Medium housing device and image forming system

Abstract

The invention provides a medium accommodating device and an image forming system. The media storage device includes: a loading unit on which media can be loaded; a first restricting portion provided on the loading portion and restricting a position of a side portion of the medium in a width direction intersecting the transport direction according to a size of the medium in the width direction; an air supply unit that supplies air to the plurality of media to float and separate the plurality of media; a conveying part which sequentially conveys the media which are floated and separated by the air supply part; an imaging unit that captures, from the outside in the width direction of the medium, a state in which the medium floats and is separated by the air supply unit; a second restricting portion that is attached to the loading portion when the loading portion loads a narrow medium having a smaller dimension in the width direction than the medium, and restricts the position of a side portion of the narrow medium in the width direction; and a focal length changing unit that is provided at a position facing the imaging unit in a state in which the second restricting unit is attached, and that aligns the focal point of the imaging unit to a side portion of the narrow medium in the width direction by changing the focal length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a media containing device and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] The following document 1 discloses a sheet feeding device, which comprises: a loading section capable of arranging a sheet bundle formed by a plurality of sheets stacked in an up-down direction; an air supply unit for blowing air toward the sheet bundle arranged in the loading section to at least float the sheet on the top layer; an adsorption / transmission unit disposed above the loading section and adsorbing the sheet on the top layer floated by the air supply unit and conveying it in a specified conveying direction; a first light source for emitting a first strip-shaped slit light, the first strip-shaped slit light having a component extending in the up-down direction and adhering to a first edge and a portion of at least a first sheet of the plurality of sheets that have been floated. The first sheet and the second sheet intersect with the second edge of the second sheet therebelow; a photographing unit, which photographs the first slit light irradiated to the first sheet and the second sheet, and has a photographing direction different from the emission direction of the first slit light based on the first light source on a plane parallel to the first sheet and the second sheet; a calculating unit, which calculates the interval between the first sheet and the second sheet in the vertical direction according to the first slit light photographed by the photographing unit; and an air volume adjusting unit, which adjusts the air volume of the air supply unit according to the interval between the first sheet and the second sheet in the vertical direction calculated by the calculating unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-24868 Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to obtain a media storage device and an image forming system that can capture the floating and separation states of a narrow media with high precision, compared to a case where the focal position of a photographic unit remains unchanged when a second limiting unit is installed to limit the position of the side portion in the width direction of a narrow media whose size in the width direction is smaller than that of the media.

[0005] The media storage device involved in the first embodiment includes: a loading section that can load media in the up-down direction; a first limiting section that is provided in the loading section and limits the position of the side portion of the media in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction according to the size of the media in the width direction; an air supply section that supplies air to the plurality of media loaded on the loading section to make the plurality of media float and separate; a conveying section that sequentially sends out the media that have floated and separated by the air supply section; a photographing section that photographs the state of the media floating and separating by the air supply section from the outside in the width direction of the media; a second limiting section that is installed in the loading section when a narrow-width medium whose size in the width direction is smaller than that of the medium is loaded on the loading section and limits the position of the side portion of the narrow-width medium in the width direction; and a focal length changing section that is provided at a position opposite to the photographing section in a state where the second limiting section is installed and aligns the focus of the photographing section with the side portion in the width direction of the narrow-width medium by changing the focal length.

[0006] A media storage device according to a second aspect is the media storage device according to the first aspect, wherein the imaging unit is provided on the first restriction unit, and the second restriction unit is detachably mounted on the first restriction unit.

[0007] A media storage device according to a third aspect is the media storage device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the focal length changing section is attached to the second restricting section so as to be positionally adjustable relative to the photographing section.

[0008] A media storage device according to a fourth aspect is the media storage device according to the third aspect, wherein the focal length changing portion is provided with an external thread portion that engages with the internal thread portion of the second restricting portion and enables the focal length changing portion to move in the axial direction.

[0009] The media accommodation device involved in the 5th aspect is a media accommodation device described in the 1st aspect or the 2nd aspect, wherein the focal length changing portion is installed on the second limiting portion, and the media accommodation device includes a moving portion, and when the second limiting portion is installed on the upper side of the loading portion, the moving portion is linked to the installation of the second limiting portion to move the photographing portion to a position opposite to the focal length changing portion.

[0010] A media storage device according to a sixth aspect is the media storage device according to the fifth aspect, wherein when the second restriction portion is removed, the moving portion moves the photographing portion to an original position before the second restriction portion is attached.

[0011] In the media accommodating device according to the 7th aspect, in the media accommodating device described in the 5th aspect or the 6th aspect, the moving part comprises: a pushing part, which pushes the photographing part to the side of the position opposite to the focal length changing part; and a holding part, which resists the pushing force of the pushing part and holds the photographing part in a position capable of photographing the media, and a contact part provided on the second limiting part abuts against the holding part to release the holding of the photographing part by the holding part.

[0012] In the media accommodation device involved in the 8th embodiment, in the media accommodation device described in the 7th embodiment, the moving part has: another pushing member that presses the holding part in the direction of the photographing part; a first inclined surface that is provided on the photographing part and is configured in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the photographing part moves toward the position side opposite to the focal length changing part; and a second inclined surface that is provided on the holding part and is in contact with the first inclined surface and resists the pushing force of the pushing member to move the photographing part to a position where the media can be photographed.

[0013] The media storage device according to the ninth aspect is the media storage device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the second limiting portion is installed on both sides of the narrow media in the width direction, and the photographing portion is respectively provided on both sides of the narrow media in the width direction.

[0014] The media storage device according to the tenth aspect is the media storage device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, and includes at least one processor that performs processing to change the supply amount of air supplied by the air supply unit based on the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0015] An image forming system according to an eleventh aspect comprises: the medium storage device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects; and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium fed from the medium storage device by the feeding unit.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the media storage device involved in the first method, compared with the case where the focal position of the photographing unit remains unchanged when the second limiting part is installed to limit the position of the side part in the width direction of a narrow media whose size in the width direction is smaller than that of the media, the floating and separation states of the narrow media can be photographed with high precision.

[0018] According to the media storage device of the second aspect, compared with a case where the imaging unit is provided in the loading unit other than the first limiting unit, it is possible to accurately image the floating and separated state of a medium of a normal size without attaching the second limiting unit.

[0019] According to the media storage device of the third aspect, compared with a case where the user directly attaches the focal length changing unit to the photographing unit by an operation different from attaching the second restricting unit, the user's time and effort in attaching the focal length changing unit can be reduced.

[0020] According to the media storage device involved in the fourth aspect, the number of components for adjusting the position of the focal length changing section can be reduced compared to the case where the focal length changing section is moved in the axial direction relative to the second restricting section using a mounting tool different from the focal length changing section.

[0021] According to the media storage device involved in the fifth embodiment, the user's time and effort in adjusting the positions of the photographing unit and the focal length changing unit can be reduced compared to the case where the photographing unit is moved to a position opposite to the focal length changing unit by an operation different from the installation of the second limiting unit.

[0022] According to the media storage device according to the sixth aspect, the time and effort of the user in moving the photographing unit can be reduced compared to a case where the photographing unit is moved to the original position by a user's operation when the second restricting unit is removed.

[0023] According to the media storage device according to the seventh aspect, the cost of operating the power unit can be reduced compared to a case where a power unit for electrically moving the photographing unit is provided.

