Document transport device and image reading device

Abstract

To provide a sheet conveying device and an image reading device that can convey thick sheet materials while suppressing the complexity of the device structure and the occurrence of high temperatures, and also enabling the device to be miniaturized. [Solution] The system comprises a feeding means 11 for feeding a document S placed on a mounting table 1, a transport means 20 for transporting the document S fed by the feeding means 11 to an image reading means 230 for reading an image of the document S, and a drive setting means 210 for setting the drive of the transport means 20. The drive setting means 210 can set a first transport mode and a second transport mode in which the drive current value is larger than that of the first transport mode. In the second transport mode, the drive setting means 210 provides a certain stop time for the feeding means 11 from the time the transport of the document is completed until the feeding means 11 starts transporting the next document.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a document conveying apparatus having a plurality of conveyance modes and an image reading apparatus having a document conveying function.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image reading apparatus having a plurality of document conveyance modes and configured to read a document conveyed by switching the conveyance mode according to a setting has been known (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Such a document conveying apparatus can convey various conveyance media, and a conveyance mode suitable for the conveyance medium to be conveyed can be set.

[0004] Among them, there is a conveyance mode for conveying a thick document, in which a motor for driving the conveyance means is driven at a low speed because the load becomes large.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] If a thick document like a booklet is conveyed at a low speed as in Patent Document 1, the conveyance time of one document becomes slow, and there is a risk that the convenience of the apparatus operator will decrease.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides feeding means for feeding a document placed on a placement table, conveyance means for conveying the document fed by the feeding means to image reading means for reading an image of the document, The feeding means and the drive setting means for setting the drive of the transport means Equipped with, The drive setting means can set a first transport mode and a second transport mode having a larger drive current value than the first transport mode. In the second transport mode, the drive setting means is characterized by providing a certain stop time for the feeding means between the completion of transporting the document and the start of transporting the next document by the feeding means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the transport time for a single document. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an image reading device showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an image reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Transport setting table for an image reading device showing a first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the transport mode setting and transport operation in Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the transport mode setting and transport operation in Embodiment 2 of the present invention [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the transport mode setting and transport operation in Embodiment 3 of the present invention [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the transport mode setting and transport operation in Embodiment 4 of the present invention [Figure 8] Transport settings screen in the information processing device application [Figure 9] A diagram showing a system in which an image reading device and an information processing device are connected. [Figure 10] Transport setting table for an image reading device showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the following embodiments is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the content of each embodiment. Also, in the following figures, components that are not necessary for the description of the embodiment are omitted from the description.

[0011] (First Embodiment) <Schematic Configuration of the Apparatus> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sheet conveyance apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention. The image reading apparatus 100 is an example of a document conveyance apparatus that conveys a conveyance medium S (sheet material) or a plurality of conveyance media S (bundle of sheet materials) stacked on the mounting table 1 one by one into the apparatus via a path RT and discharges them to the discharge tray 2.

[0012] The conveyance medium S is, for example, a document such as OA paper, a check, a bill, a business card, cards, etc., and may be a thick document or a thin document. Examples of the cards include an insurance certificate, a driver's license, a credit card, etc. The conveyance medium S also includes booklets such as a passport.

[0013] The conveyance medium S is placed on the mounting table 1 with its surface facing downward. The mounting table 1 is provided with a paper presence / absence sensor 80 which is a detection unit, and detects whether or not the conveyance medium S is placed on the mounting table 1.

[0014] <Feeding Unit> A first conveyance unit 10 as a feeding mechanism for feeding the conveyance medium S along the path RT is provided. In the case of this embodiment, the first conveyance unit 10 includes a feed roller 11 and a separation roller 12 arranged to face the feed roller 11, and sequentially conveys the conveyance media S on the mounting table 1 one by one in the conveyance direction D1 to the conveyance path RT.

[0015] The feed roller 11 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure (the positive direction for conveying the transport medium S along the path RT) by the driving force transmitted from the feed driving unit 3 such as a motor via the transmission unit 5. The transmission unit 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch, and continues to transmit the driving force from the feed driving unit 3 to the feed roller 11.

