Supply device and processing device

Abstract

To provide a feeder, a processor, a control method and a program which allow for removing dust from a plurality of mediums.SOLUTION: A feeder supplies a medium to a processing unit to perform processing on a medium 99. The feeder comprises an accommodation unit that receives a plurality of mediums in a stacked manner, and a vibration-imparting unit that contacts each end of the plurality of mediums received in the accommodation unit to vibrate each medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a supply device, And, Processing Equipment Place Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a supply device that supplies a medium to a processing section. The supply device includes a storage section that stores the medium, and a blowing device that blows air onto the medium stored in the storage section. The storage section stores the media in a stacked state. The blowing device blows air onto the medium, thereby removing dust from the medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-021851 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the supply device described in Patent Document 1, a blowing device blows air toward the topmost medium of a stack of media. Therefore, while dust is removed from the topmost medium among the multiple media, dust removal from the other media may be insufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A supply device that solves the above problem is a supply device that supplies a medium to a processing unit that performs processing on the medium, and is equipped with a storage section that stores the media in a stacked state, and a vibration imparting section that imparts vibrations to the media by contacting the edges of the multiple media stored in the storage section.

[0006] A processing apparatus for solving the above problem includes the above-mentioned supply apparatus and the processing section. A control method for solving the above problem is a control method for a supply device that includes a storage section that stores multiple media in a stacked state, and a vibration imparting section that imparts vibrations to the media by contacting the edges of the multiple media stored in the storage section, and supplies the media to a processing section, and includes imparting vibrations to the media by the vibration imparting section when the media is stored in the storage section.

[0007] The program that solves the above problem includes a storage section that stores multiple media in a stacked state, and a vibration imparting section that imparts vibrations to the media by contacting the edges of the multiple media stored in the storage section, and is a program to be executed by a control section that controls a supply device that supplies the media to a processing section, and causes the vibration imparting section to impart vibrations to the media when the media is stored in the storage section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a processing apparatus including the supply device of the first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the removal cassette taken at a position different from that shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the removal cassette as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 5 . [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12]4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor when rotated from the state shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 13] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotor when rotated from the state shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a first process. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a storage cassette included in a supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second process. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a holding cassette included in the supply device of the third embodiment. [Figure 20] 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first arm and the second arm are displaced downward from the state shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a holding cassette included in a supply device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] 22 is a perspective view showing a state in which the holding portion is displaced downward from the state shown in FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the supply device will be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment The supply device of the first embodiment constitutes a processing device, such as an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper.

[0010] 1, the processing device 11 includes a housing 12. The processing device 11 includes a processing unit 13, a support unit 14, a transport unit 15, a transport path 16, and a processing control unit 17. The processing device 11 of the first embodiment further includes a supply device 18.

[0011] The housing 12 houses various components of the processing device 11. The housing 12 has a loading surface 19. In the first embodiment, the loading surface 19 constitutes the upper surface of the housing 12. Processed media 99 are loaded on the loading surface 19.

[0012] The processing section 13 is configured to perform a process on a medium 99. The processing section 13 of the first embodiment performs a process on the medium 99 by printing on the medium 99. The processing section 13 of the first embodiment has a head 21 and a holder 22.

[0013] The head 21 is held by a holder 22. The head 21 has one or more nozzles 23. The head 21 prints on the medium 99 by ejecting liquid from the nozzles 23. The head 21 in the first embodiment is a line head that can eject liquid simultaneously across the width of the medium 99. The head 21 may be a serial head that scans the medium 99.

[0014] The support unit 14 is located at a position facing the processing unit 13. The support unit 14 supports a medium 99. The processing unit 13 and the support unit 14 are located so as to sandwich a portion of the transport path 16 therebetween. The processing unit 13 processes the medium 99 supported by the support unit 14.

[0015] The support unit 14 of the first embodiment has a pair of rollers 25 and a belt 26. The belt 26 is wound around the pair of rollers 25. As the rollers 25 rotate, the belt 26 revolves around the outer periphery of the rollers 25. The support unit 14 supports the medium 99 by the outer periphery of the belt 26. The support unit 14 of the first embodiment supports the medium 99 and transports the medium 99. The support unit 14 may be configured as a support table that simply supports the medium 99 without transporting the medium 99.

[0016] The transport unit 15 is configured to transport the medium 99. In the first embodiment, the transport unit 15 transports the medium 99 along the transport path 16. The transport unit 15 has, for example, one or more transport rollers 27. The transport rollers 27 are located along the transport path 16. The transport rollers 27 transport the medium 99 by rotating in a state of contact with the medium 99.

[0017] The transport path 16 is a path along which the medium 99 is transported. The transport path 16 in the first embodiment is a path along which the medium 99 is transported by the transport unit 15. The transport path 16 in the first embodiment extends within the housing 12 as indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1. In the first embodiment, the transport path 16 includes a supply path 31, a discharge path 32, a switchback path 33, and a reversal path 34.

[0018] The supply path 31 is a path along which the medium 99 is supplied toward the processing section 13. Therefore, the supply path 31 extends from the supply device 18 toward the processing section 13. The discharge path 32 is a path along which the processed medium 99 is discharged. In the first embodiment, the discharge path 32 is a path along which the medium 99 processed by the processing unit 13 is discharged toward the loading surface 19. The discharge path 32 extends from the processing unit 13 toward above the loading surface 19. The medium 99 transported along the discharge path 32 is discharged outside the housing 12. The discharged medium 99 falls and is loaded onto the loading surface 19.

[0019] The switchback path 33 is a path along which the medium 99 is switched back. In the first embodiment, for example, a medium 99 printed on one side is transported along the switchback path 33. When the medium 99 is switched back along the switchback path 33, the direction in which the medium 99 is transported is reversed. In the first embodiment, the switchback path 33 branches off from the discharge path 32 and extends along the discharge path 32. Unlike the discharge path 32, the end of the switchback path 33 is contained within the housing 12.

[0020] The inversion path 34 is a path along which the position of the medium 99 is inverted. In the first embodiment, the medium 99 transported along the switchback path 33 is transported along the inversion path 34. The inversion path 34 branches off from the switchback path 33 and extends toward the supply path 31. The inversion path 34 extends while passing above the processing section 13. As the medium 99 is transported along the inversion path 34, the position of the medium 99 is inverted. In the first embodiment, as the medium 99 is transported along the inversion path 34, the position of the medium 99 is inverted up and down.

[0021] The switchback path 33 and the inversion path 34 are used, for example, when printing on both sides of the medium 99. By being transported along the switchback path 33 and the inversion path 34, the medium 99 is transported again toward the processing section 13 with the printed side facing the support section 14. In other words, the medium 99 is transported with the unprinted side facing the processing section 13. In this way, the processing device 11 prints on both sides of the medium 99.

[0022] The processing control unit 17 is a control unit that controls various components of the processing device 11. The processing control unit 17 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits, that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, that stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0023] The supply device 18 is a device that supplies the medium 99 to the processing section 13. In the first embodiment, the supply device 18 is built into the processing device 11, but may be externally attached to the processing device 11. In the first embodiment, the supply device 18 is located below the processing device 11. The supply device 18 is located, for example, below the processing section 13.

[0024] The supply device 18 includes a housing 41, a cassette 42, a pickup roller 43, a separation roller 44, a pressing member 45, a delivery path 46, a sensor 47, and a supply control unit 48.

[0025] The housing 41 is configured so that a cassette 42 can be attached thereto. In the first embodiment, the housing 41 of the supply device 18 is configured integrally with the housing 12 of the processing device 11, but may be configured separately.

[0026] One or more cassettes 42 are provided. In the first embodiment, four cassettes 42 are provided. The four cassettes 42 are provided so as to be stacked one on top of the other. The cassette 42 is configured to store the medium 99. Specifically, the cassette 42 stores a plurality of the media 99 in a stacked state. In this respect, the cassette 42 is a storage section that stores the medium 99. The medium 99 stored in the cassette 42 is, for example, sheet-like and rectangular. The medium 99 is not limited to paper, and may be a plastic film, a fabric, or the like. The cassette 42 of the first embodiment stores a plurality of the media 99 in a horizontally placed state.

[0027] 2, in the first embodiment, cassette 42 overlaps processing section 13 vertically. "Vertical" refers to, for example, a direction perpendicular to the installation surface on which processing device 11 is installed. Cassette 42 is detachable from housing 41. By mounting cassette 42 containing medium 99 in housing 41, supply device 18 becomes able to supply medium 99 toward processing section 13. The detailed configuration of cassette 42 will be described later.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the pickup roller 43 is provided in the housing 41. The pickup roller 43 is a roller that picks up the medium 99 stored in the cassette 42. Therefore, a pickup roller 43 is provided for each cassette 42. The pickup roller 43 comes into contact with the uppermost medium 99 among the multiple media 99 stored in the cassette 42. At this time, the pickup roller 43 presses the medium 99 from above. In this respect, the pickup roller 43 is a pressing section that presses the medium 99. The pickup roller 43 rotates while pressing the medium 99, thereby sending out the uppermost medium 99.

[0029] Separation roller 44 is provided in housing 41. Separation roller 44 is a roller that separates media 99 sent out by pickup roller 43 into individual sheets. Therefore, pickup roller 43 is provided for each cassette 42. Separation roller 44 separates media 99 sent out by pickup roller 43 into individual sheets, for example, by its frictional force.

[0030] The pressing member 45 is provided in the housing 41. The pressing member 45 is a member that presses the medium 99 contained in the cassette 42. The pressing member 45 presses the medium 99 contained in the cassette 42 from above. In this respect, the pressing member 45 is a pressing portion that presses the medium 99. The pressing member 45 presses the medium 99, whereby the medium 99 is held within the cassette 42.

[0031] Pressing member 45 is configured to be displaceable up and down. Therefore, pressing member 45 rises and falls. By displacing downward, pressing member 45 comes into contact with the uppermost medium 99 among the media 99 housed in cassette 42. At this time, pressing member 45 presses medium 99. By displacing upward, pressing member 45 is no longer in contact with media 99 housed in cassette 42.

[0032] The pressing member 45 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. The pressing member 45 is formed of a material having a relatively small coefficient of friction with respect to the medium 99. Specifically, the coefficient of friction of the pressing member 45 with respect to the medium 99 is smaller than the coefficient of friction of the pick-up roller 43 with respect to the medium 99. In the first embodiment, the pressing member 45 is formed of POM. POM is a polyacetal resin. This allows the pressing member 45 to press the medium 99 while reducing the load on the medium 99. Furthermore, even when the pressing member 45 is pressing the medium 99, the pick-up roller 43 can feed out the medium 99.

