparatus 300 includes second conveyance roller shafts 115d and 115e instead of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c of the medium conveying apparatus 100. Further, the medium conveying apparatus 300 includes a support 340 instead of the support 140 of the medium conveying apparatus 100. The support 340 is similar in configuration and function to the support 140. However, the support 340 includes a first support 341 and a second support 342 located at a predetermined interval in the width direction A2.

The first conveyance roller gear 323 is located at the end of the first conveyance roller shaft 114c opposite to the end at which the first conveyance roller gear 121 is located.

The second conveyance roller 115a is located on the second conveyance roller shaft 115d and rotates about the second conveyance roller shaft 115d (as the rotation axis). The second conveyance roller 115b is located on the second conveyance roller shaft 115e and rotates about the second conveyance roller shaft 115e (as the rotation axis). The second conveyance roller shaft 115d and the second conveyance roller shaft 115e are separated from each other but are coaxial.

The second receiving portion 130b of the drive coupling 130 is located at one end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115d. The second conveyance roller 115a is located at the other end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115d.

The second conveyance roller 115b is located at one end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e. The first receiving portion 330a of the drive coupling 330 is located at the other end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e.

The drive coupling 330 is similar in configuration to the drive coupling 130. The drive coupling 330 includes a first receiving portion 330a, a second receiving portion 330b, and a joint shaft 330c. The first receiving portion 330a is located at the end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e opposite to the end at which the second conveyance roller 115b is located. The second receiving portion 330b is located at the end of the second shaft 331 opposite to the end to which the second conveyance roller gear 324 is located. The joint shaft 330c is tiltably coupled to the first receiving portion 330a and the second receiving portion 330b.

The second receiving portion 330b of the drive coupling 330 is located at one end of the second shaft 331, and the second conveyance roller gear 324 is located at the other end of the second shaft 331. The second conveyance roller gear 324 is engaged with the first conveyance roller gear 323 and rotates following the rotation of the first conveyance roller gear 323.

Thus, the drive coupling 330 tiltably couples the second shaft 331 and the second conveyance roller shaft 115e and transmits the driving force from the motor 151 to the second conveyance roller shaft 115e.

As described above, the second conveyance roller 115a is rotated via the second conveyance roller gear 122, the first shaft 131, and the drive coupling 130, and the second conveyance roller 115b is rotated via the second conveyance roller gear 324, the second shaft 331, and the drive coupling 330. In other words, the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b are rotated while being independently supported by the first support 341 and the second support 342.

The first support 341 is attached to the second conveyance roller shaft 115d to sandwich the second conveyance roller 115a from both sides in the width direction A2. The first support 341 includes a support portion 341a, a support portion 341b, an arm portion 341c, and a shaft 341d.

The support portion 341a is located outside one end of the second conveyance roller 115a in the axial direction of the second conveyance roller 115a, and the support portion 341b is located outside the other end of the second conveyance roller 115a. The support portion 341a and the support portion 341b have laterally symmetrical shapes. The support portion 341a and the support portion 341b are similar in configuration and function to the support portion 240a and the support portion 240b according to the second embodiment, respectively. The arm portion 341c is prismatic and couples the support portion 341a and the support portion 341b. The shaft 341d is coaxial with the swing shaft 143 and couples the support portion 341a and the support portion 341b. The shaft 341d and the arm portion 341c are parallel to the width direction A2. The arm portion 341c may be columnar instead of being prismatic, and is not necessarily pillar shaped, similarly to the arm portion 240c. The arm portion 341c may be plate shaped or have a notch or the like, similarly to the arm portion 240c.

The torsion coil spring 144 is attached to the center of the shaft 341d, and the long leg 144a contacts the arm portion 341c from above. The first support 341 is pressed by the long leg 144a of the torsion coil spring 144 and presses the second conveyance roller 115 against the first conveyance roller 114. The torsion coil spring 144 may not be attached to the center of the shaft 341d and may be attached to each end of the shaft 341d.

The second support 342 is attached to the second conveyance roller shaft 115e to sandwich the second conveyance roller 115b from both sides in the width direction A2. The second support 342 includes a support portion 342a, a support portion 342b, an arm portion 342c, and a shaft 342d.

The support portion 342a is located outside one end of the second conveyance roller 115b in the axial direction, and the support portion 342b is located outside the other end of the second conveyance roller 115b. The support portion 342a and the support portion 342b have laterally symmetrical shapes. The support portion 342a and the support portion 342b are similar in configuration and function to the support portion 240a and the support portion 240b according to the second embodiment, respectively. The arm portion 342c couples the support portion 342a and the support portion 342b. The shaft 342d is coaxial with the swing shaft 143 and couples the support portion 342a and the support portion 342b. The shaft 342d and the arm portion 342c are parallel to the width direction A2.

