Media discharge device

Abstract

To provide a medium discharge device capable of appropriately changing an arrangement position of a tray on which a discharged medium is placed.SOLUTION: A medium discharge device includes: a discharge roller; a discharge tray having a first placement surface and on which a medium discharged by the discharge roller is placed; and an extension tray that is rotatably attached to a downstream side end part of the discharge tray in a medium discharge direction and has a second placement surface, and on which the discharge medium is placed. A first contact part and a second contact part are provided at the downstream side end part of the discharge tray, and a first contacted part and a second contacted part are provided at a discharge tray side end part of the extension tray. Contact between the first contact part and the first contacted part causes the second placement surface to be arranged at a first angle with respect to the first placement surface, and contact between the first contact part and the second contacted part causes the second placement surface to be arranged at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the first placement surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A medium discharge device such as a scanner images and discharges the medium while conveying it. Such a medium discharge device is used in various environments, and the optimal arrangement position of the tray for placing the discharged medium varies depending on the environment in which the medium discharge device is used.

[0003] A paper discharge tray that rotates with respect to the recording device main body is disclosed (see Patent Document 1). The slide-type auxiliary tray housed in the paper discharge tray main body is exposed from the upper surface of the paper discharge tray main body and abuts against a convex shape provided on the recording device main body. In the state where the auxiliary tray is pulled out, the rib shape provided in the paper discharge tray main body abuts against the convex shape. As a result, the angle of the entire paper discharge tray changes according to the storage and pulling out of the auxiliary tray.

[0004] A sheet stacking device having a sheet placement member whose upstream portion in the sheet conveyance direction is displaceable in the vertical direction and a biasing means for biasing the sheet placement member upward is disclosed (see Patent Document 2). This sheet stacking device sets the angle of the sheet placement member in the sheet conveyance direction with respect to the sheet introduction portion to a first angle and a second angle.

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 media discharge devices, it is desirable that the position of the tray on which the discharged media is placed can be appropriately changed.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a media discharge device that can appropriately change the position of the tray on which the discharged media is placed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A media discharge device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a discharge roller for discharging media, a discharge tray having a first mounting surface and on which the media discharged by the discharge roller is placed, and an extension tray rotatably attached to the downstream end of the discharge tray in the media discharge direction and having a second mounting surface and on which the media discharged by the discharge roller is placed, wherein a contact portion is provided at the downstream end of the discharge tray, and a first and second contact portion adjacent to each other are provided at the discharge tray side end of the extension tray, and the first contact portion contacts the contact portion so that the second mounting surface forms a first angle with respect to the first mounting surface, and the second contact portion contacts the contact portion so that the second mounting surface forms a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the first mounting surface The extension tray is provided so as to be sizable on the discharge tray such that the second mounting surface faces the first mounting surface. . A media discharge device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a discharge roller for discharging media, a discharge tray having a first mounting surface and on which the media discharged by the discharge roller is placed, and an extension tray rotatably attached to the downstream end of the discharge tray in the media discharge direction and having a second mounting surface and on which the media discharged by the discharge roller is placed, wherein a contact portion is provided at the downstream end of the discharge tray, and a first and second contact portion adjacent to each other are provided at the discharge tray side end of the extension tray, and the first contact portion contacts the contact portion so that the second mounting surface forms a first angle with respect to the first mounting surface, and the second contact portion contacts the contact portion so that the second mounting surface forms a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the first mounting surface At least one of the contact portion and the set of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is provided so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the media discharge direction. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the media discharge device can appropriately change the position of the tray on which the discharged media is placed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the media discharge device 100. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media discharge device 100. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the extension tray 105. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the extension tray 105. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the extension tray 105, etc. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the extension tray 105, etc. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the inclination of the first contact portion 104c, etc. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram to explain contact relationships. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram to explain contact relationships. [Figure 10] (A), (B), and (C) are schematic diagrams illustrating the movable member 104b. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the media discharge device 100. [Figure 12] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of how the media reading process works. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating other extension trays such as the 205. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating other extension trays such as the 205. [Figure 16] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the processing circuit 350 according to another embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a medium 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 medium discharge device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium discharge device 100 conveys and images a medium that is an original. The medium is paper, cardboard, or a card, etc. The medium discharge device 100 may also be a facsimile machine, a copier, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), etc. Note that the conveyed medium may not be an original but a printing object, etc., and the medium discharge device 100 may also be a printer or the like.

