Media discharge device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a medium discharging device capable of adjusting favorably a tip of a medium discharged while suppressing the occurrence of jamming of the medium being discharged, a control method and a control program.SOLUTION: A medium discharging device comprises a housing having a discharge port to discharge a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port and loading a medium discharged from the discharge port, a medium regulating unit having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided for swinging, a detecting unit for detecting a length, width or thickness of the medium, and a control unit that allows the medium regulating unit to swing based on the detected length, width or thickness of the medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium discharge device, a control method, and a control program, and particularly to a medium discharge device having a tray for stacking discharged media, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a medium discharge device such as a scanner, it has been required to convey various types of media such as business cards, receipts, PPC (Plain Paper Copier) paper, and passports for imaging and then discharge them. In a medium discharge device, when a plurality of media are continuously conveyed and discharged, a user usually aligns the leading ends of the discharged media in order to sort the media for which imaging has been completed. In order for the user to easily align the leading ends of the media, it is desirable that the positions of the discharged media are aligned in the medium discharge device.

[0003] An image forming apparatus having a pressing member for pressing a sheet when the sheet having a wavy shape in the width direction orthogonal to the discharge direction of the sheet is discharged toward a discharge tray is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] An image forming apparatus provided with a rear end pressing member having a contact surface for pressing the upper surface of a sheet supported on the support surface of a discharge tray is disclosed (see Patent Document 2). The rear end pressing member is rotatable about a support shaft located upstream of the discharge port with respect to the discharge direction, and when no sheet is supported on the discharge tray, the contact surface contacts the support surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In a medium discharge device, it is desired to suppress the occurrence of jams in the discharged medium and to align the tips of the discharged media well.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium discharge device, a control method, and a control program capable of suppressing the occurrence of jams in the discharged medium and aligning the tips of the discharged media well.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] A medium discharge device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port and for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, a medium regulating portion having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided swingably, and a detector for detecting the length of the medium Length and a control portion for swinging the medium regulating portion. , medium body regulating portion , when the length of the medium is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, having. A medium discharge device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port and for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, a medium regulating portion having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided swingably, and the medium Width and a detector for detecting the , medium body regulating portion , when the width of the medium is greater than the second threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the width of the medium is equal to or less than the second threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, having a control portion for swinging. A medium discharge device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port and for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, a medium regulating portion having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided swingably, and the medium Thickness and a detector for detecting the , medium body regulating portion , when the thickness of the medium is greater than the third threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, having a control portion for swinging.

[0009] The control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a medium discharging device, which discharges a medium from a discharge port of a housing, loads the medium discharged from the discharge port onto a tray provided below the discharge port, and has a medium regulating portion whose one end is attached to the housing and the other end is provided so as to be swingable. The length of the medium Length detect , one is detected, and the medium regulating portion is , when the length of the medium is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, swung. The control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a medium discharging device, which discharges a medium from a discharge port of a housing, loads the medium discharged from the discharge port onto a tray provided below the discharge port, and Width detects the , one medium, and swings the medium regulating portion whose one end is attached to the housing and the other end is provided so as to be swingable. , when the width of the medium is greater than the second threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the width of the medium is equal to or less than the second threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, swung. The control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a medium discharging device, which discharges a medium from a discharge port of a housing, loads the medium discharged from the discharge port onto a tray provided below the discharge port, and Thickness detects the dimension of the , one medium, and swings the medium regulating portion whose one end is attached to the housing and the other end is provided so as to be swingable. , when the thickness of the medium is greater than the third threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, swung.

[0010] The control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for a medium discharging device, which includes a housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, and a medium regulating portion whose one end is attached to the housing and the other end is provided so as to be swingable. The control program causes the medium discharging device to Length detect the , medium length of the medium and , when the length of the medium is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, swing the medium regulating portion. The control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for a medium discharging device, which includes a housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, and a medium regulating portion whose one end is attached to the housing and the other end is provided so as to be swingable. The control program causes the medium discharging device to Width detect the , medium medium and , when the width of the medium is greater than the second threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the width of the medium is equal to or less than the second threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, swing the medium regulating portion. A control program according to an aspect of the present invention is a control program for a medium discharge device having a housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port and for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, and a medium regulating portion having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided swingably. When a medium is detected, the medium discharge device is caused to swing the medium regulating portion. Thickness is detected , medium the medium regulating portion , when the thickness of the medium is greater than the third threshold value, it is arranged at the first position that restricts the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, and when the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value, it is arranged at the second position that does not restrict the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray, to swing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the medium discharge device, the control method, and the control program can suppress the occurrence of jams in the discharged medium and can satisfactorily align the leading ends of the discharged media.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

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Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, a media discharge device, a control method, and a control program according to an aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a media discharge device 100 configured as an image scanner.

[0015] The media discharge device 100 conveys, images, and discharges a media that is an original. The media is paper, cardboard, card, booklet, passport, etc. Paper or cardboard includes small media such as business cards or receipts. The small media is, for example, a media with a size of A4 size or less. In particular, the small media is a media with a longitudinal size of A8 vertical size (74 mm) or less. Note that the small media may also be a media with a lateral size of A8 horizontal size (52 mm) or less in the short side direction. Also, the paper includes PPC paper such as A4 size or A3 size. The media discharge device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), etc. Note that the conveyed media may not be an original but a printing object, etc., and the media discharge device 100 may be a printer, etc.

[0016] In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the media discharge direction, and arrow A2 indicates the width direction orthogonal to the media discharge direction. Hereinafter, upstream refers to the upstream of the media discharge direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream of the media discharge direction A1.

[0017] The media discharge device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, a discharge table 104, a media regulating member 105, an operating device 106, a display device 107, and the like.

[0018] The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 are examples of a housing. The upper housing 102 is disposed at a position covering the upper surface of the media discharge device 100 and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge. The lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102 have a discharge port 101a for discharging media.

[0019] The placement table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so as to place the conveyed media.

[0020] The discharge table 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. Note that the discharge table 104 may be engaged with the upper housing 102. The discharge table 104 has a first tray 104a, a second tray 104b, a third tray 104c, and a stopper 104d.