The torsion coil spring 144 is attached to the center of the shaft 342d, and the long leg 144a contacts the arm portion 342c from above. The second support 342 is pressed by the long leg 144a of the torsion coil spring 144 and presses the second conveyance roller 115 against the first conveyance roller 114. The torsion coil spring 144 may not be attached to the center of the shaft 342d and may be attached to each end of the shaft 342d.

The swing centers of the first support 341 and the second support 342 are located upstream from the second conveyance roller shafts 115d and 115e (rotation centers) in the medium conveying direction A1 and on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115.

The first support 341 supports and allows the second conveyance roller 115a to swing by the support portion 341a, the support portion 341b, and the arm portion 341c. The second support 342 supports and allows the second conveyance roller 115b to swing by the support portion 342a, the support portion 342b, and the arm portion 342c.

In other words, the arm portion 341c and the arm portion 342c support the second conveyance roller 115a and the second conveyance roller 115b independently of each other. The arm portion 341c is an example of a first arm portion, and the arm portion 342c is an example of a second arm portion.

In this way, the medium conveying apparatus 300 supports the first support 341 and the second support 342 independently of each other via the drive coupling 130 and the drive coupling 330 and allows the second conveyance rollers 115a and 115b to be located at different positions from each other in the swing direction.

Accordingly, even if manufacturing error occurs between the outer diameter of the second conveyance roller 115a and the outer diameter of the second conveyance roller 115b, the medium conveying apparatus 300 can absorb the manufacturing error by allowing the second conveyance roller 115a and the second conveyance roller 115b to independently swing via the first support 341 and the second support 342.

As described above in detail, the medium conveying apparatus 300 using the support 340 can properly convey the medium MD that is relatively thick.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a medium conveying mechanism of a medium conveying apparatus 400 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of a drive coupling of the medium conveying mechanism of the medium conveying apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment.

The medium conveying apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment is similar in configuration and function to the medium conveying apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment. However, the medium conveying apparatus 400 does not include a part of the components of the medium conveying apparatus 300, such as the first conveyance roller gear 323, the second conveyance roller gear 324, the drive coupling 330, and the second shaft 331 although the medium conveying apparatus 400 includes a drive coupling 430.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the drive coupling 430 couples the first support 341 and the second support 342. The drive coupling 430 is similar in configuration and function to the drive coupling 130. The drive coupling 430 includes a first receiving portion 430a, a second receiving portion 430b, and a joint shaft 430c. The first receiving portion 430a is located at the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115d in the width direction A2. The second receiving portion 430b is located at the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e in the width direction A2. The joint shaft 430c tiltably couples the first receiving portion 430a and the second receiving portion 430b.

Thus, the drive coupling 430 tiltably couples the second conveyance roller shaft 115d and the second conveyance roller shaft 115e and transmits the driving force from the motor 151 from the second conveyance roller shaft 115d to the second conveyance roller shaft 115e.

In this way, in the medium conveying apparatus 400, the second conveyance roller shaft 115d (rotation shaft) of the second conveyance roller 115a is coupled to the second conveyance roller shaft 115e (rotation shaft) of the second conveyance roller 115b via the drive coupling 430. As a result, in the medium conveying apparatus 400, since the first support 341 and the second support 342 can swing independently of each other, the second conveyance roller 115a can be located at a different position from the second conveyance roller 115b in the swing direction. In other words, the second conveyance roller 115a and the second conveyance roller 115b can be located at positions different from each other in the swing direction of the first support 341 and the second support 342.

Accordingly, even if manufacturing error occurs between the outer diameter of the second conveyance roller 115a and the outer diameter of the second conveyance roller 115b, the medium conveying apparatus 400 can absorb the manufacturing error by allowing the first support 341 and the second support 342 to independently swing.

The swing centers of the first support 341 and the second support 342 are located upstream from the second conveyance roller shafts 115d and 115e (rotation centers) in the medium conveying direction A1 and on the same side as the second conveyance roller 115 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115.

As described above in detail, the medium conveying apparatus 400 using the drive coupling 430 can properly convey the medium MD that is thick.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 16 and 17 are schematic views of a medium conveying mechanism of a medium conveying apparatus 500 according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the medium conveying mechanism as viewed from the downstream side. FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the medium conveying mechanism as viewed from above.

The medium conveying apparatus 500 according to the fifth embodiment is similar in configuration and function to the medium conveying apparatus 200. However, the medium conveying apparatus 500 includes a support 540 instead of the support 240. The support 540 supports the second conveyance roller 115 being the facing roller.

