Medium storage device and image formation system

Abstract

To obtain a medium storage device capable of photographing the floating and separated state of a narrow medium with high accuracy, compared with a case where the focal position of a photographing part does not change when a second regulating part for regulating the position of the side part in the width direction of the narrow medium, which has a smaller dimension in the width direction than the medium, is attached.SOLUTION: A media storage device 10 comprises: a loading section 12; a side guide 20 that regulates the position of the widthwise side of the paper P; an air supply section 14 that lifts and separates multiple papers P; a transport section 16 that sequentially sends out the papers P; a camera 18 that photographs the paper P from the outside in the width direction; a small size guide 24 that is attached to the loading section 12 when small size papers SP are loaded and that regulates the position of the widthwise side of the small size papers SP; and a conversion lens 50 that is installed in a position opposite the camera 18 when the small size guide 24 is attached and that changes the focal length to focus the camera 18 on the widthwise side of the small size papers SP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a media containing device and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet stack comprising a stacking section capable of arranging a sheet bundle formed by stacking a plurality of sheets vertically, a blowing means for blowing air onto the sheet bundle arranged on the stacking section to lift at least the topmost sheet, a suction / transporting means provided above the stacking section and for suctioning the topmost sheet lifted by the blowing means and transporting it in a predetermined transport direction, and a first slit light having a band-like component extending vertically and for suctioning at least the first of the plurality of lifted sheets. The disclosed sheet supplying device includes a first light source that emits a first slit light that intersects with a first edge of a sheet and a second edge of a second sheet below the first edge of the sheet, an imaging means that images the first slit light irradiated to the first sheet and the second sheet and has an imaging direction that is different from the emission direction of the first slit light from the first light source in a plane parallel to the first sheet and the second sheet, a calculation means that calculates the vertical distance between the first sheet and the second sheet based on the first slit light captured by the imaging means, and an air volume adjustment means that adjusts the air volume of the air blowing means based on the vertical distance between the first sheet and the second sheet calculated by the calculation means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-24868 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a media storage device and an image forming system that can accurately capture the levitation and separation state of a narrow media, compared to a case in which the focal position of the capturing unit does not change when a second regulating unit that regulates the position of the widthwise side of a narrow media, which has a smaller width dimension than the media, is attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The medium storage device of the first aspect has a loading section capable of loading media in an up-down direction, a first regulating section provided on the loading section and regulating the position of a widthwise side portion of the medium that intersects with a transport direction in accordance with the widthwise dimension of the medium, an air supply section that supplies air to a plurality of the media loaded on the loading section to float and separate the plurality of the media, a transport section that sequentially sends out the media that have been floated and separated by the air supply section, a photographing section that photographs the state in which the media are floated and separated by the air supply section from outside the widthwise direction of the media, a second regulating section that is attached to the loading section when narrow media having a widthwise dimension smaller than that of the media are loaded on the loading section and regulates the position of the widthwise side portion of the narrow media, and a focal length change section that is installed in a position facing the photographing section when the second regulating section is attached and changes the focal length to adjust the focus of the photographing section to the widthwise side portion of the narrow media.

[0006] A medium containing device according to a second aspect is the medium containing device according to the first aspect, wherein the photographing section is provided in the first regulating section, and the second regulating section is detachably attached to the first regulating section.

[0007] A medium containing device according to a third aspect is the medium containing device according to the first aspect, wherein the focal length changing unit is attached to the second restricting unit so that a position of the focal length changing unit relative to the shooting unit can be adjusted.

[0008] The medium storage device of the fourth aspect is the medium storage device described in the third aspect, wherein the focal length change portion is provided with a male thread portion that engages with the female thread portion of the second regulating portion and allows the focal length change portion to move axially.

[0009] The medium storage device of the fifth aspect is the medium storage device described in the first aspect, wherein the focal length change unit is attached to the second regulating unit, and includes a moving unit that moves the shooting unit to a position opposite the focal length change unit in conjunction with the attachment of the second regulating unit when the second regulating unit is attached to the upper side of the loading unit.

[0010] A medium storage device according to a sixth aspect is the medium storage device according to the fifth aspect, wherein, when the second regulating unit is removed, the moving unit moves the photographing unit to its original position before the second regulating unit was attached.

[0011] The medium storage device of the seventh aspect is the medium storage device of the fifth aspect, wherein the moving section includes a biasing member that biases the shooting section toward a position facing the focal length change section, and a holding section that holds the shooting section in a position where the medium can be photographed against the biasing force of the biasing member, and a contact section provided on the second regulating section comes into contact with the holding section, releasing the holding of the shooting section by the holding section.

[0012] The medium storage device of an eighth aspect is the medium storage device of the seventh aspect, wherein the moving section has another biasing member that pushes the holding section toward the shooting section, a first inclined surface that is provided on the shooting section and arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which the shooting section moves to a position facing the focal length change section, and a second inclined surface that is provided on the holding section and comes into contact with the first inclined surface to move the shooting section against the biasing force of the biasing member to a position where the medium can be photographed.

[0013] A medium storage device according to a ninth aspect is the medium storage device described in the first aspect, wherein the second regulating unit is attached to both sides of the narrow medium in the width direction, and the photographing unit is provided on each side of the narrow medium in the width direction.

[0014] The medium storage device of the tenth aspect is the medium storage device described in the first aspect, and further comprises at least one processor, the processor changing the amount of air supplied by the air supply unit based on an image captured by the photographing unit.

[0015] An image forming system according to an eleventh aspect has a medium storage device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium sent out from the medium storage device by the transport unit. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the medium storage device of the first aspect, the floating and separated state of the narrow medium can be photographed with greater accuracy compared to a case in which the focal position of the photographing unit does not change when a second regulating unit that regulates the position of the widthwise side of a narrow medium, which has a smaller width dimension than the medium, is attached.

[0017] According to the medium storage device of the second aspect, the floating and separated state of normal-sized media can be photographed with high accuracy even when the second regulating unit is not attached, compared to when the photographing unit is provided in the loading unit other than the first regulating unit.

[0018] According to the medium storage device of the third aspect, the effort required by the user to attach the focal length change unit can be reduced compared to when the user directly attaches the focal length change unit to the shooting unit through an operation separate from the attachment of the second regulating unit.

[0019] According to the medium storage device of the fourth aspect, the number of parts required to adjust the position of the focal length change unit can be reduced compared to a case in which the focal length change unit is moved axially relative to the second regulating unit using an attachment separate from the focal length change unit.

[0020] The medium storage device of the fifth aspect reduces the effort required for the user to adjust the positions of the shooting unit and the focal length change unit, compared to a case in which the shooting unit is moved to a position opposite the focal length change unit by an operation separate from the attachment of the second regulating unit.

