Sending device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To enhance accuracy in detecting a position of at least either of a first medium and a second medium.SOLUTION: A feeding device is provided with: a supply part that supplies air to a space between a plurality of loaded media to float the media; a feeding part that feeds the media while adsorbing the media floated by the supply part thereon; a separating part that separates a second medium from a first medium by supplying air to the second medium arranged just below the first medium adsorbed on the feeding part; a detecting part that detects a position of at least either of the first medium and the second medium, after the separating part supplies air; and a changing part that changes a condition concerning operation of feeding by the feeding part, on the basis of the position detected by the detecting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery device and an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet supply device including: a placement unit on which a stack of sheets formed by stacking a plurality of sheets in the vertical direction can be placed; a blowing means for blowing air onto the stack of sheets placed on the placement unit to lift at least the uppermost sheet; a suction / conveying means provided above the placement unit for sucking the uppermost sheet lifted by the blowing means and conveying it in a predetermined conveying direction; a first slit light in the form of a belt having a component extending in the vertical direction, the first slit light intersecting at least a first edge of a first sheet and a second edge of a second sheet below the first sheet among the lifted plurality of sheets, and a first light source for emitting the first slit light; a photographing means for photographing the first slit light irradiated on the first sheet and the second sheet, and having a photographing direction different from the emission direction of the first slit light by the first light source in a plane parallel to the first sheet and the second sheet; a calculating means for calculating the vertical interval between the first sheet and the second sheet based on the first slit light photographed by the photographing means; and an air volume adjusting means for adjusting the air volume of the blowing means based on the vertical interval between the first sheet and the second sheet calculated by the calculating means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A possible dispensing device for delivering media includes a supply unit that supplies air between a plurality of loaded media to levitate the media, a dispensing unit that adsorbs the media levitated by the supply unit and delivers the media, and a separation unit that supplies air to a second media positioned directly below the first media adsorbed by the dispensing unit to separate the second media from the first media.

[0005] In the dispensing device, if the position of at least one of the first medium and the second medium is detected and the conditions related to the dispensing operation of the dispensing unit are changed based on the detected position, if the position is detected before the separation unit supplies air, the position may change due to the supply of air by the separation unit, and the detected position may differ from the actual position.

[0006] The present invention aims to improve the detection accuracy of detecting the position of at least one of the first medium and the second medium compared to a case where the detection unit detects the position of at least one of the first medium and the second medium before the air is supplied by the separation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first embodiment includes a supply unit that supplies air between a plurality of loaded media to levitate the media, a discharge unit that adsorbs the media levitated by the supply unit and delivers the media, and a separation unit that supplies air to a second media positioned directly below the first media adsorbed by the discharge unit to separate the second media from the first media. After the separation unit supplies air, the distance between the adsorption surface of the medium in the discharge unit and the downstream end of the first medium in the discharge direction is detected. The system includes a detection unit and a modification unit that changes the conditions related to the sending operation of the sending unit based on the position detected by the detection unit.

[0008] In the second embodiment, the detection unit, in the first embodiment, includes an imaging unit that captures images of a plurality of media after they have been levitated by the supply unit and supplied with air by the separation unit, and a identifying unit that identifies the position based on the images.

[0016] Third aspect So, First or second aspectIn this configuration, the modification unit changes the conditions related to the transmission operation of the transmission unit when the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, and does not change the conditions related to the transmission operation of the transmission unit when the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.

[0017] Fourth aspect is the 1st ~ Third aspect The system comprises one of the following: a dispensing device and an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium dispensed from the dispensing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the detection accuracy for detecting the position is higher compared to the case where the detection unit detects the position of at least one of the first medium and the second medium before the air is supplied by the separation unit.

[0019] According to the configuration of the second embodiment, the detection accuracy is higher compared to the case where the position is detected using a sensor that does not involve capturing images of multiple media.

[0027] Third aspect With this configuration, the number of steps involved in the dispensing operation of the dispensing unit can be reduced compared to constantly changing the conditions related to the dispensing operation of the dispensing unit based on the distance between the adsorption surface of the medium in the dispensing unit and the leading edge of the first medium.

[0028] Fourth aspect With this configuration, compared to the case where the detection unit detects the position of at least one of the first medium and the second medium before the separation unit supplies air, the image forming apparatus can form an image on the medium while suppressing delivery failures in at least one of the first medium and the second medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the transmission device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3]This is a view of the sending device according to the present embodiment as seen from the outer surface side of the side wall. [Figure 4] In the sending device shown in FIG. 2, this is a schematic view showing a state in which the adsorbent adsorbs the uppermost recording medium. [Figure 5] In the sending device shown in FIG. 4, this is a schematic view showing a state in which the adsorbent has moved to the delivery position. [Figure 6] This is a schematic view showing the imaging range of the imaging unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example of the determination device in the sending device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the processor of the determination device in the sending device according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0031] (Image Forming Apparatus 10) First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0032] Note that the arrow UP shown in the figure indicates the upper side (specifically, vertically upward) of the apparatus, and the arrow DO indicates the lower side (specifically, vertically downward) of the apparatus. Also, the arrow LH shown in the figure indicates the left side of the apparatus, and the arrow RH indicates the right side of the apparatus. Further, the arrow FR shown in the figure indicates the front of the apparatus, and the arrow RR indicates the rear of the apparatus. These directions are defined for convenience of explanation, so the apparatus configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that in each direction of the apparatus, the term "apparatus" may be omitted. That is, for example, "the upper side of the apparatus" may be simply indicated as "the upper side".

