Medium conveying device, control method, and control program

Abstract

Provided are a medium carrying device, a control method and a control program for allowing the pages of a book-formed medium to be more favorably turned. This medium carrying device comprises: a housing that has a first roller and a second roller arranged above the first roller; a unit that has a third roller and that is so provided as to be rockable relative to the housing; a first driving mechanism that can drive the first roller and the second roller independently; a second driving mechanism that can drive the third roller; and a third driving mechanism that can rock the unit relative to the housing. While a book-formed medium is being sandwiched between the first roller and the second roller, the first driving mechanism is controlled to drive at least the second roller, thereby bending only the page of the front surface of the book-formed medium toward the third roller side; the third driving mechanism is then controlled to shift the unit to a rocking position having a given angle relative to the housing; and when the unit has been shifted to the rocking position, the second driving mechanism is controlled to rotate the third roller, thereby performing an operation of turning the page of the front surface of the book-formed medium.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media transport device, and more particularly to a media transport device that transports booklets. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a function has been developed for a medium transport device, such as a scanner, that captures an image of a medium while transporting the medium, to automatically turn over pages while transporting a booklet-like medium such as a passport or bankbook.

[0003] An image reading device has been disclosed that has a page-turning mechanism that turns the topmost medium in a stack of media using a driven roller that is driven to rotate in a reverse direction, transporting the medium in the opposite direction to the reading direction by the reading unit (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] A booklet transport device has been disclosed that has a transport path that can transport booklets made up of multiple sheets bound together in an open state, and a page turning device that is provided midway along the transport path and can turn pages of the booklets centered around the bound part of the booklet (see Patent Document 2). The page turning device is composed of a turn roller that has the function of pressing the surface of the sheet to be turned and shifting it from the other sheets, and a pressing part that presses the surface of the sheet to be turned so that it becomes convex.

[0005] An automatic cover-turning mechanism is disclosed that is located near the boundary between the media running path and the curved path and has a turning roller that turns the pages of the media, and a pressure that presses the media against the turning roller when the turning roller turns the pages of the media (see Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-68125 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 02-002717 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 08-011469 Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is desirable for a media transport device to be able to turn pages of booklet-like media more easily.

[0008] The object of the medium transport device, control method, and control program is to enable better turning of pages of booklet-like media.

[0009] A media transport device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a housing having a first roller and a second roller positioned above the first roller opposite the first roller, a unit having a third roller and configured to be swingable relative to the housing, a first drive mechanism capable of independently driving the first and second rollers, a second drive mechanism capable of driving the third roller, a third drive mechanism capable of swinging the unit relative to the housing, and a control unit capable of controlling the first drive mechanism, the second drive mechanism, and the third drive mechanism, wherein the control unit controls the first drive mechanism to drive at least the second roller when a booklet-shaped medium is clamped between the first and second rollers, thereby bending only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward the third roller, and controls the third drive mechanism to move the unit to a swing position having a predetermined angle relative to the housing, and when the unit has been moved to the swing position, controls the second drive mechanism to rotate the third roller, thereby turning over the front page of the booklet-shaped medium.

[0010] A control method according to one aspect of an embodiment is a control method for a medium conveying device having a housing having a first roller and a second roller positioned above the first roller opposite the first roller, a unit having a third roller and configured to be swingable relative to the housing, a first drive mechanism capable of driving the first roller and the second roller independently, a second drive mechanism capable of driving the third roller, and a third drive mechanism capable of swinging the unit relative to the housing, wherein, when a booklet-shaped medium is clamped between the first roller and the second roller, the first drive mechanism is controlled to drive at least the second roller to bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward the third roller, and the third drive mechanism is controlled to move the unit to a swing position having a predetermined angle relative to the housing, and when the unit has been moved to the swing position, the second drive mechanism is controlled to rotate the third roller to turn the front page of the booklet-shaped medium.

[0011] A control program according to one aspect of the embodiment is a control program for a medium conveying device having a housing having a first roller and a second roller positioned above the first roller opposite the first roller, a unit having a third roller and configured to be swingable relative to the housing, a first drive mechanism capable of driving the first roller and the second roller independently, a second drive mechanism capable of driving the third roller, and a third drive mechanism capable of swinging the unit relative to the housing, and causes the medium conveying device to perform the following operations: when a booklet-shaped medium is clamped between the first roller and the second roller, control the first drive mechanism to drive at least the second roller to bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward the third roller, control the third drive mechanism to move the unit to a swing position having a predetermined angle relative to the housing, and when the unit has been moved to the swing position, control the second drive mechanism to rotate the third roller to turn the front page of the booklet-shaped medium.

[0012] According to the present embodiment, the medium transport device, the control method, and the control program enable pages of a booklet-shaped medium to be turned over more smoothly.

[0013] The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements 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 restrictive of the invention as claimed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first mechanism 130 and the like. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth mechanism 160. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 180 and a processing circuit 190. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 9] 1A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the booklet M is inserted into the nip portion, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the booklet M is placed at the first position. [Figure 10] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the booklet M is placed at the second position, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second conveying roller 123 is rotated. [Figure 11] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turning unit 110 has been moved to a swinging position, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turning roller 112 has been rotated. [Figure 12] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turning roller 112 is rotated, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turning unit 110 is moved to the initial position. [Figure 13] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second conveying roller 123 is rotated, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the booklet M is being conveyed. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the medium reading process. [Figure 15] 10A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turning unit 110 has been moved to the swing position, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the second conveying roller 123 has been rotated. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining other first mechanisms 230 and the like. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the swinging of the turning unit 110. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 390 in another medium conveying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A medium conveying device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner.

[0017] The medium conveying device 100 conveys, captures an image of, and discharges a medium that is an original. The medium may be paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, or the like. Booklets include passports and bankbooks. The medium conveying device 100 may also be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium being conveyed may not be an original but may be a print target or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may also be a printer or the like.

[0018] In Figure 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium insertion direction, and arrow A2 indicates the medium ejection direction. Arrow A3 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium insertion direction and the medium ejection direction. In the following, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium insertion direction A1, and "downstream" refers to the downstream side of the medium insertion direction A1. The medium insertion direction and the medium ejection direction are examples of the medium transport direction.

[0019] The medium conveying device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, an operation device 103, a display device 104, and the like.

[0020] The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are examples of housings. The second housing 102 is disposed above the first housing 101 and is rotatably engaged with the first housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium is jammed or when cleaning the inside of the medium transport device 100. A medium insertion slot 105 is formed between the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0021] The operation device 103 has input devices such as buttons and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input devices, accepts input operations by a user, and outputs operation signals in response to the user's input operations. The display device 104 has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and an interface circuit for turning the LED on or off, and turns the LED on or off depending on the state of the device.

[0022] 2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG.

