WO2023218562A1 - Medium feed device, medium feed method, and control program - Google Patents

Medium feed device, medium feed method, and control program Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023218562A1
WO2023218562A1 PCT/JP2022/019957 JP2022019957W WO2023218562A1 WO 2023218562 A1 WO2023218562 A1 WO 2023218562A1 JP 2022019957 W JP2022019957 W JP 2022019957W WO 2023218562 A1 WO2023218562 A1 WO 2023218562A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
medium
roller
leading edge
feeding
value
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2022/019957
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
修一 森川
喜一郎 下坂
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株式会社Pfu
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Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社Pfu filed Critical 株式会社Pfu
Priority to PCT/JP2022/019957 priority Critical patent/WO2023218562A1/en
Publication of WO2023218562A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023218562A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
    • B65H3/46—Supplementary devices or measures to assist separation or prevent double feed
    • B65H3/52—Friction retainers acting on under or rear side of article being separated

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a medium feeding device, a medium feeding method, and a control program, and particularly relates to a medium feeding device having a feeding roller and a separation roller, a medium feeding method, and a control program.
  • a medium transport device such as a scanner that separates and sequentially feeds multiple media to capture images
  • it is required to suppress the occurrence of multi-feeding of media in which multiple media are fed together.
  • a paper feeding device that includes a sheet number sensor that detects the number of sheets at or downstream of the nip between a conveyance roller and a separation roller, and a sheet position sensor that detects the position of the sheet that has come out downstream from the nip.
  • This paper feeding device controls the pressure load or separation torque of the separation roller so that when two sheets are detected by the sheet number sensor, the position of the second sheet detected by the sheet position sensor becomes a target value. .
  • a sheet conveyance device that separates sheets double-fed from a sheet bundle and conveys them one by one at a handling nip between a paper feed roller and a handling roller (see Patent Document 2).
  • This sheet conveying device captures an image of the next sheet separated by the separating roller using an area sensor, and detects the leading edge from the image data to obtain the amount of protrusion of the leading edge of the next sheet from the handling nip.
  • the sheet conveying device determines the deterioration state of the handling roller based on the amount of protrusion of the next sheet, and displays a warning in accordance with the determination result.
  • a feeding rotary body that feeds the sheet placed on the loading section, a size detection means that detects the size of the sheet in the width direction, and detects the leading edge of the sheet passing through the nip area between the first member and the second member.
  • a sheet feeding device is disclosed that has a leading end detection means (see Patent Document 3). This sheet feeding device detects the sheet size detected by the size detection means, and when the sheet fed by the feeding rotary body passes through the detection area of the leading edge detection means, the feeding rotary body Move to the evacuation position. If the sheet to be fed does not pass through the detection area, the sheet feeding device moves the feeding rotary body to the retracted position after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the feeding of the sheet by the feeding rotary body started.
  • a media feeding device is required to appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
  • the purpose of the medium feeding device, medium feeding method, and control program according to the embodiment is to appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
  • a medium feeding device includes a mounting table, a feeding roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on the mounting table, and a separation roller disposed opposite to the feeding roller. , a detection unit that detects the position of the leading edge of the medium in the nip between the feeding roller and the separation roller, and a setting unit that sets the characteristic value of the separation roller, and the setting unit includes a detection unit that detects the position of the leading edge of the medium in the nip between the feeding roller and the separation roller, and a setting unit that sets the characteristic value of the separation roller.
  • the characteristic value is changed depending on the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
  • a medium feeding method includes a feeding roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on a mounting table, and a feeding roller and a separation roller disposed opposite the feeding roller. detecting a leading edge position of a medium in a nip portion of the media and setting a characteristic value of a separating roller; The characteristic value is changed depending on the distance between the media and the position.
  • a control program includes a mounting table, a feeding roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on the mounting table, and a separation roller arranged opposite to the feeding roller.
  • a control program for a medium feeding device comprising: detecting a leading edge position of a medium at a nip portion between a feeding roller and a separating roller; , the characteristic value is changed depending on the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected within the nip and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
  • the medium feeding device, the medium feeding method, and the control program can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium feeding device 100 according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a conveyance path inside the medium feeding device 100.
  • FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first imaging device 115 and the like.
  • 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a drive mechanism 130.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium feeding device 100.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 150 and a processing circuit 160.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of setting processing.
  • (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing an example of an input image.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of setting processing. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of setting processing. (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the second input image. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 260. FIG.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium feeding device 100 configured as an image scanner.
  • the medium feeding device 100 feeds and conveys a medium, which is a document, and images the medium.
  • the medium is paper, thin paper, cardboard, card, booklet, or the like.
  • the medium feeding device 100 may be a facsimile, a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like.
  • MFP multifunction peripheral
  • the medium to be conveyed may be an object to be printed instead of a document, and the medium feeding device 100 may be a printer or the like.
  • the medium feeding device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharge table 104, an operating device 105, a display device 106, and the like.
  • arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction
  • arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction
  • arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport path.
  • upstream refers to upstream in the medium transport direction A1
  • downstream refers to downstream in the medium transport direction A1.
  • the upper housing 102 is disposed at a position covering the upper surface of the medium feeding device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium becomes clogged or when cleaning the inside of the medium feeding device 100. are doing.
  • the mounting table 103 engages with the lower casing 101 and places the medium to be fed and transported.
  • the ejection table 104 engages with the upper housing 102 and places the ejected medium thereon. Note that the ejection table 104 may be engaged with the lower housing 101.
  • the operating device 105 includes an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that obtains a signal 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 a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc., and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium feeding device 100.
  • the conveyance path inside the medium feeding device 100 includes a first medium sensor 111, a feeding roller 112, a separating roller 113, a light source device 114, a first imaging device 115, a pressing mechanism 116, a second medium sensor 117, and a first conveying roller. 118, a first driven roller 119, a third medium sensor 120, a second imaging device 121, a second conveyance roller 122, a second driven roller 123, and the like.
  • each of the feeding roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 118, first driven roller 119, second conveying roller 122 and/or second driven roller 123 is not limited to one, and may be plural. good.
  • the plurality of feeding rollers 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 118, first driven roller 119, second conveying roller 122 and/or second driven roller 123 are moved in the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. They are arranged side by side at intervals on A2.
  • the upper surface of the lower casing 101 forms a lower guide 101a for the medium transport path
  • the lower surface of the upper casing 102 forms an upper guide 102a for the medium transport path.
  • the medium feeding device 100 has a so-called straight path, and sequentially feeds and conveys the medium placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom, and discharges it onto the discharge table 104.
  • the first medium sensor 111 is arranged upstream of the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113.
  • the first medium sensor 111 includes a contact detection sensor and detects whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103.
  • the first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 or not.
  • 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 photodetection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 111.
  • the feeding roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101.
  • the feeding roller 112 is rotatably provided in the medium feeding direction A4, and sequentially separates and feeds a plurality of media placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom.
  • the separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102 and is disposed opposite to the feeding roller 112.
  • the separation roller 113 is provided rotatably or stopably in a direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction.
  • the pressing mechanism 116 is an example of a pressing section, and presses the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side.
  • the pressing mechanism 116 is provided so that the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 can be adjusted.
  • the pressing mechanism 116 includes an elastic member 116a, a support member 116b, a drive device 116c, and the like.
  • the elastic member 116a is, for example, a spring member such as a torsion coil spring. Note that the elastic member 116a may be another spring member such as a compression coil spring, a rubber member, or the like. One end of the elastic member 116a is attached to the support member 116b, and the other end is attached to the shaft 113a of the separation roller 113. The elastic member 116a presses the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side.
  • the support member 116b is provided to support the elastic member 116a.
  • the support member 116b is provided so as to be movable according to the driving force generated by the driving device 116c.
  • the drive device 116c is, for example, a solenoid. Note that the drive device 116c may be a motor or the like.
  • the driving device 116c generates a driving force for adjusting the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 by the elastic member 116a, based on a control signal from a processing circuit described later.
  • the drive device 116c is a solenoid
  • the support member 116b slides according to the linear movement of the movable magnetic pole of the solenoid, and adjusts the pressing force by the elastic member 116a.
  • the drive device 116c is a motor
  • the support member 116b swings according to the rotation of the motor to adjust the pressing force exerted by the elastic member 116a.
  • the drive device 116c is a motor
  • a rack and a pinion are provided between the drive device 116c and the support member 116b, and the support member 116b slides according to the rotation of the motor to adjust the pressing force by the elastic member 116a. It's okay.
  • the second medium sensor 117 is disposed downstream of the feeding roller 112 and upstream of the first conveyance roller 118, and detects the medium conveyed to that position.
  • the second medium sensor 117 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the medium transport path, and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium transport path.
  • the light emitting device is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light toward the medium transport path.
  • the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube.
  • the second medium sensor 117 When a medium exists at a position facing the second medium sensor 117, 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.
  • the second medium sensor 117 generates a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the medium is present at the position of the second medium sensor 117 or not, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. and output it.
  • the light guide tube may be used instead of the light guide tube.
  • the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other with the medium transport path in between.
  • the second medium sensor 117 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor or the like that flows a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact with the medium.
  • the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 are arranged facing each other on the downstream side of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1.
  • the first conveyance roller 118 is provided in the upper housing 102 and conveys the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and separation roller 113 to the second imaging device 121.
  • the first conveyance roller 118 may be provided in the lower casing 101 and the first driven roller 119 may be provided in the upper casing 102.
  • the third medium sensor 120 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 118 and upstream of the second imaging device 121, and detects the medium conveyed to that position.
  • the third medium sensor 120 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the medium transport path, and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium transport path. including.
  • the light emitter is an LED or the like, and emits light toward the medium transport path.
  • the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube.
  • the third medium sensor 120 generates a third medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the medium is present at the position of the third medium sensor 120 or not, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. and output it.
  • the light guide tube may be used instead of the light guide tube.
  • the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other with the medium transport path in between.
  • the third medium sensor 120 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor or the like that flows a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact with the medium.
  • the second imaging device 121 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 118 and upstream of the second conveyance roller 122 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and is conveyed by the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119. Image the medium.
  • the second imaging device 121 includes a front imaging device 121a and a back imaging device 121b that are arranged to face each other across the medium transport path.
  • the surface imaging device 121a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of the same magnification optical system type and having imaging elements based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. Further, the front surface imaging device 121a includes a lens that forms an image on the image sensor, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The surface imaging device 121a images the surface of the medium being conveyed, generates a medium image, and outputs the image, under control from a processing circuit described below.
  • CIS Contact Image Sensor
  • CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
  • the back imaging device 121b has a CIS line sensor of the same magnification optical system type that has CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. Further, the back imaging device 121b includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging device and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion.
  • the back side imaging device 121b images the back side of the medium being transported, generates a medium image, and outputs the image, under control from a processing circuit described later.
  • the second imaging device 121 may have only one of the front imaging device 121a and the back imaging device 121b, and may read only one side of the medium.
  • a line sensor using a CIS of a 1x optical system type including a CMOS image sensor instead of a line sensor using a CIS of a 1x optical system type including a CMOS image sensor, a line sensor using a CIS of a 1x optical system type including an image sensor using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used. Further, a reduction optical system type line sensor including a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used.
  • the second conveyance roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 are arranged facing each other downstream from the second imaging device 121 in the medium conveyance direction A1, that is, from the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119. .
  • the second conveyance roller 122 is provided in the upper housing 102 and conveys the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 further downstream, and discharges the medium to the discharge table 104.
  • the second conveyance roller 122 may be provided in the lower casing 101 and the second driven roller 123 may be provided in the upper casing 102.
  • the medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium transport direction A1 by the feeding roller 112 rotating in the medium transport direction A4.
  • the medium feeding device 100 has two feeding modes: a separation mode in which the medium is fed while separating it, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without separating it.
  • the feeding mode is set by the user using the operating device 105 or an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the medium feeding device 100.
  • the separation roller 113 rotates or stops in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction.
  • the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113 Due to the action of the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113, when a plurality of media are placed on the mounting table 103, only the medium that is in contact with the feeding roller 112 among the media placed on the mounting table 103 is removed. are separated. This restricts the conveyance of media other than the separated media (prevention of double feeding).
  • the feeding mode is set to non-separation mode, the separation roller 113 rotates in the medium feeding direction (the opposite direction of arrow A5).
  • the medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 while being guided by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a.
  • the image is sent between the front imaging device 121a and the back imaging device 121b.
  • the medium read by the second imaging device 121 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by the rotation of the second conveyance roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the light source device 114 and the first imaging device 115.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the medium transport path viewed from the upper housing 102 side.
  • two feeding rollers 112, two separation rollers 113, two first conveyance rollers 118, two first driven rollers 119, two second conveyance rollers 122, and two second driven rollers 123 are arranged.
  • the light source device 114 includes a first light source device 114a and a second light source device 114b.
  • the first light source device 114a is an example of an irradiation unit.
  • the first light source device 114a is installed in the upper housing 102 upstream of the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and separated from the two sets of feeding rollers 112 in the width direction A2. It is arranged between each nip portion N of the roller 113.
  • the first light source device 114a is an LED or the like, and emits light downward and downstream.
  • the first light source device 114a illuminates a region that overlaps with the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction, that is, a region that overlaps with the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1.
  • the first light source device 114a illuminates the area between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2.
  • the second light source device 114b is an example of a second irradiation section.
  • the second light source device 114b is installed in the upper housing 102 upstream of the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and separated from the two sets of feeding rollers 112 in the width direction A2. It is arranged between each nip portion N of the roller 113.
  • the second light source device 114b is an LED or the like, and emits light downward and downstream.
  • the second light source device 114b irradiates an area that overlaps with the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, that is, an area that overlaps with the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1 from a direction different from that of the first light source device 114a. do.
  • the second light source device 114b like the first light source device 114a, illuminates the area between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2.
  • the second light source device 114b is arranged upstream of the first light source device 114a in the medium transport direction A1. That is, the angle between the light irradiation direction by the second light source device 114b and the medium transport path is smaller than the angle between the light irradiation direction by the first light source device 114a and the medium transport path.
  • the first light source device 114a is provided so that the angle between the light irradiation direction and the medium transport path is 45° or more and less than 90°
  • the second light source device 114b is provided so that the light irradiation direction and the medium transport path are provided at an angle of 45° or more and less than 90°.
  • the angle formed by the road is set to be less than 45° and greater than 0°.
  • the first imaging device 115 is an example of an imaging unit.
  • the first imaging device 115 is installed in the upper housing 102 downstream of the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and separated from the two sets of feeding rollers 112 in the width direction A2. It is arranged between each nip portion N of the roller 113.
  • the first imaging device 115 has a reduction optical system type imaging sensor that includes two-dimensionally arranged CCD imaging elements.
  • the first imaging device 115 also includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging device and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion.
  • the first imaging device 115 overlaps the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, and detects the leading edge position of the medium to be fed in a region between the two nips N in the width direction A2.
  • An input image is generated by capturing the image.
  • a reduction optical system type image sensor including a CCD image sensor a reduction optical system type image sensor including a CMOS image sensor may be used.
  • a same-magnification optical system type image sensor including a CCD or CMOS image sensor may be used.
  • an image sensor (line sensor) having image sensors arranged one-dimensionally along the width direction A2 may be used. In that case, the first imaging device 115 generates a line image capturing a predetermined position of the medium to be fed at regular intervals, and generates an input image by combining the plurality of line images.
  • the input image generated by the first imaging device 115 is used to detect the state of the leading edge of the medium placed on the mounting table 103.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can detect the leading edge of the medium regardless of the position of the leading edge of the medium within the imaging range of the first imaging device 115. can appropriately detect the state of
  • the medium feeding device 100 detects the state of the leading edge of the medium using one input image generated at a predetermined timing, compared to a case where the leading edge of the medium is continuously monitored at a predetermined position (point).
  • the state of the leading edge of the medium can be detected with low load.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can detect the state of the leading edge of the medium using only one first imaging device 115 without using multiple sensors, increases in device cost and device size can be suppressed. can.
  • the first imaging device 115 can generate an input image in which the leading edge of the medium is better captured.
  • the medium to be fed is likely to be a white medium such as PPC (Plain Paper Copier) paper, and it may be difficult to identify its leading edge within the input image.
  • the first light source device 114a can form a good shadow at the leading edge of the medium when viewed from the first imaging device 115 side. This allows the leading edge of the medium to be clearly included in the input image.
  • the second light source device 114b can form a shadow having a thickness different from the shadow formed by the first light source device 114a on the leading edge of the medium by emitting light from a direction different from that of the first light source device 114a. I can do it. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 detects the state of the leading edge of the medium with high accuracy by utilizing the difference in thickness of the shadow of the leading edge of the medium formed by the first light source device 114a and the second light source device 114b. be able to.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanism 130 of the separation roller 113.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the separation roller 113 in the upper housing 102 viewed from above.
  • the drive mechanism 130 includes a first motor 131, first to sixth gears 132a-f, first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a-d, first to fourth torque limiters 134a-d, etc. include.
  • the first motor 131 is connected to the separation roller 113 through the first to sixth gears 132a to 132f and the shaft 113a, and drives the separation roller 113.
  • the first motor 131 generates a driving force for rotating the separation roller 113 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit, and causes the separation roller 113 to separate and feed the medium.
  • the first motor 131 is, for example, a DC motor such as a brushed DC (Direct Current) motor.
  • the first motor 131 may be another DC motor such as a brushless DC motor, a stepping motor, or the like.
  • the first motor 131 is provided so that the torque setting can be changed according to the supplied electric power.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can change the torque of the first motor 131 by changing the amount of power supplied to the first motor 131.
  • the medium feeding device 100 increases the amount of electric power supplied to the first motor 131 to increase the torque of the first motor 131 and reduce the torque applied to the separation roller 113 (the load applied to the medium by the separation roller 113). component) can be increased.
  • the medium feeding device 100 reduces the amount of electric power supplied to the first motor 131 to reduce the torque of the first motor 131, thereby reducing the torque applied to the separation roller 113 (the torque applied to the medium by the separation roller 113). load component) can be reduced.
  • the first gear 132a is attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor 131.
  • the first gear 132a is connected to the second gear 132b
  • the second gear 132b is connected to the third gear 132c
  • the third gear 132c is connected to the fourth gear 132d
  • the fourth gear 132d is connected to the fifth gear 132e
  • the fifth gear 132e is connected to the fifth gear 132e.
  • 6 gears 132f respectively.
  • the sixth gear 132f is attached to one end of the shaft 113a, which is the rotation axis of the separation roller 113.
  • the first electromagnetic clutch 133a is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the second gear 132b, and the first torque limiter 134a is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the second gear 132b via the first electromagnetic clutch 133a.
  • the first torque limiter 134a defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the second gear 132b.
  • the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a is set such that when only the first torque limiter 134a is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the first limit value.
  • the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a is set such that the sum of the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the first limit value.
  • the first electromagnetic clutch 133a is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects power between the second gear 132b and the first torque limiter 134a according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
  • the second electromagnetic clutch 133b is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the third gear 132c, and the second torque limiter 134b is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the third gear 132c via the second electromagnetic clutch 133b.
  • the second torque limiter 134b defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the third gear 132c.
  • the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b is set such that when only the second torque limiter 134b is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the second limit value.
  • the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b is set such that the sum of the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the second limit value.
  • the second electromagnetic clutch 133b is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects power between the third gear 132c and the second torque limiter 134b according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
  • the third electromagnetic clutch 133c is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fourth gear 132d, and the third torque limiter 134c is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fourth gear 132d via the third electromagnetic clutch 133c.
  • the third torque limiter 134c defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the fourth gear 132d.
  • the limit value of the third torque limiter 134c is set such that when only the third torque limiter 134c is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the third limit value.
  • the limit value of the third torque limiter 134c is set such that the sum of the limit value of the third torque limiter 134c and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the third limit value.
  • the third electromagnetic clutch 133c is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects power between the fourth gear 132d and the third torque limiter 134c according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
  • the fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fifth gear 132e, and the fourth torque limiter 134d is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fifth gear 132e via the fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d.
  • the fourth torque limiter 134d defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the fifth gear 132e.
  • the limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d is set such that when only the fourth torque limiter 134d is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the fourth limit value.
  • the limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d is set such that the sum of the limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the fourth limit value.
  • the fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects the power between the fifth gear 132e and the fourth torque limiter 134d according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
  • the torques applied to the second to fifth gears 132b to e are limited by the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d, respectively.
  • the torques applied to the second to fifth gears 132b to e are not limited by the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d, respectively.
  • the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 is an example of the torque value of the separation roller 113, and is an example of the characteristic value of the separation roller 113.
  • the first limit value, the second limit value, the third limit value, and the fourth limit value are examples of the first torque value, the second torque value, the third torque value, and the fourth torque value, respectively.
  • the first limit value, the second limit value, the third limit value, and the fourth limit value are such that when there is only one medium to be fed, the transmission of the first driving force from the first motor 131 is cut off and the medium is fed. If there is a plurality of media, the value is set so that the first driving force from the first motor 131 is transmitted. As a result, when only one medium is fed, the separation roller 113 does not rotate according to the driving force from the first motor 131, but follows the feeding roller 112. That is, the separation roller 113 is set to rotate in the same direction as the feeding roller 112 when a torque equal to or greater than the limit value is applied.
  • the separation roller 113 rotates in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction, separates the medium in contact with the feeding roller 112 from other media, and prevent the occurrence of At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 113 may apply a force in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction to the medium while being stopped without rotating in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction.
  • the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b is set to a larger value than the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a.
  • the limit value of the third torque limiter 134c is set to a value greater than the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a and smaller than the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b.
  • the limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d is set to be the same as or larger than the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b.
  • the limit values of the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d are set to values smaller than the torque of the first motor 131. That is, the second limit value is set to a value larger than the first limit value.
  • the third limit value is set to a value larger than the first limit value and smaller than the second limit value.
  • the fourth limit value is set to the second limit value or a value larger than the second limit value.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can change the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by controlling the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d.
  • the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d may be collectively referred to as the electromagnetic clutch 133.
  • the electromagnetic clutch 133 may be another type of clutch such as a hysteresis clutch.
  • an electromagnetic brake such as a micro powder brake or a hysteresis brake may be used.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium feeding device 100.
  • the medium feeding device 100 further includes a second motor 141, a third motor 142, an interface device 143, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like.
  • the second motor 141 rotates the feeding roller 112 to feed the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160.
  • the third motor 142 rotates the first conveyance roller 118 and the second conveyance roller in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160 to convey the medium.
  • the first driven roller 119 and/or the second driven roller 123 may be provided so as to be driven by the driving force from the third motor 142.
  • the interface device 143 has an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as a USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) (not shown) to transmit input images and various information. Send and receive.
  • an information processing device for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.
  • a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device 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 communication unit may include a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.
  • the storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. Further, the storage device 150 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the medium feeding device 100.
  • the computer program may be installed in the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like.
  • the portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), or the like.
  • the processing circuit 160 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 150 in advance.
  • the processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).
  • a DSP digital signal processor
  • an LSI large scale integration
  • an ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • an FPGA field-programmable gate array
  • the processing circuit 160 includes an operating device 105, a display device 106, a first medium sensor 111, a light source device 114, a first imaging device 115, a second medium sensor 117, a third medium sensor 120, a second imaging device 121, and a drive device 116c. , the first motor 131, the electromagnetic clutch 133, the second motor 141, the third motor 142, the interface device 143, the storage device 150, etc., and controls these parts.
  • the processing circuit 160 performs drive control of each motor, imaging control of the second imaging device 121, etc. based on each medium signal received from each medium sensor.
  • the processing circuit 160 acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 143. Furthermore, the processing circuit 160 detects the leading edge position of the medium in the nip portion N based on the input image obtained from the first imaging device 115, and sets the characteristic value of the separation roller 113 based on the detection result.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 150 and the processing circuit 160.
  • the storage device 150 stores a control program 151, a detection program 152, a setting program 153, and the like.
  • Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor.
  • the processing circuit 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the processing circuit 160 functions as a control section 161, a detection section 162, and a setting section 163.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium feeding device 100.
  • a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operating device 105 or the information processing device, and the control unit 161 receives an operation signal instructing to read the medium from the operating device 105 or the interface device 143. (Step S101).
  • control unit 161 acquires the first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 ends the series of steps.
  • the processing circuit 160 executes a setting process (step S103).
  • the processing circuit 160 detects the position of the leading edge of the medium in the nip portion N, and sets the characteristic value of the separation roller 113 based on the detection result. Details of the setting process will be described later.
  • the control unit 161 rotates the feeding roller 112 to feed the medium by driving the second motor 141, and rotates the separation roller 113 by driving the first motor 131. Separate the media. Further, the control unit 161 rotates the first conveyance roller 118, the first driven roller 119, the second conveyance roller 122, and/or the second driven roller 123 by driving the third motor 142 to convey the medium. (Step S104). At this time, the separation roller 113 is rotating according to the characteristic value set in the setting process of step S103, and the medium feeding device 100 rotates the separation roller 113 according to the leading edge position of the medium placed on the mounting table 103. can be appropriately controlled and media can be appropriately separated.
