Medium discharge device

Abstract

To provide a medium discharge device allowing discharged media to be stacked on a tray in a good state while aligning tips of specific media.SOLUTION: A medium discharge device 100 is provided with: discharge rollers 116 and 117 discharging media; a tray 104 on which media discharged by the discharge rollers are stacked; a medium limit member 105 in which a weight applying part for applying weight on the discharged media on the tray is provided on a tip part side and an engaging part is provided on a base part side opposite to the tip part side; and a holding member 106 holding the medium limit member swingably in a vertical direction for an upper surface of the tray and rotatably along a rotation shaft in a direction toward the tip part side from the base part side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media ejection device, and more particularly to a media ejection device having a tray for stacking ejected media. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, media ejection devices such as scanners are required to convey, image, and eject various types of media, such as business cards, receipts, PPC (Plain Paper Copier) sheets, and passports. When a plurality of media are conveyed and ejected sequentially in a media ejection device, a user usually aligns the leading edges of the ejected media in order to organize the media after the imaging has been completed. It is desirable for the media ejection device to align the positions of the media ejected onto a tray, particularly media smaller than a certain size, so that the user can easily align the leading edges of the media.

[0003] Disclosed is an output sheet stacking device that includes a document pressing member having a pressing section that presses down sheets discharged onto the output document stacking tray, a base section that is disposed above the output document stacking tray, and a joint section that is disposed between the pressing section and the base section (see Patent Document 1). In this output sheet stacking device, the pressing section can be rotated in the sheet stacking direction of the output document stacking tray, and can be swung by the joint section in a direction along the document stacking surface of the output document stacking tray. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-229549 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a medium ejection device, it is desirable to properly align the leading edges of specific media and properly stack the ejected media on a tray.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium ejection device that can properly align the leading edges of specific media and properly stack the ejected media on a tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A media ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an ejection roller for ejecting media, a tray for loading the media ejected by the ejection roller, a media regulating member having two load pressing portions spaced apart on the tip side in a direction perpendicular to the media ejection direction for applying a load to the media ejected onto the tray, and an engagement portion provided on the base side opposite the tip, and a holding member having an engaged portion that engages with the engagement portion and holds the media regulating member so that it can swing up and down relative to the top surface of the tray as the media is ejected and can rotate along a rotation axis from the base side to the tip side, wherein the load pressing portion stops the tip of the medium when a medium of a predetermined size or smaller is ejected, and allows the tip of the medium to pass when a medium of a predetermined size or smaller is ejected, and the engagement portion is provided in the center of the media regulating member in the direction perpendicular to the media ejection direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the medium ejection device can properly align the leading edges of specific media and properly stack the ejected media on the tray. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium ejection device 100 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium ejection device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a medium regulating member 105. [Figure 3B] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a medium regulating member 105. FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B]FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view of a medium regulating member 105 and a holding member 106. FIG. [Figure 6A] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. FIG. [Figure 6B] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. FIG. [Figure 7A] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. FIG. [Figure 7B] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. FIG. [Figure 8A] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. FIG. [Figure 8B] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a rotation axis of the medium regulating member 105. FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a balance of loads. [Figure 10B] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a balance of loads. [Figure 11] 11 is a graph 1100 showing the ratio of loads. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of an upper housing 102 as viewed from the side. [Figure 13] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium ejection device 100. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a medium ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0011] 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a medium ejection device 100 configured as an image scanner. Fig. 1 shows the medium ejection device 100 in a state in which the medium regulating member 105 and the holding member 106 are stored, and Fig. 2 shows the medium ejection device 100 in a state in which the medium regulating member 105 and the holding member 106 are pulled out.

[0012] The medium ejection device 100 conveys, images, and ejects a medium that is an original. The medium is paper, cardboard, card, booklet, passport, or the like. The paper or cardboard includes small media such as business cards and receipts. The small medium is, for example, a medium whose longitudinal size is equal to or smaller than the vertical size of A8 (74 mm). The small medium may be a medium whose transverse size is equal to or smaller than the horizontal size of A8 (52 mm), a medium whose longitudinal size is equal to or smaller than the vertical size of A4 (297 mm), or a medium whose transverse size is equal to or smaller than the horizontal size of A6 (210 mm). The paper also includes PPC paper of A4 size or A3 size.

[0013] Medium ejection device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP), etc. The medium to be transported may not be a document but may be a print target, etc., and medium ejection device 100 may be a printer, etc.

[0014] The medium ejection device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, an ejection table 104, a medium regulating member 105, and a holding member 106. In Figs. 1 and 2, an arrow A1 indicates the medium ejection direction. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the medium ejection direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the medium ejection direction A1. The direction perpendicular to the medium ejection direction A1 may also be referred to as the width direction A2. The direction perpendicular to the top surface of the ejection table 104 may also be referred to as the up-down direction A3.

[0015] The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 are examples of housings. The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the medium ejection device 100, and engages with the lower housing 101 by a hinge. The upper housing 102 is provided so as to be openable and closable in the direction of arrow A4 when a medium is jammed, when cleaning the inside of the medium ejection device 100, etc. The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 have an ejection port 101a for ejecting media. The upper housing 102 has a storage section 107 for storing a medium regulation member 105 and a holding member 106.