[0021] When the media discharge device 100 is not in use, the first tray 104a is stored inside the lower housing 101. When the media discharge device 100 is in use, the first tray 104a is pulled out from the lower housing 101 in the media discharge direction A1 and stacks the media discharged from the discharge port 101a. The second tray 104b is provided so as to be pullable in the media discharge direction A1 from the first tray 104a so that a medium having a large size is placed on the discharge table 104. The third tray 104c is provided so as to be pullable in the media discharge direction A1 from the second tray 104b so that a medium having an even larger size is placed on the discharge table 104. The first tray 104a, the second tray 104b, and the third tray 104c each have a first placement surface 104e, a second placement surface 104f, and a third placement surface 104g for placing the discharged media.

[0022] The stopper 104d is provided foldably at the downstream end of the third tray 104c. When the stopper 104d is raised, it stops the leading edge of the medium of the maximum size (e.g., A4 size or A3 size) supported by the medium discharge device 100 and discharged onto the discharge table 104, aligning the leading edges of the respective media. On the other hand, 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.

[0023] Note that the discharge table 104 may be fixed to the lower housing 101 or the upper housing 102 so as not to be pull-out and storable. Also, 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.

[0024] The medium regulating member 105 is an example of a medium regulating unit and is a stacker supporter (stopper) for small media. The medium regulating member 105 regulates the position of the leading edge (downstream end) of the medium in the medium discharge direction A1 on the discharge table 104. One end (upstream end) of the medium regulating member 105 is attached to the upper housing 102, and the other end (downstream end) is provided swingably.

[0025] The medium regulating member 105 has a main body portion 105a and a medium contact portion 105b. The main body portion 105a and the medium contact portion 105b are each formed of a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The main body portion 105a and the medium contact portion 105b are formed as an integral member. Note that the main body portion 105a and the medium contact portion 105b may be formed of separate members.

[0026] The upstream end of the main body portion 105a is attached to the upper housing 102, and the medium contact portion 105b is provided at the downstream end of the main body portion 105a.

[0027] The media contact part 105b is provided on the discharge table 104 so as to be able to regulate the tip position of the media in the media discharge direction A1. The media contact part 105b is linearly formed along the width direction A2 orthogonal to the media discharge direction so as to contact the tip of the media discharged onto the discharge table 104 over both ends. Thereby, the media contact part 105b can stop the small media so that the tips of the discharged small media are aligned linearly.

[0028] The operation device 106 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, receives an input operation by the user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the input operation of the user. The display device 107 has a display including liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc. and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the media discharge device 100 as viewed from the side.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the media discharge device 100 further has a first motor 108. The first motor 108 rotates in the direction of arrow A3 in FIG. 2 by a control signal from a processing circuit described later. An upstream end of the main body part 105a of the media regulating member 105 is attached to the rotation shaft 108a of the first motor 108. Thereby, the media contact part 105b provided at the downstream end of the media regulating member 105 swings according to the rotation of the rotation shaft 108a. In FIG. 2, the media regulating member 105 is in contact with the mounting surface of the discharge table 104 and is disposed at a first position for regulating the tip position of the media discharged onto the discharge table 104.

[0031] When the media regulating member 105 is disposed at the first position, the media contact portion 105b is provided so as to contact the first placement surface 104e of the first tray 104a and not to contact the second placement surface 104f of the second tray 104b. Thereby, even when the second tray 104b is stored in the first tray 104a while the media contact portion 105b is in contact with the first tray 104a, the media contact portion 105b is not dragged on the second placement surface 104f, and damage to the media regulating member 105 is suppressed.

[0032] The media regulating member 105 is used to stop the leading end of the small media M1 when the small media M1 is discharged onto the discharge table 104. Therefore, the first distance L1 from the discharge port 101a to the media contact portion 105b in a state where the media regulating member 105 is disposed at the first position is less than the maximum size of the media supported by the media discharge device 100 and is set to be equal to or greater than the size of the small media M1. The maximum size of the media supported by the media discharge device 100 is, for example, the vertical size of A4 (297 mm) or the vertical size of A3 (420 mm). The size of the small media M1 is, for example, the vertical size of A8 (74 mm) or the horizontal size of A8 (52 mm). Thereby, the media contact portion 105b can stop the leading end of the small media M1 when the small media M1 is discharged onto the discharge table 104.

[0033] On the other hand, the second distance L2 from the discharge port 101a to the stopper 104d is set to be substantially the same as the maximum size of the media supported by the media discharge device 100. Thereby, the stopper 104d can stop the leading end of the media when the media having the maximum size supported by the media discharge device 100 is discharged onto the discharge table 104.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the media discharge device 100 with the media regulating member 105 lifted.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, when the first motor 108 rotates in the direction of arrow A3, the medium regulating member 105 attached to the rotating shaft 108a of the first motor 108 swings, and the medium contact portion 105b provided at the downstream end of the medium regulating member 105 is lifted upward. As a result, the medium regulating member 105 is separated from the placement surface of the discharge table 104 and is arranged at a second position where it does not regulate the tip position of the medium discharged onto the discharge table 104.

[0036] As a result, when a medium M2 having a size larger than that of the small medium M1 is discharged onto the discharge table 104, the discharge of the medium M2 is not blocked by the medium regulating member 105. Therefore, the medium discharging device 100 can suppress the medium M2 from being bent and a medium jam from occurring.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the conveyance path inside the medium discharging device 100.

[0038] The conveyance path inside the medium discharging device 100 includes a movement amount sensor 111, a first medium sensor 112, a feed roller 113, a separation roller 114, an ultrasonic sensor 115, a first conveyance roller 116, a second conveyance roller 117, a second medium sensor 118, an imaging device 119, a first discharge roller 120, a second discharge roller 121, and the like.

[0039] Note that the number of each of the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first conveyance roller 116, the second conveyance roller 117, the first discharge roller 120, and / or the second discharge roller 121 is not limited to one, and a plurality may be provided. In that case, the plurality of feed rollers 113, separation rollers 114, first conveyance rollers 116, second conveyance rollers 117, first discharge rollers 120, and / or second discharge rollers 121 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0040] The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 109a of the medium conveyance path, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 109b of the medium conveyance path.

