Recording medium storage device and image formation device

Abstract

To cause interference between photographing means for photographing a recording medium and the recording medium to be conveyed to be less likely to occur in comparison with a configuration in which the photographing means cannot be moved.SOLUTION: After a photographing mechanism 300 photographs a paper sheet, in response to a control signal from the CPU, as shown in (B), a support unit 302 located on a transport path R100 and a light receiving unit 301 supported by the support unit 302 move in a direction away from the transport path R100. As a result, as shown in (B), the support unit 302 and the light receiving unit 301 are located at a position away from the transport path R100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording medium storage device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a sheet supplying device that includes an air blowing means that blows air onto a stack of sheets to lift the top sheet, and a conveying means that adsorbs the top sheet lifted by the air blowing means and conveys it in a conveying direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-024868 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When gas is blown onto the recording medium contained in the container, the state of the recording medium onto which the gas is blown can be grasped by taking an image of the recording medium using the image capturing means. Here, in a configuration in which the photographing means is disposed downstream of the storage unit in the recording medium transport direction, interference is likely to occur between the recording medium transported from the storage unit and the photographing means. An object of the present invention is to make it less likely that interference will occur between the photographing means that photographs a recording medium and the recording medium being transported, compared to a configuration in which the photographing means cannot be moved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is a recording medium storage device comprising a storage section for storing a recording medium to be transported, a blowing means for blowing gas onto the recording medium stored in the storage section, and an imaging means arranged downstream of the storage section in the recording medium transport direction for photographing the recording medium stored in the storage section, at least a portion of which is movable in a direction away from the transport path of the recording medium. The invention described in claim 2 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 1, wherein when the photographing means photographs the recording medium stored in the storage section, a part of the photographing means is located on the transport path, and the part located on the transport path moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a location outside the transport path. The invention described in claim 3 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 2, wherein the part located on the transport path is a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the recording medium or a support unit that supports the light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit or the support unit moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a location off the transport path. The invention described in claim 4 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 2, further comprising a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the recording medium, a light reflecting unit that guides the reflected light from the recording medium to the light receiving unit, and a support unit that supports the light reflecting unit, wherein the part located on the transport path is the light reflecting unit or the support unit, and the light reflecting unit or the support unit moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a location off the transport path. The invention described in claim 5 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 1, in which after the recording medium is photographed by the photographing means, the part moves in the away direction, and when transportation of the recording medium from the storage section begins, the part is located at a location off the transport path. The invention described in claim 6 is a recording medium storage device described in claim 5, wherein when the portion moves in a direction away from the transport path, the portion moves in the thickness direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. The invention described in claim 7 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 1, wherein the part of the imaging means is movable in a thickness direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. The invention described in claim 8 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 1, further comprising a suction section that suctions and holds the topmost recording medium among the recording media stored in the storage section, and the photographing means is supported by the suction section, and a portion of the photographing means moves relative to the suction section, causing the portion to move in a direction away from the transport path. The invention described in claim 9 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 1, wherein the blowing means blows gas against a portion of the recording medium stored in the storage section that is located downstream in the recording medium transport direction. The invention described in claim 10 is the recording medium storage device described in claim 1, further comprising a rotating member arranged downstream of the storage unit in the recording medium transport direction and transporting the recording medium from the storage unit downstream, and wherein the part of the photographing means is located downstream of the storage unit in the recording medium transport direction and upstream of the rotation axis of the rotating member in the recording medium transport direction. The invention described in claim 11 is an image forming apparatus comprising a recording medium holding device that holds a recording medium, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium supplied from the recording medium holding device, wherein the recording medium holding device is configured to include a recording medium holding device described in any one of claims 1 to 10. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, interference between the imaging means that images the recording medium and the recording medium being transported can be made less likely to occur, compared to a configuration in which the imaging means cannot be moved. According to the invention of claim 2, the recording medium can be more easily captured in the image obtained by the imaging means, compared to a configuration in which a part of the imaging means is not located on the transport path, and interference between the imaging means and the transported recording medium can be less likely to occur, compared to a configuration in which this part located on the transport path does not move in a direction away from the transport path. According to the invention of claim 3, interference between the photographing means and the recording medium being transported can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the light receiving unit and the support unit remain on the transport path without moving away from the transport path. According to the invention of claim 4, interference between the photographing means and the recording medium being transported can be made less likely to occur compared to a configuration in which the light reflecting portion and the support portion do not move away from the transport path but remain on the transport path. According to the invention of claim 5, when the transportation of the recording medium from the storage section begins, interference between the photographing means and the recording medium being transported can be made less likely to occur compared to a configuration in which a part of the photographing means is positioned on the transport path. According to the invention of claim 6, the time required for this part to move in a direction away from the transport path of the recording medium can be made shorter than in a configuration in which a part of the imaging means moves in the width direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. According to the invention of claim 7, the time required for this part to move in a direction away from the transport path of the recording medium can be made shorter than in a configuration in which a part of the photographing means moves in the width direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. According to the invention of claim 8, compared to a configuration in which the photographing means is provided at a location different from the suction section, it is possible to make it less likely that the positional relationship between the paper being sucked and held by the suction section and the photographing means that photographs the paper will change. According to the invention of claim 9, compared to a configuration in which gas is blown onto a portion of the recording medium contained in the storage section that is located upstream in the recording medium transport direction, it is possible to make it less likely that multiple feeding of recording media will occur when the recording medium is transported with the portion located downstream in the recording medium transport direction as the leading portion. According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to prevent the rotating member from making it difficult for the photographing means to photograph the recording medium, compared to a configuration in which a part of the photographing means is located downstream in the recording medium transport direction from the rotation axis of the rotating member. According to the invention of claim 11, interference between the photographing means for photographing the recording medium and the conveyed recording medium can be prevented more easily than in a configuration in which the photographing means cannot be moved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit. [Diagram 3] 1A to 1D are diagrams illustrating the suction unit. [Figure 4] 6 is a perspective view of the suction part as viewed from the direction of arrow VI in FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram of the paper storage device as viewed from the direction of arrow V in FIG. 3(A). [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing the suction unit and the leading edge blowing device as viewed from the side of the paper stack. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a view of the suction part as viewed from the direction of arrow VII in FIG. 3(B). [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the photographing mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a photographing mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the imaging mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the imaging mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the imaging mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the imaging mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. 1 is an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus 1 called a tandem type. This image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an image forming section 1A that forms an image on paper P, which is an example of a recording medium. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a paper storage device 200 that stores paper P. The image forming section 1A forms an image on the paper P sent out from the paper storage device 200 and supplied from the paper storage device 200.

[0009] The image forming section 1A, which is an example of an image forming means, is provided with a plurality of image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K that form toner images of respective color components by electrophotography. The image forming section 1A is also provided with a primary transfer section 10 which sequentially transfers the color component toner images formed by the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K onto the intermediate transfer belt 15. The image forming section 1A is also provided with a secondary transfer section 20 which collectively transfers the superimposed toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 onto the paper P.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 1 is also provided with a fixing device 60 that fixes the toner image secondarily transferred onto the paper P onto the paper P. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a control unit 240 that controls the operations of each unit, and a UI (User Interface) 70 that receives information from a user and displays the information to the user. The UI 70 is configured, for example, by a touch panel, and has a function of receiving information from a user and a function of displaying the information. Note that a device for realizing the receiving function and a device for realizing the display function may be provided separately.

[0011] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 240. The control unit 240 is realized by a computer. The control unit 240 includes an arithmetic processing unit 111 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 91 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 91 is realized by an existing information storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

[0012] The arithmetic processing unit 111 includes a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 111 is also provided with a RAM 11b used as a working memory for the CPU 11a, and a ROM 11c in which programs executed by the CPU 11a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 111 is also provided with a non-volatile memory 11d that is rewritable and can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0013] The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. In the secondary storage unit 91, various types of information such as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 111 are stored. In this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the arithmetic processing unit 111 reads programs stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 91, whereby various processes performed in the image forming apparatus 1 are executed.

[0014] The program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk), an optical recording medium (such as an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU 11a may also be provided to the image forming apparatus 1 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0015] In this specification, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). In addition, the operations of the processor may not only be performed by one processor, but may be performed by multiple processors in physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 will be further described with reference to FIG. Each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is provided with the following devices. First, a charger 12 for charging the photoconductor drum 11 is provided around the photoconductor drum 11 which rotates in the direction of arrow A. Also, an exposure device 13 for writing an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 11 is provided. Furthermore, a developer 14 for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 11 with toner is provided.

