Media support device and reading device

Abstract

To achieve miniaturization of an occupied region in a conveyance direction F of a medium 3 which is occupied by a first extension part 17 and a second extension part 19 in a stored state of the second extension part 19.SOLUTION: A second right-side extension part 19R entirely overlaps with a first right-side extension part 17R in a stored state when viewed in a depth direction, and a second left-side extension part 19L entirely overlaps with a first left-side extension part 17L in a stored state when viewed in the depth direction. Furthermore, a right-side gear 23R is provided so as to be positioned between a right-side first end part 25R and a right-side second end part 27R of the first right-side extension part 17R, and a left-side gear 23L is provided so as to be positioned between a left-side first end part 25L and a left-side second end part 27L of the first left-side extension part 17L.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium supporting device and a reading device.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of this type of device, the one described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. Patent Document 1 discloses a paper feeding device, i.e., a medium supporting device, which includes: a paper feeding auxiliary arm that is rotatably attached to an upper portion of a paper feeding device main body and rotates with a lower rotating shaft as a rotation fulcrum; and an extended auxiliary arm that can slide relative to the paper feeding auxiliary arm to expand and contract (Embodiments 4 and 5).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Literature 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-mentioned medium supporting device and reading devices provided with the same, size reduction is required. In the above-mentioned prior art, there is room for improvement in achieving size reduction of the auxiliary arms 15, 17.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] To solve the above problems, the media support device according to the present invention comprises a media support portion having a media support surface on which a medium is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction, and an extension support portion provided on the media support portion, wherein the extension support portion has a first extension portion that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is stored relative to the media support portion and an extended state in which it is unfolded by rotating relative to the media support portion and supports the medium together with the media support portion, and a second extension portion that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is stored relative to the first extension portion and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first extension portion in a first direction and supports the medium together with the first extension portion, wherein the first extension portion has a first right extension portion located to the right of the center position of the media support portion when viewed from the front side in the depth direction intersecting the transport direction, a first left extension portion located to the left of the center position, a right gear located at the base end of the first right extension portion and forming the right rotation pivot point of the first right extension portion, and the first The first right extension has a left gear which forms the left pivot point of the left extension and meshes with the right gear, the first right extension includes a right first end and a right second end opposite to the right first end in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first left extension includes a left first end and a left second end opposite to the left first end in the second direction, the right gear is provided so as to be located between the right first end and the right second end of the first right extension, the left gear is provided so as to be located between the left first end and the left second end of the first left extension, the second extension has a second right extension housed in the first right extension and a second left extension housed in the first left extension, the second right extension completely overlaps with the first right extension when viewed from the depth direction in the housed state, and the second left extension completely overlaps with the first left extension when viewed from the depth direction in the housed state.

[0006] Furthermore, the reading device according to the present invention comprises a media support device having a reading unit for reading an image of a medium, a media support unit having a media support surface on which the medium is supported so as to be transportable in a transport direction toward the reading unit, and an extension support unit provided on the media support unit, wherein the media support device is a media support device according to any one of the first to fifteenth embodiments described later, or a media support device according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the reading device according to Embodiment 1, with the extension support unit in the deployed state. [Figure 2] A perspective view from the left front of the extended support section of Embodiment 1, showing it in its retracted state. [Figure 3] Schematic side cross-sectional view of the usage state of Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Rear view of the main part showing the stored state of the extension support part according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Rear view of the main part showing the deployed state of the extension support part according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Enlarged rear view of the main part showing the stored state (A) and the partially deployed state (B) of the extension support part according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Rear view of the main part showing the state of the extension support part in the process of being deployed according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] Rear view of the main part showing the unfolded state with a cover attached to the media support part according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] A perspective view of the main part of the reading device according to Embodiment 1, as seen from the left front. [Figure 10] A side view of the main part of the reading device according to Embodiment 1, as seen from the side. [Figure 11] A perspective view of Embodiment 2 in a non-use state, seen from the front left. [Figure 12] Perspective view (A) and enlarged perspective view (B) of the main part of Embodiment 2 in a non-use state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The present invention will now be described in general terms. To solve the above problems, a media support device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a media support portion having a media support surface on which a medium is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction, and an extension support portion provided on the media support portion, wherein the extension support portion has a first extension portion that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is stored relative to the media support portion and an extended state in which it is unfolded by rotating relative to the media support portion and supports the medium together with the media support portion, and a second extension portion that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is stored relative to the first extension portion and an extended state in which it slides out from the first extension portion in a first direction and extends and supports the medium together with the first extension portion, wherein the first extension portion has a first right extension portion located to the right of the center position of the media support portion when viewed from the front side in the depth direction intersecting the transport direction, a first left extension portion located to the left of the center position, a right gear located at the base end of the first right extension portion and forming the right rotation pivot point of the first right extension portion, and a front The first left extension has a left gear which forms the left pivot point of the first left extension and meshes with the right gear, the first right extension includes a right first end and a right second end opposite to the right first end in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first left extension includes a left first end and a left second end opposite to the left first end in the second direction, the right gear is provided so as to be located between the right first end and the right second end of the first right extension, the left gear is provided so as to be located between the left first end and the left second end of the first left extension, the second extension has a second right extension housed in the first right extension and a second left extension housed in the first left extension, the second right extension completely overlaps with the first right extension when viewed from the depth direction in the housed state, and the second left extension completely overlaps with the first left extension when viewed from the depth direction in the housed state.

[0009] Here, in "a second extension that is displaceable to slide and extend in a first direction from the first extension and to support the medium together with the first extension," the "extended state" means the state in which the second extension has moved out of the state of being stored in the first extension and to support the medium together with the first extension. Furthermore, the term "center position" in "from the center position of the media support section" is used to mean not only the exact center position when viewed from the front side in the depth direction intersecting the transport direction, but also includes a range of deviation that allows the first extension section to support the media together with the media support section in a substantially balanced manner. Furthermore, the term "meets" in "the left gear that meshes with the right gear" includes both cases where the right gear and the left gear mesh directly and cases where they mesh indirectly through other gears. Furthermore, in the phrase "the right extension portion intersects the first direction in a second direction," the "second direction" refers to the width direction of the first extension portion, not the thickness direction, with the longitudinal direction of the first extension portion being the first direction. Furthermore, in the phrase "located between the first right end and the second right end," "located between" means located between the straight line formed by the first right end and the straight line formed by the second right end. In the phrase "located between the first left end and the second left end of the first left extension," "located between" means located between the straight line formed by the first left end and the straight line formed by the second left end. Furthermore, "overlapping completely" means that the contour of the second extension as viewed from the depth direction is inside the contour of the first extension as viewed from the depth direction.

