MEDIUM CONVEYING APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-097428, filed on Jun. 10, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiment discussed herein is related to a medium conveying apparatus.

BACKGROUND

There is a known medium conveying apparatuses that is able to be stored in a small space by storing both of a first tray and a second tray in a device main body on which a medium is placed (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2003-089249, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-185208, and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 9-068910).

When an extension member that expands and contracts the first tray is further provided, this type of medium conveying apparatus is able to hold a medium protruding from the first tray by the extension member and is able to prevent deviation or drop of the medium from the first tray. However, with this type of medium conveying apparatus, a problem sometimes occurs when the first tray is not appropriately stored due to inappropriate contraction of the first tray. An example of the problem includes a problem that the second tray is not appropriately stored.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a medium conveying apparatus includes a main body in which a conveying path that connects an insertion port and a discharge port is formed, a paper ejection tray main body that is rotatably supported by the main body and that is arranged at a paper ejection tray unfolding position or a paper ejection tray storage position, an extension member that is supported so as to be able to move translationally with respect to the paper ejection tray main body and that is arranged at an expansion position or a contraction position, a cover that is rotatably supported by the main body and that is arranged at an opening position or a closing position, and a contact member that is fixed to the cover, wherein the discharge port is connected to the paper ejection tray main body when the paper ejection tray main body is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position, the insertion port is opened by the cover when the cover is arranged at the opening position, and is closed by the cover when the cover is arranged at the closing position, and the cover is arranged at a midway position between the opening position and the closing position when the paper ejection tray main body is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position and when the extension member is not arranged at the contraction position and is in contact with the contact member.

The object and advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an image reading apparatus provided with a medium conveying apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus when a blindfold cover is opened and a paper feed tray is unfolded;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus when a paper ejection tray is stored, a paper feed tray is stored, and a blindfold cover is closed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray is stored and the paper feed tray is stored;

FIG. 7 is another perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray is stored, the paper feed tray is stored, and the blindfold cover is closed;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the blindfold cover;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray is stored, the paper feed tray is stored, and the blindfold cover is closed;

FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray is stored, the paper feed tray is stored, and the blindfold cover is closed;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray is stored;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading device when a paper ejection tray main body is arranged at a paper ejection tray storage position and when a paper ejection tray extension member is arranged at an inappropriate contraction position;

FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the blindfold cover is arranged at a cover midway position;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the image reading apparatus;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray main body is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position and when the paper ejection tray extension member is arranged at the inappropriate contraction position;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus when the paper ejection tray is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body and when the paper feed tray main body is arranged at the paper feed tray midway position.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of a medium conveying apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, in the description below, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components and descriptions of overlapping portions will be omitted.

Embodiment

A medium conveying apparatus according to an embodiment is provided in an image reading apparatus 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 provided with the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment. The image reading apparatus 1 includes a medium conveying apparatus main body 2, a scan button 3, a power lamp 5, a paper feed tray 6, and a paper ejection tray 7. The medium conveying apparatus main body 2 is formed in a substantially box shape. The scan button 3 is arranged on the upper side of the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The scan button 3 detects whether or not the scan button 3 has been pressed. The power lamp 5 is arranged on the front side and on the upper side of the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The power lamp 5 is formed by a light-emitting diode.

The paper feed tray 6 includes a paper feed tray main body 11 and a paper feed tray extension member 12. The paper feed tray main body 11 is formed in a plate shape. A paper feed tray placement surface 14 is formed on the paper feed tray main body 11. A space for storing therein the paper feed tray extension member 12 is formed inside the paper feed tray main body 11. The paper feed tray main body 11 is supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 15. The rotation axis 15 is parallel to a plane that is parallel to an installation surface on which the image reading apparatus 1 is placed. The paper feed tray main body 11 is opened and closed as a result of the paper feed tray main body 11 rotating about the rotation axis 15.

The paper feed tray extension member 12 is formed in a plate shape. A paper feed tray auxiliary placement surface 16 is formed in the paper feed tray extension member 12. The paper feed tray extension member 12 is arranged such that the paper feed tray auxiliary placement surface 16 is substantially parallel to the plane that is parallel to the paper feed tray placement surface 14, and is supported by the paper feed tray main body 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 17. The rotation axis 17 is perpendicular to the plane that is parallel to the paper feed tray placement surface 14. The paper feed tray 6 expands and contracts as a result of the paper feed tray extension member 12 rotating about the rotation axis 17. The paper feed tray extension member 12 is arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position and is arranged outside the paper feed tray main body 11 when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately expanded.

