Medium discharge device and image reading apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a medium discharging device and an image reading apparatus, and a user does not need to operate an auxiliary tray. A medium discharge device (30) is provided with: a discharge unit (31) that discharges a medium (2); a placement section (19) that has a placement surface (32) on which the medium (2) discharged from the discharge section (31) is placed, and that is capable of expanding and contracting in a direction (46) along the placement surface (32); and an expansion / contraction changing unit (33) that expands / contracts the mounting unit (19). The mounting section (19) is provided with: a base tray (38); and an auxiliary tray (39) capable of moving in the expansion and contraction direction with respect to the base tray (38). The expansion / contraction changing section (33) is configured so as to expand / contract the placement section (19) in accordance with the size of the medium (2).

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 is cited.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet discharge apparatus in which a sheet having an image read by a reading unit is stacked on a sheet discharge stacking portion via a discharge roller pair.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-210077

[0005] If the size of the sheets discharged to the sheet discharge stacking unit changes, for example, if the sheets change from A4 to A3, there is a possibility that the leading end of the sheet will protrude from the sheet discharge stacking unit and hang down, causing it to fall due to its own weight. Therefore, one configuration includes an auxiliary tray that allows the length of the sheet discharge stacking unit to be changed according to the size of the sheets. In other words, a user can extend the auxiliary tray to increase the size of the sheet loading surface of the sheet discharge stacking unit.

[0006] However, in this case, there is a technical problem that the user needs to operate the auxiliary tray. If the user forgets to extend the auxiliary tray, the sheets may fall from the sheet discharge stack. In addition, there is a technical problem that the degree of extension of the auxiliary tray tends to vary depending on the user, but the user may not notice this. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the medium discharge device involved in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a discharge portion for discharging a medium; a loading portion having a loading surface for loading the medium discharged from the discharge portion and capable of being extended and retracted in a direction along the loading surface; and an extension and retraction changing portion for extending and retracting the loading portion, wherein the extension and retraction changing portion causes the loading portion to extend and retract according to the size of the medium.

[0008] Furthermore, an image reading device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a medium discharge device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects described below; and a reading unit that reads an image on the medium conveyed toward the medium discharge device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the image reading device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the image reading device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the image reading device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the image reading device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a schematic side sectional view of an image reading device according to a second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a schematic side sectional view of an image reading device according to a second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the placement portion according to the second embodiment as seen from the rear side.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a rear view of the placement portion according to the second embodiment as seen from the rear side.

[0017] Description of Reference Numerals

[0018] 1: Image reading device; 2: Medium; 3: Conveyor path; 4: Medium conveying device; 5: Reading unit; 6: Conveying unit; 7: First conveying roller pair; 8: Second conveying roller pair; 9: Third conveying roller pair; 10: Paper feed roller; 11: Separation roller; 12: Pickup roller; 13: Straight path; 14: U-turn path; 15: Fourth conveying roller pair; 16: Fifth conveying roller pair; 17: Discharge roller pair; 18: Discharge direction; 19: Loading unit; 21: Medium setting unit; 22: Control unit; 30: Medium discharge device; 31: Discharge unit; 32: Loading surface; 33: Telescopic change unit; 34: Base end; 35: Rotation fulcrum; 36: Up and down direction; 37: Front end; 3 8: Base tray; 39: Auxiliary tray; 40: Elastic component; 41: Linking rod; 42: One end portion; 43: Rotation fulcrum; 44: The other end portion; 45: Protrusion; 46: Along the direction of the loading surface; 50: Driving pinion; 51: First reading portion; 52: Second reading portion; 53: Downstream end, 54: Horizontal surface, 55: Loading angle changing portion; 56: Power transmission mechanism; 57: Sensor; 60: Driving pinion; 61: Rack; 70: Rack; 71: First arm; 72: Shaft; 73: Protrusion; 74: Groove; 75: Second arm; 76: Protrusion; 77: Protrusion; 78: Through long hole; 79: Groove; F: Conveying direction; θ: Loading angle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0020] The medium discharge device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a discharge portion that discharges a medium; a loading portion that has a loading surface for loading the medium discharged from the discharge portion and is capable of being extended and retracted in a direction along the loading surface; and an extension and retraction changing portion that causes the loading portion to be extended and retracted, and the extension and retraction changing portion causes the loading portion to be extended and retracted according to the size of the medium.

