JP2016030695A - Reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reading device capable of moving a stopper, which regulates the position of a leading end of a document, to a position for regulating the position of a leading end of a document in a mode suitable for an event of closing a cover covering a document conveyance part.SOLUTION: According to the invention, when there occurs an event of moving a stopper for regulating the position of a leading end on a document conveyance part side of a document set at a document tray from a first position which is the position for not regulating the leading end of the document, to a second position which is the position for regulating the leading end of the document, the way of moving the stopper from the first position until reaching the second position is different between a case where the event is a first event occurring by closing a cover for covering a document conveyance part, and a case where the event is a second event occurring by the other cases. Accordingly, the stopper can be moved to the second position in a mode suitable for the event of closing the cover.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a reader.

  Patent Document 1 describes a sheet separating and conveying apparatus provided with a stopper member that prevents entry of a document placed on a document placement table. According to Patent Document 1, the stopper member stands by at an entry preventing position that prevents entry of a document, and moves to a retreat position that permits entry of a document when an instruction to start reading is given. When all the originals are sent into the image reading apparatus, the stopper member moves again to the entry preventing position.

JP 2006-240766 A

  When the cover that covers the apparatus that transports the document is opened for work, if the stopper member of Patent Document 1 remains in the entry prevention position, it may be difficult for the operator to perform the work. Therefore, when the cover is opened, it is conceivable to move the stopper member to the retracted position. When the cover is closed, the document may be placed on the document placement table prior to closing the cover. Therefore, when the cover is closed, if the stopper member is moved to the entry prevention position in the same manner as when all the documents are fed into the image reading apparatus, the document placed on the document placing table is sandwiched. For example, there is a possibility that a peculiar inconvenience occurs when the cover is closed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances. The stopper that regulates the position of the front end of the document is a mode suitable for the event of closing the cover that covers the document transport unit, and the position of the front end of the document. An object of the present invention is to provide a reading device that can be moved to a position where the movement is restricted.

  In order to achieve this object, a reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a document, a document tray on which a document is set, a document transport unit that transports a document set on the document tray to the reading unit, and An openable / closable cover for covering the document conveying unit, a stopper for regulating the position of the leading end of the document set on the document tray on the side of the document conveying unit, and the stopper for regulating the position of the leading end of the document. A drive unit for moving the first document position from the first position to a second position that regulates the position of the leading edge of the document, and a control unit. The control unit generates a predetermined event. When the predetermined event occurs, the moving means for driving the drive unit and moving the stopper to move the stopper located at the first position to the second position, Determining means for determining whether the event is a first event that occurs when the cover is closed or a second event that occurs when the cover is closed, and the moving means includes the determining means. , When the generated event is determined to be the first event, and when the generated event is determined to be the second event, the stopper until the second position is reached. Different ways of moving.

  The present invention can be realized in various modes such as a control device that controls a reading device, a control system, a control method, a control program, and a recording medium that records the control program.

  According to the reading device of the first aspect, the stopper for regulating the position of the leading end of the document set on the document tray on the side of the document conveying portion is moved from the first position which is a position not regulating the position of the leading end of the document. When the event of moving to the second position, which is the position that regulates the position of the leading edge of the document, occurs, the event is the first event that occurs when the cover that covers the document conveying unit is closed, The method of moving the stopper from the first position to the second position differs depending on whether the second event occurs due to a case other than. Therefore, the stopper can be moved to the second position in a suitable manner with respect to the event of closing the cover.

  According to the reading device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the following effect can be obtained. When it is determined that the generated event is the first event, the stopper is caused to reach the second position over a longer time than when the generated event is determined to be the second event. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as a document placed on the document placing table before the cover is closed.

  According to the reading device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the first or second aspect, the following effect is obtained. When it is determined that the generated event is the first event, the stopper moves at a slower speed than when the generated event is determined to be the second event. Thereby, since the time required for the stopper to reach the second position can be lengthened, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience such as the document placed on the document placing table before the cover is closed.