The paper feed tray 6 is unfolded or stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 as a result of the paper feed tray main body 11 being opened or closed or the paper feed tray 6 being expanded or contracted. The paper feed tray extension member 12 is arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately unfolded. The paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position when the paper feed tray 6 is inappropriately unfolded. The paper feed tray placement surface 14 is oriented obliquely upward when the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1. The image reading apparatus 1 further includes a blindfold cover 18. The blindfold cover 18 is formed in a substantially plate shape. The blindfold cover 18 is arranged on the rear side of the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and is supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 19. The rotation axis 19 is parallel to the rotation axis 15. The blindfold cover 18 is opened and closed as a result of the blindfold cover 18 rotating about the rotation axis 19. The blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the opening position when the blindfold cover 18 is appropriately opened.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1. The paper ejection tray 7 includes a paper ejection tray main body 21 and a paper ejection tray extension member 22. The paper ejection tray main body 21 is formed in a plate shape. A paper ejection tray placement surface 23 is formed in the paper ejection tray main body 21. A storage space for storing the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is formed inside the paper ejection tray main body 21. The paper ejection tray main body 21 is supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 24. The rotation axis 24 is parallel to the rotation axis 15. The plane parallel to the paper ejection tray placement surface 23 is parallel to the rotation axis 24. The paper ejection tray main body 21 is opened and closed as a result of the paper ejection tray main body 21 rotating about the rotation axis 24.

The paper ejection tray extension member 22 is formed in a plate shape. A paper ejection tray auxiliary placement surface 25 is formed in the paper ejection tray extension member 22. The paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged such that the paper ejection tray auxiliary placement surface 25 is substantially along the plane that is parallel to the paper ejection tray placement surface 23, and is supported by the paper ejection tray main body 21 so as to be able to perform a translational movement in a direction parallel to a translation direction 26. The translation direction 26 is parallel to the plane that is parallel to the paper ejection tray placement surface 23, and is also perpendicular to the rotation axis 24. A leading end 27 that is included in the paper ejection tray extension member 22 and that is located away from the rotation axis 24 moves closer to the paper ejection tray main body 21 or moves away from the paper ejection tray main body 21 as a result of the paper ejection tray extension member 22 moving translationally in a direction parallel to the translation direction 26. The paper ejection tray 7 expands and contracts as a result of the paper ejection tray extension member 22 moving translationally in a direction parallel to the translation direction 26. The paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray expansion position and is arranged outside the paper ejection tray main body 21 when the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately expanded.

The paper ejection tray 7 is unfolded or is stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 as a result of the paper ejection tray main body 21 being opened or closed or the paper ejection tray 7 being expanded or contracted. The paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray expansion position when the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately unfolded. The paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position when the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately unfolded. The paper ejection tray placement surface 23 is oriented obliquely upward when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position.

An insertion port 31, a discharge port 32, and a conveying path 33 are formed in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The insertion port 31 is formed on the rear side of the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The discharge port 32 is formed on the front side and on the upper side of the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The conveying path 33 is formed inside the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The insertion port 31 and the discharge port 32 are connected via the conveying path 33. The discharge port 32 is connected to the paper ejection tray main body 21 and is connected to the paper ejection tray placement surface 23 when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position.

The image reading apparatus 1 further includes a conveying unit 37 and a reading unit 38. The conveying unit 37 is arranged inside the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The conveying unit 37 supplies, to the conveying path 33, one of a plurality of media that are inserted in the insertion port 31. The conveying unit 37 further conveys the single medium supplied to the conveying path 33 toward the discharge port 32 along the conveying path 33. The conveying unit 37 discharges the medium that has been conveyed along the conveying path 33 from the discharge port 32. The reading unit 38 captures an image of the medium that is conveyed along the conveying path 33.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the blindfold cover 18 is opened and the paper feed tray 6 is unfolded. When the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the opening position, the insertion port 31 is opened without being covered by the blindfold cover 18. The image reading apparatus 1 further includes a cover closing spring 39. The cover closing spring 39 is formed of a torsion coil spring. One end of the cover closing spring 39 is fixed to the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, whereas the other end of the cover closing spring 39 is fixed to the blindfold cover 18. The cover closing spring 39 is elastically deformed and applies an elastic force to the blindfold cover 18 such that the blindfold cover 18 moves toward the closing position.

A root side edge 35 that is included in the paper feed tray main body 11 and that is located at a position closer to the rotation axis 15 moves closer to the insertion port 31 or away from the insertion port 31 as a result of the paper feed tray main body 11 rotating with respect to the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The root side edge 35 is arranged in the vicinity of the insertion port 31 when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the opening position and when the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position. The insertion port 31 is connected to the paper feed tray main body 11 and is connected to the paper feed tray placement surface 14 of the paper feed tray main body 11 when the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is stored, the paper feed tray 6 is stored, and the blindfold cover 18 is closed. The paper ejection tray 7 is contracted when the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position and is stored inside the paper ejection tray main body 21 when the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately contracted. The paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position when the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored. The paper ejection tray placement surface 23 of the paper ejection tray main body 21 is oriented obliquely upward when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position.

