Media transfer device, control method, and control program

Abstract

Provided are a medium transport device, a control method, and a control program that make it possible to more accurately determine whether a jam of a medium will occur or not. This medium transport device comprises: a mounting table; feeding rollers for feeding a medium; a first medium sensor that is disposed downstream of the feeding rollers in a medium transport direction, and that is disposed, in a direction orthogonal to the medium transport direction, inside the side walls of a medium transport path and outside a medium of a maximum size supported by the medium transport device when the medium is mounted on the mounting table; a second medium sensor that is disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium transport direction; a determination unit that determines, on the basis of the result of detection of the medium by the first medium sensor and the result of detection of the medium by the second medium sensor, whether a jam of the medium will occur or not; and a control unit that executes anomaly processing if the determination unit determines that a jam of the medium will occur.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] In a medium conveyance device such as a scanner that conveys and images a medium, when a jam of the medium occurs, the medium may be damaged. Therefore, in the medium conveyance device, it is required to stop the conveyance of the medium before the jam of the medium occurs.

[0003] An image reading device is disclosed in which a medium detection means is provided outside an edge regulation position by an edge guide that regulates an edge position in the medium width direction of a medium placed on a medium placement unit (see Patent Document 1). When the medium detection means detects the medium, this image reading device determines that the medium is causing skew.

[0004] A copying machine is disclosed in which one line sensor for reading a side edge position of a conveyed document is provided at a side edge portion in the document conveyance direction, and a document skew correction device and its control circuit are provided (see Patent Document 2). During document conveyance, this copying machine reads the document side edge position two or more times at regular movement intervals, inputs the detection data into the control circuit, and feeds back the result to the skew correction device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a medium conveyance device, it is required to more accurately determine whether a jam of the medium occurs.

[0007] The object of the medium conveyance device, control method, and control program according to the embodiment is to more accurately determine whether or not a jam of the medium occurs.

[0008] A medium conveyance device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a medium conveyance device, including a mounting table, a feed roller for feeding a medium, and a first medium sensor disposed downstream of the feed roller in the medium conveyance direction and outside the maximum size of the medium supported by the medium conveyance device in a state of being placed on the mounting table and inside the side wall of the medium conveyance path in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction. The first medium sensor is disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium conveyance direction and arranged inside the first medium sensor in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction a second medium sensor, a determination unit that determines whether or not a jam of the medium occurs based on the detection result of the medium by the first medium sensor and the detection result of the medium by the second medium sensor, and a control unit that executes an abnormality process when it is determined by the determination unit that a jam of the medium has occurred. and when the determination unit determines that a jam of the medium has occurred when the medium is detected by the first medium sensor after the medium is detected by the second medium sensor 。

[0009] Further, a control method according to one aspect of the embodiment is a control method for a medium conveyance device having a mounting table. The method feeds a medium by a feed roller, and is disposed downstream of the feed roller in the medium conveyance direction, and is disposed inside the side wall of the medium conveyance path and outside the maximum size of the medium supported by the medium conveyance device in a state of being placed on the mounting table in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction. Based on the detection result of the medium by the first medium sensor and the detection result of the medium by the second medium sensor disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium conveyance direction and arranged inside the first medium sensor in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction it is determined whether or not a jam of the medium occurs, and when it is determined that a jam of the medium has occurred, an abnormality process is executed. and 、 In the determination, when the medium is detected by the first medium sensor after the medium is detected by the second medium sensor, it is determined that a jam of the medium has occurred 。

[0010] Also, a control program according to an aspect of the embodiment is a control program for a medium conveyance device having a mounting table and a feed roller for feeding a medium, and is disposed downstream of the feed roller in the medium conveyance direction, and in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, it is disposed outside the maximum size medium supported by the medium conveyance device placed on the mounting table and inside the side wall of the medium conveyance path. Based on the detection result of the medium by the first medium sensor, and the detection result of the medium by the second medium sensor disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium conveyance direction, determine whether a jam of the medium occurs, and when it is determined that a jam of the medium occurs, cause the medium conveyance device to execute an abnormality process and arranged inside the first medium sensor in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction In the determination, when the medium is detected by the first medium sensor after the medium is detected by the second medium sensor, it is determined that a jam of the medium has occurred

[0011] According to the present embodiment, the medium conveyance device, the control method, and the control program can more accurately determine whether a jam of the medium occurs

[0012] The objects and effects of the present invention will be recognized and obtained by using the components and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the present invention described in the claims

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure 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 those embodiments, and extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a media conveyance device 100 configured as an image scanner. The media conveyance device 100 conveys and images a medium that is an original. The medium is paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, a passport, or the like. The media conveyance device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copying machine, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. Note that the conveyed medium may not be an original but a printing object or the like, and the media conveyance device 100 may be a printer or the like. In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the media conveyance direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction orthogonal to the media conveyance direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction orthogonal to the media conveyance direction A1 and the width direction A2. Hereinafter, upstream refers to the upstream in the media conveyance direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream in the media conveyance direction A1.

[0016] The media conveyance device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0017] The upper housing 102 is disposed at a position covering the upper surface of the media conveyance device 100 and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when cleaning the inside of the media conveyance device 100 or when loading the medium.

[0018] The placement table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 and places the medium to be fed and conveyed. The placement table 103 is provided with side guides 103a. The side guides 103a are provided on the placement surface of the placement table 103 so as to be movable in the width direction A2. The side guides 103a are positioned according to the width of the medium placed on the placement table 103 and regulate the width direction of the medium. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two side guides 103a are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2. The number of side guides 103a may be one.