[0021] According to the medium storage device of the sixth aspect, the effort required by the user to move the shooting unit to its original position when the second regulating unit is removed can be reduced, compared to when the user operates the shooting unit to move it to its original position.

[0022] According to the medium containing device of the seventh aspect, the cost of operating the power unit can be reduced compared to when a power unit that electrically drives the shooting unit is provided.

[0023] According to the medium storage device of the eighth aspect, when the second regulating unit is removed, costs can be reduced compared to a case in which the photographing unit is moved to its original position using a member other than the member that moves the photographing unit toward the focus position changing unit.

[0024] According to the medium containing device of the ninth aspect, it is easier to photograph the floating and separated state of the narrow medium, compared to when the photographing unit is provided on one side in the width direction of the narrow medium.

[0025] According to the medium storage device of the tenth aspect, it is possible to prevent clogging or multiple feeding of media, compared to a case in which the amount of air supplied is not changed.

[0026] According to the image forming system of the 11th aspect, it is possible to suppress poor feeding of narrow media from the media storage device to the image forming unit compared to a case in which the focal position of the photographing unit does not change when a second regulating unit that regulates the position of the widthwise side of a narrow media, which has a smaller width dimension than the medium, is attached. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a front view showing a portion of a medium storage device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming system including the medium storage device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a portion of the medium storage device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]1 is a side view showing a state in which the medium storage device according to the first embodiment is viewed from the paper feed direction. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view showing a state in which a small size guide is attached to a side guide of the medium storage device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 10A is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a conversion lens to a camera with a small size guide attached to a side guide of the medium storage device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a small size guide is attached to a side guide and a conversion lens is attached to a camera. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a conversion lens, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a camera provided on a side guide. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a state in which paper flotation and separation are good, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a state in which paper flotation and separation are insufficient, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing another example of a state in which paper flotation and separation are insufficient. [Figure 9] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a small size guide is attached to a side guide of a medium storage device according to a second embodiment, and a conversion lens is moved to a position facing the camera. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing a part of a small size guide, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing a conversion lens. [Figure 11] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a small size guide is attached to a side guide of a medium storage device according to a third embodiment, and the camera is moved to the side of the conversion lens. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a small size guide and a conversion lens. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the camera moving device before the small size guide is attached to the side guide. [Figure 14] 13 is a perspective view showing the camera moving device from a different direction before the small size guide is attached to the size guide. FIG. [Figure 15]11 is a cross-sectional view showing the camera moving device before the small size guide is attached to the size guide. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a perspective view showing the camera moving device after the small size guide has been attached to the size guide. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the camera moving device after the small size guide has been attached to the size guide, as viewed from another direction. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the camera movement device and conversion lens after the small size guide is attached to the size guide. FIG. [Figure 19] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the focal range of the camera when a small size guide is attached to the side guide of the medium storage device of the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow X in the drawings is the device width direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow Y is the device height direction. Also, the direction perpendicular to each of the device width direction and device height direction (arrow Z direction) is the device depth direction.

[0029] [First embodiment] FIG. 1(A) shows a part of a medium containing device 10 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1(B) shows an example of an image forming system 100 including the medium containing device 10.

[0030] <Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus> As shown in Fig. 1(B), the image forming system 100 includes an image forming unit 102 that forms an image on paper P as an example of a medium, and a medium storage device 10 that stores paper P to be supplied to the image forming unit 102. Although not shown, the image forming system 100 is provided with a transport means that transports the paper P stored in the medium storage device 10 one by one and supplies it to an image formation position in the image forming unit 102. The configuration and arrangement of the image forming unit 102 and the configuration and arrangement of the transport means are not particularly limited. In addition, the medium storage device 10 may be configured to be attached to the image forming unit main body of the image forming system as an option.

[0031] <Configuration of media storage device> (Overall composition) 1(A) and (B), the medium containing device 10 includes a stacking section 12 on which paper sheets P can be stacked vertically, and an air supplying section 14 that supplies air to the multiple paper sheets P stacked on the stacking section 12 to float and separate the paper sheets P. The medium containing device 10 also includes a transporting section 16 that sequentially sends out the paper sheets P that have been floated and separated by the air supplying section 14, and a camera 18 as an example of an imaging section that captures the state in which the paper sheets P are being floated and separated by the air supplying section 14. The medium containing device 10 also includes a control section 70 that controls the operation of each section. The control section 70 is an example of a processor.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the medium storage device 10 includes a side guide 20 that regulates the position of the side of the paper P in the width direction (in this example, the direction of the arrow Z) loaded on the loading section 12. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the medium storage device 10 includes a small size guide 24 that is attached to the loading section 12 when small size paper SP, which has a smaller dimension in the width direction (direction of the arrow Z) than the paper P, is loaded. Furthermore, the medium storage device 10 includes a conversion lens 50 that is installed at a position facing the camera 18 when the small size guide 24 is attached. The side guide 20 is an example of a first regulation section. The small size guide 24 is an example of a second regulation section, and is also called a small size kit. The small size paper SP is an example of a narrow medium. The conversion lens 50 is an example of a focal length change section.

[0033] The paper P is an example of a normal size paper. The normal size paper refers to a common size paper that is usually used in the image forming system 100, and includes different sizes of paper such as A4, B4, and A3. The small size paper SP is a paper whose width is narrower than the distance between the left and right side guides 20 when they are closest to each other. The lower limit of the width (width in the direction of the arrow Z) of the small size paper SP is preferably wider than the suction section 40 of the conveying section 16. This is to prevent the small size paper SP from being unable to be sucked due to air leakage from the suction section 40. As an example, the paper P is a paper whose length in the paper width direction along the device depth direction (direction of the arrow Z) is equal to or greater than the length in the short side direction of the B5 size. Also, as an example, the small size paper SP is a paper whose length in the paper width direction along the device depth direction (direction of the arrow Z) is smaller than the length in the short side direction of the B5 size. The sizes of the paper P and the small size paper SP can be changed.

[0034] (Loading area) 1A, the stacking section 12 includes a plate-like body 12A on which a plurality of sheets of paper P can be stacked. Although not shown, the medium storage device 10 includes a lifting device that raises and lowers the plate-like body 12A in the vertical direction. The lifting device raises the plate-like body 12A so that the position of the topmost sheet of paper P stacked on the upper side of the plate-like body 12A is at a predetermined height.

[0035] (Air supply section) 1(A) and 2, the air supply unit 14 has an air outlet 30 that blows air from a side direction in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper sheets P toward the upper side of the stacking unit 12. The air outlet 30 is disposed at a position facing the upper part of the multiple paper sheets P stacked on the upper side of the plate-like body 12A. The air supply unit 14 blows air from the air outlet 30 into spaces between the multiple paper sheets P, thereby lifting and separating the multiple paper sheets P stacked on the plate-like body 12A of the stacking unit 12.