[0023] The transport path inside the media transport device 100 includes a turner unit 110, a first media sensor 121, a first transport roller 122, a second transport roller 123, an imaging device 124, a second media sensor 125, a third transport roller 126, and a fourth transport roller 127.

[0024] The number of each of the first conveying roller 122, the second conveying roller 123, the third conveying roller 126, and / or the fourth conveying roller 127 is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple first conveying rollers 122, the second conveying rollers 123, the third conveying rollers 126, and / or the fourth conveying rollers 127 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A3.

[0025] The surface of first housing 101 facing second housing 102 forms first guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the surface of second housing 102 facing first housing 101 forms second guide 102a of the medium transport path. First guide 101a guides the bottom surface of the medium, and second guide 102a guides the top surface of the medium. First guide 101a and second guide 102a form a medium insertion slot 105 and an evacuation slot 106. Insertion slot 105 is an opening for inserting the medium to be read into medium transport device 100, and evacuation slot 106 is an opening for temporarily evacuating the medium to be read to the outside of medium transport device 100.

[0026] The turning unit 110 is an example of a unit. The turning unit 110 is disposed at the upstream end of the second housing 102, and guides a medium set in the insertion slot 105 to a nip portion between a first conveyance roller 122 and a second conveyance roller 123. The turning unit 110 has a guide member 111 and a turning roller 112. The guide member 111 is disposed upstream of the first guide 101a, and guides the underside of the medium together with the first guide 101a. The turning roller 112 is an example of a third roller. The turning roller 112 is disposed above the guide member 111, facing the guide member 111 and spaced apart from the guide member 111. The turning roller 112 is rotatable in a direction in which the medium is discharged from the insertion slot 105 (the direction of arrow A11).

[0027] The turning unit 110 is provided to be swingable (rotatable) relative to the second housing 102. The turning unit 110 is provided to be swingable upward (in the direction of arrow A12) around a shaft 110a, which is a swing axis, and moves between an initial position shown in FIG. 2 and a swing position shown in FIG. 3. The initial position is a position where the guide member 111 of the turning unit 110 forms a first angle with respect to the first guide 101a of the first housing 101. The first angle is set to a sufficiently small angle (for example, 10° or less). The swing position is a position where the guide member 111 of the turning unit 110 forms a second angle with respect to the first guide 101a of the first housing 101. The second angle is an example of a predetermined angle and is set to an angle larger than the first angle (for example, an angle larger than 10° and smaller than 90°).

[0028] When the turning unit 110 is placed in the initial position, the guide member 111 is placed substantially parallel to the first guide 101a and the downstream end of the guide member 111 is in contact with the upstream end of the first guide 101a. On the other hand, when the turning unit 110 is placed in the swing position, the guide member 111 is placed inclined with respect to the first guide 101a and spaced apart from the first guide 101a.

[0029] The first media sensor 121 is disposed upstream of the first transport roller 122 and the second transport roller 123 and detects the setting state of the medium at the nip between the first transport roller 122 and the second transport roller 123. The first media sensor 121 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the media transport path, and a light guide tube provided opposite the light emitter and the light receiver across the media transport path. The light emitter is an LED or the like and emits light toward the media transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like and receives light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. When a medium is present in a position opposite the first media sensor 121, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and therefore the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. The first media sensor 121 generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is inserted or not inserted in the nip portion between the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123 based on the intensity of light received by the photoreceiver.

[0030] A reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. The light emitter and the light receiver may be disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path. The first medium sensor 121 may detect the presence of a medium using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

[0031] The first transport roller 122 is an example of a first roller, and the second transport roller 123 is an example of a second roller. The first transport roller 122 and the second transport roller 123 are arranged downstream of the turning unit 110. The first transport roller 122 is arranged in the first housing 101. The second transport roller 123 is arranged above the first transport roller 122, facing the first transport roller 122, in the second housing 102. The first transport roller 122 and the second transport roller 123 transport the medium inserted from the insertion slot 105 downstream, and transport the medium returned by the third transport roller 126 and the fourth transport roller 127 upstream.

[0032] The imaging device 124 is an example of an imaging section. The imaging device 124 is disposed downstream of the first conveyor roller 122 and the second conveyor roller 123 and upstream of the third conveyor roller 126 and the fourth conveyor roller 127. The imaging device 124 captures an image of the medium conveyed by the first conveyor roller 122, the second conveyor roller 123, the third conveyor roller 126, and / or the fourth conveyor roller 127. The imaging device 124 includes a first imaging device 124a and a second imaging device 124b disposed opposite each other across the medium conveyance path.

[0033] The first imaging device 124a has an imaging sensor (line sensor) based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having imaging elements based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 124a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 124a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0034] Similarly, the second imaging device 124b has a CIS imaging sensor (line sensor) of a 1x1 optical system type with CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 124b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and A / D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 124b captures an image of the back side of the medium being conveyed, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0035] The second imaging device 124b may be omitted. Instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Alternatively, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0036] The second media sensor 125 is located downstream of the imaging device 124 and upstream of the third transport roller 126 and the fourth transport roller 127, and detects media transported to that position. The second media sensor 125 includes a light emitter and a light receiver located on one side of the media transport path, and a light guide located opposite the light emitter and light receiver across the media transport path. The light emitter is an LED or the like and emits light toward the media transport path. The light receiver is a photodiode or the like and receives light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide. When a medium is present in a position opposite the second media sensor 125, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. The second media sensor 125 generates and outputs a second media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the second media sensor 125, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver.

[0037] A reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. The light emitter and the light receiver may be disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path. The second medium sensor 125 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

[0038] The third conveyance roller 126 and the fourth conveyance roller 127 are arranged downstream of the imaging device 124. The third conveyance roller 126 is arranged in the first housing 101. The fourth conveyance roller 127 is arranged above the third conveyance roller 126, facing the third conveyance roller 126, in the second housing 102. The third conveyance roller 126 and the fourth conveyance roller 127 convey the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 122 and the second conveyance roller 123 toward the downstream side (the evacuation opening 106), and also convey the medium so as to return (switch back) toward the upstream side.

[0039] A medium inserted into medium conveying device 100 through insertion port 105 moves in medium insertion direction A1 as first conveying roller 122 and second conveying roller 123 rotate in the directions of arrows A13 and A14, respectively. The medium retreats to the outside of medium conveying device 100 through retreat port 106 as third conveying roller 126 and fourth conveying roller 127 rotate in the directions of arrows A15 and A16, respectively.

[0040] Thereafter, when the upstream end of the medium passes the imaging positions L1 and L2 of the imaging device 124, the third conveyance roller 126 and the fourth conveyance roller 127 rotate in the opposite directions of arrows A15 and A16, respectively, causing the medium to switch back toward the medium discharge direction A2. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 124a and the second imaging device 124b and read by the imaging device 124. The medium read by the imaging device 124 is discharged from the insertion port 105 to the outside of the medium conveyance device 100 by the first conveyance roller 122 and the second conveyance roller 123 rotating in the opposite directions of arrows A13 and A14, respectively.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first mechanism 130, the second mechanism 140, and the third mechanism 150. As shown in FIG.

