Image reading device

Abstract

Ensure consistency across sheets of various sizes. [Solution] The discharge tray (303) is provided with an upstream support portion (101), a wall portion (100), a first support portion (102) having a first slope, and a second support portion (103) having a second slope, and a swing guide (411) is positioned above the discharge tray. When viewed from the width direction, the point where the wall portion and the upstream support portion intersect is defined as the first intersection point, and the point where the swing guide and the first support portion intersect is defined as the second intersection point. The horizontal distance from the first intersection point to the highest first vertex of the first slope is defined as L1, and the distance in the direction of gravity is defined as H1. The horizontal distance from the first intersection point to the highest second vertex of the second slope is defined as L2, and the distance in the direction of gravity is defined as H2. The horizontal distance from the first intersection point to the second intersection point is defined as L4, and the distance in the direction of gravity is defined as H4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device that reads image information from a sheet and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet.

Background Art

[0002] An image reading device mounted on an image forming device such as a copying machine or a multifunction peripheral includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF: Auto Document Feeder) that automatically feeds sheets serving as originals one by one. Sheets fed by the ADF are stacked on a discharge tray after image information is read by an image sensor.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a demand for reading image information while automatically feeding sheets of various sizes by the ADF. Along with this, even when feeding a plurality of types of sheets having different lengths in the conveyance direction by the ADF, it is required to maintain the alignment of the sheets stacked on the discharge tray. Patent Document 1 describes a device provided with an inclined surface that slopes upward so as to extend upward as it goes downstream in the sheet discharge direction on the discharge tray.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, for example, when the sheet discharge speed is set to a higher speed in order to improve productivity, even if the inclined surface described in the above document is provided, it may be difficult to highly maintain the alignment of sheets of a plurality of sizes.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an image reading device and an image forming device that can ensure consistency of sheets of various sizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention comprises a feeding tray on which sheets are loaded, a feeding means for feeding sheets supported on the feeding tray, a reading means for reading an image of a sheet fed by the feeding means, a discharge means for discharging the sheet whose image has been read by the reading means in the discharge direction, a discharge tray on which the sheets discharged by the discharge means are loaded, and a oscillating member that is pivotably supported at the bottom of the feeding tray and contacts the sheet discharged by the discharge means, wherein the discharge tray has a first rib extending in the discharge direction and supporting a sheet, a second rib extending in the discharge direction and supporting a sheet, and an inclined surface that slopes upward toward the downstream in the discharge direction, wherein the first rib is parallel to the second rib when viewed from above and overlaps with the oscillating member when viewed from above, and the height of the first rib in the direction of gravity is higher toward the downstream in the discharge direction in the range where it overlaps with the oscillating member when viewed from above The image reading device is characterized by having an inclined portion, the rocking member being positioned upstream in the discharge direction from the downstream end of the first rib in the discharge direction, the range in the gravity direction from which the first rib is provided and the range in the gravity direction from which the rocking member extends overlap at least partially when no sheets are loaded on the discharge tray, the second rib being positioned away from the rocking member in the width direction of the sheet perpendicular to the discharge direction, and having a shape that protrudes from the inclined surface such that the amount of protrusion from the inclined surface increases toward the downstream in the discharge direction, the apex of the second rib in the gravity direction being higher in the gravity direction than the downstream end of the inclined surface in the discharge direction, and located downstream in the discharge direction from the apex of the first rib in the gravity direction, and further higher in the gravity direction than the apex of the first rib. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, consistency can be ensured for sheets of various sizes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the discharge tray of the ADF according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an overview of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an overview of the image reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a cross-section of the image reading device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the discharge tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the discharge tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the discharge tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the discharge tray and oscillating guide according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing how a document of the first size is loaded onto the discharge tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view showing a second-size document stacked on the discharge tray according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view showing a third-size document stacked on the discharge tray according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ADF 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, in FIG. 1, the feeding tray is omitted to show the discharging tray 303. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the image forming apparatus 200 including the image reading apparatus 201. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the ADF 300 and the reader unit 301 constituting the image reading apparatus 201. FIG. 4 is a view for showing a cross-sectional configuration of the image reading apparatus 201.