[0033] 3 and 4, the pressing member 45 has a shaft 49. The pressing member 45 rotates around the shaft 49. The shaft 49 is provided at one end of the pressing member 45. The pressing member 45 is attached to the housing 41 by the shaft 49.

[0034] When the pressing member 45 rotates around the shaft 49, the other end of the pressing member 45 is displaced up and down, i.e., rises and falls. In this way, the pressing member 45 rises and falls by rotating around the shaft 49. As a result, the other end of the pressing member 45 comes into contact with the medium 99. The pressing member 45 may be configured to rise and fall not only by rotation, but also by sliding up and down.

[0035] 1, the output path 46 is a path along which the medium 99 is output by the pickup roller 43 and the separation roller 44. Therefore, a output path 46 is provided for each cassette 42. The output paths 46 are provided in the housing 41. Each output path 46 is connected to a cassette 42 corresponding to that path and to an output path 46 corresponding to an adjacent cassette 42. In other words, the multiple output paths 46 are connected to each other.

[0036] Of the multiple output paths 46, the output path 46 corresponding to the top cassette 42 is connected to the supply path 31. Therefore, the medium 99 contained in the cassette 42 is transported to the transport path 16 via the output path 46. Furthermore, since the output paths 46 are connected to each other, the multiple cassettes 42 can mutually send the medium 99. For example, the medium 99 contained in the bottom cassette 42 can be sent toward another cassette 42 via the output path 46. For example, the medium 99 contained in the top cassette 42 can be sent toward another cassette 42 via the output path 46.

[0037] The sensor 47 is configured to detect that the cassette 42 is attached to the housing 41. In this regard, the sensor 47 is a detection unit that detects that the cassette 42 is attached to the housing 41. The sensor 47 is, for example, an optical sensor. The sensor 47 of the first embodiment transmits a signal to the supply control unit 48 when the cassette 42 is attached to the housing 41.

[0038] The supply control unit 48 is a control unit that controls various components of the supply device 18. The supply control unit 48 communicates with the processing control unit 17. Like the processing control unit 17, the supply control unit 48 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits, that execute at least a part of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions that are configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., the computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0039] Next, the cassette 42 will be described in detail. The cassette 42 includes a removal cassette 51. In the first embodiment, the cassette 42 includes one or more removal cassettes 51 and one or more normal cassettes 52. That is, the storage section which is the cassette 42 includes a first storage section which is the removal cassette 51 and a second storage section which is the normal cassette 52.

[0040] In the first embodiment, one removal cassette 51 and three normal cassettes 52 are provided. In the supply device 18, the one removal cassette 51 and the three normal cassettes 52 are provided so as to be stacked vertically. In the first embodiment, the removal cassette 51 is located lower than the normal cassette 52. Therefore, the removal cassette 51 is located at the lowest level among the multiple cassettes 42.

[0041] Next, the configuration of the removal cassette 51 will be described in detail. The removal cassette 51 is different from the normal cassette 52 in that it includes a configuration for applying vibrations to the stored medium 99, but the other configurations are the same. The configuration for applying vibrations to the medium 99 is, for example, a vibration applying unit, which will be described later. Therefore, not only the removal cassette 51 but also the normal cassette 52 includes configurations other than the configuration for applying vibrations to the medium 99.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the removal cassette 51 has a container 53, a hopper 54, an ultrasonic element 55, a lifting member 56, an edge guide 57, and a rotating body 58.

[0043] The container 53 is a case that contains the medium 99. The container 53 has a first wall 61, a second wall 62, a third wall 63, a fourth wall 64, and a bottom wall 65. The first wall 61, the second wall 62, the third wall 63, and the fourth wall 64 extend from the bottom wall 65. The first wall 61, the second wall 62, the third wall 63, and the fourth wall 64 are positioned to surround the medium 99 contained in the container 53.

[0044] The first wall 61 faces the second wall 62. The first wall 61 is continuous with the third wall 63 and the fourth wall 64. In the first embodiment, the first wall 61 faces the leading end of the medium 99 contained in the container 53. The leading end of the medium 99 is the end that leads when the medium 99 is fed out.

[0045] The first wall 61 has a first accommodating opening 66 that accommodates the rotating body 58. The first accommodating opening 66 is an accommodating opening that the first wall 61 has. The accommodating opening is an opening that accommodates the rotating body 58. The first accommodating opening 66 in the first embodiment penetrates the first wall 61.

[0046] The second wall 62 faces the first wall 61. The second wall 62 is continuous with the third wall 63 and the fourth wall 64. In the first embodiment, the second wall 62 faces the rear end of the medium 99 contained in the container 53. The rear end of the medium 99 is the end opposite to the front end.

[0047] The third wall 63 faces the fourth wall 64. The third wall 63 is continuous with the first wall 61 and the second wall 62. In the first embodiment, the third wall 63 faces a side end of the medium 99 contained in the container 53. The side end of the medium 99 is an end different from the leading end and the trailing end.

[0048] The fourth wall 64 faces the third wall 63. The fourth wall 64 is continuous with the first wall 61 and the second wall 62. In the first embodiment, the fourth wall 64 faces a side end of the medium 99 contained in the container 53. The side end of the medium 99 that the fourth wall 64 faces is the end opposite to the side end of the medium 99 that the third wall 63 faces.

[0049] The bottom wall 65 is a wall that constitutes the bottom of the container 53. A groove 67 is provided in the bottom wall 65. The groove 67 extends from the second wall 62 toward the first wall 61. In the first embodiment, the media 99 contained in the removal cassette 51 is fed in a direction from the second wall 62 toward the first wall 61. In the first embodiment, the removal cassette 51 is attached to the housing 41 by moving in a direction from the third wall 63 toward the fourth wall 64. Conversely, the removal cassette 51 is removed from the housing 41 by moving in a direction from the fourth wall 64 toward the third wall 63.

[0050] The hopper 54 is provided in the container 53. The hopper 54 is provided, for example, in the shape of a flat plate. The hopper 54 supports the medium 99 contained in the container 53 from below. That is, the medium 99 is placed on the hopper 54.

[0051] The hopper 54 is displaced up and down by the lifting member 56. That is, the hopper 54 is raised and lowered. The hopper 54 is displaced between a position along the bottom wall 65 and a position where it is pushed up by the lifting member 56.

[0052] The hopper 54 is located at a position where it has been pushed upward by the lifting member 56. When the hopper 54 is pushed up by the lifting member 56, the media 99 placed in the hopper 54 is pushed upward. As a result, the media 99 placed in the hopper 54 is pressed against the pick-up roller 43. When the pressing member 45 is displaced downward, the media 99 placed in the hopper 54 is also pressed against the pressing member 45. When the removal cassette 51 is viewed in plan, the pick-up roller 43 and the pressing member 45 come into contact with the media 99 at a position where they overlap with the hopper 54.

[0053] The hopper 54 is linked to, for example, the attachment and detachment of the cassette 42. The hopper 54 is displaced to a raised position when the removal cassette 51 is attached to the housing 41. That is, when the removal cassette 51 is attached to the housing 41, the lifting member 56 lifts the hopper 54. When the removal cassette 51 is removed from the housing 41, the hopper 54 is displaced to a position along the bottom wall 65. The hopper 54 may be configured to be lifted and lowered at a desired timing, without being linked to the attachment and detachment of the cassette 42.

[0054] Hopper 54 has an upper surface 71 , a leading end portion 72 , a trailing end portion 73 , and a notch 74 . The upper surface 71 is a surface on which the medium 99 is placed. In this respect, the upper surface 71 is a placement surface on which the medium 99 is placed. The upper surface 71 is located above the bottom wall 65.

[0055] The leading end portion 72 is a portion that presses the medium 99 against the pickup roller 43 when the hopper 54 is pushed up by the lifting member 56. Therefore, the leading end portion 72 is a portion of the hopper 54 that is located below the pickup roller 43. The leading end portion 72 is closer to the first wall 61 than the rear end portion 73. In other words, the distance between the leading end portion 72 and the first wall 61 is shorter than the distance between the rear end portion 73 and the first wall 61.

[0056] The rear end portion 73 is an end portion opposite to the tip portion 72. Therefore, the rear end portion 73 is closer to the second wall 62 than the tip portion 72. In other words, the distance between the rear end portion 73 and the second wall 62 is shorter than the distance between the tip portion 72 and the second wall 62.

[0057] The rear end portion 73 is attached to the bottom wall 65. The hopper 54 is configured to be rotatable about the rear end portion 73 as a fulcrum. When the hopper 54 rotates about the rear end portion 73 as a fulcrum, the front end portion 72 is displaced up and down. This causes the media 99 placed on the hopper 54 to be pushed up. When the hopper 54 is in a state where it is pushing up the media 99, the hopper 54 is in a position where it extends upward from the rear end portion 73 to the front end portion 72.

[0058] The notch 74 is provided so as to cut out a part of the hopper 54. The notch 74 is provided so as to cut out a part corresponding to the edge guide 57. Therefore, the notch 74 is provided so as to correspond to the edge guide 57.

[0059] One or more notches 74 are provided. In the first embodiment, three notches 74 are provided. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the notches 74 include a first notch 75, a second notch 76, and a third notch 77.

[0060] The first notch 75 and the second notch 76 are provided so as to cut out both side ends of the hopper 54. The both side ends of the hopper 54 refer to the two ends excluding the front and rear ends. The both side ends of the hopper 54 include a side end facing the third wall 63 and a side end facing the fourth wall 64.

[0061] First notch 75 and second notch 76 are provided to cut out a portion between leading end portion 72 and rear end portion 73. First notch 75 and second notch 76 cause hopper 54 to have an H-shape when viewed from above.

[0062] The third notch 77 is provided so as to cut out the rear end portion 73. The third notch 77 is provided so as to cut out a central portion of the rear end portion 73. The central portion of the rear end portion 73 is a central portion between the third wall 63 and the fourth wall 64 in the rear end portion 73.

[0063] The ultrasonic element 55 is an element that generates ultrasonic waves by operating. The ultrasonic element 55 operates, for example, by application of a voltage. The ultrasonic element 55 is provided in the hopper 54. The ultrasonic element 55 is provided on the upper surface 71 of the hopper 54. The ultrasonic element 55 is provided on the tip portion 72. The ultrasonic element 55 applies vibrations to the medium 99 placed in the hopper 54 by generating ultrasonic waves. In the first embodiment, in addition to a vibration applying unit described later, the ultrasonic element 55 is provided only in the removal cassette 51, and is not provided in the normal cassette 52. The ultrasonic element 55 operates, for example, when the vibration applying unit applies vibrations to the medium 99.