[0017] Further, each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is provided with a primary transfer roll 16 that transfers the respective color component toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 11 onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 at the primary transfer section 10. Further, each of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K is provided with a drum cleaner 17 for removing residual toner and the like from the photosensitive drum 11.

[0018] The intermediate transfer belt 15 circulates in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 1 at a predetermined speed. The primary transfer section 10 includes a primary transfer roll 16 disposed opposite the photosensitive drum 11 with an intermediate transfer belt 15 interposed therebetween. In this embodiment, the toner images on the photoconductor drums 11 are electrostatically attracted to the intermediate transfer belt 15 in sequence, and superimposed toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

[0019] The secondary transfer unit 20 includes a secondary transfer roll 22 disposed opposite the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 , and a backup roll 25 . The secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against the backup roll 25 with the intermediate transfer belt 15 sandwiched therebetween. Furthermore, a voltage is applied between the secondary transfer roll 22 and the backup roll 25. In this embodiment, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 15 is transferred onto the paper P transported to the secondary transfer unit 20.

[0020] In this embodiment, image data is output to the image forming apparatus 1 from an image reading device (not shown), a personal computer (PC), or the like. Then, this image data is subjected to image processing by an image processing device (not shown) to generate image data for the four colors Y, M, C, and K. This image data is then output to an exposure device 13 provided for each of the colors Y, M, C, and K.

[0021] In the exposure device 13, an exposure beam Bm emitted from, for example, a semiconductor laser is irradiated onto the photoconductor drums 11 of the image forming units 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K in accordance with input image data. The exposure of the photoconductor drum 11 by the exposure device 13 is not limited to the use of a semiconductor laser, and the photoconductor drum 11 may be exposed using light emitted from an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light source. After the surface of each photoconductor drum 11 is charged by a charger 12, the surface is scanned and exposed by an exposure device 13 to form an electrostatic latent image.

[0022] Then, after a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11 by the developing device 14, this toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 15 in the primary transfer section 10 where each photosensitive drum 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 15 come into contact with each other. After the toner images are sequentially primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 15 , the toner images are transported to a secondary transfer unit 20 by the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 15 .

[0023] In the secondary transfer portion 20 , a secondary transfer roll 22 is pressed against a backup roll 25 via the intermediate transfer belt 15 . In this embodiment, the paper P conveyed from the paper storage device 200 is sandwiched between the intermediate transfer belt 15 and the secondary transfer roll 22. As a result, the unfixed toner images held on the intermediate transfer belt 15 are electrostatically transferred all at once onto the paper P in the secondary transfer section 20. Thereafter, the paper P onto which the toner images have been transferred is discharged via the fixing device 60 to a paper discharge section (not shown).

[0024] The paper storage device 200, which is an example of a recording medium storage device, is provided with a storage section 53 that stores stacked paper P. The storage section 53 is provided with a support table that supports the paper P from below, a side guide against which the side edge of the paper P is abutted and which is used to position the paper P, and the like. In this embodiment, the topmost sheet P of the sheets P stored in the storage unit 53 is sent out. Then, the toner image formed by the image forming unit 1A is transferred to the sent-out sheet P by the secondary transfer unit 20.

[0025] Furthermore, the paper storage device 200 is provided with an imaging mechanism 300 as an example of an imaging means for imaging the paper P stored in the storage section 53. The imaging mechanism 300 is disposed downstream of the storage section 53 in the transport direction of the paper P. The photographing mechanism 300 has a light receiving section 301 that receives the light reflected from the paper P. The light receiving unit 301 is configured with, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). Note that the light receiving unit 301 is not particularly limited, and may be a device other than a CCD or a CMOS as long as it can obtain an image of the paper P stored in the storage unit 53.

[0026] The light receiving unit 301 is disposed near the transport path R100 of the paper P. In addition, the light receiving unit 301 is movable in a direction away from the transport path R100. More specifically, the light receiving unit 301 is movable downward. In this embodiment, the light receiving unit 301 moves downward to first cross the transport path R100, and then moves further downward to move away from the transport path R100. In this embodiment, at least a part of the imaging mechanism 300 is movable in a direction away from the transport path R100 of the paper P in this manner.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a side blowing device 400 is provided. In this embodiment, the side blowing device 400, which is an example of a blowing means, blows gas onto the side of the paper stack 54 made up of the paper sheets P stored in the storage section 53. As a result, in this embodiment, each of the paper sheets P constituting the paper stack 54 is lifted up. In this embodiment, air is blown as the gas to the paper stack 54. The type of gas is not particularly limited, and a gas other than air may be blown to the paper stack 54.

[0028] Furthermore, the paper storage device 200 is provided with a suction section 100 above the paper stack 54, which suctions and holds the paper sheets P constituting the paper stack 54. The suction section 100 suctions and holds the uppermost paper sheet P among the paper sheets P stored in the storage section 53. More specifically, the suction section 100 sucks and holds the uppermost sheet P of the sheets P that are in a levitating state due to the gas blown by the side blowing device 400.

[0029] The photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper sheet P onto which the gas is being blown by the side blowing device 400. In this embodiment, the CPU 11a (see FIG. 2) analyzes the captured image obtained by the imaging mechanism 300, and identifies the state of the paper P that is in a levitating state due to the blowing of gas. Then, for example, when the paper sheets P are overlapped and a situation where so-called double feeding is likely to occur, the CPU 11a changes, for example, the output of the side blowing device 400. Specifically, the CPU 11a reduces, for example, the output of the side blowing device 400. This changes the floating state of the paper sheets P.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of transport rolls 52 for transporting the paper P sent out from the paper storage device 200 are provided downstream of the paper storage device 200 in the transport direction of the paper P. Each of the conveying rolls 52 is composed of a drive roll 52A that rotates by receiving a driving force from a motor not shown, and a driven roll 52B that is arranged in contact with the drive roll 52A and rotates by receiving a driving force from the drive roll 52A.

[0031] In this embodiment, the paper P sent out from the paper storage device 200 is first transported by the transport roll 52 (hereinafter referred to as the "upstream transport roll 52E") that is located most upstream in the transport direction of the paper P among the multiple transport rolls 52. Then, the paper P is further transported by other transport rolls 52 located downstream of the most upstream transport roll 52E, and headed toward the secondary transfer unit 20 and the fixing device 60. Furthermore, a conveyor belt 55 is provided downstream of the secondary transfer roll 22 in the conveying direction of the paper P. The conveyor belt 55 conveys the paper P, on which the secondary transfer has been performed, to a fixing device 60.

[0032] Figures 3(A) to (D) are diagrams illustrating the suction unit 100. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the suction unit 100 as viewed from the direction of arrow VI in Figure 3(A). 3(A) to (D) show a state in which the paper sheet P is lifted by the gas blown by the side blowing device 400 (see FIG. 1). Note that the side blowing device 400 is not shown in FIGS. 3(A) to (D).

[0033] 3A, the paper storage device 200 is provided with a suction unit 100 that sucks the paper P stacked in the storage unit 53. Furthermore, a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the suction unit 100 in the direction indicated by the arrow 2A in the figure is provided. Here, this movement mechanism may be configured using a known mechanism such as a motor, gear, rack, pinion, belt drive, etc., and is not limited to a specific mechanism.

[0034] In this embodiment, the suction unit 100 is moved by the movement mechanism in a direction toward the most upstream transport roll 52E and a direction away from the most upstream transport roll 52E, as indicated by an arrow 2A. In this embodiment, the suction unit 100 is moved by the movement mechanism from above the paper stack 54 in a direction toward the most upstream transport roll 52E. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suction unit 100, which has been moved to the most upstream transport roll 52E side by the moving mechanism 304, moves to the paper stack 54 side and returns to above the paper stack 54.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3(A), the suction unit 100 is provided with a rectangular parallelepiped device body 101 and a plurality of moving members 102 that are provided in a state of hanging down from the device body 101. A suction tube (not shown) is connected to the device body 101, and in this embodiment, the paper P is sucked by the device body 101, as described later. The moving member 102 is formed in a plate shape and is provided so as to be movable in the up and down direction.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the movable members 102 include a first tip side movable member 102A, a second tip side movable member 102B, a first rear end side movable member 102C, a second rear end side movable member 102D, a first right side movable member 102E, a second right side movable member 102F, a first left side movable member 102G, and a second left side movable member 102H. These eight moving members 102 separate a rectangular parallelepiped reduced pressure space 105 located below the device body 101 from an atmospheric pressure space 106 located around this reduced pressure space 105 . The rectangular parallelepiped space surrounded by the eight moving members 102 becomes a reduced pressure space 105. In addition, the space located outside this reduced pressure space 105 becomes an atmospheric pressure space 106 that is at atmospheric pressure.