[0016] <Driving unit> The transmission unit 5 connecting the feed driving unit 3 and the feed roller 11 is, for example, in the present embodiment, configured to transmit the driving force during normal times and cut off the driving force in the case of reverse feeding of the transport medium S. When the transmission of the driving force to the feed roller 11 is cut off by the transmission unit 5, the feed roller 11 becomes in a freely rotatable state. Note that such a transmission unit 5 may not be provided when the feed roller 11 is driven only in one direction.

[0017] <Separation mechanism> The separation roller 12 arranged opposite to the feed roller 11 is a roller for separating the transport media S one by one, and is pressed against the feed roller 11 with a constant pressure. To ensure this pressed state, the separation roller 12 is provided so as to be swingable and configured to be biased toward the feed roller 11. The driving force is transmitted to the separation roller 12 from the feed driving unit 3 via the torque limiter 12a, and the separation roller 12 is rotationally driven in the direction of the solid line arrow (the direction opposite to the positive direction of the feed roller 11).

[0018] Since the transmission of the driving force to the separation roller 12 is regulated by the torque limiter 12a, when the separation roller 12 is in contact with the feed roller 11, it rotates in the direction of being carried around by the feed roller 11 (the direction of the broken line arrow). Thereby, when a plurality of transport media S are conveyed to the pressed portion between the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12, one is left and two or more transport media S are blocked from being conveyed downstream.

[0019] Here, the image reading device 100 is provided with a separation / non-separation lever 90 (switching means) to switch the transport method, which is whether or not to separate and transport multiple transport media S (document bundles) one by one using the separation roller 12. The separation / non-separation lever 90 is a switching means for switching between a separation setting, in which separation is performed by the separation roller 12, and a non-separation setting, in which separation is not performed. In the following description, when a transport media S is described as "one sheet," it may refer not only to a transport media S consisting of only a single sheet of paper, but also to a single transport media S in the form of a booklet, such as a passport. In other words, a unit that should be transported as a single unit is referred to as a single transport media S.

[0020] Furthermore, if a switching mechanism is provided, instead of the separation / non-separation lever 90, the separation / non-separation may be determined by the setting of the transport mode described later, and the control means 201 may be used to switch between the two.

[0021] In this case, power is transmitted to the separation / non-separation lever 90 from the supply / delivery drive unit 3, such as a motor, via the transmission unit 92, allowing the state of the separation / non-separation lever 90 to be switched. The transmission unit 92 is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch, which switches the separation / non-separation lever 90 with power from the supply / delivery drive unit 3.

[0022] When the separation / non-separation lever 90 is switched to the separation setting, the transmission unit 6 transmits driving force from the feed drive unit 3 to the separation roller 12, and separation is performed by the separation roller 12. On the other hand, when the separation / non-separation lever 90 is switched to the non-separation setting, the transmission of driving force by the transmission unit 6 is interrupted, and the separation roller 12 becomes able to rotate freely, so separation is not performed by the separation roller 12.

[0023] The image reading device 100 is equipped with a separation / non-separation detection unit 91 (switching state detection means) that detects the switching state of the separation / non-separation lever 90 (whether it is in the separation setting or the non-separation setting). For example, it may consist of an optical sensor arranged so that its output changes depending on the setting state of the separation / non-separation lever 90.

[0024] In this embodiment, a separation mechanism is configured with a separation roller 12 and a feed roller 11, but such a separation mechanism is not necessarily required. Any feeding mechanism that sequentially feeds the transport medium S one by one along the path RT will suffice.

[0025] Furthermore, when a separation mechanism is provided, instead of a configuration like the separation roller 12, a separation pad that applies frictional force to the conveying medium S may be pressed against the feed roller 11 to perform a similar separation operation.

[0026] <Conveying Structure> The second conveying unit 20, located downstream of the first conveying unit 10 in the conveying direction, is equipped with a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 that moves in accordance with the drive roller 21, and conveys the conveying medium S that has been conveyed from the first conveying unit 10 to its downstream side.

[0027] The drive roller 21 receives driving force from a transport drive unit 4 such as a motor and is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 22 presses against the drive roller 21 with constant pressure and rotates along with the drive roller 21. This driven roller 22 may be configured to be biased against the drive roller 21 by a biasing unit such as a spring as shown in the figure.

