Discharge device and imaging device

Abstract

A discharge device includes: an alignment unit for aligning stacked sheets into a sheet stack; a discharge unit for discharging the sheet stack; a discharge tray on which the sheets discharged by the discharge unit are stacked; and a support unit. When the sheet stack is discharged onto the discharge tray, the support unit supports the sheet stack from below by extending along the sheet discharge direction of the sheet stack, and is received in a direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction when the discharge unit finishes discharging the sheet stack.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Discharge Device and Imaging Device", filed on December 20, 2021, with application number 202111562505.3. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a discharge device for discharging recording medium sheets onto a discharge tray and an imaging apparatus equipped with the discharge device. Background Technology

[0003] A discharge device is known that captures recording medium sheets, holds the sheets in a stack, aligns the stacked sheets, sorts the sheets, performs post-imaging processing on the sheets, such as binding, folding, bundling, etc., and then discharges the stacked sheets onto a sheet stacking tray that extends outward from the discharge device.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 4694401 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2017-43476 disclose a sheet processing apparatus that uses a pair of opposing rollers to discharge a recording medium sheet and inputs driving force into each roller to satisfactorily transport the sheet.

[0005] However, the ejection devices disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4694401 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2017-43476 use a sheet stacking tray and / or the top surface of the uppermost sheet of the stacked recording medium sheets on the sheet stacking tray to stack, align, and eject the sheets. Therefore, they cannot prevent the problem that when the recording medium sheet is ejected from the ejection device, it rubs against the top surface of the uppermost sheet of the stacked sheets on the sheet stacking tray. In particular, they encounter the problem that when the recording medium sheet is ejected from an imaging device in duplex mode, the bottom surface of the ejected sheet rubs against the top surface of the uppermost sheet of the stacked sheets in the sheet stacking tray, thus damaging the image. Furthermore, the ejection devices disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4694401 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2017-43476 must control the vertical position of the top surface of the uppermost sheet of the stacked recording medium sheets in the sheet stacking tray. Therefore, sheet stacking pallets are required to move rapidly up or down. Consequently, they need larger drive motors to meet this requirement.

[0006] In contrast, Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-46534 discloses a sheet processing apparatus in which a comb-shaped oscillating stacker is located downstream of the pair of discharge rollers to align the sheets and hold the stacked sheets in a sheet stacking tray, separating them from the sheets being discharged, while supporting the sheets.

[0007] However, the sheet handling apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-46534 has a structure in which the top side of the stacked sheets on the sheet stacking tray protrudes from the oscillating stacker, which is located outside the discharge device. Therefore, it presents a usability problem. For example, it is difficult to remove the sheets from the sheet stacking tray. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a discharge device that allows recording medium sheets on its discharge tray to be easily removed from the tray, and to provide an imaging device equipped with such a discharge device.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided: an alignment unit on which a supplied stack of sheets is disposed, the alignment unit being configured to align the stacked sheets into a sheet stack; a discharge unit for discharging the sheet stack of sheets aligned by the alignment unit; a discharge tray on which the sheet stack discharged by the discharge unit is disposed; and a support unit configured to support the sheet stack from below by extending along the sheet discharge direction of the sheet stack when the sheet stack is discharged onto the discharge tray by the discharge unit, and to be received in a direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction when the discharge unit finishes discharging the sheet stack.

[0010] Other features of the invention will become clear from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 Parts (a) and (b) are top perspective views of the sheet stack discharge unit of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention and enlarged bottom views of a portion of the same discharge unit.

[0013] Figure 3 Parts (a) and (b) are top perspective views of the sheet stacking discharge unit of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention and enlarged views of a portion of the same discharge unit.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the sheet stack discharge unit of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention (along...). Figure 2 (Look in the direction indicated by the middle arrow).

[0015] Figure 5 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views of the bottom unit of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the support plate of the bottom unit of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 Parts (a), (b), (c), and (d) are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 9 Parts (a), (b), (c), and (d) are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the front half of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 10 Parts (a), (b), (c), and (d) are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the rear half of the discharge device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 11 This is an enlarged view of a portion of the discharge device in the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The structure of some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] (Example 1)

[0024] <Structure of Imaging Device>

[0025] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the imaging device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0026] The imaging device 100 includes an imaging unit 1, an image reading unit 2, a manuscript supply unit 3, and an ejection device 4.

[0027] Imaging unit 1, as the imaging component, uses its image reading unit to read the original document, uses a controller (not shown) to develop and adjust the data of the read image, and forms an image of the read image on a recording medium sheet. Imaging unit 1 then conveys the sheet on which the image has just been formed to the ejection device 4. Incidentally, the details of the structure of imaging unit 1 will be described later.

[0028] The image reading unit 2 includes: an image reading section 16 that reads the surface of the original document facing it; a driving device 17 that moves the image reading section 16 back and forth; and an image reading section 19 that reads the surface of the original document facing it. The image reading unit 2 outputs the image information read by the image reading section 16 and / or the image reading section 19 to a controller (not shown) of the imaging unit 1.

[0029] Image reading unit 2 can simultaneously read both surfaces of the original document using image reading sections 16 and 19. Therefore, both surfaces of the original document can be read by passing the original document through image reading unit 2 in a single pass. The structure of image reading unit 2 allows image reading section 16 to reciprocate by reciprocating (using drive device 17) the original document, thereby enabling the reading of original documents (e.g., brochures) that cannot be processed by original document supply unit 3.

[0030] The original document supply unit 3 includes: an original document placement tray 18 in which original documents are placed; and an original document capture section 20 in which original documents are discharged. The original document supply unit 3 transmits the original documents in the original document placement tray 18 to the image reading sections 16 and 19 of the image reading unit 2. When the image reading unit 2 transmits the original documents, the original documents are discharged into the original document capture section 20 of the original document supply unit 3.

