JP2017095227A - Sheet carrier device and information reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem in that alignment improvement is not always achieved even though an ejected sheet is received by an ejection tray.SOLUTION: A sheet carrier device comprises: a housing; a paper feed port provided in the housing; carrying means that carries a sheet, fed from the sheet feed port, along a carrying path; an ejection port that ejects the sheet from the housing; an ejection tray 2 mounted so as to be rotatable to a position where the sheet ejected from the ejection port is received; a projecting part provided at the lower end of the front of the housing; and a tray support part 131 supporting the ejection tray and adjustable the angle of the ejection tray. The tray support part is mounted so as to be rotatable between a position where it is pulled out from the projecting part and a position where it is stored in the projecting part, and has an abutting part that positions the tray support part in the position where the tray support part is pulled out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10a

Description

  The present invention relates to a conveying apparatus that conveys a sheet, a control method thereof, and an information reading apparatus that reads information from a sheet.

  2. Description of the Related Art Copiers, scanners, printers, and the like are known that have a mechanism for conveying a plurality of sheets one by one. For example, there is known an image reading apparatus that reads a document image while a document bundle such as a check, a check, a document, and the like is placed on a document table in a scanner and is separated and conveyed one by one by a sheet feeding mechanism. .

JP 2014-72564 A

  In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a discharge tray is provided on the sheet discharge port side of the housing. This improves the alignment by receiving the discharged sheet.

  However, depending on the type of paper discharged to the discharge tray described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that sheets cannot be received with good alignment.

  The present invention provides a technique capable of adjusting the angle of a sheet discharge tray and improving the alignment of discharged sheets.

According to the present invention,
A housing,
A paper feed port provided in the housing;
Conveying means for conveying a sheet fed from the sheet feeding port along a conveying path;
A discharge port for discharging the sheet from the housing;
A discharge tray attached so as to be rotatable to a position for receiving the sheet discharged from the discharge port;
A protrusion provided at the lower end of the front surface of the housing;
A tray support portion that supports the discharge tray and is capable of adjusting an angle of the discharge tray;
The tray support portion is rotatably attached between a position pulled out from the protrusion and a position accommodated in the protrusion.
It has a contact part which positions the tray support part in the position where the tray support part is pulled out.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet conveying device or an information reading device capable of adjusting the angle of the discharge tray without depending on the installation location.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the image reading apparatus in FIG. 1. 1 is a front view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is another front view of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is another top view of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is another schematic cross-sectional view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is another side view of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view and an enlarged view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of discharge tray angle state detection (when SW is off) of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of discharge tray angle state detection (when SW is on) of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flow chart of optimal state display control by detecting the state of a discharge tray of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of other embodiment of the tray support part of the image reading apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The display control flow of the optimal state by the state detection of the discharge tray in other embodiment of the tray support part of the image reading apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of other embodiment of the tray support part of the image reading apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of other embodiment of the tray support part of the image reading apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The display control flow of the optimal state by the state detection of the discharge tray in other embodiment of the tray support part of the image reading apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a configuration diagram of an angle detection mechanism of a discharge tray of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an image reading apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Device configuration>
The image reading apparatus A is an apparatus that transports one or a plurality of transport media S stacked on the mounting table 1 one by one through the path RT in the apparatus, reads the image, and discharges the image onto the discharge tray 2. The reading medium S to be read is, for example, a sheet such as OA paper, a check, a check, a business card, or a card, and may be a thick sheet or a thin sheet. Examples of the cards include an insurance card, a driver's license, and a credit card. The transport medium S also includes a booklet such as a passport. When targeting a booklet, a holder described later can be used. By storing the booklet in a spread state in the holder and placing it on the mounting table 1, the booklet is transported together with the holder and the image can be read.

<Feed>
A first transport unit 10 is provided as a feeding mechanism that feeds the transport medium S along the route RT. In the case of this embodiment, the first transport unit 10 includes a feed roller 11 and a separation roller 12 disposed to face the feed roller 11, and sequentially transports the transport medium S on the mounting table 1 one by one in the transport direction D1. Transport. A driving force is transmitted to the feed roller 11 from the driving unit 3 such as a motor through the transmission unit 5 and is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the drawing (the forward direction in which the transport medium S is transported along the path RT). The transmission unit 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch, and interrupts the driving force from the driving unit 3 to the feed roller 11.

<Driver>
For example, in this embodiment, the transmission unit 5 that connects the drive unit 3 and the feed roller 11 is in a state in which the driving force is transmitted in a normal state, and interrupts the driving force when the transport medium S is reversely fed. When the transmission of the driving force is interrupted by the transmission unit 5, the feed roller 11 is in a freely rotatable state. In addition, such a transmission part 5 does not need to be provided when driving the feed roller 11 only in one direction.