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the medium conveying device 100 has two each of the first conveying rollers 122, the third conveying rollers 126, and the fourth conveying rollers 127.

[0043] The first mechanism 130 is an example of a second drive mechanism capable of driving the turning roller 112. The first mechanism 130 has a first motor 131, a first gear 132, a second gear 133, a third gear 134, a fourth gear 135, a fifth gear 136, and the like.

[0044] First motor 131 is provided in second housing 102, and generates a first driving force for rotating turn roller 112 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. First gear 132 is attached to the rotation shaft of first motor 131 and meshes with second gear 133. A third gear 134 is attached to shaft 133a, which is the rotation shaft of second gear 133, so as to rotate together with second gear 133. Third gear 134 meshes with fourth gear 135. Fourth gear 135 meshes with fifth gear 136. Fifth gear 136 is attached to one end of shaft 112a, which is the rotation shaft of turn roller 112.

[0045] When the first motor 131 rotates forward, the rotation shaft of the first motor 131 and the first gear 132 rotate in the direction of arrow A21, and the second gear 133 rotates in the direction of arrow A22. As the second gear 133 rotates, the third gear 134 rotates in the direction of arrow A22, and the fourth gear 135 rotates in the direction of arrow A23. As a result, the fifth gear 136 and the turn roller 112 rotate in the direction of arrow A11 (the direction in which the medium is ejected).

[0046] The second mechanism 140 is an example of a third drive mechanism that can drive the turning unit 110 relative to the second housing 102. The second mechanism 140 has a second motor 141, a sixth gear 142, a seventh gear 143, and the like.

[0047] Second motor 141 is provided in second housing 102, and generates a second driving force for swinging (rotating) turning unit 110 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. Sixth gear 142 is attached to the rotation shaft of second motor 141, and is meshed with seventh gear 143. Seventh gear 143 is attached to one end of shaft 110a, which is the swing shaft of turning unit 110.

[0048] When the second motor 141 rotates forward, the rotation shaft of the second motor 141 and the sixth gear 142 rotate in the direction of arrow A24, causing the seventh gear 143 and the turning unit 110 to rotate (swing) in the direction of arrow A12 (upward).

[0049] On the other hand, when the second motor 141 rotates in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft of the second motor 141 and the sixth gear 142 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A24, causing the seventh gear 143 and the turning unit 110 to rotate (swing) in the opposite direction (downward) of the arrow A12.

[0050] The third mechanism 150 is an example of a first drive mechanism capable of driving the first conveyor roller 122. The third mechanism 150 includes a third motor 151, an eighth gear 152, a ninth gear 153, a pulley 154, a belt 155, a tenth gear 156, and the like.

[0051] The third motor 151 is provided in the first housing 101, and generates a third driving force for rotating the first conveyor roller 122, the third conveyor roller 126, and the fourth conveyor roller 127 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. The eighth gear 152 is attached to the rotation shaft of the third motor 151 and is meshed with a larger gear portion of a ninth gear 153. The ninth gear 153 is attached to one end of the shaft 126a, which is the rotation shaft of the third conveyor roller 126. A belt 155 is suspended between the pulley portion of the ninth gear 153 and a pulley 154. The pulley 154 is attached to one end of the shaft 122a, which is the rotation shaft of the first conveyor roller 122. The smaller gear portion of the ninth gear 153 is meshed with a tenth gear 156. A shaft 156a, which is the rotation shaft of the tenth gear 156, is connected to a shaft 127a, which is the rotation shaft of the fourth conveyor roller 127, via a universal joint 127b.

[0052] An elastic member 127c is provided on the shaft 127a of the fourth conveyor roller 127 to apply a biasing force to press the fourth conveyor roller 127 downward (towards the third conveyor roller 126). The elastic member 127c is, for example, a spring member such as a torsion coil spring. The elastic member 127c may also be another spring member such as a compression coil spring or a rubber member. By providing the universal joint 127b and the elastic member 127c, when a medium is conveyed, the fourth conveyor roller 127 moves upward in accordance with the thickness of the medium.

[0053] When the third motor 151 rotates forward, the rotation shaft of the third motor 151 and the eighth gear 152 rotate in the direction of arrow A25. As a result, the ninth gear 153 and the third conveyance roller 126 rotate in the direction of arrow A15 (the direction that moves the medium downstream). In addition, as the ninth gear 153 rotates, the pulley 154 and the first conveyance roller 122 rotate in the direction of arrow A13 (the direction that moves the medium downstream). In addition, as the ninth gear 153 rotates, the tenth gear 156 and the fourth conveyance roller 127 rotate in the direction of arrow A16 (the direction that moves the medium downstream).

[0054] On the other hand, when the third motor 151 rotates in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft of the third motor 151 and the eighth gear 152 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A25. As a result, the ninth gear 153 and the third conveyance roller 126 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A15 (the direction that moves the medium upstream). Furthermore, as the ninth gear 153 rotates, the pulley 154 and the first conveyance roller 122 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A13 (the direction that moves the medium upstream). Furthermore, as the ninth gear 153 rotates, the tenth gear 156 and the fourth conveyance roller 127 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A16 (the direction that moves the medium upstream).

[0055] In addition, one of the third conveying roller 123 and the fourth conveying roller 127 may be configured to rotate in accordance with the other of the third conveying roller 123 and the fourth conveying roller 127, rather than being rotated by the driving force from the third motor 151.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the fourth mechanism 160. As shown in FIG.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the medium conveying device 100 has two second conveying rollers 123.

[0058] The fourth mechanism 160 is an example of a first drive mechanism capable of driving the second conveyor roller 123. The fourth mechanism 160 includes a fourth motor 161, an eleventh gear 162, a twelfth gear 163, a thirteenth gear 164, and the like.

[0059] The fourth motor 161 is provided in the second housing 102, and generates a fourth driving force for rotating the second conveyor roller 123 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. The eleventh gear 162 is attached to the rotation shaft of the fourth motor 161, and is meshed with the twelfth gear 163. The twelfth gear 163 is meshed with the thirteenth gear 164. The shaft 164a, which is the rotation shaft of the thirteenth gear 164, is connected to the shaft 123a, which is the rotation shaft of the second conveyor roller 123, via the universal joint 123b.

[0060] An elastic member 123c is provided on the shaft 123a of the second conveyor roller 123 to apply a biasing force to press the second conveyor roller 123 downward (towards the first conveyor roller 122). The elastic member 123c is, for example, a spring member such as a torsion coil spring. The elastic member 123c may also be another spring member such as a compression coil spring or a rubber member. By providing the universal joint 123b and the elastic member 123c, when a medium is conveyed, the second conveyor roller 123 moves upward in accordance with the thickness of the medium.

