JP7702803B2 - Media ejection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a media ejection device having an ejection tray on which ejected media is placed.

A media ejection device such as a scanner captures an image of the media as it is transported and ejects it onto a tray. In such a media ejection device, if multiple media are ejected onto the tray in a disorganized manner, the user must sort the media.

A paper loading device that receives paper recorded by an image forming device and loads it on a paper discharge tray is disclosed (Patent Document 1). This paper loading device has a lifting means that lifts and lowers the paper discharge surface of the paper discharge tray to a specified position, a first end fence that abuts against the rear end of the paper and serves as a reference for aligning the rear end of the paper, and a moving means that moves the paper discharge tray in a direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction.

A paper discharge device is disclosed in which the paper is discharged by a paper discharge roller in sequence, with the front end in the paper discharge direction at the top, onto a paper discharge tray that is inclined at a predetermined angle to the vertical direction, and the rear end side of the discharged paper falls by its own weight along the inclined paper discharge tray (Patent Document 2). When this paper discharge device abuts the rear end of the paper against a paper rear end abutment fence to align the rear ends of the stacked papers, it applies vibration waves generated by a vibration generating means attached to the paper rear end abutment fence in the front-to-rear direction of the paper to the paper rear end abutment fence.

JP 2004-18214 A JP 2012-126544 A

It is desirable for a media ejection device to better align the media ejected onto the ejection tray.

The object of the present invention is to provide a media ejection device that can better align media ejected onto the ejection tray.

A media ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an ejection section which ejects media, a ejection table which has an incline and is movable up and down and on which the media ejected by the ejection section is placed, abutment section against which the lower end of the incline of the media placed on the ejection table is abutted, and a vibration imparting mechanism which imparts vibrations to the ejection table in the media ejection direction in conjunction with the up and down movement of the ejection table , the vibration imparting mechanism including a rack having a plurality of teeth arranged vertically and abutment section which abuts against the rack to impart vibrations to the ejection table .

According to the present invention, the media ejection device is able to better align the media ejected onto the ejection tray.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the medium ejection device 100. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium ejection device 100. FIG. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining the discharge table 104. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a discharge table 104. FIG. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the discharge table 104. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium ejection device 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of a discharge platform control process. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining another second rack 201c. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining another second rack 301c. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining other discharge platforms 404 and the like. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 according to another embodiment.

Below, a medium ejection device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium ejection device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium ejection device 100 transports a medium, which is an original document, captures an image, and ejects the medium. The medium is paper, cardboard, card, or the like. The medium ejection device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium being transported may not be an original document, but may be a printed object, or the like, and the medium ejection device 100 may be a printer, or the like.

The medium ejection device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a mounting stand 103, an ejection stand 104, an operation device 105, and a display device 106.

The first housing 101 is disposed on the upper side of the media ejection device 100 and engages with the second housing 102 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when inserting media, cleaning the inside of the media ejection device 100, etc.

The loading platform 103 engages with the second housing 102 so that the transported media can be placed thereon. The loading platform 103 is provided on the side of the second housing 102 on the media supply side so that it can move in a substantially vertical direction (height direction) A1 by a motor (not shown). The discharge platform 104 is formed on the first housing 101 so as to be able to hold the media discharged from the discharge port 107, and is a tray on which the discharged media is loaded. The discharge platform 104 has a loading surface 104a on which the discharged media is placed.

The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, accepts input operations by a user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's input operation. The display device 106 has a display including a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

In FIG. 1, arrow A2 indicates the media transport direction, arrow A3 indicates the media discharge direction, and arrow A4 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the media transport direction. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the media transport direction A2 or the media discharge direction A3, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the media transport direction A2 or the media discharge direction A3.

Figure 2 is a diagram to explain the transport path inside the media ejection device 100.

The transport path inside the media ejection device 100 includes a first media sensor 111, a pick roller 112, a feed roller 113, a brake roller 114, first to seventh transport rollers 115a-g, first to seventh driven rollers 116a-g, a second media sensor 117, an imaging device 118, an ejection roller 119, an opposing roller 120, and a height sensor 121.