[0031] When a preset number of recording medium sheets are conveyed from the imaging unit 1 to the discharge device 4, the discharge device 4 processes (post-processes) them and discharges them. Incidentally, the structure of the discharge device 4 will be described in detail later.

[0032] <Structure of the imaging unit>

[0033] The following will refer to Figure 1 The imaging unit 1 of the imaging device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0034] Imaging unit 1 includes a sheet feeding section 6, a pair of alignment rollers 7, an imaging box 8, a photosensitive drum 9, a transfer roller 10, and a fixing unit 11. Furthermore, imaging unit 1 includes a pair of reverse rollers 12, a refeeding section 13, a horizontal conveying section 14, and a laser scanner unit 15.

[0035] The imaging unit 1 is provided with multiple sheet supply sections 6. Each sheet supply section 6 can hold multiple recording medium sheets. The sheet supply section can supply the sheets one by one to a pair of alignment rollers 7 at preset intervals.

[0036] When the sheet arrives at an angle, the pair of alignment rollers 7 collimate the recording medium sheet as it is conveyed from the sheet supply section 6 or the resupply section 13 to the pair of alignment rollers 7. They then convey the sheet to the imaging cartridge 8.

[0037] The imaging cartridge 8 forms an image on a recording medium sheet, which is conveyed to the imaging cartridge 8 from the sheet supply section 6 or the resupply section 13. The sheet cartridge then conveys the sheet carrying the formed image to the fixing unit 11. The imaging cartridge 8 includes a photosensitive drum 9 and a transfer roller 10.

[0038] The photosensitive drum 9 is rotatably supported in the imaging chamber 8. The toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 9 through exposure, charging, latent image formation, and development processes. When the recording medium sheet is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 9 via a pair of alignment rollers 7, the photosensitive drum 9 conveys the sheet to the fixing unit 11 while keeping the sheet sandwiched between the photosensitive drum itself and the transfer roller 10.

[0039] The transfer roller 10 is provided with a preset amount of charge. When the sheet is conveyed to the transfer roller 10 via a pair of alignment rollers 7, the transfer roller 10 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 9 onto the recording medium sheet.

[0040] When the recording medium sheet carrying the toner image is conveyed to the fixing unit 11, the fixing unit 11 fixes the toner on the sheet by heating the toner while pressing it. After fixing the toner onto the sheet, the fixing unit 11 conveys the sheet to the horizontal transport section 14.

[0041] In the case where images are to be printed on both surfaces of a recording medium sheet, when the rear end of the sheet reaches the junction (clamping part) of a pair of reverse rollers 12, the pair of reverse rollers 12 change their rotation direction to change the conveying direction of the sheet (conveying it backward), thereby conveying the sheet to the refeed section 13.

[0042] When the recording medium sheet is conveyed to the refeed section 13 via a pair of reverse rollers 12, the refeed section 13 conveys the recording medium sheet to the pair of alignment rollers 7.

[0043] When the recording medium sheet is conveyed to the horizontal transport section 14 via the fixing unit 11, the horizontal transport section 14, driven by a drive unit (not shown), conveys the sheet to a pair of inlet rollers 21 of the discharge device 4. The horizontal transport section 14 is provided with an internal one-way clutch (not shown) that allows the transport rollers of the horizontal transport section 14 to slide while pulling the recording medium sheet in the same direction as the sheet transport direction (hereinafter referred to as the "transport direction").

[0044] By moving the laser beam in a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction to scan the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9 (using its polygonal reflector and lens), the laser scanner unit 15 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum 9.

[0045] <Structure of the discharge device>

[0046] The following will refer to Figure 1 The structure of the discharge device 4 of the image reading device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0047] The discharge device 4 operates under the control of a control unit (not shown). The discharge device 4 includes a pair of inlet rollers 21, a pair of pre-buffer rollers 22, a pair of reverse rollers 24, a sheet capture top tray 25, a pair of inner discharge rollers 26, an inlet sensor 27, a pair of intermediate conveyor rollers 28, and a pair of kick-out rollers 29. Furthermore, the discharge device includes a sheet stack pressing mark 30, a crescent-shaped roller 33, a sheet stack discharge guide 34, a guide drive section 35, a sheet stack discharge unit 36, a bottom discharge tray 37, a pre-stack sensor 38, a sheet stack intermediate section 39, and a sheet pressing guide 56.

[0048] When the recording medium sheet is conveyed to a pair of inlet rollers 21 via the horizontal conveyor section 14, the pair of inlet rollers convey the sheet to the pair of pre-buffer rollers 22.

[0049] The pair of pre-buffered rollers 22 transfer the recording medium sheet, which is fed to them by a pair of infeed rollers 21, to a pair of reverse rollers 24 at a preset time, while accelerating the sheet.

[0050] When the recording medium sheet is to be discharged into the top discharge tray 25, the reverse roller 24 discharges the sheet into the top discharge tray 25 as the sheet is conveyed to the pre-buffer roller 22. When the recording medium sheet is to be discharged into the bottom discharge tray 37, the reverse roller 24 temporarily holds the sheet as the rear end of the sheet moves along the sheet conveying direction past the reverse flow prevention valve 23, which is held by a spring (not shown). Figure 1 The sheet is pressed clockwise. Then, the reverse roller 24 conveys the temporarily held sheet backward to the inner discharge roller 26. Then, when the leading edge of the sheet reaches the inner discharge roller 26 along the sheet conveying direction, the reverse rollers 24 separate from each other to accommodate the next recording medium sheet.