[0012] (Image forming apparatus) First, the schematic configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 200 including the image reading apparatus 201 will be described using FIG. 2. Note that this image forming apparatus 200 is merely an example of an image forming apparatus, and facsimile apparatuses and multifunction peripherals including the image reading apparatus 201 are also included in the image forming apparatuses to which the present technology is applicable. Further, the image forming means mounted on the image forming apparatus is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and for example, one equipped with an inkjet printing unit may be used.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 200 includes an image forming apparatus main body 202 and an image reading apparatus 201 mounted on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body 202. In the image forming apparatus main body 202, an image forming unit 3 as image forming means is disposed at substantially the center thereof, and feeding means for feeding a recording material S including a feeding cassette 6 is located below it. As the recording material S, various sheets of different sizes and materials such as paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic film, cloth, sheet materials with surface treatment such as coated paper, and special-shaped sheet materials such as envelopes and index papers can be used. Above the image forming apparatus main body 202, an image reading apparatus 201 including image sensors 409 and 410 as image reading means for reading an image of a document is disposed.

[0014] In the image forming apparatus main body 202, the image forming unit 3 is configured as a print engine by the electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 3 of the present embodiment has a tandem intermediate transfer configuration and includes four image forming units 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K and an intermediate transfer belt 23 as an intermediate transfer member.

[0015] The image forming unit 10Y forms a yellow toner image by an electrophotographic process. That is, the photosensitive drum 11 as a photoreceptor rotates, and the charging device 12 uniformly charges the drum surface. The laser scanner 13 irradiates the photosensitive drum 11 with laser light modulated based on image information to write an electrostatic latent image on the drum surface. The developing device 14 supplies charged toner particles to the photosensitive drum 11 and develops the electrostatic latent image on the drum surface into a toner image. This toner image is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 23 by the primary transfer roller 15. Adhesions such as transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 without being transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 23 are removed by the drum cleaner 16. The above processes proceed in parallel in each image forming unit 10Y to 10K, and toner images of each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are formed.

[0016] The intermediate transfer belt 23 is wound around a plurality of rollers including the secondary transfer inner roller 18 and is rotationally driven in the direction along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 11 (clockwise direction in the figure). The toner images of each color formed in the image forming units 10Y to 10K are primarily transferred so as to overlap each other, and a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 23. This toner image is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion formed between the secondary transfer inner roller 18 and the secondary transfer roller 19 facing it by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 23.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 200 includes a cassette feeding unit 4 and a manual feeding unit 5 as a sheet feeding device for feeding the recording material S. The cassette feeding unit 4 has a plurality of feeding cassettes 6, and the feeding unit 7 feeds the recording material S one by one from any of the feeding cassettes 6 toward the registration roller 17. Also, the manual feeding unit 5 provided on the side portion of the apparatus main body 202 feeds the recording material S one by one toward the registration roller 17 by the feeding unit 8. The feeding units 7 and 8 include feeding members such as feeding rollers for sending out the recording material S from the feeding cassette 6 or the manual tray, and separating members such as separating rollers or separating pads for applying frictional force to another recording material S overlapping the recording material S conveyed by the feeding members to prevent double feeding.

[0018] The registration roller 17 feeds the recording material S to the secondary transfer unit in synchronization with the toner image formation operation by the image forming unit 3. In the secondary transfer unit, the recording material S, on which the toner image has been transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 23, is transported to the fixing device 21. The fixing device 21 fixes the toner image to the recording material S by applying heat and pressure to the toner image on the sheet while gripping and transporting the recording material S. In the case of double-sided printing, the recording material S that has passed through the fixing device 21 is guided to the inversion path 26, and is fed back to the image forming unit 3 with the first and second sides inverted by switchback transport, and an image is formed on the second side. In the case of single-sided printing, and when the image formation of the second side in double-sided printing is completed, the recording material S that has passed through the fixing device 21 is discharged from the device body 202 by the discharge roller 25.

[0019] In Figure 2, the recording material on which the image has been formed is discharged to an discharge tray (or a sheet processing device connected to the image forming apparatus body 202) located on the side of the image forming apparatus body 202. Alternatively, a so-called internal discharge type configuration may be used, in which a space is provided between the image reading device 201 and the image forming apparatus body 202 in the direction of gravity to form a main body discharge section for discharging and loading the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus body 202.

[0020] (Image reading device) Next, using Figure 3, we will explain the general configuration of the ADF 300 and reader unit 301 that make up the image reading device 201.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the image reading device 201 is equipped with an ADF 300 that feeds multiple documents one by one, separating them as it transports the documents, in order to read the image on the documents using an image sensor. Various types of sheets of different sizes and materials can be used as documents, including plain paper and cardboard, plastic film, cloth, coated paper and other surface-treated sheet materials, and specially shaped sheet materials such as envelopes and index paper. In particular, in this embodiment, it is possible to transport small sheets such as business cards, which have not been handled by conventional ADFs, using the ADF 300.