[0033] Furthermore, in the following explanations, "up and down direction" may be used to mean "both upward and downward" or "either upward or downward." "Left and right direction" may be used to mean "both right and left" or "either right or left." Note that "left and right direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. "Front and back direction" may be used to mean "both forward and backward" or "either forward or backward." Note that "front and back direction" can also be called lateral, sideways, and horizontal directions. In addition, the up and down direction, left and right direction, and front and back direction are directions that intersect each other (specifically, orthogonal directions).

[0034] Furthermore, the symbol with a "×" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. Also, the symbol with a "·" inside a "○" in the diagram represents an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page.

[0035] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1 is a device that forms an image on a recording medium P, which is an example of a medium. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10 comprises a delivery device 12, a transport unit 14, an image forming unit 16, and an ejection unit 18. The parts of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0036] (Conveying section 14) The transport unit 14 shown in Figure 1 is a component in the image forming apparatus 10 that transports the recording medium P. This transport unit 14 has the function of transporting the recording medium P sent out from the delivery device 12 to the image forming unit 16, and the function of transporting the recording medium P on which an image has been formed in the image forming unit 16 to the discharge unit 18.

[0037] Specifically, the transport unit 14 has transport members 14A and 14B, which are composed of a pair of transport rolls. In the transport unit 14, transport member 14A transports the recording medium P sent from the delivery device 12 to the image forming unit 16, and transport member 14B transports the recording medium P, on which an image has been formed in the image forming unit 16, to the discharge unit 18.

[0038] Furthermore, the conveying members 14A and 14B are not limited to a pair of conveying rolls. The conveying members 14A and 14B may be, for example, conveying belts and conveying drums, and various types of conveying members can be used.

[0039] (Image forming unit 16) The image forming unit 16 shown in Figure 1 is a component that forms an image on the recording medium P sent from the sending device 12. Examples of the image forming unit 16 include an inkjet type image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium using ink, and an electrophotographic type image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium using toner.

[0040] In an inkjet-type image forming unit, for example, ink droplets are ejected from an ejection unit onto a recording medium to form an image on the recording medium. Alternatively, an inkjet-type image forming unit may form an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink droplets from an ejection unit onto a transfer medium and transferring the ink droplets from the transfer medium to the recording medium.

[0041] In an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, charging, exposure, development, and transfer are performed to form an image on the recording medium. Alternatively, an electrophotographic image forming unit may perform charging, exposure, and transfer to form an image on a transfer medium, and then transfer the image from the transfer medium to the recording medium to form an image on the recording medium.

[0042] It should be noted that the image forming unit is not limited to the inkjet-type image forming unit and the electrophotographic-type image forming unit mentioned above, but various other image forming units can be used.

[0043] (Discharge section 18) The discharge section 18 shown in Figure 1 is the part of the image forming apparatus 10 from which the image-formed recording medium is discharged. The recording medium P, which has been transported by the transport section 14 (specifically the transport member 14B) after the image has been formed by the image forming section 16, is discharged into the discharge section 18.

[0044] (Sending device 12) The delivery device 12 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 is a device that delivers the recording medium P. In this embodiment, the delivery device 12 delivers the recording medium P in a predetermined delivery direction (specifically to the right). Therefore, in the delivery device 12, the right side is the downstream side in the delivery direction, and the left side is the upstream side in the delivery direction. In the recording medium P delivered from the delivery device 12, the downstream end in the delivery direction is referred to as the front end, and the upstream end in the delivery direction is referred to as the rear end. In the recording medium P, the direction intersecting the delivery direction (specifically the front-to-back direction) is referred to as the width direction, and the end in the width direction is referred to as the side end.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dispensing device 12 comprises a storage unit 20, a lifting unit 29 (see Figure 2), a supply unit 30 (see Figure 3), a dispensing unit 40, a separation unit 50, a limiting unit 59, and a detection unit 70 (see Figure 3). The following describes each part of the dispensing device 12.

[0046] (Storage section 20 and lifting section 29) The storage section 20 is a component that houses the recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the storage section 20 has a loading section 22 and a pair of side walls 24. Note that Figure 2 shows one of the pair of side walls 24 (specifically the front side).

[0047] The loading section 22 is a component on which the recording medium P is loaded. Specifically, the loading section 22 constitutes the bottom of the storage section 20 and is composed of a loading plate (so-called bottom plate) on which the recording medium P is loaded on the upper surface 22A.

[0048] Each of the pair of side walls 24 is positioned on the front and rear sides, respectively, of the recording medium P loaded in the loading section 22. Each of the pair of side walls 24 faces each of the pair of side edges of the recording medium P loaded in the loading section 22, positioning the recording medium P in the width direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction).

[0049] The storage section 20 also has a positioning section (not shown) for positioning the rear end of the recording medium P loaded on the loading section 22. The storage section 20 is not limited to the above configuration, and various configurations can be used.