<Separation structure>
The separation roller 12 disposed to face the feed roller 11 is a roller for separating the transport medium S one by one, and is in pressure contact with the feed roller 11 with a constant pressure. In order to secure this pressure contact state, the separation roller 12 is provided so as to be swingable and is urged to the feed roller 11. The separation roller 12 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow (the direction opposite to the forward direction of the feed roller 11) when the driving force is transmitted from the driving unit 3 via the torque limiter 12a.

  Since the driving force transmission is restricted by the torque limiter 12a, the separation roller 12 rotates in a direction (indicated by a broken arrow) along with the feed roller 11 when contacting the feed roller 11. As a result, when a plurality of transport media S are transported to the pressure contact portion between the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12, two or more transport media S are blocked so that they are not transported downstream except one. .

  In the present embodiment, the separation roller 12 and the feed roller 11 constitute a separation mechanism. However, such a separation mechanism is not necessarily provided, and the conveyance medium S is sequentially fed to the path RT one by one. Any feeding mechanism may be used. In the case where a separation mechanism is provided, instead of the configuration of the separation roller 12, a separation pad that applies a frictional force to the transport medium S is brought into pressure contact with the feed roller 11 so as to have a similar separation operation. May be.

<Conveying structure>
The second transport unit 20 as a transport mechanism on the downstream side in the transport direction of the first transport unit 10 includes a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 driven by the drive roller 21 and has been transported from the first transport unit 10. The transported medium S is transported downstream. Driving force is transmitted to the driving roller 21 from the driving unit 4 such as a motor, and the driving roller 21 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 22 is brought into pressure contact with the driving roller 21 at a constant pressure, and rotates with the driving roller 21. The driven roller 22 may be configured to be biased against the driving roller 21 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

  The third transport unit 30 located downstream of the second transport unit 20 in the transport direction includes a drive roller 31 and a driven roller 32 that is driven by the drive roller 31 and is transported from the second transport unit 20. The transport medium S is transported to the discharge tray 2. That is, the third transport unit 30 functions as a discharge mechanism. Driving force is transmitted to the driving roller 31 from the driving unit 4 such as a motor, and the driving roller 31 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 32 is brought into pressure contact with the driving roller 31 at a constant pressure, and is driven by the driving roller 31. The driven roller 32 may be configured to be biased against the driving roller 31 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

  The discharge tray 2 is pivotally supported via a first hinge 101 provided below the image reading device A so as to be rotatable with respect to the image reading device A. Further, the first discharge tray 2a on the first hinge 101 side and the second discharge tray 2b connected to the tip end side thereof are configured, and the second discharge tray 2b is rotatable with respect to the first discharge tray 2a. Is pivotally supported.

<Image reading structure and control>
Here, in the image reading apparatus A of the present embodiment, since the image reading unit 70 disposed between the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30 reads an image, the second transport unit 20 and the second transport unit 20 The three transport unit 30 transports the transport medium S at a constant speed. By always setting the transport speed to be equal to or higher than the transport speed of the first transport unit 10, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the subsequent transport medium S catches up with the preceding transport medium S. For example, in this embodiment, speed control is performed so that the transport speed of the transport medium S by the second transport section 20 and the third transport section 30 is faster than the transport speed of the transport medium S by the first transport section 10. did.

  Even when the transport speed of the transport medium S by the second transport section 20 and the third transport section 30 and the transport speed of the transport medium S by the first transport section 10 are the same, the drive section 3 is controlled. It is also possible to form a minimum interval between the preceding transport medium S and the subsequent transport medium S by intermittently shifting the feeding start timing of the subsequent transport medium S.

<Double feed detection>
When the double feed detection sensor 40 disposed between the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 20 is in contact with transport media S such as paper due to static electricity or the like, and passes through the first transport unit 10 ( In other words, this is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor for detecting the behavior and state of the sheet) for detecting this in the case of a double feed state in which the sheets are conveyed in an overlapping manner. Various sensors can be used as the double feed detection sensor 40, but in the case of the present embodiment, it is an ultrasonic sensor, and includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 41 and a reception unit 42, and is a conveyance medium such as paper. Double feed is detected based on the principle that the attenuation amount of the ultrasonic wave passing through the transport medium S is different between the case where S is transported one by one and the case where S is transported one by one.

<Registration sensor>
The medium detection sensor 50 arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the double feed detection sensor 40 is located on the upstream side of the second conveyance unit 20 and on the upstream side arranged on the downstream side of the first conveyance unit 10. This is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor for detecting the behavior and state of a sheet). The position of the transport medium S transported by the first transport unit 10, specifically, the position of the transport medium S at the detection position of the medium detection sensor 50. Detect whether the end has reached or passed. As the medium detection sensor 50, various sensors can be used. In the case of the present embodiment, the medium detection sensor 50 is an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 51 and a light receiving unit 52. The transport medium S is detected based on the principle that the intensity (the amount of received light) changes.

