Media transport device

Abstract

To provide a medium conveyance device capable of appropriately removing a magnetic body moved integrally with a conveyed medium.SOLUTION: This medium conveyance device comprises: a conveyance unit that conveys a medium on a conveyance path; a magnet that generates a magnetic force for attracting a magnetic body moved integrally with a conveyed medium conveyed by the conveyance unit; a storage unit that stores the magnetic body attracted to the magnet; a movement unit that moves the magnet from a first position opposed to an opening provided on the conveyance path to a second position opposed to the storage unit; and a guiding unit having a guiding surface for guiding the magnetic body attracted to the magnet in response to the movement of the magnet by the movement unit. A distance between the magnet and the guiding surface at the second position is set larger than that between the magnet and the guiding surface at the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device that transports a medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In a media transport device such as a scanner that transports and images multiple media, magnetic objects such as staples or clips that bind the multiple media may become mixed in between the multiple media being transported together and move along with the media. If the staples or clips are transported, the transport path for the media or the imaging surface of the imaging device may be damaged.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art A document transport device that uses a magnet to remove magnetic materials such as paperclips and staples has been disclosed (Patent Document 1).

[0004] A binding material removal device that removes staples from a paper stack is disclosed (Patent Document 2). This binding material removal device has a moving belt that moves the removed binding material and a collection box that collects the staples carried by the moving belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-362754 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-127064 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a medium transport device, it is desirable to properly remove magnetic material that moves with the transported medium.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium transport device that is capable of appropriately removing magnetic material that moves along with the transported medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a transport section which transports a medium along a transport path, a magnet which generates a magnetic force which attracts a magnetic body which moves along with the medium transported by the transport section, a storage section which stores the magnetic body attracted to the magnet, a moving section which moves the magnet from a first position facing an opening provided in the transport path to a second position facing the storage section, and a guide section having a guide surface which guides the magnetic body attracted to the magnet in accordance with movement of the magnet by the moving section, wherein the distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the second position is set to be greater than the distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the first position. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the medium transport device can appropriately remove magnetic material that moves along with the transported medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [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] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a removal mechanism 117. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a removal mechanism 117. [Diagram 5] Graph (a) shows the relationship between distance and attractive force, and graph (b) shows the relationship between distance and magnetic flux density. [Figure 6] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a removal mechanism 117. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of a removal mechanism 117. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 250 according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a medium conveying 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 inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. 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 card is, for example, an ID (Identification) card defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) / IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 7810. 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.

[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 first housing 101 is disposed above the medium conveying device 100, and engages with the second housing 102 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when a medium is jammed, when the inside of the medium conveying device 100 is cleaned, and the like.

[0015] The placement table 103 engages with the second housing 102 so that the transported media can be placed thereon. The placement table 103 is provided on the side of the second housing 102 on the media supply side so that it can move in a substantially vertical direction (height direction) A1 by a motor (not shown). The placement table 103 is disposed at a lower 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 placement table 103 rises to a position where the uppermost medium placed on the placement table 103 comes into contact with a pick roller (described later). The discharge table 104 is formed on the first housing 101 so as to be able to hold the media discharged from the discharge port 107, and stacks the discharged media.

[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 input operation by the user. 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.

[0017] 1, 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. 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.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The transport path inside the media transport device 100 includes a first media sensor 111, a pick roller 112, a feed roller 113, a separation roller 114, first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h, first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h, a removal mechanism 117, a second media sensor 118, and an imaging device 119.

[0020] The number of each of the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first to eighth conveying rollers 115a-h, and / or the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple pick rollers 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first to eighth conveying rollers 115a-h, and / or the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4.

[0021] The surface of first housing 101 facing second housing 102 forms first guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the surface of second housing 102 facing first housing 101 forms second guide 102a of the medium transport path.

[0022] The first medium sensor 111 is disposed on the mounting table 103, that is, upstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and detects the state of the medium on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 111 determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 by using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the medium is placed on the mounting table 103 or not. Note that the 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 the first medium sensor 111.

[0023] Pick roller 112 is provided in first housing 101, and comes into contact with a medium placed on placement table 103 that is elevated to approximately the same height as the medium transport path, and feeds the medium downstream.