[0016] The mounting table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that the medium to be transported can be placed thereon.

[0017] The discharge table 104 is an example of a tray, is provided below the discharge port 101a, and engages with the lower housing 101 so as to stack the media discharged from the discharge port 101a. The discharge table 104 has a first tray 104a, a second tray 104b, a third tray 104c, and a stopper 104d.

[0018] The first tray 104a is stored inside the lower housing 101 when the medium ejection device 100 is not in use, and is pulled out from the lower housing 101 in the medium ejection direction A1 when the medium ejection device 100 is in use, and stacks the media ejected from the ejection port 101a. The second tray 104b is provided so as to be pulled out from the first tray 104a in the medium ejection direction A1 so that larger sized media can be placed on the ejection stand 104. The third tray 104c is provided so as to be pulled out from the second tray 104b in the medium ejection direction A1 so that even larger sized media can be placed on the ejection stand 104. The first tray 104a, the second tray 104b, and the third tray 104c have a first placement surface 104e, a second placement surface 104f, and a third placement surface 104g on which the ejected media are placed, respectively.

[0019] The first tray 104a has a plurality of ribs 104h, 104i on the first placement surface 104e that extend in the medium discharge direction A1. The plurality of ribs 104h, 104i reduce the frictional force between the discharged medium and the first placement surface 104e, and prevent the medium from getting caught on the first placement surface 104e and bending, causing a medium jam.

[0020] The stopper 104d is foldably provided at the downstream end of the third tray 104c. When the stopper 104d is raised, it stops the leading ends of the media of the maximum size (e.g., A4 size or A3 size) supported by the medium discharge device 100 that is discharged to the discharge platform 104, and aligns the leading ends of the media. Meanwhile, when the stopper 104d is folded, the first tray 104a, the second tray 104b, and the third tray 104c can be stored in the lower housing 101.

[0021] The discharge tray 104 may be fixed to the lower housing 101 so that it cannot be pulled out or stored. The second tray 104b and / or the third tray 104c may be omitted. When the third tray 104c is omitted, the stopper 104d is provided on the second tray 104b. When the second tray 104b and the third tray 104c are omitted, the stopper 104d is provided on the first tray 104a.

[0022] The medium regulation member 105 is a stopper (stacker supporter) for small media, and regulates the leading end position of the media on the discharge platform 104, that is, the downstream end position in the medium discharge direction A1. The holding member 106 holds (supports) the medium regulation member 105 by engaging its upstream end with the upper housing 102 and its downstream end with the medium regulation member 105. The medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 are housed in the upper housing 102 so as to be able to be pulled out. As shown in FIG. 1, the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 are housed in a storage section 107 provided in the upper housing 102 when the medium discharge device 100 is not used or when small media are not transported and discharged. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 are pulled out and used by the user when the medium discharge device 100 is used and small media are transported and discharged. The user can use medium regulation member 105 and holding member 106 only when necessary, and medium ejection device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0023] The extension direction of medium regulation member 105, which is pulled out from upper housing 102 and supported by holding member 106, does not necessarily coincide with the direction in which medium regulation member 105 is pulled out from upper housing 102. This allows medium regulation member 105 to come into contact with an appropriate position on discharge platform 104 after being pulled out from upper housing 102, while being pulled out from upper housing 102 along storage section 107.

[0024] The medium regulation member 105 is arranged so as to abut against the first tray 104a but not against the second tray 104b when pulled out from the upper housing 102. As a result, even if the second tray 104b is stored in the first tray 104a with the medium regulation member 105 pulled out from the upper housing 102, the medium regulation member 105 is not dragged by the second placement surface 104f, and damage to the medium regulation member 105 is suppressed.

[0025] The medium regulating member 105 is used to stop the leading edge of a small medium when it is discharged onto the discharge tray 104. Therefore, the distance from the discharge port 101a to the position where the medium regulating member 105 abuts against the discharge tray 104 is set to be less than the maximum size of medium supported by the medium discharge device 100 and greater than or equal to the size of the small medium. The maximum size of medium supported by the medium discharge device 100 is, for example, A4 vertical size (297 mm) or A3 vertical size (420 mm). The size of the small medium is, for example, A8 vertical size (74 mm) or A8 horizontal size (52 mm). This allows the medium regulating member 105 to stop the leading edge of the small medium when it is discharged onto the discharge tray 104.

[0026] Meanwhile, the distance from the discharge port 101a to the stopper 104d is set to be approximately the same as the maximum size of the medium supported by the medium discharge device 100. This allows the stopper 104d to stop the leading edge of a medium when the medium of the maximum size supported by the medium discharge device 100 is discharged to the discharge platform 104.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of medium control member 105, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 3A.

[0028] 3A and 3B, the medium regulation member 105 includes two load pressing portions 105a and 105b, two engagement portions 105c and 105d, a front portion 105e, two openings 105f and 105g, and a locking portion 105h. The medium regulation member 105 is formed as a single member using a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The medium regulation member 105 may be formed of a plurality of members.