  In the case of this embodiment, when the leading edge of the transport medium S is detected by the medium detection sensor 50, the above medium is used so that the transport medium S reaches a position where the double feed detection sensor 40 can detect double feed. The detection sensor 50 is provided on the downstream side in the vicinity of the double feed detection sensor 40. The medium detection sensor 50 is not limited to the optical sensor described above. For example, a sensor (image sensor or the like) that can detect the end of the transport medium S may be used, or a lever-type sensor that protrudes into the path RT. It may be a sensor.

  A medium detection sensor 60 different from the medium detection sensor 50 is disposed on the upstream side of the image reading unit 70. This is an example of a downstream detection sensor disposed downstream of the second transport unit 20 and detects the position of the transport medium S transported by the second transport unit 20. Various media detection sensors 60 can be used. In the case of the present embodiment, the medium detection sensor 60 is an optical sensor similar to the medium detection sensor 50, and includes a light emitting unit 61 and a light receiving unit 62. The transport medium S is detected based on the principle that the received light intensity (received light amount) changes due to arrival or passage. In the present embodiment, the medium detection sensors 50 and 60 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction of the second transport unit 20, respectively, but only one of them may be used.

<CIS layout>
The image reading unit 70 on the downstream side of the medium detection sensor 60 is, for example, optically scanned, converted into an electric signal and read as image data, and internally includes a light source such as an LED, an image sensor, and a lens array. Etc. In the present embodiment, one image reading unit 70 is disposed on each side of the path RT, and reads the front and back surfaces of the transport medium S. However, only one side of the route RT may be arranged to read only one side of the transport medium S. Further, in the present embodiment, the image reading unit 70 is configured to be opposed to both sides of the route RT. However, for example, the image reading unit 70 may be arranged with an interval in the direction of the route RT.

<Explanation of block diagram>
The control unit 80 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control unit 8 of the image reading apparatus A.

  The control unit 80 includes a CPU 81, a storage unit 82, an operation unit 83, a communication unit 84, and an interface unit 86. The CPU 81 controls the entire image reading apparatus A by executing a program stored in the storage unit 82. The storage unit 82 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The operation unit 83 includes, for example, a switch, a touch panel, and the like, and accepts an operation from the operator.

  The communication unit 84 is an interface that performs information communication with an external device. When a PC (personal computer) is assumed as the external device, examples of the communication unit 84 include a USB interface and a SCSI interface. In addition to such a wired communication interface, the communication unit 84 may be a wireless communication interface, and may include both wired communication and wireless communication interfaces.

  The interface unit 86 is an I / O interface that inputs and outputs data with the actuator 85 and the sensor 87. The actuator 85 includes the drive unit 3, the drive unit 4, the transmission unit 5, and the like. The sensor 87 includes a double feed detection sensor 40, medium detection sensors 50 and 60, an image reading unit 70, and the like.

<Driving by receiving start instruction from PC>
A basic operation of the image reading apparatus A will be described. For example, when receiving an image reading start instruction from an external personal computer to which the image reading apparatus A is connected, the control unit 80 starts driving the first to third transport units 10 to 30. The transport medium S loaded on the mounting table 1 is transported one by one from the transport medium S positioned at the bottom.

<Control during double feeding>
In the middle of the conveyance, the conveyance medium S is determined by the double-feed detection sensor 40 to determine whether or not there is a double-feed. If it is determined that there is a double feed, the transport is stopped or the capture of the subsequent transport medium S by the first transport unit 10 is stopped, and the transport medium S in the double feed state is discharged as it is. It may be.

<Start reading according to the output of the registration sensor>
The control unit 80 starts reading the image by the image reading units 70 and 70 of the transport medium S transported by the second transport unit 20 at a timing based on the detection result of the medium detection sensor 60, and reads the read image. Temporarily memorize and send to external PC. The transport medium S from which the image has been read is discharged to the discharge tray 2 by the third transport unit 30, and the image reading process for the transport medium S is completed.

<Discharge structure>
FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the discharge tray 2 of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention is developed.

  A display screen 93 is provided on the display panel 90 at the upper front, and operation keys 122 are provided at adjacent positions.

  The lower panel 91 in the lower front part is provided with a discharge opening 92 as an example of a discharge port, and the transport medium S transported by the third transport unit 30 is discharged.

  FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the discharge tray 2 of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention is stored.

