JP7629358B2 - Media transport device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a media transport device that transports media.

In media transport devices such as scanners that transport and image multiple media, magnetic objects such as staples or clips that bind the multiple media may become mixed in between the multiple media being transported together and move along with the media. If staples or clips are transported, they may damage the media transport path or the imaging surface of the imaging device.

A document transport device that uses magnets to remove magnetic materials such as paperclips and staples has been disclosed (Patent Document 1).

A binding material removal device that removes staples from a paper stack is disclosed (Patent Document 2). This binding material removal device has a moving belt that moves the removed binding material and a collection box that collects the staples carried by the moving belt.

JP 2002-362754 A JP 2000-127064 A

In media transport devices, it is desirable to properly remove magnetic material that moves with the transported media.

The object of the present invention is to provide a media transport device that can properly remove magnetic material that moves with the transported media.

A media transport device according to one aspect of the present invention has a transport section that transports a medium along a transport path, a magnet that generates a magnetic force that attracts a magnetic body that moves with the medium transported by the transport section, a storage section that stores the magnetic body attracted to the magnet, a moving section that moves the magnet from a first position facing an opening provided in the transport path to a second position facing the storage section, and a guide section having a guide surface that guides the magnetic body attracted to the magnet in response to movement of the magnet by the moving section, and the distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the second position is set to be greater than the distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the first position.

According to the present invention, the media transport device is able to properly remove magnetic material that moves with the transported media.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the medium conveying device 100. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a removal mechanism 117. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a removal mechanism 117. FIG. 1A is a graph showing the relationship between distance and attractive force, and FIG. 1B is a graph showing the relationship between distance and magnetic flux density. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of a removal mechanism 117. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of a removal mechanism 117. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 250 according to another embodiment.

Below, a medium conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original document, and captures an image. The medium is paper, cardboard, card, or the like. The card is, for example, an ID (Identification) card defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization)/IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 7810. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium being conveyed may not be an original document, but may be a printed object, or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer, or the like.

The medium transport device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102, a loading platform 103, a discharge platform 104, an operation device 105, and a display device 106.

The first housing 101 is disposed on the upper side of the media transport device 100 and engages with the second housing 102 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, etc.

The loading platform 103 engages with the second housing 102 so that the transported media can be placed thereon. The loading platform 103 is provided on the side of the second housing 102 on the media supply side so that it can move in a substantially vertical direction (height direction) A1 by a motor (not shown). The loading platform 103 is disposed at the bottom end position so that media can be easily loaded when media is not being transported, and when media is being transported, it rises to a position where the uppermost medium loaded comes into contact with a pick roller (described later). The discharge platform 104 is formed on the first housing 101 so that it can hold media discharged from the discharge port 107, and loads the discharged media.

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

In FIG. 1, 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. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the media transport direction A2 or the media discharge direction A3, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the media transport direction A2 or the media discharge direction A3.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the transport path inside the media transport device 100.

The transport path inside the media transport device 100 includes a first media sensor 111, a pick roller 112, a feed roller 113, a separation roller 114, first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h, first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h, a removal mechanism 117, a second media sensor 118, and an imaging device 119.

The number of each of the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h, and/or the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In this case, the multiple pick rollers 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h, and/or the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4.

The surface of the first housing 101 facing the second housing 102 forms a first guide 101a for the medium transport path, and the surface of the second housing 102 facing the first housing 101 forms a second guide 102a for the medium transport path.

The first media sensor 111 is disposed on the mounting table 103, i.e., upstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and detects the state of the medium on the mounting table 103. The first media sensor 111 determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 by using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact. The first media sensor 111 generates and outputs a first media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the medium is placed on the mounting table 103. Note that the first media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the first media sensor 111.

The pick roller 112 is provided in the first housing 101, and contacts the medium placed on the mounting table 103, which is elevated to approximately the same height as the media transport path, and feeds the medium downstream.

The feed roller 113 is provided in the first housing 101 downstream of the pick roller 112, and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 and fed by the pick roller 112 further downstream. The separation roller 114 is provided in the second housing 102 facing the feed roller 113. The feed roller 113 and separation roller 114 perform a media separation operation, separating the media and feeding them one by one. The feed roller 113 is provided above the separation roller 114, and the media transport device 100 feeds the media using a so-called top-feed method.