  • control unit 161 waits until the leading edge of the fed medium passes through the nip between the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 (step S105).
  • the nip portion between the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 may be referred to as a conveyance section.
  • the control unit 161 periodically acquires the third medium signal from the third medium sensor 120, and changes the signal value of the third medium signal from a value indicating that the medium is not present to a value indicating that the medium is present. When this happens, it is determined that the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the third medium sensor 120.
  • control unit 161 determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the transport unit. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the leading edge of the medium has passed the conveyance unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.
  • control unit 161 causes the second imaging device 121 to start imaging the medium (step S106).
  • control unit 161 controls the second motor 141 to stop the feeding roller 112 (step S107). Thereby, the medium is thereafter transported by the first transport roller 118 and the second transport roller 122, and the feeding roller 112 is rotated by the medium being transported. By stopping the feeding roller 112, the control unit 161 prevents the medium from being pushed by the feeding roller 112 and bending between the feeding roller 112 and the first conveying roller 118, resulting in a jam of the medium. can be suppressed.
  • control unit 161 determines whether there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 111 (step S108).
  • the control unit 161 waits until the rear end of the fed medium passes through the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113 (step S109).
  • the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 may be referred to as a separation portion.
  • the control unit 161 periodically acquires a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 117, and changes the signal value of the second medium signal from a value indicating that a medium is present to a value indicating that a medium is not present. At this time, it is determined that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 117.
  • control unit 161 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the separation unit. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the separation unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.
  • the processing circuit 160 executes a setting process similar to the process in step S103 (step S110).
  • control unit 161 rotates the feeding roller 112 again by driving the second motor 141 to feed the following medium (step S111). That is, when the rear end of the preceding medium passes through the separating section, the control section 161 rotates the feeding roller 112 again and starts feeding the following medium.
  • the separation roller 113 is rotating according to the characteristic value set in the setting process of step S110, and the medium feeding device 100 rotates the separation roller 113 according to the leading edge position of the medium placed on the mounting table 103. can be appropriately controlled and media can be appropriately separated.
  • the control unit 161 waits until the rear end of the transported medium passes the imaging position of the second imaging device 121 (step S112).
  • the control unit 161 periodically acquires a third medium signal from the third medium sensor 120, and changes the signal value of the third medium signal from a value indicating that a medium is present to a value indicating that a medium is not present.
  • the control unit 161 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the medium passed the position of the third medium sensor 120 .
  • the first predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the third medium sensor 120 to the imaging position. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the feeding of the medium was started.
  • control unit 161 acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121, and outputs the acquired medium image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 143 (step S113).
  • control unit 161 returns the process to step S105, and repeats the process from step S105 on the subsequent medium.
  • step S108 if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 causes the rear end of the transported medium to pass through the imaging position of the second imaging device 121 in the same manner as in step S112. The process waits until the process is completed (step S114).
  • control unit 161 acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121, and outputs the acquired medium image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 143 (step S115).
  • the control unit 161 waits until the rear end of the transported medium passes through the nip between the second transport roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 (step S116).
  • the nip portion between the second conveyance roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 may be referred to as a discharge portion.
  • the control unit 161 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the discharge unit when a second predetermined time period has elapsed since the rear end of the medium passed the position of the third medium sensor 120 .
  • the second predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the third medium sensor 120 to the downstream end of the discharge section. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the trailing end of the medium has passed the discharge unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.
  • control unit 161 controls the second motor 141 and the third motor to stop the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 118, the first driven roller 119, the second conveyance roller 122, and/or the second driven roller 123.
  • the motor 142 is controlled (step S117). With the above, the control unit 161 completes the series of steps.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the setting process.
  • the setting process is executed in steps S103 and S110 of the medium reading process in FIG.
  • the detection unit 162 obtains an input image from the first imaging device 115 (step S201).
  • the detection unit 162 causes the first imaging device 115 to image the medium and generate an input image while causing the first light source device 114a to emit light and turning off the second light source device 114b.
  • the detection unit 162 may cause the first imaging device 115 to image the medium and generate the input image in a state where both the first light source device 114a and the second light source device 114b are irradiated with light.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of input images P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively.
  • the input images P1 to P4 For the input images P1 to P4, two sets of feeding rollers 112, separation rollers 113, and nip portions N are provided, respectively, so that the medium conveyance direction A1 coincides with the horizontal direction and the width direction A2 coincides with the vertical direction. The area in between is included. Furthermore, the input images P1 to P4 include media M1, M2, and M3 placed on the mounting table 103, respectively. The media M1, M2, and M3 are placed in this order from the bottom. In the input images P1 to P4, position C is the center position of the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1, and positions F1 and F2 are the leading edge (downstream end) positions of the media M1 and M2, respectively.
  • the setting process is performed either before the start of medium feeding (step S103 in FIG. 7) or after the leading edge of the preceding medium passes through the conveyance section and stops the feeding roller 112. This is executed when the trailing end of the medium passes through the separating section (step S110 in FIG. 7).
  • the start of medium feeding when the user places multiple media on the mounting table 103, each medium is pushed into the separation part (nip part N), and the leading edge of each medium is stuck in the separation part (nip part N). ) may enter.
  • the leading edge of the following medium may enter the separating section (nip N) being dragged by the preceding medium. There is sex.
  • the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is sufficient. big.
  • the time during which the separating roller 113 applies the separating force to the media M1 and M2 is sufficiently long, and the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied separately to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the medium M1 and the medium M2 will be separated well.
  • the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is small.
  • the time during which the separating roller 113 applies the separating force to the media M1 and M2 is sufficiently long, the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied integrally to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2. Therefore, compared to the state shown in the input image P1, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are difficult to separate.
  • the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located downstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is sufficient. big.
  • the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied separately to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2, but the time during which the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied to the media M1 and M2 is short. Therefore, compared to the state shown in the input image P1, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are difficult to separate. However, in this case, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are more easily separated than in the state shown in the input image P2.
  • the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located downstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is small.
  • the time during which the separating roller 113 applies the separating force to the media M1 and M2 is short, and the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied integrally to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2. Therefore, compared to the states shown in the input images P1 to P3, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are less likely to be separated.
  • the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the medium at the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 (step S202). Based on the acquired input image, the detection unit 162 determines the leading edge position of the preceding medium (the medium to be fed next) and the medium next to the preceding medium (the medium to be fed second) in the nip portion N. Detect the position of the tip of the medium).
  • the medium feeding device 100 stores in advance in the storage device 150 the positions of the two sets of feeding rollers 112, separation rollers 113, and nip portions N in the input image, and predetermined positions in the medium conveyance direction A1 within each nip portion N.
  • the predetermined position is, for example, the center position C of the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1.
  • the predetermined position may be any other position within the nip portion N.
  • the detection unit 162 detects each pixel in the medium conveyance direction A1 (horizontal direction) in order from the downstream end (left end) at a specific position between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2 (vertical direction) in the input image.
  • the difference is calculated by subtracting the gradation value of the pixel on the right from the gradation value of the pixel on the left. Below, this difference may be referred to as an adjacent difference value.
  • the detection unit 162 detects pixels whose adjacent difference values exceed the gradation threshold as edge pixels.
  • the gradation value is a brightness value, a color value (R value, G value, or B value), or the like.
  • the gradation threshold is set, for example, to a difference in brightness value (for example, 20) that allows a person to visually distinguish a difference in brightness on an image. That is, the detection unit 162 starts from the lower end and detects pixels whose luminance value changes from a high value (color close to white) to a low value (color close to black) as edge pixels. The detection unit 162 detects the position of the first detected edge pixel, that is, the most downstream edge pixel, in the medium transport direction A1, as the leading edge position of the preceding medium. Furthermore, the detection unit 162 detects the position of the second detected edge pixel, that is, the second edge pixel located from the downstream side, in the medium conveyance direction A1, as the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
  • a difference in brightness value for example, 20
  • the detection unit 162 may calculate the difference in gradation values of two pixels separated by a predetermined distance in the medium transport direction A1 from each pixel in the input image as an adjacent difference value. Further, the detection unit 162 may detect edge pixels by comparing the tone value of each pixel in the input image with a threshold value. For example, when the gradation value of a specific pixel is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the gradation value of a pixel adjacent to the specific pixel on the upstream side or a pixel separated by a predetermined distance from the specific pixel is less than the threshold value, the detection unit 162 detects , detect that specific pixel as an edge pixel.
  • the detecting unit 162 detects the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detecting unit 162 in the nip portion N and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium (step S203).
  • the detection unit 162 calculates the number of pixels detected in the input image between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
  • the medium feeding device 100 presets in the storage device 150 a table showing the relationship between the number of pixels in the image and the actual distance for each resolution of the input image.
  • the detection unit 162 refers to a table preset in the storage device 150, and based on the resolution of the input image, determines the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the position of the next medium after the preceding medium, which corresponds to the calculated number of pixels. Determine the actual distance between the tip location and the tip location.
  • the detection unit 162 determines whether the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream in the medium conveyance direction A1 from a predetermined position within the nip portion N (step S204).
  • the detection unit 162 detects the difference between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium. It is determined whether the inter-medium distance between the media is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S205).
  • the threshold value is preset to the maximum value, average value, or the like of the distance between media when double feeding of media occurs in a preliminary experiment in which various types of media are fed.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the first limit. value (step S206), and the series of steps ends.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the first electromagnetic clutch 133a to connect the power between the second gear 132b and the first torque limiter 134a, and to disconnect the power between the other gear and the other torque limiter. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the first limit value, and limits the load component applied to the medium by the separation roller 113 to the first limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 causes the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a first limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a sufficiently small first limit value when there is a high possibility that the medium M1 and the medium M2 will be separated well. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can suppress the occurrence of jamming of the medium due to an excessively large force with which the medium is sandwiched between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the maximum value. 2 limit value is set (step S207), and the series of steps ends.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the second electromagnetic clutch 133b to connect the power between the third gear 132c and the second torque limiter 134b, and to disconnect the power between other gears and other torque limiters. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the second limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a second limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a second limit value that is larger than the first limit value when the medium M1 and the medium M2 are difficult to separate.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can increase the separation force exerted by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
  • step S204 if the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream of the predetermined position, the detection unit 162 detects a difference between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium. It is determined whether the inter-medium distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S208).
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the third limit. value (step S209), and the series of steps ends.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the third electromagnetic clutch 133c to connect the power between the fourth gear 132d and the third torque limiter 134c, and to disconnect the power between other gears and other torque limiters. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the third limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 causes the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a third limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a third limit value that is larger than the first torque value and smaller than the second torque value.
  • the medium feeding device 100 slightly increases the separation force exerted by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium and the occurrence of double feeding of the medium. can.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the fourth limit. value (step S210), and the series of steps ends.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d to connect the power between the fifth gear 132e and the fourth torque limiter 134d, and to disconnect the power between other gears and other torque limiters. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the fourth limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a fourth limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a fourth limit value that is larger than the first limit value, the second limit value, and the third limit value when the medium M1 and the medium M2 are extremely difficult to separate. Set. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can extremely increase the separation force exerted by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the setting unit 163 according to the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detecting unit 162 in the nip portion N and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
  • the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 is changed.
  • the setting unit 163 sets a limit on the torque applied to the separation roller 113 depending on whether the leading edge position F1 of the preceding medium detected by the detection unit 162 is located downstream of the predetermined position in the medium conveyance direction A1. Change the value.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media while suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium.
  • the setting process is executed immediately before the feeding roller 112 starts rotating (steps S105 and S111 in FIG. 7). That is, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the medium immediately before the feeding roller 112 starts rotating, and the setting unit 163 sets the characteristics of the separation roller 113 according to the detection result. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can appropriately change the characteristics of the separation roller 113 according to the state of the medium on the mounting table 103 immediately before the start of feeding, and can separate the medium well. .
  • steps S204 and S208 to S210 are omitted, and the setting unit 163 changes the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 only according to the inter-medium distance, regardless of the leading edge position F1 of the preceding medium. It's okay. Further, the processes of steps S205, S207, S208, and S210 are omitted, and the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 only according to the leading edge position F1 of the preceding medium, regardless of the distance between the media. May be changed.
  • the detection unit 162 may detect the leading edge position of each medium in the nip portion N using information other than the input image.
  • the medium feeding device 100 includes a plurality of overlap sensors for detecting overlapping of media instead of the light source device 114 and the first imaging device 115.
  • the plurality of overlap sensors are arranged between each nip portion N of the two sets of feeding rollers 112 and separation rollers 113 in the width direction A2. Further, the plurality of overlap sensors are arranged side by side at intervals at positions overlapping with the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2, that is, at positions overlapping with the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1.
  • the overlap sensor is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor.
  • Each ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver.
  • Each ultrasonic transmitter and each ultrasonic receiver are arranged in the vicinity of the medium transport path, facing each other across the transport path.
  • the ultrasonic transmitter emits ultrasonic waves.
  • an ultrasonic receiver receives ultrasonic waves transmitted by an ultrasonic transmitter and passed through a medium, and generates and outputs an ultrasonic signal that is an electric signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves.
  • the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor are attenuated by the medium, so that the signal value of the ultrasonic signal decreases.
  • the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor are attenuated by the air layer between the plurality of media, so that the signal value of the ultrasonic signal further decreases.
  • the detection unit 162 acquires ultrasonic signals from each ultrasonic sensor.
  • the detection unit 162 determines whether the signal value of the ultrasonic signal outputted by each ultrasonic sensor is below a first ultrasonic threshold and whether it is below a second ultrasonic threshold which is smaller than the first ultrasonic threshold. Determine whether or not.
  • the first ultrasonic threshold is, for example, a value between the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when no medium is present and the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when a single sheet of PPC paper is present.
  • the second ultrasonic threshold is a value between the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when one sheet of PPC paper is present and the transmission information detected when two sheets of PPC paper are conveyed. Set.
  • the detection unit 162 detects the position of the most downstream ultrasonic sensor among the ultrasonic sensors whose output ultrasonic signal value is equal to or less than the first ultrasonic threshold value, as the leading edge position of the preceding medium. . In addition, the detection unit 162 detects the position of the ultrasonic sensor that is located on the most downstream side among the ultrasonic sensors whose signal value of the output ultrasonic signal is equal to or lower than the second ultrasonic threshold, and determines the position of the ultrasonic sensor that is located on the next medium of the preceding medium. Detected as the tip position of
  • the overlap sensor may be a thickness sensor.
  • Each thickness sensor includes a light emitter and a light receiver. Each light emitter and each light receiver are arranged in the vicinity of the medium transport path, facing each other across the transport path.
  • the light emitter emits light (infrared light or visible light) toward the light receiver.
  • the light receiver receives the light emitted by the light emitter, generates and outputs a thickness signal that is an electrical signal according to the intensity of the received light. If a medium is present at the location of the thickness sensor, the light emitted by the light emitter will be attenuated by the medium, and the greater the thickness of the medium, the greater the amount of attenuation. For example, a thickness sensor generates a thickness signal such that the greater the thickness of the medium, the greater the signal value.
  • the reflected light sensor includes a pair of a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to a medium transport path, and a pair of a light emitter and a light receiver provided on the other side. Reflected light sensors measure the time from when one pair irradiates light to one side of the medium until the reflected light is received, and the time from when the other pair irradiates light to the other side of the medium until the reflected light is received. The distance between each pair and each surface of the medium is detected based on the time until light is received. The reflected light sensor generates a thickness signal that represents the distance between the two pairs minus each detected distance.
  • a pressure sensor detects a pressure that varies depending on the thickness of the medium and generates a thickness signal indicative of the detected pressure.
  • the mechanical sensor detects the amount of movement of the roller in contact with the media and generates a thickness signal indicative of the detected amount of movement.
  • the detection unit 162 acquires a thickness signal from each thickness sensor.
  • the detection unit 162 determines whether the signal value of the thickness signal output by each thickness sensor is greater than or equal to the first thickness threshold, and whether it is less than or equal to a second thickness threshold that is greater than the first thickness threshold. Determine whether or not.
  • the first thickness threshold value is, for example, a value between the signal value of the thickness signal detected when no medium is present and the signal value of the thickness signal detected when one sheet of PPC paper is present.
  • the second thickness threshold is a value between the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when one sheet of PPC paper is present and the transmission information detected when two sheets of PPC paper are conveyed. Set.
  • the detection unit 162 detects, as the leading edge position of the preceding medium, the position of the thickness sensor located on the most downstream side among the thickness sensors whose signal value of the output thickness signal is equal to or greater than the first thickness threshold value. . In addition, the detection unit 162 detects the position of the thickness sensor that is located on the most downstream side among the thickness sensors whose signal value of the output thickness signal is equal to or less than the second thickness threshold value, and determines the position of the thickness sensor that is located on the next medium of the preceding medium. Detected as the tip position of
  • the setting unit 163 may change the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by changing the torque of the first motor 131 instead of changing the torque limiter. good.
  • the setting unit 163 changes the torque of the first motor 131 instead of changing the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d.
  • the torque limit value applied to 113 is changed.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the first torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131.
  • the torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the first limit value.
  • step S207 the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the second torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131.
  • the torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the second limit value.
  • step S209 the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the third torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131.
  • the torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the third limit value.
  • step S210 the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the fourth torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131.
  • the torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the fourth limit value.
  • the setting unit 163 changes the torque of the first motor 131 by setting the amount of power (current) supplied to the first motor 131 to the amount of power (current) corresponding to each torque.
  • the medium feeding device 100 separates the medium according to the distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium at the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113.
  • the torque value which is a characteristic value of the roller 113, is changed.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can appropriately change the separation force of the separation roller 113 according to the feeding state (separation state) of the medium placed on the mounting table 103, and prevent media from jamming. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media while suppressing the occurrence of this. Therefore, the medium feeding apparatus 100 can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the setting process.
  • the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed instead of the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the processing in steps S301 to S305 and S308 in FIG. 11 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to S205 and S208 in FIG. 8, so the explanation will be omitted, and only steps S306 to S307 and S309 to S310 will be explained below.
  • step S306 the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the first pressing force (step S306), and ends the series of steps.
  • the first pressing force is set to a sufficiently large value.
  • the setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the first pressing force.
  • the pressing force with which the pressing mechanism 116 presses the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 is an example of a characteristic value of the separation roller 113.
  • the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located upstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the position of the leading edge of the medium between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. If the distance is equal to or greater than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the first pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 to a sufficiently large first pressing force when there is a high possibility that the plurality of media will be separated satisfactorily. As a result, the medium feeding device 100 can firmly sandwich the medium between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium.
  • step S307 the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separating roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the second pressing force (step S307), and ends the series of steps.
  • the second pressing force is set to a smaller value than the first pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the second pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located upstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the position of the leading edge of the medium between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. If the distance is less than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the second pressing force. The setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 to a second pressing force that is smaller than the first pressing force when the plurality of media are difficult to separate. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can easily return the medium to the mounting table 103 side by the separation roller 113, and can suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
  • step S309 the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the third pressing force (step S309), and ends the series of steps.
  • the third pressing force is set to a value smaller than the first pressing force and larger than the second pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the third pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the position of the leading edge of the medium between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. If the distance is equal to or greater than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the third pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separating roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side to a third pressing force that is smaller than the first pressing force and larger than the second pressing force when the plurality of media are slightly difficult to separate. do. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can make it easier to return the medium to the mounting table 103 side by the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium and the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
  • step S310 the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the fourth pressing force (step S310), and ends the series of steps.
  • the fourth pressing force is set to a smaller value than the second pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the fourth pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the leading edge position of the preceding medium to be located downstream of the predetermined position within the nip portion If the distance is less than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the fourth pressing force.
  • the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separating roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 to a fourth pressing force that is smaller than the first pressing force, the second pressing force, and the third pressing force. Set to pressing force.
  • the medium feeding device 100 can make it extremely easy to return the medium to the mounting table 103 side by the separation roller 113, and can suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
  • steps S304 and S308 to S310, or steps S305, S307, S308, and S310 may be omitted.
  • the detection unit 162 may detect the leading edge position of each medium in the nip portion N using an overlap sensor.
  • the medium feeding device 100 changes the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side using the pressing mechanism 116 depending on the distance between the preceding medium and the next medium. In this case, it is now possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another example of the operation of the setting process.
  • the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is executed instead of the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the processes in steps S401, S408-S409, and S411-S412 in FIG. 12 are the same as the processes in steps S201, S206-S207, and S209-S210 in FIG. I will only explain about.
  • step S402 the detection unit 162 turns off the first light source device 114a and causes the second light source device 114b to emit light (step S402).
  • the detection unit 162 acquires a second input image from the first imaging device 115 (step S403). That is, the detection unit 162 causes the first imaging device 115 to image the medium and generate an input image while the first light source device 114a is turned off and the second light source device 114b is irradiated with light.
  • FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing examples of second input images P5 and P6, respectively.
  • second input images P5 and P6 include two sets of feeding rollers 112, separation rollers 113, and nip portion N, an area between them, and images placed on mounting table 103, respectively.
  • media M1, M2, and M3 are included.
  • the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is sufficient. big.
  • the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is is small.
  • the angle between the light irradiation direction by the second light source device 114b and the medium transport path is smaller than the angle between the light irradiation direction by the first light source device 114a and the medium transport path. Therefore, the length T of the shadow of the tip of each medium M1, M2 in the medium transport direction A1 in the second input image captured with only the second light source device 114b irradiating light is the length T of each medium M1 in the input image. , M2 is longer than the length of the shadow of the tip in the medium transport direction A1.
  • the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the medium at the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 (step S404).
  • the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium at the nip portion N from the input image and the second input image, respectively, in a manner similar to the process of step S202 in FIG. and detect.
  • the detecting unit 162 detects the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detecting unit 162 in the nip portion N and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium (step S405).
  • the detection unit 162 identifies the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium, based on the input image, in a similar manner to the process of step S202 in FIG. do. Furthermore, the detection unit 162 identifies the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium, based on the second input image.
  • the detection unit 162 detects edge pixels from the second input image in the same manner as the process in step S202 of FIG. In addition, the detection unit 162 detects each pixel in the medium transport direction A1 in order from the downstream end (left end) at a specific position between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2 (vertical direction) in the second input image. A difference is calculated by subtracting the gradation value of the pixel on the left from the gradation value of the pixel on the right (in the horizontal direction). Hereinafter, this difference may be referred to as a second adjacent difference value. The detection unit 162 detects a pixel whose adjacent difference value exceeds the gradation threshold as a second edge pixel.
  • the detection unit 162 detects pixels whose brightness value changes from a low value (color close to black) to a high value (color close to white) as second edge pixels, starting from the lower end side.
  • the detection unit 162 calculates the number of pixels between the first detected edge pixel and the second edge pixel.
  • the detection unit 162 refers to a table preset in the storage device 150 that shows the relationship between the number of pixels in the image and the actual distance, and calculates the distance corresponding to the calculated number of pixels by the length of the shadow of the preceding medium. Specify as. If the identified length of the shadow of the preceding medium is less than the threshold, the detection unit 162 detects that the shadow of the preceding medium is not connected to the shadow of the next medium, and the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium are not connected. It is determined that the distance between the media and the tip position of the media is equal to or greater than the threshold value.
  • the detection unit 162 determines that the shadow of the preceding medium and the shadow of the next medium are connected, and that the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium are connected. It is determined that the distance between the media and the leading edge position of the media is less than a threshold value.
  • the detection unit 162 may change the threshold value depending on the thickness of the medium being fed. Since it is highly likely that the types (thicknesses) of the media placed on the mounting table 103 are the same, for example, the detection unit 162 detects the length of the shadow of the leading edge of the medium fed after the preceding medium. Estimate the thickness of the media. The detection unit 162 detects the area between the second (or third or later) detected edge pixel and the second edge pixel as the shadow of the leading edge of the medium fed after the preceding medium.
  • the detection unit 162 sets a distance corresponding to the number of pixels in the area as a threshold value for comparison with the length of the shadow of the preceding medium. As a result, the detection unit 162 can detect the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium after the preceding medium with high precision, regardless of the thickness of the medium being fed. can do.
  • the detection unit 162 determines whether the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream in the medium transport direction A1 from a predetermined position within the nip portion N (step S406).
  • the detecting unit 162 detects that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is It is determined that the position is downstream from the predetermined position. On the other hand, if at least one of the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the input image and the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the second input image is located upstream of the predetermined position, the detecting unit 162 detects the leading edge of the preceding medium. It is determined that the tip position is located upstream of the predetermined position.
