Media transport device, media feeding method, and control program

Abstract

Provided are a medium conveying device, a medium feeding method, and a control program that make it possible to align leading edges of media in a more favorable manner before medium feeding starts. This medium conveying device comprises: a feed roller for feeding media loaded on a loading platform in order starting with the lowermost one; a separation roller disposed above the feed roller and opposed to the feed roller; a restriction member provided to push up the media loaded on the loading platform from below, and thus restrict the media from making contact with the feed roller, the restriction member being movable up and down; a pressing member provided to press the media loaded on the loading platform from above, the pressing member being movable up and down; a conveyance roller provided on the loading platform and located upstream of the feed roller and the separation roller in the medium conveyance direction; a drive mechanism for driving the restriction member, the pressing member, and the conveyance roller; and a control unit that controls the drive mechanism so that the drive mechanism causes up-down movements of the restriction member, up-down movements of the pressing member, and rotation of the conveyance roller so as to vibrate the media loaded on the loading platform before the feed roller and the separation roller start medium feeding.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a medium conveyance device such as a scanner that sequentially feeds and images while separating a plurality of media, it is required to appropriately separate the media so that double feeding of the media or jamming of the media does not occur.

[0003] A paper feeding device is disclosed that includes a roller guide located near a pick roller and lifting the leading end of the paper loaded on a shooter to prevent contact between the paper and the pick roller (see Patent Document 1). In this paper feeding device, the roller guide moves up and down prior to the start of the paper feeding operation, and imparts vertical vibration to the paper to be fed to align the leading ends of the paper.

[0004] A conveyance device is disclosed that includes a stopper member displaceable between a first position close to a paper feeding roller and a second position spaced apart from the paper feeding roller (see Patent Document 2). In this conveyance device, when the stopper member is in the first position, in the case of a first state detected by any one of a plurality of sensors, at least one of control for causing vibration in the paper feeding roller and control for causing vibration in the stopper member is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a medium conveyance device, it is required to better align the leading ends of the media before starting the feeding of the media so that the media can be appropriately separated.

[0007] The media transport device, media feeding method, and control program according to this embodiment aim to better align the leading edges of the media before the start of media feeding.

[0008] A media transport device according to one aspect of the embodiment comprises: a mounting table; a feeding roller for sequentially feeding the media placed on the mounting table from below; a separation roller positioned above the feeding roller and opposite to it; a restricting member provided to be vertically movable and pushing up the media placed on the mounting table from below to restrict contact with the feeding roller; a pressing member provided to be vertically movable and pressing down on the media placed on the mounting table from above; a transport roller positioned on the mounting table upstream of the feeding roller and the separation roller in the media transport direction; a drive mechanism for driving the restricting member, the pressing member and the transport roller; and a control unit that controls the drive mechanism to vibrate the media placed on the mounting table by moving the restricting member up and down, moving the pressing member up and down, and rotating the transport roller before the feeding of the media by the feeding roller and the separation roller begins. The control unit comprises: The transport rollers are rotated when the regulating member and pressing member are lowered, and the transport rollers are stopped when the regulating member and pressing member are raised. .

[0009] A media feeding method according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a feeding roller for sequentially feeding media placed on a mounting table from the bottom, and, before the start of media feeding by a separation roller positioned above the feeding roller and opposite to the feeding roller, a restricting member that is vertically movable and pushes the media placed on the mounting table from below to restrict contact with the feeding roller, a pressing member that is vertically movable and presses the media placed on the mounting table from above, and a drive mechanism for driving the restricting member, pressing member and conveying roller to rotate a conveying roller positioned upstream of the feeding roller and separation roller in the media conveying direction on the mounting table, thereby causing the media placed on the mounting table to vibrate, and in the control, The transport rollers are rotated when the regulating member and pressing member are lowered, and the transport rollers are stopped when the regulating member and pressing member are raised. .

[0010] A control program relating to one aspect of the embodiment is a control program for a media transport device having a mounting table, a feeding roller for sequentially feeding a medium placed on the mounting table from below, a separation roller positioned above the feeding roller and opposite to the feeding roller, a restricting member provided to be vertically movable and pushing up the medium placed on the mounting table from below to restrict contact with the feeding roller, a pressing member provided to be vertically movable and pressing the medium placed on the mounting table from above, a transport roller positioned on the mounting table upstream of the feeding roller and the separation roller in the media transport direction, and a drive mechanism for driving the restricting member, the pressing member and the transport roller, wherein the control program causes the media transport device to perform vertical movement of the restricting member, vertical movement of the pressing member and rotation of the transport roller, and control the drive mechanism to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table, and in the control, The transport rollers are rotated when the regulating member and pressing member are lowered, and the transport rollers are stopped when the regulating member and pressing member are raised. .

[0011] According to this embodiment, the media transport device, media feeding method, and control program can better align the leading edge of the media before the start of media feeding.

[0012] The object and effect of the present invention will be recognized and obtained, in particular, by using the components and combinations indicated in the claims. Both the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and descriptive, and do not limit the present invention as described in the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a media transport device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device 100. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram to explain regulatory guideline 112, etc. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of regulatory guide 112, etc. [Figure 5]It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the regulation guide 112 and the like. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the regulation guide 112 and the like. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the regulation guide 112 and the like. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the media transport device 100. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the reception process. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside another media transport device 200. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside another media transport device 300. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining another first transport roller 404. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of another processing circuit 550.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, a media transport device, a media feeding method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. However, note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and extends to the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a media conveyance device 100 configured as an image scanner. The media conveyance device 100 conveys and images a medium that is a document. The medium may be paper, tissue paper, cardboard, card, booklet, passport, or the like. The media conveyance device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copying machine, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the conveyed medium may not be a document but a printing object or the like, and the media conveyance device 100 may be a printer or the like.

[0016] The media conveyance device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, a first conveyance roller 104, a discharge table 105, an operation device 106, a display device 107, and the like. In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the media conveyance direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction orthogonal to the media conveyance direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction orthogonal to the media conveyance path. Hereinafter, the upstream refers to the upstream in the media conveyance direction A1, and the downstream refers to the downstream in the media conveyance direction A1.

