JP2018104154A - Sheet carrying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet carrying device that even if a discharged carrying medium is loaded on a discharge tray can adjust the angle of the discharge tray.SOLUTION: The sheet carrying device comprises: a device main body; a sheet supply port provided in the device main body; carrying means that carries sheets supplied through the sheet supply port along a carrying passage; a discharge port through which the sheet is discharged from the device main body; and a discharge tray that receives the discharged sheet through the discharge port. The discharge tray has a first discharge tray constituting a loading surface for receiving the discharged sheet and a second discharge tray constituting a tray exterior surface at the opposite side of the loading surface in the discharge tray, where the first discharge tray is connected to the second discharge tray at an upstream side in a carrying direction of the sheet, so as to be turnable between a first position where the loading surface is substantially parallel to the tray exterior surface and a second position where a downstream-side end of the first discharge tray separates from the second discharge tray.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

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 JP, 2006-020279, A

  In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a discharge tray is provided on the sheet discharge port side of the apparatus main body. 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.

  In the apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the angle of the sheet discharge tray can be adjusted by bringing the sheet discharge tray into contact with a tray support portion that can be pulled out from the apparatus main body.

  However, when adjusting the angle of the sheet discharge tray, it is necessary to separate the sheet discharge tray from the tray support member, that is, to lift the entire sheet discharge tray, so the angle is adjusted while the apparatus is transporting the sheet. However, there is a problem that the sheet conveyance must be interrupted.

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

According to the present invention,
The device body;
A paper feed port provided in the apparatus body;
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 apparatus main body;
A discharge tray for receiving the sheet discharged from the discharge port,
The discharge tray is
A first discharge tray constituting a stacking surface for receiving the discharged sheets;
A second discharge tray constituting a tray exterior surface opposite to the stacking surface in the discharge tray;
A first position where the stacking surface and the tray exterior surface are substantially parallel;
The first discharge tray is disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction so that the downstream end of the first discharge tray can rotate between a second position spaced from the second discharge tray. It is connected to the tray.

  According to the present invention, even during sheet conveyance, the angle of the first discharge tray can be adjusted to appropriately adjust the angle of the stacking surface, so that the alignment of the sheets can be improved.

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. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image reading unit of an image reading apparatus according to an 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. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge tray according to the embodiment of the present invention in which the inner discharge tray is stored. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge tray according to the embodiment of the present invention with the inner discharge tray in a developed state. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge tray according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where the inner discharge tray is deployed at a second position. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the discharge tray according to the embodiment of the present invention in a state where the inner discharge tray is developed at a third position.

(First embodiment)
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. In the case of targeting a booklet, the holder 200 can be used. By storing the booklet in a spread state in the transparent holder 200 and placing it on the mounting table 1, the booklet is transported together with the holder 200 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. Cut off. 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 the same separation action. 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 rotates with 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. In addition, it includes a first discharge tray 2a on the first hinge 101 side and a first extension tray 2b, a second extension tray 2c, and a third extension tray 2d connected to the tip end side thereof. The first extension tray 2b is slidably supported with respect to the first discharge tray 2a, and the second extension tray 2c is slidably supported with respect to the first extension tray 2b. 2d is slidably supported with respect to the second extension tray 2c.

<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 disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the double feed detection sensor 40 is disposed on the upstream side of the second transport unit 20 and on the downstream side of the first transport unit 10. It is an example as an upstream detection sensor (a sensor for detecting the behavior and state of a sheet), and is transported to the position of the transport medium S transported by the first transport unit 10, specifically, to the detection position of the medium detection sensor 50. It is detected whether the end of the medium S has reached or passed. As the medium detection sensor 50, various sensors can be used. In the case of this embodiment, the medium detection sensor 50 is an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 51 and a light receiving unit 52, and receives light when the transport medium S reaches or passes therethrough. 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 transport medium S reaches the position where the double feed detection sensor 40 can detect double feed. The medium 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 80 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 85. 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 85 is an I / O interface that inputs and outputs data with the actuator 86 and the sensor 87. The actuator 86 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.