[0024] The feed roller 113 is provided in the first housing 101 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 second housing 102 facing the feed roller 113. The feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 perform a medium separation operation, separate the media, and feed them one by one. The feed roller 113 is provided above the separation roller 114, and the medium conveying device 100 feeds the media by a so-called top-feed method.

[0025] The first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h and the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h are provided downstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and transport the medium fed by the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 downstream. The first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h and the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h are disposed opposite each other with the medium transport path in between. The pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first transport roller 115a, and the first driven roller 116a are an example of a transport unit that transports the medium along the transport path.

[0026] 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, and detects a medium transported to that position. The second medium sensor 118 may be disposed at any position in the transport path, as long as it is downstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. The second medium sensor 118 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side (first housing 101) of the medium transport path, and a light guide tube provided at a position (second housing 102) facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium transport path. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light toward the medium transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. When a medium is present at a position opposite the second medium sensor 118, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and therefore the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. The light receiver generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second medium sensor 118, based on the intensity of the received light.

[0027] A reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. The light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other across the medium transport path. The second medium sensor 118 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

[0028] The imaging device 119 is an example of an imaging section, and includes a first imaging device 119a and a second imaging device 119b arranged opposite each other across a medium transport path. The first imaging device 119a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements based on 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 element, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 119a captures an image of the surface of the medium transported by the transport section, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0029] 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 A / D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 119b captures the back side of the medium transported by the transport unit to generate an input image and output it.

[0030] The medium conveying device 100 may be arranged with only one of the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0031] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is conveyed between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the medium conveying direction A2 by the rotation of the pick roller 112 and the feed roller 113 in the medium feeding directions A5 and A6, respectively. The medium conveying 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 fed without being separated, as a feeding mode. The feeding mode is set by the user using the operation device 105 or an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the medium conveying device 100. When the feeding mode is set to the separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the direction of the arrow A7, i.e., in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction, during medium feeding. When multiple media are placed on the placement table 103, only the media in contact with the feed roller 113 among the media placed on the placement table 103 is separated by the action of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. This limits the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding). On the other hand, when the feeding mode is set to the non-separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow A7, that is, in the medium feeding direction.

[0032] The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a, and as the first and second transport rollers 115a-b rotate in the directions of arrows A8-A9, the medium is sent to an imaging position of the imaging device 119 and is imaged by the imaging device 119. The medium is then discharged onto the discharge table 104 as the third to eighth transport rollers 115c-h rotate in the directions of arrows A10-A15, respectively. The discharge table 104 holds the media discharged by the eighth transport roller 115h.

[0033] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining removal mechanism 117. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the peripheral part of removal mechanism 117 as viewed from the side. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the peripheral part of removal mechanism 117 in first housing 101 as viewed from the second housing 102 side.

[0034] 3 and 4, the removal mechanism 117 is provided in the first housing 101, that is, above the first guide 101a that forms the upper surface of the medium transport path. The removal mechanism 117 has an opening 121, a magnet unit 122, a storage section 123, a moving section 124, a guide section 125, and the like.

[0035] The opening 121 is provided on the first guide 101a so as to pass a magnetic body such as a staple or a clip that moves together with the medium transported by the transport unit toward the magnet unit 122. The opening 121 is formed at a position facing one end of the guide unit 125 that guides the magnet unit 122. For example, the opening 121 is disposed between the first transport roller 115a and the second transport roller 115b in the medium transport direction A2, that is, between the transport unit and the imaging device 119. This allows the medium transport device 100 to prevent the magnetic body such as a staple or a clip from moving to the position of the imaging device 119, and to prevent the imaging surface (glass surface) of the imaging device 119 from being scratched by the magnetic body without stopping the transport of the medium. As a result, the medium transport device 100 can prevent noise caused by scratches on the imaging surface in an image of the medium, and can maintain good image quality.