  According to the reading device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the second or third aspect, the following effect is produced. When it is determined that the event that has occurred is the first event, by starting the movement of the stopper at a later timing than when the event that has occurred is determined to be the second event, The stopper is made to reach the second position over a longer time than when it is determined that there are two events. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as a document placed on the document placing table before the cover is closed.

  According to the reading device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by any one of the second to fourth aspects, the following effect is obtained. If it is determined that the event that has occurred is the first event, the movement of the stopper in the direction from the first position to the second position and the movement in the direction from the second position to the first position are performed. By repeating, the stopper reaches the second position over a longer time than when the generated event is determined to be the second event. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as a document placed on the document placing table before the cover is closed.

  According to the reading device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by any one of the second to fifth aspects, the following effect is produced. When it is determined that the event that has occurred is the first event, the stopper is moved and stopped repeatedly, so that it takes a longer time than when the event that has occurred is determined to be the second event. To reach the second position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as a document placed on the document placing table before the cover is closed.

  According to the reading device of the seventh aspect, in addition to the effect produced by any one of the first to sixth aspects, the following effect is produced. When the stopper is moved in the direction from the first position to the second position, if it is detected that a current value exceeding a predetermined threshold is energized to the DC motor, the first position of the stopper is Movement in the direction toward the second position is stopped. When the current supplied to the DC motor exceeds a predetermined threshold, something may have been caught in the stopper. Therefore, in such a case, since the movement of the stopper in the direction from the first position toward the second position is stopped, it is possible to suppress damage to the object sandwiched between the stoppers.

  According to the reading device of the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the seventh aspect, the following effect is obtained. When the stopper is moved in the direction from the first position to the second position, if it is detected that a current value exceeding a predetermined threshold is energized to the DC motor, an error is notified. Therefore, it is possible to report the abnormality that has occurred during the movement of the stopper to the outside.

  According to the reading device of the ninth aspect, in addition to the effect produced by any one of the first to eighth aspects, the following effect is produced. The second event is an event that occurs when the original is conveyed from the stopper to the reading unit when the reading unit reads the original conveyed by the original conveying unit. Therefore, when the document is conveyed to the reading unit side from the stopper, the stopper can be moved to the second position in a manner different from the first event, which is preferable for the case.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of a document scanner. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of a document scanner. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a scanner. It is a flowchart which shows a stopper movement control process. It is a flowchart which shows the stopper movement control process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the stopper movement control process of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the stopper movement control process of 4th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a configuration of a document scanner 10 which is an embodiment of a reading apparatus of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the upper unit 4 of the document scanner (hereinafter simply referred to as “scanner”) 10 is closed. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the upper unit 4 of the scanner 10 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner 10 has a document tray 5 on which a document P is set. The scanner 10 has a feeding roller 51 as a mechanism for conveying the document P set on the document tray 5 (hereinafter referred to as “conveying mechanism”) in order from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction (that is, the arrow A direction). A separation roller 52, a transport roller pair 53, and a paper discharge roller pair 54 are provided. In the scanner 10, an image reading sensor 18 is provided between the conveyance roller pair 53 and the paper discharge roller pair 54.

  The feed roller 51 and the separation roller 52 are a pair of rollers for separating and feeding the documents P set on the document tray 5 one by one. The feed roller 51 is rotated in a direction in which the document P on the document tray 5 is fed into the scanner 10. The separation roller 52 is rotated with a predetermined torque in a direction in which the document P is pushed back toward the document tray 5 with respect to the rotation of the feeding roller 51.

  The documents P set on the document tray 5 are separated one by one by the feeding roller 51 and the separation roller, and sent to the conveyance roller pair 53. The conveyance roller pair 53 conveys the document P so that the document P passes at a constant speed at the reading position by the image reading sensor 18.

  The image reading sensor 18 includes a first image reading sensor 18a and a second image reading sensor. The first image reading sensor 18a is provided on the upper side of a path through which the document P is transported (hereinafter referred to as “document transport path”), and reads an image of the surface (for example, the front surface) of the document P facing upward. The second image reading sensor 18b is provided on the lower side of the document conveyance path, and reads an image on the lower surface of the document P (for example, the back surface). The paper discharge roller pair 54 discharges the original P that has been read by the image reading sensor 18.