[0013] In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates a substantially vertical direction (height direction), arrow A2 indicates a medium conveyance direction, arrow A3 indicates a medium discharge direction, and arrow A4 indicates a width direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3. Hereinafter, upstream refers to the upstream in the medium conveyance direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3, and downstream refers to the downstream in the medium conveyance direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3.

[0014] The medium discharge device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharge tray 104, an extension tray 105, an operation device 106, a display device 107, and the like.

[0015] The second housing 102 is disposed inside the first housing 101 and is rotatably engaged with the first housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when the medium jams or when cleaning the inside of the medium discharge device 100, etc.

[0016] The mounting platform 103 engages with the first housing 101 so that the medium to be transported can be placed on it. The mounting platform 103 is provided on the side of the first housing 101 on the medium supply side so as to be movable in the height direction A1. When no medium is being transported, the mounting platform 103 is positioned at its lower end so that the medium can be easily placed on it, and when medium is being transported, it rises to a position where the medium placed at the uppermost position contacts the pick roller, which will be described later.

[0017] The discharge tray 104 is formed on the second housing 102. The discharge tray 104 has a first mounting surface 104a for placing media, and places media discharged from the discharge ports of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 on it.

[0018] The extension tray 105 is placed on the first mounting surface 104a of the discharge tray 104. The extension tray 105 has a first surface 105a for mounting media, and mounts media discharged from the discharge ports of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0019] The operating device 106 has input devices such as buttons and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input devices, accepts input operations from the user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's input operation. 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. The display device 107 may be a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function. In that case, the operating device 106 has an interface circuit that acquires input signals from the touch panel.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media discharge device 100.

[0021] The transport path inside the media discharge device 100 includes a media sensor 111, a pick roller 112, a feeding roller 113, a separation roller 114, first to fifth transport rollers 115a to e, first to sixth driven rollers 116a to f, an imaging device 117, and a discharge roller 118, among others.

[0022] Note that the number of each of the pick roller 112, feeding roller 113, separating roller 114, first to fifth conveying rollers 115a to e, first to sixth driven rollers 116a to f, and / or discharge roller 118 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In that case, the multiple feeding rollers 113, separating roller 114, first to fifth conveying rollers 115a to e, first to sixth driven rollers 116a to f, and / or discharge roller 118 are arranged side by side with a gap of A4 in the width direction.

[0023] The surface of the first housing 101 facing the second housing 102 forms the first guide 101a of the media transport path, and the surface of the second housing 102 facing the first housing 101 forms the second guide 102a of the media transport path.

[0024] The medium sensor 111 is positioned on the mounting table 103, that is, upstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and detects the state of the medium on the mounting table 103. The medium sensor 111 is a contact detection sensor that sends a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact, and determines whether or not the medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the medium is placed on the mounting table 103. Note that the medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of medium, such as an optical sensor, may be used as the medium sensor 111.

[0025] The pick roller 112 is provided on the second housing 102 and comes into contact with the medium placed on the mounting platform 103, which is raised to approximately the same height as the medium transport path, and feeds the medium downstream.

[0026] The feeding roller 113 is located in the second housing 102, downstream of the pick roller 112, and feeds the medium that has been fed by the pick roller 112 and placed on the mounting table 103, further downstream. The separation roller 114 is located in the first housing 101, opposite the feeding roller 113. The separation roller 114 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is rotatable or stoppable in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. The feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114 perform a medium separation operation, separating the medium and feeding it one sheet at a time. The feeding roller 113 is positioned above the separation roller 114, and the medium discharge device 100 feeds the medium using a so-called top-feed method. Alternatively, the feeding roller 113 may be positioned below the separation roller 114, and the medium discharge device 100 may feed the medium using a so-called bottom-feed method.