[0051] The reverse roller 24 acts as a buffer by stacking subsequent sheets (i.e., the recording medium sheets conveyed by the pre-buffer roller 22) on top of the previous sheet (i.e., the sheet conveyed backward by the internal discharge roller 26). Sheet buffering can buffer a preset number of sheets (regardless of sheet length) by repeatedly conveying the recording sheet backward by the internal discharge roller 26 (backward operation). Incidentally, the operation of sheet buffering will be described in detail later.

[0052] As the recording medium sheets are continuously discharged into the top discharge tray 25, the sheets are stacked in the top discharge tray 25. When the sheets are stacked in the top discharge tray 25, the top discharge tray 25 adjusts the sheet's position according to the top surface position of the top sheet in the top discharge tray 25 detected by a sheet surface position detection sensor (not shown) and the number of stacked sheets in the top discharge tray 25. Figure 1 The movement is in the direction indicated by the arrow A2. Furthermore, when it is detected that the stacked sheets in the top discharge tray 25 have been removed, the top discharge tray 25 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A1. In other words, the top discharge tray 25 holds the top surface of the top sheet in the top discharge tray 25 at a preset level, regardless of the number of sheets present.

[0053] While the inner discharge roller 26 holds the recording medium sheet conveyed to it by the reverse roller 24, the drive of the inner discharge roller 26 is temporarily stopped. Then, at the same timing as the subsequent sheet passage, the sheet is started to be conveyed backward to the reverse roller 24. Then, when the sheet reaches the inner discharge roller 26, the inner discharge roller 26 conveys the sheet to the intermediate transfer roller 28.

[0054] When sensor 27 detects the recording medium sheet, it outputs the detection result to a control unit (not shown).

[0055] When the recording medium sheet is conveyed to the intermediate transfer roller 28 via the internal discharge roller 26, the intermediate transfer roller 28 conveys the sheet to a pair of kick-out rollers 29.

[0056] When the recording medium sheet is conveyed to the ejector roller 29 via the intermediate conveyor roller 28, the ejector roller 29 conveys the sheet to the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack.

[0057] The sheet stack pressing mark 30 is rotatably positioned on the downstream side of the ejector roller 29 along the conveying direction. It prevents the rear end (along the sheet conveying direction) of each stacked recording medium sheet in the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack from bending upward, so as to prevent the rear end from interfering with the front end (along the sheet conveying direction) of the sheet subsequently conveyed to the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack.

[0058] The crescent-shaped roller 33 is rotatably supported by the middle portion 31 of the sheet stack on the downstream side of the pressing guide 56 along the conveying direction. After the recording medium sheet passes the pre-stack sensor 38 at the rear end along the sheet conveying direction, it conveys the recording medium sheet toward the front end of the vertical alignment reference plate 39a of the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack along the conveying direction according to a preset timing. After the sheet passes the kick-out roller 29, it presses the recording medium sheet into the vertical alignment reference 39a. Its conveying pressure is adjusted so that the sheet slides on the sheet after being placed in contact with the vertical alignment reference plate 39a.

[0059] When the guide drive portion 35 is driven, the sheet stack guide 34 moves from its standby position parallel to the sheet stack intermediate portion 39 toward the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​in order to push the stacked sheet stack in the sheet stack intermediate portion 39.

[0060] When the front end of the sheet stack along the sheet stack pressing direction reaches the sheet stack discharge unit 36, the drive of the guide drive portion 35 stops so as to stop the sheet stack discharge guide 34. Then, the guide drive portion 35 is driven again so that the sheet stack discharge guide 34 returns to its standby position.

[0061] The guide drive section 35 is associated with the sheet stack discharge guide 34. It operates under the control of the aforementioned control section.

[0062] As the sheet stacks are pushed out by the sheet stack ejection guide 34, the sheet stack ejection unit 36 ​​ejects each recording medium sheet stack into (or onto) the bottom ejection tray 37. Incidentally, the structure of the sheet stack ejection unit 36 ​​will be described in detail later.

[0063] The bottom discharge tray 37 captures each stack of recording media sheets in such a way that when each stack is discharged by the sheet stack discharge unit 36, it is placed on top of the previous stack in the bottom discharge tray 37. Based on the position of the top surface of the uppermost stacked sheet detected by a sheet surface sensor (not shown), it responds to the number of stacked sheets therein along... Figure 1 The movement is indicated by the arrow marked B2. Furthermore, when it is detected that the laminated sheet has been removed, the bottom discharge tray 37 moves along... Figure 1 The movement is directed in direction B1. Therefore, the bottom discharge tray 37 holds the top surface of the uppermost stacked sheet at a preset level, regardless of the number of stacked sheets.

[0064] When the intermediate layer pre-sensor 38 detects the recording medium sheet, it outputs the detection result to the control section (not shown).

[0065] The sheet stack intermediate portion 39, serving as the alignment section, is provided with a vertical alignment reference plate 39a located at the leading edge of the sheet stack intermediate portion 39 along the conveying direction. When a recording medium sheet is conveyed to the sheet stack intermediate portion 39, the sheet stack intermediate portion 39 not only captures the sheet in a manner that causes it to be stacked on top of the previous sheet, but also aligns the sheets by causing the leading edge of the sheet along the sheet conveying direction to strike the vertical alignment reference plate 39a. The sheet stack intermediate portion 39 is provided with a top guide 31 and a bottom guide 32, and a pressing guide 56 is securely attached to the top guide 31.

[0066] The pressing guide 56 is flexible. By applying a preset amount of pressure, it maintains contact with the uppermost recording medium laminate sheet in the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack.

[0067] The control unit (not shown) controls the operation of the discharge device 4 based on the detection results input from the entry sensor 27, the pre-sensor 38, etc.