[0021] According to this embodiment, a telescopic adjustment unit is provided to extend or retract the loading section. The telescopic adjustment unit adjusts the loading section to the size of the medium. In other words, the telescopic adjustment unit is configured to extend or retract the loading section. This reduces the likelihood that a user will forget to extend the loading section, as in conventional configurations where the loading section is manually extended or retracted. Furthermore, it reduces the possibility that the degree of extension of the loading section will vary.

[0022] A medium discharge device according to a second aspect of the present invention is based on the first aspect, wherein the placement portion is vertically rotatable with a base end portion serving as a rotation fulcrum, and the telescopic change portion extends the placement portion in conjunction with the rotation of the placement portion.

[0023] According to this embodiment, the extension / retraction changing portion is configured to extend the carrier portion in conjunction with the rotation of the carrier portion. This allows the carrier portion to be reliably extended / retracted by rotating the carrier portion in the vertical direction, thus improving user convenience.

[0024] A medium dispensing device according to a third aspect of the present invention is based on the second aspect, and is characterized in that the expansion / contraction changing portion extends the placement portion in conjunction with the upward rotation and subsequent downward rotation of the placement portion.

[0025] According to this embodiment, the telescopic change portion is configured to extend the carrier portion in conjunction with the upward rotation and subsequent downward rotation of the carrier portion.

[0026] The medium discharge device involved in the fourth embodiment of the present invention is subordinate to the third embodiment, and is characterized in that the loading portion includes: a base tray; an auxiliary tray capable of moving in an extension direction relative to the base tray; and an elastic component that imparts an elastic force to the auxiliary tray in a direction of contraction relative to the auxiliary tray, and the extension change portion has a linkage rod linked to the rotation of the loading portion, and the linkage rod is linked to the rotation of the loading portion to enable the auxiliary tray to overcome the elastic force and move in the extension direction.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the telescopic adjustment unit includes a linkage lever that is linked to the rotation of the loading portion. This linkage lever, in conjunction with the rotation of the loading portion, causes the auxiliary tray to move in the extension direction, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member. In other words, the loading portion is extended by the linkage lever that is linked to the rotation of the loading portion. This simplifies the structure and allows the loading portion to be extended.

[0028] A medium discharge device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is based on the first aspect and is characterized in that the medium discharge device includes a control unit that controls the expansion / contraction changing unit, and the control unit expands / contracts the placement unit based on size information of the medium.

[0029] According to this aspect, the control unit that controls the expansion / contraction changing unit is configured to expand / contract the placement unit based on the size information of the medium. This allows the placement unit to be automatically expanded / contracted by the control unit, improving user convenience.

[0030] The media discharge device involved in the sixth embodiment of the present invention is subordinate to the fifth embodiment, and is characterized in that the loading portion includes: a base tray; and an auxiliary tray, which can move in the extension and contraction direction relative to the base tray, and the extension and contraction change portion includes: a driving pinion; and a power transmission mechanism, which transmits the rotational power of the driving pinion to the auxiliary tray to move the auxiliary tray, and the control portion controls the rotation of the driving pinion according to the size information of the medium to make the loading portion extend and contract.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the extension / retraction changing unit includes a drive pinion and a power transmission mechanism that transmits rotational power from the drive pinion to the auxiliary tray to move the auxiliary tray. The control unit controls the rotation of the drive pinion based on the size information of the medium to extend or retract the loading unit. Thus, the loading unit can be automatically extended using a simple structure utilizing the drive pinion and the power transmission mechanism.

[0032] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a medium discharge device according to the fifth aspect, and is characterized in that a sensor capable of acquiring information related to the size of the medium is provided, and the control unit expands or contracts the placement unit based on the information acquired by the sensor.

[0033] In addition, this aspect may also be subordinate to the sixth aspect.

[0034] According to this aspect, the control unit expands or contracts the placement unit based on the information acquired by the sensor. This allows the placement unit to be automatically expanded or contracted even if the user does not input the size information of the medium from an operation panel or the like.

[0035] The medium discharge device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is dependent on the seventh aspect, and is characterized in that the sensor is disposed at a downstream end in the extension and contraction direction of the placement portion.

[0036] According to this method, if the sensor detects the medium while the loading section is not extended, it can determine that the medium is of a size that requires the loading section to be extended. This allows the loading section to be appropriately expanded or contracted according to the size of the medium. Furthermore, the medium can be prevented from falling from the loading section.