The paper feed tray 6 is contracted when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The paper feed tray extension member 12 is arranged at the paper feed tray contraction position and is stored inside the paper feed tray main body 11 when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately contracted. The paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and is arranged on the paper ejection tray 7 when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray placement surface 14 of the paper feed tray main body 11 faces downward, is opposite to the paper ejection tray 7 that is stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, and faces the paper ejection tray placement surface 23 of the paper ejection tray main body 21.

When the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored and when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored, the paper feed tray main body 11 covers the paper ejection tray 7 and the discharge port 32 such that both of the paper ejection tray 7 and the discharge port 32 are not exposed to a portion on the upper side of the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is stored and the paper feed tray 6 is stored. The image reading apparatus 1 is able to prevent a foreign object from entering the conveying path 33 via the discharge port 32 when the discharge port 32 is covered by the paper feed tray main body 11.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the blindfold cover 18 is closed, the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position and covers both of the insertion port 31 and the paper ejection tray 7 such that the insertion port 31 and the paper ejection tray 7 are not exposed to a portion on the rear side of the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The image reading apparatus 1 is able to prevent a foreign object from entering the conveying path 33 via the insertion port 31 when the insertion port 31 is covered by the blindfold cover 18. FIG. 7 is another perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is stored, the paper feed tray 6 is stored, and the blindfold cover 18 is closed. When the paper ejection tray 7 is stored, the paper feed tray 6 is stored, and the blindfold cover 18 is closed, the image reading apparatus 1 is formed in a substantially box shape and is formed to be reduced in size as compared to the case where the paper ejection tray 7 is unfolded, the paper feed tray 6 is unfolded, and the blindfold cover 18 is opened. The image reading apparatus 1 is able to be stored in a small space by being formed in a compact size.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the blindfold cover 18. The blindfold cover 18 includes a cover outer shell 41, a plurality of vertical reinforcement ribs 42, a plurality of horizontal reinforcement ribs 43, and a contact rib 44. The cover outer shell 41 is formed in a plate shape and forms an outer shell on the rear side of the blindfold cover 18. The plane parallel to the cover outer shell 41 is parallel to the rotation axis 19. Each of the plurality of vertical reinforcement ribs 42 is formed in a belt shape. Each of the plurality of vertical reinforcement ribs 42 is arranged on the front side of the cover outer shell 41 so as to be along the plurality of associated parallel planes, and is integrally joined to the cover outer shell 41. The plurality of parallel planes parallel to the plurality of associated vertical reinforcement ribs 42 are perpendicular to the rotation axis 19, that is, perpendicular to the plane parallel to the cover outer shell 41. Each of the plurality of horizontal reinforcement ribs 43 is formed in a belt shape. Each of the plurality of horizontal reinforcement ribs 43 is arranged on the front side of the cover outer shell 41 so as to be along the plurality of associated parallel planes, and is integrally joined to the cover outer shell 41. Each of the plurality of parallel planes parallel to the plurality of associated horizontal reinforcement ribs 43 is parallel to the rotation axis 19 and is perpendicular to the plane parallel to the cover outer shell 41. The plurality of vertical reinforcement ribs 42 and the plurality of horizontal reinforcement ribs 43 reinforce the cover outer shell 41 such that the cover outer shell 41 is not bent. The contact rib 44 is formed in a belt shape. The contact rib 44 is arranged at the center of the blindfold cover 18 in the width direction that is parallel to the rotation axis 19, and is arranged so as to be along the plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis 19. The contact rib 44 is integrally joined to the cover outer shell 41. Similarly to the plurality of vertical reinforcement ribs 42 and the plurality of horizontal reinforcement ribs 43, the contact rib 44 reinforces the cover outer shell 41 such that the cover outer shell 41 is not bent.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is stored, the paper feed tray 6 is stored, and the blindfold cover 18 is closed. The root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 moves away from the insertion port 31 and is arranged on the rear side and the upper side of the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position. When the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged in the closing position, the insertion port 31 is covered by the blindfold cover 18 and is closed. When the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, the contact rib 44 comes into contact with the leading end 27 of the paper ejection tray extension member 22, or, is arranged in the vicinity of the leading end 27.

When the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, an upper end 36 of the blindfold cover 18 located at a position away from the rotation axis 19 moves to the front side or moves to the rear side as a result of the blindfold cover 18 rotating about the rotation axis 19. In other words, when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the upper end 36 of the blindfold cover 18 moves closer to the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 or moves away from the root side edge 35 as a result of the blindfold cover 18 rotating about the rotation axis 19. As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, the upper end 36 comes into contact with the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 or is arranged in the vicinity of the root side edge 35. FIG. 10 is a top view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is stored, the paper feed tray 6 is stored, and the blindfold cover 18 is closed. In other words, when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, the size of the gap between the upper end 36 of the blindfold cover 18 and the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 is smaller than a predetermined value.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is stored. When the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the paper ejection tray 7 is arranged so as not overlap with the area through which the paper feed tray main body 11 passes at the time of opening and closing of the paper feed tray main body 11. In other words, when the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the image reading apparatus 1 is formed such that the paper ejection tray 7 does not inhibit the paper feed tray main body 11 from moving toward the paper feed tray unfolding position.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is sometimes arranged at an inappropriate contraction position as a result of the paper ejection tray extension member 22 not being arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position and when the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the inappropriate contraction position. Unlike the paper ejection tray contraction position and the paper ejection tray expansion position, the inappropriate contraction position indicates the position between the paper ejection tray contraction position and the paper ejection tray expansion position. When the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the inappropriate contraction position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is inappropriately stored in the paper ejection tray main body 21. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position and when the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the inappropriate contraction position, the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2.