[0068] <Structure of the Sheet Stack Discharge Unit>

[0069] The following will refer to Figure 2-3 The structure of the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​of the discharge device 4 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0070] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 Part (a) is a perspective view of the entire sheet stacking unit 36. Figure 2 Part (b) is Figure 2 An enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line in part (a). Incidentally, Figure 2 Part (b) represents the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, which is the state after the separation sensor mark 94 has been removed.

[0071] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 Part (a) is a perspective view of the entire sheet stacking unit 36. Figure 3 Part (b) is a portion of the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​along Figure 3 A magnified view of direction Y in part (a). Incidentally, Figure 3 Part (b) represents the state of the sheet bundle discharge unit 36, which is the state after the separation gear 64, the transmission gear 69, the transmission gear pulley 70, the transmission pulley 72, the timing belt 74, and the timing belt 75 have been removed.

[0072] The sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​has a front sub-frame 41, a top sub-frame 42, a rear sub-frame 43, a bottom sub-frame 44, a bottom discharge roller 47, a top discharge roller 48, a pivot 49, a roller support arm 50, and a pressing arm 51.

[0073] The sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​includes: a top discharge roller 48, which is a first discharge roller and has a plurality of first discs; and a bottom discharge roller 47, which is a second discharge roller and has a plurality of discs. The sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is a discharge unit that discharges recording medium sheets along the sheet discharge direction using two sets of rollers. Its structure is such that the discs (rotating components) of the top discharge roller 48 and the discs of the bottom discharge roller 47 are alternately positioned in a direction perpendicular to the sheet discharge direction; furthermore, when viewed from the sheet width direction, the discs of the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47 partially overlap.

[0074] Furthermore, the sheet stacking and discharge unit 36 ​​includes a stepped gear 57, a pendulum sun gear 58, a pendulum retainer 59, a separation conveyor motor M2, a torsion spring 60, a pendulum planetary gear 61, a separation gear 62, a separation gear 63, a separation gear 64, and a separation gear 65.

[0075] Furthermore, the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​includes a transmission gear 66, a transmission gear 67, a transmission gear 68, a transmission gear 69, a transmission pulley 70, a pivot 71, a transmission pulley 72, and a transmission pulley 73. Additionally, the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​includes a timing belt 74, a timing belt 75, a roller support arm 76, a support plate 79, a support plate 80, a support plate 81, a support plate 82, and a pressure application arm 92.

[0076] The front subframe 41, top subframe 42, rear subframe 43, and bottom subframe 44 are secured to adjacent subframes using small screws. The separation transmission motor M2 is securely attached to the rear subframe 43. The bottom subframe 44 forms part of the bottom unit 95, which will be described later.

[0077] The rotating shaft of the bottom discharge roller 47 is securely attached to the transmission gear 69.

[0078] The top discharge roller 48 transmits the rotational driving force to the bottom discharge roller 47.

[0079] The bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48 are positioned such that their discs are alternately positioned in a direction parallel to their axis of rotation.

[0080] Pivot 49 is pressed onto and thus supported by the front subframe 41. It supports the roller support forearm 50 and the pressure application forearm 51, allowing both arms to pivot relative to the front subframe 41.

[0081] The roller support front arm 50 is rotatably supported by a pivot 49. The sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is configured such that when a portion 50a of the roller support front arm 50 contacts the stop 41a (provided on the front subframe 41), it prevents it from moving along... Figure 2 Part (b) pivots further counterclockwise. The roller support front arm 50 is provided with a spring anchor 50a, one end of the tension spring 91 engaging with the spring anchor 50a.

[0082] The pressure-applying forearm 51 is rotatably supported by a pivot 49. It pivots when pressed by a pressure-applying cam 90, which is driven by a release transmission motor M2. It is provided with a spring anchor 51d, to which the other end of a tension spring 91 engages.

[0083] Not only is the stepped gear 57 associated with the rotating shaft of the separate transmission motor M2, but the pendulum sun gear 58 is also associated with it.

[0084] The pendulum sun gear 58 is associated with the stepped gear 57 and the pendulum planetary gear 61.

[0085] The pendulum sun gear 58 is located within the pendulum retainer 59, which is fixed to the pivot of the pendulum sun gear 58 so that it can swing about the pivot of the pendulum sun gear 58.

[0086] The separation transmission motor M2 is associated with the stepped gear 57 via its rotating shaft. When driven under the control of the aforementioned control section, it drives the pressure application cam 90 and the separation sensor mark 94.

[0087] The torque spring 60 is a leaf spring. The structure of the sheet stacking unit 36 ​​keeps the torque spring 60 in contact with the pendulum sun gear 58 and the pendulum retainer 59. Moreover, when the pendulum sun gear 58 pivots, the pendulum planetary gear 61 moves in the same direction as the rotation of the pendulum sun gear 58, thereby causing the pendulum retainer 59 to move in an oscillating manner.

[0088] The pendulum planetary gear 61 contacts the pendulum sun gear 58. When the separation transmission motor M2 rotates clockwise (viewed from the pinion side), the pendulum planetary gear 61 contacts the separation gear 62. On the other hand, when the separation transmission motor M2 rotates counterclockwise, the pendulum planetary gear 61 contacts the transmission gear 66.

[0089] The pendulum planetary gear 61 meshes with the pendulum sun gear 58. When the separation transmission motor M2 rotates clockwise (viewed from the side of the small gear), the pendulum planetary gear 61 meshes with the separation gear 62, and when the separation transmission motor M2 rotates counterclockwise, the pendulum planetary gear 61 meshes with the transmission gear 66.

[0090] The release gear 63 meshes not only with the release gear 62, but also with the release gear 64.

[0091] The release gear 64 meshes not only with the release gear 63, but also with the release gear 65.

[0092] The release gear 65 meshes not only with the release gear 64, but also with the conveyor pulley 72.