[0019] The discharge table 104 is engaged with the upper housing 102 and places the discharged medium. Note that the discharge table 104 may be engaged with the lower housing 101.

[0020] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, accepts input operations by the user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's input operation. The display device 106 has a display including a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc., and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the conveyance path inside the medium conveyance device 100.

[0022] The conveyance path inside the medium conveyance device 100 includes a first sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a second sensor 114, a first conveyance roller 115, a second conveyance roller 116, a third sensor 117, an imaging device 118, a first discharge roller 119, a second discharge roller 120, and the like. Note that the number of each of the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 115, the second conveyance roller 116, the first discharge roller 119, and / or the second discharge roller 120 is not limited to one, and may be plural. In that case, the plurality of feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first conveyance rollers 115, second conveyance rollers 116, first discharge rollers 119, and / or second discharge rollers 120 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0023] The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a of the medium conveyance path, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a of the medium conveyance path.

[0024] The first sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The first sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The first sensor 111 generates and outputs a first detection signal whose signal value changes between a state where a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 and a state where it is not placed. Note that the first 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 sensor 111.

[0025] The feeding roller 112 is provided on the lower housing 101 and sequentially feeds the plurality of media placed on the mounting table 103 after separating them from the bottom. The separating roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, which is provided on the upper housing 102, arranged to face the feeding roller 112, and rotates in the direction opposite to the media feeding direction. Incidentally, the feeding roller 112 may be provided on the upper housing 102, the separating roller 113 may be provided on the lower housing 101, and the feeding roller 112 may sequentially feed the plurality of media placed on the mounting table 103 from above.

[0026] The first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 are arranged to face each other downstream of the feeding roller 112. The first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 convey the plurality of media placed on the mounting table 103 and fed by the feeding roller 112 and the separating roller 113 to the imaging device 118.

[0027] The imaging device 118 is arranged downstream of the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 and images the media conveyed by the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116. The imaging device 118 includes a first imaging device 118a and a second imaging device 118b arranged to face each other across the media conveyance path.

[0028] The first imaging device 118a has an imaging sensor 118c of an equal magnification optical system type CIS (Contact Image Sensor) having an imaging element based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The imaging sensor 118c images the surface of the conveyed media. The first imaging device 118a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging device 118a generates and outputs an input image by imaging the surface of the conveyed media according to the control from a processing circuit described later.

[0029] The second imaging device 118b includes an imaging sensor 118d of an equal magnification optical system type CIS having an imaging element formed by CMOSs linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The imaging sensor 118d images the back surface of the conveyed medium. The second imaging device 118b also includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging device 118b images the back surface of the conveyed medium in accordance with control from a processing circuit described later, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0030] Note that the medium conveyance device 100 may arrange only one of the first imaging device 118a and the second imaging device 118b and read only one side of the medium. Further, as the imaging sensors 118c and 118d, an imaging sensor of an equal magnification optical system type CIS including an imaging element formed by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used instead of the imaging sensor of an equal magnification optical system type CIS including an imaging element formed by CMOSs. Further, an imaging sensor of a reduced optical system type including an imaging element formed by CMOS or CCD may be used.

[0031] The first discharge roller 119 and the second discharge roller 120 are arranged to face each other on the downstream side of the imaging device 118. The first discharge roller 119 and the second discharge roller 120 convey the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 115 and the second conveyance roller 116, imaged by the imaging device 118, and discharge it to the discharge table 104.

[0032] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is conveyed between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium conveyance direction A1 by the feeding roller 112 rotating in the direction of arrow A4 in FIG. 2, that is, the medium feeding direction. The separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A5, that is, the direction opposite to the medium feeding direction, during medium conveyance. By the actions of the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, when a plurality of media are placed on the placement table 103, only the medium in contact with the feeding roller 112 among the media placed on the placement table 103 is separated. Thereby, the conveyance of the media other than the separated medium is restricted (prevention of double feeding).

[0033] The medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 115 and the second conveyance roller 116 while being guided by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 118a and the second imaging device 118b as the first conveyance roller 115 and the second conveyance roller 116 rotate in the directions of arrow A6 and arrow A7 respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 118 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 as the first discharge roller 119 and the second discharge roller 120 rotate in the directions of arrow A8 and arrow A9 respectively.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second sensor 114 and the third sensor 117. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing 101 viewed from above with the upper housing 102 open.

[0035] The second sensor 114 is an example of a first medium sensor and detects the medium conveyed to its arrangement position. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the medium conveyance device 100 has two second sensors 114 arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2. The second sensor 114 is arranged downstream of the feed roller 112 in the medium conveyance direction A1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second sensor 114 is arranged upstream of the first conveyance roller 115. Skew (diagonal running) of the medium starts to occur around the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 which are the separation parts of the medium. By arranging the second sensor 114 upstream of the first conveyance roller 115, the medium conveyance device 100 can detect the skew of the medium earlier. The second sensor 114 may be arranged downstream of the first conveyance roller 115 and upstream of the imaging device 118. Also, the second sensor 114 may be arranged downstream of the imaging device 118.

