Medium feeding device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention discloses a medium feeding device and an image forming apparatus, the medium feeding device includes: a supply unit that supplies air to a plurality of loaded recording media from an edge side of the recording media to float and separate the recording media; a feeding section that feeds the recording medium on the uppermost layer separated by the supply section in a feeding direction; a contact portion that comes into contact with a side end of the plurality of recording media from a lateral side of the plurality of recording media; a projection unit that is provided on the contact unit, and that projects an image of the side end of the plurality of recording media toward the feeding direction side; and an imaging unit that is disposed on the side in the feeding direction with respect to the plurality of recording media, and that captures the image projected on the projection unit in a state in which the air is supplied by the supply unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium feeding device and an image forming device. Background Art

[0002] A sheet feeding device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2020-152535, which comprises: an air blowing unit, which blows air toward a sheet bundle loaded on a sheet loading portion to float the sheet on the upper portion of the sheet bundle; a feeding unit, which feeds the uppermost sheet that has floated; and a camera unit, which photographs the sheet floated by the air blowing unit. The sheet feeding device is characterized in that a camera range of the camera unit is set to photograph a feeding surface of the feeding unit and the uppermost sheet of the sheet bundle loaded on at least the sheet loading portion. Summary of the invention

[0003] As a medium feeding device, consider a medium feeding device comprising: a supply part, which supplies air to the recording medium from the edge side of the loaded multiple recording media to make the recording medium float and separate; a feeding part, which feeds the top layer of recording media separated by the supply part in a feeding direction; and a photographing part, which photographs the side ends of the multiple recording media.

[0004] In this medium feeding device, when the imaging unit directly images the side ends of the plurality of recording media, it is necessary to arrange it at a position facing the side ends of the plurality of recording media, so the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the imaging unit is low.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to increase the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of an imaging unit, compared with a case where an imaging unit directly images side ends of a plurality of recording media.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a medium feeding device is provided, comprising: a supply portion, which supplies air to the recording medium from the edge side of a plurality of loaded recording media to make the recording medium float and separate; a feeding portion, which feeds the topmost recording medium separated by the supply portion in a feeding direction; a contact portion, which contacts the side ends of the plurality of recording media from the lateral side; a projection portion, which is arranged at the contact portion, and images of the side ends of the plurality of recording media are projected toward the feeding direction; and a photographing portion, which is arranged on the feeding direction side relative to the plurality of recording media, and photographs the image projected on the projection portion in a state where air is supplied by the supply portion.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the medium feeding device according to the first aspect, the imaging unit is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the recording medium fed by the feeding unit.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the medium feeding device according to the second aspect, the imaging unit is arranged on the lateral side with respect to a position through which the recording medium fed by the feeding unit passes.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medium feeding device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the contact portion is movable to the side of the recording medium, and the imaging portion moves to the side in conjunction with the movement of the contact portion.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the medium feeding device according to the fourth aspect, the imaging unit is connected to the contact unit and moves integrally with the contact unit.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the medium feeding device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the projection portion is detachable from the contact portion.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the medium feeding device based on any one of the first to sixth aspects, there is a light source, which irradiates light toward the side ends of the multiple recording media loaded, and does not irradiate the light toward the projection surface of the projection unit that projects the image.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: the medium feeding device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium fed from the medium feeding device.

[0014] (Effect)

[0015] According to the first aspect, compared with a case where the imaging unit directly images the side ends of a plurality of recording media, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the imaging unit can be increased.

[0016] According to the second aspect, compared with a case where the imaging unit is arranged at a position interfering with the recording medium fed out by the feeding unit, it is possible to suppress feeding defects of the recording medium.