[0037] A plurality of holes 101Y are formed in the lower surface 101X of the device body 101, and air is sucked through these holes 101Y from within the reduced pressure space 105. As a result, the pressure within the reduced pressure space 105 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure. When the air in the reduced pressure space 105 is sucked in and the pressure in the reduced pressure space 105 decreases, as shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), the paper P located below the reduced pressure space 105 and in a floating state is sucked in, and the paper P moves toward the underside 101X of the device body 101 (see Figure 3(B)).

[0038] Then, this sheet of paper P adheres to this lower surface 101X. In other words, in this embodiment, the sheet of paper P is attracted to this lower surface 101X. More specifically, in this embodiment, the sheet of paper P is attracted to the lower surface 101X from below. Here, the lower surface 101X is a flat surface, and in this embodiment, the lower surface 101X is a planar suction portion, and the paper sheet P is attracted to this planar suction portion.

[0039] When paper P is adsorbed to the lower surface 101X of the device body 101, the eight movable members 102 shown in Figure 4 move upward from the state shown in Figure 3(A), and the eight movable members 102 become the state shown in Figure 3(B). In this embodiment, when the paper P is adsorbed to the lower surface 101X shown in Fig. 4, the eight moving members 102 are pressed from below by the paper P located below and move upward. Then, when the eight moving members 102 move upward, the paper P is adsorbed to the lower surface 101X of the device body 101. When the paper P is adsorbed to the lower surface 101X of the device body 101, the suction unit 100 holds the paper P.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, when the paper P is adsorbed to the lower surface 101X, gas is blown onto the edge 2G of the paper P adsorbed to the lower surface 101X from above the lower surface 101X, as shown by the arrow 2F in Figure 3 (B). In this embodiment, gas is blown onto edge 2G of sheet P that is adsorbed to lower surface 101X from above this edge 2G.

[0041] The edge 2G shown in Figure 3(B) is the edge 2G (hereinafter referred to as the "leading edge 2G") that is located at the leading edge of the paper P when the paper P is transported, and in this embodiment, gas is blown from above onto this leading edge 2G. The blowing of gas onto the leading edge portion 2G will be described in detail later. Thereafter, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(C), the suction section 100 moves toward the most upstream transport roll 52E, and the paper P adsorbed to the lower surface 101X of the device body 101 is supplied to this most upstream transport roll 52E. As a result, the transport of the paper P by the most upstream transport roll 52E starts.

[0042] In this embodiment, the suction unit 100 moves in a direction intersecting the vertical direction toward the most upstream transport roll 52E. As a result, the paper sheet P adhering to the lower surface 101X of the apparatus body 101 is supplied to the most upstream transport roll 52E, and transport of the paper sheet P by the most upstream transport roll 52E begins. Thereafter, in this embodiment, the suction unit 100 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 3X in FIG. 3(D), and the suction unit 100 returns to the side of the stack of paper-sheets 54.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a diagram of the paper storage device 200 as viewed from the direction of the arrow V in Fig. 3(A) In other words, Fig. 5 is a diagram of the paper storage device 200 as viewed from above. 5, in this embodiment, a paper stack 54 in which multiple sheets of paper P are arranged in the thickness direction of the paper P is placed in the storage section 53. The paper stack 54 and each sheet of paper P included in the paper stack 54 have a rectangular outer periphery 104.

[0044] This rectangular outer periphery 104 is made up of a front outer periphery 104A, a rear outer periphery 104B, a first side outer periphery 104C, and a second side outer periphery 104D. The leading edge 104A is the outer edge 104 located on the most downstream side in the transport direction of the paper P. The leading edge 104A extends in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the transport direction of the paper P. The rear outer peripheral edge 104B is the outer peripheral edge 104 located most upstream in the transport direction of the paper P. This rear outer peripheral edge 104B also extends in a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the transport direction of the paper P.

[0045] The first side outer periphery 104C is an outer periphery 104 that connects one end of the leading outer periphery 104A and one end of the trailing outer periphery 104B. The first side outer periphery 104C extends in the transport direction of the paper P. The second side outer peripheral edge 104D is an outer peripheral edge 104 that connects the other end of the leading outer peripheral edge 104A and the other end of the trailing outer peripheral edge 104B. This second side outer peripheral edge 104D also extends in the transport direction of the paper P.

[0046] When the paper P is sucked, the device body 101 of the suction unit 100 is positioned inside the outer circumferential edge 104 of the paper stack 54, as indicated by reference symbol 5A in FIG. When the paper P is supplied to the most upstream transport roll 52E, the suction unit 100 moves toward the most upstream transport roll 52E as shown by an arrow 2B.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a side blowing device 400 is provided on the side of the storage section 53 as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a side blowing device 400 is provided at a position facing the second side outer peripheral edge 104D of the paper-sheet stack 54 stored in the storage section 53. In this embodiment, the paper stack 54 is a rectangular parallelepiped having four sides, and the side blowing device 400 is provided at a position opposite one of the four sides. Specifically, a side blowing device 400 is provided at a position facing one of the four side surfaces, indicated by reference symbol 4Z, along the sending direction of the paper P sent out from the paper storage device 200.

[0048] The installation location of the side blowing device 400 is not limited to this, and the side blowing device 400 may be installed at a position opposite the first side outer peripheral edge 104C, at a position opposite the tip side outer peripheral edge 104A, or at a position opposite the rear end side outer peripheral edge 104B, etc. In other words, the side blowing device 400 may be provided at a position facing a side surface other than the one side surface indicated by the reference symbol 4Z among the above four side surfaces. Furthermore, the number of blowing points on the paper-sheet stack 54 to which the gas is blown by the side blowing device 400 is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

[0049] The side blowing device 400 is provided with a gas supply source (not shown) such as a fan, an outlet 4X through which gas is discharged from the gas supply source, and a flow path 4Y that connects the gas supply source and the outlet 4X. The number of discharge ports 4X is not particularly limited and may be one or more. When the number of discharge ports 4X is more than one, the number of locations on the paper-sheet stack 54 to which gas is blown by the side blowing device 400 is two or more. In this embodiment, gas is sent from the discharge port 4X toward the side surface of the paper-sheet stack 54, and the gas is blown against the side surface. When the gas is blown against the side surface of the paper-sheet stack 54, the gas gets into the spaces between the sheets of paper P that make up the paper-sheet stack 54, causing each sheet of paper P to float.

[0050] Each of the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E is a rotating member, and rotates to transport the paper P downstream from the storage section 53. The driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B are provided downstream of the storage section 53 in the transport direction of the paper P. Each of the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E includes a rotation shaft 52X and a plurality of cylindrical members 52Y attached around the rotation shaft 52X. In this embodiment, when the suction section 100 moves toward the most upstream transport roll 52E, the suction section 100 enters between the two cylindrical members 52Y, and no interference occurs between the suction section 100 and the most upstream transport roll 52E.

[0051] The configuration of the suction unit 100 will be further described with reference to FIG. As described above, the suction unit 100 is provided with the device body 101. The device body 101 is fitted with an air guide member 120 that guides the gas discharged from the tip side blowing device 150 (described later). The air guide member 120 is provided with an uneven portion 121 for imparting a wavy shape to the leading edge portion 2G of the paper P (see FIG. 5).

