Medium discharge device and image reading apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a medium discharging device and an image reading device, which can improve the alignment of a medium (3) discharged on a carrying surface (17). A medium discharge device (21) is provided with: a discharge roller pair (24) that discharges a medium (3); and a discharged medium placement section (16) having a placement surface (17) on which the discharged medium (3) is placed. The discharge roller pair (24) can change the discharge angle ([theta] 1) in the discharge direction (S) of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair (24), and the discharge medium placement section (16) can change the placement angle ([theta] 2) in the discharge direction (S) of the placement surface (17). The medium discharge device (21) is capable of changing at least one of the discharge angle ([theta] 1) and the placement angle ([theta] 2) in accordance with the discharge speed of the medium (3) discharged from the discharge roller pair (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium discharging device and an image reading device. Background Art

[0002] As an example of such a device, the device described in Patent Document 1 can be cited.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet discharge device including a pair of first discharge rollers, a pair of second discharge rollers, a first protrusion (waisted roller), and a second protrusion (waisted lever). The discharged sheet is loaded on a sheet discharge loading portion.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-210077.

[0007] The sheet discharge device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a mechanism for making the discharge speed of the sheets variable. In addition, there is no mechanism for making the discharge angle of the sheets in the sheet discharge loading section variable. Therefore, when a large number of sheets are discharged, the top ends of the sheets are easily misaligned in the sheet discharge loading section, and there is a problem that the alignment of the discharged sheets is low. Summary of the invention

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the medium discharge device involved in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a discharge roller pair, the discharge roller pair discharges the medium; and a discharge medium loading portion, the discharge medium loading portion has a loading surface for loading the discharged medium, the discharge roller pair is capable of changing the discharge angle in the discharge direction of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair, the discharge medium loading portion is capable of changing the loading angle of the loading surface in the discharge direction, and the medium discharge device is capable of changing at least one of the discharge angle and the loading angle according to the discharge speed of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair.

[0009] In addition, the image reading device involved in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a medium discharge device described in any one of the first to sixth modes described later; and a reading unit, which is located upstream of the medium discharge device in the conveying direction of the medium and reads the conveyed medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is a side view of the overall schematic configuration of the interior of the image reading device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2This is a side cross-sectional view of a main part of the medium discharge device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a configuration diagram of a discharge angle changing unit according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a configuration diagram of Modification 1 of the discharge angle changing unit of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a second modification of the placement angle changing unit of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a configuration diagram of a medium discharge device according to Embodiment 2.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a configuration diagram of a modified example of the medium discharge device of the second embodiment.

[0017] Explanation of symbols

[0018] 1. Image reading device; 2. Conveying path; 3. Medium; 4. First conveying roller; 5. Conveying section; 6. Second conveying roller; 7. Separation roller; 8. Third conveying roller; 9. Background member; 10. Feed roller; 11. Shaft; 12. Pick-up roller; 13. Peripheral surface; 14. Medium placement section; 15. Third driving section; 16. Discharge medium placement section; 17. Placement surface; 18. Curved flipping path; 19. Discharge angle changing section; 20. Fourth conveying roller; 21. Medium discharge device; 22. Fifth conveying roller; 23. First shaft; 24. Discharge 1. Roller pair; 25. Second shaft; 26. Drive roller (paper pressing roller); 27. Fourth drive unit; 28. Sliding slit; 29. ​​Transmission gear; 30. Peripheral surface; 31. First rotating member; 32. Second rotating member; 33. First gear; 34. Planetary gear arm; 35. Planetary gear; 36. Loading angle changing unit; 37. Upstream end; 38. Downstream end; 40. Rack; 41. Pinion; 43. Transparent member; 45. Roller drive gear; 46. Second gear; 47. First pulley; 48. Third shaft; 49. First transmission Belt; 50, first drive unit; 51, first reading unit; 52, second reading unit; 54, rotating shaft; 55, lower unit; 56, upper unit; 57, fifth gear; 58, sixth gear; 59, second pulley; 60, seventh gear; 61, first conveying auxiliary unit; 62, second conveying auxiliary unit; 63, eighth gear; 64, third pulley; 65, fourth pulley; 66, drive unit; 67, second transmission belt; 68, linear path; 69, fifth shaft; 70, fifth pulley; 71, control unit; 72, sixth pulley; 73 , the ninth gear; 74, the fourth transmission belt; 75, the fifth transmission belt; 76, the sixth shaft; 77, the second driving unit; 80, the third transmission belt; 241, the first roller (discharge driving roller); 242, the second roller (discharge driven roller); 431, the first light-transmitting component; 432, the second light-transmitting component; 451, the third gear; 461, the fourth gear; D1, the first data; D2, the second data; D3, the third data; F, the conveying direction; N, the clamping position; P, the starting point; S, the discharge direction; θ1, the discharge angle; θ2, the loading angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the present invention will first be described in outline.

