Media transfer device, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a medium conveying apparatus, a control method, and a control program capable of appropriately controlling rotation of a plurality of rollers by a single motor in each of a separation mode and a non-separation mode.SOLUTION: A medium conveying apparatus 100 includes: a brake roller 113; a pair 115 and 116 of conveyance rollers located on a downstream side in a medium conveying direction with respect to the brake roller; a first motor 151; and a control unit 171 for rotating the first motor forward to control so that a medium separated by the brake roller is conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers, in a separation mode. The control unit rotates the first motor backward to perform a feed operation by the brake roller and to rotate the pair of conveyance rollers backward until a front edge of the medium passes through a position of the brake roller, and rotates the first motor forward to control so that the medium is conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers after the front edge of the medium passes through the position of the brake roller, in a non-separation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program, and more particularly, to a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program for separating and conveying a medium.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in a medium conveyance device such as a scanner, it has been required to convey not only paper but also plastic cards, passports, etc. as media. In a medium conveyance device that supports the conveyance of various types of media, a separation mode for separating and conveying the medium and a non-separation mode for conveying the medium without separation are provided. Further, such a medium conveyance device has a plurality of rollers for conveying the medium, and in order to suppress an increase in power consumption, the plurality of rollers are rotated by one motor. However, when a plurality of rollers are rotated by one motor, when a specific roller is rotated, the other rollers are also rotated at the same time, so it is not easy to appropriately control the rotation of a plurality of rollers having different uses with one motor.

[0003] There is disclosed a sheet feeding device having a sheet stacking unit on which sheets are stacked and a feeding unit capable of switching between a separation mode of separating and feeding sheets one by one from the sheet stacking unit and a non-separation mode of feeding sheets without separation (see Patent Document 1). This sheet feeding device switches the sheet feeding mode by the feeding unit based on the detection result of the movement of the sheets on the sheet stacking unit.

[0004] There is disclosed a medium feeding device that rotationally drives a separation roller by a predetermined rotation amount in a first rotation direction after the start of feeding by a feeding roller and before the execution of the separation mode so that the leading ends of a plurality of sheets are displaced and discharged (see Patent Document 2). This medium feeding device maintains the rotation of the feeding roller in the feeding direction from this state and rotates the separation roller in a second rotation direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-188279 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-116383 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] In a medium conveyance device, it is desired to appropriately control the rotation of a plurality of rollers with a single motor in each of a separation mode and a non-separation mode.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium conveyance device, a control method, and a control program capable of appropriately controlling the rotation of a plurality of rollers with a single motor in each of a separation mode and a non-separation mode. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0008] A medium conveyance device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a brake roller, a pair of conveyance rollers disposed downstream of the brake roller in the medium conveyance direction, a first motor, a driving force transmission unit for transmitting a driving force from the first motor to the brake roller and the pair of conveyance rollers, and a control unit that controls to rotate the first motor forward in a separation mode to convey a medium separated by the brake roller by the pair of conveyance rollers. The control unit rotates the first motor reversely in a non-separation mode until the leading end of the medium passes the position of the brake roller, causes the brake roller to perform a feeding operation and rotates the pair of conveyance rollers reversely, and after the leading end of the medium passes the position of the brake roller, rotates the first motor forward to control to convey the medium by the pair of conveyance rollers.

[0009] Further, a control method according to an aspect of the present invention is a control method for a medium conveyance device having a brake roller, a pair of conveyance rollers arranged on the downstream side in the medium conveyance direction with respect to the brake roller, a first motor, and a driving force transmission unit for transmitting a driving force from the first motor to the brake roller and the pair of conveyance rollers. In the separation mode, the first motor is rotated forward to control the conveyance of the medium separated by the brake roller by the pair of conveyance rollers. In the non-separation mode, until the leading end of the medium passes the position of the brake roller, the first motor is rotated reversely to cause the brake roller to perform a feeding operation and rotate the pair of conveyance rollers reversely. After the leading end of the medium passes the position of the brake roller, the first motor is rotated forward to control the conveyance of the medium by the pair of conveyance rollers.

[0010] Further, a control program according to an aspect of the present invention is a control program for a medium conveyance device having a brake roller, a pair of conveyance rollers arranged on the downstream side in the medium conveyance direction with respect to the brake roller, a first motor, and a driving force transmission unit for transmitting a driving force from the first motor to the brake roller and the pair of conveyance rollers. In the separation mode, the first motor is rotated forward to control the conveyance of the medium separated by the brake roller by the pair of conveyance rollers. In the non-separation mode, until the leading end of the medium passes the position of the brake roller, the first motor is rotated reversely to cause the brake roller to perform a feeding operation and rotate the pair of conveyance rollers reversely. After the leading end of the medium passes the position of the brake roller, the first motor is rotated forward to control the conveyance of the medium by the pair of conveyance rollers, and the medium conveyance device is made to execute this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, in each of the separation mode and the non-separation mode, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation of a plurality of rollers with one motor in the medium conveyance device, control method, and control program.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, a media conveyance device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, note 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.