[0017] According to the third aspect, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the imaging unit in the vertical direction can be increased compared to a case where the imaging unit is arranged above or below the position where the recording medium fed by the feeding unit passes.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect, compared with a case where the imaging unit is always located at a predetermined position, it is possible to suppress focus deviation when the imaging unit captures images projected on the side ends of the plurality of recording media of the projection unit.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a case where the imaging unit and the contact unit are separated and move separately, it is possible to suppress focus deviation when the imaging unit captures images projected on the side ends of the plurality of recording media of the projection unit.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, compared with a case where the projection unit is non-detachably fixed to the contact portion, it is easier to clean the projection unit.

[0021] According to the seventh aspect, compared with a case where the light source also irradiates light onto the projection surface of the projection unit, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit captures images of the side ends of the plurality of recording media projected onto the projection unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the medium delivery device of the present embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a supply portion of the medium delivery device according to the present embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 It means in Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a state in which air is supplied to a plurality of sheet members in the structure shown;

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a projection unit and a camera according to the present embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 is a top view showing the projection unit and the camera of the present embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 is a side view showing a projection unit and a camera according to the present embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control unit of the medium feeding device according to the present embodiment;

[0030] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a projection unit and a camera according to a modified example;

[0031] Fig.10 is a side view showing a projection unit and a camera according to a modified example;

[0032] Fig.11 It means in Fig.10 A side view of the structure shown in which the sheet member is fed out;

[0033] Fig.12 is a top view showing a projection unit and a camera according to a modified example;

[0034] Fig.13 is a side view showing a projection unit and a camera according to another modified example;

[0035] Fig.14 It means in Fig.13 A side view showing a state in which a sheet member is fed out in the structure shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] An example of an embodiment of the present invention is described below based on the drawings. In addition, arrow H shown in the drawings indicates the vertical direction of the device, arrow W indicates the width direction of the device (horizontal direction), and arrow D indicates the depth direction of the device (horizontal direction).

[0037] <Image Forming Apparatus 100 >

[0038] The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus for forming an image on a sheet member P, such as Figure 1 As shown, the medium feeding device 10 and the image forming unit 102 are provided. The medium feeding device 10 may be a structure that is pre-installed on the device body 101 of the image forming device 100, or may be a structure that is additionally installed on the device body 101 of the image forming device 100 by selection or the like. The sheet member P is an example of a recording medium.

[0039] <Image Forming Unit 102 >

[0040] Figure 1 The image forming unit 102 shown is a component that forms an image on the sheet member P fed out from the medium feeding device 10. As the image forming unit 102, for example, an electrophotographic image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet member P using toner is used.

[0041] In the electrophotographic image forming section, for example, each process of charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing is performed to form an image on the sheet member P. Specifically, in the electrophotographic image forming section, for example, each process of charging, exposure, development, and transfer is performed to form an image on a transfer body, and after the image is transferred from the transfer body to the sheet member P, the image is fixed on the sheet member P, so that the image can be formed on the sheet member P.

[0042] In addition, as an example of the image forming unit, it is not limited to the above-mentioned electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, it may be an inkjet image forming unit, and various image forming units may be used. In the inkjet image forming unit, for example, ink droplets are ejected from an ejection unit toward the sheet member P to form an image on the sheet member P.

[0043] <Medium delivery device 10>

[0044] Figure 1 The medium delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for delivering a sheet member P toward the image forming unit 102. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the medium delivery device 10 includes a loading unit 12 and a delivery unit 16. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the medium delivery device 10 includes a side guide plate 13 and a supply unit 14. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the medium feeding device 10 includes a front end guide plate 15, a projection unit 20, a camera 18, and a light source 22. Figure 8 As shown, the medium feeding device 10 includes a control unit 40. The side guide 13 is an example of a contact unit. The camera 18 is an example of a photographing unit.

