Media transport device, media transport method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a medium conveyance device, a medium conveyance method and a control program capable of suppressing a damage to an object worn by a user when a placement table is raised.SOLUTION: A medium conveyance device includes: a motor with a variable torque setting according to power supplied; a placement table provided to be able to rise and having a placement surface; a roller that comes in contact with the uppermost medium among a medium placed on the placement table and conveys the medium; a control part, each time a specific number of the media placed on the placement table are conveyed, that controls the motor so that the placement table is placed at a position where the uppermost medium among the media placed on the placement table is brought into contact with the roller; and a detection part that detects a position of the placement surface. The control part sets a torque of the motor to a first torque when a position of the placement surface is a first position, and sets the torque of the motor to a second torque when the position of the placement surface is a second position above the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveyance device having a mounting table, a medium conveyance method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] In a so-called pick-up type medium conveyance device that conveys media placed on a mounting table in order from above, a function of raising the mounting table every time a certain number of media are conveyed is developed so that a plurality of media placed on the mounting table can be continuously conveyed.

[0003] There is disclosed a paper storage device including a power supply that supplies current to a drive motor that drives a lifting means for lifting and lowering a loading means for loading paper, and a contact member provided above the loading means and contacting the paper loaded on the loading means lifted by the lifting means (see Patent Document 1). This paper storage device stops the lifting of the loading means by the lifting means based on the detection result of the value of the current flowing through the drive motor when the loading means on which the paper is loaded is lifted by the lifting means driven by the drive motor.

[0004] There is disclosed a sheet processing device that detects whether or not the current position of a loading means is a predetermined position based on detection of the lifting amount of a driving means for lifting and lowering a loading means on which sheets are loaded (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] If a user of a media transport device is wearing objects such as card cases, communication devices, or writing instruments around their neck using a strap or similar device, these objects may end up on the platform of the media transport device. In that case, when the media transport device raises the platform, these objects may get caught in the gap between the device's casing and the platform, potentially becoming trapped and damaged.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a media transport device, a media transport method, and a control program that can suppress damage to objects worn by the user when the platform is raised. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention generates torque according to the supplied power. Switching from the first torque to a second torque that is smaller than the first torque. Possible motors, Moves up and down by a motor A mounting platform that can be mounted and has a mounting surface, and a medium placed on the mounting platform. From above Contact the medium From the media insertion slot The rollers that transport the media and the media placed on the platform. body It includes a control unit that controls the motor so that the mounting base is positioned in a location that contacts the roller, A gap is formed between the mounting platform and the media insertion opening, and as the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller, the motor torque is switched from the first torque to the second torque. .

[0009] A media transport method relating to one aspect of the present invention is: The motor, which can switch between a first torque and a second torque smaller than the first torque according to the supplied power, moves up and down. A medium that can be provided and placed on a mounting base having a mounting surface The body comes into contact with the medium placed on the mounting platform from above. The medium From the media insertion slot This includes controlling the motor so that the mounting platform is positioned in contact with the conveying rollers, A gap is formed between the mounting platform and the media insertion opening, and as the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller, the motor torque is switched from the first torque to the second torque. .

[0010] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention controls the torque according to the supplied power. Switching from the first torque to a second torque that is smaller than the first torque. Possible motors, Moves up and down by a motor A mounting platform that can be mounted and has a mounting surface, and a medium placed on the mounting platform. From above Contact the medium From the media insertion slot A control program for a media transport device having a transport roller, wherein the media placed on the platform bodyCause the media transport device to control the motor so that the mounting table is arranged at a position where it abuts against the roller. A gap is formed between the mounting platform and the media insertion opening, and as the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller, the motor torque is switched from the first torque to the second torque. . The media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention is The system comprises a motor capable of switching torque from a first torque to a second torque smaller than the first torque according to the supplied power, a mounting platform that is mounted so as to be movable up and down by the motor and has a mounting surface, and a control unit that controls the motor to move the mounting platform so that the medium is positioned at the transport position in the medium insertion opening, and an exposed gap is formed between the mounting platform and the medium insertion opening, and the motor torque is switched from the first torque to the second torque as the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller. .

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the media transport device, the media transport method, and the control program can suppress the occurrence of damage to the object worn by the user when the mounting table is raised.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the media transport device 100. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the media transport device 100. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the media transport device 100. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanism etc. of the mounting table 103 [Figure 5] It is a graph for explaining the torque of the stepping motor. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the pick roller 113 etc. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the media transport device 100. <00​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating other side guides 204. [Figure 15] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the processing circuit 350 according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following describes a media transport device, media transport method, and control program relating to one aspect of the present invention with reference to the figures. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0014] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a media transport device 100 configured as an image scanner. The media transport device 100 transports and images a medium, which is the original document. The medium can be paper, cardboard, or card. The media transport device 100 may also be a facsimile, copier, or multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral). Note that the transported medium may not be an original document but a print target, and the media transport device 100 may be a printer, etc.

[0015] In Figures 1 and 2, arrow A1 indicates the approximately vertical direction (height direction), arrow A2 indicates the media transport direction, arrow A3 indicates the media discharge direction, and arrow A4 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the media transport direction A2 or media discharge direction A3. Hereafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream direction of the media transport direction A2 or media discharge direction A3, and "downstream" refers to the downstream direction of the media transport direction A2 or media discharge direction A3.