The first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h and the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h are provided downstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114, and transport the medium fed by the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 downstream. The first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h and the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h are arranged opposite each other with the medium transport path in between. The pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, the first transport roller 115a, and the first driven roller 116a are an example of a transport unit that transports the medium along the transport path.

The second media sensor 118 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114 and upstream of the imaging device 119, and detects the media transported to that position. The second media sensor 118 may be disposed at any position in the transport path as long as it is downstream of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. The second media sensor 118 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side (first housing 101) of the media transport path, and a light guide tube provided at a position (second housing 102) facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the media transport path. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and irradiates light toward the media transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. When a medium is present at a position opposite the second media sensor 118, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, so that the light receiver does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter. The optical receiver generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second medium sensor 118 based on the intensity of the received light.

In place of the light guide tube, a reflective member such as a mirror may be used. The light emitter and the light receiver may be disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path. The second medium sensor 118 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

The imaging device 119 is an example of an imaging section, and includes a first imaging device 119a and a second imaging device 119b arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path. The first imaging device 119a has a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 119a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging element and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The first imaging device 119a captures an image of the surface of the medium transported by the transport section, generates an input image, and outputs it.

Similarly, the second imaging device 119b has a line sensor using a CIS of a 1:1 optical system type having CMOS imaging elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 119b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter that amplifies and A/D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 119b captures the back side of the medium transported by the transport section to generate and output an input image.

The medium conveying device 100 may be configured with only one of the first imaging device 119a and the second imaging device 119b, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal-magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

The medium placed on the placement 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 112 and the feed roller 113 in the medium feed direction A5 and A6, respectively. The medium transport device 100 has a separation mode in which the medium is separated while being fed, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without being separated, as a feeding mode. The feeding mode is set by the user using the operation device 105 or an information processing device that communicates with the medium transport device 100. When the feeding mode is set to the separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the direction of the arrow A7, i.e., in the opposite direction to the medium feed direction, when the medium is fed. When multiple media are placed on the placement table 103, only the media in contact with the feed roller 113 among the media placed on the placement table 103 is separated by the action of the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. 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 the non-separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the opposite direction of the arrow A7, i.e., in the media feeding direction.

The medium is guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a and sent to the imaging position of the imaging device 119 by the rotation of the first and second transport rollers 115a-b in the directions of the arrows A8-A9, and is imaged by the imaging device 119. The medium is then discharged onto the discharge tray 104 by the rotation of the third to eighth transport rollers 115c-h in the directions of the arrows A10-A15, respectively. The discharge tray 104 holds the medium discharged by the eighth transport roller 115h.

Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the removal mechanism 117. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the peripheral portion of the removal mechanism 117 as viewed from the side. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the peripheral portion of the removal mechanism 117 in the first housing 101 as viewed from the second housing 102 side.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the removal mechanism 117 is provided inside the first housing 101, i.e., above the first guide 101a that forms the upper surface of the media transport path. The removal mechanism 117 has an opening 121, a magnet unit 122, a storage section 123, a moving section 124, and a guide section 125.

The opening 121 is provided on the first guide 101a so as to pass a magnetic body such as a staple or clip that moves with the medium transported by the transport unit toward the magnet unit 122. The opening 121 is formed at a position facing one end of the guide unit 125 that guides the magnet unit 122. For example, the opening 121 is disposed between the first transport roller 115a and the second transport roller 115b in the medium transport direction A2, that is, between the transport unit and the imaging device 119. As a result, the medium transport device 100 can prevent a magnetic body such as a staple or clip from moving to the position of the imaging device 119 and prevent the imaging surface (glass surface) of the imaging device 119 from being scratched by the magnetic body without stopping the transport of the medium. As a result, the medium transport device 100 can prevent noise caused by scratches on the imaging surface in an image of the medium, and can maintain good image quality.

As shown in FIG. 4, the opening 121 is formed across both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The opening 121 does not have to extend across both ends of the transport path, but only needs to be formed in at least a part of the first guide 101a. Multiple openings 121 may also be formed so as to be spaced apart from each other.