[0028] The third conveying section 30, located downstream of the second conveying section 20 in the conveying direction, is equipped with a drive roller 31 and a driven roller 32 that moves in accordance with the drive roller 31, and conveys the conveying medium S that has been conveyed from the second conveying section 20 to the discharge tray 2. In other words, this third conveying section 30 functions as a discharge mechanism. Driving force is transmitted to the drive roller 31 from a conveying drive unit 4 such as a motor, and it is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0029] The driven roller 32 presses against the drive roller 31 with constant pressure and rotates along with the drive roller 31. The driven roller 32 may be configured to be biased against the drive roller 31 by a biasing unit such as a spring (not shown).

[0030] In this embodiment, the image reading device 100 can also have the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30 transport the transport medium S at a constant speed. The transport speed may be controlled so that the following transport medium S does not overtake the preceding transport medium S, by always keeping the transport speed at or above the transport speed of the first transport unit 10.

[0031] Alternatively, the feeding drive unit 3 or the transport drive unit 4 may be shared, and the device configuration may be such that a single drive unit drives the rotation of each of the aforementioned rollers, or the device configuration may be such that the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30 are not included.

[0032] Furthermore, the discharge tray 2 that receives the sheets S discharged from the transport path RT may be configured to be deployable when necessary.

[0033] <Image reading unit> The image reading unit 70 is positioned opposite the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30. In the following description, these will be referred to as image reading units 70a and 70b, respectively. Image reading units 70a and 70b are sensor units having the same structure, positioned opposite each other with the path RT in between.

[0034] The image reading unit 70a optically scans and converts the image into an electrical signal to read it as image data. It contains an optical section (not shown), an image reading light source, an image sensor, and a white reference plate for shading correction of the opposing reading unit.

[0035] Furthermore, the image reading unit 70a is sealed to prevent contamination of the transport medium S with paper dust or other materials. Therefore, the transport medium S passes through the path RT, which is sandwiched between the glass surfaces 77a and 77b.

[0036] Since the image reading unit 70b has the same structure as the image reading unit 70a, its explanation will be omitted.

[0037] <Re-feed detection> The double-feed detection sensor 40, positioned between the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 20, is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor that detects the behavior and state of the original document) that detects when transport media S, such as paper, become tightly attached to each other due to static electricity or the like and pass through the first transport unit 10 (i.e., when they are transported in a double-feed state).

[0038] Various types of double-feed detection sensors 40 can be used, but in this embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor is used, comprising an ultrasonic transmitter 41 and a receiver 42, and detecting double-feeds based on the principle that the attenuation of ultrasonic waves passing through the transport medium S differs depending on whether the transport medium S, such as paper, is being transported in double-feed or one at a time.

[0039] <Media detection sensor> The media detection sensor 50 detects the position of the transported medium S being transported by the first transport unit 10, and more specifically, whether the end of the transported medium S has reached or passed the detection position of the media detection sensor 50.

[0040] One example of the arrangement of the medium detection sensor 50 is that it is positioned downstream of the double-feed detection sensor 40 in the transport direction, upstream of the second transport unit 20, and downstream of the first transport unit 10.

[0041] Various types of media detection sensors 50 can be used, but in this embodiment, it is an optical sensor comprising a light-emitting unit 51 and a light-receiving unit 52, and detects the transported medium S based on the principle that the light-receiving intensity (amount of light received) changes when the transported medium S arrives or passes through.

[0042] In this embodiment, the medium detection sensor 50 is located downstream of the double-feed detection sensor 40, so that when the leading edge of the transport medium S is detected by the medium detection sensor 50, the transport medium S has reached a position where the double-feed detection sensor 40 can detect a double-feed.

[0043] Furthermore, the medium detection sensor 50 is not limited to the optical sensor described above. For example, a sensor capable of detecting the end of the transport medium S (such as an image sensor) may be used, or a lever-type sensor protruding from the path RT may also be used.

[0044] <Explanation of block diagram> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image reading device. The image reading device 100 is intended to read images from a sheet material and is controlled by the control means 201.

[0045] The control means 201 controls each function of the image reading device 100. The functions to be controlled include the drive setting means 210, the storage means 220, the image reading means 230, the data transfer means 240, the notification means 250, the drive setting means 210, the transmission unit 5, the transmission unit 6, the transmission unit 92, and so on.

[0046] The control means 201 includes a CPU (not shown), and various controls are implemented by the CPU executing a program stored in the storage means 220.