[0064] The lifting member 56 is a member that lifts and lowers the hopper 54. The lifting member 56 is provided below the hopper 54. One end of the lifting member 56 is attached to the hopper 54, and the other end opposite the one end is attached to the bottom wall 65. The lifting member 56 is configured to be rotatable around the other end as a fulcrum. As the lifting member 56 rotates around the other end as a fulcrum, the one end of the lifting member 56 is displaced up and down. As a result, the hopper 54 is displaced up and down, i.e., raised and lowered.

[0065] The lifting member 56 may vibrate while pushing up the hopper 54. In this case, the vibration of the lifting member 56 causes the hopper 54 to vibrate. As a result, vibration is imparted to the medium 99 placed in the hopper 54. The lifting member 56 may vibrate, for example, when a vibration imparting unit, which will be described later, imparts vibration to the medium 99.

[0066] The edge guide 57 is a member that aligns the positions of the plurality of media 99 by coming into contact with the plurality of media 99. The edge guide 57 aligns the positions of the edges of the plurality of media 99 placed in the hopper 54 by coming into contact with the edges of the plurality of media 99 placed in the hopper 54. In this respect, the edge guide 57 is an aligning portion that aligns the media 99.

[0067] One or more edge guides 57 are provided. In the first embodiment, three edge guides 57 are provided. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the edge guides 57 include a first edge guide 81, a second edge guide 82, and a third edge guide 83.

[0068] The first edge guide 81 is provided on the bottom wall 65. The first edge guide 81 is configured to be movable on the bottom wall 65. The first edge guide 81 is movable in a direction from the third wall 63 to the fourth wall 64 and in a direction from the fourth wall 64 to the third wall 63.

[0069] The first edge guide 81 is the edge guide 57 that contacts the side edge of the media 99 placed in the hopper 54. The first edge guide 81 contacts the side edge of the media 99 by moving toward the fourth wall 64. The first edge guide 81 enters the first notch 75 by moving toward the fourth wall 64. In this respect, the first edge guide 81 corresponds to the first notch 75.

[0070] 8, the first edge guide 81 has a second accommodating opening 84 that accommodates the rotating body 58. The second accommodating opening 84 is an accommodating opening that the first edge guide 81 has. The second accommodating opening 84 faces inward of the accommodating body 53. In other words, the second accommodating opening 84 faces the fourth wall 64.

[0071] 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the second edge guide 82 is provided on the bottom wall 65. The second edge guide 82 is configured to be movable on the bottom wall 65. The second edge guide 82 is movable in a direction from the third wall 63 toward the fourth wall 64 and in a direction from the fourth wall 64 toward the third wall 63.

[0072] The second edge guide 82 is the edge guide 57 that contacts the side edge of the medium 99 placed in the hopper 54. The second edge guide 82 moves toward the third wall 63, thereby contacting the side edge of the medium 99 opposite the side edge that the first edge guide 81 contacts. The second edge guide 82 moves toward the third wall 63, thereby entering the second notch 76. At this point, the second edge guide 82 corresponds to the second notch 76.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the second edge guide 82 moves in conjunction with the first edge guide 81. That is, the first edge guide 81 and the second edge guide 82 move in conjunction with each other. For example, when the first edge guide 81 moves to approach the third wall 63, the second edge guide 82 moves to approach the fourth wall 64. At this time, the distance between the first edge guide 81 and the second edge guide 82 becomes longer. For example, when the first edge guide 81 moves to approach the fourth wall 64, the second edge guide 82 moves to approach the third wall 63. At this time, the distance between the first edge guide 81 and the second edge guide 82 becomes shorter. As a result, the medium 99 placed on the hopper 54 is sandwiched between the first edge guide 81 and the second edge guide 82. The first edge guide 81 and the second edge guide 82 come into contact with both side ends of the medium 99, so that the positions of both side ends of the medium 99 are aligned.

[0074] 9, the second edge guide 82 has a third accommodating opening 85 that accommodates the rotating body 58. The third accommodating opening 85 is an accommodating opening that the second edge guide 82 has. The third accommodating opening 85 faces inward of the accommodating body 53. In other words, the third accommodating opening 85 faces the third wall 63.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the third edge guide 83 is provided on the bottom wall 65. The third edge guide 83 is configured to be movable on the bottom wall 65. In the first embodiment, the third edge guide 83 is provided to fit into a groove 67. The third edge guide 83 moves on the bottom wall 65 along the groove 67. That is, the groove 67 is the path of the third edge guide 83. The third edge guide 83 is movable along the groove 67 in a direction from the first wall 61 toward the second wall 62 and in a direction from the second wall 62 toward the first wall 61.

[0076] The third edge guide 83 is the edge guide 57 that moves to contact the rear end of the media 99 placed in the hopper 54. The third edge guide 83 moves to approach the first wall 61 to contact the rear end of the media 99. The third edge guide 83 moves to approach the first wall 61 to enter the third notch 77. In this respect, the third edge guide 83 corresponds to the third notch 77.

[0077] The third edge guide 83 comes into contact with the rear end of the medium 99 placed on the hopper 54, thereby receiving the weight of the medium 99. When the hopper 54 is pushing up the medium 99, the medium 99 placed on the hopper 54 slides down on the hopper 54 from the front end portion 72 toward the rear end portion 73 due to the action of gravity. As a result, the medium 99 placed on the hopper 54 hits the third edge guide 83. At this time, the third edge guide 83 receives the weight of the medium 99. By the third edge guide 83 receiving the load of the medium 99, the third edge guide 83 aligns the position of the rear end of the medium 99 and also aligns the position of the front end of the medium 99. As described above, the first edge guide 81, the second edge guide 82, and the third edge guide 83 align the medium 99.

[0078] 10, the third edge guide 83 has a fourth accommodating opening 86 that accommodates the rotating body 58. The fourth accommodating opening 86 is an accommodating opening that the third edge guide 83 has. The fourth accommodating opening 86 faces the first wall 61.

[0079] Edge guide 57 is operated, for example, by a user. When medium 99 is set in container 53, the user aligns medium 99 by operating edge guide 57 so that edge guide 57 contacts the edge of medium 99. That is, in the first embodiment, medium 99 is aligned manually. Edge guide 57 may also be operated by being controlled by supply control unit 48. That is, medium 99 may also be aligned automatically.

[0080] As shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, the rotating body 58 is a rotating member. One or more rotating bodies 58 are provided. In the first embodiment, four rotating bodies 58 are provided. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the rotating body 58 includes a first rotating body 91, a second rotating body 92, a third rotating body 93, and a fourth rotating body 94.

[0081] The first rotating body 91, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 are housed in the four housing openings, respectively. The first rotating body 91, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 contact the medium 99 at different ends, respectively.

[0082] The first rotating body 91, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 are provided so as to be displaced up and down, i.e., to rise and fall. The first rotating body 91, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 are provided so as to rise and fall within the storage opening. The first rotating body 91, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 rise and fall while rotating.

[0083] The first rotating body 91 is the rotating body 58 accommodated in the first storage opening 66. Therefore, the first rotating body 91 is provided on the first wall 61. The first rotating body 91 comes into contact with the plurality of media 99 placed on the hopper 54 by rotating. For example, the first rotating body 91 comes into contact with the tip of the media 99 by rotating in a state in which the hopper 54 pushes up the media 99. When the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the first rotating body 91 comes into contact with the tip of the media 99 popping out from the tip portion 72 of the hopper 54. That is, when the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the first rotating body 91 comes into contact with a portion of the tip of the media 99 that does not overlap with the hopper 54.

[0084] The second rotating body 92 is the rotating body 58 that is accommodated in the second accommodating opening 84. Therefore, the second rotating body 92 is provided on the first edge guide 81. The second rotating body 92 moves together with the second edge guide 82.

[0085] The second rotating body 92 rotates to come into contact with the multiple media 99 placed on the hopper 54. The second rotating body 92 rotates to come into contact with the side edge of the media 99, for example, with the second edge guide 82 in contact with the side edge of the media 99. When the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the second rotating body 92 comes into contact with a portion of the media 99 that corresponds to the first notch 75. In other words, when the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the second rotating body 92 comes into contact with a portion of the side edge of the media 99 that does not overlap with the hopper 54.

[0086] The third rotating body 93 is the rotating body 58 that is accommodated in the third accommodating opening 85. Therefore, the third rotating body 93 is provided on the second edge guide 82. The third rotating body 93 moves together with the third edge guide 82.

[0087] The third rotating body 93 rotates to come into contact with the plurality of media 99 placed on the hopper 54. For example, when the third edge guide 83 is in contact with a side end of the media 99, the third rotating body 93 rotates to come into contact with a side end of the media 99 opposite to the side end with which the second rotating body 92 comes into contact. When the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the third rotating body 93 comes into contact with a portion of the media 99 that corresponds to the second notch 76. In other words, when the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the third rotating body 93 comes into contact with a portion of the side end of the media 99 that does not overlap with the hopper 54.

[0088] The fourth rotating body 94 is the rotating body 58 that is accommodated in the fourth accommodating opening 86. Therefore, the fourth rotating body 94 is provided on the third edge guide 83. The fourth rotating body 94 moves together with the third edge guide 83.

[0089] The fourth rotating body 94 comes into contact with the multiple media 99 placed on the hopper 54 by rotating. For example, the fourth rotating body 94 comes into contact with the rear end of the media 99 by rotating in a state in which the third edge guide 83 is in contact with the rear end of the media 99. When the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the fourth rotating body 94 comes into contact with a portion of the media 99 that corresponds to the third notch 77. In other words, when the hopper 54 is viewed from above, the fourth rotating body 94 comes into contact with a portion of the rear end of the media 99 that does not overlap with the hopper 54.

[0090] The first rotating body 91, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 are different in size but have the same configuration. Therefore, the configurations of the first rotating body 91, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 will be collectively described as the rotating body 58.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotating body 58 has a rotating member 95 and a rotating shaft 96. The rotating member 95 rotates around the rotating shaft 96. The rotating member 95 has a vane 97. The vane 97 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The vane 97 extends outward from the rotating member 95. That is, the vane 97 extends in a radial direction around the rotating shaft 96. In other words, the vane 97 may be configured by a plurality of long members made of an elastic material, one end of which is fixed to the rotating shaft 96 and the other end of which is arranged on the circumference of a circle centered around the rotating shaft 96.