[0061] When the fourth motor 161 rotates forward, the rotation shaft of the fourth motor 161 and the eleventh gear 162 rotate in the direction of arrow A26. As the eleventh gear 162 rotates, the twelfth gear 163 rotates in the direction of arrow A27, and the thirteenth gear 164 and the second conveyance roller 123 rotate in the direction of arrow A14 (the direction that moves the medium downstream).

[0062] On the other hand, when the fourth motor 161 rotates in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft of the fourth motor 161 and the eleventh gear 162 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A26. As the eleventh gear 162 rotates, the twelfth gear 163 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A27, and the thirteenth gear 164 and the second conveyance roller 123 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A14 (the direction in which the medium moves upstream).

[0063] In this way, in the medium conveying device 100, the third motor 151 that drives the first conveying roller 122 and the fourth motor 161 that drives the second conveying roller 123 are provided separately. As a result, the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 are provided so as to be able to drive the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123 independently.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0065] In addition to the above-described components, the medium conveying device 100 further includes an interface device 171, a storage device 180, a processing circuit 190, and the like.

[0066] The interface device 171 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown) (for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) to transmit and receive scanned images and various information. Instead of the interface device 171, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0067] The storage device 180 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 optical disk. The storage device 180 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the medium conveying device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the storage device 180 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.

[0068] The processing circuit 190 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 180. The processing circuit 190 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 190 may be 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.

[0069] The processing circuit 190 is connected to the operation device 103, the display device 104, the first medium sensor 121, the imaging device 124, the second medium sensor 125, the first motor 131, the second motor 141, the third motor 151, the fourth motor 161, the interface device 171, the storage device 180, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 190 controls the first motor 131, the second motor 141, the third motor 151, and the fourth motor 161 based on the medium signals received from the first medium sensor 121 and the second medium sensor 125, to transport the medium. The processing circuit 190 controls the imaging device 124 to acquire an input image, and transmits the input image to the information processing device via the interface device 171.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 180 and the processing circuit 190. As shown in FIG.

[0071] 7, the storage device 180 stores various programs such as a control program 181 and an image acquisition program 182. These programs are functional modules implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuit 190 reads the programs stored in the storage device 180 and operates in accordance with the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 191 and an image acquisition unit 192. The control unit 191 can control the first mechanism 130, the second mechanism 140, the third mechanism 150, and the fourth mechanism 160.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process.

[0073] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 190 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 180.

[0074] First, the control unit 191 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 103 or the information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the reading of the medium is received from the operation device 103 or the interface device 171 (step S101).

[0075] Next, the control unit 191 acquires a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 121, and based on the acquired first medium signal, determines whether or not a medium is inserted in the nip portion between the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123 (step S102).

[0076] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a booklet M having a plurality of pages as a medium is inserted into the nip portion between the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123 with page P1 opened.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9 (A), when booklet M is inserted into the nip between the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123, booklet M is positioned opposite the first media sensor 121 and is detected by the first media sensor 121.

[0078] If no medium is inserted in the nip between the first conveyor roller 122 and the second conveyor roller 123, the control unit 191 ends the series of steps.

[0079] On the other hand, if a medium is inserted in the nip portion between the first conveyor roller 122 and the second conveyor roller 123, the control unit 191 identifies the operation mode set by the user (step S103). The operation mode includes a page turning setting (whether or not to turn pages) and the number of pages to turn. The page turning setting is set to either ON or OFF. If the page turning setting is set to ON, the number of pages to turn is also set. The operation mode is set in advance by the user using the operation device 103 or an information processing device and is stored in the storage device 180. The control unit 191 identifies the operation mode set by the user by reading it from the storage device 180.

[0080] Next, the control unit 191 controls the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 to drive the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 to convey the medium downstream (step S104). The control unit 191 rotates the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161 forward, rotating the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 in the directions of arrows A13, A14, A15, and A16, respectively. As a result, the control unit 191 conveys the medium downstream and positions the upstream end of the medium at a first position downstream of the imaging positions L1 and L2 of the imaging device 124 and upstream of the third conveyance roller 126 and the fourth conveyance roller 127.

[0081] The control unit 191 periodically receives a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 125, and when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of a medium to a value indicating its absence, the control unit 191 determines that the upstream end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 125. The control unit 191 determines that the medium has been placed at the first position when the upstream end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 125. Note that the control unit 191 may also determine that the medium has been placed at the first position when a predetermined time has elapsed since feeding of the medium began.

[0082] FIG. 9(B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the booklet M is placed at the first position.

[0083] 9(B), when booklet M is located at the first position, it is sandwiched between third conveying rollers 126 and fourth conveying rollers 127, and is located downstream of imaging positions L1 and L2 of imaging device 124. Therefore, thereafter, medium conveying device 100 causes booklet M to be conveyed upstream by third conveying rollers 126 and fourth conveying rollers 127, and imaged by imaging device 124.

[0084] Next, the control unit 191 controls the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 to drive the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 to convey the medium placed at the first position upstream (step S105). The control unit 191 also controls the imaging device 124 to capture an image of the medium. The control unit 191 reversely rotates the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161 to rotate the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 in the directions opposite to those indicated by arrows A13, A14, A15, and A16, respectively. As a result, the control unit 191 conveys the medium upstream and places the downstream end of the medium at the second position, where the downstream end of the medium is located upstream of the imaging positions L1 and L2 of the imaging device 124 and downstream of the first conveyance roller 122 and the second conveyance roller 123.

[0085] The control unit 191 determines that the medium is placed at the second position when the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161 are driven by a second drive amount that is a predetermined amount smaller than the first drive amount by which the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161 were driven in step S104. The predetermined amount is set to a value that is smaller than the drive amount required to move the medium from the imaging positions L1, L2 to the upstream end of the nip portion between the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123, and is greater than the drive amount required to move the medium from the downstream end to the upstream end of the nip portion.

[0086] FIG. 10(A) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the booklet M is placed at the second position.

[0087] In FIG. 10A, arrows A33, A34, A35, and A36 indicate the opposite directions to the arrows A13, A14, A15, and A16, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10A, the first conveyor roller 122, the second conveyor roller 123, the third conveyor roller 126, and the fourth conveyor roller 127 rotate in the directions of arrows A33, A34, A35, and A36, respectively, so that the booklet M is positioned at the second position. When the booklet M is positioned at the second position, it is positioned upstream of the imaging positions L1 and L2 of the imaging device 124. Therefore, the imaging device 124 can capture an image of the entire booklet M while the booklet M is moving from the first position to the second position. When the booklet M is positioned at the second position, it is sandwiched between the first conveyor roller 122 and the second conveyor roller 123. Therefore, after this, the medium conveying device 100 can move the medium in any direction by the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123.