[0020] The medium discharge device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a discharge roller pair, the discharge roller pair discharges the medium; and a discharge medium loading portion, the discharge medium loading portion has a loading surface for loading the discharged medium, the discharge roller pair is capable of changing the discharge angle in the discharge direction of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair, the discharge medium loading portion is capable of changing the loading angle of the loading surface in the discharge direction, and the medium discharge device is capable of changing at least one of the discharge angle and the loading angle according to the discharge speed of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair.

[0021] Here, the “discharge angle” refers to the angle formed by a line perpendicular to a line connecting the axis of one first roller and the axis of the other second roller in the discharge roller pair and a horizontal line. In addition, the “loading angle” refers to the angle formed by the loading surface and a horizontal plane.

[0022] (1) When the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair and moving in the discharge direction contacts the already discharged medium, a pushing force is applied to the discharged medium in a direction of further pushing the discharged medium. When the medium is pushed out due to the action of the pushing force, the alignment of the medium is reduced. When the discharge speed is the same, the pushing force is greater in the case of a smaller discharge angle and smaller in the case of a larger discharge angle. That is, by increasing the discharge angle, the influence of the pushing force can be reduced.

[0023] (2) When the medium is discharged from the discharge roller pair in the discharge direction and lands on the loading surface, the medium has an inertial force that moves in the discharge direction. The greater the discharge speed, the greater the inertial force. The closer the loading angle of the loading surface is to 0 degrees, the more significant the influence of the inertial force, the more disordered the landing position, and the lower the alignment of the medium. That is, by increasing the loading angle, the influence of the inertial force can be reduced.

[0024] According to this method, at least one of the discharge angle and the loading angle can be changed according to the discharge speed of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair. Thus, by changing one or both of the discharge angle and the loading angle according to the discharge speed of the medium, the influence of the pushing force can be suppressed, and the influence of the inertial force can be suppressed, thereby improving the alignment of the medium discharged to the loading surface.

[0025] The second mode of the medium discharge device involved in the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, and is characterized in that it also includes a discharge angle changing unit capable of changing the discharge angle, wherein the discharge angle changing unit causes the other second roller in the discharge roller pair to move relative to a first roller in the discharge roller pair along the circumferential surface of the first roller to change the clamping position of the first roller and the second roller.

[0026] According to this aspect, the discharge angle changing unit moves the other second roller relative to the first roller along the peripheral surface to change the clamping position between the first roller and the second roller. Thus, the discharge angle can be changed with a simple structure of changing the clamping position.

[0027] The third mode of the medium discharge device according to the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, and is characterized in that it further comprises a loading angle changing unit capable of changing the loading angle, wherein the loading angle changing unit moves the downstream end side of the loading surface in the loading direction in the loading direction up and down with the upstream end of the loading surface in the loading direction as a starting point. In addition, this mode can also be subordinate to the second mode.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the loading angle changing unit moves the downstream end side of the loading surface up and down with the upstream end of the loading surface in the discharge direction as a starting point. That is, the loading angle changing unit changes the loading angle by rotating the downstream end up and down with the upstream end of the loading surface as a rotation fulcrum. Thus, the loading angle can be changed by a simple structure in which the rotation is performed with the upstream end of the loading surface as a starting point.

[0029] A fourth aspect of the medium discharge device according to the present invention is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the change of the discharge angle and the change of the placement angle are performed by a single drive unit.

[0030] According to this aspect, since the change of the discharge angle and the change of the placement angle are executed by a single drive unit, an increase in the number of components can be suppressed and miniaturization can be achieved.

[0031] A fifth mode of the medium discharge device involved in the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, and is characterized in that it also includes: a discharge angle changing unit, which is capable of changing the discharge angle; a loading angle changing unit, which is capable of changing the loading angle; a first driving unit, which drives the discharge angle changing unit; a second driving unit, which drives the loading angle changing unit; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of performing the following control: driving the first driving unit to change the discharge angle based on first data; driving the second driving unit to change the loading angle based on second data; and changing the discharge angle and the loading angle based on third data, the first data being set as an appropriate range of the discharge angle of the medium relative to the discharge speed, the second data being set as an appropriate range of the loading angle of the medium relative to the discharge speed, and the third data being set as an appropriate range of the discharge angle and the loading angle of the medium relative to the discharge speed.

[0032] Here, the “appropriate range” means a range set so that the alignment of the medium discharged onto the placement surface is good, and can be obtained in advance.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the control unit can perform the following control: based on the first data, the first driving unit is driven to change the discharge angle; based on the second data, the second driving unit is driven to change the loading angle; and based on the third data, the discharge angle and the loading angle are changed. Thus, it is possible to use them separately: only by changing the discharge angle to improve the alignment of the medium discharged onto the loading surface, only by changing the loading angle to improve the alignment of the medium discharged onto the loading surface, or by changing the discharge angle and the loading angle to improve the alignment of the medium discharged onto the loading surface, so it is convenient for users to use.