[0016] The media transport device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a mounting table 103, a side guide 104, a discharge table 105, an operating device 106, and a display device 107, etc.

[0017] The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are examples of housings. The second housing 102 is located inside 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 the media is jammed or when cleaning the inside of the media transport device 100.

[0018] The mounting platform 103 is a so-called hopper, having a mounting surface 103a, and is engaged with the first housing 101 so that the medium to be transported can be placed on it. The mounting platform 103 is provided on the side of the medium supply side of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 so as to be movable in the height direction A1, that is, so as to be able to be raised and lowered. As shown in Figure 1, when the mounting platform 103 is not transporting medium, it is positioned at the lower end so that the medium can be easily placed on it. Hereafter, as shown in Figure 1, the position of the mounting platform 103 when no medium is being transported and the user can place the medium on it may be referred to as the initial position. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, when transporting medium, the mounting platform 103 rises to a position where the medium placed on the uppermost side comes into contact with the pick roller, which will be described later. Note that in Figure 2, the labeling of the medium is omitted to improve visibility. In the following, as shown in Figure 2, the position on the mounting platform 103 where the uppermost medium is in contact with the pick roller and where the medium can be transported may be referred to as the transport position.

[0019] The side guides 104 are provided on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting base 103 so as to be movable in the width direction A4. The side guides 104 are positioned to match the width of the medium placed on the mounting base 103 and restrict the width direction of the medium. In the example shown in Figure 1, two side guides 104 are arranged with a gap of A4 in the width direction. There may be just one side guide 104.

[0020] The discharge platform 105 is formed on the second housing 102. The discharge platform 105 holds the media discharged from the discharge ports of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102.

[0021] The operating device 106 has input devices such as buttons and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input devices, accepts input operations from the user, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the user's input operation. The display device 107 has a display including liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc. and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display device 107 may be a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function. In that case, the operating device 106 has an interface circuit that acquires input signals from the touch panel.

[0022] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device 100.

[0023] The transport path inside the media transport device 100 includes a first media sensor 111, a mounting platform sensor 112, a pick roller 113, a pick roller sensor 114, a feeding roller 115, a separation roller 116, first to sixth transport rollers 117a to f, first to sixth driven rollers 118a to f, a second media sensor 119, and an imaging device 120, etc.

[0024] Note that the number of each of the pick roller 113, feed roller 115, separation roller 116, first to sixth conveying rollers 117a to f and / or first to sixth driven rollers 118a to f is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In that case, the multiple feed rollers 115, separation roller 116, first to sixth conveying rollers 117a to f and / or first to sixth driven rollers 118a to f are arranged side by side with a gap of A4 in the width direction.

[0025] The surface of the first housing 101 facing the second housing 102 forms the first guide 101a of the media transport path, and the surface of the second housing 102 facing the first housing 101 forms the second guide 102a of the media transport path.

[0026] The first medium sensor 111 is positioned on the mounting table 103, that is, upstream of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116, and detects the state of the medium on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 111 is a contact detection sensor that sends a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact, and determines whether or not the medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the medium is placed on the mounting table 103. Note that the first medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 111.

[0027] The pick roller 113 is an example of a roller. The pick roller 113 is installed in the second housing 102 and contacts the uppermost medium placed on the mounting platform 103, which is raised to approximately the same height as the medium transport path, and transports that medium downstream.

[0028] The feeding roller 115 is located inside the second housing 102, downstream of the pick roller 113, and feeds the medium that has been placed on the mounting table 103 and fed by the pick roller 113 further downstream. The separation roller 116 is located inside the first housing 101, opposite the feeding roller 115. The separation roller 116 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is rotatable or stoppable in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. The feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116 perform a medium separation operation, separating the medium and feeding it one sheet at a time. The feeding roller 115 is positioned above the separation roller 116, and the medium transport device 100 feeds the medium using a so-called top-feed method.

[0029] The first to sixth conveying rollers 117a to f and the first to sixth driven rollers 118a to f are installed downstream of the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116, facing each other, and convey the medium fed by the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116 toward the downstream side. The sixth conveying roller 117f and the sixth driven roller 118f discharge the medium to the discharge table 105.

[0030] The second medium sensor 119 detects the medium being transported to its designated position. The second medium sensor 119 is positioned downstream of the second transport roller 117b, i.e., downstream of the feed roller 115, and upstream of the imaging device 120 in the medium transport direction A2. The second medium sensor 119 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the medium transport path, and a light guide tube provided opposite the light emitter and light receiver across the medium transport path. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, which emits light towards the medium transport path. The light receiver, on the other hand, is a photodiode or the like, which receives the light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. Based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver, the second medium sensor 119 generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether medium is present or absent at the position of the second medium sensor 119.

[0031] The second medium sensor 119 may be positioned upstream of the second transport roller 117b or the first transport roller 117a. A reflective element such as a mirror may be used instead of a light guide tube. The light emitter and light receiver may be positioned opposite each other across the medium transport path. Furthermore, the second medium sensor 119 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor or the like, which applies a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

[0032] The imaging device 120 is positioned downstream of the first and second transport rollers 117a and 117b in the media transport direction A2, and images the media transported by the first and second transport rollers 117a and 117b and the first and second driven rollers 118a and 118b. The imaging device 120 includes a first imaging device 120a and a second imaging device 120b, which are positioned opposite each other across the media transport path.