[0093] The transmission gear 66 meshes not only with the pendulum planetary gear 61, but also with the transmission gear 67.

[0094] The transmission gear 67 meshes with the transmission gear 66 and the transmission gear 68.

[0095] The transmission gear 68 meshes with the transmission gear 67 and the transmission gear 69.

[0096] The transmission gear 69 meshes with the transmission gear 68 and the transmission gear pulley 70.

[0097] The transmission gear pulley 70 is in indirect contact with the transmission pulley 72 via the timing belt 74.

[0098] Pivot 71 is pressed onto the rear subframe 43, roughly aligned with pivot 49.

[0099] The pulley 72 contacts the release gear 65 and indirectly contacts the pulley 73 via the timing belt 75.

[0100] The conveyor pulley 73 is fixed to the top discharge roller 48.

[0101] The timing belt 74 is connected to the transmission gear pulley 70 and the transmission pulley 72.

[0102] The timing belt 75 keeps the transmission gear pulley 70 connected to the transmission pulley 73.

[0103] The roller support arm 76 is rotatably supported by a pivot 71. Its rear end engages with one end of a pressure-applying spring 93.

[0104] The support unit has multiple support plates 79. (Reference) Figure 4Each support plate 79 is located between a corresponding portion of the bottom discharge roller 47 and a corresponding portion of the top discharge roller 48. Here, it is assumed that the distance between the top surface 47a of the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top surface 79c of the support plate 79 is d1, and the distance between the bottom surface 48a and the top surface 79c of the support plate 79 is d2, and the support plate 79 is positioned such that d1 is approximately equal to d2 (d1 ≒ d2).

[0105] Furthermore, the support plate 79 is located between the top surface 47c of the shaft portion 47b of the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top surface 47a of the bottom discharge roller 47.

[0106] The support plate 80 is located between the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48.

[0107] The support plate 81 is located between the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48.

[0108] The support plate 82 is located between the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48.

[0109] Incidentally, the positioning of each support plate 80, 81, and 82 is similar to that of support plate 79, so as to satisfy (d1≒d2). Moreover, they are located between the top surface 47c of the shaft portion 47b of the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top surface 47a of the bottom discharge roller 47.

[0110] After pressure is applied, arm 92 is rotatably supported by pivot 71. It engages with the other end of pressure-applying spring 93.

[0111] <Structure of the bottom unit>

[0112] The following will refer to Figure 2-6 The structure of the bottom unit 95 of the discharge device 4 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0113] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 Part (a) is a perspective view of the bottom unit 95 (viewed from its bottom side). Figure 5 Part (b) is a perspective view of the bottom unit 95 (viewed from its top side).

[0114] The bottom unit 95 has a bottom subframe 44, a bottom conveying guide 77, a support plate retainer 78, a support plate 79, a support plate 80, a support plate 81, a support plate 82, a stepped gear 87, a support plate drive motor M3, a support plate HP sensor S4, and a support line 97.

[0115] The bottom conveyor guide 77 is connected to the sub-frame 44 by small screws (not shown). It supports the support plate holder 78 so that the support plate holder 78 can move along... Figure 5In part (b), the arrows marked H or G indicate linear motion in the direction of the motion.

[0116] The support plate holder 78 is provided with a rack 78c and a light-shielding rib 78d, which is used to block light from reaching the support plate HP sensor S4. The bottom unit is configured such that when the light-shielding rib 78d of the support plate holder 78 is retracted, the support plate HP sensor S2 remains exposed, and when the light-shielding rib 78d is extended, it prevents light from reaching the support plate HP sensor S2.

[0117] Support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 are attached to support plate retainer 78 using small screws (not shown). When support plate retainer 78 moves along... Figure 5 When moving in the direction indicated by arrow G in part (b), support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 extend from the bottom transfer guide 77, while the support plate retainer 78 moves along... Figure 5 When moving in the direction indicated by arrow H in part (b), the support plate retainers 79, 80, 81 and 82 retract into the bottom transfer guide 77.

[0118] The following is for reference. Figure 6 The support plate 79 is provided with a hole 79a, and the protruding part 97a of the support line 97 is fitted into the hole 79a.

[0119] The stepped gear 87 not only engages with the rack 78c of the support plate retainer 78, but is also connected to the support plate drive motor M3. It is driven by the support plate drive motor M3 to move the rack 78c so that the support plate retainer 78 moves along... Figure 5 The direction of motion is G or H as shown in part (b).

[0120] Based on the detection results from the support plate HP sensor S4, the support plate drive motor M3 is rotated under the control of a control unit (not shown). As it rotates, it drives the stepped gear 87. It moves along... Figure 5 In part (b), the support plate retainer 78 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow E, causing it to move along the G direction. Furthermore, it moves along... Figure 5 Part (b) rotates in the F direction, causing the support plate retainer 78 to rotate along... Figure 5 The direction of movement is indicated by the arrow mark F in part (b).

[0121] The HP sensor S4 on the support plate is fixed to the sub-frame 44 by a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0122] It is also used to control the rotation of the support plate drive motor M3.

[0123] The support line 97 is a reinforcing member. It has a groove 97b for positioning the support line 97 relative to the support plate 79 by engaging with the rib 79b. It is held between the support plate retainer 78 and the support plate 79 by being clamped by the support plate retainer 78 and the support plate 79.

[0124] Incidentally, the structures of support plates 80, 81, and 82 are the same as those of support plate 79. Therefore, their structures are not illustrated or explained.

[0125] <Operation of the Post-Sheet Processing Unit>

[0126] The operation of the discharge device 4 of the image reading device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0127] The pre-buffer roller 22 conveys the recording medium sheet and accelerates the sheet at a preset time according to the time point at which the rear end of the sheet (along the sheet conveying direction) enters the sensor 27.