[0037] The medium discharge device involved in the ninth embodiment of the present invention is subordinate to the fifth embodiment, and is characterized in that the loading portion can be rotated in the up and down directions with the base end portion as a rotation fulcrum, and is provided with a loading angle changing portion, the loading angle changing portion rotates the loading portion to change the loading angle of the loading surface relative to the horizontal plane, and the control portion drives the loading angle changing portion to change the loading angle based on information related to the discharge status of the medium loaded on the loading surface.

[0038] Here, "information related to the media discharge status" refers to information related to the alignment of the plurality of media discharged onto the loading portion. Specifically, this information includes information related to the alignment of the media obtained through sensing using a sensor such as a camera, the size or type of the media, the discharge speed from the discharge portion, and the tilt angle of the loading surface relative to the horizontal, among other information related to the alignment.

[0039] In addition, this aspect may also belong to any of the sixth to eighth aspects.

[0040] For example, if media discharged later from the discharge unit and placed on the receiving unit comes into contact with media discharged earlier from the discharge unit and placed on the receiving unit, the already discharged media may be squeezed, causing a drop in alignment. Furthermore, increasing the discharge speed of the media from the discharge unit can cause the media to shift further forward relative to the receiving unit, causing a drop in alignment.

[0041] According to this aspect, the control unit drives the placement angle changing unit to change the placement angle based on information regarding the discharge state of the medium placed on the placement surface. This appropriately suppresses forward movement of the medium in the placement unit, thereby improving alignment.

[0042] An image reading device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention includes: the medium discharge device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects; and a reading unit that reads an image on the medium conveyed toward the medium discharge device.

[0043] According to this aspect, in the image reading device, the same effects as those of any one of the first to ninth aspects can be obtained.

[0044] The following, according to Figures 1 to 8 , embodiments of the medium discharge device and the image reading device involved in the present invention are described in detail.

[0045] In the following description, as shown in the figures, the three mutually orthogonal axes are referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The directions indicated by the arrows for the three axes (X, Y, and Z) are the positive direction, and the opposite direction is the negative direction. The Z-axis corresponds to the vertical direction, that is, the direction in which gravity acts. The +Z direction indicates vertically upward, and the -Z direction indicates vertically downward. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction indicates the front of the image reading device, and the -Y direction indicates the rear of the device. The +X direction indicates the right side of the device, and the -X direction indicates the left side of the device.

[0046] Overall structure of the image reading device

[0047] according to Figure 1 First, the overall structure of the image reading device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0048] The image reading device 1 of this embodiment is a document scanner capable of reading an image on a medium 2. Here, the image refers to an image visually recorded on the medium 2, such as characters, graphics, tables, patterns, photographs, 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 may also be a copier, fax machine, etc.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the image reading device 1 includes a medium transport device 4 that transports the medium 2 in a transport direction F along a transport path 3 , and a reading unit 5 that reads an image on the medium 2 transported by the medium transport device 4 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the reading unit 5 for reading an image on the medium 2 includes both a first reading unit 51 and a second reading unit 52. The first reading unit 51 is located above the conveyance path 3 and reads an image on the first side of the medium 2. The second reading unit 52 is located below the conveyance path 3 and reads an image on the second side, opposite the first side. The reading unit 5 is configured using, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor.

[0051] Furthermore, a conveying unit 6 is provided for conveying the medium 2 along the conveying path 3 in the conveying direction F. The conveying unit 6 includes a first conveying roller pair 7 provided upstream of the first reading unit 51 , a second conveying roller pair 8 provided upstream of the second reading unit 52 located downstream of the first reading unit 51 , and a third conveying roller pair 9 provided downstream of the second reading unit 52 .

[0052] The first transport roller pair 7 , the second transport roller pair 8 , and the third transport roller pair 9 are composed of roller pairs consisting of a driving roller and a driven roller that are rotated by power from a driving source such as a motor (not shown).

[0053] A pair of paper feed rollers 10 and separation rollers 11 are disposed upstream of the first feed roller pair 7 in the feed direction F. The paper feed rollers 10 are driven rollers rotated by a driving source such as a motor (not shown) and feed the medium 2 in the feed direction F.

