Media discharge device

Abstract

To provide a medium discharge device capable of favorably aligning a medium discharged to a discharge table.SOLUTION: A medium discharge device 100 includes: discharge parts 119, 120 for discharging a medium; discharge tables 104, 404 which have a slope, which are provided so as to move vertically, and on which the medium discharged from the discharge part is placed; a butted part 101b where an end part on the lower side of the slope of the medium placed on the discharge table is butted; and vibration imparting mechanisms 101c, 201c, 301c, 404h, 104e, 401j for imparting vibration to the discharge tables by being interlocked with the vertical movement of the discharge tables.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium discharging device having a discharge tray for placing discharged media.

Background Art

[0002] A medium discharging device such as a scanner images while conveying a medium and discharges it onto a discharge table. In such a medium discharging device, when a plurality of media discharged onto the discharge table are scattered, the user needs to align the scattered media.

[0003] A paper stacking device that receives paper recorded by an image forming apparatus and stacks it on a paper discharge tray is disclosed (Patent Document 1). This paper stacking device includes a lifting means for lifting the paper discharge surface of the paper discharge tray to a predetermined position, a first end fence that abuts against the rear end of the paper and serves as a reference for aligning the rear ends of the papers, and a moving means for moving the paper discharge tray in a direction orthogonal to the paper discharge direction.

[0004] A paper discharging device is disclosed (Patent Document 2) that sequentially discharges and stacks papers on a paper discharge tray inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction with the front end on the paper discharge direction side as the leading end by a paper discharge roller, and allows the rear end side of the discharged paper to fall by its own weight along the inclined paper discharge tray. This paper discharging device applies a vibration wave in the front-rear direction of the paper generated by vibration generating means attached to the paper rear end abutting fence to the paper rear end abutting fence when abutting the rear end of the paper against the paper rear end abutting fence to align the rear ends of the stacked papers.

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 media discharging device, it is desired to align the media discharged onto the discharge table better.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a media discharging device capable of better aligning the media discharged onto the discharge table.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] A media discharging device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a discharging unit that discharges media, a discharge table that has an inclination, is provided so as to be movable up and down, and on which the media discharged by the discharging unit is placed, a butting portion against which the lower end portion on the inclined side of the media placed on the discharge table abuts, and a vibration applying mechanism that applies vibration in the media discharge direction to the discharge table in conjunction with the up and down movement of the discharge table. The vibration applying mechanism includes a rack having a plurality of teeth arranged vertically, and a contact portion that contacts the rack and applies vibration to the discharge table. 。

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the media discharging device can better align the media discharged onto the discharge table.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a media discharge device according to one 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.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a media discharge device 100 configured as an image scanner. The media discharge device 100 conveys, images, and discharges a medium that is a document. The medium is paper, cardboard, card, or the like. The media discharge device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. Note that the conveyed medium may not be a document but a printing object or the like, and the media discharge device 100 may be a printer or the like.

[0013] The media discharge device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0014] The first housing 101 is disposed above the media discharge device 100 and is engaged with the second housing 102 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when the medium is jammed or when cleaning inside the media discharge device 100.

[0015] The placement table 103 is engaged with the second housing 102 so as to be able to place the medium to be conveyed. The placement table 103 is provided on the side surface of the second housing 102 on the medium supply side so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction (height direction) A1 by a motor (not shown). The discharge table 104 is formed on the first housing 101 so as to be able to hold the medium discharged from the discharge port 107, and is a tray for stacking the discharged medium. The discharge table 104 has a placement surface 104a for placing the discharged medium.

[0016] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit for acquiring a signal from the input device, receives an input operation by the user, and outputs an operation signal according to the input operation of the user. The display device 106 has a display including liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc. and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the arrow A2 indicates the medium conveyance direction, the arrow A3 indicates the medium discharge direction, and the arrow A4 indicates the width direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction. Hereinafter, the upstream means the upstream in the medium conveyance direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3, and the downstream means the downstream in the medium conveyance direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the conveyance path inside the medium discharge device 100.

[0019] The conveyance path inside the medium discharge device 100 includes a first medium sensor 111, a pick roller 112, a feed roller 113, a brake roller 114, first to seventh conveyance rollers 115a to 115g, first to seventh driven rollers 116a to 116g, a second medium sensor 117, an imaging device 118, a discharge roller 119, an opposing roller 120, a height sensor 121, and the like.

[0020] Note that the number of each of the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the brake roller 114, the first to seventh conveying rollers 115a - g, the first to seventh driven rollers 116a - g, the discharge roller 119 and / or the opposing roller 120 is not limited to one, and a plurality may be used. In that case, the plurality of pick rollers 112, feed rollers 113, brake rollers 114, first to seventh conveying rollers 115a - g, first to seventh driven rollers 116a - g, discharge rollers 119 and / or opposing rollers 120 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A4.