[0029] Each load pressing unit 105a, 105b is provided on the leading end L1 side (downstream side). Each load pressing unit 105a, 105b is provided side by side with a gap therebetween in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium discharge direction. Each load pressing unit 105a, 105b applies a load to the medium discharged onto the discharge tray 104, and is provided so as to be able to regulate the leading end position of the small medium in the medium discharge direction A1 on the discharge tray 104. This enables the load pressing units 105a, 105b to stop the small medium so that the leading ends of the small media being discharged are aligned in a straight line.

[0030] In addition, by using two load pressing parts 105a and 105b, even if the discharged medium is bent, the medium regulating member 105 can reliably contact the medium with the two load pressing parts 105a and 105b and reliably press the medium. In the case of a single load pressing part, even if the load pressing part extends to both ends in the width direction A2, when a medium with a mountain fold at the center of the width direction A2 is discharged, the mountain fold may come into contact with the load pressing part, causing the medium regulating member to jump up. In that case, the appearance may be damaged, and a collision sound may be generated when the medium and the medium regulating member collide, or a landing sound may be generated when the jumped up medium regulating member lands. In addition, if the medium is thin paper, the medium may be damaged. Since the medium discharge device 100 has a gap between the two load pressing parts 105a and 105b, even if a medium with a mountain fold at the center of the width direction A2 is discharged, the mountain fold is prevented from coming into contact with the medium regulating member 105. Moreover, the same effect as above can be obtained even when the leading edge of the medium is wavy in the width direction A2.

[0031] In addition, the distance between the two load pressing parts 105a and 105b (the distance between the inner ends of the load pressing parts 105a and 105b) is set to be smaller than the width of the smallest size medium (minimum medium width) supported by the medium ejection device. The minimum medium width is, for example, the length in the longitudinal or lateral direction of a business card. This allows the medium ejection device 100 to reliably abut the small medium against the two load pressing parts 105a and 105b when the small medium is ejected, and to reliably stop the small medium. On the other hand, if the distance between the two load pressing parts 105a and 105b is too small, the alignment performance of the small medium decreases, so the distance between the two load pressing parts 105a and 105b is set to a predetermined distance (for example, 50 mm) or more. The distance between the outer ends of the two load pressing parts 105a and 105b may be set to be larger than the minimum medium width. This allows the medium ejection device 100 to properly align the small medium.

[0032] 2, the load pressing portions 105a, 105b are provided so as to abut against the ribs 104h, 104i provided on the first loading surface 104e of the first tray 104a. This ensures that the upper ends of the ribs 104h, 104i on the first loading surface 104e are not positioned higher than the lower ends of the load pressing portions 105a, 105b, and the medium ejection device 100 can prevent the media loaded on the first tray 104a from rippling in the width direction A2. As a result, the medium ejection device 100 can prevent the media from jamming and damage.

[0033] If the size of each of the load pressing parts 105a, 105b in the width direction A2 is too small, scratches (scratches) may occur on the medium and the medium may jam. Therefore, the size of each of the load pressing parts 105a, 105b in the width direction A2 is set to a size that does not cause scratches on the medium and does not cause the medium to jam. In addition, the size of each of the load pressing parts 105a, 105b in the width direction A2 is set to a size that ensures that each of the load pressing parts 105a, 105b abuts against each of the ribs 104h, 104i even when the medium regulating member 105 swings in a direction parallel to the first placement surface 104e.

[0034] The number of load pressing parts is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. When there is one load pressing part, the load pressing part is formed linearly along the width direction A2 across both ends in the width direction A2 so as to come into contact with the leading edge of the medium discharged to the discharge tray 104. When there are three or more load pressing parts, the load pressing parts are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0035] The engaging portions 105c and 105d are provided on the base B1 side opposite the tip portion L1. The engaging portions 105c and 105d are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium ejection direction. The engaging portions 105c and 105d are formed in a protrusion shape and engage with the holding member 106.

[0036] Furthermore, the distance between the two engagement portions 105c, 105d is set to be equal to or less than the distance between the two load pressing portions 105a, 105b, and more preferably equal to or less than 1 / 3 of the distance between the two load pressing portions 105a, 105b. This enables the medium ejection device 100 to properly balance the load of the medium regulating member 105. The relationship between the distance between the two engagement portions 105c, 105d and the balance of the load of the medium regulating member 105 will be described later.

[0037] 1, front surface 105e is provided so as to be flush with front surface 102a of upper housing 102 when medium restriction member 105 is stored in upper housing 102. This allows medium ejection device 100 to have a unified design when medium restriction member 105 is stored.

[0038] Each opening 105f, 105g is provided at the center, that is, between the tip L1 and the base B1. Each opening 105f, 105g is provided so as to be able to adjust the load applied to the discharge table 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b. That is, the more upstream each opening 105f, 105g is provided, the more downstream the center of gravity of the medium regulating member 105 is located, and the greater the load applied to the discharge table 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b. On the other hand, the more downstream each opening 105f, 105g is provided, the more upstream the center of gravity of the medium regulating member 105 is located, and the smaller the load applied to the discharge table 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b is. Also, the smaller each opening 105f, 105g is, the greater the weight of the entire medium regulating member 105 is, and the greater the load applied to the discharge table 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b is. On the other hand, the larger the openings 105f, 105g are, the smaller the weight of the entire medium regulating member 105 is, and the smaller the load applied to the discharge table 104 from the load pressing portions 105a, 105b is.

