Image reading apparatus

Abstract

An image reading apparatus includes a conveyance section, a reading section, a discharge section that discharges a sheet conveyed by the conveyance section in a discharge direction, and a sheet loading section having a first loading section and a second loading section. The first loading portion is located below the discharge portion and loads the sheet discharged from the discharge portion. The second loading part is located on the downstream side of the first loading part in the discharge direction and is inclined with respect to the first loading part so as to be gradually inclined upward further toward the downstream in the discharge direction. In the discharge direction, a distance from the discharge portion to an upstream end of the second loading portion is greater than a distance from the upstream end of the second loading portion to a downstream end of the loading portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus including a sheet discharging device that discharges a sheet. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a sheet discharge device provided in an image reading apparatus or the like, there is known a device including a discharge portion that conveys sheets and discharges the sheets to a device that performs a printing process, a reading process, etc., and a loading portion that loads the discharged sheets. In such a sheet discharge device, in order to maintain the alignment performance of the sheets loaded on the loading portion, it is necessary to prevent the sheets loaded after discharge from being pushed out by the subsequent sheets discharged thereafter.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-26370 discloses a sheet discharging device in which a stopper for stopping the movement of sheets by abutting against the distal end of the sheets is provided in a loading portion. In the above configuration, the sheets are prevented from protruding and falling from the loading portion. Summary of the invention

[0004] However, when the above structure is applied to a small sheet discharge device, sheets larger than the discharge sheet loading section cannot be loaded on the discharge sheet loading section, and the sheets to be processed are greatly limited. On the other hand, in a structure without a blocking section, it is difficult to maintain the performance of aligning the sheets to be loaded.

[0005] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the alignment performance of sheets.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the image reading device of the present invention comprises:

[0007] a conveying section that conveys the sheet;

[0008] a reading section that reads an image on a sheet conveyed by the conveying section;

[0009] a discharge section that discharges the sheet conveyed by the conveying section in a discharge direction; and

[0010] A sheet loading section having a first loading section and a second loading section, wherein the first loading section is located below the discharge section and is loaded with sheets discharged from the discharge section, and the second loading section is located on the downstream side of the first loading section in the discharge direction and is inclined relative to the first loading section in such a manner that the second loading section gradually tilts upward as it goes further downstream in the discharge direction, wherein:

[0011] In the discharging direction, a distance from the discharging portion to an upstream end of the second loading portion is greater than a distance from the upstream end of the second loading portion to a downstream end of the sheet loading portion.

[0012] According to the present invention, the performance of aligning sheets can be improved.

[0013] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a perspective view of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 is a sectional view of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D is an explanatory diagram of a scanning unit according to the first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4 is a rear view of the glass frame unit according to the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating an internal configuration of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a perspective view of a discharged sheet loading portion according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B is an explanatory diagram of a discharged sheet loading portion according to the first embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of a discharged sheet loading portion according to the first embodiment;

[0022] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a discharged sheet loading portion according to a comparative example;

[0023] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of a discharged sheet loading portion according to the first embodiment;

[0024] Fig.11 is an exploded view of the discharged sheet loading section according to the first embodiment; and

[0025] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is an explanatory diagram of the discharged sheet loading portion according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, description will be given of embodiments (examples) of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the size, material, shape, and relative configuration of the constituent parts described in the embodiments may be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied, various conditions, etc. Therefore, the size, material, shape, and relative configuration of the constituent parts described in the present embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments.

[0027] The sheet discharge device of the present invention can be applied to a flatbed scanning device, a copier, a fax machine, a multifunction machine, etc. that combines a flatbed scanning device, a printing device, etc. The present invention is particularly suitable for a sheet discharge device provided in an image reading device provided in the above-mentioned multifunction machine, etc. In the following, as an example of an image reading device to which the present invention is applied, an image reading device that inputs a sheet image into a computer, etc. will be described. Note that in all the drawings, the same marks represent the same or corresponding parts. The X direction appropriately indicated in the drawings is the width direction of the image reading device, the Y direction is the depth direction, and the Z direction is the height direction. In the embodiment to be described below, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0028] First embodiment

[0029] Image reading device 100

[0030] Figure 1A and Figure 1B 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a multifunction machine 1, which combines an image reading device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a printing device 400 as an inkjet printer. The image reading device 100 is roughly composed of a scanning section 200 as a reading section that reads an image on a sheet and an ADF section 300 configured to be able to convey the sheet. The ADF section 300 is configured to be able to open / close relative to the scanning section 200 so that the sheet can be loaded on the scanning section 200. Figure 1A The image reading apparatus 100 is illustrated in a state where the ADF section 300 is opened. Figure 1B The image reading apparatus 100 is illustrated in a state where the ADF portion 300 is closed.