[0014] 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 document. The medium is paper, or a thick medium such as cardboard, card, booklet, or passport (for example, a medium having a thickness exceeding 2 mm). The media conveyance device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. Note that the conveyed medium may not be an original document but a printing object or the like, and the media conveyance device 100 may be a printer or the like.

[0015] The media conveyance device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0016] 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 handling the medium.

[0017] The mounting table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so as to be able to mount the conveyed medium. The discharge table 104 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so as to be able to hold the discharged medium.

[0018] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires a signal from the input device, receives an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's input operation. The display device 106 has a display including a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a conveyance path inside the media conveyance device 100.

[0020] The conveyance path inside the media conveyance device 100 includes a first sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a brake roller 113, a second sensor 114, a first conveyance roller 115, a second conveyance roller 116, a first imaging device 117a, a second imaging device 117b, a third conveyance roller 118, a fourth conveyance roller 119, and the like. Note that the number of each roller is not limited to one, and the number of each roller may be plural.

[0021] The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 107a of the media conveyance path, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 107b of the media conveyance path. In FIG. 2, arrow A1 indicates the media conveyance direction. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream in the media conveyance direction A1, and "downstream" refers to the downstream in the media conveyance direction A1.

[0022] The first sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113. The first sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether a media is placed on the mounting table 103. The first sensor 111 generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes between a state where a media is placed on the mounting table 103 and a state where no media is placed.

[0023] The feed roller 112 is provided on the lower housing 101 and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 in order from below. The brake roller 113 is provided on the upper housing 102 and is disposed opposite to the feed roller 112.

[0024] The second sensor 114 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 and upstream of the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116 in the medium transport direction A1. The second sensor 114 is an example of a medium sensor, detects whether a medium exists at its position, and detects the medium passing between the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 and the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116. The second sensor 114 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the medium transport path, and a reflecting member such as a mirror provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the transport path. The light emitter irradiates light toward the transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and reflected by the reflecting member, and generates and outputs a second medium signal, which is an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light. When a medium exists at the position of the second sensor 114, the light irradiated by the light emitter is blocked by the medium, so the signal value of the second medium signal changes between the state where a medium exists and the state where no medium exists at the position of the second sensor 114. Note that the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided at positions facing each other across the transport path, and the reflecting member may be omitted.

[0025] The first transport roller 115 is provided on the lower housing 101. The second transport roller 116 is provided on the upper housing 102 and is disposed opposite to the first transport roller 115. The first and second transport rollers 115 and 116 are an example of a pair of transport rollers, are disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 in the medium transport direction A1, and transport the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 downstream.

[0026] The first imaging device 117a includes a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of an equal magnification optical system type having an imaging element made of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. Further, the first imaging device 117a includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies an electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging device 117a generates and outputs an input image obtained by imaging the surface of the conveyed medium according to control from a processing circuit described later.

[0027] Similarly, the second imaging device 117b includes a line sensor using a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type having an imaging element made of CMOS linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. Further, the second imaging device 117b includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A / D converter that amplifies an electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog / digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging device 117b generates and outputs an input image obtained by imaging the back surface of the conveyed medium according to control from a processing circuit described later.

[0028] Note that the medium conveyance device 100 may arrange only one of the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b and read only one side of the medium. Further, instead of the line sensor using a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type including an imaging element made of CMOS, a line sensor using a CIS of an equal magnification optical system type including an imaging element made of CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used. Further, a line sensor of a reduced optical system type including an imaging element made of CMOS or CCD may be used. Hereinafter, the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b may be collectively referred to as the imaging device 117.

[0029] The third conveying roller 118 is provided on the lower housing 101. The fourth conveying roller 119 is provided on the upper housing 102 and is arranged to face the third conveying roller 118. The third and fourth conveying rollers 118 and 119 are an example of a pair of conveying rollers, and are arranged on the downstream side in the medium conveying direction A1 with respect to the first and second conveying rollers 115 and 116, and convey the medium conveyed by the first and second conveying rollers 115 and 116 to the downstream side.

[0030] The medium placed on the placement table 103 is conveyed between the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b in the medium conveying direction A1 by the feeding roller 112 rotating in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 2, that is, the medium feeding direction. The brake roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A3, that is, the direction opposite to the medium feeding direction, during the conveyance of the medium. Due to the functions of the feeding roller 112 and the brake 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, it operates so as to restrict the conveyance of the media other than the separated media (prevention of double feeding).