In the opening 121, ribs 121a are provided as partitions. In the example shown in FIG. 4, multiple ribs 121a extending in the medium transport direction A2 are arranged at intervals in the width direction A4. Note that multiple ribs 121a extending in the width direction A4 may also be arranged at intervals in the medium transport direction A2. Each rib 121a is arranged at a constant interval. Note that each rib 121a may be arranged at different intervals. The number of ribs 121a may be one. The rib 121a is arranged in the opening 121 so that one side of the area divided by the rib 121a is larger than the size of a typical staple or clip and smaller than the short side of an ID card.

By providing the rib 121a, the medium conveying device 100 allows staples, clips, etc. to be attracted to the magnet unit 122 through the opening 121, while restricting the ID card from being attracted to the magnet unit 122 through the opening 121. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the ID card from approaching the magnet unit 122 and causing damage to the data stored in the magnetic stripe of the ID card. Furthermore, by providing the rib 121a, the medium conveying device 100 can prevent the curled or bent portion of the medium from entering the opening 121 and causing a medium jam when a medium with an end curled upward or a bent medium is conveyed. The rib 121a may be omitted.

The magnet unit 122 includes a magnet 122a, a sheet 122b, and a rack 122c.

The magnet 122a is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, an alnico magnet, or a ferrite magnet. The magnet 122a is movably provided on the guide section 125. The magnet 122a generates a magnetic force that attracts magnetic bodies such as staples or clips that move with the medium transported by the transport section. When the magnet 122a is disposed at a position facing the opening 121, the magnet 122a is provided so as to cover the entire opening 121 when viewed from the vertical direction. For example, when the opening 121 is formed across both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4, the magnet 122a is also provided so as to span both ends of the transport path. Hereinafter, the position where the magnet 122a faces the opening 121 on the guide section 125 may be referred to as the first position.

The sheet 122b is attached to the underside of the magnet 122a in order to reduce friction that occurs between the magnet 122a and the guide section 125 when the magnet 122a moves on the guide section 125. By providing the sheet 122b, the medium conveying device 100 is able to move the magnet 122a smoothly, preventing damage to the magnet 122a and reducing the volume of the sound that the magnet 122a makes when it moves. The sheet 122b may be omitted.

The rack 122c is a flat plate member that extends along the guide portion 125 and has teeth cut at regular intervals. The rack 122c is fixed to the magnet 122a so that the magnet 122a moves together with the rack 122c. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the rack 122c is provided on both ends of the magnet 122a in the width direction A4.

The storage section 123 is a dust box that stores magnetic material attracted to the magnet 122a. The storage section 123 is provided at a position facing the end of the guide section 125 that guides the magnet 122a, opposite the end on the opening 121 side. The storage section 123 has an opening 123a on the guide section 125 side, i.e., on the upper side. When the magnet 122a is placed at a position facing the opening 123a, the opening 123a is provided so as to cover the entire magnet 122a when viewed from the vertical direction. For example, when the magnet 122a is provided across both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4, the opening 123a is also provided so as to span both ends of the transport path. Hereinafter, the position where the magnet 122a faces the storage section 123 on the guide section 125 may be referred to as the second position.

The storage section 123 is provided so as to be detachable from the medium conveying device 100. For example, the first housing 101 is provided with a rail member that extends in the width direction A4 and engages with the lower end of the storage section 123. With the first housing 101 open in the medium conveying device 100, the storage section 123 is provided so as to be movable in the width direction A4 by sliding the lower end of the storage section 123 along the rail member. This allows the user to remove the magnetic material from the storage section 123 and clean the medium conveying device 100. Note that if the storage space of the storage section 123 is sufficiently large and a sufficient amount of magnetic material can be stored in the storage section 123, the storage section 123 may be fixed within the medium conveying device 100.

The storage section 123 is also disposed downstream of the imaging device 119 in the medium transport direction A2. By disposing the storage section 123 at a position away from the area upstream of the imaging device 119 where various components such as rollers and sensors need to be disposed, the medium transport device 100 is able to ensure sufficient storage space for the magnetic material.

The moving unit 124 includes a first motor 124a, a belt 124b, and a pinion 124c.

The first motor 124a is an example of a driving force generating unit. The first motor 124a generates a driving force for moving the magnet 122a between a first position facing the opening 121 and a second position facing the storage unit 123, in response to a control signal from a processing circuit described below.

