Oscillation control device

Abstract

To provide an oscillation control device capable of appropriately controlling the oscillation of a rocking member.SOLUTION: An oscillation control device according to the present invention comprises: an oscillation member which is provided so as to be rockable about a rocking axis as a rotation center, and which has an abutting portion; and a torsion coil spring which is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotational fulcrum axis arranged at a position different from the rocking axis, wherein the torsion coil spring comprises a fixed first arm and a second arm which is arranged so that the abutting portion slides along the second arm while abutting thereagainst. When the rocking member is rocked in a predetermined direction, a reaction force in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction is imparted to the rocking member by a frictional force generated between the abutting portion and the second arm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a swing control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices such as scanners have been used that have a feed roller and a separation roller and feed multiple media placed on a loading platform while separating them. In such devices, the separation roller may be supported so as to be swingable so that media of various thicknesses can be fed. In addition, such devices may be provided with an arm that swings depending on the presence or absence of media in order to determine whether media is placed on the loading platform. In such devices, it is required to be able to control components such as the separation roller or the arm so that they can swing appropriately.

[0003] A sheet conveying device having a separation roller attached to a separation roller shaft has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). This sheet conveying device has an arm member that holds the separation roller shaft, an intermediate shaft that supports the arm member so that it can swing, a coil spring that urges the arm member in the direction of the axis of the swing, and a regulating member that regulates the position of the arm member urged by the coil spring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-119554 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a rocking control device having a rocking member that is rockably disposed, it is desirable to be able to appropriately control the rocking of the rocking member.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a rocking control device capable of appropriately controlling the rocking of a rocking member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A rocking control device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an oscillating member that is arranged to be rockable around an oscillating axis and has an abutment portion, and a torsion coil spring that is arranged to be rotatable around a rotation fulcrum axis that is located at a position different from the oscillating axis, the torsion coil spring having a fixed first arm and a second arm that is arranged so that the abutment portion slides while abutting against the first arm, and when the oscillating member rocks in a predetermined direction, frictional force generated between the abutment portion and the second arm applies a reaction force to the oscillating member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately control the rocking of the rocking member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Diagram 3] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a separation roller 114. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a separation roller 114. FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining another medium transport device. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining another medium transport device. FIG. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining feeding of a medium. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining feeding of a medium. [Figure 9] 13A is a graph showing an example of the transition of the position of the separation roller 14, and FIG. 13B is a graph showing an example of the transition of the position of the separation roller 114. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first medium sensor 111. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first medium sensor 111. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 150 and a processing circuit 160. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 260 according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a swing control device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, but extends to the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 is an example of a swing control device. The medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original document, and captures an image of the medium. The medium is paper, cardboard, card, or the like. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium being conveyed may not be an original document, but may be a print target, or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer, or the like.

[0012] 1, arrow A1 indicates the substantially vertical direction (height direction), arrow A2 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A3 indicates the medium discharge direction, and arrow A4 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream of the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3, and downstream refers to the downstream of the medium transport direction A2 or the medium discharge direction A3.

[0013] The medium conveying device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a placement table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0014] The second housing 102 is disposed inside the first housing 101 and rotatably engaged with the first housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when loading media or when cleaning the inside of the media conveying device 100, for example.

[0015] The placement table 103 has a placement surface 103a, and engages with the first housing 101 so that the transported media can be placed on the placement surface 103a. The placement table 103 is provided on the side surface of the first housing 101 on the media supply side so as to be movable in the height direction A1. The placement table 103 is disposed at the bottom end position so that the media can be easily placed on it when the media is not being transported, and when the media is being transported, the uppermost medium placed on the placement table 103 rises to a position where it comes into contact with a pick roller, which will be described later. The discharge table 104 is formed on the second housing 102. The discharge table 104 places the media discharged from the discharge ports of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0016] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit for acquiring a signal from the input device, accepts an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal according 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 for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display device 106 may be a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function. In that case, the operation device 105 has an interface circuit for acquiring an input signal from the touch panel.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0018] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a first medium sensor 111, a pick roller 112, a feed roller 113, a separation roller 114, an encoder 115, first to sixth transport rollers 116a-f, first to sixth driven rollers 117a-f, a second medium sensor 118, and an imaging device 119.

[0019] The number of each of the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first to sixth conveying rollers 116a-f, and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 117a-f is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 113, the separation roller 114, the first to sixth conveying rollers 116a-f, and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 117a-f are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4.

[0020] The surface of the first housing 101 facing the second housing 102 forms a first guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the surface of the second housing 102 facing the first housing 101 forms a second guide 102a of the medium transport path. The first guide 101a and the second guide 102a have a so-called U-turn path.

[0021] Pick roller 112 is provided in second housing 102, and comes into contact with a medium placed on placement table 103 elevated to approximately the same height as the medium transport path, to feed the medium downstream.

[0022] The feed roller 113 is provided in the second housing 102 downstream of the pick roller 112, and feeds the medium placed on the placement table 103 and fed by the pick roller 112 further downstream. The separation roller 114 is provided in the first housing 101 facing the feed roller 113. The separation roller 114 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the direction opposite to the medium feeding direction.