[0050] The lifting unit 29 is a component that raises and lowers the recording medium P housed in the storage unit 20. Specifically, the lifting unit 29 raises the recording medium P by raising the loading unit 22 so that the uppermost recording medium P is positioned at a predetermined height (hereinafter referred to as the delivery height), and lowers the recording medium P by lowering the loading unit 22.

[0051] The lifting mechanism 29 can be, for example, a lifting member such as a wire or a pushing member such as an arm. With a lifting member, for example, the recording medium P is raised by lifting the loading section 22 upwards, and the recording medium P is lowered by the weight of the recording medium P and the loading section 22. With a pushing member, for example, the recording medium P is raised by pushing the loading section 22 upwards from below, and the recording medium P is lowered by the weight of the recording medium P and the loading section 22. Note that the lifting mechanism 29 is not limited to the above configurations, and various configurations can be used.

[0052] (Supply section 30) The supply unit 30 shown in Figure 3 is a component that supplies air between multiple stacked recording media P to levitate the recording media P. The supply unit 30 supplies air to multiple recording media P located within a predetermined range, including the uppermost recording media P, among the multiple recording media P stacked on the stacking unit 22. That is, the supply unit 30 supplies air to the multiple recording media P stacked on the stacking unit 22 within a predetermined range from the delivery height to a position below it. The reason the supply unit 30 supplies air between the multiple stacked recording media P to levitate them is to separate the multiple recording media P into individual sheets and deliver them one by one by supplying air between each of the multiple recording media P. Figures 2, 4, and 5 schematically show the state in which air is supplied to the upper part of the multiple stacked recording media P, causing them to levitate.

[0053] In this embodiment, the supply unit 30 has a pair of air blowers 32, a pair of flow pipes 34, and a pair of supply ports 36, as shown in Figure 3.

[0054] The pair of air blowers 32 are components that send wind (i.e., air). Each of the pair of air blowers 32 is attached to the outer surface of each of the pair of side walls 24 (i.e., the surface opposite to the surface facing the recording medium P loaded on the loading section 22). As the air blowers 32, for example, centrifugal blowers that blow air in the centrifugal direction, such as multi-blade blowers (e.g., sirocco fans), are used. Alternatively, as the air blowers 32, axial flow blowers that blow air in the axial direction, or other types of blowers may be used.

[0055] Each of the pair of flow pipes 34 constitutes a passage through which air supplied from each of the pair of blowers 32 flows. One end of each of the pair of flow pipes 34 is connected to each of the pair of blowers 32, and the other end is connected to each of the pair of supply ports 36.

[0056] Each of the pair of supply ports 36 is an opening that supplies air to a plurality of recording media P loaded on the loading section 22, and is formed on each of the pair of side walls 24. Each of these pair of supply ports 36 opens at the upper part of the side wall 24, on the front end side of the recording media P loaded on the loading section 22.

[0057] In the supply unit 30, air is supplied from a pair of blowers 32 through a pair of flow pipes 34 and a pair of supply ports 36 to the space between the multiple recording media P loaded on the loading unit 22, from both side ends (i.e., the front and rear sides).

[0058] The supply direction changing unit 38 is a component that changes the direction of air supply between multiple stacked recording media P. Specifically, the supply direction changing unit 38 is, for example, a louver provided at the supply port 36 and having multiple fins. The supply direction changing unit 38 is capable of changing the direction of air supply in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions. The supply direction changing unit 38 is not limited to a louver, and other means of changing the direction may be used.

[0059] The supply area changing unit 39 is a component that changes the area of ​​air supplied between a plurality of stacked recording media P. Specifically, the supply area changing unit 39 is composed of, for example, an opening / closing plate (i.e., shutter) that is movably provided on the supply port 36 and can change at least one of the opening position and opening area of ​​the supply port 36 by moving. The supply area changing unit 39 is capable of changing the air supply area in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions. The supply area changing unit 39 is not limited to an opening / closing plate, and other changing means may be used.

[0060] The supply unit 30 supplied air between the multiple recording media P loaded on the loading unit 22 from both side ends (i.e., the front and rear ends), but is not limited to this. The supply unit 30 may be configured to supply air between the multiple loaded recording media P from one of the two side ends (i.e., one of the front and rear ends). Alternatively, instead of supplying air between the multiple loaded recording media P from at least one of the two side ends of the recording media P, or in addition to supplying air from at least one of the front and rear ends of the recording media P, the supply unit 30 may be configured to supply air between the multiple recording media P loaded on the loading unit 22 from at least one of the two side ends, the front end, and the rear end.

[0061] (Dispatch unit 40) The delivery unit 40 shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5 is a component that adsorbs the recording medium P levitated by the supply unit 30 and delivers the recording medium P. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the delivery unit 40 adsorbs the uppermost recording medium P (hereinafter referred to as the uppermost medium P1) from among the recording medium P levitated by the supply unit 30 and delivers it downstream in the delivery direction (specifically to the right), as shown in Figure 5. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the delivery unit 40 has an adsorbent body 42, a moving mechanism 44, and a pair of delivery rolls 46.