[0034] The sixth aspect of the medium discharge device of the present invention is an aspect subordinate to the first aspect, characterized in that at least one of the discharge angle and the placement angle can be changed according to the grammage of the medium. In addition, this aspect can also be subordinate to any aspect of the second to fifth aspects.

[0035] There is a tendency that the pushing force and the inertial force differ depending on the gram weight of the medium. For example, the pushing force and the inertial force of a medium with a large gram weight are large. On the other hand, the pushing force and the inertial force of a medium with a small gram weight are small.

[0036] According to this aspect, at least one of the discharge angle and the placement angle can be changed according to the basic weight of the medium. Therefore, the discharge state can be stabilized according to the basic weight of the medium, and the alignment can be improved.

[0037] The image reading device involved in the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a medium discharge device as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects; and a reading unit, which is located upstream of the medium discharge device in the conveying direction of the medium and reads the conveyed medium.

[0038] According to this aspect, in the image reading device, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described aspects in the medium discharge device.

[0039] Implementation

[0040] The following is based on Figures 1 to 7 An embodiment of a medium discharge device according to the present invention and an image reading device including the medium discharge device will be described in detail.

[0041] In the following description, three mutually orthogonal axes are respectively set as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as shown in the respective figures. The directions indicated by the arrows of the three axes (X, Y, and Z) are the + directions of each direction, and the opposite directions are the - directions. The Z-axis direction is equivalent to the vertical direction, that is, the direction in which gravity acts, the +Z direction indicates the vertical top, and the -Z direction indicates the vertical bottom. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are equivalent to the horizontal direction, the +Y direction indicates the front direction of the device, and the -Y direction indicates the rear direction of the device. The +X direction indicates the right direction of the device, and the -X direction indicates the left direction of the device.

[0042] Overall structure of the image reading device

[0043] The image reading device 1 of this embodiment is a scanner that can read an image of a medium that is an original. Here, the image means an image that is visually recorded on the medium, such as text, graphics, tables, pictures, photos, etc. The medium is not limited to sheets, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. The image reading device 1 is not limited to a scanner, and can also be a copier, a fax machine, etc.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the image reading device 1 includes two first reading sections 51 and a second reading section 52 as reading sections for reading an image of a medium 3. The medium 3 is conveyed in a conveying direction F along a conveying path 2, and includes a first conveying roller 4 disposed upstream of the first reading section 51, a second conveying roller 6 disposed upstream of the second reading section 52 located downstream of the first reading section 51, and a third conveying roller 8 disposed downstream of the second reading section 52.

[0045] A roller pair of a feed roller 10 and a separation roller 7 is arranged upstream of the first conveying roller 4 in the conveying direction F. The feed roller 10 is a driving roller that is rotated by the power of the third driving unit 15, and conveys the medium 3 in the conveying direction F. The separation roller 7 is a driving roller that is rotated by the power of a driving source (not shown), and is a roller that separates a plurality of media 3 into one medium.

[0046] Here, the separation roller 7 is rotated by the power of the driving source in the direction of conveying the medium 3 to the upstream side (+Y direction) of the conveying direction F. The separation roller 7 is provided with a torque limiter (not shown), and when a torque exceeding a set value is applied to the torque limiter, the separation roller 7 is driven to rotate in the direction of conveying the medium 3 to the downstream side (-Y direction) of the conveying direction F.

[0047] A pickup roller 12 is disposed upstream of the separation roller 7. The pickup roller 12 is a drive roller that is rotated by the power of the third drive unit 15 that is the same as the feed roller 10, and delivers the medium 3 in the conveying direction F. The first conveying roller 4, the second conveying roller 6, and the third conveying roller 8 that constitute the conveying unit 5 that conveys the medium 3 in the conveying direction F also include drive rollers that are rotated by the power of the third drive unit 15.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, a curved reversing path 18 is provided downstream of the straight path 68 from the feed roller 10 to the third conveying roller 8, that is, downstream of the third conveying roller 8. On the curved reversing path 18, a fourth conveying roller 20, a fifth conveying roller 22, and a discharge roller pair 24 are sequentially arranged along the conveying direction F.

[0049] The discharged medium placement unit 16 for receiving the medium 3 discharged from the curved reversing path 18 is arranged above the linear path 68 , thereby achieving compactness.

[0050] exist Figure 1 In the figure, reference numeral 71 denotes a control unit. The control unit 71 controls the driving of the third driving unit 15 and the driving of the fourth driving unit 27 described later so as to correspond to the conveyance of the medium 3. The third driving unit 15 and the fourth driving unit 27 are constituted by motors.

[0051] The control unit 71 includes a CPU, a flash ROM, and a RAM. The CPU performs various calculations according to the program stored in the flash ROM to control the overall operation of the image reading device 1. The flash ROM, which is an example of a storage unit, is a non-volatile memory that can be read and written. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM, which is an example of a storage unit.