[0092] The rotation shaft 96 extends in a direction along the upper surface 71 of the hopper 54. In particular, the rotation shaft 96 of the second rotor 92 and the third rotor 93 extends in a direction along the upper surface 71 when the hopper 54 is pushed up.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the rotating member 95 rotates around the rotating shaft 96, the vane 97 rotates around the rotating shaft 96. The vane 97 pops out of the storage opening by rotating. As a result, the vane 97 comes into contact with the plurality of media 99 placed in the hopper 54. At this time, the vane 97 comes into contact with the end of the media 99. That is, the vane 97 of the first rotating body 91 comes into contact with the leading end of the media 99. The vane 97 of the second rotating body 92 comes into contact with the side end of the media 99. The vane 97 of the third rotating body 93 comes into contact with the side end of the media 99. The vane 97 of the fourth rotating body 94 comes into contact with the rear end of the media 99.

[0094] The vane 97 contacts the edge of the medium 99 so as to strike it. When the vane 97 contacts the edge of the medium 99, the edge of the medium 99 vibrates. This imparts vibration to the medium 99. In the first embodiment, the vane 97 contacts the edge of the medium 99 so as to move in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 71. Therefore, vibration is imparted to the edge of the medium 99 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 71. More specifically, vibration is imparted to the edge of the medium 99 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the medium 99. In this way, in the first embodiment, the rotating body 58 functions as a vibration imparting unit that imparts vibration to the medium 99. In the first embodiment, the four rotating bodies 58 impart vibration to the leading end, trailing end, and both side ends of the medium 99.

[0095] The vane 97 contacts the medium 99 so as to lift it upward from below. That is, the rotating member 95 rotates so that the vane 97 contacts the medium 99 from below. In the first embodiment, the first rotating body 91 rotates in a clockwise direction in FIG. 13. The second rotating body 92 rotates in a clockwise direction in FIG. 12. The third rotating body 93 rotates in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 12. The fourth rotating body 94 rotates in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 13.

[0096] When vibrations are applied to the medium 99, dust adhering to the medium 99 falls off due to the vibrations. In particular, when the medium 99 is paper, the edge of the medium 99 may be a cut surface. For this reason, paper dust is likely to be generated at the edge of the medium 99. Therefore, when vibrations are applied to the medium 99, the dust, paper dust, etc. are removed from the medium 99 by the vibrations. By removing the dust, paper dust, etc. from the medium 99 by the supply device 18, the risk of such dust and paper dust adhering to various components within the processing device 11 is reduced.

[0097] Next, a process will be described in which the supply device 18 of the first embodiment applies vibration to the medium 99. In the first embodiment, when the sensor 47 detects that the removal cassette 51 has been attached to the housing 41, the supply control unit 48 executes a first process as a process of applying vibration to the medium 99.

[0098] 14, the supply control unit 48 executing the first process moves the pressing member 45 downward in step S11. As a result, the pressing member 45 presses the medium 99.

[0099] In step S12, the supply control unit 48 drives the ultrasonic element 55. This applies vibration to the medium 99. In the first embodiment, the ultrasonic element 55 applies auxiliary vibration to the medium 99. At this time, the supply control unit 48 may vibrate the lifting member 56.

[0100] In step S13, the supply control unit 48 rotates the rotating body 58. As a result, the rotating body 58 comes into contact with the ends of the plurality of media 99. The rotating body 58 applies vibrations to the media 99 held down by the pick-up roller 43 and the holding member 45. At this time, the portions held down by the pick-up roller 43 and the holding member 45 become the fixed ends, and the ends of the media 99 that the rotating body 58 comes into contact with become the free ends, causing the media 99 to vibrate.

[0101] In step S14, the supply control unit 48 moves the rotating body 58 from the lower side to the upper side. In step S15, the supply control unit 48 stops the ultrasonic element 55 and the rotating body 58. The supply control unit 48 executes step S15 after a predetermined time has elapsed since executing step S14. The predetermined time is, for example, the time until the movement of the rotating body 58 is completed.

[0102] In step S16, the supply control unit 48 moves the pressing member 45 upward. This causes the pressing member 45 to move away from the medium 99. After completing the process of step S16, the supply control unit 48 ends the first process.

[0103] In this way, the control method for controlling the supply device 18 includes causing the rotor 58 to vibrate the medium 99 when the medium 99 is contained in the removal cassette 51. The supply control unit 48 executes a program stored in the memory to cause the rotor 58 to vibrate the medium 99 when the medium 99 is contained in the removal cassette 51. This program may be readable from a storage medium such as a CD, a USB memory, or the like.

[0104] Next, the operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) Rotating body 58, which is a vibration applying unit, applies vibrations to media 99 by contacting edges of a plurality of media 99 housed in removal cassette 51, which is a housing unit.

[0105] According to the above configuration, the rotor 58 comes into contact with the edges of the plurality of media 99, thereby applying vibrations to the plurality of media 99. Therefore, dust, paper powder, and the like can be removed from the plurality of media 99.

[0106] (2) Rotating body 58 , which is a vibration applying section, applies vibration to medium 99 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of medium 99 . Since the medium 99 is in the form of a sheet, it is more likely to vibrate when vibrations are applied in a direction perpendicular to the surface than when vibrations are applied in a direction along the surface, and therefore, with the above configuration, the medium 99 is vibrated effectively.

[0107] (3) Rotating body 58, which is the vibration applying portion, comes into contact with a portion of the edge of medium 99 that does not overlap with upper surface 71, which is the placement surface, when viewed in plan. The portion of the edge of the medium 99 that does not overlap with the upper surface 71 is not supported by the upper surface 71 and is therefore prone to vibration. Therefore, with the above configuration, the medium 99 is vibrated effectively.

[0108] (4) When top surface 71, which is the placement surface, is viewed in plan, pick-up roller 43 and pressing member 45 come into contact with a portion of medium 99 that overlaps with top surface 71. Rotating body 58, which is the vibration applying unit, comes into contact with medium 99 pressed down by pick-up roller 43 and pressing member 45, thereby applying vibration to medium 99.

[0109] According to the above configuration, medium 99 placed on top surface 71 vibrates with the portion held down by pickup roller 43 and holding member 45 as the fixed end and the portion in contact with rotor 58 as the free end. In this case, medium 99 vibrates at a higher frequency than when medium 99 is not held down by pickup roller 43 and holding member 45. In other words, the vibration frequency of medium 99 is improved. This effectively removes dust, paper powder, and the like.

[0110] (5) The pickup roller 43 functions as a pressing portion that presses the medium 99 . According to the above configuration, the pickup roller 43 that feeds the medium 99 also functions as a pressing portion, so that the configuration of the supply device 18 can be simplified.

[0111] (6) The rotating member 95 rotates so that the vane 97 comes into contact with the edge of the medium 99 placed on the upper surface 71 from below. According to the above configuration, the vane 97 comes into contact with the end of the medium 99 so as to lift it up. After being lifted by the vane 97, the end of the medium 99 moves downward due to the action of gravity. Conversely, when the rotating member 95 rotates so that the vane 97 comes into contact with the end of the medium 99 from above, the end of the medium 99 is pushed down by the vane 97 and then displaced upward due to the rigidity of the medium 99 itself. Therefore, when the rotating member 95 rotates so that the vane 97 comes into contact with the end of the medium 99 from below, gravity acts more effectively and the medium 99 vibrates more effectively than when the rotating member 95 rotates so that the vane 97 comes into contact with the end of the medium 99 from above.

[0112] (7) Of the rotors 58 which are the vibration applying parts, the second rotor 92 , the third rotor 93 and the fourth rotor 94 move together with the edge guide 57 . According to the above configuration, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 move as the edge guide 57 moves. Therefore, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 can contact the edge of the medium 99 regardless of the size of the medium 99 contained in the removal cassette 51. In other words, the second rotating body 92, the third rotating body 93, and the fourth rotating body 94 can impart vibration to the medium 99 regardless of the size of the medium 99.

[0113] (8) The multiple rotating bodies 58 that are vibration applying units come into contact with the medium 99 at different ends. According to the above configuration, the medium 99 is vibrated more effectively than when only one rotor 58 is provided.

[0114] (9) The rotor 58, which is the vibration applying part, moves up and down. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the rotor 58 can effectively come into contact with the plurality of stacked media 99 .

[0115] (10) The sending-out path 46 corresponding to the removal cassette 51, which is the first storage unit, and the sending-out path 46 corresponding to the normal cassette 52, which is the second storage unit, are connected to each other. According to the above configuration, medium 99 from which dust, paper powder, etc. have been removed in removal cassette 51 can be sent toward normal cassette 52 via delivery path 46. Therefore, even if normal cassette 52 is not provided with rotating body 58, dust, paper powder, etc. can be removed from medium 99 contained in normal cassette 52.

[0116] (11) The removal cassette 51, which is the first storage unit, is located below the normal cassette 52, which is the second storage unit. According to the above configuration, the risk of dust, paper powder, etc. removed from media 99 by removal cassette 51 reaching normal cassette 52 is reduced.

[0117] (12) The cassette 42 serving as the container is vertically overlapped with the processing section 13 . According to the above-mentioned configuration, the installation area of ​​the processing device 11 can be reduced compared to a case where the cassette 42 does not overlap the processing section 13 vertically.

[0118] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the supply device will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, explanations of configurations common to the first embodiment will be omitted. The supply device of the second embodiment may be built into the processing device 11 or may be externally attached to the processing device 11.

[0119] 15 and 16, a supply device 101 of the second embodiment includes a storage cassette 102 that stores media 99. Although not shown, like the first embodiment, the supply device 101 of the second embodiment includes a housing 41 in which the storage cassette 102 is attached, a pickup roller 43 that feeds out the media 99 stored in the storage cassette 102, a sensor 47 that detects that the storage cassette 102 is attached, a supply control unit 48 that controls the supply device 101, and the like.

[0120] The storage cassette 102 is a storage unit that stores media 99. As in the first embodiment, the storage cassette 102 stores a plurality of media 99 in a horizontally placed state. The storage cassette 102 has a configuration corresponding to the removal cassette 51 in the first embodiment.

[0121] The storage cassette 102 includes a casing 103, a table 104, a cursor 105, and a suction unit 106. The casing 103 supports, for example, a table 104 and a cursor 105. The casing 103 is provided in, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing 103 is connected to a suction unit 106. The casing 103 has a support surface 107, an opening 108, and an accommodation chamber 109.