[0045] <Loading Section 12, Side Guides 13, and Front End Guide 15>

[0046] The loading section 12 is a structural section for loading the sheet member P. Figure 2 As shown, the loading section 12 includes: a bottom plate 12A on which a plurality of sheet members P are loaded in a vertically stacked state; and a lifting device (not shown) for lifting the bottom plate 12A in the vertical direction. The lifting device lifts the bottom plate 12A so that the position of the topmost sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A is at a predetermined height.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the side guides 13 are structural parts that contact the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P from the side sides of the plurality of sheet members P. Specifically, the side guides 13 are respectively arranged at the side ends of both sides of the sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A. That is, a pair of side guides 13 is provided. The pair of side guides 13 restrict the position of the sheet member P in the width direction by contacting the side ends of both sides of the sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A (that is, the two end edges in the width direction (arrow Y direction) of the sheet member P).

[0048] The pair of side guides 13 can move to the side of the sheet member P. Specifically, the pair of side guides 13 are mounted on the device body 11 (see arrow Y direction) of the medium feeding device 10 so as to be slidable in the width direction of the sheet member P (see arrow Y direction), that is, in the device depth direction. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the side guides 13 are manually operated by the user to move in the width direction of the sheet member P in accordance with the width dimension of the sheet member P, thereby contacting the side ends of both sides of the sheet member P to restrict the position of the sheet member P in the width direction.

[0049] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the front end guide plate 15 is provided on the downstream side ( Figure 2 The front end guide plate 15 is a structural part that contacts the front ends of the plurality of sheet members P (in the direction of the arrow W1 in FIG. 1 ). Specifically, the front end guide plate 15 is arranged on the front end side of the sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A. The front end guide plate 15 contacts the front end (i.e., the downstream end in the delivery direction described later) of the sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A, thereby restricting the position of the sheet member P in the delivery direction (i.e., the conveying direction).

[0050] <Supply Department 14>

[0051] The supply unit 14 is a structural unit that supplies air to the sheet members P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the loading unit 12 to float and separate the sheet members P. Figure 2 As shown, the supply portion 14 is disposed, for example, on one side of a pair of side guide plates 13 ( Figure 2 The interior of the device in the depth direction D). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the supply unit 14 includes a duct 50 having a supply port 50A formed therein and a blower 54 that supplies air to the interior of the duct 50 .

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the duct 50 extends in the up-down direction, and a supply port 50A is formed at the upper end portion of the duct 50 and on the side facing the loaded sheet member P. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the blower 54 is disposed on the lower side of the duct 50 to supply air into the duct 50 .

[0053] In the supply unit 14, as Figure 4As shown, the air supplied by the blower 54 to the inside of the duct 50 rises inside the duct 50 and is supplied to the side end side (an example of the edge side) of the sheet member P through the supply port 50A. Furthermore, the air is supplied between the sheet members P existing on the upper side among the plurality of sheet members P in the loaded state, so that the plurality of sheet members P float and separate.

[0054] In this embodiment, the supply unit 14 supplies the plurality of sheet members P from one side end side ( Figure 2 The air is supplied to the front side of the device in the depth direction D, but is not limited to this. For example, the supply unit 14 may also replace one side end side ( Figure 2 In addition, from the other side ( Figure 2 Air is supplied to at least one side of the device depth direction D), the front end side (the downstream side of the delivery direction described later), and the rear end side (the upstream side of the delivery direction described later).

[0055] <Sending part 16>

[0056] The delivery unit 16 is a unit that delivers the uppermost sheet member P separated by the supply unit 14 in a delivery direction (see FIG. Figure 2 Specifically, as shown in the figure, Figure 2 As shown, the delivery section 16 is disposed above the uppermost sheet member P among the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the bottom plate 12A of the loading section 12 . The delivery section 16 includes a suction section 30 and a delivery roller 26 .

[0057] The suction unit 30 is disposed above the front end of the top sheet member P in the loaded state. The suction unit 30 suctions the floating top sheet member P and moves the top sheet member P in the suction state in the feeding direction (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 The sheet member P moves as indicated by the arrow W1 in the figure, and is conveyed in the delivery direction.