[0010] According to this embodiment, in the stored state, the second right extension completely overlaps with the first right extension when viewed from the depth direction, and the second left extension completely overlaps with the first left extension when viewed from the depth direction when the stored state. Further, the right gear is provided so as to be positioned between the first right end and the second right end of the first right extension, and the left gear is provided so as to be positioned between the first left end and the second left end of the first left extension. Accordingly, in the stored state of the second extension, it is possible to achieve size reduction of the area occupied in the second direction, that is, the medium conveyance direction, by the first extension and the second extension.

[0011] A medium supporting device according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the first extension entirely overlaps the medium supporting portion when viewed from the depth direction in the stored state. Here, "entirely overlaps" means that the outline of the first extension when viewed from the depth direction is inside the outline of the medium supporting portion when viewed from the depth direction.

[0012] According to this aspect, in the stored state of the first extension, the first extension entirely overlaps the medium supporting portion when viewed from the depth direction. Accordingly, in the stored state of the first extension, it is possible to achieve size reduction of the area occupied in the second direction, that is, the medium conveyance direction, by the medium supporting portion, the first extension, and the second extension.

[0013] A medium supporting device according to a third aspect of the present invention is, in the first aspect, characterized in that the first right extension has, at the base end thereof, an elastically deformable right elastic deformation portion provided with a right projection, the first left extension has, at the base end thereof, an elastically deformable left elastic deformation portion provided with a left projection, the medium supporting portion has a right contact portion that comes into contact with the right projection and a left contact portion that comes into contact with the left projection, the right contact portion has a first right engaged portion that engages with the right projection when the first right extension is in the stored state, and a second right engaged portion that engages with the right projection when the first right extension is in the deployed state, and the left contact portion has a first left engaged portion that engages with the left projection when the first left extension is in the stored state, and a second left engaged portion that engages with the left projection when the first left extension is in the deployed state.

[0014] According to this aspect, the first right extension has the right elastic deformation portion provided with the right projection, and the first left extension has the left elastic deformation portion provided with the left projection. Furthermore, the medium supporting portion has the right contact portion and the left contact portion, the right contact portion has the first right engaged portion that engages with the right projection when the first right extension is in the stored state, and the second right engaged portion that engages with the right projection when the first right extension is in the deployed state, and the left contact portion has the first left engaged portion that engages with the left projection when the first left extension is in the stored state, and the second left engaged portion that engages with the left projection when the first left extension is in the deployed state. This enables the stored state and the deployed state of the first extension to be held by the respective engagements.

[0015] A medium supporting device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is, in the third aspect, characterized in that the right elastic deformation portion is located between the first right end portion and the second right end portion of the first right extension, and the left elastic deformation portion is located between the first left end portion and the second left end portion of the first left extension. Here, "located between the first right end and the second right end" means "located between the straight line formed by the first right end and the straight line formed by the second right end." Similarly, "located between the first left end and the second left end of the first left extension" means "located between the straight line formed by the first left end and the straight line formed by the second left end.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the right-side elastic deformation portion is located between the right-side first end and the right-side second end of the first right-side extension, and the left-side elastic deformation portion is located between the left-side first end and the left-side second end of the first left-side extension. This makes it possible to achieve the miniaturization, including the area occupied by the right-side elastic deformation portion and the left-side elastic deformation portion.

[0017] A media support device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a third aspect, the right contact portion has a right wall portion, and the right elastic deformable portion elastically deforms toward the rotation center of the first right extension when the right projection moves in contact with the right wall portion and engages with the first right engaged portion or the second right engaged portion, and the left contact portion has a left wall portion, and the left elastic deformable portion elastically deforms toward the rotation center of the first left extension when the left projection moves in contact with the left wall portion and engages with the first left engaged portion or the second left engaged portion.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the right-side elastic deformation portion elastically deforms toward the rotation center of the first right-side extension when the right-side projection moves in contact with the right-side wall and engages with the first right-side engaged portion or the second right-side engaged portion. Furthermore, the left-side elastic deformation portion elastically deforms toward the rotation center of the first left-side extension when the left-side projection moves in contact with the left-side wall and engages with the first left-side engaged portion or the second left-side engaged portion. In other words, as the first extension rotates relative to the media support, each of the elastically deformable parts moves while its projection contacts each of the walls, and when it engages with each of the engaged parts, it elastically deforms toward the center of rotation. As a result, when the first extension is rotated between the stored position and the deployed position, a load is gradually applied to the rotation of the first extension via the walls, thereby improving user operability.

[0019] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the media support device is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the second extension is displaceable in conjunction with the rotational displacement of the first extension.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the second extension is displaceable in conjunction with the rotational displacement of the first extension. As a result, when the first extension is rotated, the second extension also displaces in conjunction with the first extension, thereby improving user operability.

[0021] A media support device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in a sixth aspect, is characterized in that the second right extension is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed relative to the first right extension and an extended state in which it slides out from the first right extension and supports the media together with the first right extension, and the second left extension is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed relative to the first left extension and an extended state in which it slides out from the first left extension and supports the media together with the first left extension.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the second right extension can slide and extend from the first right extension, and the second left extension can slide and extend from the first left extension. As a result, the second right extension and the second left extension can be extended and retracted relative to the first right extension and the first left extension with a simple sliding mechanism through the interlocking mechanism.

[0023] A media support device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, has a first link mechanism connecting the first right extension and the second left extension, and a second link mechanism connecting the first left extension and the second right extension, wherein the interlocking is performed by the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the interlocking is performed by the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism. This makes it possible to achieve the interlocking with a simple structure.

[0025] A media support device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, is characterized in that the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism are located between the first right end and the second right end of the first right extension and between the first left end and the second left end of the first left extension when the first extension is in the stored state. Here, "located between the first right end and the second right end" means "located between the straight line formed by the first right end and the straight line formed by the second right end." Similarly, "located between the first left end and the second left end of the first left extension" means "located between the straight line formed by the first left end and the straight line formed by the second left end.

[0026] According to this embodiment, when the first extension is in the retracted state, the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism are located between the first right end and the second right end of the first right extension, and between the first left end and the second left end of the first left extension. This makes it possible to achieve the miniaturization when the first extension is in the retracted state, including the area occupied by the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the media support device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the unfolded state, the side surface forming the second right end of the first right extension and the side surface forming the first left end of the first left extension are in contact in a portion of the range from the base end, and the other portions are not in contact, and the non-contact portions are spaced apart from each other in a direction toward the tip.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the side surface forming the second right end of the first right extension and the side surface forming the first left end of the first left extension are in contact with each other in the deployed state, extending from the base end over a certain range. This "contact" makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the first right extension and the first left extension in the deployed state. Furthermore, the other areas of the first right extension and the first left extension are not in contact, and these non-contacting portions are spaced apart from each other toward the tip, thus improving the stability of the medium support compared to a structure in which all of the sides are in contact.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the media support device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the second extension has a handle that engages with the media support when in the stored state.