[0054] The separation roller 11 is a drive roller that is rotated by power from a drive source (not shown). It is a roller that separates a single sheet of media 2 from multiple sheets of media 2. The separation roller 11 is rotated by power from the drive source in a direction that conveys the media 2 upstream (+Y direction) in the conveyance direction F. The separation roller 11 is equipped with a torque limiter (not shown). When a torque exceeding a set value is applied to the torque limiter, the separation roller 11 is driven to rotate in a direction that conveys the media 2 downstream (-Y direction) in the conveyance direction F.

[0055] A pickup roller 12 is disposed upstream of the separation roller 11. The pickup roller 12 is a drive roller that is rotated by power from a drive source (not shown), picks up the medium 2, and feeds it in a conveyance direction F.

[0056] In this embodiment, a U-turn path 14 is provided downstream of the linear path 13 from the paper feed roller 10 to the third transport roller pair 9, that is, downstream of the third transport roller pair 9. In the U-turn path 14, the fourth transport roller pair 15, the fifth transport roller pair 16, and the discharge roller pair 17, which constitute the transport unit 6, are arranged in this order along the transport direction F. The fourth transport roller pair 15, the fifth transport roller pair 16, and the discharge roller pair 17 also consist of roller pairs consisting of a drive roller and a driven roller that are rotated by power from a drive source (not shown).

[0057] The placement portion 19 that receives the medium 2 discharged from the discharge roller pair 17 in the discharge direction 18 is arranged above the linear path 13 , thereby achieving compactness.

[0058] exist Figure 1 In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes a medium setting portion on which a medium 2 to be read is set.

[0059] The medium 2 on the medium setting section 21 is picked up by the pickup roller 12 and conveyed in the conveying direction F. The medium setting section 21 is configured to move up and down by power from a drive source (not shown). When conveying the medium 2 set on the medium setting section 21 in the conveying direction F, the medium setting section 21 first moves upward (in the +Z direction) with power transmitted from the drive source (not shown), stopping with the uppermost medium 2 in contact with the pickup roller 12. In this state, the pickup roller 12 rotates, conveying the medium 2 in the conveying direction F until the leading end of the medium 2 reaches the nip position between the roller pair of the paper feed roller 10 and the separation roller 11.

[0060] In the overlapping conveyance state of multiple media 2 , the separation roller 11 separates one medium 2 , which is conveyed in the conveyance direction F by the first conveyance roller pair 7 , and the first reading unit 51 reads an image on the first side of the medium 2 .

[0061] Then, the medium 2 scanned by the first scanning unit 51 is conveyed by the second conveying roller pair 8 , and the second scanning unit 52 scans an image on the second side of the medium 2 opposite to the first side.

[0062] exist Figure 3 In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a control unit. The control unit 22 controls the driving of each driving source and the reading operation of the reading unit 5 in accordance with the conveyance of the medium 2.

[0063] The control unit 22 includes a CPU, flash ROM, and RAM. The CPU performs various calculations according to programs stored in the flash ROM, controlling the overall operation of the image reading device 1. The flash ROM, as an example of a storage unit, is a nonvolatile memory that can be read and written. The RAM, as an example of a storage unit, temporarily stores various information.

[0064] Implementation Method 1

[0065] Media discharge and delivery

[0066] The image reading device 1 includes a medium discharge device 30. Figures 1 to 4 , the medium discharge device 30 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0067] The medium discharge device 30 of this embodiment includes a discharge roller pair 17 as a discharge unit 31 for discharging the medium 2, and a placement unit 19 having a placement surface 32 on which the medium 2 discharged from the discharge unit 31 in a discharge direction 18 is placed. The placement unit 19 is capable of placing the medium 2 in a direction 46 ( Figure 3). That is, the placement portion 19 is configured to extend the length of the placement surface 32. Furthermore, the medium discharge device 30 includes a telescopic adjustment unit 33 for adjusting the placement portion 19. The telescopic adjustment unit 33 is configured to adjust the placement portion 19 according to the size of the medium 2.

[0068] In this embodiment, the placing portion 19 is capable of rotating in the vertical direction 36 ( Figure 2 That is, the placing portion 19 is configured to be rotatable by the user lifting the front end portion 37 upward.