[0047] The control means 201 can execute drive control (control program) and temporarily store images read by the image reading means 230 in an image memory (RAM, not shown). If the RAM capacity is large enough, multiple image data can be stored.

[0048] The storage means 220 is a storage device that stores the control program executed by the control means 201, and can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Alternatively, it may be external storage such as an SD card or USB memory connected to the image reading device 100.

[0049] The drive setting means 210 controls the feeding drive unit 3 and the transport drive unit 4 based on signals from the control means 201. For example, it is a motor driver that controls the motor's torque setting (current value setting), rotation speed, and rotation direction.

[0050] The data transfer means 240 transmits the image data read by the image reading means 230 to the information processing device 910 connected to the image reading device 100 via the cable 920, as shown in Figure 9. The data transfer means 240 also receives instructions from the information processing device 910, such as reading conditions and commands to start or stop reading.

[0051] Furthermore, the method of connecting the image reading device 100 and the information processing device 910 for data transfer may be via a wired interface such as USB, SCSI, or wired LAN, or via a wireless interface such as Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®.

[0052] The notification means 250 is a notification means for informing the operator of the status of the image reading device 100, and may include a display unit (not shown) made of liquid crystal panel, an LED (not shown) indicating the power status, etc. As a notification means, notification may also be made by a communication program that displays a message in a dialog box to the information processing device 910 that receives the image read by the image reading device 100.

[0053] The input means 260 consists of switches, touch panels, etc. (not shown), and has functions such as displaying information related to image reading and allowing the user to select the transport mode of the image reading device 100.

[0054] The image reading means 230 is an image reading means for reading an image of a sheet material. As shown in Figure 1, it consists of an upper image reading unit 70a that reads an image of the upper surface of the conveyed sheet material and a lower image reading unit 70b that reads an image of the lower surface of the sheet material. However, this is just one example, and it may also consist of a single image reading unit that reads only one of the upper or lower surfaces of the sheet material.

[0055] <How to set the transport mode from the information processing device 910> Figure 8 shows an example of instructing the image reading device 100 to change the transport mode from the information processing device 910. In this embodiment, the user can set the transport mode via the transport setting input means 290 of a scan application running on the external information processing device 910. However, this is just one example, and the input may also be made via the input means 260 of the image reading device 100.

[0056] When setting the transport mode of the image reading device 100, the transport setting screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the application.

[0057] On the application, the transport setting change menu 802 shown in Figure 8 is displayed, allowing users to select the sheet type and register the transport mode setting. Other menus, such as a transport speed change menu and a sheet quantity change menu, may also be available; the setting change menus are not limited to those described above.

[0058] Within the transport setting change menu 802, there is a pull-down menu 803 for specifying the transport mode (selecting the sheet type) as a changeable mode setting. In this embodiment, the pull-down menu 803 allows selection from "Plain Paper," which indicates the first transport mode setting, and "Passport," which indicates the second transport mode setting.

[0059] Please note that the types, number, and names of the transport modes are examples only and are not limited to those listed above.

[0060] After making a selection from these pull-down menus 803, pressing the setting application button 804 instructs the information processing device 910 to change the transport mode to the image reading device 100.

[0061] Alternatively, instead of a setting application button 804, the information processing device 910 may instruct the image reading device 100 to change the transport mode when the reading start button 805 is pressed.

[0062] In this embodiment, the method of setting the transport mode from the information processing device 910 was described as an example, but the transport mode may also be determined via the input means 260 of the image reading device 100 or the like.

[0063] <Basic explanation of transport modes> Figure 3 shows an example of a table illustrating the transport setting conditions in the first embodiment.

[0064] When the transport mode is selected as "plain paper" from the pull-down menu 803 of the external information processing device 910 or from the input means 260, the control means 201 determines that it is the first transport mode and sets the first drive setting in the drive setting means 210.

[0065] The first drive setting is one of the transport setting conditions stored as a control program in the memory means 220. Specifically, the current value setting of the transport drive unit 4 is set to a level that can transport plain paper (setting "small": 0.6A as an example), and the motor stop time for each sheet transported is 0ms.

[0066] When the transport mode selected from the pull-down menu 803 or input means 260, such as the external information processing device 910, is "Passport," the control means 201 determines it to be the second transport mode and sets the second drive setting in the drive setting means 210. Note that the notation "Passport" is just an example, and any notation may be used to represent the second transport mode.