[0031] The medium is fed between the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 while being guided by the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b by the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 rotating in the directions of arrow A4 and arrow A5 respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 117 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by the third conveying roller 118 and the fourth conveying roller 119 rotating in the directions of arrow A6 and arrow A7 respectively.

[0032] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the drive mechanisms of the feeding roller 112, the brake roller 113, and the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drive mechanisms of the rollers seen from the upper side of the conveying path, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drive mechanisms of the rollers seen from the upstream side of the conveying path.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drive mechanisms of the brake roller 113 and the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, 119 include a first motor 151, first to fourth pulleys 121a - d, first to second belts 122a - b, first to tenth gears 123a - j, an electromagnetic clutch 124, first to seventh shafts 125a - g, and a torque limiter 126, etc. On the other hand, the drive mechanism of the feed roller 112 includes a second motor 152, fifth to sixth pulleys 121e - f, a third belt 122c, eleventh to fourteenth gears 123k - n, and eighth to ninth shafts 125h - i, etc.

[0034] The first motor 151 generates a driving force for rotating the brake roller 113 and the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, 119 according to a control signal from a processing circuit described later. The first to fourth pulleys 121a - d, the first to second belts 122a - b, the first to tenth gears 123a - j, the electromagnetic clutch 124, the first to seventh shafts 125a - g, and the torque limiter 126 are an example of a driving force transmission unit for transmitting the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113 and the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, 119.

[0035] The first pulley 121a is attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor 151, and the first belt 122a is stretched between the pulley portion with the larger outer diameter of the first pulley 121a and the second pulley 121b. The second belt 122b is stretched between the pulley portion with the smaller outer diameter of the second pulley 121b, the pulley portion of the third pulley 121c, and the pulley portion of the fourth pulley 121d.

[0036] The gear portion of the third pulley 121c is engaged with the first gear 123a. The first gear 123a is engaged with the second gear 123b, the second gear 123b is engaged with the third gear 123c, and the third gear 123c is engaged with the electromagnetic clutch 124. The electromagnetic clutch 124 is attached to the first shaft 125a, and a fourth gear 123d is further attached to the first shaft 125a. The fourth gear 123d is engaged with the fifth gear 123e, and the fifth gear 123e is engaged with the sixth gear 123f. The sixth gear 123f is attached to the second shaft 125b, and a seventh gear 123g is further attached to the second shaft 125b. The seventh gear 123g is engaged with the eighth gear 123h, and the eighth gear 123h is engaged with the ninth gear 123i. The ninth gear 123i is attached to the third shaft 125c, and a brake roller 113 is further attached to the third shaft 125c via a torque limiter 126.

[0037] Also, the third pulley 121c is attached to the fourth shaft 125d, and a first conveying roller 115 is further attached to the fourth shaft 125d. The first gear 123a is attached to the fifth shaft 125e, and a second conveying roller 116 is further attached to the fifth shaft 125e. The fourth pulley 121d is attached to the sixth shaft 125f, and a third conveying roller 118 is further attached to the sixth shaft 125f. The gear portion of the fourth pulley 121d is engaged with the tenth gear 123j. The tenth gear 123j is attached to the seventh shaft 125g, and a fourth conveying roller 119 is further attached to the seventh shaft 125g.

[0038] The second motor 152 generates a driving force for rotating the feed roller 112 according to a control signal from a processing circuit described later. The fifth to sixth pulleys 121e - f, the third belt 122c, the eleventh to fourteenth gears 123k - n, and the eighth to ninth shafts 125h - i are an example of a second driving force transmission unit for transmitting the driving force from the second motor 152 to the feed roller 112.

[0039] A fifth pulley 121e is attached to the rotating shaft of the second motor 152, and a third belt 122c is stretched between the fifth pulley 121e and the pulley portion of the sixth pulley 121f. The gear portion of the sixth pulley 121f is engaged with an eleventh gear 123k, and the eleventh gear 123k is engaged with a twelfth gear 123l. The twelfth gear 123l is attached to an eighth shaft 125h, and a thirteenth gear 123m is further attached to the eighth shaft 125h. The thirteenth gear 123m is engaged with a fourteenth gear 123n. The fourteenth gear 123n is attached to a ninth shaft 125i, and a feed roller 112 is further attached to the ninth shaft 125i.

[0040] Hereinafter, the operations of each roller and the drive mechanism of each roller will be described.

[0041] The first motor 151 generates a first driving force by forward rotation (rotation in the first direction) as a driving force, and generates a second driving force by reverse rotation (rotation in the second direction opposite to the first direction). The forward rotation is a rotation that rotates the first pulley 121a in the direction of arrow B1, and the reverse rotation is a rotation that rotates the first pulley 121a in the direction opposite to arrow B1.