[0036] 4, the opening 121 is formed across both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The opening 121 does not have to extend across both ends of the transport path, but only needs to be formed in at least a part of the first guide 101a. A plurality of openings 121 may be formed so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0037] In the opening 121, ribs 121a are provided as partitions. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of ribs 121a extending in the medium transport direction A2 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4. Note that a plurality of ribs 121a extending in the width direction A4 may be arranged at intervals in the medium transport direction A2. The ribs 121a are arranged at regular intervals. Note that the ribs 121a may be arranged at different intervals. The number of ribs 121a may be one. The ribs 121a are arranged in the opening 121 such that one side of the area divided by the rib 121a is larger than the size of a typical staple or clip and smaller than the short side of an ID card.

[0038] By providing the rib 121a, the medium conveying device 100 allows a staple, a clip, or the like to be attracted to the magnet unit 122 through the opening 121, while restricting the ID card from being attracted to the magnet unit 122 through the opening 121. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the ID card from approaching the magnet unit 122 and causing damage to the data stored in the magnetic stripe of the ID card. Furthermore, by providing the rib 121a, when a medium with an end curled upward or a bent medium is conveyed, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the curled or bent portion of the medium from entering the opening 121, causing a medium jam. Note that the rib 121a may be omitted.

[0039] The magnet unit 122 includes a magnet 122a, a sheet 122b, and a rack 122c.

[0040] The magnet 122a is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, an alnico magnet, or a ferrite magnet. The magnet 122a is movably provided on the guide unit 125. The magnet 122a generates a magnetic force that attracts a magnetic body such as a staple or a clip that moves together with the medium transported by the transport unit. When the magnet 122a is disposed at a position facing the opening 121, the magnet 122a is provided so as to cover the entire opening 121 as viewed from the vertical direction. For example, when the opening 121 is formed across both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4, the magnet 122a is also provided so as to span both ends of the transport path. Hereinafter, the position where the magnet 122a faces the opening 121 on the guide unit 125 may be referred to as a first position.

[0041] Sheet 122b is a sheet that is attached to the underside of magnet 122a in order to reduce friction that occurs between magnet 122a and guide section 125 when magnet 122a moves on guide section 125. By providing sheet 122b, medium conveying device 100 can smoothly move magnet 122a, suppress damage to magnet 122a, and reduce the volume of sound generated by magnet 122a when moving. Sheet 122b may be omitted.

[0042] The rack 122c is a flat plate member that extends along the guide portion 125 and is toothed at regular intervals. The rack 122c is fixed to the magnet 122a so that the magnet 122a moves together with the rack 122c. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the rack 122c is provided on each end of the magnet 122a in the width direction A4.

[0043] The storage section 123 is a dust box that stores magnetic bodies attracted to the magnet 122a. The storage section 123 is provided at a position facing the end of the guide section 125 that guides the magnet 122a, opposite the end on the opening 121 side. The storage section 123 has an opening 123a on the guide section 125 side, that is, on the upper side. When the magnet 122a is disposed at a position facing the opening 123a, the opening 123a is provided so as to cover the entire magnet 122a when viewed from the vertical direction. For example, when the magnet 122a is provided across both ends of the conveying path in the width direction A4, the opening 123a is also provided so as to span both ends of the conveying path. Hereinafter, the position where the magnet 122a faces the storage section 123 on the guide section 125 may be referred to as a second position.

[0044] The storage unit 123 is provided so as to be detachable from the medium conveying device 100. For example, the first housing 101 is provided with a rail member that extends in the width direction A4 and engages with the lower end of the storage unit 123. With the first housing 101 open in the medium conveying device 100, the lower end of the storage unit 123 is slid along the rail member, so that the storage unit 123 is provided so as to be movable in the width direction A4. This allows a user to remove the magnetic material from the storage unit 123 and clean the medium conveying device 100. Note that, if the storage space of the storage unit 123 is sufficiently large and a sufficient amount of magnetic material can be stored in the storage unit 123, the storage unit 123 may be fixed in the medium conveying device 100.

[0045] Moreover, the storage unit 123 is disposed downstream of the imaging device 119 in the medium conveying direction A2. The medium conveying device 100 can secure sufficient storage space for the magnetic material by disposing the storage unit 123 at a position away from the area upstream of the imaging device 119 where various components such as rollers and sensors need to be disposed.

[0046] The moving unit 124 includes a first motor 124a, a belt 124b, a pinion 124c, and the like.