[0024] According to the media storage device involved in the eighth aspect, cost reduction can be achieved compared to the case where the photographing unit is moved to the original position using a member different from the member for moving the photographing unit to the focus position changing unit side when the second restricting unit is removed.

[0025] According to the media storage device according to the ninth aspect, it is easier to capture the floating and separated state of the narrow medium, compared with a case where the imaging unit is provided at one side in the width direction of the narrow medium.

[0026] According to the medium storage device according to the tenth aspect, compared with a case where the air supply amount is not changed, clogging or overlapping conveyance of the medium can be suppressed.

[0027] According to the image forming system involved in the 11th method, compared with the case where the focal position of the photographic unit remains unchanged when a second limiting unit is installed to limit the position of the side portion in the width direction of a narrow medium whose size in the width direction is smaller than that of the medium, poor delivery of the narrow medium from the media storage device to the image forming unit can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0029] Figure 1(A) is a front view showing a part of the media storage device involved in the first embodiment, Figure 1 (B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming system including a media storage device;

[0030] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a portion of the media storage device according to the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 is a side view showing a state of the medium storage device according to the first embodiment as viewed from a paper feeding direction;

[0032] Figure 4 is a side view showing a state where a small-sized guide plate is mounted on a side guide plate of the media storage device according to the first embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a process of mounting a conversion lens on a camera in a state where a small-sized guide plate is mounted on a side guide plate of the media storage device according to the first embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state where a small-sized guide is mounted on a side guide and a conversion lens is mounted on a camera;

[0035] Figure 7 (A) is a stereogram showing a conversion lens. Figure 7 (B) is a perspective view showing a camera disposed on a side guide;

[0036] Figure 8 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a state where paper is floated and separated well. Figure 8 (B) is a diagram showing an example of a state where the floating and separation of paper is insufficient. Figure 8 (C) is a diagram showing another example of a state where floating and separation of paper are insufficient;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a small-sized guide plate is attached to a side guide plate of a media storage device according to a second embodiment and a conversion lens is moved to a position facing a camera;

[0038] Fig.10 (A) is a perspective view showing a portion of a small-size guide plate. Fig.10 (B) is a stereogram showing a conversion lens;

[0039] Fig.11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a small-sized guide plate is attached to the side guide plate of the media storage device according to the third embodiment and the camera is moved to the conversion lens side;

[0040] Fig.12 is a stereogram showing a small-size guide plate and a conversion lens;

[0041] Fig.13 is a perspective view showing a moving device of a camera before a small-sized guide is mounted on a side guide;

[0042] Fig.14 is a perspective view showing a state of the moving device of the camera before the small-sized guide is attached to the side guide as viewed from another direction;

[0043] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving device of a camera before a small-sized guide is mounted on a side guide;

[0044] Fig.16 is a perspective view showing a moving device of a camera after a small-sized guide is mounted on a side guide;

[0045] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view showing the moving device of the camera after the small-sized guide is mounted on the side guide, as viewed from another direction;

[0046] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view showing a moving device and a conversion lens of a camera after a small-size guide is mounted on a side guide;

[0047] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing the focusing range of a camera when a small-sized guide is attached to the side guide of a media storage device of a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The following is a description of a method for implementing the present invention. In the following description, in the drawings, the direction indicated by the arrow X is set as the device width direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow Y is set as the device height direction. In addition, the direction (arrow Z direction) orthogonal to the device width direction and the device height direction is set as the device depth direction.

[0049] [First embodiment]

[0050] exist Figure 1 (A) shows a portion of the media storage device 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (B) shows an example of an image forming system 100 including a media storage device 10 .

[0051] <Structure of image forming system>

[0052] like Figure 1As shown in (B), the image forming system 100 includes an image forming unit 102 for forming an image on a paper P as an example of a medium, and a media storage device 10 for storing the paper P to be supplied to the image forming unit 102. Although not shown in the figure, a conveying unit for conveying the paper P stored in the media storage device 10 one by one and supplying it to the image forming position in the image forming unit 102 may be provided in the image forming system 100. The structure and arrangement of the image forming unit 102 or the structure and arrangement of the conveying unit are not particularly limited. In addition, the media storage device 10 may be a structure that is selectively installed in the image forming unit main body of the image forming system.

[0053] <Structure of media storage device>

[0054] (Overall structure)

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 1 , the media storage device 10 includes a loading unit 12 capable of loading paper sheets P in the vertical direction, and an air supply unit 14 for supplying air to the plurality of paper sheets P loaded on the loading unit 12 to float and separate the paper sheets P. Furthermore, the media storage device 10 includes a conveying unit 16 for sequentially delivering the paper sheets P floated and separated by the air supply unit 14, and a camera 18 as an example of a photographing unit for photographing the state in which the paper sheets P float and separate by the air supply unit 14. Furthermore, the media storage device 10 includes a control unit 70 for controlling the operation of each unit. The control unit 70 is an example of a processor.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the media storage device 10 includes a side guide 20 for limiting the position of the side portion in the width direction (in this example, the arrow Z direction) of the paper P loaded on the loading portion 12. Figure 4 As shown, the media storage device 10 includes a small size guide plate 24, and when a small size paper SP whose size in the width direction (arrow Z direction) is loaded is loaded, the small size guide plate 24 is installed in the loading portion 12. In addition, the media storage device 10 includes a conversion lens 50, and the conversion lens 50 is set at a position opposite to the camera 18 in a state where the small size guide plate 24 is installed. The side guide plate 20 is an example of a first limiting portion. The small size guide plate 24 is an example of a second limiting portion, also referred to as a small size kit. The small size paper SP is an example of a narrow-width medium. The conversion lens 50 is an example of a focal length changing portion.

[0057] Paper P is an example of a normal-sized paper. Normal-sized paper refers to a general-sized paper commonly used in the image forming system 100, including papers of different sizes such as A4, B4, and A3. Small-sized paper SP is a paper whose width is narrower than the interval between the left and right side guides 20 when they are closest. As the lower limit of the width of the small-sized paper SP (the width in the direction of arrow Z), it is preferably wider than the adsorption portion 40 based on the conveying portion 16. The reason is to prevent the small-sized paper SP from being unable to be adsorbed due to air leakage of the adsorption portion 40. As an example, paper P is a paper whose length in the paper width direction along the depth direction of the device (arrow Z direction) is greater than the length in the short side direction of the B5 size. And, as an example, small-sized paper SP is a paper whose length in the paper width direction along the depth direction of the device (arrow Z direction) is less than the length in the short side direction of the B5 size. In addition, the size of paper P and small-sized paper SP can be changed.

[0058] (Loading unit)

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown in (B), the loading section 12 includes a plate-like body 12A capable of loading a plurality of paper sheets P. Although not shown in the figure, the media storage device 10 includes a lifting device for lifting the plate-like body 12A in the vertical direction. The lifting device lifts the plate-like body 12A in such a manner that the position of the uppermost paper sheet P loaded on the upper side of the plate-like body 12A becomes a predetermined height.

[0060] (Air supply unit)

[0061] like Figure 1 (A) and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air supply unit 14 includes a blow-out port 30 for blowing air from the side in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P toward the upper side of the loading unit 12. The blow-out port 30 is arranged at a position facing the upper part of the plurality of paper P loaded on the upper side of the plate-like body 12A. The air supply unit 14 floats and separates the plurality of paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading unit 12 by blowing air from the blow-out port 30 between the plurality of paper P.

