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 have been required to convey, capture images of, and eject various types of media, such as business cards, receipts, PPC (Plain Paper Copier) sheets, and passports. When multiple media are conveyed and ejected sequentially through a media ejection device, users typically align the leading edges of the ejected media to organize the media after imaging has been completed. To make it easier for users to align the leading edges of the media, it is desirable for the media ejection device to align the positions of each medium ejected onto a tray, particularly media smaller than a certain size.

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

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-229549 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 ejected media on a tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A media ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing, an ejection roller for ejecting media, a tray for loading the media ejected by the ejection roller, a media regulating member having a load pressing portion at its tip for applying a load to the media ejected onto the tray, and a holding member for holding 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 in the media ejection direction, and the media regulating member is stored in the housing so that it can be pulled out. [Effects 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium ejection device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 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 regulation member 105. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a medium regulation member 105. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a side view of the holding member 106. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a medium regulation member 105 and a holding member 106. [Figure 6A] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. [Figure 6B]10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. [Figure 7A] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. [Figure 7B] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. [Figure 8A] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. [Figure 8B] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the medium regulation member 105 and the like. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the rotation axis of the medium regulation member 105. FIG. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the balance of loads. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the balance of loads. [Figure 11] 11 is a graph 1100 showing the ratio of loads. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram of the inside of the upper housing 102 as seen 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 INVENTION

[0010] The following describes a medium ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described therein, but extends to the inventions set forth 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 medium ejection device 100 in a state in which medium regulation member 105 and holding member 106 are stored, and Fig. 2 shows medium ejection device 100 in a state in which medium regulation member 105 and holding member 106 are pulled out.

[0012] The medium ejection device 100 transports, captures an image of, and ejects a medium that is an original. The medium may be paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, or a passport. The paper or cardboard includes small media such as business cards or receipts. A small medium is, for example, a medium whose longitudinal size is equal to or smaller than the vertical size of A8 (74 mm). Note that the small medium may also 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 such as A4 or A3 size.

[0013] Medium ejection device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP), etc. The medium to be transported may not be a document but may be a print object, 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 loading platform 103, an ejection platform 104, a medium regulating member 105, and a holding member 106. In Figures 1 and 2, 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 platform 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 positioned to cover the top surface of the medium ejection device 100 and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge. The upper housing 102 is configured to be openable and closable in the direction of arrow A4 when a medium is jammed or when cleaning the inside of the medium ejection device 100. 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 tray 104 is an example of a tray, is provided below the discharge port 101a, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 so as to stack the media discharged from the discharge port 101a. The discharge tray 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 to load media ejected from the ejection port 101a. The second tray 104b is provided so that it can 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 platform 104. The third tray 104c is provided so that it can 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 platform 104. The first tray 104a, the second tray 104b, and the third tray 104c have a first loading surface 104e, a second loading surface 104f, and a third loading surface 104g, respectively, on which ejected media are placed.

[0019] The first tray 104a has, on the first loading surface 104e, multiple ribs 104h, 104i extending in the medium discharge direction A1. The multiple ribs 104h, 104i reduce the friction between the discharged medium and the first loading surface 104e, preventing the medium from getting caught on the first loading surface 104e and bending, which can cause 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 edges of media of the maximum size supported by the medium discharge device 100 (for example, A4 size or A3 size) that are discharged onto the discharge tray 104, and aligns the leading edges of the media. 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 drawn 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 restriction member 105 is a stopper (stacker supporter) for small media, and restricts the leading edge position of the media on the ejection tray 104, i.e., the downstream end position in the medium ejection direction A1. The holding member 106 holds (supports) the medium restriction member 105 by engaging its upstream end with the upper housing 102 and its downstream end with the medium restriction member 105. The medium restriction member 105 and the holding member 106 are housed in the upper housing 102 so that they can be pulled out. As shown in FIG. 1, the medium restriction member 105 and the holding member 106 are housed in a storage section 107 provided in the upper housing 102 when the medium ejection device 100 is not in use or when small media are not being transported or ejected. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium restriction member 105 and the holding member 106 are pulled out and used by the user when the medium ejection device 100 is in use and small media are being transported and ejected. The user can use the medium restricting member 105 and the holding member 106 only when necessary, and the medium ejection device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[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 be pulled out from upper housing 102 along storage section 107, and to come into contact with an appropriate position on discharge tray 104 after being pulled out from upper housing 102.