[0052] The uneven portion 121 is arranged so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper sheet P. In addition, the uneven portion 121 is arranged so as to extend along the leading edge portion 2G of the paper sheet P. In this embodiment, when the paper P is attracted to the lower surface 101X of the device body 101, the leading edge 2G of the paper P is pressed against the uneven portion 121, and a wavy shape is imparted to the leading edge 2G.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a suction opening 122 for further suctioning the paper P adhering to the lower surface 101X is provided on the lower surface 101X side of the uneven portion 121 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the air guide member 120 is provided with an air guide portion 123 that guides the gas blown against the leading edge portion 2G (see FIG. 5). The air guide portion 123 is formed with a recess 124 that protrudes upward. More specifically, an upwardly protruding recess 124 is formed on the lower surface 123A of the air guide portion 123. The recess 124 is formed in a groove shape. Furthermore, the recess 124 is provided along the direction in which the leading edge 2G of the paper P (see FIG. 5) extends.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, a rectangular opening 125 is formed in the lower surface 123A of the air guide portion 123 (see Fig. 4), and as shown in Fig. 4, an upwardly protruding recess 124 is provided above this opening 125. Here, "above opening 125" refers to the upper side in the vertical direction. 5, in this embodiment, an opening edge 126 exists around the periphery of the opening 125 and surrounds the opening 125. The opening edge 126 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a diagram of the suction unit 100 and the leading end blowing device 150 as viewed from the side of the paper-sheet stack 54. In other words, Fig. 6 is a diagram of the suction unit 100 and the leading end blowing device 150 as viewed from opposing positions on a side surface of the paper-sheet stack 54 along the feed direction of the paper P. In this embodiment, in addition to the side blowing device 400 (not shown in FIG. 6) described above, a leading edge blowing device 150 that blows gas onto the leading edge portion 2G of the paper sheet P is provided as shown in FIG.

[0056] A tip-side blowing device 150, which is another example of the blowing means, is provided with a gas supply source 151 such as a fan, and a pipe 152 that guides the air sent out by the gas supply source 151 obliquely upward. The leading end side blowing device 150 blows air, which is an example of a gas, onto the paper sheet P stored in the storage section 53. Note that the gas blown onto the paper sheet P by the leading end side blowing device 150 is not limited to air, and may be another type of gas.

[0057] The leading end blowing device 150 blows gas onto a portion of the paper P stored in the storage section 53 that is located downstream in the transport direction of the paper P. More specifically, the leading end blowing device 150 blows gas onto the leading end edge 2G of the paper P stored in the storage section 53. The gas supply source 151 and the pipe 152 provided in the tip side blowing device 150 are located below the lower surface 101X of the device body 101. At the tip of the tube 152, an exhaust port 152A is provided for exhausting air toward the recess 124 provided in the air guide member 120.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow 5A, the gas from outlet 152A flows above lower surface 101X, then flows downward, and is blown toward tip edge 2G from above lower surface 101X. In this embodiment, gas from below the extended surface 5X of the lower surface 101X flows upward beyond the extended surface 5X, and then flows downward beyond the extended surface 5X and is blown against the tip edge portion 2G.

[0059] In this embodiment, the gas from the gas supply source 151 is guided by the pipe 152 to flow upward once, and then the gas flows downward. Then, in this embodiment, the gas that flows downward is blown onto the leading edge portion 2G of the paper P. In this embodiment, the air supplied from below the lower surface 101X of the device body 101 is guided downward by the recesses 124 provided in the air guide member 120. Then, the air that has flowed downward is blown onto the leading edge portion 2G of the paper P.

[0060] In this embodiment, the discharge port 152A is provided below a contact portion 52S between a driving roll 52A and a driven roll 52B provided in the most upstream transport roll 52E. In this embodiment, the gas that has passed through the pipe 152 is discharged from an exhaust port 152A located at the tip of the pipe 152, and this exhaust port 152A is located below a contact portion 52S between the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pipe 152 that guides the gas flowing upward is configured not to cross the transport path R100 of the paper P. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 152A of the pipe 152 is located below the transport path R100 of the paper P. As a result, in this embodiment, only the gas crosses the transport path R100 of the paper P. The gas that has traversed the transport path R100 heads toward the recessed portion 124. Then, the gas is guided by the recessed portion 124, and the guided gas is blown against the leading edge portion 2G.

[0062] When gas is blown from above onto the leading edge 2G, in this embodiment, the gas is sent diagonally downward as shown by arrow 5H, and the gas sent diagonally downward is blown onto the leading edge 2G. More specifically, in this embodiment, gas is sent diagonally downward from above the leading edge 2G of the paper P that is adsorbed to the lower surface 101X and from the side away from this leading edge 2G, and this gas is blown toward the leading edge 2G. In this way, when gas is sent diagonally downward, the gas is more likely to enter between the sheets of paper P, as shown by arrows 5H, compared to when gas is sent straight downward, and the second and subsequent sheets of paper P adhering to the topmost sheet of paper P adsorbed to the underside 101X are more likely to detach from the topmost sheet of paper P.

[0063] In FIG. 6, the photographing mechanism 300 is also shown. The imaging mechanism 300 is disposed downstream of the most upstream transport roll 52E in the transport direction of the paper P, and captures an image of the paper P in a state in which gas is being blown onto it from the downstream side of the most upstream transport roll 52E. More specifically, the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper sheets P located at the top of the paper stack 54 among the paper sheets P that make up the paper stack 54.

[0064] In this embodiment, in the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E (see FIG. 6), a rotating shaft 52X constituting this driven roll 52B is provided individually for each of the two cylindrical members 52Y provided, and the driven roll 52B is provided with two rotating shafts 52X. In this embodiment, the pipe 152 provided as part of the tip side blowing device 150 is provided in the gap located between the two rotating shafts 52X, thereby preventing interference between the tip side blowing device 150 and the driven roll 52B.

[0065] In this embodiment, when transporting the paper P stacked in the storage section 53, first, as shown in Figures 3(A) and (B), the topmost paper P among the paper P in a floating state is adsorbed to the suction section 100. Furthermore, as shown by the arrow 2F in FIG. 3(B), a leading edge blowing device 150 (not shown in FIG. 3(B)) is used to send gas obliquely downward from above the leading edge 2G of the paper P, and the gas is blown onto the leading edge 2G.

[0066] At this time, in this embodiment, the photographing mechanism 300 is used to photograph the paper P to obtain a photographed image. Then, the CPU 11a analyzes the photographed image and determines whether there is an overlap between the first paper P located at the top and the second paper P located below the first paper P. If the CPU 11a determines that overlapping has occurred, it changes the output of the side blowing device 400 as described above. On the other hand, if the CPU 11a determines that overlapping has not occurred, it outputs a control signal to start transporting the paper P. Alternatively, when the CPU 11a determines that overlapping has occurred, it may suspend the transport of the paper P and notify the user through the UI 70 (see FIG. 1) that, for example, the situation is such that overlapping feeding is likely to occur.

[0067] When a control signal to start transporting the paper P is output, as shown in Figure 3 (C), the suction section 100 moves toward the most upstream transport roll 52E, and the paper P adsorbed to the suction section 100 is supplied to the most upstream transport roll 52E. In this embodiment, the suction unit 100 does not move up and down when it adsorbs the paper P. However, this is not limited to the above, and the suction unit 100 may be lowered when removing the paper P, and may be raised when the paper P adheres to the suction unit 100.

[0068] When the adhesive force between the sheets P is large, the second sheet P located below may adhere to the first sheet P at the top that is adsorbed to the suction section 100. In this case, multiple sheets P are supplied to the most upstream transport roll 52E, resulting in so-called double feeding. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the occurrence of this double feeding, gas is blown from above onto the leading edge 2G as described above, which makes it easier for the second and subsequent sheets of paper P adhering to the topmost first sheet of paper P to separate from the topmost first sheet of paper P.

[0069] In addition, in this embodiment, in order to further suppress adhesion of sheets of paper P between sheets of paper P, gas is blown onto the side of the stack of sheets of paper 54 from the side of the stack of sheets of paper 54 using the side blowing device 400 shown in Figures 1 and 5. When gas is blown against the side of the paper stack 54, the gas gets into the spaces between the sheets P, reducing adhesion of the sheets P. In this embodiment, when gas is blown against the side of the paper stack 54, air gets into the spaces between the sheets P, causing each sheet P to float.

[0070] In this embodiment, the side blowing device 400 and the tip side blowing device 150 blow gas even when the suction unit 100 moves toward the most upstream transport roll 52E. In this embodiment, the configuration is such that gas is constantly blown onto the stack of paper 54, and even when the suction section 100 is moving, gas is blown by the side blowing device 400 and the leading end blowing device 150. However, without being limited to this, when the suction section 100 moves toward the most upstream conveying roll 52E, the blowing of gas by the tip side blowing device 150 may be stopped, or the amount of gas supplied by the tip side blowing device 150 may be reduced.