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

[0018] The mounting table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 and mounts the medium to be fed and conveyed. The mounting table 103 has a mounting surface 103a for mounting the medium.

[0019] The first conveyance roller 104 is an example of a conveyance roller. It is disposed on the mounting surface 103a of the mounting table 103. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two first conveyance rollers 104 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2. The number of the first conveyance rollers 104 is not limited to two and may be one or three or more.

[0020] The discharge table 105 is engaged with the upper housing 102 and mounts the discharged medium. Note that the discharge table 105 may be engaged with the lower housing 101.

[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.

[0022] Figure 2 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 media sensor 111, a regulating guide 112, a cam member 113, a pressing member 114, a feeding roller 115, a separation roller 116, a second transport roller 117, a first opposing roller 118, an imaging device 119, a discharge roller 120, and a second opposing roller 121, among others.

[0024] Note that the number of each of the feeding roller 115, separating roller 116, second conveying roller 117, first opposing roller 118, discharge roller 120 and / or second opposing roller 121 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In that case, the multiple feeding rollers 115, separating roller 116, second conveying roller 117, first opposing roller 118, discharge roller 120 and / or second opposing roller 121 are arranged side by side with spacing between them in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the media conveying direction.

[0025] The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms the lower guide 101a of the media transport path, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms the upper guide 102a of the media transport path.

[0026] The first transport roller 104 is positioned upstream of the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116 in the media transport direction A1.

[0027] The medium sensor 111 is positioned upstream of the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116. The medium sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. Note that the medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the medium sensor 111.

[0028] The feeding roller 115 is provided on the lower housing 101 and separates and feeds the medium placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom up. The separation roller 116 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller and is provided on the upper housing 102, positioned above the feeding roller 115 and opposite to the feeding roller 115. The separation roller 116 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. Alternatively, the feeding roller 115 may be provided on the upper housing 102 and the separation roller 116 on the lower housing 101, and the feeding roller 115 may feed the medium placed on the mounting table 103 from the top up.

[0029] The second transport roller 117 and the first opposing roller 118 are arranged facing each other downstream of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116 in the media transport direction A1. The second transport roller 117 is provided on the upper housing 102 and transports the media supplied by the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116 to the imaging device 119. Alternatively, the second transport roller 117 may be provided on the lower housing 101 and the first opposing roller 118 on the upper housing 102.

[0030] The imaging device 119 is positioned downstream of the second transport roller 117 and the first opposing roller 118 in the media transport direction A1, and images the media transported by the second transport roller 117 and the first opposing roller 118. The imaging device 119 includes a first imaging device 119a and a second imaging device 119b, which are positioned opposite each other across the media transport path.

[0031] The first imaging device 119a 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 119a 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 119a captures the surface of the transported medium according to control from a processing circuit described later, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0032] Similarly, the second imaging device 119b 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 119b 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 119b generates and outputs an input image by imaging the back surface of the transported medium according to the control from the processing circuit described later.

[0033] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b, 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.

[0034] The discharge roller 120 and the second opposing roller 121 are arranged facing each other in the media transport direction A1, downstream from the imaging device 119, that is, downstream from the second transport roller 117 and the first opposing roller 118. The discharge roller 120 is provided on the upper housing 102 and further transports the media transported by the second transport roller 117 and the first opposing roller 118 downstream and discharges it to the discharge table 105. Alternatively, the discharge roller 120 may be provided on the lower housing 101 and the second opposing roller 121 on the upper housing 102.

[0035] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a toward the medium transport direction A1 by the feeding roller 115 rotating in the direction of arrow A4, i.e., the medium feeding direction. In addition, the first transport roller 104 rotates in the direction of arrow A5, i.e., the medium feeding direction, to assist in the feeding of the medium. 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 A6, i.e., in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. Due to the action of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116, when multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, only the media in contact with the feed roller 115 among the media placed on the mounting table 103 are separated. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing 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 A6, i.e., in the media feeding direction.

[0036] The medium is fed between the second transport roller 117 and the first opposing roller 118, guided by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a. The medium is then fed between the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b as the second transport roller 117 and the first opposing roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A7 and A8, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 119 is then discharged onto the discharge platform 105 as the discharge roller 120 and the second opposing roller 121 rotate in the directions of arrows A9 and A10, respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the medium transport device 100 has a first motor 131, a first transmission mechanism 131a, a second motor 132, a second transmission mechanism 132a, a third motor 133, and a third transmission mechanism 133a as drive sources for each roller.

[0038] The first motor 131 is an example of a motor. The first motor 131 is provided in the lower housing 101. The first motor 131 is connected to the first transport roller 104, the cam member 113, and the feed roller 115 via the first transmission mechanism 131a, and drives the first transport roller 104, the cam member 113, and the feed roller 115. The first motor 131 generates a driving force to drive the first transport roller 104, the cam member 113, and the feed roller 115 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. The first transmission mechanism 131a includes one or more pulleys, belts, gears, etc., provided between the first motor 131 and the shaft 104a, which is the rotation axis of the first transport roller 104, the rotation axis 113a of the cam member 113, and the shaft 115a, which is the rotation axis of the feed roller 115. The first transmission mechanism 131a transmits the driving force generated by the first motor 131 to the first transport roller 104, the cam member 113, and the feed roller 115.

[0039] When the first motor 131 rotates in the forward direction, the first transmission mechanism 131a transmits driving force so that the cam member 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A11, and the feeding roller 115 and the first conveying roller 104 rotate in the directions of arrows A4 and A5 (media feeding direction), respectively. The first transmission mechanism 131a has a one-way clutch 104b to block the transmission of driving force that would rotate the first conveying roller 104 in the opposite direction to the media feeding direction (opposite direction of arrow A4). The first transmission mechanism 131a also has a one-way clutch 115b to block the transmission of driving force that would rotate the feeding roller 115 in the opposite direction to the media feeding direction (opposite direction of arrow A4). Therefore, when the first motor 131 rotates in the reverse direction, the first transmission mechanism 131a transmits driving force so that the cam member 113 rotates in the opposite direction to arrow A11, and does not transmit driving force to the feeding roller 115 and the first conveying roller 104.