[0062] The air supply unit 14 includes a duct 32 connected to the air outlet 30 and a fan 34 provided on the upstream side of the air flow direction in the duct 32 (see FIG. Figure 2 In the air supply unit 14 , air is supplied to the blow-out port 30 through the duct 32 by the rotation of the fan 34 , and the air is blown out from the blow-out port 30 to the upper side of the loading unit 12 .

[0063] Although not shown in the figure, the blowout ports 30 are provided on both sides of the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P. The duct 32 is branched into two parts downstream of the fan 34 in the air flow direction, and the blowout ports 30 are provided at the downstream ends of the branched parts of the duct 32.

[0064] (Transmission Department)

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown in (A), the conveying section 16 conveys the paper P loaded on the upper side of the plate-like body 12A of the loading section 12 one by one to the right side in the direction of arrow A, i.e., the width direction of the device (the right side in the direction of arrow X). The conveying section 16 includes a delivery roller (feed roller) 36 that delivers the uppermost paper P on the upper side of the loading section 12 one by one. Furthermore, as an example, the conveying section 16 includes an adsorption section 40 that is arranged on the inner side (the left side in the direction of arrow X) in the width direction of the device than the delivery roller 36, and the adsorption section 40 adsorbs the uppermost paper P. Furthermore, as an example, the conveying section 16 includes a pair of conveying rollers 38 that convey the paper P delivered by the delivery roller 36.

[0066] As an example, in the transport unit 16 , the paper P sucked by the sucking unit 40 comes into contact with the delivery roller 36 , whereby the paper P is delivered in the direction of arrow A by the delivery roller 36 and transported in the direction of arrow A by the transport roller 38 .

[0067] (camera)

[0068] The camera 18 captures the floating and separation state of the end portion of the paper P or the small-size paper SP. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the camera 18 is disposed on the side of the paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction). Therefore, in order to detect the floating and separation state of the paper P, the camera 18 photographs the floating and separation state of the paper P from the outside in the width direction of the paper P. As an example, the cameras 18 are disposed on both sides of the side of the paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction).

[0069] As an example, the camera 18 is provided on the upper side of the side guide 20. As an example, the camera 18 is mounted on the upper side of the side guide 20 via a bracket, but the structure of the mounting component for mounting the camera 18 on the upper side of the side guide 20 is not particularly limited. That is, the camera 18 only needs to be fixed to the upper side of the side guide 20. Thus, when the side guide 20 slides in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction) described later according to the size of the paper P, the camera 18 slides in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction) integrally with the side guide 20. Furthermore, the camera 18 is arranged near the end of the downstream side in the feeding direction (arrow A direction) of the paper P in the side guide 20.

[0070] As an example, the camera 18 includes a circular lens portion 18A (see FIG. 1 ) disposed on the front surface of the housing 18B (the surface on the plate-like body 12A side of the mounting portion 12). Figure 5 ). The lens portion 18A of the camera 18 serves as the imaging side.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, at the normal position P1 where the position of the paper P of a normal size is limited by the side guide 20, the camera 18 is arranged at a position opposite to the side portion of the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A in the width direction (arrow Z direction). At the normal position P1, the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction of the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A enters the range where the focus position (i.e., focus) of the camera 18 is aligned, i.e., the focusing range 19. Thus, the camera 18 can more clearly photograph the end portion in the width direction of the paper P of a normal size at the normal position P1. That is, the focusing range 19 is a range in which the end portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P can be clearly photographed by the camera 18 at the normal position P1 and is a range in which the end portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P can be detected based on the photographic image.

[0072] Although not shown in the figure, an illumination unit is provided above or below the camera 18 to irradiate light toward the end portion of the paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction) when the camera 18 captures the paper P. The number and position of the illumination units are not particularly limited.

[0073] (Side guide)

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the side guide 20 is provided on the upper side of the loading section 12. The side guide 20 is provided on both sides of the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P. As an example, the side guide 20 is mounted on the loading section 12 in a manner that allows it to slide in the depth direction of the device (arrow Z direction). That is, the side guide 20 can slide in the depth direction of the device (arrow Z direction) according to the size of the paper P. The moving range of the side guide 20 is limited by a stopper (the length of the guide groove) and the like not shown in the figure to avoid interference with the conveying section 16. Although not shown in the figure, the side guide 20 is provided with a blow-out port 30 and a duct 32 of the air supply section 14.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the side guide 20 includes a vertical wall 20A disposed inward in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction) along the vertical direction. The vertical wall 20A regulates the position of the side portion of the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading portion 12 in the width direction.

[0076] (Small size guide plate)

[0077] like Figure 4As shown, the small size guide 24 restricts the position of the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small size paper SP loaded on the plate-shaped body 12A of the loading portion 12. The small size guide 24 is directly or indirectly attached to the loading portion 12. As an example, the small size guide 24 is attached to the upper side of the loading portion 12 via the side guide 20. The small size guide 24 is attached to both sides in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small size paper SP. As an example, the small size guide 24 is detachably attached to the side guide 20 from the upper side of the side guide 20.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the small-sized guide plate 24 includes a vertical wall 24A disposed on the inner side in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction) along the up-down direction and an upper wall 24B extending from the upper end of the vertical wall 24A to the outer side in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction). When the small-sized guide plate 24 is mounted on the side guide plate 20, the upper wall 24B of the small-sized guide plate 24 is arranged in contact with the upper wall 20B of the side guide plate 20. In this state, the upper wall 24B is fixed to the upper wall 20B of the side guide plate 20 from the small-sized guide plate 24 side by the mounting tool 26, and thus the small-sized guide plate 24 is mounted on the side guide plate 20.

[0079] When the small-size guide plate 24 is attached to the side guide plate 20, the vertical wall 24A is provided at a position that does not interfere with the photographing side of the lens portion 18A of the camera 18. When the conversion lens 50 is attached to the lens portion 18A of the camera 18, the vertical wall 24A is provided at a position that does not interfere with the conversion lens 50 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) Although not shown in the figure, the small-sized guide plate 24 is provided at a position that does not interfere with the light irradiation direction of the illumination unit.

[0080] In the small-sized guide plate 24, a cylindrical blow-out portion 28 for passing the air from the blow-out port 30 is provided at a position opposite to the blow-out port 30. In addition, in order to easily know the position where the small-sized guide plate 24 is attached to the side guide plate 20, a recessed portion for the small-sized guide plate 24 to be embedded can be provided on the upper wall 20B of the side guide plate 20.

[0081] (Conversion lens)

[0082] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the conversion lens 50 has a function of aligning the focus of the camera 18 with the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small-sized paper SP by being provided at a position opposite to the lens portion 18A of the camera 18 and changing the focal length. In the first embodiment, the conversion lens 50 is provided at a position opposite to the lens portion 18A of the camera 18 in a state where the small-sized guide plate 24 is attached to the side guide plate 20. The vertical wall 24A of the small-sized guide plate 24 is not provided on the photographing side (i.e., the side on which the small-sized paper SP is loaded) which is one end portion 50A in the axial direction of the conversion lens 50. The conversion lens 50 is arranged at a position overlapping with a portion of the small-sized guide plate 24 in the device width direction (arrow X direction).