  • the detecting unit 162 detects the position of the leading edge of the preceding medium. It may be determined that the tip position is located downstream of the predetermined position. In that case, if both the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the input image and the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the second input image are located upstream of the predetermined position, the detecting unit 162 detects the leading edge of the preceding medium. It is determined that the tip position is located upstream of the predetermined position.
  • the detection unit 162 determines whether the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium is equal to or greater than a threshold ( Steps S407, S410).
  • the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge of the medium following the preceding medium. It is determined that the distance between the media and the position is equal to or greater than a threshold value.
  • the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium distance of the preceding medium. It is determined that the distance between the media and the leading edge position of the media is less than a threshold value.
  • the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium of the preceding medium. It may be determined that the distance between the medium and the leading edge position of the medium is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In that case, if both the inter-medium distance detected from the input image and the inter-medium distance detected from the second input image are less than the threshold, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium distance of the preceding medium. It is determined that the distance between the media and the leading edge position of the media is less than a threshold value.
  • the detection unit 162 uses two input images taken with different light irradiation directions to detect the leading edge position of the medium, and the difference between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. Detect the distance between media. Thereby, the detection unit 162 can detect the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media with higher accuracy. Note that the detection unit 162 may detect the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media using only the second input image without using the input image.
  • steps S406 and S410 to S412, or steps S407, S409, S410, and S412 may be omitted.
  • the setting unit 163 may set the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 in the same manner as in steps S306 to S307 and S309 to S310 in FIG. 11, respectively.
  • the medium feeding device 100 uses two input images generated with different light irradiation directions to detect the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of transport.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 260 in a medium feeding device according to yet another embodiment.
  • the processing circuit 260 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 and executes media reading processing, etc. in place of the processing circuit 160.
  • the processing circuit 260 includes a control circuit 261, a detection circuit 262, a setting circuit 263, and the like. Note that each of these units may be configured with an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.
  • the control circuit 261 is an example of a control section and has the same functions as the control section 161.
  • the control circuit 261 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 143.
  • the control circuit 261 also receives a first medium signal, a second medium signal, and a third medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 117, and the third medium sensor 120, respectively.
  • the control circuit 261 controls the first motor 131 , the second motor 141 , and the third motor 142 based on the received signals, acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121 , and outputs it to the interface device 143 .
  • the detection circuit 262 is an example of a detection section and has the same function as the detection section 162.
  • the detection circuit 262 receives an input image from the first imaging device 115 while controlling the light source device 114 .
  • the detection circuit 262 detects the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media based on the received input image, and outputs the detection result to the setting circuit 263.
  • the setting circuit 263 is an example of a setting section and has the same function as the setting section 163.
  • the setting circuit 263 receives the detection results of the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media from the detection circuit 262, and controls the electromagnetic clutch 133, the first motor 131, or the drive device 116c based on the received detection results.
  • the medium feeding device can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
  • the embodiments are not limited to these.
  • the medium feeding device instead of the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d and the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d, one electromagnetic clutch for defining the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 is used.
  • a clutch may also be used.
  • the setting unit 163 controls the electromagnetic clutch to change the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 instead of switching the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d.
  • the medium feeding device can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
  • the medium feeding device may have a so-called U-turn path, and may feed and convey the medium placed on the mounting table sequentially from the top and discharge it onto the discharge table.
  • the separating roller is arranged below the feeding roller and facing the feeding roller.
  • the first light source device and the second light source device are arranged below the medium transport path and emit light upward (the medium transport path).
  • the first imaging device is disposed below the medium transport path and images the upper side. Also in this case, the medium feeding device can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.

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Abstract

Provided are a medium feed device, a medium feed method, and a control program that make it possible to appropriately reduce the occurrence of multi-feed of media. The medium feed device comprises a stage, a feed roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on the stage, a separation roller facing the feed roller, a detection unit that detects the front end position of the media at a nip part between the feed roller and the separation roller, and a setting unit that sets a characteristic value of the separation roller. The setting unit changes the characteristic value according to the inter-medium distance between the front end position of a preceding medium and the front end position of the medium next to the preceding medium detected by the detection unit in the nip part.

Description

媒体給送装置、媒体給送方法及び制御プログラムMedia feeding device, media feeding method and control program
　本開示は、媒体給送装置、媒体給送方法及び制御プログラムに関し、特に給送ローラ及び分離ローラを有する媒体給送装置、媒体給送方法及び制御プログラムに関する。 The present disclosure relates to a medium feeding device, a medium feeding method, and a control program, and particularly relates to a medium feeding device having a feeding roller and a separation roller, a medium feeding method, and a control program.
　複数の媒体を分離しながら順次給送して撮像するスキャナ等の媒体搬送装置では、複数の媒体がまとめて給送される媒体の重送の発生を抑制することが求められている。 In a medium transport device such as a scanner that separates and sequentially feeds multiple media to capture images, it is required to suppress the occurrence of multi-feeding of media in which multiple media are fed together.
　搬送ローラと分離ローラとの間のニップ部またはその下流におけるシート枚数を検知する枚数センサと、ニップ部より下流側に出ているシートの位置を検出するシート位置センサとを有する給紙装置が開示されている（特許文献１を参照）。この給紙装置は、枚数センサにより２枚のシートが検知されるとき、シート位置センサにより検知される２枚目シートの位置が目標値になるように分離ローラの圧接荷重または分離トルクを制御する。 Disclosed is a paper feeding device that includes a sheet number sensor that detects the number of sheets at or downstream of the nip between a conveyance roller and a separation roller, and a sheet position sensor that detects the position of the sheet that has come out downstream from the nip. (See Patent Document 1). This paper feeding device controls the pressure load or separation torque of the separation roller so that when two sheets are detected by the sheet number sensor, the position of the second sheet detected by the sheet position sensor becomes a target value. .
　シート束から二重送りされて繰り出されたシートを、給紙ローラと捌きローラ間の捌きニップ部で捌いて１枚ずつ搬送するシート搬送装置が開示されている（特許文献２を参照）。このシート搬送装置は、捌きローラにより捌かれた次シートをエリアセンサで撮像して、その画像データから先端エッジを検出することにより、捌きニップ部からの次シート先端の突出量を取得する。シート搬送装置は、次シートの突出量に基づき捌きローラの劣化状態を判定し、その判定結果に応じて警告を表示する。 A sheet conveyance device has been disclosed that separates sheets double-fed from a sheet bundle and conveys them one by one at a handling nip between a paper feed roller and a handling roller (see Patent Document 2). This sheet conveying device captures an image of the next sheet separated by the separating roller using an area sensor, and detects the leading edge from the image data to obtain the amount of protrusion of the leading edge of the next sheet from the handling nip. The sheet conveying device determines the deterioration state of the handling roller based on the amount of protrusion of the next sheet, and displays a warning in accordance with the determination result.
　載置部に載置されたシートを給送する給送回転体と、シート幅方向のサイズを検知するサイズ検知手段と、第１部材と第２部材のニップ領域を通過するシートの先端を検知する先端検知手段とを有するシート給送装置が開示されている（特許文献３を参照）。このシート給送装置は、サイズ検知手段により検知されたシートサイズに応じ、給送回転体により給送されるシートが先端検知手段の検知領域を通過する場合はその検知に基づいて給送回転体を退避位置に移動させる。シート給送装置は、給送されるシートが検知領域を通過しない場合は給送回転体によるシートの給送開始から所定時間経過後に給送回転体を退避位置に移動させる。 A feeding rotary body that feeds the sheet placed on the loading section, a size detection means that detects the size of the sheet in the width direction, and detects the leading edge of the sheet passing through the nip area between the first member and the second member. A sheet feeding device is disclosed that has a leading end detection means (see Patent Document 3). This sheet feeding device detects the sheet size detected by the size detection means, and when the sheet fed by the feeding rotary body passes through the detection area of the leading edge detection means, the feeding rotary body Move to the evacuation position. If the sheet to be fed does not pass through the detection area, the sheet feeding device moves the feeding rotary body to the retracted position after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the feeding of the sheet by the feeding rotary body started.
特開２００５－３５０２３９号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-350239 特開２０１６－１０４６６３号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-104663 特開２０１７－１８７８号公報JP 2017-1878 Publication
　媒体給送装置では、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することが求められている。 A media feeding device is required to appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
　実施形態に係る媒体給送装置、媒体給送方法及び制御プログラムは、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することを目的とする。 The purpose of the medium feeding device, medium feeding method, and control program according to the embodiment is to appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
　実施形態の一側面に係る媒体給送装置は、載置台と、載置台に載置された複数の媒体を順次給送する給送ローラと、給送ローラに対向して配置される分離ローラと、給送ローラと分離ローラのニップ部における媒体の先端位置を検出する検出部と、分離ローラの特性値を設定する設定部と、を有し、設定部は、ニップ部内で検出部により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離に応じて、特性値を変更する。 A medium feeding device according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a mounting table, a feeding roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on the mounting table, and a separation roller disposed opposite to the feeding roller. , a detection unit that detects the position of the leading edge of the medium in the nip between the feeding roller and the separation roller, and a setting unit that sets the characteristic value of the separation roller, and the setting unit includes a detection unit that detects the position of the leading edge of the medium in the nip between the feeding roller and the separation roller, and a setting unit that sets the characteristic value of the separation roller. The characteristic value is changed depending on the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
　実施形態の一側面に係る媒体給送方法は、給送ローラにより、載置台に載置された複数の媒体を順次給送し、給送ローラと給送ローラに対向して配置される分離ローラのニップ部における媒体の先端位置を検出し、分離ローラの特性値を設定することを含み、設定において、ニップ部内で検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離に応じて、特性値を変更する。 A medium feeding method according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a feeding roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on a mounting table, and a feeding roller and a separation roller disposed opposite the feeding roller. detecting a leading edge position of a medium in a nip portion of the media and setting a characteristic value of a separating roller; The characteristic value is changed depending on the distance between the media and the position.
　実施形態の一側面に係る制御プログラムは、載置台と、載置台に載置された複数の媒体を順次給送する給送ローラと、給送ローラに対向して配置される分離ローラと、を有する媒体給送装置の制御プログラムであって、給送ローラと分離ローラのニップ部における媒体の先端位置を検出し、分離ローラの特性値を設定することを媒体給送装置に実行させ、設定において、ニップ部内で検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離に応じて、特性値を変更する。 A control program according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a mounting table, a feeding roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on the mounting table, and a separation roller arranged opposite to the feeding roller. A control program for a medium feeding device comprising: detecting a leading edge position of a medium at a nip portion between a feeding roller and a separating roller; , the characteristic value is changed depending on the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected within the nip and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
　本実施形態によれば、媒体給送装置、媒体給送方法及び制御プログラムは、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することが可能となる。 According to this embodiment, the medium feeding device, the medium feeding method, and the control program can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
　本発明の目的及び効果は、特に請求項において指摘される構成要素及び組み合わせを用いることによって認識され且つ得られるだろう。前述の一般的な説明及び後述の詳細な説明の両方は、例示的及び説明的なものであり、特許請求の範囲に記載されている本発明を制限するものではない。 The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are intended to be exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention as claimed.
実施形態に係る媒体給送装置１００を示す斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium feeding device 100 according to an embodiment. 媒体給送装置１００内部の搬送経路を説明するための図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a conveyance path inside the medium feeding device 100. FIG. 第１撮像装置１１５等について説明するための模式図である。FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first imaging device 115 and the like. 駆動機構１３０について説明するための模式図である。3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a drive mechanism 130. FIG. 媒体給送装置１００の概略構成を示すブロック図である。1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium feeding device 100. FIG. 記憶装置１５０及び処理回路１６０の概略構成を示す図である。1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 150 and a processing circuit 160. FIG. 媒体読取処理の動作の例を示すフローチャートである。3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. 設定処理の動作の例を示すフローチャートである。3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of setting processing. （Ａ）、（Ｂ）は、入力画像の一例を示す模式図である。(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing an example of an input image. （Ａ）、（Ｂ）は、入力画像の一例を示す模式図である。(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing an example of an input image. 設定処理の動作の他の例を示すフローチャートである。7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of setting processing. 設定処理の動作の他の例を示すフローチャートである。7 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of setting processing. （Ａ）、（Ｂ）は、第２入力画像の一例を示す模式図である。(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the second input image. 他の処理回路２６０の概略構成を示す図である。3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 260. FIG.
　以下、本開示の一側面に係る媒体給送装置、媒体給送方法及び制御プログラムについて図を参照しつつ説明する。但し、本発明の技術的範囲はそれらの実施の形態に限定されず、特許請求の範囲に記載された発明とその均等物に及ぶ点に留意されたい。 Hereinafter, a medium feeding device, a medium feeding method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
　図１は、イメージスキャナとして構成された媒体給送装置１００を示す斜視図である。媒体給送装置１００は、原稿である媒体を給送及び搬送し、撮像する。媒体は、用紙、薄紙、厚紙、カード又は冊子等である。媒体給送装置１００は、ファクシミリ、複写機、プリンタ複合機（ＭＦＰ、Multifunction Peripheral）等でもよい。なお、搬送される媒体は、原稿でなく印刷対象物等でもよく、媒体給送装置１００はプリンタ等でもよい。 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium feeding device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium feeding device 100 feeds and conveys a medium, which is a document, and images the medium. The medium is paper, thin paper, cardboard, card, booklet, or the like. The medium feeding device 100 may be a facsimile, a copying machine, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. Note that the medium to be conveyed may be an object to be printed instead of a document, and the medium feeding device 100 may be a printer or the like.
　媒体給送装置１００は、下側筐体１０１、上側筐体１０２、載置台１０３、排出台１０４、操作装置１０５及び表示装置１０６等を備える。図１において矢印Ａ１は媒体搬送方向を示し、矢印Ａ２は媒体搬送方向と直交する幅方向を示し、矢印Ａ３は媒体搬送路と直交する高さ方向を示す。以下では、上流とは媒体搬送方向Ａ１の上流のことをいい、下流とは媒体搬送方向Ａ１の下流のことをいう。 The medium feeding device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharge table 104, an operating device 105, a display device 106, and the like. In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport path. In the following, upstream refers to upstream in the medium transport direction A1, and downstream refers to downstream in the medium transport direction A1.
　上側筐体１０２は、媒体給送装置１００の上面を覆う位置に配置され、媒体つまり時、媒体給送装置１００内部の清掃時等に開閉可能なようにヒンジにより下側筐体１０１に係合している。 The upper housing 102 is disposed at a position covering the upper surface of the medium feeding device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium becomes clogged or when cleaning the inside of the medium feeding device 100. are doing.
　載置台１０３は、下側筐体１０１に係合し、給送及び搬送される媒体を載置する。排出台１０４は、上側筐体１０２に係合し、排出された媒体を載置する。なお、排出台１０４は、下側筐体１０１に係合してもよい。 The mounting table 103 engages with the lower casing 101 and places the medium to be fed and transported. The ejection table 104 engages with the upper housing 102 and places the ejected medium thereon. Note that the ejection table 104 may be engaged with the lower housing 101.
　操作装置１０５は、ボタン等の入力デバイス及び入力デバイスから信号を取得するインタフェース回路を有し、利用者による入力操作を受け付け、利用者の入力操作に応じた操作信号を出力する。表示装置１０６は、液晶、有機ＥＬ（Electro-Luminescence）等を含むディスプレイ及びディスプレイに画像データを出力するインタフェース回路を有し、画像データをディスプレイに表示する。 The operating device 105 includes an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that obtains a signal 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 a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc., and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.
　図２は、媒体給送装置１００内部の搬送経路を説明するための図である。 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium feeding device 100.
　媒体給送装置１００内部の搬送経路は、第１媒体センサ１１１、給送ローラ１１２、分離ローラ１１３、光源装置１１４、第１撮像装置１１５、押圧機構１１６、第２媒体センサ１１７、第１搬送ローラ１１８、第１従動ローラ１１９、第３媒体センサ１２０、第２撮像装置１２１、第２搬送ローラ１２２及び第２従動ローラ１２３等を有している。 The conveyance path inside the medium feeding device 100 includes a first medium sensor 111, a feeding roller 112, a separating roller 113, a light source device 114, a first imaging device 115, a pressing mechanism 116, a second medium sensor 117, and a first conveying roller. 118, a first driven roller 119, a third medium sensor 120, a second imaging device 121, a second conveyance roller 122, a second driven roller 123, and the like.
　なお、給送ローラ１１２、分離ローラ１１３、第１搬送ローラ１１８、第１従動ローラ１１９、第２搬送ローラ１２２及び／又は第２従動ローラ１２３のそれぞれの数は一つに限定されず、複数でもよい。その場合、複数の給送ローラ１１２、分離ローラ１１３、第１搬送ローラ１１８、第１従動ローラ１１９、第２搬送ローラ１２２及び／又は第２従動ローラ１２３は、それぞれ媒体搬送方向と直交する幅方向Ａ２に間隔を空けて並べて配置される。 Note that the number of each of the feeding roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 118, first driven roller 119, second conveying roller 122 and/or second driven roller 123 is not limited to one, and may be plural. good. In that case, the plurality of feeding rollers 112, separation roller 113, first conveying roller 118, first driven roller 119, second conveying roller 122 and/or second driven roller 123 are moved in the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction. They are arranged side by side at intervals on A2.
　下側筐体１０１の上面は、媒体の搬送路の下側ガイド１０１ａを形成し、上側筐体１０２の下面は、媒体の搬送路の上側ガイド１０２ａを形成する。媒体給送装置１００は、いわゆるストレートパスを有し、載置台１０３に載置された媒体を下側から順に給送及び搬送し、排出台１０４に排出する。 The upper surface of the lower casing 101 forms a lower guide 101a for the medium transport path, and the lower surface of the upper casing 102 forms an upper guide 102a for the medium transport path. The medium feeding device 100 has a so-called straight path, and sequentially feeds and conveys the medium placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom, and discharges it onto the discharge table 104.
　第１媒体センサ１１１は、給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３より上流側に配置される。第１媒体センサ１１１は、接触検知センサを有し、載置台１０３に媒体が載置されているか否かを検出する。第１媒体センサ１１１は、載置台１０３に媒体が載置されている状態と載置されていない状態とで信号値が変化する第１媒体信号を生成して出力する。なお、第１媒体センサ１１１は接触検知センサに限定されず、第１媒体センサ１１１として、光検知センサ等の、媒体の有無を検出可能な他の任意のセンサが使用されてもよい。 The first medium sensor 111 is arranged upstream of the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113. The first medium sensor 111 includes a contact detection sensor and detects whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 or not. 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 photodetection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 111.
　給送ローラ１１２は、下側筐体１０１に設けられる。給送ローラ１１２は、媒体給送方向Ａ４に回転可能に設けられ、載置台１０３に載置された複数の媒体を下側から順に分離して給送する。分離ローラ１１３は、いわゆるブレーキローラ又はリタードローラであり、上側筐体１０２に設けられ、給送ローラ１１２に対向して配置される。分離ローラ１１３は、媒体給送方向の反対方向Ａ５に回転可能に又は停止可能に設けられる。 The feeding roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101. The feeding roller 112 is rotatably provided in the medium feeding direction A4, and sequentially separates and feeds a plurality of media placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102 and is disposed opposite to the feeding roller 112. The separation roller 113 is provided rotatably or stopably in a direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction.
　押圧機構１１６は、押圧部の一例であり、分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する。押圧機構１１６は、分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を調整可能に設けられる。押圧機構１１６は、弾性部材１１６ａ、支持部材１１６ｂ及び駆動装置１１６ｃ等を含む。 The pressing mechanism 116 is an example of a pressing section, and presses the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side. The pressing mechanism 116 is provided so that the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 can be adjusted. The pressing mechanism 116 includes an elastic member 116a, a support member 116b, a drive device 116c, and the like.
　弾性部材１１６ａは、例えば、ねじりコイルばね等のばね部材である。なお、弾性部材１１６ａは、圧縮コイルばね等の他のばね部材又はゴム部材等でもよい。弾性部材１１６ａの一端は、支持部材１１６ｂに取り付けられ、他端は、分離ローラ１１３のシャフト１１３ａに取り付けられる。弾性部材１１６ａは、分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する。 The elastic member 116a is, for example, a spring member such as a torsion coil spring. Note that the elastic member 116a may be another spring member such as a compression coil spring, a rubber member, or the like. One end of the elastic member 116a is attached to the support member 116b, and the other end is attached to the shaft 113a of the separation roller 113. The elastic member 116a presses the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side.
　支持部材１１６ｂは、弾性部材１１６ａを支持するように設けられる。支持部材１１６ｂは、駆動装置１１６ｃにより発生される駆動力に応じて移動可能に設けられる。 The support member 116b is provided to support the elastic member 116a. The support member 116b is provided so as to be movable according to the driving force generated by the driving device 116c.
　駆動装置１１６ｃは、例えばソレノイド等である。なお、駆動装置１１６ｃは、モータ等でもよい。駆動装置１１６ｃは、後述する処理回路からの制御信号によって、弾性部材１１６ａにより分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を調整するための駆動力を発生する。駆動装置１１６ｃがソレノイドである場合、支持部材１１６ｂは、ソレノイドの可動磁極の直進移動に従ってスライド移動し、弾性部材１１６ａによる押圧力を調整する。駆動装置１１６ｃがモータである場合、支持部材１１６ｂは、モータの回転に従って揺動し、弾性部材１１６ａによる押圧力を調整する。なお、駆動装置１１６ｃがモータである場合、駆動装置１１６ｃと支持部材１１６ｂの間にラック及びピニオンが設けられ、支持部材１１６ｂは、モータの回転に従ってスライド移動し、弾性部材１１６ａによる押圧力を調整してもよい。 The drive device 116c is, for example, a solenoid. Note that the drive device 116c may be a motor or the like. The driving device 116c generates a driving force for adjusting the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 by the elastic member 116a, based on a control signal from a processing circuit described later. When the drive device 116c is a solenoid, the support member 116b slides according to the linear movement of the movable magnetic pole of the solenoid, and adjusts the pressing force by the elastic member 116a. When the drive device 116c is a motor, the support member 116b swings according to the rotation of the motor to adjust the pressing force exerted by the elastic member 116a. Note that when the drive device 116c is a motor, a rack and a pinion are provided between the drive device 116c and the support member 116b, and the support member 116b slides according to the rotation of the motor to adjust the pressing force by the elastic member 116a. It's okay.
　第２媒体センサ１１７は、給送ローラ１１２より下流側且つ第１搬送ローラ１１８より上流側に配置され、その位置に搬送された媒体を検出する。第２媒体センサ１１７は、媒体搬送路に対して一方の側に設けられた発光器及び受光器と、媒体搬送路を挟んで発光器及び受光器と対向する位置に設けられた導光管とを含む。発光器は、ＬＥＤ（Light Emitting Diode）等であり、媒体搬送路に向けて光を照射する。一方、受光器は、フォトダイオード等であり、発光器により照射され、導光管により導かれた光を受光する。第２媒体センサ１１７と対向する位置に媒体が存在するときは、発光器から照射された光は媒体により遮られるため、受光器は発光器から照射された光を検出しない。第２媒体センサ１１７は、受光器が受光する光の強度に基づいて、第２媒体センサ１１７の位置に媒体が存在する状態と存在しない状態とで信号値が変化する第２媒体信号を生成して出力する。 The second medium sensor 117 is disposed downstream of the feeding roller 112 and upstream of the first conveyance roller 118, and detects the medium conveyed to that position. The second medium sensor 117 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the medium transport path, and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium transport path. including. The light emitting device 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 the 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 117, 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. The second medium sensor 117 generates a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the medium is present at the position of the second medium sensor 117 or not, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. and output it.
　なお、導光管の代わりに、ミラー等の反射部材が使用されてもよい。また、発光器及び受光器は、媒体搬送路を挟んで対向して設けられてもよい。また、第２媒体センサ１１７は、媒体が接触している場合、又は、媒体が接触していない場合に所定の電流を流す接触検知センサ等により、媒体の存在を検出してもよい。 Note that a reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. Further, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other with the medium transport path in between. Further, the second medium sensor 117 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor or the like that flows a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact with the medium.
　第１搬送ローラ１１８及び第１従動ローラ１１９は、媒体搬送方向Ａ１において給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３より下流側に、相互に対向して配置される。第１搬送ローラ１１８は、上側筐体１０２に設けられ、給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３によって給送された媒体を第２撮像装置１２１に搬送する。なお、第１搬送ローラ１１８が下側筐体１０１に、第１従動ローラ１１９が上側筐体１０２に設けられてもよい。 The first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 are arranged facing each other on the downstream side of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1. The first conveyance roller 118 is provided in the upper housing 102 and conveys the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and separation roller 113 to the second imaging device 121. Note that the first conveyance roller 118 may be provided in the lower casing 101 and the first driven roller 119 may be provided in the upper casing 102.