[0024] The medium regulation member 105 is arranged so that it abuts against the first tray 104a but does not abut 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 while the medium regulation member 105 remains 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 restraining 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 opening 101a to the position where the medium restraining 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, but 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 length (297 mm) or A3 length (420 mm). The size of a small medium is, for example, A8 length (74 mm) or A8 width (52 mm). This allows the medium restraining 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 medium supported by the medium discharge device 100. As a result, when a medium of the maximum size supported by the medium discharge device 100 is discharged onto the discharge platform 104, the stopper 104d can stop the leading edge of the medium.

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

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

[0029] Each load pressing unit 105a, 105b is provided on the leading edge L1 side (downstream side). Each load pressing unit 105a, 105b is provided side by side with a gap between them in the width direction A2, which is 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 regulate the leading edge position of the small medium on the discharge tray 104 in the medium discharge direction A1. This allows the load pressing units 105a, 105b to stop the small medium being discharged so that the leading edges of the small medium are aligned in a straight line.

[0030] Furthermore, by using two load pressure units 105a and 105b, even if the ejected medium is bent, the medium control member 105 can reliably contact the medium with the two load pressure units 105a and 105b and reliably press the medium. If there is only one load pressure unit, even if that load pressure unit extends to both ends in the width direction A2, when ejected medium with a mountain fold in the center of the width direction A2, the mountain fold may come into contact with the load pressure unit, causing the medium control member to bounce up. This may result in poor appearance and may generate a collision sound when the medium and the medium control member collide, or a landing sound when the bounced medium control member lands. Furthermore, if the medium is thin paper, the medium may be damaged. Because the medium ejection device 100 has a gap between the two load pressure units 105a and 105b, even when ejected medium with a mountain fold in the center of the width direction A2, the mountain fold is prevented from contacting the medium control member 105. Furthermore, the same effect as above can be obtained even when the leading edge of the medium is wavy in the width direction A2.

[0031] Furthermore, the distance between the two load pressure units 105a and 105b (the distance between the inner ends of each load pressure unit 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 of a business card in the longitudinal or lateral direction. This allows the medium ejection device 100 to reliably abut the small medium against the two load pressure units 105a and 105b when it is ejected, thereby reliably stopping the small medium. On the other hand, if the distance between the two load pressure units 105a and 105b is too small, the alignment performance of small media will be reduced, so the distance between the two load pressure units 105a and 105b is set to a predetermined distance (e.g., 50 mm) or more. Note that the distance between the outer ends of the two load pressure units 105a and 105b may be set to be larger than the minimum medium width. This allows the medium ejection device 100 to properly align small media.

[0032] 2, the load pressing portions 105a, 105b are arranged to abut against the ribs 104h, 104i arranged 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 media jams and damage to the media.

[0033] If the size of each load pressing portion 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 load pressing portion 105a, 105b in the width direction A2 is set to a size that will not cause scratches on the medium or cause the medium to jam. Furthermore, the size of each load pressing portion 105a, 105b in the width direction A2 is set to a size that will ensure that each load pressing portion 105a, 105b reliably abuts against each rib 104h, 104i even when the medium regulating member 105 swings in a direction parallel to the first mounting surface 104e.

[0034] The number of load pressing portions is not limited to two and may be one or three or more. When there is one load pressing portion, the load pressing portion 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 onto the discharge tray 104. When there are three or more load pressing portions, the load pressing portions 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 L1. The engaging portions 105c and 105d are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2, which is perpendicular to the medium ejection direction. The engaging portions 105c and 105d are formed in a protruding shape and engage with the holding member 106.

[0036] Furthermore, the distance between the two engagement portions 105c and 105d is set to be equal to or less than the distance between the two load pressing portions 105a and 105b, and more preferably equal to or less than one-third of the distance between the two load pressing portions 105a and 105b. This enables the medium ejection device 100 to properly balance the load of the medium regulation member 105. The relationship between the distance between the two engagement portions 105c and 105d and the balance of the load of the medium regulation 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 regulation member 105 is stored in upper housing 102. This gives medium ejection device 100 a unified design when medium regulation member 105 is stored.