[0023] A torque limiter that specifies the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 114 is provided between the separation roller 114 and the motor that applies a driving force to the separation roller 114. The limit value of the torque limiter is set to a value such that the rotational force via the torque limiter is cut off when there is one medium, and the rotational force via the torque limiter is transmitted when there are multiple media. As a result, when only one medium is transported, the separation roller 114 does not rotate according to the driving force from the motor, but follows the feed roller 113. On the other hand, when multiple media are transported, the separation roller 114 rotates in the opposite direction A7 to the medium feeding direction, and separates the medium in contact with the feed roller 113 from the other media, thereby preventing double feeding. At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 114 may apply a force in the opposite direction A7 to the medium feeding direction to the medium while it is stopped without rotating in the opposite direction A7 to the medium feeding direction.

[0024] In this way, the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114 perform a medium separation operation, separate the media, and feed the media one by one. The feeding roller 113 is disposed above the separation roller 114, and the medium conveying device 100 feeds the media by a so-called top-down method.

[0025] The encoder 115 is a sensor provided on the shaft 114a which is the rotation axis of the separation roller 114, and detects the rotation and rotation direction of the separation roller 114. The encoder 115 has a disk in which a large number of slits (light transmission holes) are formed and which is provided to rotate according to the rotation of the separation roller 114, and a light emitter and a light receiver which are provided to face each other across the disk. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light toward the disk (light receiver). The light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter through the disk. The light receiver detects the number of changes in a predetermined period from a state in which there is a slit between the light emitter and the light receiver to a state in which there is no slit and the light is blocked by the disk. The light receiver detects the movement distance of the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 114 by multiplying the detected number of changes by the distance that the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 114 moves when the disk rotates by the distance between two adjacent slits. In addition, a fixed slit is provided between the light emitter and the light receiver to make the output signal (pulse) two-phase, and the light receiver detects the rotation direction of the disk based on the rising timing of the output signal of each phase. The encoder 115 generates and outputs a rotation signal indicating the detected moving distance and the rotation direction of the disk (stop / forward / reverse). The encoder 115 is not limited to an optical encoder, and may be any encoder such as a mechanical encoder, a magnetic encoder, or an electromagnetic induction encoder.

[0026] The first to sixth conveying rollers 116a-f and the first to sixth driven rollers 117a-f are provided facing each other downstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and convey the medium fed by the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 downstream.

[0027] The second medium sensor 118 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 and upstream of the imaging device 119 in the medium conveying direction A2, and detects the medium conveyed to the arrangement position. In particular, the second medium sensor 118 is disposed downstream of the second conveying roller 116b and the second driven roller 117b. The second medium sensor 118 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the medium conveying path, and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium conveying path. The light emitter is an LED or the like, and emits light toward the medium conveying path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. The second medium sensor 118 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 118 based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver.

[0028] Note that in second medium sensor 118, a reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of a light guide tube. Also, in second medium sensor 118, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other with the medium transport path in between. Also, second medium sensor 118 may detect the presence of a medium by a contact detection sensor similar to first medium sensor 111.

[0029] The imaging device 119 is disposed downstream of the first and second transport rollers 116a-b in the medium transport direction A2, and captures images of the medium transported by the first and second transport rollers 116a-b and the first and second driven rollers 117a-b. The imaging device 119 includes a first imaging device 119a and a second imaging device 119b disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path.

[0030] The first imaging device 119a has a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 119a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging elements, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging elements. The first imaging device 119a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0031] Similarly, the second imaging device 119b has a line sensor using a CIS of a life-size optical system type having CMOS imaging elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 119b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 119b captures the back side of the medium being transported to generate an input image and output it.

[0032] The medium conveying device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b arranged to 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.

[0033] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is transported between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the medium transport direction A2 by the rotation of the pick roller 112 and the feed roller 113 in the medium feed direction A5 and A6, respectively. The medium transport device 100 has a separation mode in which the medium is separated while being fed, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is not separated while being fed. The feed mode is set by the user using the operation device 105 or an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the medium transport device 100. When the feed mode is set to the separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates or stops in the opposite direction A7 to the medium feed direction. This restricts the feeding of media other than the separated medium (preventing double feeding). On the other hand, when the feed mode is set to the non-separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the medium feed direction (opposite direction of the arrow A7).

[0034] The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a and sent to the imaging position of the imaging device 119 by the rotation of the first and second transport rollers 116a-b in the directions of arrows A8-9, and is imaged by the imaging device 119. Furthermore, the medium is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by the rotation of the third to sixth transport rollers 116c-f in the directions of arrows A10-13, respectively.

[0035] 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the separation roller 114. FIG.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a first swinging member 121, a first torsion coil spring 122, an elastic member 123, a plate member 124, and the like.

[0037] The first rocking member 121 is an example of a rocking member. The first rocking member 121 is formed to extend in the medium transport direction A2, and is provided so as to be rockable in the height direction A1 about a rocking shaft 121a provided at the downstream end. The shaft 114a of the separation roller 114 is attached to the upstream end of the first rocking member 121, and the first rocking member 121 supports the separation roller 114 so as to be rockable.