　第３媒体センサ１２０は、第１搬送ローラ１１８より下流側且つ第２撮像装置１２１より上流側に配置され、その位置に搬送された媒体を検出する。第３媒体センサ１２０は、媒体搬送路に対して一方の側に設けられた発光器及び受光器と、媒体搬送路を挟んで発光器及び受光器と対向する位置に設けられた導光管とを含む。発光器は、ＬＥＤ等であり、媒体搬送路に向けて光を照射する。一方、受光器は、フォトダイオード等であり、発光器により照射され、導光管により導かれた光を受光する。第３媒体センサ１２０は、受光器が受光する光の強度に基づいて、第３媒体センサ１２０の位置に媒体が存在する状態と存在しない状態とで信号値が変化する第３媒体信号を生成して出力する。 The third medium sensor 120 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 118 and upstream of the second imaging device 121, and detects the medium conveyed to that position. The third medium sensor 120 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to the medium transport path, and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium transport path. including. The light emitter is an LED 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 the light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. The third medium sensor 120 generates a third medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether the medium is present at the position of the third medium sensor 120 or not, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. and output it.
　なお、導光管の代わりに、ミラー等の反射部材が使用されてもよい。また、発光器及び受光器は、媒体搬送路を挟んで対向して設けられてもよい。また、第３媒体センサ１２０は、媒体が接触している場合、又は、媒体が接触していない場合に所定の電流を流す接触検知センサ等により、媒体の存在を検出してもよい。 Note that a reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. Further, the light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other with the medium transport path in between. Further, the third medium sensor 120 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor or the like that flows a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or not in contact with the medium.
　第２撮像装置１２１は、媒体搬送方向Ａ１において、第１搬送ローラ１１８より下流側に且つ第２搬送ローラ１２２より上流側に配置され、第１搬送ローラ１１８及び第１従動ローラ１１９により搬送された媒体を撮像する。第２撮像装置１２１は、媒体搬送路を挟んで相互に対向して配置された表面撮像装置１２１ａ及び裏面撮像装置１２１ｂを含む。 The second imaging device 121 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 118 and upstream of the second conveyance roller 122 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and is conveyed by the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119. Image the medium. The second imaging device 121 includes a front imaging device 121a and a back imaging device 121b that are arranged to face each other across the medium transport path.
　表面撮像装置１２１ａは、主走査方向に直線状に配列されたＣＭＯＳ（Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor）による撮像素子を有する等倍光学系タイプのＣＩＳ（Contact Image Sensor）によるラインセンサを有する。また、表面撮像装置１２１ａは、撮像素子上に像を結ぶレンズと、撮像素子から出力された電気信号を増幅し、アナログ／デジタル（Ａ／Ｄ）変換するＡ／Ｄ変換器とを有する。表面撮像装置１２１ａは、後述する処理回路からの制御に従って、搬送される媒体の表面を撮像して媒体画像を生成し、出力する。 The surface imaging device 121a has a line sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of the same magnification optical system type and having imaging elements based on CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. Further, the front surface imaging device 121a includes a lens that forms an image on the image sensor, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the image sensor and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The surface imaging device 121a images the surface of the medium being conveyed, generates a medium image, and outputs the image, under control from a processing circuit described below.
　同様に、裏面撮像装置１２１ｂは、主走査方向に直線状に配列されたＣＭＯＳによる撮像素子を有する等倍光学系タイプのＣＩＳによるラインセンサを有する。また、裏面撮像装置１２１ｂは、撮像素子上に像を結ぶレンズと、撮像素子から出力された電気信号を増幅し、アナログ／デジタル（Ａ／Ｄ）変換するＡ／Ｄ変換器とを有する。裏面撮像装置１２１ｂは、後述する処理回路からの制御に従って、搬送される媒体の裏面を撮像して媒体画像を生成し、出力する。 Similarly, the back imaging device 121b has a CIS line sensor of the same magnification optical system type that has CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. Further, the back imaging device 121b includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging device and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The back side imaging device 121b images the back side of the medium being transported, generates a medium image, and outputs the image, under control from a processing circuit described later.
　なお、第２撮像装置１２１は、表面撮像装置１２１ａ及び裏面撮像装置１２１ｂを一方だけ有し、媒体の片面だけを読み取ってもよい。また、ＣＭＯＳによる撮像素子を備える等倍光学系タイプのＣＩＳによるラインセンサの代わりに、ＣＣＤ（Charge Coupled Device）による撮像素子を備える等倍光学系タイプのＣＩＳによるラインセンサが利用されてもよい。また、ＣＭＯＳ又はＣＣＤによる撮像素子を備える縮小光学系タイプのラインセンサが利用されてもよい。 Note that the second imaging device 121 may have only one of the front imaging device 121a and the back imaging device 121b, and may read only one side of the medium. Further, instead of a line sensor using a CIS of a 1x optical system type including a CMOS image sensor, a line sensor using a CIS of a 1x optical system type including an image sensor using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) may be used. Further, a reduction optical system type line sensor including a CMOS or CCD image sensor may be used.
　第２搬送ローラ１２２及び第２従動ローラ１２３は、媒体搬送方向Ａ１において第２撮像装置１２１より、即ち第１搬送ローラ１１８及び第１従動ローラ１１９より下流側に、相互に対向して配置される。第２搬送ローラ１２２は、上側筐体１０２に設けられ、第１搬送ローラ１１８及び第１従動ローラ１１９によって搬送された媒体をさらに下流側に搬送し、排出台１０４に排出する。なお、第２搬送ローラ１２２が下側筐体１０１に、第２従動ローラ１２３が上側筐体１０２に設けられてもよい。 The second conveyance roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 are arranged facing each other downstream from the second imaging device 121 in the medium conveyance direction A1, that is, from the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119. . The second conveyance roller 122 is provided in the upper housing 102 and conveys the medium conveyed by the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 further downstream, and discharges the medium to the discharge table 104. Note that the second conveyance roller 122 may be provided in the lower casing 101 and the second driven roller 123 may be provided in the upper casing 102.
　載置台１０３に載置された媒体は、給送ローラ１１２が媒体給送方向Ａ４に回転することによって、下側ガイド１０１ａと上側ガイド１０２ａの間を媒体搬送方向Ａ１に向かって搬送される。媒体給送装置１００は、給送モードとして、媒体を分離しながら給送する分離モードと、媒体を分離せずに給送する非分離モードとを有する。給送モードは、利用者により操作装置１０５又は媒体給送装置１００と通信接続する情報処理装置を用いて設定される。給送モードが分離モードに設定されている場合、分離ローラ１１３は、媒体給送方向の反対方向Ａ５に回転又は停止する。給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３の働きにより、載置台１０３に複数の媒体が載置されている場合、載置台１０３に載置されている媒体のうち給送ローラ１１２と接触している媒体のみが分離される。これにより、分離された媒体以外の媒体の搬送が制限される（重送の防止）。一方、給送モードが非分離モードに設定されている場合、分離ローラ１１３は、媒体給送方向（矢印Ａ５の反対方向）に回転する。 The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium transport direction A1 by the feeding roller 112 rotating in the medium transport direction A4. The medium feeding device 100 has two feeding modes: a separation mode in which the medium is fed while separating it, and a non-separation mode in which the medium is fed without separating it. The feeding mode is set by the user using the operating device 105 or an information processing device that is communicatively connected to the medium feeding device 100. When the feeding mode is set to the separation mode, the separation roller 113 rotates or stops in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction. Due to the action of the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113, when a plurality of media are placed on the mounting table 103, only the medium that is in contact with the feeding roller 112 among the media placed on the mounting table 103 is removed. 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 non-separation mode, the separation roller 113 rotates in the medium feeding direction (the opposite direction of arrow A5).
　媒体は、下側ガイド１０１ａと上側ガイド１０２ａによりガイドされながら、第１搬送ローラ１１８と第１従動ローラ１１９の間に送り込まれる。第１搬送ローラ１１８及び第１従動ローラ１１９がそれぞれ順方向Ａ６及びＡ７に回転することによって、表面撮像装置１２１ａと裏面撮像装置１２１ｂの間に送り込まれる。第２撮像装置１２１により読み取られた媒体は、第２搬送ローラ１２２及び第２従動ローラ１２３がそれぞれ矢印Ａ８及びＡ９の方向に回転することによって排出台１０４上に排出される。 The medium is fed between the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 while being guided by the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a. By rotating the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 in the forward directions A6 and A7, respectively, the image is sent between the front imaging device 121a and the back imaging device 121b. The medium read by the second imaging device 121 is discharged onto the discharge table 104 by the rotation of the second conveyance roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.
　図３は、光源装置１１４及び第１撮像装置１１５について説明するための模式図である。図３は、媒体搬送路の周辺を上側筐体１０２側から見た模式図である。 FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the light source device 114 and the first imaging device 115. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the medium transport path viewed from the upper housing 102 side.
　図３に示す例では、給送ローラ１１２、分離ローラ１１３、第１搬送ローラ１１８、第１従動ローラ１１９、第２搬送ローラ１２２及び第２従動ローラ１２３は、二つずつ配置されている。 In the example shown in FIG. 3, two feeding rollers 112, two separation rollers 113, two first conveyance rollers 118, two first driven rollers 119, two second conveyance rollers 122, and two second driven rollers 123 are arranged.
　光源装置１１４は、第１光源装置１１４ａ及び第２光源装置１１４ｂを含む。 The light source device 114 includes a first light source device 114a and a second light source device 114b.
　第１光源装置１１４ａは、照射部の一例である。第１光源装置１１４ａは、上側筐体１０２に、媒体搬送方向Ａ１において給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎより上流側に、且つ、幅方向Ａ２において二組の給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３の各ニップ部Ｎの間に配置される。第１光源装置１１４ａは、ＬＥＤ等であり、下方且つ下流側に向けて光を照射する。第１光源装置１１４ａは、媒体搬送方向と直交する幅方向Ａ２から見てニップ部Ｎと重なる領域、即ち媒体搬送方向Ａ１においてニップ部Ｎと重なる領域を照射する。第１光源装置１１４ａは、幅方向Ａ２において二つのニップ部Ｎの間の領域を照射する。 The first light source device 114a is an example of an irradiation unit. The first light source device 114a is installed in the upper housing 102 upstream of the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and separated from the two sets of feeding rollers 112 in the width direction A2. It is arranged between each nip portion N of the roller 113. The first light source device 114a is an LED or the like, and emits light downward and downstream. The first light source device 114a illuminates a region that overlaps with the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction, that is, a region that overlaps with the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1. The first light source device 114a illuminates the area between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2.
　第２光源装置１１４ｂは、第２照射部の一例である。第２光源装置１１４ｂは、上側筐体１０２に、媒体搬送方向Ａ１において給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎより上流側に、且つ、幅方向Ａ２において二組の給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３の各ニップ部Ｎの間に配置される。第２光源装置１１４ｂは、ＬＥＤ等であり、下方且つ下流側に向けて光を照射する。第２光源装置１１４ｂは、媒体搬送方向と直交する幅方向Ａ２から見てニップ部Ｎと重なる領域、即ち媒体搬送方向Ａ１においてニップ部Ｎと重なる領域を、第１光源装置１１４ａと異なる方向から照射する。第２光源装置１１４ｂは、第１光源装置１１４ａと同様に、幅方向Ａ２において二つのニップ部Ｎの間の領域を照射する。 The second light source device 114b is an example of a second irradiation section. The second light source device 114b is installed in the upper housing 102 upstream of the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and separated from the two sets of feeding rollers 112 in the width direction A2. It is arranged between each nip portion N of the roller 113. The second light source device 114b is an LED or the like, and emits light downward and downstream. The second light source device 114b irradiates an area that overlaps with the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, that is, an area that overlaps with the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1 from a direction different from that of the first light source device 114a. do. The second light source device 114b, like the first light source device 114a, illuminates the area between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2.
　第２光源装置１１４ｂは、媒体搬送方向Ａ１において第１光源装置１１４ａより上流側に配置される。即ち、第２光源装置１１４ｂによる光の照射方向と媒体搬送路とがなす角度は、第１光源装置１１４ａによる光の照射方向と媒体搬送路とがなす角度より小さい。例えば、第１光源装置１１４ａは、光の照射方向と媒体搬送路とがなす角度が４５°以上且つ９０°未満となるように設けられ、第２光源装置１１４ｂは、光の照射方向と媒体搬送路とがなす角度が４５°未満であり且つ０°より大きくなるように設定される。 The second light source device 114b is arranged upstream of the first light source device 114a in the medium transport direction A1. That is, the angle between the light irradiation direction by the second light source device 114b and the medium transport path is smaller than the angle between the light irradiation direction by the first light source device 114a and the medium transport path. For example, the first light source device 114a is provided so that the angle between the light irradiation direction and the medium transport path is 45° or more and less than 90°, and the second light source device 114b is provided so that the light irradiation direction and the medium transport path are provided at an angle of 45° or more and less than 90°. The angle formed by the road is set to be less than 45° and greater than 0°.
　第１撮像装置１１５は、撮像部の一例である。第１撮像装置１１５は、上側筐体１０２に、媒体搬送方向Ａ１において給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎより下流側に、且つ、幅方向Ａ２において二組の給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３の各ニップ部Ｎの間に配置される。第１撮像装置１１５は、二次元に配列されたＣＣＤによる撮像素子を有する縮小光学系タイプの撮像センサを有する。また、第１撮像装置１１５は、撮像素子上に像を結ぶレンズと、撮像素子から出力された電気信号を増幅し、アナログ／デジタル（Ａ／Ｄ）変換するＡ／Ｄ変換器とを有する。第１撮像装置１１５は、媒体搬送方向と直交する幅方向Ａ２から見てニップ部Ｎと重なり、且つ、幅方向Ａ２において二つのニップ部Ｎの間の領域において、給送される媒体の先端位置を撮像した入力画像を生成する。 The first imaging device 115 is an example of an imaging unit. The first imaging device 115 is installed in the upper housing 102 downstream of the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveyance direction A1, and separated from the two sets of feeding rollers 112 in the width direction A2. It is arranged between each nip portion N of the roller 113. The first imaging device 115 has a reduction optical system type imaging sensor that includes two-dimensionally arranged CCD imaging elements. The first imaging device 115 also includes a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging device and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The first imaging device 115 overlaps the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2 orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction, and detects the leading edge position of the medium to be fed in a region between the two nips N in the width direction A2. An input image is generated by capturing the image.
　なお、ＣＣＤによる撮像素子を備える縮小光学系タイプの撮像センサの代わりに、ＣＭＯＳによる撮像素子を備える縮小光学系タイプの撮像センサが利用されてもよい。また、ＣＣＤ又はＣＭＯＳによる撮像素子を備える等倍光学系タイプの撮像センサが利用されてもよい。また、二次元に配列された撮像素子を有する撮像センサの代わりに、幅方向Ａ２に沿って一次元に配列された撮像素子を有する撮像センサ（ラインセンサ）が利用されてもよい。その場合、第１撮像装置１１５は、一定間隔毎に、給送される媒体の所定位置を撮像したライン画像を生成し、複数のライン画像を合成することにより、入力画像を生成する。 Note that instead of a reduction optical system type image sensor including a CCD image sensor, a reduction optical system type image sensor including a CMOS image sensor may be used. Furthermore, a same-magnification optical system type image sensor including a CCD or CMOS image sensor may be used. Further, instead of an image sensor having image sensors arranged two-dimensionally, an image sensor (line sensor) having image sensors arranged one-dimensionally along the width direction A2 may be used. In that case, the first imaging device 115 generates a line image capturing a predetermined position of the medium to be fed at regular intervals, and generates an input image by combining the plurality of line images.
　第１撮像装置１１５により生成される入力画像は、載置台１０３に載置された媒体の先端の状態を検出するために使用される。媒体給送装置１００は、二つのニップ部Ｎの間の領域を含む二次元の入力画像を用いることにより、第１撮像装置１１５の撮像範囲内の媒体の先端の位置に関わらず、媒体の先端の状態を適切に検出することができる。媒体給送装置１００は、所定のタイミングで生成された一つの入力画像を用いて媒体の先端の状態を検出することにより、所定の位置（点）において媒体の先端を監視し続ける場合と比較して、低負荷に媒体の先端の状態を検出することができる。また、媒体給送装置１００は、複数のセンサを用いることなく、一つの第１撮像装置１１５のみを用いて媒体の先端の状態を検出できるため、装置コスト及び装置サイズの増大を抑制することができる。 The input image generated by the first imaging device 115 is used to detect the state of the leading edge of the medium placed on the mounting table 103. By using a two-dimensional input image including the area between the two nips N, the medium feeding device 100 can detect the leading edge of the medium regardless of the position of the leading edge of the medium within the imaging range of the first imaging device 115. can appropriately detect the state of The medium feeding device 100 detects the state of the leading edge of the medium using one input image generated at a predetermined timing, compared to a case where the leading edge of the medium is continuously monitored at a predetermined position (point). The state of the leading edge of the medium can be detected with low load. Furthermore, since the medium feeding device 100 can detect the state of the leading edge of the medium using only one first imaging device 115 without using multiple sensors, increases in device cost and device size can be suppressed. can.
　また、第１撮像装置１１５は、下流側から上流側に向けて撮像することにより、媒体の先端がより良好に撮像された入力画像を生成することができる。但し、給送される媒体は、ＰＰＣ（Plain Paper Copier）用紙等の白色を有する媒体である可能性が高く、入力画像内でその先端を識別することが困難である可能性がある。これに対して、第１光源装置１１４ａは、上流側から下流側に向けて光を照射することにより、第１撮像装置１１５側から見たときに媒体の先端の影を良好に形成させることができ、入力画像に媒体の先端を明瞭に含ませることができる。また、第２光源装置１１４ｂは、第１光源装置１１４ａと異なる方向から光を照射することにより、媒体の先端について、第１光源装置１１４ａによって形成される影と太さが異なる影を形成させることができる。したがって、媒体給送装置１００は、第１光源装置１１４ａ及び第２光源装置１１４ｂにより形成される媒体の先端の影の太さの違いを利用して、媒体の先端の状態を高精度に検出することができる。 Furthermore, by capturing images from the downstream side toward the upstream side, the first imaging device 115 can generate an input image in which the leading edge of the medium is better captured. However, the medium to be fed is likely to be a white medium such as PPC (Plain Paper Copier) paper, and it may be difficult to identify its leading edge within the input image. On the other hand, by emitting light from the upstream side to the downstream side, the first light source device 114a can form a good shadow at the leading edge of the medium when viewed from the first imaging device 115 side. This allows the leading edge of the medium to be clearly included in the input image. Furthermore, the second light source device 114b can form a shadow having a thickness different from the shadow formed by the first light source device 114a on the leading edge of the medium by emitting light from a direction different from that of the first light source device 114a. I can do it. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 detects the state of the leading edge of the medium with high accuracy by utilizing the difference in thickness of the shadow of the leading edge of the medium formed by the first light source device 114a and the second light source device 114b. be able to.
　図４は、分離ローラ１１３の駆動機構１３０について説明するための模式図である。図４は、上側筐体１０２内の分離ローラ１１３の周辺を上方から見た模式図である。 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanism 130 of the separation roller 113. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of the separation roller 113 in the upper housing 102 viewed from above.
　図４に示すように、駆動機構１３０は、第１モータ１３１、第１～第６ギア１３２ａ～ｆ、第１～第４電磁クラッチ１３３ａ～ｄ及び第１～第４トルクリミッタ１３４ａ～ｄ等を含む。 As shown in FIG. 4, the drive mechanism 130 includes a first motor 131, first to sixth gears 132a-f, first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a-d, first to fourth torque limiters 134a-d, etc. include.
　第１モータ１３１は、第１～第６ギア１３２ａ～ｆ及びシャフト１１３ａを介して分離ローラ１１３と接続され、分離ローラ１１３を駆動する。第１モータ１３１は、処理回路からの制御信号によって、分離ローラ１１３を回転させるための駆動力を発生させて、分離ローラ１１３に媒体を分離、給送させる。第１モータ１３１は、例えばブラシ付きＤＣ（Direct Current）モータ等のＤＣモータである。なお、第１モータ１３１は、ブラシレスＤＣモータ等の他のＤＣモータ、又は、ステッピングモータ等でもよい。第１モータ１３１は、供給される電力に従ってトルクの設定を変更可能に設けられる。 The first motor 131 is connected to the separation roller 113 through the first to sixth gears 132a to 132f and the shaft 113a, and drives the separation roller 113. The first motor 131 generates a driving force for rotating the separation roller 113 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit, and causes the separation roller 113 to separate and feed the medium. The first motor 131 is, for example, a DC motor such as a brushed DC (Direct Current) motor. Note that the first motor 131 may be another DC motor such as a brushless DC motor, a stepping motor, or the like. The first motor 131 is provided so that the torque setting can be changed according to the supplied electric power.
　ＤＣモータ又はステッピングモータに供給される電流量が大きいほど、即ちＤＣモータ又はステッピングモータに供給される電力量が大きいほど、ＤＣモータ又はステッピングモータのトルクは大きくなる。逆に、ＤＣモータ又はステッピングモータに供給される電流量が小さいほど、即ちＤＣモータ又はステッピングモータに供給される電力量が小さいほど、ＤＣモータ又はステッピングモータのトルクは小さくなる。したがって、媒体給送装置１００は、第１モータ１３１に供給される電力量を変更することにより、第１モータ１３１のトルクを変更することができる。媒体給送装置１００は、第１モータ１３１に供給される電力量を大きくすることにより、第１モータ１３１のトルクを大きくして、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルク（分離ローラ１１３が媒体に付与する負荷成分）を大きくすることができる。一方、媒体給送装置１００は、第１モータ１３１に供給される電力量を小さくすることにより、第１モータ１３１のトルクを小さくして、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルク（分離ローラ１１３が媒体に付与する負荷成分）を小さくすることができる。 The greater the amount of current supplied to the DC motor or stepping motor, that is, the greater the amount of electric power supplied to the DC motor or stepping motor, the greater the torque of the DC motor or stepping motor. Conversely, the smaller the amount of current supplied to the DC motor or stepping motor, that is, the smaller the amount of electric power supplied to the DC motor or stepping motor, the smaller the torque of the DC motor or stepping motor. Therefore, the medium feeding device 100 can change the torque of the first motor 131 by changing the amount of power supplied to the first motor 131. The medium feeding device 100 increases the amount of electric power supplied to the first motor 131 to increase the torque of the first motor 131 and reduce the torque applied to the separation roller 113 (the load applied to the medium by the separation roller 113). component) can be increased. On the other hand, the medium feeding device 100 reduces the amount of electric power supplied to the first motor 131 to reduce the torque of the first motor 131, thereby reducing the torque applied to the separation roller 113 (the torque applied to the medium by the separation roller 113). load component) can be reduced.
　第１ギア１３２ａは、第１モータ１３１の回転軸に取り付けられる。第１ギア１３２ａは第２ギア１３２ｂに、第２ギア１３２ｂは第３ギア１３２ｃに、第３ギア１３２ｃは第４ギア１３２ｄに、第４ギア１３２ｄは第５ギア１３２ｅに、第５ギア１３２ｅは第６ギア１３２ｆに、それぞれ歯合される。第６ギア１３２ｆは、分離ローラ１１３の回転軸であるシャフト１１３ａの一端に取り付けられる。 The first gear 132a is attached to the rotating shaft of the first motor 131. The first gear 132a is connected to the second gear 132b, the second gear 132b is connected to the third gear 132c, the third gear 132c is connected to the fourth gear 132d, the fourth gear 132d is connected to the fifth gear 132e, and the fifth gear 132e is connected to the fifth gear 132e. 6 gears 132f, respectively. The sixth gear 132f is attached to one end of the shaft 113a, which is the rotation axis of the separation roller 113.
