Media supply device and media processing device using the same

Abstract

To reduce supply failure of a medium even when inclination occurs in a storage posture of the medium along a delivery direction of the medium when adopting a system of floating the medium and sucking and supplying the medium one by one.SOLUTION: A medium feeding device includes: delivery means 3 for air-sucking a medium S stored in storage means 1 and delivering it to a delivery means 2; floating means 4 for blowing air to an upper area of the side end face of the medium S to float the upper part of the medium S in a separated state; and auxiliary suction means 5, which is provided above the storage means 1 and on the opposite side of the conveyance direction of the medium S among the delivery means 3, and which air-sucks the medium S stored in the storage means 1. The auxiliary suction means 5 is positioned closer to the delivery means 3 than the end position on the opposite side of the medium S stored in the storage means 1 from the delivery means 2. In particular, it is preferable that the auxiliary suction means 5 air-sucks the medium S stored in the storage means 1 prior to the delivery means 3 or air-sucks the medium S at a position lower than a medium reference height FC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium supply device that supplies media such as sheets one by one, and a media processing device using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of medium supply device, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are already known. Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet stacking table that stores sheets in a stacked state, a rear end suction portion that sucks the rear end side in the sheet feeding direction of the uppermost sheet on the sheet stacking table, and a feeding portion that feeds the sheet in the sheet feeding direction. The rear end suction portion includes a movable portion that is movable in the vertical direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of the sheet stored in the sheet stacking table, and a second fan that generates an adsorption force for adsorbing the sheet to the movable portion. The movable portion is configured to move downward and contact the uppermost sheet on the sheet stacking table when not adsorbing the sheet, and move upward to separate the rear end of the sheet from other sheets when adsorbing the sheet. Patent Document 2 discloses a sheet feeding guide mechanism having a sheet feeding tray for loading a large number of printed materials including at least envelopes, and a pair of side plates arranged on the left and right of the sheet feeding tray, and a sheet feeding mechanism of a printing device provided with a regulating guide portion for regulating the displacement of the printed material from the normal position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to reduce supply failures of the medium, even when the receiving orientation of the medium is tilted along the direction of medium delivery, when employing a method of levitating the medium and adsorbing and supplying it one sheet at a time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first technical feature of the present invention is a storage means for storing sheet media; a delivery means provided on the delivery direction side of the media stored in the storage means for delivering the media one sheet at a time; a transfer means provided above the storage means and closer to the delivery means for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means and transferring it to the delivery means; a flotation means provided to the side of the media stored in the storage means for blowing air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the media to separate and levitate the upper portion of the media; and an auxiliary suction means provided above the storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the media for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means, wherein the auxiliary suction means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the media stored in the storage means that is on the side opposite to the delivery means. Furthermore, under the condition that a medium of uniform thickness is contained in the containment means in a substantially horizontal position, and the position at which the uppermost position of the medium is set to enable air adsorption by the transfer means is defined as the medium reference height, the auxiliary adsorption means air adsorbs the medium at a position below the medium reference height. This is a media supply device characterized by the following features.

[0006] A second technical feature of the present invention is a media supply device having the first technical feature, wherein the auxiliary adsorption means adsorbs air onto the media contained in the containment means before the transfer means.

[0008] This invention 3 Its technical features are, The first or second A media supply device having the above technical features, wherein the auxiliary adsorption means starts the air adsorption operation before the air adsorption operation of the transfer means. This invention 4 Its technical features are, The first or secondA media supply device having the technical features of the above, wherein the auxiliary adsorption means starts air adsorption operation before the transfer means and ends air adsorption operation after the transfer means has started air adsorption operation. This invention 5 Its technical features are, The first or second A media supply device having the technical features of the above, wherein the auxiliary adsorption means starts air adsorption operation before the transfer means and ends air adsorption operation after the transfer means starts air adsorption operation. This invention 6 Its technical features are, The first or second A media supply device having the above technical features, wherein the auxiliary adsorption means is connected to an air suction means via a flow path forming means, and an opening degree adjustment means is provided for opening and closing the flow path formed by the flow path forming means. This invention 7 The technical features of the first 6 A media supply device having the above technical features, wherein the air suction means is provided separately from the air suction means used for the air adsorption operation of the transfer means. This invention 8 Its technical features are, The system comprises: a storage means for storing sheet-fed media; a delivery means provided on the delivery direction side of the media stored in the storage means for delivering the media one sheet at a time; a transfer means provided above the storage means and closer to the delivery means for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means and transferring it to the delivery means; a flotation means provided to the side of the media stored in the storage means for blowing air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the media to separate and levitate the upper portion of the media; and an auxiliary suction means provided above the storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the media for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means, wherein the auxiliary suction means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the media stored in the storage means that is on the side opposite to the delivery means, the auxiliary suction means is connected to an air suction means via a flow path forming means, and an opening adjustment means is provided for opening and closing the flow path formed by the flow path forming means. The media supply device is characterized in that the air suction means is shared with the air suction means used for the air adsorption operation of the transfer means. This invention 9 The technical features of the first 8 A media supply device having the technical features of the above, wherein the flow path forming means includes a first flow path forming section that connects the air suction means and the transfer means, and a second flow path forming section that branches off from the middle of the first flow path forming section and is connected to the auxiliary adsorption means, and the opening degree adjusting means includes a first opening degree adjusting section that is provided on the transfer means side of the first flow path forming section that branches off from the second flow path forming section and adjusts the opening degree, and a second opening degree adjusting section that is provided in the second flow path forming section and adjusts the opening degree. This invention 10The technical features of the first 8 In a media supply device having the following technical features, the flow path forming means includes a first flow path forming section that connects the air suction means and the transfer means, and a second flow path forming section that branches off from the middle of the first flow path forming section and is connected to the auxiliary adsorption means, and the opening adjustment means includes the first flow path forming section and the second Flow channel The medium supply device is characterized by having a shared opening adjustment unit provided at the branching point with the forming unit, which distributes the suction air to the auxiliary adsorption means and the transfer means. This invention 11 Its technical features are, The 9th or 10th A media supply device having the above technical features, wherein the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means is started after the opening adjustment means switches to a first opening mode that enables only the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means, and after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means, the opening adjustment means switches to a second opening mode that enables air adsorption operation by the transfer means in addition to the auxiliary adsorption means, and the air adsorption operation by the transfer means is started. This invention 12 Its technical features are, The system comprises: a storage means for storing sheet-fed media; a delivery means provided on the delivery direction side of the media stored in the storage means for delivering the media one sheet at a time; a transfer means provided above the storage means and closer to the delivery means for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means and transferring it to the delivery means; a flotation means provided to the side of the media stored in the storage means for blowing air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the media to separate and levitate the upper portion of the media; and an auxiliary suction means provided above the storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the media for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means, wherein the auxiliary suction means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the media stored in the storage means that is on the side opposite to the delivery means. The auxiliary suction means has a movable duct whose lower end position is movable in the vertical direction, and moves the movable duct to a predetermined lower target position, air This is a media supply device characterized by its ability to initiate an adsorption operation. This invention 13 The technical features of the first 12 In a media supply device having the following technical features, Under the condition that a medium of uniform thickness is contained in the containment means in a substantially horizontal position, when the position at the top of the medium is set to enable air adsorption by the transfer means, the reference height of the medium is defined as the position at which the top of the medium is set, The media supply device is characterized in that the target position is set below the media reference height. This invention 14 The technical features of the first 12 A media supply device having the technical features of the above, wherein the auxiliary adsorption means has a movable duct that can extend and retract in the vertical direction, and the movable duct extends to the target position by its own weight and starts the air adsorption operation. This invention 15The technical feature of 12 In a medium supply device having the technical feature of According to the second 16 The technical feature of 12 In a medium supply device having the technical feature of According to the third 17 The technical feature of The system comprises: a storage means for storing sheet-fed media; a delivery means provided on the delivery direction side of the media stored in the storage means for delivering the media one sheet at a time; a transfer means provided above the storage means and closer to the delivery means for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means and transferring it to the delivery means; a flotation means provided to the side of the media stored in the storage means for blowing air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the media to separate and levitate the upper portion of the media; and an auxiliary suction means provided above the storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the media for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage means, wherein the auxiliary suction means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the media stored in the storage means that is on the side opposite to the delivery means. is that the auxiliary adsorption means has an air adsorption area narrower than the air adsorption area of the delivery means. According to the fourth 18 The technical feature of 17 In a medium supply device having the technical feature of

[0009] According to the fifth 19 The technical feature of The 1st, 8th, 12th and 17th is a medium processing device comprising a medium supply device having any one of the technical features of