The support 540 is similar in configuration and function to the support 240. However, the support 540 includes an arm portion 540c instead of the arm portion 240c. The arm portion 540c is similar in configuration and function to the arm portion 240c. However, the arm portion 540c includes a pressing portion 550. The pressing portion 550 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The pressing portion 550 is not limited thereto. Various other kinds of spring-like members such as a sheet metal spring and a torsion coil spring, or elastic members such as a rubber member and a sponge member may be used.

The pressing portion 550 is located between a central portion of the arm portion 540c in the width direction A2 and a central portion of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c, which is the rotation shaft of the second conveyance roller 115, in the width direction A2. The pressing portion 550 presses the central portion of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2 downward and/or toward downstream. Between the pressing portion 550 and the second conveyance roller shaft 115c, a slider such as a resin member having high slidability for reducing friction may be interposed.

When pressed by the pressing portion 550, the second conveyance roller shaft 115c is deformed such that the central portion in the width direction A2 is displaced to the downstream side and/or the lower side and the ends in the width direction A2 are displaced to the upstream side and/or the upper side. As a result, the second conveyance roller 115a and the second conveyance roller 115b, which have the second conveyance roller shaft 115c as the rotation shaft, rotate to convey the medium outward in the width direction A2. Then, the medium is conveyed while being pulled outward.

This enables the medium conveying apparatus 500 to reduce the occurrence of creases in the medium. When the medium to be conveyed is creased, tonal gradation may be degraded in an input image (particularly, a color image or a grayscale image) obtained by imaging the medium with the imaging device 116, and noise may occur. The medium conveying apparatus 500 can reduce the degradation of tonal gradation (gradation unevenness, shading unevenness) and noise caused by the creases of the medium in an input image such as a color image or a grayscale image by reducing the occurrence of creases of the medium.

Further, the pressing portion 550 is not limited to a compression coil spring but may be a rod, and the rod may press the central portion of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c in the width direction A2 downward and/or toward downstream. In this case, the arm portion 540c may be integral with the rod.

As described above in detail, the medium conveying apparatus 500 using the support 540 can properly convey the medium MD that is thick.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a medium conveying mechanism of a medium conveying apparatus 600 according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the medium conveying mechanism as viewed from above.

The medium conveying apparatus 600 according to the sixth embodiment is similar in configuration and function to the medium conveying apparatus 300. However, the medium conveying apparatus 600 includes a support 640 instead of the support 340. The support 640 supports the second conveyance roller 115 that is the facing roller. The support 640 includes a first support 641 and a second support 642. The first support 641 includes a support portion 641a, a support portion 641b, and an arm portion 641c. The second support 642 includes a support portion 642a, a support portion 642b, and an arm portion 642c. The first support 641 and the second support 642 are similar in configuration and function to the first support 341 and the second support 342, respectively. However, the first support 641 and the second support 642 are located in tilted postures in advance. Each of the first support 641 and the second support 642 are located such that the center-side end in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path is located on the downstream side and/or the lower side, and the outer end in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path is located on the upstream side and/or the upper side.

The first support 641 supports the second conveyance roller shaft 115d such that the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115d in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path is positioned downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from and/or lower than the outer end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115d in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path. Similarly, the second support 342 supports the second conveyance roller shaft 115e such that the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path is positioned downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from and/or lower than the outer end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path. The second conveyance roller shaft 115d is an example of a first rotation shaft, and the second conveyance roller shaft 115e is an example of a second rotation shaft.

As a result, the second conveyance roller 115a having the second conveyance roller shaft 115d as the rotation shaft and the second conveyance roller 115b having the second conveyance roller shaft 115e as the rotation shaft rotate to convey the medium outward in the width direction A2. Then, the medium is conveyed while being pulled outward. This enables the medium conveying apparatus 600 to reduce the occurrence of creases in the medium.

Similarly to the medium conveying apparatus 400, the first support 641 and the second support 642 may be swingably coupled to each other via the drive coupling 430 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

As described above in detail, the medium conveying apparatus 600 using the support 640 can properly convey the medium MD that is relatively thick.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a medium conveying mechanism of a medium conveying apparatus 700 according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the medium conveying mechanism as viewed from above.

The medium conveying apparatus 700 according to the seventh embodiment is similar in configuration and function to the medium conveying apparatus 200. However, the medium conveying apparatus 700 includes two second conveyance roller shafts 715d and 715e and a support 740 instead of the second conveyance roller shaft 115c and the support 240.

The support 740 is similar in configuration and function to the support 240. However, the support 740 includes an arm portion 740c instead of the arm portion 240c. The arm portion 740c is similar in configuration and function to the arm portion 240c. However, the arm portion 740c includes the protruding portions 741a and 741b.