[0083] In the first embodiment, the conversion lens 50 is manually mounted on the bracket 42 on the outer peripheral side of the lens portion 18A of the camera 18 by the user. Figure 7 As shown in (A), a barrel portion 52 extending axially from the outer peripheral portion 51 of the conversion lens 50 is provided at the other axial end portion 50B of the conversion lens 50 (the side facing the camera 18), and an internal thread portion 54 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the barrel portion 52.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown in (B), a bracket 42 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the lens portion 18A of the camera 18. The bracket 42 has a small diameter portion at the front end portion in the axial direction, and an external thread portion 44 that can mesh with the internal thread portion 54 (i.e., can be tightened) is provided in the small diameter portion. Figure 6 As shown, the conversion lens 50 is mounted on the bracket 42 of the camera 18 by fastening the internal thread portion 54 of the conversion lens 50 to the external thread portion 44 of the camera 18 .

[0085] As an example, the user mounts the small-sized guide plate 24 on the side guide plate 20, and mounts the conversion lens 50 on the bracket 42 of the camera 18. The mounting order of the small-sized guide plate 24 and the conversion lens 50 is not limited. For example, the conversion lens 50 may be mounted on the bracket 42 of the camera 18 after the small-sized guide plate 24 is mounted on the side guide plate 20. Also, for example, the small-sized guide plate 24 may be mounted on the side guide plate 20 after the conversion lens 50 is mounted on the bracket 42 of the camera 18.

[0086] like Figure 4As shown, the other end 50B in the axial direction of the conversion lens 50 (the end on the side opposite to the camera 18) is arranged at a position opposite to the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small-sized paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A. That is, at the change position P2 where the position of the small-sized paper SP is restricted by the small-sized guide plate 24, the one end 50A in the axial direction of the conversion lens 50 is arranged at a position opposite to the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small-sized paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A. By changing the focal length by the conversion lens 50, the focus of the camera 18 can be aligned with the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small-sized paper SP. That is, at the change position P2, the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction of the small-sized paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A enters the focus range 59, which is the range where the focus position of the camera 18 is aligned (focused) by the conversion lens 50. As a result, the camera 18 can more clearly capture the end portion in the width direction of the small-sized paper SP at the change position P2. That is, the focus range 59 is a range in which the end of the small-sized paper SP in the width direction (arrow Z direction) can be clearly photographed by the camera 18 at the change position P2 and a range in which the end of the small-sized paper SP in the width direction can be detected from the photographic image.

[0087] exist Figure 8 (A) to (C) schematically show an example of the state of the paper P detected by the camera 18 when air is blown from the blower port 30 of the air supply unit 14 toward the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading unit 12. Figure 8 In the first example shown in (A), about 10 sheets of paper P on the upper side are randomly separated and floated, and the floating and separation state of the paper P is good. In this state, even if the paper P is sequentially conveyed by the conveying unit 16, overlapping conveyance of the paper P is unlikely to occur.

[0088] exist Figure 8 In the second example shown in (B), the number of floating sheets of paper P is only about one, and the floating and separation state of the paper P is insufficient. In this state, when the paper P is sequentially conveyed by the conveying unit 16, there is a concern that feeding failure (i.e., miss feed) may occur, in which the paper P is not smoothly fed.

[0089] exist Figure 8 In the third example shown in (C), the paper P on the upper side floats in a bundle due to excessively strong air blowing from the blowing port 30, so that the floating and separation of the paper P are insufficient. In this state, when the paper P is sequentially conveyed by the conveying unit 16, there is a concern that the paper P may be conveyed in a overlapping manner.

[0090] The control unit 70 controls the rotation of the fan 34 of the air supply unit 14 according to the state of the paper P photographed by the camera 18, thereby changing the air supply amount. Figure 8 In the state shown in (B), the control unit 70 increases the rotation speed per unit time of the fan 34 of the air supply unit 14 to increase the air supply amount. Figure 8 In the state shown in (C), the control unit 70 reduces the rotation speed per unit time of the fan 34 of the air supply unit 14 to reduce the air supply amount. Thus, the floating and separation states of the paper P are adjusted.

[0091] <Function and Effect>

[0092] Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0093] In the media storage device 10, the positions of the ends of the plurality of sheets of paper P of a normal size loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading section 12 are restricted in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the sheets of paper P by the side guides 20. In this state, air is blown out from the blower ports 30 of the air supply section 14, whereby the plurality of sheets of paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading section 12 are floated and separated.

[0094] At the normal position P1 where the position of the paper P of a normal size is limited by the side guide 20, the camera 18 is arranged at a position facing the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A. At the normal position P1, the vicinity of the end portion in the width direction of the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A enters the focus position alignment (i.e., focusing) range of the camera 18, i.e., the focusing range 19 (refer to Figure 3 ). Thus, the camera 18 can more clearly capture the end of the normal size paper P in the width direction at the normal position P1. Therefore, the camera 18 can capture the floating and separated state of the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading unit 12 from the outside in the width direction of the paper P.

[0095] When using a small-sized paper SP whose width direction is smaller than that of a normal-sized paper P, the small-sized guide plate 24 is attached to the side guide plate 20 (see Figure 5 ). At the same time, the conversion lens 50 is mounted on the bracket 42 of the camera 18 by fastening the internal thread portion 54 of the conversion lens 50 to the external thread portion 44 of the bracket 42 of the camera 18 .

[0096] At the change position P2 where the position of the small-size paper SP is restricted by the small-size guide plate 24, one end portion 50A in the axial direction of the conversion lens 50 (the end portion on the side opposite to the camera 18) is arranged at a position opposite to the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small-size paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A (refer to Figure 4 ). At the change position P2, by changing the focus position using the conversion lens 50, the end portion of the small-sized paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A in the width direction enters the focus position alignment (focusing) range of the camera 18, that is, the focus range 59. As a result, the camera 18 can more clearly capture the end portion of the small-sized paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A in the width direction at the change position P2.

[0097] Here, use Fig.19 A comparative example of a media storage device 200 will be described. Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 2 , in the media storage device 200, when the small-size guide plate 204 is mounted on the side guide plate 202, the position of the camera 206 does not change. In this state, the end portion in the width direction of the small-size paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading portion 12 may not enter the focusing range 207 of the camera 206, so it is difficult for the camera 206 to clearly photograph the end portion in the width direction of the small-size paper SP. Therefore, it is difficult to detect the end portion in the width direction of the small-size paper SP with high accuracy based on the photographic image.

[0098] On the other hand, in the media storage device 10 of the first embodiment, when the small-sized guide plate 24 is mounted on the side guide plate 20, the conversion lens 50 is mounted on the bracket 42 of the camera 18 by fastening the internal thread portion 54 of the conversion lens 50 to the external thread portion 44 of the bracket 42 of the camera 18. Therefore, in the media storage device 10, compared with the case where the focal position of the camera does not change when the small-sized guide plate that restricts the position of the side portion in the width direction of the small-sized paper SP whose size in the width direction is smaller than that of the paper P is mounted, it is possible to capture the floating and separation state of the small-sized paper SP with high accuracy.

[0099] Furthermore, in the media storage device 10, the camera 18 is provided on the side guide 20, and the small-size guide 24 is detachably mounted on the side guide 20. Therefore, in the media storage device 10, compared with a case where the camera is provided on a loading portion other than the side guide, the floating and separation states of the normal-size paper P can be photographed with high accuracy without the small-size guide 24 being mounted.