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the first technical feature of the present invention, when adopting a method of floating and adsorbing and supplying media one by one, even if the storage posture of the media inclines along the delivery direction of the media, it is possible to reduce the poor supply of the media. Furthermore, even if the receiving orientation of the media is tilted along the direction of media delivery, media that are further away than the media reference height due to the tilt can be efficiently attracted. According to the second technical feature of the present invention, even when the storage posture of the media inclines along the delivery direction of the media, it is possible to air-adsorb and hold the media by the auxiliary adsorption means, making it easier for the delivery means to air-adsorb the media.。 This invention 3 According to its technical features, air adsorption of the medium by the auxiliary adsorption means can be easily achieved before the transfer means. This invention 4 According to the technical features, when air adsorption of a medium is performed by the transfer means, the air adsorbed by the auxiliary adsorption means can be transferred to the transfer means without being lowered. This invention 5 According to the technical features, when air adsorption of a medium is performed by the transfer means, the medium, which is still air-adsorbed by the auxiliary adsorption means, can be transferred to the transfer means. This invention 6 According to its technical features, air adsorption operation using auxiliary adsorption means can be easily implemented. This invention 7 According to its technical features, the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means can be independently implemented, separate from the air adsorption operation by the transfer means. This invention 8 According to its technical features, By employing a system that levitates the media and adsorbs and supplies them one by one, it is possible to reduce media supply failures even when the media's orientation is tilted along the direction of media delivery. Furthermore, By utilizing the air suction means used in the transfer mechanism, air suction operation by the auxiliary suction means can be realized. This invention 9 According to the technical features, by utilizing the air suction means used in the transfer means and devising the flow path forming means and opening degree adjustment means, air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means and transfer means can be easily realized. This invention 10 According to the technical features, by utilizing the air suction means used in the transfer means, and by devising the branched flow path forming means and the opening degree adjustment means arranged in the branched section, air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means and the transfer means can be easily realized. This invention 11 According to the technical features, by appropriately switching the opening adjustment means, air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means and the transfer means can be easily realized. This invention 12 According to its technical features, By employing a system that levitates the media and adsorbs and supplies them one by one, it is possible to reduce media supply failures even when the media's orientation is tilted along the direction of media delivery. Furthermore,A movable auxiliary suction device whose lower end position can move vertically can be easily constructed. This invention 13 According to its technical features, it uses a movable auxiliary suction means whose lower end position can move vertically, allowing it to adsorb media that are located further away than the media reference height due to inclination. This invention 14 According to its technical features, a movable auxiliary suction means that can extend and retract in the vertical direction can be easily constructed. This invention 15 According to its technical features, the movable duct can be moved to the target position at a higher speed compared to when no driving means are provided. This invention 16 According to its technical features, even if the tip of the auxiliary adsorption means overshoots and comes into strong contact with the medium, the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means can be performed stably. This invention 17 According to its technical features, By employing a system that levitates the media and adsorbs and supplies them one by one, it is possible to reduce media supply failures even when the media's orientation is tilted along the direction of media delivery. Furthermore, Rather than the means of delivery Auxiliary adsorption means It can be built with a simple configuration. This invention 18 According to the technical features, even if the medium is deformed into a concave shape along the width direction intersecting the medium's delivery direction and is contained within it, air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means can be achieved for the medium. This invention 19 According to the technical features, when employing a method of levitating the medium and adsorbing and supplying it one sheet at a time, it is possible to construct a medium processing apparatus that includes a medium processing means capable of reducing medium supply failures even when the receiving orientation of the medium is tilted along the medium delivery direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an embodiment of a media supply device to which the present invention is applied, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operation of the media supply device shown in (a). [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the media processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a media supply device used in the media processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the drive control system of the media supply device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of the media storage section of the media supply device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the lifting mechanism shown in Figure 4, and (b) is a perspective view explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the lifting mechanism shown in (a). [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing the details of the vacuum head used as a transfer means according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement mechanism of the vacuum head as viewed from direction IX. [Figure 10] These are explanatory diagrams showing the suction mechanism of the vacuum head; (a) shows the suction off state, and (b) shows the suction on state. [Figure 11] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the buoyancy mechanism. [Figure 12] The diagram shows an example of the configuration of a shutter mechanism used in a levitation mechanism. (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the shutter mechanism with the outlet closed, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the shutter mechanism with the outlet open. [Figure 13] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the air handling mechanism shown in Figure 7, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when air is being blown out as seen from direction B in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when air is not being blown out. [Figure 14] The diagram shows an example of the configuration of the auxiliary adsorbent used in this embodiment, where (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the extended state of the auxiliary adsorbent, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the media is adsorbed by air using the auxiliary adsorbent, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the configuration of the auxiliary adsorbent. [Figure 15] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the suction mechanism of the auxiliary suction device according to Embodiment 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the timing chart of the air suction operation of the vacuum head and the auxiliary suction device. [Figure 16] Figures (a) to (e) are explanatory diagrams showing the basic supply process of the medium by the medium supply device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing chart of the basic media supply operation by the media supply device. [Figure 18] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the process of air adsorption of the medium by an auxiliary adsorption device, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the process of adsorption of the medium by a vacuum head. [Figure 19] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the first step in the air adsorption process of the medium by the auxiliary adsorbent, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the next step in the same air adsorption process, and (c) is a view from the direction of arrow C in (a). [Figure 20] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a media supply device relating to comparative form 1, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the media supply operation process, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a timing chart of the air suction operation of the vacuum belt and rear end suction device. [Figure 21] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified form 1 of the auxiliary suction device according to Embodiment 1, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an expandable and retractable movable duct used in (a), and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of use of the auxiliary suction device according to Modified Form 1. [Figure 22] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing a modified form 2 of the auxiliary suction device used in Embodiment 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the auxiliary suction device. [Figure 23] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 2, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the suction operation process, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the timing chart of the air suction operation of the vacuum head and auxiliary suction device. [Figure 24] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 3, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a valve that controls air suction. [Figure 25] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of a media supply device according to modified form 3-1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a valve that controls air suction. [Figure 26] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of a media supply device according to modified form 3-2, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a valve that controls air suction. [Figure 27] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of a media supply device relating to modified form 3-3, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a valve that controls air suction. [Figure 28] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 4, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the timing chart of the air suction operation of the vacuum head and auxiliary suction device. [Figure 29] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the process of air adsorption operation of the medium by the auxiliary adsorption device of the medium supply device according to Embodiment 4, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the process of air adsorption operation of the medium by the vacuum head of the same medium supply device. [Figure 30] This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 5. [Figure 31] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the process of air adsorption operation of the medium by the auxiliary adsorbent of the medium supply device according to Embodiment 5, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the process of air adsorption operation of the medium by the vacuum head of the same medium supply device, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the timing chart of the air adsorption operation of the vacuum head and the auxiliary adsorbent. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] ◎Overview of the Embodiment Figure 1(a) shows an overview of an embodiment of a media supply device to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, the media supply device comprises a storage means 1 for storing sheet media S, a delivery means 2 provided on the delivery direction side of the media S stored in the storage means 1 for delivering the media S one sheet at a time, a transfer means 3 provided above the storage means 1 and closer to the delivery means 2 for air-suction of the media S stored in the storage means 1 and for transferring it to the delivery means 2, a flotation means 4 provided to the side of the media S stored in the storage means 1 for blowing air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the media S to separate and levitate the upper portion of the media S, and an auxiliary suction means 5 provided above the storage means 1 and on the side of the transfer means 3 opposite to the direction of transport of the media S for air-suction of the media S stored in the storage means 1, wherein the auxiliary suction means 5 is positioned closer to the transfer means 3 than to the end position of the media S stored in the storage means 1 that is on the opposite side from the delivery means 2.

[0013] Furthermore, this type of media supply device is incorporated into a media processing device equipped with processing means (not shown) for performing predetermined processing on the media S, and is used as a device that embodies the function of supplying the media S to the processing means. Furthermore, the processing means referred to herein broadly include not only image-forming means for forming an image on the medium S, but also means for performing various processes on the medium such as punching holes, cutting, sorting, and folding.

[0014] In such technical means, the storage means 1 generally has a loading section for loading media S, and this loading section is often supported so as to be able to move up and down by a lifting mechanism. Furthermore, in configurations for storing media S of various sizes, configurations with lateral guide sections and rear guide sections are adopted. Furthermore, the dispensing means 2 broadly includes devices that dispense the medium S, with typical examples being paired dispensing rolls or a combination of dispensing rolls and a dispensing belt. Furthermore, as the transfer means 3, any device that picks up the media S one by one, transfers it to the delivery means 2, and returns to its initial position can be appropriately selected, such as a transport shuttle (vacuum head) or a transport belt. Furthermore, the levitation means 4 can be any means of blowing air onto the upper region of the contained medium S from the side of the containment means 1 (not limited to the widthwise side intersecting the medium transport direction, but also including the front side and rear side in the transport direction).

[0015] Furthermore, the auxiliary adsorption means 5 only needs to be provided on the opposite side of the medium S delivery direction from the transfer means 3, and the air adsorption port may be one or divided into multiple locations. In particular, in this example, the auxiliary adsorption means 5 must be positioned closer to the transfer means 3 than to the end of the medium S contained in the containment means 1 that is on the opposite side from the delivery means 2. Here, "proximity" means being very close, and includes not only things that are in contact with the transfer means 3, but also things that are not in contact with it. For this reason, the auxiliary suction means 5 may be fixedly installed separately from the transfer means 3 during the transfer operation of the transfer means 3, or it may be installed to move together with the transfer means 3. Furthermore, in the case of being positioned without contact with the transfer means 3, it is sufficient that the end of the medium S stored in the storage means 1 that is on the opposite side from the delivery means 2 is closer to the transfer means 3 when compared to the transfer means 3. In this way, by positioning the auxiliary suction means 5 in close proximity to the transfer means 3, even if the storage position of the medium S in the storage means 1 is tilted, when the auxiliary suction means 5 assists in the suction of the medium S (specifically the medium S1 located at the top), the tilt of the medium S between the auxiliary suction means 5 and the transfer means 3, which are in close proximity, becomes smaller, which is effective in stabilizing the air suction of the medium S by the transfer means 3. Furthermore, while the air adsorption force of the auxiliary adsorption means 5 may be selected as appropriate, it is necessary that it has the air adsorption force required to assist the air adsorption operation of the medium by the transfer means 3.

