Relay conveying device, recording system and feeding system

Abstract

The present application relates to a relay conveying device, a recording system, and a feeding system. The relay conveying device is located between a recording device and a feeding device, relays a medium fed from the feeding device to convey to the recording device, the feeding device is configured outside the recording device to feed the medium to the recording device, and the relay conveying device includes: a first restricting portion having a first restricting surface that positions a first end edge of the medium fed from the feeding device, the first end edge being one end edge of the medium in a width direction intersecting a conveying direction; a first conveying belt that conveys the medium toward the first restricting surface in a first direction intersecting the conveying direction and the width direction; a second conveying belt provided at a position downstream of the first conveying belt in the conveying direction, the second conveying belt conveying the medium toward the first restricting surface in a second direction intersecting the conveying direction and the width direction; and a suction portion that suctions the medium through through holes provided in the first conveying belt and the second conveying belt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a relay conveying device disposed between a recording device and a feeding device for conveying a medium. Furthermore, this invention relates to a recording system equipped with the aforementioned relay conveying device. Background Technology

[0002] In recording devices, such as printers, it is possible to correct paper skew by abutting the leading edge of the paper, which serves as a medium, against a pair of rollers. Patent Document 1 shows a recording device that corrects paper skew by abutting the leading edge of the paper against an alignment roller pair.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-190214

[0004] Sometimes, a separate external feed device is provided relative to the recording device, forming a recording system that supplies the medium from the external feed device to the recording device. In such a recording system, if the degree of skew when the medium is fed out from the external feed device is large, the skew may not be adequately corrected during skew correction on the recording device side, and thus, proper recording may not be performed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The relay conveying device of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned technical problems, is characterized in that it is located between a recording device and a feeding device, relaying the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device, the recording device recording the medium, the feeding device being disposed outside the recording device, and feeding the medium to the recording device, the relay conveying device comprising: a first limiting part having a first limiting surface, the first limiting surface positioning a first end edge of the medium fed from the feeding device, the first end edge being an end edge of the medium in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction; a first conveyor belt conveying the medium toward the first limiting surface in a first direction intersecting the conveying direction and the width direction; a second conveyor belt disposed downstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the second conveyor belt conveying the medium toward the first limiting surface in a second direction intersecting the conveying direction and the width direction; and a suction part suctioning the medium via through holes provided in the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

[0006] Furthermore, the recording system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: the recording device for recording a medium; the feeding device disposed outside the recording device for feeding the medium to the recording device; and the relay conveying device located between the recording device and the feeding device for relaying the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It is the main view of the recording system.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a top view of a portion of the relay conveying device, the recording device, and the feeding device.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a partial side sectional view of the relay conveying device, the recording device, and the feeding device.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a side sectional view with elements.

[0011] Figure 5 (A) is a top view of the conveyor belt. Figure 5 (B) is a top view of the attraction plate.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a top view of the upper limiting unit.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the upper limiting unit as viewed from the conveying direction.

[0014] Figure 8 (A) is a top view of the conveyor belt with its rotation center located upstream in the conveying direction. Figure 8 (B) is a top view of the conveyor belt with its rotation center located downstream in the conveying direction.

[0015] Figure 9 It is a top view of a structure with multiple conveyor belts arranged in the width direction.

[0016] Figure 10 (A) is a top view of the conveyor belt. Figure 10 (B) is a top view of the attraction plate.

[0017] Figure 11 (A) is a side view of the conveyor roller pair in a clamped state. Figure 11 (B) is a side view of the conveyor roller pair in the clamped-out state.

[0018] Figure 12 (A) is a side view of the conveyor roller pair in a clamped state relative to the first conveyor belt. Figure 12 (B) is a side view of the conveyor roller pair and the first conveyor belt in the clamped-out state.

[0019] Figure 13 It is a top view formed by the angle between the second direction and the conveying direction being smaller than the angle between the first direction and the conveying direction.

[0020] Figure 14 It is a top view formed by the angle between the first direction and the conveying direction being smaller than the angle between the second direction and the conveying direction.

[0021] Figure 15 It is a top view showing the configuration of the second limiting part having an upstream second limiting part and a downstream second limiting part.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a top view of the configuration of the second limiting section facing downstream of the first limiting section in the conveying direction.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the upper restraint unit consisting of blades as viewed from the conveying direction.