[0052] exist Figure 1In the figure, reference numeral 14 denotes a medium placement portion on which a medium 3 to be read is placed. The medium 3 on the medium placement portion 14 is conveyed along the conveyance path 2 and is finally discharged to the discharged medium placement portion 16 .

[0053] The medium placement section 14 is configured to move up and down. When the medium 3 placed on the medium placement section 14 is transported in the transport direction F, the medium placement section 14 is firstly moved upward (in the +Z direction) by power transmitted from a driving source (not shown), and stops when the uppermost medium of the placed medium 3 contacts the pickup roller 12. By rotating the pickup roller 12 in this state, the medium 3 is transported in the transport direction F, and the leading end of the medium 3 reaches the clamping position of the roller pair of the feed roller 10 and the separation roller 7.

[0054] In the case of a state where a plurality of sheets of the medium 3 are conveyed in an overlapped conveying state, the medium 3 is separated into one sheet by the separation roller 7, and the sheet is conveyed in the conveying direction F by the first conveying roller 4, and the image of the first side of the medium 3 is read by the first reading unit 51. Furthermore, the medium 3 read by the first reading unit 51 is conveyed by the second conveying roller 6, and the image of the second side of the medium 3 opposite to the first side is read by the second reading unit 52.

[0055] The medium 3 scanned by the second scanning unit 52 is conveyed to the curved reversing path 18 by the third conveying roller 8 , conveyed by the fourth conveying roller 20 and the fifth conveying roller 22 , and discharged to the discharged medium placement unit 16 by the discharge roller pair 24 .

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52 for reading the image of the medium 3 transported in the transport direction F include a first light-transmitting member 431 and a second light-transmitting member 432 as the light-transmitting member 43 arranged between the reading unit and the transport path 2.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the first rotating member 31 and the second rotating member 32 as rotating members are arranged on the side of the first light-transmitting member 431 and the second light-transmitting member 432 opposite to the first reading section 51 and the second reading section 52. The first rotating member 31 and the second rotating member 32 are arranged opposite to the first reading section 51 and the second reading section 52, and are rotating members that can rotate around the axis 11. The first rotating member 31 and the second rotating member 32 are substantially cylindrical in shape, and are formed to have a length that can cover the reading range (X-axis direction) of the first reading section 51 and the second reading section 52.

[0058] In addition, if Figure 1As shown, the first rotating member 31 and the second rotating member 32 are rotated around the shaft 11 by the power of the fourth driving unit 27 as a common driving source. The rotation of the first rotating member 31 and the second rotating member 32 is controlled by the control unit 71.

[0059] In addition, the first rotating member 31 and the second rotating member 32 may be configured to rotate not by the common fourth driving unit 27 but by the power of the respective motors.

[0060] The first reading unit 51 , the first light-transmitting member 431 , and the second rotating member 32 are arranged above the conveying path 2 . The second reading unit 52 , the second light-transmitting member 432 , and the first rotating member 31 are arranged below the conveying path 2 .

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the image reading device 1 is composed of a lower unit 55 and an upper unit 56. The upper unit 56 is configured to be able to be opened and closed by rotating in the vertical direction relative to the lower unit 55 by an opening and closing mechanism (not shown).

[0062] The lower unit 55 has a second reading unit 52, a second light-transmitting member 432, and a first rotating member 31. The upper unit 56 has a first reading unit 51, a first light-transmitting member 431, and a second rotating member 32. The upper unit 56 is configured such that when the upper unit 56 is closed relative to the lower unit 55, Figure 1 As shown, the second light-transmitting component 432 is opposite to the second rotating component 32 , and the first light-transmitting component 431 is opposite to the first rotating component 31 .

[0063] The structure is such that, when the upper unit 56 is opened relative to the lower unit 55, although not shown in the figure, the second light-transmitting member 432 is not opposite to the second rotating member 32, and the first light-transmitting member 431 is not opposite to the first rotating member 31. That is, the opposing surfaces of the lower unit 55 and the upper unit 56 are exposed and accessible to the user.

[0064] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, a first conveyance assisting portion 61 and a second conveyance assisting portion 62 are provided as conveyance assisting portions that are arranged upstream of the first rotating member 31 and the second rotating member 32 and that assist in conveying the medium 3, opposite to the first light-transmitting member 431 and the second light-transmitting member 432. Here, the first conveyance assisting portion 61 and the second conveyance assisting portion 62 are composed of a driving roller 26 called a platen roller 26, and the platen roller 26 is rotated by the power transmitted from the third driving portion 15.