[0038] The first rocking member 121 supports the separation roller 114 so that when the first rocking member 121 rocks downward in the height direction A1, the separation roller 114 separates from the feed roller 113, and when the first rocking member 121 rocks upward in the height direction A1, the separation roller 114 presses the feed roller 113. The downward direction in the height direction A1 is an example of a predetermined direction, and the upward direction in the height direction A1 is an example of a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. In the following, as shown in FIG. 3, a position where the first rocking member 121 supports the separation roller 114 so that the separation roller 114 abuts against the feed roller 113 may be referred to as an abutment position. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, a position where the first rocking member 121 supports the separation roller 114 so that the separation roller 114 is separated from the feed roller 113 may be referred to as a non-abutment position. The first rocking member 121 has an abutment portion 121b that abuts against the first torsion coil spring 122.

[0039] The first torsion coil spring 122 is an example of a torsion coil spring. The first torsion coil spring 122 is provided rotatably around a rotation fulcrum axis 122a, which is a coil central axis. The first torsion coil spring 122 has a first arm 122b and a second arm 122c. The first arm 122b is fixed to the first housing 101. The second arm 122c is provided rotatably around the rotation fulcrum axis 122a so as to generate an elastic force in a direction away from the first arm 122b (upward in the height direction A1 in the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). The abutment portion 121b of the first oscillating member 121 abuts against the second arm 122c, and the second arm 122c presses the first oscillating member 121 in a direction away from the first arm 122b (upward in the height direction A1) via the abutment portion 121b. The first swinging member 121 applies a force to the separation roller 114 toward the feed roller 113 side by the elastic force from the first torsion coil spring 122 .

[0040] The rotation fulcrum axis 122a of the first torsion coil spring 122 is disposed at a position different from the oscillation axis 121a of the first oscillating member 121. For example, the first torsion coil spring 122 is provided so that the oscillation axis 121a of the first oscillating member 121 is disposed outside the coil portion. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, when the first oscillating member 121 oscillates, the direction in which the abutment portion 121b moves (oscillates) differs from the direction in which the second arm 122c moves (oscillates). Therefore, when the first oscillating member 121 oscillates, the position at which the abutment portion 121b abuts on the second arm 122c changes. That is, a distance D1 between the rotation fulcrum shaft 122a and the contact portion 121b when the first swing member 121 is disposed at the contact position and a distance D2 between the rotation fulcrum shaft 122a and the contact portion 121b when the first swing member 121 is disposed at the non-contact position change. Therefore, when the first swing member 121 swings, the contact portion 121b slides along the second arm 122c.

[0041] In this way, the second arm 122c is disposed so that the abutment portion 121b slides while being in contact with the second arm 122c. As a result, when the first swinging member 121 swings downward in the height direction A1, a reaction force in the upward direction in the height direction A1 is applied to the first swinging member 121 by the frictional force generated between the abutment portion 121b and the second arm 122c. The frictional force generated between the abutment portion 121b and the second arm 122c includes a kinetic frictional force generated by the sliding of the abutment portion 121b and the second arm 122c, and a static frictional force generated before the abutment portion 121b and the second arm 122c slide.

[0042] The elastic member 123 is a spring member such as a tension coil spring, and is provided separately from the first torsion coil spring 122. An upstream end 123a of the elastic member 123 is fixed to the first housing 101, and a downstream end 123b is attached to the upstream end of the first swinging member 121. In this way, the elastic member 123 applies an upward force in the height direction A1 to the first swinging member 121. Note that as the elastic member 123, other spring members such as a compression coil spring, or a rubber member, etc. may be used.

[0043] The plate member 124 is disposed on the upstream side of the separation roller 114 at a position facing the surface of the separation roller 114. A force toward the downstream side is applied to the plate member 124 by a spring member 124a such as a torsion coil spring, and the plate member 124 is stopped by a stopper 124b. When the first oscillating member 121 is disposed at the abutment position, the plate member 124 does not abut against the surface of the separation roller 114, and when the first oscillating member 121 is disposed at the non-abutment position, the plate member 124 is disposed so as to abut against the surface of the separation roller 114. As a result, when the first oscillating member 121 oscillates downward in the height direction A1, the plate member 124 abuts against the surface of the separation roller 114 to suppress the rotation of the separation roller 114.

[0044] The technical significance of arranging the rotation fulcrum shaft 122a of the first torsion coil spring 122 at a position different from the oscillation shaft 121a of the first oscillation member 121 will be described below.

[0045] 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams for explaining a medium transport device in which the rotation fulcrum axis of the first torsion coil spring is disposed at the same position as the oscillation axis of the first oscillation member.

[0046] The medium conveying device shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 includes a feed roller 13, a separation roller 14, a first swinging member 21, a first torsion coil spring 22, etc. The feed roller 13, the separation roller 14, and the first swinging member 21 have the same configuration as the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, and the first swinging member 121 of the medium conveying device 100, respectively. The first swinging member 21 is provided so as to be swingable around a swing shaft 21a, and has an abutment portion 21b. The first torsion coil spring 22 is provided so as to be swingable around a rotation fulcrum shaft 22a, and has a fixed first arm 22b and a second arm 22c with which the abutment portion 21b abuts. However, the rotation fulcrum shaft 22a of the first torsion coil spring 22 is disposed at the same position as the swing shaft 21a of the first swinging member 21.