[0036] Further, the second sensor 114 is disposed inside (center side) of the side wall 101b of the media conveyance path in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the media conveyance direction. The second sensor 114 is disposed outside (side wall 101b side) of the media having the maximum size supported by the media conveyance device 100 in a state of being placed on the mounting table 103 in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the media conveyance direction. That is, the second sensor 114 is disposed outside the position L1 of the inner side surface of the side guide 103a in a state of being disposed most outside in the width direction A2. Thereby, the second sensor 114 is disposed outside the region where the media is normally conveyed in the media conveyance path, and the media conveyance device 100 can accurately predict whether the conveyed media collides with the side wall 101b by using the second sensor 114.

[0037] In the width direction A2 orthogonal to the media conveyance direction, the ends of the imaging sensors 118c and 118d of the imaging device 118 are disposed outside the media having the maximum size supported by the media conveyance device 100 in a state of being placed on the mounting table 103. And the second sensor 114 is disposed outside the end position L2 of the imaging sensors 118c and 118d of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the media conveyance direction. Thereby, the second sensor 114 is disposed at a position closer to the side wall 101b, and the media conveyance device 100 can more accurately predict whether the conveyed media collides with the side wall 101b by using the second sensor 114. Note that the second sensor 114 may be disposed at the end position L2 of the imaging sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2. Thereby, the media conveyance device 100 can accurately detect, by using the second sensor 114, that the media passes outside the imaging range of the imaging device 118 and a part of the media is not included in the input image. Further, the second sensor 114 may be disposed inside the end position L2 of the imaging sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2.

[0038] The second sensor 114 is, for example, a microswitch and includes an actuator, a button, an electric circuit, etc. The actuator is provided so as to be swingable between an initial position where it does not press the button and a pressing position where it presses the button. The actuator is arranged at the initial position when it is not in contact with the conveyed medium, and moves to the pressing position to press the button when it is pushed outward by the conveyed medium. The button is provided to open the electric circuit so that no current flows through the electric circuit when it is not pressed by the actuator, and to close the electric circuit so that current flows through the electric circuit when it is pressed by the actuator. The second sensor 114 generates and outputs a second detection signal whose signal value changes between a state where current flows through the electric circuit and a state where no current flows, that is, between a state where a medium exists at the position of the second sensor 114 and a state where no medium exists. That is, the second detection signal indicates whether a medium exists at the position of the second sensor 114 and shows the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114.

[0039] Note that, as the second sensor 114, any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium may be used. For example, the second sensor 114 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the medium conveyance path, and a light guide pipe provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver with the medium conveyance path therebetween. The light emitter is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like and irradiates light toward the medium conveyance path. On the other hand, the light receiver is, for example, a photodiode or the like and receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and guided by the light guide pipe. When a medium exists at the position facing the second sensor 114, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, so the light receiver does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter. The second sensor 114 generates and outputs a second detection signal whose signal value changes between a state where a medium exists at the position of the second sensor 114 and a state where no medium exists based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. Note that, instead of the light guide pipe, a reflecting member such as a mirror may be used. Also, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided to face each other with the medium conveyance path therebetween.

[0040] Further, the second sensor 114 may include an actuator, a light emitter, and a light receiver, and may detect whether the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the actuator. Also, the number of the second sensors 114 is not limited to two, and one sensor may be used.

[0041] The third sensor 117 is an example of a second medium sensor, and detects the medium conveyed to its arranged position. The third sensor 117 is arranged downstream of the second sensor 114 in the medium conveyance direction A1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the third sensor 117 is arranged downstream of the first conveyance roller 115 and upstream of the imaging device 118. The third sensor 117 may be arranged upstream of the first conveyance roller 115 or downstream of the imaging device 118. Also, the third sensor 117 is arranged inside (center side) of the second sensor 114 in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the third sensor 117 is arranged between the two feed rollers 112 in the width direction A2.

[0042] The third sensor 117 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the medium conveyance path, and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver with the medium conveyance path therebetween. The light emitter is an LED or the like, and irradiates light toward the medium conveyance path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. The third sensor 117 generates and outputs a third detection signal whose signal value changes between a state where the medium exists and a state where the medium does not exist at the position of the third sensor 117 based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. That is, the third detection signal indicates whether the medium exists at the position of the third sensor 117, and indicates the detection result of the medium by the third sensor 117. Note that a reflection member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. Also, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided to face each other with the medium conveyance path therebetween. Further, the third sensor 117 may detect the presence of the medium by a contact detection sensor or the like that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveyance device 100.

[0044] In addition to the above-described configuration, the medium transport device 100 further includes a motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0045] The motor 131 includes one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 115, the second transport roller 116, the first discharge roller 119, and the second discharge roller 120 according to a control signal from the processing circuit 150 to transport the medium. Note that one of the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116 may be a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the other roller. Also, one of the first discharge roller 119 and the second discharge roller 120 may be a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the other roller.

[0046] The interface device 132 includes an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) (not shown) to transmit and receive an input image and various types of information. Further, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving a signal through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may include a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving a signal through a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0047] The storage device 140 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. Further, the storage device 140 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the media transport device 100. The computer program 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 CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), or the like.

[0048] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance. The processing circuit 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.

[0049] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the first sensor 111, the second sensor 114, the third sensor 117, the imaging device 118, the motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls these components. The processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the motor 131, imaging control of the imaging device 118, etc., acquires an input image from the imaging device 118, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 132. Further, the processing circuit 150 determines whether or not a jam of the media has occurred based on the second detection signal received from the second sensor 114 and the third detection signal received from the third sensor 117, and executes an abnormality process when it is determined that a jam of the media has occurred.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 140 stores a control program 141, a determination program 142, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software operating on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the processing circuit 150 functions as a control unit 151 and a determination unit 152.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveyance device 100.