The number of each of the pick roller 112, feed roller 113, brake roller 114, first to seventh conveyor rollers 115a-g, first to seventh driven rollers 116a-g, discharge roller 119 and/or opposing roller 120 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In this case, the multiple pick rollers 112, feed roller 113, brake roller 114, first to seventh conveyor rollers 115a-g, first to seventh driven rollers 116a-g, discharge roller 119 and/or opposing roller 120 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4.

The surface of the first housing 101 facing the second housing 102 forms a first guide 101a for the medium transport path, and the surface of the second housing 102 facing the first housing 101 forms a second guide 102a for the medium transport path.

The first media sensor 111 is disposed on the mounting table 103, i.e., upstream of the feed roller 113 and the brake roller 114, and detects the state of the medium on the mounting table 103. The first media sensor 111 determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 by using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact. The first media sensor 111 generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the medium is placed on the mounting table 103. Note that the first media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the first media sensor 111.

The pick roller 112 is provided in the first housing 101, and contacts the medium placed on the mounting table 103, which is elevated to approximately the same height as the media transport path, and feeds the medium downstream.

The feed roller 113 is provided downstream of the pick roller 112 inside the first housing 101, and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 and fed by the pick roller 112 further downstream. The brake roller 114 is disposed opposite the feed roller 113 inside the second housing 102. The feed roller 113 and the brake roller 114 separate the media, separating them and feeding them one by one. The feed roller 113 is disposed above the brake roller 114, and the media ejection device 100 feeds the media using a so-called top-loading method.

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

The second media sensor 117 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 113 and the brake roller 114 and upstream of the imaging device 118, and detects the media transported to that position. The second media sensor 117 may be disposed at any position in the transport path as long as it is downstream of the feed roller 113 and the brake roller 114. The second media sensor 117 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side (first housing 101) of the media transport path, and a reflecting member such as a mirror provided at a position (second housing 102) facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the media transport path. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light toward the media transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver receives the light emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the reflecting member. When a medium is present at a position opposite the second media sensor 117, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, so the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. Based on the intensity of the received light, the optical receiver generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second medium sensor 117.

In addition, a light guide tube may be used instead of a reflective member. The light emitter and the light receiver may be arranged facing each other across the medium transport path. The second medium sensor 117 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

The imaging device 118 includes a first imaging device 118a and a second imaging device 118b arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path. The first imaging device 118a has a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 118a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The first imaging device 118a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported to generate an input image and output it.

Similarly, the second imaging device 118b has a line sensor using a CIS of a 1:1 optical system type having CMOS imaging elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 118b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter that amplifies and A/D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 118b captures the back side of the medium being transported to generate an input image and output it.

The medium ejection device 100 may be configured with only one of the first imaging device 118a and the second imaging device 118b, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

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

The height sensor 121 is disposed on the discharge tray 104 and detects the height of the medium placed on the discharge tray 104. The height sensor 121 includes a light emitter and a light receiver disposed at a predetermined height in the height direction A1 and at both ends of the discharge tray 104 in the width direction A4, facing each other. The light emitter is an LED or the like, and emits light (infrared light) toward the light receiver. Meanwhile, the light receiver receives the light emitted by the light emitter. When a medium is present at a position opposite the height sensor 121, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. The light receiver generates and outputs a height signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the height sensor 121 based on the intensity of the light it receives.

The height sensor 121 may be a contact detection sensor that is disposed at a predetermined height in the height direction A1 and passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact. In this case, the height sensor 121 generates an electrical signal as a height signal that indicates whether the medium is in contact with the contact detection sensor.

The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the media transport direction A2 by the rotation of the pick roller 112 and the feed roller 113 in the media feed directions A5 and A6, respectively. On the other hand, when multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, only the media in contact with the feed roller 113 is separated by the rotation of the brake roller 114 in the opposite direction A7 to the media feed direction.

The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a and sent to the imaging position of the imaging device 118 by the rotation of the first and second transport rollers 115a-b in the directions of the arrows A8-A9, and is imaged by the imaging device 118. The medium is then discharged from the discharge port 107 onto the discharge tray 104 by the rotation of the third to seventh transport rollers 115c-g and the discharge roller 119 in the directions of the arrows A10-A15, respectively. The discharge tray 104 places the medium discharged by the discharge roller 119 and the opposing roller 120.