  The feed roller 51, the separation roller 52, the transport roller pair 53, and the paper discharge roller pair 54 are transmitted through a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) such as a gear, a pulley, and a timing belt. 3)).

  The scanner 10 is divided into a lower unit 3 and an upper unit 4. The lower unit 3 is provided with a feeding roller 51, one of the conveyance roller pair 53, the second image reading sensor 18 b, and one of the paper discharge roller pair 54. A document detection sensor 21 is provided on the document tray 5 side of the lower unit 3. The document detection sensor 21 is a sensor that detects the document P set on the document tray 5.

  The upper unit 4 is provided with a separation roller 51, the other of the transport roller pair 53, the first image reading sensor 18 a, and the other of the paper discharge roller pair 54. The upper unit 4 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the lower unit 3. That is, it functions as a cover that covers a transport mechanism such as the feeding roller 51.

  A stopper 61 is provided on the document tray 5 side of the upper unit 4. The stopper 61 is disposed downstream of the document detection sensor 21 in the paper transport direction. The stopper 61 is a member for regulating the position of the front end in the transport direction of the document P set on the document tray 5. The stopper 61 is located at a restriction position that descends toward the lower unit 3 in the standby state. When the stopper 61 is in the restricting position, the position of the leading end of the document P in the transport direction is regulated, thereby preventing the document P set on the document tray 5 from entering before the stopper 61. The stopper 61 shown in FIG. 1 is located at the restriction position.

  When a reading start instruction is input, the stopper 61 moves up from the restriction position in the direction of arrow B1 and moves to the retracted position so that the document P on the document tray 5 can be fed into the scanner 10. Thereafter, the documents P are sent one by one into the can 10 and read by the image reading sensor 18. When all the originals P are sent into the scanner 10 and the original detection sensor 21 no longer detects the original P, the stopper 61 moves from the retracted position to the restricting position. The stopper 61 is moved by the driving force of the driving motor 19 (see FIG. 3) transmitted through a driving transmission mechanism (not shown).

  The upper unit 4 can be opened with respect to the lower unit 3 by rotating in the arrow C1 direction. By opening the upper unit 4, the document conveyance path is opened. When the upper unit 4 is opened, the stopper 61 moves from the restricting position to the retracted position. When the upper unit 4 is opened, the stopper 61 moves to the retracted position, so that the operator can easily work on the document conveyance path.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the opened upper unit 4 can be closed by rotating in the direction of arrow C2. When the upper unit 4 is closed, the stopper 61 descends from the retracted position in the arrow B2 direction and moves to the restricting position.

  Although details will be described later, according to the scanner 10 of the present embodiment, whether the trigger for moving the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricting position is caused by an event that the upper unit 4 is closed or other event. Accordingly, the way of moving the stopper 61 when moving it to the restricting position is different.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the scanner 10. The scanner 10 is mainly provided with a CPU 11, a flash memory 12, a RAM 13, an operation key 15, an LCD 16, a touch panel 17, an image reading sensor 18, a motor 19, a cover open / close detection sensor 20, and a document detection sensor 21. These parts are connected to each other via a bus line 25.

  The CPU 11 controls each unit of the scanner 10 according to fixed values and programs stored in the flash memory 12 and data stored in the RAM 13. The flash memory 12 is a non-volatile memory, and stores a control program 12a for controlling the operation of the scanner 10 and the like. Each process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 to be described later is a process executed by the CPU 11 in accordance with the control program 12a. The RAM 13 is a rewritable volatile memory having a temporary area for temporarily storing various data when the CPU 11 executes the control program 12a. The RAM 13 stores read image data read by the image reading sensor 18.