[0067] The second drive setting is one of the transport setting conditions stored as a control program in the memory means 220. Specifically, the current value setting of the transport drive unit 4 is set to a level that allows transport of thick booklets (a setting larger than the first drive setting, "large": for example, 1.2A), and is greater than the first drive setting. The motor stop time for each sheet transported is 700ms. Thus, in the second drive setting, a certain stop time is provided between the completion of transport of the transport medium S and the start of transport of the next transport medium S, and during this time, the power supply from the drive setting means 210 to the feed drive unit 3 is stopped.

[0068] Note that the motor stop time is just an example, and any time setting suitable for the device configuration may be used.

[0069] <Flowchart of image reading by image reading device 100> Next, the image reading process of the image reading device 100 in this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0070] In S401, the control means 201 within the image reading device 100 determines whether there is an instruction to change the scan settings, which are the reading setting information (for example, transport mode, scan mode setting such as color or monochrome, reading resolution, reading surface, paper size, etc.).

[0071] Scan settings and change instructions may be received by the device operator via the input means 260 provided in the image reading device 100, or the scan settings may be received and determined via the display unit of the information processing device 910.

[0072] If the control means 201 mentioned above receives a scan setting change instruction in step S401, the process proceeds to step S402; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0073] In step S402, the input means 260 confirms the type of sheet selected. If the selected sheet type is "passport", the input means 260 sends a second transport mode signal to the control means 201 and proceeds to step S403. If the set sheet type is "plain paper", the input means 260 sends a first transport mode signal to the control means 201 and proceeds to step S423.

[0074] In step S403, the control means 201 is instructed to set the sheet transport mode to be the second transport mode, and the process proceeds to step S404.

[0075] In step S423, the control means 201 is instructed to set the sheet transport mode to be the first transport mode, and the process proceeds to step S404.

[0076] In step S404, the control means 201 determines the set transport mode in order to read the transport drive setting from the storage means 220. If the control means 201 has set the second transport mode in step S404, the process proceeds to step S405; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S424.

[0077] In step S405, the control unit 201 reads the second drive setting from the storage unit 220 as the sheet transport setting, and proceeds to step S406.

[0078] In step S424, the control unit 201 reads the first drive setting from the storage unit 220 as the sheet transport setting, and proceeds to step S406.

[0079] In step S406, the scan settings and read sheet transport settings are stored in the storage means 220, applied as read setting information, and the process proceeds to step S407.

[0080] Note that this is just one example of how to configure the system; in addition to selecting the seat type, you can also configure it to directly specify the drive settings from the beginning.

[0081] In step S407, when an instruction to start scanning is issued from an external device connected to the image reading device 100, the control means 201 determines in step S408 whether or not a sheet material is detected by the paper presence sensor 80.

[0082] The instruction to start scanning is given by inputting into the input means 260 provided on the image reading device 100, but it may also be given by a button displayed on the display unit of the information processing device 910 to instruct the start of scanning.

[0083] In step S408, the control means 201 determines whether or not a sheet material is detected on the mounting table 1 by the paper presence sensor 80. If no sheet material is detected, the process returns to step S401. If sheet material is detected, the process proceeds to step S409.

[0084] In step S409, the control means 201 starts transporting the transport medium S placed on the mounting table 1 and starts the scanning process, then proceeds to step S410.

[0085] If the control means 201 of the image reading device 100 detects an error during scanning in step S410, it terminates the series of steps. If no error is detected during scanning, the process proceeds to step S411.

[0086] In step S411, the control means 201 of the image reading device 100 discharges the transport medium S into the discharge tray 2 and proceeds to step S412.

[0087] In step S412, the control means 201 determines whether or not a sheet material is detected on the mounting table 1 by the paper presence sensor 80. If a sheet material is detected, the process proceeds to step S413; otherwise, the series of steps ends.

[0088] In step S413, the control means 201 stops the feed drive unit 3 for a certain period of time based on the first or second drive setting, and proceeds to step S409. Specifically, in the case of the second drive setting, the feed drive unit 3 is stopped for 700ms. In the case of the first drive setting, the feed drive unit 3 continues to drive without stopping.