[0047] The first motor 124a is an example of a driving force generating unit. The first motor 124a generates a driving force for moving the magnet 122a between a first position facing the opening 121 and a second position facing the storage unit 123 in response to a control signal from a processing circuit described later.

[0048] The belt 124b is suspended between the rotation shaft of the first motor 124a and a shaft which is the rotation shaft of the pinion 124c, and transmits the driving force from the first motor 124a to the pinion 124c.

[0049] The pinion 124c is provided so as to mesh with a rack 122c fixed to the magnet 122a, and rotates by the driving force from the first motor 124a, and moves the magnet 122a along the guide portion 125 via the rack 122c. Note that, as shown in Fig. 4, when two racks 122c are provided on both ends of the magnet 122a in the width direction A4, two pinions 124c are provided so as to mesh with each of the racks 122c.

[0050] As a result, the moving portion 124 moves the magnet 122a from the first position facing the opening 121 to the second position facing the storage portion 123.

[0051] The guide portion 125 includes a first guide surface 125a, a second guide surface 125b, a first stopper 125c, a second stopper 125d, a protrusion 125e, etc. The guide portion 125 is formed of a non-magnetic material such as resin or aluminum.

[0052] The first guide surface 125a is an example of a guide surface. The first guide surface 125a is provided on the lower surface of the guide unit 125, and guides the magnetic body attracted to the magnet 122a in response to the movement of the magnet 122a by the moving unit 124. The second guide surface 125b is provided on the upper surface of the guide unit 125, i.e., on the opposite side of the first guide surface 125a, and guides the magnet 122a from the first position to the second position. The first guide surface 125a is provided so as to be farther away from the second guide surface 125b as it approaches the second position. That is, the distance between the magnet 122a and the first guide surface 125a at the second position is set to be larger than the distance between the magnet 122a and the first guide surface 125a at the first position. As a result, the magnetic force acting on the magnetic body arranged at a position facing the second position on the first guide surface 125a is smaller than the magnetic force acting on the magnetic body arranged at a position facing the first position on the first guide surface 125a.

[0053] The first stopper 125c is provided at the end of the second guide surface 125b on the first position side so as to stop the magnet 122a moved by the moving unit 124 at the first position. The second stopper 125d is provided at the end of the second guide surface 125b on the second position side so as to stop the magnet 122a moved by the moving unit 124 at the second position.

[0054] The protrusion 125e is formed on the first guide surface 125a at a position facing the storage unit 123 so that the magnetic body guided along the first guide surface 125a in response to the movement of the magnet 122a by the moving unit 124 falls into the storage unit 123. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 125e is disposed closer to the first position than the end of the first guide surface 125a on the second position side so that the magnetic body falls before the magnet 122a reaches the second position. The protrusion 125e may be disposed at the end of the first guide surface 125a on the second position side. The protrusion 125e may also be omitted.

[0055] 3, the moving unit 124 and the guide unit 125 are disposed above the first conveying roller 115a, the second conveying roller 115b, and the imaging device 119. The medium conveying device 100 can efficiently use the space in the housing by disposing the moving unit 124 and the guide unit 125 at a position away from the vicinity of the medium conveying path where various components such as rollers and sensors need to be disposed. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can suppress an increase in the device size.

[0056] The arrangement of the magnet 122a will be described below.

[0057] The greater the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body, the smaller the magnetic force (magnetic flux density) of the magnet at the position of the magnetic body. The magnetic flux density B(X) [G (Gauss)] at a position a distance X [mm] from the bottom of a cylindrical magnet is calculated using the following formula (1).

number

[0058] In addition, the attractive force F(X) [kgf] at a position a distance X [mm] from the bottom surface of the cylindrical magnet is calculated using the following formula (2).

number

[0059] FIG. 5(a) is a graph showing the relationship between the distance between a magnet and a magnetic body and the attractive force applied to the magnetic body by the magnet.

[0060] The horizontal axis of Figure 5(a) shows the distance [mm] between the magnet and the magnetic body, and the vertical axis shows the attractive force [gf] applied to the magnetic body by the magnet. Graph G1 shows the attractive force of a cylindrical neodymium magnet with a diameter of 3 mm, a thickness of 12 mm, and a residual magnetic flux density of 13,200 [G].