[0041] The movement amount sensor 111 is an example of a sensor and is provided on the mounting table 103, that is, on the upstream side of the nip position between the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. The movement amount sensor 111 is arranged, for example, at a position separated from the nip position between the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 by a first distance L1, that is, at a position separated from the size of the small medium M1. Note that the movement amount sensor 111 may be arranged at a position within the first distance L1 from the nip position between the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. The movement amount sensor 111 has, for example, an encoder including a roller, a disk, a light emitter, and a light receiver. The roller is provided so as to contact the lowermost medium among the media placed on the mounting table 103 and rotates as the medium moves. A large number of slits (light transmission holes) are formed in the disk, and the disk is provided so as to rotate following the rotation of the roller. The light emitter and the light receiver are provided so as to face each other with the disk interposed therebetween. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like and irradiates light toward the light receiver through the disk. The light receiver is a photodiode or the like and detects the movement amount of the medium based on the number of changes between a state where a slit exists between the light emitter and the light receiver and a state where the slit does not exist and is blocked by the disk at regular intervals. The movement amount sensor 111 generates and outputs a movement amount signal indicating the detected movement amount of the medium. The movement amount signal is an example of an output signal from the movement amount sensor 111.

[0042] The first medium sensor 112 is arranged upstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. The first medium sensor 112 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 112 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes between a state where a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 and a state where no medium is placed. Note that the first medium sensor 112 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 112.

[0043] The feeding roller 113 is provided on the lower housing 101 and feeds the medium placed on the mounting table 103 in order from below. The separation roller 114 is a so-called brake roller or retarder roller, and is arranged on the upper housing 102, that is, above the feeding roller 113, facing the feeding roller 113 and rotating in the direction opposite to the medium feeding direction. Incidentally, the feeding roller 113 may be provided on the upper housing 102, the separation roller 114 may be provided on the lower housing 101, and the feeding roller 113 may feed the medium placed on the mounting table 103 in order from above.

[0044] The ultrasonic sensor 115 is arranged downstream of the feeding roller 113 and upstream of the first conveying roller 116. The ultrasonic sensor 115 includes an ultrasonic transmitter 115a and an ultrasonic receiver 115b. The ultrasonic transmitter 115a and the ultrasonic receiver 115b are arranged facing each other with the conveyance path of the medium therebetween in the vicinity of the conveyance path of the medium. The ultrasonic transmitter 115a transmits ultrasonic waves. On the other hand, the ultrasonic receiver 115b receives the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitter 115a and transmitted through the medium, and generates and outputs an ultrasonic signal which is an electric signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves.

[0045] The first conveying roller 116 and the second conveying roller 117 are arranged facing each other downstream of the feeding roller 113. The first conveying roller 116 and the second conveying roller 117 convey the medium fed by the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114 to the imaging device 119.

[0046] The second media sensor 118 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 116 and upstream of the imaging device 119, and detects the media conveyed to that position. The second media sensor 118 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the media conveyance path, and a light guide pipe provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver with the media conveyance path therebetween. The light emitter is an LED or the like, and irradiates light toward the media conveyance path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and guided by the light guide pipe. When media exists at a position facing the second media sensor 118, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the media, so the light receiver does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter. Based on the intensity of the received light, the light receiver generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes between a state where media exists and a state where media does not exist at the position of the second media sensor 118.

[0047] Note that instead of the light guide pipe, a reflection member such as a mirror may be used. Also, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided to face each other with the media conveyance path therebetween. Further, the second media sensor 118 may detect the presence of the media by a contact detection sensor or the like that passes a predetermined current when the media is in contact or not in contact.

[0048] The imaging device 119 includes a first imaging device 119a and a second imaging device 119b disposed to face each other across the media conveyance path. The first imaging device 119a has a line sensor by a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of an equi-magnification optical system type having an imaging element by CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 119a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion on the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 119a sequentially generates and outputs line images by imaging the surface of the conveyed media according to control from a processing circuit described later. That is, the number of pixels in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) of the line image is 1, and the number of pixels in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction) is plural.

[0049] Similarly, the second imaging device 119b has a line sensor using a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type having an imaging element using a CMOS linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. Further, the second imaging device 119b has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies an electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging device 119b images the back surface of the conveyed medium in accordance with control from a processing circuit described later, sequentially generates line images, and outputs them.

[0050] Note that the medium discharge device 100 may arrange only one of the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b and read only one side of the medium. Further, instead of the line sensor using a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type including an imaging element using a CMOS, a line sensor using a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type including an imaging element using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used. Further, a line sensor of a reduced optical system type including an imaging element using a CMOS or a CCD may be used.

[0051] The first discharge roller 120 and the second discharge roller 121 are arranged to face each other on the downstream side of the imaging device 119. The first discharge roller 120 and the second discharge roller 121 discharge the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 116 and the second conveyance roller 117 and imaged by the imaging device 119 from the discharge port 101a. The discharge table 104 loads the medium discharged from the discharge port 101a by the first discharge roller 120 and the second discharge roller 121.

[0052] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is conveyed between the lower guide 109a and the upper guide 109b in the medium discharge direction A1 as the feeding roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A11 in FIG. 4. The separation roller 114 rotates in the direction of arrow A12 when the medium is being conveyed. Due to the functions of the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114, when a plurality of media are placed on the placement table 103, only the medium in contact with the feeding roller 113 among the media placed on the placement table 103 is separated. Thereby, the conveyance of media other than the separated medium is restricted (prevention of double feeding).

[0053] The medium is fed between the first conveying roller 116 and the second conveying roller 117 while being guided by the lower guide 109a and the upper guide 109b. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b as the first conveying roller 116 and the second conveying roller 117 rotate in the directions of arrow A13 and arrow A14 respectively. The medium read by the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b is discharged onto the discharge table 104 as the first discharge roller 120 and the second discharge roller 121 rotate in the directions of arrow A15 and arrow A16 respectively.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium discharge device 100.

[0055] In addition to the above-described configuration, the medium discharge device 100 further includes a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0056] The second motor 131 has one or a plurality of motors, and rotates the feeding roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first conveying roller 116, the second conveying roller 117, the first discharge roller 120, and the second discharge roller 121 according to a control signal from the processing circuit 150 to convey the medium. Note that one of the first conveying roller 116 and the second conveying roller 117 may be a driven roller that rotates in a driven manner following the other roller. Also, one of the first discharge roller 120 and the second discharge roller 121 may be a driven roller that rotates in a driven manner following the other roller.