　第１電磁クラッチ１３３ａは、第２ギア１３２ｂの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられ、第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａは、第１電磁クラッチ１３３ａを介して第２ギア１３２ｂの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられる。第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａは、第２ギア１３２ｂにかかるトルクのリミット値を規定することにより、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を規定する。第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａのリミット値は、分離ローラ１１３に第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａのみが連結されている場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第１リミット値となるように設定される。即ち、第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａのリミット値は、第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第１リミット値となるように設定される。第１電磁クラッチ１３３ａは、例えばマイクロパウダクラッチであり、処理回路からの制御信号に従って、第２ギア１３２ｂと第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａの間の動力を連結させ又は切り離す。 The first electromagnetic clutch 133a is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the second gear 132b, and the first torque limiter 134a is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the second gear 132b via the first electromagnetic clutch 133a. The first torque limiter 134a defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the second gear 132b. The limit value of the first torque limiter 134a is set such that when only the first torque limiter 134a is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the first limit value. That is, the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a is set such that the sum of the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the first limit value. The first electromagnetic clutch 133a is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects power between the second gear 132b and the first torque limiter 134a according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
　第２電磁クラッチ１３３ｂは、第３ギア１３２ｃの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられ、第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂは、第２電磁クラッチ１３３ｂを介して第３ギア１３２ｃの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられる。第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂは、第３ギア１３２ｃにかかるトルクのリミット値を規定することにより、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を規定する。第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのリミット値は、分離ローラ１１３に第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのみが連結されている場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第２リミット値となるように設定される。即ち、第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのリミット値は、第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第２リミット値となるように設定される。第２電磁クラッチ１３３ｂは、例えばマイクロパウダクラッチであり、処理回路からの制御信号に従って、第３ギア１３２ｃと第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂの間の動力を連結させ又は切り離す。 The second electromagnetic clutch 133b is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the third gear 132c, and the second torque limiter 134b is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the third gear 132c via the second electromagnetic clutch 133b. The second torque limiter 134b defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the third gear 132c. The limit value of the second torque limiter 134b is set such that when only the second torque limiter 134b is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the second limit value. That is, the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b is set such that the sum of the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the second limit value. The second electromagnetic clutch 133b is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects power between the third gear 132c and the second torque limiter 134b according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
　第３電磁クラッチ１３３ｃは、第４ギア１３２ｄの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられ、第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃは、第３電磁クラッチ１３３ｃを介して第４ギア１３２ｄの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられる。第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃは、第４ギア１３２ｄにかかるトルクのリミット値を規定することにより、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を規定する。第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃのリミット値は、分離ローラ１１３に第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃのみが連結されている場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第３リミット値となるように設定される。即ち、第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃのリミット値は、第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第３リミット値となるように設定される。第３電磁クラッチ１３３ｃは、例えばマイクロパウダクラッチであり、処理回路からの制御信号に従って、第４ギア１３２ｄと第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃの間の動力を連結させ又は切り離す。 The third electromagnetic clutch 133c is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fourth gear 132d, and the third torque limiter 134c is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fourth gear 132d via the third electromagnetic clutch 133c. The third torque limiter 134c defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the fourth gear 132d. The limit value of the third torque limiter 134c is set such that when only the third torque limiter 134c is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the third limit value. That is, the limit value of the third torque limiter 134c is set such that the sum of the limit value of the third torque limiter 134c and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the third limit value. The third electromagnetic clutch 133c is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects power between the fourth gear 132d and the third torque limiter 134c according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
　第４電磁クラッチ１３３ｄは、第５ギア１３２ｅの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられ、第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄは、第４電磁クラッチ１３３ｄを介して第５ギア１３２ｅの回転軸であるシャフトに取り付けられる。第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄは、第５ギア１３２ｅにかかるトルクのリミット値を規定することにより、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を規定する。第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄのリミット値は、分離ローラ１１３に第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄのみが連結されている場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第４リミット値となるように設定される。即ち、第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄのリミット値は、第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第４リミット値となるように設定される。第４電磁クラッチ１３３ｄは、例えばマイクロパウダクラッチであり、処理回路からの制御信号に従って、第５ギア１３２ｅと第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄの間の動力を連結させ又は切り離す。 The fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fifth gear 132e, and the fourth torque limiter 134d is attached to the shaft that is the rotation axis of the fifth gear 132e via the fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d. The fourth torque limiter 134d defines the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by defining the limit value of the torque applied to the fifth gear 132e. The limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d is set such that when only the fourth torque limiter 134d is connected to the separation roller 113, the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 becomes the fourth limit value. That is, the limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d is set such that the sum of the limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d and the torque of the first motor 131 becomes the fourth limit value. The fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d is, for example, a micro powder clutch, and connects or disconnects the power between the fifth gear 132e and the fourth torque limiter 134d according to a control signal from a processing circuit.
　第１～第４電磁クラッチ１３３ａ～ｄがそれぞれ動力を連結させている場合、第２～第５ギア１３２ｂ～ｅにかかるトルクは、それぞれ第１～第４トルクリミッタ１３４ａ～ｄによって制限される。一方、第１～第４電磁クラッチ１３３ａ～ｄがそれぞれ動力を切り離している場合、第２～第５ギア１３２ｂ～ｅにかかるトルクは、それぞれ第１～第４トルクリミッタ１３４ａ～ｄによって制限されない。 When the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d respectively connect power, the torques applied to the second to fifth gears 132b to e are limited by the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d, respectively. On the other hand, when the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d are disconnecting power, the torques applied to the second to fifth gears 132b to e are not limited by the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d, respectively.
　分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値は、分離ローラ１１３のトルク値の一例であり、分離ローラ１１３の特性値の一例である。第１リミット値、第２リミット値、第３リミット値及び第４リミット値は、それぞれ第１トルク値、第２トルク値、第３トルク値及び第４トルク値の一例である。 The limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 is an example of the torque value of the separation roller 113, and is an example of the characteristic value of the separation roller 113. The first limit value, the second limit value, the third limit value, and the fourth limit value are examples of the first torque value, the second torque value, the third torque value, and the fourth torque value, respectively.
　第１リミット値、第２リミット値、第３リミット値及び第４リミット値は、給送される媒体が一つの場合は第１モータ１３１からの第１駆動力の伝達が絶たれ、給送される媒体が複数の場合は第１モータ１３１からの第１駆動力が伝達されるような値に設定される。これにより、媒体が一つだけ給送される場合、分離ローラ１１３は、第１モータ１３１からの駆動力に従って回転することなく、給送ローラ１１２に従って従動する。即ち、分離ローラ１１３は、リミット値以上のトルクが印加されると、給送ローラ１１２と同じ方向に回転するように設定される。一方、媒体が複数給送される場合、分離ローラ１１３は、媒体給送方向の反対方向Ａ５に回転し、給送ローラ１１２と接触している媒体とそれ以外の媒体とを分離して、重送の発生を防止する。このとき、分離ローラ１１３の外周面は、媒体給送方向の反対方向Ａ５に回転せずに停止した状態で、媒体給送方向の反対方向Ａ５の力を媒体に印加してもよい。 The first limit value, the second limit value, the third limit value, and the fourth limit value are such that when there is only one medium to be fed, the transmission of the first driving force from the first motor 131 is cut off and the medium is fed. If there is a plurality of media, the value is set so that the first driving force from the first motor 131 is transmitted. As a result, when only one medium is fed, the separation roller 113 does not rotate according to the driving force from the first motor 131, but follows the feeding roller 112. That is, the separation roller 113 is set to rotate in the same direction as the feeding roller 112 when a torque equal to or greater than the limit value is applied. On the other hand, when a plurality of media are fed, the separation roller 113 rotates in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction, separates the medium in contact with the feeding roller 112 from other media, and prevent the occurrence of At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the separation roller 113 may apply a force in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction to the medium while being stopped without rotating in the direction A5 opposite to the medium feeding direction.
　第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのリミット値は、第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａのリミット値より大きい値に設定される。第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃのリミット値は、第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａのリミット値より大きく且つ第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのリミット値より小さい値に設定される。第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄのリミット値は、第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのリミット値と同じ又は第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂのリミット値より大きい値に設定される。また、第１～第４トルクリミッタ１３４ａ～ｄのリミット値は、第１モータ１３１のトルクより小さい値に設定される。即ち、第２リミット値は、第１リミット値より大きい値に設定される。第３リミット値は、第１リミット値より大きく且つ第２リミット値より小さい値に設定される。第４リミット値は、第２リミット値又は第２リミット値より大きい値に設定される。媒体給送装置１００は、第１～第４電磁クラッチ１３３ａ～ｄを制御することにより、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を変更することができる。 The limit value of the second torque limiter 134b is set to a larger value than the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a. The limit value of the third torque limiter 134c is set to a value greater than the limit value of the first torque limiter 134a and smaller than the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b. The limit value of the fourth torque limiter 134d is set to be the same as or larger than the limit value of the second torque limiter 134b. Furthermore, the limit values of the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d are set to values smaller than the torque of the first motor 131. That is, the second limit value is set to a value larger than the first limit value. The third limit value is set to a value larger than the first limit value and smaller than the second limit value. The fourth limit value is set to the second limit value or a value larger than the second limit value. The medium feeding device 100 can change the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by controlling the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d.
　以下では、第１～第４電磁クラッチ１３３ａ～ｄをまとめて電磁クラッチ１３３と称する場合がある。なお、電磁クラッチ１３３は、ヒステリシスクラッチ等の他の種類のクラッチでもよい。また、電磁クラッチ１３３の代わりに、マイクロパウダブレーキ又はヒステリシスブレーキ等の電磁ブレーキが使用されてもよい。 Hereinafter, the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d may be collectively referred to as the electromagnetic clutch 133. Note that the electromagnetic clutch 133 may be another type of clutch such as a hysteresis clutch. Further, instead of the electromagnetic clutch 133, an electromagnetic brake such as a micro powder brake or a hysteresis brake may be used.
　図５は、媒体給送装置１００の概略構成を示すブロック図である。 FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium feeding device 100.
　媒体給送装置１００は、前述した構成に加えて、第２モータ１４１、第３モータ１４２、インタフェース装置１４３、記憶装置１５０及び処理回路１６０等をさらに有する。 In addition to the above-described configuration, the medium feeding device 100 further includes a second motor 141, a third motor 142, an interface device 143, a storage device 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like.
　第２モータ１４１は、処理回路１６０からの制御信号によって、給送ローラ１１２を回転させて媒体を給送させる。 The second motor 141 rotates the feeding roller 112 to feed the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160.
　第３モータ１４２は、処理回路１６０からの制御信号によって、第１搬送ローラ１１８及び第２搬送ローラを回転させて媒体を搬送させる。なお、第１従動ローラ１１９及び／又は第２従動ローラ１２３は、第３モータ１４２からの駆動力によって駆動するように設けられてもよい。 The third motor 142 rotates the first conveyance roller 118 and the second conveyance roller in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 160 to convey the medium. Note that the first driven roller 119 and/or the second driven roller 123 may be provided so as to be driven by the driving force from the third motor 142.
　インタフェース装置１４３は、例えばＵＳＢ等のシリアルバスに準じるインタフェース回路を有し、不図示の情報処理装置（例えば、パーソナルコンピュータ、携帯情報端末等）と電気的に接続して入力画像及び各種の情報を送受信する。また、インタフェース装置１４３の代わりに、無線信号を送受信するアンテナと、所定の通信プロトコルに従って、無線通信回線を通じて信号の送受信を行うための無線通信インタフェース装置とを有する通信部が用いられてもよい。所定の通信プロトコルは、例えば無線ＬＡＮ（Local Area Network）である。通信部は、有線ＬＡＮ等の通信プロトコルに従って、有線通信回線を通じて信号の送受信を行うための有線通信インタフェース装置を有してもよい。 The interface device 143 has an interface circuit similar to a serial bus such as a USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (for example, a personal computer, a mobile information terminal, etc.) (not shown) to transmit input images and various information. Send and receive. Further, instead of the interface device 143, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device 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 communication unit may include a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.
　記憶装置１５０は、ＲＡＭ（Random Access Memory）、ＲＯＭ（Read Only Memory）等のメモリ装置、ハードディスク等の固定ディスク装置、又はフレキシブルディスク、光ディスク等の可搬用の記憶装置等を有する。また、記憶装置１５０には、媒体給送装置１００の各種処理に用いられるコンピュータプログラム、データベース、テーブル等が格納される。コンピュータプログラムは、コンピュータ読み取り可能な可搬型記録媒体から、公知のセットアッププログラム等を用いて記憶装置１５０にインストールされてもよい。可搬型記録媒体は、例えばＣＤ－ＲＯＭ（compact disc read only memory）、ＤＶＤ－ＲＯＭ（digital versatile disc read only memory）等である。 The storage device 150 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. Further, the storage device 150 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the medium feeding device 100. The computer program may be installed in the storage device 150 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc read only memory), or the like.
　処理回路１６０は、予め記憶装置１５０に記憶されているプログラムに基づいて動作する。処理回路は、例えばＣＰＵ（Central Processing Unit）である。処理回路１６０として、ＤＳＰ（digital signal processor）、ＬＳＩ（large scale integration）、ＡＳＩＣ（Application Specific Integrated Circuit）、ＦＰＧＡ（Field-Programmable Gate Array）等が用いられてもよい。 The processing circuit 160 operates based on a program stored in the storage device 150 in advance. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the processing circuit 160, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or the like may be used.
　処理回路１６０は、操作装置１０５、表示装置１０６、第１媒体センサ１１１、光源装置１１４、第１撮像装置１１５、第２媒体センサ１１７、第３媒体センサ１２０、第２撮像装置１２１、駆動装置１１６ｃ、第１モータ１３１、電磁クラッチ１３３、第２モータ１４１、第３モータ１４２、インタフェース装置１４３及び記憶装置１５０等と接続され、これらの各部を制御する。処理回路１６０は、各媒体センサから受信した各媒体信号に基づいて、各モータの駆動制御、第２撮像装置１２１の撮像制御等を行う。処理回路１６０は、第２撮像装置１２１から媒体画像を取得し、インタフェース装置１４３を介して情報処理装置に送信する。また、処理回路１６０は、第１撮像装置１１５から取得した入力画像に基づいて、ニップ部Ｎにおける媒体の先端位置を検出し、その検出結果に基づいて、分離ローラ１１３の特性値を設定する。 The processing circuit 160 includes an operating device 105, a display device 106, a first medium sensor 111, a light source device 114, a first imaging device 115, a second medium sensor 117, a third medium sensor 120, a second imaging device 121, and a drive device 116c. , the first motor 131, the electromagnetic clutch 133, the second motor 141, the third motor 142, the interface device 143, the storage device 150, etc., and controls these parts. The processing circuit 160 performs drive control of each motor, imaging control of the second imaging device 121, etc. based on each medium signal received from each medium sensor. The processing circuit 160 acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121 and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 143. Furthermore, the processing circuit 160 detects the leading edge position of the medium in the nip portion N based on the input image obtained from the first imaging device 115, and sets the characteristic value of the separation roller 113 based on the detection result.
　図６は、記憶装置１５０及び処理回路１６０の概略構成を示す図である。 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 150 and the processing circuit 160.
　図６に示すように、記憶装置１５０には、制御プログラム１５１、検出プログラム１５２及び設定プログラム１５３等が記憶される。これらの各プログラムは、プロセッサ上で動作するソフトウェアにより実装される機能モジュールである。処理回路１６０は、記憶装置１５０に記憶された各プログラムを読み取り、読み取った各プログラムに従って動作する。これにより、処理回路１６０は、制御部１６１、検出部１６２及び設定部１６３として機能する。 As shown in FIG. 6, the storage device 150 stores a control program 151, a detection program 152, a setting program 153, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuit 160 reads each program stored in the storage device 150 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the processing circuit 160 functions as a control section 161, a detection section 162, and a setting section 163.
　図７は、媒体給送装置１００の媒体読取処理の動作の例を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium feeding device 100.
　以下、図７に示したフローチャートを参照しつつ、媒体給送装置１００の媒体読取処理の動作の例を説明する。なお、以下に説明する動作のフローは、予め記憶装置１５０に記憶されているプログラムに基づき主に処理回路１６０により媒体給送装置１００の各要素と協働して実行される。 Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium feeding device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. Note that the operation flow described below is mainly executed by the processing circuit 160 in cooperation with each element of the medium feeding device 100 based on a program stored in the storage device 150 in advance.
　最初に、制御部１６１は、利用者により操作装置１０５又は情報処理装置を用いて媒体の読み取りの指示が入力されて、媒体の読み取りを指示する操作信号を操作装置１０５又はインタフェース装置１４３から受信するまで待機する（ステップＳ１０１）。 First, a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operating device 105 or the information processing device, and the control unit 161 receives an operation signal instructing to read the medium from the operating device 105 or the interface device 143. (Step S101).
　次に、制御部１６１は、第１媒体センサ１１１から第１媒体信号を取得し、取得した第１媒体信号に基づいて、載置台１０３に媒体が載置されているか否かを判定する（ステップＳ１０２）。載置台１０３に媒体が載置されていない場合、制御部１６１は、一連のステップを終了する。 Next, the control unit 161 acquires the first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 ends the series of steps.
　一方、載置台１０３に媒体が載置されている場合、処理回路１６０は、設定処理を実行する（ステップＳ１０３）。処理回路１６０は、設定処理において、ニップ部Ｎにおける媒体の先端位置を検出し、その検出結果に基づいて、分離ローラ１１３の特性値を設定する。設定処理の詳細については後述する。 On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the mounting table 103, the processing circuit 160 executes a setting process (step S103). In the setting process, the processing circuit 160 detects the position of the leading edge of the medium in the nip portion N, and sets the characteristic value of the separation roller 113 based on the detection result. Details of the setting process will be described later.
　次に、制御部１６１は、第２モータ１４１を駆動することにより、給送ローラ１１２を回転させて媒体を給送させるとともに、第１モータ１３１を駆動することにより、分離ローラ１１３を回転させて媒体を分離させる。また、制御部１６１は、第３モータ１４２を駆動することにより、第１搬送ローラ１１８、第１従動ローラ１１９、第２搬送ローラ１２２及び／又は第２従動ローラ１２３を回転させて媒体を搬送させる（ステップＳ１０４）。このとき、分離ローラ１１３は、ステップＳ１０３の設定処理で設定された特性値に従って回転しており、媒体給送装置１００は、載置台１０３に載置された媒体の先端位置に応じて分離ローラ１１３を適切に制御し、媒体を適切に分離することができる。 Next, the control unit 161 rotates the feeding roller 112 to feed the medium by driving the second motor 141, and rotates the separation roller 113 by driving the first motor 131. Separate the media. Further, the control unit 161 rotates the first conveyance roller 118, the first driven roller 119, the second conveyance roller 122, and/or the second driven roller 123 by driving the third motor 142 to convey the medium. (Step S104). At this time, the separation roller 113 is rotating according to the characteristic value set in the setting process of step S103, and the medium feeding device 100 rotates the separation roller 113 according to the leading edge position of the medium placed on the mounting table 103. can be appropriately controlled and media can be appropriately separated.
　次に、制御部１６１は、給送された媒体の先端が第１搬送ローラ１１８と第１従動ローラ１１９のニップ部を通過するまで待機する（ステップＳ１０５）。以下では、第１搬送ローラ１１８と第１従動ローラ１１９のニップ部を搬送部と称する場合がある。制御部１６１は、第３媒体センサ１２０から定期的に第３媒体信号を取得し、第３媒体信号の信号値が、媒体が存在しないことを示す値から媒体が存在することを示す値に変化したときに、媒体の先端が第３媒体センサ１２０の位置を通過したと判定する。制御部１６１は、媒体の先端が第３媒体センサ１２０の位置を通過した時に、媒体の先端が搬送部を通過したと判定する。なお、制御部１６１は、媒体の給送を開始してから予め定められた時間が経過した時に、媒体の先端が搬送部を通過したと判定してもよい。 Next, the control unit 161 waits until the leading edge of the fed medium passes through the nip between the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 (step S105). Hereinafter, the nip portion between the first conveyance roller 118 and the first driven roller 119 may be referred to as a conveyance section. The control unit 161 periodically acquires the third medium signal from the third medium sensor 120, and changes the signal value of the third medium signal from a value indicating that the medium is not present to a value indicating that the medium is present. When this happens, it is determined that the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the third medium sensor 120. When the leading edge of the medium passes the position of the third medium sensor 120, the control unit 161 determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the transport unit. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the leading edge of the medium has passed the conveyance unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.
　次に、制御部１６１は、第２撮像装置１２１に媒体の撮像を開始させる（ステップＳ１０６）。 Next, the control unit 161 causes the second imaging device 121 to start imaging the medium (step S106).
　次に、制御部１６１は、給送ローラ１１２を停止させるように、第２モータ１４１を制御する（ステップＳ１０７）。これにより、以降、媒体は第１搬送ローラ１１８及び第２搬送ローラ１２２により搬送され、給送ローラ１１２は、搬送される媒体によって連れ回る。制御部１６１は、給送ローラ１１２を停止させることにより、媒体が給送ローラ１１２によって押されて、給送ローラ１１２と第１搬送ローラ１１８の間で撓んでしまい、媒体のジャムが発生することを抑制できる。 Next, the control unit 161 controls the second motor 141 to stop the feeding roller 112 (step S107). Thereby, the medium is thereafter transported by the first transport roller 118 and the second transport roller 122, and the feeding roller 112 is rotated by the medium being transported. By stopping the feeding roller 112, the control unit 161 prevents the medium from being pushed by the feeding roller 112 and bending between the feeding roller 112 and the first conveying roller 118, resulting in a jam of the medium. can be suppressed.
　次に、制御部１６１は、第１媒体センサ１１１から受信する第１媒体信号に基づいて載置台１０３に媒体が残っているか否かを判定する（ステップＳ１０８）。 Next, the control unit 161 determines whether there is any medium remaining on the mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal received from the first medium sensor 111 (step S108).
　載置台１０３に媒体が残っている場合、制御部１６１は、給送された媒体の後端が給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎを通過するまで待機する（ステップＳ１０９）。以下では、給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎを分離部と称する場合がある。制御部１６１は、第２媒体センサ１１７から定期的に第２媒体信号を取得し、第２媒体信号の信号値が、媒体が存在することを示す値から媒体が存在しないことを示す値に変化したときに、媒体の後端が第２媒体センサ１１７の位置を通過したと判定する。制御部１６１は、媒体の後端が第２媒体センサ１１７の位置を通過した時に、媒体の後端が分離部を通過したと判定する。なお、制御部１６１は、媒体の給送を開始してから予め定められた時間が経過した時に、媒体の後端が分離部を通過したと判定してもよい。 If the medium remains on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 waits until the rear end of the fed medium passes through the nip N between the feeding roller 112 and separation roller 113 (step S109). In the following, the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 may be referred to as a separation portion. The control unit 161 periodically acquires a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 117, and changes the signal value of the second medium signal from a value indicating that a medium is present to a value indicating that a medium is not present. At this time, it is determined that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 117. When the rear end of the medium passes the position of the second medium sensor 117, the control unit 161 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the separation unit. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the separation unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.
　次に、処理回路１６０は、ステップＳ１０３の処理と同様に、設定処理を実行する（ステップＳ１１０）。 Next, the processing circuit 160 executes a setting process similar to the process in step S103 (step S110).
　次に、制御部１６１は、第２モータ１４１を駆動することにより、給送ローラ１１２を再回転させて、後続する媒体を給送させる（ステップＳ１１１）。即ち、制御部１６１は、先行する媒体の後端が分離部を通過した時、給送ローラ１１２を再回転させて、後続する媒体の給送を開始する。このとき、分離ローラ１１３は、ステップＳ１１０の設定処理で設定された特性値に従って回転しており、媒体給送装置１００は、載置台１０３に載置された媒体の先端位置に応じて分離ローラ１１３を適切に制御し、媒体を適切に分離することができる。 Next, the control unit 161 rotates the feeding roller 112 again by driving the second motor 141 to feed the following medium (step S111). That is, when the rear end of the preceding medium passes through the separating section, the control section 161 rotates the feeding roller 112 again and starts feeding the following medium. At this time, the separation roller 113 is rotating according to the characteristic value set in the setting process of step S110, and the medium feeding device 100 rotates the separation roller 113 according to the leading edge position of the medium placed on the mounting table 103. can be appropriately controlled and media can be appropriately separated.
　次に、制御部１６１は、搬送された媒体の後端が第２撮像装置１２１の撮像位置を通過するまで待機する（ステップＳ１１２）。制御部１６１は、第３媒体センサ１２０から定期的に第３媒体信号を取得し、第３媒体信号の信号値が、媒体が存在することを示す値から媒体が存在しないことを示す値に変化したときに、媒体の後端が第３媒体センサ１２０の位置を通過したと判定する。制御部１６１は、媒体の後端が第３媒体センサ１２０の位置を通過してから第１所定時間が経過した時に、媒体の後端が撮像位置を通過したと判定する。第１所定時間は、媒体が第３媒体センサ１２０から撮像位置まで移動するのに要する時間に設定される。なお、制御部１６１は、媒体の給送を開始してから予め定められた時間が経過した時に、媒体の後端が撮像位置を通過したと判定してもよい。 Next, the control unit 161 waits until the rear end of the transported medium passes the imaging position of the second imaging device 121 (step S112). The control unit 161 periodically acquires a third medium signal from the third medium sensor 120, and changes the signal value of the third medium signal from a value indicating that a medium is present to a value indicating that a medium is not present. At this time, it is determined that the rear end of the medium has passed the position of the third medium sensor 120. The control unit 161 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the medium passed the position of the third medium sensor 120 . The first predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the third medium sensor 120 to the imaging position. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the rear end of the medium has passed the imaging position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the feeding of the medium was started.
　次に、制御部１６１は、第２撮像装置１２１から媒体画像を取得し、取得した媒体画像を、インタフェース装置１４３を介して情報処理装置に送信することにより出力する（ステップＳ１１３）。 Next, the control unit 161 acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121, and outputs the acquired medium image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 143 (step S113).