When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the contact rib 44 comes into contact with the leading end 27 of the paper ejection tray extension member 22, the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the cover midway position. Unlike the opening position and the closing position, the cover midway position indicates the position between the opening position and the closing position. When the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the cover midway position, the upper end 36 of the blindfold cover 18 is away from the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11. FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the cover midway position. When the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the cover midway position, the size of a gap 46 between the upper end 36 of the blindfold cover 18 and the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 is greater than a predetermined value.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the image reading apparatus 1. The image reading apparatus 1 further includes a paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51, a cover opening mechanism 52, a paper ejection tray opening-and-closing mechanism 53, and a paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54. The paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51 mechanically converts rotation of the paper feed tray main body 11 to rotation of the paper feed tray extension member 12. In detail, when the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51 causes the paper feed tray extension member 12 to move toward the paper feed tray expansion position in conjunction with the rotation of the paper feed tray main body 11. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position, the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51 further causes the paper feed tray extension member 12 to be arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position. When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51 causes the paper feed tray extension member 12 to move toward the paper feed tray contraction position in conjunction with the rotation of the paper feed tray main body 11. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51 further causes the paper feed tray extension member 12 to be arranged at the paper feed tray contraction position.

When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, the cover opening mechanism 52 pushes the blindfold cover 18 against an elastic force of the cover closing spring 39 and causes the blindfold cover 18 to move toward the opening position. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position, the cover opening mechanism 52 further causes the blindfold cover 18 to be arranged at the opening position. When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray storage position, the cover opening mechanism 52 releases the blindfold cover 18 such that the blindfold cover 18 moves toward the closing position due to the elastic force of the cover closing spring 39. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the cover opening mechanism 52 releases the blindfold cover 18 such that the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position due to the elastic force of the cover closing spring 39.

When a medium is conveyed along the conveying path 33 by the conveying unit 37, the paper ejection tray opening-and-closing mechanism 53 causes the paper ejection tray main body 21 to move toward the paper ejection tray unfolding position and arranges the paper ejection tray main body 21 at the paper ejection tray unfolding position. After all of the media inserted in the insertion port 31 have been ejected from the discharge port 32, the paper ejection tray opening-and-closing mechanism 53 causes the paper ejection tray main body 21 to move toward the paper ejection tray storage position and arranges the paper ejection tray main body 21 at the paper ejection tray storage position.

The paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 mechanically converts the rotation of the paper ejection tray main body 21 to a translational movement of the paper ejection tray extension member 22. In detail, when the paper ejection tray main body 21 moves toward the paper ejection tray unfolding position, the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 causes the paper ejection tray extension member 22 to move translationally toward the paper ejection tray expansion position in conjunction with the rotation of the paper ejection tray main body 21. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position, the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 further causes the paper ejection tray extension member 22 to be arranged at the paper ejection tray expansion position. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 moves toward the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 causes the paper ejection tray extension member 22 to move translationally toward the paper ejection tray contraction position in conjunction with the rotation of the paper ejection tray main body 21. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 further causes the paper ejection tray extension member 22 to be arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position.

The image reading apparatus 1 further includes a paper feed tray storage sensor 55, a cover closing sensor 56, and a control device 57. The paper feed tray storage sensor 55 is arranged inside the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The paper feed tray storage sensor 55 detects whether or not the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position. The cover closing sensor 56 is arranged inside the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The cover closing sensor 56 detects whether or not the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position.

The control device 57 is a computer and includes, for example, a storage device, and a central processing unit (CPU), that are not illustrated. The storage device records a computer program installed in the control device 57 and records information used by the CPU. The CPU performs, by executing the computer program installed in the control device 57, information processing and controls the storage device. The CPU further controls, by executing the computer program installed in the control device 57, the power lamp 5, the paper feed tray storage sensor 55, and the cover closing sensor 56.

The control device 57 controls the power lamp 5 such that the power lamp 5 is turned off when the paper feed tray storage sensor 55 detects that the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position. The control device 57 controls the power lamp 5 such that the power lamp 5 is turned on when the paper feed tray storage sensor 55 detects that the paper feed tray main body 11 is not arranged at the paper feed tray storage position. When it is detected that the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and when it is detected that the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, the control device 57 determines that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is appropriately arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. In other words, the cover closing sensor 56 is able to detect that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position by detecting that the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position. When it is detected that the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and when it is detected that the blindfold cover 18 is not arranged at the closing position, the control device 57 determines that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. When it is determined that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, the control device 57 controls the power lamp 5 to blink the power lamp 5.