[0062] The adsorbent body 42 is a component that adsorbs the uppermost medium P1 onto its lower surface 42B by suction. Specifically, the adsorbent body 42 adsorbs the uppermost medium P1 at a point further downstream than the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1, which is located at the delivery height. The adsorbent body 42 has an overhang portion 43 that extends downstream in the delivery direction (specifically to the right). When the uppermost medium P1 is adsorbed onto the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent body 42, the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1 is pressed against the lower surface 43B of the overhang portion 43. The lower surface 42B of the adsorbent body 42 is an example of an adsorption surface.

[0063] The moving mechanism 44 is a mechanism that moves the adsorbent 42 in the left-right direction (i.e., the downstream and upstream direction in the delivery direction) between the suction position (the position shown in Figure 2 and the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 5) and the transfer position (the position shown by the solid line in Figure 5).

[0064] Specifically, the moving mechanism 44 is constructed using known mechanisms such as a motor, gears, rack, pinion, and belt drive. However, the moving mechanism 44 is not limited to a specific mechanism, and various configurations can be used.

[0065] The pair of feed rolls 46 are feed members that feed the recording medium P toward the image forming unit 16. These pair of feed rolls 46 are positioned downstream of the suction body 42 in the feed direction (specifically, at the aforementioned transfer position) so as to contact each other in the vertical direction. Note that the feed members are not limited to a pair of feed rolls 46. For example, the feed members may be an annular belt and a drum, and various types of feed members can be used.

[0066] In the delivery unit 40, the adsorbent body 42, at the suction position (the position shown in Figure 2), adsorbs the uppermost medium P1 onto its lower surface 42B by suction, and the adsorbent body 42 is moved by the moving mechanism 44 to the transfer position (the position shown by the solid line in Figure 5). At the transfer position, the recording medium P is transferred from the adsorbent body 42 to a pair of delivery rolls 46, and the pair of delivery rolls 46 feed the recording medium P toward the image forming unit 16.

[0067] The delivery unit 40 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the delivery unit 40 may use a delivery member such as a belt instead of the adsorbent 42. In a configuration using an annular belt, for example, a suction unit that attracts the recording medium P to the outer surface of the belt by suction can be provided on the inner circumference of the belt.

[0068] (Separation section 50 and restriction section 59) The separation unit 50 shown in Figure 4 is a component that supplies air to a recording medium P (hereinafter referred to as the next medium P2) located directly below the uppermost medium P1 adsorbed by the delivery unit 40 (specifically, the adsorbent 42), thereby separating the next medium P2 from the uppermost medium P1. The uppermost medium P1 is an example of a first medium. The next medium P2 is an example of a second medium. This next medium P2 is a recording medium P that is delivered after the uppermost medium P1, and is a recording medium P located adjacent to and below the uppermost medium P1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the separation unit 50 includes, for example, a supply device 52, a flow pipe 54, and a nozzle 56.

[0069] The supply device 52 is a device that supplies air to the flow pipe 54. Specifically, the supply device 52 may be, for example, an air compressor that supplies compressed air to the flow pipe 54. However, the supply device 52 is not limited to an air compressor; other supply devices may also be used.

[0070] The flow pipe 54 constitutes a passage through which air supplied from the supply device 52 flows. This flow pipe 54 extends along the width direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) of the recording medium P, and allows air to flow along this width direction.

[0071] Multiple nozzles 56 are provided on the flow pipe 54 along the width direction (i.e., the front-to-back direction) of the recording medium P. Each of the multiple nozzles 56 extends from the flow pipe 54 toward the adsorbent body 42 (specifically the protruding portion 43) (i.e., diagonally upward to the left).

[0072] In the separation unit 50, with the adsorbent 42 in the suction position (the position shown in Figure 2), air is discharged from the nozzle 56 toward the extension unit 43 from the downstream side in the delivery direction. The air that hits the extension unit 43 is supplied between the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2. As a result, the next medium P2 is separated from the uppermost medium P1, and the next medium P2 falls.

[0073] Thus, since the air from the nozzle 56 is supplied between the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 via the protruding portion 43, the protruding portion 43 may be considered as an element of the separation portion 50. Alternatively, the separation portion 50 may be configured to supply air directly between the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 without passing through the protruding portion 43.

[0074] The limiting section 59 shown in Figure 4 is a component that restricts the downstream movement of the next medium P2 in the discharge direction. Specifically, the limiting section 59 is composed of a limiting wall positioned between the housing section 20 and the pair of discharge rolls 46 (specifically, the discharge roll 46 positioned on the lower side) in a side view. The limiting section 59 is formed in a plate shape that extends in the vertical direction in a side view.

[0075] The limiting unit 59, upon movement of the adsorbent 42 to the transfer position, contacts the next medium P2 that has been sent downstream in the discharge direction along with the uppermost medium P1, causing the next medium P2 to fall from the uppermost medium P1 and thereby restricting the downstream movement of the next medium P2 in the discharge direction. Note that the limiting unit 59 is not limited to the above configuration, and other limiting means may be used.

[0076] (Detection unit 70) The detection unit 70 shown in Figure 3 is a component that detects the position of at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 after the separation unit 50 supplies air. In this embodiment, the detection unit 70 detects both the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2 after the separation unit 50 supplies air.