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, the set values ​​of the sheet transport control (for example, the torque (drive current value) of the transport drive unit 4 and the stop time of the feed drive unit 3) are changed based on the transport mode. This makes it possible to transport a thick transport medium S without reducing the transport speed, while suppressing the complexity of the overall structure of the device and power consumption. If the feed drive unit 3 and the transport drive unit 4 are configured with a single drive source, the torque of the feed drive unit 3 and the transport drive unit 4 will be common, and stopping the feed drive unit 3 will also stop the second transport unit 20, but this is not a problem if the discharge of the transport medium S is completed at that point. Furthermore, even if the feed drive unit 3 and the transport drive unit 4 are not configured with a single drive source, the torque of the feed drive unit 3 may be changed in conjunction with the change in the torque of the transport drive unit 4. Similarly, the transport drive unit 4 may be stopped in conjunction with the stopping of the feed drive unit 3. The stop time may be different from the stop time of the feed drive unit 3. Furthermore, depending on the configuration, if increasing only the torque of the supply drive unit 3 in the second drive setting makes it possible to transport the desired transport medium S, then it is not necessarily required to increase the torque of the transport drive unit 4.

[0090] Furthermore, since the transport speeds for the first and second transport modes can be set to the same value, there is no need to slow down the transport speed, and if the material is basically just a booklet where only one sheet (one booklet) needs to be transported at a time, the transport time of the normal transport medium S can be maintained.

[0091] Furthermore, when transporting multiple sheets consecutively, a predetermined waiting time is included, which helps to suppress the temperature rise of the motor and, consequently, the temperature rise inside the device.

[0092] Furthermore, if the scan setting is configured by the device operator to use the second transport mode, and the signal from the separation / non-separation detection unit 91 is a signal indicating a separation state, the device operator may be notified that the state of the separation / non-separation lever 90 is incorrect.

[0093] (Second embodiment) The image reading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the first embodiment, switches the transport mode based on the switching state of the separation / non-separation lever 90.

[0094] The general structure, functional configuration, and sheet transport operation of the image reading device in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0095] The image reading operation of the image reading device 100 in this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0096] In step S502, the control means 201 of the image reading device 100 checks the state of the separation / non-separation lever 90. That is, it checks the signal from the separation / non-separation detection unit 91. If the signal from the separation / non-separation detection unit 91 indicates a state where separation does not occur (non-separation setting), the device proceeds to step S503; if the signal indicates a state where separation occurs (separation setting), the device proceeds to step S523.

[0097] In step S503, the control means 201 sets the sheet transport mode to be set as the second transport mode and proceeds to step S504.

[0098] In step S504, the control means 201 reads a second drive setting, which is a transport drive setting suitable for the second transport mode, from the storage means 220, and proceeds to step S505.

[0099] In step S523, the control means 201 sets the sheet transport mode to be set as the first transport mode, and proceeds to step S524.

[0100] In step S524, the control means 201 reads a first drive setting, which is a transport drive setting suitable for the first transport mode, from the storage means 220, and proceeds to step S505.

[0101] In step S505, the control means 201 receives scan settings, which are read setting information (for example, scan mode setting such as color or monochrome, read resolution, read surface, paper size, etc.), stores the scan settings and read transport drive settings in the storage means 220, applies them as read setting information, and proceeds to step S407.

[0102] The subsequent processing flow is the same as steps S407 to S413 of the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0103] The scan settings received in step S505 may be those entered by the device operator via the input means 260 provided in the image reading device 100.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, the transport mode can be switched simultaneously with the switching of the separation / non-separation lever 90. Therefore, even if the sheet type is changed each time an image is read, image reading can be resumed without having to reset the scan settings in the input means 260. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0105] (Third embodiment) The image reading device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the first embodiment, detects double feeding during a series of transport processes based on double feeding detection, and also detects the transport mode. If double feeding is not detected while the second drive condition is applied, the device switches to the first drive condition.

[0106] The general structure, functional configuration, and sheet transport operation of the image reading device in this embodiment are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0107] Next, the image reading process of the image reading device 100 in this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0108] The processing immediately following the start of image reading in this embodiment follows the same flow as steps S401 to S409 of the first embodiment, so a description will be omitted.

[0109] After starting the scanning process in step S409, the process proceeds to step S610.