[0100] Furthermore, in the media storage device 10, the small-size guides 24 are installed on both sides of the small-size paper SP in the width direction (arrow Z direction), and the cameras 18 are respectively provided on both sides in the width direction of the small-size paper SP. Therefore, in the media storage device 10, it is easier to photograph the floating and separation state of the small-size paper SP than in the case where the camera is provided on one side in the width direction of the small-size paper.

[0101] Furthermore, the media storage device 10 includes a control unit 70 provided with a processor, and the control unit 70 changes the supply amount of air supplied by the air supply unit 14 according to the image captured by the camera 18. Therefore, in the media storage device 10, compared with the case where the supply amount of air is not changed, it is possible to suppress the jamming or overlapping conveyance of the paper P or the small-sized paper SP.

[0102] Furthermore, the image forming system 100 includes the media storage device 10 and the image forming unit 102 that forms an image on the paper P fed out from the media storage device 10. Therefore, in the image forming system 100, compared with a case where the focal position of the camera does not change when the small-size guide plate 24 that restricts the position of the side portion in the width direction of the small-size paper SP having a smaller size in the width direction than the paper P is installed, it is possible to suppress the feeding failure of the small-size paper SP from the media storage device 10 to the image forming unit 102.

[0103] (Second embodiment)

[0104] Next, a media storage device according to a second embodiment will be described. Components identical to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0105] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown in (A) and (B), the media storage device 120 of the second embodiment has a different structure of a small-size guide plate 122 and a conversion lens 124 compared to the media storage device 10 of the first embodiment. The small-size guide plate 122 is an example of a second limiting portion, also called a small-size kit. The conversion lens 124 is an example of a focal length changing portion.

[0106] The conversion lens 124 is mounted on the small-sized guide plate 122 in such a manner that the position relative to the camera 18 can be adjusted. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown in (A) of FIG. 1 , the small-size guide plate 122 includes a plate-like portion 130 that extends toward the front side (loading portion 12 side) of the camera 18 when attached to the side guide plate 20. The plate-like portion 130 is provided with a circular opening 132 through which the conversion lens 124 passes, and an internal thread portion 134 is formed on the inner circumference of the opening 132 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.10 (A)).

[0107] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown in (B), an external thread portion 142 that meshes with the internal thread portion 134 and enables the conversion lens 124 to move in the axial direction is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical housing 140 of the conversion lens 124. By rotating the conversion lens 124 in a state where the external thread portion 142 of the conversion lens 124 is meshed with the internal thread portion 134 of the plate-like portion 130, the position of the conversion lens 124 relative to the camera 18 can be adjusted.

[0108] As an example, when the small-sized guide plate 122 is attached to the side guide plate 20, the external thread portion 142 of the conversion lens 124 is previously set to a state in which the internal thread portion 134 of the plate-shaped portion 130 is engaged. Then, after the small-sized guide plate 122 is attached to the side guide plate 20, the position of the conversion lens 124 relative to the camera 18 is adjusted by rotating the conversion lens 124. Thus, in the state in which the small-sized guide plate 122 is attached to the side guide plate 20, the conversion lens 124 is set at a position opposite to the lens portion of the camera 18 (refer to Fig. 9 As an example, the conversion lens 124 is rotated so that the other end 124B (the end on the camera 18 side) on the opposite side to the one end 124A in the axial direction of the conversion lens 124 is brought into contact with the lens portion of the camera 18. The one end 124A in the axial direction of the conversion lens 124 is arranged to be close to the small-sized paper SP (refer to Figure 4 ) in the width direction (arrow Z direction). The conversion lens 124 can make the focus of the camera 18 and the small size paper SP (reference Figure 4 ) are aligned with the sides in the width direction (arrow Z direction).

[0109] The media storage device 120 of the second embodiment has the following operations and effects in addition to the operations and effects based on the same structure as the media storage device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0110] In the media storage device 120, the conversion lens 124 is mounted on the small-sized guide plate 122 in such a manner that the position relative to the camera 18 can be adjusted. Therefore, in the media storage device 120, compared with a case where the user directly mounts the conversion lens on the camera 18 through an operation different from mounting the small-sized guide plate, the time and effort of the user in mounting the conversion lens 124 can be reduced.

[0111] Furthermore, an external thread portion 142 that meshes with the internal thread portion 134 of the small-sized guide plate 122 and enables the conversion lens 124 to move in the axial direction is provided on the outer periphery of the housing 140 of the conversion lens 124. Therefore, in the media storage device 120, the number of components for adjusting the position of the conversion lens 124 can be reduced compared to a case where the conversion lens is moved in the axial direction relative to the small-sized guide plate using a mounting tool different from the conversion lens.

[0112] [Third embodiment]

[0113] Next, a media storage device according to a third embodiment will be described. Components identical to those of the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0114] like Figures 11 to 18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the media storage device 150 of the third embodiment is different from the media storage device 10 of the first embodiment in the structure of the small-sized guide plate 152 and the conversion lens 158. In addition, the media storage device 150 is different from the media storage device 10 of the first embodiment in that it is provided with a moving device 156 for moving the camera 154. The small-sized guide plate 152 is an example of a second limiting portion. Furthermore, the camera 154 is an example of a photographing portion, and the moving device 156 is an example of a moving portion.

[0115] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the small size guide plate 152 includes a plate-like portion 160 that extends toward the front side (loading portion 12 side) of the camera 154 when attached to the side guide plate 20. A circular opening 162 is provided on the plate-like portion 160, and an axial end portion 158A (an end portion on the small size paper SP side) of the conversion lens 158 is attached to the edge of the opening 162. The axial end portion 158A of the conversion lens 158 is joined to a cylindrical portion 163 extending from the edge of the opening 162 of the plate-like portion 160 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.12 ), the conversion lens 158 will not move axially relative to the plate-like portion 160.

[0116] A protrusion 159 extending in the axial direction is provided at the other end 158B of the conversion lens 158. The protrusion 159 is provided at a part of the outer peripheral surface of the conversion lens 158. The protrusion 159 is bent along the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 154A of the camera 154 and can contact the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 154A.

[0117] The small-size guide plate 152 is provided with a plate-like piece 180 extending downward from the upper wall 24B. The plate-like piece 180 is disposed closer to the vertical wall 24A than the plate-like portion 160 and is provided along the conversion lens 158 with a gap therebetween.

[0118] like Figure 13 to Figure 15 As shown, the camera 154 includes a housing 154B and a loading portion 12 (see Figure 4The camera 154 is provided in the moving device 156, and the frame 166 of the moving device 156 described later is attached to the side guide 20. When the small-sized guide 152 is attached to the side guide 20, the lens portion 154A side of the camera 154 is provided on the side where the plate-shaped portion 160 of the small-sized guide 152 is arranged.

[0119] The moving device 156 has the following function: when the small-sized guide plate 152 is mounted on the side guide plate 20, the camera 154 is moved to a position opposite to the conversion lens 158 in conjunction with the mounting of the small-sized guide plate 152. Figure 13 to Figure 15 As shown, the moving device 156 includes a rectangular parallelepiped frame 166 with an opening on the conversion lens 158 side, and a support body 168 that is arranged inside the frame 166 and supports the camera 154 .