[0077] Specifically, the detection unit 70 detects the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the recording medium P as the adsorption surface in the delivery unit 40 and the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1 as the position of the uppermost medium P1. This distance 90 is along the stacking direction of the recording medium P (specifically, the vertical direction).

[0078] Furthermore, the detection unit 70 detects the height 92 (see Figure 6) of the next medium P2 relative to the reference height of the next medium P2 as the position of the next medium P2. The reference height is the height of the upper edge of the limiting unit 59. The height 92 is a dimension along the stacking direction (specifically, the vertical direction) of the recording medium P.

[0079] Furthermore, the detection unit 70 detects the distance between the lower surface 42B or the uppermost medium P1, which serves as the suction surface of the recording medium P in the delivery unit 40, and the next medium P2 as the position of the next medium P2. This distance is aligned with the stacking direction of the recording medium P (specifically, the vertical direction). Note that the distance 94 shown in Figure 6 is the distance between the lower surface 42B and the next medium P2, and the distance 96 shown in Figure 6 is the distance between the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2.

[0080] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the detection unit 70 includes an imaging unit 72 and a judgment device 60.

[0081] The imaging unit 72 is a component that captures images of multiple recording media P after they have been levitated by the supply unit 30 and supplied with air by the separation unit 50. Specifically, the imaging unit 72 is composed of a camera having, for example, an optical element such as a lens and an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. However, the imaging unit 72 is not limited to this camera, and may be a camera using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or other elements as the image sensor, or other imaging units may be used.

[0082] The imaging unit 72 is attached to the outer surface of one of the pair of side walls 24 (for example, the front side wall 24). The imaging unit 72 captures images of the multiple levitating recording media P from one side in the width direction (specifically, the front side) through an opening 79 formed in the side wall 24. As shown in Figure 6, the imaging unit 72 has an imaging range (specifically, the range of the dashed line HA in Figure 6) that captures the tip portions of the multiple levitating recording media P.

[0083] The imaging unit 72 continues to perform imaging operations within the imaging range as long as the transmission unit 40 continues to perform the transmission operation of the recording medium P. The imaging unit 72 continuously captures images of the recording medium P multiple times.

[0084] The imaging unit 72 also has an illumination unit (not shown) that illuminates the imaging range. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 72 captured images of the multiple recording media P from one side in the width direction (specifically, the front side), but is not limited to this. The imaging unit 72 may be configured to capture images of the multiple recording media P from the other side in the width direction (specifically, the rear side). Furthermore, the imaging unit 72 may be configured to capture images of the multiple recording media P from the downstream side (specifically, the right side) or the upstream side (specifically, the left side) in the transmission direction.

[0085] The decision-making device 60 shown in Figures 3 and 7 is a device that performs various decisions (including judgments) in the transmission device 12. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the decision-making device 60 has a processor 61, a memory 62, and a storage 63.

[0086] For example, a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used as the processor 61. The storage 63 stores various programs, including the executable program 63A (see Figure 8), and various data. Specifically, the storage 63 is implemented by recording devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and flash memory.

[0087] Memory 62 is a workspace for the processor 61 to execute various programs, and it temporarily stores various programs or data when the processor 61 is executing a process. The processor 61 reads various programs, including the executable program 63A, from the storage 63 into memory 62 and executes the programs using memory 62 as a workspace.

[0088] In the decision-making device 60, the processor 61 implements various functions by executing the execution program 63A. The functional configuration realized through the cooperation of the processor 61 as a hardware resource and the execution program 63A as a software resource will be described below. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the processor 61.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, in the decision-making device 60, the processor 61 functions as the identification unit 61B, the modification unit 61D, and the control unit 61E by executing the execution program 63A.

[0090] The identification unit 61B identifies both the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 72, after the separation unit 50 supplies air. Specifically, based on the image, the identification unit 61B identifies the position of the uppermost medium P1 as the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1. Furthermore, based on the image, the identification unit 61B identifies the position of the next medium P2 as the height 92 (see Figure 6) of the upper edge of the limiting portion 59 of the next medium P2. Furthermore, based on the image, the identification unit 61B identifies the position of the next medium P2 as the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2.

[0091] Furthermore, the identification unit 61B extracts from the captured image taken by the imaging unit 72 portions that have characteristics of an image of the recording medium P (for example, color including brightness and darkness) as an image of the recording medium P, and identifies the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2. In this way, the identification unit 61B identifies the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2, and the detection unit 70 detects these positions.

[0092] The modification unit 61D changes the conditions related to the discharge operation of the discharge unit 40 based on the position detected by the detection unit 70. Specifically, the modification unit 61D changes the conditions related to the discharge operation of the discharge unit 40 based on the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2, which are identified by the identification unit 61B.

[0093] In this embodiment, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 is less than a predetermined threshold, and does not change the condition when the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold is the distance 98 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the limiting unit 59. In other words, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the next medium P2 is located above the limiting unit 59, assuming that there is a possibility of double feeding between the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2.

[0094] Furthermore, the modification unit 61D changes the condition if the height of the next medium P2 is higher than the reference height (specifically, the height of the upper edge of the limiting unit 59), and does not change the condition if the height of the next medium P2 is less than or equal to the reference height. In other words, the modification unit 61D changes the condition if the next medium P2 is located above the limiting unit 59, assuming that there is a possibility of double feeding between the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2.