[0047] Since the rotation fulcrum shaft 22a and the oscillation shaft 21a are disposed at the same position, when the first oscillation member 21 oscillates, the direction in which the abutment portion 21b moves (oscillates) is the same as the direction in which the second arm 22c moves (oscillates). Therefore, when the first oscillation member 21 oscillates, the position at which the abutment portion 21b abuts on the second arm 22c does not change. That is, the distance D3 between the rotation fulcrum shaft 22a and the abutment portion 21b when the first oscillation member 21 is disposed at the abutment position and the distance D4 between the rotation fulcrum shaft 22a and the abutment portion 21b when the first oscillation member 21 is disposed at the non-abutment position do not change. Therefore, when the first oscillation member 21 oscillates, the abutment portion 21b does not slide along the second arm 22c.

[0048] Figures 7(A), (B) and 8(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining the feeding of a medium by the medium conveying device shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figures 7(A), (B) and 8(A) and (B) show a state in which a plurality of media P are placed on a placement table, and the uppermost medium P1 among the plurality of media P is being fed. Note that the medium conveying device shown in Figures 5 and 6 has a pick roller 12 similar to the pick roller 112 of the medium conveying device 100, as shown in Figures 7(A), (B) and 8(A) and (B).

[0049] 7(A), the pick roller 12 rotates in the medium feeding direction A5 while in contact with the medium P1, so that the medium P1 is fed into the nip between the feed roller 13 and the separation roller 14. When only the medium P1 is in the nip between the feed roller 13 and the separation roller 14, the separation roller 14 rotates in the medium feeding direction A7', following the feed roller 13. The standby medium P2 placed below the medium P1 is subjected to a frictional force between the medium P1 and the pick roller 12 and the feed roller 13, which is generated by the applied pressure, and an inertial force due to the gravity of the standby medium P2 itself.

[0050] 7(B), the standby medium P2 moves downstream, and the leading edge of the standby medium P2 collides with the separation roller 14. The separation roller 14 is pressed by the standby medium P2 and is pushed downward in the height direction A1 against the elastic force of the first torsion coil spring 22. At this time, the driving force from the motor is transmitted to the separation roller 14, and the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 14 rotates in the direction A7 opposite to the medium feeding direction. As a result, the standby medium P2 is subjected to the force due to the reverse rotation of the separation roller 14, the back load of the separation roller 114, and the rubber repulsive force of the separation roller 114.

[0051] 8(A), the standby medium P2 is pushed back upstream. As a result, the standby medium P2 moves away from the separation roller 14 and no longer presses against the separation roller 14, and the separation roller 14 is pushed back upward in the height direction A1 by the elastic force of the first torsion coil spring 22. As a result, the separation roller 14 again rotates in the medium feeding direction A7' by following the feed roller 13.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 8(B), after the standby medium P2 separates from the separation roller 14, it moves downstream again due to the frictional force between the standby medium P1 and the inertial force due to the gravity of the standby medium P2 itself, and collides with the separation roller 14. The separation roller 14 is pressed again by the standby medium P2, and is pushed downward in the height direction A1 against the elastic force of the first torsion coil spring 22. At this time, the driving force from the motor is transmitted to the separation roller 14, and the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 14 rotates in the direction A7 opposite to the medium feeding direction. Thereafter, the separation roller 14 repeats the state shown in FIG. 8(A) and the state shown in FIG. 8(B), and moves up and down in the height direction A1 and vibrates.

[0053] FIG. 9A is a graph showing an example of the transition of the position of separation roller 14 when a medium is fed by the medium transport device shown in FIGS.

[0054] In Fig. 9(A), the horizontal axis indicates the time elapsed from the start of medium feeding, and the vertical axis indicates the relative position of the separation roller 14 in the height direction A1 with respect to the initial position at the start of medium feeding. As shown in Fig. 9(A), the separation roller 14 is pushed down every time the standby medium P2 collides with the separation roller 14, and the amount by which the separation roller 14 is pushed down increases every time the separation roller 14 moves up and down (self-excited vibration). In the example shown in Fig. 9(A), when time T has elapsed from the start of medium feeding, the separation roller 14 is positioned below position S where a nip portion can be formed with the feed roller 13. As a result, the standby medium P2 flows downstream of the separation roller 14 and the feed roller 13, causing double feeding of media.

[0055] Meanwhile, as described above, in the medium conveying device 100 according to this embodiment, when the first oscillating member 121 oscillates, a reaction force is applied to the first oscillating member 121 by the frictional force generated between the abutting portion 121b and the second arm 122c. As a result, when the separation roller 114 (first oscillating member 121) is pushed down by the standby medium P2 and when the separation roller 114 (first oscillating member 121) is pushed up by the elastic force of the first torsion coil spring 22, the amount of movement is reduced.

[0056] FIG. 9B is a graph showing an example of the transition of the position of the separation roller 114 when the medium conveying device 100 according to the present embodiment feeds the medium.