  The discharge tray 2 is pivotally supported via a first hinge 101 provided below the image reading device A so as to be rotatable with respect to the image reading device A, and the first discharge tray 2a and the second discharge tray 2a. The discharge tray 2b is configured to cover the front surface of the main body 100 as an example of a housing.

  The first discharge tray 2a is attached to the main body 100 of the image reading apparatus A so as to be rotatable about the first hinge 101. The first discharge tray 2a is formed in the same size as the combined area of the lower panel 91 and the discharge opening 92, and rotates around the first hinge 101 in the storage state of the discharge tray 2 as shown in FIG. It is folded so as to cover the lower panel 91 and the discharge opening 92.

  The second discharge tray 2b is formed in the same size as the display panel 90, and rotates in the storage state of the discharge tray 2 as shown in FIG. 4 with the second hinge 102 provided at the tip of the first discharge tray 2a as a fulcrum. And is folded so as to overlap the display panel 90.

  FIG. 5 is a top view of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where the discharge tray 2 is unfolded.

  The transport medium S transported by the third transport unit 30 is discharged to the first discharge tray 2a through the discharge opening 92, and reaches the second discharge tray 2b and is guided depending on the size of the transport medium S.

  The first discharge tray 2a is provided with a discharge position adjusting member 120 so as to be rotatable. When a small-sized transport medium S is discharged with respect to the first discharge tray 2a such as a business card, By rotating to the standing state, the position where the transport medium S stops can be adjusted, and the discharged transport medium S can be made difficult to be scattered.

  Further, the second discharge tray 2b is provided with a translucent portion 121, and is disposed at a position overlapping the operation key 122 provided on the display panel. The operation key 122 is a power button for turning on and off the main body, and is configured so that the button is lit when the power is on. The translucent part 121 arranged at a position overlapping with the operation key 122 can confirm whether the operation key 122 is in the lit state or the unlit state even when the discharge tray 2 is stored. You can check the power status.

<Configuration of display panel>
In the storage state of the second discharge tray 2b, a display screen 93 is arranged on the display panel 90 provided at a position overlapping the second discharge tray 2b.

  The display screen 93 is arranged so that the feeding tray 110 and the conveyance path width W and the center line X are at the same position. The A4 letter size is configured to be fed as the maximum transport path width Wmax of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the width is Wmax = 216 mm. The width of the display screen 93 is 224 mm, which is longer than Wmax.

  Accordingly, for example, the read image can be displayed on the display screen 93 in actual size, and the finished state can be easily confirmed, so that convenience for the user can be improved.

<Details of feeding structure>
FIG. 6 is a top view of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the discharge tray 2 is stored.

  The feeding tray 110 is provided with a regulating member 111 that is slidably mounted in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction according to the size of the transport medium S to be arranged.

<Details of upper unit>
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image reading apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The main body 100 includes an upper unit 103 and a lower unit 104, and the upper unit 103 is attached to the lower unit 104 so as to be rotatable about the main body hinge 105.

  Since the upper unit 103 includes a display screen 93 having a width exceeding the maximum conveyance path width Wmax and a support frame sheet metal of the display screen 93 on the display panel 90, the center of gravity in a state where the upper unit 103 is expanded as shown in FIG. Is largely shifted forward in the transport direction from the state in which the upper unit 103 is housed as shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, if there is momentum when the upper unit is expanded, the image reading apparatus A may fall down. However, in the image reading apparatus A according to the present embodiment, the upper unit 103 is provided with the protrusion 130. Even if the center of gravity shifts due to the development of the image reading apparatus A, the image reading apparatus A can be prevented from falling. The protruding amount of the protruding portion 130 is a protruding amount that fits below the discharge tray 2 in the storage state of the upper unit 103 and the discharge tray 2 as shown in FIG. In the unfolded state, the amount of protrusion is such that it is positioned further forward than the center of gravity of the upper unit 103 in the transport direction. Thus, the image reading apparatus A can be prevented from falling due to the unfolding of the upper unit 103, and can be prevented from projecting more than necessary in the stored state in which the discharge tray 2 is stored, and not disturbing the user.

<Discharge tray angle adjustment>
Further, on the upper surface of the projecting portion 130, a tray support portion 131 that is in contact with the lower surface of the discharge tray 2 when it is unfolded is rotatably provided.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the discharge tray 2 is supported by the projecting portion 130 in the unfolded state, and can receive the transport medium S to be discharged. As shown in FIG. 10 a, when the tray support 131 is rotated so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the protrusion 130, the discharge tray 2 is supported by contacting the lower surface of the discharge tray 2. 9, the angle of the discharge tray 2 can be adjusted, and the discharge tray 2 is supported on the upper side in the vertical direction as compared with the case where the discharge tray 2 is supported at the position stored in the protrusion 130. Therefore, the angle formed by the installation surface of the image reading apparatus A and the discharge tray can be increased.