[0065] Implementation Method 1

[0066] The medium discharge device 21 according to the first embodiment will be described below following the description of the overall structure of the above-mentioned image reading device 1 , but the descriptions are partially repeated.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the medium discharge device 21 of the first embodiment includes a discharge roller pair 24 for discharging a medium 3 and a discharge medium placement portion 16 having a placement surface 17 on which the discharged medium is placed. The discharge roller pair 24 is configured to be able to change a discharge angle θ1 in the discharge direction S of the medium 3 discharged from the discharge roller pair 24. In addition, the discharge medium placement portion 16 is configured to be able to change a placement angle θ2 in the discharge direction S of the placement surface 17. The discharge angle θ1 refers to an angle formed by a line orthogonal to a line connecting a first axis 23 of one first roller 241 of the discharge roller pair 24 and a second axis 25 of the other second roller 242 and a horizontal line. In addition, the placement angle θ2 refers to an angle formed by the placement surface 17 and the horizontal plane.

[0068] Furthermore, it is configured so that at least one of the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 can be changed according to the discharge speed of the medium 3 discharged from the discharge roller pair 24 .

[0069] In this embodiment, the medium 3 can be discharged at a high discharge speed of 150 ppm or more from the discharge roller pair 24, and can be discharged at a low discharge speed of about 40 ppm, and can be discharged at a discharge speed between these speeds. Here, ppm is a unit of discharge speed, which is the number of sheets of media discharged in 1 minute, and 150 ppm means that 150 sheets are discharged in 1 minute.

[0070] In the medium discharge device 21 of the present embodiment, the discharge speed is configured to be settable by the user. In addition, the range of the discharge speed is of course not limited to the above range.

[0071] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the medium discharge device 21 of the present embodiment includes a discharge angle changing unit 19 capable of changing a discharge angle θ1.

[0072] The discharge angle changing section 19 is configured to change the clamping position N between the first roller 241 and the second roller 242 by moving the other second roller 242 of the discharge roller pair 24 relative to the first roller 241 along the peripheral surface 30 of the first roller 241. Here, the first roller 241 is a discharge driving roller 241 (with the same reference numeral), and the second roller 242 is a discharge driven roller 242 (with the same reference numeral). Reference numeral 23 denotes a first axis as an axis of the discharge driving roller 241, and reference numeral 25 denotes a second axis as an axis of the discharge driven roller 242.

[0073] based on Figure 3, an example of a specific structure capable of changing the clamping position N is described. A first gear 33 for moving the discharge driven roller 242 as described later is mounted on the first shaft 23. The first gear 33 is mounted so as to be rotatable around the first shaft 23 as a rotation center. That is, the first gear 33 can rotate relative to the first shaft 23 when the discharge drive roller 241 is stopped.

[0074] The first gear 33 meshes with the transmission gear 29. The transmission gear 29 is rotated by receiving power from a motor (not shown) as a driving source, and the first gear 33 is rotated relative to the first shaft 23 by the rotation. The rotation of the transmission gear 29 is controlled by the control unit 71.

[0075] Both ends of the second shaft 25 are slidably mounted on the sliding slit 28, which is provided on the frame 39 as a structural component of the medium discharge device 21. Moreover, on the second shaft 25, a planetary gear 35 is mounted in a state of meshing with the first gear 33. The planetary gear 35 is mounted so as to be rotatable with the second shaft 25 as the rotation center. Moreover, the planetary gear 35 is configured to be able to perform planetary movement along the circumference of the first gear 33 via the planetary gear arm 34. That is, when the first gear 33 rotates, the planetary gear 35 is also driven to rotate, but due to the existence of the planetary gear arm 34, it performs planetary movement along the circumference of the first gear 33. If the planetary gear 35 performs the planetary movement, the second shaft 25 integrated with the planetary gear 35 also moves. Therefore, the sliding slit 28 is formed into a slit shape that enables it to perform the planetary movement.

[0076] Thus, when the planetary gear 35 performs the planetary movement, the second shaft 25 also slides in the slide slit 28, and the ejection driven roller 242 moves along the peripheral surface 30 of the ejection driving roller 241, and the clamping position N changes. Figure 3 The state shown on the left side of the embodiment changes to the state shown on the right side. By changing the clamping position N, the ejection angle θ1 changes.

[0077] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the medium discharge device 21 of this embodiment includes a loading angle changing unit 36 ​​capable of changing the loading angle θ2. The loading angle changing unit 36 ​​is configured to be able to move up and down the downstream end 38 side of the loading surface 17 in the discharge direction S with the upstream end 37 of the loading surface 17 in the discharge direction S as a starting point P.

[0078] Here, the upstream end 37 of the placement surface 17 serves as a rotation fulcrum, and a rack 40 is installed at the downstream end 38. In addition, a pinion 41 meshing with the rack 40 is fixed to a frame (not shown) of the medium discharge device 21. When the pinion 41 rotates, the rack 40 moves, thereby the placement surface 17 moves in the vertical direction, and the placement angle θ2 changes. Figure 1In FIG. 1 , the placement angle θ2 at the position indicated by the dotted line is larger than the placement angle θ2 at the position indicated by the solid line on the placement surface 17 . The rotational operation of the pinion gear 41 is controlled by the control unit 71 .