[0057] 9(B), the horizontal axis indicates the time elapsed since the start of feeding of the medium, and the vertical axis indicates the relative position of the separation roller 114 in the height direction A1 with respect to the initial position at the start of feeding of the medium. As shown in FIG. 9(B), the amount by which the separation roller 114 is pushed down and up is reduced by the reaction force applied to the first swinging member 121, and the separation roller 114 continues to be positioned above the position S where a nip portion can be formed with the feed roller 13. As a result, the standby medium P2 is prevented from flowing downstream of the separation roller 114 and the feed roller 113, and the occurrence of double feeding of media is prevented.

[0058] The frictional force generated between the abutting portion 121b and the second arm 122c of the first torsion coil spring 122 will be described below.

[0059] When the standby medium P2 collides with the separation roller 114, a force M1 calculated by the following formula (1) is applied to the collision point between the standby medium P2 and the separation roller 114. M1 = N1 × L1 (1) Here, N1 is the load (vertical load) applied in the oscillation (tangential) direction of the separation roller 114 (first oscillating member 121) at the collision point between the standby medium P2 and the separation roller 114 (see FIG. 3). L1 is the distance between the oscillation shaft 121a of the first oscillating member 121 and a straight line passing through the collision point between the standby medium P2 and the first oscillating member 121 and extending in the oscillation direction of the separation roller 114 (see FIG. 3).

[0060] On the other hand, a force M2 calculated by the following formula (2) is applied to the contact portion 121b of the first swinging member 121 by the elastic force of the first torsion coil spring 122. M2 = N2 × L2 (2) Here, N2 is the load (vertical load) applied in the swing (tangential) direction of the second arm 122c at the contact position between the contact portion 121b and the second arm 122c (see FIG. 3). L2 is the distance between the swing shaft 121a of the first swing member 121 and a straight line that passes through the contact position between the contact portion 121b and the second arm 122c and extends in the swing direction of the second arm 122c (see FIG. 3).

[0061] Moreover, a force M3 calculated by the following formula (3) is applied to the contact portion 121b of the first swing member 121 due to the frictional force between the contact portion 121b and the second arm 122c. M3 = μ × N2 × L3 (3) Here, μ is the friction coefficient between the contact portion 121b and the second arm 122c, and μ×N2 is the friction force between the contact portion 121b and the second arm 122c (see FIG. 3). L3 is the distance between the swing shaft 121a of the first swing member 121 and a straight line that passes through the contact position between the contact portion 121b and the second arm 122c and extends in the extension direction of the second arm 122c (the sliding direction of the contact portion 121b) (see FIG. 3).

[0062] The first oscillating member 121 and the first torsion coil spring 122 are set so that vibration of the first oscillating member 121 due to the forces M1 and M2 is suppressed by the force M3.

[0063] In addition, a force F1 calculated by the following formula (4) is applied to the separation roller 114 due to the frictional force between the contact portion 121b and the second arm 122c. F1 = M3 / L4 = N2 × μ × L3 / L4 (4) Here, L4 is the distance between a straight line that passes through the rotation axis of separation roller 114 and extends in the oscillation direction of separation roller 114, and oscillation axis 121a of first oscillation member 121 (see FIG. 3).

[0064] Further, a force F2 calculated by the following formula (5) is applied to the separation roller 114 by the elastic force of the first torsion coil spring 122 (see FIG. 3). F2=M2 / L4=N2×L2 / L4 (5) As shown in formulas (4) and (5), the force F1 changes depending on the distance L3, but the force F2 does not depend on the distance L3. In the medium conveying device 100, by adjusting the distance L3, it is possible to adjust the force F1 that suppresses vibration of the separation roller 114 while keeping constant the force F2 applied to the separation roller 114 by the elastic force of the first torsion coil spring 122. The distance L3 is set by prior experimentation to a distance at which double feeding of media does not occur.

[0065] As described above, the elastic member 123 applies a force to the first oscillating member 121 that presses the separation roller 114 against the feed roller 113. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to increase the upward reaction force applied to the first oscillating member 121 when the first oscillating member 121 oscillates downward. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can suppress the occurrence of vibration of the separation roller 114 and the occurrence of double feeding of media.

[0066] Furthermore, as described above, when the first oscillating member 121 is oscillated downward in the height direction A1 by the plate member 124, the rotation of the separation roller 114 is stopped, and the standby medium P2 is not pushed back by the separation roller 114. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to suppress the occurrence of vibration of the separation roller 114, and suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.

[0067] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams for explaining the first medium sensor 111. FIG.

[0068] 10 and 11, the first medium sensor 111 is disposed on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103, i.e., upstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and detects the mounting state of the medium on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 111 includes a second swinging member 131, a second torsion coil spring 132, a stopper 133, an optical unit 134, and the like.