[0040] As a result, the first motor 131 rotates the feed roller 115 to feed the medium and rotates the first transport roller 104 to assist in the feeding of the medium. The first motor 131 also rotates the cam member 113 to move the regulating guide 112 that contacts the cam member 113 and moves the pressing member 114 that engages with the regulating guide 112. In other words, the first motor 131 generates the driving force to rotate the feed roller 115 and the first transport roller 104, and the driving force to move the regulating guide 112 and the pressing member 114. The first motor 131 may be located in the upper housing 102.

[0041] Thus, in the media conveying device 100, a common motor is used for rotating the feeding roller 115 and the first conveying roller 104, as well as for moving the regulating guide 112 and the pressing member 114. This makes it possible to reduce the number of motors in the media conveying device 100, thereby reducing the device cost and weight.

[0042] The second motor 132 is provided in the upper housing 102 separately from the first motor 131. The second motor 132 is connected to the separation roller 116 via a second transmission mechanism 132a and drives the separation roller 116. The second motor 132 generates a driving force to drive the separation roller 116 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. The second transmission mechanism 132a includes one or more pulleys, belts, gears, etc., provided between the second motor 132 and the shaft 116a, which is the rotation axis of the separation roller 116. The second transmission mechanism 132a transmits the driving force generated by the second motor 132 to the separation roller 116. As a result, the second motor 132 rotates the separation roller 116, causing the medium to be separated and fed to the separation roller 116. The second motor 132 may also be located in the lower housing 101.

[0043] The separation roller 116 is equipped with a torque limiter that defines the maximum torque applied to the separation roller 116. The limit value of the torque limiter is set such that the rotational force through the torque limiter is cut off when there is one medium, and the rotational force through the torque limiter is transmitted when there are multiple mediums. As a result, when only one medium is being transported, the separation roller 116 follows the feed roller 115 without rotating according to the driving force from the second motor 132. On the other hand, when multiple mediums are being transported, the separation roller 116 rotates in the opposite direction A6 to the medium feeding direction, separating the medium in contact with the feed roller 115 from the other medium, thereby preventing double feeding. At this time, the outer surface of the separation roller 116 may remain stationary without rotating in the opposite direction A6 to the medium feeding direction, and a force in the opposite direction A6 to the medium feeding direction may be applied to the medium.

[0044] The third motor 133 is provided in the upper housing 102 separately from the first motor 131 and the second motor 132. The third motor 133 is connected to the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120 via the third transmission mechanism 133a and drives the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120. The third motor 133 generates a driving force to drive the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit. The third transmission mechanism 133a includes one or more pulleys, belts, gears, etc., provided between the third motor 133 and the shaft 117a, which is the rotation axis of the second conveyor roller 117, and the shaft 120a, which is the rotation axis of the discharge roller 120. The third transmission mechanism 133a transmits the driving force generated by the third motor 133 to the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120. As a result, the third motor 133 rotates the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120 to convey and discharge the medium to the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120. The third motor 133 may be located in the lower housing 101.

[0045] The first opposing roller 118 is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the second conveying roller 117, and the second opposing roller 121 is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the discharge roller 120. The first opposing roller 118 and / or the second opposing roller 121 may be provided to be driven by the driving force from the third motor 133. In that case, one or more gears are provided between the shaft 117a of the second conveying roller 117 and the shaft 118a which is the rotation axis of the first opposing roller 118 and / or between the shaft 120a of the discharge roller 120 and the shaft 121a which is the rotation axis of the second opposing roller 121. The third transmission mechanism 133a further transmits the driving force generated by the third motor 133 to the first opposing roller 118 and / or the second opposing roller 121.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the regulating guide 112, the cam member 113, and the pressing member 114. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the regulating guide 112, the cam member 113, and the pressing member 114 viewed from the side before media feeding.

[0047] The regulating guide 112 is an example of a regulating member and is a guide for setting the medium(s) M1 placed on the mounting base 103. The regulating guide 112 is positioned opposite the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116 in the medium transport direction A1. The regulating guide 112 is rotatably (swingingly) supported by the lower housing 101 and supports the lower surface of the medium M1 placed on the mounting base 103 when the medium M1 is not being fed. Hereinafter, as shown in Figure 3, the position in which the regulating guide 112 supports the lower surface of the medium M1 placed on the mounting base 103 may be referred to as the set position.

[0048] The cam member 113 is a moving member for moving the regulating guide 112. The cam member 113 is positioned downstream of the regulating guide 112 in the medium transport direction A1. The cam member 113 is rotatably (oscillated) by the first motor 131. The cam member 113 is supported by the lower housing 101 so as to be rotatable according to the driving force from the first motor 131, and when no medium is being fed, it contacts the downstream end of the regulating guide 112 to hold the regulating guide 112 in the set position.

[0049] The pressing member 114 is mounted on the upper housing 102 so as to be movable vertically. The pressing member 114 has an elastic member 114a, a contact portion 114b, and a flap 114c.

[0050] The elastic member 114a is a spring member such as a compression coil spring. Alternatively, the elastic member 114a may be another spring member such as a leaf spring, or a rubber member. One end of the elastic member 114a is attached to the upper surface of the pressing member 114, and the other end of the elastic member 114a is attached to the frame inside the upper housing 102. The elastic member 114a applies a downward force to the pressing member 114.

[0051] The contact portion 114b is positioned on the lower surface of the pressing member 114 and contacts the medium placed on the mounting base 103, pressing the medium placed on the mounting base 103 from above. Preferably, the contact portion 114b is provided so as to contact the leading edge of the medium placed on the mounting base 103. Alternatively, the contact portion 114b may be omitted, and the lower surface of the pressing member 114 may directly contact the medium placed on the mounting base 103, pressing the medium placed on the mounting base 103 from above.