[0069] In this embodiment, the loading section 19 includes a base tray 38 and an auxiliary tray 39 that can move relative to the base tray 38 in the extension direction (direction 46 along the loading surface 32). A protrusion 45 is provided at the base end of the auxiliary tray 39. The protrusion 45 is a plate-shaped member that protrudes downward from the auxiliary tray 39. In addition, the auxiliary tray 39 is supported by an elastic member 40 ( Figure 2 ) applies elastic force in the direction toward the base end portion 34, that is, in the contraction direction. The elastic member 40 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0070] The telescopic change unit 33 is configured to extend the mounting portion 19 in conjunction with the rotation of the mounting portion 19. Specifically, the telescopic change unit 33 includes a linkage rod 41 that is linked to the rotation of the mounting portion 19. The linkage rod 41 has one end 42 serving as a rotation fulcrum 43, and the other end 44 is slidably connected to the base tray 38.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, when the loading portion 19 rotates vertically with its front end 37 pivoted vertically with its base end 34 serving as a pivot point 35, the linkage rod 41 slides along the loading surface 32, i.e., in the extension / contraction direction, while its other end 44 remains coupled to the base tray 38. Specifically, the linkage rod 41 rotates while sliding along the loading surface 32 with its one end 42 serving as a pivot point 43. If the loading portion 19 rotates further upward, the linkage rod 41 is released from the base tray 38 after its other end 44 is positioned directly upward in a vertical position.

[0072] Figure 3 The other end 44 of the interlocking rod 41 is shown disconnected from the base tray 38 and rotating under its own weight, pressing the protrusion 45. A torsion coil spring (not shown) may be provided at the base end 34 to assist the rotation of the interlocking rod 41 under its own weight.

[0073] from Figure 3In the state shown, the other end portion 44 of the interlocking lever 41 further rotates due to its own weight, pressing the protrusion 45 of the auxiliary tray 39. As a result, the auxiliary tray 39 moves in the extension direction, and the placement portion 19 is in the extended state.

[0074] That is, the interlocking lever 41 moves the auxiliary tray 39 in the extension direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 40 in conjunction with the rotation of the placement portion 19 .

[0075] In the present embodiment, the telescopic changing portion 33 is configured to extend the placing portion 19 in conjunction with the upward rotation (+Z direction) and the subsequent downward rotation (−Z direction) of the placing portion 19 .

[0076] Process of extending the mounting portion

[0077] (1) If the placement portion 19 needs to be extended, the user moves the placement portion 19 from Figure 1 Thus, the linkage rod 41 rotates in conjunction with the rotation, becoming Figure 2 status.

[0078] (2) If the loading portion 19 is further rotated upward, the interlocking rod 41 is further rotated in conjunction with the interlocking rod 41, and the other end portion 44 of the interlocking rod 41 contacts the protrusion 45 and begins to press against the elastic force of the elastic member 40, thereby moving the auxiliary tray 39 in the extension direction. Figure 3 status.

[0079] (3) The placement portion 19 is then rotated to the uppermost position and then rotated downward.

[0080] (4) As the loading section 19 rotates downward, the auxiliary tray 39 moves to the most extended position and stops. The loading section 19 returns to its original position before the rotation, becoming Figure 4 status.

[0081] By performing the operations (1) to (4) above in the opposite direction, an elastic force in the contraction direction of the elastic member 40 is applied to the auxiliary tray 39, thereby Figure 4 The status returns to Figure 1 In addition, at this time, Figure 3 The status becomes Figure 2 , the other end portion 44 of the linkage rod 41 returns to the above-mentioned connection state with the base tray 38.

[0082] Modifications

[0083] The expansion / contraction changing portion 33 of the present embodiment may be configured as follows instead of the configuration described above.

[0084] The interlocking rod 41 is configured so that the other end portion 44 is always rotated in the +Y direction by the elastic force of an elastic member such as a torsion coil spring (not shown). Figure 1 When the position is set, the other end portion 44 of the linkage rod 41 is pressed downward from the base tray 38 and is suppressed. Figure 2 , the elastic force of the elastic component can be used to rotate toward the +Y direction. Figure 3 Status and Figure 4 status.

[0085] Effects of Implementation Method 1

[0086] (1) In this embodiment, a telescopic adjustment unit 33 is provided for adjusting the placement portion 19 to extend or contract. The telescopic adjustment unit 33 adjusts the placement portion 19 to extend or contract according to the size of the medium. Specifically, the telescopic adjustment unit 33 is configured to adjust or contract the placement portion 19. This reduces the likelihood that a user will forget to extend the placement portion 19, as in conventional configurations where the placement portion 19 is manually adjusted. Furthermore, since the degree of extension of the placement portion 19 is not manually determined, variations in the placement portion 19 can be suppressed.