[0024] Figure 18 (A) is a diagram showing the torque during the transport of the first medium. Figure 18 (B) is a diagram showing the torque when conveying a second medium whose length in the width direction is shorter than that of the first medium.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0026] 1…Recording system, 2…Media supply system, 3…Recording device, 4…Relay conveying device, 5…Feeding device, 6…Setting platform, 6a…Space section, 10…Conveying section, 11…First conveying section, 12…Second conveying section, 13…Belt unit, 14…Rotary worktable, 14a…Rotating shaft, 15…Conveyor belt, 15A…First conveyor belt, 15B…Second conveyor belt, 15a…Through hole, 16a…Drive pulley, 16b, 16c, 16d… 18…Driven pulley, 19…Suction blower, 20…Pressure chamber, 20…Suction plate, 20a…Opening, 21…Pulley support component, 21a…Rotating shaft, 25…Conveyor roller pair, 25a…Drive roller, 25b…Driven roller, 26…Discharge roller pair, 26a…Drive roller, 26b…Driven roller, 31…First limiting part, 31a…First limiting surface, 32…Second limiting part, 32a…Second limiting surface, 32b…Inclined guide surface, 33…First auxiliary guide Component, 33a… First auxiliary guide surface, 34… Medium receiving part, 35… Second auxiliary guide, 35a… Second auxiliary guide surface, 36… Medium receiving part, 38… Upper limiting unit, 39… Upper limiting member, 39a… Upper limiting surface, 40… Rotating shaft, 41… Support member, 43… Blade, 43a… Rotating shaft, 45… Support member, 45a… Rotating shaft, 46… Solenoid, 47… Medium detection part, 60… Loading part, 61… First… Medium receiving part 61a…first feed guide, 62…second feed guide, 62a…second feed guide, 63…feed roller, 100…main body of the device, 101…medium receiving part, 102…image reading device, 103…exhaust part inside the machine body, 104…exhaust tray, 105…traveling head, 107…feed roller, 108…separation roller, 109…alignment roller pair, 110…opening and closing body, 111…control part, 112…medium support part. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be briefly described.

[0028] The relay conveying device according to the first aspect is characterized in that it is located between a recording device and a feeding device, relaying a medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device, the recording device recording the medium, the feeding device being disposed outside the recording device and feeding the medium to the recording device, the relay conveying device comprising: a first limiting part having a first limiting surface, the first limiting surface positioning a first end edge of the medium fed from the feeding device, the first end edge being an end edge of the medium in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction; a first conveyor belt conveying the medium toward the first limiting surface in a first direction intersecting the conveying direction and the width direction; a second conveyor belt disposed downstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the second conveyor belt conveying the medium toward the first limiting surface in a second direction intersecting the conveying direction and the width direction; and a suction part suctioning the medium via through holes provided in the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

[0029] According to this aspect, even if the medium delivered from the feeding device experiences skew, the skew will be corrected in the relay conveying device by the first end edge of the medium abutting against the first limiting surface. Furthermore, compared to a configuration that corrects skew by having the leading edge of the medium abut against the roller pair, the position of the medium in the width direction is less prone to deviation. In summary, proper recording can be performed in the recording device.

[0030] Furthermore, according to this aspect, since the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are configured to attract and convey the medium, and the first end edge of the medium touches the first limiting surface, the medium can rotate more easily than a configuration that uses rollers to hold the medium for conveying, and the slant of the medium can be properly corrected.

[0031] Furthermore, according to this aspect, since the skew of the medium is corrected by at least two conveyor belts, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, the conveying distance used to correct the skew of the medium can be ensured, and the skew of the medium can be properly corrected.

[0032] Furthermore, assuming that a single conveyor belt is used to ensure a sufficient conveying distance for correcting the skew of the medium, the distance between the first limiting surface and the conveyor belt in the width direction becomes longer on the upstream side of the conveying direction, weakening the force pressing the first end edge against the first limiting surface. Additionally, when the tilt angle of the conveyor belt relative to the conveying direction is reduced to suppress this adverse condition, the skew correction effect decreases, thus requiring an extended conveying distance and resulting in a larger device. However, according to this aspect, by using at least two conveyor belts—the first and second—to correct the skew of the medium, the first end edge can be properly pressed against the first limiting surface, thereby suppressing the need for a larger device.