[0053] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveyance device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6. Note that the operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveyance device 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance.

[0054] First, the control unit 151 waits until an operation signal for instructing the reading of the medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 after a reading instruction of the medium is input by the user using the operation device 105 or the information processing device (step S101).

[0055] Next, when the control unit 151 receives the operation signal, it acquires a first detection signal from the first sensor 111 and determines whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired first detection signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0056] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 115, the second transport roller 116, the first discharge roller 119, and / or the second discharge roller 120 (step S103). The control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to rotate each roller to feed and transport the medium.

[0057] Next, the control unit 151 sets the detection flag to OFF (step S104). The detection flag is set to OFF at the start of medium feeding, and is set to ON when the third sensor 117 detects the medium, that is, when the leading edge of the medium passes the position of the third sensor 117.

[0058] Next, in the jam determination process executed in parallel with the medium reading process, the control unit 151 determines whether it is determined (predicted) that a jam of the medium has occurred (step S105). In the jam determination process, the determination unit 152 determines (predicts) whether a jam of the medium has occurred based on the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114 and the detection result of the medium by the third sensor 117. Details of the jam determination process will be described later.

[0059] If it is determined by the determination unit 152 in the jam determination process that a jam of the medium has occurred, the control unit 151 executes an abnormality process (step S106) and ends a series of steps. As the abnormality process, the control unit 151 stops the motor 131 to stop the feeding and transporting of the medium. Thereby, the medium transport device 100 can prevent a jam of the medium from occurring and damaging the medium. Further, as the abnormality process, the control unit 151 may notify the user by displaying information indicating that there is a high possibility of a jam of the medium on the display device 106 or transmitting the information to the information processing device via the interface device 132. Since a user who recognizes that there is a high possibility of a jam of the medium tends to appropriately reload the medium on the placement table 103 so that the medium is not transported tilted during re-transport, the medium transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of a jam of the medium.

[0060] On the other hand, in step S105, when it is not determined that media jamming has occurred in the jam determination process, the control unit 151 determines whether the entire media has been imaged (step S107). For example, the control unit 151 determines whether the rear end of the media has passed the position of the third sensor 117 based on the third detection signal received from the third sensor 117. The control unit 151 periodically acquires the third detection signal from the third sensor 117, and when the signal value of the third detection signal changes from a value indicating the presence of the media to a value indicating the absence of the media, it is determined that the rear end of the media has passed the position of the third sensor 117. The control unit 151 determines that the entire media has been imaged when a predetermined time has elapsed after the rear end of the media has passed the position of the third sensor 117 and the rear end of the media has passed the imaging position of the imaging device 118. Note that the control unit 151 may determine that the entire conveyed media has been imaged when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of media feeding.

[0061] If the entire conveyed media has not yet been imaged, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S105 and repeats the processes of steps S105 to S107.

[0062] On the other hand, when the entire conveyed media has been imaged, the control unit 151 acquires an input image from the imaging device 118 and outputs it by transmitting the acquired input image to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S108).

[0063] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether there is any media remaining on the mounting table 103 based on the first detection signal received from the first sensor 111 (step S109). If there is media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S109.

[0064] On the other hand, when no medium remains on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 115, the second conveyance roller 116, the first discharge roller 119, and / or the second discharge roller 120 (step S110). The control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop each roller and ends a series of steps.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the jam determination process of the medium conveyance device 100.

[0066] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the jam determination process of the medium conveyance device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. Note that the operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveyance device 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance. The operation flow shown in FIG. 7 is executed during the conveyance of the medium.

[0067] First, the determination unit 152 acquires a third detection signal from the third sensor 117 (step S201).

[0068] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the third sensor 117 has detected the medium for the first time based on the acquired third detection signal (step S202). The determination unit 152 determines that the third sensor 117 has detected the medium for the first time when the signal value of the previously acquired third detection signal indicates that no medium is present and the signal value of the currently acquired third detection signal indicates that a medium is present. If the third sensor 117 has not detected the medium, or if the third sensor 117 has already detected the medium, the determination unit 152 does not execute any particular processing and proceeds to step S204.

[0069] On the other hand, when the third sensor 117 has detected the medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 sets the detection flag to ON (step S203).

[0070] Next, the determination unit 152 acquires a second detection signal from the second sensor 114 (step S204).

[0071] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the second sensor 114 has detected the medium for the first time based on the acquired second detection signal (step S205). When the signal value of the second detection signal acquired last time indicates that the medium does not exist and the signal value of the second detection signal acquired this time indicates that the medium exists, the determination unit 152 determines that the second sensor 114 has detected the medium for the first time. When the medium conveyance device 100 has two second sensors 114, the determination unit 152 determines whether each second sensor 114 has detected the medium for the first time for each of the two second sensors 114.

[0072] Note that the determination unit 152 may determine that the second sensor 114 has detected the medium for the first time when the signal value of the second detection signal changes from a value indicating that the medium does not exist to a value indicating that the medium exists and then does not change continuously for a predetermined number of times or a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). Thereby, the determination unit 152 can regard that the second sensor 114 has not detected the medium when the medium slightly touches the second sensor 114, and can suppress erroneously predicting that a jam of the medium occurs.

[0073] When each second sensor 114 has not detected the medium or when each second sensor 114 has already detected the medium, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a skew that causes a jam of the medium has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that a jam of the medium has occurred (step S206), and returns the process to step S201.