[0088] Next, the image acquisition unit 192 acquires an input image from the imaging device 124 (step S106).

[0089] Next, the control unit 191 determines whether the page turning setting is set to ON or OFF in the operation mode (step S107).

[0090] If the page turning setting is set to OFF, the image acquisition unit 192 outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 171 (step S108).

[0091] Next, the control unit 191 controls the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 to eject the medium placed at the second position (step S109), ending the series of steps. The control unit 191 reversely rotates the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161, causing the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 to rotate in the opposite directions of the arrows A13, A14, A15, and A16, respectively. As a result, the control unit 191 conveys the medium upstream from the second position and ejects it from the insertion slot 105.

[0092] On the other hand, if the page turning setting is set to ON in step S107, the control unit 191 controls the fourth mechanism 160 to drive the second conveyance roller 123 and bend only the front page of the booklet-like medium toward the turn roller 112 (step S110). The control unit 191 rotates the fourth motor 161 in the reverse direction while stopping the third motor 151. That is, the control unit 191 rotates the second conveyance roller 123 in the opposite direction of arrow A14 (the direction of arrow A34) while stopping the first conveyance roller 122, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127. As a result, the control unit 191 applies a force toward the upstream side to the front page of the booklet-like medium while fixing the back side of the booklet-like medium.

[0093] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which, with the booklet M placed at the second position, the first conveyor rollers 122 are stopped and the second conveyor rollers 123 are rotated in the direction of arrow A34.

[0094] As shown in Figure 10(B), the back surface (front cover) of booklet M is fixed by the stopped first conveyance roller 122. Meanwhile, the second conveyance roller 123, rotating in the direction of arrow A34, applies a force toward the upstream side to the portion of the front surface (opened page P1) of booklet M with which the second conveyance roller 123 is in contact. That is, while the seam C of the opened page P1 is fixed, a force toward the upstream side is applied to the portion downstream of the seam C. As a result, the area of ​​the opened page P1 between the seam C and the portion with which the second conveyance roller 123 is in contact bends (swells) upward, that is, toward the turn roller 112.

[0095] Control unit 191 drives fourth motor 161 by the third drive amount to rotate it in the reverse direction. The third drive amount is set, through prior experiments, to a drive amount such that when turning unit 110 is placed in the initial position, the bent medium does not come into contact with turn roller 112, and when turning unit 110 is placed in the swing position, the bent medium comes into contact with turn roller 112. Note that the third drive amount may also be set to a drive amount such that when turning unit 110 is placed in the initial position, the bent medium comes into contact with turn roller 112.

[0096] In this way, while the booklet-shaped medium is clamped between the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123, the control unit 191 controls the fourth mechanism 160 to drive at least the second conveying roller 123, and bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward the turning roller 112.

[0097] Note that when bending the front page of the medium, the control unit 191 may rotate the third motor 151 forward to rotate the first conveyor roller 122 in the direction of the arrow A13 (the direction in which the medium is inserted) instead of stopping the third motor 151 to stop the first conveyor roller 122. This allows the control unit 191 to bend the front page of the medium more efficiently.

[0098] Next, the control unit 191 controls the second mechanism 140 to move the turning unit 110 to the swing position (step S111) in a state where only the front page of the booklet-like medium is bent toward the turning roller 112. The control unit 191 rotates the second motor 141 in the forward direction to swing the turning unit 110 and place it in the swing position.

[0099] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turn unit 110 is moved to the swing position with the opened page P1 of the booklet M bent toward the turn roller 112.

[0100] 11(A), by placing the turning unit 110 in the swing position, the entire booklet M is curved so as to protrude toward the guide member 111. As a result, the page P1 of the booklet M that has been bent toward the turning roller 112 approaches the turning roller 112 and comes into contact with the turning roller 112.

[0101] In this way, the control unit 191 uses the second conveying roller 123 to bend the opened page P1 of the booklet M, and then tilts the turning unit 110 to bring the opened page P1 into contact with the turning roller 112. In this way, the control unit 191 can reliably bend only the opened page P1 to bring it into contact with the turning roller 112 without bending the booklet M too much and damaging it.

[0102] In particular, the control unit 191 controls the fourth mechanism 160 to stop the rotation of the second conveyance roller 123, and then controls the second mechanism 140 to start swinging the turning unit 110. In this way, the control unit 191 can appropriately bring only the opened page P1 into contact with the turning roller 112 while preventing the entire booklet M from being damaged by being pressed too hard against the turning roller 112.

[0103] Note that the control unit 191 may execute the rotation of the second conveyance roller 123 and the swinging of the turning unit 110 in parallel. That is, the control unit 191 may control the second mechanism 140 to start swinging the turning unit 110 before controlling the fourth mechanism 160 to stop the rotation of the second conveyance roller 123. In this case, the control unit 191 drives the fourth motor 161 to rotate the second conveyance roller 123 in step S110, and then drives the second motor 141 to swing the turning unit 110 in step S111. This allows the control unit 191 to execute the swinging operation in a shorter time, thereby shortening the processing time of the medium reading process.

[0104] Next, with the turning unit 110 moved to the swing position, the control unit 191 controls the first mechanism 130 to rotate the turning roller 112 and turn the page on the front side of the booklet-like medium (step S112). The control unit 191 rotates the first motor 131 in the forward direction to rotate the turning roller 112 in the direction of arrow A11. As a result, the control unit 191 applies a force toward the upstream side to the surface of the medium that is in contact with the turning roller 112.

[0105] 11(B) and 12(A) are schematic diagrams showing a state in which the turning roller 112 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A11 with the turning unit 110 moved to the swing position.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 11(B), when only the opened page P1 of the booklet M is bulging, the turning roller 112 that contacts the bulging page P1 rotates in a direction that moves the medium upstream, causing the bulging page P1 to move upstream. Then, as shown in Fig. 12(A), the turning roller 112 continues to rotate, causing the bulging page P1 to be turned over.

[0107] In this way, the control unit 191 rotates the turn roller 112 while only the opened page P1 of the booklet M is expanded and in contact with the turn roller 112. This allows the control unit 191 to make the turn roller 112 contact the opened page P1 so that a slight pressure is applied to the page P1, thereby preventing the next page P2 from being accidentally turned over along with the opened page P1. Furthermore, the control unit 191 increases the contact area between the opened page P1 and the turn roller 112, particularly the contact range in the medium transport direction, thereby increasing the coefficient of friction between the page P1 and the turn roller 112 and enabling the page P1 to be turned over reliably. Therefore, the control unit 191 can more smoothly turn the pages of a booklet-shaped medium.

[0108] Next, after turning over the front page of the booklet-like medium, the control unit 191 controls the second mechanism 140 to move the turning unit 110 to the initial position (step S113). The control unit 191 rotates the second motor 141 in the reverse direction to swing the turning unit 110 and place it in the initial position.