[0042] When the first motor 151 generates the first driving force, the first pulley 121a rotates in the direction of arrow B1, and accordingly, the second to fourth pulleys 121b to d rotate in the direction of arrow B1, respectively. Also, the first to third gears 123a to c and the electromagnetic clutch 124 rotate in the directions of arrows B2 to B5, respectively, the fourth to sixth gears 123d to f rotate in the directions of arrows B5 to B7, respectively, and the seventh to ninth gears 123g to i rotate in the directions of arrows B7 to B9, respectively. Thereby, the brake roller 113 rotates in the direction A3 opposite to the medium feed direction by the first driving force from the first motor 151.

[0043] Note that the limit value of the torque limiter 126 is set such that when there is one sheet of the medium, the rotational force via the torque limiter is cut off, and when there are multiple sheets of the medium, the rotational force via the torque limiter 126 is transmitted. Therefore, when there is one sheet of the medium, the brake roller 113 rotates in the medium feeding direction following the feed roller 112. On the other hand, when there are multiple sheets of the medium, the brake roller 113 rotates in the opposite direction A3 to the medium feeding direction and separates the sheet in contact with the feed roller 112 from the other sheets.

[0044] Also, when the third pulley 121c rotates in the direction of arrow B1, the first conveying roller 115 rotates in the medium conveying direction A4. When the first gear 123a rotates in the direction of arrow B2, the second conveying roller 116 rotates in the medium conveying direction A5. When the fourth pulley 121d rotates in the direction of arrow B1, the third conveying roller 118 rotates in the medium conveying direction A6. When the fourth pulley 121d rotates in the direction of arrow B1, the tenth gear 123j rotates in the direction of arrow B10, and the fourth conveying roller 119 rotates in the medium conveying direction A7.

[0045] Conversely, when the first motor 151 generates the second driving force, the first pulley 121a rotates in the direction opposite to arrow B1, and accordingly, the second to fourth pulleys 121b to d rotate in the direction opposite to arrow B1, respectively. Also, the first to third gears 123a to c and the electromagnetic clutch 124 rotate in the directions opposite to arrows B2 to B5, respectively, the fourth to sixth gears 123d to f rotate in the directions opposite to arrows B5 to B7, respectively, and the seventh to ninth gears 123g to i rotate in the directions opposite to arrows B7 to B9, respectively. As a result, the brake roller 113 rotates in the medium feeding direction (the direction opposite to arrow A3).

[0046] Note that the electromagnetic clutch 124 is an example of a driving force interruption member and is set to either ON or OFF by a control signal from a processing circuit described later. When the electromagnetic clutch 124 is set to ON, it transmits the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic clutch 124 is set to OFF, it interrupts the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113. When the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113 is interrupted by the electromagnetic clutch 124, the fourth to ninth gears 123d - i and the brake roller 113 do not rotate by the driving force from the first motor 151.

[0047] Also, when the third pulley 121c rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow B1, the first conveying roller 115 rotates in the direction opposite to the medium conveying direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A4). When the first gear 123a rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow B2, the second conveying roller 116 rotates in the direction opposite to the medium conveying direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A5). When the fourth pulley 121d rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow B1, the third conveying roller 118 rotates in the direction opposite to the medium conveying direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A6). When the fourth pulley 121d rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow B1, the tenth gear 123j rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow B10, and the fourth conveying roller 119 rotates in the direction opposite to the medium conveying direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A7).

[0048] On the other hand, the second motor 152 generates a third driving force by normal rotation as the driving force. The normal rotation is a rotation that rotates the fifth pulley 121e in the direction of the arrow B11.

[0049] When the second motor 152 generates the third driving force, the fifth pulley 121e rotates in the direction of the arrow B11, and accordingly, the sixth pulley 121f and the eleventh gear 123k rotate in the directions of the arrows B11 and B12, respectively. Also, the twelfth to thirteenth gears 123l - m rotate in the direction of the arrow B13, and the fourteenth gear 123n rotates in the direction of the arrow B14. Thereby, the feeding roller 112 rotates in the medium feeding direction A2.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the media transport device 100.

[0051] In addition to the above-described configuration, the media transport device 100 further includes an interface device 153, a storage device 160, a processing circuit 170, and the like.

[0052] The interface device 153 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, for example, 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 input images and various types of information. Further, instead of the interface device 153, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0053] The storage device 160 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk and an optical disk. Further, various computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the media transport device 100 are stored in the storage device 160. The computer program may be installed in the storage device 160 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), etc.

[0054] The processing circuit 170 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 160. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 170, a DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used.