[0038] Each opening 105f, 105g is located in the center, i.e., between the tip L1 and the base B1. Each opening 105f, 105g is located so that the load applied to the discharge tray 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b can be adjusted. That is, the more upstream each opening 105f, 105g is located, the more downstream the center of gravity of the medium regulation member 105 is located, and the greater the load applied to the discharge tray 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b. On the other hand, the more downstream each opening 105f, 105g is located, the more upstream the center of gravity of the medium regulation member 105 is located, and the smaller the load applied to the discharge tray 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b. Furthermore, the smaller each opening 105f, 105g is, the greater the weight of the entire medium regulation member 105 is, and the greater the load applied to the discharge tray 104 from each load pressing portion 105a, 105b. On the other hand, the larger the openings 105f and 105g are, the lighter the weight of the entire medium regulation member 105 becomes, and the smaller the load applied to the discharge table 104 from the load pressing portions 105a and 105b becomes.

[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 prevents the load pressing units 105a and 105b from lifting up due to the force applied to the small medium discharged by the discharge rollers (which will be described later) in the medium discharge direction A1. On the other hand, when a medium larger than a small medium is discharged onto the discharge tray 104, the medium regulating member 105 must allow the medium to pass 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 prevents the load pressing units 105a and 105b from lifting up due to the force applied to the medium being discharged by the discharge rollers (while in contact with the discharge rollers) in the medium discharge direction A1. By providing openings 105f and 105g in medium regulation member 105, medium ejection device 100 can appropriately adjust the load applied to ejection table 104 from load pressing portions 105a and 105b while maintaining the strength of medium regulation member 105.

[0040] Furthermore, by providing openings 105f and 105g in medium control member 105, the user can check how the medium is being ejected from openings 105f and 105g, and medium ejection device 100 can improve user convenience. The number of openings is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. Also, 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 regulation member 105 from forming an angle with the holding member 106 that is greater than or equal to 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. However, the holding member 106 may be formed from multiple members.

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

[0045] For example, in the medium ejection direction A1, the size of the recesses or holes of the engaged portions 106a, 106b is approximately the same as the size of the protrusions of the engaging portions 105c, 105d. Meanwhile, in the vertical direction A3 relative to the first loading surface 104e of the first tray 104a, the size of the recesses or holes of the engaged portions 106a, 106b is larger than the size of the protrusions of the engaging portions 105c, 105d. For example, when viewed from the side, the protrusions of the engaging portions 105c, 105d have a substantially circular shape, while the recesses or holes of the engaged portions 106a, 106b have an elliptical shape. This allows the engaging portions 105c, 105d to be rotatable along the engaged portions 106a, 106b, while being movable in the vertical direction A3 within the engaged portions 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 engaging portion of medium regulation member 105 may be a recess or hole similar to engaged portions 106a and 106b. In this case, each engaging portion of medium regulation member 105 is provided rotatably along each engaged portion of holding member 106, and is also provided movably in the up and down direction along each engaged portion of holding member 106.

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

[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. Furthermore, 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. This causes the holding member 106 to be locked within the upper housing 102.

[0049] The locked portion 106g is provided on the tip end portion L2 side. The locked portion 106g abuts against the locking portion 105h of the medium regulation member 105 and functions as a stopper to prevent the medium regulation member 105 from forming an angle with the holding member 106 that is greater than a predetermined angle.

[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 and 105d with the engaged portions 106a and 106b, respectively.

[0052] Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of medium regulation member 105 and holding member 106 when a medium is ejected. Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 8A are side views of medium regulation member 105 and holding member 106, and in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 8A, medium regulation member 105 and holding member 106 are shown in cross section along line B-B' in Figure 5. Figures 7B and 8B are views of medium regulation member 105 and holding member 106 as 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 regulation 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 regulation 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 onto 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 rotatably provided along the engaged portions 106a and 106b. Therefore, the load pressing portion 105a (and 105b) is pushed up by the stacked 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 that it can swing 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 through a medium larger than a small medium. Furthermore, 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 and 105b can be brought into contact with the discharge tray 104.