[0016] Next, a typical or preferred embodiment of the media supply device according to this embodiment will be described. First, a typical configuration of the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is shown in Figure 1(a), which involves air adsorption of the medium S (specifically S1) contained in the storage means 1 before the transfer means 3. In this example, since the auxiliary adsorption means 5 first adsorbs and holds the medium S with air, the medium S is positioned closer to the transfer means 3, which is preferable as it makes it easier for the transfer means 3 to adsorb the medium S with air. Another typical embodiment of the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is shown in Figure 1(a). Under the condition that a medium S of uniform thickness is housed in the housing means 1 in a substantially horizontal position, and the position at which the uppermost position of the medium S1 is set to enable air adsorption by the transfer means 3 is defined as the medium reference height FC, the auxiliary adsorption means 5 air-adsorbs the medium S at a position below the medium reference height FC. In this example, for example, if the housing position of the medium S in the housing means 1 is tilted, and the uppermost medium S1 facing the adsorption surface of the transfer means 3 is positioned lower than the medium reference height FC, then even if the upper part of the medium S is separated and floated by the buoyancy means 4, it may become difficult for the transfer means 3 to air-adsorb the uppermost medium S1 that has been floated. However, in this example, the auxiliary adsorption means 5, which is positioned close to the transfer means 3, adsorbs air onto the medium S1 at a position lower than the medium reference height FC. Therefore, if the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is used to lift the medium S1 to near the medium reference height FC, it would be effective in assisting the air adsorption of the medium S1 by the transfer means 3.

[0017] Furthermore, a preferred configuration of the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is one in which the air adsorption operation is started before the air adsorption operation of the transfer means 3. For example, in the first configuration, if the timing of the start of the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is set in this way, the air adsorption of the medium S by the auxiliary adsorption means 5 will occur before that of the transfer means 3. In the second and third configurations, the timing of the start of the air adsorption operation of the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is also set to be simultaneous with that of the transfer means 3. However, it is preferable that the air adsorption of the medium S by the transfer means 3 is performed before that of the transfer means 3 because the auxiliary adsorption means 5 air adsorbs and holds the medium S when the medium S is air-adsorbed by the transfer means 3.

[0018] Furthermore, a typical configuration for the termination timing of the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is one in which the auxiliary adsorption means 5 starts the air adsorption operation before the transfer means 3 and terminates the air adsorption operation after the transfer means 3 has started the air adsorption operation. In this example, the termination timing of the air adsorption operation of the medium S by the auxiliary adsorption means 5 may be simultaneous with the start of the air adsorption operation by the transfer means 3. In this case, the medium S that was being adsorbed by the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is switched from the auxiliary adsorption means 5 to the transfer means 3 and is adsorbed by the transfer means 3. However, from the viewpoint of smoothly transitioning the air adsorption operation from the auxiliary adsorption means 5 to the transfer means 3, it is preferable that the auxiliary adsorption means 5 starts the air adsorption operation before the transfer means 3, terminates the air adsorption operation after the transfer means 3 has started the air adsorption operation, and that the air adsorption operation by both means passes through for a predetermined period when transitioning the air adsorption operation from the auxiliary adsorption means 5 to the transfer means 3.

[0019] Furthermore, as a typical embodiment of the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means 5, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), there is an configuration in which an opening degree adjustment means 8 is provided that is connected to the air suction means 6 via a flow path forming means 7 and opens and closes the flow path formed by the flow path forming means 7. In this example, the air suction means 6 may be provided separately from the air suction means used for the air suction operation of the transfer means 3, or it may be shared with it. Here, a typical embodiment using a shared air suction means 6 is, for example, an embodiment in which the flow path forming means 7 has a first flow path forming section that connects the air suction means 6 and the transfer means 3, and a second flow path forming section that branches off from the middle of the first flow path forming section and is connected to the auxiliary adsorption means 5, and the opening degree adjustment means 8 has a first opening degree adjustment section that is provided on the transfer means 3 side of the branching point between the first flow path forming section and the second flow path forming section and adjusts the opening degree, and a second opening degree adjustment section that is provided on the second flow path forming section and adjusts the opening degree (see Embodiment 3). Another representative embodiment using the shared air suction means 6 is an embodiment in which the flow path forming means 7 has a first flow path forming section that connects the air suction means 6 and the transfer means 3, and a second flow path forming section that branches off from the middle of the first flow path forming section and connects to the auxiliary adsorption means 5, and the opening degree adjustment means 8 is provided at the branching point between the first flow path forming section and the second shared flow path forming section and has a shared opening degree adjustment section that distributes the suction air to the auxiliary adsorption means 5 and the transfer means 3 (see modified forms 3-1 to 3-3).

[0020] Furthermore, a typical control method for the air adsorption operation by the media adsorption means 5 is as follows: The air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is started after the opening adjustment means 8 switches to a first opening mode that enables only the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means 5; and after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means 5, the opening adjustment means 8 switches to a second opening mode that enables air adsorption by the transfer means 3 in addition to the auxiliary adsorption means 5, thereby starting the air adsorption operation by the transfer means 3.

[0021] Furthermore, a typical embodiment of the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is one in which the lower end position is movable in the vertical direction, and the movable duct is moved to a predetermined lower target position to start the air adsorption operation. Here, it is preferable that the target position be set below the media reference height FC. For example, assume that the media S to be stored in the storage means 1 is an envelope with different thicknesses on the opening side and the bottom side. In this case, if the media S consisting of these envelopes is stacked and stored in the storage means 1, it is possible that the media S will be placed in an inclined position within the storage means 1, as shown in Figure 1(a). In this state, if we denote the uppermost part of the medium S as S1, the lower part of the tilted medium S1 will be located below the medium reference height FC. In particular, if the part of the tilted medium S1 that is lower than the medium reference height FC is positioned on the side facing the transfer means 3, even if the uppermost medium S1 is lifted by the levitation means 4, there is no guarantee that the lower part of the tilted medium S1 will reach the medium reference height FC. For example, even if the air adsorption operation is performed by the transfer means 3 alone, the air adsorption of the medium S1 becomes unstable.

[0022] In this situation, in this embodiment, the auxiliary suction means 5 is provided in a portion of the transfer means 3 that is adjacent to the transfer direction of the medium S. In this case, even if the uppermost medium S1 is positioned in an inclined position with the transfer means 3 side lower, the portion of the inclined medium S1 facing the auxiliary suction means 5 will be positioned higher than the portion facing the transfer means 3. As a result, the auxiliary suction means 5 is closer to the medium S1 than the transfer means 3, and therefore the auxiliary suction means 5 will air-suction and hold the medium S1 before the transfer means 3, thus assisting the air-suction of the medium S1 by the transfer means 3.

[0023] In this context, a preferred embodiment of the movable duct system for the auxiliary adsorption means 5 is a configuration in which a movable duct that can extend and retract in the vertical direction is provided, and the movable duct is extended to the target position by its own weight to initiate the air adsorption operation. Another embodiment includes a movable duct that can move vertically and a driving means for moving the movable duct up and down, and the movable duct is moved to a target position to start the air suction operation. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the auxiliary adsorption means 5 includes a movable duct whose lower end position is movable in the vertical direction, and the movable duct has an absorbent part that absorbs the amount of overshoot of the lower end position. In this example, the absorbent part includes an elastic spring or an expandable and contractible segmented duct configuration. By adding such an absorbent part, even if the auxiliary adsorption means 5 comes into strong contact with the medium S1, the medium S1 will not be damaged, which is effective in performing stable air adsorption operation.

[0024] Furthermore, while the air adsorption area of ​​the auxiliary adsorption means 5 cannot be selected as appropriate, from the standpoint of providing a simple configuration, it is sufficient to have an air adsorption area that is narrower than the air adsorption area of ​​the transfer means 3. Furthermore, as for the location of the auxiliary adsorption means 5, if the medium S is deformed into a concave shape along the width direction intersecting the medium S delivery direction to accommodate it, it is preferable to install it approximately in the center of the width direction intersecting the medium S delivery direction.

[0025] ◎Embodiment 1 The present invention will be described in further detail below based on the embodiments shown in the attached drawings. Figure 2 shows the overall configuration of the media processing device according to Embodiment 1. -Overall configuration of the media processing device- In the figure, the media processing device 10 includes a media supply device 11 that supplies sheet-fed media one sheet at a time, and a processing unit 20 that performs predetermined processing on the media supplied from the media supply device 11. In this example, the processing unit 20 includes an image-forming unit 21 that forms an image on a medium. The image-forming unit 21 employs various image-forming methods, such as electrophotography or inkjet recording. The processing unit 20 is provided with an input transport path 22 for transporting the medium supplied from the medium supply device 11 to the image-forming unit 21, and an output transport path 23 for transporting the medium, which has been imaged in the image-forming unit 21, out of the processing unit 20. Furthermore, in this example, a built-in medium supply unit 24 is separately provided below the image-forming unit 21 within the processing unit 20, and the medium from the medium supply unit 24 is also supplied to the image-forming unit 21 via a supply transport path 25. Reference numeral 26 denotes an input roll 26 provided at the entrance of the input transport path 22, and an appropriate number of transport members are provided in the input transport path 22, the output input path 23, and the supply transport path 25.

[0026] -Overall configuration of the media supply device- In this example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the media supply device 11 has a housing 12 for housing media, and a two-tiered drawer-type upper drawer 13 and lower drawer 14 are installed in the housing 12 so as to be retractable, and a manual feed unit 15 for manually supplying media is installed at the top of the housing 12. A relay unit 16 is installed on the processing unit 20 side of the housing 12 to relay the media supplied from the upper drawer 13, lower drawer 14 and manual feed unit 15 to the processing unit 20 and deliver it. In this example, both the upper drawer 13 and the lower drawer 14 are configured to accommodate large-capacity media and supply them one at a time. The relay unit 16 has a first discharge path 17a for discharging media supplied from the upper drawer 13, a second discharge path 17b for discharging media supplied from the lower drawer 14, and a third discharge path 17c for discharging media supplied from the manual feed unit 15. An appropriate number of transport rolls 18 are provided in these first to third discharge paths 17a to 17c, and a merging transport path 17d connected to the discharge port 17e to the processing unit 20 is formed on the outlet side of the first to third discharge paths 17a to 17c, with a discharge roll 19 provided in this merging transport path 17d. The upper drawer 13 and the lower drawer 14 are each provided with handles 13a and 14a, respectively, and can be pulled out towards the front.