[0031] Then, refer to Figure 2 , the configuration of the image reading apparatus 100 will be described. Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of the scanning section 200 and the ADF section 300 of the image reading apparatus 100 . Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading apparatus 100 taken along the XZ plane in a state where the ADF unit 300 is closed. Figure 2 , the path of the sheet passing through the sheet conveying path 311 is indicated by a solid arrow in the ADF unit 300 . A part of the sheet conveying path 311 is constituted by a part of the scanning unit 200 .

[0032] The ADF section 300 includes a sheet placement table 301 on which sheets to be automatically conveyed are loaded, a sheet conveying mechanism section configured to be able to convey sheets, and a discharged sheet loading section 320 . Figure 2 The diagram shows a state where a plurality of sheets 310 are placed on the sheet placement table 301. The sheet conveying mechanism section is a conveying device including a sheet conveying mechanism from a pickup roller 304 to a discharge roller 309 (described below). In addition, the sheet conveying mechanism section can also be said to be composed of a conveying section that conveys the sheet 310 and a discharge section that includes a discharge roller 309 and discharges the sheet 310. In addition, the ADF section 300 can be understood as a sheet discharge device that discharges the sheet 310 by the discharge roller 309.

[0033] First, the sheet to be automatically conveyed is placed on the sheet placement table 301 provided at the upper part of the ADF section 300. The sheet 310 placed on the sheet placement table 301 is conveyed toward the separation roller 305 by the pickup roller 304 of the sheet conveying mechanism section. Thereafter, the sheets 310 are conveyed one by one to the conveying roller 307 on the downstream side of the conveying direction by the separation roller 305 and the separation pad 306. Subsequently, the sheet 310 is conveyed to the conveying guide 203 on the downstream side of the conveying direction by the conveying roller 307. The conveying guide 203 is a guide portion detachably provided relative to the image reading device 100. When the sheet 310 passes through the conveying guide 203, the sheet 310 is pressed by the white pressure plate 308 and is in close contact with the conveying guide 203. At this time, the sheet 310 is read by the image sensor 206. The white pressure plate 308 has a size covering the entire area in the main scanning direction (Y direction) of the image sensor 206.

[0034] The sheet 310 that has passed through the conveying guide 203 passes through the sheet size indicator member 205 located on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the conveying guide 203, and is discharged to the discharged sheet loading section 320 by the discharge roller 309 located on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the sheet size indicator member 205. The conveying guide 203 and the sheet size indicator member 205 are constituent members of the scanning section 200. In the sheet conveying mechanism section, various sheet detection sensors not shown are arranged, and the sheet conveying mechanism section is configured to be able to detect the passage of the front end and the rear end of the sheet. The detection results (outputs) of the various sheet detection sensors are used for timing control of the reading of the image sensor 206 by the control section 500. Note that with respect to the control section 500, one control section may be provided in common in the image reading device 100 and the printing device 400, or a control section may be provided independently in each of the image reading device 100 and the printing device 400.

[0035] There are two sheet reading methods of the image reading apparatus 100, namely, a sheet fixing reading method (flatbed reading) and a sheet conveying reading method (ADF reading). The sheet fixing reading method is a method in which a sheet is fixed on the glass table 202 of the scanning section 200, and the reading unit 207 is moved in the sub-scanning direction (X direction) to read the sheet. The sheet conveying reading method is a method in which the reading unit 207 is fixed to a predetermined position (ADF position) below the detachable conveying guide 203, and the sheet is read while being conveyed by the ADF section 300.

[0036] Figure 2 The reading unit 207 of the scanning section 200 is in a standby state at the ADF position so as to read the sheet 310 automatically conveyed by the ADF section 300 .

[0037] Scanning unit 200

[0038] Then, refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the configuration of the scanning section 200 of the image reading apparatus 100 will be described in more detail. Figure 3A 1 is a top view of the scanning section 200 in a state where the ADF section 300 is removed from the image reading apparatus 100 and illustrates the entire glass frame unit 201 . Figure 3B for Figure 3A AA cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 and is a diagram of the scanning section 200 when viewed from the main scanning direction (Y direction). Figure 3C yes Figure 3A BB cross-sectional view of the scanning section 200 when viewed from the sub-scanning direction (X direction). Figure 3D yes Figure 3B 2 is an enlarged view of part C and illustrates the configuration of the periphery of the sheet size indicator member 205 of the glass frame unit 201 .