[0069] The second rocking member 131 is an example of a rocking member. The second rocking member 131 is formed to extend in the medium transport direction A2, and is provided so as to be rockable in the height direction A1 around a rocking shaft 131a provided at the center in the medium transport direction A2. In particular, the second rocking member 131 is provided so that the downstream end portion rocks in the height direction A1. Hereinafter, the direction in which the downstream end portion faces the upward direction in the height direction A1 may be referred to as the first direction, and the direction in which the downstream end portion faces the downward direction in the height direction A1 may be referred to as the second direction. The first direction is an example of a predetermined direction, and the second direction is an example of a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. In addition, below, the position of the second rocking member 131 in which the downstream end portion is disposed upward as shown in FIG. 10 may be referred to as the first position, and the position of the second rocking member 131 in which the downstream end portion is disposed downward as shown in FIG. 11 may be referred to as the second position. The second oscillating member 131 has a contact portion 131 b that comes into contact with the second torsion coil spring 132 .

[0070] The second torsion coil spring 132 is an example of a torsion coil spring. The second torsion coil spring 132 is provided rotatably around a rotation fulcrum axis 132a, which is a coil central axis. The second torsion coil spring 132 has a first arm 132b and a second arm 132c. The first arm 132b is fixed inside the mounting table 103. The second arm 132c is provided oscillatingly around the rotation fulcrum axis 132a so as to generate an elastic force in a direction away from the first arm 132b (downstream side in the example shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11). The abutment portion 131b of the second oscillating member 131 abuts against the second arm 132c, and the second arm 132c presses the second oscillating member 131 in a direction away from the first arm 132b (downstream side) via the abutment portion 131b. The elastic force of the second torsion coil spring 132 applies to the second swinging member 131 such that the downstream end portion is forced upward.

[0071] The rotation fulcrum axis 132a of the second torsion coil spring 132 is disposed at a position different from the oscillation axis 131a of the second oscillating member 131. For example, the second torsion coil spring 132 is provided so that the oscillation axis 131a of the second oscillating member 131 is disposed outside the coil portion. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, when the second oscillating member 131 oscillates, the direction in which the abutment portion 131b moves (oscillates) differs from the direction in which the second arm 132c moves (oscillates). Therefore, when the second oscillating member 131 oscillates, the position at which the abutment portion 131b abuts on the second arm 132c changes. That is, a distance D5 between the rotation fulcrum shaft 132a and the abutment portion 131b when the second oscillating member 131 is disposed at the first position and a distance D6 between the rotation fulcrum shaft 132a and the abutment portion 131b when the second oscillating member 131 is disposed at the second position change. Therefore, when the second oscillating member 131 oscillates, the abutment portion 131b slides along the second arm 132c.

[0072] In this manner, the second arm 132c is disposed so that the abutment portion 131b slides while being in contact with the second arm 132c. As a result, when the second swinging member 131 swings in the first direction, a reaction force in the second direction is applied to the second swinging member 131 by the frictional force generated between the abutment portion 131b and the second arm 132c. The frictional force generated between the abutment portion 131b and the second arm 132c includes a kinetic frictional force generated by the sliding of the abutment portion 131b and the second arm 132c, and a static frictional force generated before the abutment portion 131b and the second arm 132c slide.

[0073] The stopper 133 is fixed inside the mounting table 103 so as to be disposed in a hole 131c formed in the second oscillating member 131. The second oscillating member 131 is disposed in a first position when the lower end of the hole 131c abuts against the lower end of the stopper 133, and is disposed in a second position when the upper end of the hole 131c abuts against the upper end of the stopper 133.

[0074] The optical unit 134 has a light emitter and a light receiver arranged to face each other with the second oscillating member 131 arranged at the first position between them. The light emitter is an LED or the like, and emits light toward the light receiver. The light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter, and generates and outputs a first medium signal, which is an electrical signal according to the intensity of the received light. When a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the second oscillating member 131 is pushed down by the weight of the medium and placed at the second position, and is not placed between the light emitter and the light receiver. On the other hand, when a medium is not placed on the placement table 103, the second oscillating member 131 is pushed up by the elastic force of the second torsion coil spring 132 and placed at the first position, and is placed between the light emitter and the light receiver. When the second oscillating member 131 is not present between the light emitter and the light receiver, the light receiver receives the light irradiated from the light emitter, but when the second oscillating member 131 is present between the light emitter and the light receiver, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the second oscillating member 131. Therefore, the signal value of the first medium signal changes depending on the arrangement position of the second oscillating member 131, depending on whether a medium is placed on the placement table 103 or not.

[0075] It should be noted that first medium 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 first medium sensor 111.

[0076] The second oscillating member 131 and the second torsion coil spring 132 have a relationship similar to that between the first oscillating member 121 and the first torsion coil spring 122. If the rotation fulcrum axis of the second torsion coil spring is located at the same position as the oscillation axis of the second oscillating member, the contact portion does not slide along the second arm when the second oscillating member oscillates. Therefore, when all the media placed on the mounting table have been fed and the second oscillating member has moved from the second position to the first position, the second oscillating member vibrates by repeatedly moving up and down.

[0077] Meanwhile, as described above, in the medium conveying device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the second oscillating member 131 oscillates, a reaction force is applied to the second oscillating member 131 by the frictional force generated between the contact portion 131b and the second arm 132c. As a result, when all the media placed on the mounting table 103 have been fed, the amount by which the second oscillating member 131 is pushed upward by the elastic force of the second torsion coil spring 132 and the amount by which the second oscillating member 131 is pushed downward by its own weight are reduced. As a result, the second oscillating member 131 vibrates, and it is prevented from being erroneously determined that a medium is present on the mounting table 103 when no medium is actually present.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0079] In addition to the components described above, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a motor 141, an interface device 142, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like.