[0057] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, etc., and is electrically connected to an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) not shown in the drawings to transmit and receive an input image and various kinds of information. Further, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving a signal through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving a signal through a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0058] The storage device 140 has a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk, an optical disk, etc. Further, various computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the medium discharge device 100 are stored in the storage device 140. The computer program may be installed in the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program, etc. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), etc.

[0059] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 150, a DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used.

[0060] The processing circuit 150 is connected to an operation device 106, a display device 107, a movement amount sensor 111, a first medium sensor 112, an ultrasonic sensor 115, a second medium sensor 118, an imaging device 119, a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, etc., and controls these respective parts. The processing circuit 150 generates an input image by performing drive control of the second motor 131, imaging control of the imaging device 119, etc. based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 112, and transmits it to an information processing device via the interface device 132. Further, the processing circuit 150 controls the first motor 108 and swings the medium regulating member 105 based on the movement amount signal received from the movement amount sensor 111, the line image received from the imaging device 119, and the ultrasonic signal received from the ultrasonic sensor 115.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, a control program 141, a detection program 142, etc. are stored in the storage device 140. These respective programs are functional modules implemented by software operating on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the processing circuit 150 functions as a control unit 151 and a detection unit 152.

[0063] FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium discharging device 100.

[0064] Next, while referring to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium discharge device 100 will be described. Note that the flowchart of the operation described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium discharge device 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance.

[0065] First, the control unit 151 waits until an instruction to read a medium is input by the user using the operation device 106 or the information processing device, and a control signal instructing the reading of the medium is received from the operation device 106 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0066] Next, the control unit 151 acquires a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 112, and determines whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0067] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 108 to position the medium regulating member 105 at a first position that regulates the leading end position of the medium (step S103). Note that the control unit 151 may position the medium regulating member 105 at a second position that does not regulate the leading end position of the medium.

[0068] Next, the control unit 151 drives the second motor 131 to rotate the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first transport roller 116, the second transport roller 117, the first discharge roller 120, and / or the second discharge roller 121 to transport the medium (step S104).

[0069] Next, the control unit 151 waits until the leading edge of the conveyed medium passes the position of the second medium sensor 118 (step S105). The control unit 151 periodically acquires a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118, and determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 118 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the absence of the medium to a value indicating the presence of the medium.

[0070] Next, the control unit 151 controls the second motor 131 to stop the rotation of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 (step S106). Thereby, after the leading edge of the medium passes the position of the second medium sensor 118, the medium is conveyed by the first conveying roller 116 and the second conveying roller 117.

[0071] Next, the detection unit 152 detects the thickness of the conveyed medium (step S107). The detection unit 152 detects the thickness of the medium based on the ultrasonic signal received from the ultrasonic sensor 115. The ultrasonic wave transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitter 115a and passing through the medium is attenuated by the medium, and the greater the thickness of the medium, the greater the attenuation amount of the ultrasonic wave. The medium discharge device 100 stores in advance in the storage device 140 a table defining the relationship between the magnitude of the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic receiver 115b, that is, the signal value of the ultrasonic signal, and the thickness of the medium. The detection unit 152 refers to the table stored in the storage device 140 and specifies the thickness of the medium corresponding to the signal value of the received ultrasonic signal.

[0072] Further, the detection unit 152 may further determine whether double feeding of the medium has occurred based on the ultrasonic signal received from the ultrasonic sensor 115. When a plurality of media are conveyed overlapping each other, the ultrasonic wave transmitting through the media is attenuated in the air layer between the overlapping media. Therefore, the detection unit 152 can determine whether double feeding of the medium has occurred based on whether the signal value of the ultrasonic signal is equal to or less than the double-feed threshold value. The double-feed threshold value is set to a value between the signal value of the ultrasonic signal when a single sheet of paper is conveyed and the signal value of the ultrasonic signal when two sheets of paper are conveyed. When the detection unit 152 determines that double feeding of the medium has occurred, the control unit 151 stops the second motor 131 to stop the conveyance and discharge of the medium. Note that the control unit 151 may stop the medium reading process after discharging the currently conveyed medium. Further, the control unit 151 may drive the second motor 131 and control each roller so as to reverse-convey the medium remaining in the conveyance path, temporarily return it to the placement table 103, and then re-feed (separate) it. Thereby, the user does not need to re-place and re-feed the medium on the placement table 103, and the control unit 151 can improve the convenience for the user. Further, the control unit 151 may notify the user by displaying information indicating that double feeding of the medium has occurred on the display device 107 or transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132.

[0073] Further, the detection unit 152 may detect the thickness of the medium using a thickness sensor other than the ultrasonic sensor 115. The thickness sensor is disposed at the position where the ultrasonic sensor 115 is disposed. Note that the thickness sensor may be disposed at any position on the medium conveyance path. The thickness sensor includes, for example, a first roller, a second roller, a support member, and a displacement meter. The first roller is fixedly disposed so as to face the lower guide 109a. The second roller is disposed to face the first roller across the medium conveyance path and is movable upward, and is pressed toward the first roller by an elastic member such as a spring. The support member is a plate-like member that supports the second roller and moves in conjunction with the second roller. The displacement meter is a laser displacement meter or the like and measures the amount of displacement of the support member. The thickness sensor generates a thickness signal indicating the amount of displacement measured by the displacement meter. The medium discharge device 100 stores in advance in the storage device 140 a table defining the relationship between the signal value of the thickness signal and the thickness of the medium. The detection unit 152 refers to the table stored in the storage device 140 and identifies the thickness of the medium corresponding to the signal value of the received thickness signal. Note that the thickness sensor is not limited to one that measures the amount of displacement, and any other sensor capable of detecting the thickness of the medium, such as an optical sensor or a pressure sensor, may be used as the thickness sensor.

[0074] Next, the control unit 151 causes the imaging device 119 to start imaging the medium (step S108). Thereafter, each time the imaging device 119 generates a line image, the control unit 151 acquires the generated line image and stores it in the storage device 140.