[0021] The surface of the first housing 101 facing the second housing 102 forms the first guide 101a of the medium conveyance path, and the surface of the second housing 102 facing the first housing 101 forms the second guide 102a of the medium conveyance path.

[0022] The first medium sensor 111 is disposed on the mounting table 103, that is, upstream of the feed roller 113 and the brake roller 114, and detects the mounting state of the medium on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 111 determines whether a medium is mounted on the mounting table 103 by a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes between the state where the medium is mounted on the mounting table 103 and the state where it is not mounted. Note that the first medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 111.

[0023] The pick roller 112 is provided on the first housing 101, contacts the medium mounted on the mounting table 103 raised to substantially the same height as the medium conveyance path, and feeds the medium toward the downstream side.

[0024] The feeding roller 113 is provided inside the first housing 101, downstream of the pick-up roller 112, and is placed on the mounting table 103 to feed the medium fed by the pick-up roller 112 further downstream. The brake roller 114 is disposed inside the second housing 102, facing the feeding roller 113. The feeding roller 113 and the brake roller 114 perform a separating operation on the medium, separating the medium and feeding it one by one. The feeding roller 113 is disposed above the brake roller 114, and the medium discharging device 100 feeds the medium by a so-called pick-up method.

[0025] The first to seventh conveying rollers 115a - g and the first to seventh driven rollers 116a - g are provided downstream of the feeding roller 113 and the brake roller 114, and convey the medium fed by the feeding roller 113 and the brake roller 114 downstream.

[0026] The second medium sensor 117 is disposed downstream of the feeding roller 113 and the brake roller 114 and upstream of the imaging device 118, and detects the medium conveyed to that position. The second medium sensor 117 may be disposed at any position within the conveying path as long as it is downstream of the feeding roller 113 and the brake roller 114. The second medium sensor 117 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side (the first housing 101) with respect to the medium conveying path, and a reflecting member such as a mirror provided at a position (the second housing 102) facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium conveying path. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and irradiates light toward the medium conveying path. On the other hand, the light receiver receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and reflected by the reflecting member. When a medium exists at a position facing the second medium sensor 117, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, so the light receiver does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter. The light receiver generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes between a state where a medium exists and a state where no medium exists at the position of the second medium sensor 117 based on the intensity of the received light.

[0027] Note that a light guide tube may be used instead of the reflection member. Also, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided to face each other with the medium conveyance path therebetween. Further, the second medium sensor 117 may detect the presence of the medium by a contact detection sensor or the like that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact.

[0028] The imaging device 118 includes a first imaging device 118a and a second imaging device 118b that are arranged to face each other with the medium conveyance path therebetween. The first imaging device 118a has a line sensor of a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of an equal magnification optical system type having an imaging element made of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 118a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging device 118a images the surface of the conveyed medium to generate and output an input image.

[0029] Similarly, the second imaging device 118b has a line sensor of a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type having an imaging element made of CMOS linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 118b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs A / D conversion. The second imaging device 118b images the back surface of the conveyed medium to generate and output an input image.

[0030] The medium discharge device 100 may arrange only one of the first imaging device 118a and the second imaging device 118b to read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of the line sensor of a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type including an imaging element made of CMOS, a line sensor of a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type including an imaging element made of CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used. Further, a line sensor of a reduced optical system type including an imaging element made of CMOS or CCD may be used.

[0031] The discharge roller 119 and the opposing roller 120 are an example of a discharge unit. The discharge roller 119 is provided inside the first housing 101, downstream of the first to seventh conveying rollers 115a - g. The opposing roller 120 is disposed inside the second housing 102, facing the discharge roller 119. The discharge roller 119 and the opposing roller 120 discharge the medium fed by the feed roller 113 and conveyed by the first to seventh conveying rollers 115a - g and the first to seventh driven rollers 116a - g onto the discharge table 104. The discharge roller 119 rotates according to the driving force from the motor, and the opposing roller 120 rotates passively according to the rotation of the discharge roller 119.

[0032] The height sensor 121 is disposed on the discharge table 104 and detects the height of the medium placed on the discharge table 104. The height sensor 121 includes a light emitter and a light receiver that are arranged to face each other at a predetermined height in the height direction A1 and at both ends of the discharge table 104 in the width direction A4. The light emitter is, for example, an LED and irradiates light (infrared light) toward the light receiver. On the other hand, the light receiver receives the light irradiated by the light emitter. When a medium exists at a position facing the height sensor 121, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, so the light receiver does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter. The light receiver generates and outputs a height signal whose signal value changes between a state where a medium exists and a state where no medium exists at the position of the height sensor 121 based on the intensity of the received light.