  Further, as will be described later, image reading may be started by a start key provided in the operation unit 83 of the image reading apparatus A, and then the start of image reading may be notified to an external personal computer.

<Control during double feeding>
During 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, and if it is determined that there is no double-feed, the conveyance is continued. 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 unit 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 temporarily stores the read image. And send them sequentially to an external computer. 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.

<Configuration of display panel>
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. More precisely, it is a view seen from a direction perpendicular to the front panel 90 provided to be inclined to the front side of the image reading apparatus A, and is seen from slightly above the front face in a state where the apparatus is placed. It is a figure of a state.

  A display panel 93 is provided on the front panel 90 at the upper front, and an operation key group 122 as an example of the operation unit 83 is provided therein.

  The operation key group 122 is provided with a start key, a stop key, and the like for starting the operation of the image reading apparatus A, and a display unit 94 is provided adjacent to the operation key group 122.

<Discharge structure>
The lower panel 91 in the lower front is provided with a discharge opening 92, 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 apparatus A so as to be rotatable with respect to the image reading apparatus A, and the front surface of the main body is supported by the first discharge tray 2a. It is comprised so that it may cover.

  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 front panel 90. In the storage state of the discharge tray 2 as shown in FIG. 4, the first discharge tray 2a rotates around the first hinge 101 and is folded so as to cover the front panel 90. It is. In a state where the paper discharge tray 2 is folded to the front panel 90 side, the discharge opening 92 is opened, and the transported transport medium S can be discharged.

  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 the first extension tray 2b pulled out from the first discharge tray 2a depending on the size of the transport medium S. The second extension tray 2c and the third extension tray 2d are reached and guided.

  The third extension tray 2d is provided with a discharge position adjusting member 120 so as to be rotatable. The third extension tray 2d is rotated in an upright state with respect to each extension tray drawn according to the length of the transport medium S in the transport direction. Thus, the position at which the transport medium S stops is adjusted, and the discharged transport medium S is less likely to be scattered, thereby improving the alignment.

<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. In the center of the feed tray 110, a paper feed extension tray 112 that can be pulled out and used is provided.

<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. In the present embodiment, the main body hinge 105 is provided coaxially with the first hinge 101 and has a common shaft member.

  The center of gravity in the state in which the upper unit 103 is deployed as shown in FIG. 8 is greatly shifted to the front side in the transport direction as compared with the state in which the upper unit 103 is accommodated 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 located in front of the center of gravity of the main body 100 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. In particular, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 130 extends more to the front side in the transport direction than the center of gravity of the upper unit 103 in the unfolded state of the upper unit 103 as shown in FIG. Can be prevented from falling.

<Grounding of upper unit>
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an image reading apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  If the upper unit 103 is pivoted vigorously when the upper unit 103 is housed, a large impact may be applied when the upper unit 103 comes into contact with the lower unit 104 and a loud sound may be generated. In the image reading apparatus A according to the present embodiment, metal upper elastic members 140 are provided on both sides of the separation roller 12 of the upper unit 103.

  When the upper unit 103 is in the storage state, the upper elastic member 140 is in the storage state while being elastically urged by the contact portion 141 provided on the lower unit 104 side. The end of the upper elastic member 140 on the side attached to the upper unit 103 is electrically connected to the ground side of the electrical component provided in the upper unit 103, and the lower elastic member 140 comes into contact with the contact portion 141 to lower the lower part. Conduction is conducted to the ground side of the electrical component arranged in the unit 104.

  Therefore, when the upper unit 103 is stored, the upper unit 103 side can be grounded by the elastic member 140 functioning as a buffer member.

<CIS unit ground>
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the image reading unit 70 of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, the image reading unit 70 is disposed to face both sides of the transport path RT, and in the following description, it is referred to as image reading units 70a and 70b, respectively. The image reading units 70a and 70b are sensor units having the same structure arranged on the target with the conveyance path RT interposed therebetween.

  The image reading unit 70a is provided with a contact image sensor (hereinafter, CIS) 71a and a color reference plate 72a.