[0052] The flap 114c is a stopper that prevents the medium M1 from entering the nip portions of the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116 before the medium is fed. The flap 114c is positioned opposite the regulating guide 112 in the medium transport direction A1. The flap 114c is pivotably mounted on the upper housing 102 and engages with the regulating guide 112, which is positioned in the set position, when the medium M1 is not being fed, to prevent the medium M1 from entering the nip portions of the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116. In other words, the regulating guide 112 restricts the contact of the medium M1 with the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116 in the set position.

[0053] Furthermore, when the regulating guide 112 is positioned in the set position, the flap 114c is positioned between the pressing member 114 and the regulating guide 112, restricting the downward movement of the pressing member 114 to which a downward force is applied by the elastic member 114a.

[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the regulating guide 112, the cam member 113, and the pressing member 114. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the regulating guide 112, the cam member 113, and the pressing member 114 viewed from the side during media feeding.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, when the medium M1 is fed, the first motor 131 rotates in the forward direction. The cam member 113 swings (rotates) downward (in the direction of arrow A11) according to the driving force from the first motor 131, and moves away from the downstream end of the regulating guide 112. As the downstream end of the regulating guide 112 moves away from the cam member 113 and is no longer held by the cam member 113, it swings downward (in the direction of arrow A12) from the medium transport surface and moves away from the lower surface of the medium M1 placed on the mounting table 103. Hereafter, as shown in Figure 4, the position in which the regulating guide 112 is moved away from the lower surface of the medium M1 placed on the mounting table 103 may be referred to as the release position. When the regulating guide 112 is placed in the release position, the engagement between the flap 114c and the regulating guide 112 is released. As a result, the flap 114c is pushed by the leading edge of the medium M1 placed on the mounting base 103 and swings downstream (in the direction of arrow A13), allowing the medium M1 to enter the nip portion of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116. In this way, the flap 114c allows the medium M1 to enter the nip portion of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116 when the restricting guide 112 is in the release position. That is, the restricting guide 112 does not restrict the contact of the medium M1 with the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116 when it is in the release position.

[0056] Thus, the restricting guide 112 is provided to be movable vertically and pushes up the medium placed on the mounting base 103 from below to restrict contact with the feeding roller 115. Furthermore, when the restricting guide 112 is in the released position, the flap 114c swings downstream, thereby not restricting the downward movement of the pressing member 114. As a result, the pressing member 114 moves downward due to the elastic member 114a.

[0057] Figures 5, 6, and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the regulating guide 112, the pressing member 114, and the first conveyor roller 104 before media feeding. Figures 5, 6, and 7 are schematic diagrams of the regulating guide 112, the pressing member 114, and the first conveyor roller 104 viewed from the side.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the media group M2 may be placed on the mounting table 103 by the user with their ends not aligned. In this state, when the restricting guide 112 is moved to the release position and the restriction by the flap 114c is released, the media group M2 simultaneously enters the nip section of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, if the end of the media placed above the lowest media is located downstream from the end of the lowest media, that media will enter the nip section of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116 first. As described above, the limit value of the torque limiter provided on the separation roller 116 is set to a value such that the rotational force via the torque limiter is cut off when there is only one media. Therefore, when the media placed on the upper side enters the nip section of the feed roller 115 and the separation roller 116 first, the separation roller 116 follows the feed roller 115. Therefore, media placed at the top may be fed together with media placed at the bottom, potentially resulting in double feeding of media.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the media transport device 100 rotates the first motor 131 slightly in the forward direction before the media is fed. This causes the cam member 113 to rotate slightly in the direction of arrow A11 and the regulating guide 112 to descend slightly. As a result, the engagement between the flap 114c and the regulating guide 112 is released, the flap 114c swings downstream, and the restriction on the downward movement of the pressing member 114 is released. The pressing member 114 descends due to the elastic member 114a, and the contact portion 114b comes into contact with the media placed on the mounting table 103, pressing the media placed on the mounting table 103 from above. Furthermore, as the first motor 131 rotates in the forward direction, the first transport roller 104 rotates, and the media placed at the bottom of the media placed on the mounting table 103 is transported downstream.

[0060] In the following, the operation of lowering the pressing member 114 to press the medium, lowering the regulating guide 112, and rotating the first conveyor roller may be referred to as the first operation.

[0061] Thus, as the regulating guide 112 moves due to the driving force from the first motor 131, the restriction on the movement of the pressing member 114 by the flap 114c is released, and the pressing member 114 descends by the force from the elastic member 114a. In other words, the first motor 131, the first transmission mechanism 131a, the elastic member 114a, and the flap 114c function as a drive mechanism for driving the regulating guide 112, the pressing member 114, and the first conveying roller 104. By providing the pressing member 114 to descend by the force from the elastic member 114a, the feeding roller 115, the first conveying roller 104, the regulating guide 112, and the pressing member 114 are provided to rotate or move by the driving force from a single first motor 131. As a result, the media conveying device 100 can reduce the number of motors, thereby reducing the device cost and weight.

[0062] Subsequently, the media transport device 100 rotates the first motor 131 in the reverse direction. This causes the cam member 113 to rotate in the opposite direction of arrow A11, and the regulating guide 112 rises. The raised regulating guide 112 is repositioned to the set position shown in Figure 5 and engages with the flap 114c. The pressing member 114 is pressed upward by the regulating guide 112 via the flap 114c, and the pressing member 114 moves upward against the force from the elastic member 114a, separating from the media placed on the mounting table 103. On the other hand, due to the action of the one-way clutch 104b, the first transport roller 104 does not rotate when the first motor 131 rotates in the reverse direction.

[0063] In the following, the operation of raising the pressing member 114 to separate it from the medium, raising the regulating guide 112, and stopping the first conveyor roller may be referred to as the second operation.