[0022] The ADF300 is equipped with a feed tray 302 for placing documents and an output tray 303 for ejecting documents after image scanning is complete. Below the ADF300 is a reader unit 301 for scanning images of documents transported by the ADF300, or for scanning images of stationary documents, including thick items such as books.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3 below, the left-right direction of the image reader 201, as viewed from the user side (the front side of the image forming apparatus), is defined as the X direction. The front-back direction of the image reader 201, which is perpendicular to the X direction, is defined as the Y direction (the main scanning direction of the document, the width direction of the document). The up-down direction of the image reader 201, which is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions, is defined as the Z direction (the direction of gravity in normal use). The ADF 300 feeds the document placed on the feed tray 302 toward one side in the X direction and discharges it toward the discharge tray 303 toward the other side in the X direction (the sheet discharge direction in this embodiment).

[0024] Next, the internal structure of the image reading device 201 will be explained using Figure 4, which is a cross-sectional view of the image reading device 201 as seen from the Y direction. The ADF 300 is equipped with a pickup roller 401, a pair of separation rollers 402, and a plurality of transport roller pairs (403 to 406) as transport means for transporting sheets. The pickup roller 401 contacts the uppermost document 400 placed on the feed tray 302 and feeds it towards the pair of separation rollers 402. The pair of separation rollers 402 transports the documents 400 received from the pickup roller 401, separated one by one.

[0025] Multiple transport roller pairs sequentially transfer the document 400, transporting it through the reading position (the scanning position of the document by the image sensors 409 and 410). Of these, the extraction roller pair 403 transports the document by pulling it out from the separation roller pair 402. The first lead roller pair 404 and the second lead roller pair 405 transport the document 400 while passing it through the reading position of the image sensors 409 and 410, and also stabilize the position of the document 400 at the reading position, contributing to improved reading accuracy. The discharge roller pair 406 receives the document 400 after it has passed the reading position and discharges it into the discharge tray 303.

[0026] A swing guide 411 is swingably supported at the bottom of the feed tray 302, which is positioned above the discharge tray 303. The swing guide 411 has the function of providing resistance to the document 400 discharged by the discharge roller pair 406, and preventing the document 400 from going too far in the discharge direction (to the right in the figure). The swing guide 411 may be configured to be biased downward by its own weight, or it may be configured to be biased downward by a spring member attached to the swing shaft 801, for example.

[0027] An image sensor 409 is provided inside the reader unit 301 as a first reading means. When reading an image from the first surface of the document 400 transported by the ADF 300, the image sensor 409 stops at a position (as shown in the figure) facing the slide-reading glass 407. When reading an image from a stationary document placed on the document glass 408, the image sensor 409 reads the image by moving along a rail provided inside the reader unit 301 in the X direction, which is the sub-scanning direction.

[0028] Furthermore, an image sensor 410, a second reading means, is provided inside the ADF 300 at a position opposite the image sensor 409 of the reader unit 301. Therefore, images can be simultaneously read from both sides of the document 400 transported by the ADF 300 using the two image sensors 409 and 410. The image sensors 409 and 410 can be either a contact image sensor (CIS), which is a module combining an image sensor such as a CMOS and a 1:1 magnification optical system, or a CCD-type image sensor, which combines a charge-coupled element (CCD) and a reduction optical system.

[0029] Thus, the ADF300, which is the sheet ejection device of this embodiment, has the function of ejecting the document after the image reading has finished into the ejection tray 303 using the ejection roller pair 406, which is the sheet ejection means.

[0030] (Discharge tray) Next, the schematic configuration of the discharge tray 303 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 and 4. The discharge tray 303 comprises a wall portion 100, an upstream loading surface 101, a first convex shape 102, a second convex shape 103, 103, and a third convex shape 104, 104.

[0031] The wall portion 100 extends upward in the Z direction from the upstream end of the discharge tray 303 in the discharge direction. The upstream loading surface 101, which is the upstream support portion in this embodiment, extends downstream (in the X direction) of the wall portion 100 in the direction of document discharge by the discharge roller pair 406.

[0032] The first convex shape 102, which is the first support portion (first loading means) of this embodiment, is provided on the downstream side of the upstream loading surface 101 in the discharge direction and protrudes upward in the Z direction relative to the upstream loading surface 101. One first convex shape 102 is provided at approximately the center position of the discharge tray 303 in the Y direction.

[0033] The second support portion (second loading means) of this embodiment, the second convex shape 103, 103, is positioned to sandwich the first convex shape 102 in the Y direction and has a shape that is convex upward in the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction. Similarly, the third support portion (third loading means) of this embodiment, the third convex shape 104, 104, is positioned to sandwich the first convex shape 102 in the Y direction and has a shape that is convex upward in the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction.