[0033] Note that as the height sensor 121, a contact detection sensor that is disposed at a predetermined height in the height direction A1 and allows a predetermined current to flow when the medium is in contact or not in contact may be used. In that case, the height sensor 121 generates an electrical signal indicating whether the medium is in contact with the contact detection sensor as the height signal.

[0034] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is conveyed between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the medium conveyance direction A2 by the pick roller 112 and the feed roller 113 rotating in the medium feed directions A5 and A6 respectively. On the other hand, when a plurality of media are placed on the placement table 103 by the brake roller 114 rotating in the direction A7 opposite to the medium feed direction, only the medium in contact with the feed roller 113 among the media placed on the placement table 103 is separated.

[0035] The medium is fed into the imaging position of the imaging device 118 and imaged by the imaging device 118 while being guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a and by the first to second conveyance rollers 115a - b rotating in the directions of arrows A8 - A9. Further, the medium is discharged onto the discharge table 104 from the discharge port 107 by the third to seventh conveyance rollers 115c - g and the discharge roller 119 rotating in the directions of arrows A10 - A15 respectively. The discharge table 104 places the medium discharged by the discharge roller 119 and the opposing roller 120.

[0036] FIGS. 3(A), (B) and FIG. 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the discharge table 104. FIGS. 3(A), (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the discharge table 104 viewed from the side. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the discharge table 104 viewed from above with the discharge table 104 removed from the medium discharge device 100. FIG. 3(A) shows the discharge table 104 arranged at the highest position, and FIG. 3(B) shows the discharge table 104 arranged at the lowest position.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3(A), (B) and FIG. 4, the medium discharge device 100 has a moving mechanism 122. The moving mechanism 122 moves the discharge table 104 up and down in parallel. The moving mechanism 122 has a first motor 122a, a plurality of first pinions 122b and a plurality of first racks 122c, etc. Each first pinion 122b and each first rack 122c are arranged at both ends of the discharge table 104 in the width direction A4.

[0038] The first motor 122a rotates in the forward direction B1 and the reverse direction B2 according to the control from the processing circuit described later, and generates a driving force for vertically moving the discharge table 104 in parallel. Each first pinion 122b arranged at both ends of the discharge table 104 is attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor 122a, and each first pinion 122b meshes with a corresponding first rack 122c. Each first rack 122c is provided so as to be movable up and down along a guide such as a rail (not shown) formed along the height direction A1. The discharge table 104 is attached to the upper end of each first rack 122c, and the discharge table 104 is provided so as to be movable up and down, that is, along the height direction A1, following the rotation of the first pinion 122b.

[0039] The mounting surface 104a of the discharge table 104 has an inclination such that the upstream end is disposed downward and the downstream end is disposed upward. The discharge table 104 further includes a first shaft member 104b, a spring 104c, a second shaft member 104d, and one or a plurality of second pinions 104e, etc.

[0040] The first shaft member 104b is a shaft or the like and is provided at the upper end of the first rack 122c. The discharge table 104 is rotatably (oscillatably) attached to the first shaft member 104b, and the first shaft member 104b functions as a rotation (oscillation) axis of the discharge table 104. The spring 104c is a torsion coil spring, is attached to the first shaft member 104b, and applies a force to the discharge table 104 in the direction (direction of arrow B3) in which the mounting surface 104a becomes horizontal. That is, the spring 104c applies a downward force to the downstream end of the discharge table 104 and an upstream force to the upstream and lower end of the discharge table 104. Note that the spring 104c may be omitted, and a downward force may be applied to the downstream end of the discharge table 104 and an upstream force may be applied to the upstream and lower end of the discharge table 104 due to the own weight of the discharge table 104.

[0041] The second shaft member 104d is a shaft or the like, and is provided at the upstream side and the lower end portion 104f of the discharge table 104. Two second pinions 104e are rotatably attached to both ends of the second shaft member 104d in the width direction A4, and the second shaft member 104d functions as the rotation axis of the second pinion 104e. The second pinion 104e is disposed at a position facing the downstream end portion of the first housing 101 in the medium discharge direction A3.

[0042] The first housing 101 further has an abutting portion 101b, one or a plurality of second racks 101c, etc. The abutting portion 101b is a wall provided at the downstream end portion of the first housing 101 in the medium discharge direction A3. The abutting portion 101b is provided such that the lower end portion (upstream side) of the inclination of the mounting surface 104a of the medium mounted on the mounting surface 104a of the discharge table 104 abuts thereon. Note that the abutting portion 101b may be provided on the discharge table 104 instead of being a wall of the first housing 101.