[0079] Technical significance of changing the discharge angle θ1

[0080] When the medium 3 discharged from the discharge roller pair 24 and moving in the discharge direction S contacts the already discharged medium 3, a pushing force acts on the discharged medium 3 in a direction of further pushing out. When the medium 3 is pushed out by the pushing force, the alignment of the medium 3 is reduced. When the discharge speed is the same, the pushing force is greater when the discharge angle θ1 is smaller, and is smaller when the discharge angle θ1 is larger.

[0081] That is, by increasing the discharge angle θ1, the influence of the pressing force can be reduced, and the alignment of the medium 3 discharged onto the placement surface 17 can be improved.

[0082] Technical significance of changing the loading angle θ2

[0083] When the medium 3 is discharged from the discharge roller pair 24 in the discharge direction S and lands on the placement surface 17, it has an inertial force that moves in the discharge direction S. The greater the discharge speed, the greater the inertial force. The closer the placement angle θ2 of the placement surface 17 is to 0 degrees, the more significant the influence of the inertial force, the more disordered the landing position, and the lower the alignment of the medium 3.

[0084] That is, by increasing the placement angle θ2, the influence of the inertial force can be reduced, and the alignment of the medium 3 discharged onto the placement surface 17 can be improved.

[0085] Description of the Effects of Embodiment 1

[0086] (1) In the present embodiment, at least one of the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 can be changed according to the discharge speed of the medium 3 discharged from the discharge roller pair 24. Thus, by changing one or both of the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 according to the discharge speed of the medium 3, the influence of the pushing force can be suppressed, and the influence of the inertial force can be suppressed, thereby improving the alignment of the medium 3 discharged onto the placement surface 17.

[0087] When changing one or both of the discharge angle θ1 and the loading angle θ2 according to the discharge speed of the medium 3, it is ideal to obtain in advance, for the determined type of medium 3, a relationship between one or both of the discharge angle θ1 and the loading angle θ2 that provides good alignment with the medium 3 relative to the discharge speed, and automatically set one or both of the discharge angle θ1 and the loading angle θ2 according to the actual discharge speed.

[0088] Of course, this is not limited to this, and the configuration may also be such that several sheets of media 3 are ejected at the ejection speed actually set by the user, and the alignment state of the media 3 at this time is confirmed. If the user determines that the media 3 is in the state of poor alignment, the user may change one or both of the ejection angle θ1 and the loading angle θ2 via the control unit 71, or the configuration may be such that the user can change it manually.

[0089] (2) In the present embodiment, the discharge angle changing unit 19 moves the other second roller 242 relative to the first roller 241 along the peripheral surface 30 to change the nip position N between the first roller 241 and the second roller 242. Thus, the discharge angle θ1 can be changed by a simple structure of changing the nip position N.

[0090] (3) In the present embodiment, the loading angle changing section 36 moves the downstream end 38 side of the loading surface 17 up and down with the upstream end 37 of the loading surface 17 in the discharge direction S as the starting point P. That is, the loading angle changing section 36 changes the loading angle θ2 by rotating the downstream end 38 up and down with the upstream end 37 of the loading surface 17 as the rotation fulcrum. Thus, the loading angle θ2 can be changed by a simple structure in which the rotation is performed with the upstream end 37 of the loading surface 17 as the starting point P.

[0091] Modification 1 of Embodiment 1

[0092] Next, based on Figure 4 Modification 1 of Implementation Example 1 will be described.

[0093] In Modification 1, a second gear 46 is mounted on the first shaft 23 in addition to the roller drive gear 45 for rotating the discharge drive roller 241. The second gear 46 is mounted rotatably relative to the first shaft 23, that is, idly rotates, and is configured to rotate around the first shaft 23.

[0094] A third gear 451 meshing with the roller drive gear 45 and a fourth gear 461 meshing with the second gear 46 are provided. The third gear 451 and the fourth gear 461 are attached to the third shaft 48 of the first pulley 47. The third gear 451 and the fourth gear 461 are configured to be switchable between a state of integral rotation with respect to the third shaft 48 and a state of idling by a clutch (not shown).

[0095] That is, when the first pulley 47 is rotated to rotate the roller drive gear 45 , the clutch causes the third gear 451 to rotate integrally with the third shaft 48 and the fourth gear 461 to idle with respect to the third shaft 48 .

[0096] On the contrary, when the second gear 46 is rotated to change the discharge angle θ1 , the fourth gear 461 rotates integrally with the third shaft 48 , and the third gear 451 idles relative to the third shaft 48 .

[0097] The first pulley 47 is rotated by the power of the first driving unit 50, which is a motor, transmitted through the first transmission belt 49. In the present embodiment, the first driving unit 50 is configured to perform deceleration discharge in which the discharge speed of the medium 3 is slowed down midway when the medium 3 is discharged from the discharge roller pair 24. If this deceleration discharge is combined, it is easy to further improve the alignment of the discharged medium 3.