[0055] The processing circuit 170 is connected to the operating device 105, the display device 106, the first sensor 111, the second sensor 114, the imaging device 117, the first motor 151, the second motor 152, the interface device 153, the storage device 160, etc., and controls these respective units. The processing circuit 170 performs drive control of the first motor 151 and the second motor 152, imaging control of the imaging device 117, etc., controls the conveyance of the medium, generates an input image, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 153.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 160 and the processing circuit 170.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the storage device 160 stores a control program 161, an image acquisition program 162, etc. These programs are functional modules implemented by software operating on the processor. The processing circuit 170 reads each program stored in the storage device 160 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the processing circuit 170 functions as a control unit 171 and an image acquisition unit 172.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveyance device 100.

[0059] Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium transport device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The flowchart of the operation described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 170 in cooperation with each element of the medium transport device 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 160 in advance. The flowchart of the operation shown in FIG. 7 is executed periodically.

[0060] In addition, the medium transport device 100 has two operation modes: a separation mode in which a plurality of media are separated and fed when placed on the placement table 103, and a non-separation mode in which the media are fed without separation. Before the flowchart of the operation shown in FIG. 7 is executed, one of the operation modes is selected and set by the user using the operation device 105 or an information processing device (not shown).

[0061] First, the control unit 171 waits until an instruction to read a medium is input by the user using the operation device 105 and an operation signal instructing the reading of the medium is received from the operation device 105 (step S101).

[0062] Next, the control unit 171 acquires a first medium signal from the first sensor 111, and determines whether a medium is placed on the placement table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S102).

[0063] If no medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 171 returns the process to step S101 and waits until a new operation signal is received from the operation device 105.

[0064] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 171 determines whether the current operation mode set in the medium transport device 100 is the separation mode or the non-separation mode (step S103).

[0065] If the operation mode is the separation mode, the control unit 171 sets the electromagnetic clutch 124 to ON so as to transmit the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113 (step S104).

[0066] Next, the control unit 171 drives the first motor 151 and the second motor 152 (step S105), and transfers the process to step S111. The control unit 171 rotates the first motor 151 in the normal rotation direction to generate a first driving force in the first motor 151. Thereby, the control unit 171 rotates the brake roller 113 in the direction A3 opposite to the medium feeding direction, and rotates the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 119 in the medium conveying directions A5 to A7. Further, the control unit 171 rotates the second motor 152 in the normal rotation direction to generate a third driving force in the second motor 152. Thereby, the control unit 171 rotates the feeding roller 112 in the medium feeding direction A2. Thus, in the separation mode, the control unit 171 rotates the first motor 151 in the normal rotation direction, and controls so that the medium separated by the brake roller 113 is conveyed by the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119.

[0067] On the other hand, when the operation mode is the non-separation mode, the control unit 171 sets the electromagnetic clutch 124 to ON so as to transmit the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113 (step S106).

[0068] Next, the control unit 171 drives the first motor 151 and the second motor 152 (step S107). The control unit 171 rotates the first motor 151 in the reverse rotation direction to generate a second driving force in the first motor 151. Thereby, the control unit 171 rotates the brake roller 113 in the medium feeding direction, and rotates the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 119 in the direction opposite to the medium conveying direction. Further, the control unit 171 rotates the second motor 152 in the normal rotation direction to generate a third driving force in the second motor 152, and rotates the feeding roller 112 in the medium feeding direction A2.

[0069] Next, the control unit 171 determines whether the leading end of the medium has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 (step S108). The control unit 171 determines whether the leading end of the medium has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 based on the detection result of the second sensor 114. The control unit 171 periodically acquires a second medium signal from the second sensor 114, and determines whether the medium exists at the position of the second sensor 114 based on the acquired second medium signal. When the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the absence of the medium to a value indicating the presence of the medium, the control unit 171 determines that the leading end of the medium has passed the position of the second sensor 114 and has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113. The control unit 171 waits until it determines that the leading end of the medium has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113.

[0070] Note that the control unit 171 may determine whether the leading end of the medium has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 without using the second sensor 114. For example, the control unit 171 may determine that the leading end of the medium has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium (driving of the first motor 151 and the second motor 152). The predetermined time is set, by prior experiments, to the time required for the leading end of the medium to pass the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 since the start of feeding the medium. Also, the control unit 171 may determine that the leading end of the medium has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 when the first motor 151 and the second motor 152 are rotated by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is set, by prior experiments, to the amount of rotation required for the leading end of the medium to pass the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 since the start of feeding the medium.

[0071] On the other hand, when the control unit 171 determines that the leading end of the medium has passed the positions of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113, it sets the electromagnetic clutch 124 to OFF so as to cut off the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113 (step S109).

[0072] Next, the control unit 171 rotates the first motor 151 forward and switches the driving force generated in the first motor 151 from the second driving force to the first driving force (step S110). As a result, the control unit 171 cuts off the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113 and rotates the first to fourth transport rollers 115, 116, and 119 in the medium transport direction. Further, the control unit 171 rotates the second motor 152 forward, generates a third driving force in the second motor 152, and rotates the feed roller 112 in the medium feed direction A2.