[0030] According to this embodiment, since the second extension has a handle, it is easy to operate it to the extended state by placing fingers or the like on the handle. Furthermore, since the handle engages with the media support when it is in the stored state, the ability of the second extension to maintain the stored state is improved.

[0031] A media support device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the eleventh aspect, a part of the handle protrudes from the media support in a width direction intersecting the transport direction and the depth direction. Here, "protruding from the media support portion" means that a part of the handle portion is exposed to the media support portion so that it can be extended by a finger or the like.

[0032] According to this embodiment, since a portion of the handle protrudes from the media support portion as described above, the user can easily use the handle portion with their hand or the like.

[0033] A media support device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the first extension has a restricting portion that engages with the media support portion when in the stored state.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the first extension has a restricting portion that engages with the media support portion when it is in the stored state, thereby improving the ability of the first extension to maintain the stored state.

[0035] A media support device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in a thirteenth aspect, is characterized in that the restricting portion protrudes toward the surface of the medium on which it is placed when the first extension portion is in the extended state.

[0036] According to this embodiment, when the first extension is in the extended state, the restricting portion contacts the surface of the medium on which it is placed, changing the orientation of the medium from a planar orientation to a curved orientation. As a result, the medium supported by the first extension becomes less likely to tip forward.

[0037] A media support device according to a 15th aspect of the present invention, in a 13th aspect, the second extension has a handle that engages with the media support when in the stored state, and the handle overlaps with at least a part of the restricting portion when viewed from the depth direction when in the stored state.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the handle portion of the second extension portion overlaps with at least a part of the restricting portion when viewed from the depth direction, when the extension portion is in the stored state. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the device in the width direction.

[0039] A media support device according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one aspect of the first to fifteenth aspects, is characterized in that the media support portion is capable of opening and closing a transport entrance for transporting the media by rotation, is capable of supporting the media in the open state, and is positioned along the depth direction when closed, and the first extension portion, when housed in the media support portion in the closed state, completely overlaps with the media support portion in a plan view.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the media support portion can rotate to open and close the transport entrance for transporting the media, and when in the closed state, it is positioned along the depth direction. Furthermore, when the first extension portion is housed in the media support portion in the closed state, it completely overlaps with the media support portion in a plan view. As a result, when the media support device is not in use, that is, when the media support section is closing the transport entrance, the device can be made smaller in the depth direction.

[0041] A media support device according to a 17th aspect of the present invention is a media support device comprising: a media support portion having a media support surface on which a medium is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction; and an extension support portion provided on the media support portion, wherein the extension support portion has a first extension portion that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is stored relative to the media support portion and an extended state in which it is unfolded by rotating relative to the media support portion and supports the medium together with the media support portion; and a second extension portion that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is stored relative to the first extension portion and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first extension portion in a first direction and supports the medium together with the first extension portion, wherein the first extension portion has a first right extension portion located to the right of the center position of the media support portion when viewed from the front side in the depth direction intersecting the transport direction, and The media support unit has a first left extension unit located to the left of the center position, and the second extension unit has a second right extension unit housed in the first right extension unit and a second left extension unit housed in the first left extension unit, wherein in the housed state, the second right extension unit completely overlaps with the first right extension unit when viewed from the depth direction, and the second left extension unit completely overlaps with the first left extension unit when viewed from the depth direction when in the housed state, and the media support unit can open and close a transport entrance for transporting the media by rotating, is capable of supporting the media in the open state, and is in a position along the depth direction when in the closed state, and the first extension unit completely overlaps with the media support unit in a plan view when housed in the closed state of the media support unit.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the media support portion can rotate to open and close the transport entrance for transporting the media, and when in the closed state, it is positioned along the depth direction. Furthermore, when the first extension portion is housed in the media support portion in the closed state, it completely overlaps with the media support portion in a plan view. As a result, when the media support device is not in use, that is, when the media support section is closing the transport entrance, the device can be made smaller in the depth direction.

[0043] A reading device according to the 18th aspect of the present invention comprises a reading unit for reading an image of a medium, a medium support unit having a medium support surface on which the medium is supported so as to be transportable in a transport direction toward the reading unit, and an extension support unit provided on the medium support unit, wherein the medium support unit is a medium support unit according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the effects obtained in any one of the media support devices of the first to fifteen embodiments can be obtained as a reading device such as a scanner.

[0045] A reading device according to the 19th aspect of the present invention comprises a reading unit for reading an image of a medium, a medium support unit having a medium support surface on which the medium is supported so as to be transportable in a transport direction toward the reading unit, and an extension support unit provided on the medium support unit, wherein the medium support unit is a medium support unit according to the 16th aspect.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the effects obtained in the media support device of the 16th embodiment can be obtained when using a reading device such as a scanner.

[0047] A reading device according to the 20th aspect of the present invention comprises a reading unit for reading an image of a medium, a medium support unit having a medium support surface on which the medium is supported so as to be transportable in a transport direction toward the reading unit, and an extension support unit provided on the medium support unit, wherein the medium support unit is a medium support unit according to the 17th aspect.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the effects obtained in the media support device of the 17th embodiment can be obtained when using a reading device such as a scanner.

[0049] [Embodiment 1] The media support device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and the reading device equipped with this media support device will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes will be referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as shown in each figure. The direction indicated by the arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) is the positive direction, and the opposite direction is the negative direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts, with the +Z direction indicating vertically upwards and the -Z direction indicating vertically downwards. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction indicates the front direction of the device, and the -Y direction indicates the rear direction of the device. The +X direction indicates the right direction of the device, and the -X direction indicates the left direction of the device.

[0050] [Overall configuration of the reading device] The reading device of this embodiment is a scanner capable of reading images from a medium. Here, the image refers to something visually recorded on the medium, such as characters, figures, tables, pictures, photographs, etc. Furthermore, the medium is not limited to sheets, but also includes cards, booklets, etc. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the reading device 1 comprises a reading unit 5 (Figure 3) capable of reading an image from a medium 3, and a medium support device 16. The medium support device 16 comprises a medium support unit 7 having a medium support surface 13 that supports the medium 3 so as to be transportable in the transport direction F toward the reading unit 5, and an extension support unit 15 provided on the medium support unit 7. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the medium support surface 13 is an inclined surface that slopes toward the rear direction (-Y direction) of the device 1. As shown in Figure 3, downstream of the media support section 7 in the transport direction is a transport inlet 9 for transporting the media 3. Furthermore, along the transport path 2 shown by the dashed line, the feed roller pair 11, the first transport roller pair 4, the reading section 5, the second transport roller pair 6, the reversing section 8, and the discharge roller pair 10 are arranged in this order.