[0087] (2) In this embodiment, the telescopic change portion 33 is configured to extend the placement portion 19 in conjunction with the rotation of the placement portion 19. This allows the placement portion 19 to be reliably extended and retracted by rotating the placement portion 19 in the vertical direction, thereby improving user convenience.

[0088] (3) In this embodiment, the telescopic change portion 33 is configured to extend the placement portion 19 in conjunction with the upward rotation and subsequent downward rotation of the placement portion 19. This allows the placement portion 19 to be easily placed in an extended state while maintaining the same posture as before extension.

[0089] (4) In this embodiment, the telescopic change unit 33 includes a linkage rod 41 that is linked to the rotation of the placement unit 19. The linkage rod 41 is linked to the rotation of the placement unit 19, causing the auxiliary tray 39 to move in the extension direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 40. In other words, the placement unit 19 is extended by the linkage rod 41 that is linked to the rotation of the placement unit 19. This simplifies the structure and allows the placement unit 19 to be extended.

[0090] Implementation Method 2

[0091] Next, according to Figures 5 to 8 , a medium discharge device 30 according to the second embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of their configurations and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0092] As described above, the medium discharge device 30 of the first embodiment has a structure in which the placement portion 19 is extended and retracted in conjunction with the extension / retraction changing portion 33 and the rotation of the placement portion 19 in the vertical direction 36. However, the medium discharge device 30 of the second embodiment does not require the placement portion 19 to rotate, but automatically extends and retracts the placement portion 19 using power from a drive source such as a motor. This is described in detail below.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, the medium discharge device 30 of the second embodiment includes a control unit 22 that controls the expansion / contraction changing unit 33. Furthermore, the control unit 22 is configured to expand and contract the loading unit 19 based on the size information of the medium 2. The size information of the medium 2 is input by a user through an operation panel (not shown). Alternatively, as described later, the size information of the medium 2 may be acquired by a sensor 57 and transmitted to the control unit 22.

[0094] The control unit 22 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and further controls the driving of each driving source and the reading operation of the reading unit 5 .

[0095] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the placement portion 19 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and includes a base tray 38 and an auxiliary tray 39 that is movable in the extension and contraction direction relative to the base tray 38 .

[0096] The telescopic changing section 33 is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the telescopic changing section 33 of the second embodiment includes a driving pinion 50 and a power transmission mechanism 56 that transmits the rotational power of the driving pinion 50 to the auxiliary tray 39 to move the auxiliary tray 39 .

[0097] The drive pinion 50 is driven by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The drive pinion 50 is attached to the base end of the base tray 38 at the -X side. The control unit 22 controls the rotation of the drive pinion 50 based on the size information of the medium 2 to extend or retract the receiving portion 19 via the power transmission mechanism 56.

[0098] The power transmission mechanism 56 includes a first arm 71 and a second arm 75. The first arm 71 and the second arm 75 are mounted so as to be rotatable along the XZ plane while intersecting in an X-shape at a shaft 72. The shaft 72 is fixed approximately at the center of the base tray 38 in the X-axis direction. The first arm 71 has a rack 70 at one end and a protrusion 73 fixed at the other end. The second arm 75 has a protrusion 76 fixed at one end and a protrusion 77 at the other end. The protrusion 77 is mounted in a through-long hole 78 provided in the second arm 75 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the shaft 72.

[0099] The auxiliary tray 39 has an elongated slot 74 at its base end along the X-axis. A long slot 79 is provided along the X-axis at the +X side of the base end of the base tray 38. Slot 79 is shorter than slot 74. Protrusions 73 and 76 slidably engage with slot 74. Protrusion 77 slidably engages with slot 79. The rack 70 meshes with the drive pinion 50 in a power-transmitting manner.

[0100] Furthermore, the telescopic changing portion 33 of this embodiment is of course not limited to being constituted by the driving pinion 50 and the power transmission mechanism 56. The above configuration is also an example of the power transmission mechanism 56, and the power transmission mechanism 56 is not limited to the above configuration.