  For example, in the state of FIG. 10a, the discharge tray 2 is lifted vertically upward compared to the state of FIG. 9, and the position where the leading edge of the transport medium S lands on the upper surface of the discharge tray 2 can be changed. . Accordingly, in the state shown in FIG. 9, in the case where the leading end of the transport medium S to be ejected contacts and pushes the rear end of the transport medium S that has already been ejected, By changing the angle, in addition to the action of moving the rear end of the already ejected transport medium S toward the lower unit 104 side, the leading end of the subsequent transport medium S is securely placed on the upper surface of the already transported transport medium S. Can be landed. With such a configuration, the alignment of the transported medium S that has been discharged on the discharge tray 2 can be significantly improved.

  FIG. 10B is a side view showing a state in which the discharge tray 2 of the image reading apparatus A is removed. A portion surrounded by a circle DT1 in the upper diagram is shown in the lower diagram.

  The tray support part 131 is disposed so that its rotation shaft is provided in a protrusion 130 provided at the lower part of the main body 100. Further, the rotation axis of the tray support part 131 is arranged so as to be on the front end side of the protrusion part 130, and from the position where the tray support part 131 is stored in the protrusion part 130 to the position where it is pulled out from the protrusion part 130. By rotating, the discharge tray 2 can be supported.

  When the tray support part 131 is most pulled out from the projecting part 130, the tray support part 131 is rotated 90 degrees or more from the position accommodated in the projecting part 130, and when the discharge tray 2 is supported by the tray support part 131. In addition, due to the load from the discharge tray 2, the tray support 131 does not receive a load in the direction in which the tray support 131 is stored in the protrusion 130, and the tray support 131 comes into contact with the contact 132 a of the tray support storage hole 132. As a result, the tray support portion 131 receives a drag force in a direction toward the discharge opening 92, and the rotation in the direction of being pulled out from the protruding portion 130 is restricted, and the discharge tray 2 can be supported stably.

  FIG. 10C is a top view and an enlarged view of the image reading apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from a direction perpendicular to the display panel 90. FIG.

  The tray support portion 131 is disposed so as to be entirely accommodated in a recess 155 provided in the protruding portion 130, and a rotation shaft is provided on the distal end side of the protruding portion 130. By providing the tray support part 131 so that the whole is accommodated in the projecting part 130, the projecting part 130 and the discharge tray 2 are reliably brought into contact with each other in a state where the tray support part 131 is accommodated in the projecting part 130. You can

  The tray support part 131 has a rotation shaft on the tip side of the protrusion 130, a side facing the rotation shaft has a finger-holding recess 152 at the center, and both ends protruded to contact the discharge tray 2. 151.

  A retracting portion 153 is provided at a position facing the recess 152 of the tray support portion 131 in the recess 155 so that the user's finger can easily touch the recess 152.

  In a state where the tray support portion 131 is rotated so as to jump out from the protruding portion 130, the tray support portion 131 comes into contact with the discharge tray 2 by the convex portions 151 provided at both ends thereof. By doing so, the influence on the angle of the discharge tray 2 due to tolerance and variation can be suppressed.

  Note that the tray support 131 may be configured to support the discharge tray 2 even in the middle of the rotation range, and the angle of the discharge tray 2 may be adjustable in a plurality of stages. In that case, it is possible to receive the transport medium S at an angle with the highest alignment on the discharge tray 2 for each transport medium S, and usability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the tray support 131 is supported by the contact portion 132a of the protrusion 130. However, the tray support 131 has a resistance against the tray support 131, and thereby the angle of the discharge tray 2 with respect to the discharge opening 92. For example, the tray support portion 131 has a width substantially the same as that of the lower unit 102, and support members for the tray support portion 131 are arranged at both ends of the lower unit 102 to support the tray support portion 131. The angle of the discharge tray 2 may be adjusted by supporting the tray support part 131 at the contact part provided on the member.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the tray support portion receiving hole 132 for storing the tray support portion 131 in the protruding portion 130 is configured so that the lower portion thereof is opened and the tray supporting portion 131 is accommodated in the protruding portion 130 by the restriction portion. It may be. By doing so, for example, even if a foreign object is caught in the tray support portion storage hole 132, it can be discharged from below, so that the tray support portion 131 is not completely stored in the protruding portion 130 by the foreign matter and is discharged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tray support portion 131 from interfering with the original and degrading the alignment.

<Discharge tray angle state detection configuration>
11 and 12 are schematic configuration diagrams having a mechanism for monitoring the state of the tray support 131 of the image reading apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In order to store the tray support part 131 mounted on the upper surface of the protruding part 130, a tray support part opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 is arranged in the tray support part storage hole 132. The tray support unit opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 detects the state in which the tray support unit 131 is stored and the state in which the tray support unit 131 is pulled out, and notifies the CPU 81 of the state of the tray support unit 131 via the interface unit 86 of the control unit 80. The CPU 81 can prompt the user to adjust the angle of the discharge tray 2 based on this information.