[0109] FIG. 12(B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which page P1 of booklet M has been turned over and the turning unit 110 has been moved to the initial position.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 12(B), when the turn roller 112 is rotated to turn over the opened page P1, the page P2 next to the page P1 is slightly bent as the page P1 is turned over.

[0111] Next, the control unit 191 controls the fourth mechanism 160 to drive the second conveyance roller 123 and reduce sagging of the booklet-shaped medium (step S114). The control unit 191 rotates the fourth motor 161 in the forward direction while stopping the third motor 151. That is, the control unit 191 rotates the second conveyance roller 123 in the direction of arrow A14 while stopping the first conveyance roller 122, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127. In this way, the control unit 191 applies a force toward the downstream side to the front surface of the medium while fixing the back surface of the medium.

[0112] FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turning unit 110 is disposed at the initial position, and the first conveying roller 122 is stopped while the second conveying roller 123 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A14.

[0113] 13(A), the back surface (front cover surface) of booklet M is fixed by stationary first conveyance roller 122. Meanwhile, a downstream force is applied to the portion of the front surface of booklet M (opened page P2) with which second conveyance roller 123 is in contact by second conveyance roller 123, which rotates in the direction of arrow A14. As a result, opened page P2 is pulled downstream, and the sagging (bulging) of page P2 is reduced.

[0114] In this way, after turning the front page of the booklet-shaped medium, the control unit 191 controls the second mechanism 140 to move the turning unit 110 to the initial position, and controls the fourth mechanism 160 to drive at least the second conveyance roller 123 to reduce sagging of the booklet-shaped medium. In this way, the control unit 191 can reduce sagging of the newly opened page P2 and stably convey the booklet M.

[0115] Note that when reducing the sagging of the medium, the control unit 191 may reverse the rotation of the third motor 151 to rotate the first conveyor roller 122 in the opposite direction of the arrow A13 (the direction in which the medium is discharged) rather than stopping the third motor 151 to stop the first conveyor roller 122. This allows the control unit 191 to more efficiently reduce the sagging of the medium.

[0116] Next, the control unit 191 controls the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 to drive the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 to convey the booklet-shaped medium downstream (step S115). The control unit 191 rotates the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161 forward, rotating the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 in the directions of arrows A13, A14, A15, and A16, respectively. As a result, the control unit 191 conveys the booklet-shaped medium downstream and places it at the first position. The control unit 191 determines that the booklet-shaped medium has been placed at the first position, similar to the processing in step S104.

[0117] FIG. 13(B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the booklet M with page P1 turned over is being conveyed.

[0118] 13(B), when the turned page P1 of the booklet M passes through the nip portion between the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123, it is pressed by the first conveying roller 122 and the second conveying roller 123 and comes into contact with the back cover of the booklet M. Therefore, the booklet M passes through the imaging device 124 without any flexure, and the medium conveying device 100 can properly image the newly opened page P2 of the booklet M.

[0119] Next, the control unit 191 controls the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 to drive the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127, thereby conveying the medium arranged at the first position upstream (step S116). The control unit 191 also controls the imaging device 124 to capture an image of the medium. The control unit 191 reversely rotates the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161, thereby rotating the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 in the directions opposite to those indicated by arrows A13, A14, A15, and A16, respectively. As a result, the control unit 191 conveys the medium upstream and arranges it at the second position.

[0120] The control unit 191 determines that the medium is placed at the second position when the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161 are driven by the same amount of drive as that used to drive the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161 in step S115.

[0121] In this way, after turning over the front page of the booklet-shaped medium, the control unit 191 controls the second mechanism 140 to move the turning unit 110 to the initial position. Then, the control unit 191 controls the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 to drive the first transport roller 122 and the second transport roller 123 to transport the booklet-shaped medium into the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. In this way, the control unit 191 can transport the booklet-shaped medium whose front page has been turned over into the housings and perform processing on the newly opened page.

[0122] Next, the image acquisition unit 192 acquires an input image from the imaging device 124 (step S117).

[0123] Next, the control unit 191 determines whether or not imaging of the number of pages for which page turning set in the operation mode is to be performed has been completed (step S118). If imaging of the set number of pages has not yet been completed, the control unit 191 returns the process to step S110 and repeats the processes of steps S110 to S118.

[0124] On the other hand, when the imaging of the set number of pages is completed, the image acquisition unit 192 synthesizes (combines) the input images acquired in step S106 and step S117 (step S119).

[0125] Next, the image acquisition unit 192 outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 171 (step S120).

[0126] Next, the control unit 191 controls the third mechanism 150 and the fourth mechanism 160 to eject the medium placed at the second position (step S121), ending the series of steps. The control unit 191 reversely rotates the third motor 151 and the fourth motor 161, causing the first conveyance roller 122, the second conveyance roller 123, the third conveyance roller 126, and the fourth conveyance roller 127 to rotate in the opposite directions of the arrows A13, A14, A15, and A16, respectively. As a result, the control unit 191 conveys the medium upstream from the second position and ejects it from the insertion slot 105.

[0127] As described above in detail, when a booklet is transported, the medium transport device 100 bends the front page of the booklet and tilts the turning unit 110, which has the turning roller 112 and is swingably provided. As a result, the medium transport device 100 can turn only the front page of the booklet by bringing the turning roller 112 into appropriate contact with the booklet and rotating the turning roller 112. Therefore, the medium transport device 100 can more effectively turn the pages of a booklet-shaped medium.

[0128] Furthermore, since the medium conveying device 100 automatically turns the pages of a booklet-like medium, the user no longer needs to turn the pages manually, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0129] Furthermore, by providing the turning unit 110 at the insertion slot 105, the medium conveying device 100 is able to turn pages of a booklet-shaped medium while suppressing an increase in the size of the device.

[0130] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the medium reading process.

[0131] Another example of the operation of the medium reading process of medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 14. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by processing circuit 190 in cooperation with each element of medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in storage device 180. Note that the processes of steps S201 to S209 and S212 to S221 are similar to the processes of S101 to S109 and S112 to S121 in Fig. 8, so their description will be omitted, and only the processes of steps S210 to S211 will be described below.

[0132] If the page turning setting is set to ON in step S207, control unit 191 controls second mechanism 140 to move turning unit 110 to the swing position (step S210), similar to the processing in step S111. That is, with the booklet-shaped medium sandwiched between first conveyance roller 122 and second conveyance roller 123, control unit 191 controls second mechanism 140 to move turning unit 110 to the swing position before bending the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward turning roller 112.

[0133] FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turn unit 110 has been moved to the swing position with the opened page P1 of the booklet M not being bent toward the turn roller 112 side.