[0095] The modification unit 61D changes the condition if the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and does not change the condition if the distance 90 (see Figure 6) is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold. In other words, the modification unit 61D changes the condition if the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1 is further away from the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 than the threshold, as this indicates a possible failure in the delivery of the uppermost medium P1.

[0096] The conditions include the airflow rate, temperature, humidity, supply direction, and supply area of ​​the air supplied between the multiple recording media P in the supply unit 30. The conditions also include the airflow rate, temperature, humidity, supply direction, and supply area of ​​the air supplied to the next medium P2 in the separation unit 50. Furthermore, the conditions include the vertical position of the limiting unit 59. The conditions also include the delivery height by the lifting unit 29. Finally, the conditions include the distance delivered by the adsorbent 42, i.e., the suction position (shown in Figure 2) and transfer position (shown by the solid line in Figure 5) of the adsorbent 42.

[0097] The control unit 61E controls the operation of each part of the sending device 12 based on the conditions changed by the modification unit 61D. Thus, the determination device 60 has the function of controlling the operation of each part of the sending device 12, and can therefore be called a control device.

[0098] In this embodiment, of the functional parts of the identification unit 61B, modification unit 61D, and control unit 61E, the functional part of the detection unit 70 is configured by the identification unit 61B. Furthermore, for example, the modification unit 61D and the control unit 61E may be configured as separate devices from the judgment device 60. Additionally, each of the identification unit 61B, modification unit 61D, and control unit 61E may be configured as a separate device.

[0099] The detection unit 70 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, instead of the imaging unit 72, the detection unit 70 may have an illumination unit that irradiates a band of light extending in the vertical direction onto a plurality of recording media P, and a light receiving unit that receives the light, and may detect the position of at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 based on the height of the portion where the light is blocked by the recording media P. Furthermore, in a configuration having the illumination unit and the light receiving unit, the detection may be based on the height of the portion where the light is reflected or absorbed by the recording media P. For example, the illumination unit can be an illumination unit in which light-emitting elements are arranged in a row or staggered pattern along the vertical direction, or arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. For example, the light receiving unit can be an illumination unit in which light-receiving elements are arranged in a row or staggered pattern along the vertical direction, or arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. The above detection unit having an illumination unit and a light receiving unit can be said to be a detection unit that does not involve imaging images of the plurality of recording media P.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 70 detected both the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2 after the separation unit 50 supplied air, but it is not limited to this. The detection unit 70 may be configured to detect either the position of the uppermost medium P1 or the position of the next medium P2 after the separation unit 50 supplied air.

[0101] Furthermore, the detection unit 70 specifically detected the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1, the height 92 (see Figure 6) of the next medium P2 relative to the reference height, and the gap between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2, but is not limited to these. The detection unit 70 may be configured to detect at least one of the distance 90, height 92, and gap.

[0102] (Effect according to this embodiment) Next, the operation according to this embodiment will be described.

[0103] In this embodiment, the detection unit 70 detects the position of at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 after the separation unit 50 supplies air.

[0104] In this case, when the detection unit 70 detects the position of at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 before the separation unit 50 supplies air (hereinafter referred to as form A), the supply of air by the separation unit 50 causes the position to change, and the detected position may differ from the actual position.

[0105] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the detection unit 70 detects the position of at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 after the separation unit 50 supplies air, so the detection accuracy for detecting that position is higher compared to embodiment A.

[0106] As a result, the modification unit changes the conditions related to the transmission operation based on highly accurate detection results, so transmission failures in at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 are suppressed compared to form A. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can form an image on the recording medium P while suppressing transmission failures in at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 compared to form A.

[0107] In this embodiment, the imaging unit 72 captures images of the multiple recording media P after they have been levitated by the supply unit 30 and supplied with air by the separation unit 50, and the identification unit 61B identifies the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2 based on the images captured by the imaging unit 72.

[0108] Here, the position and orientation of the uppermost medium P1 change depending on whether or not the uppermost medium P1 is properly attracted to the delivery unit 40, and the position and orientation of the next medium P2 change depending on whether or not the next medium P2 is properly separated from the uppermost medium P1. For this reason, when detecting the position of at least one of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 using a sensor that does not involve capturing images of multiple recording media P (hereinafter referred to as form B), detection failures may occur.

[0109] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the identification unit 61B identifies the position of the uppermost medium P1 and the position of the next medium P2 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 72, thus improving detection accuracy compared to embodiment B.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 70 detects the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 as the position of the next medium P2. Therefore, the modification unit 61D can change the conditions related to the dispensing operation of the dispensing unit 40 based on the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 is less than a predetermined threshold, and does not change the condition when the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0112] In this case, if the modification unit 61D constantly changes the conditions based on the gap between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 (hereinafter referred to as form C), the number of steps increases because a modification step to change the conditions must be performed when the dispensing unit 40 performs its dispensing operation.

[0113] In contrast, in this embodiment, the condition is not changed when the interval exceeds a predetermined threshold, so the number of steps required when the delivery unit 40 performs its delivery operation is reduced compared to embodiment C.

[0114] In this embodiment, the threshold is the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the limiting portion 59.