[0080] The motor 141 includes one or more motors. The motor 141 rotates the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, and / or the first to sixth transport rollers 116a to 116f in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160 to transport the medium and move the placement table 103. The first to sixth driven rollers 117a to 117f may be provided to rotate according to the driving force of the motor 141, rather than being driven to rotate by the first to sixth transport rollers 116a to 116f.

[0081] The interface device 142 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown, for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 142, 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 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0082] The storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), 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 150 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the medium conveying device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), or the like.

[0083] The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program previously stored in the storage device 150. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 160 may be, for example, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0084] The processing circuit 160 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the first medium sensor 111, the encoder 115, the imaging device 119, the motor 141, the interface device 142, the storage device 150, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 160 performs drive control of the motor 141, imaging control of the imaging device 119, etc., based on each medium signal received from each medium sensor and a rotation signal received from the encoder 115. The processing circuit 160 acquires an input image from the imaging device 119, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 142.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 150 and the processing circuit 160. As shown in FIG.

[0086] 13, the storage device 150 stores a control program 151, a determination program 152, a detection program 153, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The processing circuit 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates according to the read program. In this way, the processing circuit 160 functions as a control unit 161, a determination unit 162, and a detection unit 163.

[0087] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0088] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 14. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 150.

[0089] First, the control unit 161 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 142 (step S101).

[0090] Next, the determination unit 162 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). In this way, the determination unit 162 determines whether or not a medium is present on the placement table 103 based on the arrangement position of the second oscillating member 131, that is, based on whether the second oscillating member 131 is arranged at the first position or the second position. As described above, the first medium sensor 111 is provided so as to suppress the oscillation of the second oscillating member 131, so that the medium conveying device 100 can suppress the occurrence of an erroneous determination as to whether or not a medium is present on the placement table 103. If no medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 161 ends the series of steps.

[0091] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 drives the motor 141 to raise the mounting table 103 to a position where the medium can be fed, and rotates each roller to feed and transport the medium (step S103).

[0092] Next, the detection unit 163 obtains a rotation signal from the encoder 115, and detects the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 based on the obtained rotation signal (step S104). The detection unit 163 stores the detected rotation direction in the storage device 150.

[0093] Next, the detection unit 163 reads out the history of the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 stored in the storage device 150, and calculates the frequency of changes in the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 (step S105). The detection unit 163 reads out the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 stored in the storage device 150 for a predetermined period, and calculates the number of times the rotation direction has changed within the predetermined period as the frequency of changes in the rotation direction of the separation roller 114. The predetermined period is set to, for example, the previous one second. The predetermined period may also be set to the entire period from the start of feeding of the medium currently being fed to the present.

[0094] Next, the control unit 161 calculates whether the frequency of change in the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 calculated by the detection unit 163 is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S106). The threshold value is set to a value between the frequency of change in the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 when a multi-feed of media occurs and the frequency of change in the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 when a multi-feed of media does not occur, in a prior experiment in which various types of media are fed. If the frequency of change in the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 is less than the threshold value, the control unit 161 does not execute any particular process and shifts the process to step S108.

[0095] On the other hand, if the frequency of change in the rotation direction of separation roller 114 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, control unit 161 controls motor 141 to stop separation roller 114 (step S107). In this manner, control unit 161 stops the rotation of separation roller 114 based on the frequency of change in the rotation direction of separation roller 114. This allows medium conveying device 100 to prevent the separation roller 114 from vibrating due to waiting medium P2, as shown in FIGS. 7(A), (B), 8(A), and (B), causing multiple feeding of media.

[0096] Next, determination unit 162 acquires a second medium signal from second medium sensor 118, and determines whether or not the trailing end of the medium has passed the imaging position of imaging device 119 based on the acquired second medium signal (step S108). Determination unit 162 determines that the trailing end of the medium has passed the position of second medium sensor 118 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating a state in which the medium is present to a state in which the medium is not present. Determination unit 162 determines that the trailing end of the medium has passed the imaging position of imaging device 119 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the leading end of the medium reached the position of second medium sensor 118. The predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of second medium sensor 118 to the imaging position of imaging device 119.

[0097] In this way, the determination unit 162 determines whether or not a medium is present at the arrangement position of the second medium sensor 118 based on the second medium signal acquired from the second medium sensor 118. If the second medium sensor 118 is a contact detection sensor similar to the first medium sensor 111, the determination unit 162 determines whether or not a medium is present at the arrangement position of the second medium sensor 118 based on the arrangement position of the second swing member. In this case, the medium conveying device 100 can suppress the occurrence of an erroneous determination of whether or not a medium is present at the arrangement position of the second medium sensor 118. Note that the determination unit 162 may determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium. If the rear end of the medium has not yet passed the imaging position of the imaging device 119, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes from step S104 onwards.