  The operation key 15 is a mechanical key provided on the housing of the scanner 10 and receives various setting values and instructions from the user. The LCD 16 is a liquid crystal display device and displays various screens. A touch panel 17 is provided on the LCD 16 so as to overlap the LCD 16. For example, when an indicator such as a finger or a stick touches or approaches the screen of the LCD 16, the touch panel 17 detects the touched or approached position and inputs the detected position to the MFP 10.

  The image reading sensor 18 (first image reading sensor 18a, second image reading sensor 18b) is a sensor that optically detects the density of an image and reads the image. As the image reading sensor 18, for example, a known sensor such as a contact image sensor (CIS) or a charge coupled device (CCD) can be employed.

  The drive motor 19 functions as a drive unit that applies a drive force to operate the feed roller 51, the separation roller 52, the transport roller pair 53, the paper discharge roller pair 54, and the stopper 61. The drive motor 19 is composed of a DC motor. In the present embodiment, the conveying roller pair 53 and the stopper 61 are configured so that a driving force is applied from a common driving motor 19. The stopper 61 may be configured to receive a driving force from the dedicated drive motor 19.

  The cover open / close detection sensor 20 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the upper unit 4, and outputs a signal corresponding to whether the upper unit 4 is opened or closed to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 determines the open / closed state of the upper unit 4 based on the signal input from the cover open / close detection sensor 20. As the cover open / close detection sensor 20, a known sensor such as an optical sensor, a contact sensor, or a magnetic sensor can be employed.

  The document detection sensor 21 is a sensor that detects the document P set on the document tray 5. The document detection sensor 21 outputs a signal corresponding to whether or not the document P is set on the document tray 5 to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 determines whether or not the document P is set on the document tray 5 based on the signal input from the document detection sensor 21. As the document detection sensor 21, for example, a known sensor such as a contact sensor can be employed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the stopper movement control process executed by the CPU 11 according to the control program 12a. This process is started each time a stopper movement event occurs. The stopper movement event is an event for moving the stopper 61. More specifically, the stopper movement event includes an event for moving the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricted position (hereinafter referred to as “regulated event”) and an event for moving the stopper 61 from the restricted position to the retracted position (hereinafter referred to as “retracted”). Event)).

  The restriction event is, for example, an event that is triggered by an event that the upper unit 4 is closed. In addition, the restriction event is, for example, when an event occurs in which all the originals P are sent into the scanner 10 after the start of reading, or one of the operation keys 15 for stopping the reading of the original P. This also occurs when all the documents P remaining on the document tray 5 are discharged in response to the STOP key being operated during the reading. The evacuation event is, for example, an event that is triggered by an event in which a reading start instruction is input or an event in which the upper unit 4 is opened.

  The CPU 11 determines the type of the stopper movement event that has occurred (S401). If the CPU 11 determines that the type of event that has occurred is a retreat event (S401: retreat event), the CPU 11 executes a retreat position movement process (S409), and ends this process. The retreat position movement process (S409) is a process of driving the drive motor 19 to move the stopper 61 from the restriction position to the retraction position at a predetermined speed.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the type of event that has occurred is a restriction event (S401: restriction event), the CPU 11 determines whether the trigger for event occurrence is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S401: restriction event). S402).

  When the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S402: Yes), the CPU 11 drives the drive motor 19 to move the stopper 61 from the retracted position at the first speed. Move to the restricted position (S403).

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is not an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed, for example, an event in which all the documents P are sent into the scanner 10 after the start of reading (S402: No), the CPU 11 drives the drive motor 19 to move the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricted position at the second speed (S408). The second speed is a speed higher than the first speed. Therefore, when the upper unit 4 is closed, the stopper 61 moves toward the restriction position at a slower speed than in other cases.

  After the process of S403 or S408, the CPU 11 determines whether the stopper 61 has reached the restriction position (S404). Specifically, a rotary encoder (not shown) that outputs a pulse signal each time the drive motor 19 rotates by a predetermined angle is provided on the rotation shaft of the drive motor 19. The pulse signal output from the rotary encoder is input to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 detects the moving direction and moving distance of the stopper 61 based on the pulse signal input from the rotary encoder. Therefore, when the CPU 11 detects, based on the pulse signal input from the rotary encoder, that the moving distance of the stopper 61 that moves in the direction from the retracted position toward the restricting position has reached the amount of movement from the retracted position to the restricting position. Then, it is determined that the stopper 61 has reached the restriction position.