[0120] The moving device 156 includes a coil spring 170 as an example of a pressing member that presses the support body 168 of the camera 154 toward the position side opposite to the conversion lens 158. In addition, the moving device 156 includes a holding portion 172 that resists the pressing force of the coil spring 170 and holds the camera 154 at the normal position P3 where the paper P of a normal size can be photographed. In addition, the moving device 156 includes a coil spring 174 as an example of another pressing member that presses the holding portion 172 in the direction of the support body 168 of the camera 154.

[0121] The support body 168 moves the camera 154 to a normal position P3 (see FIG. 1 ) where the camera 154 can capture a normal size of paper P. Figure 13 to Figure 15 ) and a moving position P4 (reference Figure 16 to Figure 18 ). As an example, the support body 168 is a box body whose cross section is recessed into a U-shape, and the camera 154 is mounted on the surface of the protruding side of the support body 168. The camera 154 is mounted in a manner integral with the support body 168, and moves with the movement of the support body 168. Fig.15 FIG. 1 shows the state of the moving device 156 before the small size guide 152 is installed. The camera 154 is arranged at a normal position P3 capable of photographing a normal size paper P. Fig.15 In order to make the positional relationship between the camera 154 arranged at the normal position P3 and another component clearer, the position of the conversion lens 158 when the small-sized guide plate 152 is installed is shown by a virtual line diagram.

[0122] One axial end of the coil spring 170 is engaged with the inner side of the wall 166A on the back side of the frame 166, and the other axial end of the coil spring 170 is engaged with the surface of the support body 168 on the side opposite to the camera 154 (the inner side of the recess) (refer to Fig.13 and Fig.15 wait).

[0123] The support body 168 is provided with a first inclined surface 169 (see FIG. 1 ) arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the camera 154 moves from the normal position P3 to the moving position P4. Fig.14 and Fig.17 ). As an example, the camera 154 is configured to move from the normal position P3 to the moving position P4 along the horizontal direction of the frame 166, and the first inclined surface 169 is arranged in a direction intersecting with the horizontal direction of the frame 166. The first inclined surface 169 is formed on the lower surface of the support body 168 in the vertical direction, and is inclined in a manner such that the surface on the lens portion 154A side of the camera 154 becomes the upper side and the surface on the housing 154B side of the camera 154 becomes the lower side (refer to Fig.14 and Fig.17 ).

[0124] A slit 190 is formed in the horizontal direction on the upper portion of the side wall 166C of the frame 166 which faces the device width direction (arrow X direction). Protrusions 168A (see FIG. 16A ) which are inserted into the slit 190 of the frame 166 are provided on both sides of the support body 168 in the device width direction (arrow X direction). Fig.14 ). The projection 168A of the support body 168 moves while sliding on the inner surface of the slit 190 of the frame body 166, whereby the support body 168 moves in the horizontal direction along the slit 190 of the frame body 166. The axial direction of the coil spring 170 is in the direction along the slit 190, and the support body 168 moves in the direction along the slit 190 by the urging force of the coil spring 170.

[0125] like Figure 14-15 As shown, the holding portion 172 is arranged on the lower side of the support body 168 in the vertical direction. The holding portion 172 is provided with a second inclined surface 173 (refer to Fig.14 and Fig.17 ). The second inclined surface 173 is formed on the upper surface of the holding portion 172 in the vertical direction, and is inclined in such a manner that the surface on the lens portion 154A side of the camera 154 is on the upper side and the surface on the housing 154B side of the camera 154 is on the lower side. That is, the second inclined surface 173 is inclined in such a manner that it becomes an ascending slope in the direction along the lens portion 154A side of the camera 154.

[0126] One axial end of coil spring 174 is engaged with the inner side of bottom wall 166B on the vertical lower side of frame 166, and the other axial end of coil spring 174 is engaged with the lower surface of retaining portion 172. Coil spring 174 is axially directed along the vertical direction of frame 166.

[0127] The holding portion 172 is pressed in the direction of the support body 168 of the camera 154 by the force of the coil spring 174, whereby the second inclined surface 173 is pressed against the first inclined surface 169 of the support body 168. The second inclined surface 173 of the holding portion 172 is pressed against the first inclined surface 169 of the support body 168 by the coil spring 174, whereby the holding portion 172 resists the pushing force of the coil spring 170 and holds the camera 154 in the normal position P3 (refer to FIG. 1 ) where the camera 154 can shoot a normal size of paper P. Fig.14 ) In the third embodiment, the spring force of the coil spring 174 is set to be stronger than the spring force of the coil spring 170 .

[0128] like Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , slits 192 formed in the vertical direction are provided at the lower portions of the side walls 166C on both sides in the device width direction (arrow X direction) of the frame 166. A plate-like protrusion 176 extending to the outside of the frame 166 through the slit 192 of the side wall 166C on the side of the small-size guide plate 152 is provided on one side of the holding portion 172. In addition, a protrusion 177 (see FIG. 1 ) inserted into the slit 192 of the side wall 166C is provided on the other side of the holding portion 172. Fig.11 The axial direction of the coil spring 174 is along the slit 192. When the retaining portion 172 is moved upward by the coil spring 174, the protruding piece 176 extends upward from the upper end of the slit 192 in an L shape (see Fig.14 ).

[0129] The holding portion 172 is movable in the up-down direction along the slit 192 in a state where the protruding piece 176 is inserted through one slit 192 and the protrusion 177 is inserted into the other slit 192 .

[0130] As described above, the small-size guide plate 152 is provided with a plate-like piece 180 (see Fig.12 ). The plate-like piece 180 is an example of a contact portion. Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the small-sized guide plate 152 is mounted on the side guide plate 20, the plate-like piece 180 abuts against the upper surface of the protruding piece 176 of the holding portion 172 to press the protruding piece 176 and compress the coil spring 174. At this time, the holding portion 172 moves downward, thereby releasing the holding of the support body 168 of the camera 154 at the normal position P3 by the holding portion 172.

[0131] Therefore, if Figure 16 to Figure 18As shown in FIG. 1 , the first inclined surface 169 of the support body 168 slides on the second inclined surface 173 of the holding portion 172 by the urging force of the coil spring 170, and the support body 168 moves toward the conversion lens 158. At this time, the support body 168 moves in the horizontal direction while the protrusion 168A is guided by the inner surface of the slit 190, and the camera 154 supported by the support body 168 moves to the moving position P4 (refer to FIG. 1 ) opposite to the conversion lens 158. Fig.18 ).

[0132] As an example, by the movement of the camera 154 supported by the support body 168, the front surface of the lens portion 154A of the camera 154 contacts the other axial end portion 158B of the conversion lens 158. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the lens portion 154A contacts the protrusion 159 of the conversion lens 158, and the lens portion 154A and the conversion lens 158 are aligned. The conversion lens 158 can make the focus of the camera 154 and the small-sized paper SP (reference Figure 4 ) are aligned with the sides in the width direction (arrow Z direction).

[0133] On the other hand, if the camera 154 is located at the moving position P4 (refer to Fig.17 ) When the small-size guide plate 152 is removed, the plate-like piece 180 is separated from the protruding piece 176 of the holding portion 172. As a result, the holding portion 172 moves upward in the vertical direction due to the urging force of the coil spring 174, and the first inclined surface 169 of the support body 168 slides on the second inclined surface 173 of the holding portion 172, and the support body 168 moves in a direction away from the conversion lens 158 (refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 ). As described above, the spring force of the coil spring 174 is stronger than that of the coil spring 170, so the support body 168 is pressed by the holding portion 172 and easily moves in a direction away from the conversion lens 158. As a result, the camera 154 supported by the support body 168 moves to the original normal position P3 before the small-size guide plate 152 is installed. That is, the holding portion 172 can resist the pushing force of the coil spring 170 and hold the camera 154 in the normal position P3 where the paper P of normal size can be photographed.