[0027] -Example configuration of upper drawer (lower drawer)- In this example, the upper drawer 13 and the lower drawer 14 are configured in substantially the same way, and the explanation below will use the upper drawer 13 as an example. In this example, the upper drawer 13 includes, for example, a storage section 30 as a storage means for storing sheet media, a delivery roll 40 provided on the side of the media stored in the storage section 30 in the delivery direction and as a delivery means for delivering the media one sheet at a time, a vacuum head 50 provided above the storage section 30 and as a delivery means for air-suctioning the media stored in the storage section 30 and transferring it to the delivery roll 40, a buoyancy mechanism 70 provided on the side intersecting the delivery direction of the media stored in the storage section 30 and as a buoyancy means for blowing air to the side of the media to separate and levitate the upper region of the media, and an air handling mechanism 80 provided on the side of the media stored in the storage section 30 in the delivery direction and for handling the levitated media by blowing air between the upper media levitated by the buoyancy mechanism 70 and the media located below it.

[0028] -Storage Unit- In this example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the storage section 30 has a loading bottom plate 31 on which media of various sizes are loaded, and includes side guides 32 (specifically 32a, 32b) provided on the side in the width direction intersecting the discharge direction of media of various sizes loaded on the loading bottom plate 31 as lateral guide means for positioning and guiding the lateral position of the media, an end guide 33 provided on the rear side opposite to the discharge direction of media loaded on the loading bottom plate 31 as rear guide means for positioning and guiding the rear position of the media, and a partition plate 34 that partitions the discharge direction side position of the media loaded on the loading bottom plate 31. In this example, the storage section 30 can be designed to match the size of the media to be used, but from the standpoint of versatility, it is preferable to primarily use media of standard size. Standard-sized media here refers to media with a length in the longitudinal direction of up to 488 mm, and an example of such media is media of A3 size or smaller according to the JIS standard. Furthermore, in this example, the media includes not only those with a uniform thickness, but also those with non-uniform thicknesses, such as envelopes, that have different thicknesses in the direction of delivery.

[0029] In this example, the side guide 32 is provided to be movable along the width direction of the loading base plate 31 and positioned at a predetermined position, and the end guide 33 is provided to be movable along the medium discharge direction of the loading base plate 31 and positioned at a predetermined position. In this example, the partition plate 34 is provided with a separation plate 35 (see Figure 7) that protrudes upward from the upper edge of the partition plate 34, and the separation plate 35 functions as a stopper wall that blocks the upper region of the medium group located below the medium adsorbed by air to the vacuum head 50.

[0030] <Lifting mechanism> Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the loading base plate 31 is supported so as to be able to move up and down by a lifting mechanism 90 (see Figure 6), which will be described later. In this example, as shown in Figures 4 and 6(a) and 6(b), the lifting mechanism 90 is equipped with four suspension sections 91 on both sides of the loading base plate 31 in the width direction intersecting the medium delivery direction. Each suspension section 91 is equipped with four wires 92 to 95, the ends of which are distributed and connected to each of the suspension sections 91. After each wire 92 to 95 is stretched over one or more guide pulleys 96, one end of each wire 92 to 95 is fixed to a coaxially connected winding pulley 97 (97a, 97b in this example). The winding pulley 97 is rotated by a drive motor 98 that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, moving each wire 92 to 95 by a predetermined amount, thereby raising and lowering the loading base plate 31 while maintaining a parallel position. Reference numeral 99 indicates a height sensor used to set the surface of the medium loaded on the loading base plate 31 to a predetermined medium reference height FC (see Figure 18(a)). The media reference height FC referred to here refers to the position set so that the uppermost position of the media is such that air suction operation by the vacuum head 50 is possible, under the condition that a medium S of uniform thickness, such as plain paper, is stored in the storage section 30 in a substantially horizontal position.

[0031] -Send- In this example, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the delivery roll 40 comprises a drive roll 41 that rotates on its own and a driven roll 42 that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive roll 41, and is configured to hold and transport a medium at the contact point between the drive roll 41 and the driven roll 42. -Position Sensor- Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a position sensor 45 is installed downstream of the delivery roll 40 in the media transport direction. This position sensor 45 detects when the media has passed the nip area of ​​the delivery roll 40, and one is provided within the media passage area. The detection signal from this position sensor 45 recognizes that the supply operation of the previously delivered media S has ended, and this triggers the supply operation of the next media S in continuous supply mode.

[0032] -Vacuum Head- In this example, as shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the vacuum head 50 is supported by a head frame 60 fixed to the housing 12 above the housing 30 via a guide mechanism 58 (for example, using a guide rod), and is provided to move back and forth along the direction of medium delivery. In this example, the vacuum head 50 has a hollow box-shaped head body 51, and a number of vacuum holes 52 are provided on the surface of the head body 51 that faces the medium housed in the housing section 30. Furthermore, the head body 51 has a skirt portion 51a around the vacuum hole 52 side to maintain a sealed state when air is adsorbed onto the medium. A suction mechanism 53 is connected to the head body 51. As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the suction mechanism 53 is configured such that a connecting duct 55 connects the suction blower 54 to the head body 51, and an on / off valve 56 is interposed in the middle of the connecting duct 55 to open and close the flow path, and the on / off valve 56 is opened and closed by a valve motor 57.

[0033] The head frame 60 is provided with a reciprocating mechanism 61 for moving the vacuum head 50 forward and backward. In this example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the reciprocating mechanism 61 consists of a stepping motor 62 fixed to the head frame 60, a drive pulley 63 connected to the stepping motor 62, and an appropriate number of transmission pulleys 64 provided at appropriate locations on the head frame 60. A wire 65 is stretched between the drive pulley 63 and the transmission pulleys 64, and a portion of the wire 65 is fixed to the vacuum head 50. In this example, the drive pulley 63 rotates in accordance with the forward and reverse rotation of the stepping motor 62, causing the wire 65 to move by a predetermined amount, and the vacuum head 50 moves forward and backward in the direction of medium delivery.

[0034] -Levitation mechanism- In this example, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 11, the levitation mechanism 70 is configured such that, for example, the side guides 32 (32a, 32b) are made into hollow box shapes, multiple air outlets 71 are provided above the parts of the side guides 32 that face the side of the medium, and an air duct 72 is provided in the hollow part of the side guide 32, with one end communicating with the air outlets 71, and the other end of the air duct 72 is connected to a blower 73 for blowing. Here, the blower 73 may be built into the side guide 32 or it may be mounted externally to the side guide 32. In this example, a media regulating component 100 is provided near the air outlet 71 of the side guide 32. The media regulating component 100 in this example is provided to the side of the media loaded on the loading bottom plate 31 and protrudes into the media storage area, functioning to regulate excessive buoyancy of the media when the buoyancy mechanism 70 is in use.

[0035] Furthermore, in this example, a shutter mechanism 75 is provided to open and close the air outlet 71. As shown in Figures 11 and 12(a)(b), the shutter mechanism 75 comprises a plate-shaped shutter 76 that covers the air outlet 71 and a shutter drive mechanism 77 that reciprocates the shutter 76 in the vertical direction. Here, the shutter drive mechanism 77 includes, for example, a drive transmission gear 772 coaxial with the drive shaft of a drive motor 771 which is a stepping motor, and a shutter support member 773 that supports the lower part of the shutter 76. A rack 774 extending in the vertical direction is provided on one side edge of the shutter support member 773, and a drive transmission gear train 775 is provided between the rack 774 and the drive transmission gear 772 so as to enable drive transmission, thereby transmitting the driving force from the drive motor 771, which is driven based on a drive signal from the control device 200, to the shutter 76. Thus, in this example, the air outlet 71 is repeatedly opened and closed by the shutter mechanism 75, causing the air blown out from the air outlet 71 to have a wavering pattern, making it easier to levitate the upper part of the medium S.

[0036] -Air handling mechanism- In this example, as shown in Figures 4, 7 and 13(a) to (c), the air handling mechanism 80 has an air nozzle 81 that blows knife-shaped air from below diagonally backward toward the end of the medium being lifted by the levitation mechanism 70 in the direction of delivery. An air guide plate 82 protrudes from the vacuum head 50 near the delivery roll 40, and the air blown from the air nozzle 81 is redirected by the air guide plate 82, blowing air between the upper medium lifted by the levitation mechanism 70 and the medium located below it to handle the medium. In this example, an air duct 83 is connected to the air nozzle 81, and a blower 84 for blowing out air is connected to this air duct 83. An on / off valve 85 is provided in the middle of the air duct 83 to open and close the flow path, and this on / off valve 85 is opened and closed by a valve motor 86. In this way, in this example, the blower 84 continues to operate, and air is switchedly blown out from the air nozzle 81 by opening and closing the on / off valve 85.