[0101] Process of extending the mounting portion

[0102] (1) In Figure 7 In this state, the control unit 22 receives the size information of the medium 2. If the placement unit 19 needs to be extended based on the size information of the medium 2, the control unit 22 rotates the drive pinion 50, thereby rotating the first arm 71 via the rack 70. In other words, the first arm 71 rotates around the shaft 72 as a fulcrum.

[0103] (2) As the rotating protrusion 73 of the first arm 71 moves in the −X direction in the groove 74 , the auxiliary tray 39 is pressed and begins to extend.

[0104] (3) At the same time, the protrusion 76 on the second arm 75 side begins to move in the +X direction. In other words, the second arm 75 rotates. As a result, the auxiliary tray 39 begins to extend while being pressed by both the protrusion 73 and the protrusion 76. The other protrusion 77 of the second arm 75 moves in the -X direction within the groove 79 and simultaneously moves toward the shaft 72 within the through-long hole 78 of the rotating second arm 75.

[0105] (4) The control unit 22 stops the driving pinion 50 when the auxiliary tray 39 is extended to the required length. Figure 8 status.

[0106] exist Figure 8 In the state, by rotating the driving pinion 50 in the opposite direction to the above, the auxiliary tray 39 moves in the contraction direction and returns to Figure 7 status.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sensor 57 capable of acquiring information on the size of the medium 2 is provided. Here, an optical sensor is used as the sensor 57, but any sensor capable of acquiring information on the size of the medium 2 will suffice.

[0108] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in this embodiment, the sensor 57 is disposed at the downstream end 53 in the direction of extension and contraction of the placement portion 19. That is, the sensor 57 is attached to the downstream end 53 of the base tray 38. The control unit 22 is configured to extend and contract the placement portion 19 based on information regarding the passage of the medium 2 acquired by the sensor 57.

[0109] Therefore, if Figure 7 When the sensor 57 detects the medium 2 in the state, the auxiliary tray 39 is moved to extend the placement portion 19, thereby preventing the medium 2 from falling.

[0110] Alternatively, a plurality of sensors 57 may be arranged along the placement surface 32. In this case, a plurality of sensors 57 are arranged corresponding to the sizes of the discharged media 2. This allows the placement portion 19 to be expanded or contracted according to the size of the media 2.

[0111] In addition, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the placement portion 19 is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction 36 with the base end portion 34 serving as a rotation fulcrum 35. Furthermore, the placement portion 19 is provided with a placement angle changing unit 55 that rotates the placement portion 19 to change the placement angle θ of the placement surface 32 relative to the horizontal plane 54. The placement angle changing unit 55 is composed of a drive pinion 60 that rotates when powered by a drive source such as a motor (not shown), and a rack 61 that meshes with the drive pinion 60. Rotation of the drive pinion 60 causes the placement portion 19 to rotate in the vertical direction 36 via the rack 61.

[0112] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Indicates that the placing portion 19 is moved from Figure 1 The state is a state of rotating toward the upward direction. Figure 5 This is a state where only the placement portion 19 is rotated upward. Figure 6 is Figure 5 The driving pinion 50 is rotated in the state to extend the auxiliary tray 39.

[0113] In addition, in this embodiment, it is of course possible to rotate the placing portion 19 upward without Figure 1 , the driving pinion 50 is rotated to move the auxiliary tray 39 , thereby extending the placement portion 19 .

[0114] Furthermore, the control unit 22 is configured to drive the placement angle changing unit 55 to change the placement angle θ based on information on the discharge state of the medium 2 placed on the placement surface 32 .

[0115] Here, "information related to the discharge status of the media 2" refers to information related to the alignment of the plurality of media discharged onto the loading section 19. Specifically, this information includes information related to the alignment of the media 2 obtained through sensing by a sensor such as a camera (not shown), the size or type of the media 2, the discharge speed from the discharge section 31, and the tilt angle of the loading surface 32 relative to the horizontal. This latter information is input from an operation panel (not shown).

[0116] Effects of Implementation Method 2

[0117] (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 22 that controls the expansion / contraction changing unit 33 expands and contracts the placement unit 19 based on the size information of the medium 2. This allows the placement unit 19 to be automatically expanded and contracted by the control unit 22, improving user convenience.