　次に、制御部１６１は、ステップＳ１０５に処理を戻し、後続する媒体に対して、ステップＳ１０５以降の処理を繰り返す。 Next, the control unit 161 returns the process to step S105, and repeats the process from step S105 on the subsequent medium.
　一方、ステップＳ１０８において、載置台１０３に媒体が残っていなかった場合、制御部１６１は、ステップＳ１１２の処理と同様にして、搬送された媒体の後端が第２撮像装置１２１の撮像位置を通過するまで待機する（ステップＳ１１４）。 On the other hand, in step S108, if there is no medium remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 161 causes the rear end of the transported medium to pass through the imaging position of the second imaging device 121 in the same manner as in step S112. The process waits until the process is completed (step S114).
　次に、制御部１６１は、第２撮像装置１２１から媒体画像を取得し、取得した媒体画像を、インタフェース装置１４３を介して情報処理装置に送信することにより出力する（ステップＳ１１５）。 Next, the control unit 161 acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121, and outputs the acquired medium image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 143 (step S115).
　次に、制御部１６１は、搬送された媒体の後端が第２搬送ローラ１２２と第２従動ローラ１２３のニップ部を通過するまで待機する（ステップＳ１１６）。以下では、第２搬送ローラ１２２と第２従動ローラ１２３のニップ部を排出部と称する場合がある。制御部１６１は、媒体の後端が第３媒体センサ１２０の位置を通過してから第２所定時間が経過した時に、媒体の後端が排出部を通過したと判定する。第２所定時間は、媒体が第３媒体センサ１２０の位置から排出部の下流端まで移動するのに要する時間に設定される。なお、制御部１６１は、媒体の給送を開始してから予め定められた時間が経過した時に、媒体の後端が排出部を通過したと判定してもよい。 Next, the control unit 161 waits until the rear end of the transported medium passes through the nip between the second transport roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 (step S116). Hereinafter, the nip portion between the second conveyance roller 122 and the second driven roller 123 may be referred to as a discharge portion. The control unit 161 determines that the rear end of the medium has passed the discharge unit when a second predetermined time period has elapsed since the rear end of the medium passed the position of the third medium sensor 120 . The second predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the third medium sensor 120 to the downstream end of the discharge section. Note that the control unit 161 may determine that the trailing end of the medium has passed the discharge unit when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding the medium.
　次に、制御部１６１は、分離ローラ１１３、第１搬送ローラ１１８、第１従動ローラ１１９、第２搬送ローラ１２２及び／又は第２従動ローラ１２３を停止させるように、第２モータ１４１及び第３モータ１４２を制御する（ステップＳ１１７）。以上により、制御部１６１は、一連のステップを終了する。 Next, the control unit 161 controls the second motor 141 and the third motor to stop the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 118, the first driven roller 119, the second conveyance roller 122, and/or the second driven roller 123. The motor 142 is controlled (step S117). With the above, the control unit 161 completes the series of steps.
　図８は、設定処理の動作の例を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the setting process.
　設定処理は、図７の媒体読取処理のステップＳ１０３及びＳ１１０において実行される。 The setting process is executed in steps S103 and S110 of the medium reading process in FIG.
　最初に、検出部１６２は、第１撮像装置１１５から入力画像を取得する（ステップＳ２０１）。検出部１６２は、第１光源装置１１４ａに光を照射させ且つ第２光源装置１１４ｂを消灯させた状態で、第１撮像装置１１５に媒体を撮像させて入力画像を生成させる。なお、検出部１６２は、第１光源装置１１４ａ及び第２光源装置１１４ｂの両方に光を照射させた状態で、第１撮像装置１１５に媒体を撮像させて入力画像を生成させてもよい。 First, the detection unit 162 obtains an input image from the first imaging device 115 (step S201). The detection unit 162 causes the first imaging device 115 to image the medium and generate an input image while causing the first light source device 114a to emit light and turning off the second light source device 114b. Note that the detection unit 162 may cause the first imaging device 115 to image the medium and generate the input image in a state where both the first light source device 114a and the second light source device 114b are irradiated with light.
　図９（Ａ）、（Ｂ）、図１０（Ａ）、（Ｂ）は、それぞれ入力画像Ｐ１、Ｐ２、Ｐ３、Ｐ４の一例を示す模式図である。 FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing examples of input images P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively.
　入力画像Ｐ１～Ｐ４には、それぞれ、媒体搬送方向Ａ１が水平方向と一致し且つ幅方向Ａ２が垂直方向と一致するように、二組の給送ローラ１１２、分離ローラ１１３及びニップ部Ｎと、その間の領域とが含まれている。また、入力画像Ｐ１～Ｐ４には、それぞれ、載置台１０３に載置された媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２、Ｍ３が含まれている。媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２、Ｍ３は、下方から媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２、Ｍ３の順に載置されている。入力画像Ｐ１～Ｐ４において、位置Ｃは、ニップ部Ｎの媒体搬送方向Ａ１における中心位置であり、位置Ｆ１、Ｆ２は、それぞれ媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２の先端（下流端）位置である。 For the input images P1 to P4, two sets of feeding rollers 112, separation rollers 113, and nip portions N are provided, respectively, so that the medium conveyance direction A1 coincides with the horizontal direction and the width direction A2 coincides with the vertical direction. The area in between is included. Furthermore, the input images P1 to P4 include media M1, M2, and M3 placed on the mounting table 103, respectively. The media M1, M2, and M3 are placed in this order from the bottom. In the input images P1 to P4, position C is the center position of the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1, and positions F1 and F2 are the leading edge (downstream end) positions of the media M1 and M2, respectively.
　上記したように、設定処理は、媒体給送開始前に（図７のステップＳ１０３）、又は、先行する媒体の先端が搬送部を通過して給送ローラ１１２を停止させた後、その先行する媒体の後端が分離部を通過した時に（図７にステップＳ１１０）実行される。媒体給送開始前に、利用者が複数の媒体を載置台１０３へ載置する際に、各媒体を分離部（ニップ部Ｎ）に押し込んでしまい、各媒体の先端が分離部（ニップ部Ｎ）に進入する可能性がある。また、媒体給送開始後に、先行する媒体の後端が分離部を通過した時点で、先行する媒体に引きずられて、後続する媒体の先端が分離部（ニップ部Ｎ）に進入している可能性がある。 As described above, the setting process is performed either before the start of medium feeding (step S103 in FIG. 7) or after the leading edge of the preceding medium passes through the conveyance section and stops the feeding roller 112. This is executed when the trailing end of the medium passes through the separating section (step S110 in FIG. 7). Before the start of medium feeding, when the user places multiple media on the mounting table 103, each medium is pushed into the separation part (nip part N), and the leading edge of each medium is stuck in the separation part (nip part N). ) may enter. In addition, after the start of medium feeding, when the rear end of the preceding medium passes through the separating section, the leading edge of the following medium may enter the separating section (nip N) being dragged by the preceding medium. There is sex.
　入力画像Ｐ１では、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１は中心位置Ｃより上流側に位置しており、且つ、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１と媒体Ｍ２の先端位置Ｆ２との間の媒体間距離Ｌは十分に大きい。この場合、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２に付与される時間が十分に長く、且つ、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１の先端と媒体Ｍ２の先端とに別個に付与される。そのため、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２は良好に分離される可能性が高い。 In the input image P1, the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is sufficient. big. In this case, the time during which the separating roller 113 applies the separating force to the media M1 and M2 is sufficiently long, and the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied separately to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the medium M1 and the medium M2 will be separated well.
　入力画像Ｐ２では、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１は中心位置Ｃより上流側に位置しており、且つ、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１と媒体Ｍ２の先端位置Ｆ２との間の媒体間距離Ｌは小さい。この場合、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２に付与される時間が十分に長いが、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１の先端と媒体Ｍ２の先端とに一体的に付与される。そのため、入力画像Ｐ１に示す状態と比較して、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２は分離されにくくなる。 In the input image P2, the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is small. In this case, although the time during which the separating roller 113 applies the separating force to the media M1 and M2 is sufficiently long, the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied integrally to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2. Therefore, compared to the state shown in the input image P1, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are difficult to separate.
　入力画像Ｐ３では、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１は中心位置Ｃより下流側に位置しており、且つ、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１と媒体Ｍ２の先端位置Ｆ２との間の媒体間距離Ｌは十分に大きい。この場合、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１の先端と媒体Ｍ２の先端とに別個に付与されるが、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２に付与される時間は短い。そのため、入力画像Ｐ１に示す状態と比較して、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２は分離されにくくなる。但し、この場合、入力画像Ｐ２に示す状態より、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２は分離されやすい。 In the input image P3, the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located downstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is sufficient. big. In this case, the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied separately to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2, but the time during which the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied to the media M1 and M2 is short. Therefore, compared to the state shown in the input image P1, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are difficult to separate. However, in this case, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are more easily separated than in the state shown in the input image P2.
　入力画像Ｐ４では、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１は中心位置Ｃより下流側に位置しており、且つ、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１と媒体Ｍ２の先端位置Ｆ２との間の媒体間距離Ｌは小さい。この場合、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２に付与される時間が短く、且つ、分離ローラ１１３による分離力が媒体Ｍ１の先端と媒体Ｍ２の先端とに一体的に付与される。そのため、入力画像Ｐ１～Ｐ３に示す状態と比較して、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２は分離されにくくなる。 In the input image P4, the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located downstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance L between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is small. In this case, the time during which the separating roller 113 applies the separating force to the media M1 and M2 is short, and the separating force by the separating roller 113 is applied integrally to the leading edge of the medium M1 and the leading edge of the medium M2. Therefore, compared to the states shown in the input images P1 to P3, the medium M1 and the medium M2 are less likely to be separated.
　次に、検出部１６２は、給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎにおける媒体の先端位置を検出する（ステップＳ２０２）。検出部１６２は、取得した入力画像に基づいて、ニップ部Ｎにおける、先行する媒体（次に給送されるべき媒体）の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体（二番目に給送されるべき媒体）の先端位置とを検出する。 Next, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the medium at the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 (step S202). Based on the acquired input image, the detection unit 162 determines the leading edge position of the preceding medium (the medium to be fed next) and the medium next to the preceding medium (the medium to be fed second) in the nip portion N. Detect the position of the tip of the medium).
　媒体給送装置１００は、入力画像における、二組の給送ローラ１１２、分離ローラ１１３及びニップ部Ｎの位置と、各ニップ部Ｎ内の媒体搬送方向Ａ１における所定位置とを予め記憶装置１５０に記憶しておく。所定位置は、例えばニップ部Ｎの媒体搬送方向Ａ１における中心位置Ｃである。所定位置は、ニップ部Ｎ内の他の任意の位置でもよい。 The medium feeding device 100 stores in advance in the storage device 150 the positions of the two sets of feeding rollers 112, separation rollers 113, and nip portions N in the input image, and predetermined positions in the medium conveyance direction A1 within each nip portion N. Remember it. The predetermined position is, for example, the center position C of the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1. The predetermined position may be any other position within the nip portion N.
　検出部１６２は、入力画像内で、幅方向Ａ２（垂直方向）における二つのニップ部Ｎの間の特定の位置において、下流端（左端）から順に、各画素の媒体搬送方向Ａ１（水平方向）の左隣の画素の階調値から右隣の画素の階調値を減じた差を算出する。以下では、この差を隣接差分値と称する場合がある。検出部１６２は、隣接差分値が階調閾値を越える画素をエッジ画素として検出する。階調値は、輝度値又は色値（Ｒ値、Ｇ値又はＢ値）等である。階調閾値は、例えば、人が画像上の輝度の違いを目視により判別可能な輝度値の差（例えば20）に設定される。即ち、検出部１６２は、下端側から見ていき、輝度値が高い値（白色に近い色）から低い値（黒色に近い色）に変化する画素をエッジ画素として検出する。検出部１６２は、最初に検出されたエッジ画素、即ち最も下流側に位置するエッジ画素の媒体搬送方向Ａ１における位置を、先行する媒体の先端位置として検出する。また、検出部１６２は、二番目に検出されたエッジ画素、即ち下流側から二番目に位置するエッジ画素の媒体搬送方向Ａ１における位置を、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置として検出する。 The detection unit 162 detects each pixel in the medium conveyance direction A1 (horizontal direction) in order from the downstream end (left end) at a specific position between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2 (vertical direction) in the input image. The difference is calculated by subtracting the gradation value of the pixel on the right from the gradation value of the pixel on the left. Below, this difference may be referred to as an adjacent difference value. The detection unit 162 detects pixels whose adjacent difference values exceed the gradation threshold as edge pixels. The gradation value is a brightness value, a color value (R value, G value, or B value), or the like. The gradation threshold is set, for example, to a difference in brightness value (for example, 20) that allows a person to visually distinguish a difference in brightness on an image. That is, the detection unit 162 starts from the lower end and detects pixels whose luminance value changes from a high value (color close to white) to a low value (color close to black) as edge pixels. The detection unit 162 detects the position of the first detected edge pixel, that is, the most downstream edge pixel, in the medium transport direction A1, as the leading edge position of the preceding medium. Furthermore, the detection unit 162 detects the position of the second detected edge pixel, that is, the second edge pixel located from the downstream side, in the medium conveyance direction A1, as the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium.
　なお、検出部１６２は、入力画像内の各画素から媒体搬送方向Ａ１方向に所定距離だけ離れた二つの画素の階調値の差を隣接差分値として算出してもよい。また、検出部１６２は、入力画像内の各画素の階調値を閾値と比較することによりエッジ画素を検出してもよい。例えば、検出部１６２は、特定の画素の階調値が閾値以上であり、その特定の画素に対して上流側に隣接する画素又は所定距離だけ離れた画素の階調値が閾値未満である場合、その特定の画素をエッジ画素として検出する。 Note that the detection unit 162 may calculate the difference in gradation values of two pixels separated by a predetermined distance in the medium transport direction A1 from each pixel in the input image as an adjacent difference value. Further, the detection unit 162 may detect edge pixels by comparing the tone value of each pixel in the input image with a threshold value. For example, when the gradation value of a specific pixel is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the gradation value of a pixel adjacent to the specific pixel on the upstream side or a pixel separated by a predetermined distance from the specific pixel is less than the threshold value, the detection unit 162 detects , detect that specific pixel as an edge pixel.
　次に、検出部１６２は、ニップ部Ｎ内で検出部１６２により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離を検出する（ステップＳ２０３）。検出部１６２は、入力画像内で検出された、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の画素数を算出する。媒体給送装置１００は、入力画像の解像度毎に、画像内の画素数と実際の距離との関係を示すテーブルを記憶装置１５０に予め設定しておく。検出部１６２は、記憶装置１５０に予め設定されたテーブルを参照し、入力画像の解像度に基づいて、算出した画素数に対応する、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の実際の距離を特定する。 Next, the detecting unit 162 detects the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detecting unit 162 in the nip portion N and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium (step S203). The detection unit 162 calculates the number of pixels detected in the input image between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium. The medium feeding device 100 presets in the storage device 150 a table showing the relationship between the number of pixels in the image and the actual distance for each resolution of the input image. The detection unit 162 refers to a table preset in the storage device 150, and based on the resolution of the input image, determines the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the position of the next medium after the preceding medium, which corresponds to the calculated number of pixels. Determine the actual distance between the tip location and the tip location.
　次に、検出部１６２は、先行する媒体の先端位置がニップ部Ｎ内の所定位置より媒体搬送方向Ａ１の下流側に位置するか否かを判定する（ステップＳ２０４）。 Next, the detection unit 162 determines whether the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream in the medium conveyance direction A1 from a predetermined position within the nip portion N (step S204).
　先行する媒体の先端位置が所定位置より下流側に位置しない場合、即ち上流側に位置する場合、検出部１６２は、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上であるか否かを判定する（ステップＳ２０５）。閾値は、様々な種類の媒体を給送する事前の実験において媒体の重送が発生した時の媒体間距離の最大値又は平均値等に予め設定される。 If the leading edge position of the preceding medium is not located downstream of the predetermined position, that is, if it is located upstream, the detection unit 162 detects the difference between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium. It is determined whether the inter-medium distance between the media is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S205). The threshold value is preset to the maximum value, average value, or the like of the distance between media when double feeding of media occurs in a preliminary experiment in which various types of media are fed.
　先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上である場合、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第１リミット値に設定し（ステップＳ２０６）、一連のステップを終了する。設定部１６３は、第２ギア１３２ｂと第１トルクリミッタ１３４ａの間の動力を連結させるように第１電磁クラッチ１３３ａを設定し、且つ、他のギアと他のトルクリミッタの間の動力を切り離すように他の電磁クラッチを設定する。これにより、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第１リミット値に設定し、分離ローラ１１３が媒体に付与する負荷成分を第１リミット値に制限する。 When the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the first limit. value (step S206), and the series of steps ends. The setting unit 163 sets the first electromagnetic clutch 133a to connect the power between the second gear 132b and the first torque limiter 134a, and to disconnect the power between the other gear and the other torque limiter. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the first limit value, and limits the load component applied to the medium by the separation roller 113 to the first limit value.
　設定部１６３は、入力画像Ｐ１に示すように、先行する媒体の先端位置Ｆ１が所定位置より媒体搬送方向Ａ１の上流側に位置し且つ媒体間距離Ｌが閾値以上である場合、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第１リミット値に設定する。設定部１６３は、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２が良好に分離される可能性が高い場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を十分に小さい第１リミット値に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３により媒体が挟まれる力が大きくなりすぎてしまい、媒体のジャムが発生することを抑制できる。 As shown in the input image P1, the setting unit 163 causes the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a first limit value. The setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a sufficiently small first limit value when there is a high possibility that the medium M1 and the medium M2 will be separated well. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can suppress the occurrence of jamming of the medium due to an excessively large force with which the medium is sandwiched between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113.
　一方、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値未満である場合、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第２リミット値に設定し（ステップＳ２０７）、一連のステップを終了する。設定部１６３は、第３ギア１３２ｃと第２トルクリミッタ１３４ｂの間の動力を連結させるように第２電磁クラッチ１３３ｂを設定し、且つ、他のギアと他のトルクリミッタの間の動力を切り離すように他の電磁クラッチを設定する。これにより、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第２リミット値に設定する。 On the other hand, if the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium is less than the threshold value, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the maximum value. 2 limit value is set (step S207), and the series of steps ends. The setting unit 163 sets the second electromagnetic clutch 133b to connect the power between the third gear 132c and the second torque limiter 134b, and to disconnect the power between other gears and other torque limiters. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the second limit value.
　設定部１６３は、入力画像Ｐ２に示すように、先行する媒体の先端位置Ｆ１が所定位置より媒体搬送方向Ａ１の上流側に位置し且つ媒体間距離Ｌが閾値未満である場合、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第２リミット値に設定する。設定部１６３は、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２が分離されにくい場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第１リミット値より大きい第２リミット値に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３による分離力を増大させて、媒体の重送が発生することを抑制できる。 As shown in the input image P2, the setting unit 163 sets the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a second limit value. The setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a second limit value that is larger than the first limit value when the medium M1 and the medium M2 are difficult to separate. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can increase the separation force exerted by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　ステップＳ２０４において、先行する媒体の先端位置が所定位置より下流側に位置していた場合、検出部１６２は、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上であるか否かを判定する（ステップＳ２０８）。 In step S204, if the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream of the predetermined position, the detection unit 162 detects a difference between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium. It is determined whether the inter-medium distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S208).
　先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上である場合、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第３リミット値に設定し（ステップＳ２０９）、一連のステップを終了する。設定部１６３は、第４ギア１３２ｄと第３トルクリミッタ１３４ｃの間の動力を連結させるように第３電磁クラッチ１３３ｃを設定し、且つ、他のギアと他のトルクリミッタの間の動力を切り離すように他の電磁クラッチを設定する。これにより、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第３リミット値に設定する。 If the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the third limit. value (step S209), and the series of steps ends. The setting unit 163 sets the third electromagnetic clutch 133c to connect the power between the fourth gear 132d and the third torque limiter 134c, and to disconnect the power between other gears and other torque limiters. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the third limit value.
　設定部１６３は、入力画像Ｐ３に示すように、先行する媒体の先端位置Ｆ１が所定位置より媒体搬送方向Ａ１の下流側に位置し且つ媒体間距離Ｌが閾値以上である場合、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第３リミット値に設定する。設定部１６３は、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２が少し分離されにくい場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第１トルク値より大きく且つ第２トルク値より小さい第３リミット値に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３による分離力を少しだけ増大させて、媒体のジャムが発生することを抑制しつつ、媒体の重送が発生することを抑制できる。 As shown in the input image P3, the setting unit 163 causes the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a third limit value. When the medium M1 and the medium M2 are slightly difficult to separate, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a third limit value that is larger than the first torque value and smaller than the second torque value. As a result, the medium feeding device 100 slightly increases the separation force exerted by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium and the occurrence of double feeding of the medium. can.
　先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値未満である場合、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第４リミット値に設定し（ステップＳ２１０）、一連のステップを終了する。設定部１６３は、第５ギア１３２ｅと第４トルクリミッタ１３４ｄの間の動力を連結させるように第４電磁クラッチ１３３ｄを設定し、且つ、他のギアと他のトルクリミッタの間の動力を切り離すように他の電磁クラッチを設定する。これにより、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第４リミット値に設定する。 If the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium is less than the threshold value, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the fourth limit. value (step S210), and the series of steps ends. The setting unit 163 sets the fourth electromagnetic clutch 133d to connect the power between the fifth gear 132e and the fourth torque limiter 134d, and to disconnect the power between other gears and other torque limiters. Set other electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to the fourth limit value.
　設定部１６３は、入力画像Ｐ４に示すように、先行する媒体の先端位置Ｆ１が所定位置より媒体搬送方向Ａ１の下流側に位置し且つ媒体間距離Ｌが閾値以上である場合、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第４リミット値に設定する。設定部１６３は、媒体Ｍ１と媒体Ｍ２が極度に分離されにくい場合に、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を第１リミット値、第２リミット値及び第３リミット値より大きい第４リミット値に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３による分離力を極度に増大させて、媒体の重送が発生することを抑制できる。 As shown in the input image P4, the setting unit 163 sets the separation roller 113 to This torque limit value is set as a fourth limit value. The setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to a fourth limit value that is larger than the first limit value, the second limit value, and the third limit value when the medium M1 and the medium M2 are extremely difficult to separate. Set. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can extremely increase the separation force exerted by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　このように、設定部１６３は、ニップ部Ｎ内で検出部１６２により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離に応じて、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を変更する。また、設定部１６３は、検出部１６２により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置Ｆ１が所定位置より媒体搬送方向Ａ１の下流側に位置するか否かに応じて、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を変更する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、媒体のジャムが発生することを抑制しつつ、媒体の重送が発生することを抑制できる。 In this way, the setting unit 163 sets the setting unit 163 according to the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detecting unit 162 in the nip portion N and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium. The limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 is changed. Further, the setting unit 163 sets a limit on the torque applied to the separation roller 113 depending on whether the leading edge position F1 of the preceding medium detected by the detection unit 162 is located downstream of the predetermined position in the medium conveyance direction A1. Change the value. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media while suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium.
　また、設定処理は、給送ローラ１１２の回転を開始する（図７のステップＳ１０５、Ｓ１１１）直前に実行される。即ち、検出部１６２は、給送ローラ１１２の回転を開始する直前に、媒体の先端位置を検出し、設定部１６３は、その検出結果に応じて、分離ローラ１１３の特性を設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、給送開始直前における載置台１０３上の媒体の状態に応じて、分離ローラ１１３の特性を適切に変更することができ、媒体を良好に分離することができる。 Further, the setting process is executed immediately before the feeding roller 112 starts rotating (steps S105 and S111 in FIG. 7). That is, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the medium immediately before the feeding roller 112 starts rotating, and the setting unit 163 sets the characteristics of the separation roller 113 according to the detection result. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can appropriately change the characteristics of the separation roller 113 according to the state of the medium on the mounting table 103 immediately before the start of feeding, and can separate the medium well. .
　なお、ステップＳ２０４、Ｓ２０８～Ｓ２１０の処理が省略され、設定部１６３は、先行する媒体の先端位置Ｆ１に関わらず、媒体間距離のみに応じて、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を変更してもよい。また、ステップＳ２０５、Ｓ２０７、Ｓ２０８、Ｓ２１０の処理が省略され、設定部１６３は、媒体間距離に関わらず、先行する媒体の先端位置Ｆ１のみに応じて、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を変更してもよい。 Note that the processes in steps S204 and S208 to S210 are omitted, and the setting unit 163 changes the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 only according to the inter-medium distance, regardless of the leading edge position F1 of the preceding medium. It's okay. Further, the processes of steps S205, S207, S208, and S210 are omitted, and the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 only according to the leading edge position F1 of the preceding medium, regardless of the distance between the media. May be changed.