[0134] The media storage device 150 according to the third embodiment has the following operations and effects in addition to the operations and effects based on the same structure as the media storage device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0135] In the media storage device 150, the conversion lens 158 is mounted on the small-sized guide plate 152. The media storage device 150 is provided with a moving device 156, and when the small-sized guide plate 152 is mounted on the loading section 12 via the side guide plate 20, the moving device 156 moves the camera 154 to the moving position P4 opposite to the conversion lens 158 in conjunction with the mounting of the small-sized guide plate 152. Therefore, in the media storage device 150, compared with a case where the camera is moved to the moving position P4 opposite to the conversion lens by an operation different from the mounting of the small-sized guide plate, the time and effort of the user to adjust the positions of the camera 154 and the conversion lens 158 can be reduced.

[0136] Furthermore, in the media storage device 150, when the small size guide 152 is removed, the moving device 156 moves the camera 154 to the original normal position P3 before the small size guide 152 is installed. Therefore, in the media storage device 150, the time and effort of the user to move the camera 154 can be reduced compared to the case where the camera is moved to the original normal position P3 by the user's operation when the small size guide is removed.

[0137] Furthermore, in the media storage device 150, the moving device 156 includes a coil spring 170 that pushes the support body 168 of the camera 154 toward the moving position P4 side facing the conversion lens 158. In addition, the moving device 156 includes a holding portion 172 that resists the pushing force of the coil spring 170 and holds the camera 154 at the normal position P3 where the paper P of a normal size can be photographed. Then, the plate-like piece 180 provided on the small-size guide plate 152 abuts against the protruding piece 176 of the holding portion 172 to release the holding of the support body 168 of the camera 154 by the holding portion 172. Therefore, in the media storage device 150, the cost of operating the moving device 156 can be reduced compared with the case where a power unit for electrically moving the camera is provided.

[0138] Furthermore, in the media storage device 150, the moving device 156 includes a coil spring 174 that presses the holding portion 172 in the direction of the camera 154. Furthermore, a first inclined surface 169 arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the camera 154 moves to the moving position P4 side facing the conversion lens 158 is provided on the support body 168 of the camera 154. In addition, a second inclined surface 173 is provided on the holding portion 172, and the second inclined surface 173 contacts the first inclined surface 169 and moves the camera 154 to the normal position P3 where the normal-sized paper P can be photographed against the urging force of the coil spring 170. Thus, when the small-size guide plate 152 is removed, the holding portion 172 is pushed out by the urging force of the coil spring 170, and the first inclined surface 169 of the supporting body 168 slides on the second inclined surface 173 of the supporting body 172, thereby moving the supporting body 168 in a direction away from the conversion lens 158. As a result, the camera 154 supported by the support body 168 moves to the original normal position P3 before the small-size guide plate 152 is attached.

[0139] Therefore, in the media storage device 150, cost reduction can be achieved compared with the case where the camera is moved to the original normal position P3 using a component different from the component for moving the camera toward the conversion lens when the small-size guide plate is removed.

[0140] [Supplementary explanation]

[0141] In the media storage devices of the first to third embodiments, the small-size guides 24 and 152 are detachably mounted on the side guides 20, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the small-size guides may be detachably mounted on other components such as the bottom plate of the loading section 12.

[0142] Furthermore, in the media storage devices of the first to third embodiments, the cameras 18 and 154 are respectively disposed on both sides of the small-sized paper SP in the width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the cameras 18 and 154 may be disposed on either side of the small-sized paper SP in the width direction.

[0143] In the media storage device of the first embodiment, the conversion lens 50 is not in contact with the small-size guide plate 24, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the conversion lens 50 may be movably supported by the small-size guide plate 24.

[0144] In the media storage device of the third embodiment, the coil spring 170 is provided as a member for moving the camera 154 to the moving position P4 on the side of the conversion lens 158, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, as an example of a power unit, a solenoid or a motor may be used to move the camera 154 to the moving position P4 on the side of the conversion lens 158. In this case, for example, when a small-sized guide is attached to the side guide, the solenoid or the motor is operated to move the camera to the moving position P4 on the side of the conversion lens 158.

[0145] Furthermore, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention.

[0146] [Mode of the Invention]

[0147] Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention will be supplementally described. (((1)))

[0149] A media storage device comprising:

[0150] A loading unit capable of loading media in an up-and-down direction;

[0151] A first limiting portion, provided on the loading portion, for limiting the position of a side portion of the medium in a width direction intersecting with a conveying direction according to a width dimension of the medium;

[0152] an air supply unit for supplying air to the plurality of media loaded on the loading unit to float and separate the plurality of media;

[0153] a conveying unit for sequentially conveying the media floated and separated by the air supply unit;

[0154] a photographing unit for photographing, from an outer side in a width direction of the medium, a state in which the medium is floating and separated by the air supply unit;

[0155] A second limiting portion is installed on the loading portion when a narrow medium having a smaller dimension in the width direction than the medium is loaded on the loading portion, and limits the position of a side portion in the width direction of the narrow medium; and

[0156] The focal length changing section is provided at a position facing the photographing section in a state where the second restricting section is attached, and changes the focal length so that the focal point of the photographing section is aligned with a side portion in the width direction of the narrow medium. (((2)))

[0158] The media storage device according to (((1))), wherein:

[0159] The photographing section is disposed on the first limiting section.

[0160] The second restricting portion is detachably mounted on the first restricting portion. (((3)))

[0162] The media storage device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein:

[0163] The focal length changing unit is attached to the second restricting unit so that its position relative to the imaging unit can be adjusted. (((4)))

[0165] The media storage device according to (((3))), wherein:

[0166] The focal length changing portion is provided with an external thread portion that meshes with the internal thread portion of the second restricting portion and enables the focal length changing portion to move in the axial direction. (((5)))

[0168] The media storage device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein:

[0169] The focal length changing portion is installed on the second limiting portion,

[0170] The media storage device includes a moving portion, and when the second limiting portion is attached to the upper side of the loading portion, the moving portion moves the photographing portion to a position facing the focal length changing portion in conjunction with the attachment of the second limiting portion. (((6)))

[0172] The media storage device according to (((5))), wherein:

[0173] When the second restricting portion is removed, the moving portion moves the photographing portion to an original position before the second restricting portion is attached. (((7)))

[0175] The media storage device according to (((5))) or (((6))), wherein:

[0176] The mobile unit comprises:

[0177] a pressing member for pressing the photographing unit toward a position facing the focal length changing unit; and

[0178] a holding portion that resists the pressing force of the pressing member and holds the photographing portion at a position where the medium can be photographed,

[0179] The contact portion provided on the second restricting portion abuts against the holding portion to release the holding of the imaging portion by the holding portion. (((8)))

[0181] The media storage device according to (((7))), wherein:

[0182] The mobile part has:

[0183] another pushing member, pressing the holding portion in the direction of the photographing portion;

[0184] A first inclined surface is provided on the photographing section and is arranged in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the photographing section moves toward a position facing the focal length changing section; and

[0185] The second inclined surface is provided on the holding portion and contacts the first inclined surface, and moves the photographing portion to a position where the medium can be photographed against the pressing force of the pressing member. (((9)))

[0187] The media storage device according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))), wherein:

[0188] The second limiting portion is installed on both sides of the narrow media in the width direction.