[0128] When the final destination of the recording medium sheet is the top discharge tray 25, as the sheet reaches between the pre-buffer roller 22 and the reverse roller 24 at its rear end along the sheet conveying direction, the pre-buffer roller 22 decelerates the sheet to a preset speed (discharge speed) and then discharges the sheet into the top discharge tray 25. On the other hand, when the final destination of the sheet is the bottom discharge tray 37, the pre-buffer roller 22 temporarily stops the sheet at the moment it passes the rear end along the sheet conveying direction through a backward movement prevention valve, which is held in place by a spring (not shown). Figure 1 Press in a clockwise direction. Then, they convey the sheet backward (backward) to the inner discharge roller 26.

[0129] When the leading edge of the recording medium sheet reaches the inner discharge roller 26 along the sheet conveying direction, the reverse rollers 24 separate from each other and prepare to receive the next recording medium sheet being conveyed toward the reverse roller 24. While the sheet is held by the reverse roller 24, the drive of the reverse roller 24 temporarily stops. Then, it resumes conveying the sheet backward as the next sheet passes. In other words, the reverse roller 24 acts as a buffer by placing the recording medium sheet on top of the previous sheet.

[0130] As the recording medium sheet is conveyed by the internal discharge roller 26, it is transferred to the ejector roller 29 via the intermediate transfer roller 28. It is then transferred to the sheet stack intermediate portion 39. When the sheet reaches the sheet stack intermediate portion 39, its leading edge along the conveying direction strikes the vertical alignment reference plate 39a of the sheet stack intermediate portion 39, thereby aligning it with the sheet on the sheet stack intermediate portion 39.

[0131] At the rear end of the sheet along the sheet conveying direction (after passing the preload intermediate sensor 38), the crescent-shaped roller 33 conveys the recording medium sheet to the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack at a preset timing.

[0132] After the recording medium sheet reaches the vertical alignment reference plate 39a, the horizontal alignment swing stacker (not shown) aligns relative to the horizontal alignment reference plate (not shown).

[0133] After a preset number of recording medium sheets are aligned, they are stapled by a stapler (not shown). Then, the sheet stack discharge guide 34, connected to the guide drive section 35, moves parallel to its standby position toward the sheet stack discharge unit 36, thereby pushing the sheet stack out of the sheet stack discharge unit 36.

[0134] When the front end of the sheet stack along the direction of ejection reaches the sheet stack ejection guide 34, the sheet stack ejection guide 34 stops. Then, it returns to the standby position.

[0135] When the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​receives the sheet stack from the sheet stack discharge guide 34, it discharges the stack into the bottom discharge tray 37.

[0136] As recording media sheets accumulate in the top and bottom discharge trays 25 and 37, the trays move in direction A2 or B1 (sheets are discharged one after another) based on the position of the top surface of the uppermost recording media sheet (detected by a sheet surface detection sensor, not shown). Furthermore, when sheets in the top discharge tray 25 and bottom discharge tray 37 are detected by the sheet surface detection sensor, trays 25 and 37 move in direction A1 or B1. Therefore, the top surfaces of the top discharge tray 25 and bottom discharge tray 37 are maintained at preset levels.

[0137] <Operation of the Sheet Stack Discharge Unit>

[0138] The operation of the sheet stacking and discharge unit 36 ​​of the image reading device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0139] First, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is described in detail, including the operation of its mechanism for separating the top discharge roller 48 from the bottom discharge roller 47.

[0140] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 Part (a) shows the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, wherein the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47 are kept pressed against each other, thereby forming a clamping part between them; Figure 7Part (b) shows the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, where the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47 have just begun to separate from each other; Figure 7 Part (c) indicates the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, in which the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47 have been completely separated; Figure 7 Part (d) indicates the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​after the top discharge roller 48 and bottom discharge roller 47, which are separated, begin to move toward each other to form a clamping section.

[0141] refer to Figure 8 The horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents the distance between the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47, the number of rotations of the separation conveyor motor M2, and the status of the separation HP sensor S2 (listed from top to bottom).

[0142] When the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is in Figure 7 As shown in part (a), and while the recording medium sheet is being conveyed, the pressure application cam 90 moves along the separation operation lever part 51b through contact with the separation operation lever part 51b. Figure 7 The pressure is applied to the forearm 51 by pressing the part (a) in direction A. At this time, the support forearm 50 is prevented from moving in direction A by the engagement between the stop 41a and the latch part 50b of the front subframe 41. Therefore, the top discharge roller 48 remains pressed against the bottom discharge roller 47, that is, in a state where the distance between the two rollers 48 and 47 is minimal.

[0143] Furthermore, the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​generates pressure for conveying the recording medium sheet to the top discharge roller 48 by stretching the tension spring 91, which engages with the spring anchor 50a of the roller support front arm 50 and the spring anchor 51d of the pressure application front arm 51. Here, the discs of the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47 are alternately positioned, as in... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. Therefore, they do not come into contact with each other.

[0144] When the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is in Figure 7 When the state shown in part (b) is changed (where the state of the sensor changes), the pressure application cam 90 and the separation sensor mark 94 are driven by the separation transmission motor M2 along... Figure 7 (b) The separation sensor S2 rotates in direction B by a preset angle (e.g., 45 degrees). Therefore, the state of the separation sensor S2 changes from blocking light to allowing light to pass through. Then, when the separation conveyor motor M2 stops, the pressure application cam 90 and the separation sensor mark 94 stop after moving a preset angle (e.g., 224.5 degrees). Simultaneously, the roller support arm 50 and the pressure application arm 51 rotate along direction B as the pressure application cam 90 rotates. Figure 7Part (b) rotates in the direction of C1.