[0056] Furthermore, when the upper housing 102 is opened while the medium restriction member 105 is pulled out from the upper housing 102, the medium restriction member 105 is arranged to be able to swing upward relative to the holding member 106. This prevents the medium restriction member 105 from being pinched between the upper housing 102 and the ejection tray 104 and being damaged when the user accidentally opens the upper housing 102 while the medium restriction member 105 is pulled out from the upper housing 102.

[0057] 7A and 7B show the medium regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 when a medium M2 that is 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 regulation member 105 and the holding member 106 when a medium M3 that is 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 within the engaged portions 106a and 106b so as to be movable in the vertical direction A3. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when a medium M2 bent in the width direction A2 so that the load pressing portion 105b side is raised is discharged to the discharge tray 104, the load pressing portion 105b is pushed upward by the medium M2 relative to the load pressing portion 105a. Because 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, unsupported at its lower end in the direction of gravity, unless ideal conditions are met. In other words, the medium regulation member 105 is supported by only 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 free and located between the upper and lower ends of the engaged portion 106b. This causes the medium regulating member 105 to pivot (rotate, swing) so that the load pressing portion 105b side is elevated relative to the load pressing portion 105a side. Note that depending on the position or timing at which the medium M2 abuts against the load pressing portions 105a and 105b, the engaging portion 105d may abut against the upper end of the engaged portion 106b, causing the engaging portion 105c to be free and located between the upper and lower ends of the engaged portion 106a. In this case, the medium regulating member 105 also pivots so that the load pressing portion 105b side is elevated relative to the load pressing portion 105a side.

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, when 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 higher than the load pressing portion 105b by the medium M3. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the engaging portion 105c is free and positioned between the upper and lower ends of the engaged portion 106a, and although not shown, the engaging portion 105d is supported by the lower end of the engaged portion 106b. This causes the medium regulating member 105 to rotate so that the load pressing portion 105a side is raised higher than the load pressing portion 105b side. Note that depending on the position or timing at which medium M3 contacts the load pressing portions 105a and 105b, it is possible that the engaging portion 105c contacts the upper end of the engaged portion 106a, and the engaging portion 105d is free and positioned between the upper and lower ends of the engaged portion 106b. In this case, the medium regulation member 105 also 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 restriction member 105 so that it can pivot along a rotation axis in the direction A5 from the base B1 side of the medium restriction member 105 toward the tip L1 side as the medium is ejected. That is, the medium restriction member 105 has one end in the width direction A2 that can swing upward, and has a relief shape that allows one load pressing portion to swing away from the first loading surface 104e when the other load pressing portion approaches the first loading surface 104e. This allows the medium restriction member 105 to swing in the up-down direction A3 according to the height of the medium when a medium of different heights at each position in the width direction A2, such as a bent medium or a medium with a photograph or the like attached, is ejected.

[0062] If the media regulation member does not swing in accordance with the height of the media, when media of different heights are ejected at different positions in the width direction A2, the load of the media regulation member will be concentrated on one of the load pressing portions. This could result in the media tilting and becoming skewed as they pass through the media regulation member, or the media being unable to pass through the media regulation member and becoming jammed. By swinging in the vertical direction A3 in accordance with the height of the media, the media regulation member 105 maintains a good load balance and can prevent the media from skewing 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, a 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 restricting 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 about the axis of the line T1. Meanwhile, a 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 restricting member 105 at the load pressing portion 105a. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105a at this time depends on the moment of its own weight acting about the axis of the line T3.

[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 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 restricting member 105 at the load pressing portion 105a. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105a depends on the moment of its own weight acting about the axis of the line T4. Meanwhile, the 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 restricting member 105 at the load pressing portion 105b. In other words, the load of the load pressing portion 105b at this time depends on the moment of its own weight acting about the axis of the line T2.

