JP2022191968A - Medium conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a medium conveyance device capable of appropriately removing a magnetic body moved integrally with a conveyed medium.SOLUTION: This medium conveyance device comprises: a conveyance unit that conveys a medium on a conveyance path; a magnet that generates a magnetic force for attracting a magnetic body moved integrally with a conveyed medium conveyed by the conveyance unit; a storage unit that stores the magnetic body attracted to the magnet; a movement unit that moves the magnet from a first position opposed to an opening provided on the conveyance path to a second position opposed to the storage unit; and a guiding unit having a guiding surface for guiding the magnetic body attracted to the magnet in response to the movement of the magnet by the movement unit. A distance between the magnet and the guiding surface at the second position is set larger than that between the magnet and the guiding surface at the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

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

In a media transport device such as a scanner that captures images while transporting multiple media, a magnetic material such as a staple or clip that binds multiple media mixes between the multiple media transported together and moves together with the media. there's a possibility that. When staples, clips, or the like are conveyed, there is a possibility that the conveying path of the medium or the imaging surface of the imaging device or the like may be damaged.

2. Description of the Related Art A document conveying device that removes magnetic materials such as clips and staples with a magnet has been disclosed (Patent Document 1).

A binding member removing device for removing staples from a bundle of sheets is disclosed (Patent Document 2). This binding member removing device has a moving belt for moving the removed binding member, and a collection box for collecting the staples carried by the moving belt.

JP-A-2002-362754 JP-A-2000-127064

In the medium transport device, it is desired to appropriately remove the magnetic material that moves with the transported medium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a medium transport device capable of appropriately removing a magnetic material that moves with a medium being transported.

A medium transport device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit that transports a 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, and a magnet that is attracted to the magnet. a moving part that moves the magnet from a first position facing the opening provided in the conveying path to a second position facing the containing part; and a magnetism attracted to the magnet. a guide portion having a guide surface for guiding the body according to movement of the magnet by the moving portion, wherein the distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the second position is the distance between the magnet and the guide surface at the first position. set to be larger.

According to the present invention, the medium transport device can appropriately remove the magnetic material that moves with the transported medium.

1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a removing mechanism 117; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a removing mechanism 117; FIG. (a) is a graph showing the relationship between distance and attractive force, and (b) is a graph showing the relationship between distance and magnetic flux density. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the removing mechanism 117. FIG. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the removing mechanism 117. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150; FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of medium reading processing; It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the processing circuit 250 which concerns on other embodiment.

A medium conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a media transport device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys a medium, which is an original, and captures an image. The medium may be paper, cardboard, card, or the like. The card is an ID (Identification) card defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization)/IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 7810, for example. The media transport device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a printer complex machine (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. Note that the medium to be conveyed may be an object to be printed instead of a document, 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 mounting table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

The first housing 101 is arranged on the upper side of the medium transporting device 100 and is engaged with the second housing 102 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when the medium is clogged or when cleaning the inside of the medium transporting device 100 .

The mounting table 103 is engaged with the second housing 102 so that the medium to be transported can be mounted thereon. The mounting table 103 is provided on the side surface of the second housing 102 on the medium supply side so as to be movable in a substantially vertical direction (height direction) A1 by a motor (not shown). The mounting table 103 is arranged at the lower end position so that the medium can be easily mounted when the medium is not being conveyed. Ascend to contact position. The ejection table 104 is formed on the first housing 101 so as to be able to hold the medium ejected from the ejection port 107, and stacks the ejected medium.

The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input device, receives an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal according to the input operation by the user. The display device 106 has a display including liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc. and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

In FIG. 1, arrow A2 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A3 indicates the medium ejection direction, and arrow A4 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction. Hereinafter, "upstream" means upstream in the medium transport direction A2 or medium ejection direction A3, and "downstream" means downstream in the medium transport direction A2 or medium ejection direction A3.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

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

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. It can be multiple. In that case, the plurality of pick rollers 112, feed rollers 113, separation rollers 114, first to eighth transport rollers 115a to h and/or first to eighth driven rollers 116a to h are spaced apart in the width direction A4. Arranged side by side with space.