[0115] In this case, if the threshold is the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the limiting portion 59 (hereinafter referred to as form D), then when the next medium P2 adheres to the uppermost medium P1 adsorbed on the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42, and the next medium P2 is located above the limiting portion 59, the movement of the next medium P2 may not be restricted by the limiting portion 59, resulting in the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 being fed together.

[0116] In contrast, in this embodiment, the threshold is less than the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the limiting portion 59, so compared to embodiment D, double feeding of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 is suppressed.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 70 detects the height 92 (see Figure 6) of the next medium P2 relative to the reference height as the position of the next medium P2. Therefore, the modification unit 61D can change the conditions related to the delivery operation of the delivery unit 40 based on the height 92 (see Figure 6) of the next medium P2 relative to the reference height.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the height of the next medium P2 is higher than the reference height, and does not change the condition when the height of the next medium P2 is less than or equal to the reference height.

[0119] In this case, if the modification unit 61D always changes the condition based on the height 92 (see Figure 6) relative to the reference height of the next medium P2 (hereinafter referred to as form E), then when the delivery unit 40 performs its delivery operation, it is necessary to perform a modification step to change the condition, which increases the number of steps.

[0120] In contrast, in this embodiment, the condition is not changed when the height of the next medium P2 is less than or equal to the reference height, so the number of steps required when the dispensing unit 40 performs its dispensing operation is reduced compared to embodiment E.

[0121] In this embodiment, the reference height is the height of the upper edge of the limiting portion 59. However, if the reference height is higher than the height of the upper edge of the limiting portion 59 (hereinafter referred to as Embodiment F), then when the next medium P2 adheres to the uppermost medium P1 adsorbed on the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent body 42, and the next medium P2 is located above the limiting portion 59, the movement of the next medium P2 may not be restricted by the limiting portion 59, resulting in the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 being fed together.

[0122] In contrast, in this embodiment, the reference height is the height of the upper edge of the limiting section 59, so compared to embodiment F, double feeding of the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 is suppressed.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 70 detects the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1 as the position of the uppermost medium P1. Therefore, the modification unit 61D can change the conditions related to the dispensing operation of the dispensing unit 40 based on the height 92 (see Figure 6) of the next medium P2 relative to the reference height.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and does not change the condition when the distance 90 (see Figure 6) is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.

[0125] In this case, if the modification unit 61D constantly changes the condition based on the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the tip of the uppermost medium P1 (hereinafter referred to as form G), then when the delivery unit 40 performs its delivery operation, it is necessary to perform a modification step to change the condition, which increases the number of steps.

[0126] In contrast, in this embodiment, the condition is not changed when the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the leading edge of the uppermost medium P1 is below a predetermined threshold, thus reducing the number of steps required when the dispensing unit 40 performs its dispensing operation compared to embodiment G.

[0127] (modified version) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2 is less than a predetermined threshold, and does not change the condition when the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, but is not limited to this. For example, the modification unit 61D may be configured to always change the condition based on the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 or the uppermost medium P1 and the next medium P2.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the threshold was the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the limiting portion 59, but it is not limited to this. The threshold may be a distance less than the distance between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the limiting portion 59.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the height of the next medium P2 is higher than the reference height, and does not change the condition when the height of the next medium P2 is less than or equal to the reference height, but it is not limited to this. For example, the modification unit 61D may be configured to always change the condition based on the height 92 (see Figure 6) of the next medium P2 relative to the reference height.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reference height was the height of the upper edge of the limiting portion 59, but it is not limited to this. For example, the reference height may be a height higher than the height of the upper edge of the limiting portion 59.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the modification unit 61D changes the condition when the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the tip of the uppermost medium P1 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and does not change the condition when the distance 90 (see Figure 6) is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold, but is not limited to this. For example, the modification unit 61D may be configured to always change the condition based on the distance 90 (see Figure 6) between the lower surface 42B of the adsorbent 42 and the tip of the uppermost medium P1.

[0132] Furthermore, the aforementioned processor 61 refers to a processor in a broad sense and is not limited to general-purpose processors (for example, the CPU mentioned above), but may also be a dedicated processor (for example, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a programmable logic device, etc.).