[0033] The first imaging device 120a has a line sensor using a 1:1 optical system type CIS (Contact Image Sensor) with CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 120a also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The first imaging device 120a captures the surface of the transported medium to generate an input image and outputs it.

[0034] Similarly, the second imaging device 120b has a line sensor with a CIS of the 1:1 optical system type, which has CMOS image sensors arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 120b also has a lens that forms an image on the image sensor and an A / D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog-to-digital (A / D) conversion. The second imaging device 120b captures the back surface of the transported medium to generate and output an input image.

[0035] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 120a and the second imaging device 120b, and may read only one side of the media. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CMOS image sensor, a CIS line sensor of the 1:1 optical system type equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor may be used. Alternatively, a reduction optical system type line sensor equipped with a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used.

[0036] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the medium transport direction A2 by the rotation of the pick roller 113 and the feed roller 115 in the medium transport directions A5 and A6, respectively. The medium transport device 100 has two feeding modes: a separation mode in which the medium is fed while being separated, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without being separated. The feeding mode is set by the user using the operating device 106 or an information processing device that communicates with the medium transport device 100. When the feeding mode is set to separation mode, the separation roller 116 rotates or stops in the direction of arrow A7, i.e., in the opposite direction to the medium transport direction. This restricts the feeding of medium other than the separated medium (prevention of double feeding). On the other hand, when the feeding mode is set to non-separation mode, the separation roller 116 rotates in the opposite direction of arrow A7, i.e., in the medium transport direction.

[0037] The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a, and is fed to the imaging position of the imaging device 120 as the first and second transport rollers 117a and 117b rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, and is imaged by the imaging device 120. Furthermore, the medium is discharged onto the discharge table 105 as the third to sixth transport rollers 117c and 117f rotate in the directions of arrows A10 and A13, respectively.

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the drive mechanism of the mounting platform 103 and the mounting platform sensor 112.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the media transport device 100 further includes a first motor 121 and a transmission mechanism 122.

[0040] The first motor 121 is an example of a motor that generates a first driving force to raise the mounting platform 103 and a second driving force to lower the mounting platform 103, based on a control signal from the processing circuit described later. The first motor 121 is provided in a way that allows the torque setting to be changed according to the supplied power. The first motor 121 is, for example, a stepping motor.

[0041] Figure 5 is a graph illustrating the torque of a stepping motor.

[0042] The horizontal axis of Figure 5 shows the drive frequency [Hz] of the stepping motor, and the vertical axis shows the torque [mNm] of the stepping motor when driven at each drive frequency. Graph 501 shows the torque of the stepping motor when the current supplied to the stepping motor is 1.8A, and graph 502 shows the torque of the stepping motor when the current supplied to the stepping motor is 0.8A. As shown in Figure 5, the higher the drive frequency of the stepping motor, that is, the higher (faster) the rotational speed of the stepping motor, the lower the torque of the stepping motor. Conversely, the lower the drive frequency of the stepping motor, that is, the lower (slower) the rotational speed of the stepping motor, the higher the torque of the stepping motor.

[0043] Furthermore, the larger the amount of current supplied to the stepping motor, that is, the larger the amount of power supplied to the stepping motor, the greater the torque of the stepping motor. Conversely, the smaller the amount of current supplied to the stepping motor, that is, the smaller the amount of power supplied to the stepping motor, the smaller the torque of the stepping motor. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can change the torque of the first motor 121 by changing the amount of power supplied to the first motor 121. By increasing the amount of power supplied to the first motor 121, the media transport device 100 can increase the torque of the first motor 121 and increase the force applied to the mounting table 103 when moving the mounting table 103. On the other hand, by decreasing the amount of power supplied to the first motor 121, the media transport device 100 can decrease the torque of the first motor 121 and decrease the force applied to the mounting table 103 when moving the mounting table 103.

[0044] Furthermore, the first motor 121 may be a motor other than a stepping motor, such as a DC (Direct-Current) motor, as long as it is a motor whose torque setting can be changed according to the supplied power.

[0045] The transmission mechanism 122 transmits the driving force from the first motor 121 to the mounting base 103. The transmission mechanism 122 includes a belt 123, first to fifth gears 124a to 124e, and a rack 125, etc.

[0046] A belt 123 is stretched between the rotating shaft of the first motor 121 and the pulley portion of the first gear 124a. The gear portion of the first gear 124a meshes with the larger gear portion of the second gear 124b. The smaller gear portion of the second gear 124b meshes with the larger gear portion of the third gear 124c. The smaller gear portion of the third gear 124c meshes with the fourth gear 124d. The fourth gear 124d meshes with the larger gear portion of the fifth gear 124e. The smaller gear portion of the fifth gear 124e functions as a pinion and meshes with the rack 125. In other words, the first to third gears, and the fifth gears 124a to 124c and 124e function as reduction gears. Rack 125 is fixed to the downstream end of the mounting base 103 such that its geared surface faces the smaller gear portion of the fifth gear 124e and extends along the height direction A1. Rack 125 is provided to be movable up and down along a guide portion, such as a rail (not shown), which is formed along the height direction A1.