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

The first medium sensor 111 is arranged on the mounting table 103 , that is, on the upstream side of the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114 , and detects the mounting state of the medium on the mounting table 103 . The first medium sensor 111 determines whether or not the medium is placed on the placing table 103 by a contact detection sensor that causes a predetermined current to flow when the medium is in contact or not in contact. do. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the medium is mounted on the mounting table 103 . Note that the first medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 111 .

The pick roller 112 is provided in the first housing 101 and comes into contact with the medium placed on the placement table 103 which is elevated to substantially the same height as the medium transport path, and feeds the medium downstream. .

The feeding roller 113 is provided downstream of the pick roller 112 in the first housing 101, and feeds the medium placed on the mounting table 103 and fed by the pick roller 112 further downstream. do. The separation roller 114 is arranged inside the second housing 102 so as to face the feeding roller 113 . A feeding roller 113 and a separating roller 114 perform a medium separating operation, separate the medium, and feed the medium one by one. The feeding roller 113 is arranged above the separating roller 114, and the medium conveying device 100 feeds the medium by a so-called top picking method.

The first to eighth conveying 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 are fed by the feed roller 113 and the separation roller 114. The medium is transported downstream. The first to eighth conveying rollers 115a-h and the first to eighth driven rollers 116a-h are arranged to face each other across the medium conveying path. 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 medium sensor 118 is arranged downstream from the feed roller 113 and separation roller 114 and upstream from the imaging device 119, and detects the medium conveyed to that position. The second medium sensor 118 may be arranged 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 medium sensor 118 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side (first housing 101) with respect to the medium transport path, and a position facing the light emitter and light receiver across the medium transport path ( and a light guide tube provided in the second housing 102). The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light toward the medium transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. When a medium exists at a position facing the second medium sensor 118, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, so the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. Based on the intensity of the received light, the light receiver generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the medium is present at the position of the second medium sensor 118 .

Note that a reflecting member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. Also, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other across the medium transport path. Also, the second medium sensor 118 may detect the presence of the medium by a contact detection sensor or the like that causes a predetermined current to flow when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

The imaging device 119 is an example of an imaging unit, and includes a first imaging device 119a and a second imaging device 119b arranged to face each other with the medium transport path interposed therebetween. The first imaging device 119a has a linear optical system type CIS (Contact Image Sensor) line sensor having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. Also, the first imaging device 119a has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element, and an A/D converter that amplifies an 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 conveyed by the conveying unit, generates an input image, and outputs the input image.

Similarly, the second imaging device 119b has a linear optical system type CIS line sensor having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. Also, the second imaging device 119b has a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and an A/D converter that amplifies and A/D-converts an electrical signal output from the imaging device. The second imaging device 119b captures an image of the back surface of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit, generates an input image, and outputs the input image.

The medium transport device 100 may have only one of the first image pickup device 119a and the second image pickup device 119b to read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of the line sensor of the same-magnification optical system type CIS having the CMOS imaging element, a line sensor of the same-magnification optical system type CIS having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optics type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging device may be used.

The medium placed on the mounting table 103 moves between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a in the medium conveying direction A2 by rotating the pick roller 112 and the feeding roller 113 in the medium feeding directions A5 and A6, respectively. transported towards. The medium transport device 100 has, as feeding modes, a separation mode in which the medium is fed while being separated, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without being separated. The feeding mode is set by the user using the operation device 105 or the information processing device that communicates with the medium conveying device 100 . When the feeding mode is set to the separation mode, the separation roller 114 rotates in the direction of the arrow A7, that is, in the direction opposite to the medium feeding direction, when feeding the medium. When a plurality of media are placed on the mounting table 103 due to the action of the feeding roller 113 and the separation roller 114, only the medium that is in contact with the feeding roller 113 among the media placed on the mounting table 103 are separated. This restricts the conveyance of media other than the separated media (prevention of 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 arrow A7, that is, in the medium feeding direction.