[0118] (2) In this embodiment, the extension / retraction changing unit 33 includes a drive pinion 50 and a power transmission mechanism 56 that transmits the rotational power of the drive pinion 50 to the auxiliary tray 39 to move the auxiliary tray 39. Furthermore, the control unit 22 controls the rotation of the drive pinion 50 based on the size information of the medium to extend or retract the loading portion 19. Thus, the loading portion 19 can be automatically extended using a simple structure utilizing the drive pinion 50 and the power transmission mechanism 56.

[0119] (3) In this embodiment, the control unit 22 expands or contracts the placement unit 19 based on the information on the size of the medium 2 acquired by the sensor 57. This allows the placement unit 19 to be automatically expanded or contracted even if the user does not input the size information of the medium 2 from the operation panel or the like.

[0120] (4) In this embodiment, if the placement portion 19 is not extended Figure 5 When the sensor 57 detects the medium 2 in the state, it can be determined that the medium 2 has a size that requires the placement section 19 to be extended. In this way, the placement section 19 can be appropriately expanded or contracted according to the size of the medium 2. In addition, the medium 2 can be prevented from falling from the placement section 19.

[0121] For example, if a medium 2 ejected later from the ejection section 31 and placed on the placement section 19 comes into contact with a medium 2 ejected earlier from the ejection section 31 and placed on the placement section 19, the ejected medium 2 may be squeezed, causing alignment to deteriorate. Furthermore, increasing the ejection speed of the medium 2 ejected from the ejection section 31 can cause the medium 2 to move further forward relative to the placement section 19, deteriorating alignment.

[0122] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 drives the placement angle change unit 55 to change the placement angle θ based on information about the discharge state of the medium 2 placed on the placement surface 32. This can appropriately suppress forward movement of the medium 2 on the placement unit 19 and improve alignment.

[0123] Other implementations

[0124] The medium discharge device 30 and the image reading device 1 according to the present invention have the configuration of the above-described embodiment as a basic configuration, but partial configuration changes or omissions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0125] The medium discharge device 30 may be mounted on a device other than the image reading device 1 , and may be mounted on a recording device such as an inkjet printer and used, for example.

Claims

1. A medium discharge device, characterized in that: have: Discharge part, discharges the medium; a placing portion having a placing surface for placing the medium discharged from the discharging portion and being extendable and retractable in a direction along the placing surface; as well as The telescopic changing part causes the placing part to be telescopic. The expansion / contraction changing section expands or contracts the placing section according to the size of the medium.

2. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The placing portion can be rotated in the vertical direction with the base end portion as a rotation fulcrum. The expansion / contraction changing portion extends the placement portion in conjunction with the rotation of the placement portion.

3. The medium discharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The telescopic change portion extends the placement portion in conjunction with the upward rotation and subsequent downward rotation of the placement portion.

4. The medium discharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The loading portion includes: base tray; an auxiliary tray movable in a telescopic direction relative to the base tray; and an elastic member that applies elastic force to the auxiliary tray in a direction of contraction relative to the auxiliary tray, The telescopic change portion has a linkage rod that is linked to the rotation of the mounting portion. The interlocking lever moves the auxiliary tray in the extension direction in conjunction with the rotation of the placement portion against the elastic force.

5. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medium discharge device includes a control unit that controls the expansion / contraction changing unit. The control unit expands or contracts the placement unit based on size information of the medium.

6. The medium discharge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The loading portion includes: base tray; and The auxiliary tray is movable relative to the base tray in a telescopic direction. The telescopic change unit includes: a drive pinion; and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational power of the driving pinion to the auxiliary tray to move the auxiliary tray, The control unit controls the rotation of the driving pinion gear to extend or retract the placement unit according to size information of the medium.

7. The medium discharge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The medium discharge device includes a sensor capable of acquiring information related to the size of the medium. The control unit expands or contracts the placement unit based on the information acquired by the sensor.

8. The medium discharge device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sensor is arranged at a downstream end of the placing portion in a direction in which the placing portion extends and contracts.

9. The medium discharge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The loading portion can rotate in the vertical direction with the base end as a rotation fulcrum. The medium discharge device includes a placement angle changing unit that rotates the placement unit to change a placement angle of the placement surface relative to a horizontal plane. The control unit drives the placement angle changing unit to change the placement angle based on information regarding a discharge state of the medium placed on the placement surface.

10. An image reading device, characterized in that: have: The medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and The reading unit reads an image of the medium conveyed toward the medium discharge device.

Images