  Examples of the tray support opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 include a physical switch such as a push switch, an optical sensor such as a transmission sensor, and a Hall element. The method of detecting the open / closed state of the tray support unit will be described by taking a push switch as an example. In FIG. 11, the tray support unit open / close monitoring sensor 133 is switched off because the tray support unit 131 is pulled out, and in FIG. Since the tray support part 131 is covered with the tray support part opening / closing monitoring sensor 133, the tray support part 131 is switched on. In this way, it is possible to detect the open / closed state of the tray support 131.

  Further, the document conveyance speed may be changed according to the adjusted angle. Specifically, when the mode in which the alignment property of the transport medium S is assumed to be low is selected, the angle of the discharge tray 2 is set to an angle with a high alignment property by the tray support part 131 (the installation surface of the image reading apparatus A and the discharge tray). When the angle formed by 2 is not supported), the alignment of the transport medium S can be improved by reducing the transport speed. In this case, even if the angle of the discharge tray 2 is set by the tray support unit 131 according to the angle corresponding to the alignment of the transport medium S assumed for each selected transport mode, for example, the tray support unit 131 is used. When the angle of the discharge tray 2 is changed, the alignment of the transport medium S may be improved by reducing the transport speed.

<Display control flow for optimum state by detecting the state of the discharge tray>
FIG. 13 is an example of a control flow for informing the user of the optimal state of the discharge tray 2 based on the opening / closing information of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In S201, the job is started by pressing a start button (not shown) in the operation unit 83 of the image reading apparatus A.

  In S202, a table in which the paper type is divided into type 1 and type 2 for each angle of the discharge tray 2 is prepared in advance, and compared with the paper type set by the user in the current job, Determine the paper type.

  In S203, it is determined whether or not the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 matches the paper type calculated in S202. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S208, and the reading operation is started as it is. In the case of “no”, the process proceeds to S204.

  In S204, it is determined whether or not the state of the tray support is “closed”. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S205 to display on the display panel 90 so as to open the tray support 131, and the process proceeds to S207. In the case of “no”, the process proceeds to S206 to display on the display panel 90 so as to close the tray support 131, and the process proceeds to S207.

  In S207, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S208 and the reading operation is started. In the case of “no”, the monitoring is continued until the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 changes.

  With this control flow, it is possible to prompt the user to set an optimum discharge tray state for the paper to be conveyed. In addition, since this control flow is an example, after the caution is displayed, the reading operation may be started in a state where the discharge tray 2 is not in an optimum state. That is, the reading operation may be started without waiting for a user operation.

<Second embodiment of tray support>
FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram having the mechanism of the second embodiment of the tray support portion 131 of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  9 to 12, there is one tray support 131 on the upper surface of the projecting portion 130 of the main body 100. In FIG. 14, one tray support portion 131 is provided on the left and right sides from the center of the projecting portion 130. By taking this configuration, the discharge tray 2 can be supported more firmly. Further, by changing the angle taken when the right tray support 131 and the left tray support 131 are opened, it is possible to take a plurality of stages of angle adjustment depending on the type of paper. In FIG. 14, one is arranged on each of the left and right sides, but two or more may be provided, or a state of being arranged on only one of the left and right may be used. Alternatively, tray support opening / closing monitoring sensors 133 may be installed on the left and right tray support parts 131, respectively, and the angle of the discharge tray 2 may be detected from the state of each sensor.

<Display Control Flow for Optimal State by Detection of Discharge Tray State in Second Embodiment>
FIG. 15 informs the user of the optimum state of the discharge tray 2 based on the opening / closing information of the tray support portion opening / closing monitor sensor 133 in the second embodiment of the tray support portion of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a control flow.

  In S211, the job is started by pressing a start button (not shown) in the operation unit 83 of the image reading apparatus A.

  In step S212, a table in which paper types are classified according to the angle of the discharge tray 2 is prepared in advance, and the paper type set by the user in the current job is compared with the table to determine the paper type of the current job. To do. In this example, type 1 is a state in which the discharge tray 2 is horizontal (the left and right tray support portions 131 are closed), and type 2 is a state in which the discharge tray 2 is slightly angled (the left tray support portion 131 is opened). , Type 3 is a state in which the discharge tray 2 is further angled (a state in which the right tray support 131 is open. At least if the right tray support 131 is open). In this state, the left tray support part 131 does not support the discharge tray 2 and may be in any position (however, the left tray support part 131 is preferably open). To do.