While being guided by the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a, the medium is fed to the imaging position of the imaging device 119 by rotating the first and second transport rollers 115a and 115b in the directions of arrows A8 and A9. An image is captured by the imaging device 119 . Further, the medium is ejected onto the ejection table 104 by rotating the third to eighth transport rollers 115c to 115h in the directions of arrows A10 to A15, respectively. The discharge table 104 stacks the medium discharged by the eighth transport roller 115h.

3 and 4 are schematic diagrams for explaining the removing mechanism 117. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the peripheral portion of the removal mechanism 117. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the peripheral portion of the removal mechanism 117 in the first housing 101 viewed from the second housing 102 side.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the removal mechanism 117 is provided inside the first housing 101, that is, above the first guide 101a forming the upper surface of the medium transport path. The removing mechanism 117 has an opening 121, a magnet unit 122, an accommodating section 123, a moving section 124, a guiding section 125, and the like.

The opening 121 is provided on the first guide 101 a so as to pass a magnetic body such as a staple or a clip moving together with the medium conveyed by the conveying unit toward the magnet unit 122 . The opening 121 is formed at a position facing one end of a guide portion 125 that guides the magnet unit 122 . For example, the opening 121 is arranged between the first transport roller 115a and the second transport roller 115b, that is, between the transport unit and the imaging device 119 in the medium transport direction A2. As a result, the medium conveying device 100 prevents the magnetic material such as staples or clips from moving to the position of the image pickup device 119, and the image pickup surface (glass surface) of the image pickup device 119 by the magnetic material without stopping the conveyance of the medium. surface) can be suppressed from being damaged. As a result, the medium conveying device 100 can suppress the occurrence of noise due to scratches or the like on the imaging surface in an image obtained by imaging the medium, and can maintain good image quality.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the openings 121 are formed across both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4 orthogonal to the medium transport direction. It should be noted that the opening 121 does not have to extend over both ends of the transport path, and may be formed at least in part of the first guide 101a. Also, a plurality of openings 121 may be formed so as to be spaced apart from each other.

A rib 121a is provided in the opening 121 as a partition. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of ribs 121a extending in the medium transport direction A2 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A4. A plurality of ribs 121a extending in the width direction A4 may be arranged side by side at intervals in the medium transport direction A2. Each rib 121a is arranged at regular intervals. The ribs 121a may be arranged at different intervals. Also, the number of ribs 121a may be one. The ribs 121a are arranged in the opening 121 such that one side of the area divided by the ribs 121a is larger than the size of a typical staple or clip and smaller than the short side of an ID card.

With the provision of the ribs 121 a , the medium transport device 100 allows an ID card to be attracted to the magnet unit 122 through the opening 121 while allowing staples, clips, or the like to be attracted to the magnet unit 122 through the opening 121 . Limit your attraction. Therefore, the medium transport 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. In addition, the provision of the ribs 121a allows the medium transporting device 100 to prevent the curled portion or the curved portion of the medium from being exposed to the opening 121 when a medium whose end portion curls upward or is curved is transported. to prevent media jams from occurring. Note that the rib 121a may be omitted.

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

Magnet 122a is a permanent magnet such as a neodymium magnet, an alnico magnet, or a ferrite magnet. Magnet 122a is movably provided on guide portion 125 . The magnet 122a generates a magnetic force that attracts magnetic bodies such as staples or clips that move together with the media transported by the transport unit. The magnet 122a is provided so as to cover the entire opening 121 when viewed from the vertical direction when arranged at a position facing the opening 121 . For example, when the openings 121 are formed over both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4, the magnets 122a are also provided over both ends of the transport path. Below, the position where the magnet 122a faces the opening 121 on the guide portion 125 may be referred to as the first position.

The sheet 122b is a sheet attached to the lower surface of the magnet 122a in order to reduce friction generated between the magnet 122a and the guide portion 125 when the magnet 122a moves on the guide portion 125. FIG. By providing the sheet 122b, the medium conveying device 100 can smoothly move the magnet 122a, suppress damage to the magnet 122a, and reduce the volume of the sound that the magnet 122a makes when moving. becomes possible. Sheet 122b may be omitted.