[0027] The first to fifth transport rollers 115a to e and the first to fifth driven rollers 116a to e are provided downstream of the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114, facing each other, and transport the medium fed by the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114 downstream.

[0028] The imaging device 117 is positioned downstream of the first and second transport rollers 115a and 115b in the media transport direction A2, and images the media transported by the first and second transport rollers 115a and 115b and the first and second driven rollers 116a and 116b. The imaging device 117 includes a first imaging device 117a and a second imaging device 117b, which are positioned opposite each other across the media transport path.

[0029] The first imaging device 117a has a line sensor using a 1:1 optical system type CIS (Contact Image Sensor) with CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 117a also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging device 117a captures the surface of the transported medium to generate an input image and outputs it.

[0030] Similarly, the second imaging device 117b has a line sensor with a CIS of the 1:1 optical system type, which has CMOS image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 117b also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging device 117b captures the back surface of the transported medium to generate and output an input image.

[0031] Furthermore, the media ejection device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b, and may read only one side of the media. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CMOS image sensor, a CIS line sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor may be used. Alternatively, a reduction optical system type line sensor equipped with a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used.

[0032] The discharge roller 118 and the sixth driven roller 116f are installed downstream of the first to fifth conveying rollers 115a to e, facing each other. The discharge roller 118 and the sixth driven roller 116f discharge the medium conveyed by the first to fifth conveying rollers 115a to e and the first to fifth driven rollers 116a to e into the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105.

[0033] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the medium transport direction A2 by the pick roller 112 and the feed roller 113 rotating in the medium transport directions A5 and A6, respectively. The medium discharge device 100 has two feeding modes: a separation mode in which the medium is fed while being separated, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without being separated. The feeding mode is set by the user using the operating device 106 or an information processing device that communicates with the medium discharge device 100. When the feeding mode is set to separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates or stops in the direction of arrow A7, i.e., in the opposite direction to the medium transport direction. This restricts the feeding of medium other than the separated medium (prevents double feeding). On the other hand, when the feeding mode is set to non-separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the opposite direction of arrow A7, i.e., in the medium transport direction.

[0034] The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a, and is fed to the imaging position of the imaging device 117 as the first and second transport rollers 115a and 115b rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, and is imaged by the imaging device 117. Furthermore, the medium is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 and extension tray 105 as the third and fifth transport rollers 115c and 115e and the discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A10 and A13, respectively. The discharge tray 104 and extension tray 105 hold the medium discharged by the discharge roller 118.

[0035] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams illustrating the extension tray 105.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the extension tray 105 is rotatably mounted in the direction of arrow A14 at the downstream end of the discharge tray 104 in the media discharge direction A3. The extension tray 105 is rotatably mounted around a pivot axis that extends in the width direction A4 and is located at the end of the discharge tray 104. The extension tray 105 has a second surface 105b located opposite the first surface 105a. The second surface 105b is an example of a second mounting surface.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the extension tray 105 is rotated in the direction of arrow A14, the second surface 105b faces upward and is positioned to extend the first mounting surface 104a of the discharge tray 104. The extension tray 105 is positioned in a first position (shown in Figure 3) where the second surface 105b makes a first angle θ1 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a, and in a second position (shown in Figure 4) where the second surface 105b makes a second angle θ2 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a that is different from the first angle θ1. When the extension tray 105 is positioned in the first or second position, the medium discharged by the discharge roller 118 is placed on the first mounting surface 104a and the second surface 105b. By positioning the extension tray 105 in the first or second position, the media discharge device 100 can properly accommodate large media (for example, A4 or A3 sized media).

[0038] The first angle θ1 is set to a sufficiently small angle (e.g., 0°). The first angle θ1 is set to an angle within the range of 0° or more and 10° or less. Also, when the extension tray 105 is placed in the first position, the angle of the second surface 105b with respect to the installation surface E of the media discharge device 100 is also set to a sufficiently small angle (e.g., 10°). When the extension tray 105 is placed in the first position, the angle of the second surface 105b with respect to the installation surface E is set to an angle within the range of 0° or more and 20° or less.