[0034] The second convex shape 103 and the third convex shape 104 on one side in the Y direction (the front side of the image reading device) constitute rib-like projections connected in the X direction on the upper surface of the discharge tray 303. Similarly, the second convex shape 103 and the third convex shape 104 on the other side in the Y direction (the rear side of the image reading device) also constitute rib-like projections connected in the X direction on the upper surface of the discharge tray 303.

[0035] The arrangement of the first support portion, second support portion, and third support portion described above can be appropriately changed in the Y direction. For example, the first convex shape 102 may be arranged at multiple positions in the Y direction. Alternatively, two second convex shapes 103 or two third convex shapes 104 may be arranged on either side of the center of the discharge tray 303 in the Y direction (a total of four).

[0036] The oscillating guide 411 is positioned in the space between the feed tray 302 and the output tray 303, in a position corresponding to the first convex shape 102 in the X and Y directions. The oscillating guide 411 is supported by the feed tray 302, which is located above the output tray 303, so as to be able to swing around a pivot axis 801 that extends in the Y direction. The tip of the oscillating guide 411 on the side farther from the pivot axis 801 has a bifurcated shape in the Y direction, and the first convex shape 102 is positioned to be sandwiched between the inside of the bifurcated shape. Therefore, when no documents are being output to the output tray 303 and the oscillating guide 411 is hanging down under its own weight, the tip of the oscillating guide 411 overlaps with the first convex shape 102 when viewed from the Y direction, as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0037] In this embodiment, only one first convex shape 102 and one oscillating guide 411 are provided. However, one or both of the first convex shape 102 and the oscillating guide 411 may be provided at multiple positions in the Y direction. In this case, the number of first convex shapes 102 and oscillating guides 411 do not need to be the same. For example, the number of oscillating guides 411 may be fewer than the number of first convex shapes 102.

[0038] (Shape of the discharge tray and position of the swinging guide) The detailed shapes of the first, second, and third support parts (102, 103, and 104) of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0039] First, referring to Figure 5, the positions of the points used to identify the shape of the first convex shape 102 as viewed from the Y direction are defined as follows. The point where the wall surface 100 and the upstream loading surface 101 intersect is defined as the first intersection point 500. The first convex shape 102 forms the upstream surface in the document discharge direction, and the surface that is inclined upward toward the downstream direction of discharge is defined as the first inclined surface 501. The highest point of the first slope 501 in the Z direction (the downstream end of the first slope 501 in the discharge direction) is defined as the first vertex 502. The point where the first slope 501 and the upstream loading surface 101 intersect is defined as the third intersection point 503. Let the line connecting the third intersection point 503 and the first vertex 502 be the first straight line Ln1 [mm]. Let L1 [mm] be the distance in the X direction from the first intersection point 500 to the first vertex 502. Let H1 [mm] be the distance in the Z direction from the first intersection point 500 to the first vertex 502. Let θ1 [degrees] be the angle of the first straight line Ln1 with respect to the X direction.

[0040] Here, the first intersection 500, the third intersection 503, and the first vertex 502 represent hypothetical points where, if the upstream and downstream faces do not intersect at an angle but are smoothly connected by curved surfaces, the straight lines extending from the upstream and downstream faces intersect. The same applies to the points used to specify the shapes of the second convex shape 103 and the third convex shape 104 described below.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first inclined surface 501 is composed of a single plane, the first inclined surface 501 and the first straight line Ln1 are the same. However, if the first inclined surface 501 is a curved surface or composed of a combination of multiple planes, the first inclined surface 501 and the first straight line Ln1 will not coincide, so caution is advised. The same applies to the second inclined surface 600 and the second straight line Ln2 of the second convex shape 103, which will be described later.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6, the positions of the points used to identify the shape of the second convex shape 103 as viewed from the Y direction are defined as follows. The second convex shape 103 forms the upstream surface in the document discharge direction, and the surface that slopes upward toward the downstream direction of discharge is defined as the second inclined surface 600. The highest point of the second slope 600 (the downstream end of the second slope 600 in the discharge direction) is defined as the second vertex 601. The point where the second slope 600 and the upstream loading surface 101 intersect is defined as the fourth intersection point 602. Let the line connecting the fourth intersection point 602 and the second vertex 601 be the second line Ln2. Let L2 [mm] be the distance in the X direction from the first intersection point 500 to the second vertex 601. Let H2 [mm] be the distance in the Z direction from the first intersection point 500 to the second vertex 601. Let θ2 [degrees] be the angle of the second straight line Ln2 with respect to the X direction.