[0036] The air supply unit 14 includes a duct 32 connected to the air outlet 30, and a fan 34 provided upstream of the air flow direction in the duct 32 (see FIG. 2). In the air supply unit 14, air is supplied to the air outlet 30 through the duct 32 by the rotation of the fan 34, and the air is blown out from the air outlet 30 to the upper side of the loading unit 12.

[0037] Although not shown in the figure, the air outlets 30 are provided on both sides of the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P. The duct 32 branches into two downstream of the fan 34 in the air flow direction, and air outlets 30 are provided at the downstream ends of the branched parts of the duct 32, respectively.

[0038] (Transportation section) 1(A), the transport section 16 transports the paper sheets P loaded on the upper side of the plate-like body 12A of the stacking section 12 one by one in the direction of the arrow A, i.e., to the right in the device width direction (the right in the direction of the arrow X). The transport section 16 includes a delivery roll (feed roll) 36 that delivers the uppermost paper sheets P on the upper side of the stacking section 12 one by one. As an example, the transport section 16 includes an adsorption section 40 that is disposed on the inside of the delivery roll 36 in the device width direction (the left in the direction of the arrow X), and the adsorption section 40 adsorbs the uppermost paper sheet P. As an example, the transport section 16 includes a pair of transport rolls 38 that transport the paper sheets P delivered by the delivery roll 36.

[0039] As an example, in the conveying section 16, the paper P adsorbed by the adsorption section 40 comes into contact with the feed roll 36, whereby the paper P is sent out in the direction of arrow A by the feed roll 36 and conveyed in the direction of arrow A by the conveying roll 38.

[0040] (camera) Camera 18 photographs the floating and separated state of the edge of paper P or small size paper SP. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, camera 18 is provided on the side of the width direction (arrow Z direction) of paper P. In this way, camera 18 photographs the floating and separated state of paper P from outside in the width direction of paper P so as to be able to detect the floating and separated state of paper P. As an example, camera 18 is provided on both sides of the side of paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction).

[0041] As an example, the camera 18 is provided on the upper side of the side guide 20. As an example, the camera 18 is attached to the upper side of the side guide 20 via a bracket, but the configuration of the attachment member for attaching the camera 18 to 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. As a result, when the side guide 20 slides in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction) described below in accordance with the size of the paper P, the camera 18 slides together with the side guide 20 in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction). The camera 18 is also disposed near the end of the side guide 20 on the downstream side in the paper P feed direction (arrow A direction).

[0042] As an example, camera 18 has a circular lens unit 18A arranged on the front surface of case 18B (the surface on the plate-like body 12A side of loading section 12) (see FIG. 5). Lens unit 18A of camera 18 is the image capturing side.

[0043] 3, at normal position P1 where the position of normal-size paper P is regulated by side guide 20, camera 18 is disposed at a position facing the side of paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction) loaded on plate-like body 12A. At normal position P1, the vicinity of the end of paper P in the width direction loaded on plate-like body 12A is included in focus range 19, which is the range where camera 18 is focused (i.e., in focus). This allows camera 18 to capture the end of paper P in the width direction of normal-size paper more clearly at normal position P1. That is, focus range 19 is the range where camera 18 can capture the end of paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction) clearly at normal position P1, and is the range where the end of paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction) can be detected based on the captured image.

[0044] Although not shown in the figure, an illumination unit is provided above or below the camera 18 to irradiate light onto the end side of the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the paper P when the paper P is photographed by the camera 18. The number and positions of the illumination units are not particularly limited.

[0045] (Side guide) As shown in Fig. 3, the side guide 20 is provided on the upper side of the stacking 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 attached to the stacking section 12 so as to be slidable in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction). That is, the side guide 20 can be slid in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction) according to the size of the paper P. The movement range of the side guide 20 is limited by a stopper (length of a guide slit) not shown in the figure so as not to interfere with the conveying section 16. Although not shown in the figure, the side guide 20 is provided with an air outlet 30 and a duct 32 of the air supply section 14.

[0046] 3, the side guide 20 has a vertical wall 20A arranged along the up-down direction on the inside in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction). The vertical wall 20A regulates the position of the side of the width direction of the paper P loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading section 12.

[0047] (Small size guide) As shown in Fig. 4, the small size guide 24 regulates the position of the sides in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of small size paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading section 12. The small size guide 24 is attached directly or indirectly to the loading section 12. As an example, the small size guide 24 is attached to the upper side of the loading section 12 via a 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 above the side guide 20.

[0048] 5, the small size guide 24 includes a vertical wall 24A disposed in the vertical direction on the inside in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction) and an upper wall 24B extending from the upper end of the vertical wall 24A to the outside in the device depth direction (arrow Z direction). When the small size guide 24 is attached to the side guide 20, the upper wall 24B of the small size guide 24 is disposed so as to contact the upper wall 20B of the side guide 20. In this state, the upper wall 24B is fixed to the upper wall 20B of the side guide 20 by a fixture 26 from the side of the small size guide 24, whereby the small size guide 24 is attached to the side guide 20.

[0049] When the small size guide 24 is attached to the side guide 20, the vertical wall 24A is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the shooting side of the lens unit 18A of the camera 18. Also, when the conversion lens 50 is attached to the lens unit 18A of the camera 18, the vertical wall 24A is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the conversion lens 50 (see FIG. 6). Although not shown in the drawings, the small size guide 24 is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the light irradiation direction of the illumination unit.

[0050] The small size guide 24 is provided with a cylindrical blowing section 28 at a position opposite the blowing outlet 30 to allow air from the blowing outlet 30 to pass through. In order to make it easier to understand the attachment position of the small size guide 24 to the side guide 20, the upper wall 20B of the side guide 20 may be provided with a recess into which the small size guide 24 fits.

[0051] (conversion lens) 5, the conversion lens 50 is installed at a position facing the lens unit 18A of the camera 18, and has a function of adjusting the focal length to the side of the small size paper SP in the width direction (arrow Z direction). In the first embodiment, the conversion lens 50 is installed at a position facing the lens unit 18A of the camera 18 with the small size guide 24 attached to the side guide 20. The vertical wall 24A of the small size guide 24 is not provided on the shooting side (i.e., the side where small size paper SP is loaded), which is one end 50A of the conversion lens 50 in the axial direction. The conversion lens 50 is arranged at a position overlapping a part of the small size guide 24 in the device width direction (arrow X direction).