The belt 124b is suspended between the rotating shaft of the first motor 124a and the shaft that is the rotating shaft of the pinion 124c, and transmits the driving force from the first motor 124a to the pinion 124c.

The pinion 124c is provided so as to mesh with the rack 122c fixed to the magnet 122a, and rotates by the driving force from the first motor 124a, moving the magnet 122a along the guide portion 125 via the rack 122c. As shown in FIG. 4, when two racks 122c are provided at both ends of the magnet 122a in the width direction A4, two pinions 124c are provided so as to mesh with each rack 122c.

As a result, the moving unit 124 moves the magnet 122a from a first position facing the opening 121 to a second position facing the storage unit 123.

The guide portion 125 includes a first guide surface 125a, a second guide surface 125b, a first stopper 125c, a second stopper 125d, and a protrusion 125e. The guide portion 125 is made of a non-magnetic material such as resin or aluminum.

The first guide surface 125a is an example of a guide surface. The first guide surface 125a is provided on the lower surface of the guide unit 125, and guides the magnetic body attracted to the magnet 122a in accordance with the movement of the magnet 122a by the moving unit 124. The second guide surface 125b is provided on the upper surface of the guide unit 125, i.e., on the opposite side of the first guide surface 125a, and guides the magnet 122a from the first position to the second position. The first guide surface 125a is provided so as to be farther away from the second guide surface 125b as it approaches the second position. That is, the distance between the magnet 122a and the first guide surface 125a at the second position is set to be greater than the distance between the magnet 122a and the first guide surface 125a at the first position. As a result, the magnetic force applied to the magnetic body arranged at a position facing the second position on the first guide surface 125a is smaller than the magnetic force applied to the magnetic body arranged at a position facing the first position on the first guide surface 125a.

The first stopper 125c is provided at the end of the second guide surface 125b on the first position side so as to stop the magnet 122a moved by the moving part 124 at the first position. The second stopper 125d is provided at the end of the second guide surface 125b on the second position side so as to stop the magnet 122a moved by the moving part 124 at the second position.

The protrusion 125e is formed on the first guide surface 125a at a position facing the storage section 123 so that the magnetic body guided along the first guide surface 125a falls into the storage section 123 in response to the movement of the magnet 122a by the moving section 124. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 125e is disposed closer to the first position than the end of the first guide surface 125a on the second position side so that the magnetic body falls before the magnet 122a reaches the second position. The protrusion 125e may be disposed at the end of the first guide surface 125a on the second position side. The protrusion 125e may also be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the moving unit 124 and the guide unit 125 are disposed above the first transport roller 115a, the second transport roller 115b, and the imaging device 119. By disposing the moving unit 124 and the guide unit 125 in a position away from the vicinity of the media transport path where various components such as rollers and sensors need to be disposed, the media transport device 100 is able to efficiently use the space in the housing. Therefore, the media transport device 100 is able to suppress an increase in the size of the device.

The placement position of magnet 122a is explained below.

ここで、Ｂｒは、磁石の残留磁束密度［Ｇ］であり、Ｒは磁石の半径［ｍｍ］であり、Ｌは磁石の厚さ［ｍｍ］である。 The greater the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body, the smaller the magnetic force (magnetic flux density) of the magnet at the position of the magnetic body. The magnetic flux density B(X) [G (Gauss)] at a position a distance X [mm] from the bottom surface of a cylindrical magnet is calculated using the following formula (1).

Here, Br is the residual magnetic flux density of the magnet [G], R is the radius of the magnet [mm], and L is the thickness of the magnet [mm].

ここで、Ａは磁石の底面の面積［ｍｍ²］である。αは係数（７．６×１０^－６）である。 In addition, the attractive force F(X) [kgf] at a position a distance X [mm] from the bottom surface of the cylindrical magnet is calculated using the following formula (2).

Here, A is the area of the bottom surface of the magnet [mm ² ], and α is a coefficient (7.6×10 ⁻⁶ ).

Figure 5(a) is a graph showing the relationship between the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body and the attractive force exerted by the magnet on the magnetic body.

The horizontal axis of Figure 5(a) shows the distance [mm] between the magnet and the magnetic body, and the vertical axis shows the attractive force [gf] applied to the magnetic body by the magnet. Graph G1 shows the attractive force of a cylindrical neodymium magnet with a diameter of 3 mm, a thickness of 12 mm, and a residual magnetic flux density of 13,200 [G].