[0073] In this way, in the non-separation mode, the control unit 171 rotates the first motor 151 reversely to cause the brake roller 113 to perform a feeding operation and rotates the first to fourth transport rollers 115, 116, and 119 reversely until the leading end of the medium passes the position of the brake roller 113. Further, after the leading end of the medium has passed the position of the brake roller 113, the control unit 171 rotates the first motor 151 forward and controls the first to fourth transport rollers 115, 116, and 119 to transport the medium.

[0074] Also, in the non-separation mode, when the first motor 151 is rotated forward to transport the medium by the first to fourth transport rollers 115, 116, and 119, the electromagnetic clutch 124 cuts off the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113.

[0075] Next, the image acquisition unit 172 causes the imaging device 117 to start imaging the medium and acquires an input image from the imaging device 117 (step S111).

[0076] Next, the image acquisition unit 172 transmits the input image to the information processing device via the interface device 153 (step S112). If not connected to the information processing device, the image acquisition unit 172 stores the input image in the storage device 160.

[0077] Next, the control unit 171 determines whether there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103 based on the medium detection signal acquired from the first sensor 111 (step S113). If there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 171 returns the process to step S111 and repeats the processes of steps S111 to S113.

[0078] On the other hand, if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 171 stops the first motor 151 and the second motor 152 (step S114) and ends a series of steps.

[0079] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operations of the feed roller 112, the brake roller 113, the first conveyance roller 115, and the second conveyance roller 116.

[0080] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operations of the rollers in the separation mode. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram for explaining the operations of the rollers when starting to feed the medium, and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram for explaining the operations of the rollers after the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the brake roller 113. Usually, the separation mode is set when a plurality of sheets are collectively placed on the mounting table 103 and conveyed. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a plurality of sheets P1 to P4 are collectively placed on the mounting table 103.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the separation mode, the feed roller 112 always rotates in the medium feed direction A2, and the brake roller 113 rotates in the direction opposite to the medium feed direction A3. As a result, only the medium P1 in contact with the feed roller 112 among the plurality of media P1 to P4 placed on the mounting table 103 is separated and fed. Also, the first conveyance roller 115 and the second conveyance roller 116 rotate in the medium conveyance directions A4 and A5, respectively. As a result, the first conveyance roller 115 and the second conveyance roller 116 convey the medium P1 separated and fed by the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 to the downstream side.

[0082] In this way, in the separation mode, the brake roller 113 rotates in the direction A3 opposite to the media feeding direction not only when starting to feed the media but also after the leading end of the media has passed the position of the brake roller 113. Thereby, the brake roller 113 can suppress accidentally feeding the next media after the leading end of the media has passed the position of the brake roller 113.

[0083] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operations of the respective rollers in the non-separation mode. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram for explaining the operations of the respective rollers when starting to feed the media, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram for explaining the operations of the respective rollers after the leading end of the media has passed the position of the brake roller 113. Usually, the non-separation mode is set when a single thick media such as a plastic card or a passport is placed on the placement table 103 and conveyed. In the example shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a passport M is placed on the placement table 103.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9A, in the non-separation mode, until the leading end of the media has passed the position of the brake roller 113, the feed roller 112 rotates in the media feeding direction A2, and the brake roller 113 rotates in the media feeding direction. Since the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113 feed the media while sandwiching it, they can generate sufficient feeding force to feed a thick media such as the passport M well. At this time, the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116 rotate in the directions opposite to the media transport directions A4 and A5, respectively, but since the passport M has not reached the positions of the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116, it is fed without problems.

[0085] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, after the tip of the medium has passed the position of the brake roller 113, the feed roller 112 rotates in the medium feed direction A2, and the driving force from the first motor 151 is not transmitted to the brake roller 113 and is blocked. As a result, the passport M is fed by the feed roller 112, and the brake roller 113 is rotated (driven) by the fed passport M. Also, the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 rotate in the medium conveying directions A4 and A5, respectively. Thereby, the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 convey the passport M fed by the feed roller 112 to the downstream side.

[0086] As described in detail above, the medium conveying device 100 drives the brake roller 113 and the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119 with a single first motor 151. In the separation mode in which the medium conveying device 100 conveys while separating a plurality of media, the medium is separated by the brake roller 113 while the medium is conveyed to the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119. On the other hand, in the non-separation mode in which the medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium such as a passport, the medium is fed to the brake roller 113 and the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119 are rotated reversely until the medium passes through the separation unit. Then, after the medium has passed through the separation unit, the medium conveying device 100 rotates the motor reversely to convey the medium to the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119. Thereby, the medium conveying device 100 can appropriately control the rotation of the brake roller 113 and the first to fourth conveying rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119 with a single first motor 151 in each of the separation mode and the non-separation mode.