[0074] On the other hand, when any one of the second sensors 114 has detected the medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 notifies the user of a warning (step S207). The determination unit 152 notifies the user of a warning by displaying information indicating that the medium has passed outside the imaging range of the imaging device 118 and there is a possibility that a part of the medium is not included in the input image on the display device 106 or by transmitting the information to the information processing device via the interface device 132.

[0075] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the detection flag is set to ON (step S208).

[0076] When the detection flag is set to OFF, the determination unit 152 does not determine that skew that causes media jamming has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that media jamming has occurred (step S206), and returns the process to step S201. That is, if the medium is detected by the second sensor 114 before the medium is detected by the third sensor 117, the determination unit 152 does not determine that media jamming has occurred.

[0077] On the other hand, when the detection flag is set to ON, the determination unit 152 determines that skew that causes media jamming has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 determines (predicts) that media jamming has occurred (step S209), and returns the process to step S201. That is, if the medium is detected by the second sensor 114 after the medium is detected by the third sensor 117, the determination unit 152 determines that media jamming has occurred. In this case, it is determined that media jamming is predicted to occur in step S105 of FIG. 6, and abnormal processing is executed in step S106.

[0078] In this way, the determination unit 152 determines whether media jamming has occurred based on the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114 and the detection result of the medium by the third sensor 117.

[0079] Hereinafter, the technical significance of determining whether media jamming has occurred based on the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114 and the detection result of the medium by the third sensor 117 will be described.

[0080] FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams showing a medium passing through the position of the second sensor 114 in a state of being conveyed while tilted. FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams of the lower housing 101 viewed from above with the upper housing 102 open. FIGS. 8 and 9 show a medium M1 tilted slightly, and FIGS. 10 and 11 show a medium M2 tilted greatly.

[0081] When the leading edge of the medium M1 passes through the position of the second sensor 114 as shown in FIG. 8 and then passes through the position of the third sensor 117 as shown in FIG. 9, although the medium M1 is being conveyed while tilted, the tilt of the medium M1 is likely to be sufficiently small. In this case, the medium M1 is likely to be discharged without contacting the side wall 101b. When the medium is detected by the second sensor 114 before being detected by the third sensor 117, the medium conveyance device 100 continues to convey the medium and discharges it without predicting that a jam of the medium will occur. As a result, the user does not need to open the upper housing 102 to remove the medium, and the medium conveyance device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0082] On the other hand, when the leading edge of the medium M2 passes through the position of the third sensor 117 as shown in FIG. 10 and then passes through the position of the second sensor 114 as shown in FIG. 11, the medium M2 is likely to be conveyed while being greatly tilted. In this case, the medium M1 may collide with the side wall 101b, and a jam of the medium is likely to occur. When the medium is detected by the second sensor 114 after being detected by the third sensor 117, the medium conveyance device 100 predicts that a jam of the medium will occur and stops the conveyance of the medium. Thereby, the medium conveyance device 100 can prevent the occurrence of a jam of the medium and prevent the medium from being damaged.

[0083] As described above, the medium conveyance device 100 can more accurately predict whether a jam of the medium will occur by using not only the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114 but also the detection result of the medium by the third sensor 117.

[0084] As described in detail above, based on the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114 disposed outside the maximum size of the supported medium and the detection result of the medium by the third sensor 117 disposed downstream of the second sensor 114, the medium conveyance device 100 predicts the occurrence of a jam of the medium. Thereby, the medium conveyance device 100 can more accurately determine whether a jam of the medium will occur.

[0085] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth sensor 221 in a media conveyance device 200 according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the lower housing 101 viewed from above with the upper housing 102 opened in the media conveyance device 200.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 12, in addition to each part that the media conveyance device 100 has, the media conveyance device 200 further has a fourth sensor 221.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the fourth sensor 221 is an example of a second media sensor, and detects the media conveyed to its arrangement position. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the media conveyance device 200 has two fourth sensors 221 arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2. The fourth sensor 221 is arranged on the downstream side of the second sensor 114 in the media conveyance direction A1. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the fourth sensor 221 is arranged on the downstream side of the first conveyance roller 115 so as to overlap the imaging device 118 when viewed from the width direction A2. Thereby, the media conveyance device 200 can accurately detect, using the fourth sensor 221, that the media passes outside the imaging range of the imaging device 118 and a part of the media is not included in the input image. The fourth sensor 221 may be arranged on the upstream side of the first conveyance roller 115. Also, the fourth sensor 221 may be arranged on the downstream side of the first conveyance roller 115 and on the upstream side of the imaging device 118. Also, the fourth sensor 221 may be arranged on the downstream side of the imaging device 118.

[0088] Also, the fourth sensor 221 is arranged at the same position as the second sensor 114 in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the media conveyance direction. Note that the same position as the second sensor 114 is not limited to completely coinciding with the arrangement position of the second sensor 114, and includes a region within a predetermined range (for example, within 30 mm) from the arrangement position of the second sensor 114.

[0089] The fourth sensor 221 is disposed inside (center side) of the side wall 101b of the medium conveyance path in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction. The fourth sensor 221 is disposed outside (side wall 101b side) of the medium having the maximum size supported by the medium conveyance device 100 in the state of being placed on the mounting table 103 in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction. That is, the fourth sensor 221 is disposed outside the position L1 of the inner side surface of the side guide 103a disposed most outside in the width direction A2. Thereby, the fourth sensor 221 is disposed outside the region where the medium is normally conveyed in the medium conveyance path, and the medium conveyance device 200 can accurately predict whether or not the conveyed medium collides with the side wall 101b by using the fourth sensor 221.