Operation of Image Reading Apparatus 1

When a user attempts to read images of a plurality of media by using the image reading apparatus 1, the user moves the paper feed tray main body 11 toward the paper feed tray unfolding position and arranges the paper feed tray main body 11 at the paper feed tray unfolding position. When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, the paper feed tray extension member 12 moves toward the paper feed tray expansion position by the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position, the paper feed tray extension member 12 is arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position by the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51. The paper feed tray 6 is appropriately unfolded as a result of the paper feed tray main body 11 being arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position and the paper feed tray extension member 12 being arranged at the paper feed tray expansion position.

When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, the blindfold cover 18 moves toward the opening position against the elastic force of the cover closing spring 39 due to the cover opening mechanism 52. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position, the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the opening position due to the cover opening mechanism 52. When the paper feed tray storage sensor 55 detects that the paper feed tray main body 11 is not arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the control device 57 causes the power lamp 5 to be turned on by controlling the power lamp 5.

When the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately unfolded, the user places a plurality of media on the paper feed tray 6 such that the plurality of media is opposite to the paper feed tray placement surface 14. At this time, the image reading apparatus 1 is able to prevent deviation or drop of the plurality of media due to the weight of the protruding portions of the media out of the plurality of media protruding from the paper feed tray main body 11 as a result of the protruding portions being placed on the paper feed tray extension member 12. When the plurality of media are placed on the paper feed tray 6, the plurality of media move toward the insertion port 31 and inserted in the insertion port 31 due to gravity as a result of the paper feed tray placement surface 14 being oriented obliquely upward. The user presses the scan button 3 after the plurality of media have been inserted in the insertion port 31.

After the scan button 3 detects that the scan button 3 has been pressed, the paper ejection tray opening-and-closing mechanism 53 causes the paper ejection tray main body 21 to move toward the paper ejection tray unfolding position, and arranges the paper ejection tray main body 21 at the paper ejection tray unfolding position. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 moves toward the paper ejection tray unfolding position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 moves translationally toward the paper ejection tray expansion position due to the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray expansion position due to the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54. The paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately unfolded as a result of the paper ejection tray main body 21 being arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position and the paper ejection tray extension member 22 being arranged at the paper ejection tray expansion position.

After the scan button 3 detects that the scan button 3 has been pressed, the conveying unit 37 supplies the plurality of media that have been inserted in the insertion port 31 to the conveying path 33 one by one. The conveying unit 37 further conveys a single piece of the medium supplied to the conveying path 33 along the conveying path 33. The reading unit 38 captures an image of the medium conveyed along the conveying path 33. The conveying unit 37 discharges the medium having thereon the captured image from the discharge port 32, and places the medium having thereon the captured image on the paper ejection tray 7 such that the medium having thereon the captured image is opposite to the paper ejection tray placement surface 23 and the paper ejection tray auxiliary placement surface 25. Both of the conveying unit 37 and the reading unit 38 repeat the processes of conveying the medium and capturing the image on the medium until all of the plurality of media inserted in the insertion port 31 are placed on the paper ejection tray 7. At this time, the image reading apparatus 1 is able to prevent deviation or drop of the media due to the weight of the protruding portions of the media placed on the paper ejection tray 7 protruding from the paper ejection tray main body 21 as a result of the protruding portions being placed on the paper ejection tray extension member 22.

After all of the plurality of media have been placed on the paper ejection tray 7, the paper ejection tray opening-and-closing mechanism 53 causes the paper ejection tray main body 21 to move toward the paper ejection tray storage position, and arranges the paper ejection tray main body 21 at the paper ejection tray storage position. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 moves toward the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 moves translationally toward the paper ejection tray contraction position due to the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position due to the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54. After the paper ejection tray 7 has been stored, the protruding portions of the media placed on the paper ejection tray 7 protruding from the paper ejection tray main body 21 are placed on the paper feed tray 6 so as to be opposite to the paper feed tray placement surface 14 of the paper feed tray 6.

After reading of the images of the plurality of media has been completed, the user takes out the plurality of media from the image reading apparatus 1, moves the paper feed tray main body 11 toward the paper feed tray storage position, and arranges the paper feed tray main body 11 at the paper feed tray storage position. When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray extension member 12 moves toward the paper feed tray contraction position due to the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper feed tray extension member 12 is arranged at the paper feed tray contraction position due to the paper feed tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 51. The paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 as a result of the paper feed tray extension member 12 being arranged at the paper feed tray contraction position and the paper feed tray main body 11 being arranged at the paper feed tray storage position.