[0051] The feed roller pair 11 consists of a feed roller 12 and a separation roller 14, to which power is transmitted from a drive source (not shown). The media 3 supported by the media support section 7 is fed one sheet at a time to the transport path 2 by the feed roller pair 11. The medium 3, sent onto the transport path 2, is transported along the transport path 2 by the transport force from the first transport roller pair 4, passes through the reading area of ​​the reading unit 5, is transported further by the transport force from the second transport roller pair 6, and has its transport direction F reversed at the reversal unit 8. The medium 3 then leaves the transport path 2 and is discharged into the discharge receiving unit 18 by the discharge roller pair 10 located at the end of the transport path 2. Reference numeral 26 indicates the discharge port of the medium 3. The receiving surface 24 of the discharge receiving unit 18 is an inclined surface that slopes in the rear direction (-Y direction) of the device 1, similar to the medium support surface 13 of the medium support unit 7, as shown in Figure 3. The first transport roller pair 4, the second transport roller pair 6, and the discharge roller pair 10 are powered by a drive source (not shown). The operation of the feed roller pair 11, the first transport roller pair 4, the reading unit 5, the second transport roller pair 6, and the discharge roller pair 10 is controlled by control signals from a control unit (not shown).

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a long first support piece 20 is provided, extending diagonally upward from the end of the transport path 2 in the transport direction F, which is downstream of the discharge roller pair 10. The first support piece 20 rises from the structural member 32 that constitutes the discharge port 26, and extends so that its upper end gradually approaches the receiving surface 24 of the discharge receiving section 18. Furthermore, a second support piece 22 (Figure 1) is provided extending upward from the back side of the receiving surface 24 of the discharge receiving section 18. The first support piece 20 and the second support surface 22 are positioned approximately in the center of the device 1 in the left-right direction.

[0053] The medium 3 discharged into the discharge receiving section 18 is supported by the first support piece 20, which contacts the front surface of the medium 3, and the second support piece 22, which contacts the rear surface of the medium 3, thus supporting the medium 3 from both the front and the back. The first support piece 20 extends to the position shown in Figures 1 and 2 when the first button 28 (Figure 2) is pressed. Furthermore, by pressing the first button 28 or operating it manually, it moves to a retracted position behind the structural member 34 that constitutes the reversal section 8, becoming invisible from the front as shown in Figure 11, which will be described later. Similarly, the second support piece 22 extends to the position shown in Figures 1 and 2 when the second button 30 is pressed. Furthermore, by pressing the second button or operating it manually, it moves to a retracted position behind the receiving surface 24 of the discharge receiving section 18, becoming invisible from the front.

[0054] [Media support device] As described above, the media support device 16 of this embodiment includes a media support section 7 having a media support surface 13 on which the media 3 is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction F, and an extension support section 15 provided on the media support section 7. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0055] <Extension support part> As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 to 8, the extension support portion 15 is located on the back side of the media support surface 13 of the media support portion 7, approximately in the center in the width direction (X-axis direction), and is formed as an elongated, almost plate-like member overall. The extension support portion 15 has a first extension portion 17 that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed relative to the media support portion 7 (states in Figures 2 and 4) and an extended state in which it is unfolded by rotating relative to the media support portion 7 and supports the media 3 together with the media support portion 7 (states in Figures 1 and 5). Furthermore, the extension support portion 15 has a second extension portion 19 that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed within the first extension portion 17 (states shown in Figures 2 and 4) and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first extension portion 17 in the first direction A and supports the medium 3 together with the first extension portion 17 (states shown in Figures 1 and 5).

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the first extension 17 consists of a first right extension 17R located to the right of the center position of the media support 7 when viewed from the front side (+Y side) in the depth direction (Y axis direction) intersecting the transport direction F, and a first left extension 17L located to the left of the center position. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, a right-side gear 23R, which forms the right-side pivot point 21R of the first right-side extension 17R, is positioned at the base end of the first right-side extension 17R. Also, a left-side gear 23L, which forms the left-side pivot point 21L of the first left-side extension 17L and meshes with the right-side gear 23R, is positioned at the base end of the first left-side extension 17L. Here, a structure in which the right-side gear 23R and the left-side gear 23L mesh directly is shown, but a structure in which they mesh indirectly via other gears may also be used. As shown in Figures 1, 4 through 8, the first right extension 17R and the first left extension 17L, which constitute the first extension 17, are arranged symmetrically to the left and right with respect to the center position of the media support 7.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the first right extension 17R has a right first end 25R and a right second end 27R opposite the right first end 25R in the width direction, which is the second direction B intersecting the first direction A. Similarly, the first left extension 17L has a left first end 25L and a left second end 27L opposite the left first end 25L in the second direction B. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the right gear 23R is positioned between the right first end 25R and the right second end 27R of the first right extension 17R. Similarly, the left gear 23L is positioned between the left first end 25L and the left second end 27L of the first left extension 17L. Here, "located between" in "located between the right first end 25R and the right second end 27R" means located between the straight line formed by the right first end 25R and the straight line formed by the right second end 27R. Similarly, "located between" in "located between the left first end 25L and the left second end 27L" means located between the straight line formed by the left first end 25L and the straight line formed by the left second end 27L. In the following explanation, "located between" is used with the same meaning as above.

[0058] Furthermore, the second extension 19 includes a second right extension 19R housed in the first right extension 17R, and a second left extension 19L housed in the first left extension 17L. As shown in Figures 1, 4 to 8, the second right extension 19R and the second left extension 19L constituting the second extension 19 are also arranged symmetrically to the left and right with respect to the center position of the media support 7. Furthermore, the second right extension 19R is configured to completely overlap with the first right extension 17R when viewed from the depth direction (Y-axis direction) in the stored state (Figures 2 and 4). Similarly, the second left extension 19L is configured to completely overlap with the first left extension 17L when viewed from the depth direction (Y-axis direction) in the stored state (Figures 2 and 4). Here, "completely overlap" means that the contour of the second extension 19 when viewed from the depth direction is inside the contour of the first extension 17 when viewed from the depth direction. In Figure 1, reference numeral 44R denotes the media support surface of the first right extension 17R, and reference numeral 44L denotes the media support surface of the first left extension 17L. Also, reference numeral 46R denotes the media support surface of the second right extension 19R, and reference numeral 46L denotes the media support surface of the second left extension 19L. Here, the media support surfaces 44R and 44L are constructed by attaching sheets.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first extension 17 is configured to completely overlap the media support 7 when it is housed in the media support 7, as viewed from the depth direction (Y-axis direction). Here, "all overlapping" means that the contour of the first extension 17, when viewed from the depth direction (Y-axis direction), lies inside the contour of the media support 7, when viewed from the depth direction (Y-axis direction). In this state, the second extension 19 is housed within the first extension 17. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second extension 19 housed within the first extension 17 also overlaps entirely with the media support 7 when viewed from the depth direction (Y-axis direction).