[0134] 15(A), when the turning unit 110 is placed in the swing position, the entire booklet M is curved so as to protrude toward the guide member 111. However, in this state, the opened page P1 of the booklet M is not sufficiently bent toward the turning roller 112, and is not in contact with the turning roller 112.

[0135] Next, in the same manner as in the process of step S110, control unit 191 controls fourth mechanism 160 to drive second conveyance roller 123 and bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward turn roller 112 (step S211). That is, with turn unit 110 moved to the swing position, control unit 191 controls fourth mechanism 160 to drive at least second conveyance roller 123 and bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward turn roller 112.

[0136] FIG. 15(B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the turning unit 110 is moved to the swing position and the second conveying roller 123 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A34.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 15(B), the back surface (front cover surface) of booklet M is fixed by the stopped first conveyance roller 122. Meanwhile, the second conveyance roller 123, which rotates in the direction of arrow A34, applies a force toward the upstream side to the portion of the front surface of booklet M (opened page P1) with which the second conveyance roller 123 is in contact. That is, while the seam C of the opened page P1 is fixed, a force toward the upstream side is applied to the portion downstream of the seam C. As a result, the area of ​​the opened page P1 between the seam C and the portion with which the second conveyance roller 123 is in contact bends toward the turn roller 112 and comes into contact with the turn roller 112.

[0138] In this way, the control unit 191 tilts the turning unit 110, and then uses the second conveying roller 123 to bend the opened page P1 of the booklet M, and brings the opened page P1 into contact with the turning roller 112. In this case as well, the control unit 191 can reliably bend only the opened page P1 to bring it into contact with the turning roller 112, without bending the booklet M too much and causing damage.

[0139] In particular, the control unit 191 controls the second mechanism 140 to stop the swinging of the turning unit 110, and then controls the fourth mechanism 160 to start the rotation of the second conveyance roller 123. In this way, the control unit 191 can appropriately bring only the opened page P1 into contact with the turning roller 112, while preventing the entire booklet M from being pressed too hard against the turning roller 112 and damaging the booklet M.

[0140] Note that the control unit 191 may execute the rotation of the second conveyance roller 123 and the oscillation of the turning unit 110 in parallel. That is, the control unit 191 may control the fourth mechanism 160 to start the rotation of the second conveyance roller 123 before controlling the second mechanism 140 to stop the oscillation of the turning unit 110. In this case, the control unit 191 drives the fourth motor 161 to rotate the second conveyance roller 123 in step S211 while controlling the second mechanism 140 to oscillate the turning unit 110 in step S210. This allows the control unit 191 to execute the turning operation in a shorter time, thereby shortening the processing time of the medium reading process.

[0141] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 100 is now able to turn the pages of the booklet-like medium more smoothly, even when the turning unit 110 is tilted and then the front page of the booklet-like medium is bent.

[0142] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a first mechanism 230 and a second mechanism 240 of a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0143] The first mechanism 230 and the second mechanism 240 are used in place of the first mechanism 130 and the second mechanism 140 of the medium transport device 100 .

[0144] The first mechanism 230 and the second mechanism 240 include a first motor 231, a first gear 232, a second gear 233, a third gear 234, a fourth gear 235, a fifth gear 236, and a torque limiter 237. The first motor 231, the first gear 232, the second gear 233, the third gear 234, the fourth gear 235, and the fifth gear 236 have the same configurations and functions as the first motor 131, the first gear 132, the second gear 133, the third gear 134, the fourth gear 135, and the fifth gear 136 of the first mechanism 130, respectively.

[0145] However, the first motor 231 generates a driving force for rotating the turning roller 112 and swinging the turning unit 110 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 190. A shaft 233a, which is the rotation axis of the second gear 233 (and the third gear 234), is arranged coaxially with a shaft 110a, which is the swing axis of the turning unit 110. The torque limiter 237 applies a rotational load to the turning unit 110 by the driving force from the first motor 231 and limits the torque applied to the turning unit 110. In addition, a stopper (not shown) is provided to prevent the turning unit 110 from moving outside the range between the initial position and the swing position.

[0146] The first motor 231 and each gear included in the first mechanism 230 and the first motor 231 and each gear included in the second mechanism 240 are the same motor or gear. The first motor 231 is an example of a motor. By using a common motor as the motor for rotating the turning roller 112 and the motor for swinging the turning unit 110, the medium conveying device 100 can reduce the number of motors, thereby reducing the cost and weight of the device.

[0147] When the first motor 231 rotates forward, the rotation shaft of the first motor 231 and the first gear 232 rotate in the direction of arrow A21, and the second gear 233 rotates in the direction of arrow A22. As the second gear 233 rotates, the third gear 234 rotates in the direction of arrow A22, and the fourth gear 235 rotates in the direction of arrow A23. As a result, the fifth gear 236 and the turn roller 112 rotate in the direction of arrow A11 (the direction in which the medium is ejected).

[0148] On the other hand, when the first motor 231 rotates in the reverse direction, the rotation shaft of the first motor 231 and the first gear 232 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A21, and the second gear 233 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A22. As the second gear 233 rotates, the third gear 234 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A22, and the fourth gear 235 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A23. As a result, the fifth gear 236 and the turn roller 112 rotate in the opposite direction of the arrow A11 (the direction in which the medium is inserted).

[0149] Figures 17(A) and (B) are diagrams for explaining the swinging of the turning unit 110 by the second mechanism 240. Figure 17(A) is a schematic side view of the turning unit 110 placed in the initial position. Figure 17(B) is a schematic side view of the turning unit 110 placed in the swing position.

[0150] The torque limit value set by torque limiter 237 is set to a torque value that can oscillate turning unit 110. First motor 231 generates torque that is greater than the torque limit value set by torque limiter 237. As a result, a torque (load) of the same magnitude as the torque limit value set by torque limiter 237 is always applied to third gear 234, fourth gear 235, and fifth gear 236, which are arranged between first motor 231 and turning unit 110.

[0151] As described above, when the first motor 231 rotates forward, the third gear 234 rotates in the direction of the arrow A22, the fourth gear 235 rotates in the direction of the arrow A23, and the fifth gear 236 rotates in the direction of the arrow A11. As a result of torque (load) being applied to the third gear 234, the fourth gear 235, and the fifth gear 236, a moment is applied to the third gear 234, the fourth gear 235, and the fifth gear 236 in the direction of the arrow A22, centered on the shaft 233a which is the rotation axis of the third gear 234. Therefore, the turning unit 110 rotates (swings) in the direction of the arrow A22, i.e., in the direction of the arrow A12 (upward), and is disposed in the swing position shown in FIG. 17(B).

[0152] Furthermore, the torque applied to the turning unit 110 is limited to an appropriate magnitude by the torque limiter 237. Therefore, the medium transport device can prevent damage to the turning unit 110 caused by a large load being applied to the turning unit 110 after the turning unit 110 is placed in the swing position and locked by the stopper.