[0064] The media transport device 100 repeatedly performs the first and second operations by switching the first motor 131 between forward and reverse rotation, thereby causing the regulating guide 112 to move up and down, the pressing member 114 to move up and down, and the first transport roller 104 to rotate.

[0065] When the media group M2 is placed on the mounting table 103 with its ends not aligned, it cascades downstream as the regulating guide 112 descends. Subsequently, as the regulating guide 112 rises, vibration is applied to the media group M2. This causes the media group M2 to collapse properly, and the ends of each medium contained in the media group M2 come into contact with the flap 114c. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the media transport device 100 can align the ends of the media group M2 before the start of media feeding, thereby suppressing the occurrence of double feeding or jamming of the media.

[0066] However, if the tip of the media group M2 placed on the mounting table 103 is curled, the adhesion force between each medium included in the media group M2 is large, making the media group M2 less likely to collapse. The media transport device 100 can flatten the tip of the media group M2 by pressing down on it with the pressing member 114, thereby reducing the adhesion force between each medium included in the media group M2. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can more appropriately collapse the media group M2 and align the tips of the media group M2 more effectively.

[0067] Furthermore, the media transport device 100 rotates the first transport roller 104 while moving the regulating guide 112 and the pressing member 114 up and down. As a result, the media group M2 moves downstream and more reliably comes into contact with the flap 114c. Therefore, the media transport device 100 can align the leading edges of the media group M2 more effectively.

[0068] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the media transport device 100.

[0069] In addition to the configuration described above, the media transport device 100 further includes an interface device 134, a storage device 140, and a processing circuit 150.

[0070] The interface device 134 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 134, a communication unit may be used that has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device 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 device for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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.

[0073] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operating device 106, display device 107, medium sensor 111, imaging device 119, first motor 131, second motor 132, third motor 133, interface device 134, and storage device 140, and controls each of these parts. Based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111, the processing circuit 150 controls the drive of each motor, controls the imaging of the imaging device 119, etc. The processing circuit 150 acquires the input image from the imaging device 119 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 134. The processing circuit 150 also controls the drive mechanism to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table 103 by repeating the first operation and the second operation.

[0074] Figure 9 shows a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

[0075] As shown in Figure 9, the storage device 140 stores the reception program 141, the control program 142, and the like. 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 reception unit 151 and a control unit 152.

[0076] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the receiving process of the media transport device 100.

[0077] The following describes an example of the operation of the media transport device 100's reception process, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 10. The operation flow described below is primarily 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 memory device 140.

[0078] First, the reception unit 151 waits until the user inputs settings related to the vibration of the medium using the operating device 106 or the information processing device, and receives a setting signal indicating the settings related to the vibration of the medium from the operating device 106 or the interface device 134 (step S101). The settings related to the vibration of the medium include whether or not to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table 103, and / or the number of repetitions of the first and second operations.

[0079] When the reception unit 151 receives a setting signal, it stores the setting indicated by the received setting signal in the storage device 140 (step S102) and returns the process to step S101. In this way, the reception unit 151 receives settings related to the vibration of the media from the user. As a result, the media transport device 100 can change the settings related to the vibration of the media according to the type of media or the number of media to be read in batches, and can align the leading edges of the media more appropriately.

[0080] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media transport device 100.

[0081] The following describes an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media transport device 100, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 11. 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.

[0082] First, the control unit 152 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 134 (step S201).

[0083] Next, the control unit 152 acquires a medium signal from the medium sensor 111 and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S202). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 152 terminates the series of steps.

[0084] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the mounting tray 103, the control unit 152 reads the settings related to the vibration of the medium from the storage device 140 (step S203).

[0085] Next, the control unit 152 determines whether or not it is set to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table 103 (step S204). If it is not set to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 152 proceeds to step S208.

[0086] On the other hand, if it is set to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 152 rotates the first motor 131 in the forward direction for a first predetermined time and performs the first operation (step S205). The first predetermined time is set to the time for lowering the regulating guide 112 within a range in which the medium placed on the mounting table 103 does not come into contact with the feed roller 115.

[0087] Next, the control unit 152 reverses the rotation of the first motor 131 for a second predetermined time to perform the second operation (step S206). The second predetermined time is set to be the same as the first predetermined time, or longer than the first predetermined time.

[0088] Next, the control unit 152 determines whether the first and second operations have been performed for the set number of repetitions (step S207). If the first and second operations have not yet been performed for the set number of repetitions, the control unit 152 returns to step S205 and repeats the process from steps S205 to S207.

[0089] In this way, the control unit 152 controls the drive mechanism to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table 103 by repeating the first and second operations, so that the leading edges of the medium are aligned. Before the feeding of the medium by the feeding roller 115 and the separation roller 116 begins, the control unit 152 controls the drive mechanism to vibrate the medium placed on the mounting table 103 by moving the regulating guide 112 up and down, moving the pressing member 114 up and down, and rotating the first transport roller 104. As a result, the medium transport device 100 can align the leading edges of the medium placed on the mounting table 103 before the feeding of the medium begins, thereby suppressing the occurrence of double feeding or jamming of the medium.

[0090] On the other hand, when the first and second operations are performed for a set number of repetitions, the first motor 131, the second motor 132, and the third motor 133 are driven to move the regulating guide 112 and rotate each roller (step S208). The control unit 152 rotates the cam member 113 in the direction of arrow A11 in Figure 3 by rotating the first motor 131 in the forward direction, moving the regulating guide 112 in the direction of arrow A12 in Figure 3, i.e., from the set position to the release position. The control unit 152 also rotates the feeding roller 115 and the first transport roller 104 in the medium feeding direction (in the directions of arrows A4 and A5 in Figure 2) by rotating the first motor 131 in the forward direction. The control unit 152 also drives the second motor 132 to rotate the separation roller 116 in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction (in the direction of arrow A6 in Figure 2). Furthermore, the control unit 152 drives the third motor 133 to rotate the second transport roller 117, the first opposing roller 118, the discharge roller 120 and / or the second opposing roller 121 in the directions of arrows A7, A8, A9 and / or A10 in Figure 2, respectively.