[0122] The support surface 107 is a surface that supports the table 104 and the cursor 105. In the second embodiment, the support surface 107 faces upward. The openings 108 are provided in the support surface 107. Therefore, the openings 108 open upward. The openings 108 communicate the inside of the casing 103 with the outside of the casing 103. One or more openings 108 are provided. In the second embodiment, a plurality of openings 108 are provided. The openings 108 may be arranged regularly or randomly.

[0123] The accommodation chamber 109 is a space provided inside the casing 103. The accommodation chamber 109 communicates with the outside of the casing 103 through an opening . The accommodation chamber 109 is connected to the suction unit .

[0124] Table 104 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. Table 104 is provided on support surface 107 of casing 103. Table 104 is, for example, provided in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Table 104 is smaller than casing 103. Specifically, when table 104 is viewed in a plan view, the area of ​​table 104 is smaller than the area of ​​casing 103.

[0125] The table 104 supports the media 99 stored in the storage cassette 102 from below. That is, the media 99 is placed on the table 104. The table 104 has a first surface 111, a second surface 112, a third surface 113, a fourth surface 114, and a top surface 115.

[0126] The first surface 111, the second surface 112, the third surface 113, and the fourth surface 114 are surfaces that are continuous with the upper surface 115. The first surface 111 and the second surface 112 are surfaces that face in opposite directions to each other. The first surface 111 and the second surface 112 are continuous with the third surface 113 and the fourth surface 114, respectively. The third surface 113 and the fourth surface 114 are surfaces that face in opposite directions to each other. The third surface 113 and the fourth surface 114 are continuous with the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, respectively.

[0127] The upper surface 115 is a surface on which the medium 99 is placed. In this respect, the upper surface 115 is a placement surface on which the medium 99 is placed. The upper surface 115 is located above the casing 103. The area of ​​the upper surface 115 is smaller than the area of ​​the support surface 107.

[0128] Table 104 is configured to be movable on casing 103. Specifically, table 104 is movable in four directions from the normal position. Table 104 is movable in a direction along upper surface 115. The normal position is, for example, a position that is the center of support surface 107 when casing 103 is viewed from above. Table 104 is usually located at the normal position. Table 104 shown in Figs. 15 and 16 is located at the normal position.

[0129] When the table 104 is viewed in a plane, the table 104 is movable in two directions perpendicular to the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. That is, when the table 104 is viewed in a plane, the table 104 is movable in two directions along the third surface 113 and the fourth surface 114. Also, when the table 104 is viewed in a plane, the table 104 is movable in two directions perpendicular to the third surface 113 and the fourth surface 114. That is, when the table 104 is viewed in a plane, the table 104 is movable in two directions along the first surface 111 and the second surface 112.

[0130] When the table 104 is viewed from above, the medium 99 placed on the table 104 is placed so that its edge extends beyond the edge of the table 104. In other words, the area of ​​the table 104 is usually smaller than the area of ​​the medium 99 placed on it.

[0131] The cursor 105 is a plate-shaped member. The cursor 105 is a member that aligns the positions of the multiple media 99 by contacting the multiple media 99. The cursor 105 aligns the positions of the edges of the media 99 placed on the table 104 by contacting the edges of the media 99 placed on the table 104. In this respect, the cursor 105 is an aligning portion that aligns the media 99.

[0132] One or more cursors 105 are provided. In the first embodiment, three cursors 105 are provided. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the cursors 105 include a first cursor 121, a second cursor 122, a third cursor 123, and a fourth cursor 124. The first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124 are positioned so as to surround the table 104 on all four sides.

[0133] The first cursor 121 is provided on the casing 103. The first cursor 121 is configured to be movable on the casing 103. The first cursor 121 faces the first surface 111 with respect to the table 104. The first cursor 121 is parallel to the first surface 111. The first cursor 121 is movable in two directions perpendicular to the first surface 111 while being parallel to the first surface 111. The first cursor 121 is movable in a direction away from the first surface 111 and a direction approaching the first surface 111. The first cursor 121 comes into contact with an edge of the medium 99 placed on the table 104 by moving in a direction approaching the first surface 111. For example, the first cursor 121 comes into contact with a side edge of the medium 99.

[0134] The second cursor 122 is provided on the casing 103. The second cursor 122 is configured to be movable on the casing 103. The second cursor 122 faces the second surface 112 with respect to the table 104. The second cursor 122 is parallel to the second surface 112. The second cursor 122 is movable in two directions perpendicular to the second surface 112 while being parallel to the second surface 112. The second cursor 122 is movable in a direction away from the second surface 112 and a direction approaching the second surface 112. By moving in a direction approaching the second surface 112, the second cursor 122 comes into contact with an end of the medium 99 opposite to the end of the medium 99 that the first cursor 121 comes into contact with. For example, the second cursor 122 comes into contact with a side end of the medium 99 opposite to the side end of the medium 99 that the first cursor 121 comes into contact with.

[0135] The third cursor 123 is provided on the casing 103. The third cursor 123 is configured to be movable on the casing 103. The third cursor 123 faces the third surface 113 with respect to the table 104. The third cursor 123 is parallel to the third surface 113. The third cursor 123 is movable in two directions perpendicular to the third surface 113 while being parallel to the third surface 113. The third cursor 123 is movable in a direction away from the third surface 113 and a direction approaching the third surface 113. By moving in a direction approaching the third surface 113, the third cursor 123 comes into contact with an end of the medium 99 different from the ends of the medium 99 that the first cursor 121 and the second cursor 122 come into contact with. For example, the third cursor 123 comes into contact with the rear end of the medium 99.

[0136] The fourth cursor 124 is provided on the casing 103. The fourth cursor 124 is configured to be movable on the casing 103. The fourth cursor 124 faces the fourth surface 114 with respect to the table 104. The fourth cursor 124 is parallel to the fourth surface 114. The fourth cursor 124 is movable in two directions perpendicular to the fourth surface 114 while being parallel to the fourth surface 114. The fourth cursor 124 is movable in a direction away from the fourth surface 114 and a direction approaching the fourth surface 114. By moving in a direction approaching the fourth surface 114, the fourth cursor 124 comes into contact with an end of the medium 99 opposite to the end of the medium 99 that the third cursor 123 comes into contact with. For example, the fourth cursor 124 comes into contact with the leading end of the medium 99.

[0137] The first cursor 121 and the second cursor 122 come into contact with each other so as to sandwich the medium 99, thereby aligning the positions of both ends of the medium 99. The third cursor 123 and the fourth cursor 124 come into contact with each other so as to sandwich the medium 99, thereby aligning the positions of the leading end of the medium 99 and also aligning the positions of the trailing end of the medium 99.

[0138] The movements of the first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124 will be collectively described as the movement of the cursor 105. The cursor 105 moves between a position closest to the table 104 in the normal position and a position farthest from the table 104 in the normal position. Regardless of the position the cursor 105 is in, the table 104 moves from the normal position, causing the cursor 105 to come into contact with the medium 99 placed on the table 104.

[0139] 17, the cursor 105 is displaced to, for example, a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and a fourth position P4 on the casing 103. The first position P1, the second position P2, the third position P3, and the fourth position P4 are positions where the cursor 105 is a predetermined distance away from the table 104 located in the normal position.

[0140] In the first cursor 121, a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and a fourth position P4 are determined by the distance between the first cursor 121 and the first surface 111. In the second cursor 122, a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and a fourth position P4 are determined by the distance between the second cursor 122 and the second surface 112. In the third cursor 123, a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and a fourth position P4 are determined by the distance between the third cursor 123 and the third surface 113. In the fourth cursor 124, a first position P1, a second position P2, a third position P3, and a fourth position P4 are determined by the distance between the fourth cursor 124 and the fourth surface 114.

[0141] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the first cursor 121 is located at a first position P1, the second cursor 122 is located at a second position P2, the third cursor 123 is located at a third position P3, and the fourth cursor 124 is located at a fourth position P4.

[0142] The first position P1 is a position where the cursor 105 touches an edge of the medium 99 placed on the table 104 in the normal position. For example, the first position P1 is a position where the distance from the table 104 in the normal position to the cursor 105 is a first distance D1. On the other hand, the second position P2, the third position P3, and the fourth position P4 are positions where the cursor 105 does not touch an edge of the medium 99 placed on the table 104 in the normal position.

[0143] The second position P2 is a position farther away from the table 104 located at the normal position than the first position P1. Therefore, the distance between the cursor 105 located at the second position P2 and the table 104 located at the normal position is longer than the distance between the cursor 105 located at the first position P1 and the table 104 located at the normal position. For example, the second position P2 is a position where the distance from the table 104 located at the normal position to the cursor 105 is a second distance D2. The second distance D2 is longer than the first distance D1.

[0144] The third position P3 is a position farther away from the table 104 located at the normal position than the second position P2. Therefore, the distance between the cursor 105 located at the third position P3 and the table 104 located at the normal position is longer than the distance between the cursor 105 located at the second position P2 and the table 104 located at the normal position. For example, the third position P3 is a position where the distance from the table 104 located at the normal position to the cursor 105 is a third distance D3. The third distance D3 is longer than the second distance D2.

[0145] The fourth position P4 is a position farther away from the table 104 located at the normal position than the third position P3. Therefore, the distance between the cursor 105 located at the fourth position P4 and the table 104 located at the normal position is longer than the distance between the cursor 105 located at the third position P3 and the table 104 located at the normal position. For example, the fourth position P4 is a position where the distance from the table 104 located at the normal position to the cursor 105 is a fourth distance D4. The fourth distance D4 is longer than the third distance D3.

[0146] The cursor 105 comes into contact with the medium 99 placed on the table 104 as the table 104 approaches the cursor 105 that is away from the table 104. Specifically, as the table 104 approaches the cursor 105 that is a predetermined distance away from the table 104, the edges of the plurality of media 99 collide with the cursor 105. At this time, vibration is applied to the edges of the plurality of media 99. In this respect, the cursor 105 is a vibration applying unit. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the vibration applying unit is a matching unit. Therefore, it can be said that the vibration applying unit moves together with the matching unit.

[0147] The cursor 105 operates under the control of the supply control unit 48. When the medium 99 collides with the cursor 105, the cursor 105 imparts vibration to the medium 99 in a direction along the surface of the medium 99.