[0061] Staples commonly used in Japan can be attracted with a force of 0.05 [gf] or more. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the staple can be attracted well if the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the media transport path is 22.5 [mm] or less. However, it is preferable that the distance between the magnet and the media transport path is set taking into consideration the tolerance of each magnet (about 1.0 [mm]) and the effect of demagnetization due to years of use (about 2.0 [mm] in 10 years). Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the media transport path is set to 19.5 [mm] or less, which is 22.5 [mm] minus the margin M1 (3.0 [mm]).

[0062] In addition, in an experiment in which the feeding mode was set to the non-separation mode and a stapled medium was transported, when the suction force applied to the medium was greater than 0.45 [gf], the staple was attracted to the magnet, causing the medium to float up and jamming of the medium occurred. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. 5(a), it is preferable that the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the medium transport path is set to 14.8 [mm] or more. However, it is preferable that the distance between the magnet and the medium transport path is set taking into consideration the influence of the distance between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a (approximately 3.2 [mm]), the tolerance of the magnet mounting position (approximately 0.3 [mm]), and the tolerance of each guide product (approximately 0.2 [mm]). In other words, the distance between the magnet and the medium transport path is set to 18.5 [mm] or more, which is 14.8 [mm] plus a margin M2 (3.7 [mm]).

[0063] This allows the medium conveying device 100 to appropriately remove the magnetic material conveyed together with the medium while preventing the occurrence of a medium jam.

[0064] FIG. 5(b) is a graph showing the relationship between the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body and the magnetic flux density due to the magnet at the position of the magnetic body.

[0065] The horizontal axis of Figure 5(b) shows the distance [mm] between the magnet and the magnetic body, and the vertical axis shows the magnetic flux density [Oe (Oersted)] caused by the magnet at the position of the magnetic body. Graph G2 shows the maximum magnetic flux density caused by the neodymium magnet shown in graph G1, and graph G3 shows the minimum magnetic flux density caused by the neodymium magnet shown in graph G1.

[0066] Data stored in a magnetic stripe provided on a credit card or a bankbook may be damaged if the magnetic force (magnetic flux density) at the position of the magnetic stripe is large. In a typical card having a magnetic stripe, data stored in the magnetic stripe may be damaged if the magnetic flux density at the position is 300 [Oe] or more. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the medium transport path is set to be greater than 11.0 [mm]. As described above, by setting the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the medium transport path to be greater than 18.5 [mm] and less than 19.5 [mm], the medium transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of damage to the data stored in the magnetic stripe.

[0067] As a result, the medium conveying device 100 does not need to use an electromagnet or the like capable of changing its magnetic force as a magnet to attract magnetic material so that the magnetic force can be changed depending on the medium being conveyed, thereby preventing an increase in device costs.

[0068] In addition, in the region of the guide unit 125 other than the region corresponding to the second position, the distance between the first guide surface 125a and the second guide surface 125b is set to a length such that the magnetic force applied to the magnetic body by the magnet 122a becomes greater than the gravity applied to the magnetic body, and the magnetic body does not fall. On the other hand, in the region of the guide unit 125 corresponding to the second position, it is preferable that the distance between the first guide surface 125a and the second guide surface 125b is set to a length such that the gravity applied to the magnetic body becomes greater than the magnetic force applied to the magnetic body by the magnet 122a, and the magnetic body falls. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to appropriately move the magnetic body to the storage unit 123.

[0069] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the removal mechanism 117. Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of the peripheral portion of the removal mechanism 117 as viewed from the side. Figure 6 shows a state in which the magnet 122a has moved to a position facing the protrusion 125e, and Figure 7 shows a state in which the magnet 122a has moved to a second position.

[0070] 3, before the medium transportation starts, the magnet 122a is disposed at the first position. When a staple S is placed on the medium to be transported, the staple S is attracted to the magnet 122a disposed at the first position through the opening 121 when the staple S passes through a position facing the opening 121, and is stuck to the first guide surface 125a of the guide portion 125.

[0071] A magnetic body such as a staple or clip sandwiched between a plurality of media placed on the placement table 103 moves on top of the media when the lower medium among the media sandwiching the magnetic body is transported. By locating the magnet 122a above the media transport path, the media transport device 100 can remove the magnetic body that moves on top of the media.