[0039] The glass frame unit 201 is composed of a glass table 202 on which a sheet 310 is placed, a conveying guide 203 for guiding the automatically conveyed sheet 310, and a glass frame 204 for holding the conveying guide 203. The conveying guide 203 is detachably held by the glass frame 204. The glass frame 204 includes a sheet size indicator member 205 between the glass table 202 and the conveying guide 203 and a sheet abutment reference 226.

[0040] A white sheet 224 is arranged on the sheet placement surface side of the glass stage 202 . Figure 3D The white area 224W and the black area 224B of the white sheet 224 are illustrated in a simplified manner. Details of the white area 224W and the black area 224B of the white sheet 224 are shown in FIG. Figure 4 .

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A 4 is a rear view of the glass frame unit 201 in FIG. 4 and is a view of the glass frame unit 201 when viewed from the printing device 400 side. Figure 4 , a portion of the white sheet 224 is illustrated. The position of the glass stage 202 in the X direction is determined by abutting against the glass frame abutment portion 228 at two points in the glass frame 204. The white sheet 224 is arranged on the back side of the glass stage 202 in the viewing direction of the drawing and on the sheet placement surface. Figure 4 As shown, the position of the white sheet 224 in the X direction is between the glass frame abutment portion 228 and the stationary sheet reading area 237 .

[0042] The white sheet 224 integrally includes a white area 224W for performing shading correction on the image sensor 206 in the reading unit 207 and a black area 224B to be a reference position in the sub-scanning direction (X direction) of the image sensor 206. In order to perform shading processing, the white sheet 224 has a size covering the entire area in the main scanning direction (Y direction) of the image sensor 206. The position of the black area 224B in the white sheet 224 in the sub-scanning direction is located on the side closer to the stationary sheet reading area 237 than the white area 224W.

[0043] Figure 5 2 is a top view of the scanning section 200 in a state where the glass frame unit 201 is removed. The scanning section 200 includes a motor 220 , a guide rail 221 , a belt 222 , and a base frame 223 . Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the internal configuration of the entire scanning section 200 and shows the arrangement relationship of the reading unit 207 and the base frame 223 .

[0044] A guide rail 221 having a length direction in the sub-scanning direction (X direction) is arranged at a central portion of the base frame 223 in the main scanning direction (Y direction). In addition, a slider 218 of the reading unit 207 is slidably arranged on the guide rail 221 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction). The reading unit 207 is connected to the drive transmission portion through a belt 222. When a driving input is input to the motor 220, the belt 222 moves according to the input and the reading unit 207 performs reciprocating scanning along the guide rail 221. With the above configuration, the reading unit 207 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction.

[0045] Note that the first embodiment is a belt drive type in which the driving portion is arranged on the base frame 223 and its driving force is transmitted by the belt 222 , but it may be a self-traveling type reading unit in which the driving portion is arranged on the reading unit 207 .

[0046] Ejected sheet loading section 320

[0047] Then, refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D , FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C as well as Fig.11 , the configuration of the discharged sheet loading portion 320 of the ADF portion 300 will be described.

[0048] Fig. 6A It is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the ADF unit 300 . Figure 6B 1 is a perspective view illustrating the discharged sheet loading portion 320 in the ADF portion 300 . Figure 6B The discharged sheet loading section 320 indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1 is composed of the ADF base 302 as a base member and the discharged sheet loading tray 312 as a tray member mounted on the ADF base 302. The discharged sheet loading section 320 has a first loading section 321, a second loading section 322 inclined relative to the first loading section 321, a recessed section 324 recessed downward relative to the second loading section 322, and a substantially horizontally extending flat surface section 327. In addition, in the following description, the portion switched from the first loading section 321 to the second loading section 322 is described as a curved section 323.

[0049] The sheet that has been conveyed by the conveying section in the ADF section 300 is discharged in the X direction by the discharge roller 309 constituting the discharge section. In the following description, the discharge direction of the sheet shall be referred to as the discharge direction EJD, and the width direction of the discharged sheet, which is a direction parallel to the Y direction, shall be referred to as the width direction EWD. In addition, in the first embodiment, the control section 500 of the image reading device 100 controls the rotation speed of the discharge roller 309, etc., so that the sheet contacts the first loading section 321 before reaching the second loading section 322. For example, it can be configured such that: according to the type of sheet selected by the user, the discharge roller 309 is rotated at a preset rotation speed by the control section 500, and the sheet is discharged at a predetermined discharge speed.