When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray storage position, the blindfold cover 18 is released from the cover opening mechanism 52, and moves toward the closing position due to the elastic force applied by the cover closing spring 39. When both of the paper ejection tray 7 and the paper feed tray 6 are appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the blindfold cover 18 is released from the cover opening mechanism 52 and is arranged, as illustrated in FIG. 9, at the closing position due to the elastic force of the cover closing spring 39. When it is detected that the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and when it is detected that the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, the control device 57 causes the power lamp 5 to be turned off by controlling the power lamp 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, even when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is sometimes arranged at the inappropriate contraction position instead of being arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position and when the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the inappropriate contraction position. A problem of arrangement of the paper ejection tray extension member 22 at the inappropriate contraction position occurs when, for example, a problem occurs in the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54, or when a force is applied to the paper ejection tray extension member 22 after the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 has been arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position and when the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the inappropriate contraction position, the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, in some cases, after the paper ejection tray 7 has been inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, when the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is also arranged at the inappropriate contraction position. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is sometimes arranged at the inappropriate contraction position as a result of a force being applied to the paper ejection tray extension member 22 after the paper ejection tray 7 has been appropriately stored and the paper feed tray 6 is stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged so as to be overlapped with the area through which the paper feed tray main body 11 passes at the time of opening and closing of the paper feed tray main body 11. When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 comes into contact with the paper ejection tray extension member 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray midway position as a result of the root side edge 35 coming into contact with the paper ejection tray extension member 22. FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the image reading apparatus 1 when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and when the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray midway position. Unlike the paper feed tray storage position, and unlike the paper feed tray unfolding position, the paper feed tray midway position indicates the position between the paper feed tray storage position and the paper feed tray unfolding position. The contact between the root side edge 35 and the paper ejection tray extension member 22 inhibits the paper feed tray main body 11 from moving toward the paper feed tray unfolding position and inhibits the paper feed tray main body 11 from being arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position. The contact between the root side edge 35 and the paper ejection tray extension member 22 sometimes causes damage to the paper feed tray 6 as a result of the user moves the paper feed tray main body 11 toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, thereby causing damage to the paper ejection tray 7.

When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the contact rib 44 of the blindfold cover 18 comes into contact with the leading end 27 of the paper ejection tray extension member 22 in the middle of a process of the blindfold cover 18 moving from the opening position toward the closing position. As a result of the contact rib 44 coming into contact with the leading end 27 of the paper ejection tray extension member 22, the blindfold cover 18 is not able to move toward the closing position from the arrangement state of the blindfold cover 18 at the cover midway position and is thus arranged at the cover midway position, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The gap 46 that is greater than the predetermined value is formed between the upper end 36 of the blindfold cover 18 and the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 as a result of the blindfold cover 18 being arranged at the cover midway position. The image reading apparatus 1 is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 as a result of the size of the gap 46 between the upper end 36 of the blindfold cover 18 and the root side edge 35 of the paper feed tray main body 11 is greater than the predetermined value.

The cover closing sensor 56 detects that the blindfold cover 18 is not arranged at the closing position as a result of the blindfold cover 18 being arranged at the cover midway position. When it is detected that the paper feed tray main body 11 has been arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and when it is detected that the blindfold cover 18 is not arranged closing position, the control device 57 determines that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. When it is determined that paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, the control device 57 causes the power lamp 5 to be flashed by controlling the power lamp 5. The image reading apparatus 1 is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 by flashing the power lamp 5.

By notifying the user that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the image reading apparatus 1 is able to prevent the user from performing an operation of moving the paper feed tray main body 11 toward the paper feed tray unfolding position. When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, by preventing the user from performing an operation of moving the paper feed tray main body 11 toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, the image reading apparatus 1 is able to prevent damage of the paper feed tray 6 or the paper ejection tray 7.

When the user is notified that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the user moves the blindfold cover 18 toward the closing position and arranges the blindfold cover 18 at the closing position. As a result of the blindfold cover 18 moving toward the closing position, the leading end 27 of the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is pressed by the contact rib 44, and thus, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 moves translationally toward the paper ejection tray contraction position. The leading end 27 is pressed by the contact rib 44 as a result of the blindfold cover 18 being arranged at the closing position, and thus, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. Consequently, the user is able to easily arrange the paper ejection tray extension member 22 at the paper ejection tray contraction position by arranging the blindfold cover 18 at the closing position without opening the blindfold cover 18 or the paper feed tray main body 11. In other words, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the image reading apparatus 1 is able to allow the user to easily perform an operation of arranging the paper ejection tray extension member 22 at the paper ejection tray contraction position.

When it is detected that the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and when it is detected that the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, the control device 57 determines that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. When it is determined that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, the control device 57 controls the power lamp 5 such that the power lamp 5 is turned off. The image reading apparatus 1 is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray 7 is appropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 by causing the power lamp 5 to be turned off. When the power lamp 5 is turned off, the user is able to prevent the paper feed tray 6 or the paper ejection tray 7 from being damaged by moving the paper feed tray main body 11 toward the paper feed tray unfolding position.