[0037] -Auxiliary suction device- In particular, this embodiment includes an auxiliary adsorption device 120 that assists the air adsorption operation of the medium by the vacuum head 50. <Layout of auxiliary suction devices> In this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 is provided close to the side of the vacuum head 50 opposite to the direction of transport of the medium S, as shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8. In this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 is attached to the outer surface of the side wall of the head frame 60 supporting the vacuum head 50, on the side opposite to the direction of transport of the medium S, via a holder bracket 121. In this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 is held on the head frame 60 in a non-contact state with the vacuum head 50, but it may also be held on the head frame 60 in contact with the vacuum head 50. In other words, in this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 only needs to be located close to the vacuum head 50 on the opposite side of the direction in which the medium S is transported. To clarify the term "proximity," in this example, regarding the positional relationship between the initial position of the end guide 33 when the largest size medium S that can be accommodated in the storage section 30 is stored, and the side wall portion of the vacuum head 50 located on the opposite side from the direction of transport of the medium S, if the auxiliary suction device 120 is positioned closer to the side wall portion of the vacuum head 50 than the end guide 33, it is considered to be positioned "in close proximity."

[0038] More specifically, when a medium such as an envelope of non-uniform thickness is placed in the storage section 30, as shown in Figure 15(a), the medium S may be positioned at an angle within the storage section 30. In this state, there is a concern that the portion of the medium S1 located at the top of the medium S that faces the vacuum head 50 will be positioned lower than the medium reference height FC, making it difficult for the vacuum head 50 alone to adsorb air onto the inclined medium S1, which presents a technical challenge. Therefore, to solve this technical challenge, even on the opposite side of the medium transport direction of the vacuum head 50, the function of assisting air adsorption of the medium by the vacuum head 50 cannot be realized at locations far from the vacuum head 50. Thus, an appropriate layout of the auxiliary adsorption device 120 is found based on the maximum usable size of medium. In particular, given that these technical challenges are frequently observed with commonly used envelopes such as "Kakugata 2," "Kakugata 3," "Nagagata 3," and "Nagagata 4," it is preferable that the end guide 33 be positioned closer to the vacuum head 50 than the position of the end guide 33 when using these envelopes (the rear end position opposite to the direction of transport of these envelopes). Among these types of envelopes, the smallest size is the long 4 (90mm wide x 205mm long). Considering this, it is desirable that the information be placed within 102.5mm from the front of the envelope.

[0039] <Example of auxiliary suction device configuration> In this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 has a movable duct 122 that can expand and contract under its own weight, as shown in Figures 7 and 14. In this example, as shown in Figure 14(a), the movable duct 122 consists of substantially cylindrical divided ducts 131 and 132 divided into multiple stages (two stages in this example). The second divided duct 132 is slidably fitted inside the first divided duct 131 by its own weight, and an inner flange portion 133 is formed on the lower inner edge of the first divided duct 131, while an outer flange portion 134 is formed on the upper outer edge of the second divided duct 132. The outer flange portion 134 of the second divided duct 132 is hooked onto the inner flange portion 133 of the first divided duct 131 to prevent it from coming loose. An annular sealing material 135 is provided between the outer flange portion 134 of the second divided duct 132 and the inner circumferential surface of the first divided duct 131 to ensure airtightness. Furthermore, a stopper piece 136 projecting radially is retrofitted to the lower outer edge of the second divided duct 132 after the second divided duct 132 has been fitted into the first divided duct 131. This stopper piece 136 prevents the second divided duct 132 from entering the first divided duct 131.

[0040] In this example, as shown in Figure 14(a), if the auxiliary suction device 120 holds the first divided duct 131 of the movable duct 122 with the holder bracket 121 (see Figure 7), the second divided duct 132, which is fitted into the first divided duct 131, will fall downward due to its own weight, and the movable duct 122 will extend to reach the medium S1 located at the top of the medium S in the housing section 30. At this time, the second divided duct 132 can extend downward as far as possible relative to the first divided duct 131 until its outer flange portion 134 abuts against the inner flange portion 133, but it will stop when it abuts against the medium S1 located at the top of the medium S in the housing section 30. Here, the lower end position FC1, where the movable duct 122 is fully extended by its own weight, is selected to be lower than the media reference height FC, as shown in Figure 15(a), and is appropriately selected within a range that allows contact with the media S1 located at the top of the media S, such as envelopes, which are stacked at an angle in the storage section 30. In this state, when the auxiliary suction device 120 is sucked by the suction mechanism described later, as shown in Figure 14(b), the tip of the movable duct 122 adsorbs the medium S1 with air, and the tip of the movable duct 122 is blocked by the medium S1. As a result, the second divided duct 132 is pulled into the first divided duct 131 by the air suction force, and the movable duct 122 moves from the extended state to the shortened state.

[0041] <Other configuration examples of auxiliary suction devices> In this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 has a movable duct 122 consisting of multiple retractable segmented ducts 131 and 132, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 14(c), an elastically deformable bellows section 142 may be formed in the middle of a resin duct body 141, and the duct body 141 may be configured to extend under its own weight by utilizing the elastic deformation of this bellows section 142.

[0042] <Suction mechanism of auxiliary suction device> In this example, the upper end of the movable duct 122 of the auxiliary suction device 120 is connected to the suction mechanism. Here, a suction mechanism specifically for the auxiliary suction device 120 may be used, but in this example, as shown in Figure 15(a), the suction mechanism 53 of the vacuum head 50 is shared. In this example, the suction mechanism 53 of the auxiliary suction device 120 is configured such that a branched connection duct 150 is branched off from the middle of the connection duct 55 between the suction blower 54 and the vacuum head 50, and this branched connection duct 150 is connected to the upper end of the movable duct 122 of the auxiliary suction device 120. Furthermore, an on / off valve 151 that opens and closes the flow path is interposed in the middle of the branched connection duct 150, and the on / off valve 151 is opened and closed by a valve motor 152.

[0043] <Air suction operation of auxiliary suction device and vacuum head> In this example, as shown in Figure 15(b), the auxiliary suction device 120 opens the on / off valve 151 at a timing t0 earlier than the vacuum head 50 to start air suction. Subsequently, the vacuum head 50 opens the on / off valve 56 at a timing t1, a predetermined time after t0, to start air cessation. However, the auxiliary suction device 120 then closes the on / off valve 151 at a timing t2, a predetermined time after t1, to end the air suction operation.

[0044] -Control System- In this example, as shown in Figure 4, a control device 200 is provided to control the media supply device 11. This control device 200 is composed of a microcomputer including various processors. The term "processor" here refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). This control device 200 receives various information related to job specification and signals from various sensors (e.g., position sensor 45, height sensor 99, etc.) into the processor, executes various programs pre-installed in memory (not shown), and sends predetermined control signals to each controlled object. In this example, the controlled objects include the delivery roll 40, the vacuum head 50 (suction mechanism 53, forward / backward mechanism 61), the levitation mechanism 70, the air handling mechanism 80 and the lifting mechanism 90, and the auxiliary suction device 120. The control device 200 is also equipped with a display 210 that shows the progress of the media supply job and warnings about abnormalities in the media supply status.

[0045] -The process of supplying the media- First, the basic media supply operation process of the media supply device according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 16. First, as shown in Figure 16(a), air for buoyancy is blown out from the side of the media bundle by the buoyancy mechanism 70, causing several of the upper media bundles to float to a position where they can be air-suctioned by the vacuum head 50. In this state, as shown in Figure 16(b), the auxiliary suction device 120 opens the on / off valve 56 of the suction mechanism 53 of the vacuum head 50, creating negative pressure in the vacuum head 50, thereby causing the uppermost floating medium S1 to be adsorbed by air. At this time, since the vacuum head 50 has a recess between the surrounding skirt portion 51a and the vacuum hole 52 surface of the head body 51, the medium S1 deforms along this recess, and the skirt portion 51a, which seals the negative pressure area, is also lifted together with the medium S1. In particular, in this example, the air adsorption of the medium by the auxiliary adsorption device 120 assists the air adsorption of the medium S1 by the vacuum head 50, and further details on this will be described later.

[0046] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 16(c), the on / off valve 85 of the air handling mechanism 80 is opened, and air is directed onto the air guide plate 82 on the conveying direction side of the vacuum head 50. This inserts handling air between the uppermost medium S1, which is air-adsorbed by the vacuum head 50, and the second and subsequent mediums S located below it, knocking down the second and subsequent mediums S that have attached to the uppermost medium S with the air. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 16(d), the vacuum head 50 holding the uppermost medium S1 moves forward towards the delivery roll 40, and after transferring the medium S1 to the delivery roll 40, the on / off valve 56 of the vacuum head 50 and the on / off valve 85 of the air handling mechanism 80 are closed. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 16(e), the vacuum head 50 is returned to its original initial position to prepare for the next medium supply operation.

[0047] <Timing charts for each device> Figure 17 shows the timing charts for each device during the supply process of such a medium. In the same figure, the "blower for the vacuum head" corresponds to the "blower 54" of the suction mechanism 53 (see Figure 10), the "blower for air handling" corresponds to the "blower 84" of the air handling mechanism 80 (see Figure 13), and the "blower for buoyancy" corresponds to the "blower 73" of the buoyancy mechanism 70 (see Figure 11). Furthermore, the "motor for vacuum valves" corresponds to the valve motor 57, the "valve motor for air handling" corresponds to the valve motor 86, and the "motor for vacuum heads" corresponds to the stepping motor 62 of the reciprocating mechanism 61. In this example, during the media supply job, the "vacuum head blower," "air blower," and "float blower" are always ON during the media supply job, and the "vacuum valve motor," "air blower valve motor," and "vacuum head motor" are repeatedly switched ON and OFF for each sheet of media, causing the vacuum head 50 to repeatedly perform suction, advancement and retraction movements, and the supply and stop of blowing air by the air blowing mechanism 80.