[0052] In the first embodiment, the conversion lens 50 is configured to be manually attached by a user to a bracket 42 on the outer periphery side of the lens unit 18A of the camera 18. As shown in Fig. 7(A), a cylindrical portion 52 extending in the axial direction from an outer periphery 51 of the conversion lens 50 is provided at the other axial end portion 50B (the side facing the camera 18) of the conversion lens 50, and a female screw portion 54 is provided on the inner periphery surface of the cylindrical portion 52.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 7(B), a bracket 42 is provided on the outer periphery of the lens unit 18A of the camera 18. A small diameter portion having a smaller outer diameter than the central portion is provided at the axial tip of the bracket 42, and the small diameter portion is provided with a male thread portion 44 with which a female thread portion 54 can mesh (i.e., can be fastened). As shown in Fig. 6, the conversion lens 50 is attached to the bracket 42 of the camera 18 by fastening the female thread portion 54 of the conversion lens 50 to the male thread portion 44 of the camera 18.

[0054] As an example, the user attaches the small size guide 24 to the side guide 20 and also attaches the conversion lens 50 to the bracket 42 of the camera 18. There is no restriction on the order in which the small size guide 24 and the conversion lens 50 are attached. For example, the small size guide 24 may be attached to the side guide 20, and then the conversion lens 50 may be attached to the bracket 42 of the camera 18. Also, for example, the small size guide 24 may be attached to the side guide 20, and then the conversion lens 50 may be attached to the bracket 42 of the camera 18.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the other end 50B of the conversion lens 50 in the axial direction (the end opposite the camera 18) is disposed at a position facing the side of the small size paper SP in the width direction (arrow Z direction) loaded on the plate-like body 12A. That is, at the change position P2 where the position of the small size paper SP is restricted by the small size guide 24, one end 50A of the conversion lens 50 in the axial direction is disposed at a position facing the side of the small size paper SP in the width direction (arrow Z direction) loaded on the plate-like body 12A. By changing the focal length with the conversion lens 50, the focus of the camera 18 can be adjusted to the side of the small size paper SP in the width direction (arrow Z direction). That is, at the change position P2, the focus range 59, which is the range where the focal position (focus) of the camera 18 changed by the conversion lens 50 is adjusted, includes the vicinity of the end of the small size paper SP in the width direction loaded on the plate-like body 12A. This allows the camera 18 to capture the end of the small size paper SP in the width direction more clearly at the change position P2. In other words, the focus range 59 is the range in which the camera 18 can clearly capture the widthwise end (arrow Z direction) of the small-size paper SP at the change position P2, and is the range in which the widthwise end of the small-size paper SP can be detected based on the captured image.

[0056] 8(A)-(C) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the state of the paper sheets P detected by the camera 18 when air is blown from the air outlet 30 of the air supply unit 14 onto the paper sheets P stacked on the plate-like body 12A of the stacking unit 12. In the first example shown in Fig. 8(A), about 10 sheets of paper P on the upper side are separated and floated, and the floating and separation state of the paper sheets P is good. In this state, even if the paper sheets P are transported in sequence by the transport unit 16, double feeding of the paper sheets P is unlikely to occur.

[0057] 8B, only about one sheet of paper P is lifted, and the state of lifting and separation of the sheets P is insufficient. In this state, when the sheets P are sequentially conveyed by the conveying unit 16, there is a concern that a supply failure (i.e., a misfeed) will occur in which the sheets P are not smoothly conveyed.

[0058] 8C, the air is blown out too strongly from the air outlet 30, causing the upper sheets P to float in a bundle, and the sheets P are not sufficiently floated and separated. In this state, there is a concern that multiple sheets P may be fed when the sheets P are transported sequentially by the transport unit 16.

[0059] Based on the state of the paper P photographed by the camera 18, the control unit 70 changes the amount of air supplied by controlling the rotation of the fan 34 of the air supply unit 14. As an example, in the state shown in FIG. 8(B), the control unit 70 increases the number of rotations per unit time of the fan 34 of the air supply unit 14 to increase the amount of air supplied. As another example, in the state shown in FIG. 8(C), the control unit 70 decreases the number of rotations per unit time of the fan 34 of the air supply unit 14 to decrease the amount of air supplied. This adjusts the levitation and separation state of the paper P.

[0060] <Action and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0061] In the medium storage device 10, the positions of the ends of multiple normal-size sheets P stacked on the plate-like body 12A of the stacking section 12 in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the sheets P are regulated by the side guides 20. In this state, air is blown out from the air outlet 30 of the air supply section 14, so that the multiple sheets P stacked on the plate-like body 12A of the stacking section 12 are lifted and separated.

[0062] At normal position P1, where the position of normal-size paper P is regulated by side guide 20, camera 18 is disposed at a position facing the side of paper P in the width direction (arrow Z direction) loaded on plate-like body 12A. At normal position P1, the vicinity of the end of paper P in the width direction loaded on plate-like body 12A is included in focus range 19, which is the range where camera 18 is focused (i.e., in focus) (see FIG. 3). This allows camera 18 to capture the end of paper P in the width direction of normal-size paper P more clearly at normal position P1. Therefore, camera 18 can capture the state in which paper P loaded on plate-like body 12A of stacking section 12 is lifted and separated from the outside of paper P in the width direction.

[0063] When using small-size paper SP, which is smaller in width than normal-size paper P, the small-size guide 24 is attached to the side guide 20 (see FIG. 5). At the same time, the conversion lens 50 is attached to the bracket 42 of the camera 18 by fastening the female screw portion 54 of the conversion lens 50 to the male screw portion 44 of the bracket 42 of the camera 18.

[0064] At the change position P2 where the position of the small size paper SP is restricted by the small size guide 24, one axial end 50A of the conversion lens 50 (the end opposite the camera 18) is located at a position facing the side of the small size paper SP in the width direction (arrow Z direction) loaded on the plate-like body 12A (see FIG. 4). At the change position P2, the conversion lens 50 changes the focal position, so that the vicinity of the edge in the width direction of the small size paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A is included in the focus range 59, which is the range where the focal position (focus) of the camera 18 is aligned. This allows the camera 18 to capture the edge in the width direction of the small size paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A more clearly at the change position P2.

[0065] Here, a medium storage device 200 of a comparative example will be described with reference to Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 19, in the medium storage device 200, when the small size guide 204 is attached to the side guide 202, the position of the camera 206 does not change. In this state, the widthwise end of the small size paper SP loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading section 12 may not be included in the focus range 207 of the camera 206, so it is difficult for the camera 206 to clearly capture the widthwise end of the small size paper SP. For this reason, it is difficult to accurately detect the widthwise end of the small size paper SP based on the captured image.

[0066] In contrast, in the medium storage device 10 of the first embodiment, when the small size guide 24 is attached to the side guide 20, the conversion lens 50 is attached to the bracket 42 of the camera 18 by tightening the female screw portion 54 of the conversion lens 50 to the male screw portion 44 of the bracket 42 of the camera 18. Therefore, in the medium storage device 10, the floating and separated state of the small size paper SP can be photographed with greater accuracy than when the focal position of the camera does not change when the small size guide that regulates the position of the side portion in the width direction of the small size paper SP, which has a smaller width dimension than the paper P, is attached.