  In S213, it is determined whether or not the state of the left and right tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 matches the paper type calculated in S212. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S220 and the reading operation is started as it is. In the case of “no”, the process proceeds to S214.

  In S214, it is determined whether or not the calculated paper type is “type 1”. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S216, the left and right tray support portions 131 are displayed on the display panel 90 so as to be closed, and the process proceeds to S219. In the case of “no”, the process proceeds to S215.

  In S215, it is determined whether or not the calculated paper type is “type 2”. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S217, the right tray support part 131 is closed, the left tray support part 131 is displayed on the display panel 90, and the process proceeds to S219. In the case of “no”, the process shifts to S218 to display on the display panel 90 to open the right tray support part 131, and shifts to S219. Further, it may be displayed on the display panel 90 so that both tray support portions 131 are opened in consideration of easy understanding for the user.

  In S219, it is determined whether or not the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 is the same as the paper type of the current job. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S220 and the reading operation is started. In the case of “no”, the monitoring is continued until the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 becomes the same as the paper type of the current job.

  With this control flow, it is possible to prompt the user to achieve an optimal paper discharge state. In addition, since this control flow is an example, after the caution is displayed, the reading operation may be started in a state where the discharge tray 2 is not in an optimum state. Also, regarding the angle setting of the discharge tray 2, four or more set numbers may be taken.

<Third embodiment of tray support>
FIG. 16A is a schematic configuration diagram having the mechanism of the third embodiment of the tray support 131 of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  9-12, the tray support part 131 was able to operate | move only in the rotation direction on the upper surface of the protrusion part 130 of the main body 100. FIG. FIG. 16A has a configuration in which the tray support 131 can be slid not only in the rotation direction but also in a direction parallel to the transport direction D1. By changing the position of the tray support part 131 in the transport direction, it is possible to take a plurality of stages for adjusting the angle of the discharge tray 2.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16b, a tray support portion receiving hole 132 having a rail-like shape is installed in the tray support portion 131, and grooves 134 are arranged at regular intervals on both ends of the tray support portion receiving hole 132. A configuration is conceivable in which the tray support 131 is fixed by sliding the tray support 131 in the transport direction and hooking it in the groove 134. Not only this structure but another structure may be taken. Alternatively, a tray support opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 may be installed at each fixed position on the tray support 131, and the angle of the discharge tray 2 may be detected from the state of each sensor.

<Display Control Flow for Optimal State by Detection of Discharge Tray State in Third Embodiment>
FIG. 17 informs the user of the optimal state of the discharge tray 2 based on the opening / closing information of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 in the third embodiment of the tray support portion of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a control flow.

  In S221, the job is started by pressing a start button (not shown) on the operation unit 83 of the image reading apparatus A.

  In S222, a table in which the paper type is divided according to the angle of the discharge tray 2 is prepared in advance, and compared with the paper type set by the user in the current job, the paper type of the current job is determined. decide. This time, Type 1 has the discharge tray 2 in a horizontal state (in a state where the tray support 131 is closed), and Type 2 has a state in which the discharge tray is slightly angled (the tray support is in the near position (position close to the main body 100)). Type 3 is a state in which Type 3 is a state in which the discharge tray is further angled (a state in which the tray support portion is opened at a back position (a position away from the main body 100)).

  In S223, it is determined whether or not the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 matches the paper type calculated in S222. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S230 and the reading operation is started as it is. In the case of “no”, the process proceeds to S224.

  In S224, it is determined whether or not the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 is “type 1”. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S226, the left and right tray support parts 131 are displayed on the display panel 90 so as to be closed, and the process proceeds to S229. In the case of “no”, the process proceeds to S225.

  In S225, it is determined whether or not the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 is “type 2”. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S227, the tray support unit 131 is displayed on the display panel 90 so as to be opened at a troublesome position, and the process proceeds to S229. In the case of “no”, the process proceeds to S228 and the tray support 131 is displayed on the display panel 90 so as to open at the back position, and the process proceeds to S229.

  In S229, it is determined whether or not the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 is the same as the paper type of the current job. In the case of “yes”, the process proceeds to S230 and the reading operation is started. In the case of “no”, the monitoring is continued until the state of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor 133 becomes the same as the paper type of the current job.

  With this control flow, it is possible to prompt the user to achieve an optimal paper discharge state. In addition, since this control flow is an example, after the caution is displayed, the reading operation may be started in a state where the discharge tray 2 is not in an optimum state. Further, regarding the angle setting, four or more set numbers may be taken.