[0087] Also, the medium conveying device 100 can reduce the weight and cost of the device by controlling the rotation of a plurality of rollers with a single first motor 151. Further, the medium conveying device 100 can appropriately feed and convey not only paper but also a thick document such as a plastic card or a passport as the medium.

[0088] Further, in the medium conveyance device 100, a first motor 151 that controls the rotation of the first to fourth conveyance rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119 and a second motor 152 that controls the rotation of the feed roller 112 are provided separately. Thus, when the medium conveyance device 100 conveys a plurality of media, the rotation speeds of the feed roller 112 and the first to fourth conveyance rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119 can be controlled so that each medium is conveyed at high speed while appropriately maintaining the distance from the front and rear media.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanisms of the feed roller 112, the brake roller 113, and the first to fourth conveyance rollers 115, 116, 118, and 119 in a medium conveyance device according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the drive mechanisms of the rollers as viewed from the upper side of the conveyance path.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 10, the medium conveyance device according to this embodiment has a first mechanical clutch 224a and a second mechanical clutch 224b instead of the electromagnetic clutch 124. The first mechanical clutch 224a and the second mechanical clutch 224b are examples of driving force interruption members.

[0091] The first mechanical clutch 224a is a one-way clutch provided to transmit rotational drive in the direction of arrow B5 to the first shaft 125a. When the first mechanical clutch 224a rotates by a first amount or more in the direction opposite to arrow B5 and then rotates by a first amount or more in the direction of arrow B5, it idles with respect to the first shaft 125a and interrupts the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113. On the other hand, when the first mechanical clutch 224a rotates by a second amount smaller than the first amount in the direction opposite to arrow B5 and then rotates by a first amount or more in the direction of arrow B5, it rotates together with the first shaft 125a and transmits the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113.

[0092] The second mechanical clutch 224b is a one-way clutch provided to transmit rotational drive in the direction opposite to the arrow B5 to the first shaft 125a. When the second mechanical clutch 224b rotates by a first amount or more in the direction of the arrow B5 and then rotates by a first amount or more in the direction opposite to the arrow B5, it idles with respect to the first shaft 125a and blocks the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113. On the other hand, when the second mechanical clutch 224b rotates by a second amount smaller than the first amount in the direction of the arrow B5 and then rotates by a first amount or more in the direction opposite to the arrow B5, it rotates together with the first shaft 125a and transmits the driving force from the first motor 151 to the brake roller 113.

[0093] When the operation mode is the separation mode, in step S104 of FIG. 7, the control unit 171 transmits the driving force from the first motor 151 to the first mechanical clutch 224a while blocking the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the second mechanical clutch 224b. Thereby, the control unit 171 rotates the brake roller 113 in the direction A3 opposite to the medium feeding direction.

[0094] On the other hand, when the operation mode is the non-separation mode, in step S106 of FIG. 7, the control unit 171 transmits the driving force from the first motor 151 to the second mechanical clutch 224b while blocking the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the first mechanical clutch 224a. Thereby, the control unit 171 rotates the brake roller 113 in the medium feeding direction (the direction opposite to the arrow A3). Further, in step S109 of FIG. 7, the control unit 171 blocks the transmission of the driving force from the first motor 151 to the first mechanical clutch 224a and the second mechanical clutch 224b. Thereby, the control unit 171 makes the brake roller 113 follow the medium being conveyed.

[0095] As described in detail above, even when the mechanical clutch is used as the driving force blocking member, the medium conveying device can appropriately control the rotation of the brake roller 113 and each conveying roller with a single first motor 151 in each of the separation mode and the non-separation mode.

[0096] Note that, as the driving force interruption member, other members such as a solenoid may be used instead of the electromagnetic clutch 124 or the first mechanical clutch 224a and the second mechanical clutch 224b.

[0097] Also, the driving force interruption member may be omitted, and a single gear may be used instead of the electromagnetic clutch 124. In that case, the processes of steps S104, S106, and S109 in FIG. 7 are omitted, and the driving force from the first motor 151 is always transmitted to the brake roller 113.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operations of the feed roller 112, the brake roller 113, the first conveying roller 115, and the second conveying roller 116 when the driving force interruption member is omitted. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operations of the respective rollers after the leading end of the medium has passed the position of the brake roller 113 in the non-separation mode.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 11, when the driving force interruption member is omitted, even after the leading end of the medium has passed the position of the brake roller 113, the driving force from the first motor 151 is transmitted to the brake roller 113, and the brake roller 113 rotates in the direction A3 opposite to the medium feeding direction. However, when the medium to be fed is a plastic card or the like, the force applied to the brake roller 113 by the medium to be fed exceeds the limit value of the torque limiter 126. In this case, the rotational force via the torque limiter 126 is cut off, and the brake roller 113 is rotated (driven) by the medium to be fed.