Staples commonly used in Japan can be attracted with a force of 0.05 gf or more. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the staple can be attracted well if the distance between the magnet 122a placed at the first position and the media transport path is 22.5 mm or less. However, it is preferable to set the distance between the magnet and the media transport path taking into consideration the tolerance of each magnet (about 1.0 mm) and the effect of demagnetization due to years of use (about 2.0 mm in 10 years). Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, the distance between the magnet 122a placed at the first position and the media transport path is set to 19.5 mm or less, which is 22.5 mm minus the margin M1 (3.0 mm).

In addition, in an experiment in which the feeding mode was set to the non-separation mode and media bound with staples was transported, when the suction force on the media was greater than 0.45 [gf], the staple was attracted to the magnet, causing the media to float up and jam. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. 5(a), it is preferable that the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the media transport path is set to 14.8 [mm] or more. However, it is preferable that the distance between the magnet and the media transport path is set taking into consideration the influence of the distance between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a (approximately 3.2 [mm]), the tolerance of the magnet mounting position (approximately 0.3 [mm]), and the tolerance of each guide product (approximately 0.2 [mm]). In other words, the distance between the magnet and the media transport path is set to 18.5 [mm] or more, which is 14.8 [mm] plus a margin M2 (3.7 [mm]).

This allows the media transport device 100 to properly remove magnetic material transported along with the media while preventing the occurrence of media jams.

Figure 5(b) is a graph showing the relationship between the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body and the magnetic flux density due to the magnet at the position of the magnetic body.

The horizontal axis of FIG. 5(b) shows the distance [mm] between the magnet and the magnetic body, and the vertical axis shows the magnetic flux density [Oe (Oersted)] of the magnet at the position of the magnetic body. Graph G2 shows the maximum magnetic flux density of the neodymium magnet shown in graph G1, and graph G3 shows the minimum magnetic flux density of the neodymium magnet shown in graph G1.

Data stored in a magnetic stripe provided on a credit card or bankbook, etc., may be damaged if the magnetic force (magnetic flux density) at the position of the magnetic stripe is large. In a typical card with a magnetic stripe, data stored in the magnetic stripe may be damaged if the magnetic flux density at that position is 300 [Oe] or more. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the distance between the magnet 122a placed at the first position and the media transport path is set to be greater than 11.0 [mm]. As described above, by setting the distance between the magnet 122a placed at the first position and the media transport path to be greater than 18.5 [mm] and less than 19.5 [mm], the media transport device 100 can suppress the occurrence of damage to the data stored in the magnetic stripe.

As a result, the medium transport device 100 does not need to use an electromagnet or the like capable of changing its magnetic force as a magnet to attract magnetic bodies so that the magnetic force can be changed depending on the medium being transported, thereby preventing an increase in device costs.

In addition, in the region of the guide unit 125 other than the region corresponding to the second position, the distance between the first guide surface 125a and the second guide surface 125b is set to a length such that the magnetic force applied to the magnetic body by the magnet 122a is greater than the gravity applied to the magnetic body, and the magnetic body does not fall. On the other hand, in the region of the guide unit 125 corresponding to the second position, it is preferable that the distance between the first guide surface 125a and the second guide surface 125b is set to a length such that the gravity applied to the magnetic body is greater than the magnetic force applied to the magnetic body by the magnet 122a, and the magnetic body falls. This enables the medium transport device 100 to properly move the magnetic body to the storage unit 123.

Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the removal mechanism 117. Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams showing the peripheral portion of the removal mechanism 117 as viewed from the side. Figure 6 shows a state in which the magnet 122a has moved to a position facing the protrusion 125e, and Figure 7 shows a state in which the magnet 122a has moved to a second position.

As shown in FIG. 3, before the medium transport starts, the magnet 122a is placed in the first position. When a staple S is placed on the medium being transported, the staple S is attracted to the magnet 122a placed in the first position through the opening 121 as it passes through a position facing the opening 121, and is attached to the first guide surface 125a of the guide section 125.