[0048] -The function of auxiliary suction devices- In this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 has the following three characteristic features in terms of its structure. The first characteristic feature is that the auxiliary suction device 120 is positioned close to the side opposite to the direction in which the medium is transported by the vacuum head 50. The second characteristic feature is that the auxiliary adsorption device 120 adsorbs the medium S with air before the vacuum head 50. The third characteristic feature is that the auxiliary adsorption device 120 adsorbs the medium S with air at a position lower than the medium reference height FC.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary suction device 120 performs the following functions. In this example, before the air suction operation of the auxiliary suction device 120 begins, the movable duct 122 is extended downward by its own weight, as shown in Figure 15(a). In particular, in this example, the lower end position of the movable duct 122 of the auxiliary suction device 120 is selected to be at a position FC1 lower than the media reference height FC, as shown in Figure 19(a). Therefore, even if the media S housed in the housing section 30 is a medium such as an envelope with non-uniform thickness, and the transport direction side of the media S is positioned with a lower inclination relative to the housing section 30, the lower end opening of the auxiliary suction device 120 is positioned in contact with or close to the surface of the media S1 located at the top of the group of media S. In this state, when the upper few layers of the medium S are lifted by the levitation mechanism 70, the lower end opening of the auxiliary adsorption device 120 comes into contact with the uppermost floating medium S1.

[0050] In this example, as shown in Figure 18(a), the auxiliary suction device 120 starts the air suction operation before the vacuum head 50. Therefore, the auxiliary suction device 120 uses air to adsorb the medium S1 to its lower end opening and transports the medium S1 upwards while shortening the second divided duct 132 of the movable duct 122. In this state, the medium S1 held by the auxiliary adsorption device 120 is lifted above the medium reference height FC, as shown in Figure 19(b), and approaches the adsorption surface of the vacuum head 50. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 18(b), when the vacuum head 50 starts the air suction operation, the medium S1 is adsorbed by the vacuum head 50, and as shown in Figure 18(b), the air adsorption operation of the medium S1 is transferred from the auxiliary adsorption device 120 to the vacuum head 50. During this time, as shown in Figure 15(b), the auxiliary suction device 120 and the vacuum head 50 simultaneously continue air suction operations for a predetermined period of time, so the air suction operation of the medium S is stably transferred to the vacuum head 50 side. After this, once the air suction operation of the auxiliary suction device 120 is completed, the vacuum head 50 moves toward the delivery roll 40 while still holding the medium S with air suction, and transfers the medium S1 to the delivery roll 40. During this time, the air suction operation of the medium S1 by the auxiliary suction device 120 is terminated, so there is no concern that the auxiliary suction device 120 will interfere with the transport operation of the medium S by the vacuum head 50.

[0051] Furthermore, in this example, as shown in Figure 19(c), the auxiliary suction device 120 is installed approximately in the center of the width direction of the head frame 60 and is positioned in an extended state down to a position FC1 lower than the media reference position FC. Therefore, even if the media S housed in the housing section 30 is deformed into a concave shape along the front and rear width directions intersecting the transport direction of the media S, or if it is housed at an angle as shown in media S', the auxiliary suction device 120 in this example can reliably suction the uppermost media S1, S1' with air.

[0052] ◎Comparison Form 1 To evaluate the performance of the media supply device 11 according to this embodiment, a media supply device according to comparative embodiment 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 20(a), the media supply device 11' according to comparative form 1 includes a storage section 300 for storing the media S in a stacked state, a delivery roll 301 for feeding out the media S one sheet at a time, a vacuum belt 302 provided above the storage section 300, closer to the delivery roll 301, which suctions and transports the front end of the media S in the transport direction, a rear end suction section 303 provided above the storage section 300, opposite to the delivery roll 301, which suctions the rear end of the media S in the transport direction, and an air blowing section (not shown) that blows air onto the media S from the side of the storage section 300 to levitate the top of the media S. In particular, in this example, the rear end suction unit 303 comprises a movable unit that can move vertically perpendicular to the uppermost surface of the medium S housed in the housing unit 300, and a blower that generates an suction force to attract the uppermost medium S1 to the movable unit. The movable unit is configured to move downward to contact the uppermost medium S1 when it is not attracting any medium S, and to move upward when it has attracted the medium S1 to separate the rear end of the medium S1 from other medium S. Furthermore, the rear end suction portion 303 is fixed to the upper part of the rear end regulating member that regulates the rear end position of the medium S housed in the housing portion 300, and is positioned corresponding to the rear end position of the medium S. In Figure 20(a), P indicates the lower end movement position of the rear end suction part 303, and corresponds to the predetermined position of the medium S located at the uppermost position within the housing part 300. In this example, the vacuum belt 302 and the rear end suction unit 303 are configured to start air suction operation simultaneously, as shown in Figure 20(c).

[0053] In this example, as shown in Figure 20(b), the vacuum belt 302 air-suctions the front end of the uppermost medium S1 among the medium S that has been lifted by air blown from an air blowing unit (not shown), and the rear end suction unit 303 descends to a predetermined lower end movement position P and air-suctions the rear end of the uppermost medium S1, and then moves to an upward position. In this state, the vacuum belt 302 and the rear end suction unit 303 hold the uppermost medium S1 by suction, and then the vacuum belt 302 conveys the medium S1 it holds towards the delivery roll 301. At this time, when the medium S1 is transported toward the delivery roll 301, the medium S1 is released from the suction surface of the rear end suction part 303, causing the rear end suction part 303 to move downward and come into contact with the next uppermost medium S. Thus, in this example, the vacuum belt 302 and the rear end suction unit 303 are configured to suction and hold the front and rear ends of the medium S1 in the transport direction and transfer them to the delivery roll 301. Therefore, when supplying a medium S that is long in the transport direction, such as a long sheet of paper, even if the separated air from the air blowing unit does not reach the rear end of the medium S1, it is possible to suction and hold the long medium S1 and transfer it to the delivery roll 301. In other words, in this example, if the medium S is stored in the storage section 300 while maintaining a substantially horizontal position, the vacuum belt 302 and the rear end suction section 303 can hold the medium S1 by suction, and the medium supply operation can be performed effectively. However, in the case of storing a medium S such as an envelope of non-uniform thickness, as in this embodiment, the medium S may be positioned at an angle, causing the uppermost medium S1 to be lower than the predetermined lower end movement position P, and there is a risk that the medium S1 cannot be air-suctioned by either the vacuum belt 302 or the rear end suction section 303. This example does not assume that the medium S is positioned at an angle, and therefore it is difficult to improve the resulting supply problems of the medium.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary suction device 120 is equipped with an expandable and contractible movable duct 122 that extends downward under its own weight. However, it is not limited to the configuration example shown in Embodiment 1 (Figure 14), and for example, a configuration such as that shown in Modified Form 1-1 or Modified Form 1-2 may be adopted. ◎Transformation Form 1-1 Figure 21(a) shows the auxiliary suction device 120 relating to deformation form 1. In the figure, the auxiliary suction device 120 has an expandable and expandable movable duct 122. For example, as shown in Figure 20(b), it is designed to expand and contract and securely fit large, medium and small roughly cylindrical divided ducts 161 to 163, which are divided into multiple stages (three stages in this example), so that the duct length is extended by its own weight. In this example, the large-diameter divided duct 161 of the movable duct 122 is held to a part of the head frame 60 via a holder bracket 164. A radially projecting protruding piece 165 is provided on a part of the circumferential surface of the lower end side of the small-diameter divided duct 163 of the movable duct 122. This protruding piece 165 is stopped in a predetermined position by a stopper mechanism 166, so that the movable duct 122 maintains its shortened initial state. Furthermore, a radially projecting stopper piece 162a is provided on the lower outer edge of the medium-diameter divided duct 162, restricting the shortening operation of the medium-diameter divided duct 162 when the movable duct 122 is shortened.

[0055] The reason for providing such a stopper mechanism 166 is that, when the size of the medium S housed in the storage section 30 is small and there is no medium S in the area opposite the auxiliary suction device 120, the auxiliary suction device 120 is kept in an unused state and does not get in the way. In this example, the stopper mechanism 166 has a stopper piece 169 projecting radially from the lower end of a rotating shaft 168 rotatably held by a bearing holder 167, a transmission gear 170 is provided coaxially with the rotating shaft 168, and a drive transmission belt 172 is stretched between a drive gear 171 connected to a drive motor shaft (not shown) and the transmission gear 170, and by swinging the rotating shaft 168 within a predetermined angular range, the stopper piece 169 is swung between a stop position that blocks the protruding piece 165 and a stop release position that does not block the protruding piece 165. This stopper mechanism 166 holds the movable duct 122 in its shortened initial state by blocking the protruding piece 165 at the stop position when the auxiliary suction device 120 is not in use, as shown in Figure 21(c). When the auxiliary suction device 120 is used, the engagement with the protruding piece 165 is released, allowing the movable duct 122 to extend downward by its own weight.

[0056] ◎Transformation Form 1-2 Figure 22(a) shows the auxiliary suction device 120 relating to deformation form 1-2. In the figure, the auxiliary suction device 120 has a movable duct 122, similar to Embodiment 1, but unlike Embodiment 1 and the modified form 1-1, it does not have a configuration that can extend and retract under its own weight, but rather has a movable duct 180 that moves up and down by a drive mechanism 190. In this example, the movable duct 180 is formed by connecting a second duct element 182 via an intermediate duct element 183 to a first duct element 181 connected to a branch connection duct 150. Here, the first duct element 181 is held to be vertically movable along a guide rail 185, an elastic spring 184 is interposed between the first duct element 181 and the second duct element 182, the first duct element 181 and the intermediate duct element 183 are connected to be relatively movable, and the second duct element 182 and the intermediate duct element 183 are fixedly connected.