[0091] Next, the control unit 152 waits until the rear end of the transported medium passes the imaging position of the imaging device 119 (step S209). The control unit 152 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position of the imaging device 119 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of medium feeding. Alternatively, a known medium sensor capable of detecting the rear end of the medium may be placed near the imaging device 119, and the control unit 152 may determine whether the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position based on the output signal from the medium sensor. In this case, the control unit 152 periodically acquires an output signal from the medium sensor and determines whether the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the medium sensor based on the acquired output signal. The control unit 152 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 medium sensor. 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 medium sensor to the imaging position.

[0092] Next, the control unit 152 acquires an input image from the imaging device 119 and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 134 (step S210).

[0093] Next, the control unit 152 determines whether or not there is any medium remaining on the mounting tray 103 based on the medium signal received from the medium sensor 111 (step S211). If there is any medium remaining on the mounting tray 103, the control unit 152 returns to step S209 and repeats the process from steps S209 to S211.

[0094] On the other hand, if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 152 drives the first motor 131 to move the regulating guide 112 to the set position, and then stops the first motor 131, the second motor 132, and the third motor 133 to stop each roller (step S212). The control unit 152 rotates the cam member 113 in the opposite direction of arrow A11 in Figure 3 by reversing the rotation of the first motor 131, thereby moving the regulating guide 112 in the opposite direction of arrow A12 in Figure 3, i.e., from the release position to the set position. With this, the control unit 152 completes the series of steps.

[0095] The reception process may be omitted. In that case, steps S203 to S204 of the media reading process are omitted, and the control unit 152 will always execute steps S205 to S207. A fixed value is set in advance as the number of repetitions, and in step S207, the control unit 152 determines whether the first operation and the second operation have been executed for the predetermined number of repetitions.

[0096] As described in detail above, the media transport device 100 vibrates the media using the pressing member 114, the regulating guide 112, and the first transport roller 104 located on the mounting table 103 before the media feeding begins, thereby aligning the leading edge of the media. This makes it possible for the media transport device 100 to align the leading edge of the media more effectively before the media feeding begins.

[0097] Furthermore, users no longer need to align the leading edge of the media when placing it on the mounting table 103, and the media transport device 100 improves user convenience and shortens the time required for media reading processing.

[0098] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device 200 according to another embodiment.

[0099] The media transport device 200 has all the parts of the media transport device 100. However, the media transport device 200 has a pressing member 214, a third motor 233, and a third transmission mechanism 233a instead of the pressing member 114, the third motor 133, and the third transmission mechanism 133a.

[0100] The pressing member 214 has the same configuration and function as the pressing member 114. The pressing member 214 has a contact portion 214b and a flap 214c that have the same configuration and function as the contact portion 114b and flap 114c. However, the pressing member 214 does not have an elastic member 114a and is provided so as to be able to swing (rotate) around the rotation axis 214d.

[0101] The third motor 233 and the third transmission mechanism 233a have the same configuration and function as the third motor 133 and the third transmission mechanism 133a, respectively. However, the third motor 233 is connected to the second conveyor roller 117, the discharge roller 120, and the pressing member 214 via the third transmission mechanism 233a, and drives the second conveyor roller 117, the discharge roller 120, and the pressing member 214. The third motor 233 generates a driving force to drive the second conveyor roller 117, the discharge roller 120, and the pressing member 214 based on a control signal from the processing circuit 150. The third transmission mechanism 233a includes one or more pulleys, belts, gears, etc., provided between the third motor 233 and the shaft 117a, which is the rotation axis of the second conveyor roller 117, the shaft 120a, which is the rotation axis of the discharge roller 120, and the rotation axis 214d of the pressing member 214. The third transmission mechanism 233a transmits the driving force generated by the third motor 133 to the second transport roller 117, the discharge roller 120, and the pressing member 214.

[0102] As a result, the third motor 233 rotates the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120 to convey and discharge the medium to the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120. The third motor 233 also moves the pressing member 214. That is, the third motor 233 generates a driving force to rotate the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120, and a driving force to move the pressing member 214. The third motor 233 is an example of a motor for the pressing member. The driving force to move the pressing member 214 is an example of a first driving force. On the other hand, similar to the medium conveying device 100, the first motor 131 generates a driving force to rotate the feeding roller 115 and the first conveyor roller 104, and a driving force to move the regulating guide 112. The first motor 131 is an example of a motor for the regulating member. The driving force to move the regulating guide 112 is an example of a second driving force.

[0103] When the third motor 233 rotates in the forward direction, the third transmission mechanism 233a transmits driving force to rotate the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120 in the directions of arrows A7 and A9, respectively, and to lower the regulating guide 112 (rotate it in the direction of arrow A14). On the other hand, when the third motor 233 rotates in the reverse direction, the third transmission mechanism 233a transmits driving force to rotate the second conveyor roller 117 and the discharge roller 120 in the opposite direction of arrows A7 and A9, respectively, and to raise the regulating guide 112.

[0104] In the media transport device 200, the reception unit 151 performs the reception process shown in Figure 10, and the control unit 152 performs the media reading process shown in Figure 11.

[0105] In step S205 of the media reading process, the control unit 152 performs the first operation by rotating the first motor 131 forward and the third motor 233 forward. On the other hand, in step S206, the control unit 152 performs the second operation by rotating the first motor 131 in the reverse direction and the third motor 233 in the reverse direction. At this time, the second transport roller 117 and the discharge roller 120 rotate, but no media is being fed, so no problems occur.

[0106] As described in detail above, even when the media transport device 200 is equipped with a first motor 131 that drives the regulating guide 112 and a third motor 233 that drives the pressing member 214 separately, it is possible to better align the leading edge of the media before the start of media feeding.