[0148] Consider a case where the table 104 moves toward the cursor 105 located at the third position P3. In this case, the acceleration distance of the table 104 is longer than when the table 104 moves toward the cursor 105 located at the second position P2. When the acceleration distance of the table 104 is longer, the speed of the table 104 when the medium 99 collides with the cursor 105 becomes faster. Therefore, the impact applied to the medium 99 becomes larger. That is, when the cursor 105 is located at the third position P3, the impact applied to the medium 99 when the medium 99 collides with the cursor 105 is larger than when the cursor 105 is located at the second position P2. Similarly, when the cursor 105 is located at the fourth position P4, the impact applied to the medium 99 when the medium 99 collides with the cursor 105 is larger than when the cursor 105 is located at the second position P2 and when the cursor 105 is located at the third position P3. The larger the impact applied to the medium 99, the larger the vibration applied to the medium 99. As a result, the edge of the medium 99 vibrates significantly.

[0149] The medium 99 placed on the table 104 collides with the first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124 in sequence, so that vibrations are applied to each of the edges of the medium 99. Eventually, all of the cursors 105 of the first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124 are displaced to the first position P1. At this time, the table 104 is located in the normal position. Therefore, eventually, the medium 99 placed on the table 104 comes into contact with all of the first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124. This causes the medium 99 to be aligned.

[0150] In the second embodiment, supply control unit 48 controls table 104 and cursor 105 to remove dust, paper powder, and the like, and to align media 99. Supply control unit 48 executes a second process when sensor 47 detects that storage cassette 102 has been attached to housing 41. In the second process, medium 99 is vibrated to remove dust, paper powder, and the like from medium 99, and medium 99 is aligns. That is, in the second embodiment, supply control unit 48 executes the second process, and the aligning unit aligns medium 99 while vibrating medium 99.

[0151] 18, the supply control unit 48 executing the second process moves the cursor 105 to the first position P1 in step S21. At this time, the supply control unit 48 moves all cursors 105 to the first position P1. Furthermore, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 to the normal position in step S21. Therefore, the cursor 105 comes into contact with the edge of the medium 99 placed on the table 104. At this time, the medium 99 is aligned.

[0152] In step S22, the supply control unit 48 sets the variable N to 4. The variable N is a parameter stored in the supply control unit 48. In step S23, the supply control unit 48 moves the first cursor 121 to the Nth position. When the supply control unit 48 executes step S23 immediately after executing step S22, the variable N is 4, so the supply control unit 48 moves the first cursor 121 to the fourth position P4. At this time, the first cursor 121 moves away from the side edge of the medium 99 placed on the table 104.

[0153] In step S24, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the first cursor 121. Specifically, in step S24, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the first cursor 121 until the medium 99 collides with the first cursor 121. When the medium 99 and the first cursor 121 collide, vibration is applied to the side edge of the medium 99 that collides with the first cursor 121.

[0154] In step S25, the supply control unit 48 moves the second cursor 122 to position N. For example, in step S25, the supply control unit 48 moves the second cursor 122 to the fourth position P4.

[0155] In step S26, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the second cursor 122. Specifically, in step S26, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the second cursor 122 until the medium 99 collides with the second cursor 122. When the medium 99 and the second cursor 122 collide, vibration is applied to the side edge of the medium 99 that collides with the second cursor 122. Furthermore, in step S26, the supply control unit 48 moves the first cursor 121 to the first position P1.

[0156] In step S27, the supply control unit 48 moves the second cursor 122 to the first position P1. Furthermore, in step S27, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 to the normal position. At this time, the media 99 are aligned.

[0157] In step S28, the supply control unit 48 moves the third cursor 123 to the Nth position. For example, in step S28, the supply control unit 48 moves the third cursor 123 to the fourth position P4.

[0158] In step S29, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the third cursor 123. Specifically, in step S29, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the third cursor 123 until the medium 99 collides with the third cursor 123. When the medium 99 and the third cursor 123 collide, vibration is applied to the rear end of the medium 99 that collides with the third cursor 123.

[0159] In step S30, the supply control unit 48 moves the fourth cursor 124 to the Nth position. For example, in step S30, the supply control unit 48 moves the fourth cursor 124 to the fourth position P4.

[0160] In step S31, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the fourth cursor 124. Specifically, in step S31, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 toward the fourth cursor 124 until the medium 99 collides with the fourth cursor 124. When the medium 99 and the fourth cursor 124 collide, vibration is applied to the tip of the medium 99 that collides with the fourth cursor 124. Furthermore, in step S31, the supply control unit 48 moves the third cursor 123 to the first position P1.

[0161] In step S32, the supply control unit 48 moves the fourth cursor 124 to the first position P1. Furthermore, in step S32, the supply control unit 48 moves the table 104 to the normal position. At this time, the media 99 are aligned.

[0162] In step S33, the supply control unit 48 subtracts 1 from the variable N. That is, the supply control unit 48 decrements the variable N in step S33. In step S34, the supply control unit 48 determines whether or not the variable N is 1. If the variable N is 1, the supply control unit 48 ends the second process. If the variable N is not 1, the supply control unit 48 returns the process to step S23.

[0163] When the supply control unit 48 returns to the process at step S23, it repeatedly executes the process from step S23 to step S34 again. That is, in this case, the supply control unit 48 moves to a second round of the process from step S23 to step S34 after completing the first round of the process.

[0164] In the second round of processing, the variable N is 3. Therefore, in steps S23, S25, S28, and S30 in the second round, unlike the first round, the first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124 move to the third position P3. That is, the acceleration distance of the table 104 in the second round is shorter than the acceleration distance of the table 104 in the first round. Therefore, the impact applied to the medium 99 in the second round is smaller than the impact applied to the medium 99 in the first round.

[0165] When the supply control unit 48 completes the second round of processing from step S23 to step S34, it moves to the third round of processing. In the third round of processing, the variable N is 2. Therefore, in steps S23, S25, S28, and S30, the first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124 move to the second position P2. That is, the acceleration distance of the table 104 in the third round is shorter than the acceleration distance of the table 104 in the second round. Therefore, the impact on the medium 99 in the third round is smaller than the impact on the medium 99 in the second round. In step S34 of the third round, N becomes 1. Therefore, when the supply control unit 48 completes the third round of processing from step S23 to step S34, it ends the second process.

[0166] In the second embodiment, the process from step S23 to step S34 is controlled so that the distance between the cursor 105 and the table 104, with which the medium 99 collides, gradually decreases as the process progresses from the first round to the second round to the third round. In this way, the cursor 105 applies vibrations to the medium 99 as the table 104 moves from a state in which the medium 99 placed on the table 104 is not in contact with the cursor 105 to a state in which the medium 99 comes into contact with the cursor 105 multiple times. By applying vibrations to the medium 99 multiple times, dust, paper powder, and the like are effectively removed.

[0167] The process of repeating the processes from step S23 to step S34 is a process in which the movement of table 104 causes medium 99 to come into contact with cursor 105 multiple times, thereby applying vibrations multiple times to medium 99. In the second embodiment, during this process, when table 104 moves toward cursor 105, the distance between table 104 and cursor 105 in a state in which medium 99 placed on table 104 is not in contact with cursor 105 is longer than the distance between table 104 and cursor 105 in a state in which medium 99 placed on table 104 is not in contact with cursor 105 in the next time table 104 moves toward cursor 105.

[0168] 16, the suction unit 106 includes, for example, a pump. The suction unit 106 has a connection pipe 125 that connects to the casing 103. When the suction unit 106 is driven, the suction unit 106 sucks the suction gas from the storage chamber 109. Inner air The storage chamber 109 is connected to the suction unit 106. Therefore, the air inside The suction creates a negative pressure. As a result, dust, paper powder, etc. removed from media 99 stored in storage cassette 102 are sucked into opening 108. This causes dust, paper powder, etc. removed from media 99 to be sucked into suction section 106. This reduces the risk that dust, paper powder, etc. removed from media 99 will become suspended within storage cassette 102.

[0169] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (13) The cursor 105 applies vibration to the medium 99 while aligning the medium 99. That is, the cursor 105 is both a vibration applying part and an aligning part.

[0170] According to the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently apply vibration to the medium 99 and align the medium 99 using the cursor 105. (14) By bringing the medium 99 placed on the upper surface 115, which is the placement surface, into contact with the cursor 105 multiple times, the medium 99 is subjected to multiple vibrations. By applying multiple vibrations, dust, paper powder, and the like are effectively removed from the medium 99.

[0171] (15) In the process in which upper surface 115, which is the placement surface, moves and causes medium 99 to come into contact with cursor 105, which is the alignment portion, multiple times, thereby imparting vibrations to medium 99 multiple times, when upper surface 115 moves toward cursor 105, the distance between upper surface 115 and cursor 105 when medium 99 placed on upper surface 115 is not in contact with cursor 105 is longer than the distance between upper surface 115 and cursor 105 when upper surface 115 next moves toward cursor 105 when medium 99 placed on upper surface 115 is not in contact with cursor 105.

[0172] According to the above configuration, the distance between upper surface 115 and cursor 105 gradually shortens in the process of applying vibrations to medium 99 multiple times. The time required to remove dust, paper powder, and the like can be reduced compared to when the distance between upper surface 115 and cursor 105 is constant. Furthermore, as the distance between upper surface 115 and cursor 105 gradually shortens, the magnitude of the vibration applied to medium 99 decreases. As a result, vibrations of different magnitudes are applied to medium 99. By applying vibrations of different magnitudes to medium 99, dust, paper powder, and the like are effectively removed from medium 99.

[0173] (16) The casing 103 has an opening 108 and a storage chamber 109 that communicates with the opening 108. The suction unit 106 is Inner air Aspirate. According to the above configuration, dust falling from medium 99 is collected in storage chamber 109 through opening 108. This reduces the risk that dust, paper powder, etc. removed from medium 99 will fly up.

[0174] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, explanations of configurations common to the first embodiment will be omitted. The supply device of the third embodiment may be built into the processing device 11 or may be externally attached to the processing device 11.

[0175] 19 and 20, a supply device 131 of the third embodiment includes a holding cassette 132 that stores a medium 99. Although not shown, like the first embodiment, the supply device 131 of the third embodiment includes a housing 41 in which the holding cassette 132 is attached, a pickup roller 43 that feeds out the medium 99 stored in the holding cassette 132, a sensor 47 that detects that the holding cassette 132 is attached, a supply control unit 48 that controls the supply device 131, and the like.

[0176] The holding cassette 132 is a storage unit that stores the medium 99. Unlike the cassette 42 of the first embodiment and the storage cassette 102 of the second embodiment, the holding cassette 132 stores the medium 99 in a vertical position rather than a horizontal position.