[0075] Next, the detection unit 152 detects the width of the medium being conveyed (the length in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium discharge direction) (step S109). The detection unit 152 detects the width of the medium based on the line image acquired by the control unit 151 from the imaging device 119. The detection unit 152 calculates the absolute value of the difference in gradation values (hereinafter referred to as the adjacent difference value) between each pixel and the pixel adjacent to the right side of each pixel or the pixel separated by a predetermined distance in order from the left end of the line image. The gradation value is a luminance value or a color value. The detection unit 152 extracts the first (leftmost) pixel whose adjacent difference value is equal to or greater than the edge threshold value as the left end edge pixel. The edge threshold value can be set, for example, to the difference in gradation values (e.g., 20) that a person can visually distinguish the difference in luminance on the image. Similarly, the detection unit 152 calculates the adjacent difference value between each pixel and the pixel on the left side of each pixel in order from the right end of the line image, and extracts the first pixel whose adjacent difference value is equal to or greater than the edge threshold value as the right end edge pixel.

[0076] When the detection unit 152 detects two pixels that are different from each other as the left end edge pixel and the right end edge pixel, the detection unit 152 detects the length corresponding to the distance between the left end edge pixel and the right end edge pixel as the width of the medium. Note that the detection unit 152 may extract the specific pixel as an edge pixel when the gradation value of the specific pixel is less than the threshold value and the gradation value of the pixel adjacent to the specific pixel or the pixel separated by a predetermined distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0077] In addition, the detection unit 152 may detect the width of the medium using information other than the image. For example, the medium discharge device 100 arranges a plurality of second medium sensors 118 at intervals in the width direction A2. The detection unit 152 receives a second medium signal from each second medium sensor 118 and determines whether the signal value of each received second medium signal indicates the presence of the medium. The detection unit 152 detects the distance between the two second medium sensors 118 arranged most outward in the width direction A2 among the second medium sensors 118 that output a second medium signal whose signal value indicates the presence of the medium as the width of the medium.

[0078] Next, the detection unit 152 detects the length of the medium being conveyed (the length in the medium discharge direction A1) (step S110). The detection unit 152 acquires each movement amount signal generated by the movement amount sensor 111 after starting the feeding of the medium, and detects the length of the medium based on the signal value (the movement amount of the medium) of each acquired movement amount signal. For example, when the maximum value of the signal values of each movement amount signal is less than or equal to the movement amount threshold, the detection unit 152 determines that the length of the medium is less than the first distance L1, and when the maximum value of the signal values of each movement amount signal is greater than the movement amount threshold, the detection unit 152 determines that the length of the medium is greater than or equal to the first distance L1. The movement amount threshold is set to 0 or a value slightly greater than 0.

[0079] In this way, the detection unit 152 detects the length of the medium based on the movement amount signal from the movement amount sensor 111 provided on the mounting table 103. By using the detection result of the movement of the medium at the upstream position, the detection unit 152 can detect the length of the medium immediately after starting the conveyance of the medium, and the control unit 151 can control the medium regulating member 105 immediately after starting the conveyance of the medium.

[0080] Note that a plurality of movement amount sensors 111 may be arranged side by side on the mounting table 103 at intervals in the medium discharge direction A1, and the detection unit 152 may detect the length of the medium using the plurality of movement amount sensors 111. In that case, the detection unit 152 detects, as the length of the medium, the distance between the arrangement position of the movement amount sensor 111 arranged most upstream among the movement amount sensors 111 whose output signal values are greater than the movement amount threshold and the nip position of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114.

[0081] Further, the detection unit 152 may detect the length of the medium based on the sum of the signal values of the movement amount signals. In that case, when the signal value of the movement amount signal is 0, the detection unit 152 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the arrangement position of the movement amount sensor 111. The detection unit 152 calculates the sum of the signal values of each movement amount signal acquired so far as the total movement amount of the medium at the arrangement position of the movement amount sensor 111. The detection unit 152 detects the sum of the calculated total movement amount and the distance between the nip position of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 and the arrangement position of the movement amount sensor 111 as the length of the medium.

[0082] Further, the detection unit 152 may detect the length of the medium using a sensor other than the encoder. For example, the detection unit 152 uses an optical sensor to detect the length of the medium. The optical sensor is arranged at the position where the movement amount sensor 111 is arranged. The optical sensor includes, for example, a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the conveyance path of the medium. The light emitter is an LED or the like and irradiates light toward the medium placed on the mounting table 103 or the medium conveyed on the conveyance path. On the other hand, the light receiver captures an image corresponding to the light received at regular intervals and detects a common portion from the latest image and the immediately previous image. The light receiver detects the moving direction and the movement amount of the conveyed medium based on the change in the position within the detected common portion image, and generates and outputs a signal indicating the detected moving direction and movement amount. The detection unit 152 detects the length of the medium based on the signal acquired from the optical sensor in the same manner as when calculating from the movement amount signal.

[0083] Further, the detection unit 152 may detect the length of the medium based on the time from when the tip of the medium passes the position of the second medium sensor 118 until the rear end of the medium passes.

[0084] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether the length of the medium detected by the detection unit 152 is greater than the first threshold value (step S111). The first threshold value is set, for example, to the first distance L1 from the discharge port 101a to the medium contact portion 105b in a state where the medium regulating member 105 is arranged at the first position.

[0085] When the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 108 to swing the medium regulating member 105 to a second position where the leading end position of the medium is not regulated (step S112), and the process proceeds to step S116. Thereby, when a large-sized medium is discharged, the control unit 151 can suppress the discharge of the medium from being blocked by the medium regulating member 105, the medium from buckling, and the occurrence of a jam of the medium.

[0086] On the other hand, when the length of the medium is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the control unit 151 determines whether the width of the medium detected by the detection unit 152 is greater than the second threshold value (step S113). Generally, the smaller the width of the discharged medium, the weaker the stiffness of the medium, the easier it is for the medium to buckle, and the easier it is for a jam of the medium to occur. The second threshold value is set, for example, to a value between the average value of the widths of the media for which jams have occurred and the average value of the widths of the media for which jams have not occurred in a prior experiment in which a large number of media having various widths are discharged.