  When the CPU 11 determines that the stopper 61 has reached the restriction position (S404: Yes), the CPU 11 stops the movement of the stopper 61 by stopping the drive motor 19 (S407), and ends this process.

  When the CPU 11 determines that the stopper 61 has not reached the restriction position (S404: No), the CPU 11 sets the current value of the drive motor 19 that drives the stopper 61 to a predetermined threshold value indicating that a load has been applied. It is determined whether it has been exceeded (S405). The scanner 10 is provided with a direct current sensor (not shown) that detects a current value flowing into the drive motor 19. Information on the current value output by the current sensor is input to the CPU 11. Based on the information input from the current sensor, the CPU 11 determines that the current value of the drive motor 19 has exceeded the predetermined threshold when the current value indicated by the information exceeds the predetermined threshold.

  When the CPU 11 determines that the current value of the drive motor 19 does not exceed the predetermined threshold value (S405: No), the CPU 11 proceeds to S404. When the CPU 11 determines that the current value of the drive motor 19 exceeds a predetermined threshold (S405: Yes), the CPU 11 notifies an error (S406). For example, the CPU 11 displays an error on the LCD 16. The CPU 11 stops the movement of the stopper 61 by stopping the drive motor 19 (S407), and ends this process.

  According to the scanner 10 of the first embodiment, when an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed occurs, other events such as an event in which all the documents P are sent into the scanner 10 after the reading is started. The stopper 61 is moved to the restricting position at a lower speed (second speed) than when this occurs. Therefore, when an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed occurs, the time required for the stopper 61 to reach the restriction position can be made longer than when an event other than that occurs. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as the document P set on the document tray 5 before the upper unit 4 is closed between the stoppers 61.

  On the other hand, considering that the purpose of installing the stopper 61 is to restrict the position of the leading end of the document P set in the document tray 5 in the conveyance direction, in some cases, the stopper 61 is allowed to reach the regulation position as soon as possible. Is desirable. For example, when an event occurs in which all the originals P are sent into the scanner 10 after the start of reading, it is desirable that the stopper 61 reaches the restriction position as soon as possible. According to the scanner 10 of the present embodiment, the event that the stopper 61 is moved from the retracted position to the restricting position is retracted when the event that the upper unit 4 is closed and when the other event occurs. The stopper 61 is moved in a different manner from the position until it reaches the restriction position. Therefore, the stopper 61 can be moved to the restriction position in a suitable manner in each event.

  According to the scanner 10 of the present embodiment, when the current value of the drive motor 19 that drives the stopper 61 exceeds a predetermined threshold value when the stopper 61 is moving toward the restriction position, The movement is stopped. When the current supplied to the DC motor exceeds a predetermined threshold value, something may be sandwiched between the stoppers 61. Therefore, in such a case, the movement of the stopper, more specifically, the movement in the direction from the retracted position toward the restricting position is stopped, so that it is possible to suppress the object sandwiched between the stoppers 61 from being greatly damaged. Furthermore, since an error is notified, an abnormality that occurs when the stopper 61 moves can be reported to the outside.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment described above, when the trigger for moving the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricting position is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed, the stopper 61 is compared with a case in which other events occur. The movement speed of was slowed down.

  Instead, in the second embodiment, when the trigger for moving the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricting position is that the upper unit 4 is closed, the stopper 61 is moved before the stopper 61 starts to move. A period for waiting for the movement of 61 is provided. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration unique to the second embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a stopper movement control process according to the second embodiment. This process is a process executed by the CPU 11 according to the control program 12a of the second embodiment. This process is started every time a stopper movement event occurs, as in the first embodiment.