[0067] Furthermore, in the medium storage device 10, the camera 18 is provided on the side guide 20, and the small size guide 24 is detachably attached to the side guide 20. Therefore, in the medium storage device 10, the floating and separation state of the normal size paper P can be photographed with high accuracy even in a state where the small size guide 24 is not attached, compared to a case where the camera is provided in a loading section other than the side guide.

[0068] In the medium storage device 10, the small size guides 24 are attached to both sides of the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small size paper SP, and the cameras 18 are provided on both sides of the width direction of the small size paper SP. Therefore, in the medium storage device 10, it is easier to capture images of the floating and separated state of the small size paper SP compared to when the camera is provided on one side of the width direction of the small size paper.

[0069] The medium storage device 10 also includes a control unit 70 equipped with a processor, and the control unit 70 changes the amount of air supplied by the air supply unit 14 based on the image captured by the camera 18. As a result, the medium storage device 10 can prevent jamming or double feeding of paper P and small size paper SP compared to a case in which the amount of air supplied is not changed.

[0070] The image forming system 100 also includes a medium storage device 10 and an image forming unit 102 that forms an image on the paper P sent out from the medium storage device 10. Therefore, in the image forming system 100, it is possible to suppress failure in sending out the small size paper SP from the medium storage device 10 to the image forming unit 102, compared to a case in which the focal position of the camera does not change when attaching the small size guide 24 that regulates the position of the side portion in the width direction of the small size paper SP that is smaller in width dimension than the paper P.

[0071] Second Embodiment Next, a medium storage device according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 9 and 10(A) and (B), the medium storage device 120 of the second embodiment is different from the medium storage device 10 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the small size guide 122 and the conversion lens 124. The small size guide 122 is an example of a second restriction unit, and is also called a small size kit. The conversion lens 124 is an example of a focal length change unit.

[0073] The conversion lens 124 is attached to the small size guide 122 so that its position relative to the camera 18 can be adjusted. Specifically, as shown in Figures 9 and 10(A), the small size guide 122 has a plate-like portion 130 that extends toward the front side of the camera 18 (the side of the loading section 12) when attached to the side guide 20. The plate-like portion 130 is provided with a circular opening 132 through which the conversion lens 124 passes, and a female screw portion 134 is formed on the inner periphery of the opening 132 (see Figure 10(A)).

[0074] 9 and 10(B), a male screw portion 142 that meshes with the female screw portion 134 and allows the conversion lens 124 to move in the axial direction is provided on the outer periphery of a cylindrical case 140 of the conversion lens 124. By rotating the conversion lens 124 with the male screw portion 142 of the conversion lens 124 meshing with the female screw portion 134 of the plate-shaped portion 130, the position of the conversion lens 124 relative to the camera 18 can be adjusted.

[0075] As an example, when the small size guide 122 is attached to the side guide 20, the female screw portion 134 of the plate-shaped portion 130 is previously engaged with the male screw portion 142 of the conversion lens 124. Then, after the small size guide 122 is attached to the side guide 20, the conversion lens 124 is rotated to adjust the position of the conversion lens 124 relative to the camera 18. As a result, with the small size guide 122 attached to the side guide 20, the conversion lens 124 is placed in a position facing the lens portion of the camera 18 (see FIG. 9). As an example, the rotation of the conversion lens 124 brings the other end portion 124B (the end portion on the camera 18 side) opposite to one end portion 124A in the axial direction of the conversion lens 124 into contact with the lens portion of the camera 18. One axial end 124A of the conversion lens 124 is disposed at a position facing a side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of small size paper SP (see FIG. 4) loaded on the plate-like body 12A of the loading section 12. The conversion lens 124 can adjust the focus of the camera 18 to the side portion in the width direction (arrow Z direction) of the small size paper SP (see FIG. 4) by changing the focal length.

[0076] The medium storage device 120 of the second embodiment has the following actions and effects in addition to the actions and effects of the configuration similar to those of the medium storage device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0077] In the medium storage device 120, the conversion lens 124 is attached to the small size guide 122 so that its position relative to the camera 18 can be adjusted. Therefore, in the medium storage device 120, the user's effort in attaching the conversion lens 124 can be reduced compared to a case in which the user directly attaches the conversion lens to the camera 18 in a separate operation from the attachment of the small size guide.

[0078] Further, a male screw portion 142 that meshes with the female screw portion 134 of the small size guide 122 and allows the conversion lens 124 to move in the axial direction is provided on the outer periphery of the case 140 of the conversion lens 124. Therefore, in the medium storage device 120, the number of parts for adjusting the position of the conversion lens 124 can be reduced compared to a case in which the conversion lens is moved in the axial direction relative to the small size guide by a fixture separate from the conversion lens.

[0079] Third Embodiment Next, a medium storage device according to a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] As shown in Figs. 11 to 18, the medium storage device 150 of the third embodiment differs from the medium storage device 10 of the first embodiment in the configuration of a small size guide 152 and a conversion lens 158. Furthermore, the medium storage device 150 differs from the medium storage device 10 of the first embodiment in that it includes a moving device 156 that moves a camera 154. The small size guide 152 is an example of a second regulating section. Furthermore, the camera 154 is an example of an imaging section, and the moving device 156 is an example of a moving section.

[0081] 11 and 12, the small size guide 152 has a plate-like portion 160 that extends toward the front side (the side of the loading section 12) of the camera 154 when attached to the side guide 20. A circular opening 162 is provided in the plate-like portion 160, and one axial end 158A (one end on the side of the small size paper SP) of the conversion lens 158 is attached to the edge of the opening 162. The one axial end 158A of the conversion lens 158 is joined to a tube portion 163 that extends from the edge of the opening 162 of the plate-like portion 160 (see FIG. 12), and the conversion lens 158 does not move in the axial direction relative to the plate-like portion 160.

[0082] A protrusion 159 extending in the axial direction is provided at the other end 158B of the conversion lens 158 in the axial direction. The protrusion 159 is provided on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the conversion lens 158. The protrusion 159 is curved along the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 154A of the camera 154, and is capable of coming into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the lens unit 154A.

[0083] Further, the small size guide 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.

[0084] 13 to 15, camera 154 includes case 154B and lens section 154A provided on the surface of case 154B facing loading section 12 (see FIG. 4). Camera 154 is provided on moving device 156, and housing 166 of moving device 156, which will be described later, is attached to side guide 20. The lens section 154A side of camera 154 is provided on the side where plate-shaped section 160 of small size guide 152 is disposed when small size guide 152 is attached to side guide 20.

[0085] The moving device 156 has a function of moving the camera 154 to a position facing the conversion lens 158 in conjunction with the attachment of the small size guide 152 when the small size guide 152 is attached to the side guide 20. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the moving device 156 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 166 with an opening on the side of the conversion lens 158, and a support 168 that is disposed inside the housing 166 and supports the camera 154.