[0145] When the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is in Figure 7 In the state shown in part (c), and before it receives the recording medium, the pressure application cam 90 is rotated in direction B by the drive of the separation transfer motor M2, and then the drive of the separation transfer motor M2 is stopped. Therefore, the latch portion 50b of the roller support arm 50 is separated from the stop 41a. Therefore, the top discharge roller 48 is held at its maximum distance from the bottom discharge roller 47. At this time, the force from the tension spring 91 does not act on the pressure application cam 90. Moreover, the only force on the pressure application cam 90 is the torque about the pivot 49 generated by the weight of the top discharge roller 48, the roller support arm 50, the pressure application arm 51, and the tension spring 91. At this time, the pressure application cam 90 is in contact with the separation operating lever portion 51b.

[0146] When the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is in Figure 7 When the state shown in part (d) (where the state transition of the separation sensor S2 is), when the separation transmission motor M2 is driven, the pressure application cam 90 and the separation sensor mark 94 move along direction B by a preset angle (e.g., 30.5 degrees). Therefore, the separation sensor mark 94 blocks light from reaching the separation sensor S2.

[0147] Then, the drive of the separation conveyor motor M2 stops, causing the pressure application cam 90 and the separation sensor mark 94 to stop at a preset angle (e.g., 60 degrees) away from the position where they block the light. Therefore, a clamping portion is formed between the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47, as... Figure 7 As shown in part (a).

[0148] As described above, the top discharge roller 48 repeats the process. Figure 7 The operations shown in parts (a) to (d) of 7 form a clamping section or separate it from the bottom discharge roller 47.

[0149] The following will refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 This document details the sheet stacking and discharge operation of the sheet stacking and discharge unit 36.

[0150] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 Part (a) indicates the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, in which the top discharge roller 48 has left the bottom discharge roller 47; Figure 9 Part (b) represents the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, wherein the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​begins to convey sheet stacks; Figure 9Part (c) indicates the state of the sheet stacking unit 36, wherein there is a clamping part between the two rollers 48 and 47; Figure 9 The part (d) indicates the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, where the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​has just begun to discharge the sheet stack.

[0151] refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 Part (a) shows the state of the sheet stacking unit 36, in which the support plate 79 begins to extend; Figure 10 Part (b) represents the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, wherein the support plate 79 is along its entire length; Figure 10 Part (c) indicates the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, in which the support plate 79 has just begun to retract; Figure 10 The part (d) indicates the state of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, where the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​has just discharged the sheet stack S.

[0152] By the way, Figure 9 and Figure 10 The diagram only shows the operation of support plate 79. However, the operation of support plates 80, 81, and 82 is the same as that of support plate 79.

[0153] Once the sheet stack S begins to stack in the middle portion 39 of the sheet layer, the top discharge roller 48 begins to move along... Figure 9 The arrow marked J1 in part (a) points away from the bottom discharge roller 47. As for the support plate 79 on the bottom conveyor guide 77, it remains in the retracted standby position.

[0154] Then, the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack performs preset operations (post-processing), such as aligning the stacked sheets, binding, etc. Then, the guide 34 is deployed using the sheet stack along... Figure 9 In part (b), the arrow marker K1 indicates the direction in which the stack of sheets S is conveyed.

[0155] Then, the middle portion 39 of the sheet stack conveys the sheet stack S to a position where it can be clamped by the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48 via the sheet stack discharge guide 34. It then stops. Driven by the separation conveyor motor M2, the top discharge roller 48 begins to clamp the sheet stack S, holding it between itself and the bottom discharge roller 47 (part (c) of 9). That is, by supporting the top discharge roller 48 so that it can pivot toward or away from the bottom discharge roller 47, the sheet stack S can be discharged while applying an optimal amount of pressure, i.e., pressure proportional to the thickness of the sheet stack S.

[0156] Then, the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48 begin to move along... Figure 9 The sheet stack S rotates in the direction shown in section (d) to discharge the sheet stack S. For the middle section 39 of the sheet stack, once the two rollers 47 and 48 begin to rotate, it begins to rotate along... Figure 9 In part (d), the movement is directed in the direction indicated by arrow K2 to prepare to receive the next stack of sheets S. It then stops at the position of the sheet stack discharge guide 34.

[0157] Then, driven by the support plate drive motor M3, the support plate retainer 78 moves along... Figure 5 The direction G in part (b) moves. Therefore, support plates 79, 80 and 81 begin to move along Figure 10 The direction of movement is indicated by arrow L1 in part (a), which is the same as the extension direction and the discharge direction. For the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48, they discharge stack S.

[0158] Then, the support plate retainer 78 along Figure 5 The direction G in part (b) moves and stops. Therefore, support plates 79, 80, and 81 extend to their entire length and stop. Furthermore, the discharge of the sheet stack S continues. Figure 10 Part (b)).

[0159] Then, as the rear end of the sheet stack S (along the conveying direction) approaches discharge, the support plate drive motor M3 is started. Therefore, the support plate retainer 78 moves along... Figure 5 Part (b) shows the direction of motion H.

[0160] Therefore, as the rear end (along the conveying direction) of the sheet stack S approaches discharge, the support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 begin to move along... Figure 10 The movement is in the direction indicated by the arrow marker L2 in part (c) (that is, the retraction direction).

[0161] The timing of the retraction of support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 is controlled such that the timing of the retraction of the rear end of the sheet stack S (along the conveying direction) is approximately the same as the timing of the retraction of support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82. Therefore, at the same time as the end of the discharge of the sheet stack S via the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48, support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 retract into the bottom conveying guide 77.

[0162] Then, as the rear end of the sheet stack S passes the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48 along the conveying direction, the sheet stack S is discharged into the bottom discharge tray 37 and stacked therein. Figure 10 Part (d)).