[0033] The second aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the second direction is a direction along the first direction.

[0034] According to this aspect, since the second direction is along the first direction, the medium can be transported stably.

[0035] The third aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the first direction and the second direction are changeable.

[0036] According to this aspect, since the first direction and the second direction can be changed, appropriate slant correction can be performed.

[0037] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to the second aspect mentioned above.

[0038] The fourth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the angle between the conveying direction and the second direction is smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction.

[0039] According to this aspect, since the angle between the conveying direction and the second direction is smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction, the skew correction effect is higher in the region of the first conveyor belt where skew correction is more necessary than in the region of the second conveyor belt, allowing for proper skew correction. Furthermore, in the region of the second conveyor belt where reliable media supply to the recording device is desired, the media is conveyed at an angle closer to the conveying direction than in the region of the first conveyor belt, enabling proper media supply to the recording device.

[0040] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to the third aspect mentioned above.

[0041] The fifth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that, upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, there is a pair of conveying rollers for conveying the medium to the first conveyor belt, and the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction is smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the second direction.

[0042] When the conveyor roller pair is located upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the medium is difficult to rotate while it is being held by the conveyor roller pair. The constraint effect of the conveyor roller pair and the rotation effect of the first conveyor belt act on the medium simultaneously, which may cause damage such as wrinkles on the medium.

[0043] According to this aspect, since the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction is smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the second direction, the rotational effect acting on the medium through the first conveyor belt is suppressed, thereby suppressing the aforementioned damage.

[0044] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to the third aspect mentioned above.

[0045] The sixth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt, the attractive force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt, or the attractive force of the medium attracted by both the first and second conveyor belts can be varied according to the length of the medium in the width direction.

[0046] When the medium is mounted on both the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, a first torque about the center of gravity is generated on the medium due to the conveying force received from the first conveyor belt, and a second torque about the center of gravity is generated due to the conveying force received from the second conveyor belt.

[0047] Here, if the first torque and the second torque are in the same direction, and the rotation direction of the medium is the same as the skew correction direction, then the skew of the medium is properly corrected. However, when the direction of the first torque is opposite to the direction of the second torque, the rotation direction of the medium becomes opposite to the skew correction direction, and instead becomes the direction of worsening skew, resulting in a situation where the skew of the medium cannot be properly corrected.

[0048] Therefore, since the position of the center of gravity of the medium varies according to the length of the medium in the width direction, the direction of the first torque and the direction of the second torque are determined. Thus, the length of the medium in the width direction is important in properly correcting the angle of the medium's slant.

[0049] In this respect, based on the property that the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt, the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt, or the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt and the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt can be changed according to the length of the medium in the width direction, so that the direction of the first torque and the direction of the second torque can be adjusted to properly correct the slant of the medium, thereby properly correcting the slant of the medium.

[0050] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above.

[0051] The seventh aspect, in accordance with the sixth aspect, is characterized in that, when the conveying medium has a length shorter than a predetermined length in the width direction, the attraction force of the medium in the downstream region of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction is greater than the attraction force of the medium in the upstream region of the second conveyor belt in the conveying direction.

[0052] According to this aspect, when the conveying medium has a length shorter than a predetermined length in the width direction, the attraction force of the medium in the downstream region of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction is greater than the attraction force of the medium in the upstream region of the second conveyor belt in the conveying direction. Therefore, when the conveying medium has a length shorter than a predetermined length in the width direction, skew can be properly corrected. It should be noted that details will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The eighth aspect, in the sixth aspect, is characterized in that, when the length of the conveying medium in the width direction is shorter than a predetermined length, the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt is greater than the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt.

[0054] According to this aspect, when conveying a medium whose length in the width direction is shorter than a predetermined length, the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt is greater than that attracted by the second conveyor belt. Therefore, when conveying a medium whose length in the width direction is shorter than a predetermined length, skew can be properly corrected. It should be noted that details will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Furthermore, in this aspect, it is not necessary to locally change the attraction force in the first conveyor belt, nor is it necessary to locally change the attraction force in the second conveyor belt. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the configuration and suppress the increase in the size of the device and the increase in cost.

[0056] The ninth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that, upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, there is a pair of conveying rollers for conveying media to the first conveyor belt, and the attractive force of the media attracted by the first conveyor belt, or the attractive force of the media attracted by the first conveyor belt and the attractive force of the media attracted by the second conveyor belt, can be varied.