A magnetic body such as a staple or clip sandwiched between multiple media placed on the loading platform 103 moves on top of the media when the lower media between which the magnetic body is sandwiched is transported. By positioning the magnet 122a above the media transport path, the media transport device 100 is able to remove the magnetic body that moves on top of the media.

After that, after the medium transport is completed, the magnet 122a is moved from the first position toward the second position by the moving unit 124. The staple S that was attached to the first guide surface 125a moves along the first guide surface 125a as the magnet 122a moves. Since the first guide surface 125a is arranged so that it is farther away from the second guide surface 125b the closer it is to the second position, the force with which the magnet 122a attracts the staple S becomes smaller the closer the magnet 122a is to the second position.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the magnet 122a moves to a position facing the protrusion 125e, the staple S is stopped by the protrusion 125e.

As shown in FIG. 7, the magnet 122a then moves to the second position and is stopped by the second stopper 125d. This further increases the distance between the magnet 122a that has moved to the second position and the staple S that has been stopped by the protrusion 125e, and the force with which the magnet 122a attracts the staple S becomes even weaker. As a result, the staple S falls and is stored in the storage section 123.

The magnet 122a is then moved from the second position toward the first position by the moving part 124 and is stopped by the first stopper 125c, thereby being repositioned at the first position.

As described above, the first guide surface 125a is arranged to be farther away from the second guide surface 125b the closer it is to the second position, so the force with which the magnet 122a attracts the staple S becomes smaller the closer the magnet 122a is to the second position. Therefore, even if the protrusion 125e is omitted, the staple S can fall and be stored in the storage section 123. However, by providing the protrusion 125e, the medium transport device 100 can more reliably drop the staple S and store it in the storage section 123.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the medium conveying device 100.

In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a memory device 140, and a processing circuit 150.

The second motor 131 includes one or more motors, and rotates the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, and the first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h to transport the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. Note that the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h may be arranged to rotate by the driving force from the motor, rather than being driven to rotate in accordance with the rotation of each transport roller.

The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown) (e.g., a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc.) to transmit and receive scanned images and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

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

The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program previously stored in the storage device 140. The processing circuit 150 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 150 may be a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 118, the imaging device 119, the first motor 124a, the second motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 150 controls the second motor 131 to transport the medium, controls the imaging device 119 to obtain an input image, and transmits the obtained input image to the information processing device via the interface device 132. The processing circuit 150 also drives the first motor 124a to control the removal mechanism 117, and removes magnetic material that moves with the transported medium.

Figure 9 shows the schematic configuration of the memory device 140 and the processing circuit 150.

As shown in FIG. 9, the storage device 140 stores various programs such as a control program 141 and an image acquisition program 142. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 151 and an image acquisition unit 152.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the media reading process.

Below, an example of the operation of the media reading process of the media conveying device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the media conveying device 100 based on a program previously stored in the storage device 140.

First, the control unit 151 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or an information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the user to read a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

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 placement table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 124a and controls the removal mechanism 117 to place the magnet 122a in the first position (step S103). As a result, if a magnetic body is placed on the medium to be transported thereafter, the magnetic body is attracted to the magnet 122a. Note that if the magnet 122a is already placed in the first position, the processing of step S103 may be omitted.

Next, the control unit 151 drives the motor for moving the mounting table 103, and moves the mounting table 103 to a position where the medium can be fed. The control unit 151 also drives the second motor 131 to rotate the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, or the first to eighth transport rollers 115a-h, and transports the medium placed on the mounting table 103 (step S104).

Next, the control unit 151 waits until the rear end of the medium passes the imaging position of the imaging device 119 (step S105). The control unit 151 periodically receives a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118, and when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of the medium to a value indicating the absence of the medium, the control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 118. The control unit 151 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 118. The predetermined time is set to a value that is the time required for the medium to move from the second medium sensor 118 to the imaging position plus a margin. The control unit 151 may also determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a certain time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.

Next, the control unit 151 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 132 (step S106).

Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a medium remains on the placement table 103 based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 111 (step S107). If a medium remains on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S105 and repeats the processes of steps S105 to S107.

On the other hand, if there is no media remaining on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 stops the second motor 131 and stops the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, or the first to eighth conveying rollers 115a-h (step S108).