Figures 3(A), (B) and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the discharge table 104. Figures 3(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the discharge table 104 as viewed from the side. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the discharge table 104 as viewed from above after being removed from the medium discharge device 100. Figure 3(A) shows the discharge table 104 positioned at the highest position, and Figure 3(B) shows the discharge table 104 positioned at the lowest position.

As shown in Figures 3(A), (B) and 4, the medium ejection device 100 has a movement mechanism 122. The movement mechanism 122 moves the ejection tray 104 up and down in parallel. The movement mechanism 122 has a first motor 122a, a plurality of first pinions 122b, a plurality of first racks 122c, etc. Each of the first pinions 122b and each of the first racks 122c are disposed at both ends of the ejection tray 104 in the width direction A4.

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

The loading surface 104a of the discharge table 104 is inclined so that the upstream end is positioned downward and the downstream end is positioned upward. The discharge table 104 further includes a first shaft member 104b, a spring 104c, a second shaft member 104d, and one or more second pinions 104e.

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

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

The first housing 101 further includes an abutment portion 101b and one or more second racks 101c. The abutment portion 101b is a wall provided at the end of the first housing 101 on the downstream side in the media discharge direction A3. The abutment portion 101b is provided so that the end of the media placed on the loading surface 104a of the discharge tray 104 on the lower side (upstream side) of the slope of the loading surface 104a abuts against the abutment portion 101b. Note that the abutment portion 101b may be provided on the discharge tray 104 instead of on the wall of the first housing 101.

The second rack 101c is an example of a rack, and is fixedly arranged at the end of the wall downstream of the first housing 101 in the media discharge direction A3 so as to face each of the second pinions 104e. The second rack 101c has multiple teeth arranged vertically, i.e., along the height direction A1. The multiple teeth of the second rack 101c have a triangular wave shape, and are arranged so that adjacent teeth are in contact with each other. The above-mentioned second pinion 104e is an example of an abutment portion, and abuts against the second rack 101c and is meshed with the second rack 101c. The second pinion 104e has a one-way clutch 104g, and is a gear that is arranged to be rotatable in only one direction. The one-way clutch 104g allows the second pinion 104e to rotate in the direction of the arrow B4, and when the second pinion 104e moves downward along the second rack 101c, the one-way clutch 104g allows the second pinion 104e to rotate by the second rack 101c. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 104g prevents the second pinion 104e from rotating in the direction opposite to the arrow B4, and prevents the second pinion 104e from rotating by the second rack 101c when the second pinion 104e moves upward along the second rack 101c.

The operation of the discharge platform 104 is described below.

When no media is placed on the discharge tray 104, such as before the start of media transport, the discharge tray 104 is placed in the initial position (highest position) shown in FIG. 3(A). As shown in FIG. 3(B), when media is transported in the media discharge device 100, the transported media is discharged onto the discharge tray 104. Due to the inclination of the discharge tray 104, the media discharged onto the discharge tray 104 slides upstream due to its own weight and hits the abutment section 101b. However, due to friction between the newly discharged media and the already discharged media or the loading surface 104a, the newly discharged media may not slide down to the position where it abuts against the abutment section 101b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge tray 104 may not be aligned.

When a predetermined number of media are loaded on the discharge tray 104, the first motor 122a rotates in the forward direction B1 according to control from the processing circuit. When the first motor 122a rotates in the forward direction B1, the first pinion 122b rotates in the forward direction B1, and the first rack 122c moves downward. As the first rack 122c moves, the discharge tray 104 moves horizontally downward. As a result, the media placed at the top on the discharge tray 104 is positioned sufficiently lower than the discharge opening 107. Therefore, the media discharge device 100 can secure a space between the media already loaded on the discharge tray 104 and the media to be discharged, and suppress the occurrence of buckling of the media on the discharge tray 104.