[0133] Furthermore, the operation of the processor in this embodiment may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the modified forms shown above may be combined in any way. <Note> The first embodiment includes a supply unit that supplies air between a plurality of loaded media to levitate the media; a discharge unit that adsorbs the media levitated by the supply unit and discharges the media; a separation unit that supplies air to a second media positioned directly below the first media adsorbed by the discharge unit to separate the second media from the first media; a detection unit that detects the position of at least one of the first media and the second media after the separation unit has supplied air; and a modification unit that changes the conditions related to the discharge operation of the discharge unit based on the position detected by the detection unit. ru. In the second embodiment, the detection unit, in the first embodiment, includes an imaging unit that captures images of a plurality of media after they have been levitated by the supply unit and supplied with air by the separation unit, and a identifying unit that identifies the position based on the images. In the third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the detection unit detects the adsorption surface of the medium in the dispensing unit, or the distance between the first medium and the second medium, as the position. In the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, the modification unit changes the conditions related to the sending operation of the sending unit when the interval is less than a predetermined threshold, and does not change the conditions related to the sending operation of the sending unit when the interval exceeds a predetermined threshold. A fifth embodiment is a limiting unit in the fourth embodiment that restricts the movement of the second medium downstream in the discharge direction, wherein the threshold is the distance between the adsorption surface and the limiting unit. In the sixth embodiment, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the detection unit detects the height of the second medium relative to the reference height as the position. In the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the modification unit changes the conditions related to the delivery operation of the delivery unit when the height of the second medium is higher than the reference height, and does not change the conditions related to the delivery operation of the delivery unit when the height of the second medium is less than or equal to the reference height. The eighth aspect is the seventh aspect, comprising a limiting unit that restricts the movement of the second medium downstream in the discharge direction, wherein the reference height is the height of the upper edge of the limiting unit. In the ninth embodiment, in any one of the first to eighth embodiments, the detection unit detects the distance between the adsorption surface of the medium in the dispensing unit and the leading edge of the first medium as the position. In the tenth embodiment, in the ninth embodiment, the modification unit changes the conditions related to the sending operation of the sending unit when the distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, and does not change the conditions related to the sending operation of the sending unit when the distance is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The eleventh embodiment comprises a dispensing device according to any one of the first to tenth embodiments, and an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium dispensed from the dispensing device. According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the detection accuracy for detecting the position is higher compared to the case where the detection unit detects the position of at least one of the first medium and the second medium before the air is supplied by the separation unit. According to the configuration of the second embodiment, the detection accuracy is higher compared to the case where the position is detected using a sensor that does not involve capturing images of multiple media. According to the configuration of the third embodiment, the modification unit can change the conditions related to the dispensing operation of the dispensing unit based on the adsorption surface of the medium in the dispensing unit, or the distance between the first medium and the second medium. According to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, the number of steps required when performing the discharge operation of the discharge unit can be reduced compared to a case where the modification unit constantly changes the conditions related to the discharge operation of the discharge unit based on the adsorption surface of the medium in the discharge unit, or the distance between the first medium and the second medium. According to the configuration of the fifth embodiment, double feeding of the first medium and the second medium is suppressed compared to the case where the threshold is less than the distance between the adsorption surface and the limiting portion. According to the configuration of the sixth embodiment, the conditions related to the delivery operation of the delivery unit can be changed based on the height of the second medium relative to the reference height. According to the configuration of the seventh embodiment, the number of steps involved in the feeding operation of the feeding unit can be reduced compared to the case where the conditions related to the feeding operation of the feeding unit are constantly changed based on the height of the second medium. According to the configuration of the eighth embodiment, double feeding of the first medium and the second medium is suppressed compared to the case where the reference height is higher than the height of the upper edge of the limiting section. According to the configuration of the ninth embodiment, the conditions related to the dispensing operation of the dispensing unit can be changed based on the distance between the adsorption surface of the medium in the dispensing unit and the leading edge of the first medium. According to the configuration of the tenth embodiment, the number of steps required when performing the delivery operation of the delivery unit can be reduced compared to the case where the conditions related to the delivery operation of the delivery unit are constantly changed based on the distance between the adsorption surface of the medium in the delivery unit and the leading edge of the first medium. According to the configuration of the 11th embodiment, in the image forming apparatus, compared to the case where the detection unit detects the position of at least one of the first medium and the second medium before the separation unit supplies air, it is possible to form an image on the medium while suppressing delivery failures in at least one of the first medium and the second medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 10 Image forming apparatus 12 Delivery device 14 Conveying section 14A Conveying Member 14B Conveying component 16 Image forming unit 18 Discharge section 20 Storage Units 22 Loading section 22A Top 24 Side wall 29 Lifting section 30 Supply section 32 Air blower 34 Flow pipe 36 supply ports 38 Supply direction change section 39 Supply Area Change Section 40 Dispatch section 42 Adsorbent 42B Bottom surface 43 Overhang 43B Bottom surface 44 Moving mechanism 46 Dispensing Roll 50 Separation section 52 Feeding device 54 Flow pipe 56 nozzles 59 Restriction section 60 Judgment device 61 processors 61B Specific part 61D Changes 61E Control Unit 62 memory 63 storage 63A Executable Program 70 Detection unit 72 Photography Department 79 Aperture 90 distance 94 interval 96 interval 98 interval P1 Mogami Media P2 Next medium P recording medium

Claims

1. A supply unit that supplies air between multiple loaded media to levitate the media, A dispensing unit that adsorbs the medium levitated by the supply unit and dispenses the medium, A separation unit supplies air to a second medium positioned directly below the first medium adsorbed by the discharge unit, thereby separating the second medium from the first medium. After the separation unit supplies air, a detection unit detects the distance between the adsorption surface of the medium in the discharge unit and the downstream end in the discharge direction of the first medium. A modification unit that modifies the conditions related to the sending operation of the sending unit based on the distance detected by the detection unit, A dispensing device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The detection unit is A shooting unit that captures images of multiple media after they have been levitated by the supply unit and supplied with air by the separation unit, Based on the aforementioned image, a specific unit for determining the distance, has The dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. The modified part is, If the aforementioned distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the conditions related to the transmission operation of the transmission unit are changed. If the aforementioned distance is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the conditions related to the transmission operation of the transmission unit are not changed. The dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An image forming unit that forms an image on a medium sent out from the aforementioned sending device, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images