[0057] When the conveyor roller pair is located upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the medium is difficult to rotate while it is held by the conveyor roller pair. The constraint effect of the conveyor roller pair and the rotational effect of the first conveyor belt simultaneously act on the medium, potentially causing damage such as wrinkles. Furthermore, depending on the length of the medium in the conveying direction, the rotational effect of the second conveyor belt also acts simultaneously, potentially causing the aforementioned damage.

[0058] According to this aspect, since the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt, or the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt and the attractive force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt, can be varied, in cases where the damage may occur, the damage can be suppressed by varying the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt, or the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt and the attractive force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt.

[0059] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above.

[0060] The tenth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that, upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, there is a pair of conveying rollers for conveying media to the first conveyor belt, wherein the attraction force of the first conveyor belt for attracting media is weaker than the attraction force of the second conveyor belt for attracting media.

[0061] When the conveyor roller pair is located upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the medium is difficult to rotate while it is being held by the conveyor roller pair. The constraint effect of the conveyor roller pair and the rotation effect of the first conveyor belt act on the medium simultaneously, which may cause damage such as wrinkles on the medium.

[0062] According to this aspect, since the attractive force of the medium drawn by the first conveyor belt is weaker than that drawn by the second conveyor belt, the medium rotates more easily in the region of the first conveyor belt where skew correction is more necessary than in the region of the second conveyor belt, allowing for proper skew correction. Then, in the region of the second conveyor belt where it is desired to reliably supply the medium to the recording device, the medium rotates less easily than in the region of the first conveyor belt, allowing for proper supply of the medium to the recording device.

[0063] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to any one of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above, or the ninth aspect mentioned above.

[0064] In the eleventh aspect, in the first aspect, the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt are each provided with a separate suction unit.

[0065] According to this aspect, since each of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt has a separate suction unit, independent suction control can be performed on each of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

[0066] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to any of the second to tenth aspects mentioned above.

[0067] The twelfth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized by further comprising a second limiting portion having a second limiting surface capable of limiting the position of a second end edge of the medium on the side opposite to the first end edge.

[0068] Although the medium is brought closer to the first limiting surface by the first and second conveyor belts, for example, when the medium rotates away from the first limiting surface at its downstream end, even if the medium is conveyed a distance that can be covered by the first and second conveyor belts, it may not be possible to correct the skew. It should be noted that, as an example, there are also cases where the medium moves away from the first limiting surface without the aforementioned rotation. However, according to this aspect, since a second limiting part is provided that can limit the position of the second end of the medium on the side opposite to the first end, the aforementioned undesirable situation can be suppressed.

[0069] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to any of the second to eleventh aspects mentioned above.

[0070] The thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, is characterized in that the second limiting portion has an upstream second limiting portion disposed for the first conveyor belt and a downstream second limiting portion disposed for the second conveyor belt, the upstream second limiting portion and the downstream second limiting portion being displaceable independently in the width direction.

[0071] According to this aspect, since the upstream second limiting portion and the downstream second limiting portion can be displaced independently in the width direction, the second end edge can be appropriately limited according to the first direction and the second direction.

[0072] The recording system according to the fourteenth aspect is characterized by comprising: the recording device for recording a medium; the feeding device disposed outside the recording device for feeding the medium to the recording device; and the relay conveying device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, located between the recording device and the feeding device, for relaying the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device.

[0073] Based on this aspect, the effects of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects mentioned above can be obtained in the recording system.

[0074] The feeding system according to the fifteenth aspect is characterized in that it feeds a medium to the recording device for recording a medium, the feeding system comprising: the feeding device disposed outside the recording device for feeding the medium to the recording device; and the relay conveying device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, located between the recording device and the feeding device for relaying the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device.

[0075] Based on this aspect, the effects of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects mentioned above can be obtained in the feed system.

[0076] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0077] The following describes a recording system 1, a media supply system 2, and a relay transmission device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] In each figure, the X-axis represents the depth direction of each device and the width direction of the medium, represented by the recording paper. Within the X-axis, the +X direction is the direction from the back of the device toward the front surface, and the -X direction is the direction from the front surface of the device toward the back.

[0079] The Y-axis direction represents the width of each device. From the user's perspective facing the front surface of the device, the +Y direction is to the left, and the -Y direction is to the right. Additionally, the +Y direction is the direction of medium transport in the relay transport device 4.