The rack 122c is a flat plate member extending along the guide portion 125 and toothed at regular intervals. Rack 122c is secured to magnet 122a such that magnet 122a moves with rack 122c. In the example shown in FIG. 4, racks 122c are provided at both ends of the magnet 122a in the width direction A4.

The storage portion 123 is a dust box that stores the magnetic material attracted by the magnet 122a. The housing portion 123 is provided at a position facing the end portion of the guide portion 125 that guides the magnet 122a on the side opposite to the end portion on the opening portion 121 side. The housing portion 123 has an opening 123a on the guide portion 125 side, that is, on the upper side. The opening 123a is provided so as to cover the entire magnet 122a when viewed from the vertical direction when the magnet 122a is arranged at a position facing the opening 123a. For example, when the magnets 122a are provided across both ends of the transport path in the width direction A4, the openings 123a are also provided across both ends of the transport path. Below, the position where the magnet 122a faces the accommodation portion 123 on the guide portion 125 may be referred to as a second position.

The storage unit 123 is provided detachably 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 portion of the housing portion 123 . With the first housing 101 of the medium conveying device 100 opened, the storage section 123 is movable in the width direction A4 by sliding the lower end of the storage section 123 along the rail member. As a result, the user can remove the magnetic material from the storage unit 123 and clean the medium transport device 100 . Note that if the storage space of the storage section 123 is large enough to store a sufficient amount of magnetic material in the storage section 123 , the storage section 123 may be fixed inside the medium transport device 100 .

Further, the storage unit 123 is arranged downstream of the imaging device 119 in the medium transport direction A2. In the medium transporting device 100, by arranging the accommodating portion 123 at a position away from the area on the upstream side of the imaging device 119 where various parts such as rollers and sensors need to be arranged, the accommodating space for the magnetic material is sufficiently secured. can be secured.

The moving part 124 includes a first motor 124a, a belt 124b, a pinion 124c, and the like.

The first motor 124a is an example of a driving force generator. The first motor 124a has driving force for moving the magnet 122a between a first position facing the opening 121 and a second position facing the housing 123 in accordance with a control signal from a processing circuit, which will be described later. generate

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 a rack 122c fixed to the magnet 122a, is rotated by the driving force from the first motor 124a, and moves 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.

Thereby, the moving part 124 moves the magnet 122 a from the first position facing the opening 121 to the second position facing the accommodating part 123 .

The guide portion 125 includes a first guide surface 125a, a second guide surface 125b, a first stopper 125c, a second stopper 125d, a protrusion 125e, and the like. 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 125 a is provided on the lower surface of the guide portion 125 and guides the magnetic body attracted to the magnet 122 a according to the movement of the magnet 122 a by the moving portion 124 . The second guide surface 125b is provided on the upper surface of the guide portion 125, that is, on the side opposite to 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 separate 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 larger 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 the position facing the second position on the first guide surface 125a is applied to the magnetic body arranged at the position facing the first position on the first guide surface 125a. smaller than the magnetic force.

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 projecting portion 125 e is arranged on the first guide surface 125 a so as to drop the magnetic material guided along the first guide surface 125 a into the accommodating portion 123 in response to the movement of the magnet 122 a by the moving portion 124 . is formed at a position facing the In the example shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 125e is positioned closer to the first position than the end of the first guide surface 125a on the second position side so that the magnetic material falls before the magnet 122a reaches the second position. are placed. Note that the protrusion 125e may be arranged at the end of the first guide surface 125a on the second position side. Also, the protrusion 125e may be omitted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the moving section 124 and the guide section 125 are arranged above the first conveying roller 115a, the second conveying roller 115b, and the imaging device 119. As shown in FIG. The medium conveying apparatus 100 efficiently uses the space of the housing by arranging the moving section 124 and the guide section 125 away from the vicinity of the medium conveying path where various parts such as rollers and sensors need to be arranged. can be used. Therefore, the medium transport device 100 can suppress an increase in device size.