[0047] The transmission mechanism 122 is provided at both ends of the width A4. This allows the media transport device 100 to move the mounting table 103 stably. Alternatively, the transmission mechanism 122 may be provided at only one end of the width A4. This would allow the media transport device 100 to reduce the number of parts in the transmission mechanism 122, thereby reducing the device cost and weight.

[0048] When the first motor 121 generates the first driving force, the belt 123 rotates in the direction of arrow A21. Consequently, the first to fifth gears 124a to 124e rotate in the directions of arrows A21 to A25, respectively, causing the rack 125 to rise and the mounting platform 103 to rise. On the other hand, when the first motor 121 generates the second driving force, the belt 123 rotates in the opposite direction of arrow A21. Consequently, the first to fifth gears 124a to 124e rotate in the opposite directions of arrows A21 to A25, respectively, causing the rack 125 to descend and the mounting platform 103 to descend. In this way, the transmission mechanism 122 transmits the driving force from the first motor 121 to the mounting platform 103.

[0049] Furthermore, a shielding member 126 is positioned at the downstream end of the mounting base 103 so as to protrude downstream. The shielding member 126 is positioned to face the mounting base sensor 112 when the mounting base 103 is in its initial position, and not to face the mounting base sensor 112 when the mounting base 103 is not in its initial position. The mounting base sensor 112 includes a light emitter and a light receiver positioned opposite each other with the shielding member 126 in between. The light emitter is an LED or the like, and emits light towards the light receiver. The light receiver, on the other hand, is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter. The mounting base sensor 112 generates and outputs a first detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the shielding member 126 is present or absent at the position of the mounting base sensor 112, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. The mounting platform sensor 112 is configured such that the signal value of the first detection signal changes depending on whether the mounting platform 103 is in its initial position or not.

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the pick roller 113 and the pick roller sensor 114.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the media transport device 100 further includes an arm 127. The arm 127 extends along the media transport direction A2 and is mounted on the second housing 102 so as to be rotatable (oscillating) around its downstream end 127a. A pick roller 113 is attached to the upstream end 127b of the arm 127. A biasing member 127c is attached above the arm 127. The biasing member 127c is a spring member such as a torsion coil spring, or a rubber member, and applies a downward biasing force to the arm 127. Note that the biasing member 127c may be omitted, and the arm 127 may only be subjected to a downward force due to its own weight.

[0052] By biasing the arm 127 downwards, the pick roller 113 can properly transport the medium placed on the mounting table 103 while pressing it downwards. Furthermore, because the arm 127 is provided to be movable in the height direction A1, the pick roller 113 is positioned at its lowest position when not in contact with the medium, and is pushed up by the medium when in contact with the medium placed on the mounting table 103. As a result, even if the position (height) of the uppermost medium placed on the mounting table 103 changes to some extent, the pick roller 113 can properly contact the uppermost medium and transport it. Therefore, the medium transport device 100 does not need to move the mounting table 103 each time a medium is fed, and the processing time required for medium reading can be shortened.

[0053] The pick roller sensor 114 includes a light emitter and a light receiver positioned opposite each other with the arm 127 in between. The light emitter is an LED or the like, and emits light toward the light receiver. The light receiver, on the other hand, is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter. The pick roller sensor 114 generates and outputs a second detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the arm 127 is present or absent at the position of the pick roller sensor 114, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. The pick roller sensor 114 is configured such that the signal value of the second detection signal changes depending on whether the pick roller 113 is in its lowest position or whether the pick roller 113 is being pushed up by the medium placed on the mounting base 103.

[0054] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the media transport device 100.

[0055] In addition to the configuration described above, the media transport device 100 further includes a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, and a processing circuit 150.

[0056] The second motor 131 includes one or more motors. The second motor 131 rotates the pick roller 113, feeding roller 115, separation roller 116, and the first to sixth transport rollers 117a to f in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150 to transport the medium. The first to sixth driven rollers 118a to f may be configured to rotate according to the driving force of the second motor 131, rather than rotating in response to the first to sixth transport rollers 117a to f.

[0057] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as USB, and electrically connects to an information processing device (not shown) (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various types of information. Alternatively, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit may be used that has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may also have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0058] The storage device 140 includes memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, or portable storage devices such as flexible disks and optical disks. The storage device 140 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc., used for various processes of the media transport device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program. Examples of portable recording media include CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) and DVD-ROMs (digital versatile disc read-only memory).

[0059] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program pre-stored in the memory device 140. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processing circuit 150.

[0060] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operating device 106, display device 107, first medium sensor 111, mounting platform sensor 112, pick roller sensor 114, second medium sensor 119, imaging device 120, first motor 121, second motor 131, interface device 132, and storage device 140, and controls each of these parts. Based on signals received from each sensor, the processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the first motor 121 and second motor 131, imaging control of the imaging device 120, etc. The processing circuit 150 acquires an input image from the imaging device 120 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 132.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the storage device 140 stores control programs 141 and detection programs 142, etc. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on the processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to each program it has read. In this way, the processing circuit 150 functions as a control unit 151 and a detection unit 152.

[0063] Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts illustrating examples of the operation of the media reading process of the media transport device 100.

[0064] The following describes an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media transport device 100, referring to the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10. The operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the media transport device 100, based on a program pre-stored in the storage device 140. The flowcharts shown in Figures 9 and 10 are executed when the media transport device 100 is powered on.