[0060] <Elastically deformable part, contact part, and engaged part> Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first right extension 17R has an elastically deformable right elastic deformation portion 33R at its base end, which is provided with a right projection 31R. The first left extension 17L has an elastically deformable left elastic deformation portion 33L at its base end, which is provided with a left projection 31L. The media support portion 7 also has a right contact portion 35R that contacts the right projection 31R and a left contact portion 35L that contacts the left projection 31L. The right contact portion 35R has a first right engaged portion 37R that engages with the right projection 31R when the first right extension 17R is in the stored state (Figure 6(A)), and a second right engaged portion 39R that engages with the right projection 31R when the first right extension 17R is in the deployed state (Figure 5). The left contact portion 35L has a first left engaged portion 37L that engages with the left projection 31L when the first left extension 17L is in the stored state (Figure 6(A)), and a second left engaged portion 39L that engages with the left projection 31L when the first left extension 17L is in the deployed state (Figure 5).

[0061] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the right contact portion 35R has two right wall portions 41R. The right elastic deformation portion 33R elastically deforms toward the right rotation center 21R of the first right extension portion 17R when the right projection portion 31R moves in contact with one of the right wall portions 41R and engages with the first right engaged portion 37R or the second right engaged portion 39R. Similarly, the left contact portion 35L has two left wall portions 41L. The left elastic deformation portion 33L elastically deforms toward the left rotation center 21L of the first left extension portion 17L when the left projection portion 31L moves in contact with one of the left wall portions 41L and engages with the first left engaged portion 37L or the second left engaged portion 39L. In Figure 8, reference numeral 60 denotes the outer cover of the media support section 7. In Figures 4 to 7, the outer cover 60 is omitted from the illustration in order to allow the interior to be seen. The first extension 17 and the second extension 19 are positioned between the member forming the media support surface 13 and the outer cover 60.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the right elastic deformation portion 33R is located between the right first end 25R and the right second end 27R of the first right extension portion 17R. Similarly, the left elastic deformation portion 33L is located between the left first end 25L and the left second end 27L of the first left extension portion 17L. Here, "located in between" has the same meaning as described above.

[0063] <Linked> In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the second extension 19 is displaceable in conjunction with the rotational displacement of the first extension 17. The second right extension 19R is displaceable between a stored state in relation to the first right extension 17R and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first right extension 17R to support the medium 3 together with the first right extension 17R. Similarly, the second left extension 19L is displaceable between a stored state in relation to the first left extension 17L and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first left extension 17L to support the medium 3 together with the first left extension 17L. Furthermore, the second extension 19 is not structured to be displaced in conjunction with the rotational displacement of the first extension 17; it may be structured in a way that allows the second extension 19 to be manually extended from the first extension. In this embodiment, there is a first link mechanism 45 connecting the first right extension 17R and the second left extension 19L, and a second link mechanism 47 connecting the first left extension 17L and the second right extension 19R. Reference numerals 48, 50, 52, and 54 indicate threaded portions for the connection. The first link mechanism 45 and the second link mechanism 47 are configured to perform the interlocking action. The threaded portions 48, 50, 52, and 54 connect the two so that the link operation for the interlocking action can be performed.

[0064] The first link mechanism 45 and the second link mechanism 47 are configured to be located between the right first end 25R and the right second end 27R of the first right extension 17R, and between the left first end 25L and the left second end of the first left extension 1TL, when the first extension 17 is in the retracted state (Figure 4). Here, "located in between" has the same meaning as described above.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the side surface 51 forming the second right end 27R of the first right extension 17R and the side surface 53 forming the first left end 25L of the first left extension 17L are in contact in the unfolded state, with a portion of the area P from the base end in contact and the other area S not in contact. The non-contact area S is configured to be spaced apart from each other in a direction toward the tip. The dimensions of a certain range P where side surface 51 and side surface 53 are in contact with each other are set such that the overall rigidity of the first extension 17 in its deployed state is increased by the contact between them, making it appropriate.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 8, and 9, the second extension 19 has a handle portion 29 at its tip. The handle portion 29 consists of a right handle portion 29R and a left handle portion 29L. The right handle portion 29R and the left handle portion 29L are for facilitating the unfolding operation by placing one or both hands on them when rotating the first extension 17 relative to the media support portion 7 to transition from the stored state to the unfolded state. The shape of the handle portions 29R and 29L is substantially L-shaped in this embodiment, but it is of course not limited to this shape. As shown in Figures 4, 8, and 9, the left handle portion 29L has an engaging portion 56 and is configured to engage with the engaged portion 58 of the media support portion 7 when in the stored state. In other words, the engaging portion 56, which is part of the left handle portion 29L, protrudes from the media support portion 7 in the width direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the transport direction F and the depth direction (Y-axis direction). Here, "protruding from the media support portion 7" means that a part of the handle portion 29L is exposed to the media support portion 7 so that it can be unfolded by a finger or the like. Furthermore, since the right-side handle section 29R has essentially the same structure as the left-side handle section 29L, its explanation will be omitted.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 8 to 10, the first extension 17 has a restricting portion 43 that engages with the media support portion 7 when it is in the stored state. The restricting portion 43 consists of a right-side restricting portion 43R and a left-side restricting portion 43L. Furthermore, when the first extension 17 is in the unfolded state (Figure 1), the restricting portion 43 protrudes toward the surface of the placed medium 3. This protrusion causes the restricting portion 43 to contact the surface of the placed medium 3 when the first extension 17 is in the unfolded state, changing the orientation of the medium 3 from a planar orientation to a curved orientation. The handle portion 29 of the second extension portion 19 is configured such that, when viewed from the depth direction, it overlaps with at least a part of the restricting portion 43 when in the stored state, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0068] <Explanation of the displacement from the stored state to the deployed state in Embodiment 1> From the state shown in Figure 2, the extension support section 15 is extended to the state shown in Figure 1. To do this, first, the user places their hands on one or both of the right hand handle section 29R and the left hand handle section 29L of the handle section 29 and rotates the first extension section 17. This causes the first right extension section 17R and the first left extension section 17L to extend in conjunction with the right gear 23R and the left gear 23L. Simultaneously, the second right extension section 19R and the second left extension section 19L extend from the first extension section 17 in the first direction A, in conjunction with the links of the first link mechanism 45 and the second link mechanism 47. The extension section then changes to the extended state (Figure 1) in which it supports the medium 3 together with the first extension section 17. To return from the extended state to the stored state, the reverse operation of the above can be performed.