　また、検出部１６２は、入力画像以外の情報を用いて、ニップ部Ｎにおける各媒体の先端位置を検出してもよい。その場合、媒体給送装置１００は、光源装置１１４及び第１撮像装置１１５の代わりに、媒体の重なりを検出するための複数の重なりセンサを有する。複数の重なりセンサは、幅方向Ａ２において二組の給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３の各ニップ部Ｎの間に配置される。また、複数の重なりセンサは、幅方向Ａ２から見てニップ部Ｎと重なる位置に、即ち媒体搬送方向Ａ１においてニップ部Ｎと重なる位置に、間隔を空けて並べて配置される。 Furthermore, the detection unit 162 may detect the leading edge position of each medium in the nip portion N using information other than the input image. In that case, the medium feeding device 100 includes a plurality of overlap sensors for detecting overlapping of media instead of the light source device 114 and the first imaging device 115. The plurality of overlap sensors are arranged between each nip portion N of the two sets of feeding rollers 112 and separation rollers 113 in the width direction A2. Further, the plurality of overlap sensors are arranged side by side at intervals at positions overlapping with the nip portion N when viewed from the width direction A2, that is, at positions overlapping with the nip portion N in the medium conveyance direction A1.
　重なりセンサは、例えば超音波センサである。各超音波センサは、超音波発信器及び超音波受信器を含む。各超音波発信器及び各超音波受信器は、媒体の搬送路の近傍に、搬送路を挟んで対向して配置される。超音波発信器は、超音波を発信する。一方、超音波受信器は、超音波発信器により発信され、媒体を通過した超音波を受信し、受信した超音波に応じた電気信号である超音波信号を生成して出力する。媒体が存在する位置では、超音波センサにより発信された超音波がその媒体によって減衰するため、超音波信号の信号値が低下する。また、媒体の重なりが発生している位置では、超音波センサにより発信された超音波が複数の媒体の間の空気層で減衰するため、超音波信号の信号値がさらに低下する。 The overlap sensor is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor. Each ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver. Each ultrasonic transmitter and each ultrasonic receiver are arranged in the vicinity of the medium transport path, facing each other across the transport path. The ultrasonic transmitter emits ultrasonic waves. On the other hand, an ultrasonic receiver receives ultrasonic waves transmitted by an ultrasonic transmitter and passed through a medium, and generates and outputs an ultrasonic signal that is an electric signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves. At a position where a medium is present, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor are attenuated by the medium, so that the signal value of the ultrasonic signal decreases. Further, at a position where the media overlap, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor are attenuated by the air layer between the plurality of media, so that the signal value of the ultrasonic signal further decreases.
　この場合、ステップＳ２０１において、検出部１６２は、各超音波センサから超音波信号を取得する。ステップＳ２０２において、検出部１６２は、各超音波センサが出力した超音波信号の信号値が第１超音波閾値以下であるか否かと、第１超音波閾値より小さい第２超音波閾値以下であるか否かと、を判定する。第１超音波閾値は、例えば媒体が存在しない場合に検出される超音波信号の信号値と、一枚のＰＰＣ用紙が存在する場合に検出される超音波信号の信号値との間の値に設定される。第２超音波閾値は、一枚のＰＰＣ用紙が存在する場合に検出される超音波信号の信号値と、二枚のＰＰＣ用紙が搬送された場合に検出される透過情報との間の値に設定される。 In this case, in step S201, the detection unit 162 acquires ultrasonic signals from each ultrasonic sensor. In step S202, the detection unit 162 determines whether the signal value of the ultrasonic signal outputted by each ultrasonic sensor is below a first ultrasonic threshold and whether it is below a second ultrasonic threshold which is smaller than the first ultrasonic threshold. Determine whether or not. The first ultrasonic threshold is, for example, a value between the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when no medium is present and the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when a single sheet of PPC paper is present. Set. The second ultrasonic threshold is a value between the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when one sheet of PPC paper is present and the transmission information detected when two sheets of PPC paper are conveyed. Set.
　検出部１６２は、出力する超音波信号の信号値が第１超音波閾値以下である超音波センサのうち、最も下流側に存在する超音波センサの位置を、先行する媒体の先端位置として検出する。また、検出部１６２は、出力する超音波信号の信号値が第２超音波閾値以下である超音波センサのうち、最も下流側に存在する超音波センサの位置を、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置として検出する。 The detection unit 162 detects the position of the most downstream ultrasonic sensor among the ultrasonic sensors whose output ultrasonic signal value is equal to or less than the first ultrasonic threshold value, as the leading edge position of the preceding medium. . In addition, the detection unit 162 detects the position of the ultrasonic sensor that is located on the most downstream side among the ultrasonic sensors whose signal value of the output ultrasonic signal is equal to or lower than the second ultrasonic threshold, and determines the position of the ultrasonic sensor that is located on the next medium of the preceding medium. Detected as the tip position of
　重なりセンサは、厚さセンサでもよい。各厚さセンサは、発光器及び受光器を含む。各発光器及び各受光器は、媒体の搬送路の近傍に、搬送路を挟んで対向して配置される。発光器は、受光器に向けて光（赤外光又は可視光）を照射する。一方、受光器は、発光器により照射された光を受光し、受光した光の強度に応じた電気信号である厚さ信号を生成して出力する。厚さセンサの位置に媒体が存在する場合、発光器により照射された光はその媒体により減衰し、媒体の厚さが大きい程、その減衰量は大きくなる。例えば、厚さセンサは、媒体の厚さが大きい程、信号値が大きくなるように厚さ信号を生成する。 The overlap sensor may be a thickness sensor. Each thickness sensor includes a light emitter and a light receiver. Each light emitter and each light receiver are arranged in the vicinity of the medium transport path, facing each other across the transport path. The light emitter emits light (infrared light or visible light) toward the light receiver. On the other hand, the light receiver receives the light emitted by the light emitter, generates and outputs a thickness signal that is an electrical signal according to the intensity of the received light. If a medium is present at the location of the thickness sensor, the light emitted by the light emitter will be attenuated by the medium, and the greater the thickness of the medium, the greater the amount of attenuation. For example, a thickness sensor generates a thickness signal such that the greater the thickness of the medium, the greater the signal value.
　なお、厚さセンサとして、反射光センサ、圧力センサ又は機械式センサが用いられてもよい。反射光センサは、媒体の搬送路に対して一方の側に設けられた発光器及び受光器のペアと、他方の側に設けられた発光器及び受光器のペアとを含む。反射光センサは、一方のペアが媒体の一方の面に光を照射してから反射光を受光するまでの時間と、他方のペアが媒体の他方の面に光を照射してから反射光を受光するまでの時間とから、各ペアと媒体の各面までの距離を検出する。反射光センサは、二つのペアの間の距離から、検出した各距離を減算した減算値を示す厚さ信号を生成する。圧力センサは、媒体の厚さに応じて変化する圧力を検出し、検出した圧力を示す厚さ信号を生成する。機械式センサは、媒体に接するローラの移動量を検出し、検出した移動量を示す厚さ信号を生成する。 Note that a reflected light sensor, a pressure sensor, or a mechanical sensor may be used as the thickness sensor. The reflected light sensor includes a pair of a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side with respect to a medium transport path, and a pair of a light emitter and a light receiver provided on the other side. Reflected light sensors measure the time from when one pair irradiates light to one side of the medium until the reflected light is received, and the time from when the other pair irradiates light to the other side of the medium until the reflected light is received. The distance between each pair and each surface of the medium is detected based on the time until light is received. The reflected light sensor generates a thickness signal that represents the distance between the two pairs minus each detected distance. A pressure sensor detects a pressure that varies depending on the thickness of the medium and generates a thickness signal indicative of the detected pressure. The mechanical sensor detects the amount of movement of the roller in contact with the media and generates a thickness signal indicative of the detected amount of movement.
　この場合、ステップＳ２０１において、検出部１６２は、各厚さセンサから厚さ信号を取得する。ステップＳ２０２において、検出部１６２は、各厚さセンサが出力した厚さ信号の信号値が第１厚さ閾値以上であるか否かと、第１厚さ閾値より大きい第２厚さ閾値以下であるか否かと、を判定する。第１厚さ閾値は、例えば媒体が存在しない場合に検出される厚さ信号の信号値と、一枚のＰＰＣ用紙が存在する場合に検出される厚さ信号の信号値との間の値に設定される。第２厚さ閾値は、一枚のＰＰＣ用紙が存在する場合に検出される超音波信号の信号値と、二枚のＰＰＣ用紙が搬送された場合に検出される透過情報との間の値に設定される。 In this case, in step S201, the detection unit 162 acquires a thickness signal from each thickness sensor. In step S202, the detection unit 162 determines whether the signal value of the thickness signal output by each thickness sensor is greater than or equal to the first thickness threshold, and whether it is less than or equal to a second thickness threshold that is greater than the first thickness threshold. Determine whether or not. The first thickness threshold value is, for example, a value between the signal value of the thickness signal detected when no medium is present and the signal value of the thickness signal detected when one sheet of PPC paper is present. Set. The second thickness threshold is a value between the signal value of the ultrasonic signal detected when one sheet of PPC paper is present and the transmission information detected when two sheets of PPC paper are conveyed. Set.
　検出部１６２は、出力する厚さ信号の信号値が第１厚さ閾値以上である厚さセンサのうち、最も下流側に存在する厚さセンサの位置を、先行する媒体の先端位置として検出する。また、検出部１６２は、出力する厚さ信号の信号値が第２厚さ閾値以下である厚さセンサのうち、最も下流側に存在する厚さセンサの位置を、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置として検出する。 The detection unit 162 detects, as the leading edge position of the preceding medium, the position of the thickness sensor located on the most downstream side among the thickness sensors whose signal value of the output thickness signal is equal to or greater than the first thickness threshold value. . In addition, the detection unit 162 detects the position of the thickness sensor that is located on the most downstream side among the thickness sensors whose signal value of the output thickness signal is equal to or less than the second thickness threshold value, and determines the position of the thickness sensor that is located on the next medium of the preceding medium. Detected as the tip position of
　また、ステップＳ２０６、Ｓ２０７、Ｓ２０９及びＳ２１０において、設定部１６３は、トルクリミッタを変更することに代えて、第１モータ１３１のトルクを変更することにより、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクを変更してもよい。 Furthermore, in steps S206, S207, S209, and S210, the setting unit 163 may change the torque applied to the separation roller 113 by changing the torque of the first motor 131 instead of changing the torque limiter. good.
　その場合、ステップＳ２０６、Ｓ２０７、Ｓ２０９、Ｓ２１０において、設定部１６３は、第１～第４電磁クラッチ１３３ａ～ｄを変更することに代えて、第１モータ１３１のトルクを変更することにより、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を変更する。ステップＳ２０６において、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第１トルク値となるように、即ち分離ローラ１１３に連結しているトルクリミッタのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第１リミット値となるように、第１モータ１３１のトルクを設定する。ステップＳ２０７において、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第２トルク値となるように、即ち分離ローラ１１３に連結しているトルクリミッタのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第２リミット値となるように、第１モータ１３１のトルクを設定する。ステップＳ２０９において、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第３トルク値となるように、即ち分離ローラ１１３に連結しているトルクリミッタのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第３リミット値となるように、第１モータ１３１のトルクを設定する。ステップＳ２１０において、設定部１６３は、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値が第４トルク値となるように、即ち分離ローラ１１３に連結しているトルクリミッタのリミット値と第１モータ１３１のトルクの合計が第４リミット値となるように、第１モータ１３１のトルクを設定する。 In that case, in steps S206, S207, S209, and S210, the setting unit 163 changes the torque of the first motor 131 instead of changing the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d. The torque limit value applied to 113 is changed. In step S206, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the first torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131. The torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the first limit value. In step S207, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the second torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131. The torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the second limit value. In step S209, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the third torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131. The torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the third limit value. In step S210, the setting unit 163 sets the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 to be the fourth torque value, that is, the limit value of the torque limiter connected to the separation roller 113 and the torque of the first motor 131. The torque of the first motor 131 is set so that the total becomes the fourth limit value.
　設定部１６３は、第１モータ１３１に供給される電力（電流）量を各トルクに対応する電力（電流）量に設定することにより、第１モータ１３１のトルクを変更する。 The setting unit 163 changes the torque of the first motor 131 by setting the amount of power (current) supplied to the first motor 131 to the amount of power (current) corresponding to each torque.
　以上詳述したように、媒体給送装置１００は、給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎにおける先行する媒体の先端位置と、次の媒体の先端位置との間の距離に応じて分離ローラ１１３の特性値であるトルク値を変更する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、載置台１０３に載置されている媒体の給送状態（分離状態）に応じて、分離ローラ１１３による分離力を適切に変更することができ、媒体のジャムの発生を抑制しつつ、媒体の重送の発生を抑制することができる。したがって、媒体給送装置１００は、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することが可能となった。 As described in detail above, the medium feeding device 100 separates the medium according to the distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium at the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The torque value, which is a characteristic value of the roller 113, is changed. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can appropriately change the separation force of the separation roller 113 according to the feeding state (separation state) of the medium placed on the mounting table 103, and prevent media from jamming. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media while suppressing the occurrence of this. Therefore, the medium feeding apparatus 100 can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　図１１は、設定処理の動作の他の例を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the setting process.
　図１１に示したフローチャートは、図８に示したフローチャートの代わりに実行される。図１１のステップＳ３０１～Ｓ３０５、Ｓ３０８の処理は、図８のステップＳ２０１～Ｓ２０５、Ｓ２０８の処理と同様であるため説明を省略し、以下ではステップＳ３０６～Ｓ３０７、Ｓ３０９～Ｓ３１０についてのみ説明する。 The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. The processing in steps S301 to S305 and S308 in FIG. 11 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to S205 and S208 in FIG. 8, so the explanation will be omitted, and only steps S306 to S307 and S309 to S310 will be explained below.
　ステップＳ３０６において、設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６により分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を第１押圧力に設定し（ステップＳ３０６）、一連のステップを終了する。第１押圧力は、十分に大きい値に設定される。設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６による押圧力が第１押圧力となるように、押圧機構１１６の駆動装置１１６ｃを制御する。押圧機構１１６により分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力は、分離ローラ１１３の特性値の一例である。 In step S306, the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the first pressing force (step S306), and ends the series of steps. The first pressing force is set to a sufficiently large value. The setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the first pressing force. The pressing force with which the pressing mechanism 116 presses the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 is an example of a characteristic value of the separation roller 113.
　このように、設定部１６３は、先行する媒体の先端位置がニップ部Ｎ内の所定位置より上流側に位置し、且つ、先行する媒体の先端位置と次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上である場合、押圧機構１１６による押圧力を第１押圧力に設定する。設定部１６３は、複数の媒体が良好に分離される可能性が高い場合に、分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を十分に大きい第１押圧力に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、給送ローラ１１２及び分離ローラ１１３により媒体をしっかりと挟み込み、媒体のジャムの発生を抑制することができる。 In this way, the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located upstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the position of the leading edge of the medium between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. If the distance is equal to or greater than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the first pressing force. The setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 to a sufficiently large first pressing force when there is a high possibility that the plurality of media will be separated satisfactorily. As a result, the medium feeding device 100 can firmly sandwich the medium between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium.
　ステップＳ３０７において、設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６により分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を第２押圧力に設定し（ステップＳ３０７）、一連のステップを終了する。第２押圧力は、第１押圧力より小さい値に設定される。設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６による押圧力が第２押圧力となるように、押圧機構１１６の駆動装置１１６ｃを制御する。 In step S307, the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separating roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the second pressing force (step S307), and ends the series of steps. The second pressing force is set to a smaller value than the first pressing force. The setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the second pressing force.
　このように、設定部１６３は、先行する媒体の先端位置がニップ部Ｎ内の所定位置より上流側に位置し、且つ、先行する媒体の先端位置と次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値未満である場合、押圧機構１１６による押圧力を第２押圧力に設定する。設定部１６３は、複数の媒体が分離されにくい場合に、分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を第１押圧力より小さい第２押圧力に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、分離ローラ１１３によって媒体を載置台１０３側に戻しやすくして、媒体の重送の発生を抑制することができる。 In this way, the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located upstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the position of the leading edge of the medium between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. If the distance is less than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the second pressing force. The setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 to a second pressing force that is smaller than the first pressing force when the plurality of media are difficult to separate. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can easily return the medium to the mounting table 103 side by the separation roller 113, and can suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　ステップＳ３０９において、設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６により分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を第３押圧力に設定し（ステップＳ３０９）、一連のステップを終了する。第３押圧力は、第１押圧力より小さく且つ第２押圧力より大きい値に設定される。設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６による押圧力が第３押圧力となるように、押圧機構１１６の駆動装置１１６ｃを制御する。 In step S309, the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the third pressing force (step S309), and ends the series of steps. The third pressing force is set to a value smaller than the first pressing force and larger than the second pressing force. The setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the third pressing force.
　このように、設定部１６３は、先行する媒体の先端位置がニップ部Ｎ内の所定位置より下流側に位置し、且つ、先行する媒体の先端位置と次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上である場合、押圧機構１１６による押圧力を第３押圧力に設定する。設定部１６３は、複数の媒体が少し分離されにくい場合に、分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を第１押圧力より小さく且つ第２押圧力より大きい第３押圧力に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、分離ローラ１１３によって媒体を載置台１０３側に少し戻しやすくして、媒体のジャムの発生を抑制しつつ、媒体の重送の発生を抑制することができる。 In this way, the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the position of the leading edge of the medium between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. If the distance is equal to or greater than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the third pressing force. The setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separating roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side to a third pressing force that is smaller than the first pressing force and larger than the second pressing force when the plurality of media are slightly difficult to separate. do. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can make it easier to return the medium to the mounting table 103 side by the separation roller 113, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a jam of the medium and the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　ステップＳ３１０において、設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６により分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を第４押圧力に設定し（ステップＳ３１０）、一連のステップを終了する。第４押圧力は、第２押圧力より小さい値に設定される。設定部１６３は、押圧機構１１６による押圧力が第４押圧力となるように、押圧機構１１６の駆動装置１１６ｃを制御する。 In step S310, the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side by the pressing mechanism 116 as the fourth pressing force (step S310), and ends the series of steps. The fourth pressing force is set to a smaller value than the second pressing force. The setting unit 163 controls the drive device 116c of the pressing mechanism 116 so that the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 becomes the fourth pressing force.
　このように、設定部１６３は、先行する媒体の先端位置がニップ部Ｎ内の所定位置より下流側に位置し、且つ、先行する媒体の先端位置と次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値未満である場合、押圧機構１１６による押圧力を第４押圧力に設定する。設定部１６３は、複数の媒体が極度に分離されにくい場合に、分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を第１押圧力、第２押圧力及び第３押圧力より小さい第４押圧力に設定する。これにより、媒体給送装置１００は、分離ローラ１１３によって媒体を載置台１０３側に極度に戻しやすくして、媒体の重送の発生を抑制することができる。 In this way, the setting unit 163 is configured such that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream of a predetermined position within the nip portion N, and the setting unit 163 is configured to set the leading edge position of the preceding medium to be located downstream of the predetermined position within the nip portion If the distance is less than the threshold, the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 is set to the fourth pressing force. When the plurality of media are extremely difficult to separate, the setting unit 163 sets the pressing force for pressing the separating roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 to a fourth pressing force that is smaller than the first pressing force, the second pressing force, and the third pressing force. Set to pressing force. Thereby, the medium feeding device 100 can make it extremely easy to return the medium to the mounting table 103 side by the separation roller 113, and can suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　なお、図８の設定処理と同様に、ステップＳ３０４及びＳ３０８～Ｓ３１０、又は、ステップＳ３０５、Ｓ３０７、Ｓ３０８及びＳ３１０の処理は省略されてもよい。また、検出部１６２は、重なりセンサを用いて、ニップ部Ｎにおける各媒体の先端位置を検出してもよい。 Note that, similar to the setting process in FIG. 8, steps S304 and S308 to S310, or steps S305, S307, S308, and S310 may be omitted. Further, the detection unit 162 may detect the leading edge position of each medium in the nip portion N using an overlap sensor.
　以上詳述したように、媒体給送装置１００は、先行する媒体と次の媒体との媒体間距離に応じて、押圧機構１１６により分離ローラ１１３を給送ローラ１１２側に押圧する押圧力を変更する場合も、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することが可能となった。 As described in detail above, the medium feeding device 100 changes the pressing force for pressing the separation roller 113 toward the feeding roller 112 side using the pressing mechanism 116 depending on the distance between the preceding medium and the next medium. In this case, it is now possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
　図１２は、設定処理の動作のさらに他の例を示すフローチャートである。 FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing still another example of the operation of the setting process.
　図１２に示したフローチャートは、図８に示したフローチャートの代わりに実行される。図１２のステップＳ４０１、Ｓ４０８～Ｓ４０９、Ｓ４１１～Ｓ４１２の処理は、図８のステップＳ２０１、Ｓ２０６～Ｓ２０７、Ｓ２０９～Ｓ２１０の処理と同様であるため説明を省略し、以下ではステップＳ４０２～Ｓ４０７、Ｓ４１０についてのみ説明する。 The flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is executed instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. The processes in steps S401, S408-S409, and S411-S412 in FIG. 12 are the same as the processes in steps S201, S206-S207, and S209-S210 in FIG. I will only explain about.
　ステップＳ４０２において、検出部１６２は、第１光源装置１１４ａを消灯させ、且つ、第２光源装置１１４ｂに光を照射させる（ステップＳ４０２）。 In step S402, the detection unit 162 turns off the first light source device 114a and causes the second light source device 114b to emit light (step S402).
　次に、検出部１６２は、第１撮像装置１１５から第２入力画像を取得する（ステップＳ４０３）。即ち、検出部１６２は、第１光源装置１１４ａを消灯させ且つ第２光源装置１１４ｂに光を照射させた状態で、第１撮像装置１１５に媒体を撮像させて入力画像を生成させる。 Next, the detection unit 162 acquires a second input image from the first imaging device 115 (step S403). That is, the detection unit 162 causes the first imaging device 115 to image the medium and generate an input image while the first light source device 114a is turned off and the second light source device 114b is irradiated with light.
　図１３（Ａ）、（Ｂ）は、それぞれ第２入力画像Ｐ５、Ｐ６の一例を示す模式図である。 FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing examples of second input images P5 and P6, respectively.
　入力画像Ｐ１～Ｐ４と同様に、第２入力画像Ｐ５、Ｐ６には、それぞれ、二組の給送ローラ１１２、分離ローラ１１３及びニップ部Ｎと、その間の領域と、載置台１０３に載置された媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２、Ｍ３とが含まれている。第２入力画像Ｐ５では、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１は中心位置Ｃより上流側に位置しており、且つ、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１と媒体Ｍ２の先端位置Ｆ２との間の媒体間距離は十分に大きい。一方、第２入力画像Ｐ６では、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１は中心位置Ｃより上流側に位置しており、且つ、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１と媒体Ｍ２の先端位置Ｆ２との間の媒体間距離は小さい。 Similar to input images P1 to P4, second input images P5 and P6 include two sets of feeding rollers 112, separation rollers 113, and nip portion N, an area between them, and images placed on mounting table 103, respectively. media M1, M2, and M3 are included. In the second input image P5, the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is sufficient. big. On the other hand, in the second input image P6, the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 is located upstream of the center position C, and the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is is small.
　上記したように、第２光源装置１１４ｂによる光の照射方向と媒体搬送路とがなす角度は、第１光源装置１１４ａによる光の照射方向と媒体搬送路とがなす角度より小さい。そのため、第２光源装置１１４ｂのみに光を照射させた状態で撮像された第２入力画像における各媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２の先端の影の媒体搬送方向Ａ１の長さＴは、入力画像における各媒体Ｍ１、Ｍ２の先端の影の媒体搬送方向Ａ１の長さより長い。したがって、第２入力画像Ｐ６に示されるように、媒体Ｍ１の先端位置Ｆ１と媒体Ｍ２の先端位置Ｆ２との間の媒体間距離が小さい場合、媒体Ｍ１の先端の影と媒体Ｍ２の先端の影とが繋がる。 As described above, the angle between the light irradiation direction by the second light source device 114b and the medium transport path is smaller than the angle between the light irradiation direction by the first light source device 114a and the medium transport path. Therefore, the length T of the shadow of the tip of each medium M1, M2 in the medium transport direction A1 in the second input image captured with only the second light source device 114b irradiating light is the length T of each medium M1 in the input image. , M2 is longer than the length of the shadow of the tip in the medium transport direction A1. Therefore, as shown in the second input image P6, when the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position F1 of the medium M1 and the leading edge position F2 of the medium M2 is small, the shadow of the leading edge of the medium M1 and the shadow of the leading edge of the medium M2 are are connected.