[0090] Also, the fourth sensor 221 is disposed outside the end position L2 of the imaging sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction. Thereby, the fourth sensor 221 is disposed at a position closer to the side wall 101b, and the medium conveyance device 200 can more accurately predict whether or not the conveyed medium collides with the side wall 101b by using the fourth sensor 221. Note that the fourth sensor 221 may be disposed at the end position L2 of the imaging sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2. Thereby, the medium conveyance device 100 can accurately detect, by using the fourth sensor 221, that the medium passes outside the imaging range of the imaging device 118 and a part of the medium is not included in the input image. Also, the fourth sensor 221 may be disposed inside the end position L2 of the imaging sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2.

[0091] The fourth sensor 221 has the same structure as the second sensor 114. The fourth sensor 221 is, for example, a micro switch and includes an actuator, a button, an electric circuit, and the like. The fourth sensor 221 generates and outputs a fourth detection signal whose signal value changes between a state where current flows through the electric circuit and a state where current does not flow, that is, between a state where a medium exists at the position of the fourth sensor 221 and a state where no medium exists. That is, the fourth detection signal indicates whether or not a medium exists at the position of the fourth sensor 221 and indicates the detection result of the medium by the fourth sensor 221.

[0092] Note that, as the fourth sensor 221, any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used. Further, the number of the fourth sensors 221 is not limited to two, and one sensor may be used.

[0093] The medium conveyance device 200 executes the medium reading process shown in FIG. 6, similarly to the medium conveyance device 100. However, when the medium conveyance device 200 has two second sensors 114, the medium conveyance device 200 manages detection flags for each of the two second sensors 114. In that case, in step S104, the control unit 151 sets the detection flags corresponding to the two second sensors 114 to OFF, respectively.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the jam determination process of the medium conveyance device 200.

[0095] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the jam determination process of the medium conveyance device 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. The flow of the operation described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveyance device 200 based on a program stored in the storage device 140 in advance. The flow of the operation shown in FIG. 13 is executed during medium conveyance instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7.

[0096] First, the determination unit 152 acquires a second detection signal from the second sensor 114 (step S301).

[0097] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the second sensor 114 has detected the medium for the first time based on the acquired second detection signal, in the same manner as the process of step S205 in FIG. 5 (step S302). If each second sensor 114 has not detected the medium, or if each second sensor 114 has already detected the medium, the determination unit 152 does not execute any particular process and proceeds to step S305.

[0098] When any of the second sensors 114 detects a medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 notifies the user of a warning in the same manner as the process of step S207 in FIG. 5 (step S303).

[0099] Next, the determination unit 152 sets the detection flag corresponding to the second sensor 114 that first detected the medium to ON (step S304).

[0100] Next, the determination unit 152 acquires a fourth detection signal from the fourth sensor 221 (step S305).

[0101] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the fourth sensor 221 has detected a medium for the first time based on the acquired fourth detection signal (step S306). The determination unit 152 determines that the fourth sensor 221 has detected a medium for the first time when the signal value of the previously acquired fourth detection signal indicates that no medium is present and the signal value of the currently acquired fourth detection signal indicates that a medium is present. When the medium conveyance device 200 has two fourth sensors 221, the determination unit 152 determines for each of the two fourth sensors 221 whether each fourth sensor 221 has detected a medium for the first time.

[0102] Note that the determination unit 152 may determine that the fourth sensor 221 has detected a medium for the first time when the signal value of the fourth detection signal changes from a value indicating that no medium is present to a value indicating that a medium is present and then does not change continuously for a predetermined number of times or a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). Thereby, when the medium slightly touches the fourth sensor 221, the determination unit 152 can regard that the fourth sensor 221 has not detected the medium, and can suppress erroneously predicting that a jam of the medium occurs.

[0103] When each fourth sensor 221 has not detected a medium, or when each fourth sensor 221 has already detected a medium, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a skew that causes a jam of the medium has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that a jam of the medium has occurred (step S307), and returns the process to step S301.

[0104] On the other hand, when any of the fourth sensors 221 detects a medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 notifies the user of a warning in the same manner as the process of step S303 (step S308). If a warning has already been notified to the user in step S303, the process of step S308 may be omitted.

[0105] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the detection flag corresponding to the second sensor 114 arranged at the same position as the fourth sensor 221 that first detected the medium in the width direction A2 is set to ON (step S309).

[0106] If the detection flag is set to OFF, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a skew causing a jam of the medium has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that a jam of the medium has occurred (step S307), and returns the process to step S301. That is, when the medium is detected by the second sensor 114 and then detected by the fourth sensor 221, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a jam of the medium has occurred.

[0107] On the other hand, if the detection flag is set to ON, the determination unit 152 determines that a skew causing a jam of the medium has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 determines (predicts) that a jam of the medium has occurred (step S310), and returns the process to step S301. That is, when the medium is not detected by the second sensor 114 and is detected by the fourth sensor 221, the determination unit 152 determines that a jam of the medium has occurred. In this case, it is determined that a jam of the medium is predicted to occur in step S105 of FIG. 6, and abnormal processing is executed in step S106.

[0108] In this way, the determination unit 152 determines whether a jam of the medium occurs based on the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114 and the detection result of the medium by the fourth sensor 221.