[0043] The second rack 101c is an example of a rack, and is fixedly disposed at the end portion of the downstream wall of the first housing 101 in the medium discharge direction A3 so as to face each second pinion 104e. The second rack 101c has a plurality of teeth arranged vertically, that is, along the height direction A1. The plurality of teeth of the second rack 101c have a triangular wave shape and are arranged such that adjacent teeth contact each other. The above-described second pinion 104e is an example of a contact portion, abuts on the second rack 101c, and meshes with the second rack 101c. The second pinion 104e has a one-way clutch 104g and is a gear provided so as to be rotatable only in one direction. The one-way clutch 104g allows the rotation of the second pinion 104e in the direction of arrow B4, and allows the rotation of the second pinion 104e by the second rack 101c when the second pinion 104e moves downward along the second rack 101c. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 104g prevents the rotation of the second pinion 104e in the direction opposite to the arrow B4 of the second pinion 104e, and prevents the rotation of the second pinion 104e by the second rack 101c when the second pinion 104e moves upward along the second rack 101c.

[0044] The operation of the discharge table 104 will be described below.

[0045] When no medium is placed on the discharge table 104, like before the start of medium conveyance, the discharge table 104 is arranged at the initial position (the highest position) shown in Fig. 3(A). As shown in Fig. 3(B), when a medium is conveyed in the medium discharge device 100, the conveyed medium is discharged onto the discharge table 104. The medium discharged onto the discharge table 104 slides down upstream by its own weight due to the inclination of the discharge table 104 and abuts against the abutting portion 101b. However, due to the frictional force between the newly discharged medium and the discharged medium or the placement surface 104a, the newly discharged medium may not slide down to the position where it abuts against the abutting portion 101b. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3(B), the rear ends of the respective media loaded on the discharge table 104 may not be aligned.

[0046] When a predetermined number of media are loaded on the discharge table 104, the first motor 122a rotates in the forward direction B1 according to the control from the processing circuit. When the first motor 122a rotates in the forward direction B1, the first pinion 122b rotates in the forward direction B1, and the first rack 122c moves downward. Along with the movement of the first rack 122c, the discharge table 104 moves horizontally downward. Thereby, the medium placed at the uppermost position on the discharge table 104 is arranged at a position sufficiently lower than the discharge port 107. Therefore, the medium discharge device 100 can secure a space between the medium already loaded on the discharge table 104 and the medium to be discharged, and can suppress the occurrence of buckling of the medium on the discharge table 104.

[0047] The second pinion 104e moves downward together with the discharge table 104 while being pressed by the spring 104c so as to mesh with the second rack 101c. The one-way clutch 104g allows the rotation of the second pinion 104e when the second pinion 104e moves downward, so the second pinion 104e rotates while meshing with the second rack 101c. Thereby, the discharge table 104 moves horizontally smoothly without vibrating. Therefore, when the medium discharge device 100 continuously conveys and images a plurality of media, it is possible to suppress the entire device from vibrating due to the vibration of the discharge table 104 during the conveyance of the media and the occurrence of blurring in the input image.

[0048] Figs. 5(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation when the discharge table 104 moves horizontally upward. Figs. 5(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the discharge table 104 viewed from the side.

[0049] In the medium discharge device 100, when all the media placed together on the mounting table 103 are conveyed and discharged, the first motor 122a rotates in the reverse direction B2 according to the control from the processing circuit. When the first motor 122a rotates in the reverse direction B2, the first pinion 122b rotates in the reverse direction B2, and the first rack 122c moves upward. Along with the movement of the first rack 122c, the discharge table 104 moves horizontally upward. Thereby, the discharge table 104 returns to the initial position, and the user can easily take out the media discharged onto the discharge table 104. Therefore, the medium discharge device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0050] The second pinion 104e moves upward together with the discharge table 104 while being pressed by the spring 104c to mesh with the second rack 101c. However, the rotation of the second pinion 104e is blocked by the action of the one-way clutch 104g. As shown in FIG. 5(A), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e abuts against the apex of the tooth of the second rack 101c, the second pinion 104e pushes back the force from the spring 104c and moves downstream. As a result, the discharge table 104 swings about the first shaft member 104b in the direction in which the inclination of the mounting surface 104a increases (the direction opposite to the arrow B3). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e exceeds the apex of the tooth of the second rack 101c, the second pinion 104e moves upstream again by the force from the spring 104c. As a result, the discharge table 104 swings about the first shaft member 104b in the direction in which the inclination of the mounting surface 104a decreases (the direction of the arrow B3).