[0039] As a result, when the extension tray 105 is placed in the first position, the first mounting surface 104a and the second surface 105b are positioned flush with each other, and the first mounting surface 104a and the second surface 105b are positioned approximately parallel to the installation surface E of the media discharge device 100. Therefore, when media such as thin paper is discharged into the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105, the media moves in the opposite direction to the media discharge direction A3 due to its own weight, and buckling of the media is suppressed. Consequently, the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105 can hold the loaded media well.

[0040] On the other hand, the second angle θ2 is set to a larger angle than the first angle θ1 (for example, 15°). The second angle θ2 is set to an angle within the range of, for example, greater than 10° and 45° or less. Also, the angle of the second surface 105b with respect to the installation surface E when the extension tray 105 is placed in the second placement position is set to a larger angle than the angle of the second surface 105b with respect to the installation surface E when the extension tray 105 is placed in the first placement position (for example, 25°). The angle of the second surface 105b with respect to the installation surface E when the extension tray 105 is placed in the second placement position is set to an angle within the range of, for example, greater than 20° and 55° or less.

[0041] The platform 103 on which the transported media is placed is located below the extension tray 105. When the extension tray 105 is positioned in the second position, it is positioned higher towards the downstream side. Therefore, sufficient space is secured between the extension tray 105 and the platform 103, allowing the user to easily set the media on the platform 103. The user can easily set the media on the platform 103 without folding the extension tray 105 onto the discharge tray 104, and the media discharge device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, the extension tray 105 is provided so as to be housed on the first mounting surface 104a of the discharge tray 104, such that the second surface 105b faces the first mounting surface 104a. Hereinafter, the position in which the extension tray 105 is housed on the first mounting surface 104a may be referred to as the housed position. When the extension tray 105 is placed in the housed position, the media discharged by the discharge roller 118 is placed on the first mounting surface 104a and the first surface 105a. By placing the extension tray 105 in the housed position, the media discharge device 100 can be compactly installed while properly housing small media (for example, media smaller than A4 size).

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a stopper 108 is foldably provided at the downstream end of the extension tray 105. When the stopper 108 is raised, it stops the leading edges of media of the maximum size supported by the media discharge device 100 (e.g., A4 or A3 size) that are discharged into the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105, aligning the leading edges of each media. On the other hand, when the stopper 108 is folded, the extension tray 105 can be stored on the discharge tray 104 in its storage position.

[0044] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating the discharge tray 104 and extension tray 105. Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing the discharge tray 104 and extension tray 105 viewed from the downstream side with the extension tray 105 positioned in its storage location.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a movable member 104b is provided at the downstream end of the discharge tray 104 in the media discharge direction A3. The movable member 104b is provided so as to be slidable in the width direction A4 perpendicular to the media discharge direction A3. The movable member 104b is provided with a first contact portion 104c, a second contact portion 104d, and a holding portion 104e. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, there are four first contact portions 104c and three second contact portions 104d.

[0046] Each first contact portion 104c is provided between each second contact portion 104d, so as to protrude from each second contact portion 104d. That is, each second contact portion 104d is provided between each first contact portion 104c, so as to be recessed relative to each first contact portion 104c. The number of first contact portions 104c and second contact portions 104d can be any number, and there may be just one. Also, the second contact portion 104d may be provided so as to protrude from the first contact portion 104c.

[0047] The holding portion 104e has a sawtooth shape. By pressing their fingers against the holding portion 104e and moving the movable member 104b, the user can smoothly slide the movable member 104b manually. The movable member 104b allows the set of the first contact portion 104c and the second contact portion 104d to slide in the width direction A4 perpendicular to the media discharge direction A3. This allows the user to easily change the contact position of each contact portion and each contacted portion described later, and to easily change the angle of the extension tray 105 relative to the discharge tray 104. Therefore, the media discharge device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0048] On the other hand, the end of the extension tray 105 on the discharge tray 104 side is provided with a first contact portion 105c and a second contact portion 105d. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, there are four first contact portions 105c and three second contact portions 105d.