[0069] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 1> (1) In this embodiment, the second right extension 19R completely overlaps with the first right extension 17R when viewed from the depth direction in the stored state, and the second left extension 19L completely overlaps with the first left extension 17L when viewed from the depth direction in the stored state. Furthermore, the right gear 23R is positioned between the right first end 25R and the right second end 27R of the first right extension 17R, and the left gear 23L is positioned between the left first end 25L and the left second end 27L of the first left extension 17L. As a result, in the stored state of the second extension 19, it is possible to reduce the size of the area occupied by the first extension 17 and the second extension 19 in the second direction B, that is, in the transport direction F of the medium 3.

[0070] (2) In this embodiment, the first extension 17, when stored, completely overlaps the media support 7 when viewed from the depth direction. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the area occupied by the media support 7, the first extension 17 and the second extension 19 in the second direction B, i.e., the transport direction of the media 3, when the first extension 17 is stored. (3) In this embodiment, the first right extension 17R has a right elastic deformable portion 33R provided with a right projection 31R, and the first left extension 17L has a left elastic deformable portion 33L provided with a left projection 31L. Furthermore, the media support portion 7 has a right contact portion 35R and a left contact portion 35L. The right contact portion 35R has a first right engaged portion 37R that engages with the right projection 31R when the first right extension 17R is in the stored state, and a second right engaged portion 39R that engages with the right projection 31R when it is in the deployed state. The left contact portion 35L has a first left engaged portion 37L that engages with the left projection 31L when the first left extension 17L is in the stored state, and a second left engaged portion 39L that engages with the left projection 31L when it is in the deployed state. As a result, the stored state and the deployed state of the first extension 17 can be maintained by the respective engagements.

[0071] (4) In this embodiment, the right elastic deformation portion 33R is located between the right first end 25R and the right second end 27R of the first right extension portion 17R, and the left elastic deformation portion 33L is located between the left first end 25L and the left second end 27L of the first left extension portion 17L. This makes it possible to achieve the miniaturization including the areas occupied by the right elastic deformation portion 33R and the left elastic deformation portion 33L. (5) In this embodiment, the right elastic deformation portion 33R elastically deforms toward the rotation center 21R of the first right extension portion 17R when the right projection portion 31R moves in contact with the right wall portion 41R and engages with the first right engaged portion 37R or the second right engaged portion 39R. Furthermore, the left elastic deformation portion 33L elastically deforms toward the rotation center 21L of the first left extension portion 17L when the left projection portion 31L moves in contact with the left wall portion 41L and engages with the first left engaged portion 37L or the second left engaged portion 39L. Specifically, as the first extension 17 rotates relative to the media support 7, each elastically deformable portion 33R, 33L moves while contacting each wall portion 41R, 41L, and when it engages with each engaged portion 37R, 39R, 37L, 39L, it elastically deforms toward each rotation center 21R, 21L. As a result, when the first extension 17 is rotated between the stored position and the deployed position, a load is gradually applied to the rotation of the first extension 17 via the wall portions 41R, 41L, thereby improving user operability.

[0072] (6) In this embodiment, the second extension 19 is also displaceable in conjunction with the rotational displacement of the first extension 17. As a result, when the first extension 17 is rotated, the second extension 19 is also displaced in conjunction with the first extension 17, thereby improving user operability. (7) In this embodiment, the second right extension 19R can slide and extend from the first right extension 17R, and the second left extension 19L can slide and extend from the first left extension 17L. As a result, the second right extension 19R and the second left extension 19L can be extended and retracted relative to the first right extension 17R and the first left extension 17L with a simple sliding mechanism through the aforementioned interlocking mechanism. (8) In this embodiment, the interlocking is performed by the first link mechanism 45 and the second link mechanism 47. This makes it possible to achieve the interlocking with a simple structure. (9) In this embodiment, when the first extension 17 is in the retracted state, the first link mechanism 45 and the second link mechanism 47 are located between the first right end 25R and the second right end 27R of the first right extension 17R, and between the first left end 25L and the second left end 27L of the first left extension 17L. This makes it possible to achieve the miniaturization when the first extension 17 is in the retracted state, including the area occupied by the first link mechanism 45 and the second link mechanism 47.

[0073] (10) In this embodiment, the side surface 51 forming the second right end portion 25R of the first right extension portion 17R and the side surface 53 forming the first left end portion 25L of the first left extension portion 17L are in contact with each other in the deployed state, within a certain range P from the base end. This "contact" makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the first right extension portion 17R and the first left extension portion 17L in the deployed state. Furthermore, the other areas S of the first right extension 17R and the first left extension 17L are non-contact, and these non-contact areas are spaced apart from each other toward the tip, thus improving the stability of support for the medium 3 compared to a structure where the entire side surface is in contact. (11) In addition, in this embodiment, the second extension 19 has a handle portion 29, making it easy to operate the extension to the deployed state by placing fingers or the like on the handle portion 29. Also, since the handle portion 29 engages with the media support portion 7 when the extension is in the stored state, the ability of the second extension 19 to maintain the stored state is improved. (12) In addition, in this embodiment, a part of the handle portion 29 protrudes from the media support portion 7 as described above, making it easy for the user to use the handle portion 29 with their hand or the like.

[0074] (13) In addition, in this embodiment, the first extension 17 has a restricting portion 43 that engages with the media support portion 7 when it is in the stored state, so that the ability of the first extension 17 to maintain the stored state is improved. (14) In this embodiment, when the first extension 17 is in the extended state, the restricting portion 43 contacts the surface of the medium 3 on which it is placed, changing the orientation of the medium 3 from a planar orientation to a curved orientation. As a result, the medium 3 supported by the first extension 17 is less likely to tip forward. (15) In this embodiment, the handle portion 29 of the second extension portion 19 overlaps with at least a part of the restricting portion 43 when viewed from the depth direction in the stored state. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the device 1 in the width direction.

[0075] [Embodiment 2] The media support device 16 according to Embodiment 2 and the reading device 1 equipped with this media support device 16 will be described below with reference to Figures 11 and 12(A) and 12(B). Parts identical to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their configurations and corresponding effects will not be described. In this second embodiment, the media support device 16 can open and close the transport entrance 9 (Figure 2) for transporting the media 3 by rotating the media support section 7. In other words, the media support section 7 is configured so that its free end can rotate with its base end as the pivot point. The media support section 7 can support the media 3 when it is open (Figure 2). When the media support section 7 is closed, it is configured to be in a position along the depth direction (Y-axis direction), as shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, the first extension 17 is configured to completely overlap with the media support 7 in a plan view when it is housed in the closed state of the media support 7 (Figure 11). Here, "completely overlap" means that the outline of the first extension 17, as seen in a plan view, is inside the outline of the media support 7, as seen in a plan view. In this embodiment, the structure of the extension support portion 15 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so its description will be omitted.