[0086] The moving device 156 is provided with a coil spring 170 as an example of a biasing member that biases the support 168 of the camera 154 toward a position facing the conversion lens 158. The moving device 156 also has a holder 172 that holds the camera 154 at the normal position P3 where normal-sized paper P can be photographed against the biasing force of the coil spring 170. The moving device 156 is further provided with a coil spring 174 as an example of another biasing member that presses the holder 172 in the direction of the support 168 of the camera 154.

[0087] The support 168 moves the camera 154 to a normal position P3 (see Figs. 13 to 15) where the normal size paper P can be photographed, and a moving position P4 (see Figs. 16 to 18) where the camera 154 faces the conversion lens 158. As an example, the support 168 is a box body with a U-shaped recess in cross section, and the camera 154 is attached to the surface of the protruding side of the support 168. The camera 154 is attached to the support 168 so as to be integrated with the support 168, and moves with the movement of the support 168. Fig. 15 shows the state of the moving device 156 before the small size guide 152 is attached, and the camera 154 is placed at the normal position P3 where the normal size paper P can be photographed. In Fig. 15, in order to clarify the positional relationship between the camera 18 placed at the normal position P3 and other members, the position of the conversion lens 158 when the small size guide 152 is attached is illustrated by imaginary lines.

[0088] One axial end of coil spring 170 is joined to the inside of rear wall 166A of housing 166, and the other axial end of coil spring 170 is joined to the surface of support 168 opposite camera 154 (the recessed rear surface) (see Figures 13 and 15, etc.).

[0089] Support body 168 is provided with first inclined surface 169 arranged in a direction intersecting the direction in which camera 154 moves from normal position P3 to moving position P4 (see FIGS. 14 and 17). As an example, camera 154 is configured to move from normal position P3 to moving position P4 along the horizontal direction of housing 166, and first inclined surface 169 is arranged in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction of housing 166. First inclined surface 169 is formed on the lower surface of support body 168 in the vertical direction, and is inclined so that the surface on the lens unit 154A side of camera 154 is the upper side and the surface on the case 154B side of camera 154 is the lower side (see FIGS. 14 and 17).

[0090] A slit 190 is formed in the horizontal direction at the upper part of a side wall 166C facing the housing 166 in the device width direction (arrow X direction). A protrusion 168A to be inserted into the slit 190 of the housing 166 is provided on both sides of the support 168 in the device width direction (arrow X direction) (see FIG. 14). The protrusion 168A of the support 168 moves while sliding on the inner surface of the slit 190 of the housing 166, so that the support 168 moves in the horizontal direction along the slit 190 of the housing 166. The axial direction of the coil spring 170 is set to the direction along the slit 190, and the support 168 moves in the direction along the slit 190 due to the biasing force of the coil spring 170.

[0091] As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, holding portion 172 is disposed on the lower side of support 168 in the vertical direction. Holding portion 172 is provided with second inclined surface 173 that comes into contact with first inclined surface 169 of support 168 (see Figs. 14 and 17). Second inclined surface 173 is formed on the upper surface of holding portion 172 in the vertical direction, and is inclined so that the surface on the lens portion 154A side of camera 154 is the upper side and the surface on the case 154B side of camera 154 is the lower side. In other words, second inclined surface 173 is inclined so as to have an upward gradient in the direction toward lens portion 154A side of camera 154.

[0092] One axial end of coil spring 174 is joined to the inside of bottom wall 166B on the vertical lower side of housing 166, and the other axial end of coil spring 174 is joined to the lower surface of holding portion 172. The axial direction of coil spring 174 is aligned along the vertical direction of housing 166.

[0093] Holding portion 172 is pressed in the direction of support 168 of camera 154 by the force of coil spring 174, whereby second inclined surface 173 is pressed against first inclined surface 169 of support 168. Coil spring 174 presses second inclined surface 173 of holding portion 172 against first inclined surface 169 of support 168, whereby holding portion 172 holds camera 154 at normal position P3 where normal size paper P can be photographed against the biasing force of coil spring 170 (see FIG. 14). In the third embodiment, the spring force of coil spring 174 is set stronger than the spring force of coil spring 170.

[0094] As shown in Figs. 13, 14 and 17, a slit 192 is formed along the vertical direction at the lower part of the side wall 166C on both sides of the housing 166 in the device width direction (arrow X direction). A plate-shaped protruding piece 176 is provided on one side of the holding part 172, which passes through the slit 192 of the side wall 166C on the small size guide 152 side and extends to the outside of the housing 166. A protrusion 177 is provided on the other side of the holding part 172, which is inserted into the slit 192 of the side wall 166C (see Fig. 11). The axial direction of the coil spring 174 is set to the direction along the slit 192. When the holding part 172 is moved upward by the coil spring 174, the protruding piece 176 extends upward in an L-shape beyond the upper end of the slit 192 (see Fig. 14).

[0095] The holding portion 172 is movable up and down along the slits 167 with the protruding piece 176 inserted into one slit 192 and the protrusion 177 inserted into the other slit 192 .

[0096] The small size guide 152 is provided with the plate-like piece 180 as described above (see FIG. 12). The plate-like piece 180 is an example of a contact portion. As shown in FIG. 17, when the small size guide 152 is attached to the side guide 20, the plate-like piece 180 comes into contact with the upper surface of the protruding piece 176 of the holding portion 172, pushing down the protruding piece 176 and compressing the coil spring 174. At this time, the holding portion 172 moves downward, and the holding of the support 168 of the camera 154 at the normal position P3 by the holding portion 172 is released.

[0097] 16 to 18, the biasing force of coil spring 170 causes first inclined surface 169 of support 168 to slide on second inclined surface 173 of holding portion 172, while support 168 moves toward conversion lens 158. At this time, support 168 moves horizontally with protrusion 168A guided by the inner surface of slit 190, and camera 154 supported by support 168 moves to movement position P4 facing conversion lens 158 (see FIG. 18).

[0098] As an example, movement of camera 154 supported by support 168 causes the front surface of lens unit 154A of camera 154 to come into contact with the other axial end 158B of conversion lens 158. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of lens unit 154A comes into contact with protruding portion 159 of conversion lens 158, and lens unit 154A and conversion lens 158 are aligned. By changing the focal length, conversion lens 158 can adjust the focus of camera 154 to the side of small size paper SP (see FIG. 4) in the width direction (arrow Z direction).