[0050] Fig. 7A 2 is a plan view of the discharged sheet loading section 320 , and is a diagram of the discharged sheet loading section 320 when viewed in the Z direction. Figure 7B yes Fig. 7AFF cross-sectional view and shows a cross section of the XZ plane of the discharged sheet loading section 320. As described above, the discharged sheet loading section 320 has a first loading section 321, a second loading section 322, a bending section 323, a recessed section 324, and a flat section 327. In the discharge direction EJD, from the upstream side to the downstream side, the discharge roller 309, the first loading section 321, the bending section 323, the second loading section 322 (recessed section 324), the flat section 327, and the downstream end 325 of the ADF section 300 are arranged in this order. The downstream end 325 is a surface of the housing of the image reading device 100 that faces the downstream side in the discharge direction EJD.

[0051] The first loading portion 321 is located below the discharge roller 309 and extends substantially parallel to the discharge direction EJD. In addition, the first loading portion 321 extends to the entire area of ​​the discharged sheet loading portion 320 in the width direction EWD.

[0052] The second loading section 322 is located on the downstream side of the first loading section 321 in the discharge direction EJD, and is formed to be continuous with the first loading section 321. The second loading section 322 is inclined relative to the first loading section 321 in such a manner as to face upward as it goes downstream in the discharge direction EJD. In addition, the second loading section 322 is formed by being divided in the width direction EWD, and is located at both ends of the discharged sheet loading section 320 in the width direction EWD.

[0053] The recessed portion 324 is located between the second loading portion 322 on one end side and the second loading portion 322 on the other end side of the discharged sheet loading portion 320 in the width direction EWD. The recessed portion 324 is formed on the same plane as the first loading portion 321 and is recessed downward in the gravity direction relative to the second loading portion 322.

[0054] The plane portion 327 is located on the downstream side of the second loading portion 322 in the discharge direction EJD and is formed to be continuous with the second loading portion 322. The plane portion 327 extends substantially horizontally in the discharge direction EJD from the downstream end of the second loading portion 322 to the downstream end 325 of the ADF portion 300. That is, on the downstream side of the second loading portion 322, the plane portion 327 having a smaller inclination angle relative to the first loading portion 321 than the second loading portion 322 is provided.

[0055] The bending portion 323 is a boundary between the first loading portion 321 and the second loading portion 322 in the ejection direction EJD and is a downstream end of the first loading portion 321 and an upstream end of the second loading portion 322. That is, the bending portion 323 is a boundary where the angle of the sheet loading surface of the ejected sheet loading portion 320 changes.

[0056] In the ejection direction EJD, the distance EL1 from the ejection roller 309 to the bending portion 323 is greater than the distance EL2 from the bending portion 323 to the downstream end 325 of the ADF portion 300. By configuring the ejection sheet loading portion 320 as described above, it is possible to improve the alignment performance of the sheets loaded on the ejection sheet loading portion 320. The effect of improving the alignment performance of the sheets by the above configuration will be described in detail below.

[0057] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D 310 is an explanatory diagram of the discharge operation of the sheet 310 and illustrates a cross section of the XZ plane of the discharged sheet loading section 320. In the following description, the sheet during conveyance (discharge) shall be referred to as the conveyed sheet 310a, and the sheet discharged and loaded on the discharged sheet loading section 320 shall be referred to as the loaded sheet 310b, and they are distinguished. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D , the conveyed sheet 310 a during conveyance is indicated by a solid line with an arrow, and the loaded sheet 310 b that has been ejected and loaded is indicated by a solid line without an arrow.

[0058] Fig. 8A The diagram shows a state in which the first conveyed sheet 310a is discharged from the discharge roller 309 and the leading end of the conveyed sheet 310a contacts the first loading portion 321. The leading end of the conveyed sheet 310a discharged from the discharge roller 309 is deflected by gravity and first contacts the first loading portion 321. In the first embodiment, since the distance EL1 is sufficiently long, the conveyed sheet 310a first contacts the first loading portion 321 instead of the second loading portion 322.

[0059] Figure 8B The diagram shows the conveying sheet 310a from Fig. 8A The conveying sheet 310a is continuously discharged in a state, and the leading end portion of the conveying sheet 310a passes through the bending portion 323 and contacts the second loading portion 322. The conveying sheet 310a that has contacted the first loading portion 321 is conveyed in the discharge direction EJD while slidingly contacting the first loading portion 321, passes through the bending portion 323 and reaches the second loading portion 322.