[0058] The delivery roller 26 is disposed on the delivery direction side relative to the adsorption unit 30, receives the sheet member P conveyed by the adsorption unit 30, and moves the received sheet member P toward the image forming unit 102 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) sent out.

[0059] <Projection Section 20>

[0060] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the projection unit 20 is provided on the side guide 13 and is a component that projects images of the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P toward the delivery direction. Specifically, the projection unit 20 is composed of a reflector as a reflecting unit that reflects light from the side ends of the sheet members P toward the delivery direction.

[0061] The projection unit 20 receives light from the side ends of the sheet members P, and the light is reflected in the delivery direction. Thus, the projection unit 20 projects images of the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P toward the delivery direction.

[0062] The projection unit 20 is mounted on the side guide 13 in such a manner that the projection surface 20A of the projection image forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the feeding direction and the width direction of the sheet member P, for example. Furthermore, the projection unit 20 is attachable to and detachable from the side guide 13. The projection unit 20 is mounted on the side guide 13 in such a manner that it can be removed from the side guide 13. Thus, in a state where the side guide 13 is mounted on the device body 11 of the medium feeding device 10, maintenance inspections such as cleaning of the projection surface 20A can be performed on the projection unit 20.

[0063] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the side guide 13 is open in two directions, namely, the downstream side in the feeding direction and the side end side of the sheet member P, with respect to the projection section 20, and is closed in directions other than the two directions (i.e., other directions including the up and down directions) with respect to the projection section 20. Therefore, light can be incident on and emitted from the projection section 20 in two directions, namely, the downstream side in the feeding direction and the side end side of the sheet member P.

[0064] <Light Source 22>

[0065] The light source 22 is a component that irradiates light to the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the loading section 12. In the present embodiment, the light source 22 is disposed, for example, on the side side with respect to the side ends of the sheet members P, that is, on the downstream side in the feeding direction with respect to the side guide 13 and on the upper side of the front end guide 15 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) The light source 22 irradiates light toward the side end of the sheet member P from the above-mentioned arrangement position.

[0066] Furthermore, the light source 22 does not irradiate light to the projection surface 20A of the projection image of the projection unit 20. Specifically, the light from the light source 22 toward the projection surface 20A side is shielded by the side guide plate 13, so that the light is not irradiated to the projection surface 20A from the light source 22. In addition, the light source 22 is composed of a light emitting element such as an LED, etc.

[0067] <Camera 18>

[0068] The camera 18 is a component that captures the image of the sheet member P projected on the projection unit 20 in a state where air is supplied from the supply unit 14. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the camera 18 is arranged on the side of the delivery direction of the plurality of sheet members P. Furthermore, the camera 18 is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the sheet members P delivered by the delivery unit 16. Specifically, the camera 18 is arranged at a position (see FIG. 1 ) where the recording medium delivered by the delivery unit 16 passes. Figure 6 In the present embodiment, the camera 18 is arranged at a position where the recording medium passes (see Figure 6 The same height as P1).

[0069] Furthermore, the camera 18 is connected to the side guide 13, and moves integrally with the side guide 13. That is, the camera 18 moves laterally in conjunction with the movement of the side guide 13.

[0070] Specifically, the camera 18 is connected to the side guide 13 via the mounting portion 17 and the connecting member 19. The mounting portion 17 is a structural portion for mounting the camera 18. The mounting portion 17 includes, for example, a side plate 17A supporting the camera 18 from the delivery direction side and a bottom plate 17B supporting the camera 18 from the lower side.

[0071] The connecting member 19 has a pair of arms 19A formed into an L shape when viewed from the side. One end (specifically, the upper end) of the pair of arms 19A is fixed to the bottom plate 17B, and the other end (specifically, the upstream end on the delivery direction side) of the pair of arms 19A is fixed to the lower part of the side guide 13.

[0072] As described above, the camera 18 disposed on the side of the sheet member P loaded on the loading unit 12 in the feeding direction captures the image of the side end of the sheet member P projected on the projection unit 20 as, for example, a still picture from the side of the sheet member P in the feeding direction.