[0099] On the other hand, when the small size guide 152 is removed from the state in which the camera 18 is in the moving position P4 (see FIG. 17), the plate-like piece 180 comes off the protruding piece 176 of the holding part 172. As a result, the holding part 172 moves vertically upward due to the biasing force of the coil spring 174, and the support 168 moves in a direction away from the conversion lens 158 while the first inclined surface 169 of the support 168 slides on the second inclined surface 173 of the support 172 (see FIG. 14 and FIG. 15). As described above, the spring force of the coil spring 174 is stronger than the spring force of the coil spring 170, so that the support 168 is easily pushed by the holding part 172 and moves in a direction away from the conversion lens 158. As a result, the camera 154 supported by the support 168 moves to the original normal position P3 before the small size guide 152 was attached. That is, the holding portion 172 can hold the camera 154 against the biasing force of the coil spring 170 at the normal position P3 where the camera 154 can capture an image of a normal size paper P.

[0100] The medium storage device 150 of the third embodiment has the following actions and effects in addition to the actions and effects of the configuration similar to those of the medium storage device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0101] In the medium storage device 150, the conversion lens 158 is attached to the small size guide 152. The medium storage device 150 is provided with a moving device 156 that moves the camera 154 to a moving position P4 opposite the conversion lens 158 in conjunction with the attachment of the small size guide 152 when the small size guide 152 is attached to the loading section 12 via the side guide 20. Therefore, in the medium storage device 150, it is possible to reduce the user's effort in adjusting the positions of the camera 154 and the conversion lens 158, compared to a case in which the camera is moved to the moving position P4 opposite the conversion lens by an operation separate from the attachment of the small size guide.

[0102] Furthermore, in the medium 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 was attached. Therefore, in the medium storage device 150, the effort required by 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.

[0103] Moreover, in the medium storage device 150, the moving device 156 includes a coil spring 170 that biases the support 168 of the camera 154 toward a moving position P4 that faces the conversion lens 158. Furthermore, the moving device 156 includes a holding section 172 that holds the camera 154 at a normal position P3 where normal-size paper P can be photographed against the biasing force of the coil spring 170. Then, a plate-like piece 180 provided on the small-size guide 152 hits a protruding piece 176 of the holding section 172, and the holding of the support 168 of the camera 154 by the holding section 172 is released. Therefore, in the medium storage device 150, the cost of operating the moving device 156 can be reduced compared to when a power section that electrically moves the camera is provided.

[0104] In the medium storage device 150, the moving device 156 includes a coil spring 174 that pushes the holding portion 172 toward the camera 154. The support 168 of the camera 154 includes a first inclined surface 169 that is disposed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the camera 154 moves to the moving position P4 facing the conversion lens 158. The support 172 includes a second inclined surface 173 that contacts the first inclined surface 169 and moves the camera 154 to the normal position P3 where the normal size paper P can be photographed against the biasing force of the coil spring 170. As a result, when the small size guide 152 is removed, the holding portion 172 is pushed out by the biasing force of the coil spring 170, and the first inclined surface 169 of the support 168 slides on the second inclined surface 173 of the holding portion 172, so that the support 168 moves in a direction away from the conversion lens 158. As a result, the camera 154 supported by the support 168 moves to the original normal position P3 before the small size guide 152 was attached.

[0105] Therefore, in the medium storage device 150, when the small size guide is removed, costs can be reduced compared to when the camera is moved to its original normal position P3 using a member other than the member that moves the camera toward the conversion lens.

[0106] 〔supplementary explanation〕 In the medium storage device according to the first to third embodiments, the small size guides 24, 152 are detachably provided on the side guide 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the small size guides may be detachably provided on other members such as the bottom plate of the stacking unit 12.

[0107] In the medium storage device of the first to third embodiments, the cameras 18, 154 are provided on both sides of the width of the small size paper SP, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the cameras may be provided on either side of the width of the small size paper SP. In the medium storage device of the first embodiment, the conversion lens 50 is configured not to be in contact with the small size guide 24, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the conversion lens 50 may be configured to be movably supported by the small size guide 24.

[0108] In the medium storage device of the third embodiment, coil spring 170 is provided as a member for moving camera 154 to movement position P4 on the conversion lens 158 side, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as an example of a power unit, a solenoid or a motor may be used to move camera 154 to movement position P4 on the conversion lens 158 side. In this case, for example, when a small size guide is attached to a side guide or the like, the solenoid or motor may be operated to move the camera to movement position P4 on the conversion lens 158 side.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0110] [Preferred embodiment of the present disclosure] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0111] (((1))) A loading section capable of loading media in a vertical direction; a first regulating portion provided on the stacking portion and configured to regulate a position of a side portion of the medium in a width direction intersecting with a conveying direction in accordance with a dimension of the medium in the width direction; an air supply unit that supplies air to the plurality of media loaded on the loading unit to float and separate the plurality of media; a conveying unit that sequentially delivers the medium that has been levitated and separated by the air supply unit; an imaging unit that images a state in which the medium is levitated and separated by the air supply unit from an outside in a width direction of the medium; a second regulating portion that is attached to the stacking portion when narrow media having a smaller width dimension than the first medium is stacked on the stacking portion and that regulates the position of a side portion of the narrow media in the width direction; a focal length changing unit that is installed in a position facing the photographing unit when the second regulating unit is attached and changes a focal length to adjust the focus of the photographing unit to a side portion in the width direction of the narrow medium; A media storage device having:

[0112] (((2))) The photographing unit is provided in the first restricting unit, The medium storage device according to (((1))), wherein the second regulating portion is detachably attached to the first regulating portion.

[0113] (((3))) The medium containing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein the focal length changing unit is attached to the second restriction unit so that its position relative to the shooting unit can be adjusted.

[0114] (((4))) The medium storage device described in (((3))), wherein the focal length change portion is provided with a male thread portion that meshes with the female thread portion of the second regulating portion and allows the focal length change portion to move axially.

[0115] (((5))) the focal length changing portion is attached to the second restriction portion, The medium storage device described in (((1))) or (((2))) is provided with a moving unit that moves the shooting unit to a position opposite the focal length change unit in conjunction with the attachment of the second regulating unit when the second regulating unit is attached to the upper side of the loading unit.

[0116] (((6))) The medium containing device according to (((5))), wherein, when the second regulating unit is removed, the moving unit moves the photographing unit to its original position before the second regulating unit was attached.

[0117] (((7))) The moving unit is a biasing member that biases the photographing unit toward a position facing the focal length changing unit; a holding portion that holds the photographing portion at a position where the medium can be photographed against the biasing force of the biasing member; Equipped with The medium containing device according to ((5))) or (((6))), wherein a contact portion provided on the second restricting portion comes into contact with the holding portion, thereby releasing the holding of the shooting portion by the holding portion.

[0118] (((8))) The moving unit is Another biasing member that pushes the holding portion toward the photographing portion; a first inclined surface provided in the photographing unit and disposed in a direction intersecting a direction in which the photographing unit moves toward a position facing the focal length changing unit; a second inclined surface provided on the holding portion, the second inclined surface coming into contact with the first inclined surface and moving the photographing portion against the biasing force of the biasing member to a position where the medium can be photographed; The medium storage device of (((7))),

[0119] (((9))) the second regulating portion is attached to both sides of the narrow medium in the width direction, The medium storage device according to any one of ((1))) to (((8))), wherein the photographing units are provided on both sides of the narrow medium in a width direction.