  The CIS 71a and the color reference plate 72a are transmitted by transmitting the driving force of the CIS sliding motor 73 disposed in the lower unit 104 via the transmission member 74 and the transmission member connecting portion 150 provided in the lower part of the image reading unit 70. , Slidably arranged in the transport direction. The background color can be switched by sliding the CIS 71a and the color reference plate 72a.

  When the background color of the read image is white, the CIS slide motor 73 slides the CIS 71a, and the white background can be read by placing the read position at the position of the white reference plate 72b facing each other. At this time, since the CIS 71a and the white reference plate 72a move together, when the CIS 72a is arranged at the white background position, the white reference plate 72a is arranged at a position opposite to the reading position of the CIS 72b, and the image reading units 70a, 70b. Both can read white background.

  When the background color of the read image is black, the black background can be read by arranging the reading position of the CIS 71a at the position of the opposing black background portion 76b.

  The light emission of the light emitting element in the CIS 71a is diffused on the slope of the black background portion 76b, and the light receiving element in the CIS 71a is not incident to read the black background.

  The image reading unit 70b has the same structure as the image reading unit 70a, but the CIS 71b is not driven by the CIS sliding motor 73 and is fixed in the unit.

  When the image reading unit 70a is inserted into the accommodating portion 77 of the lower unit 104, the image reading unit 70a is inserted while urging the metal lower elastic member 75 protruding from the lower unit 104 side, and is fitted and fixed at the accommodation completion position. Is done.

The lower surface of the image reading unit 70a is covered with a metal member 76 (not shown), and is grounded with electrical components such as the CIS 71a. The image reading unit 70 is grounded with respect to the lower unit 104 by being inserted while urging the lower elastic member 75 with the metal member 76.
Here, since the image reading unit 70 is biased upward by the lower elastic member 75, the image reading unit 70 can be lifted upward by simply removing the fitting and fixing, and the image reading unit 70 can be easily removed. Maintainability can be improved.

  The accommodating portion 77 of the lower unit 104 is formed by bending a metal plate so that three surfaces facing the lower unit 104 are formed.

<Discharge tray angle adjustment>
13 and 14 are schematic cross-sectional views in a state in which the inner discharge tray 201 of the discharge tray 2 of the image reading apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention is stored.

  The discharge tray 2a includes an inner discharge tray 201 and an outer discharge tray 202. The inner discharge tray 201 constitutes a stacking surface on which the transport medium S discharged through the discharge opening 92 is stacked. The outer discharge tray 202 constitutes the external surface (exterior surface) of the discharge tray 2 and the apparatus main body when the discharge tray 2 is in the stored state. The inner discharge tray 201 and the outer discharge tray 202 have substantially the same size when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the stacking surface, and the inner discharge tray 201 is disposed on the rotation support portion 203 on the upstream side in the transport direction. It is pivotally supported on the outer discharge tray 202 so as to be rotatable. Further, an inner discharge tray urging member 204 is provided between the inner discharge tray 201 and the outer discharge tray 202 to urge the downstream end of the inner discharge tray 201 away from the outer discharge tray 202. Further, an inner discharge tray lock member 205 is provided on the end surface of the outer discharge tray 202 in the sheet width direction. The inner discharge tray lock member 205 is slidable substantially parallel to the transport direction, and the inner discharge tray lock member 205 is always urged in the lock direction (left direction in FIG. 14) by the lock urging member 206. .

  The state in which the inner discharge tray 201 is locked to the inner discharge tray lock member 205, that is, the engaging portion 201 a provided at the end in the width direction of the inner discharge tray 201 is engaged with the inner discharge tray lock member 205. In the state, the rotation of the inner discharge tray 201 by the inner discharge tray urging member 204 is restricted, and the inner discharge tray 201 is held in a substantially parallel positional relationship with the outer discharge tray 202.

  Next, when the inner discharge tray locking member 205 is slid in the direction opposite to the direction in which the lock biasing member 206 is biased, the engaging portion 201a of the inner discharge tray 201 is released, and the inner discharge tray biasing member 204 is biased. Due to the force, the inner discharge tray 201 is rotated about the rotation support portion 203 as a rotation axis until the locking portion 201b of the inner discharge tray 201 is locked to the locking portion 202b of the outer discharge tray 202, as shown in FIG. Thus, the inner discharge tray 201 is in a developed state. At this time, the angle formed by the stacking surface on which the discharged transport medium S is stacked and the grounding surface of the image reading apparatus A is larger than when the inner discharge tray 201 is locked by the inner discharge tray lock member 205.