[0065] First, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to the initial torque (step S101). The initial torque is preset to a sufficiently small size that is sufficient to lower the mounting platform 103. The initial torque is set to a torque smaller than the first torque or second torque, which will be described later. The control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to the initial torque by setting the amount of power (current) supplied to the first motor 121 to the amount of power (current) corresponding to the initial torque.

[0066] Next, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 121 to generate a second driving force, lowering the mounting platform 103 to its initial position (step S102). The control unit 151 periodically acquires a first detection signal from the mounting platform sensor 112, and determines that the mounting platform 103 has been placed in its initial position when the signal value of the first detection signal indicates that the mounting platform 103 is in its initial position.

[0067] In this way, before the transport of the medium begins, the control unit 151 positions the mounting table 103 in an initial position for the user to place the medium on. When positioning the mounting table 103 in the initial position, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to the initial torque. When lowering the mounting table 103, there is no need to move the mounting table 103 against gravity, so the medium transport device 100 can move the mounting table 103 with a sufficiently small torque. When lowering the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 can reduce the power consumption of the medium transport device 100 by reducing the amount of power supplied to the first motor 121.

[0068] Next, the control unit 151 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read the medium using the operating device 106 or the information processing device, and receives an operation signal instructing the reading of the medium from the operating device 106 or the interface device 132 (step S103).

[0069] Next, the control unit 151 acquires a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111 and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S104). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 returns to step S103 and waits until it receives a new operation signal.

[0070] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to the first torque (step S105). The first torque is preset to a sufficiently large size to raise the mounting table 103 when the maximum weight of medium supported by the medium transport device 100 is placed on the mounting table 103. The control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to the first torque by setting the amount of power (current) supplied to the first motor 121 to the amount of power (current) corresponding to the first torque.

[0071] Next, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 121 to generate the first driving force and raise the mounting platform 103 (step S106).

[0072] Next, the detection unit 152 detects the position of the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103 (step S107). The detection unit 152 detects the position of the mounting surface 103a based on the amount of drive performed by the control unit 151 after it has positioned the mounting table 103 in its initial position and the amount of movement of the first motor 121. The media transport device 100 stores in advance in the storage device 140 the position of the mounting surface 103a when the mounting table 103 is positioned in its initial position, and the relationship between the amount of drive performed by the first motor 121 and the amount of movement of the mounting table 103. The detection unit 152 obtains the amount of drive performed by the first motor 121 after the mounting table 103 has been positioned in its initial position from the control unit 151, and by referring to the relationship stored in the storage device 140, detects the amount of movement of the mounting table 103 from the obtained amount of drive. The detection unit 152 then refers to the position of the mounting surface 103a when the mounting table 103 is in its initial position, as stored in the storage device 140, and detects the current position of the mounting surface 103a from the detected amount of movement of the mounting table 103.

[0073] The media transport device 100 may also store in the storage device 140 the relationship between the amount of drive obtained by driving the first motor 121 after the mounting table 103 is placed in its initial position and the position of the mounting surface 103a. In that case, the detection unit 152 refers to the relationship stored in the storage device 140 and detects the current position of the mounting surface 103a from the amount of drive obtained from the control unit 151.

[0074] As described above, the first motor 121 is a stepping motor. Therefore, the detection unit 152 can correctly detect the position of the mounting surface 103a from the step angle of the first motor 121, the reduction ratio by the first to fifth gears 124a to 124e, the tooth size of the pinion and rack 125, and the number of input pulses to the first motor 121.

[0075] The media transport device 100 can detect the current position of the mounting surface 103a without using a large number of sensors or expensive sensors by detecting the position of the mounting surface 103a based on the amount of drive of the first motor 121 after the mounting table 103 has been placed in its initial position. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can detect the current position of the mounting surface 103a while suppressing an increase in device costs. Alternatively, the media transport device 100 may arrange a plurality of mounting table sensors 112 at positions facing the shielding member 126 along the direction of movement of the mounting table 103, and detect the current position of the mounting surface 103a based on the first detection signal obtained from each mounting table sensor 112. Alternatively, the media transport device 100 may arrange an encoder for detecting the amount of movement of the mounting table 103, and detect the current position of the mounting surface 103a based on the detection result of the amount of movement of the mounting table 103 by the encoder.

[0076] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether the position of the mounting surface 103a is a second position within a predetermined range or a first position outside the predetermined range (step S108). The predetermined range is set to a range in which the gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 on which the mounting base 103 is provided and the mounting base 103 is less than or equal to a predetermined width. The predetermined width is set to, for example, the maximum thickness (e.g., 25 mm) of an object that can be worn by a user of the media transport device 100. An object that can be worn by a user of the media transport device 100 is an employee ID card case, a mobile phone or other communication device, or a pen or other writing instrument that the user can wear around their neck using a strap or the like. The gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103 becomes smaller (narrower) as the mounting base 103 rises. Therefore, the second position is set to a position above the first position. If the mounting surface 103a is in the first position, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S110 without performing any special processing.

[0077] On the other hand, if the mounting surface 103a is in the second position, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to a second torque which is smaller than the first torque (step S109). The second torque is preset to a size that is sufficient to raise the mounting base 103 on which the maximum weight medium that can be placed on the mounting base 103 is located in the second position (within a predetermined range) where the mounting surface 103a is positioned. Furthermore, the second torque is set to a size that is small enough that the mounting base 103 cannot be moved if an object gets stuck in the gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103.