[0080] The Z-axis direction represents the height of each device and is vertical. The +Z direction is vertically upward, and the -Z direction is vertically downward. In the following description, the +Z direction will sometimes be simply referred to as upward, and the -Z direction as downward.

[0081] In addition, the direction of the conveying medium is sometimes referred to as the conveying direction or downstream of the conveying direction, and the direction opposite to the conveying direction is referred to as the upstream of the conveying direction.

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the transport path of the medium is shown by dashed lines. In recording system 1, the medium is transported along the transport path shown by the dashed lines.

[0083] Composition of recording system and recording device

[0084] exist Figure 1 In this system, the recording system 1 includes a recording device 3, a relay conveying device 4, and a feeding device 5. The relay conveying device 4 and the feeding device 5 constitute the media supply system 2. Therefore, in other words, the recording system 1 includes the recording device 3 and the media supply system 2.

[0085] The recording device 3, the relay conveying device 4, and the feeding device 5 are each independent devices, arranged along the Y-axis on the setting surface G.

[0086] The recording device 3 is configured as an inkjet printer that records by ejecting ink, a liquid, from a medium, and includes a line print head 105 as a recording unit. Alternatively, the recording device 3 is a so-called multifunction printer that includes an image reading device 102 on its upper part. However, the recording device 3 is not limited to an inkjet printer; it can also be a laser printer, thermal transfer printer, dot matrix printer, or other recording device.

[0087] The recording device 3 has a media receiving section 101 at the lower part of the device body 100, which has a line head 105, for receiving the fed media. The media receiving section 101 is composed of a plurality of media receiving boxes along the vertical direction.

[0088] The main body 100 of the device has multiple pairs of conveying rollers (not shown) for conveying media. The media, after being recorded by the line head 105, is discharged into the discharge section 103 inside the machine body and loaded onto the discharge tray 104.

[0089] The main body 100 of the device is equipped with a control unit 111 for controlling the entire recording system 1. The control unit 111 includes a CPU (not shown), a non-volatile memory, etc., and all controls performed in the recording system 1 are implemented by executing control programs stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0090] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although the control unit 111 is provided on the recording device 3 and controls the relay conveying device 4 connected to the recording device 3 and the feeding device 5 connected to the relay conveying device 4, it can also be configured such that the relay conveying device 4 and the feeding device 5 each have a control unit responsible for controlling each device, and the control unit 111 of the recording device 3, the control unit (not shown) of the relay conveying device 4 and the control unit (not shown) of the feeding device 5 cooperate to transport the medium.

[0091] The recording device 3 has a feed roller 107 and a separation roller 108 serving as receiving rollers on the right side of the device body 100, and is configured to receive media from the right side of the device body 100. The feed roller 107 is positioned at a predetermined height above the setting surface G. The relay conveying device 4, described later, supplies media to the feed roller 107.

[0092] When a medium is received from the right side of the device body 100, the medium is separated by the separating roller 108 and fed to the alignment roller pair 109 by the rotation of the feed roller 107. At this time, the front end of the medium abuts against the alignment roller pair 109, and the medium is flexed between the alignment roller pair 109 and the feed roller 107, causing the front end of the medium to align with the alignment roller pair 109, thus correcting any misalignment.

[0093] It should be noted that when a feed tray (not shown) is rotatably mounted on the right side of the device body 100 without the relay conveying device 4 described later, the medium can be placed on the feed tray and fed by the feed roller 107. When using the relay conveying device 4 described later, the feed tray is removed and the relay conveying device 4 is installed. It should be noted that the feed tray is configured to be able to rotate to a closed state forming the right side of the device body 100 and an open state capable of holding the medium. Since the feed tray is in a position that does not interfere with the relay conveying device 4 in the open state, it is not necessarily necessary to remove the feed tray when the relay conveying device 4 described later is installed.

[0094] The relay conveying device 4 is a device located between the recording device 3 and the feeding device 5, which is disposed outside the recording device 3 and feeds the medium to the recording device 3, and relays the medium fed from the feeding device 5 to the feeding roller 107 of the recording device 3.

[0095] The medium is supplied from the feed device 5 to the relay conveyor 4, and then conveyed to the feed roller 107 via the conveying path Tk of the relay conveyor 4. The medium is corrected for skewness in the conveying path Tk, details of which will be described later.