The second pinion 104e moves downward together with the discharge table 104 while being pressed by the spring 104c so as to mesh with the second rack 101c. The one-way clutch 104g allows the second pinion 104e to rotate as it moves downward, so that the second pinion 104e rotates while meshing with the second rack 101c. This allows the discharge table 104 to move horizontally smoothly without vibrating. Therefore, when multiple media are continuously transported and imaged, the media discharge device 100 can suppress the vibration of the discharge table 104 during media transport, which causes the entire device to vibrate, and blurs the input image.

Figures 5(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation when the discharge platform 104 moves horizontally upward. Figures 5(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the discharge platform 104 as viewed from the side.

In the media ejection device 100, when all of the media collectively placed on the placement table 103 have been transported and ejected, the first motor 122a rotates in the reverse direction B2 under control of the processing circuit. When the first motor 122a rotates in the reverse direction B2, the first pinion 122b rotates in the reverse direction B2, and the first rack 122c moves upward. As the first rack 122c moves, the ejection table 104 moves horizontally upward. This returns the ejection table 104 to its initial position, and the user can easily remove the media ejected on the ejection table 104. Therefore, the media ejection device 100 can improve user convenience.

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

That is, the second pinion 104e applies vibrations to the discharge tray 104 in conjunction with the up and down movement of the discharge tray 104. The second pinion 104e and the second rack 101c are an example of a vibration applying mechanism. Even if the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge tray 104 are not aligned as shown in FIG. 3B, the vibrations caused by the second pinion 104e and the second rack 101c cause the media to slide upstream and abut against the abutment portion 101b as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Therefore, the media discharge device 100 is able to properly align the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge tray 104.

In particular, the medium ejection device 100 applies vibrations to the ejection table 104 using a second rack 101c having multiple teeth arranged vertically. This allows the medium ejection device 100 to apply vibrations to the ejection table 104 without using expensive equipment such as a vibration generator, making it possible to properly align the media loaded on the ejection table 104 while suppressing increases in equipment costs.

The teeth of the second rack 101c have a triangular wave shape and are arranged so that adjacent teeth are in contact with each other. This allows the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e to always move along the slope of the tooth of the second rack 101c, making it possible to continuously apply vibration to the discharge tray 104 at an appropriate speed.

The second pinion 104e is provided so as to not rotate but to vibrate the discharge table 104 when the discharge table 104 moves upward, and to rotate but not to vibrate the discharge table 104 when the discharge table 104 moves downward. This allows the media discharge device 100 to prevent vibrations from occurring in the device during media transport and to capture good images of the media, while after media transport, it can vibrate the discharge table 104 well to align the media loaded on the discharge table 104 well.

The positional relationship between the second pinion 104e and the second rack 101c is not limited to the example described above. For example, the second pinion 104e may be disposed in the first housing 101, and the second rack 101c may be disposed in the discharge tray 104.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the media ejection device 100.

In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the medium ejection device 100 further includes a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a memory device 140, and a processing circuit 150.

The second motor 131 includes one or more motors, and rotates the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the brake roller 114, the first to seventh transport rollers 115a-g, and the discharge roller 119 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150 to transport and discharge the medium. Note that the first to seventh driven rollers 116a-g or the opposing roller 120 may be arranged to rotate by the driving force from the motor, rather than being driven to rotate in accordance with the rotation of each transport roller.

The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown) (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive scanned images and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

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

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

The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 117, the imaging device 118, the height sensor 121, the first motor 122a, the second motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 150 controls the second motor 131 to transport the medium, controls the imaging device 118 to obtain an input image, and transmits the obtained input image to the information processing device via the interface device 132. The processing circuit 150 also receives a height signal from the height sensor 121, and drives the first motor 122a based on the height signal to control the moving mechanism 122.

Figure 7 shows the schematic configuration of the memory device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

As shown in FIG. 7, the storage device 140 stores various programs such as a control program 141 and a detection program 142. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 151 and a detection unit 152.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process.

Below, an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media ejection device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the media ejection device 100 based on a program previously stored in the storage device 140. Note that before this flowchart is executed, the ejection tray 104 is placed in the initial position.

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

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

On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 drives the motor for moving the placement table 103 to a position where the medium contacts the pick roller 112. The control unit 151 drives the second motor 131 to rotate the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the brake roller 114, the first to seventh transport rollers 115a to g, and the discharge roller 119 to feed and transport the medium placed on the placement table 103 (step S103).