[0043] As mentioned above, these intersections and vertices may be hypothetical points. Also, in this embodiment, the second slope 600 is a single plane, so the second slope 600 and the second line Ln2 coincide. However, the second slope 600 may be a curved surface or a combination of multiple planes, in which case the second slope 600 and the second line Ln2 do not coincide.

[0044] Referring to Figure 7, the positions of the points used to identify the shape of the third convex shape 104 as viewed from the Y direction are defined as follows. The third convex shape 104 constitutes the upstream surface in the document discharge direction, and the surface that slopes upward toward the downstream direction of discharge is defined as the third inclined surface 700. The highest point of the third slope 700 (the downstream end of the third slope 700 in the discharge direction) is defined as the third vertex 701. Let L3 [mm] be the distance in the X direction from the first intersection point 500 to the third vertex 701. Let H3 [mm] be the distance in the Z direction from the first intersection point 500 to the third vertex 701.

[0045] As mentioned earlier, these intersections and vertices may be fictitious points.

[0046] Next, the arrangement of the swing guide 411 will be described using FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the swing guide 411 is not pressed by the document discharged onto the discharge tray 303. That is, the swing guide 411 is at the lower limit position of the movable range in the swing direction 802 centered on the swing axis 801. At this time, the tip of the swing guide 411 overlaps with the first convex shape 102 when viewed from the Y direction. More specifically, the upstream surface of the swing guide 411 in the discharge direction intersects with the first inclined surface 501, which is the upstream surface of the first convex shape 102 in the discharge direction.

[0047] The positions of points for specifying the position of the swing guide 411 when viewed from the Y direction are defined as follows. · The point where the first inclined surface 501 and the swing guide 411 intersect is defined as the second intersection point 800. · The distance in the X direction from the first intersection point 500 to the second intersection point 800 is defined as L4 [mm]. · The distance in the Z direction from the first intersection point 500 to the second intersection point 800 is defined as H4 [mm].

[0048] The shape of the discharge tray 303 according to this embodiment is configured such that the following relationships hold for the above-mentioned quantities (L1 to L4, H1 to H4, θ1, θ2) related to the first convex shape 102, the second convex shape 103, the third convex shape 104, and the swing guide 411. L1 < L2 < L3 ··· (1) L4 < L2 ··· (2) H1 < H2 < H3 ··· (3) H4 < H2 ··· (4)

[0049] (1) represents that the first vertex 502 of the first convex shape 102, the second vertex 601 of the second convex shape 103, and the third vertex 701 of the third convex shape 104 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the document discharge direction. (3) represents that the first vertex 502 of the first convex shape 102, the second vertex 601 of the second convex shape 103, and the third vertex 701 of the third convex shape 104 are at higher positions in this order in the gravitational direction.

[0050] (2) indicates that the second intersection point 800 where the swing guide 411 and the first inclined surface 501 intersect is located upstream of the second vertex 601 of the second convex shape 103 in the discharge direction. (4) indicates that the second intersection point 800 is located lower than the second vertex 601 of the second convex shape 103 in the gravitational direction. Thus, since the relationship of L4 < L2 and H4 < H2 holds, in the state where the swing guide 411 is not pushed up by the document, as shown in FIG. 8, the discharge space above the discharge tray 303 is blocked by the swing guide 411. In other words, the space formed between the discharge tray 303 and the feed tray 302 in the gravitational direction as viewed from the Y direction is closed at the downstream side in the discharge direction by the first inclined surface 501 of the first convex shape 102 and the swing guide 411.

[0051] (Length in the document conveyance direction and dimensions of the discharge tray) The ADF 300 of this embodiment is configured to be able to accommodate at least three document sizes with different lengths in the conveyance direction. Hereinafter, among the representative document sizes that the ADF 300 can accommodate, the one with a short length in the conveyance direction is defined as the first size, the one with a medium length in the conveyance direction is defined as the second size, and the one with a long length in the conveyance direction is defined as the third size. An example of the first size is A6R (length in the conveyance direction: 148 mm, width: 105 mm). An example of the second size is A5R (length in the conveyance direction: 210 mm, width: 148 mm). An example of the third size is A4R (length in the conveyance direction: 297 mm, width: 210 mm). Note that these A6R / A5R / A4R are merely examples and can be appropriately changed according to the document sizes that are expected to be frequently used.