[0096] The relay conveying device 4 is mounted on the mounting platform 6 in a manner suitable for supplying the medium to the recording device 3 in the vertical direction and for the feed roller 107. A space 6a is formed on the underside of the mounting platform 6 to allow the opening and closing of the opening and closing body 110, which is located on the right side of the recording device 3. As a result, the mounting platform 6 can be prevented from obstructing the opening and closing of the opening and closing body 110.

[0097] The opening and closing body 110 forms part of the right side of the device body 100 and can be opened as shown by reference numeral 110-1 and the double-dotted line in the attached drawing. By opening, the medium transport path from the medium receiving part 101 to the device body 100 can be opened.

[0098] Composition of relay transmission device

[0099] Next, refer to Figures 2-5 The basic structure of the relay transmission device 4 is explained.

[0100] The relay conveying device 4 includes: a first limiting part 31 having a first limiting surface 31a, which positions one end edge (the end edge in the +X direction) of the medium supplied from the feeding device 5 in the width direction, namely the first end edge Ps1; and a conveying part 10 conveying the medium toward the first limiting surface 31a in an intersecting direction D that intersects the +Y direction as the conveying direction and the X-axis direction as the width direction.

[0101] exist Figure 2 In the figures, reference numerals P-2 and P-3 indicate an example of the medium being transported. The medium shown by reference numeral P-3 is the medium after the skew of the medium shown by reference numeral P-2 has been corrected.

[0102] The first limiting surface 31a can abut against the first end edge Ps1 of the medium, and is parallel to and extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0103] The first limiting part 31 is configured to be able to move in the X-axis direction, i.e., the width direction of the medium, while being guided by a guide part (not shown). In this embodiment, the displacement of the first limiting part 31 in the width direction is performed manually by the user. However, the displacement of the first limiting part 31 in the width direction can also be performed using a power source such as a motor.

[0104] In this embodiment, the conveying unit 10 includes a first conveying unit 11 and a second conveying unit 12 disposed downstream of the first conveying unit 11.

[0105] It should be noted that the direction in which the first conveying unit 11 conveys the medium toward the first restricting unit 31 is designated as the first direction D1, and the direction in which the second conveying unit 12 conveys the medium toward the first restricting unit 31 is designated as the second direction D2. Both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are examples of intersecting directions D. In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is along the first direction D1.

[0106] In this embodiment, the first conveying unit 11 and the second conveying unit 12 have the same basic configuration, and each conveying unit is equipped with a belt unit 13 on the rotary table 14. The belt unit 13 is equipped with a conveyor belt 15. However, it may be referred to as the first conveyor belt 15 of the first conveying unit 11 as the first conveyor belt 15A, and the conveyor belt 15 of the second conveying unit 12 as the second conveyor belt 15B, depending on the need.

[0107] The rotary table 14 supports the conveyed medium from below. The rotary table 14 is capable of rotating about the rotation axis 14a. Figure 2 The conveyor belt 15 can rotate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, that is, when viewed from above (from the +Z direction), the conveyor belt 15 can rotate. Thus, by rotating the rotary table 14, the direction in which the conveyor belt 15 applies the conveying force to the medium, i.e., the cross direction D, can be changed.

[0108] In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 15 is positioned upstream of the rotation axis 14a of the rotary table 14 in the conveying direction. In other words, the conveyor belt 15 is positioned upstream of the rotation axis 14a in the conveying direction, meaning that the rotation axis 14a is located downstream of the center of the conveyor belt 15 in the conveying direction. This also means that the center of the rotation axis 14a is located downstream of the center of the conveyor belt 15 in the conveying direction.

[0109] In this embodiment, the rotation of the rotary table 14 centered on the rotation axis 14a is performed by user operation, but it can also be configured to rotate using a motor (not shown). The motor that rotates the rotary table 14 can be controlled by the control unit 111 (see reference 111). Figure 1 The control is performed by the motor. In this case, it can also be configured such that dedicated motors are provided for the first conveyor section 11 and the second conveyor section 12, so that the rotary table 14 can be rotated independently.