[0153] On the other hand, when the first motor 231 rotates in the reverse direction, the third gear 234 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A22, the fourth gear 235 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A23, and the fifth gear 236 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A11. As a result of torque (load) being applied to the third gear 234, the fourth gear 235, and the fifth gear 236, a moment is applied to the third gear 234, the fourth gear 235, and the fifth gear 236 in the opposite direction of the arrow A22, centered on the shaft 233a which is the rotation axis of the third gear 234. Therefore, the turning unit 110 rotates (swings) in the opposite direction of the arrow A22, i.e., in the opposite direction of the arrow A12 (downward), and is disposed at the initial position shown in FIG. 17(A).

[0154] Furthermore, the torque applied to the turning unit 110 is limited to an appropriate magnitude by the torque limiter 237. Therefore, the medium transport device can prevent damage to the turning unit 110 caused by a large load being applied to the turning unit 110 after the turning unit 110 is placed in the initial position and locked by the stopper.

[0155] The number of gears arranged between the gear arranged on the swing axis of the turning unit 110 and the gear arranged on the rotation axis of the turning roller 112 is not limited to one, and may be any odd number.

[0156] When the first mechanism 230 and the second mechanism 240 are used, the medium conveying device also executes the medium reading process shown in FIG. 8 or 14. However, in step S111 or S210, the control unit 191 controls the first mechanism 230 and the second mechanism 240 to move the turning unit 110 to the swing position and rotate the turning roller 112. As a result, the front page of the booklet-like medium is turned as soon as the front page bends and abuts against the turning roller 112, so the process of step S112 or S212 is omitted. Also, in step S113 or S213, the control unit 191 controls the first mechanism 230 and the second mechanism 240 to move the turning unit 110 to the initial position and rotate the turning roller 112 in the reverse direction. As a result, the control unit 191 can reduce the bending of the booklet-like medium, similar to the process of step S114 or S214.

[0157] As described above in detail, the media transport device is now able to turn pages of booklet-shaped media more effectively, even when a common motor is used for both rotating the turn roller 112 and swinging the turn unit 110.

[0158] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 390 of a medium conveyance device according to yet another embodiment.

[0159] The processing circuit 390 is used in place of the processing circuit 190 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes media reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 190. The processing circuit 390 includes a control circuit 391 and an image acquisition circuit 392. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0160] The control circuit 391 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 191. The control circuit 391 receives an operation signal from the operation device 103 or the interface device 171, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 121, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 125. The control circuit 391 controls the first motor 131, the second motor 141, the third motor 151, and the fourth motor 161 based on the received signals.

[0161] The image acquisition circuit 392 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 192. The image acquisition circuit 392 receives an input image from the imaging device 124 and outputs it to the interface device 171.

[0162] As described above in detail, the media handling device, even when using processing circuitry 390, is able to turn pages of booklet-like media more effectively.

[0163] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, the first mechanism, the second mechanism, the third mechanism, and / or the fourth mechanism may have any configuration as long as they can transmit the driving force from each motor to the turning roller 112, the turning unit 110, or each conveyance roller. The first mechanism, the second mechanism, the third mechanism, and / or the fourth mechanism may have any configuration using a combination of one or more pulleys, belts, gears, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 100 medium conveying device, 101 first housing, 102 second housing, 110 turning unit, 112 turning roller, 122 first conveying roller, 123 second conveying roller, 130, 230 first mechanism, 140, 240 second mechanism, 150 third mechanism, 160 fourth mechanism, 191 control unit, 237 torque limiter

Claims

1. a housing having a first roller and a second roller disposed above the first roller and facing the first roller; a unit having a third roller and provided to be swingable relative to the housing; a first drive mechanism capable of independently driving the first roller and the second roller; a second drive mechanism capable of driving the third roller; a third drive mechanism capable of swinging the unit relative to the housing; a control unit capable of controlling the first drive mechanism, the second drive mechanism, and the third drive mechanism, The control unit With the booklet-shaped medium sandwiched between the first roller and the second roller, the first drive mechanism is controlled to drive at least the second roller to bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward the third roller, and the third drive mechanism is controlled to move the unit to a swing position having a predetermined angle with respect to the housing; With the unit moved to the swing position, the second drive mechanism is controlled to rotate the third roller, thereby performing an operation of turning over a page on the surface of the booklet-shaped medium. A medium transport device characterized by:

2. 2. The medium conveying device of claim 1, wherein after turning a page on the surface of the booklet-shaped medium, the control unit controls the third drive mechanism to move the unit to an initial position, and controls the first drive mechanism to drive at least the second roller to reduce sagging of the booklet-shaped medium.

3. 3. The medium transport device of claim 1, wherein after turning the page on the front side of the booklet-shaped medium, the control unit controls the third drive mechanism to move the unit to an initial position, and controls the first drive mechanism to drive the first roller and the second roller, thereby transporting the booklet-shaped medium into the housing.

4. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops one of the rotation of the second roller and the oscillation of the unit, and then starts the other.

5. 4. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes the rotation of the second roller and the swinging of the unit in parallel.

6. the motor included in the second drive mechanism and the motor included in the third drive mechanism are the same motor, 6. The medium transport device according to claim 1, further comprising a torque limiter that limits a torque applied to the unit by a driving force from the motor.

7. A control method for a medium transport device having a housing having a first roller and a second roller disposed above the first roller and facing the first roller, a unit having a third roller and provided so as to be swingable relative to the housing, a first drive mechanism capable of independently driving the first roller and the second roller, a second drive mechanism capable of driving the third roller, and a third drive mechanism capable of swinging the unit relative to the housing, With the booklet-shaped medium sandwiched between the first roller and the second roller, the first drive mechanism is controlled to drive at least the second roller to bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward the third roller, and the third drive mechanism is controlled to move the unit to a swing position having a predetermined angle with respect to the housing; With the unit moved to the swing position, the second drive mechanism is controlled to rotate the third roller, thereby performing an operation of turning over a page on the surface of the booklet-shaped medium. A control method comprising:

8. A control program for a medium transport device having a housing having a first roller and a second roller disposed above the first roller and facing the first roller, a unit having a third roller and provided so as to be swingable relative to the housing, a first drive mechanism capable of independently driving the first roller and the second roller, a second drive mechanism capable of driving the third roller, and a third drive mechanism capable of swinging the unit relative to the housing, With the booklet-shaped medium sandwiched between the first roller and the second roller, the first drive mechanism is controlled to drive at least the second roller to bend only the front page of the booklet-shaped medium toward the third roller, and the third drive mechanism is controlled to move the unit to a swing position having a predetermined angle with respect to the housing; With the unit moved to the swing position, the second drive mechanism is controlled to rotate the third roller, thereby performing an operation of turning over a page on the surface of the booklet-shaped medium. a control program for causing the medium transport device to execute the above steps;

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