[0049] Each first contact portion 105c is provided between each second contact portion 105d, recessed relative to each second contact portion 105d. That is, each second contact portion 105d is provided between each first contact portion 105c, protruding from each first contact portion 105c. The number of first contact portions 105c and second contact portions 105d can be any number, and may be just one. Also, the first contact portion 105c may be provided so as to protrude from the second contact portion 105d.

[0050] In Figure 5, the movable member 104b is initially positioned such that, in the width direction A4, each first contact portion 104c overlaps with each first contacted portion 105c, and each second contact portion 104d overlaps with each second contacted portion 105d. On the other hand, in Figure 6, the movable member 104b has been moved from its initial position and is positioned in a moved position such that, in the width direction A4, each first contact portion 104c overlaps with each second contacted portion 105d, and each second contact portion 104d overlaps with each first contacted portion 105c.

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inclination of the first contact portion 104c, the second contact portion 104d, the first contacted portion 105c, and the second contacted portion 105d. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the area around the first contact portion 104c, the second contact portion 104d, the first contacted portion 105c, and the second contacted portion 105d viewed from the side.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the first contact portion 104c is inclined so that it is located lower towards the downstream side. The first contact portion 104c is inclined to form a third angle θ3 with respect to a line L perpendicular to the first mounting surface 104a. The third angle θ3 is set to an angle greater than 0° and less than 45°. The second contact portion 104d is inclined so that it is located lower towards the upstream side. The second contact portion 104d is inclined to form a fourth angle θ4 with respect to a line L perpendicular to the first mounting surface 104a. The fourth angle θ4 is set to an angle greater than 0° and less than 45°.

[0053] Furthermore, the first contact portion 105c is inclined so that it is located lower towards the downstream side. The first contact portion 105c is inclined to form a fifth angle θ5 with respect to a line L perpendicular to the first mounting surface 104a. The fifth angle θ5 is set to an angle greater than 0° and less than 45°. The second contact portion 105d is inclined so that it is located lower towards the upstream side. The second contact portion 105d is inclined to form a sixth angle θ6 with respect to a line L perpendicular to the first mounting surface 104a. The sixth angle θ6 is set to an angle greater than 0° and less than 45°.

[0054] As described above, each first contact portion 104c is provided to protrude from each second contact portion 104d, and each second contacted portion 105d is provided to protrude from each first contacted portion 105c. If the first contact portion 104c, the second contact portion 104d, the first contacted portion 105c, and the second contacted portion 105d are not inclined, then each contact portion and each contacted portion that contacts each contact portion will not make contact over the entire area, and the discharge tray 104 will not be able to stably support the extension tray 105. By inclining the first contact portion 104c, the second contact portion 104d, the first contacted portion 105c, and the second contacted portion 105d, each contact portion and each contacted portion that contacts each contact portion will make contact over the entire area, and the discharge tray 104 will be able to stably support the extension tray 105. The first contact portion 104c, the second contact portion 104d, the first contacted portion 105c, and / or the second contacted portion 105d do not need to be inclined.

[0055] The third angle θ3 and the fifth angle θ5 are set to approximately the same angle, and the fourth angle θ4 and the fifth angle θ5 are set to approximately the same angle. As a result, when each first contact portion 104c and each first contacted portion 105c are in contact and each second contact portion 104d and each second contacted portion 105d are in contact, the second surface 105b is positioned so as not to be significantly inclined with respect to the first mounting surface 104a. On the other hand, when each first contact portion 104c and each second contacted portion 105d are in contact, the second surface 105b is positioned inclined with respect to the first mounting surface 104a such that it is located higher towards the downstream side.