Next, the control unit 151 waits until the rear end of the medium passes the imaging position of the imaging device 118 (step S104). The control unit 151 periodically receives a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 117, and when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of the medium to a value indicating the absence of the medium, the control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 117. The control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a first predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 117. The first predetermined time is set to a value that is the time required for the medium to move from the second medium sensor 117 to the imaging position plus a margin. The control unit 151 may also determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the control unit 151 started feeding the medium.

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

Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a medium remains on the placement table 103 based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 111 (step S106). If a medium remains on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S106.

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

Next, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 122a to control the movement mechanism 122 to move the discharge tray 104 upward (step S108), completing the series of steps. The discharge tray 104 moves downward by the discharge tray control process described below while the media reading process is being executed. Note that if the discharge tray 104 has not moved from its initial position, the control unit 151 may first move the discharge tray 104 downward and then move it upward. The control unit 151 moves the discharge tray 104 upward by a preset amount. This allows the control unit 151 to align the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge tray 104.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the discharge platform control process.

Below, an example of the operation of the ejection tray control process of the media ejection device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the media ejection device 100 based on a program previously stored in the storage device 140. Note that the ejection tray control process is executed in parallel with the media reading process while the media reading process is being executed.

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

Next, based on the received height signal, the detection unit 152 determines whether the height of the medium loaded on the discharge tray 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined height (step S202). If the signal value of the height signal indicates that a medium is present at the position of the height sensor 121, the detection unit 152 determines that the height of the medium is equal to or greater than the predetermined height, and if the signal value indicates that a medium is not present at the position of the height sensor 121, the detection unit 152 determines that the height of the medium is less than the predetermined height. If the height of the medium is less than the predetermined height, the detection unit 152 returns to step S201 without performing any particular processing.

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

As described above in detail, the media ejection device 100 is provided with a vibration imparting mechanism that imparts vibrations to the ejection table 104 in conjunction with the up and down movement of the ejection table 104, and when the ejection table 104 is moved upward, vibrations are imparted to the ejection table 104 to align the media placed on it. This enables the media ejection device 100 to better align the media ejected on the ejection table 104. The user is no longer required to align the media ejected on the ejection table 104, and the media ejection device 100 can improve user convenience.

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

The second rack 201c shown in Figures 10(A) and (B) is used in place of the second rack 101c. The second rack 201c has multiple teeth arranged vertically, similar to the second rack 101c. The multiple teeth of the second rack 201c have a sawtooth shape and are arranged so that adjacent teeth are spaced apart. When the discharge table 104 moves downward, the second pinion 104e is pressed by the spring 104c and rotates while meshing with the second rack 201c. On the other hand, when the discharge table 104 moves upward, the rotation of the second pinion 104e is prevented.

As shown in FIG. 10(A), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e abuts against the apex of the tooth of the second rack 201c, the second pinion 104e pushes back the force of the spring 104c and moves downstream. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(B), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e passes over the apex of the tooth of the second rack 201c, the second pinion 104e moves upstream again due to the force of the spring 104c. The upper surface of the tooth of the second rack 201c does not have an inclination, and the adjacent teeth are spaced apart. Therefore, when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e passes over the apex of the tooth of the second rack 201c, the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e moves in a direction perpendicular to the bottom of the second rack 201c and collides with the bottom. Therefore, the second pinion 104e can increase the rate of change of the vibration (the amount of movement in a certain period of time) applied to the discharge tray 104, making it possible to more reliably align the media loaded on the discharge tray 104.

The teeth of the second rack 201c may have a rectangular wave shape and may be arranged so that adjacent teeth are spaced apart. In this case, the underside of the teeth of the second rack 201c also does not have an incline, so that even when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e passes the apex of the tooth of the second rack 201c, the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e moves in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second rack 201c. Therefore, the second pinion 104e can increase the rate of change of the vibration applied to the discharge table 104, making it possible to more reliably align the media loaded on the discharge table 104.