[0060] Figure 8C The figure shows a state in which the rear end of the conveyed sheet 310a in the discharge direction EJD is discharged from the discharge roller 309 and the operation of discharging the conveyed sheet 310a to the discharge sheet loading section 320 is completed. With this series of operations, the conveyed sheet 310a is discharged to the discharge sheet loading section 320 and is loaded as a loaded sheet 310b. The loaded sheet 310b follows the shape of the first loading section 321 near the discharge roller 309 in the discharge direction EJD, follows the shape of the second loading section 322 at a position away from the discharge roller 309, and is loaded on the discharge sheet loading section 320.

[0061] As described above, the second loading section 322 is provided at both ends of the discharged sheet loading section 320 in the width direction EWD. Therefore, on the downstream side of the first loading section 321, the loading sheet 310b is supported by the second loading section 322 at both ends in the width direction EWD and is bent in such a manner that the central portion in the width direction EWD sinks. Since the front end portion of the loading sheet 310b is supported in a bent state in this manner, deflection due to gravity is reduced, and a gap in the gravity direction (Z direction) is generated between the loading sheet 310b and the plane portion 327. Thus, the user can easily remove the loading sheet 310b from the discharged sheet loading section 320.

[0062] Fig.8D The diagram shows a state where the second conveying sheet 310a is discharged onto the loading sheet 310b previously discharged by the discharge roller 309. The leading end portion of the discharged conveying sheet 310a is deflected by gravity and contacts the loading sheet 310b. Then, the conveying sheet 310a is discharged in the discharge direction EJD while slidingly contacting the loading sheet 310b loaded by following the first loading section 321 and the second loading section 322 and is loaded onto the loading sheet 310b.

[0063] In order to explain the effect of improving the sheet alignment performance by the above-mentioned configuration, first, the sheet discharging operation in the comparative example will be explained. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B It is an explanatory diagram of the discharge operation of the sheet 310 in the comparative example.

[0064] Fig.9A The diagram shows a structure of a first comparative example in which the second loading section 322 is not provided and the discharged sheet loading section 1320 is formed into a single plane. In the above structure, the movement of the conveyed sheet 310a and the loaded sheet 310b in the discharge direction EJD is not suppressed by the second loading section 322. Therefore, when the conveyed sheet 310a is discharged, there is a concern that the front end portion protrudes greatly from the discharged sheet loading section 1320 and falls from the discharged sheet loading section 1320. In addition, when the conveyed sheet 310a is discharged onto the loaded sheet 310b, there is a concern that the loaded sheet 310b moves in the discharge direction EJD together with the conveyed sheet 310a and protrudes from the discharged sheet loading section 1320, thereby reducing the alignment performance of the sheet 310.

[0065] Fig. 9BThe configuration of the second comparative example is illustrated, in which the first loading section 321 and the second loading section 322 are provided in the discharged sheet loading section 2320. In the second comparative example, in the discharge direction EJD, the distance EL1 from the discharge roller 309 to the inflection section 323 is equal to or smaller than the distance EL2 from the inflection section 323 to the downstream end 325 of the ADF section 300. Note that, for example, the distance EL1 may be the distance from the downstream end of the discharge roller 309 in the discharge direction EJD.

[0066] In the configuration as in the second comparative example, the movement of the conveyed sheet 310a and the loaded sheet 310b in the discharge direction EJD is suppressed by the second loading portion 322. Therefore, the conveyed sheet 310a discharged from the discharge roller 309 does not protrude from the discharged sheet loading portion 2320, but is loaded by following the first loading portion 321 and the second loading portion 322.

[0067] However, in the second comparative example, since the distance from the discharge roller 309 to the second loading section 322 is short, the conveying sheet 310a rushes onto the second loading section 322 via the loading sheet 310b in a state of small deflection. Then, most of the conveying force of the discharge roller 309 and the like on the conveying sheet 310a is transmitted to the loading sheet 310b, and therefore, the force for moving the loading sheet 310b in the discharge direction EJD is greatly exerted. Therefore, in the second comparative example, there is also a concern that the loading sheet 310b moves in the discharge direction EJD together with the conveying sheet 310a and easily protrudes from the discharge sheet loading section 2320 (which would reduce the alignment performance of the sheet 310).