[0177] The holding cassette 132 has a first side 133, a second side 134, a third side 135, a fourth side 136, and a bottom surface 137. The holding cassette 132 has a first rail 141, a second rail 142, a first arm 143, and a second arm 144.

[0178] The first side surface 133, the second side surface 134, the third side surface 135, and the fourth side surface 136 are surfaces that are continuous with the bottom surface 137. The first side surface 133, the second side surface 134, the third side surface 135, and the fourth side surface 136 extend upward from the bottom surface 137. The first side surface 133 and the second side surface 134 face each other. The first side surface 133 and the second side surface 134 are continuous with the third side surface 135 and the fourth side surface 136, respectively. The third side surface 135 and the fourth side surface 136 face each other. The third side surface 135 and the fourth side surface 136 are continuous with the first side surface 133 and the second side surface 134, respectively.

[0179] Bottom surface 137 is the surface that becomes the bottom of holding cassette 132. Bottom surface 137 comes into contact with multiple media 99 that are stored in a vertically placed state. In other words, bottom surface 137 comes into contact with the edges of multiple stacked media 99. Bottom surface 137 is the placement surface on which media 99 are placed.

[0180] First rail 141 and second rail 142 are provided, for example, on first side surface 133 and second side surface 134, respectively. First rail 141 and second rail 142 face each other. First rail 141 and second rail 142 extend vertically.

[0181] First arm 143 and second arm 144 are attached to first rail 141 and second rail 142, respectively. First arm 143 and second arm 144 move along first rail 141 and second rail 142. That is, first arm 143 and second arm 144 are displaced up and down. First arm 143 extends from first rail 141 toward second rail 142. That is, first arm 143 extends toward first side surface 133. Second arm 144 extends from second rail 142 toward first rail 141. That is, second arm 144 extends toward second side surface 134.

[0182] First arm 143 and second arm 144 have a first pressing member 145 and a second pressing member 146 at their respective tips. The first pressing member 145 and the second pressing member 146 are, for example, plate-shaped members. The first pressing member 145 and the second pressing member 146 face each other. The first pressing member 145 and the second pressing member 146 press the media 99 contained in the holding cassette 132 against each other.

[0183] The first pressing member 145 and the second pressing member 146 come into contact with the front and back surfaces of the stacked media 99. The first pressing member 145 and the second pressing member 146 press the front and back surfaces of the stacked media 99 against each other, thereby sandwiching the multiple media 99. In this manner, the first arm 143 and the second arm 144 hold the multiple media 99.

[0184] The first arm 143 and the second arm 144 move up and down while holding a plurality of media 99. Specifically, the first arm 143 and the second arm 144 move from above to below while holding a plurality of media 99. When the first arm 143 and the second arm 144 move downward, the lower end of the media 99 collides with the bottom surface 137. This imparts vibration to the lower end of the media 99. In this respect, the bottom surface 137 is the vibration imparting unit. In the third embodiment, when the sensor 47 detects that the holding cassette 132 has been attached to the housing 41, the supply control unit 48 operates the first arm 143 and the second arm 144 to impart vibration to the media 99. By causing the lower end of the media 99 to collide with the bottom surface 137 once or multiple times, dust, paper powder, and the like are removed from the media 99.

[0185] When the bottom ends of media 99 contact bottom surface 137, the bottom ends of media 99 are aligned. As the bottom ends of media 99 are aligned, the top ends of media 99 are also aligned. In this respect, bottom surface 137 is an alignment portion that aligns media 99.

[0186] According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. (17) The bottom surface 137, which is the placement surface, comes into contact with the edges of the plurality of media 99 that are stacked.

[0187] According to the above configuration, the size of the supply device 131 in the direction along the bottom surface 137 can be reduced. <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the third embodiment will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to configurations common to the third embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The supply device of the fourth embodiment may be built into the processing device 11, or may be externally attached to the processing device 11.

[0188] 21 and 22, a supply device 151 of the fourth embodiment includes a holding cassette 152 that stores a medium 99. Although not shown, like the first embodiment, the supply device 151 of the fourth embodiment includes a housing 41 in which the holding cassette 152 is attached, a pickup roller 43 that feeds out the medium 99 stored in the holding cassette 152, a sensor 47 that detects that the holding cassette 152 is attached, a supply control unit 48 that controls the supply device 151, and the like.

[0189] The holding cassette 152 is a storage section that stores the medium 99. The holding cassette 152 of the fourth embodiment holds the medium 99 in a vertically placed state, similar to the holding cassette 132 of the third embodiment. The holding cassette 152 has a first side 133, a second side 134, a third side 135, a fourth side 136, and a bottom surface 137, similar to the third embodiment. The holding cassette 152 has a first rail 141 and a second rail 142, similar to the third embodiment. Unlike the third embodiment, the holding cassette 152 has a holding section 153.

[0190] Holding portion 153 is attached to first rail 141 and second rail 142. Holding portion 153 moves along first rail 141 and second rail 142. In other words, holding portion 153 is displaced up and down.

[0191] The holding portion 153 has a holding member 154 , a first gripping member 155 , and a second gripping member 156 . Holding member 154 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. Holding member 154 has holding surface 157. Holding surface 157 comes into contact with multiple media 99 stored in a vertically placed state. In other words, holding surface 157 comes into contact with edges of multiple stacked media 99. In this manner, holding surface 157 is a placement surface on which media 99 are placed.

[0192] First gripping member 155 and second gripping member 156 are, for example, plate-shaped members. First gripping member 155 and second gripping member 156 are provided on holding surface 157. First gripping member 155 and second gripping member 156 face each other. First gripping member 155 and second gripping member 156 press media 99 stored in holding cassette 152 against each other.

[0193] The first gripping member 155 and the second gripping member 156 come into contact with the front and back surfaces of the stacked media 99. The first gripping member 155 and the second gripping member 156 press the front and back surfaces of the stacked media 99 against each other, thereby sandwiching the multiple media 99. In this manner, the first gripping member 155 and the second gripping member 156 hold the multiple media 99. As a result, the holding unit 153 holds the multiple media 99.

[0194] The holding unit 153 moves up and down while holding a plurality of media 99. Specifically, the holding unit 153 moves from the top to the bottom while holding a plurality of media 99. At this time, the holding unit 153 accelerates downward at an acceleration faster than the gravitational acceleration. In this case, when the holding unit 153 moves downward, the lower end of the media 99 moves away from the holding surface 157. When the holding unit 153 decelerates by approaching the bottom surface 137, the lower end of the media 99 collides with the holding surface 157. As a result, vibration is applied to the lower end of the media 99. In this respect, the holding unit 153 is a vibration applying unit. In the fourth embodiment, when the sensor 47 detects that the holding cassette 152 is attached to the housing 41, the supply control unit 48 applies vibration to the media 99 by operating the holding unit 153. By causing the lower end of the media 99 to collide with the holding surface 157 once or multiple times, dust, paper powder, and the like are removed from the media 99.

[0195] When the bottom ends of media 99 come into contact with holding surface 157, the bottom ends of media 99 are aligned. As the bottom ends of media 99 are aligned, the top ends of media 99 are also aligned. In this respect, holding portion 153 is an alignment portion that aligns media 99.

[0196] According to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained. The above-described first to fourth embodiments can be modified as follows: The first, second, third, and fourth embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0197] The processing performed by the processing unit 13 on the medium 99 may be to read an image on the medium 99, or may be to staple the medium 99. That is, the processing unit 11 in the first to fourth embodiments is a printing device that prints an image on the medium 99, but the processing unit 11 may be a reading device that reads an image on the medium 99, or may be a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the medium 99.

[0198] The storage unit is not limited to the cassette 42 that is detachably attached to the housing 41, but may simply be a case that stores the medium 99. The supply device 18 of the first embodiment may be provided with a configuration for collecting dust, paper powder, and the like, like the casing 103 and the suction unit 106 provided in the supply device 101 of the second embodiment.

[0199] The rotating body 58 may be raised and lowered repeatedly when applying vibration to the medium 99 . In the second process, the medium 99 may be caused to collide only with the first cursor 121 and the second cursor 122. That is, in the second process, the processes from step S28 to step S32 may be skipped.

[0200] In the second process, the medium 99 may be caused to collide only with the third cursor 123 and the fourth cursor 124. That is, in the second process, the processes from step S23 to step S27 may be skipped.

[0201] In step S22 of the second process, the variable N may be set to 3 or may be set to 2. That is, the process from step S23 to step S34 may be completed in one round or in two rounds.

[0202] In steps S26 and S31 of the second process, the table 104 may be returned to the normal position and then moved toward the cursor 105. In this way, the acceleration distances of the table 104 when moving toward the first cursor 121, the second cursor 122, the third cursor 123, and the fourth cursor 124 are all uniform, so that the impacts applied to the medium 99 are uniform.

[0203] The cursor 105 may be provided with a rotating body 58 . In the third embodiment, the medium 99 may be collided against the third side surface 135 and the fourth side surface 136 .

[0204] The liquid ejected by the head 21 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in the liquid. For example, the head 21 may eject a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0205] The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) The supply device supplies a medium to a processing unit that performs processing on the medium, and is equipped with a storage section that stores the media in a stacked state, and a vibration imparting section that imparts vibrations to the media by contacting edges of the multiple media stored in the storage section.

[0206] According to the above configuration, the vibration applying unit comes into contact with the edges of the plurality of media, thereby applying vibrations to the plurality of media, thereby making it possible to remove dust from the plurality of media. (B) In the above-described supply device, the storage section may have a mounting surface on which the stored medium is placed, and the vibration imparting section may impart vibration in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the medium placed on the mounting surface.

[0207] A medium is more likely to vibrate when vibrations are applied in a direction perpendicular to its surface than when vibrations are applied in a direction along its surface, so the above configuration allows the medium to be vibrated effectively.

[0208] (C) In the above-described supplying device, the vibration applying section may contact a portion of an edge of the medium that does not overlap the placement surface when the placement surface is viewed in a plan view. The portion of the edge of the medium that does not overlap with the mounting surface is not supported by the mounting surface and is therefore prone to vibration, so the above-described configuration allows the medium to be vibrated effectively.

[0209] (D) The supply device may include a holding portion that holds the medium by contacting a portion of the medium that overlaps the placement surface when the placement surface is viewed in a plan view, and the vibration imparting portion may impart vibration to the medium by contacting the medium held down by the holding portion.

[0210] According to the above configuration, the medium placed on the placement surface vibrates with the portion held down by the holding portion as the fixed end and the portion in contact with the vibration applying portion as the free end. In this case, the vibration of the medium becomes higher frequency than when the medium is not held down by the holding portion. In other words, the vibration frequency of the medium is improved. This allows dust to be effectively removed.