[0078] For example, the second torque is set to a magnitude of 1 / 2 or less of the first torque. Also, for example, the first and second torques are set so that the upward force of the mounting base 103 when the mounting surface 103a is positioned in the second position is 1 / 3 or less of the upward force of the mounting base 103 when the mounting surface 103a is positioned in the first position. Also, for example, the first and second torques are set so that the load on the mounting base 103 when the mounting surface 103a is positioned in the second position is 1 / 3 or less of the load on the mounting base 103 when the mounting surface 103a is positioned in the first position. Also, for example, the first and second torques are set so that when only one medium is placed on the mounting base 103, the clamping force applied to the medium by the second torque is 1 / 4 or less of the clamping force applied to the medium by the first torque.

[0079] The control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to the second torque by setting the amount of power (current) supplied to the first motor 121 to the amount of power (current) corresponding to the second torque. If the torque of the first motor 121 is already set to the second torque, the process in step S109 is omitted.

[0080] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams illustrating the gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the mounting base 103 positioned at the transport location, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 12 is a further enlarged view of the mounting base 103 shown in Figure 11, viewed from slightly above.

[0081] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, a gap G1 exists between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103 around the media insertion port (upstream side). Additionally, a gap G2 exists between the members that engage the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103 around both ends of the width direction A4. As shown in Figure 1, when the mounting base 103 is in its initial position, gaps G1 and G2 are sufficiently large, but as shown in Figures 2, 11, and 12, when the mounting base 103 is in the transport position, gaps G1 and G2 become smaller (narrower).

[0082] If a user of the media transport device 100 is wearing an object such as a card case, communication device, or writing instrument around their neck, these objects may be placed around the mounting platform 103 during operation. If the mounting platform 103 is raised in this state, these objects may fall into the gap G1 or gap G2 and become trapped between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting platform 103, potentially causing damage.

[0083] The control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to a first torque when the mounting base 103 is positioned in its initial position, and thereafter does not change the torque of the first motor 121 from the first torque as long as the position (height) of the mounting surface 103a is at the first position. In other words, when the position of the mounting surface 103a is at the first position, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to a sufficiently large first torque. This allows the control unit 151 to move the mounting base 103 smoothly with a sufficiently large force. On the other hand, when the position of the mounting surface 103a is at a second position above the first position, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to a sufficiently small second torque. This prevents the mounting base 103 from moving further if an object is caught between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103, thereby suppressing damage to the object.

[0084] Furthermore, the total thickness of the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is less than or equal to the distance between the lower surface of the pick roller 113 and the current position of the mounting surface 103a. When the mounting surface 103a is in the second position, the total weight of the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is estimated to be sufficiently small. Therefore, when the mounting surface 103a is in the second position, the medium transport device 100 can move the mounting table 103 sufficiently even if the torque of the first motor 121 is reduced.

[0085] As described above, the second position is set within a predetermined range such that the gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 on which the mounting base 103 is provided and the mounting base 103 is 25 mm or less. On the other hand, the first position is set outside that predetermined range. This allows the media transport device 100 to prevent damage to objects such as card cases, communication equipment, or writing instruments with a thickness of 25 mm or less from falling into the gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103.

[0086] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is in contact with the pick roller 113 (step S110). The control unit 151 periodically acquires a second detection signal from the pick roller sensor 114. The control unit 151 determines that the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is in contact with the pick roller 113 if the signal value of the second detection signal indicates that the pick roller 113 is being pushed up by the medium placed on the mounting table 103. If the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is not yet in contact with the pick roller 113, the control unit 151 returns to step S107 and repeats the process from steps S107 to S110.

[0087] On the other hand, if a medium placed on the mounting table 103 comes into contact with the pick roller 113, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 121 to stop the mounting table 103 (step S111). In this way, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 121 so that the mounting table 103 is positioned so that the uppermost medium placed on the mounting table 103 comes into contact with the pick roller 113.

[0088] Next, the control unit 151 controls the second motor 131 to rotate the pick roller 113, the feeding roller 115, the separation roller 116, the first to sixth transport rollers 117a to f and / or the first to sixth driven rollers 118a to f to transport the medium (step S112).

[0089] Next, the control unit 151 waits until the rear end of the medium passes the imaging position of the imaging device 120 (step S113). The control unit 151 periodically acquires a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 119, and determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 119 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of medium to a value indicating the absence of medium. The control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 119. The predetermined time is set to a value that includes a margin over the time required for the medium to move from the position of the second medium sensor 119 to the imaging position.

[0090] Next, the control unit 151 acquires an input image from the imaging device 120 and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S114).

[0091] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not there is any medium remaining on the mounting tray 103 based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 111 (step S115).

[0092] If there is still media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 determines whether the media placed on the mounting table 103 is in contact with the pick roller 113, in the same manner as in step S111 (step S116).

[0093] If the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is in contact with the pick roller 113, the control unit 151 returns to step S113, acquires an input image of the next medium to be transported, and outputs it.

[0094] On the other hand, if the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is not in contact with the pick roller 113, the control unit 151 returns to step S106 and raises the mounting table 103 until the medium placed on the mounting table 103 comes into contact with the pick roller 113. At this time, the first motor 121 raises the mounting table 103 with the currently set torque, and after it is determined in step S108 that the position of the mounting surface 103a is the second position, it raises the mounting table 103 with the second torque.