[0098] On the other hand, when the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position of the imaging device 119, the control unit 161 acquires an input image from the imaging device 119 and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 142 (step S109).

[0099] Next, the control unit 161 acquires a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111 in a manner similar to the processing of step S102, and determines whether or not a medium remains on the placement table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S110).

[0100] If the medium remains on the placement table 103, the control unit 161 determines whether or not the separation roller 114 was stopped in step S107 (step S111). If the separation roller 114 was not stopped, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S104 without executing any particular process, and repeats the processes from step S104 onwards.

[0101] On the other hand, if the separation roller 114 has been stopped, the motor 141 is controlled to rotate the separation roller 114 again (step S112). Next, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S104, and repeats the processes from step S104 onwards.

[0102] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 controls the motor 141 to stop each roller (step S113), and ends the series of steps.

[0103] As described above in detail, the medium transport device 100 shifts the oscillation axis of the oscillating member from the rotation support axis of the torsion coil spring that applies force to the oscillating member, and when the oscillating member receives a force in a predetermined direction, the frictional force generated between the oscillating member and the torsion coil spring suppresses the oscillation of the oscillating member. This makes it possible for the medium transport device 100 to suppress vibration of the oscillating member and appropriately control the oscillation of the oscillating member.

[0104] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 260 of a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0105] The processing circuit 260 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 260 has a control circuit 261, a determination circuit 262, a detection circuit 263, and the like. Note that each of these components may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0106] The control circuit 261 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 161. The control circuit 261 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 142, a determination result of the presence or absence of a medium from the determination circuit 262, and a detection result of the frequency of changes in the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 from the detection circuit 263. The control circuit 261 controls the motor 141 based on each piece of received information, and also obtains an input image from the imaging device 119 and outputs it to the interface device 142.

[0107] The determination circuit 262 is an example of a determination section, and has the same function as the determination section 162. The determination circuit 262 receives a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111 and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118. The determination circuit 262 determines the presence or absence of a medium based on each of the received signals, and outputs the determination result to the control circuit 261.

[0108] The detection circuit 263 is an example of a detection unit, and has the same function as the detection unit 163. The detection circuit 263 receives a rotation signal from the encoder 115. The detection circuit 263 detects the rotation direction of the separation roller 114 and the frequency of the change in the rotation direction based on the received rotation signal, and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 261.

[0109] As described above in detail, even when the medium transport device uses the processing circuit 260, it is possible to appropriately control the rocking of the rocking member.

[0110] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the medium transport device may have a so-called straight path, and may feed and transport the medium placed on the loading table in order from the bottom up. In this case, the feed roller is disposed below the separation roller and opposite to the separation roller.

[0111] Furthermore, the device to which the oscillating member and torsion coil spring according to the embodiment are applied is not limited to a medium conveying device. The oscillating member and torsion coil spring according to the embodiment may be applied to any object that oscillates, such as a hinged door of a storage unit or a room, or an opening and closing part of a folding notebook PC or a mobile phone. In these cases, the oscillation of the oscillating member is suppressed, and the oscillation of the oscillating member is appropriately controlled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 100 medium conveying device, 113 feeding roller, 114 separation roller, 121 first swing member, 121a swing shaft, 121b abutment portion, 122 first torsion coil spring, 122a rotation fulcrum shaft, 122b first arm, 122c second arm, 123 elastic member, 124 plate member, 131 second swing member, 131a swing shaft, 131b abutment portion, 132 second torsion coil spring, 132a rotation fulcrum shaft, 132b first arm, 132c second arm, 161 control unit, 162 determination unit, 163 detection unit

Claims

1. a swing member that is swingable about a swing axis and has a contact portion; a torsion coil spring provided rotatably around a rotation fulcrum axis disposed at a position different from the swing axis, the torsion coil spring has a fixed first arm and a second arm that is arranged so that the abutting portion slides against the first arm, the torsion coil spring applies a force to the swinging member, the swinging member swings in a predetermined direction that is the opposite direction to the direction in which the force is applied by the torsion coil spring, due to a medium that contacts the swinging member or a roller supported by the swinging member; A swing control device characterized by:

2. An oscillation control device as described in claim 1, wherein when the oscillating member is oscillated in the predetermined direction by the medium, a frictional force generated between the abutment portion and the second arm applies a reaction force to the oscillating member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

3. a feeding roller for feeding the medium; a separation roller disposed opposite the feed roller, 3. The swing control device according to claim 1, wherein the swing member swingably supports the separation roller so that the separation roller separates from the feed roller when the swing member swings in the predetermined direction.

4. 3. The swing control device according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not a medium is present based on the position of the swing member.

5. 4. The oscillation control device according to claim 3, further comprising an elastic member provided separately from said torsion coil spring, said elastic member applying a force to said oscillation member in a direction opposite to said predetermined direction.

6. 4. The oscillation control device according to claim 3, further comprising a plate member that contacts the surface of the separation roller to suppress rotation of the separation roller when the oscillation member oscillates in the predetermined direction.

7. a detection unit that detects the rotation direction of the separation roller; The oscillation control device according to claim 3 , further comprising: a control unit that stops the rotation of the separation roller based on the frequency of changes in the rotation direction of the separation roller.

Images