[0071] The suction unit 100 will be further described with reference to FIG. As described above, in this embodiment, the suction opening 122 for further suctioning the paper P adhering to the lower surface 101X is provided on the lower surface 101X side of the uneven portion 121 in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, when the sheet P is attracted to the lower surface 101X, the suction opening 122 starts suctioning the sheet P.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, a connection path 129 is provided that connects the suction opening 122 and the inside of the device body 101, and the inside of this connection path 129 is depressurized. Note that, as shown in Fig. 4, this connection path 129 is formed so that its width (the width in the direction in which the tip edge portion 2G (see Fig. 5) extends) gradually increases downward. In this embodiment, until the sheet P adheres to the lower surface 101X, a gap is formed between the sheet P and the suction opening 122, and the sheet P is not sucked by the suction opening 122.

[0073] When the sheet P is attracted to the lower surface 101X, the gap between the sheet P and the suction opening 122 disappears, and the sheet P is attracted by the suction opening 122. When the sheet P is sucked by the suction opening 122, the leading edge 2G of the sheet P is urged against the uneven portion 121, and the leading edge 2G is pressed against the uneven portion 121. This gives the leading edge portion 2G an uneven shape, or in other words, a wavy shape.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the suction unit 100 as viewed from the direction of arrow VII in FIG. 3(B). In this embodiment, gas is blown onto the leading edge portion 2G from above the leading edge portion 2G, as shown by arrow 7A, and the gas is blown onto the portion of the leading edge portion 2G that has a wavy shape. In this embodiment, as described above, the leading edge portion 2G of the paper sheet P is pressed against the uneven portion 121, whereby the leading edge portion 2G of the paper sheet P is given a wavy shape. In this embodiment, gas is blown from above onto the portion to which the corrugated shape is to be imparted.

[0075] This makes it easier for air to get in between the topmost first sheet of paper P adsorbed to the suction section 100 and the second sheet of paper P adhering to the first sheet of paper P, compared to when air is blown onto a portion of the paper P that is not given a corrugated shape. In this case, the second sheet P can be easily separated from the topmost sheet P, which is the first sheet P.

[0076] Here, a "wavy shape" refers to a shape in which one convex portion protruding from one side of the paper P to the other side and toward the thickness direction of the paper P and another convex portion protruding from the other side of the paper P to one side and toward the thickness direction of the paper P are arranged alternately in the direction in which the leading edge portion 2G extends. Here, the number of the first convex portion and the other convex portion is not particularly limited, and even if one first convex portion and one other convex portion are provided and this one convex portion and this other convex portion are adjacent to each other, it can be said that a wavy shape is imparted.

[0077] As another embodiment, gas may be blown directly onto the tip edge portion 2G from above. In the above, the gas from the gas supply source 151 located below is first moved upward, and then moved downward, and the gas is blown from above against the tip edge portion 2G. However, the form of blowing is not limited to this. For example, a gas supply source such as a fan may be provided above the lower surface 101X of the device body 101, and gas may be supplied directly from above to the tip edge portion 2G.

[0078] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the photographing mechanism 300 is disposed downstream of the storage section 53 in the transport direction of the paper P, and is also disposed downstream of the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E in the transport direction of the paper P. The driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B shown in FIG. 6 are rotating members, and in this embodiment, an imaging mechanism 300 is provided downstream in the transport direction of the paper P from a rotation axis 52X provided on each of the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B, which are examples of rotating members.

[0079] The photographing mechanism 300 shown in FIG. 6 photographs the paper P that is contained in the container 53 and has gas blown thereon, through the space indicated by the reference symbol 6F. When the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B are viewed from the front side of the paper surface of Figure 6, the space indicated by the symbol 6F is the space located between the rotation shafts 52X provided on each of the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B. In other words, when the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B are viewed from the extension line 52C of the rotation shaft 52X provided on the driven roll 52B, the space indicated by the symbol 6F is the space located between the rotation shafts 52X provided on each of the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B.

[0080] Further, the space indicated by the reference symbol 6F in FIG. 6 is a space located between two cylindrical members 52Y (see also FIG. 5) provided on each of the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B. Each of the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B is provided with a rotating shaft 52X, and the space indicated by the symbol 6F in FIG. 6 is a space located between two cylindrical members 52Y that are located at different axial positions of the rotating shaft 52X. In this embodiment, the reflected light from the paper P passes through this space indicated by reference symbol 6F in FIG.

[0081] 8(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the imaging mechanism 300. 8(A), the photographing mechanism 300 has a light receiving unit 301, a support unit 302 that supports the light receiving unit 301, and a main body unit 303 that supports the support unit 302. The main body unit 303 is provided with a movement mechanism 304 that moves the support unit 302. As shown in Fig. 8(A) when the photographing mechanism 300 photographs a sheet P (not shown in Fig. 8), a part of the photographing mechanism 300 is located on a transport path R100 of the sheet P. Specifically, in this embodiment, a support unit 302 that supports the light receiving unit 301 is located on the transport path R100.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper P, as shown in Figure 8 (A), the light receiving unit 301 is located on the opposite side of the conveying path R100 from the side on which the main body unit 303 of the photographing mechanism 300 is located. In this embodiment, when the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper P, the main body 303 of the photographing mechanism 300 is located on one side 10X of the transport path R100, and the light receiving section 301 of the photographing mechanism 300 is located on the other side 10Y of the transport path R100.

[0083] In this embodiment, a part of the imaging mechanism 300 located on the transport path R100 of the paper P is movable in a direction away from the transport path R100 of the paper P. In this embodiment, this part of the imaging mechanism 300 is a support part 302, and this support part 302 is movable in the direction indicated by the arrow 8A. In this embodiment, the light receiving unit 301 also moves in association with the movement of the support unit 302, and the light receiving unit 301 supported by the support unit 302 also moves in a direction away from the transport path R100 of the paper P.

[0084] After the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper P, in this embodiment, in response to a control signal from the CPU 11a, the support portion 302 located on the transport path R100 and the light receiving portion 301 supported by the support portion 302 move in a direction away from the transport path R100, as shown in FIG. 8(B). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B, the support portion 302 and the light receiving portion 301 are positioned away from the transport path R100. In this embodiment, after the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper P, the light receiving unit 301, which was located away from the main body unit 303, moves to the side where the main body unit 303 is located, as shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0085] In this embodiment, after the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper P, the support portion 302, which was located on the transport path R100, and the light receiving portion 301 supported by this support portion 302 are retracted from the transport path R100, as shown in FIG. 8(B). In this embodiment, when the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper P, as shown in FIG. 8(A), the support portion 302 is positioned on the transport path R100, but the light receiving portion 301 may also be configured to be positioned on the transport path R100.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the light receiving unit 301 and the supporting unit 302 move in a direction away from the transport path R100, the light receiving unit 301 and the supporting unit 302 move in a direction indicated by an arrow 8A in FIG. 8(A). During this movement, the light receiving portion 301 and the supporting portion 302 first move across the transport path R100, and then move away from the transport path R100. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8B, the light receiving portion 301 and the supporting portion 302 stop at a position away from the transport path R100.

[0087] When the paper P is transported from the container 53 (not shown in FIG. 8), the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 are disposed in the state shown in FIG. 8(B). In FIG. 8(B), the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 are stopped at the retreat position 308 located at a position off the transport path R100. When light receiving unit 301 and supporting unit 302 are stopped at retracted position 308, light receiving unit 301 and supporting unit 302 are located on rear surface 311A ​​side of paper guide member 311 as shown in FIG. 8B. This makes it less likely that the conveyed paper P will get caught on the imaging mechanism 300, compared to a configuration in which the light receiving portion 301 and the support portion 302 are located on the front surface 311B side of the paper guiding member 311.

[0088] The paper guide member 311 is disposed below the transport path R100 of the paper P, and is provided along the transport path R100. The paper guide member 311 supports the transported paper P from below, and guides the paper P so that the paper P moves along the transport path R100. 8A, the paper guide member 311 is provided with an opening 311H that connects the front surface 311B side and the back surface 311A ​​side of the paper guide member 311. The light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 move to the transport path R100 side and also move to the evacuation position 308 side through the opening 311H.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 8(A), the main body 303 of the imaging mechanism 300 is provided on the back surface 311A ​​side of the paper guide member 311. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8(B), in this embodiment, the retraction portion 308 is provided on the back surface 311A ​​side of the paper guide member 311. When an image of the paper sheet P is captured, the light receiving portion 301 and the support portion 302, which were located at the retreat position 308, pass through the opening 311H and move to the transport path R100 side, as shown in FIG. 8(A). Furthermore, when the photographing of the paper sheet P is completed, the light receiving section 301 and the support section 302 pass through the opening 311H and move to the retreat position 308 as shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0090] When light receiving unit 301 and support unit 302 move to evacuation position 308 located on the back surface 311A ​​side of paper guiding member 311, they move in the thickness direction of paper P being transported on transport path R100. In other words, when light receiving unit 301 and support unit 302 move in the direction away from transport path R100, they move in the thickness direction of paper P being transported on transport path R100. The direction indicated by arrow 8B in Figure 8(A) indicates the thickness direction of paper P, and the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 move in the direction indicated by arrow 8B when moving to the evacuation location 308 located on the back surface 311A ​​side of the paper guide member 311. In other words, the light receiving portion 301 and the support portion 302 move in the thickness direction of the paper P when moving in a direction away from the transport path R100.