[0095] As described above, the pick roller 113 is pressed downward by the biasing member 127c, and continues to contact the uppermost medium among the remaining medium on the mounting table 103 even if the mounting table 103 does not move while a specific number of media are being conveyed. The control unit 151 controls the first motor 121 so that each time a specific number of media placed on the mounting table 103 are conveyed, the mounting table 103 is positioned so that the uppermost medium among the remaining media on the mounting table 103 contacts the pick roller 113. This reduces the frequency with which the media conveying device 100 moves the mounting table 103 by the first motor 121, thereby shortening the processing time required for media reading.

[0096] On the other hand, if no media remains on the mounting table 103 in step S115, the control unit 151 controls the second motor 131 to stop each roller (step S117) and returns to step S101. In this case, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to the initial torque in step S101, lowers the mounting table 103 to the initial position in step S102, and waits in step S103 until a new operation signal is received. This concludes the explanation of the media reading process.

[0097] In the media transport device 100, the pick roller sensor 114 may be omitted. In that case, in steps S106 to S110, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 121 by a predetermined amount of drive. The predetermined amount of drive when moving the mounting table 103 from its initial position is set to the amount of drive required to move the mounting table 103 by the distance between the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103, which is positioned at the initial position, and the lower surface of the pick roller 113, which is positioned at a predetermined position within the movable range. In that case, if a large amount of media is placed on the mounting table 103, the first motor 121 will continue to drive even after the pick roller 113 is positioned at the uppermost position within the movable range, thus increasing power consumption. However, even in this case, the control unit 151 can move the mounting table 103 to a position where it contacts the media.

[0098] Furthermore, in step S117, the control unit 151 determines whether a predetermined number of media have been conveyed since the pick roller 113 was placed in a predetermined position. The predetermined number is set to a value less than or equal to the division value obtained by dividing the distance between the predetermined position and the lowest position within the movable range of the pick roller 113 by the maximum thickness of the media supported by the media conveying device 100. The predetermined number may also be set to 1. If the predetermined number of media have not yet been conveyed since the pick roller 113 was placed in a predetermined position, the control unit 151 returns to step S113 and does not move the mounting table 103. On the other hand, if the predetermined number of media have been conveyed since the pick roller 113 was placed in a predetermined position, the control unit 151 returns to step S106 and raises the mounting table 103. In this case, the predetermined drive amount is set to the amount of drive required to move the mounting table 103 by the distance between the predetermined position and the lowest position within the movable range of the pick roller 113.

[0099] In this case as well, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 121 so that each time a specific number of media are transported, the mounting table 103 is positioned so that the uppermost media placed on the mounting table 103 comes into contact with the pick roller 113.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 151 may change the torque of the first motor 121 in three or more stages depending on the position of the mounting surface 103a. In this case, the control unit 151 sets the torque of the first motor 121 to a smaller value as the position of the mounting surface 103a increases, that is, as the gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting base 103 decreases. This allows the control unit 151 to control the torque of the first motor 121 more flexibly, enabling the mounting base 103 to be moved with a more appropriate force while suppressing damage to the object worn by the user.

[0101] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 also has a sensor for detecting step loss in the first motor 121 (stepping motor), and the control unit 151 may stop the media reading process when step loss occurs in the first motor 121. This allows the media transport device 100 to appropriately stop the media reading process when the mounting platform 103 is lowered by user operation and step loss occurs in the first motor 121.

[0102] As described in detail above, the media transport device 100 reduces the torque of the first motor 121 when the position of the mounting platform 103, which is provided to be raised by the first motor 121, is above a certain height. As a result, the media transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of damage to the objects worn by the user when the mounting platform 103 is raised.

[0103] When the mounting table 103 is positioned in the first position, the media transport device 100 moves the mounting table 103 with a sufficiently large torque. This allows the media transport device 100 to move the mounting table 103 effectively with a sufficiently large torque even when a large amount of media is placed on it. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can place a large amount of media on the mounting table 103 at once and transport it continuously, improving user convenience.

[0104] Furthermore, when the mounting table 103 is positioned in the second position, the media transport device 100 moves the mounting table 103 with a sufficiently small torque. This allows the media transport device 100 to suppress damage to an object worn by a user if it is caught between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 (the frame or cover included in these housings) and the mounting table 103. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can suppress damage to an object even if the gap between the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and the mounting table 103 becomes smaller by reducing the size of the device or increasing the range of motion of the mounting table 103. As a result, the media transport device 100 can reduce its size or increase the range of motion of the mounting table 103.

[0105] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 can reduce power consumption for moving the mounting table 103 and reduce noise generated when the mounting table 103 is moved by moving the mounting table 103 with a small torque when the mounting table 103 is positioned in the second position.

[0106] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic diagrams illustrating the side guide 204 of the media transport device 200 according to another embodiment. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the media transport device 200 with the mounting table 103 in its initial position, and Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the media transport device 200 with the mounting table 103 in the transport position.

[0107] The media transport device 200 has all the parts of the media transport device 100. However, the media transport device 200 has a side guide 204 instead of the side guide 104. The side guide 204 has the same structure and function as the side guide 104. However, the side guide 204 is provided with a swinging member 204a. The swinging member 204a is provided at the upper end of the side guide 204 so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction, and is given an upward biasing force by a biasing member (not shown). The biasing member is a spring member such as a torsion coil spring, or a rubber member, etc.