The arrangement position of the magnet 122a will be described 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。 As the distance between the magnet and the magnetic body increases, the magnetic force (magnetic flux density) due to the magnet at the position of the magnetic body decreases. A magnetic flux density B(X) [G (gauss)] at a position a distance X [mm] away from the bottom surface of the cylindrical magnet is calculated by the following equation (1).

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

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。 Also, the attractive force F(X) [kgf] at a position a distance X [mm] away from the bottom surface of the cylindrical magnet is calculated by the following equation (2).

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

FIG. 5A 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 FIG. 5A indicates the distance [mm] between the magnet and the magnetic body, and the vertical axis indicates the attractive force [gf] applied to the magnetic body by the magnet. A graph G1 is a graph showing the attractive force of a cylindrical neodymium magnet having a diameter of 3 mm, a thickness of 12 mm, and a residual magnetic flux density of 13,200 [G].

Staples generally used in Japan could be attracted with a force of 0.05 [gf] or more. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. Staples are attracted well. However, the distance between the magnet and the media transport path takes into account the tolerance of each magnet product (approximately 1.0 [mm]) and the effect of demagnetization due to the number of years of use (approximately 2.0 [mm] in 10 years). is preferably set as Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the medium transport path is 22.5 [mm] to the margin M1 (3.0 [mm]). It is set so as to be equal to or less than the reduced 19.5 [mm].

Also, in an experiment in which the feeding mode was set to the non-separation mode and the medium bound with staples was conveyed, when the attraction force applied to the medium was greater than 0.45 [gf], the staple was attracted to the magnet, The media floated up and a media jam occurred. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. is preferably set. However, the distance between the magnet and the medium transport path is the distance between the first guide 101a and the second guide 102a (approximately 3.2 [mm]), the tolerance of the mounting position of the magnet (approximately 0.3 [mm] ) and the tolerance of each guide product (about 0.2 [mm]). That is, the distance between the magnet and the medium transport path is set to 18.5 [mm] or more, which is 14.8 [mm] plus the margin M2 (3.7 [mm]).

As a result, the medium conveying device 100 can appropriately remove the magnetic material conveyed together with the medium while suppressing the occurrence of a medium jam.

FIG. 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. 5B indicates the distance [mm] between the magnet and the magnetic body, and the vertical axis indicates the magnetic flux density [Oe (Oersted)] by the magnet at the position of the magnetic body. A graph G2 is a graph showing the maximum value of the magnetic flux density of the neodymium magnet shown in the graph G1, and a graph G3 is a graph showing the minimum value of the magnetic flux density of the neodymium magnet shown in the graph G1.

Data stored in a magnetic stripe provided on a credit card, passbook, or the like 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 on the magnetic stripe can be corrupted if the magnetic flux density at that location is greater than 300 [Oe]. Therefore, when this neodymium magnet is used as the magnet 122a, as shown in FIG. set to be large. As described above, by setting the distance between the magnet 122a arranged at the first position and the medium transport path to be 18.5 [mm] or more and 19.5 [mm] or less, the medium transport The device 100 can prevent corruption of data stored in the magnetic stripe.

As a result, the medium conveying apparatus 100 does not need to use an electromagnet capable of changing the magnetic force as a magnet for attracting the magnetic body so that the magnetic force can be changed according to the medium to be conveyed, which increases the apparatus cost. can be suppressed.

In addition, in the area of the guide portion 125 other than the area corresponding to the second position, the distance between the first guide surface 125a and the second guide surface 125b is such that the magnetic force exerted on the magnetic body by the magnet 122a is equal to the gravitational force exerted on the magnetic body. The length is set so that the magnetic body does not fall. On the other hand, in the region corresponding to the second position in the guide portion 125, the distance between the first guide surface 125a and the second guide surface 125b makes the gravity applied to the magnetic body larger than the magnetic force applied to the magnetic body by the magnet 122a. , is preferably set to a length such that the magnetic body falls. As a result, the medium transporting device 100 can appropriately move the magnetic material to the storage section 123 .

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

As shown in FIG. 3, magnet 122a is positioned at a first position before media transport begins. When the staple S is placed on the medium to be conveyed, the staple S is attracted to the magnet 122a arranged at the first position through the opening 121 when passing through the position facing the opening 121. , is attached to the first guide surface 125 a of the guide portion 125 .