[0056] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams illustrating the contact relationship between the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105. Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the periphery of the first contact portion 104c, the second contact portion 104d, the first contacted portion 105c, and the second contacted portion 105d with a plane perpendicular to the width direction A4 and passing through the second contacted portion 105d. Figure 8 shows the state in which the movable member 104b is in its initial position and the extension tray 105 is open from the discharge tray 104. Figure 9 shows the state in which the movable member 104b is in its moved position and the extension tray 105 is open from the discharge tray 104.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, when the movable member 104b is positioned in its initial position and the extension tray 105 is opened from the discharge tray 104, each first contact portion 105c contacts each first contact portion 104c, and each second contact portion 105d contacts each second contact portion 104d. As a result, the second surface 105b is positioned to form a first angle θ1 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a, and the extension tray 105 is positioned in the first position shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105 can hold the loaded media well. Note that when the movable member 104b is positioned in its initial position and the extension tray 105 is opened from the discharge tray 104, either each first contact portion 105c or each second contact portion 105d may be positioned to be spaced apart from the discharge tray 104.

[0058] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, when the movable member 104b is positioned in the movable position and the extension tray 105 is opened from the discharge tray 104, each second contact portion 105d comes into contact with each first contact portion 104c. In this case, each second contact portion 104d and each first contact portion 105c are separated from the extension tray 105 and the discharge tray 104, respectively. As a result, the second surface 105b is positioned at a second angle θ2 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a, and the extension tray 105 is positioned at the second position shown in Figure 4. Therefore, sufficient space is secured between the extension tray 105 and the mounting base 103, and the user can properly set the medium on the mounting base 103.

[0059] Thus, each first contact portion 104c is provided to protrude from each second contact portion 104d, and each second contacted portion 105d is provided to protrude from each first contacted portion 105c. As a result, when the first contacted portion 105c comes into contact with the first contact portion 104c, the second surface 105b is positioned to form a first angle θ1 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a. On the other hand, when the second contacted portion 105d comes into contact with the first contact portion 104c, the second surface 105b is positioned to form a second angle θ2 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a, which is different from the first angle θ1. Therefore, the media discharge device 100 can appropriately change the angle of the extension tray 105 with respect to the discharge tray 104.

[0060] Figures 10(A), (B), and (C) are schematic diagrams illustrating the movable member 104b.

[0061] Figure 10(A) is a schematic view of the movable member 104b as seen from below after it has been removed from the discharge tray 104. As shown in Figure 10(A), a projection 104f is provided on the lower surface of the movable member 104b (the surface facing the discharge tray 104).

[0062] Figure 10(B) is a schematic diagram of the discharge tray 104 viewed from above with the movable member 104b removed. As shown in Figure 10(B), the upper surface of the discharge tray 104 (the surface facing the movable member 104b) is provided with a plurality of recesses 104g, 104h arranged at intervals along the direction of movement of the movable member 104b (width direction A4).

[0063] Figure 10(C) is a cross-sectional view of the area around the projection 104f of the discharge tray 104 with the movable member 104b attached, cut by a plane perpendicular to the width direction A4 and passing through the projection 104f. As shown in Figure 10(C), the movable member 104b is locked (fixed) to the discharge tray 104 by the projection 104f engaging with one of the multiple recesses 104g, 104h. As a result, the discharge tray 104 can stably support the movable member 104b and stably support the extension tray 105.

[0064] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the media discharge device 100.

[0065] In addition to the configuration described above, the media discharge device 100 further includes a motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, and a processing circuit 150.

[0066] The motor 131 includes one or more motors. The motor 131 rotates the pick roller 112, feeding roller 113, separation roller 114, first to fifth conveying rollers 115a to e and / or discharge roller 118 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150 to convey the medium and move the mounting table 103. The first to sixth driven rollers 116a to f may be configured to rotate according to the driving force of the motor 131, rather than being driven by the first to fifth conveying rollers 115a to e or the discharge roller 118.

[0067] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as USB, and electrically connects to an information processing device (not shown) (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various types of information. Alternatively, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit may be used that has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may also have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0068] The storage device 140 includes memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, or portable storage devices such as flexible disks and optical disks. The storage device 140 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc., used for various processes of the media ejection device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. Examples of portable recording media include CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) and DVD-ROMs (digital versatile disc read-only memory).

[0069] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program pre-stored in the memory device 140. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processing circuit 150.