[0108] As shown in Figure 13, when the mounting table 103 is in its initial position and the oscillating member 204a is not in contact with the first housing 101 or the second housing 102, the oscillating member 204a is positioned to protrude upward from the side guide 204 due to the biasing force of the biasing member. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 14, when the mounting table 103 rises and the oscillating member 204a comes into contact with the first housing 101 or the second housing 102, the oscillating member 204a is pressed by the first housing 101 or the second housing 102 and housed within the side guide 204. As a result, when the mounting table 103 is positioned low and a large amount of media is placed on the mounting table 103, the height of the side guide 204 can be increased, and the width direction of the large amount of media placed on the mounting table 103 can be effectively restricted. On the other hand, when the mounting table 103 of the media transport device 200 is positioned at a high location and a small amount of media is placed on the mounting table 103, the width direction of the media can be well controlled while preventing the object worn by the user from being pinched and damaged between the housing and the side guide 204.

[0109] As detailed above, even when the side guides 204 are movably provided, the media transport device 200 can suppress damage to the object worn by the user when the mounting platform 103 is raised.

[0110] Figure 15 shows a schematic configuration of the processing circuit 350 of a media transport device according to another embodiment.

[0111] The processing circuit 350 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the media transport device 100, and performs media reading and other processes instead of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 350 includes a control circuit 351 and a detection circuit 352, etc. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

[0112] The control circuit 351 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 351 receives operation signals from the operating device 106 or interface device 132, first medium signals from the first medium sensor 111, second detection signals from the pick roller sensor 114, and second medium signals from the second medium sensor 119. The control circuit 351 also outputs the amount of drive used to drive the first motor 121 to the detection circuit 352 and receives the detection result of the position of the mounting surface 103a from the detection circuit 352. Based on the received information, the control circuit 351 controls the first motor 121 and the second motor 131, acquires an input image from the imaging device 120 and outputs it to the interface device 132.

[0113] The detection circuit 352 is an example of a detection unit and has the same function as the detection unit 152. The detection circuit 352 receives a second detection signal from the mounting platform sensor 112 and the drive amount of the first motor 121 from the control circuit 351. Based on the received information, the detection circuit 352 detects the position of the mounting surface 103a and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 351.

[0114] As detailed above, even when using the processing circuit 350, the media transport device is able to suppress damage to the object worn by the user when the mounting platform 103 is raised. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 100 Media transport device, 103 Mounting platform, 103a Mounting surface, 113 Pick roller, 151 Control unit, 152 Detection unit

Claims

1. A motor capable of switching the torque from a first torque to a second torque smaller than the first torque, according to the supplied power, A mounting platform is provided so as to be movable up and down by the motor and has a mounting surface, A roller that contacts the medium placed on the aforementioned mounting platform from above and transports the medium from the medium insertion opening, The motor has a control unit that controls the motor so that the mounting base is positioned so that the medium placed on the mounting base comes into contact with the roller, A gap exposed to the outside is formed between the mounting platform and the media insertion opening. As the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller, the torque of the motor is switched from the first torque to the second torque. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

2. The media transport device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further includes a detection unit that detects the position of the mounting surface based on the amount of drive obtained by driving the motor after the mounting base described above has been placed in an initial position.

3. The media transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting surface of the mounting table moves from a first position to a second position above the first position as the mounting table is raised, and when the mounting surface moves to the second position, the torque of the motor is switched from the first torque to the second torque.

4. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the motor is a stepping motor.

5. The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit sets the torque of the motor to a torque smaller than the first torque when the stand described above is placed in the initial position.

6. A motor capable of switching the torque from a first torque to a second torque smaller than the first torque according to the supplied power, is provided to be vertically movable, and the motor is controlled such that the medium placed on the mounting base has a mounting surface is positioned so as to come into contact with a roller that contacts the medium placed on the mounting base from above and transports the medium from the medium insertion opening, A gap exposed to the outside is formed between the mounting platform and the media insertion opening. As the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller, the torque of the motor is switched from the first torque to the second torque. A media transport method characterized by the following:

7. A control program for a media transport device comprising: a motor capable of switching the torque from a first torque to a second torque smaller than the first torque according to the supplied power; a mounting base provided so as to be vertically movable by the motor and having a mounting surface; and rollers that contact a medium placed on the mounting base from above to transport the medium from a medium insertion opening, wherein The medium transport device is instructed to control the motor so that the mounting platform is positioned so that the medium placed on the mounting platform comes into contact with the roller. A gap exposed to the outside is formed between the mounting platform and the media insertion opening. As the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller, the torque of the motor is switched from the first torque to the second torque. A control program characterized by the following features.

8. A motor capable of switching the torque from a first torque to a second torque smaller than the first torque according to the supplied power, A mounting platform is provided so as to be movable up and down by the motor and has a mounting surface, The system includes a control unit that controls the motor to move the aforementioned platform so that the medium is positioned at the transport location in the medium insertion port, A gap exposed to the outside is formed between the mounting platform and the media insertion opening. As the mounting platform rises and the gap becomes smaller, the torque of the motor is switched from the first torque to the second torque. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

Images