[0211] (E) In the above-mentioned feeding device, the pressing section may include a pick-up roller that feeds out the medium placed on the placement surface. According to the above configuration, the pickup roller that feeds out the medium also functions as a pressing section, so that the configuration of the supply device can be simplified.

[0212] (F) In the above-mentioned supply device, the vibration imparting section has a rotating shaft and a rotating member that rotates around the rotating shaft, and the rotating member has a vane extending outward, and may rotate so that the vane contacts from below an edge of the medium placed on the mounting surface.

[0213] According to the above configuration, the vane comes into contact with the edge of the medium so as to lift it up. After the edge of the medium is lifted by the vane, it moves downward due to the action of gravity. Conversely, when the rotating member rotates so that the vane comes into contact with the edge of the medium from above, the edge of the medium is pushed down by the vane and then displaced upward due to the rigidity of the medium itself. Therefore, when the rotating member rotates so that the vane comes into contact with the edge of the medium from below, gravity acts more effectively and the medium vibrates more effectively than when the rotating member rotates so that the vane comes into contact with the edge of the medium from above.

[0214] (G) The above-mentioned supply device may include an alignment portion that aligns the medium by contacting the medium contained in the storage portion, the alignment portion contacting the medium by moving, and the vibration imparting portion moving together with the alignment portion.

[0215] According to the above configuration, the vibration applying section moves in conjunction with the movement of the matching section. Therefore, the vibration applying section can contact the edge of the medium regardless of the size of the medium contained in the container section. In other words, the vibration applying section can apply vibrations to the medium regardless of the size of the medium.

[0216] (H) In the above-described supplying device, the alignment section may be the vibration applying section, and may align the medium while applying vibration to the medium. According to the above configuration, it is possible to efficiently apply vibration to the medium and align the medium.

[0217] (I) In the above-mentioned supply device, the storage section has a mounting surface on which the medium is placed, the mounting surface is configured to move in a direction along the mounting surface, and the alignment section imparts vibration to the medium by causing the medium to come into contact with the alignment section as the mounting surface moves toward the alignment section from a state in which the medium placed on the mounting surface is not in contact with the alignment section, and in the process in which the medium comes into contact with the alignment section multiple times as the mounting surface moves, the distance between the mounting surface and the alignment section in a state in which the medium placed on the mounting surface is not in contact with the alignment section when the mounting surface moves toward the alignment section may be longer than the distance between the mounting surface and the alignment section in a state in which the medium placed on the mounting surface is not in contact with the alignment section when the mounting surface next moves toward the alignment section.

[0218] According to the above configuration, the medium placed on the mounting surface is repeatedly brought into contact with the matching section, so that vibrations are repeatedly applied to the medium. In the process of applying vibrations to the medium multiple times, the distance between the mounting surface and the matching section gradually becomes shorter. In other words, the magnitude of the vibrations applied to the medium becomes smaller. By applying vibrations of different magnitudes, dust can be effectively removed from the medium.

[0219] (J) In the above supplying device, a plurality of the vibration applying sections may be provided, and the plurality of vibration applying sections may contact different ends of the medium. According to the above configuration, the medium is vibrated more effectively than when only one vibration applying section is provided.

[0220] (K) In the above supplying device, the vibration applying section may be raised and lowered. According to the above configuration, the vibration applying portion can effectively come into contact with the plurality of stacked media. (L) In the above-mentioned supply device, the storage unit has a placement surface on which the medium is placed, the supply device includes a casing located below the placement surface and a suction unit connected to the casing, the casing has an opening and a storage chamber communicating with the opening, and the suction unit is configured to suck the medium into the storage chamber. Inner air may be aspirated.

[0221] According to the above-described configuration, dust that falls from the medium when vibration is applied by the vibration applying section is collected in the collection chamber through the opening, reducing the risk of dust removed from the medium flying up.

[0222] (M) In the above supply device, the storage section is a first storage section, and the supply device includes a second storage section that stores the media in a stacked state, and a plurality of output paths that correspond to the first storage section and the second storage section, respectively, and through which the media are output toward the processing section, and the multiple output paths may be connected to each other.

[0223] According to the above configuration, the medium from which dust has been removed in the first storage unit can be sent toward the second storage unit through the sending path. Therefore, even if the vibration applying unit cannot apply vibrations to the medium stored in the second storage unit, dust can be removed from the medium stored in the second storage unit.

[0224] (N) In the supply device, the first storage section may be located below the second storage section. According to the above configuration, the risk that dust removed from the medium in the first container will reach the second container is reduced.

[0225] (O) In the above-mentioned supply device, the storage section may have a placement surface on which the media is placed, and the placement surface may come into contact with edges of the plurality of stacked media. According to the above configuration, the supply device can be made smaller in size in the direction along the placement surface.

[0226] (P) The processing device includes the above-mentioned supply device and the processing section. According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above supply device can be obtained. (Q) In the above processing apparatus, the container section may be vertically overlapped with the processing section.

[0227] According to the above configuration, the installation area of ​​the processing device can be reduced compared to a case where the storage unit and the processing device do not overlap vertically. Note that the vertical direction in which the storage unit and the processing device overlap may be a direction perpendicular to the installation surface of the processing device.

[0228] (R) A control method for a supply device that supplies media to a processing unit, the supply device comprising a storage section that stores multiple media in a stacked state, and a vibration imparting section that imparts vibrations to the media by contacting edges of the multiple media stored in the storage section, the control method including, when the media is stored in the storage section, imparting vibrations to the media by the vibration imparting section.

[0229] According to the above method, the same effects as those of the above supply device can be obtained. (S) The program is executed by a control unit that controls a supply device that supplies the media to a processing unit, the control unit having a storage unit that stores multiple media in a stacked state and a vibration imparting unit that imparts vibrations to the media by contacting edges of the multiple media stored in the storage unit, and causes the vibration imparting unit to impart vibrations to the media when the media is stored in the storage unit.

[0230] According to the program, the same effects as those of the supply device can be obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0231] 11... processing device, 12... housing, 13... processing section, 14... support section, 15... transport section, 16... transport path, 17... processing control section, 18... supply device, 19... loading surface, 21... head, 22... holder, 23... nozzle, 25... roller, 26... belt, 27... transport roller, 31... supply path, 32... discharge path, 33... switchback path, 34... inversion path, 41... housing, 42... cassette as storage section, 43... pickup roller as pressing section, 44... separation roller, 45... pressing member as pressing section, 46... sending path, 47... sensor, 48... supply control section, 49... shaft, 51...removal cassette which is the first storage section, 52...normal cassette which is the second storage section, 53...storage body, 54...hopper, 55...ultrasonic element, 56...lifting member, 57...edge guide which is the alignment section, 58...rotating body which is the vibration applying section, 61...first wall, 62...second wall, 63...third wall, 64...fourth wall, 65...bottom wall, 66...first storage opening, 67...groove, 71...upper surface which is the placement surface, 72...front end portion, 73...rear end portion, 74...notch, 75...first notch, 76...second notch, 77...third notch, 81...first edge guide, 82...second edge guide, 83...third edge guide , 84...second storage port, 85...third storage port, 86...fourth storage port, 91...first rotating body, 92...second rotating body, 93...third rotating body, 94...fourth rotating body, 95...rotating member, 96...rotating shaft, 97...vane, 99...medium, 101...supply device, 102...storage cassette which is a storage section, 103...casing, 104...table, 105...cursor which is an alignment section and a vibration applying section, 106...suction section, 107...support surface, 108...opening, 109...storage chamber, 111...first surface, 112...second surface, 113...third surface, 114...fourth surface, 115...upper surface which is a placement surface, 121...first cursor, 122...second cursor, 123...third cursor, 124...fourth cursor, 125...connection pipe, 131...supply device, 132...holding cassette serving as storage section, 133...first side, 134...second side, 135...third side, 136...fourth side, 137...bottom surface serving as placement surface, matching section, and vibration applying section, 141...first rail, 142...second rail, 143...first arm, 144...second arm, 145...first pressing member, 146...second pressing member, 151...supply device, 152...holding cassette serving as storage section, 153...holding section, 154...holding member, 155...first gripping member,156: second gripping member; 157: holding surface which is a mounting surface, an alignment portion, and a vibration applying portion; D1: first distance; D2: second distance; D3: third distance; D4: fourth distance; P1: first position; P2: second position; P3: third position; P4: fourth position.

Claims

1. A supply device that supplies a medium to a processing section that performs processing on the medium, a storage section that stores a plurality of the media in a stacked state; a vibration applying unit that applies vibrations to the media by contacting edges of the plurality of media contained in the container, the storage section has a placement surface on which the medium to be stored is placed, The vibration applying unit has a rotating body configured to ascend and descend while rotating, The rotating body has a rotation shaft and a rotating member that rotates around the rotation shaft, The rotating member has outwardly extending vanes; A supply device characterized in that the vane rotates so as to contact the edge of the medium placed on the loading surface from below, thereby imparting vibration in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the medium placed on the loading surface.

2. The supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration applying section contacts a portion of an edge of the medium that does not overlap the placement surface when the placement surface is viewed in plan.

3. a pressing section that presses the medium by contacting a portion of the medium that overlaps with the placement surface when the placement surface is viewed in plan; 3. The supplying device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration applying section applies vibrations to the medium by coming into contact with the medium held down by the holding section.

4. The feeding device according to claim 3 , wherein the pressing portion includes a pick-up roller that feeds out the medium placed on the placement surface.

5. an alignment portion that aligns the medium by contacting the medium contained in the container; The matching portion moves to contact the medium, The supplying device according to claim 1 , wherein the vibration applying portion moves together with the matching portion.

6. The vibration applying unit is provided in plurality, 6. The supplying device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration applying units are in contact with different ends of the medium.

7. A casing located below the mounting surface; A suction portion connected to the casing, The casing has an opening and a storage chamber communicating with the opening, The supply device according to claim 1 , wherein the suction unit suctions air from within the storage chamber.

8. The housing portion is a first housing portion, The supply device includes a second storage section that stores the media in a stacked state; a plurality of delivery paths corresponding to the first storage unit and the second storage unit, respectively, through which the medium is delivered to the processing unit; The supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of delivery paths are connected to each other.

9. The supply device according to claim 8 , wherein the first storage portion is located below the second storage portion.

10. A supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A processing device comprising: the processing unit.

11. The processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the container section is vertically overlapped with the processing section.

Images