[0039] The medium regulating member 105 is used to stop the leading edge of a small medium when it is discharged onto the discharge tray 104. The load applied to the discharge tray 104 from the load pressing units 105a and 105b is desirably set to a magnitude that does not cause the load pressing units 105a and 105b to float up with the force of the small medium discharged by the discharge rollers (which will be described later) moving in the medium discharge direction A1. On the other hand, when a medium larger than the small medium is discharged onto the discharge tray 104, the medium regulating member 105 needs to pass the medium without stopping it so that the medium does not bend. Therefore, the load applied to the discharge tray 104 from the load pressing units 105a and 105b is desirably set to a magnitude that causes the load pressing units 105a and 105b to float up with the force of the medium being discharged by the discharge rollers (in contact with the discharge rollers) moving in the medium discharge direction A1. By providing openings 105f and 105g in medium regulation member 105, medium discharge device 100 can appropriately adjust the load applied to discharge table 104 from load pressing portions 105a and 105b while maintaining the strength of medium regulation member 105.

[0040] Furthermore, by providing openings 105f, 105g in medium control member 105, the user can check how the medium is being ejected from openings 105f, 105g, and medium ejection device 100 can improve user convenience. The number of openings is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. Also, the openings may be omitted.

[0041] The locking portion 105h is provided on the base B1 side. The locking portion 105h functions as a stopper to prevent the medium regulating member 105 from forming an angle with respect to the holding member 106 that is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle.

[0042] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the holding member 106, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the holding member 106.

[0043] 4A and 4B, the holding member 106 includes two engaged portions 106a and 106b, two first protrusions 106c and 106d, two second protrusions 106e and 106f, and a locked portion 106g. The holding member 106 is formed as a single member using a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The holding member 106 may be formed of a plurality of members.

[0044] The engaged parts 106a, 106b are provided on the tip L2 side (downstream side). The engaged parts 106a, 106b are arranged at intervals in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium discharge direction. The engaged parts 106a, 106b are recesses or holes for engaging with the engaging parts 105c, 105d of the medium regulation member 105. The engaged parts 106a, 106b engage with the engaging parts 105c, 105d so that the engaging parts 105c, 105d can move in the vertical direction A3 (within a range of oblique directions inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction A3) relative to the engaged parts 106a, 106b. As a result, the engaged parts 106a, 106b engage with the engaging parts 105c, 105d so that the medium regulation member 105 can swing in the vertical direction A3.

[0045] For example, in the medium discharge direction A1, the size of the recess or hole of each of the engaged parts 106a, 106b is approximately the same as the size of the protrusion of each of the engaging parts 105c, 105d. On the other hand, in the vertical direction A3 with respect to the first placement surface 104e of the first tray 104a, the size of the recess or hole of each of the engaged parts 106a, 106b is larger than the size of the protrusion of each of the engaging parts 105c, 105d. For example, when viewed from the side, the protrusion of each of the engaging parts 105c, 105d has an approximately circular shape, and the recess or hole of each of the engaged parts 106a, 106b has an elliptical shape. As a result, each of the engaging parts 105c, 105d is provided rotatably along each of the engaged parts 106a, 106b, and is provided movably in the vertical direction A3 within each of the engaged parts 106a, 106b.

[0046] Note that each engaged portion of holding member 106 may be formed in a protrusion shape similar to engaging portions 105c and 105d, and each engaged portion of medium regulating member 105 may be a recess or hole similar to engaged portions 106a and 106b. In this case, each engaged portion of medium regulating member 105 is provided rotatably along each engaged portion of holding member 106, and is also provided movable up and down along each engaged portion of holding member 106.

[0047] Furthermore, each engaging portion and each engaged portion may not be arranged on a straight line extending in the width direction A2, but may be arranged on a straight line inclined in the up-down direction A3 with respect to the width direction A2. Each engaging portion and each engaged portion may be arranged on a straight line extending in the up-down direction A3. The number of engaging portions and engaged portions is not limited to two, and may be one of each. In this case, the engaging portions and engaged portions are formed, for example, by universal joints, and the engaging portions are provided so as to be rotatable relative to the engaged portions and movable in the up-down direction.

[0048] The first protrusions 106c, 106d and the second protrusions 106e, 106f are provided on the base B2 side (upstream side). The first protrusions 106c, 106d and the second protrusions 106e, 106f engage with rails provided in the storage section 107 and are provided so as to be slidable along the rails. In addition, the first protrusions 106c, 106d come into contact with the inside of the front surface 102a of the upper housing 102 when the medium restricting member 105 and the holding member 106 are pulled out from the upper housing 102. As a result, the holding member 106 is locked in the upper housing 102.