　次に、検出部１６２は、給送ローラ１１２と分離ローラ１１３のニップ部Ｎにおける媒体の先端位置を検出する（ステップＳ４０４）。検出部１６２は、図８のステップＳ２０２の処理と同様にして、入力画像及び第２入力画像からそれぞれ、ニップ部Ｎにおける、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置とを検出する。 Next, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the medium at the nip portion N between the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 (step S404). The detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium at the nip portion N from the input image and the second input image, respectively, in a manner similar to the process of step S202 in FIG. and detect.
　次に、検出部１６２は、ニップ部Ｎ内で検出部１６２により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離を検出する（ステップＳ４０５）。検出部１６２は、図８のステップＳ２０２の処理と同様にして、入力画像に基づいて、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離を特定する。さらに、検出部１６２は、第２入力画像に基づいて、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離を特定する。 Next, the detecting unit 162 detects the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detecting unit 162 in the nip portion N and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium (step S405). The detection unit 162 identifies the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium, based on the input image, in a similar manner to the process of step S202 in FIG. do. Furthermore, the detection unit 162 identifies the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium, based on the second input image.
　検出部１６２は、図８のステップＳ２０２の処理と同様にして、第２入力画像からエッジ画素を検出する。また、検出部１６２は、第２入力画像内で、幅方向Ａ２（垂直方向）における二つのニップ部Ｎの間の特定の位置において、下流端（左端）から順に、各画素の媒体搬送方向Ａ１（水平方向）の右隣の画素の階調値から左隣の画素の階調値を減じた差を算出する。以下では、この差を第２隣接差分値と称する場合がある。検出部１６２は、隣接差分値が階調閾値を越える画素を第２エッジ画素として検出する。即ち、検出部１６２は、下端側から見ていき、輝度値が低い値（黒色に近い色）から高い値（白色に近い色）に変化する画素を第２エッジ画素として検出する。検出部１６２は、最初に検出されたエッジ画素と第２エッジ画素との間の画素数を算出する。 The detection unit 162 detects edge pixels from the second input image in the same manner as the process in step S202 of FIG. In addition, the detection unit 162 detects each pixel in the medium transport direction A1 in order from the downstream end (left end) at a specific position between the two nip portions N in the width direction A2 (vertical direction) in the second input image. A difference is calculated by subtracting the gradation value of the pixel on the left from the gradation value of the pixel on the right (in the horizontal direction). Hereinafter, this difference may be referred to as a second adjacent difference value. The detection unit 162 detects a pixel whose adjacent difference value exceeds the gradation threshold as a second edge pixel. That is, the detection unit 162 detects pixels whose brightness value changes from a low value (color close to black) to a high value (color close to white) as second edge pixels, starting from the lower end side. The detection unit 162 calculates the number of pixels between the first detected edge pixel and the second edge pixel.
　検出部１６２は、記憶装置１５０に予め設定された画像内の画素数と実際の距離との関係を示すテーブルを参照し、算出した画素数に対応する距離を、先行する媒体の影の長さとして特定する。検出部１６２は、特定した先行する媒体の影の長さが閾値未満である場合、先行する媒体の影と次の媒体の影とが繋がっておらず、先行する媒体の先端位置と次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上であると判定する。一方、検出部１６２は、特定した先行する媒体の影の長さが閾値以上である場合、先行する媒体の影と次の媒体の影とが繋がっており、先行する媒体の先端位置と次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値未満であると判定する。 The detection unit 162 refers to a table preset in the storage device 150 that shows the relationship between the number of pixels in the image and the actual distance, and calculates the distance corresponding to the calculated number of pixels by the length of the shadow of the preceding medium. Specify as. If the identified length of the shadow of the preceding medium is less than the threshold, the detection unit 162 detects that the shadow of the preceding medium is not connected to the shadow of the next medium, and the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium are not connected. It is determined that the distance between the media and the tip position of the media is equal to or greater than the threshold value. On the other hand, if the identified length of the shadow of the preceding medium is equal to or greater than the threshold, the detection unit 162 determines that the shadow of the preceding medium and the shadow of the next medium are connected, and that the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium are connected. It is determined that the distance between the media and the leading edge position of the media is less than a threshold value.
　なお、給送される媒体の厚さが大きいほど、入力画像内でその媒体の先端の影の長さが長くなる。そのため、検出部１６２は、閾値を、給送される媒体の厚さに応じて変更してもよい。載置台１０３にまとめて載置される媒体の種類（厚さ）は同一である可能性が高いため、例えば、検出部１６２は、先行する媒体の後に給送される媒体の先端の影の長さにより、媒体の厚さを推定する。検出部１６２は、二番目（又は三番目以降）に検出されたエッジ画素と第２エッジ画素の間の領域を、先行する媒体の後に給送される媒体の先端の影として検出する。検出部１６２は、その領域の画素数に対応する距離を、先行する媒体の影の長さと比較するための閾値として設定する。これにより、検出部１６２は、給送される媒体の厚さに関わらず、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離を高精度に検出することができる。 Note that the thicker the medium being fed, the longer the shadow of the leading edge of the medium becomes in the input image. Therefore, the detection unit 162 may change the threshold value depending on the thickness of the medium being fed. Since it is highly likely that the types (thicknesses) of the media placed on the mounting table 103 are the same, for example, the detection unit 162 detects the length of the shadow of the leading edge of the medium fed after the preceding medium. Estimate the thickness of the media. The detection unit 162 detects the area between the second (or third or later) detected edge pixel and the second edge pixel as the shadow of the leading edge of the medium fed after the preceding medium. The detection unit 162 sets a distance corresponding to the number of pixels in the area as a threshold value for comparison with the length of the shadow of the preceding medium. As a result, the detection unit 162 can detect the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium after the preceding medium with high precision, regardless of the thickness of the medium being fed. can do.
　次に、検出部１６２は、先行する媒体の先端位置がニップ部Ｎ内の所定位置より媒体搬送方向Ａ１の下流側に位置するか否かを判定する（ステップＳ４０６）。 Next, the detection unit 162 determines whether the leading edge position of the preceding medium is located downstream in the medium transport direction A1 from a predetermined position within the nip portion N (step S406).
　検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置及び第２入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置の両方が所定位置より下流側に位置する場合、先行する媒体の先端位置が所定位置より下流側に位置すると判定する。一方、検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置及び第２入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置の少なくとも一方が所定位置より上流側に位置する場合、先行する媒体の先端位置が所定位置より上流側に位置すると判定する。なお、検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置及び第２入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置の少なくとも一方が所定位置より下流側に位置する場合、先行する媒体の先端位置が所定位置より下流側に位置すると判定してもよい。その場合、検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置及び第２入力画像から検出した先行する媒体の先端位置の両方が所定位置より上流側に位置する場合、先行する媒体の先端位置が所定位置より上流側に位置すると判定する。 When both the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the input image and the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the second input image are located downstream of a predetermined position, the detecting unit 162 detects that the leading edge position of the preceding medium is It is determined that the position is downstream from the predetermined position. On the other hand, if at least one of the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the input image and the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the second input image is located upstream of the predetermined position, the detecting unit 162 detects the leading edge of the preceding medium. It is determined that the tip position is located upstream of the predetermined position. Note that when at least one of the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the input image and the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the second input image is located downstream of a predetermined position, the detecting unit 162 detects the position of the leading edge of the preceding medium. It may be determined that the tip position is located downstream of the predetermined position. In that case, if both the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the input image and the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected from the second input image are located upstream of the predetermined position, the detecting unit 162 detects the leading edge of the preceding medium. It is determined that the tip position is located upstream of the predetermined position.
　また、ステップＳ４０７及びＳ４１０において、検出部１６２は、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上であるか否かを判定する（ステップＳ４０７、Ｓ４１０）。 Furthermore, in steps S407 and S410, the detection unit 162 determines whether the inter-medium distance between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the medium following the preceding medium is equal to or greater than a threshold ( Steps S407, S410).
　検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した媒体間距離及び第２入力画像から検出した媒体間距離の両方が閾値以上である場合、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上であると判定する。一方、検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した媒体間距離及び第２入力画像から検出した媒体間距離の少なくとも一方が閾値未満である場合、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値未満であると判定する。なお、検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した媒体間距離及び第２入力画像から検出した媒体間距離の少なくとも一方が閾値以上である場合、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値以上であると判定してもよい。その場合、検出部１６２は、入力画像から検出した媒体間距離及び第２入力画像から検出した媒体間距離の両方が閾値未満である場合、先行する媒体の先端位置と、先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離が閾値未満であると判定する。 When both the inter-medium distance detected from the input image and the inter-medium distance detected from the second input image are equal to or greater than the threshold, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge of the medium following the preceding medium. It is determined that the distance between the media and the position is equal to or greater than a threshold value. On the other hand, when at least one of the inter-medium distance detected from the input image and the inter-medium distance detected from the second input image is less than the threshold, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium distance of the preceding medium. It is determined that the distance between the media and the leading edge position of the media is less than a threshold value. Note that when at least one of the inter-medium distance detected from the input image and the inter-medium distance detected from the second input image is equal to or greater than the threshold, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium of the preceding medium. It may be determined that the distance between the medium and the leading edge position of the medium is equal to or greater than a threshold value. In that case, if both the inter-medium distance detected from the input image and the inter-medium distance detected from the second input image are less than the threshold, the detection unit 162 detects the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the next medium distance of the preceding medium. It is determined that the distance between the media and the leading edge position of the media is less than a threshold value.
　このように、検出部１６２は、光の照射方向を異ならせて撮像した二つの入力画像を用いて、媒体の先端位置、及び、先行する媒体の先端位置とその次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離を検出する。これにより、検出部１６２は、より高精度に、媒体の先端位置及び媒体間距離を検出することができる。なお、検出部１６２は、入力画像を用いずに第２入力画像のみを用いて、媒体の先端位置及び媒体間距離を検出してもよい。 In this way, the detection unit 162 uses two input images taken with different light irradiation directions to detect the leading edge position of the medium, and the difference between the leading edge position of the preceding medium and the leading edge position of the next medium. Detect the distance between media. Thereby, the detection unit 162 can detect the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media with higher accuracy. Note that the detection unit 162 may detect the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media using only the second input image without using the input image.
　なお、図８の設定処理と同様に、ステップＳ４０６及びＳ４１０～Ｓ４１２、又は、ステップＳ４０７、Ｓ４０９、Ｓ４１０及びＳ４１２の処理は省略されてもよい。また、ステップＳ４０８～Ｓ４０９及びＳ４１１～Ｓ４１２において、設定部１６３は、それぞれ図１１のステップＳ３０６～Ｓ３０７及びＳ３０９～Ｓ３１０と同様にして、押圧機構１１６による押圧力を設定してもよい。 Note that, similar to the setting process in FIG. 8, steps S406 and S410 to S412, or steps S407, S409, S410, and S412 may be omitted. Further, in steps S408 to S409 and S411 to S412, the setting unit 163 may set the pressing force by the pressing mechanism 116 in the same manner as in steps S306 to S307 and S309 to S310 in FIG. 11, respectively.
　以上詳述したように、媒体給送装置１００は、光の照射方向を異ならせて生成された二つの入力画像を用いて、媒体の先端位置及び媒体間距離を検出する場合も、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することが可能となった。 As described in detail above, the medium feeding device 100 uses two input images generated with different light irradiation directions to detect the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media. This makes it possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of transport.
　図１４は、さらに他の実施形態に係る媒体給送装置における処理回路２６０の概略構成を示す図である。処理回路２６０は、処理回路１６０の代わりに使用され、処理回路１６０の代わりに、媒体読取処理等を実行する。処理回路２６０は、制御回路２６１、検出回路２６２及び設定回路２６３等を有する。なお、これらの各部は、それぞれ独立した集積回路、マイクロプロセッサ、ファームウェア等で構成されてもよい。 FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 260 in a medium feeding device according to yet another embodiment. The processing circuit 260 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 and executes media reading processing, etc. in place of the processing circuit 160. The processing circuit 260 includes a control circuit 261, a detection circuit 262, a setting circuit 263, and the like. Note that each of these units may be configured with an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.
　制御回路２６１は、制御部の一例であり、制御部１６１と同様の機能を有する。制御回路２６１は、操作装置１０５又はインタフェース装置１４３から操作信号を受信する。また、制御回路２６１は、第１媒体センサ１１１、第２媒体センサ１１７及び第３媒体センサ１２０からそれぞれ第１媒体信号、第２媒体信号及び第３媒体信号を受信する。制御回路２６１は、受信した各信号に基づいて第１モータ１３１、第２モータ１４１及び第３モータ１４２を制御するとともに、第２撮像装置１２１から媒体画像を取得し、インタフェース装置１４３に出力する。 The control circuit 261 is an example of a control section and has the same functions as the control section 161. The control circuit 261 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 143. The control circuit 261 also receives a first medium signal, a second medium signal, and a third medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 117, and the third medium sensor 120, respectively. The control circuit 261 controls the first motor 131 , the second motor 141 , and the third motor 142 based on the received signals, acquires a medium image from the second imaging device 121 , and outputs it to the interface device 143 .
　検出回路２６２は、検出部の一例であり、検出部１６２と同様の機能を有する。検出回路２６２は、光源装置１１４を制御しつつ第１撮像装置１１５から入力画像を受信する。検出回路２６２は、受信した入力画像に基づいて、媒体の先端位置及び媒体間距離を検出し、検出結果を設定回路２６３に出力する。 The detection circuit 262 is an example of a detection section and has the same function as the detection section 162. The detection circuit 262 receives an input image from the first imaging device 115 while controlling the light source device 114 . The detection circuit 262 detects the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media based on the received input image, and outputs the detection result to the setting circuit 263.
　設定回路２６３は、設定部の一例であり、設定部１６３と同様の機能を有する。設定回路２６３は、検出回路２６２から媒体の先端位置及び媒体間距離の検出結果を受信し、受信した検出結果に基づいて、電磁クラッチ１３３、第１モータ１３１又は駆動装置１１６ｃを制御する。 The setting circuit 263 is an example of a setting section and has the same function as the setting section 163. The setting circuit 263 receives the detection results of the leading edge position of the medium and the distance between the media from the detection circuit 262, and controls the electromagnetic clutch 133, the first motor 131, or the drive device 116c based on the received detection results.
　以上詳述したように、媒体給送装置は、処理回路２６０を用いる場合においても、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することが可能となった。 As described in detail above, even when using the processing circuit 260, the medium feeding device can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of media.
　以上、好適な実施形態について説明してきたが、実施形態はこれらに限定されない。例えば、媒体給送装置において、第１～第４電磁クラッチ１３３ａ～ｄ及び第１～第４トルクリミッタ１３４ａ～ｄの代わりに、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を規定するための一つの電磁クラッチが使用されてもよい。設定部１６３は、第１～第４トルクリミッタ１３４ａ～ｄを切り替える代わりに、電磁クラッチを制御して、分離ローラ１１３にかかるトルクのリミット値を変更する。この場合も、媒体給送装置は、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することができる。 Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, in the medium feeding device, instead of the first to fourth electromagnetic clutches 133a to 133d and the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d, one electromagnetic clutch for defining the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 is used. A clutch may also be used. The setting unit 163 controls the electromagnetic clutch to change the limit value of the torque applied to the separation roller 113 instead of switching the first to fourth torque limiters 134a to 134d. Also in this case, the medium feeding device can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　また、媒体給送装置は、いわゆるＵターンパスを有し、載置台に載置された媒体を上側から順に給送及び搬送し、排出台に排出してもよい。その場合、分離ローラは、給送ローラの下方に、給送ローラに対向して配置される。第１光源装置及び第２光源装置は、媒体搬送路の下方に配置され、上方（媒体搬送路）に向けて光を照射する。第１撮像装置は、媒体搬送路の下方に配置され、上方側を撮像する。この場合も、媒体給送装置は、媒体の重送の発生を適切に抑制することができる。 Further, the medium feeding device may have a so-called U-turn path, and may feed and convey the medium placed on the mounting table sequentially from the top and discharge it onto the discharge table. In that case, the separating roller is arranged below the feeding roller and facing the feeding roller. The first light source device and the second light source device are arranged below the medium transport path and emit light upward (the medium transport path). The first imaging device is disposed below the medium transport path and images the upper side. Also in this case, the medium feeding device can appropriately suppress the occurrence of double feeding of the medium.
　１００　媒体給送装置、１１２　給送ローラ、１１３　分離ローラ、１１６　押圧機構、１１４ａ　第１光源装置、１１４ｂ　第２光源装置、１１５　第１撮像装置、１６２　検出部、１６３　設定部 100 Media feeding device, 112 Feeding roller, 113 Separation roller, 116 Pressing mechanism, 114a First light source device, 114b Second light source device, 115 First imaging device, 162 Detection unit, 163 Setting unit

Claims (12)

  1. 　載置台と、
    　前記載置台に載置された複数の媒体を順次給送する給送ローラと、
    　前記給送ローラに対向して配置される分離ローラと、
    　前記給送ローラと前記分離ローラのニップ部における媒体の先端位置を検出する検出部と、
    　前記分離ローラの特性値を設定する設定部と、を有し、
    　前記設定部は、前記ニップ部内で前記検出部により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、前記先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離に応じて、前記特性値を変更する、
    　ことを特徴とする媒体給送装置。     A mounting table and
    a feeding roller that sequentially feeds the plurality of media placed on the mounting table;
    a separation roller disposed opposite to the feeding roller;
    a detection unit that detects a leading edge position of the medium at a nip portion between the feeding roller and the separation roller;
    a setting section for setting characteristic values of the separation roller;
    The setting section sets the characteristic value according to an inter-medium distance between a leading edge position of a preceding medium detected by the detecting section in the nip section and a leading edge position of a medium next to the preceding medium. change,
    A medium feeding device characterized by:
  2. 　前記特性値は、トルク値であり、
    　前記分離ローラは、前記トルク値以上のトルクが印加されると、前記給送ローラと同じ方向に回転するように設定され、
    　前記設定部は、前記媒体間距離が閾値以上である場合、前記トルク値を第１トルク値に設定し、前記媒体間距離が前記閾値未満である場合、前記トルク値を前記第１トルク値より大きい第２トルク値に設定する、請求項１に記載の媒体給送装置。     The characteristic value is a torque value,
    The separating roller is set to rotate in the same direction as the feeding roller when a torque equal to or greater than the torque value is applied,
    The setting unit sets the torque value to a first torque value when the inter-medium distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and sets the torque value to a first torque value when the inter-medium distance is less than the threshold value. The medium feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the medium feeding device is set to a large second torque value.
  3. 　前記設定部は、前記検出部により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置が前記ニップ部内の所定位置より媒体搬送方向の下流側に位置し且つ前記媒体間距離が前記閾値以上である場合、前記トルク値を、前記第１トルク値より大きく且つ前記第２トルク値より小さい第３トルク値に設定する、請求項２に記載の媒体給送装置。 The setting unit is configured to adjust the torque when the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detection unit is located downstream in the medium conveyance direction from a predetermined position in the nip and the inter-medium distance is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The medium feeding device according to claim 2, wherein the torque value is set to a third torque value that is larger than the first torque value and smaller than the second torque value.
  4. 　前記設定部は、前記検出部により検出された先行する媒体の先端位置が前記ニップ部内の所定位置より媒体搬送方向の下流側に位置し且つ前記媒体間距離が前記閾値未満である場合、前記トルク値を、前記第２トルク値又は前記第２トルク値より大きい第４トルク値に設定する、請求項２または３に記載の媒体給送装置。 The setting unit is configured to adjust the torque when the leading edge position of the preceding medium detected by the detection unit is located downstream in the medium conveyance direction from a predetermined position in the nip and the inter-medium distance is less than the threshold value. The medium feeding device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the value is set to the second torque value or a fourth torque value larger than the second torque value.
  5. 　前記分離ローラを前記給送ローラ側に押圧する押圧部をさらに有し、
    　前記特性値は、前記押圧部により前記分離ローラを前記給送ローラ側に押圧する押圧力であり、
    　前記設定部は、前記媒体間距離が閾値以上である場合、前記押圧力を第１押圧力に設定し、前記媒体間距離が前記閾値未満である場合、前記押圧力を前記第１押圧力より小さい第２押圧力に設定する、請求項１または２に記載の媒体給送装置。     further comprising a pressing part that presses the separation roller toward the feeding roller,
    The characteristic value is a pressing force for pressing the separating roller toward the feeding roller by the pressing portion,
    The setting unit sets the pressing force to a first pressing force when the inter-medium distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and sets the pressing force to a first pressing force when the inter-medium distance is less than the threshold value. The medium feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second pressing force is set to be small.
  6. 　前記検出部は、前記給送ローラの回転を開始する直前に前記先端位置を検出する、請求項１または２に記載の媒体給送装置。 The medium feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit detects the tip position immediately before starting rotation of the feeding roller.
  7. 　媒体搬送方向と直交する方向から見て前記ニップ部と重なる領域において、媒体の先端位置を撮像した入力画像を生成する撮像部をさらに有し、
    　前記検出部は、前記入力画像に基づいて、前記ニップ部における媒体の先端位置を検出する、請求項１または２に記載の媒体給送装置。     further comprising an imaging unit that generates an input image capturing a leading edge position of the medium in a region overlapping the nip portion when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction;
    The medium feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection section detects a leading edge position of the medium in the nip section based on the input image.
  8. 　前記撮像部は、媒体搬送方向において前記ニップ部より下流側に配置される、請求項７に記載の媒体給送装置。 The medium feeding device according to claim 7, wherein the imaging section is arranged downstream of the nip section in the medium conveyance direction.
  9. 　媒体搬送方向において前記ニップ部より上流側に配置され、媒体搬送方向と直交する方向から見て前記ニップ部と重なる領域を照射する照射部をさらに有する、請求項８に記載の媒体給送装置。 The medium feeding device according to claim 8, further comprising an irradiation unit disposed upstream of the nip portion in the medium transport direction and irradiating an area overlapping with the nip portion when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction.
  10. 　媒体搬送方向において前記ニップ部より上流側に配置され、媒体搬送方向と直交する方向から見て前記ニップ部と重なる領域を、前記照射部と異なる方向から照射する第２照射部をさらに有する、請求項９に記載の媒体給送装置。 The method further comprises a second irradiation section that is disposed upstream of the nip section in the medium transport direction and irradiates a region that overlaps the nip section when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction from a direction different from that of the irradiation section. Item 9. The medium feeding device according to item 9.
  11. 　給送ローラにより、載置台に載置された複数の媒体を順次給送し、
    　給送ローラと前記給送ローラに対向して配置される分離ローラのニップ部における媒体の先端位置を検出し、
    　前記分離ローラの特性値を設定することを含み、
    　前記設定において、前記ニップ部内で検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、前記先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離に応じて、前記特性値を変更する、
    　ことを特徴とする媒体給送方法。     A feeding roller sequentially feeds multiple media placed on the mounting table,
    detecting a leading edge position of the medium at a nip portion between a feeding roller and a separation roller disposed opposite to the feeding roller;
    setting a characteristic value of the separation roller;
    In the setting, the characteristic value is changed according to an inter-medium distance between a leading edge position of a preceding medium detected in the nip portion and a leading edge position of a medium next to the preceding medium.
    A medium feeding method characterized by:
  12. 　載置台と、前記載置台に載置された複数の媒体を順次給送する給送ローラと、前記給送ローラに対向して配置される分離ローラと、を有する媒体給送装置の制御プログラムであって、
    　前記給送ローラと前記分離ローラのニップ部における媒体の先端位置を検出し、
    　前記分離ローラの特性値を設定することを前記媒体給送装置に実行させ、
    　前記設定において、前記ニップ部内で検出された先行する媒体の先端位置と、前記先行する媒体の次の媒体の先端位置との間の媒体間距離に応じて、前記特性値を変更する、
    　ことを特徴とする制御プログラム。     A control program for a medium feeding device including a mounting table, a feeding roller that sequentially feeds a plurality of media placed on the mounting table, and a separation roller disposed opposite to the feeding roller. There it is,
    detecting the leading edge position of the medium at the nip between the feeding roller and the separating roller;
    causing the medium feeding device to set a characteristic value of the separation roller;
    In the setting, the characteristic value is changed according to an inter-medium distance between a leading edge position of a preceding medium detected in the nip portion and a leading edge position of a medium next to the preceding medium.
    A control program characterized by:
PCT/JP2022/019957 2022-05-11 2022-05-11 Medium feed device, medium feed method, and control program WO2023218562A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010089864A (en) * 2008-10-06 2010-04-22 Canon Inc Sheet feeder and image forming device
JP2016104663A (en) * 2014-12-01 2016-06-09 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Sheet conveyance device, document reader, and image formation apparatus

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010089864A (en) * 2008-10-06 2010-04-22 Canon Inc Sheet feeder and image forming device
JP2016104663A (en) * 2014-12-01 2016-06-09 コニカミノルタ株式会社 Sheet conveyance device, document reader, and image formation apparatus

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