[0073] <Control Unit 40>

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a memory 44, and a communication interface (I / F) 45. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 49 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The CPU 41 is an example of a processor.

[0075] CPU 41 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various parts. ROM 42 stores various programs including control programs and various data. RAM 43 temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. Memory 44 is composed of storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive: mechanical hard disk), SSD (Solid State Drive: solid state drive) or flash memory, and stores various programs including operating systems and various data. In addition, the control program can also be stored in memory 44.

[0076] The communication interface 45 is an interface for the control unit 40 to communicate with the camera 18, the delivery unit 16, the supply unit 14 (specifically, the blower 54), the image forming unit 102, etc. For example, standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be used.

[0077] In the control unit 40, the CPU 41 reads various programs including the control program from the ROM 42 or the memory 44, and executes the programs using the RAM 43 as a work area. The CPU 41 controls the operation of the supply unit 14 by executing the control program. Specifically, in the present embodiment, for example, the supply amount of the supply unit 14 (specifically, the blower 54) is adjusted based on the interval of the sheet member P photographed by the camera 18, and the stop and operation of the supply unit 14 are controlled.

[0078] <Function of this embodiment>

[0079] In this embodiment, the projection portion 20 is provided on the side guide plate 13. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, images of the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P are projected toward the feeding direction. The camera 18 captures the image of the sheet member P projected on the projection unit 20 while air is supplied from the supply unit 14 .

[0080] Therefore, the camera 18 can be arranged with greater freedom than when the camera 18 directly photographs the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P. In addition, according to this configuration, the camera 18 can also photograph the end of the sheet member P in the feeding direction while photographing the side ends of the sheet member P.

[0081] In addition, in the present embodiment, the camera 18 is arranged at a position that does not interfere with the sheet member P fed out by the feeder 16 .

[0082] Therefore, compared with a case where the camera 18 is arranged at a position interfering with the sheet member P fed out by the feeding unit 16 , feeding defects of the sheet member P can be suppressed.

[0083] In the present embodiment, specifically, the camera 18 is arranged at a position relative to the position where the recording medium fed out by the feeding unit 16 passes (see Figure 6 The lateral side of P1).

[0084] Therefore, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the camera 18 can be increased in the vertical direction compared to a case where the camera 18 is arranged above or below the position through which the sheet member P delivered by the delivery unit 16 passes. In this structure, the camera 18 can be arranged at the same height as the position through which the sheet member P delivered by the delivery unit 16 passes.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, the camera 18 moves sideways in conjunction with the movement of the side guide 13 .

[0086] Therefore, compared with a case where the camera 18 is always located at a predetermined position, it is possible to suppress focus deviation when the camera 18 captures images of the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P projected on the projection unit 20 .

[0087] In the present embodiment, the camera 18 is connected to the side guide 13 and moves integrally with the side guide 13 .

[0088] Therefore, compared with a case where the camera 18 and the side guide 13 are separated and move separately, it is possible to suppress focus deviation when the camera 18 captures images of the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P projected on the projection unit 20 .

[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, the projection unit 20 is attachable to and detachable from the side guide plate 13 .

[0090] Therefore, compared with a case where the projection unit 20 is non-detachably fixed to the side guide 13 , it is easier to clean the projection unit 20 .

[0091] In the present embodiment, the light source 22 irradiates light toward the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P placed on the placement unit 12 , and does not irradiate light toward the projection surface 20A of the projection unit 20 .

[0092] Therefore, compared with the case where the light source 22 also irradiates light onto the projection surface 20A of the projection unit 20 , light is less likely to be reflected on the projection surface 20A, thereby suppressing poor imaging when the camera 18 captures images of the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P projected onto the projection unit 20 .