[0051] That is, the second pinion 104e imparts vibration to the discharge table 104 in conjunction with the vertical movement of the discharge table 104. The second pinion 104e and the second rack 101c are an example of a vibration imparting mechanism. Each medium loaded on the discharge table 104 slides upstream and abuts against the abutting portion 101b due to the vibration caused by the second pinion 104e and the second rack 101c as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), even when the rear ends are not aligned as shown in FIG. 3(B). Therefore, the medium discharge device 100 can satisfactorily align the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge table 104.

[0052] In particular, the medium discharge device 100 imparts vibration to the discharge table 104 by using the second rack 101c having a plurality of teeth arranged vertically. Thereby, the medium discharge device 100 can impart vibration to the discharge table 104 without using an expensive device such as a vibration generating device, and can satisfactorily align the media loaded on the discharge table 104 while suppressing an increase in the device cost.

[0053] In addition, the plurality of teeth of the second rack 101c have a triangular wave shape and are arranged such that adjacent teeth are in contact with each other. Thereby, the apex of the teeth of the second pinion 104e always moves along the inclined surface of the teeth of the second rack 101c, and it becomes possible to continuously impart vibration to the discharge table 104 at an appropriate speed.

[0054] Further, the second pinion 104e is provided so as to impart vibration to the discharge table 104 without rotating when the discharge table 104 moves upward, and to rotate and not impart vibration to the discharge table 104 when the discharge table 104 moves downward. Thereby, during media conveyance, the media discharging device 100 can prevent the generation of vibration of the device and image the media well, and after media conveyance, can impart vibration to the discharge table 104 well and align the media loaded on the discharge table 104 well.

[0055] Note that the positional relationship between the second pinion 104e and the second rack 101c is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the second pinion 104e may be arranged on the first housing 101 and the second rack 101c may be arranged on the discharge table 104.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the media discharging device 100.

[0057] In addition to the above-described configuration, the media discharging device 100 further includes a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0058] The second motor 131 includes one or a plurality of motors and rotates the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the brake roller 114, the first to seventh conveyance rollers 115a to g, and the discharge roller 119 according to a control signal from the processing circuit 150 to convey and discharge the media. Note that the first to seventh driven rollers 116a to g or the opposing roller 120 may be provided to rotate by a driving force from a motor instead of rotating passively according to the rotation of each conveyance roller.

[0059] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) not shown in the figure to transmit and receive the read image and various types of information. Further, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals 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).

[0060] The storage device 140 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk and an optical disk. Further, the storage device 140 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the medium discharge device 100. The computer program may be installed in the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. 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.

[0061] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance. The processing circuit 150 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 150, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used.

[0062] The processing circuit 150 is connected to an operating device 105, a display device 106, a first medium sensor 111, a second medium sensor 117, an imaging device 118, a height sensor 121, a first motor 122a, a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, etc., and controls these respective parts. The processing circuit 150 controls the second motor 131 to convey a medium, controls the imaging device 118 to acquire an input image, and transmits the acquired input image to an information processing device via the interface device 132. Further, the processing circuit 150 receives a height signal from the height sensor 121, and drives the first motor 122a based on the height signal to control the moving mechanism 122.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, various programs such as a control program 141 and a detection program 142 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 functions as a control unit 151 and a detection unit 152 by operating according to each read program.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process.

[0066] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium discharging device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. Note that the operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium discharging device 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance. Before this flowchart is executed, the discharge table 104 is arranged at the initial position.

[0067] First, the control unit 151 waits until an instruction to read a medium is input by the user using the operation device 105 or the information processing device, and a control signal instructing the reading of the medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0068] Next, the control unit 151 acquires a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, 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.

[0069] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 drives a motor for moving the mounting table 103, and moves the mounting table 103 to a position where the medium and the pick roller 112 are in contact. The control unit 151 drives the second motor 131 to rotate the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the brake roller 114, the first to seventh transport rollers 115a - g, and the discharge roller 119, and feeds and transports the medium placed on the mounting table 103 (step S103).

[0070] Next, the control unit 151 waits until the rear end of the medium passes through the imaging position of the imaging device 118 (step S104). The control unit 151 periodically receives a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 117. 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 is determined that the rear end of the medium has passed through the position of the second medium sensor 117. The control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed through the imaging position when a first predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the rear end of the medium has passed through the position of the second medium sensor 117. The first predetermined time is set to a value obtained by adding a margin to the time required for the medium to move from the second medium sensor 117 to the imaging position. Note that the control unit 151 may determine that the rear end of the medium has passed through the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.

[0071] Next, the control unit 151 acquires an input image from the imaging device 118, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S105).

[0072] 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 111 (step S106). If there is a medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S106.

[0073] On the other hand, if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 stops the second motor 131 and stops the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the brake roller 114, the first to seventh transport rollers 115a to 115g, and the discharge roller 119 (step S107).