[0049] The locked portion 106g is provided on the tip portion L2 side. The locked portion 106g comes into contact with the locking portion 105h of the medium regulating member 105 and functions as a stopper to prevent the medium regulating member 105 from forming an angle greater than or equal to a predetermined angle with respect to the holding member 106.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 in an engaged state.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the holding member 106 holds the medium regulation member 105 by engaging the engaging portions 105c, 105d with the engaged portions 106a, 106b, respectively.

[0052] Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 when the medium is discharged. Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 8A are diagrams of the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 seen from the side, and in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 8A, the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 are shown in cross section along line B-B' in Figure 5. Figures 7B and 8B are diagrams of the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 seen from the downstream side.

[0053] Figure 6A shows the media regulating member 105 and holding member 106 when no media is loaded on the discharge tray 104, and Figure 6B shows the media regulating member 105 and holding member 106 when media M1, which is larger than a small medium, is loaded on the discharge tray 104.

[0054] 6A, when no media are loaded on the discharge tray 104, the medium regulating member 105 is held by the holding member 106 with the load pressing portion 105a (and 105b) abutting against the ribs 104h, 104i provided on the first loading surface 104e of the first tray 104a. This allows the medium regulating member 105 to limit the load applied to the discharge tray 104 to an appropriate level, allowing media larger than small media to pass through smoothly.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when a medium M1 larger than a small medium is discharged to the discharge tray 104, the discharged medium passes between the load pressing portion 105a (and 105b) and the first loading surface 104e. As described above, the engaging portions 105c and 105d are provided rotatably along the engaged portions 106a and 106b. Therefore, the load pressing portion 105a (and 105b) is pushed up by the loaded medium M1, and the medium regulation member 105 swings upward relative to the first loading surface 104e of the first tray 104a. In this way, the holding member 106 holds the medium regulation member 105 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction A3 relative to the upper surface of the discharge tray 104 as the medium is discharged. This allows the medium regulation member 105 to smoothly pass a medium larger than a small medium. In addition, when the medium control member 105 is stored in the upper housing 102, it is arranged along the storage section 107 and stored compactly, and when it is pulled out from the upper housing 102, the load pressing sections 105a, 105b can be brought into contact with the discharge tray 104.

[0056] Furthermore, when upper housing 102 is opened while medium regulation member 105 is pulled out from it, medium regulation member 105 is provided so as to be able to swing upward relative to holding member 106. This prevents medium regulation member 105 from being pinched between upper housing 102 and discharge tray 104 and being damaged when a user mistakenly opens upper housing 102 while medium regulation member 105 is pulled out from it.

[0057] 7A and 7B show the medium regulating member 105 and the holding member 106 when medium M2 bent so that one side in the width direction A2 (the load pressing portion 105b side) is raised is loaded on the discharge tray 104. Figures 8A and 8B show the medium regulating member 105 and the holding member 106 when medium M3 bent so that the other side in the width direction A2 (the load pressing portion 105a side) is raised is loaded on the discharge tray 104.

[0058] As described above, the engaging portions 105c and 105d are provided to be movable in the vertical direction A3 within the engaged portions 106a and 106b. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, when the medium M2, which is bent so that the load pressing portion 105b side is raised in the width direction A2, is discharged to the discharge tray 104, the load pressing portion 105b is pressed upward by the medium M2 from the load pressing portion 105a. Note that since the medium regulation member 105 is a planar rigid body, it is supported by the two load pressing portions 105a and 105b and one of the engaging portions, and the other engaging portion is in a free state not supported at the lower end in the direction of gravity except when ideal conditions are satisfied. That is, the medium regulation member 105 is supported only by one of the engaging portions 105c and 105d.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the engaging portion 105c is supported by the lower end of the engaged portion 106a, and although not shown, the engaging portion 105d is in a free state and is located at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the engaged portion 106b. As a result, the medium regulating member 105 rotates (rotates, swings) so that the load pressing portion 105b side rises higher than the load pressing portion 105a side. Depending on the position or timing at which the medium M2 abuts against each of the load pressing portions 105a and 105b, the engaging portion 105d may abut against the upper end of the engaged portion 106b, and the engaging portion 105c may be in a free state and be located at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the engaged portion 106a. In that case, the medium regulating member 105 also rotates so that the load pressing portion 105b side rises higher than the load pressing portion 105a side.

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, when the medium M3 bent in the width direction A2 so that the load pressing portion 105a side is raised is discharged to the discharge tray 104, the load pressing portion 105a is pushed up by the medium M3 above the load pressing portion 105b. In the example shown in Fig. 8A, the engaging portion 105c is in a free state and is disposed at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the engaged portion 106a, and although not shown, the engaging portion 105d is supported by the lower end of the engaged portion 106b. As a result, the medium regulating member 105 rotates so that the load pressing portion 105a side rises higher than the load pressing portion 105b side. Depending on the position or timing at which the medium M3 abuts against the load pressing portions 105a and 105b, the engaging portion 105c may abut against the upper end of the engaged portion 106a, and the engaging portion 105d may be in a free state and disposed at a position between the upper end and the lower end of the engaged portion 106b. In this case as well, the medium regulating member 105 rotates so that the load pressing portion 105a side rises higher than the load pressing portion 105b side.