[0189] The photographing sections are respectively arranged on both sides of the narrow-width medium in the width direction. (((10)))

[0191] The media storage device according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))), comprising at least one processor,

[0192] The processor performs the following processing:

[0193] The supply amount of air supplied by the air supply unit is changed according to the image captured by the imaging unit. (((11)))

[0195] An image forming system comprising:

[0196] The media storage device described in any one of (((1))) to (((9))); and

[0197] The image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium sent out from the medium storage device by the transport unit.

[0198] According to the media storage device described in (((1))), the floating and separation states of the narrow media can be photographed with high precision, compared to the case where the focal position of the photographing unit remains unchanged when a second limiting portion is installed to limit the position of the side portion in the width direction of a narrow media whose size in the width direction is smaller than that of the media.

[0199] According to the media storage device described in (((2))), compared with a case where the photographing section is provided in a loading section other than the first limiting section, it is possible to photograph the floating and separation states of a medium of a normal size with high accuracy without installing the second limiting section.

[0200] According to the media storage device described in (((3))), the time and effort of the user in installing the focal length changing unit can be reduced compared to a case where the user directly installs the focal length changing unit to the photographing unit through an operation different from the installation of the second limiting unit.

[0201] According to the media storage device described in (((4))), the number of components for adjusting the position of the focal length changing part can be reduced compared to the case where the focal length changing part is moved axially relative to the second limiting part using a mounting tool different from the focal length changing part.

[0202] According to the media storage device described in (((5))), the time and effort of the user in adjusting the positions of the photographic unit and the focal length changing unit can be reduced compared to a case where the photographic unit is moved to a position opposite to the focal length changing unit through an operation different from the installation of the second limiting unit.

[0203] According to the media storage device described in (((6))), the time and effort of the user to move the photographing unit can be reduced compared to the case where the photographing unit is moved to the original position by the user's operation when the second restricting unit is removed.

[0204] According to the media storage device described in (((7))), the cost of operating the power unit can be reduced compared to the case where the power unit is provided to electrically move the photographing unit.

[0205] According to the media storage device described in (((8))), cost reduction can be achieved compared to the case where the photographing unit is moved to the original position using a component different from the component for moving the photographing unit to the focus position changing unit side when the second limiting unit is removed.

[0206] According to the media storage device described in (((9))), it is easier to capture the floating and separated state of the narrow media than in a case where the imaging unit is provided at one side in the width direction of the narrow media.

[0207] According to the medium storage device described in (((10))), compared with the case where the air supply amount is not changed, clogging or overlapping conveyance of the medium can be suppressed.

[0208] According to the image forming system described in (((11))), compared with a case where the focal position of the photographic unit remains unchanged when a second limiting unit is installed to limit the position of the side portion in the width direction of a narrow medium whose size in the width direction is smaller than that of the medium, poor delivery of the narrow medium from the media storage device to the image forming unit can be suppressed.

[0209] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed methods. Obviously, various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily understand the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technicians in the art can understand the present invention through various variations optimized for specific uses assumed to be various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

[0210] Explanation of symbols

[0211] 10-media storage device, 12-loading unit, 14-air supply unit, 16-transport unit, 18-camera (an example of a photographing unit), 19-focusing range, 20-side guide plate (an example of a first limiting unit), 24-small size guide plate (an example of a second limiting unit), 50-conversion lens (an example of a focal length changing unit), 70-control unit (an example of a processor), 100-image forming system, 102-image forming unit, 120-media storage device, 122-small size guide plate (an example of a second limiting unit), 124-conversion lens (an example of a focal length changing unit), 134-internal thread portion, 142-external thread portion, 150-media accommodating device, 152-small-size guide plate (an example of the second limiting portion), 154-camera (an example of the photographing portion), 156-moving device (an example of the moving portion), 158-conversion lens (an example of the focal length changing portion), 169-first inclined surface, 170-coil spring (an example of the pushing component), 172-holding portion, 173-second inclined surface, 174-coil spring (an example of another pushing component), P-paper (an example of the medium), SP-small-size paper (an example of the narrow-width medium).

Claims

1. A media storage device, comprising: A loading unit capable of loading media in an up-and-down direction; A first limiting portion, provided on the loading portion, for limiting the position of a side portion of the medium in a width direction intersecting with a conveying direction according to a width dimension of the medium; an air supply unit for supplying air to the plurality of media loaded on the loading unit to float and separate the plurality of media; a conveying unit for sequentially conveying the media floated and separated by the air supply unit; a photographing unit for photographing, from an outer side in a width direction of the medium, a state in which the medium is floating and separated by the air supply unit; A second limiting portion is installed on the loading portion when a narrow medium having a smaller dimension in the width direction than the medium is loaded on the loading portion, and limits the position of a side portion in the width direction of the narrow medium; and The focal length changing section is provided at a position facing the photographing section in a state where the second restricting section is attached, and changes the focal length so that the focal point of the photographing section is aligned with a side portion in the width direction of the narrow medium.

2. The media storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The photographing section is disposed on the first limiting section. The second restricting portion is detachably mounted on the first restricting portion.

3. The media storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The focal length changing unit is attached to the second restricting unit so that its position relative to the imaging unit can be adjusted.

4. The media storage device according to claim 3, wherein: The focal length changing portion is provided with an external thread portion that meshes with the internal thread portion of the second restricting portion and enables the focal length changing portion to move in the axial direction.

5. The media storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The focal length changing portion is installed on the second limiting portion, The media storage device includes a moving portion, and when the second limiting portion is attached to the upper side of the loading portion, the moving portion moves the photographing portion to a position facing the focal length changing portion in conjunction with the attachment of the second limiting portion.

6. The media storage device according to claim 5, wherein: When the second restricting portion is removed, the moving portion moves the photographing portion to an original position before the second restricting portion is attached.

7. The media storage device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The mobile unit comprises: a pressing member for pressing the photographing unit toward a position facing the focal length changing unit; and a holding portion that resists the pressing force of the pressing member and holds the photographing portion at a position where the medium can be photographed, The contact portion provided on the second restricting portion abuts against the holding portion to release the holding of the imaging portion by the holding portion.

8. The media storage device according to claim 7, wherein: The mobile part has: another pushing member, pressing the holding portion in the direction of the photographing portion; A first inclined surface is provided on the photographing section and is arranged in a direction intersecting with a direction in which the photographing section moves toward a position side facing the focal length changing section; and The second inclined surface is provided on the holding portion and contacts the first inclined surface, and moves the photographing portion to a position where the medium can be photographed against the pressing force of the pressing member.

9. The media storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The second limiting portion is installed on both sides of the narrow media in the width direction. The photographing sections are respectively arranged on both sides of the narrow-width medium in the width direction.

10. The media storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one processor, The processor performs the following processing: The supply amount of air supplied by the air supply unit is changed according to the image captured by the imaging unit.

11. An image forming system comprising: The media storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium sent out from the medium storage device by the transport unit.

Images