[0074] Next, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 122a and controls the moving mechanism 122 to move the discharge table 104 upward (step S108), and ends a series of steps. The discharge table 104 moves downward by a discharge table control process described later during the execution of the medium reading process. If the discharge table 104 has not moved from the initial position, the control unit 151 may move the discharge table 104 downward once and then upward. The control unit 151 moves the discharge table 104 upward by a preset amount. Thereby, the control unit 151 can align the rear ends of the media stacked on the discharge table 104.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the discharge table control process.

[0076] Next, an example of the operation of the discharge table control process of the medium discharge device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. 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. Note that the discharge table control process is executed in parallel with the medium reading process during the execution of the medium reading process.

[0077] First, the detection unit 152 receives a height signal from the height sensor 121 (step S201).

[0078] Next, the detection unit 152 determines whether the height of the medium loaded on the discharge table 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined height based on the received height signal (step S202). When the signal value of the height signal indicates that there is a medium at the position of the height sensor 121, the detection unit 152 determines that the height of the medium is equal to or greater than the predetermined height, and when the signal value indicates that there is no medium at the position of the height sensor 121, the detection unit 152 determines that the height of the medium is less than the predetermined height. If the height of the medium is less than the predetermined height, the detection unit 152 returns the process to step S201 without executing any particular process.

[0079] On the other hand, when the height of the medium is equal to or greater than the predetermined height, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 122a and controls the moving mechanism 122 to move the discharge table 104 downward (step S203), and returns the process to step S201. The control unit 151 moves the discharge table 104 downward by a preset amount.

[0080] As described in detail above, the medium discharge device 100 is provided with a vibration applying mechanism that applies vibration to the discharge table 104 in conjunction with the vertical movement of the discharge table 104, and when moving the discharge table 104 upward, vibration is applied to the discharge table 104 to align the placed media. As a result, the medium discharge device 100 can align the media discharged onto the discharge table 104 better. The user no longer needs to align the media discharged onto the discharge table 104, and the medium discharge device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0081] Figs. 10(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining another second rack 201c. Figs. 10(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the second rack 201c as viewed from the side.

[0082] The second rack 201c shown in Figs. 10(A) and (B) is used in place of the second rack 101c. The second rack 201c has a plurality of teeth arranged vertically in the same manner as the second rack 101c. The plurality of teeth of the second rack 201c have a sawtooth shape and are arranged such that adjacent teeth are spaced apart. When the discharge table 104 moves downward, the second pinion 104e is pressed by the spring 104c and rotates while meshing with the second rack 201c. On the other hand, when the discharge table 104 moves upward, the rotation of the second pinion 104e is blocked.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 10(A), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e abuts against the apex of the tooth of the second rack 201c, the second pinion 104e pushes back the force by the spring 104c and moves downstream. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 10(B), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e exceeds the apex of the tooth of the second rack 201c, the second pinion 104e moves upstream again due to the force by the spring 104c. The upper surfaces of the teeth of the second rack 201c do not have an inclination and adjacent teeth are spaced apart. Therefore, when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e exceeds the apex of the tooth of the second rack 201c, the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e moves in a direction orthogonal to the bottom of the second rack 201c and collides with the bottom. Therefore, the second pinion 104e can increase the rate of change of the vibration applied to the discharge table 104 (the amount of movement in a certain period), and it becomes possible to more reliably align the media loaded on the discharge table 104.

[0084] Note that the plurality of teeth of the second rack 201c may have a rectangular wave shape and may be arranged such that adjacent teeth are spaced apart. In that case, since the lower surface of the teeth of the second rack 201c also has no inclination, even when the apex of the teeth of the second pinion 104e exceeds the apex of the teeth of the second rack 201c, the apex of the teeth of the second pinion 104e moves in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the second rack 201c. Therefore, the second pinion 104e can increase the rate of change of the vibration applied to the discharge table 104, and can more reliably align the media loaded on the discharge table 104.

[0085] As described in detail above, the medium discharge device can better align the media discharged onto the discharge table 104 even when the second rack 201c has a sawtooth wave shape or a rectangular wave shape.

[0086] FIGS. 11(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining yet another second rack 301c. FIGS. 11(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the second rack 301c viewed from the side.