[0107] The media transport device 200 provides a first motor 131 for driving the regulating guide 112 and a third motor 233 for driving the pressing member 214 separately, allowing for flexible adjustment of the timing of movement of the regulating guide 112 and the pressing member 214, respectively. Furthermore, the media transport device 200 allows for flexible adjustment of the force with which the pressing member 214 presses the media. Therefore, the media transport device 200 can more appropriately align the leading edges of the media. On the other hand, the media transport device 100 reduces power consumption required for media vibration by driving the regulating guide 112 and the pressing member 114 with a common first motor 131.

[0108] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device 300 according to yet another embodiment.

[0109] The media transport device 300 has all the parts of the media transport device 200. However, the media transport device 300 has a first motor 331 and a first transmission mechanism 331a instead of the first motor 131 and the first transmission mechanism 131a. Furthermore, the media transport device 300 has a fourth motor 334 and a fourth transmission mechanism 334a.

[0110] The first motor 331 and the first transmission mechanism 331a have the same configuration and function as the first motor 131 and the first transmission mechanism 131a, respectively. However, the first motor 331 is not connected to the first transport roller 104 via the first transmission mechanism 331a, but is connected only to the cam member 113 and the feed roller 115, and drives only the cam member 113 and the feed roller 115. The first motor 331 generates a driving force to drive the cam member 113 and the feed roller 115 based on a control signal from the processing circuit 150. The first transmission mechanism 331a includes one or more pulleys, belts, gears, etc., provided between the first motor 131 and the shaft 113a of the cam member 113 and the shaft 115a of the feed roller 115. The first transmission mechanism 131a transmits the driving force generated by the first motor 131 to the cam member 113 and the feed roller 115.

[0111] As a result, the first motor 331 rotates the feed roller 115 to feed the medium. The first motor 131 rotates the cam member 113 to move the regulating guide 112 that contacts the cam member 113. In other words, the first motor 131 generates the driving force to rotate the feed roller 115 and the driving force to move the regulating guide 112.

[0112] The fourth motor 334 is connected to the first conveyor roller 104 via the fourth transmission mechanism 334a and drives the first conveyor roller 104. The fourth motor 334 generates a driving force to drive the first conveyor roller 104 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. The fourth transmission mechanism 334a includes one or more pulleys, belts, gears, etc., provided between the fourth motor 334 and the shaft 104a, which is the rotation axis of the first conveyor roller 104. The fourth transmission mechanism 334a transmits the driving force generated by the fourth motor 334 to the first conveyor roller 104.

[0113] As a result, the fourth motor 334 rotates the first conveyor roller 104 to assist in the feeding of the medium. In other words, the fourth motor 334 generates the driving force to rotate the first conveyor roller 104.

[0114] When the fourth motor 334 rotates in the forward direction, the fourth transmission mechanism 334a transmits driving force to rotate the first transport roller 104 in the direction of arrow A5.

[0115] In the media transport device 300, the reception unit 151 performs the reception process shown in Figure 10, and the control unit 152 performs the media reading process shown in Figure 11.

[0116] In step S205 of the media reading process, the control unit 152 performs a first operation by rotating the first motor 131 and the third motor 233 in the forward direction, and also by rotating the fourth motor 334 in the forward direction. On the other hand, in step S206, the control unit 152 performs a second operation by rotating the first motor 131 and the third motor 233 in the reverse direction, and also by stopping the fourth motor 334.

[0117] Furthermore, the control unit 152 may also rotate the fourth motor 334 in the forward direction in step S206 to rotate the first transport roller 104 in both the first and second operations. Alternatively, the control unit 152 may stop the fourth motor 334 in step S205 to stop the first transport roller 104 in the first operation, and then rotate the fourth motor 334 in the forward direction in step S205 to rotate the first transport roller 104 in the second operation.

[0118] Furthermore, the media transport device 300 may accept a setting from the user indicating whether or not to rotate the first transport roller 104 in the first or second operation. In that case, in step S101 of the acceptance process, the acceptance unit 151 accepts a setting related to the vibration of the media, including whether or not to rotate the first transport roller 104 in the first or second operation.

[0119] In step S205 of the media reading process, the control unit 152 determines whether the first transport roller 104 is set to rotate or not rotate in the first operation. If the first transport roller 104 is set to rotate in the first operation, the control unit 152 executes the first operation by rotating the fourth motor 334 in the forward direction. On the other hand, if the first transport roller 104 is set not to rotate in the first operation, the control unit 152 executes the first operation by stopping the fourth motor 334.

[0120] Similarly, in step S206 of the media reading process, the control unit 152 determines whether the first transport roller 104 is set to rotate or not rotate in the second operation. If the first transport roller 104 is set to rotate in the second operation, the control unit 152 executes the second operation by rotating the fourth motor 334 in the forward direction. On the other hand, if the first transport roller 104 is set not to rotate in the second operation, the control unit 152 executes the second operation by stopping the fourth motor 334.

[0121] This allows the media transport device 300 to change whether or not to rotate the first transport roller 104 when vibrating the media, depending on the type of media or the number of media to be read together, thereby enabling more appropriate alignment of the media's leading edges.

[0122] Similar to the media transport device 300, the media transport device 100 may also accept a setting from the user indicating whether or not to rotate the first transport roller 104 in the first operation. In that case, an electromagnetic clutch is provided between the first motor 131 and the first transport roller 104. The electromagnetic clutch is provided so as to be able to interrupt the driving force from the first motor 131 to the first transport roller 104 by a control signal from the processing circuit 150. If it is set that the first transport roller 104 should not be rotated in the first operation, the control unit 152 controls the electromagnetic clutch in step S205 of the media reading process to interrupt the transmission of driving force from the first motor 131 to the first transport roller 104. As a result, the control unit 152 stops the first transport roller 104 in the first operation.

[0123] Furthermore, the media transport device 300 may, like the media transport device 100, drive the regulating guide 112 and the pressing member 114 with a common first motor 331.

[0124] As described in detail above, even when the media transport device 300 is equipped with a first motor 131 that drives the regulating guide 112 and a fourth motor 334 that drives the first transport roller 104 separately, it is possible to better align the leading edge of the media before the start of media feeding.

[0125] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the first transport roller 404 in a media transport device according to yet another embodiment.