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

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

[0068] If the rotational moment due to the rotational axis T1 is too large, when the load pressing portion 105b rises, the load applied to the load pressing portion 105b becomes too large, resulting in too much pressure being applied to the position within the medium where it abuts against the load pressing portion 105b. On the other hand, if the rotational moment due to the rotational axis T3 is too large, when the load pressing portion 105a rises, the load applied to the load pressing portion 105a becomes too large, resulting in too much pressure being applied to the position within the medium where it abuts against the load pressing portion 105a. Therefore, it is desirable to set the magnitude of the rotational moment due to the rotational axis T1 and the magnitude of the rotational moment due to the rotational axis T3 to be similar to each other. Because the engagement portion 105c is located at the center (within a predetermined range from the center position) of the medium restraining member 105 in the width direction A2, the distance D1 and the distance D2 are similar, and the magnitude of the rotational moment due to the rotational axis T1 and the magnitude of the rotational moment due to the rotational axis T3 are similar.

[0069] FIG. 10B shows a media regulation member 105' in which the engagement portion 105c' is located at the end in the width direction A2. When the load pressing portion 105b' rises and the engagement portion 105c' contacts the lower end of the engaged portion, a 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 axis of rotation 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 line T1'. Meanwhile, a 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 axis of rotation 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 moment of its own weight acting around the axis of the straight line T3'.

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

[0071] In the medium ejection device 100, because the engagement portion 105c is located at the center of the medium restriction member 105 in the width direction A2, the magnitude of the 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 between the load acting on each load pressing portion 105a, 105b when the load pressing portion 105b side rises and the difference between the load acting on each load pressing portion 105a, 105b when the load pressing portion 105a side rises is small. Therefore, the medium restriction member 105 can maintain good left-right balance.

[0072] Similarly, when the axis of rotation is the line T2 passing through the engaging portion 105d and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105a, a weight moment (a rotation moment due to the rotation axis T2) acts on the load pressing portion 105b, which is located on the opposite side of the load pressing portion 105a. On the other hand, when the axis of rotation is the line T4 passing through the engaging portion 105d and the outer end of the load pressing portion 105b, a weight moment (a rotation moment due to the rotation axis T4) acts on the load pressing portion 105a, which is located on the opposite side of the load pressing portion 105b. In the medium ejection device 100, the engaging portion 105d is located in the center of the medium restricting member 105 in the width direction A2, so 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 105a 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 media regulation member 105 can maintain good left-right balance.

[0073] Note that the closer the center of gravity position M is to the tip end L1, the closer the ratio of distance D1 to distance D2 becomes to 1, and the closer the center of gravity position M is to the base B1, the farther the ratio of distance D1 to distance D2 becomes from 1. Therefore, in order to maintain a good left-right balance of the medium regulation 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 regulation member 105 becomes, and the strength and rigidity of the medium regulation member 105 decreases (the medium regulation member 105 becomes more susceptible to damage and deformation). Therefore, it is desirable to position the center of gravity position M at the center of the medium regulation 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 of the medium restraining member 105, whose center of gravity M is positioned at the center in the medium discharge direction A1.

[0075] The horizontal axis of graph 1100 represents the ratio of the distance between the engagement portions 105c and 105d to the distance between the load pressing portions 105a and 105b in the width direction A2. The vertical axis of graph 1100 represents the ratio of the load applied to the load pressing portion 105b when the load pressing portion 105a is raised to the load applied to the load pressing portion 105a when the load pressing portion 105b is raised. As shown in 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 graph 1100, by making the distance between the engagement portions 105c and 105d equal to or less than one-third of the distance between the load pressing portions 105a and 105b, the load ratio can be made equal to or less than one-half. This allows the medium control member 105 to maintain good left-right balance.

[0076] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the inside of the upper housing 102 seen 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, storage section 107 has guide member 107a, which is a linear rail. When medium restriction member 105 and holding member 106 are stored in storage section 107, they are arranged linearly along guide member 107a. When medium restriction member 105 and holding member 106 are pulled out of storage section 107, first protrusions 106c, 106d and second protrusions 106e, 106f move along 107a, causing them to slide. This allows medium ejection device 100 to sufficiently reduce the space required in the height direction of storage section 107, thereby enabling the device size to be reduced.

[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 the 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 image capture device 115a, a second image capture device 115b, a first discharge roller 116, and a second discharge roller 117. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and there may be multiple of each roller. The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 108a for the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 108b for the medium transport path.