[0087] The second rack 301c shown in FIGS. 11(A) and (B) is used in place of the second rack 101c. The second rack 301c has a plurality of teeth arranged vertically, similar to the second rack 101c. The plurality of teeth of the second rack 301c have a sine wave shape. When the discharge table 104 moves downward, the second pinion 104e is pressed by the spring 104c and rotates while meshing with the second rack 301c. On the other hand, when the discharge table 104 moves upward, the rotation of the second pinion 104e is blocked.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 11(A), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e contacts the apex of the tooth of the second rack 301c, the second pinion 104e pushes back against the force of the spring 104c and moves downstream. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(B), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e passes beyond the apex of the tooth of the second rack 301c, the second pinion 104e moves upstream again due to the force of the spring 104c. Since the teeth of the second rack 301c have a gentle curved surface, the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e moves gently along the teeth of the second rack 301c. Therefore, the second pinion 104e can reduce the rate of change of the vibration applied to the discharge table 104, vibrate the discharge table 104 gently, and reduce the vibration noise of the discharge table 104.

[0089] As described in detail above, the medium discharge device can align the medium discharged onto the discharge table 104 better even when the second rack 301c has a sine wave shape.

[0090] FIGS. 12(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining another moving mechanism 422, a discharge table 404, and a first housing 401. FIGS. 12(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the discharge table 404 viewed from the side.

[0091] The moving mechanism 422, the discharge table 404, and the first housing 401 shown in FIGS. 12(A) and (B) have the same configurations as the moving mechanism 122, the discharge table 104, and the first housing 101, respectively. However, in addition to each part that the moving mechanism 122 has, the moving mechanism 422 has a pulley 422d. The pulley 422d is attached to the rotation shaft of the first motor 122a together with the first pinion 122b. The discharge table 404 does not have the second shaft member 104d and the second pinion 104e, but instead has a second rack 404h. The second rack 404h is an example of a rack, has the same structure as the second racks 101c, 201c, or 301c, and is fixedly arranged at the upstream side and lower end portion 404f of the discharge table 404.

[0092] Further, the first housing 401 does not have the second rack 101c. Instead, it has a contact unit 401d. The contact unit 401d has a belt 401e, a pulley 401f, a third pinion 401g, a third rack 401h, two stoppers 401i, and a protrusion 401j.

[0093] The belt 401e is stretched between the pulley 422d of the moving mechanism 422 and the pulley 401f. The third pinion 401g is provided on the same rotation axis as the pulley 401f so as to rotate integrally with the pulley 401f, and meshes with the third rack 401h. The third pinion 401g has a torque limiter provided so as to idle when the third rack 401h is in contact with the stopper 401i. The third rack 401h has a plurality of teeth arranged downward and in the medium discharge direction A3, and meshes with the third pinion 401g. The third rack 401h is movably provided in the medium discharge direction A3 between the two stoppers 401i along a guide such as a rail (not shown) formed along the medium discharge direction A3. The two stoppers 401i are locking portions for locking the third rack 401h, and are arranged at intervals in the medium discharge direction A3. The protrusion 401j is arranged at the downstream end of the third rack 401h so as to face the second rack 404h arranged on the discharge table 404. The protrusion 401j is an example of a contact portion, and contacts the second rack 404h when the third rack 401h is arranged at the most downstream side.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 12(A), when a predetermined number of media are loaded on the discharge table 404, the first motor 122a and the first pinion 122b rotate in the direction of arrow B1, and the first rack 122c and the discharge table 404 move downward. Also, when the first pinion 122b rotates in the positive direction B1, the pulley 422d, the belt 401e, and the pulley 401f rotate in the positive direction B1, the third rack 401h moves horizontally toward the upstream side, and the protrusion 401j separates from the second rack 404h. As a result, the discharge table 104 moves smoothly horizontally without vibrating, and when the media discharging device 100 continuously conveys and images a plurality of media, it is possible to suppress the entire device from vibrating due to the vibration of the discharge table 104 during media conveyance and the occurrence of blurring in the input image.

[0095] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 12(B), when the conveyance of the media is completed, the first motor 122a and the first pinion 122b rotate in the reverse direction B2, and the first rack 122c and the discharge table 404 move upward. Also, when the first pinion 122b rotates in the reverse direction B2, the pulley 422d, the belt 401e, and the pulley 401f rotate in the reverse direction B2, the third rack 401h moves horizontally toward the downstream side, and the protrusion 401j abuts against the second rack 404h. As a result, the protrusion 401j imparts vibration to the discharge table 104 via the second rack 404h in conjunction with the vertical movement of the discharge table 104.

[0096] That is, the protrusion 401j is provided so as to abut against the second rack 404h and impart vibration to the discharge table 404 when the discharge table 404 moves upward, and separate from the second rack 404h and not impart vibration to the discharge table 404 when the discharge table 404 moves downward. The protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h are an example of a vibration imparting mechanism. Each medium loaded on the discharge table 404 slides down upstream and abuts against the abutting portion 101b due to the vibration caused by the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h even when the rear ends are not aligned. Therefore, the media discharging device 100 can satisfactorily align the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge table 404.