[0068] On the other hand, in the configuration of the first embodiment, since the second loading section 322 is arranged at a position away from the discharge roller 309, the conveying sheet 310a rushes onto the second loading section 322 via the loading sheet 310b in a state of large deflection. Since the conveying sheet 310a is deflected, the conveying force of the conveying sheet 310a transmitted to the loading sheet 310b becomes smaller. As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, the movement of the loading sheet 310b in the discharge direction EJD is suppressed by the second loading section 322, and the conveying force of the conveying sheet 310a transmitted to the loading sheet 310b can be kept small. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the conveying sheet 310a from protruding from the discharge sheet loading section 320, and it is possible to suppress the loading sheet 310b discharged earlier from being pushed out of the discharge sheet loading section 320 by the conveying sheet 310a discharged later, thereby improving the sheet alignment performance.

[0069] Note that, in the first embodiment, the discharged sheet loading section 320 is configured so that the conveyed sheet 310a discharged onto the discharged sheet loading section 320 first contacts the first loading section 321, and the sheet discharge speed is controlled, but in the application of the present invention, such a configuration is not restrictive. For example, in a state where the deflection amount of the conveyed sheet 310a is sufficiently large, the leading end of the discharged conveyed sheet 310a may skip the first loading section 321 and contact the upstream end of the second loading section 322.

[0070] Then, refer to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C , the configuration of the discharged sheet loading section 320 will be described in detail. Fig. 10A 1 is a plan view of the discharged sheet loading section 320 showing the positional relationship between the discharged sheet loading section 320 and the loaded sheet 310 b in the first embodiment. Fig. 10B 1 is a perspective view illustrating the positional relationship between the multifunction machine 1 and the loading sheet 310 b in the first embodiment. Fig. 10C yes Fig. 10B The HH cross-sectional view illustrates a cross section of the ADF unit 300 along the XZ plane.

[0071] The image reading apparatus 100 is configured to be able to process the sheet 310 of a size within a predetermined range set in advance. Fig. 10A A state in which a largest sheet 310L having a largest size and a smallest sheet 310S having a smallest size, shown by a dotted line, among the sheets 310 of applicable sizes are loaded in the discharged sheet loading portion 320 is illustrated.

[0072] In the ejection sheet loading section 320, in the ejection direction EJD, the distance EL3 from the ejection roller 309 to the downstream end 325 of the ADF section 300 is configured to be shorter than the entire length of the largest sheet 310L. Note that the distance EL3 is equal to the total value of the distance EL1 from the ejection roller 309 to the inflection section 323 and the distance EL2 from the inflection section 323 to the downstream end 325 of the ADF section 300. In the ejection direction EJD, no structure that hinders the movement of the sheet 310 is provided from the second loading section 322 to the downstream end 325. Therefore, when the largest sheet 310L is ejected and loaded on the ejection sheet loading section 320, in the ejection direction EJD, the leading end portion of the largest sheet 310L is in a state of protruding from the downstream end 325 of the ADF section 300. Even in the case of a configuration in which the loaded sheet 310 b is loaded in such a state, the falling of the loaded sheet 310 b from the discharged sheet loading section 320 is suppressed by the second loading section 322 .

[0073] By making the length of the ejection direction EJD of the ejected sheet loading section 320 shorter than the entire length of the largest sheet 310L, a portion of the sheet 310 protrudes from the ADF section 300 and the sheet 310 is loaded, so the user can easily take out the sheet 310 from the ADF section 300. In addition, since it is not necessary to excessively enlarge the size of the ADF section 300 according to the largest sheet 310L, the size of the image reading apparatus 100 or the multifunction machine 1 can be reduced.

[0074] On the other hand, the distance EL3 in the discharge direction EJD of the discharged sheet loading section 320 is greater than the smallest sheet 310S. In addition, in the first embodiment, the distance EL1 in the discharge direction EJD of the discharged sheet loading section 320 is smaller than the entire length of the smallest sheet 310S. In addition, in the width direction EWD, a curved surface 324R that curves upward as it approaches the second loading section 322 is formed on the recessed section 324. In the width direction EWD, the second loading section 322 and the recessed section 324 are arranged so that both ends of the smallest sheet 310S are located on the curved surface 324R.

[0075] Since the discharged sheet loading section 320 is configured as above, when the smallest sheet 310S is loaded on the discharged sheet loading section 320, the front end portion of the smallest sheet 310S is contained in the discharged sheet loading section 320. At this time, the front end portion of the smallest sheet 310S is supported by the curved surface 324R at both ends in the width direction EWD. Therefore, the user can easily take out the loaded sheet 310b from the discharged sheet loading section 320 by putting his hand in the recessed portion 324. As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, even if the loaded sheet 310b having such a size that the front end portion does not protrude from the discharged sheet loading section 320 is loaded on the discharged sheet loading section 320, the user can take out the loaded sheet 310b with good operability.