Further, when the inner discharge tray 201 is pushed in the direction opposite to the urging direction by the inner discharge tray urging member 204 in a state where the inner discharge tray 201 is deployed, the engaging portion 201a of the inner discharge tray 201 is locked to the inner discharge tray lock. After the member 205 is pushed away, the inner discharge tray lock member 205 is engaged and the inner discharge tray 201 can return to the stored state.
Further, in this embodiment, the state in which the inside of the discharge tray 201 is stored is the initial state, but the state in which the inner discharge tray 201 is expanded may be the initial state. That is, the discharge tray 2 may be stored on the apparatus main body side with the inner discharge tray 201 being unfolded.

  For example, in the state of FIG. 15, the downstream end of the inner discharge tray 201 is lifted upward in the vertical direction as compared with the state of FIG. 14, and the position where the front end of the transport medium S lands on the upper surface of the discharge tray 2 is changed. can do. Accordingly, in the state of FIG. 14, 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, the inner discharge tray 201 as illustrated in FIG. In addition to the action of moving the rear end of the already ejected transport medium S to the lower unit 104 side, the leading end of the subsequent transport medium S is securely placed on the upper surface of the already ejected transport medium S. Can land on. With such a configuration, the alignment property of the discharged transport medium S on the discharge tray 2 can be significantly improved.

  Further, since the inner discharge tray lock member 205 is provided on the end surface in the width direction of the discharge tray 2, the image reading apparatus A is performing a reading operation, that is, while a plurality of transport media S are being discharged to the discharge tray 2. In this case, the inner discharge tray lock member 205 can be operated, and a suitable angle of the inner discharge tray 201 can be adjusted while observing the alignment of the discharged transport medium S, so that the usability can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the angle of the inner discharge tray 201 may be adjusted in a plurality of stages by providing a plurality of engaging portions 205a and engaging portions 205b of the inner discharge tray locking member 205. 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 inner discharge tray 201 is used as a tray on which the discharged transport medium S is stacked. However, as shown in FIG. In this case, it may be used as a discharge position adjusting member, that is, a discharge stopper. In this case, the inner discharge tray 201 is not urged by the inner discharge tray urging member 204, but a click is provided so that the discharge tray 201 can be stopped at a plurality of preset angles. The angle of the discharge tray 201 may be adjusted by touching a notch or the like provided on the outlet.

  In the present embodiment, the first discharge tray 2a is provided with a rotatable inner discharge tray 201. However, the first extension tray 2b, the second extension tray 2c, and the third extension tray 2d in FIG. A rotatable inner discharge tray may be provided.

(Second embodiment)
In the following, only the parts different from the first embodiment in the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The paper discharge tray 2 in the present embodiment is detachably attached to the apparatus main body. A hinge portion is provided on the upstream side of the discharge tray 2 in the transport direction, and the hinge portion is attached to a fixing portion 92A provided in the vicinity of the discharge opening 92 of the apparatus main body. The paper discharge tray is fixed at an angle.

  Here, a fixing portion 92B different from the fixing portion 92A capable of fixing the hinge portion of the discharge tray 2 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge opening 92 of the apparatus main body, and the discharge tray 2 is fixed to the fixing portion 92B. By making the angle formed with respect to the discharge opening 92 different from that when the tray 2 is fixed, the landing position of the transport medium S discharged toward the discharge tray 2 can be made different, and the discharged transport The alignment of the medium S can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
In the following, only the parts different from the first embodiment in the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The discharge tray 2 in this embodiment is attached so that the paper feed tray 1B and the discharge tray 2 constituting the mounting table 1 are interchanged with each other. The paper feed tray 1B is supported by inserting support pins provided on both sides of the paper feed tray 1B into a support opening 1A provided above the apparatus main body. The discharge tray 2 in the present embodiment is also provided with support pins 210 on both sides of the upstream end. The support pins 210 may not be used when the discharge tray 2 is attached near the discharge opening 92.