[0097] Note that the positional relationship between the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h is not limited to the above example. For example, the protrusion 401j may be arranged on the discharge table 404, and the second rack 404h may be arranged on the first housing 401. Further, as the protrusion 401j, a gear or the like fixed so as not to rotate may be used.

[0098] As described in detail above, when the protrusion 401j is used as the contact portion, the medium discharge device can better align the media discharged onto the discharge table 404.

[0099] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 of a medium discharge device according to another embodiment.

[0100] The processing circuit 550 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium discharge device 100, and executes medium reading processing, discharge table control processing, etc. in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 550 includes a control circuit 551, a detection circuit 552, and the like. Note that each of these units may be configured by an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0101] The control circuit 551 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 551 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 117, and a detection result of the height of the medium from the detection circuit 552. Based on the received information, the control circuit 551 controls the first motor 122a and the second motor 131. Further, the control circuit 551 acquires an input image from the imaging device 118 and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0102] The detection circuit 552 is an example of a detection unit and has the same functions as the detection unit 152. The detection circuit 552 receives a height signal from the height sensor 121, detects the height of the medium based on the received height signal, and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 551.

[0103] As described in detail above, even when the medium discharging device executes the medium reading process and the discharge table control process by the processing circuit 550, it has become possible to better align the media discharged onto the discharge table.

[0104] In each of the above-described embodiments, in order not to apply vibration to the discharge table when the discharge table moves downward, a gear provided to be rotatable only in one direction is used as the second pinion 104e, or the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h are provided to be separable. However, a fixing member may be used as the second pinion 104e, or the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h may be provided to be in constant contact, and vibration may be applied to the discharge table even when the discharge table is moved downward.

[0105] Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, the placement surface of the discharge table has an inclination such that the upstream end is disposed downward and the downstream end is disposed upward. However, the placement surface of the discharge table may have an inclination such that the downstream end is disposed downward and the upstream end is disposed upward. In that case, the abutting portion is disposed so that the end portion on the lower side (downstream side) of the inclination of the medium placed on the discharge table is abutted.

[0106] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the discharge table was provided so as to be swingable about the first shaft member 104b. However, the discharge table may be provided so as to be horizontally movable along the medium discharge direction A3. In that case, a guide portion such as a rail extending along the medium discharge direction A3 is provided on one of the discharge table and the first rack, and an engaging portion that engages with the guide portion is provided on the other of the discharge table and the first rack. Further, instead of the spring 104c, a spring such as a compression coil spring that applies a force toward the upstream side in the medium discharge direction A3 is provided on the discharge table. Thereby, when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e abuts against the apex of the tooth of the second rack 101c as shown in FIG. 5(A), the second pinion 104e pushes back the force by the spring and moves to the downstream side, and the discharge table 104 horizontally moves to the downstream side along the guide portion. On the other hand, when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e exceeds the apex of the tooth of the second rack 101c as shown in FIG. 5(B), the second pinion 104e moves back to the upstream side again by the force of the spring 104c, and the discharge table 104 horizontally moves to the upstream side along the guide portion.

Explanation of Signs

[0107] 100 Medium discharge device, 104, 404 Discharge table, 119 Discharge roller, 120 Opposing roller, 101b Abutting portion, 101c, 201c, 301c, 404h, Second rack, 104e Second pinion, 401j Protrusion

Claims

1. A discharge unit for discharging a medium; A discharge table having an inclination, provided so as to be movable up and down, and on which the medium discharged by the discharge unit is placed; A butting portion against which the lower end portion of the medium placed on the discharge table abuts on the lower side of the inclination; A vibration applying mechanism that imparts vibration in the medium discharge direction to the discharge table in conjunction with the up and down movement of the discharge table, and has: The vibration applying mechanism includes a rack having a plurality of teeth arranged vertically, and a contact portion that contacts the rack and imparts vibration to the discharge table. A medium discharge device characterized by the above.

2. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth have a sawtooth wave shape or a rectangular wave shape, and are arranged so that adjacent teeth are spaced apart from each other.

3. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth have a triangular wave shape, and are arranged so that adjacent teeth are in contact with each other.

4. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth have a sine wave shape.

5. The medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact portion is a gear provided so as to be rotatable only in one direction.

6. The medium discharge device according to claim 5, wherein the gear is provided so as not to rotate but to impart vibration to the discharge table when the discharge table moves upward, and to rotate and not impart vibration to the discharge table when the discharge table moves downward.

7. The medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact portion is provided so as to contact the rack and impart vibration to the discharge table when the discharge table moves upward, and to be separated from the rack and not impart vibration to the discharge table when the discharge table moves downward.

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