[0109] Next, the technical significance of determining whether a media jam occurs based on the detection results of the media by the second sensor 114 and the detection results of the media by the fourth sensor 221 will be described.

[0110] If the media is tilted immediately after the start of feeding and is fed without the tilt amount changing, the leading end of the media will first pass through the position of the second sensor 114, similar to the media M1 shown in FIG. 8, and then is likely to pass through the position of the fourth sensor 121. In this case, the media M1 is likely to be discharged without contacting the side wall 101b. When the media is detected by the second sensor 114 and then detected by the fourth sensor 221, the media conveyance device 200 continues to convey the media and discharges the media without predicting that a media jam has occurred. As a result, the user does not need to open the upper housing 102 to remove the media, and the media conveyance device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0111] FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing a media M3 in which a so-called cumulative skew occurs in which the tilt amount of the media gradually increases as the media is conveyed. FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of the lower housing 101 viewed from above with the upper housing 102 open.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the leading end of the media M3 passes through the position of the fourth sensor 221 without passing through the position of the second sensor 114, it is highly likely that a cumulative skew of the media has occurred. In this case, the tilt amount of the media M3 increases as the media is conveyed, and finally the media M3 collides with the side wall 101b, and it is highly likely that a media jam will occur. When the media is not detected by the second sensor 114 but is detected by the fourth sensor 221, the media conveyance device 200 predicts that a media jam has occurred and stops the conveyance of the media. As a result, the media conveyance device 100 can prevent the occurrence of a media jam and prevent the media from being damaged.

[0113] In this way, by using both the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 114 and the detection result of the medium by the fourth sensor 221, the medium conveyance device 200 can more accurately predict whether or not a jam of the medium occurs.

[0114] Note that the medium conveyance device 200 may execute the jam determination process shown in FIG. 7 together with the jam determination process shown in FIG. 13. Thereby, the medium conveyance device 200 can further reduce the occurrence of jams of the medium.

[0115] As described in detail above, based on the medium detection result of the second sensor 114 disposed outside the maximum size medium to be supported and the medium detection result of the fourth sensor 221 disposed downstream of the second sensor 114, the medium conveyance device 200 predicts the occurrence of a jam of the medium. Thereby, the medium conveyance device 200 can more accurately determine whether or not a jam of the medium occurs.

[0116] FIGS. 16(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining a second sensor 314 in a medium conveyance device according to still another embodiment.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 16(A) and (B), the medium conveyance device according to the present embodiment has each part that the medium conveyance device 100 or 200 has, and has a second sensor 314 instead of the second sensor 114.

[0118] The second sensor 314 has the same configuration and function as the second sensor 114. However, the second sensor 314 has an applying member 314a. The applying member 314a is an elastic member and is a spring member such as a compression coil spring. Note that the applying member 314a may be another spring member such as a leaf spring or a rubber member. One end of the applying member 314a is attached to a button, and the other end is fixed to a wall surface inside the second sensor 314 or the like, and applies a force toward the inside (center side) in the width direction A2. Thereby, when a medium comes into contact with the second sensor 314, the applying member 314a applies a force toward the inside in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction to the medium.

[0119] When the medium is conveyed while being inclined toward the side wall 101b and contacts the second sensor 314, the second sensor 314 pushes the medium back toward the center by the force of the applying member 314a. Thereby, the medium conveying device can correct the skew of the medium well.

[0120] Note that the fourth sensor 221 may also have an applying member similar to the applying member 314a, similar to the second sensor 314. Thereby, the medium conveying device can correct the skew of the medium more reliably.

[0121] As described in detail above, when the second sensor 314 has the applying member 314a, the medium conveying device can accurately determine whether or not a jam of the medium occurs and can correct the skew of the medium well.

[0122] FIGS. 17(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams for explaining a second sensor 414 in a medium conveying device according to still another embodiment.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 17(A) and (B), the medium conveying device according to the present embodiment has each part included in the medium conveying device 100 or 200 and has a second sensor 414 instead of the second sensor 114.

[0124] The second sensor 414 has a pendulum structure and includes a shaft member 414a, two arm members 414b, two applying members 414c, a light emitter 414d, and a light receiver 414e. The shaft member 414a is disposed above and supports the respective arm members 414b and the respective applying members 414c disposed below so as to be swingable (rotatable) along the width direction A2. The upper ends of the two arm members 414b are attached to the shaft member 414a such that the arm members 414b form a predetermined angle with each other. The predetermined angle is set to an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° (for example, 30°). The two applying members 414c are weight members having a predetermined weight and are attached to the lower ends of the respective arm members 414b.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 17(A), when the medium is not in contact with the arm member 414b, the balance of each arm member 414b is maintained by each applying member 414c, and the two applying members 414c are arranged at initial positions that are line-symmetric with respect to the shaft member 414a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17(B), when the medium is in contact with the arm member 414b arranged on the inner side (center side) in the width direction A2, the arm member 414b is pushed outward by the medium, and the two applying members 414c are arranged at swing positions outside the initial positions.