[0087] When the width of the medium is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 108 to swing the medium regulating member 105 to a second position where the leading end position of the medium is not regulated (step S112), and the process proceeds to step S116. Thereby, when a medium with a small width is discharged, the control unit 151 can suppress the load on the medium and the buckling of the medium, and suppress the occurrence of a jam of the medium.

[0088] On the other hand, when the width of the medium is greater than the second threshold value, the control unit 151 determines whether the thickness of the medium detected by the detection unit 152 is greater than the third threshold value (step S114). Generally, the smaller (thinner) the thickness of the discharged medium, the lower the rigidity of the medium, the easier it is for the medium to buckle, and the easier it is for a jam of the medium to occur. The third threshold value is set, for example, to a value between the average value of the thicknesses of the media for which jams have occurred and the average value of the thicknesses of the media for which jams have not occurred in a prior experiment in which a large number of media having various thicknesses are discharged.

[0089] When the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 108 to swing the medium regulating member 105 to a second position where the leading edge position of the medium is not regulated (step S112), and the process proceeds to step S116. Thereby, when a thin medium is discharged, the control unit 151 can suppress a load being applied to the medium and the medium buckling, and can suppress the occurrence of a jam of the medium.

[0090] On the other hand, when the thickness of the medium is greater than the third threshold value, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 108 to swing the medium regulating member 105 to a first position where the leading edge position of the medium is regulated (step S115).

[0091] In this way, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 based on the length, width, or thickness of the medium detected by the detection unit 152. The control unit 151 can suppress the occurrence of a jam of the medium and can satisfactorily align the leading edges of the discharged media by switching whether or not to regulate the leading edge position of the medium by the medium regulating member 105 according to the type of the discharged medium.

[0092] In particular, when the length of the medium is less than the first threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to a first position where the leading edge position of the medium is regulated, and when the length of the medium is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to a second position where the leading edge position of the medium is not regulated. Thereby, the control unit 151 can suppress the occurrence of a jam of a large-sized medium while satisfactorily aligning the leading edges of small-sized media.

[0093] Further, when the length of the medium is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to a first position where the leading edge position of the medium is regulated only when the width of the medium is greater than the second threshold value. Thereby, the control unit 151 regulates the leading edge position of the medium only for a medium with strong stiffness, and can suppress the occurrence of a jam of a medium with weak stiffness.

[0094] Further, when the length of the medium is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to be disposed at the first position that regulates the leading end position of the medium only when the thickness of the medium is greater than the third threshold value. Thereby, the control unit 151 restricts the leading end position of the medium only for a medium with high rigidity, and can suppress the occurrence of jams in a medium with low rigidity.

[0095] Note that the processes of step S113 and / or S114 may be omitted.

[0096] Further, the processes of step S111 and / or S114 may be omitted. In that case, when the width of the medium is greater than the second threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to be disposed at the first position that regulates the leading end position of the medium, and when the width of the medium is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to be disposed at the second position that does not regulate the leading end position of the medium. Thereby, the control unit 151 can suppress the occurrence of jams in a medium with low firmness while properly aligning the leading ends of media with high firmness.

[0097] Further, the processes of step S111 and / or S113 may be omitted. In that case, when the thickness of the medium is greater than the third threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to be disposed at the first position that regulates the leading end position of the medium, and when the thickness of the medium is less than or equal to the third threshold value, the control unit 151 swings the medium regulating member 105 to be disposed at the second position that does not regulate the leading end position of the medium. Thereby, the control unit 151 can suppress the occurrence of jams in a medium with low rigidity while properly aligning the leading ends of media with high rigidity.

[0098] Next, the control unit 151 waits until the rear end of the conveyed medium passes through the imaging position of the imaging device 119 (step S116). The control unit 151 periodically acquires a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118, and when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of the medium to a value indicating the absence of the medium, it determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 118. The control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed through the imaging position of the imaging device 119 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 118. The predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the second medium sensor 118 to the imaging position.

[0099] Next, the control unit 151 synthesizes each line image acquired from the imaging device 119 to generate an input image, and outputs the generated input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S117).

[0100] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 112 (step S118).

[0101] If there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 controls the second motor 131 to re-drive the feeding roller 113 and the separating roller 114 (step S119). The control unit 151 returns the process to step S105 and repeats the processes of steps S105 to S118.

[0102] On the other hand, if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 controls the second motor 131 to stop the first conveying roller 116, the second conveying roller 117, the first discharging roller 120, and / or the second discharging roller 121 (step S120). Then, the control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0103] As described in detail above, the medium discharge device 100 swings the medium regulating member 105 that regulates the leading edge position of the discharged medium so as to contact the discharge table 104 or separate from the discharge table 104 according to the length, width or thickness of the discharged medium. Thereby, the medium discharge device 100 can suppress the occurrence of jamming of the discharged medium and can satisfactorily align the leading edges of the discharged medium.

[0104] In particular, when a small medium is conveyed, the medium discharge device 100 can contact the medium regulating member 105 with the discharge table 104 to satisfactorily align the leading edge of the medium. On the other hand, when a medium having a size larger than that of the small medium is conveyed, the medium discharge device 100 can separate the medium regulating member 105 from the discharge table 104 to suppress the occurrence of jamming of the medium. Therefore, even when a small medium and a thin and long medium are mixed and conveyed on the mounting table 103, the medium discharge device 100 can suppress the occurrence of jamming of the medium and can satisfactorily align the leading edges of the medium.

[0105] Furthermore, in the medium discharge device 100, it is not necessary to set the load of the medium regulating member 105 so as to stop the small medium and allow a medium larger than the small medium to pass through. Therefore, the developer can easily design the medium regulating member 105, and the medium discharge device 100 can suppress an increase in the device development cost.

[0106] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of another medium discharge device 200 as viewed from the side.

[0107] The medium discharge device 200 has the same configuration as the medium discharge device 100. However, the medium discharge device 200 has a medium regulating member 205 instead of the medium regulating member 105. The medium regulating member 205 has the same configuration and function as the medium regulating member 105. The medium regulating member 205 has a main body portion 205a, a medium contact portion 205b, a moving portion 205c, a pinion 205d, and a rack 205e.