[0070] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operating device 106, display device 107, medium sensor 111, imaging device 117, motor 131, interface device 132, and storage device 140, and controls each of these components. Based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111, the processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the motor 131, imaging control of the imaging device 117, etc. The processing circuit 150 acquires the input image from the imaging device 117 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 132.

[0071] Figure 12 shows a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the storage device 140 stores the control program 141, the image acquisition program 142, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on the processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to each program it has read. As a result, the processing circuit 150 functions as the control unit 151 and the image acquisition unit 152.

[0073] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media discharge device 100.

[0074] The following describes an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media ejection device 100, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 13. The operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the media ejection device 100, based on a program pre-stored in the storage device 140.

[0075] First, the control unit 151 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read the medium using the operating device 106 or the information processing device, and receives an operation signal instructing the reading of the medium from the operating device 106 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0076] Next, the control unit 151 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 111 and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 terminates the series of steps.

[0077] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to raise the mounting table 103 to a position where the medium can be fed, and rotates each roller to feed and transport the medium (step S103).

[0078] Next, the control unit 151 causes the imaging device 117 to image the medium, acquires the input image from the imaging device 117, and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S104).

[0079] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111 (step S105). If there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 returns to step S104 and repeats the process from steps S104 to S105.

[0080] On the other hand, if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop each roller (step S106), and the series of steps ends.

[0081] As described in detail above, the media discharge device 100 is provided with a movable member 104b that can change the angle between the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105, which is rotatably mounted from the discharge tray 104, at the position where the discharge tray 104 and the extension tray 105 come into contact. This makes it possible for the media discharge device 100 to appropriately change the position of the extension tray 105 on which the discharged media is placed.

[0082] The media discharge device 100 reduces the size of the device while enabling it to switch between a mode that improves the stackability of the discharged media and a mode that improves the ease with which the user can set the media, depending on the application.

[0083] Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating the discharge tray 204 and extension tray 205 of a media discharge device according to another embodiment. Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of the discharge tray 204 and extension tray 205 viewed from the downstream side with the extension tray 205 positioned in its storage location.

[0084] The discharge tray 204 and extension tray 205 are used in place of the discharge tray 104 and extension tray 105, respectively, and have the same structure and function as the discharge tray 104 and extension tray 105. However, the discharge tray 204 is not provided with a movable member 104b, and instead, a movable member 205e is provided at the discharge tray 204 side end of the extension tray 205.

[0085] The movable member 205e is provided so as to be slidable in the width direction A4, which is perpendicular to the media discharge direction A3. The movable member 205e is provided with a first contact portion 205c, a second contact portion 205d, and a holding portion 205f. The first contact portion 205c and the second contact portion 205d have the same structure and function as the first contact portion 105c and the second contact portion 105d, respectively. The holding portion 205f has the same structure and function as the holding portion 104e. The movable member 205e allows the set of the first contact portion 205c and the second contact portion 205d to be slidable in the width direction A4, which is perpendicular to the media discharge direction A3. This allows the user to easily change the contact position of each contact portion and each contact portion, and to easily change the angle of the extension tray 205 relative to the discharge tray 204. Therefore, the media discharge device can improve user convenience.

[0086] On the other hand, a first contact portion 204c and a second contact portion 204d are provided at the downstream end of the discharge tray 204 in the media discharge direction A3. The first contact portion 204c and the second contact portion 204d have the same structure and function as the first contact portion 104c and the second contact portion 104d, respectively.

[0087] In Figure 14, the movable member 205e is initially positioned such that, in the width direction A4, each first contact portion 204c overlaps with each first contacted portion 205c, and each second contact portion 204d overlaps with each second contacted portion 205d. When the movable member 205e is positioned in the initial position and the extension tray 205 is opened from the discharge tray 204, each first contacted portion 205c comes into contact with each first contact portion 204c, and each second contacted portion 205d comes into contact with each second contact portion 204d. As a result, the second surface 105b of the extension tray 205 is positioned at a first angle θ1 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a of the discharge tray 204, and the extension tray 205 is positioned at the first position shown in Figure 3A.