[0091] In addition, the direction of movement of the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 when they move away from the transport path R100 is not limited to the thickness direction of the paper P transported along the transport path R100, but may be a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper P and the width direction of the paper P. In this embodiment, the light receiving section 301 and the support section 302, which are the moving parts of the imaging mechanism 300, are provided at opposing positions in the center in the width direction of the paper P being transported.

[0092] In this case, if the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 are configured to move in the thickness direction of the paper P as in this embodiment, the moving distance of the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 can be shorter than if they are configured to move in the width direction of the paper P. In this case, the light receiving portion 301 and the supporting portion 302 can be retracted in a direction away from the transport path R100 in a shorter time.

[0093] In this embodiment, the light receiving section 301 and the support section 302, which are the moving parts of the imaging mechanism 300, are provided at opposing positions in the center in the width direction of the paper P being transported. To explain this more specifically with reference to FIG. 5, the light receiving section 301 and the support section 302 of the imaging mechanism 300 are provided at a location indicated by reference symbol 5G in FIG. When the light receiving unit 301 and the supporting unit 302 are provided at the location indicated by the symbol 5G in Figure 5, when the retracted light receiving unit 301 and the supporting unit 302 are positioned at opposing positions on one side of the paper P being transported, the light receiving unit 301 and the supporting unit 302 will be positioned at opposing positions in the center of the paper P in the width direction.

[0094] In this case, if the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 are configured to move in the thickness direction of the paper P, the amount of movement of the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 required to move them away from the transport path R100 is smaller than if they were configured to move in the width direction of the paper P. In this case, the retraction of the light receiving portion 301 and the supporting portion 302 from the transport path R100 can be completed in a shorter time. In FIG. 5, the width direction of the paper P is indicated by an arrow 5H.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced. 5, the photographing mechanisms 300 may be provided at two locations, ie, at locations 5J and 5K, and the photographing mechanisms 300 provided at these two locations may be used to photograph the leading edge portion 2G of the paper P. In this case, however, two photographing mechanisms 300 are required, and the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus 1 increases. In contrast, in this embodiment, one imaging mechanism 300 is provided downstream of the storage section 53, and the manufacturing costs of the image forming apparatus 1 are reduced compared to a configuration in which two imaging mechanisms 300 are provided. Here, if the photographing mechanism 300 is provided downstream of the storage unit 53 as in this embodiment, the paper P transported from the storage unit 53 is likely to interfere with the photographing mechanism 300. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the light receiving unit 301 and the support unit 302 are configured to retract, so that the transported paper P does not interfere with the photographing mechanism 300.

[0096] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 8, the main body 303 of the photographing mechanism 300 is provided below the transport path R100, but the main body 303 of the photographing mechanism 300 may be provided above the transport path R100. In other words, in the configuration example shown in Figure 8, the main body 303 of the photographing mechanism 300 is provided on one side 10X of the conveying path R100, but the main body 303 of the photographing mechanism 300 may also be provided on the other side 10Y of the conveying path R100.

[0097] When the main body 303 of the imaging mechanism 300 is provided above the transport path R100, the light receiving portion 301 and the support portion 302 move from above toward below and approach the transport path R100. Furthermore, when the main body 303 of the imaging mechanism 300 is provided above the transport path R100, the light receiving portion 301 and the support portion 302 move from below toward above and retreat from the transport path R100.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the imaging mechanism 300. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as described above, the main body 303 of the imaging mechanism 300 is provided with the moving mechanism 304 that moves the support part 302. The moving mechanism 304 is provided with a motor 304M, a rotating gear 304G that rotates by receiving a driving force from a gear (not shown) attached to the output shaft of the motor 304M, and a rotating cam 304K attached to a shaft 304J that rotates in conjunction with the rotating gear 304G. The rotating cam 304K rotates by receiving a driving force from the shaft 304J.

[0099] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 304 is provided with a moving body 304D that is disposed above the rotating cam 304K and is pressed by the outer circumferential surface of the rotating cam 304K to move up and down. The moving body 304D is cylindrical and rotatable about an axis 304E disposed along the horizontal direction.

[0100] The moving mechanism 304 is further provided with an interlocking member 304R that extends upward from the moving body 304D in the figure and moves up and down in conjunction with the up and down movement of the moving body 304D. The interlocking member 304R is fixed to a right end portion 302R of the support portion 302. The support portion 302 is supported in a rotatable state by a support shaft 302K which is supported by a main body portion 303 of the imaging mechanism 300. When interlocking member 304R moves up and down, support portion 302 rotates about support shaft 302K, and accordingly, left end portion 302F of support portion 302 moves up and down. When left end portion 302F of support portion 302 moves up and down, light receiving portion 301 attached to left end portion 302F moves up and down.

[0101] In this embodiment, this vertical movement of the light receiving unit 301 causes the light receiving unit 301 to move toward the transport path R100 side, and also toward the main body unit 303 side of the imaging mechanism 300, as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the rotating cam 304K is rotated in one direction by more than 360°. In this embodiment, the rotating cam 304K can be rotated in both one direction and the opposite direction, but in this embodiment, the rotating cam 304K is rotated in only one direction.

[0102] When the rotating cam 304K is rotated in only one direction, the movement of the light receiving unit 301 toward the transport path R100 side and the movement of the light receiving unit 301 toward the main body unit 303 side can be accomplished in a shorter time. When the rotating cam 304K is rotated in only one direction, the light receiving portion 301 can be moved in a shorter time than when the light receiving portion 301 is moved by rotating the rotating cam 304K in one direction and the opposite direction. The moving mechanism 304 of the photographing mechanism 300 is not limited to a mechanism using a cam, and may be another mechanism. For example, the light receiving unit 301 may be moved using a rack and pinion mechanism, or the light receiving unit 301 may be moved using a solenoid, for example.

[0103] 10 and 11 are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the imaging mechanism 300. In FIG. In this configuration example, similarly to the above, as shown in Fig. 10, a light receiving unit 301 that receives reflected light from the paper P is provided. Note that in this configuration example, the light receiving unit 301 is configured not to move. Also, in this configuration example, the light receiving unit 301 is provided at a location off the transport path R100 of the paper P. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a light reflecting portion 341 that guides the reflected light from the paper P to the light receiving portion 301, and a support portion 342 that supports the light reflecting portion 341 are provided. The light reflecting section 341 is a so-called mirror, which reflects the light reflected from the paper P and guides the reflected light to the light receiving section 301 .

[0104] In this configuration example as well, the support portion 342 is movable. More specifically, the support portion 342 rotates about a rotation axis 342A, and this rotation causes a left end portion 342F and a right end portion 342R of the support portion 342 formed in a plate shape to move. A left end 342F of the support portion 342 is located upstream of a right end 342R in the transport direction of the paper P. In this configuration example, when photographing the paper P, as shown in Fig. 10, the support unit 342 and the light reflecting unit 341 are positioned on the transport path R100 of the paper P. In this configuration example, the reflected light from the paper P is reflected by the light reflecting unit 341 and directed toward the light receiving unit 301. As a result, a photographed image of the paper P is obtained.

[0105] In this configuration example, the support unit 342 and the light reflecting unit 341 also move in a direction away from the transport path R100 when retreating. In this configuration example, the support unit 342 and the light reflecting unit 341, which are part of the imaging mechanism 300, move in a direction away from the transport path R100 of the paper P. When the support portion 342 and the light reflecting portion 341 move in a direction away from the transport path R100 of the paper P, the photographing mechanism 300 becomes in the state shown in FIG.

[0106] In this configuration example, when an image of the paper sheet P is captured, as shown in FIG. 10, the light reflecting portion 341 and the supporting portion 342 are provided so as to cross the transport path R100. When the light reflecting portion 341 and the support portion 342 are retracted, the support portion 342 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, and the left end portion 302F of the support portion 342 moves downward in the figure. As a result, the left end portion 302F of the support portion 342 and the light reflecting portion 341 move in a direction away from the transport path R100. 11, the light reflecting portion 341 and the supporting portion 342 are finally positioned at a position off the transport path R100. In other words, in this case as well, the light reflecting portion 341 and the supporting portion 342 are positioned at the predetermined evacuation position 308.