[0093] <Modification>

[0094] In this embodiment, the camera 18 is used as an example of the photographing unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the photographing unit, for example, a video recorder for photographing moving pictures or the like may be used as long as it is a structural unit capable of photographing an image projected on the projection unit 20 .

[0095] In this embodiment, a reflector is used as an example of the projection unit 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the projection unit 20, for example, a prism or the like may be used as long as the images of the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P are projected toward the delivery direction.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, a light emitting element such as an LED is used as an example of the light source 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The light source 22 may be, for example, another light emitting unit, as long as it irradiates light toward the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P. Furthermore, the medium delivery device 10 may also be configured without the light source 22.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the camera 18 is disposed at a position corresponding to the position where the recording medium fed out by the feeding unit 16 passes (see Figure 6 The side of P1 in FIG. 1 , that is, the position where the recording medium passes (refer to Figure 6 The same height as P1) in, but not limited to this.

[0098] For example, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the camera 18 may also be arranged at a position lower than the position where the recording medium passes (see Figure 6 In this case, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the side, the sheet member P delivered by the delivery unit 16 passes above the camera 18. Furthermore, in this case, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the camera 18 may be arranged at a position overlapping with the position where the sheet member P sent out by the sending unit 16 passes in a plan view. That is, the camera 18 may be arranged below the position where the sheet member P sent out by the sending unit 16 passes.

[0099] Furthermore, if Fig.13 As shown, the camera 18 may also be arranged at a position lower than the position where the recording medium passes (see Figure 6 In this case, if Fig.14 As shown, the sheet member P fed out by the feeding portion 16 passes below the camera 18 when viewed from the side.

[0100] In addition, in the present embodiment, the camera 18 moves sideways in conjunction with the movement of the side guide 13, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera 18 may be always located at a predetermined position. In this case, the camera 18 may be configured to change the shooting angle (direction) in accordance with the position of the projection unit 20 after the side guide 13 moves, for example.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, the camera 18 is connected to the side guide 13 and moves integrally with the side guide 13, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera 18 and the side guide 13 may be separated and moved separately. In this case, the movement of the side guide 13 and the amount of movement thereof may be detected by a detection unit such as a sensor, and the camera 18 may be moved by a driving force of a driving unit such as a driving motor based on the amount of movement detected by the detection unit, thereby being linked to the movement of the side guide 13.

[0102] In addition, in the present embodiment, the projection unit 20 is detachable from the side guide plate 13, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the projection unit 20 may be fixed to the side guide plate 13 in an undetachable manner.

[0103] In addition, in the present embodiment, the light source 22 is configured to irradiate light toward the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the loading section 12, but not toward the projection surface 20A of the projection section 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the light source 22 may also irradiate light toward the projection surface 20A of the projection section 20.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples can be appropriately combined in multiple forms.

[0105] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (for example, the CPU, etc.) or a special-purpose processor (for example, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit: graphics processor, an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, a FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array: programmable gate array, a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0106] In addition, the actions of the processors in the above-mentioned embodiments are not performed by only one processor, but may be performed by cooperation of multiple processors in physically separated locations. In addition, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be changed appropriately.

[0107] <Note> (((1)))

[0109] A medium delivery device, comprising:

[0110] a supply unit configured to supply air to the plurality of loaded recording media from edge sides thereof so as to float and separate the recording media;

[0111] a delivery section configured to deliver the uppermost recording medium separated by the supply section in a delivery direction;

[0112] a contact portion that contacts side ends of the plurality of recording media from lateral sides of the plurality of recording media;

[0113] a projection unit provided at the contact unit and projecting images of the side ends of the plurality of recording media toward the feeding direction; and

[0114] A photographing unit is disposed on a side in a feeding direction with respect to the plurality of recording media and photographs the image projected on the projection unit in a state where the air is supplied by the supply unit. (((2)))

[0116] The medium delivery device according to (((1))), wherein:

[0117] The photography department

[0118] The feeding portion is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the recording medium fed out by the feeding portion. (((3)))

[0120] The medium delivery device according to (((2))), wherein:

[0121] The photography department

[0122] The recording medium fed out by the feeding unit is arranged on the lateral side relative to the position where the recording medium passes. (((4)))

[0124] The medium feeding device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), wherein:

[0125] The contact portion is movable to the side of the recording medium.