[0072] Thereafter, after the medium transport is completed, the magnet 122a is moved from the first position toward the second position by the moving unit 124. The staples S that were attached to the first guide surface 125a move along the first guide surface 125a as the magnet 122a moves. Since the first guide surface 125a is provided so as to be farther away from the second guide surface 125b as it approaches the second position, the force with which the magnet 122a attracts the staples S becomes smaller as the magnet 122a approaches the second position.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, when the magnet 122a moves to a position facing the protrusion 125e, the staple S is stopped by the protrusion 125e.

[0074] 7, the magnet 122a then moves to the second position and is stopped by the second stopper 125d. As a result, the distance between the magnet 122a that has moved to the second position and the staple S that has been stopped by the protrusion 125e becomes even greater, and the force with which the magnet 122a attracts the staple S becomes even smaller. As a result, the staple S falls and is stored in the storage section 123.

[0075] Thereafter, the magnet 122a is moved from the second position toward the first position by the moving part 124 and is stopped by the first stopper 125c, whereby the magnet 122a is repositioned at the first position.

[0076] As described above, the first guide surface 125a is provided so as to be farther away from the second guide surface 125b as it approaches the second position, and therefore the force with which the magnet 122a attracts the staple S becomes smaller as the magnet 122a approaches the second position. Therefore, even if the protrusion 125e is omitted, the staple S can fall and be accommodated in the accommodation section 123. However, by providing the protrusion 125e, the medium conveying device 100 can more reliably drop the staple S and accommodate it in the accommodation section 123.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0078] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0079] The second motor 131 includes one or more motors, and rotates the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, and the first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h to transport the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. Note that the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h may be provided so as to rotate by the driving force from a motor, rather than being rotated following the rotation of each transport roller.

[0080] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown, for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive the scanned image and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0081] The storage device 140 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 140 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 140 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.

[0082] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program previously stored in the storage device 140. The processing circuit 150 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 150, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used.

[0083] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 118, the imaging device 119, the first motor 124a, the second motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 150 controls the second motor 131 to transport the medium, controls the imaging device 119 to obtain an input image, and transmits the obtained input image to the information processing device via the interface device 132. The processing circuit 150 also drives the first motor 124a to control the removal mechanism 117, and removes magnetic bodies that move together with the transported medium.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0085] 9, the storage device 140 stores various programs such as a control program 141 and an image acquisition program 142. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each of the programs stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 151 and an image acquisition unit 152.

[0086] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process.

[0087] 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. 10. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140.

[0088] First, the control unit 151 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or an information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the user to read a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0089] Next, control unit 151 acquires a first medium signal from first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on placement table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on placement table 103, control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0090] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 124a and controls the removal mechanism 117 to place the magnet 122a at the first position (step S103). As a result, if a magnetic body is placed on the medium to be transported thereafter, the magnetic body is attracted to the magnet 122a. Note that if the magnet 122a is already placed at the first position, the process of step S103 may be omitted.

[0091] Next, the control unit 151 drives a motor for moving the mounting table 103, and moves the mounting table 103 to a position where the medium can be fed. The control unit 151 also drives the second motor 131 to rotate the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, or the first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h, and transport the medium placed on the mounting table 103 (step S104).

[0092] Next, control unit 151 waits until the rear end of the medium passes the imaging position of imaging device 119 (step S105). Control unit 151 periodically receives a second medium signal from second medium sensor 118, and when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of a medium to a value indicating the absence of a medium, determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of second medium sensor 118. Control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of second medium sensor 118. The predetermined time is set to a value that is the time required for the medium to move from second medium sensor 118 to the imaging position plus a margin. Note that control unit 151 may determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a certain time has elapsed since the start of feeding of the medium.

[0093] Next, the control unit 151 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 132 (step S106).

[0094] Next, control unit 151 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal received from first medium sensor 111 (step S107). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 151 returns the process to step S105, and repeats the processes of steps S105 to S107.

[0095] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 stops the second motor 131, and stops the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, or the first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h (step S108).

[0096] Next, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 124a and controls the removal mechanism 117 to move the magnet 122a from the first position to the second position (step S109). As a result, if a magnetic body is attracted to the magnet 122a, the magnetic body moves in conjunction with the movement of the magnet 122a and is accommodated in the accommodation unit 123.