The protruding portion 741a is located between the central portion of the support 740 in the width direction A2 and the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 715d in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path. The second conveyance roller shaft 715d is the rotation shaft of the second conveyance roller 115a. The protruding portion 741b is located between the central portion of the support 740 in the width direction A2 and the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 715e in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path. The second conveyance roller shaft 715e is the rotation shaft of the second conveyance roller 115b. The protruding portions 741a and 741b extend in the medium conveying direction A1 and are at a predetermined interval. The protruding portions 741a and 741b are quadrangular prismatic, protrude from the support 740 in parallel to each other downward and/or toward downstream. The protruding portions 741a and 741b may have other columnar shapes such as a cylindrical shape. The protruding portions 741a and 741b are not necessarily pillar shaped.

The support portion 240a is located at one end of the second conveyance roller shaft 715d, and the protruding portion 741a is located at the other end of the second conveyance roller shaft 715d. The support 740 supports the second conveyance roller shaft 115d such that the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115d in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path is positioned downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from and/or lower than the outer end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115d in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path.

The protruding portions 741b is located at one end of the second conveyance roller shaft 715e, and the support portion 240b is located at the other end of the second conveyance roller shaft 715e. The support 740 supports the second conveyance roller shaft 115e such that the center-side end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path is positioned downstream in the medium conveying direction A1 from and/or lower than the outer end of the second conveyance roller shaft 115e in the width direction A2 of the medium conveying path.

As a result, the second conveyance roller 115a, which has the second conveyance roller shaft 715d as the rotation shaft, and the second conveyance roller 115b, which has the second conveyance roller shaft 715e as the rotation shaft, rotate to convey the medium outward in the width direction A2. Then, the medium is conveyed while being pulled outward. This enables the medium conveying apparatus 700 to reduce the occurrence of creases in the medium.

Instead of the two second conveyance roller shafts 715d and 715e, a single second conveyance roller shaft bent at the center may be used. In this case, the second conveyance roller may be a resin roller that freely rotates with respect to the fixed second conveyance roller shaft.

As described above in detail, the medium conveying apparatus 700 using the support 740 can properly convey the medium MD that is relatively thick []

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 800 of another medium conveying apparatus.

The processing circuit 800 illustrated in FIG. 20 is used in place of the processing circuit 170 of the medium conveying apparatus 100 and executes the medium reading process, etc. in place of the processing circuit 170. The processing circuit 800 includes a control circuit 801 and an image obtaining circuit 802. These circuits may be implemented by independent integrated circuits, microprocessors, firmware, or a combination thereof.

The control circuit 801 functions like the control unit 171. The control circuit 801 receives operation signals from the operation device 105 or the interface device 152 and receives the media signal from the media sensor 111. The control circuit 801 controls the motor 151 based on the received information.

The image obtaining circuit 802 functions like the image obtaining unit 172. The image obtaining circuit 802 obtains an input image from the imaging device 116 and outputs the input image to the interface device 152.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, a support similar to any of the supports described above may be applied to the second ejection roller 118. In this case, the swing center of the support that supports and allows the second ejection roller 118 to swing is located upstream from the rotation center of the second ejection roller 118 in the medium conveying direction A1 and is located on the same side as the second ejection roller 118 with respect to the nip between the first ejection roller 117 and the second ejection roller 118.

A support similar to any of the supports described above may be applied to the first conveyance roller 114. In this case, the swing center of the support that supports and allows the first conveyance roller 114 to swing is located upstream from the rotation center of the first conveyance roller 114 in the medium conveying direction A1 and is located on the same side as the first conveyance roller 114 with respect to the nip between the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115.

A support similar to any of the supports described above may be applied to the first ejection roller 117. In this case, the swing center of the support that supports and allows the first ejection roller 117 to swing is located upstream from the rotation center of the first ejection roller 117 in the medium conveying direction A1 and on the same side as the first ejection roller 117 with respect to the nip between the first ejection roller 117 and the second ejection roller 118.

Further, the medium conveying path may be configured such that the medium conveying apparatus feeds and conveys media placed on the media tray sequentially from the top, and ejects the media to the ejection tray. In this configuration, the separation roller is located below the feed roller to face the feed roller.

The medium conveying apparatus may include an image forming device instead of or in addition to the imaging device 116. The image forming device employs, for example, an inkjet printing method or a laser printing method, is located at the position corresponding to the position of the imaging device 116, and forms an image (prints predetermined information) on a medium conveyed.

The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention. Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in various other ways, for example, in an order different from the one described above.