[0110] In step S610, the control means 201 of the image reading device 100 determines whether a document has been double-fed using the double-fed detection sensor 40. If a double-fed is determined, the control means 201 proceeds to step S611; otherwise, it proceeds to step S625. Whether or not a double-fed has been determined can be determined based on the detection state of the double-fed detection sensor 40 at the time the transport medium S is detected by the medium detection sensor 50 after the scanning process has started, or based on whether or not the double-fed detection sensor 40 detects a double-fed during the predetermined time elapsed after the scanning process has started. Various methods can be applied.

[0111] In step S611, the control means 201 checks whether the sheet transport setting applies the first drive setting condition. If the sheet transport setting is not the first drive setting, the control means 201 proceeds to step S612; if the sheet transport setting is the first drive setting, it proceeds to step S615.

[0112] In step S615, the device operator is notified of a double-feed error, and the sequence of steps ends.

[0113] In step S625, the control means 201 checks whether the sheet transport setting applies the second drive setting. If the sheet transport setting is the second drive setting, the control means 201 proceeds to S612; otherwise, it proceeds to S626.

[0114] In step S626, the control means 201 reads the first drive setting from the storage means 220, overwrites it as the sheet transport setting of the read setting information, stores it in the storage means 220, and proceeds to step S612.

[0115] In step S612, the control means 201 discharges the transport medium S into the discharge tray 2 and proceeds to step S613.

[0116] In step S613, the control means 201 determines whether or not a sheet material is detected on the mounting table 1 by the paper presence sensor 80. If a sheet material is detected, the process proceeds to step S614; otherwise, the series of steps ends.

[0117] In step S614, the control means 201 stops the transport drive unit 4 for a certain period of time based on the first transport drive setting or the second transport drive setting, and proceeds to step S409.

[0118] As described above, by combining double-feed detection and transport mode detection, it is possible to set a transport mode suitable for the actual transport medium. When switching from the second drive setting to the first drive setting, the stop time between transport media can be reduced when transporting media continuously.

[0119] (Fourth embodiment) The image reading device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention adds a third drive setting, which is a sheet transport setting in which the setting value of the driving force of the driving means is the same as the second drive setting and there is no stop time between transporting one sheet of transport medium, and the image reading device switches the sheet transport setting to the third drive setting when the set resolution is high quality.

[0120] Figure 10 shows an example of a table illustrating the transport setting conditions in this embodiment.

[0121] In this embodiment, the first transport mode and first drive conditions are the same as the first transport mode and first drive settings of the first embodiment, with the addition of a reading resolution setting.

[0122] Furthermore, the second transport mode and second drive conditions of this embodiment are the second transport mode and second drive settings of the first embodiment, with the addition of a reading resolution setting.

[0123] The third transport mode is one in which the current value setting of the transport drive unit 4 is large, and there is no stop time for the transport drive unit 4 after each transport of the transport medium S.

[0124] Specifically, regardless of the type of sheet selected in the pull-down menu 803, if a high reading resolution is selected, that is, if the reading resolution is high and slow transport is required, the third drive setting will be applied to the transport operation.

[0125] The third drive setting is a current value setting for the transport drive unit 4 that is sufficient to transport thick booklets (setting "large": 1.2A for example), and is greater than the first drive setting. The current value setting in the second drive setting may be the same as or different from the second drive setting. The motor stop time for each sheet transported is 0ms.

[0126] Regardless of the transport mode selected in the transport setting input means 290, if a high reading resolution is selected, the control means 201 sets a third drive setting in the drive setting means 210.

[0127] Note that applying the third drive setting when this high resolution is selected is just one example, and the third drive setting may be set by other means. For example, a third transport mode may be provided, and when the third transport mode is selected, the sheet transport setting may be configured to set the third drive setting.

[0128] Furthermore, the third transport mode or third drive setting may be set and applied arbitrarily by the device operator.

[0129] Note that the motor stop time is just an example, and any time setting suitable for the device configuration may be used. Specifically, a stop time may also be provided in the third drive setting, and preferably a stop time shorter than the stop time in the second drive setting (for example, 700ms).

[0130] According to the transport settings shown in Figure 10, when the resolution is high, the transport speed is reduced, so even if the drive setting is configured to increase torque as in the second transport mode, the amount of heat generated by the motor can be suppressed.

[0131] Next, the image reading process of the image reading device 100 in this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 7.