[0098] Other structures and Figure 3 Since the components are the same, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and the description thereof is omitted. According to this modification 1, the clamping position N can also be moved, and the discharge angle θ1 can be changed.

[0099] Modification 2 of Implementation Example 1

[0100] Next, based on Figure 5 Modification 2 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0101] In the second modification, the upstream end portion 37 of the placement surface 17 is installed to rotate integrally with the rotation shaft 54. A fifth gear 57 is fixed to the rotation shaft 54. The fifth gear 57 meshes with the sixth gear 58. The sixth gear 58 is transmitted power from the second drive unit 77. When the sixth gear 58 rotates, the fifth gear 57 rotates, thereby causing the placement surface 17 to rotate in the vertical direction with the rotation shaft 54 ​​as the starting point P. Other structures and Figure 1 Since the components are the same, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and the description thereof is omitted.

[0102] According to this modification 2, the placement angle θ2 can also be changed.

[0103] Implementation Method 2

[0104] Next, based on Figure 6 A medium discharge device 21 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in Embodiment 1, and description of the configuration and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0105] like Figure 6 As shown, in the present embodiment, the change of the discharge angle θ1 and the change of the placement angle θ2 are configured to be performed by a single drive unit 66 which is a motor.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the discharge angle changing unit 19 that changes the discharge angle θ1 meshes the seventh gear 60 mounted on the fourth shaft 78 of the second pulley 59 with the first gear 33. When the second pulley 59 rotates, the seventh gear 60 also rotates integrally, thereby rotating the first gear 33. By rotating the first gear 33, the discharge angle θ1 can be changed as described above.

[0107] The loading angle changing unit 36 ​​that changes the loading angle θ2 meshes the eighth gear 63 mounted on the fifth shaft 69 of the third pulley 64 with the fifth gear 57. When the third pulley 64 rotates, the eighth gear 63 also rotates integrally, thereby rotating the fifth gear 57. By rotating the fifth gear 57, the loading angle θ2 can be changed as described above.

[0108] The third pulley 64 is rotated by the power of the driving unit 66 transmitted via the second transmission belt 67. A fourth pulley 65 is further mounted on the fifth shaft 69. The rotation of the fourth pulley 65 is transmitted to the second pulley 59 via the third transmission belt 80. Thus, the second pulley 59 is also rotated by the power of the driving unit 66.

[0109] The configuration is such that when the third pulley 64 rotates, the eighth gear 63 integrally rotates via the fifth shaft 69 and the fourth pulley 65 idles, and the fourth pulley 65 integrally rotates via the fifth shaft 69 and the eighth gear 63 idles, which can be switched by a clutch (not shown).

[0110] In the present embodiment, the change of the discharge angle θ1 and the change of the placement angle θ2 are performed by the single drive unit 66 , so that an increase in the number of components can be suppressed and miniaturization can be achieved.

[0111] Modification of Implementation Example 2

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, in this modification, the power of the first driving unit 50 is always transmitted to the first pulley 47 , the third shaft 48 , and the third gear 451 via the fourth transmission belt 74 , thereby driving the discharge roller pair 24 to discharge the medium 3 in the discharge direction S.

[0113] When the discharge angle θ1 is changed, the power of the first driving unit 50 is transmitted to the first pulley 47, the third shaft 48, and the fourth gear 461 via the fourth transmission belt 74, and the second gear 46 rotates, so that the discharge angle θ1 can be changed as described above. The configuration is such that the third gear 451 rotates integrally with the third shaft 48 and the fourth gear 461 rotates idly, and the fourth gear 461 rotates integrally with the third shaft 48 and the third gear 451 rotates idly, and the clutch (not shown) can be switched between the state where the third gear 451 rotates integrally with the third shaft 48 and the third gear 451 rotates idly.

[0114] A fifth pulley 70 is further mounted on the third shaft 48 . The fifth gear 57 meshes with a ninth gear 73 . The ninth gear 73 is mounted on a sixth shaft 76 of the sixth pulley 72 .

[0115] The rotation of the fifth pulley 70 is transmitted to the sixth pulley 72 via the fifth transmission belt 75. When the sixth pulley 72 rotates, the ninth gear 73 rotates, thereby rotating the fifth gear 57, and as described above, the placement angle θ2 can be changed.

[0116] That is, the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 can be changed by the power of the first drive unit 50 .

[0117] Implementation 3

[0118] Next, based on Figures 1 to 5 A medium discharge device 21 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in Embodiment 1, Modification 1, and Modification 2, and description of the configuration and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0119] In this embodiment, there are provided: a discharge angle changing unit 19 capable of changing the discharge angle θ1, a placement angle changing unit 36 ​​capable of changing the placement angle θ2, and a first driving unit 50 ( Figure 4 ), the second driving unit 77 ( Figure 5 ) and control unit 71.

[0120] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 71 is configured to be able to perform the following control: drive the first drive unit 50 based on the first data D1 to change the discharge angle θ1; drive the second drive unit 77 based on the second data D2 to change the placement angle θ2; and change the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 based on the third data D3.