[0057] Furthermore, the drive mechanism 190 is equipped with a worm gear 191 that extends along the guide rail 185, and the worm gear 191 is meshed with a drive gear 193 fixed coaxially with the drive shaft of the drive motor 192, so that the first duct element 181 moves up and down by the rotation of the worm gear 191. In this example, when the auxiliary suction device 120 is not in use, the movable duct 180 is retracted to an upper position away from the medium S, as shown in Figure 22(a). When in use, as shown in Figure 22(b), the lower end opening of the movable duct 180 is brought into contact with the uppermost medium S1 while it is in a downward position, and then it is moved to an upward position while the air suction operation is started. Furthermore, in this example, the movable duct 180 is configured such that the first duct element 181 and the second duct element 182 can be elastically deformed by the elastic spring 184. Therefore, even if the tip of the second duct element 182 comes into strong contact with the medium S1, as shown in Figure 22(b), the excess amount is absorbed by the elastic spring 184.

[0058] ◎Embodiment 2 Figure 23(a) shows the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 2. In the figure, the media supply device 11 is substantially the same as in Embodiment 1, comprising a storage section 30, a delivery roll 40, a vacuum head 50, a buoyancy mechanism (not shown), and an auxiliary suction device 120. The auxiliary suction device 120 is configured to move up and down, and suctions the media S with air at a position FC1 lower than the media reference height FC, and moves to an upward position as shown in Figure 23(b). However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 23(c), unlike in Embodiment 1, the auxiliary suction device 120 starts the air suction operation simultaneously with the vacuum head 50 (at timing t0), and then ends the air suction operation at timing t1 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The vacuum head 50 continues the air rapid movement operation even after the auxiliary suction device 120 has finished its air suction operation, moves toward the delivery roll 40 while holding the medium S1 by suction, and hands over the medium S1 to the delivery roll 40. In this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 starts air suction operation at the same time as the vacuum head 50. However, the auxiliary suction device 120 approaches the uppermost medium S1 above the vacuum head 50, and then air-suctions the medium S1 before lifting the medium S1 to an upward position. Therefore, air-suctions the medium S1 occur after the vacuum head 50 has started air suction operation and when the medium S1 has come close to the suction surface of the vacuum head 50.

[0059] ◎Embodiment 3 Figure 24(a) shows the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 3. In the figure, the basic configuration of the media supply device 11 is substantially the same as in Embodiment 1, with the vacuum head 50 and auxiliary suction device 120 performing air suction operation using a shared suction mechanism 53; however, the configuration of the on / off valves 56 and 151 differs from that of Embodiment 1. In this example, as shown in Figures 24(a) and 24(b), adjustable shutter valves 221 and 222 are used as the on / off valves for the vacuum head 50 and the auxiliary suction device 120. These shutter valves 221 and 222 have a structure corresponding to the shape of a camera shutter, and the flow path opening 223 is formed by the shutter member 224 to create a fully closed state, a fully open state, and a half-open state of approximately the same degree.

[0060] In this example, as shown in Figure 24(b), the auxiliary suction device 120 performs pre-suction with the shutter valve 222 fully open before the vacuum head 50, then, when transitioning from pre-suction to the vacuum head 50, it performs air suction with the shutter valve 222 half-open, and finally ends the air suction operation with the shutter valve 222 fully closed. In contrast, as shown in Figure 24(b), the vacuum head 50 does not start air suction operation with the shutter valve 221 fully closed during pre-suction by the auxiliary suction device 120. Subsequently, when transitioning from pre-suction by the auxiliary suction device 120 to the vacuum head 50, air suction is started with the shutter valve 221 half-open, and then the air suction operation continues with the shutter valve 221 fully open. Thus, in this example, when transitioning from pre-suction by the auxiliary suction device 120 to the vacuum head 50, both are kept in a semi-open state to perform air suction. Once the air suction operation is transferred from the auxiliary suction device 120 to the vacuum head 50, the pre-suction is terminated and the air suction of the vacuum head 50 is fully opened, thus avoiding concerns about a decrease in suction force due to air suction.

[0061] In this embodiment, shutter valves 221 and 222 are used for the vacuum head 50 and auxiliary suction device 120, respectively. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and it is also possible to control air suction for the vacuum head 50 and auxiliary suction device 120 with a single shared valve 230 (see Figures 25 to 27), as shown in modified forms 3-1 to 3-3. ◎Transformation Form 3-1 Figure 25(a) shows the main parts of the media supply device according to modified form 3-1. In the figure, the basic configuration of the media supply device 11 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 3, but unlike Embodiment 3, a common valve 230 is installed at the branching point between the connecting duct 55 and the branch connecting duct 150. In this example, the branched connection duct 150 is branched in such a way that it secures a T-shaped space 231 that branches off in a roughly T-shape from the connection duct 55, and the shared valve 230 has an elliptical valve plate 232 that is pivotably supported at the intersection of the T-shaped space 231 via a pivot point 233. Here, as shown in Figure 25(b), the shared valve 230 closes the flow path of the connecting duct 55 connected to the vacuum head 50 with its valve plate 232 during pre-suction by the auxiliary suction device 120, and closes the flow path of the branch connecting duct 150 with its valve plate 232 during suction by the vacuum head 50. Furthermore, when transitioning from pre-suction to the vacuum head 50, the shared valve 230 positions its valve plate 232 in a neutral position, allowing simultaneous suction by the auxiliary suction device 120 and the vacuum head 50, and preventing a decrease in the total suction force during simultaneous suction.

[0062] ◎Transformation Form 3-2 Figure 26(a) shows the main parts of the media supply device according to modified form 3-2. In the figure, the basic configuration of the media supply device 11 is substantially the same as that of modified form 3-1, and includes a T-shaped space 231 and a shared valve 230, however, the configuration of the shared valve 230 differs from that of modified form 3-1. In this example, the shared valve 230 is configured such that a spherical valve sphere 240 is slidably positioned in the horizontal space 231a, which includes the intersection of the T-shaped space 231. Here, as shown in Figure 26(b), the shared valve 230 closes the flow path of the connecting duct 55 connected to the vacuum head 50 with the valve sphere 240 during pre-suction by the auxiliary suction device 120, and closes the flow path of the branch connecting duct 150 with the valve sphere 240 during suction by the vacuum head 50. Furthermore, when transitioning from pre-suction to the vacuum head 50, the shared valve 230 positions the valve sphere 240 in a neutral position, allowing simultaneous suction by the auxiliary suction device 120 and the vacuum head 50, and preventing a decrease in the total suction force during simultaneous suction.

[0063] ◎Transformation Form 3-3 Figure 27(a) shows the main parts of the media supply device according to modified form 3-3. In the figure, the basic configuration of the media supply device 11 is substantially the same as in modified forms 3-1 and 3-2, and includes a T-shaped space 231 and a shared valve 230, however, the configuration of the shared valve 230 differs from that of modified forms 3-1 and 3-2. In this example, the shared valve 230 has a spherical valve body 250 rotatably installed at the intersection of the T-shaped space 231, and a T-shaped air passage 251 is formed inside the valve body 250. Here, as shown in Figure 27(b), during pre-suction by the auxiliary suction device 120, the shared valve 230 closes the connecting duct 55 connected to the vacuum head 50 with its valve body 250, and rotates the valve body 250 to a first rotation position A1, thereby establishing an air passage 251 between the branch connecting duct 150 and the vertical space 231b, which includes the intersection of the T-shaped space 231. Furthermore, during suction by the vacuum head 50, the shared valve 230 closes the branch connecting duct 150 with its valve body 250, and rotates the valve body 250 to a second rotation position A2, thereby establishing an air passage 251 between the connecting duct 55 connected to the vacuum head 50 and the vertical space 231b, which includes the intersection of the T-shaped space 231. Furthermore, when transitioning from pre-suction to the vacuum head 50, the shared valve 230 rotates the valve body 250 to a third rotation position A3, arranging the air passages 251 so that the T-shaped spaces 231 are in a positional relationship to communicate with each other. In this case, the auxiliary suction device 120 and the vacuum head 50 can be used for suction simultaneously, and the total suction force is maintained without decreasing during simultaneous suction.

[0064] ◎Embodiment 4 Figure 28(a) shows an overview of the media supply device according to Embodiment 4. In the figure, the basic configuration of the media supply device 11 is substantially the same as in the variations 3-1 to 3-3 of Embodiment 3, in that a common valve 230 is used to control the air suction operation of the vacuum head 50 and the auxiliary suction device 120. However, the air suction operation of the auxiliary suction device 120 differs from the variations 3-1 to 3-3 of Embodiment 3. The auxiliary suction device 120 and other components are substantially the same as in Embodiment 1. In other words, in this example, the shared valve 230 has a valve switching body 310 that selectively switches between the flow path of the connecting duct 55, which is located on the vacuum head 50 side of the branching point between the connecting duct 55 and the branch connecting duct 150, and the flow path of the branch connecting duct 150. As shown in Figure 28(b), the auxiliary suction device 120 starts its air suction operation at timing t0, before the vacuum head 50, but then simultaneously stops its air suction operation when the vacuum head 50 starts its air suction operation at timing t1.

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 29(a), when the auxiliary suction device 120 performs pre-suction, the auxiliary suction device 120 extends downward by its own weight toward a position FC1 lower than the media reference height FC, and comes into contact with the media S1 located at the highest position. Then, the auxiliary suction device 120 adsorbs and holds the media S1 and lifts it to an upward position. In this state, the medium S1 held by the auxiliary adsorption device 120 is positioned close to the adsorption surface of the vacuum head 50. Subsequently, as the valve switching body 310 of the shared valve 230 switches, the vacuum head 50 starts air suction operation as shown in Figure 29(b), and at the same time, the air suction operation of the auxiliary suction device 120 ends. At this time, when the air suction operation of the auxiliary suction device 120 ends, the air suction force on the medium S1 by the auxiliary suction device 120 ceases to act, but the vacuum head 50 immediately starts air suction operation, and the air suction force on the medium S1 by the vacuum head 50 begins to act. Therefore, the medium S1 that was held by the auxiliary suction device 120 is immediately held by the vacuum head 50 after the switch from the auxiliary suction device 120 to the vacuum head 50. Thus, even if the air suction operation is selectively switched from the auxiliary suction device 120 to the vacuum head 50, as in this example, the auxiliary suction device 120 assists the air suction operation of the medium S1 by the vacuum head 50.