[0126] The first conveyor roller 404 is used in place of the first conveyor roller 104. As shown in Figure 14, the first conveyor roller 404 has a D-cut shape. Because the first conveyor roller 404 has a D-cut shape, discontinuous conveying force is applied to the medium placed on the mounting table 103 by the rotation of the first conveyor roller 404, and vibration is applied. Therefore, the medium conveying device can apply greater vibration to the medium placed on the mounting table 103, making it possible to align the leading edges of the medium more effectively.

[0127] As detailed above, the media transport device can now better align the leading edge of the media before the start of media feeding, even when the first transport roller 404 has a D-cut shape.

[0128] Figure 15 shows a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 in a media transport device according to yet another embodiment. The processing circuit 550 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 in media transport devices 100, 200, and 300, and performs reception processing and media reading processing, etc., instead of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 550 includes a reception circuit 551 and a control circuit 552, etc. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

[0129] The reception circuit 551 is an example of a reception unit and has the same functions as the reception unit 151. The reception circuit 551 receives a setting signal from the operating device 106 or the interface device 134 and stores the setting indicated by the received setting signal in the storage device 140.

[0130] The control circuit 552 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 152. The control circuit 552 receives operation signals from the operating device 106 or interface device 134 and medium signals from the medium sensor 111, and reads settings related to the vibration of the medium from the storage device 140. Based on the received signals and read settings, the control circuit 552 controls the first motors 131, 331, the second motor 132, the third motors 133, 233 and / or the fourth motor 334. The control circuit 552 also acquires input images from the imaging device 119 and outputs them to the interface device 134.

[0131] As detailed above, even when using the processing circuit 550, the media transport device can now more effectively align the leading edge of the media before the start of media feeding. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 100, 200, 300 Media transport device, 103 Mounting platform, 104, 404 First transport roller, 112 Regulating guide, 114 Pressing member, 114a Elastic member, 114c Flap, 115 Feeding roller, 116 Separation roller, 131 First motor, 133, 233 Third motor, 131a First transmission mechanism, 151 Receiving section, 152 Control section

Claims

1. Mounting platform and A feed roller for sequentially feeding the medium placed on the mounting platform from the bottom, Above the aforementioned feeding roller, a separation roller is positioned opposite to the feeding roller, A restricting member is provided to be movable vertically and pushes up the medium placed on the aforementioned stand from below to restrict contact with the feeding roller, A pressing member is provided to be movable vertically and to press down on the medium placed on the aforementioned stand from above, The mounting platform includes a conveying roller positioned upstream of the feeding roller and the separation roller in the media conveying direction, A drive mechanism for driving the regulating member, the pressing member, and the conveying roller, The drive mechanism includes, before the feeding of the medium by the feeding roller and the separation roller begins, a control unit that controls the drive mechanism to move the regulating member up and down, move the pressing member up and down, and rotate the transport roller, causing the medium placed on the aforementioned stand to vibrate. The control unit rotates the transport roller when lowering the regulating member and the pressing member, and stops the transport roller when raising the regulating member and the pressing member. A media transport device characterized by the following features.

2. The media conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the drive mechanism to vibrate the media placed on the aforementioned stand by repeatedly performing a first operation of lowering the pressing member to press the medium and lowering the restricting member while rotating the conveying roller, and a second operation of raising the pressing member to separate it from the medium and raising the restricting member while stopping the conveying roller.

3. The media transport device according to claim 2, further comprising a receiving unit for receiving settings from a user regarding whether or not to vibrate the medium placed on the aforementioned stand, the number of repetitions of the first operation and the second operation, or whether or not to rotate the transport roller in the first operation.

4. The aforementioned drive mechanism is The pressing member is provided with an elastic member that applies a downward force, A stopper is positioned between the pressing member and the restricting member to restrict the downward movement of the pressing member, Includes a motor that generates a driving force for moving the regulating member, The media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressing member moves as the regulating member moves due to the driving force from the motor, and the restriction on the movement of the pressing member by the stopper is released.

5. The aforementioned drive mechanism is A motor for a pressing member that generates a first driving force for moving the pressing member, A media transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a motor for a restricting member that generates a second driving force for moving the restricting member.

6. The media conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conveying roller has a D-cut shape.

7. The system includes a feeding roller for sequentially feeding a medium placed on a platform from the bottom, a regulating member which is provided to move vertically before the start of medium feeding by a separation roller positioned above the feeding roller and opposite to the feeding roller, and which pushes the medium placed on the platform from below to restrict contact with the feeding roller, a pressing member which is provided to move vertically and which presses the medium placed on the platform from above, and a drive mechanism for driving the regulating member, the pressing member and the conveying roller to rotate a conveying roller positioned upstream of the feeding roller and the separation roller in the medium conveying direction on the platform, thereby causing the medium placed on the platform to vibrate. In the control described above, the transport roller is rotated when the restricting member and the pressing member are lowered, and the transport roller is stopped when the restricting member and the pressing member are raised. A media supply and delivery method characterized by the following:

8. A control program for a media transport device comprising: a mounting table; a feeding roller for sequentially feeding a medium placed on the mounting table from below; a separation roller positioned above the feeding roller and opposite to the feeding roller; a restricting member provided to be vertically movable and for pushing the medium placed on the mounting table from below to restrict contact with the feeding roller; a pressing member provided to be vertically movable and for pressing the medium placed on the mounting table from above; a transport roller positioned on the mounting table upstream of the feeding roller and the separation roller in the media transport direction; and a drive mechanism for driving the restricting member, the pressing member and the transport roller. Before the feeding of the medium by the feeding roller and the separation roller begins, the medium conveying device is instructed to control the drive mechanism to vibrate the medium placed on the aforementioned stand by moving the regulating member up and down, moving the pressing member up and down, and rotating the conveying roller. In the control described above, the transport roller is rotated when the restricting member and the pressing member are lowered, and the transport roller is stopped when the restricting member and the pressing member are raised. A control program characterized by the following features.

Images