As described above in detail, the media ejection device is now able to more effectively align media ejected onto the ejection tray 104, even when the second rack 201c has a sawtooth wave or rectangular wave shape.

Figures 11(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining another second rack 301c. Figures 11(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the second rack 301c as viewed from the side.

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

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

As described above in detail, the media ejection device is now able to more effectively align the media ejected onto the ejection tray 104, even when the second rack 301c has a sine wave shape.

Figures 12(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining another moving mechanism 422, the discharge tray 404, and the first housing 401. Figures 12(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams of the periphery of the discharge tray 404 as viewed from the side.

The moving mechanism 422, the discharge table 404, and the first housing 401 shown in Figs. 12(A) and (B) have the same configuration as the moving mechanism 122, the discharge table 104, and the first housing 101, respectively. However, the moving mechanism 422 has a pulley 422d in addition to the parts of the moving mechanism 122. The pulley 422d is attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor 122a together with the first pinion 122b. The discharge table 404 does not have the second shaft member 104d and the second pinion 104e, but instead has a second rack 404h. The second rack 404h is an example of a rack, has a structure similar to that of the second rack 101c, 201c, or 301c, and is fixed to the upstream and lower end 404f of the discharge table 404.

The first housing 401 does not have a second rack 101c, but instead has a contact unit 401d. The contact unit 401d has a belt 401e, a pulley 401f, a third pinion 401g, a third rack 401h, two stoppers 401i, and a protrusion 401j.

The belt 401e is stretched between the pulley 422d and the pulley 401f of the moving mechanism 422. The third pinion 401g is provided on the same rotation axis as the pulley 401f so as to rotate integrally with the pulley 401f, and is meshed with the third rack 401h. The third pinion 401g has a torque limiter provided so as to rotate idly when the third rack 401h is in contact with the stopper 401i. The third rack 401h has a plurality of teeth arranged downward and in the media discharge direction A3, and is meshed with the third pinion 401g. The third rack 401h is provided between the two stoppers 401i so as to be movable in the media discharge direction A3 along a guide portion such as a rail (not shown) formed along the media discharge direction A3. The two stoppers 401i are locking portions that lock the third rack 401h, and are arranged at intervals in the media discharge direction A3. The protrusion 401j is disposed at the downstream end of the third rack 401h so as to face the second rack 404h disposed on the discharge tray 404. The protrusion 401j is an example of an abutment portion, and abuts against the second rack 404h when the third rack 401h is disposed at the most downstream side.

As shown in FIG. 12A, when a predetermined number of media are loaded on the discharge tray 404, the first motor 122a and the first pinion 122b rotate in the direction of the arrow B1, and the first rack 122c and the discharge tray 404 move downward. In addition, as the first pinion 122b rotates in the forward direction B1, the pulley 422d, the belt 401e, and the pulley 401f rotate in the forward direction B1, the third rack 401h moves horizontally toward the upstream side, and the protrusion 401j moves away from the second rack 404h. As a result, the discharge tray 104 moves horizontally smoothly without vibrating, and when the medium discharge device 100 continuously transports and captures multiple media, the entire device vibrates due to the vibration of the discharge tray 104 during media transport, and the input image can be prevented from being blurred.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the transport of the medium is completed, the first motor 122a and the first pinion 122b rotate in the reverse direction B2, and the first rack 122c and the discharge table 404 move upward. Furthermore, as the first pinion 122b rotates in the reverse direction B2, the pulley 422d, the belt 401e, and the pulley 401f rotate in the reverse direction B2, the third rack 401h moves horizontally downstream, and the protrusion 401j abuts against the second rack 404h. As a result, the protrusion 401j applies vibration to the discharge table 104 via the second rack 404h in conjunction with the up and down movement of the discharge table 104.

That is, the protrusion 401j is provided so as to come into contact with the second rack 404h and vibrate the discharge table 404 when the discharge table 404 moves upward, and to move away from the second rack 404h and not vibrate the discharge table 404 when the discharge table 404 moves downward. The protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h are an example of a vibration mechanism. Even if the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge table 404 are not aligned, the vibrations caused by the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h cause the media to slide upstream and strike the abutment section 101b. Therefore, the media discharge device 100 can satisfactorily align the rear ends of the media loaded on the discharge table 404.