A magnetic body, such as a staple or a clip, sandwiched between a plurality of media placed on the mounting table 103, when the lower medium among the media sandwiching the magnetic body is conveyed, the medium is stuck. Move on top. By arranging the magnet 122a above the medium conveying path, the medium conveying apparatus 100 can remove the magnetic material moving on the medium.

Thereafter, after the medium has been conveyed, the magnet 122a is moved from the first position toward the second position by the moving section 124. FIG. The staple S attached to the first guide surface 125a moves along the first guide surface 125a as the magnet 122a moves. The closer the first guide surface 125a is to the second position, the further away it is from the second guide surface 125b. Therefore, the force with which the staple S is attracted by the magnet 122a becomes smaller as the magnet 122a approaches 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. As a result, the distance between the magnet 122a moved to the second position and the staple S stopped by the protrusion 125e is further increased, and the force with which the staple S is attracted by the magnet 122a is further reduced. Therefore, the staple S falls and is housed in the housing portion 123 .

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

As described above, the first guide surface 125a is provided so as to separate from the second guide surface 125b as it approaches the second position. becomes smaller as it approaches . Therefore, the staple S can drop and be accommodated in the accommodating portion 123 even when the protrusion 125e is omitted. However, by providing the projecting portion 125 e , the medium conveying device 100 can more reliably drop the staple S and store it in the storage portion 123 .

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

The medium transport device 100 further includes a second motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like, in addition to the configuration described above.

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 to 115h according to control signals from the processing circuit 150. Carry the media. Note that the first to eighth driven rollers 116a to 116h may be provided so as to be rotated by a driving force from a motor instead of being driven to rotate according to the rotation of each conveying roller.

The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, for example, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) (not shown) to receive read images and various information. Send and receive. 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 memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, or portable storage devices such as flexible disks and optical disks. The storage device 140 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the medium transport device 100 . The computer program may be installed in the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. Examples of portable recording media include CD-ROMs (compact disc read only memory) and DVD-ROMs (digital versatile disc read only memory).

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

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, and the like. , which controls each of these parts. The processing circuit 150 controls the second motor 131 to convey the medium, controls the imaging device 119 to acquire an input image, and transmits the acquired 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 to remove the magnetic material that moves with the conveyed medium.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the storage device 140 stores 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 functions as a control unit 151 and an image acquisition unit 152 by reading each program stored in the storage device 140 and operating according to each read program.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of medium reading processing.

An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation flow described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140 .

First, the control unit 151 receives an instruction to read a medium from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 when a user inputs an instruction to read the medium using the operation device 105 or the information processing device. (step S101).

Next, the control unit 151 acquires the first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not the medium is placed on the placing table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the placing table 103, the control unit 151 terminates the series of steps.

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

Next, the control unit 151 drives the motor for moving the mounting table 103 to move the mounting table 103 to a position where the medium can be fed. In addition, the control unit 151 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 to 115h so that the The medium is conveyed (step S104).

Next, the control unit 151 waits until the trailing edge of the medium passes the imaging position of the imaging device 119 (step S105). The control unit 151 periodically receives the second medium signal from the second medium sensor 118, and when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from the value indicating the presence of the medium to the value indicating the non-existence of the medium , that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 118 . The control unit 151 determines that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the trailing edge of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 118 . The predetermined time is set to a value obtained by adding a margin to the time required for the medium to move from the second medium sensor 118 to the imaging position. Note that the control unit 151 may determine that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the imaging position when a certain period of time has elapsed after 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, based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 111, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the medium remains on the mounting table 103 (step S107). When the medium remains on the mounting 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, when no medium remains on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 stops the second motor 131 and rotates the pick roller 112, the feed roller 113, the separation roller 114, or the first to eighth transport rollers 115a to 115h. Stop (step S108).