Next, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 124a and controls the removal mechanism 117 to move the magnet 122a from the first position to the second position (step S109). As a result, if a magnetic body is attracted to the magnet 122a, the magnetic body moves in conjunction with the movement of the magnet 122a and is stored in the storage unit 123.

In this way, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 124a to place the magnet 122a in the first position when the medium transport starts, and to move the magnet 122a to the second position when the medium transport is completed. This allows the control unit 151 to store the magnetic material attracted by the magnet 122a in the storage unit 123 at the timing when the transport of the media that are placed together on the mounting table 103 and transported sequentially is completed. Therefore, the control unit 151 can prevent the time required for medium transport from increasing due to the movement of the magnet 122a, while suppressing a decrease in the adhesive force of the magnet 122a due to an excessive increase in the number of magnetic materials attached to the guide unit 125. Note that the control unit 151 may move the magnet 122a to the second position each time the transport of one medium is completed.

Next, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 124a and controls the removal mechanism 117 to move the magnet 122a from the second position to the first position (step S110), and ends the series of steps. As a result, the magnet 122a is repositioned to its initial position.

Note that steps S109 to S110 may be performed before media transport begins, i.e., between steps S103 and S104.

As described above in detail, the medium transport device 100 has the magnet 122a, which attracts magnetic bodies such as staples or clips, movable so that the magnet 122a moves away from the magnetic bodies it attracts and the magnetic force weakens as it approaches the storage section 123. This enables the medium transport device 100 to properly remove magnetic bodies that move with the transported medium.

The medium transport device 100 also removes magnetic material by attracting the magnetic material that moves with the transported medium using a magnet 122a that is positioned opposite the opening 121. This allows the medium transport device 100 to properly remove magnetic material using only one magnet 122a, without using multiple magnets, making it possible to reduce the size and cost of the device.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a processing circuit 250 of a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

The processing circuit 250 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium conveying device 100, and executes media reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 250 has a control circuit 251 and an image acquisition circuit 252, etc. Each of these parts may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

The control circuit 251 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 251 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118. The control circuit 251 controls the first motor 124a and the second motor 131 based on the received information.

The image acquisition circuit 252 is an example of an image acquisition unit, and has the same function as the image acquisition unit 152. The image acquisition circuit 252 acquires an input image from the imaging device 119, and outputs it to the interface device 132.

As described above in detail, the media conveying device is now able to properly remove magnetic material that moves along with the conveyed media, even when the processing circuit 250 is performing a media reading process.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the first motor 124a is used as the driving force generating unit, but other driving sources such as a solenoid may be used as the driving force generating unit instead of the first motor 124a. In that case, too, the medium transport device can properly remove magnetic material that moves with the transported medium.

100 Media conveying device, 112 Pick roller, 113 Feeding roller, 114 Separation roller, 115a First conveying roller, 116a First driven roller, 119 Imaging device, 121 Opening, 121a Rib, 122a Magnet, 123 Storage section, 124 Moving section, 124a First motor, 125 Guide section, 125a First guide surface, 125b Second guide surface, 125e Protrusion, 151 Control section

Claims (7)

a transport unit that transports the medium along a transport path;
a magnet that generates a magnetic force that attracts a magnetic body that moves together with the medium transported by the transport unit;
a storage section for storing a magnetic body attracted to the magnet;
a moving unit that moves the magnet from a first position facing an opening provided in the transport path to a second position facing the storage unit;
a guide portion having a guide surface that guides the magnetic body attracted to the magnet in response to the movement of the magnet by the moving portion,
a distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the second position is set to be larger than a distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the first position.
A medium transport device comprising: the guide portion further includes a second guide surface that is provided on an opposite side to the guide surface and guides the magnet from the first position to the second position;
The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide surface is provided so as to be farther away from the second guide surface as the guide surface approaches the second position. The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a partition is provided in the opening. an imaging unit that images the medium transported by the transport unit;
The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the opening is disposed between the transport section and the imaging section in a medium transport direction. The medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the storage section is detachably provided from the medium transport device. The medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide portion further has a protrusion formed on the guide surface at a position facing the storage portion. a driving force generating unit configured to generate a driving force for moving the magnet between the first position and the second position;
A medium transport device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control unit that controls the driving force generating unit to place the magnet at the first position when medium transport begins and to move the magnet to the second position when medium transport is completed.

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