  The support pin 210 is inserted into the support opening 1A to support the discharge tray 2 by replacing it with the paper feed tray 1B. On the other hand, when the discharge tray 2 is mounted near the discharge opening 92, the paper tray 1B is attached to the apparatus main body. The sheet feeding tray 1B is attached so that the upper surface of the paper feed tray 1B is closer to the apparatus main body than the angle formed with the mounting surface, that is, the angle formed with the mounting surface of the apparatus main body is larger. In this way, by using the paper feed tray 1B to form a discharge surface having a larger angle with the mounting surface of the apparatus body than the discharge tray 2, not only can the alignment of the transport medium S be improved, The alignment of the transport medium S can be further improved by using a restriction plate provided in the paper feed tray 1B. The restriction plate restricts movement of the transport medium S in the width direction when the paper feed tray 1B is attached as a mounting table 1 near the paper feed port, and can be moved in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Is provided.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the following, in the image reading apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, only the parts different from the third embodiment will be described, and the other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

  The discharge tray 2 in the present embodiment has an engagement hole on the lower surface side for engaging the paper feed tray 1B.

  As a result, the paper feed tray 1B is removed and fixed to the back surface of the paper discharge tray 2, the discharge tray 2 is lifted upward, the position where the discharged transport medium S lands is changed, and the paper that has already been discharged The action of bringing the rear end of the transport medium S toward the lower unit 104 can be enhanced, and the alignment can be improved.

  As described in each of the above embodiments, the downstream end side of the inner discharge tray 201 is rotated so as to be separated from the outer discharge tray 202, and the angle between the sheet stacking surface and the discharge port can be adjusted. However, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, an angle formed by the discharge tray 2 with respect to the discharge port by providing the tray support portion 131 on the protrusion 130 and bringing the tray support portion 131 and the discharge tray 2 into contact with each other. It may be combined with an adjustable one.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention, and the embodiments can be used in appropriate combinations.

A image reading apparatus S transport medium 1 mounting table 2 discharge tray 2a first discharge tray 2b first extension tray 2c second extension tray 2d third extension tray 3 drive unit 4 drive unit 5 transmission unit 10 first transport unit 11 feed roller 12 Separating roller 20 Second transport unit 30 Third transport unit 70 Image reading unit 80 Control unit 90 Front panel 100 Main body 120 Discharge position adjusting member 122 Operation key group 201 Inner discharge tray 201a Engaging unit 201b Locking unit 202 Outer discharge tray 202b Locking portion 203 Rotating support portion 204 Inner discharge tray biasing member 205 Inner discharge tray locking members 205a and 205b Engaging portion 206 Lock biasing member

Claims (5)

The device body;
A paper feed port provided in the apparatus body;
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 apparatus main body;
A discharge tray for receiving the sheet discharged from the discharge port,
The discharge tray is
A first discharge tray constituting a stacking surface for receiving the discharged sheets;
A second discharge tray constituting a tray exterior surface opposite to the stacking surface in the discharge tray;
A first position where the stacking surface and the tray exterior surface are substantially parallel;
The first discharge tray is disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction so that the downstream end of the first discharge tray can rotate between a second position spaced from the second discharge tray. A sheet conveying apparatus, wherein the sheet conveying apparatus is connected to a tray. A biasing means provided between the first discharge tray and the second discharge tray, for biasing the first discharge tray toward the second position;
The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a regulating portion that regulates a separation between a downstream end of the first discharge tray and a downstream end of the second discharge tray.   By providing a plurality of the restriction portions, the restriction position of the first discharge tray can be adjusted in a plurality of steps, and the angle formed by the stacking surface of the first discharge tray and the exterior surface of the second discharge tray is a plurality of steps. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sheet conveying apparatus is adjustable.   4. The sheet conveying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a lock member for releasing the restriction of the first discharge tray by the restriction portion is provided on an end surface in the width direction of the discharge tray. 5. 5. The angle according to claim 1, wherein the first discharge tray is adjustable in angle so that the stacking surface rises substantially perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the discharged sheets. Sheet conveying device.

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