[0052] (A) Arrangement of the first-size document and the first convex shape The first convex shape 102 of the discharge tray 303 is positioned to correspond to a first-size document. That is, when a first-size document is discharged, the first convex shape 102 is positioned so that, with the trailing end of the document in the discharge direction having passed the discharge roller pair 406, it contacts the leading edge of the document on the first inclined surface 501. When A6R is assumed as the first size, it is preferable that the first vertex 502 of the first convex shape 102 is positioned such that L1 [mm] and H1 [mm] satisfy 148 ≤ L1 < 180 and 20 ≤ H1 < 40.

[0053] Furthermore, the oscillating guide 411 is positioned such that, when it is not being pushed up by the document and is overlapping with the first convex shape 102 when viewed from the Y direction, it secures space on the upstream side in the discharge direction for loading a document of the first size. For example, it is preferable to position the oscillating guide 411 such that L4 [mm] and H4 [mm], which define the position of the second intersection 800, satisfy L1 = L4 and H1 = H4. Note that, assuming A6R as the first size, even if L4 or H4 is not equal to L1 or H1, it is preferable to position the oscillating guide 411 such that 148 ≤ L4 < 180 and 20 ≤ H4 < 40.

[0054] As described above, when the first convex shape 102 and the oscillating guide 411 are arranged, the position of the first-size document 900 discharged into the discharge tray 303 is restricted by the first inclined surface 501 of the first convex shape 102 and the oscillating guide 411, as shown in Figure 9. That is, the first-size document 900 contacts the first inclined surface 501 or the oscillating guide 411 at its leading edge, with its rear end in the discharge direction having come out from the discharge roller pair 406. At this time, even if the oscillating guide 411 contacts the document 900 while it is not being held by the discharge roller pair 406, it does not oscillate above the first convex shape 102 against the inertial force 901 of the document 900. Therefore, the first-size document 900 is prevented from moving downstream in the discharge direction beyond the second intersection 800 by the oscillating guide 411 and the first convex shape 102. As a result, the first-size manuscript 900 is loaded onto the upstream loading surface 101 and the first slope 501 with its position in the discharge direction restricted to the area upstream of the second intersection 800, as shown by the dashed line 902 in Figure 9, thereby ensuring good consistency.

[0055] (B) Arrangement of the second-size manuscript and the second convex shape The second convex shape 103 is provided at a position corresponding to the second size of the original document. That is, the second convex shape 103 is positioned so that the leading edge of the second size original document in the discharge direction can be supported by the second inclined surface 600. To put it another way, when the rear end of the second size original document discharged into the discharge tray 303 is abutting against the wall portion 100, the second inclined surface 600 is positioned such that, when viewed from the Y direction, at least a part of it faces the bottom surface of the original document (see Figure 10). When A5R is assumed as the second size, it is preferable that the second vertex 601 of the second convex shape 103 is positioned such that L2 [mm] and H2 [mm] satisfy 180 ≤ L2 < 240 and 40 ≤ H2 < 60.

[0056] When the second convex shape 103 is positioned in this manner, as shown in Figure 10, the position of the second-size document 1000 discharged into the discharge tray 303 is regulated by the cooperation of the oscillating guide 411, the first convex shape 102, and the second convex shape 103. That is, the second-size document 1000 is discharged while being held between the discharge roller pair 406 and pushing up the oscillating guide 411, moving while contacting the second inclined surface 600 of the second convex shape 103 at its leading edge. Since the second vertex 601 of the second convex shape 103 is located downstream in the discharge direction and above in the direction of gravity than the first vertex 502 of the first convex shape 102, the document 1000 forms an inclined shape connecting the first vertex 502 and the second vertex 601.

[0057] In this state, before the first document 1000 is ejected, the space above the ejection tray 303 is blocked by the first convex shape 102 and the oscillating guide 411. Therefore, the first document 1000 is transported while pushing up the oscillating guide 411 and receiving frictional resistance from the oscillating guide 411 and the first convex shape 102. As a result, even if the transport speed of the document 1000 by the ejection roller pair 406 is greater than 340 mm per second, it is possible to prevent the document 1000 from moving far away from the wall surface 100 due to inertia.

[0058] When ejecting the second and subsequent pages of the original document 1000, the oscillating guide 411 has already oscillated above the first convex shape 102, and the effect of friction between the oscillating guide 411 and the first convex shape 102 becomes relatively small. On the other hand, the ejected original document 1000 is lifted upward along the inclined surface formed by the already ejected original documents 1000, so it does not move to a position far away from the wall surface 100. In this way, regardless of whether it is the first page or a subsequent page, the position of the second-size original document 1000 in relation to the ejection direction is regulated by the oscillating guide 411, the first convex shape 102, and the second convex shape 103, thus ensuring good consistency.