[0107] In this configuration example, when the support portion 342 supporting the light reflecting portion 341 is positioned at the evacuation location 308, one surface 342M of the support portion 342 faces the conveying path R100 and is aligned along the conveying path R100, as shown in FIG. 11. In this configuration example, of the surfaces of the support portion 342, a surface 342M located opposite to the support surface 342S that supports the light reflecting portion 341 faces the transport path R100 and is aligned along the transport path R100. In this case, the paper sheet P passing through the transport path R100 moves downstream while being guided by the one surface 342M of the support portion 342. The one surface 342M serves as a guide surface that guides the paper sheet P.

[0108] The configuration of main body 303 of imaging mechanism 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The main body 303 is provided with a movement mechanism 354 for moving the support portion 342 . In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 354 is provided with a spring 354A as an example of a biasing member that biases the left end portion 342F side of the support portion 342. The support portion 342 is rotatably arranged around a rotation axis 342A, and in the example configuration shown in FIG. 10, a portion of the support portion 342 located to the left of the rotation axis 342A is biased by a spring 354A in a direction away from the conveying path R100. In this embodiment, this biasing force causes the left end 342F side of the support portion 342 and the light reflecting portion 341 to move in a direction away from the transport path R100.

[0109] Furthermore, in this configuration example, a pulling mechanism 348 is provided that pulls the right end 342R side of the support portion 342 in a direction away from the transport path R100. In this configuration example, the right end 342R side of the support portion 342 is moved in a direction away from the transport path R100 of the paper P by the pulling mechanism 348. When the right end 342R side of the support part 342 moves in a direction away from the transport path R100 of the paper P, the support part 342 rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure about the rotation shaft 342A. In response to this, the light reflecting part 341 attached to a part of the support part 342 located on the left end 302F side from the rotation shaft 342A approaches the transport path R100.

[0110] The tension mechanism 348 is composed of a wire 348A attached to the right end 342R of the support portion 342, and a winding mechanism 348B that winds up the wire 348A. In this configuration example, by winding up the wire 348A by the winding mechanism 348B, the right end 302R of the support portion 342 moves, and accordingly, the left end 302F of the support portion 342 and the light reflecting portion 341 move closer to the transport path R100. On the other hand, when the wire 348A is unwound, the left end 302F side of the support portion 342 moves due to the bias of the spring 354A, and the left end 342F of the support portion 342 and the light reflecting portion 341 move in a direction away from the transport path R100. As described above, the moving mechanism 354 for moving the light reflecting portion 341 and the supporting portion 342 may have a different configuration. For example, a rack-and-pinion mechanism may be used to move the support portion 342 and the light reflecting portion 341. Alternatively, for example, a solenoid may be used to move the support portion 342 and the light reflecting portion 341.

[0111] 10 and 11, the light reflecting portion 341 and the supporting portion 342 move in the thickness direction of the paper P transported along the transport path R100 in the same manner as described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light reflecting portion 341 and the supporting portion 342 may be configured to move in the width direction of the paper P transported along the transport path R100. Also, in this configuration example, the main body 303 of the photographing mechanism 300 is provided below the conveying path R100, and the light reflecting portion 341 and the support portion 342 are configured to retract to the below side of the conveying path R100, but this is not limited to the above, and the main body 303 may be provided above the conveying path R100, and the light reflecting portion 341 and the support portion 342 may be configured to retract to the above side of the conveying path R100.

[0112] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the imaging mechanism 300. In FIG. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 12, an imaging mechanism 300 is attached to the suction section 100 , and the imaging mechanism 300 is supported by the suction section 100 . In this configuration example, a part 309 of the imaging mechanism 300 moves relative to the suction unit 100. Then, this part 309 approaches the transport path R100 and retreats from the transport path R100. This part 309 may be the light receiving part 301 described above, or may be the light reflecting part 341 .

[0113] In this configuration example shown in FIG. 12, a part 309 of the imaging mechanism 300 approaches the transport path R100 of the paper P from above the transport path R100. Specifically, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 approach the transport path R100 from above the transport path R100 of the paper P. Then, an image of the paper P is captured in a state in which the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 approach the transport path R100.

[0114] When the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 are retracted, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 move upward. As a result, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 are retracted from the transport path R100. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 12, in the transport direction of the paper P, the light receiving section 301 and the light reflecting section 341 move downstream of the most upstream transport roll 52E. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the gap between the suction unit 100 and the most upstream transport roll 52E is large, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 may be moved in this gap.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the imaging mechanism 300. In FIG. In this configuration example, a part 309 of the photographing mechanism 300 is located downstream in the transport direction of the paper P from the storage section 53, and upstream in the transport direction of the paper P from the rotation axes 52X of the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E. The drive roll 52A and driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E are rotating members, and in this configuration example, a part 309 of the photographing mechanism 300 that moves is located upstream in the transport direction of the paper P from the rotation axis 52X of each of these rotating members.

[0116] In the configuration example shown in Figures 8 to 12, the part of the imaging mechanism 300 that moves is located downstream in the transport direction of the paper P from the storage section 53, and downstream in the transport direction of the paper P from the rotation shafts 52X of the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E. In contrast, in the configuration example shown in Figure 13, a part 309 of the imaging mechanism 300 that moves is located upstream in the transport direction of the paper P from the rotation axes 52X of the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E. Here, examples of the moving part 309 of the imaging mechanism 300 include the light receiving part 301 and the light reflecting part 341, as described above.

[0117] In the case of this configuration example shown in FIG. 13, the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B are not positioned between a part 309 of the imaging mechanism 300 and the paper P to be imaged. In this case, the photographing range of the light receiving unit 301 (not shown in FIG. 13) is not narrowed by the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B. In other words, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 13, the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B are not included within the range of the angle of view of the light receiving unit 301. In this case, the paper P to be photographed is positioned behind the driving roll 52A and the driven roll 52B, and problems such as being unable to photograph the paper P are less likely to occur.

[0118] In addition, in this configuration example shown in Figure 13, a portion of the main body 303 of the imaging mechanism 300 is located downstream in the transport direction of the paper P from the rotation axes 52X of the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E. All parts of the photographing mechanism 300 are not necessarily located upstream of the rotation axis 52X of each of the drive roll 52A and the driven roll 52B provided on the most upstream transport roll 52E in the transport direction of the paper P, and parts other than the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 may be located downstream of the rotation axis 52X in the transport direction of the paper P.

[0119] (others) In the configuration example described above, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341, which are part of the photographing mechanism 300, cross the transport path R100. However, the photographing mechanism 300 may not cross the transport path R100. In other words, a part of the imaging mechanism 300 may move toward and away from the transport path R100 without crossing the transport path R100. Even if the photographing mechanism 300 does not cross the transport path R100, if a part of the photographing mechanism 300 moves in a direction approaching the transport path R100, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 can be positioned in a location where it is easier to photograph the paper P.

[0120] In addition, in the above, a configuration has been described in which only a part of the photographing mechanism 300, such as the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341, moves relative to the conveying path R100, but the configuration may also be such that not only a part of the photographing mechanism 300 but the entire photographing mechanism 300 moves relative to the conveying path R100. In other words, the entire imaging mechanism 300 may be configured to move in a direction approaching the transport path R100 and in a direction away from the transport path R100.

[0121] The timing of movement of the light receiving portion 301 and the light reflecting portion 341 will be described. In this embodiment, basically, after the photographing mechanism 300 photographs the paper P, the part of the photographing mechanism 300 moves in a direction away from the transport path R100. As a result, when the transport of the paper P from the storage unit 53 starts later, the part of the paper P will be located at a position away from the transport path R100.

[0122] The light receiving section 301 and the light reflecting section 341 may be arranged on the side closer to the transport path R100, for example, at a timing other than the timing when the transport of the paper P from the container 53 starts. In this case, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 are retracted from the transport path R100 every time the transport of the paper P is started. Then, when the paper P passes through the photographing mechanism 300, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 are returned to the side closer to the transport path R100.