  In S402, when the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S402: Yes), the CPU 11 starts the movement of the stopper 61 for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). Wait (S501). The CPU 11 drives the drive motor 19 after the processing of S501, that is, after the elapse of a predetermined time, and moves the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricted position at a predetermined speed (S502).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is not an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S402: No), the CPU 11 skips the process of S501 and shifts the process to S502.

  According to the scanner 10 of the second embodiment, when an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed occurs, the stopper 61 starts to be moved at a later timing than when other events occur. Therefore, when an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed occurs, the time required for the stopper 61 to reach the restriction position can be made longer than when an event other than that occurs. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as the document P set on the document tray 5 before the upper unit 4 is closed between the stoppers 61.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, when the trigger for moving the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricting position is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed, the stopper 61 is moved to the restricting position while raising or lowering the stopper 61. To reach. In 3rd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration unique to the third embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a stopper movement control process according to the third embodiment. This process is a process executed by the CPU 11 according to the control program 12a of the third embodiment. This process is started every time a stopper movement event occurs, as in the first embodiment.

  In S402, when the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is not an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S402: No), the CPU 11 executes a normal restriction position movement process (S609), and this process Exit. The normal restriction position movement process (S609) is a process for driving the drive motor 19 to move the stopper 61 from the restriction position to the retracted position at a predetermined speed.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S402: Yes), the CPU 11 sets the variable X to the initial movement distance (S601). In S601, the “first moving distance” set in the variable X is a distance (for example, 3 mm) shorter than the moving distance from the retracted position to the restricted position. The CPU 11 drives the drive motor 19 to move the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricted position at a predetermined speed (S602).

  After the process of S602, the CPU 11 determines whether the stopper 61 has reached the restriction position (S404). When the CPU 11 determines that the stopper 61 has not reached the restriction position (S404: No), the CPU 11 starts moving the stopper 61 toward the restriction position and then moves the stopper 61 corresponding to the variable X. It is determined whether it has moved (S603). When the CPU 11 determines that it has not moved (S603: No), the CPU 1 shifts the process to S405.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the stopper 61 has moved by the movement distance corresponding to the variable X (S603: Yes), the movement of the stopper 61 is stopped by stopping the drive motor 19 (S604). The CPU 11 drives the drive motor 19 to move the stopper 61 from the current position to the retracted position at a predetermined speed (S605). The CPU 11 waits until the stopper 61 reaches the retracted position (S606: No). When the CPU 11 determines that the stopper 61 has reached the retracted position (S606: Yes), the CPU 11 stops the movement of the stopper 61 by stopping the drive motor 19 (S607).

  The CPU 11 sets the variable X to the next movement distance (S608), and the process proceeds to S602. In the present embodiment, the movement distance set in the variable X is set to a large value every time the number of times is repeated from the first time (that is, the first time), and from the retreat position to the restriction position in the Nth time (N is an integer of 2 or more). The moving distance of Therefore, whenever the number of times is repeated, the stopper 61 is repeatedly raised and lowered while the position where the stopper 61 is lowered is gradually brought closer to the restriction position.

  According to the scanner 10 of the third embodiment, when an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed occurs, the stopper 61 reaches the restriction position while raising or lowering the stopper 61. Therefore, it is possible to lengthen the time required for the stopper 61 to reach the restriction position as compared with the case where the stopper 61 reaches the restriction position at a predetermined speed. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconvenience such as the document P set on the document tray 5 before the upper unit 4 is closed between the stoppers 61.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the fourth embodiment, when the trigger for moving the stopper 61 from the retracted position to the restricted position is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed, the stopper 61 is moved and stopped repeatedly while the stopper 61 is moved to the restricted position. To reach. In 4th Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration unique to the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a stopper movement control process according to the fourth embodiment. This process is a process executed by the CPU 11 according to the control program 12a of the fourth embodiment. This process is started every time a stopper movement event occurs, as in the first embodiment.

  In S402, when the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is not an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S402: No), the CPU 11 executes a normal restriction position movement process as in S609 ( S704), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the event generation trigger is an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed (S402: Yes), the CPU 11 drives the drive motor 19 to move the stopper 61 to the retracted position at a predetermined speed. To the restriction position (S701).