[0108] The main body portion 205a, the medium contact portion 205b, and the moving portion 205c are each formed of a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The main body portion 205a and the moving portion 205c are each formed of separate members, and the medium contact portion 205b is formed of a member integral with the moving portion 205c. Note that the medium contact portion 205b may be formed of a member separate from the moving portion 205c.

[0109] The upstream end of the main body portion 205a is attached to the upper housing 102 to the rotating shaft 108a of the first motor 108. A rail extending along the medium discharge direction A1 is provided on one of the main body portion 205a and the moving portion 205c, and an engaging portion engaging with the rail is provided on the other of the main body portion 205a and the moving portion 205c. Thereby, the moving portion 205c is provided so as to be slidable in the medium discharge direction A1 with respect to the main body portion 205a.

[0110] The medium contact portion 205b is provided at the downstream end of the moving portion 205c so as to be able to regulate the tip position in the medium discharge direction A1 of the medium on the discharge table 104. The medium contact portion 205b is linearly formed along the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium discharge direction so as to contact the tip of the medium discharged to the discharge table 104 over both ends. The main body portion 205a and the moving portion 205c swing (rotate) following the rotation of the rotating shaft 108a of the first motor 108. Therefore, the medium contact portion 205b provided at the downstream end of the moving portion 205c swings following the rotation of the rotating shaft 108a of the first motor 108.

[0111] The pinion 205d is provided on the rotating shaft 108a so as to rotate following the rotation of the rotating shaft 108a of the first motor 108. The rack 205e is fixed to the moving part 205c so as to extend in the extending direction of the moving part 205c, that is, the medium discharge direction A1, and is provided so as to engage with the pinion 205d. The pinion 205d rotates following the rotation of the rotating shaft 108a of the first motor 108, and the rack 205e and the moving part 205c to which the rack 205e is fixed slide and move following the rotation of the pinion 205d. Therefore, the medium contact part 205b provided at the downstream end of the moving part 205c slides and moves following the rotation of the rotating shaft 108a of the first motor 108.

[0112] In FIG. 9, the medium regulating member 205 is in contact with the placing surface of the discharge table 104 and is arranged at the first position for regulating the tip position of the small medium M1 discharged onto the discharge table 104. The first distance L1 from the discharge port 101a to the medium contact part 205b in the state where the medium regulating member 205 is arranged at the first position is set to the same length as the first distance L1 from the discharge port 101a to the medium contact part 105b in the state where the medium regulating member 105 is arranged at the first position.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the medium discharge device 200 in a state where the medium regulating member 205 has moved from the first position.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 10, when the first motor 108 rotates in the direction of arrow A3, the main body portion 205a and the moving portion 205c of the medium regulating member 205 attached to the rotation shaft 108a of the first motor 108 swing upward, and the moving portion 205c slides downstream. As a result, the medium contact portion 205b provided at the downstream end of the moving portion 205c moves downstream along the placement surface on the discharge table 104. In FIG. 10, the medium regulating member 205 is in contact with the placement surface of the discharge table 104 and is disposed at a third position that regulates the tip position of the medium-sized medium M3 having a size larger than the small-sized medium M1 discharged onto the discharge table 104. The third distance L3 from the discharge port 101a to the medium contact portion 205b in the state where the medium regulating member 205 is disposed at the third position is set to be larger than the first distance L1 from the discharge port 101a to the medium contact portion 205b in the state where the medium regulating member 205 is disposed at the first position. Further, the third distance L3 is set to be less than the maximum size of the medium supported by the medium discharge device 200.

[0115] As a result, the medium contact portion 205b can stop the tip of the medium-sized medium M3 when the medium-sized medium M3 is discharged onto the discharge table 104.

[0116] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the medium discharge device 200 with the medium regulating member 205 lifted.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 11, when the first motor 108 further rotates in the direction of arrow A3, the medium regulating member 205 attached to the rotation shaft 108a of the first motor 108 swings, and the medium contact portion 205b provided at the downstream end of the medium regulating member 205 is lifted upward. As a result, the medium regulating member 205 is separated from the placement surface of the discharge table 104 and is disposed at a second position that does not regulate the tip position of the medium discharged onto the discharge table 104.

[0118] Accordingly, when a large-sized medium M4 having a size larger than that of the medium-sized medium M3 is discharged to the discharge table 104, the discharge of the large-sized medium M4 is not blocked by the medium regulating member 205. Therefore, the medium discharging device 200 can suppress the large-sized medium M4 from being bent and a jam of the medium from occurring.

[0119] As described above, the moving part 205c and the medium contact part 205b provided at the downstream end of the moving part 205c are provided so as to be slidable in the medium discharge direction A1 in conjunction with the swing of the medium regulating member 205. Thereby, the medium regulating member 205 can appropriately regulate the tips of a plurality of media having different sizes.

[0120] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of part of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium discharging device 200.

[0121] The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is executed following the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. Since steps S213 to S214 and S218 to S222 in FIG. 12 are the same as the processes of steps S113 to S114 and S116 to S120 in FIG. 8, only steps S211 to S212 and S215 to S217 will be described below.

[0122] In step S211, the control unit 151 determines whether the length of the medium detected by the detection unit 152 is greater than a first threshold value (step S211). The first threshold value in this case is set to a third distance L3 from the discharge port 101a to the medium contact part 205b in a state where the medium regulating member 205 is disposed at the third position, for example.

[0123] When the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 108 to swing the medium regulating member 205 to a second position where the tip position of the medium is not regulated (step S212), and the process proceeds to step S218. On the other hand, when the length of the medium is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S213.

[0124] In step S215, the control unit 151 determines whether the length of the medium detected by the detection unit 152 is greater than a fourth threshold value (step S215). The fourth threshold value is set to a value smaller than the first threshold value. The fourth threshold value is set to, for example, a first distance L1 from the discharge port 101a to the medium contact portion 205b in a state where the medium regulating member 205 is disposed at the first position.

[0125] If the length of the medium is greater than the fourth threshold value, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 108 to swing the medium regulating member 205 to a third position that regulates the leading end position of the medium (step S216), and the process proceeds to step S218.

[0126] On the other hand, if the length of the medium is less than or equal to the fourth threshold value, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 108 to swing the medium regulating member 205 to a first position that regulates the leading end position of the medium (step S217), and the process proceeds to step S218.