[0123] Also, for example, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 may basically be retreated to the retreat location 308, and the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 may be moved to the side closer to the transport path R100 only at a predetermined photographing timing other than the timing when the paper P is transported. More specifically, for example, after the suction unit 100 has sucked in the paper P, the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 may be moved to the side closer to the transport path R100 to photograph the paper P, and then the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 may be immediately moved to the evacuation location 308.

[0124] In this embodiment, the control for moving the light receiving portion 301 and the light reflecting portion 341 is performed by a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The CPU 11a determines whether or not it is a specific timing to move the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341, and if it determines that a predetermined specific timing has arrived, it activates the photographing mechanism 300 to bring the light receiving unit 301 and the light reflecting unit 341 closer to the conveying path R100. Furthermore, when the CPU 11a determines that another specific timing has come, it operates the moving mechanism 304 to move the light receiving portion 301 and the light reflecting portion 341 in a direction away from the transport path R100.

[0125] (Additional Note) (((1))) a storage section for storing the recording medium to be conveyed; a blowing means for blowing gas onto the recording medium accommodated in the accommodation section; an imaging means arranged downstream of the storage unit in a recording medium transport direction, for imaging the recording medium stored in the storage unit, at least a portion of which is movable in a direction away from a recording medium transport path; A recording medium storage device comprising: (((2))) When the photographing means photographs the recording medium accommodated in the accommodation section, the part of the photographing means is located on the transport path, The recording medium storage device according to ((1)) above, wherein the portion located on the transport path moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a position outside the transport path. (((3))) The portion located on the transport path is a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the recording medium or a support unit that supports the light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit or the support unit moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a location off the transport path (((2))). (((4))) a light receiving section that receives the light reflected from the recording medium, a light reflecting section that guides the light reflected from the recording medium to the light receiving section, and a support section that supports the light reflecting section, The part located on the transport path is the light reflecting portion or the support portion, and the light reflecting portion or the support portion moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a location off the transport path (((2))). (((5))) The recording medium storage device described in (((1))) above, wherein after the recording medium is photographed by the photographing means, the portion moves in the direction away, and when transport of the recording medium from the storage section begins, the portion is located at a location off the transport path. (((6))) When the portion moves in a direction away from the transport path, the portion moves in a thickness direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. (((7))) The recording medium storage device according to ((1))), wherein the portion of the imaging means is movable in a thickness direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. (((8))) a suction unit that suctions and holds the topmost recording medium among the recording media accommodated in the accommodation unit, The recording medium storage device according to (((1))), wherein the photographing means is supported by the suction section, and a portion of the photographing means moves relative to the suction section, and the portion moves in a direction away from the transport path. (((9))) The recording medium storage device according to ((1))), wherein the blowing means blows gas against a portion of the recording medium stored in the storage section that is located downstream in a recording medium transport direction. (((10))) a rotating member disposed downstream of the storage unit in a recording medium transport direction and configured to transport the recording medium from the storage unit downstream; The recording medium storage device described in (((1))), wherein the part of the photographing means is located downstream of the storage section in the recording medium transport direction and upstream of the rotation axis of the rotating member in the recording medium transport direction. (((11))) An image forming apparatus comprising a recording medium storage device that stores a recording medium, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium supplied from the recording medium storage device, wherein the recording medium storage device includes any one of the recording medium storage devices described in (((1))) to (((10))).

[0126] According to the recording medium storage device of (((1))), interference between the photographing means that photographs the recording medium and the recording medium being transported can be made less likely to occur, compared to a configuration in which the photographing means cannot be moved. According to the recording medium storage device of (((2))), the recording medium can be more easily captured in the image obtained by photographing with the photographing means, compared to a configuration in which a part of the photographing means is not located on the transport path, and interference between the photographing means and the transported recording medium can be less likely to occur, compared to a configuration in which this part located on the transport path does not move in a direction away from the transport path. According to the recording medium storage device of (((3))), interference between the photographing means and the recording medium being transported is less likely to occur, compared to a configuration in which the light receiving unit and the support unit remain on the transport path without moving away from the transport path. According to the recording medium storage device of (((4))), interference between the photographing means and the recording medium being transported is less likely to occur, compared to a configuration in which the light reflecting portion and the support portion do not move away from the transport path but remain on the transport path. According to the recording medium storage device of (((5))), when the transport of the recording medium from the storage section begins, interference between the photographing means and the recording medium being transported is less likely to occur than in a configuration in which a part of the photographing means is located on the movement path. According to the recording medium storage device of (((6))), the time required for this part to move in a direction away from the transport path of the recording medium can be made shorter than in a configuration in which a part of the imaging means moves in the width direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. According to the recording medium storage device of (((7))), the time required for this part to move in a direction away from the transport path of the recording medium can be made shorter than in a configuration in which a part of the imaging means moves in the width direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path. According to the recording medium storage device of (((8))), compared to a configuration in which the imaging means is provided at a location different from the suction unit, it is possible to make it less likely that the positional relationship between the paper that is sucked and held by the suction unit and the imaging means that images the paper will change. According to the recording medium storage device of (((9))), it is possible to reduce the occurrence of double feeding of recording media that are transported with a portion located downstream in the recording medium transport direction as the leading portion, compared to a configuration in which gas is blown onto a portion of the recording medium stored in the storage section that is located upstream in the recording medium transport direction. According to the recording medium storage device of (((10))), it is possible to prevent the rotating member from making it difficult for the imaging means to capture an image of the recording medium, compared to a configuration in which a part of the imaging means is located downstream in the recording medium transport direction from the rotation axis of the rotating member. According to the image forming apparatus of (((11))), interference between the imaging means that images the recording medium and the recording medium being transported can be prevented less than in a configuration in which the imaging means cannot be moved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1...image forming apparatus, 1A...image forming section, 52A...driving roll, 52B...follower roll, 52X...rotating shaft, 53...storage section, 100...suction section, 150...leading end blowing device, 200...paper storage device, 300...photography mechanism, 301...light receiving section, 302...support section, 309...part, 341...light reflecting section, 342...support section, 400...side blowing device, P...paper, R100...transport path

Claims

1. a storage section for storing the recording medium to be conveyed; a blowing means for blowing gas onto the recording medium accommodated in the accommodation section; an imaging means arranged downstream of the storage unit in a recording medium transport direction, for imaging the recording medium stored in the storage unit, at least a portion of which is movable in a direction away from a transport path of the recording medium; A recording medium storage device comprising:

2. When the photographing means photographs the recording medium accommodated in the accommodation section, the part of the photographing means is located on the transport path, 2. The recording medium holding device according to claim 1, wherein the portion located on the transport path moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a position outside the transport path.

3. The recording medium storage device of claim 2, wherein the portion located on the transport path is a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the recording medium or a support unit that supports the light receiving unit, and the light receiving unit or the support unit moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a location away from the transport path.

4. a light receiving section that receives light reflected from the recording medium, a light reflecting section that guides the light reflected from the recording medium to the light receiving section, and a support section that supports the light reflecting section, The recording medium storage device of claim 2, wherein the portion located on the transport path is the light reflecting portion or the support portion, and the light reflecting portion or the support portion moves in a direction away from the transport path and becomes located at a location away from the transport path.

5. A recording medium storage device as described in claim 1, wherein after the recording medium is photographed by the photographing means, the portion moves in the direction away, and when transportation of the recording medium from the storage section begins, the portion is located at a location outside the transport path.

6. 6. The recording medium accommodation device according to claim 5, wherein when the portion moves in a direction away from the transport path, the portion moves in a thickness direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path.

7. 2. The recording medium accommodation device according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the image capturing means is movable in a thickness direction of the recording medium transported along the transport path.

8. a suction unit that suctions and holds the topmost recording medium among the recording media accommodated in the accommodation unit, 2 . The recording medium holding device according to claim 1 , wherein the image capturing unit is supported by the suction unit, and the portion of the image capturing unit moves relative to the suction unit, so that the portion moves in a direction away from the transport path.

9. 2. The recording medium accommodation device according to claim 1, wherein the blowing means blows gas against a portion of the recording medium accommodated in the accommodation section that is located downstream in a recording medium transport direction.

10. a rotating member disposed downstream of the storage unit in a recording medium transport direction and configured to transport the recording medium from the storage unit downstream; 2. The recording medium accommodation device according to claim 1, wherein the part of the imaging means is located downstream of the accommodation unit in the recording medium transport direction and upstream of a rotation axis of the rotating member in the recording medium transport direction.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising a recording medium holding device that holds a recording medium, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium supplied from the recording medium holding device, the recording medium holding device being configured to include the recording medium holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images