[0121] Here, the first data D1 is preset as an appropriate range of the discharge angle θ1 of the medium 3 relative to the discharge speed. The second data D2 is preset as an appropriate range of the placement angle θ2 of the medium 3 relative to the discharge speed. The third data D3 is preset as an appropriate range of the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 of the medium 3 relative to the discharge speed.

[0122] In this embodiment, the control unit 71 can perform the following control: based on the first data D1, the first driving unit 50 is driven to change the discharge angle θ1; based on the second data D2, the second driving unit 77 is driven to change the placement angle θ2; and based on the third data D3, the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 are changed. Thus, it is possible to use separately: only by changing the discharge angle θ1 to improve the alignment of the medium 3 discharged onto the placement surface 17, only by changing the placement angle θ2 to improve the alignment of the medium 3 discharged onto the placement surface 17, or by changing the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 to improve the alignment of the medium 3 discharged onto the placement surface 17, so it is convenient for users to use.

[0123] Implementation 4

[0124] Next, a description will be given of a medium discharge device 21 according to Embodiment 4. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of Embodiment 1, Modification 1, and Modification 2, and description of the configuration and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0125] In the present embodiment, at least one of the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 is configured to be changeable according to the basis weight of the medium 3. 2 The medium 3 is so-called thin paper and has a grammage of 40 g / m 2 The above media 3 have different pushing forces and inertial forces even when they are discharged from the discharge roller pair 24 at the same discharge speed. The pushing forces and inertial forces of the heavy-weight media 3 are large. On the other hand, the pushing forces and inertial forces of the light-weight media 3 are small.

[0126] Therefore, the alignment of the discharged media 3 also differs. The alignment of the heavy-weight media 3 is poorer than that of the light-weight media 3, and the range in which the alignment can be improved by changing the discharge angle θ1 or the placement angle θ2 tends to be narrow.

[0127] In this embodiment, at least one of the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 can be changed according to the grammage of the medium 3. For example, by setting the first data D1, the second data D2, and the third data D3 according to the grammage of the medium 3, at least one of the discharge angle θ1 and the placement angle θ2 can be changed according to the grammage of the medium 3. Thus, the discharge state can be stabilized according to the grammage of the medium 3 and the alignment can be improved.

[0128] Other Implementations

[0129] The medium discharge device 21 and the image reading device 1 according to the present invention are based on the configurations of the above-described embodiments, but it is of course possible to modify or omit some of the configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0130] In the above embodiment, an image reading device including the first reading unit 51 and the second reading unit 52 as reading units and capable of double-sided reading of the first and second surfaces of the medium 3 is described. However, the present invention is also applicable to an image reading device having a single-sided reading structure.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the image reading device 1 is described as having the straight path 68 and the curved reversing path 18 in the conveying path 2 . However, the present invention is also applicable to an image reading device that does not have the curved reversing path 18 .

Claims

1. A medium discharge device, characterized in that: have: a discharge roller pair, the discharge roller pair discharging the medium; as well as a discharged medium placement portion having a placement surface for placing the discharged medium, The discharge roller pair is capable of changing a discharge angle in a discharge direction of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair. The discharged medium loading section is capable of changing a loading angle of the loading surface in the discharge direction. The medium discharge device is capable of changing at least one of the discharge angle and the placement angle according to a discharge speed of the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair.

2. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising a discharge angle changing unit capable of changing the discharge angle, The discharge angle changing section moves the other second roller of the discharge roller pair relative to one first roller of the discharge roller pair along the circumferential surface of the first roller to change a nip position between the first roller and the second roller.

3. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising a placement angle changing unit capable of changing the placement angle, The placement angle changing section moves up and down a downstream end side of the placement surface in the discharge direction with an upstream end side of the placement surface in the discharge direction as a starting point.

4. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The change of the discharge angle and the change of the placement angle are performed by a single drive unit.

5. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also available: a discharge angle changing unit capable of changing the discharge angle; a loading angle changing unit capable of changing the loading angle; a first driving unit, the first driving unit driving the discharge angle changing unit; a second driving unit, the second driving unit driving the placement angle changing unit; as well as Control Department, The control unit is capable of executing the following control: driving the first drive unit based on first data to change the discharge angle; and driving the second drive unit based on second data to change the placement angle; and changing the discharge angle and the placement angle based on third data, The first data is set as an appropriate range of the discharge angle relative to the discharge speed of the medium, The second data is set as an appropriate range of the placement angle of the medium relative to the discharge speed. The third data is set as an appropriate range of the discharge angle and the placement angle with respect to the discharge speed of the medium.

6. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the discharge angle and the placement angle can be changed according to the basis weight of the medium.

7. An image reading device, characterized in that: have: The medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and A reading unit is located upstream of the medium discharge device in a conveying direction of the medium and reads the conveyed medium.

Images