[0076] Then, refer to Fig. 10C , the feeding sheet loading tray 331 installed on the sheet placing table 301 will be described in detail. In the ADF unit 300, a feeding sheet loading tray 331 capable of loading the sheet 310 fed to the sheet conveying mechanism unit is provided. The feeding sheet loading tray 331 is configured to be rotatable relative to the sheet placing table 301 on the upper part of the ADF unit 300 around a rotation axis extending in the width direction EWD. Fig. 10C A state in which the feeding sheet loading tray 331 is located above the second loading portion 322 and is usable is illustrated, and a rotational movement center 331 a of the feeding sheet loading tray 331 is illustrated.

[0077] In the discharge direction EJD, the rotational movement center 331a of the feed sheet loading tray 331 is located between the discharge roller 309 and the bending portion 323. In addition, the inclination angle of the feed sheet loading tray 331 in the use state relative to the horizontal plane is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the second loading portion 322 relative to the horizontal plane, and the sheet loading surface of the feed sheet loading tray 331 is substantially parallel to the sheet loading surface of the second loading portion 322. With the above configuration, a wide space for the user to take out the smallest sheet 310S can be ensured.

[0078] In addition, the rotational movement center 331a of the feed sheet loading tray 331 is located above the discharge roller 309, and therefore, the feed sheet loading tray 331 is arranged in a manner not to hinder the discharge of the sheet 310. Furthermore, in the discharge direction EJD, the end 331b on the downstream side of the feed sheet loading tray 331 in the use state is located between the bending portion 323 and the downstream end 325 of the ADF portion 300. Therefore, the feed sheet loading tray 331 is configured to be contained inside the image reading apparatus 100 and, for example, not protrude from the downstream end 325. With the above configuration, the feed sheet loading tray 331 does not rate-limit the device size of the image reading apparatus 100 or the like, and the feed sheet loading tray 331 can be used even in a small space.

[0079] As described above, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, while suppressing the increase in size of the sheet discharge device, the conveyed sheet 310a or the loaded sheet 310b is suppressed from falling from the discharged sheet loading portion 320, and the alignment performance of the loaded sheet 310b can be improved. In order to effectively improve the sheet alignment performance, it is preferred that the distance EL1 is greater than the distance EL2, and it is particularly preferred that the distance EL1 is 1.2 times or more of the distance EL2.

[0080] Fig.11 : is an exploded view of the ADF unit 300 in the first embodiment. The discharged sheet loading unit 320 is configured so that the discharged sheet loading tray 312 is mounted on the ADF base 302. On the ADF base 302, a part of the first loading unit 321 of the discharged sheet loading unit 320 is formed, and on the discharged sheet loading tray 312, a part of the first loading unit 321 of the discharged sheet loading unit 320, a second loading unit 322, a flat portion 327, and the like are formed.

[0081] In addition, the ADF base 302 is provided with an ADF hinge 326 as a hinge portion that supports the ADF portion 300 that can be opened / closed relative to the scanning portion 200. By means of the ADF hinge 326, the ADF portion 300 is held in the position as shown in FIG. Figure 1AIn the state where the discharged sheet loading tray 312 is mounted on the ADF base 302, the discharged sheet loading tray 312 covers the ADF hinge 326. That is, in the first embodiment, the discharged sheet loading tray 312 including the first loading portion 321 and the second loading portion 322 has a function as a covering member covering the ADF hinge 326. With the above configuration, the user is prevented from touching the ADF hinge 326, and an increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

[0082] Second embodiment

[0083] Then, refer to Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As the first embodiment, the configuration of the sheet discharge device provided in the image reading apparatus 100 is described, but a sheet discharge device provided in the printing device 400 as a recording device having a conveying portion for conveying sheets and a recording portion for recording images on sheets may be similarly configured. Hereinafter, in the configuration of the second embodiment, only points different from those in the first embodiment will be described. In the configuration of the second embodiment, those configurations similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0084] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is an explanatory diagram of the discharged sheet loading section 320 of the printing apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12A It is a perspective view of the printing device 400 . Fig. 12B yes Fig. 12A 4 is a GG cross-sectional view of the sheet discharged from the printing device 400 when viewed in the width direction EWD.

[0085] The printing apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment includes a discharge roller 409 constituting a discharge section that discharges a sheet on which a recording operation has been performed, and a discharge sheet loading section 420 from which / on which sheets are discharged. The discharge sheet loading section 420 has a first loading section 421, a second loading section 422 that is inclined relative to the first loading section 421 and located on the downstream side of the first loading section 421, and a bending section 423 that is a boundary between the first loading section 421 and the second loading section 422.