Next, the controller 151 drives the first motor 124a to control the removal mechanism 117 to move the magnet 122a from the first position to the second position (step S109). As a result, when a magnetic body is attracted to the magnet 122 a , the magnetic body moves with the movement of the magnet 122 a and is housed in the housing portion 123 .

In this manner, the control unit 151 controls the first motor 124a so that the magnet 122a is placed at the first position when medium transport is started, and the magnet 122a is moved to the second position when medium transport is completed. As a result, the control unit 151 can store the magnetic material attracted by the magnet 122a in the storage unit 123 at the timing when the media that are collectively placed on the placement table 103 and sequentially transported are completed. Therefore, the control unit 151 prevents the movement of the magnet 122a from increasing the time required for medium transport, while the number of magnetic bodies sticking to the guide unit 125 increases excessively, reducing the attractive force of the magnet 122a. can be suppressed. Note that the control unit 151 may move the magnet 122a to the second position each time the transportation of one medium is completed.

Next, the control unit 151 drives the first motor 124a to control the removal mechanism 117 so as to move the magnet 122a from the second position to the first position (step S110), ending the series of steps. Thereby, the magnet 122a is rearranged to the initial position.

Note that the processing of steps S109 to S110 may be executed before the medium conveyance is started, that is, between the processing of step S103 and the processing of step S104.

As described in detail above, the medium transport device 100 can move the magnet 122a that attracts a magnetic body such as a staple or a clip so that the closer it gets to the storage section 123, the more the magnet 122a moves away from the attracted magnetic body and the magnetic force becomes weaker. prepare. As a result, the medium transport device 100 can appropriately remove the magnetic material that moves together with the transported medium.

In addition, the medium conveying device 100 removes the magnetic material by attracting the magnetic material moving together with the medium being conveyed by the magnet 122 a arranged at a position facing the opening 121 . As a result, the medium transporting device 100 can appropriately remove the magnetic material using only one magnet 122a without using a plurality of magnets, and can reduce the size and cost of the device. rice field.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 250 of a medium transporting device according to another embodiment.

The processing circuit 250 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium transport device 100, and performs medium reading processing and the like instead of the processing circuit 150. FIG. The processing circuit 250 has a control circuit 251, an image acquisition circuit 252, and the like. Each of these units may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

The control circuit 251 is an example of a control section and has the same function as the control section 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 section and has the same function as the image acquisition section 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 in detail above, the medium transport device can appropriately remove the magnetic material that moves with the transported medium even when the processing circuit 250 executes the medium reading process.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the first motor 124a is used as the driving force generator, but another driving source such as a solenoid may be used instead of the first motor 124a as the driving force generator. good too. Also in this case, the medium transport device can appropriately remove the magnetic material that moves with the transported medium.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 medium transport device 112 pick roller 113 feeding roller 114 separation roller 115a first transport roller 116a first driven roller 119 imaging device 121 opening 121a rib 122a magnet 123 container 124 movement Part 124a First Motor 125 Guide Part 125a First Guide Surface 125b Second Guide Surface 125e Projection Part 151 Control Part

Claims (7)

a transport unit that transports the medium along the 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;
an accommodation unit that accommodates a magnetic body that is attracted to the magnet;
a moving unit that moves the magnet from a first position facing the 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 according to the movement of the magnet by the moving portion;
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.
A medium transport device characterized by: the guide portion further includes a second guide surface provided on the opposite side of the guide surface and guiding the magnet from the first position to the second position;
The medium conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the guide surface is provided so as to separate from the second guide surface as the position is closer to the second position. The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening is provided with a partition. further comprising an imaging unit that captures an image of the medium conveyed by the conveying unit;
The medium conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening is arranged between the conveying section and the imaging section in the medium conveying direction. The medium conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the accommodating section is provided detachably from the medium conveying device. The medium conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the guide portion further includes a protrusion formed on the guide surface at a position facing the accommodating portion. a driving force generator that generates a driving force for moving the magnet between the first position and the second position;
and a control unit configured to control the driving force generating unit such that the magnet is placed at the first position when medium conveyance is started, and the magnet is moved to the second position when medium conveyance is completed. 7. The medium transport device according to any one of 1 to 6.

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