The positional relationship between the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h is not limited to the example described above. For example, the protrusion 401j may be disposed on the discharge tray 404, and the second rack 404h may be disposed on the first housing 401. In addition, a gear or the like that is fixed so as not to rotate may be used as the protrusion 401j.

As described above in detail, the media ejection device is now able to better align the media ejected onto the ejection tray 404, even when the protrusion 401j is used as the contact portion.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 of a media ejection device according to another embodiment.

The processing circuit 550 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the media ejection device 100, and executes media reading processing and ejection platform control processing, etc., in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 550 has a control circuit 551 and a detection circuit 552, etc. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

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

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

As described above in detail, the media ejection device is now able to better align the media ejected onto the ejection tray, even when the processing circuit 550 executes the media reading process and the ejection tray control process.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a gear that can rotate in only one direction is used as the second pinion 104e, or the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h are provided so as to be able to separate from each other, so that vibrations are not applied to the discharge table when the discharge table moves downward. However, a fixed member may be used as the second pinion 104e, or the protrusion 401j and the second rack 404h may be provided so as to be in constant contact with each other, so that vibrations are applied to the discharge table even when the discharge table moves downward.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the loading surface of the discharge table is inclined so that the upstream end is positioned downward and the downstream end is positioned upward. However, the loading surface of the discharge table may be inclined so that the downstream end is positioned downward and the upstream end is positioned upward. In that case, the abutment portion is positioned so that the end of the medium placed on the discharge table on the lower side of the slope (downstream side) is abutted against it.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the discharge table is provided so as to be able to swing around the first shaft member 104b. However, the discharge table may be provided so as to be able to move horizontally along the media discharge direction A3. In that case, one of the discharge table and the first rack is provided with a guide portion such as a rail extending along the media discharge direction A3, and the other of the discharge table and the first rack is provided with an engagement portion that engages with the guide portion. In addition, instead of the spring 104c, the discharge table is provided with a spring such as a compression coil spring that applies a force toward the upstream side of the media discharge direction A3 to the discharge table. As a result, when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e abuts against the apex of the tooth of the second rack 101c as shown in FIG. 5(A), the second pinion 104e pushes back the force of the spring and moves downstream, and the discharge table 104 moves horizontally downstream along the guide portion. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5(B), when the apex of the tooth of the second pinion 104e passes the apex of the tooth of the second rack 101c, the second pinion 104e moves upstream again due to the force of the spring 104c, and the discharge table 104 moves horizontally upstream along the guide portion.

100 Media ejection device, 104, 404 Ejection tray, 119 Ejection roller, 120 Counter roller, 101b Abutment portion, 101c, 201c, 301c, 404h Second rack, 104e Second pinion, 401j Protrusion

Claims (7)

a discharge unit that discharges the medium;
a discharge tray that has an inclination, is provided so as to be movable up and down, and on which the medium discharged by the discharge unit is placed;
an abutting portion against which an end portion of the medium placed on the discharge tray on a lower side of the inclination abuts;
a vibration imparting mechanism that imparts vibration to the ejection table in a medium ejection direction in conjunction with the up and down movement of the ejection table ,
The vibration imparting mechanism includes a rack having a plurality of teeth arranged vertically, and a contact portion that contacts the rack to impart vibration to the discharge table.
A medium ejection device. The medium ejection device of claim 1 , wherein the teeth have a sawtooth or square wave shape and are arranged such that adjacent teeth are spaced apart from each other. The medium ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of teeth have a triangular wave shape and are arranged such that adjacent teeth are in contact with each other. The media ejection device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tines have a sinusoidal shape. 5. The medium ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the contact portion is a gear that is rotatable in only one direction. The medium ejection device of claim 5, wherein the gear is configured to not rotate but vibrate the ejection table when the ejection table moves upward, and to rotate but not vibrate the ejection table when the ejection table moves downward. The medium ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the abutment portion abuts against the rack to impart vibration to the ejection table when the ejection table moves in an upward direction, and is arranged to move away from the rack so as not to impart vibration to the ejection table when the ejection table moves in a downward direction.

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