  After the process of S701, the CPU 11 determines whether the stopper 61 has reached the restriction position (S404). When the CPU 11 determines that the stopper 61 has not reached the restriction position (S404: No), the CPU 11 determines whether the stopper 61 has moved by the distance α (S702). The distance α is a distance (for example, 3 mm) from the moving distance from the retracted position to the restricting position. When the CPU 11 determines that it has not moved (S702: No), the CPU 1 shifts the process to S405.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 11 determines that the stopper 61 has moved by the distance α (S702: Yes), the stopper 61 is moved for a predetermined period by stopping the drive motor 19 for a predetermined period (for example, 0.5 seconds). Stop (S703). After the process of S703, that is, after a predetermined period has elapsed, the CPU 11 shifts the process to S701.

  According to the scanner 10 of the fourth embodiment, when an event in which the upper unit 4 is closed occurs, the stopper 61 reaches the restriction position while repeatedly moving and stopping the stopper 61. Therefore, it is possible to lengthen the time required for the stopper 61 to reach the restriction position as compared with the case where the stopper 61 reaches the restriction position at a predetermined speed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the document P set on the document tray 5 before the upper unit 4 is closed being sandwiched by the stopper 61.

  In the above embodiment, the scanner 10 is an example of a reading device. The image reading sensor 18 is an example of a reading unit. A transport mechanism including a feed roller 51, a separation roller 52, a transport roller pair 53, and a paper discharge roller pair 54 is an example of a document transport unit. The upper unit 4 is an example of a cover. The stopper 61 is an example of a stopper. The drive motor 19 is an example of a drive unit and a DC motor. The CPU 11 is an example of a control unit. The retracted position is an example of the first position. The restriction position is an example of the second position.

  The CPU 11 that executes the processes of S403, S408, S502, S602, S609, S701, and S704 is an example of a moving unit. The CPU 11 that executes the process of S402 is an example of a determination unit. CPU11 which performs the process of S405 is an example of a detection means. CPU11 which performs the process of S407 is an example of a stop means. CPU11 which performs the process of S406 is an example of an alerting | reporting means.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the scanner (document scanner) 10 is illustrated as an example of the reading device. However, a multifunction peripheral device having functions other than the scanning function can also be an example of the reading device.

  In the above embodiment, when the stopper 61 moves to the restriction position triggered by an event other than the event that the upper unit 4 is closed, the moving speed of the stopper 61 is slowed down or a predetermined time is passed before the stopper 61 starts moving. I didn't wait. On the other hand, even when the stopper 61 moves to the restriction position triggered by an event other than the event that the upper unit 4 is closed, the moving speed of the stopper 61 is slowed down or predetermined before the stopper 61 starts moving. The structure which waits for time may be sufficient. However, it is assumed that the event in which the upper unit 4 is closed takes the stopper 61 to reach the restriction position over a longer time than the other events.

  In the above embodiment, a DC motor is exemplified as the drive motor 19, but a stepping motor may be used. When the drive motor 19 is composed of a stepping motor, a process for determining whether or not the stepping motor has stepped out may be executed instead of the process of S405. In this modification, the CPU 11 executes the processes of S406 and S407 when it is determined that the stepping motor that drives the stopper 61 has stepped out.

  In the above embodiment, when the current value of the drive motor 19 exceeds a predetermined threshold value in S405, the stopper 61 is stopped after notifying an error. Instead of this, the stopper 61 may be stopped first.

  In the above embodiment, as an example of the error notification performed in S406, the error is displayed on the LCD 16 as an example. Not only this but when a speaker is provided, it is good also as composition which emits sound from the speaker concerned. Alternatively, when a device such as a personal computer is connected to the scanner 10, it may be displayed on the LCD or the like of the connection destination device.

  In the third embodiment, a large value is set in the variable X every time the number of times is repeated from the first time. However, a small value is set every time the number of times is repeated, or a different random value is set each time. It may be.