<Detection of discharge tray angle>
FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram having a mechanism for detecting the angle of the discharge tray of the image reading apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the distance measuring sensor 135 is arranged on the lower panel 91 of the main body 100. At this time, the distance measuring sensor 135 is installed horizontally with the lower panel 91 of the main body 100 at a distance y from the fulcrum of the discharge tray 2. Examples of the distance measuring sensor 135 include an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a Hall element. In the case of the Hall element, a magnet (not shown) is required at a position facing the discharge tray 2 side. Further, at this time, the tray support portion 131 may take the configuration of FIGS. 10 to 12, the configuration of FIG. 14, or the configuration of FIG. 16, or may take the configuration of the tray support portion 131 of another configuration. . Further, another angle adjusting mechanism without the tray support 131 may be used.

As an example, a method for detecting the angle of the discharge tray 2 using an optical sensor as the distance measuring sensor 135 will be described. When the discharge tray 2 is opened and the distance from the main body 100 lower panel 91 is x, the distance x is measured by the distance measuring sensor 135. Further, the distance between the installation position of the distance measuring sensor 135 and the fulcrum of the discharge tray 2 is stored in advance in the storage unit 82 in the control unit 80. Using the distance x measured by the distance measuring sensor 135 and the distance y stored in the storage unit 82 in advance, the angle θ of the discharge tray is calculated by the following equation (1).
θ = arctan (x / y) (1)
In addition to the configuration described above, another configuration may be used. For example, the distance sensor 135 may be disposed on the discharge tray 2 side, and the angle θ may be calculated based on the distance from the lower portion of the main body 100.

A image reading device S transport medium 1 mounting table 2 discharge tray 2a first discharge tray 2b second discharge tray 3, 4 drive unit 5 transmission unit 10 first transport unit 11 feed roller 12 separation roller 20 second transport unit 21 drive roller 22 driven roller 30 3rd conveyance part 31 drive roller 32 driven roller 40 double feed detection sensor 50, 60 medium detection sensor 70 image reading unit 71 contact image sensor (CIS)
72 Color Reference Plate 80 Control Unit 84 Communication Unit 90 Display Panel 91 Lower Panel 93 Display Screen 100 Main Body 101 First Hinge 102 Second Hinge 103 Upper Unit 104 Lower Unit 105 Main Body Hinge 110 Feeding Tray 111 Regulating Member 120 Discharge Position Adjusting Member 121 Translucent part 122 Operation key 130 Protruding part 131 Tray support part 132 Tray support part accommodation hole 132a Abutting part 133 Tray support part opening / closing monitoring sensor 134 Groove 135 Distance sensor 151 Protruding part 152 Holding part 153 Concavity

Claims (10)

A housing,
A paper feed port provided in the housing;
Conveying means for conveying a sheet fed from the sheet feeding port along a conveying path;
A discharge port for discharging the sheet from the housing;
A discharge tray attached so as to be rotatable to a position for receiving the sheet discharged from the discharge port;
A protrusion provided at the lower end of the front surface of the housing;
A tray support portion that supports the discharge tray and is capable of adjusting an angle of the discharge tray;
The tray support portion is rotatably attached between a position pulled out from the protrusion and a position accommodated in the protrusion.
A sheet conveying apparatus comprising: a contact portion for positioning the tray support portion at the position where the tray support portion is pulled out. The tray support is
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet conveying device is positioned by contacting the protruding portion at a position pulled out from the protruding portion. The tray support is
The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet conveying device is pulled out from the protruding portion toward an upper side in a vertical direction. The tray support is
Compared to the case where the discharge tray is supported at the position where it is stored in the protrusion, the discharge tray is supported on the upper side in the vertical direction when the discharge tray is supported at the position pulled out from the protrusion. 4. The sheet conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet conveying device is disposed on the sheet conveying device. A tray support opening / closing monitoring sensor for monitoring the position of the tray support,
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state of the tray support portion is detected. Using the opening / closing information of the tray support portion opening / closing monitoring sensor,
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a user is urged to pay attention to the discharge tray at an appropriate angle when the reading operation is performed. A plurality of tray support portions having different contact angles with the discharge tray;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the discharge tray angle can be set in a plurality of stages. The tray support is
It is attached so as to be slidable in parallel with the conveying direction of the sheet,
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge tray can be set in a plurality of stages depending on a position where the discharge tray is supported. A housing,
A paper feed port provided in the housing;
Conveying means for conveying a sheet fed from the sheet feeding port along a conveying path;
A discharge port for discharging the sheet from the housing;
A discharge tray attached so as to be rotatable to a position for receiving the sheet discharged from the discharge port;
A sheet conveying apparatus, comprising: a tray position detection unit that is provided in the housing and detects an angle of the discharge tray. The tray position detector
A distance measuring sensor provided at a lower portion of the housing;
A distance between the discharge tray and the lower portion of the housing;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an angle of the discharge tray is detected from a distance between a fulcrum of the discharge tray and the distance measuring sensor.