[0081] The first imaging device 115a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements arranged linearly 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 control of a processing circuit (not shown).

[0082] Similarly, the second imaging device 115b has a CIS line sensor with a life-size optical system having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged 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 control of a processing circuit (not shown).

[0083] Note that medium ejection device 100 may have only one of first imaging device 115a and second imaging device 115b disposed, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor with an equal-magnification optical system and a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor with an equal-magnification optical system and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor with 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 arrow A11 in Figure 13. The brake roller 112 rotates in the direction of 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 work to separate only the media that are in contact with the feed roller 111 from the media placed on the mounting table 103. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0085] The medium is guided by lower guide 108a and upper guide 108b and fed between first conveyor roller 113 and second conveyor roller 114. As first conveyor roller 113 and second conveyor roller 114 rotate in the directions of arrows A13 and A14, respectively, the medium is fed between first image capture device 115a and second image capture device 115b, and is read by first image capture device 115a and second image capture device 115b. First discharge roller 116 and second discharge roller 117 rotate in the directions of arrows A15 and A16, respectively, to discharge the medium onto discharge tray 104. The discharge tray 104 stacks the media discharged by first discharge roller 116 and second discharge roller 117.

[0086] As described above in detail, the medium ejection device 100 holds the medium restriction member 105, which restricts the leading edge position of the medium ejected onto the ejection tray 104, so that the medium restriction member 105 can swing in the vertical direction A3 and rotate about a rotation axis in the extension direction. As a result, when a medium of a certain size or larger is ejected, the medium restriction member 105 allows the medium to pass, and when the height of the medium varies at various positions in the width direction A2, the medium restriction member 105 swings in the vertical direction A3 according to the height. Therefore, the medium ejection device 100 can properly align the leading edges of certain media, especially media smaller than a certain size, and properly stack the ejected media on the tray.

[0087] In particular, medium ejection device 100 is able to bring medium restraining member 105 into balanced contact with the ejected medium without being affected by tolerances of the various components within the device or tolerances that arise during device assembly, thereby preventing the occurrence of medium skew or jamming. Furthermore, medium ejection device 100 is able to bring medium restraining member 105 into balanced contact with the ejected medium even when thin paper or the like is being transported, thereby preventing the occurrence of medium jams.

[0088] In particular, because medium ejection device 100 stops small media using medium restriction 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 when a previously ejected small media is pushed out, causing the later ejected small media to slip under the pushed-out small media. Furthermore, medium restriction member 105 prevents ejected small media from flying out of ejection tray 104. As a result, users can more easily align multiple ejected media, and medium ejection device 100 improves user convenience and reduces the total time required for the media reading process.

[0089] Furthermore, because medium restriction member 105 can be stored in upper housing 102 when not in use, medium ejection device 100 can reduce the possibility of medium restriction member 105 being lost when not in use. Furthermore, because the user can store medium restriction member 105 when opening and closing upper housing 102, medium ejection device 100 is prevented from having medium restriction 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. The housing and an ejection roller for ejecting the medium; a tray for stacking the medium discharged by the discharge roller; a media regulation member having a load pressing portion provided at a tip end thereof for applying a load to the media discharged onto the tray; a holding member that holds the medium regulation member so that the holding member can swing up and down relative to the upper surface of the tray and can rotate along a rotation axis in the medium discharge direction as the medium is discharged, The medium regulation member is accommodated in the housing so as to be retractable. A medium ejection device characterized by:

2. The medium ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the load pressing portion is provided in pairs spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the medium ejection direction.

3. The media ejection device according to claim 2 , wherein the distance between the two load pressing portions is smaller than a minimum media width supported by the media ejection device.

4. The medium regulation member is provided with an engagement portion on a base side opposite to the tip portion, 4. The medium ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the holding member is provided with an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion.

5. The medium regulation member has two engaging portions spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the medium ejection direction, The medium ejection device according to claim 4 , wherein the holding member has two of the engagement portions provided at an interval in a direction perpendicular to the medium ejection direction.

6. The medium ejection device according to claim 5 , 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.

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

8. The medium ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the medium regulation member is housed within the housing, at least a portion of the tip is exposed from the housing so as to be grippable.

Images