[0061] In this way, the holding member 106 holds the medium regulation member 105 so as to be rotatable along a rotation axis in a direction A5 from the base B1 side of the medium regulation member 105 toward the tip L1 side as the medium is discharged. That is, the medium regulation member 105 has one end in the width direction A2 that is swingable upward, and has a relief shape such that when one load pressing portion approaches the first placement surface 104e, the other load pressing portion swings away from the first placement surface 104e. This allows the medium regulation member 105 to swing in the up-down direction A3 according to the height of the medium when a medium with different heights at each position in the width direction A2 is discharged, such as a bent medium or a medium with a photograph or the like attached thereto.

[0062] If the media regulation member does not swing in accordance with the height of the media, when media of different heights at each position in the width direction A2 are discharged, the load of the media regulation member is concentrated on one of the load pressing portions. This may cause the media to tilt and become skewed as it passes through the media regulation member, or cause the media to jam because it cannot pass through the media regulation member. By swinging in the vertical direction A3 in accordance with the height of the media, the media regulation member 105 can maintain a good load balance and prevent the media from becoming skewed or jamming.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the rotation axis of the medium restricting member 105. As shown in FIG.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the load pressing portion 105b rises and the engaging portion 105c abuts against the lower end of the engaged portion 106a, the straight line T1 passing through the engaging portion 105c and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105a in the width direction A2 becomes the rotation axis of the medium regulating member 105 at the load pressing portion 105b. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105b depends on the self-weight moment acting around the straight line T1 axis. On the other hand, the straight line T3 passing through the engaging portion 105c and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105b in the width direction A2 becomes the rotation axis of the medium regulating member 105 at the load pressing portion 105a. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105a at that time depends on the self-weight moment acting around the straight line T3 axis.

[0065] 8A, when the load pressing portion 105a rises and the engaging portion 105d abuts against the lower end of the engaged portion 106b, the straight line T4 passing through the engaging portion 105d and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105b in the width direction A2 becomes the rotation axis of the medium regulating member 105 at the load pressing portion 105a. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105a depends on the self-weight moment acting around the straight line T4 axis. On the other hand, the straight line T2 passing through the engaging portion 105d and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105a in the width direction A2 becomes the rotation axis of the medium regulating member 105 at the load pressing portion 105b. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105b at that time depends on the self-weight moment acting around the straight line T2 axis.

[0066] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the balance of the load of the medium regulating member 105. FIG.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10A, when the straight line T1 passing through the engaging portion 105c and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105a is the rotation axis, a weight moment (rotation moment due to the rotation axis T1) acts on the load pressing portion 105b arranged on the opposite side of the load pressing portion 105a. The magnitude of this weight moment is a value (m×D1) obtained by multiplying the weight m of the medium regulating member 105 by the distance D1 between the rotation axis T1 and the center of gravity M. On the other hand, when the straight line T3 passing through the engaging portion 105c and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105b is the rotation axis, a weight moment (rotation moment due to the rotation axis T3) acts on the load pressing portion 105a arranged on the opposite side of the load pressing portion 105b. The magnitude of this weight moment is a value (m×D2) obtained by multiplying the weight m of the medium regulating member 105 by the distance D2 between the rotation axis T3 and the center of gravity M.

[0068] If the rotation moment by the rotation axis T1 is too large, when the load pressing portion 105b side rises, the load applied to the load pressing portion 105b becomes too large, and the pressing force applied to the position in the medium where the load pressing portion 105b abuts becomes too large. On the other hand, if the rotation moment by the rotation axis T3 is too large, when the load pressing portion 105a side rises, the load applied to the load pressing portion 105a becomes too large, and the pressing force applied to the position in the medium where the load pressing portion 105a abuts becomes too large. Therefore, it is desirable to set the magnitude of the rotation moment by the rotation axis T1 and the magnitude of the rotation moment by the rotation axis T3 to be close to each other. Since the engagement portion 105c is disposed at the center (within a predetermined range from the center position) of the medium regulating member 105 in the width direction A2, the distance D1 and the distance D2 are close to each other, and the magnitude of the rotation moment by the rotation axis T1 and the magnitude of the rotation moment by the rotation axis T3 are close to each other.

[0069] FIG. 10B shows the media regulation member 105' in which the engagement portion 105c' is disposed at the end in the width direction A2. In the media regulation member 105', when the load pressing portion 105b' side rises and the engagement portion 105c' abuts against the lower end of the engaged portion, a straight line T1' passing through the engagement portion 105c' and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105a' in the width direction A2 becomes the rotation axis of the media regulation member 105' at the load pressing portion 105b'. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105b' depends on the moment of its own weight acting around the axis of the straight line T1'. On the other hand, a straight line T3' passing through the engagement portion 105c' and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105b' in the width direction A2 becomes the rotation axis of the media regulation member 105' at the load pressing portion 105a'. That is, the load of the load pressing portion 105a' at this time depends on the self-weight moment acting around the axis of the straight line T3'.