[0163] Just after the front end of the sheet stack S along direction L1 passes the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48, the front ends of the support plates 79, 80, 81 and 82 along direction L1 will be on opposite sides of the front end of the sheet stack S along direction L1, so the sheet stack S can be easily discharged.

[0164] As described above, when the sheet stack S is discharged, support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 extend and support the sheet stack S from its bottom side. Therefore, when the sheet stack S is discharged, it remains separated from the sheet stack S in the bottom discharge tray 37. Thus, when the sheet stack S is pushed out of the sheet stack discharge unit 36, it does not interfere with the sheet stack S in the bottom discharge tray 37, and vice versa.

[0165] Furthermore, this embodiment allows the structural components of support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 to be identical. Therefore, this embodiment can reduce the cost of the sheet stack discharge unit 36.

[0166] The sheet stacking and discharge unit 36 ​​is provided with a plurality of support plates 79, 80, 81 and 82, which are spaced at predetermined intervals along the width direction. Figure 4 The sheet stack S is aligned in the left-right direction, with the width direction perpendicular to the discharge direction L1. Therefore, the sheet stack S is reliably held.

[0167] Furthermore, support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 are located between the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47. Therefore, they can extend or retract without interfering with the top discharge roller 48 and the bottom discharge roller 47.

[0168] Furthermore, the distance d1 between the top surfaces of the support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 and the top surface of the bottom discharge roller 47 is equal to the distance d2 between the bottom surfaces of the top discharge roller 48. Therefore, the sheet stack S can be reliably supported.

[0169] Furthermore, support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 are arranged between the top surface 47c of the shaft portion 47b of the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top surface 47a of the bottom discharge roller 47. Therefore, the sheet stack S can be reliably supported without increasing the pressure applied to the sheet stack S by the sheet stack discharge unit 36.

[0170] Furthermore, the support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 are provided with internal support wires 97. Therefore, they are able to reliably support the sheet stack S.

[0171] In this embodiment, the sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is provided with support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82. These support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 support the sheet stack S from the bottom side by extending along the sheet stack discharge direction. The sheet stack S is discharged into the bottom discharge tray 37 by the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48. Moreover, the support plates 79, 80, 81, and 82 remain retracted before and after the sheet stack S is discharged onto the bottom discharge tray 37 by the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48. Therefore, not only can the recording medium sheet be prevented from suffering frictional damage, but the size of the motor used to drive the bottom discharge roller 47 can also be reduced, thereby making it easier to remove the sheet from the bottom discharge tray 37.

[0172] (Example 2)

[0173] The imaging device in the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the imaging device in the first embodiment. Figures 1 to 6 The structure shown is identical (except for the structure of its support plate 179). Therefore, it will not be described in detail.

[0174] refer to Figure 11 The sheet stack discharge unit 36 ​​is configured such that the top surface 179c of the support plate 179 that contacts the sheet stack S is located on the bottom side of the straight line t and is approximately parallel to the straight line t, which is tangent to the bottom discharge roller 47 and the support plate 179.

[0175] More specifically, the support plate 179 has a top surface 179c, which is an inclined flat surface parallel to the straight line t between point 48b on the bottom surface 48a of the top discharge roller 48 (which is close to the support plate 179 on the support plate 179 side) and point 47d on the top surface 47a of the bottom discharge roller 47 (which is close to the support plate 179 on the support plate 179 side). Furthermore, the support plate 179 is located below the straight line t between point 48b on the bottom surface 48a of the top discharge roller 48 (which is on the support plate 179 side) and point 47d on the top surface 47a of the bottom discharge roller 47 (which is on the support plate 179 side).

[0176] Here, points 48a and 47d are located on the support component side. Incidentally, the support plate in this embodiment is equivalent to support plates 80, 81, and 82, and its structure is similar to support plate 179.

[0177] Incidentally, the operation of the post-processing unit and the sheet stack discharge unit in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. Therefore, they will not be described here.

[0178] As described above, in this embodiment of the invention, the discharge device 4 is connected to the main component of the imaging apparatus for forming a color image that is sensitive to the stress borne by the sheet stack S. The discharge device 4 is provided with a corrugated support plate 179 for the sheet stack S, which is formed by its bottom discharge roller 47 and top discharge roller 48. Therefore, the pressure generated between the sheet stack S and the support plate 179 can be reduced. Thus, it is able to discharge the recording medium sheet while maintaining the image on the recording medium in good condition.

[0179] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Needless to say, various changes can be made to these embodiments within the spirit of the invention.

[0180] More specifically, in the first and second embodiments of the invention, the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48 are positioned such that the discs of the bottom discharge roller 47 and the top discharge roller 48 are arranged alternately in a direction parallel to their axes of rotation. However, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. That is, the invention is also compatible with discharge devices configured such that the discs of the top discharge roller and the bottom discharge roller are in the same position in a direction parallel to the axes of rotation of the bottom and top discharge rollers.

[0181] This invention not only prevents the recording medium sheet from being damaged by friction, but also reduces the size of the motor used to drive the discharge tray, making it easier to remove the recording medium sheet from the tray.

[0182] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A discharge device for discharging sheet material, comprising: Alignment unit, on which the supplied sheets are stacked, the alignment unit is used to align the stacked sheets into a sheet stack; Discharge unit for discharging stacks of sheets aligned by the alignment unit; The discharge tray on which the sheets discharged by the discharge unit are stacked; as well as A support unit is provided for supporting the sheet stack from below by extending along the sheet discharge direction of the sheet stack as it is discharged onto the discharge tray via the discharge unit, and for being accommodated in the opposite direction of the sheet discharge direction when the discharge unit finishes discharging the sheet stack.

Images