[0097] In this way, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 124a to place the magnet 122a in the first position when the medium conveyance starts, and to move the magnet 122a to the second position when the medium conveyance is completed. This allows the control unit 151 to store the magnetic body attracted by the magnet 122a in the storage unit 123 at the timing when the conveyance of the media placed together on the placement table 103 and conveyed sequentially is completed. Therefore, the control unit 151 can prevent the time required for the medium conveyance from increasing due to the movement of the magnet 122a, while suppressing the number of magnetic bodies stuck to the guide unit 125 from increasing too much, thereby reducing the adhesive force of the magnet 122a. Note that the control unit 151 may move the magnet 122a to the second position every time the conveyance of one medium is completed.

[0098] Next, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 124a to control the removal mechanism 117 to move the magnet 122a from the second position to the first position (step S110), and ends the series of steps. As a result, the magnet 122a is repositioned to the initial position.

[0099] The processes of steps S109 to S110 may be executed before the medium conveyance starts, that is, between the processes of steps S103 and S104.

[0100] As described above in detail, in the medium conveying device 100, the magnet 122a that attracts magnetic bodies such as staples or clips is provided movably so that the magnet 122a moves away from the attracted magnetic bodies and the magnetic force becomes weaker as it approaches the storage section 123. This enables the medium conveying device 100 to appropriately remove magnetic bodies that move with the conveyed medium.

[0101] Furthermore, medium conveying device 100 removes magnetic bodies by attracting the magnetic bodies that move with the conveyed medium with magnet 122a disposed in a position facing opening 121. This allows medium conveying device 100 to properly remove magnetic bodies using only one magnet 122a, without using multiple magnets, thereby making it possible to reduce the size and cost of the device.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 250 of a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0103] The processing circuit 250 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 250 has a control circuit 251, an image acquisition circuit 252, and the like. Note that each of these components may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0104] The control circuit 251 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 251 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118. The control circuit 251 controls the first motor 124a and the second motor 131 based on each piece of received information.

[0105] The image acquisition circuit 252 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 152. The image acquisition circuit 252 acquires an input image from the imaging device 119, and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0106] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device is now able to properly remove magnetic material that moves with the conveyed medium, even when the processing circuit 250 executes a medium reading process.

[0107] In the above-described embodiments, the first motor 124a is used as the driving force generating unit, but other driving sources such as a solenoid may be used as the driving force generating unit instead of the first motor 124a. In this case, the medium conveying device can also appropriately remove magnetic bodies that move with the conveyed medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100 medium conveying device, 112 pick roller, 113 feeding roller, 114 separation roller, 115a first conveying roller, 116a first driven roller, 119 imaging device, 121 opening, 121a rib, 122a magnet, 123 storage section, 124 moving section, 124a first motor, 125 guide section, 125a first guide surface, 125b second guide surface, 125e protrusion section, 151 control section

Claims

1. a transport unit that transports the medium along a transport path; a magnet that generates a magnetic force that attracts a magnetic body that moves together with the medium transported by the transport unit; a storage section for storing a magnetic body attracted to the magnet; a moving unit that moves the magnet from a first position facing an opening provided in the transport path to a second position facing the storage unit; a guide portion having a guide surface that guides the magnetic body attracted to the magnet in response to the movement of the magnet by the moving portion, a distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the second position is set to be larger than a distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the first position. A medium transport device comprising:

2. the guide portion further includes a second guide surface that is provided on an opposite side to the guide surface and guides the magnet from the first position to the second position; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide surface is provided so as to be farther away from the second guide surface as the guide surface approaches the second position.

3. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein a partition is provided at the opening.

4. an imaging unit that images the medium transported by the transport unit; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the opening is disposed between the transport section and the imaging section in a medium transport direction.

5. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the container is detachably provided from the medium transport device.

6. 6. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion further includes a protrusion formed on the guide surface at a position facing the storage portion.

7. a driving force generating unit configured to generate a driving force for moving the magnet between the first position and the second position; A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control unit that controls the driving force generating unit to place the magnet at the first position when medium transport begins and to move the magnet to the second position when medium transport is completed.

Images