[0070] 10A and 10B, the distance D1' between the rotation axis T1' and the center of gravity M' when the engaging portion 105c' is disposed at the end of the width direction A2 is greater than the distance D1 between the rotation axis T1 and the center of gravity M when the engaging portion 105c is disposed at the center of the width direction A2. On the other hand, the distance D2' between the rotation axis T3' and the center of gravity M' when the engaging portion 105c' is disposed at the end of the width direction A2 is smaller than the distance D2 between the rotation axis T3 and the center of gravity M when the engaging portion 105c is disposed at the center of the width direction A2. As the difference between the distance D1' and the distance D2' increases, the difference between the magnitude of the rotation moment caused by the rotation axis T1' and the magnitude of the rotation moment caused by the rotation axis T3' increases.

[0071] In the medium ejection device 100, the engagement portion 105c is disposed at the center of the medium regulation member 105 in the width direction A2, so that the magnitude of the self-weight moment acting on each load pressing portion is similar when the load pressing portion 105b side rises and when the load pressing portion 105a side rises. Therefore, the load acting on each load pressing portion is similar when the load pressing portion 105b side rises and when the load pressing portion 105a side rises. In this case, the sum of the difference in the load acting on each load pressing portion 105a, 105b when the load pressing portion 105b side rises and the difference in the load acting on each load pressing portion 105a, 105b when the load pressing portion 105a side rises becomes small. Therefore, the medium regulation member 105 can maintain a good left-right balance.

[0072] Similarly, when the straight line T2 passing through the engaging portion 105d and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105a is the rotation axis, a weight moment (rotation moment due to the rotation axis T2) acts on the load pressing portion 105b arranged on the opposite side of the load pressing portion 105a. On the other hand, when the straight line T4 passing through the engaging portion 105d and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105b is the rotation axis, a weight moment (rotation moment due to the rotation axis T4) acts on the load pressing portion 105a arranged on the opposite side of the load pressing portion 105b. In the medium ejection device 100, the engaging portion 105d is disposed at the center of the width direction A2 of the medium regulating member 105, so that the magnitude of the weight moment acting on the load pressing portion on the opposite side when the load pressing portion 105b side rises is similar to that when the load pressing portion 105b side rises. Therefore, when the load pressing portion 105b side rises and when the load pressing portion 105a side rises, the load applied to the opposite load pressing portion is similar, and the medium regulating member 105 can maintain good left-right balance.

[0073] The closer the center of gravity position M is to the tip end L1, the closer the ratio of the distance D1 to the distance D2 is to 1, and the closer the center of gravity position M is to the base B1, the farther the ratio of the distance D1 to the distance D2 is from 1. Therefore, in order to maintain a good left-right balance of the medium regulating member 105, it is desirable to position the center of gravity position M near the tip end L1. However, the closer the center of gravity position M is to the tip end L1, the greater the load on the tip of the medium regulating member 105 becomes, and the lower the strength and rigidity of the medium regulating member 105 becomes (the medium regulating member 105 becomes more susceptible to damage and deformation). Therefore, it is desirable to position the center of gravity position M at the center position of the medium regulating member 105 in the medium discharge direction A1.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a graph 1100 showing the ratio of the loads applied to the respective load pressing portions in the medium regulation member 105 whose center of gravity M is disposed at the center in the medium discharge direction A1.

[0075] The horizontal axis of the graph 1100 indicates the ratio of the distance between the engaging portions 105c and 105d to the distance between the load pressing portions 105a and 105b in the width direction A2. The vertical axis of the graph 1100 indicates the ratio of the load applied to the load pressing portion 105b when the load pressing portion 105b is raised to the load applied to the load pressing portion 105a when the load pressing portion 105a is raised. As shown in the graph 1100, the smaller the distance ratio, the smaller the load ratio, and the larger the distance ratio, the larger the load ratio. As shown in the graph 1100, by making the distance between the engaging portions 105c and 105d 1 / 3 or less of the distance between the load pressing portions 105a and 105b, it is possible to make the load ratio 1 / 2 or less. This allows the medium regulation member 105 to maintain a good left-right balance.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the inside of the upper housing 102 viewed from the side with the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 housed in the upper housing 102. As shown in FIG.

[0077] 12, the storage section 107 has a guide member 107a formed by a linear rail. When the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 are stored in the storage section 107, they are arranged linearly along the guide member 107a. On the other hand, when the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 are pulled out of the storage section 107, the first protrusions 106c, 106d and the second protrusions 106e, 106f move along 107a, causing them to slide. This allows the medium ejection device 100 to sufficiently reduce the space required in the height direction of the storage section 107, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the device.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, when medium regulation member 105 is stored in upper housing 102, front surface 105e of medium regulation member 105 and front surface 102a of upper housing 102 are arranged to be flush with each other. This allows medium ejection device 100 to have a unified design when medium regulation member 105 is stored.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside medium ejection device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0080] The transport path inside the medium ejection device 100 includes a feed roller 111, a brake roller 112, a first transport roller 113, a second transport roller 114, a first imaging device 115a, a second imaging device 115b, a first ejection roller 116, and a second ejection roller 117. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and each roller may be provided in multiple numbers. The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 108a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 108b of the medium transport path.