[0076] As shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), the reader device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a handle 38 on the housing that constitutes the rear portion 36. This handle 38 allows the user to place their hand on it and lift the reader device 1, thereby moving the reader device 1 to another location. Furthermore, the reading device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a cable storage section 42 at the rear of the bottom component member 40. This cable storage section 42 can fold and store the power cable of the reading device 1 (not shown in the illustration).

[0077] According to the embodiment, the media support section 7 can rotate to open and close the transport entrance 9 for transporting the media 3, and when in the closed state, it is positioned along the depth direction. Furthermore, when the first extension section 17 is housed in the media support section 7 in the closed state, it completely overlaps with the media support section 7 in a plan view. This makes it possible to miniaturize the device 1 in the depth direction when the media support device 16 is not in use, that is, when the media support section 7 is closing the transport entrance 9.

[0078] [Embodiment 3] Hereinafter, the media support device 16 according to Embodiment 3 and the reading device 1 equipped with this media support device 16 will be described using the drawings used in the descriptions of Embodiments 1 and 2. Parts identical to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their configuration and corresponding effects are omitted from the description. The media support device 16 according to Embodiment 3 comprises a media support section 7 having a media support surface 13 on which the media 3 is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction F, and an extension support section 15 provided on the media support section 7. The extension support section 15 includes a first extension section 17 that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed relative to the media support section 7 and an extended state in which it is unfolded by rotating relative to the media support section 7 and supports the media 3 together with the media support section 7, and a second extension section 19 that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed relative to the first extension section 17 and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first extension section 17 in a first direction A and supports the media 3 together with the first extension section 17. The first extension section 17 has a first right extension section 17R located to the right of the center position of the media support section 7 when viewed from the front side in the depth direction intersecting the transport direction F, and a first left extension section 17L located to the left of the center position. Furthermore, the second extension section 19 has a second right extension section 19R housed in the first right extension section 17R and a second left extension section 19L housed in the first left extension section 17L. In the stored state, the second right extension 19R completely overlaps with the first right extension 17R when viewed from the depth direction, and the second left extension 19L completely overlaps with the first left extension 17L when viewed from the depth direction. The above points are the same as in Embodiment 1. The following configuration differs from Embodiment 1.

[0079] In this third embodiment, the media support section 7 can rotate to open and close the transport entrance 9 for transporting the media 3. When open, it can support the media 3, and when closed, it is positioned along the depth direction. The first extension section 17 is configured to completely overlap with the media support section 7 in a plan view when it is housed in the media support section 7 in the closed state.

[0080] As can be understood from the above explanation, this embodiment does not have the limitation of a right-side gear and a left-side gear as in Embodiment 1 for the structure that rotates the first extension support part 17. Instead, the media support part 7 is limited to being able to open and close the transport entrance 9 for transporting the media 3 by rotating, being able to support the media 3 in the open state, and being in an orientation along the depth direction when closed. In this third embodiment, instead of using the right gear 23R and left gear 23L of the first embodiment, the right gear 23R and left gear 23L may be used simply as a pivot point structure, and the first right extension 17R and the first left extension 17L may be rotated individually.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the media support section 7 can open and close the transport entrance 9 by rotating, and when in the closed state, it is positioned along the depth direction. Furthermore, when the first extension section 17 is housed in the media support section 7 in the closed state, it completely overlaps with the media support section 7 in a plan view. As a result, when the media support device 16 is not in use, that is, when the media support section 7 is closing the transport entrance 9, the device 1 can be made smaller in the depth direction.

[0082] [Other embodiments] The media support device 16 and the reading device 1 equipped with the media support device 16 according to the present invention are based on having the configuration of the embodiments described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the case in which the device equipped with the media support device 16 is a reading device 1 such as a scanner was described, but of course, it is not limited to this reading device and can also be applied to image forming devices such as printers.

[0083] 1...Reading device, 2...Conveyor path, 3...Media, 4...First conveyor roller pair, 5...Reading unit 6...Second transport roller pair, 7...Media support section, 8...Reversing section, 9...Transport entrance, 10…Discharge roller pair, 11…Feed roller pair, 12…Feed roller, 13...Media support surface, 14...Separation roller, 15...Extension support part, 16...Media support device, 17...First extension part, 17R...First right extension part, 17L...First left extension, 18...Discharge receiving section, 19...Second extension, 20...First support piece, 21R...Right side rotation fulcrum, 21L...Left side rotation fulcrum, 22…Second support piece, 23R…Right-side dentist, 23L…Left-side dentist, 24…Receiving side, 25R…Right end 1, 25L…Left end 1, 26…Outlet 27R…Second end on the right, 27L…Second end on the left, 28…First board, 29...hand hanging part, 29R...right hand hanging part, 29L...left hand hanging part, 30…Second board, 31R…Right side protrusion, 31L…Left side protrusion, 32…Structural components, 33R...right elastic deformation part, 33L...left elastic deformation part, 34...structural parts, 35R…right side contact part, 35L…left side contact part, 36…back side part, 37R…Right side of the first lapels, 37L…Left side of the first lapels, 38…Hand-held part, 39R…Second right side fastening part, 39L…Second left side fastening part, 40…Bottom component, 41R…Right side wall, 41L…Left side wall, 42…Cabule storage section, 43…Regulation section, 43R…Right-side regulatory section, 43L…Left-side regulatory section, 45…First link mechanism, 44R, 44L, 46R, 46L…Media Support Area, 47…Second Ring Agency, 48…ネジ, 50…ネジ, 51…side, 52…ネジ, 53…side, 54…Neji section, 56…Tiehe section, 58…Bei tiehe section, 60…Outer cover, A…First direction, B...the second direction, F...the conveying direction, P...the base end of the base, S...the other side