[0100] As described in detail above, the medium conveying device can appropriately control the rotations of the brake roller 113 and each conveying roller with a single first motor 151 in both the separation mode and the non-separation mode even when the driving force interruption member is omitted.

[0101] In particular, when the media transport device transports plastic cards, it can generate sufficient feeding force to perform good feeding. Further, when the media transport device transports a plurality of sheets, even after the leading edge of the sheet has passed through the separation unit, the brake roller 113 continues to rotate in the opposite direction A3 to the media feeding direction. Therefore, even when a plurality of sheets have passed through the separation unit, the media transport device can continue to separate the media and suppress the occurrence of double feeding.

[0102] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 270 in a media transport device according to another embodiment. The processing circuit 270 is used in place of the processing circuit 170 of the media transport device 100 and executes media reading processing in place of the processing circuit 170. The processing circuit 270 includes a control circuit 271, an image acquisition circuit 272, and the like. Note that each of these units may be configured by an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0103] The control circuit 271 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 171. The control circuit 271 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105, a first media signal from the first sensor 111, and a second media signal from the second sensor 114. The control circuit 271 rotates the first motor 151 and the second motor 152 according to the received signals to control the transport of the media by each roller.

[0104] The image acquisition circuit 272 is an example of an image acquisition unit and has the same functions as the image acquisition unit 172. The image acquisition circuit 272 receives an input image from the imaging device 117 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 153 or stores it in the storage device 160.

[0105] As described in detail above, even when the media transport device uses the processing circuit 270, it is possible to appropriately control the rotation of the brake roller 113 and each transport roller with a single first motor 151 in each of the separation mode and the non-separation mode.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0106] 100 Media conveyance device, 112 Feeding roller, 113 Brake roller, 114 Second sensor, 115 First conveyance roller, 116 Second conveyance roller, 118 Third conveyance roller, 119 Fourth conveyance roller, 121a - d First to fourth pulleys, 122a - b First to second belts, 123a - j First to tenth gears, 124 Electromagnetic clutch, 125a - g First to seventh shafts, 126 Torque limiter, 151 First motor, 152 Second motor, 171 Control unit

Claims

1. A feeding roller, A separating roller disposed opposite to the feeding roller, A first motor that generates a first driving force by rotating in a first direction and generates a second driving force by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction, A driving force transmission unit for transmitting the first driving force and the second driving force from the first motor to the separating roller, In a separation mode, at the start of media feeding, the first motor is caused to generate the first driving force to cause the separating roller to perform a separating operation, and in a non-separation mode, at the start of media feeding, the first motor is caused to generate the second driving force to cause the separating roller to perform a feeding operation, and a control unit, In the non-separation mode, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of media feeding, the control unit cuts off the transmission of the second driving force from the first motor to the separating roller, A media conveyance device characterized by the above.

2. Further comprising a conveyance roller disposed downstream of the separating roller in the media conveyance direction, The driving force transmission unit further transmits the first driving force and the second driving force from the first motor to the conveyance roller, The control unit conveys the media to the conveyance roller in the separation mode and the non-separation mode. The media conveyance device according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a second motor that generates a third driving force for rotating the feeding roller. The media conveyance device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A control method for a media conveyance device having a feeding roller, a separating roller disposed opposite to the feeding roller, a first motor that generates a first driving force by rotating in a first direction and generates a second driving force by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a driving force transmission unit for transmitting the first driving force and the second driving force from the first motor to the separating roller, In a separation mode, at the start of media feeding, the first motor is caused to generate the first driving force to cause the separating roller to perform a separating operation, In a non-separation mode, at the start of media feeding, the first motor is caused to generate the second driving force to cause the separating roller to perform a feeding operation, In the non-separation mode, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of media feeding, the transmission of the second driving force from the first motor to the separating roller is cut off, A control method characterized by the above.

5. A control program for a medium conveyance device, comprising: a feed roller; a separation roller disposed opposite to the feed roller; a first motor that generates a first driving force by rotating in a first direction and generates a second driving force by rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a driving force transmission unit for transmitting the first driving force and the second driving force from the first motor to the separation roller. In the separation mode, at the start of feeding the medium, the first motor is caused to generate the first driving force to cause the separation roller to perform a separation operation. In the non-separation mode, at the start of feeding the medium, the first motor is caused to generate the second driving force to cause the separation roller to perform a feeding operation. In the non-separation mode, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium, the transmission of the second driving force from the first motor to the separation roller is blocked. A control program characterized by causing the medium conveyance device to execute the above.

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