Effects of Medium Conveying Apparatus According to the Embodiment

The medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment includes the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the paper ejection tray main body 21, the paper ejection tray extension member 22, the blindfold cover 18, and the contact rib 44. The conveying path 33 that connects the insertion port 31 and the discharge port 32 is formed in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2. The paper ejection tray main body 21 is rotatably supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, and is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position or the paper ejection tray storage position. The paper ejection tray extension member 22 is supported so as to be able to move translationally with respect to the paper ejection tray main body 21, and is arranged at the paper ejection tray expansion position or the paper ejection tray contraction position. The blindfold cover 18 is rotatably supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, and is arranged at the opening position or the closing position. The contact rib 44 is fixed to the blindfold cover 18. The discharge port 32 is connected to the paper ejection tray main body 21 when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position. When the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the opening position, the insertion port 31 is opened by the blindfold cover 18, whereas, when the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, the insertion port 31 is closed by the blindfold cover 18. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position and when the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position and the blindfold cover 18 moves toward the closing position, the contact rib 44 comes into contact with the paper ejection tray extension member 22. When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored and when the contact rib 44 comes into contact with the paper ejection tray extension member 22, the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the cover midway position between the opening position and the closing position.

The medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to notify the user whether or not the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position according to whether or not the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position. For example, even when the position at which the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged is not viewed from outside, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment notifies the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position by arranging the blindfold cover 18 at the cover midway position. The medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment notifies the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, and thus, urges the user to perform an operation of avoiding an occurrence of a problem, so that the medium conveying apparatus is able to prevent an occurrence of a problem caused by inappropriate storage of the paper ejection tray 7.

Furthermore, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored and when the contact rib 44 comes into contact with the paper ejection tray extension member 22, the blindfold cover 18 moves toward the closing position, so that the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment causes the paper ejection tray extension member 22 to move translationally toward the paper ejection tray contraction position. When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored and when the contact rib 44 comes into contact with the paper ejection tray extension member 22, the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, so that the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment causes the paper ejection tray extension member 22 to be arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored, the user arranges the blindfold cover 18 at the closing position, so that the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to cause the paper ejection tray extension member 22 to be arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position and is thus able to simplify an operation performed by the user.

Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment further includes the paper feed tray main body 11 that is rotatably supported by the medium conveying apparatus main body 2 and that is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position or the paper feed tray storage position. The insertion port 31 is connected to the paper feed tray main body 11 when the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position. When the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately arranged at the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, the paper feed tray main body 11 comes into contact with the paper ejection tray extension member 22 in the middle of the process of the paper feed tray main body 11 moving from the paper feed tray storage position toward the paper feed tray unfolding position. In other words, in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored in the medium conveying apparatus main body 2, a problem of inhibition of arrangement of the paper feed tray main body 11 at the paper feed tray unfolding position occurs. By notifying the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to notify the user of an occurrence of a problem that the paper feed tray main body 11 is not arranged at the paper feed tray unfolding position.

Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment further includes the cover opening mechanism 52 and the cover closing spring 39. When the paper feed tray main body 11 moves toward the paper feed tray unfolding position, the cover opening mechanism 52 causes the blindfold cover 18 to move toward the opening position. When the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position, the cover closing spring 39 applies an elastic force to the blindfold cover 18 such that the blindfold cover 18 moves toward the closing position. By causing the elastic force of the cover closing spring 39 to move the blindfold cover 18 toward the closing position, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to cause the blindfold cover 18 to be arranged at the cover midway position when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored.

Incidentally, the cover closing spring 39 of the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above applies the elastic force to the blindfold cover 18 such that the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the cover midway position when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored; however, the cover closing spring 39 may apply a greater elastic force to the blindfold cover 18. For example, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored and when the paper feed tray 6 is appropriately stored, the cover closing spring 39 applies the elastic force to the blindfold cover 18 such that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 moves toward the paper ejection tray contraction position. At this time, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored, the user is able to easily arrange the paper ejection tray extension member 22 at the paper ejection tray contraction position without moving the blindfold cover 18 to the closing position. In other words, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored, the medium conveying apparatus is able to simplify an operation, performed by the user, of arranging the paper ejection tray extension member 22 at the paper ejection tray contraction position.

Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment further includes the paper feed tray storage sensor 55, the cover closing sensor 56, the power lamp 5, and the control device 57. The paper feed tray storage sensor 55 detects whether or not the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position. The cover closing sensor 56 detects whether or not the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position by detecting whether or not the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position. When it is detected that the paper feed tray main body 11 is arranged at the paper feed tray storage position and when it is detected that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, the control device 57 causes the power lamp 5 to be flashed. When the blindfold cover 18 is not arranged at the closing position, the power lamp 5 flashes, so that the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position.