  In the fourth embodiment, the distance α has been described as a constant value, but may be a value that changes each time. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a gradually larger value is set as the distance α, or a different random value is set as the distance α each time.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the stopper 61 is provided inside the upper unit 4 is illustrated, but the present invention is similarly applied even when the stopper 61 is provided at an appropriate place such as the outside of the upper unit 4. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the driving force for moving the stopper 61 is supplied by the drive motor 19, but the stopper 61 may be moved using a solenoid. In the present modification, the solenoid is an example of a “drive unit”. In the above embodiment, the driving force by the drive motor 19 is used when the stopper 61 is moved in either the restricted position or the retracted position. However, when the stopper 61 is moved from the restricted position to the retracted position, It is good also as a structure moved with a mechanical structure.

  In the above-described embodiment, each process described in FIGS. 4 to 7 has been described as a configuration executed by the CPU 11. However, each process described in each of these drawings is performed as a configuration in which a plurality of CPUs execute cooperatively. Also good. Further, an IC such as an ASIC may be configured to execute each process described in each of the above drawings independently or in cooperation with a plurality of ICs. Further, the CPU 11 and an IC such as an ASIC may cooperate to execute each process described in the above drawings.

  Among the processes described in FIGS. 4 to 7, some of the processes may be omitted or changed without departing from the independent claims. Moreover, it is good also as a structure implemented combining each characteristic demonstrated by each said embodiment and each modification mentioned above suitably.

10: Scanner, 61: Stopper

Claims (9)

A reading section for reading a document;
A document tray on which documents are loaded,
A document transport unit that transports a document set on the document tray to the reading unit;
An openable / closable cover for covering the document conveying section;
A stopper for regulating the position of the front end of the document set on the document tray on the document transport section side;
A drive unit for moving the stopper from a first position that is a position that does not restrict the position of the leading edge of the document to a second position that is a position that regulates the position of the leading edge of the document;
A control unit;
With
The controller is
Moving means for driving the driving unit and moving the stopper to move the stopper located at the first position to the second position when a predetermined event occurs;
A determination means for determining whether the predetermined event occurs, whether the event is a first event generated by closing the cover or a second event generated by other than that;
With
The moving means is
When the determination means determines that the generated event is the first event, and when the generated event is determined to be the second event, until the second position is reached. A reading apparatus characterized in that the stopper is moved differently. The moving means is
When it is determined that the generated event is the first event, the stopper reaches the second position over a longer time than when the generated event is determined to be the second event. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is moved. The moving means is
The stopper is moved at a slower speed when it is determined that the generated event is the first event than when it is determined that the generated event is the second event. The reading device according to 1 or 2. The moving means is
When it is determined that the event that has occurred is the first event, the occurrence of the event is started by starting the movement of the stopper at a later timing than when the event that has occurred is determined to be the second event. The reading apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the stopper is made to reach the second position over a longer time than when it is determined that the event is the second event. The moving means is
When it is determined that the generated event is the first event, the stopper moves in the direction from the first position toward the second position, and the direction from the second position toward the first position. 3. The stopper is caused to reach the second position over a longer time by repeating the movement to step 2 than when it is determined that the generated event is the second event. 5. The reading device according to any one of 4 to 4. The moving means is
When it is determined that the generated event is the first event, the movement and stop of the stopper are repeated, so that a longer time is taken than when the generated event is determined to be the second event. The reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stopper is made to reach the second position. The drive unit is a DC motor,
Detecting means for detecting a current value energized to the DC motor;
The controller is
When the detection unit detects a current value exceeding a predetermined threshold when the stopper is moved in the direction from the first position toward the second position by the moving unit, the moving unit The reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a stopping unit that stops movement of the stopper in a direction from the first position toward the second position. The controller is
When the stopper is moved in the direction from the first position toward the second position by the moving means, an error is notified if a current value exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected by the detecting means. The reading apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a notification unit. The second event is an event that occurs when the original is conveyed from the stopper toward the reading unit when the reading unit reads the original conveyed by the original conveying unit. The reading device according to claim 1.

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