[0059] Furthermore, it is preferable that the angle θ2 between the second straight line Ln2 and the horizontal direction is smaller than the angle θ1 between the first straight line Ln1 and the horizontal direction (θ2 < θ1). This reduces the resistance experienced by the document 1000 when its leading edge comes into contact with the second inclined surface 600, which protrudes upward compared to the first vertex 502 of the first convex shape 102, thereby preventing problems such as buckling due to the document 1000 getting caught or improper loading.

[0060] Examples of preferred numerical ranges for the angle θ1 [degrees] between the first straight line Ln1 and the horizontal direction and the angle θ2 [degrees] between the second straight line Ln2 and the horizontal direction are 40 ≤ θ1 ≤ 55, 25 ≤ θ2 ≤ 40, and θ1 - θ2 ≥ 5. The conditions 25 ≤ θ2 ≤ 40 and θ1 - θ2 ≥ 5 effectively suppress the document 1000 from getting caught on the second bevel 600. Furthermore, the condition 40 ≤ θ1 ≤ 55 enhances the effect of the first bevel 501 in regulating the position of the first-size document 900, as explained in (A) above.

[0061] (C) Arrangement of the third-size manuscript and the third convex shape The third convex shape 104 is provided at a position corresponding to the third size of the original document. That is, the third convex shape 104 is positioned so that the leading edge of the third size original document in the discharge direction can be supported by the third inclined surface 700. When A4R is assumed as the third size, it is preferable that the third vertex 701 of the third convex shape 104 is provided with L3 [mm] and H3 [mm] in the range of 240 ≤ L3 < 360 and 60 ≤ H3 < 80.

[0062] When the third convex shape 104 is positioned in this way, as shown in Figure 11, the position of the third-size document 1100 discharged into the discharge tray 303 is restricted by the cooperation of the oscillating guide 411, the first convex shape 102, the second convex shape 103, and the third convex shape 104. That is, the third-size document 1100 is discharged while being held between the discharge roller pair 406 and pushing up the oscillating guide 411, and moves while contacting the second inclined surface 600 at its leading edge, and then contacting the third inclined surface 700. The document 1100 is then supported on its lower surface by the first vertex 502 of the first convex shape 102, the second vertex 601 of the second convex shape 103, and the third vertex 701 of the third convex shape 104. Here, since the third vertex 701 is located downstream in the discharge direction and above in the direction of gravity compared to the second vertex 601, the manuscript 1100 forms a slope shape that smoothly connects the first vertex 502, the second vertex 601, and the third vertex 701.

[0063] In this state, before the first document 1100 is ejected, the space above the ejection tray 303 is blocked by the first convex shape 102 and the oscillating guide 411. Therefore, the first document 1100 is transported while pushing up the oscillating guide 411 and receiving frictional resistance from the oscillating guide 411 and the first convex shape 102. As a result, even if the transport speed of the document 1100 by the ejection roller pair 406 is greater than 340 mm per second, it is possible to prevent the document 1100 from moving far away from the wall surface 100 due to inertia.

[0064] When discharging the original manuscripts 1100 after the second one, the swing guide 411 has already swung upward beyond the first convex shape 102, and the influence of the friction between the swing guide 411 and the first convex shape 102 becomes relatively small. On the other hand, the original manuscript 1100 being discharged is discharged while being lifted upward along the slope shape of the already discharged original manuscript 1100, so it will not move to a position far away from the wall surface portion 100. Thus, regardless of whether it is the first one or the ones after the second one, the position of the original manuscript 1100 of the third size in the discharging direction is regulated by the swing guide 411, the first convex shape 102, the second convex shape 103, and the third convex shape 104, ensuring good alignment.

[0065] As described above, the discharge tray 303 of this embodiment is configured such that the relationships of L1 < L2, L4 < L2, H1 < H2, and H4 < H2 are satisfied with respect to the swing guide 411, the first convex shape 102, and the second convex shape 103. Thereby, as described in (A) and (B) above, good alignment regarding the discharging direction of the original manuscripts of the first size and the second size can be maintained. In particular, even when the conveyance speed of the original manuscripts is set to a value higher than 340 mm per second (for example, a speed of 400 mm per second or more) in order to improve productivity, the alignment of the original manuscripts of the first size and the second size can be ensured.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third convex shape 104 is provided on the discharge tray 303 and is configured to satisfy L2 < L3 and H2 < H3. Thereby, as described in (C) above, good alignment regarding the discharging direction of the original manuscripts of the third size in addition to the first size and the second size can be maintained.