[0120] (((10))) At least one processor; The processor, The medium container device according to any one of ((1))) to (((9))), wherein an amount of air supplied by the air supply unit is changed based on an image captured by the imaging unit.

[0121] (((11))) A medium storage device according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))); an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium sent out from the medium storage device by the conveying unit; An image forming system comprising:

[0122] According to the medium storage device described in (((1))), the levitation and separation state of the narrow medium can be photographed with greater accuracy when a second regulating section that regulates the position of the widthwise side of a narrow medium, which has a smaller width dimension than the medium, is attached, compared to a case in which the focal position of the photographing section does not change.

[0123] According to the medium storage device described in (((2))), the floating and separated state of normal-sized media can be photographed with high accuracy even when the second regulating unit is not attached, compared to when the photographing unit is provided in a loading unit other than the first regulating unit.

[0124] According to the medium storage device described in (((3))), the effort required by the user to attach the focal length change unit can be reduced, compared to a case in which the user directly attaches the focal length change unit to the shooting unit through an operation separate from the attachment of the second regulating unit.

[0125] According to the medium storage device described in (((4))), the number of parts required to adjust the position of the focal length change unit can be reduced compared to a case in which the focal length change unit is moved axially relative to the second regulating unit by a mounting fixture separate from the focal length change unit.

[0126] According to the medium storage device described in (((5))), the effort required by the user to adjust the positions of the shooting unit and the focal length change unit can be reduced, compared to a case in which the shooting unit is moved to a position opposite the focal length change unit by an operation separate from the attachment of the second regulating unit.

[0127] According to the medium storage device described in (((6))), the effort required by the user to move the shooting unit to its original position when the second regulating unit is removed can be reduced, compared to when the user operates the shooting unit to move it to its original position.

[0128] According to the medium storage device described in (((7))), the cost of operating the power unit can be reduced compared to when a power unit that electrically drives the shooting unit is provided.

[0129] According to the medium storage device described in (((8))), when the second regulating unit is removed, costs can be reduced compared to a case in which the photographing unit is moved to its original position using a member other than the member that moves the photographing unit toward the focus position changing unit.

[0130] According to the medium containing device described in (((9))), it is easier to photograph the floating and separated state of the narrow medium compared to when the photographing unit is provided on one side of the width of the narrow medium.

[0131] According to the medium storage device described in (((10))), it is possible to reduce clogging or double feeding of media, compared to a case in which the amount of air supplied is not changed.

[0132] According to the image forming system described in (((11))), it is possible to suppress poor feeding of narrow media from the media storage device to the image forming unit, compared to a case in which the focal position of the photographing unit does not change when a second regulating unit that regulates the position of the widthwise side of a narrow media, which has a width dimension smaller than that of the medium, is attached. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 10 Media storage device 12 Loading section 14 Air supply section 16 Conveyor section 18 Camera (example of a camera) 19 Focus Range 20 Side guide (an example of a first regulating portion) 24 Small size guide (an example of the second restriction part) 50 Conversion lens (an example of a focal length changer) 70 Control unit (an example of a processor) 100 Image forming system 102 Image forming section 120 Media storage device 122 Small size guide (an example of the second restriction part) 124 Conversion lens (an example of a focal length changer) 134 Female thread 142 Male thread 150 Media storage device 152 Small size guide (an example of the second regulation part) 154 Camera (example of a camera) 156 Moving device (an example of a moving part) 158 Conversion lens (an example of a focal length changer) 169 First slope 170 Coil spring (an example of a biasing member) 172 Holding part 173 Second slope 174 Coil spring (an example of another biasing member) P Paper (example of medium) SP Small size paper (an example of narrow media)

Claims

1. A loading section capable of loading media in a vertical direction; a first regulating portion provided on the stacking portion and configured to regulate a position of a side portion of the medium in a width direction intersecting with a conveying direction in accordance with a dimension of the medium in the width direction; an air supply unit that supplies air to the plurality of media loaded on the loading unit to float and separate the plurality of media; a conveying unit that sequentially delivers the medium that has been levitated and separated by the air supply unit; an imaging unit that images a state in which the medium is levitated and separated by the air supply unit from an outside in a width direction of the medium; a second regulating portion that is attached to the stacking portion when narrow media having a smaller width dimension than the first medium is stacked on the stacking portion and that regulates the position of a side portion of the narrow media in the width direction; a focal length changing unit that is installed in a position facing the photographing unit when the second regulating unit is attached and changes a focal length to adjust the focus of the photographing unit to a side portion in the width direction of the narrow medium; A media storage device having:

2. The photographing unit is provided in the first restricting unit, The medium storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the second restriction portion is detachably attached to the first restriction portion.

3. The medium containing device according to claim 1 , wherein the focal length changing unit is attached to the second restricting unit so that a position of the focal length changing unit relative to the photographing unit is adjustable.

4. The medium container device according to claim 3 , wherein the focal length changer is provided with a male thread portion that meshes with the female thread portion of the second restricting portion and allows the focal length changer to move axially.

5. the focal length changing portion is attached to the second restriction portion, The medium storage device of claim 1, further comprising a moving unit that moves the photographing unit to a position opposite the focal length change unit in conjunction with the attachment of the second regulating unit when the second regulating unit is attached to the upper side of the loading unit.

6. The medium containing device according to claim 5 , wherein the moving section moves the photographing section to an original position before the second restricting section was attached when the second restricting section is detached.

7. The moving unit is a biasing member that biases the photographing unit toward a position facing the focal length changing unit; a holding portion that holds the photographing portion at a position where the medium can be photographed against the biasing force of the biasing member; Equipped with The medium containing device according to claim 5 , wherein a contact portion provided on the second restricting portion comes into contact with the holding portion, and releases the holding of the photographing portion by the holding portion.

8. The moving unit is Another biasing member that pushes the holding portion toward the photographing portion; a first inclined surface provided in the photographing unit and disposed in a direction intersecting a direction in which the photographing unit moves toward a position facing the focal length changing unit; a second inclined surface provided on the holding portion, the second inclined surface coming into contact with the first inclined surface and moving the photographing portion against the biasing force of the biasing member to a position where the medium can be photographed; The media containment device of claim 7 .

9. the second regulating portion is attached to both sides of the narrow medium in the width direction, The medium container device according to claim 1 , wherein the image capturing units are provided on both sides of the narrow medium in a width direction.

10. At least one processor; The processor, The medium containing device according to claim 1 , wherein the amount of air supplied by the air supply unit is changed based on the image captured by the imaging unit.

11. A medium storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium sent out from the medium storage device by the conveying unit; An image forming system comprising:

Images