Claims

1. A media support section having a media support surface on which the media is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction, A media support device comprising an extension support portion provided on the media support portion, The aforementioned extended support portion is A first extension is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed within the media support portion and an unfolded state in which it is unfolded by rotating relative to the media support portion and supports the media together with the media support portion. It has a second extension that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed within the first extension and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first extension in a first direction and supports the medium together with the first extension, The second extension is capable of displacing in conjunction with the rotational displacement of the first extension. The first extension is, Viewed from the front in the depth direction intersecting the aforementioned transport direction, the first right extension is located to the right of the center position of the media support section, and the first left extension is located to the left of the center position, The first right extension has a right-side gear located at its base end and forming the right-side pivot point of the first right extension, and a left-side gear located at its base end and forming the left-side pivot point of the first left extension, which meshes with the right-side gear. The first right extension includes a right first end and a right second end opposite to the right first end in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first left extension includes a left first end and a left second end opposite to the left first end in the second direction, The right-side gear is provided so as to be located between the right-side first end and the right-side second end of the first right-side extension. The left-side gear is provided so as to be located between the left-side first end and the left-side second end of the first left-side extension. The second extension comprises a second right extension housed in the first right extension and a second left extension housed in the first left extension. The second right extension, when viewed from the depth direction, completely overlaps with the first right extension in the stored state. In the stored state, the second left extension completely overlaps with the first left extension when viewed from the depth direction. The second right extension is displaceable between a stored state in relation to the first right extension and an extended state in which it slides out from the first right extension and supports the medium together with the first right extension. The second left extension is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed relative to the first left extension, and an extended state in which it slides out from the first left extension and supports the medium together with the first left extension. It has a first link mechanism connecting the first right extension and the second left extension, and a second link mechanism connecting the first left extension and the second right extension, The aforementioned interlocking is performed by the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism. A media support device characterized by the following features.

2. In the media support device according to claim 1, The media support device is characterized in that, in the stored state, the first extension portion completely overlaps with the media support portion when viewed from the depth direction.

3. In the media support device according to claim 1, The first right extension has an elastically deformable right elastic deformable portion at its base end, which is provided with a right projection. The first left extension has an elastically deformable left elastic deformable portion at its base end, which is provided with a left projection. The media support portion has a right contact portion that contacts the right projection portion and a left contact portion that contacts the left projection portion. The aforementioned right-side contact portion is The first right extension has a first right engaging portion that engages with the right projection when the extension is in the stored position, The first right extension has a second right engaging portion that engages with the right projection when the first right extension is in the extended state, The left contact portion is, The first left extension has a first left engaging portion that engages with the left projection when the extension is in the stored position, The first left extension has a second left engaging portion that engages with the left projection when the first left extension is in the extended state, A media support device characterized by the following features.

4. In the media support device according to claim 3, The right-side elastic deformation portion is located between the right-side first end and the right-side second end of the first right-side extension, The left elastic deformation portion is located between the left first end and the left second end of the first left extension. A media support device characterized by the following features.

5. In the media support device according to claim 3, The aforementioned right-side contact portion has a right-side wall portion, The right-side elastic deformation portion elastically deforms toward the rotation center of the first right-side extension when the right-side projection moves in contact with the right-side wall portion and engages with the first right-side engaged portion or the second right-side engaged portion. The left contact portion has a left wall portion, The left elastically deformable portion elastically deforms toward the rotation center of the first left extension when the left projection moves in contact with the left wall and engages with the first left engaged portion or the second left engaged portion. A media support device characterized by the following features.

6. In the media support device according to Claim 1, The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism are located between the right first end and the right second end of the first right extension when the first extension is in the stored state, and between the left first end and the left second end of the first left extension. A media support device characterized by the following features.

7. In the media support device according to claim 1, The side surface forming the second right end of the first right extension and the side surface forming the first left end of the first left extension are In the aforementioned unfolded state, a portion of the base end is in contact, while the other portion is not in contact. The aforementioned non-contact portions move apart from each other in a direction toward the tip. A media support device characterized by the following features.

8. In the media support device according to claim 1, The second extension has a handle that engages with the media support when in the stored state. A media support device characterized by the following features.

9. In the media support device according to claim 8, A portion of the handle protrudes from the media support portion in the width direction intersecting the transport direction and the depth direction. A media support device characterized by the following features.

10. In the media support device according to claim 1, The first extension has a restricting portion that engages with the media support portion when in the stored state. A media support device characterized by the following features.

11. In the media support device according to claim 10, The restricting portion, when the first extension is in the extended state, protrudes toward the surface of the medium on which it is placed. A media support device characterized by the following features.

12. In the media support device according to claim 10, The second extension has a handle that engages with the media support when in the stored state, When the handle is in the stored state, when viewed from the depth direction, it overlaps with at least a part of the restricting portion. A media support device characterized by the following features.

13. In a media support device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The media support section is, The conveying entrance for transporting the medium can be opened and closed by rotating, In the open state, the medium can be supported. When in the closed state, it assumes an orientation along the depth direction. The first extension, when housed in the closed state of the media support, completely overlaps with the media support in a plan view. A media support device characterized by the following features.

14. A media support section having a media support surface on which the media is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction, A media support device comprising an extension support portion provided on the media support portion, The aforementioned extended support portion is A first extension is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed within the media support portion and an unfolded state in which it is unfolded by rotating relative to the media support portion and supports the media together with the media support portion. It has a second extension that is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed within the first extension and an extended state in which it slides and extends from the first extension in a first direction and supports the medium together with the first extension, The first extension comprises a first right extension located to the right of the center position of the media support portion when viewed from the front in the depth direction intersecting the transport direction, and a first left extension located to the left of the center position. The second extension comprises a second right extension housed in the first right extension and a second left extension housed in the first left extension. The second right extension, when viewed from the depth direction, completely overlaps with the first right extension in the stored state. In the stored state, the second left extension completely overlaps with the first left extension when viewed from the depth direction. The second extension is capable of displacing in conjunction with the rotational displacement of the first extension. The second right extension is displaceable between a stored state in relation to the first right extension and an extended state in which it slides out from the first right extension and supports the medium together with the first right extension. The second left extension is displaceable between a stored state in which it is housed relative to the first left extension, and an extended state in which it slides out from the first left extension and supports the medium together with the first left extension. It has a first link mechanism connecting the first right extension and the second left extension, and a second link mechanism connecting the first left extension and the second right extension, The aforementioned interlocking is performed by the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism. The media support section is, The conveying entrance for transporting the medium can be opened and closed by rotating, In the open state, the medium can be supported. When in the closed state, it assumes an orientation aligned with the depth direction. The first extension, when housed in the closed state of the media support, completely overlaps with the media support in a plan view. A media support device characterized by the following features.

15. A reading unit that reads images from the media, A media support device comprising: a media support section having a media support surface on which the media is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction toward the reading section; and an extension support section provided on the media support section, The media support device is the media support device described in any one of claims 1 to 12. A reading device characterized by the following.

16. A reading unit that reads images from the media, A media support device comprising: a media support section having a media support surface on which the media is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction toward the reading section; and an extension support section provided on the media support section, The media support device is the media support device described in claim 13. A reading device characterized by the following.

17. A reading unit that reads images from the media, A media support device comprising: a media support section having a media support surface on which the media is supported so as to be transportable in the transport direction toward the reading section; and an extension support section provided on the media support section, The media support device is the media support device described in claim 14. A reading device characterized by the following.

Images