[0067] In this embodiment, the third convex shape 104, which serves as the third support portion, protrudes further upward than the upper surface 107 of the rib that extends downstream from the second convex shape 103 in the discharge direction. Alternatively, the third convex shape 104 may be omitted, and a surface 108 may be provided, which is an extension of the upper surface 107 that slopes upward toward the downstream direction of discharge. This surface 108 functions as a third support portion that supports the lower surface of a third-size document downstream of the second vertex 601 in the discharge direction and above in the direction of gravity.

[0068] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the first convex shape 102, the second convex shape 103, and the third convex shape 104 are all formed as rib-like projections extending in the discharge direction. However, each support part may be formed as a surface having an extension in the Y direction, as long as it functions as the first support part, the second support part, or the third support part. For example, a surface having the same contour as the second convex shape 103 when viewed from the Y direction may be formed over the entire area of ​​the discharge tray 303 in the Y direction, and the first convex shape 102 may be positioned to protrude from a predetermined position in the Y direction of this surface. Also, regarding the upstream support part, instead of a planar upstream loading surface 101, the sheet may be supported by, for example, rib-like projections.

[0069] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an output tray 303 capable of loading at least three documents with different lengths in the transport direction, it is naturally possible to accommodate even more sizes. For example, by pulling out the extension tray 109 stored in the output tray 303 in Figure 1 downstream in the output direction, it is possible to load a fourth-size document that is even longer in the transport direction than the third size (for example, an LGL size with a transport length of 355.6 mm). In this case, it is preferable that the height of the downstream end of the extended tray 109 in the output direction is higher than the third vertex of the third convex shape 104.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the application of this technology to the sheet discharge configuration in an ADF, this technology can also be applied to sheet discharge devices other than ADFs (for example, a device that discharges image-formed recording material in an image forming apparatus). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 3...Image forming means (image forming section) / 100...Wall section / 101...Upstream support section (upstream loading surface) / 102...First support section (first convex shape) / 103...Second support section (second convex shape) / 104...Third support section (third convex shape) / 200...Image forming apparatus / 201...Image reading device / 300...Sheet discharge device (ADF) / 406...Sheet discharge Discharge means (discharge roller pair) / 409, 410...Image reading means (image sensor) / 411...Oscillating guide / 500...First intersection / 501...First slope / 502...First vertex / 503...Third intersection / 600...Second slope / 601...Second vertex / 602...Fourth intersection / 700...Third slope / 701...Third vertex / 800...Second intersection

Claims

1. A supply tray on which the sheets are loaded, A feeding means for feeding the sheet supported on the aforementioned feeding tray, A reading means for reading an image of a sheet fed by the aforementioned feeding means, Discharge means for discharging the sheet from which the image has been read by the reading means in the discharge direction, A discharge tray on which the sheets discharged by the discharge means are stacked, An extension tray is provided so as to be retractable in the discharge direction relative to the discharge tray, and supports the sheet discharged by the discharge means together with the discharge tray, A swinging member is pivotably supported at the lower part of the feeding tray and contacts the upper surface of the sheet discharged by the discharge means, Equipped with, The discharge tray has a first rib extending in the discharge direction and supporting the sheet, and a second rib extending in the discharge direction and supporting the sheet, The first rib is parallel to the second rib and overlaps with the rocking member when viewed from above. The second rib is positioned away from the swinging member in the width direction of the sheet, which is perpendicular to the discharge direction. The extension tray is positioned so as to overlap with the first rib in the width direction, but not with the second rib. An image reading device characterized by the following.

2. The extension tray is positioned in a location that overlaps with the swinging member in the width direction. The image reading device according to feature 1.

3. When the extension tray is pulled out from the discharge tray, the downstream end of the extension tray in the discharge direction is higher in the direction of gravity than the apex of the second rib. The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When no sheets are loaded onto the discharge tray, the region where the first rib is provided and the region where the oscillating member is provided overlap at least partially in the direction of gravity. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first rib and the swinging member are positioned in the center of the discharge tray in the width direction. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The apex of the second rib is located downstream of the oscillating member in the discharge direction. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The apex of the second rib is located downstream of the downstream end of the first rib in the discharge direction. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The apex of the second rib is located higher than the lower end of the rocking member in the direction of gravity. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The apex of the second rib is located higher than the apex of the first rib in the direction of gravity. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The discharge tray includes a wall portion that extends upward in the direction of gravity and is configured to support the upstream end of the sheet, The first rib and the second rib are separated from the wall surface in the discharge direction. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images