[0126] The photographing unit moves to the side in conjunction with movement of the contact unit. (((5)))

[0128] The medium delivery device according to (((4))), wherein:

[0129] The imaging unit is connected to the contact unit and moves integrally with the contact unit. (((6)))

[0131] The medium feeding device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), wherein:

[0132] The projection portion is attachable to and detachable from the contact portion. (((7)))

[0134] The medium feeding device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein:

[0135] With light source,

[0136] The light source irradiates light toward side ends of the plurality of loaded recording media, and does not irradiate the light toward a projection surface of the projection unit on which the image is projected. (((8)))

[0138] An image forming device comprising:

[0139] The medium delivery device described in any one of (((1))) to (((7))); and

[0140] An image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium fed out from the medium feeding device.

[0141] According to the configuration of (((1))), compared with a case where the imaging unit directly images the side ends of a plurality of recording media, the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the imaging unit can be increased.

[0142] According to the configuration of (((2))), compared with a case where the imaging unit is arranged at a position interfering with the recording medium fed out by the feeding unit, it is possible to suppress feeding defects of the recording medium.

[0143] According to the configuration of (((3))), the degree of freedom of the arrangement position of the imaging unit in the vertical direction can be increased compared to a case where the imaging unit is arranged above or below the position where the recording medium fed by the feeding unit passes.

[0144] According to the configuration of (((4))), compared with a case where the imaging unit is always located at a predetermined position, it is possible to suppress focus deviation when the imaging unit captures images projected on the side ends of the plurality of recording media of the projection unit.

[0145] According to the configuration of (((5))), compared with a case where the imaging unit and the contact unit are separated and move separately, focus deviation when the imaging unit captures images projected on the side ends of the plurality of recording media of the projection unit can be suppressed.

[0146] According to the structure of (((6))), the projection unit can be easily cleaned compared to a case where the projection unit is non-detachably fixed to the contact unit.

[0147] According to the configuration of (((7))), compared with a case where the light source also irradiates light onto the projection surface of the projection unit, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit captures images of the side ends of the plurality of recording media projected onto the projection unit.

Claims

1. A medium delivery device, characterized in that: have: a supply unit configured to supply air to the plurality of loaded recording media from edge sides thereof so as to float and separate the recording media; a delivery section configured to deliver the uppermost recording medium separated by the supply section in a delivery direction; a contact portion that contacts side ends of the plurality of recording media from lateral sides of the plurality of recording media; a projection unit provided at the contact unit, wherein images of the side ends of the plurality of recording media are projected toward the feeding direction side; as well as A photographing unit is disposed on a side in a feeding direction with respect to the plurality of recording media and photographs the image projected on the projection unit in a state where the air is supplied by the supply unit.

2. The medium delivery device according to claim 1, wherein: The imaging unit is disposed at a position that does not interfere with the recording medium fed out by the feeding unit.

3. The medium delivery device according to claim 2, wherein: The imaging unit is disposed on the lateral side relative to a position through which the recording medium fed out by the feeding unit passes.

4. The medium delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The contact portion is movable to the side of the recording medium. The photographing unit moves to the side in conjunction with movement of the contact unit.

5. The medium delivery device according to claim 4, wherein: The imaging unit is connected to the contact unit and moves integrally with the contact unit.

6. The medium delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The projection portion is attachable to and detachable from the contact portion.

7. The medium delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: A light source is provided, the light source irradiating light toward the side ends of the plurality of loaded recording media and not irradiating the light toward a projection surface on which the image is projected by the projection unit.

8. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: The medium delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and An image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium fed out from the medium feeding device.

Images