[0081] The first imaging device 115a has a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 115a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 115a generates and outputs an input image by capturing an image of the surface of the transported medium under the control of a processing circuit (not shown).

[0082] Similarly, the second imaging device 115b has a line sensor using a CIS of a life-size optical system type having CMOS imaging elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 115b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 115b generates and outputs an input image of the back side of the transported medium under the control of a processing circuit (not shown).

[0083] Note that the medium ejection device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b arranged, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0084] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 108a and the upper guide 108b in the medium discharge direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 111 in the direction of the arrow A11 in Fig. 13. The brake roller 112 rotates in the direction of the arrow A12 when transporting the medium. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 111 and the brake roller 112 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that are in contact with the feed roller 111. This limits the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0085] The medium is fed between the first conveyor roller 113 and the second conveyor roller 114 while being guided by the lower guide 108a and the upper guide 108b. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b as the first conveyor roller 113 and the second conveyor roller 114 rotate in the directions of the arrows A13 and A14, respectively, and is read by the first imaging device 115a and the second imaging device 115b. The first discharge roller 116 and the second discharge roller 117 discharge the medium onto the discharge tray 104 by rotating in the directions of the arrows A15 and A16, respectively. The discharge tray 104 holds the media discharged by the first discharge roller 116 and the second discharge roller 117.

[0086] As described above in detail, medium ejection device 100 holds medium regulating member 105, which regulates the leading edge position of a medium ejected onto ejection platform 104, so that the medium regulating member 105 can swing in the vertical direction A3 and can rotate along a rotation axis in the extension direction. As a result, when a medium of a specific size or larger is ejected, medium regulating member 105 allows the medium to pass, and when the height of the medium at each position in the width direction A2 varies, the medium regulating member 105 swings in the vertical direction A3 according to the height. Therefore, medium ejection device 100 can properly align the leading edges of a specific medium, particularly media smaller than a specific size, while properly stacking the ejected medium on the tray.

[0087] In particular, medium ejection device 100 is able to bring medium regulating member 105 into contact with the ejected medium in a balanced manner without being affected by the tolerances of each component within the device or the tolerances that arise when assembling the device, thereby preventing the occurrence of medium skew or jamming. Also, even when thin paper or the like is transported, medium ejection device 100 is able to bring medium regulating member 105 into contact with the ejected medium in a balanced manner, thereby preventing the occurrence of medium jams.

[0088] In particular, because medium ejection device 100 stops small media using medium regulating member 105, it prevents previously ejected small media from being pushed out by later ejected small media. Furthermore, it prevents the order of media from being changed as a result of the previously ejected small media being pushed out and the later ejected small media slipping under the pushed-out small media. In addition, medium regulating member 105 prevents ejected small media from flying out of ejection tray 104. As a result, it becomes easier for users to align multiple ejected media, and medium ejection device 100 can improve user convenience and reduce the total time required for media reading processing.

[0089] Furthermore, because medium regulation member 105 can be stored in upper housing 102 when not in use, medium ejection device 100 can reduce the possibility of medium regulation member 105 being lost when not in use. Furthermore, because a user can store medium regulation member 105 when opening and closing upper housing 102, medium ejection device 100 is prevented from having medium regulation member 105 interfere with the opening and closing of upper housing 102. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100 medium ejection device, 102 upper housing, 104 ejection table, 104h, 104i ribs, 105 medium regulation member, 105a, 105b load pressing portion, 105c, 105d engagement portion, 106 holding member, 106a, 106b engaged portion, 116 first ejection roller, 117 second ejection roller

Claims

1. An ejection roller that ejects the medium; a tray for stacking the medium discharged by the discharge roller; a media regulation member having two load pressing portions spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the media discharge direction on the tip side for applying a load to the media discharged onto the tray, and an engagement portion on a base side opposite the tip side; a holding member that holds the medium regulating member and is provided with an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion, and that is capable of swinging up and down relative to the upper surface of the tray as the medium is discharged and is capable of rotating along a rotation axis that extends from the base portion side toward the tip portion side; the load pressing unit stops the leading edge of the medium when a medium of a predetermined size or smaller is discharged, and allows the leading edge of the medium to pass when a medium of a larger size than the predetermined size is discharged; the engaging portion is provided at a center portion of the medium regulating member in a direction perpendicular to a medium ejection direction, A medium ejection device.

2. The medium regulating member is provided with two engaging portions spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to a medium ejection direction, The medium ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the holding member has two of the engaged portions spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the medium ejection direction.

3. The medium ejection device according to claim 2 , wherein the distance between the two engagement portions is equal to or less than one-third of the distance between the two load pressing portions.

4. The medium ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the distance between the two load pressing parts is smaller than a minimum media width supported by the medium ejection device.

5. 5. The medium ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the tray has a rib that extends in a medium ejection direction and abuts against the load pressing portion.

6. 6. The medium ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the medium regulation member and the holding member are housed in a housing of the medium ejection device so as to be removable.

Images