[0066] ◎Embodiment 5 Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the media supply device according to Embodiment 5. In the figure, the basic configuration of the media supply device 11 is substantially the same as in embodiments 1 to 4, but unlike embodiments 1 to 4, the auxiliary suction device 120 is provided on a part of the head body 51 of the vacuum head 50 and moves back and forth together with the vacuum head 50. In this example, the basic configuration of the auxiliary suction device 120 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 1, for example, but the air suction operation of the auxiliary suction device 120 is different from that of Embodiment 1. In other words, in this example, as shown in Figure 31(c), the auxiliary suction device 120 starts its air suction operation at timing t0 before the vacuum head 50, and continues its air suction operation even after the vacuum head 50 starts its air suction operation at timing t1, and simultaneously terminates at timing t2 when the air suction operation of the vacuum head 50 ends.

[0067] According to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 31(c), when the auxiliary suction device 120 performs pre-suction, as shown in Figure 31(a), the auxiliary suction device 120 extends downward by its own weight toward a position FC1 lower than the media reference height FC, and comes into contact with the media S1 located at the highest position. Then, the auxiliary suction device 120 adsorbs and holds the media S1 and lifts it to an upward position. In this state, the medium S1 held by the auxiliary adsorption device 120 is positioned close to the adsorption surface of the vacuum head 50. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 31(c), when the vacuum head 50 starts air suction, as shown in Figure 31(b), the medium S1 that was held by the auxiliary suction device 120 is also attracted by air from the vacuum head 50. Therefore, the medium S1 that has been attracted by air from both the vacuum head 50 and the auxiliary suction device 120 is transferred to the delivery roll 40 as the vacuum head 50 moves toward the delivery roll 40. At this point, once the transfer of the medium S1 to the delivery roll 40 is complete, the air suction operation by the vacuum head 50 and the auxiliary suction device 120 ends, and they return to their original initial positions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...Containment means, 2...Discharge means, 3...Transfer means, 4...Float means, 5...Auxiliary adsorption means, 6...Air suction means, 7...Flow path forming means, 8...Opening degree adjustment means, FC...Media reference height, S...Media, S1...Media as the target of supply (the media located at the highest level)

Claims

1. A storage means for which a single-fed medium is stored, A dispensing means is provided on the side of the medium being dispensed from the medium contained in the aforementioned storage means, and dispenses the medium one sheet at a time. A transfer means is provided above the storage means and closer to the dispensing means, which uses air suction to transfer the medium stored in the storage means to the dispensing means, A buoyancy means is provided on the side of the medium contained in the aforementioned containment means, and blows air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the medium to separate and levitate the upper portion of the medium. An auxiliary adsorption means is provided above the aforementioned storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the medium, for adsorbing the medium stored in the storage means with air, Equipped with, The auxiliary adsorption means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the medium contained in the containment means that is on the opposite side from the dispensing means. Under the condition that a medium of uniform thickness is contained in the containment means in a substantially horizontal position, when the position at the top of the medium is set to enable air adsorption by the transfer means, the reference height of the medium is defined as the position at which the top of the medium is set, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means adsorbs the media with air at a position below the media reference height.

2. In the medium supply device according to claim 1, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means adsorbs air onto the media contained in the containment means before the transfer means.

3. In the media supply device according to claim 1 or 2, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means starts the air adsorption operation before the air adsorption operation of the transfer means.

4. In the media supply device according to claim 1 or 2, A media supply device characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means starts air adsorption operation before the transfer means and ends air adsorption operation after the transfer means has started air adsorption operation.

5. In the media supply device according to claim 1 or 2, A media supply device characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means starts air adsorption operation before the transfer means and ends air adsorption operation after the transfer means starts air adsorption operation.

6. In the media supply device according to claim 1 or 2, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means is connected to an air suction means via a flow path forming means, and an opening degree adjustment means is provided to open and close the flow path formed by the flow path forming means.

7. In the medium supply device according to claim 6, A media supply device characterized in that the air suction means is provided separately from the air suction means used for the air adsorption operation of the transfer means.

8. A storage means for storing a single-sheet medium, A dispensing means is provided on the side of the medium being dispensed from the medium contained in the aforementioned storage means, and dispenses the medium one sheet at a time. A transfer means is provided above the storage means and closer to the dispensing means, which uses air suction to transfer the medium stored in the storage means to the dispensing means, A buoyancy means is provided on the side of the medium contained in the aforementioned containment means, and blows air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the medium to separate and levitate the upper portion of the medium. An auxiliary adsorption means is provided above the aforementioned storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the medium, for adsorbing the medium stored in the storage means with air, Equipped with, The auxiliary adsorption means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the medium contained in the containment means that is on the opposite side from the dispensing means. The auxiliary adsorption means is connected to the air suction means via a flow path forming means, and an opening degree adjustment means is provided to open and close the flow path formed by the flow path forming means. A media supply device characterized in that the air suction means shares the air suction means used for the air adsorption operation of the transfer means.

9. In the medium supply device according to claim 8, The flow path forming means includes a first flow path forming section that connects the air suction means and the transfer means, and a second flow path forming section that branches off from the first flow path forming section and is connected to the auxiliary adsorption means. The medium supply device is characterized in that the opening degree adjustment means includes a first opening degree adjustment unit provided on the transfer means side of the first flow path forming unit, which is located on the branching portion with the second flow path forming unit, for adjusting the opening degree, and a second opening degree adjustment unit provided in the second flow path forming unit for adjusting the opening degree.

10. In the medium supply device according to claim 8, The flow path forming means includes a first flow path forming section that connects the air suction means and the transfer means, and a second flow path forming section that branches off from the first flow path forming section and is connected to the auxiliary adsorption means. The medium supply device is characterized in that the opening degree adjustment means is provided at the branching point between the first flow path forming section and the second flow path forming section and has a shared opening degree adjustment section that distributes the suction air to the auxiliary adsorption means and the transfer means.

11. In the media supply device according to claim 9 or 10, The air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means is started after the opening adjustment means switches to a first opening mode that enables only the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means, and after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the air adsorption operation by the auxiliary adsorption means, the opening adjustment means switches to a second opening mode that enables the air adsorption operation by the transfer means in addition to the auxiliary adsorption means, and the air adsorption operation by the transfer means is started.

12. A storage means for storing a sheet of media, A dispensing means is provided on the side of the medium being dispensed from the medium contained in the aforementioned storage means, and dispenses the medium one sheet at a time. A transfer means is provided above the storage means and closer to the dispensing means, which uses air suction to transfer the medium stored in the storage means to the dispensing means, A buoyancy means is provided on the side of the medium contained in the aforementioned containment means, and blows air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the medium to separate and levitate the upper portion of the medium. An auxiliary adsorption means is provided above the aforementioned storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the medium, for adsorbing the medium stored in the storage means with air, Equipped with, The auxiliary adsorption means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the medium contained in the containment means that is on the opposite side from the dispensing means. The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means has a movable duct whose lower end position is movable in the vertical direction, and the movable duct is moved to a predetermined lower target position to start the air adsorption operation.

13. In the medium supply device according to claim 12, Under the condition that a medium of uniform thickness is contained in the containment means in a substantially horizontal position, when the position at the top of the medium is set to enable air adsorption by the transfer means, the reference height of the medium is defined as the position at which the top of the medium is set, A media supply device characterized in that the target position is set below the media reference height.

14. In the medium supply device according to claim 12, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means has a movable duct that can extend and retract in the vertical direction, and the movable duct extends to the target position by its own weight and starts the air adsorption operation.

15. In the medium supply device according to claim 12, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means comprises a movable duct that can move in the vertical direction and a driving means for moving the movable duct up and down, and the movable duct is moved to the target position and the air adsorption operation is started.

16. In the medium supply device according to claim 12, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means has a movable duct whose lower end position is movable in the vertical direction, and the movable duct has an absorption section that absorbs the amount of excess movement of the lower end position.

17. A storage means for storing a sheet of media, A dispensing means is provided on the side of the medium being dispensed from the medium contained in the aforementioned storage means, and dispenses the medium one sheet at a time. A transfer means is provided above the storage means and closer to the dispensing means, which uses air suction to transfer the medium stored in the storage means to the dispensing means, A buoyancy means is provided on the side of the medium contained in the aforementioned containment means, and blows air onto the upper region of the lateral end face of the medium to separate and levitate the upper portion of the medium. An auxiliary adsorption means is provided above the aforementioned storage means and on the side of the transfer means opposite to the direction of transport of the medium, for adsorbing the medium stored in the storage means with air, Equipped with, The auxiliary adsorption means is positioned closer to the transfer means than the end of the medium contained in the containment means that is on the opposite side from the dispensing means. A media supply device characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means has an air adsorption area narrower than the air adsorption area of ​​the transfer means.

18. In the medium supply device according to claim 17, The media supply device is characterized in that the auxiliary adsorption means is provided approximately in the center of the width direction intersecting the media delivery direction.

19. A media supply device according to any one of claims 1, 8, 12, and 17, Processing means for performing predetermined processing on the medium supplied from the aforementioned medium supply device, A media processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

Images