Image reading apparatus with jam-prevention feature

An image reading apparatus for reading an original conveyed along a predetermined path by a conveying means having a roller provided adjacent a predetermined reading position, said apparatus comprising:

• means for reading a portion of the original located at the predetermined reading position in the predetermined path;
• a light source for illuminating the portion of the original located at said predetermined reading position;
• and
• original guiding means provided downstream of said predetermined reading position along the predetermined path along which the conveying means conveys the original;
• wherein said original guiding means is so disposed and so shaped that it non-nippingly guides the leading edge of the original being conveyed to prevent the leading edge of the original from catching on and being jammed by said original guiding means;
• and
• wherein said original guiding means is defined by a notch formed in said portion of said apparatus.

An image reading apparatus for reading an original conveyed by a conveying means along a predetermined path, said apparatus comprising:

• means for reading a portion of the original located at a predetermined reading position in the predetermined path;
• a light source for illuminating the portion of the original located at said predetermined reading position;
• and
• original guiding means provided downstream of said predetermined reading position along the predetermined path along which the conveying means conveys the original;
• wherein said apparatus has a portion located downstream along the predetermined path from said predetermined reading position and out of the predetermined path, said portion being so positioned and so shaped that the leading edge of the original being conveyed past said predetermined reading position by the conveying means could catch on and be jammed by said portion if not prevented from doing so;
• wherein said original guiding means is so disposed and so shaped that it non-nippingly guides the leading edge of the original being conveyed to prevent the leading edge of the original from catching on and being jammed by said portion of said apparatus;
• and
• wherein said original guiding means comprises an original guide roller which non-nippingly guides the original.

An image reading apparatus for reading an original conveyed along a predetermined path by a conveying means having a roller provided adjacent a predetermined reading position, said apparatus comprising:

• means for reading a portion of the original located at the predetermined reading position in the predetermined path;
• a light source for illuminating the portion of the original located at said predetermined reading position;
• and
• original guiding means provided downstream of said predetermined reading position along the predetermined path along which the conveying means conveys the original;
• wherein said original guiding means is so disposed and so shaped that it non-nippingly guides the leading edge of the original being conveyed to prevent the leading edge of the original from catching on and being jammed by said original guiding means;
• and
• wherein said original guiding means comprises a guide member having a concave surface as seen from said predetermined reading position.

An image reading apparatus for reading an original conveyed along a predetermined path by a conveying means having a roller provided a predetermined reading position, said apparatus comprising:

• means for reading a portion of the original located at the predetermined reading position in the predetermined path;
• a light source for illuminating the portion of the original located at said predetermined reading position;
• and
• original guiding means provided downstream of said predetermined reading position along the predetermined path along which the conveying means conveys the original;
• wherein said apparatus has an original discharge zone through any portion of which the original passes when being discharged;
• wherein said apparatus has a portion which extends into the original discharge zone;
• wherein said original guiding means is so disposed and so shaped that it non-nippingly guide the leading edge of the original being conveyed to prevent the leading edge of the original from catching on and being jammed by said portion of said apparatus;
• and
• wherein said original guiding means comprises a guide surface which is non-convex as seen from said predetermined reading position.

An image reading apparatus for reading an original conveyed along a predetermined path by a conveying means having a roller provided a predetermined reading position, said apparatus comprising:

• means for reading a portion of the original located at the predetermined reading position in the predetermined path;
• a light source for illuminating the portion of the original located at said predetermined reading position;
• and
• original guiding means provided downstream of said predetermined reading position along the predetermined path along which the conveying means conveys the original;
• wherein said apparatus has an original discharge zone through any portion of which the original passes when being discharged;
• wherein said apparatus has a portion which extends into the original discharge zone;
• wherein said original guiding means is so disposed and so shaped that it non-nippingly guides the leading edge of the original being conveyed to prevent the leading edge of the original from catching on and being jammed by said portion of said apparatus;
• and
• wherein said original guiding means is defined by a notch formed in said portion of said apparatus.

An image reading apparatus for reading an original conveyed along a predetermined path by a conveying means having a roller provided a predetermined reading position, said apparatus comprising:

• means for reading a portion of the original located at the predetermined reading position in the predetermined path;
• a light source for illuminating the portion of the original located at said predetermined reading position;
• and
• original guiding means provided downstream of said predetermined reading position along the predetermined path along which the conveying means conveys the original;
• wherein said apparatus has an original discharge zone through any portion of which the original passes when being discharged;
• wherein said apparatus has a portion extending into the discharge zone;
• wherein said original guiding means is so disposed and so shaped that it non-nippingly guides the leading edge of the original being conveyed to prevent the leading edge of the original from catching on and being jammed by said portion of said apparatus;
• and
• wherein said original guiding means comprises a guide member having a concave surface as seen from said predetermined reading position.