[0132] In step S701, the control means 201 of the image reading device 100 receives scan settings, which are reading setting information (for example, transport mode, scan mode setting such as color or monochrome, reading resolution, reading surface, paper size, etc.), and sets the configured transport mode and reading resolution. After setting the reading resolution, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0133] Here, the scan settings may be received by the device operator via the input means 260 provided in the image reading device 100, or the scan settings may be received via the display unit, input means 260, and communication unit of the information processing device 910.

[0134] In step S702, the control means 201 checks whether the set resolution is high resolution. If the set resolution is high resolution, the control means 201 proceeds to step S703; otherwise, it proceeds to step S407.

[0135] In step S703, the control means 201 reads the third drive setting from the storage means 220, overwrites it as the sheet transport setting of the read setting information, stores it in the storage means 220, and proceeds to step S407.

[0136] The subsequent processing flow is the same as steps S407 to S413 of the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0137] As described above, by providing drive settings for generating high-resolution image data, the impact on the generated image data can be minimized. Furthermore, because the transport speed is reduced, even when transporting transport media continuously, the amount of heat generated by the motor can be suppressed, and the stopping time between media can be shortened.

[0138] This is because differences in transport conditions can affect the generated image data, and the impact on image data can be greater when the resolution is high.

[0139] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0140] For example, this embodiment may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices or to a device consisting of a single device. Furthermore, although an image reading device configuration is given as an example, a sheet material transport device without an image reading unit may also be used.

[0141] In other words, all configurations combining the embodiments described above and their modified variations are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Mounting platform 2. Discharge tray 3. Feeding drive unit 4. Transport drive unit 10. First Conveyor Unit 11 Feed roller 12 Separation rollers 12a Torque Limiter 20 Second Conveyor Unit 30 Third Conveyor Unit 40 Double feed detection sensor 50 Medium detection sensors 60 Medium detection sensor 70 Image reading unit 80 Paper presence sensor 90 Separation / Non-separation lever 91 Separation / Non-Separation Detection Unit 92 Transmission section 100 Image reading device 201 Control means 210 Drive setting means 220 Memory means 230 Image reading means 260 Input means 290 Transport setting input means 910 Information Processing Equipment

Claims

1. A feeding mechanism for feeding a document placed on a tray, The image reading means reads the image of the aforementioned document, and the transport means transports the document that has been fed by the feeding means, The feeding means and the drive setting means for setting the drive of the transport means Equipped with, The drive setting means can set a first transport mode and a second transport mode having a larger drive current value than the first transport mode. In the second transport mode, the document transport device is characterized in that the drive setting means provides a certain stop time for the feeding means between the completion of transporting one document and the start of transporting the next document by the feeding means.

2. The document transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a single drive source that drives the feeding means and the transport means.

3. It has a first drive source that drives the feeding means and a second drive source that drives the conveying means, The document transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive setting means sets the drive current value of the second drive source to be greater than the drive current value of the first transport mode in the second transport mode, and stops the power supply to the first drive source for a certain period of time between the completion of transport of one document and the start of transport of the next document by the feeding means.

4. A separation means for separating the documents fed by the feeding means from the stack of documents placed on the aforementioned mounting table into individual documents, A switching means for switching whether or not to separate the documents from the document bundle using the separation means, A switching state detection means for detecting the state of the switching means and It has, The document transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the switching state detection means detects that the switching means is not in a state of separating the document, the drive setting means is set to the second transport mode.

5. The system includes a double-feed detection means for detecting double feeding of documents fed by the aforementioned feeding means, The document transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the second transport mode is set and the double feed detection means does not detect a double feed, the device switches to the first transport mode.

6. A document transport device according to claim 1, The system includes a reading unit for reading the image of a document being transported by the aforementioned transport means, The image reading device is characterized in that, when the reading resolution set by the reading unit is greater than a predetermined resolution, the constant stop time in the second transport mode is not provided.

7. A document transport device according to claim 1, The system includes a reading unit for reading the image of a document being transported by the aforementioned transport means, The drive setting means can set a third transport mode in which the drive current value is larger than that of the first transport mode. The reading resolution by the reading unit in the third transport mode is a second resolution that is higher than the first resolution, which is the reading resolution in the second transport mode. Image reading device characterized in that, in the third transport mode, the drive setting means sets the stop time of the feeding means from the completion of transporting one document to the start of transporting the next document by the feeding means to be shorter than the constant stop time in the second transport mode.

Images