[0127] Note that the control unit 151 may control the first motor 108 so as to change the arrangement position of the medium regulating member 205 among four or more arbitrary positions according to the length, width, or thickness of the medium.

[0128] Further, the moving unit 205c may be provided to be slidable in the medium discharge direction A1 using another driving device such as a solenoid instead of the first motor 108. In that case, the control unit 151 controls the driving of the solenoid in conjunction with the driving of the first motor 108 to slide the moving unit 205c in conjunction with the swinging of the medium regulating member 205. Alternatively, the moving unit 205c may be provided to be slidable by its own weight according to the inclination angle of the medium regulating member 205. Also in that case, the moving unit 205c is provided to be slidable in the medium discharge direction A1 in conjunction with the swinging of the medium regulating member 205.

[0129] As described in detail above, even when the medium discharge device 200 is provided with the medium regulating member 205 so as to be slidable, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of jamming of the discharged medium and to properly align the leading ends of the discharged media.

[0130] The medium discharge device 200 can stop the medium at an appropriate position by adjusting the position where the medium regulating member 205 abuts on the discharge table 104 according to the length of the discharged medium. In particular, the medium discharge device 200 can stop the medium at an appropriate position by arranging the leading end of the medium regulating member 205 on the downstream side as the length of the discharged medium is longer.

[0131] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 350 in a medium discharge device according to still another embodiment. The processing circuit 350 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium discharge device 100 or the medium discharge device 200, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 350 includes a control circuit 351, a detection circuit 352, and the like. Note that each of these units may be configured by an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0132] The control circuit 351 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 351 receives an operation signal from the operation device 106 or the interface device 132, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 112, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118. The control circuit 351 controls the second motor 131 based on each received piece of information, and receives a line image from the imaging device 119. The control circuit 351 outputs the received line image to the detection circuit 352, generates an input image from the line image, and outputs it to the interface device 132. Further, the control circuit 351 receives the detection results of the length, thickness, and / or width of the medium from the detection circuit 352, and controls the first motor 108 based on each received piece of information.

[0133] The detection circuit 352 is an example of a detection unit and has the same functions as the detection unit 152. The detection circuit 352 receives a movement amount signal from the movement amount sensor 111, an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor 115, and a line image from the control circuit 351. Based on each received piece of information, the detection circuit 352 detects the length, thickness, and / or width of the medium and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 351.

[0134] As described in detail above, even when using the processing circuit 350, the medium discharge device can suppress the occurrence of jams in the discharged medium and align the leading ends of the discharged media well.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0135] 100 Medium discharge device, 101 Lower housing, 101a Discharge port, 102 Upper housing, 103 Mounting table, 104 Discharge table, 105, 205 Medium regulating member, 111 Movement amount sensor, 151 Control unit, 152 Detection unit

Claims

1. A housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium; A tray provided below the discharge port and for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port; A medium regulating part with one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable; A detection part for detecting the length of the medium; A control part for swinging the medium regulating part to place it at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the length of the medium is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value; A medium discharge device, characterized by comprising the above.

2. A housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium; A tray provided below the discharge port and for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port; A medium regulating part with one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable; A detection part for detecting the width of the medium; A control part for swinging the medium regulating part to place it at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the width of the medium is greater than a second threshold value, and at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the width of the medium is equal to or less than the second threshold value; A medium discharge device, characterized by comprising the above.

3. A housing having a discharge port for discharging a medium; A tray provided below the discharge port and for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port; A medium regulating part with one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable; A detection part for detecting the thickness of the medium; A control part for swinging the medium regulating part to place it at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the thickness of the medium is greater than a third threshold value, and at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value; A medium discharge device, characterized by comprising the above.

4. The medium discharge device according to Claim 1, wherein the control part swings the medium regulating part to place it at the first position only when the width of the medium is greater than the second threshold value or the thickness of the medium is greater than the third threshold value when the length of the medium is equal to or less than the first threshold value.

5. The medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the medium regulation unit includes a moving unit that is provided so as to be slidable in the medium discharge direction in conjunction with the swinging of the medium regulation unit.

6. It further has a mounting table for mounting the medium to be conveyed, and a sensor provided on the mounting table, and the detection unit detects the length of the medium based on the output signal from the sensor. The medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A control method for a medium discharge device, discharging the medium from the discharge port of the housing, loading the medium discharged from the discharge port onto a tray provided below the discharge port, detecting the length of the medium, a medium regulation unit having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable is arranged at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the length of the medium is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and is arranged at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value, and is swung. A control method characterized by this.

8. A control method for a medium discharge device, discharging the medium from the discharge port of the housing, loading the medium discharged from the discharge port onto a tray provided below the discharge port, detecting the width of the medium, a medium regulation unit having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable is arranged at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the width of the medium is greater than a second threshold value, and is arranged at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the width of the medium is equal to or less than the second threshold value, and is swung. A control method characterized by this.

9. A control method for a medium discharge device, discharging the medium from the discharge port of the housing, loading the medium discharged from the discharge port onto a tray provided below the discharge port, detecting the thickness of the medium, a medium regulation unit having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable is arranged at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the thickness of the medium is greater than a third threshold value, and is arranged at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value, and is swung. A control method characterized by this.

10. A control program for a medium discharge device having a housing with a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, and a medium regulating part having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable, detect the length of the medium, swing the medium regulating part so as to place it at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the length of the medium is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the length of the medium is greater than the first threshold value, characterized in that the medium discharge device is made to execute this.

11. A control program for a medium discharge device having a housing with a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, and a medium regulating part having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable, detect the width of the medium, swing the medium regulating part so as to place it at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the width of the medium is greater than a second threshold value, and at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the width of the medium is equal to or less than the second threshold value, characterized in that the medium discharge device is made to execute this.

12. A control program for a medium discharge device having a housing with a discharge port for discharging a medium, a tray provided below the discharge port for loading the medium discharged from the discharge port, and a medium regulating part having one end attached to the housing and the other end provided to be swingable, detect the thickness of the medium, swing the medium regulating part so as to place it at a first position for regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the thickness of the medium is greater than a third threshold value, and at a second position for not regulating the leading end position of the medium discharged onto the tray when the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than the third threshold value, characterized in that the medium discharge device is made to execute this.

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