[0088] On the other hand, in Figure 15, the movable member 205e is moved from its initial position and is positioned in a movable position in the width direction A4 such that each first contact portion 204c overlaps with each second contact portion 205d, and each second contact portion 204d overlaps with each first contact portion 205c. When the movable member 205e is positioned in the movable position and the extension tray 205 is opened from the discharge tray 204, each second contact portion 205d comes into contact with each first contact portion 204c. As a result, the second surface 105b of the extension tray 205 is positioned at a second angle θ2 with respect to the first mounting surface 104a of the discharge tray 204, and the extension tray 205 is positioned in the second position shown in Figure 3B.

[0089] As described in detail above, even when the extension tray 205 is equipped with a movable member 205e, the media discharge device 100 can appropriately change the position of the extension tray 205 on which the discharged media is placed.

[0090] Figure 16 shows a schematic configuration of the processing circuit 350 of a media discharge device according to another embodiment.

[0091] The processing circuit 350 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the media ejection device 100, and performs media reading and other processes instead of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 350 includes a control circuit 351 and an image acquisition circuit 352, etc. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

[0092] 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 operation signals from the operating device 106 or interface device 132 and medium signals from the medium sensor 111. The control circuit 351 controls the motor 131 based on the information it receives.

[0093] The image acquisition circuit 352 is an example of an image acquisition unit and has the same functions as the image acquisition unit 152. The image acquisition circuit 352 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117 and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0094] As detailed above, even when using the processing circuit 350, the media transport device can appropriately change the position of the extension tray on which the discharged media is placed.

[0095] While preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, the extension tray may be provided such that the inclination of the second surface relative to the first mounting surface of the discharge tray changes in three or more stages. In this case, the discharge tray is provided with one or more contact portions that are further recessed relative to the second contact portion, and the extension tray is provided with one or more contact portions that further protrude from the second contact portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 medium discharge device, 103 loading table, 104, 204 discharge tray, 105, 205 extension tray, 118 discharge roller, 104c, 204c first contact portion, 104d, 204d second contact portion, 105c, 205c first contact portion, 105d, 205d second contact portion

Claims

1. Discharge roller for discharging the medium, A discharge tray having a first mounting surface and on which the medium discharged by the discharge roller is placed, The extension tray is rotatably attached to the downstream end of the discharge tray in the media discharge direction, has a second mounting surface, and has a mounting surface on which the media discharged by the discharge roller is placed. The downstream end of the discharge tray is provided with a contact portion. The end of the extension tray on the discharge tray side is provided with a first contact portion and a second contact portion that are adjacent to each other. The first contacted portion comes into contact with the contacted portion, so that the second mounting surface forms a first angle with respect to the first mounting surface. The second contacted portion comes into contact with the aforementioned contacting portion, so that the second mounting surface is positioned at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the first mounting surface. The extension tray is provided so as to be housed on the discharge tray such that the second mounting surface faces the first mounting surface. A media discharge device characterized by the following features.

2. The medium discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the second contact portion is provided so as to protrude from the first contact portion.

3. The media discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the contact portion and the set of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is provided so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the media discharge direction.

4. A media discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a mounting platform provided below the extension tray and on which the media to be transported is placed.

5. A discharge roller for discharging a medium, A discharge tray having a first mounting surface and on which the medium discharged by the discharge roller is placed, The extension tray is rotatably attached to the downstream end of the discharge tray in the media discharge direction, has a second mounting surface, and has a mounting surface on which the media discharged by the discharge roller is placed. The downstream end of the discharge tray is provided with a contact portion. The end of the extension tray on the discharge tray side is provided with a first contact portion and a second contact portion that are adjacent to each other. The first contacted portion comes into contact with the contacted portion, so that the second mounting surface forms a first angle with respect to the first mounting surface. The second contacted portion comes into contact with the aforementioned contacting portion, so that the second mounting surface is positioned at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the first mounting surface. At least one of the contact portion and the set of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is provided so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the media discharge direction. A media discharge device characterized by the following features.

Images