[0126] The light emitter 414d and the light receiver 414e are arranged so as to face each other with the applying member 414c arranged at the swing position therebetween. The light emitter 414d is an LED or the like and irradiates light toward the light receiver 414e. On the other hand, the light receiver 414e is a photodiode or the like and receives the light irradiated by the light emitter 414d. When the applying member 414c exists between the light emitter 414d and the light receiver 414e, the light irradiated from the light emitter 414d is blocked by the applying member 414c, so the light receiver 414e does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter 414d. The second sensor 414 generates and outputs a second detection signal whose signal value changes between a state where the applying member 414c exists and a state where it does not exist between the light emitter 414d and the light receiver 414e based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver 414e. That is, the second detection signal indicates whether the medium exists at the position of the second sensor 414 and shows the detection result of the medium by the second sensor 414.

[0127] As described above, when the medium is in contact with the arm member 414b arranged on the inner side (center side) in the width direction A2, the arm member 414b is pushed outward by the medium, and the two applying members 414c are arranged at swing positions outside the initial positions. Thereafter, due to the weight of the applying member 414c arranged on the outside, the arm member 414b is returned inward. That is, when the medium comes into contact with the second sensor 414, the applying member 414c applies a force directed inward in the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction to the medium.

[0128] When the medium is conveyed while being inclined toward the side wall 101b and comes into contact with the second sensor 414, the second sensor 414 pushes the medium back toward the center by the force of the applying member 414c. Thereby, the medium conveying device can correct the skew of the medium well.

[0129] Note that the fourth sensor 221 may also have the same pendulum structure as the second sensor 414. Thereby, the medium conveying device can more reliably correct the skew of the medium.

[0130] As described in detail above, when the second sensor 414 has the applying member 414c, the medium conveying device can accurately determine whether or not a jam of the medium occurs and can correct the skew of the medium well.

[0131] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment. The processing circuit 550 is used instead of the processing circuit 150 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes medium reading processing, jam determination processing, etc. instead of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 550 includes a control circuit 551, a determination circuit 552, and the like. Note that each of these units may be configured by an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0132] The control circuit 551 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 551 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 and a first detection signal from the first sensor 111. The control circuit 551 controls the motor 131 based on each received signal, acquires an input image from the imaging device 118, and outputs it to the interface device 132. Further, the control circuit 551 reads out the determination result of the occurrence of a jam of the medium from the storage device 140, and controls the motor 131, the interface device 132, or the display device 106 so as to execute an abnormality process based on the read determination result.

[0133] The determination circuit 552 is an example of a determination unit and has the same function as the determination unit 152. The determination circuit 552 receives a first detection signal, a second detection signal, and / or a third detection signal from the second sensors 114, 314, 414, the third sensor 117, and / or the fourth sensor 221, respectively. The determination circuit 552 determines whether or not a jam of the medium has occurred based on each received signal, stores the determination result in the storage device 140, and controls the interface device 132 or the display device 106 to notify the user of a warning.

[0134] As described in detail above, even when the processing circuit 550 is used, the medium conveyance device can more accurately determine whether or not a jam of the medium has occurred.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0135] 100 Medium conveyance device, 103 Mounting table, 112 Feeding roller, 114, 314, 414 Second sensors, 117 Third sensor, 118c, 118d Imaging sensors, 151 Control unit, 152 Determination unit, 221 Fourth sensor, 314a, 414c Applying members

Claims

1. A medium conveyance device, a mounting table, a feed roller for feeding a medium, a first medium sensor disposed downstream of the feed roller in the medium conveyance direction and outside the maximum size of the medium supported by the medium conveyance device in a state where the medium conveyance device is placed on the mounting table and inside the side wall of the medium conveyance path in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, a second medium sensor disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium conveyance direction and inside the first medium sensor in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, a determination unit that determines whether or not a jam of the medium occurs based on a detection result of the medium by the first medium sensor and a detection result of the medium by the second medium sensor, and a control unit that executes an abnormality process when it is determined by the determination unit that a jam of the medium has occurred. The determination unit determines that a jam of the medium has occurred when the medium is detected by the first medium sensor after the medium is detected by the second medium sensor. A medium conveyance device characterized by the above.

2. The medium conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the first medium sensor has an applying member that applies a force directed inward in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction to the medium when the medium comes into contact therewith.

3. Further comprising an imaging sensor that images the conveyed medium, The medium conveyance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first medium sensor is disposed outside the imaging sensor or at an end position of the imaging sensor in a direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction.

4. A control method for a medium conveyance device having a mounting table, feeding a medium by a feed roller, Based on the detection result of the medium by the first medium sensor disposed downstream of the feeding roller in the medium conveyance direction and outside the maximum size of the medium supported by the medium conveyance device placed on the placement table and inside the side wall of the medium conveyance path in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, and the detection result of the medium by the second medium sensor disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium conveyance direction and inside the first medium sensor in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, determine whether a jam of the medium occurs. When it is determined that a jam of the medium occurs, execute an abnormality process. In the determination, when the medium is detected by the first medium sensor after being detected by the second medium sensor, it is determined that a jam of the medium occurs. A control method characterized by the above.

5. A control program for a medium conveyance device having a placement table and a feeding roller for feeding a medium, Based on the detection result of the medium by the first medium sensor disposed downstream of the feeding roller in the medium conveyance direction and outside the maximum size of the medium supported by the medium conveyance device placed on the placement table and inside the side wall of the medium conveyance path in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, and the detection result of the medium by the second medium sensor disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium conveyance direction and inside the first medium sensor in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, determine whether a jam of the medium occurs. When it is determined that a jam of the medium occurs, cause the medium conveyance device to execute an abnormality process. In the determination, when the medium is detected by the first medium sensor after being detected by the second medium sensor, it is determined that a jam of the medium occurs. A control program characterized by the above.

Images