Incidentally, the cover closing sensor 56 of the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above may be replaced with a paper ejection tray contraction sensor that directly detects whether or not the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. Even when the paper ejection tray contraction sensor is used, the medium conveying apparatus is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position by causing the power lamp 5 to be flashed. Furthermore, when the paper ejection tray contraction sensor is arranged inside the paper ejection tray main body 21, the size of the paper ejection tray 7 may sometimes be increased. Accordingly, with the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, by providing the cover closing sensor 56, the size of the paper ejection tray 7 is able to be reduced as compared to another medium conveying apparatus provided with the paper ejection tray contraction sensor.

Incidentally, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above notifies the user, by using the power lamp 5, that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored; however, the notification may be sent to the user by using another notification unit that is different from the power lamp 5. An example of the notification unit includes a display device on which a message indicating that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored is displayed, or a voice device that outputs a voice indicating that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored. The medium conveying apparatus provided with this type of notification unit is also able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above.

Incidentally, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above notifies the user that the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately stored by using the notification unit exemplified by the power lamp 5; however, the notification need not be sent to the user by using the notification unit. In this case, also, when the paper ejection tray 7 is inappropriately arranged, the blindfold cover 18 is arranged at the closing position, so that the medium conveying apparatus is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position.

Furthermore, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment further includes the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 moves toward the paper ejection tray unfolding position, the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 moves translationally the paper ejection tray extension member 22 toward the paper ejection tray expansion position. When the paper ejection tray main body 21 moves toward the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 further moves translationally the paper ejection tray extension member 22 toward the paper ejection tray contraction position.

With the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment, the user does not need to perform an operation when expanding and contracting the paper ejection tray 7, and thus, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to simplify an operation performed by the user. In the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment, when a problem occurs in the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54, even when the paper ejection tray main body 21 is arranged at the paper ejection tray storage position, the paper ejection tray 7 is sometimes inappropriately stored without the paper ejection tray extension member 22 being arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position. When the blindfold cover 18 is not arranged at the closing position, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to notify the user that a problem has occurred in the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54.

Incidentally, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above includes the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54; however, the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 may be omitted. For example, when the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 is omitted, the user arranges the paper ejection tray extension member 22 at the paper ejection tray contraction position before moving the paper ejection tray main body 21 toward the paper ejection tray storage position. When the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 is omitted, the user further arranges the paper ejection tray extension member 22 at the paper ejection tray expansion position after the paper ejection tray main body 21 has been arranged at the paper ejection tray unfolding position. Even when the paper ejection tray expansion-and-contraction mechanism 54 is omitted, when the blindfold cover 18 is not arranged at the closing position, the medium conveying apparatus is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position.

Furthermore, the blindfold cover 18 included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment includes the cover outer shell 41 that is formed to be along the first plane. The contact rib 44 is formed in a plate shape that is along a second plane that is perpendicular to a first plane, and is integrally formed with the cover outer shell 41. The contact rib 44 is able to reinforce the cover outer shell 41 such that the cover outer shell 41 of the blindfold cover 18 is not bent. The medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment is able to reduce the number of the plurality of vertical reinforcement ribs 42 and the plurality of horizontal reinforcement ribs 43 that reinforce the cover outer shell 41 such that the cover outer shell 41 is not bent, and is thus able to reduce a manufacturing cost.

Incidentally, the contact rib 44 included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above is formed to be along the plane that is perpendicular to the plane that is parallel to the cover outer shell 41; however, the contact rib 44 may be formed to be along the plane that is perpendicular to the plane that is parallel to the cover outer shell 41. Even when the contact rib 44 is formed in this way, the contact rib 44 is able to reinforce the cover outer shell 41 such that the cover outer shell 41 is not bent. Furthermore, the contact rib 44 included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above is formed such that the cover outer shell 41 is reinforced; however, the contact rib 44 may be formed such that the cover outer shell 41 is not reinforced. For example, the contact rib 44 may be formed in a columnar shape protruding from the cover outer shell 41. Even when the contact rib 44 is formed in this way, the medium conveying apparatus is able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, and is able to prevent an occurrence of a problem caused by inappropriate storage of the paper ejection tray 7.

Incidentally, the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above is used in the image reading apparatus 1; however, the medium conveying apparatus may be used for another device. An example of the other device includes a printer that prints characters or diagrams on a medium. In the printer, the reading unit 38 included in the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above is replaced with a printing unit that prints characters or diagrams on a medium that is conveyed along the conveying path 33. In this case, similarly to the medium conveying apparatus according to the embodiment as described above, the medium conveying apparatus is also able to notify the user that the paper ejection tray extension member 22 is not arranged at the paper ejection tray contraction position, and is able to prevent an occurrence of a problem caused by inappropriate storage of the paper ejection tray 7.

The medium conveying apparatus of the present disclosure is able to prevent an occurrence of a problem caused by inappropriate storage of a tray.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the disclosure. Although the embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

MEDIUM CONVEYING APPARATUS

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (1)