[0086] In the discharge direction EJD, the distance EL1 from the discharge roller 409 to the inflection portion 423 is greater than the distance EL2 from the inflection portion 423 to the downstream end 425 of the printing device 400. The downstream end 425 of the printing device 400 is a surface of the housing of the printing device 400 that faces the downstream side in the discharge direction EJD. In addition, the distance EL3 from the discharge roller 409 to the downstream end 425, which is the sum of the distance EL1 and the distance EL2, is smaller than the largest sheet 310L.

[0087] With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the conveyed sheet 310a from protruding from the discharged sheet loading section 420 and suppress the earlier discharged loaded sheet 310b from being pushed out from the discharged sheet loading section 420 by the later discharged conveyed sheet 310a. Therefore, the sheet alignment performance can be improved while suppressing the increase in size of the printing apparatus 400.

[0088] Note that the application of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment, but can be applied to other configurations within the scope of not losing the identity of the present invention. For example, the sheet discharge device is not limited to those provided in the image reading device 100 and the printing device 400, but can be provided in other devices.

Claims

1. An image reading device, comprising: a conveying section that conveys the sheet; a reading section that reads an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveying section; a discharge section that discharges the sheet conveyed by the conveying section in a discharge direction; and A sheet loading section having a first loading section and a second loading section, wherein the first loading section is located below the discharge section and is loaded with sheets discharged from the discharge section, and the second loading section is located on the downstream side of the first loading section in the discharge direction and is inclined relative to the first loading section in such a manner that the second loading section gradually tilts upward as it goes further downstream in the discharge direction, wherein: In the discharging direction, a distance from the discharging portion to an upstream end of the second loading portion is greater than a distance from the upstream end of the second loading portion to a downstream end of the sheet loading portion.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The second loading section is provided at both ends in the width direction orthogonal to the discharge direction of the sheet loading section, and The sheet loading portion has a recessed portion recessed downward in the gravity direction relative to the second loading portion, the recessed portion being located between the second loading portion on one end side and the second loading portion on the other end side of the sheet loading portion in the width direction.

3. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein: The sheet loading portion has a planar portion located on the downstream side of the second loading portion in the discharge direction, and an inclination angle of the planar portion relative to the first loading portion is smaller than an inclination angle of the second loading portion relative to the first loading portion.

4. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein: The second loading portion is formed to be continuous with the first loading portion in the discharge direction.

5. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein In the ejection direction, a distance from the ejection portion to a downstream end of the sheet loading portion is shorter than an entire length of a sheet having a maximum size that can be processed by a preset sheet ejection device.

6. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein: In the discharging direction, a distance from the discharging portion to an upstream end of the second loading portion is shorter than an entire length of a sheet having a minimum size that can be processed by a preset sheet discharging device.

7. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein: In the recessed portion, a curved surface is formed, which gradually bends upward in the width direction as the curved surface approaches the second loading portion, and when a sheet with a minimum size that can be processed by a predetermined sheet discharge device is loaded on the discharge portion, both ends of the sheet are loaded on the curved surface.

8. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising: A control section controls the discharge section so that the sheet is discharged at a speed such that the sheet comes into contact with the first loading section before a leading end portion of the sheet in the discharge direction reaches the second loading section.

9. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising: a loading tray on which sheets to be fed to the conveying portion are loaded and the loading tray is located above the second loading portion, wherein A placement surface of the loading tray on which the sheets are placed is inclined relative to a horizontal plane, and an inclination angle of the loading tray is substantially the same as an inclination angle of the second loading portion.

10. The image reading device according to claim 9, wherein: The loading tray is configured to be capable of rotational movement about a rotational movement axis extending in a width direction of the sheets loaded on the placement surface, and The center of rotational movement of the loading tray is located above the discharge portion.

11. The image reading device according to claim 9, wherein: In the discharge direction, a downstream end of the loading tray is located upstream of a downstream end of the sheet loading portion.

12. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein The sheet loading portion is constituted by a base member on which a part of the first loading portion is formed, and a tray member on which a part of the first loading portion and the second loading portion are formed, and the tray member is mounted on the base member.

13. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising: a hinge portion that supports the sheet loading portion in such a manner that the sheet loading portion can be opened / closed relative to the reading portion; and A covering member covers the hinge portion, the covering member including the first loading portion and the second loading portion.

14. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: A recording section records an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveying section.

Images