[0110] The belt unit 13 includes a conveyor belt 15, configured to attract and transport the medium onto the conveyor belt 15. More specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the belt unit 13 includes a drive pulley 16a and driven pulleys 16b, 16c, and 16d, with the conveyor belt 15 wound around these pulleys. The drive pulley 16a is driven by a drive motor (not shown) to... Figure 4Driven counterclockwise, the conveyor belt 15 moves in the following direction. Figure 4 It rotates counterclockwise.

[0111] It should be noted that the drive motor (not shown) can be set for each of the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12, or the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12 can be driven by a single drive motor.

[0112] The driven pulley 16c is supported by the pulley support member 21. The pulley support member 21 is configured to be able to rotate about the rotation axis 21a. Figure 4 It rotates clockwise and counterclockwise, and is pressed by a pressing unit (not shown), such as a spring, causing it to... Figure 4 The belt rotates counterclockwise. As a result, the driven pulley 16c applies tension to the conveyor belt 15.

[0113] An attraction blower 18, serving as an example of an attraction unit, is provided on the inner side of the conveyor belt 15. The attraction blower 18 imparts negative pressure to the pressure chamber 19.

[0114] A suction plate 20 is provided at the upper part of the pressure chamber 19. The suction plate 20 supports the conveyor belt 15 between the driven pulley 16b and the drive pulley 16a. Figure 5 As shown in (B), a plurality of openings 20a are formed on the suction plate 20.

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown in (A), a plurality of through holes 15a are formed on the conveyor belt 15, and the through holes 15a of the conveyor belt 15 are configured to overlap with the openings 20a of the suction plate 20 as the conveyor belt 15 rotates. Thus, when the pressure chamber 19 is created with negative pressure by the suction blower 18, the medium is attracted through the openings 20a of the suction plate 20 and the through holes 15a of the conveyor belt 15, and the medium is conveyed while adhering to the conveyor belt 15.

[0116] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the suction blower 18, as an example of a suction unit, is respectively provided in the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12. That is, since separate suction units are provided for the first conveyor belt 15A and the second conveyor belt 15B, independent suction control can be performed on each of the first conveyor belt 15A and the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0117] However, the above configuration can be replaced by a single suction blower 18 for the first conveying section 11 and the second conveying section 12.

[0118] like Figure 2 As shown, the relay conveying device 4 has an upper limiting unit 38 in the -X direction relative to the first limiting part 31 to suppress the upward floating of the first end edge Ps1 of the medium. Figure 2The upper limiting unit 38 is briefly illustrated in the diagram below. (Refer to the diagram below.) Figure 6 , Figure 7 The upper limiting unit 38 is explained.

[0119] In this embodiment, the upper limiting unit 38 includes a plurality of upper limiting members 39 along the conveying direction. Support members 41 are provided on both sides of each upper limiting member 39 in the conveying direction, and each upper limiting member 39 is configured to rotate relative to the support members 41 via a rotation axis 40. The upper limiting member 39 is rotatable when viewed from the conveying direction and is configured to move forward and backward relative to the medium by rotation. The upper limiting member 39 is pressed by a pressing member (not shown), such as a spring. Figure 7 Press in the counterclockwise direction, that is, the direction in contact with the medium. The lower surface of the upper limiting member 39 is the upper limiting surface 39a that restricts the upward movement of the first end edge Ps1 opposite to the first limiting surface 31a. The effect of the upper limiting unit 38 configured in this way will be explained separately later.

[0120] like Figure 3 As shown, the relay conveying device 4 has a conveying roller pair 25 upstream of the conveying section 10. The conveying roller pair 25 consists of a drive roller 25a driven by a drive motor (not shown) and a driven roller 25b capable of being driven to rotate. The drive motor is controlled by a control unit 111 (see reference 111). Figure 1 The driven roller 25b can move forward and backward relative to the drive roller 25a and is pressed towards the drive roller 25a by a pressing unit (not shown), such as a spring.

[0121] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a set of conveyor roller pairs 25 is provided in the width direction. Although multiple sets of conveyor roller pairs 25 can also be provided along the width direction, in the configuration of having a set of conveyor roller pairs 25 in the width direction as in this embodiment, the medium becomes easier to rotate, which is suitable in terms of suppressing damage to the medium.

[0122] That is, although the conveying roller pair 25 applies a conveying force to the medium in the conveying direction, in the downstream conveying section 10, a conveying force is applied to the medium in the intersection direction D, which intersects both the conveying direction and the width direction. Therefore, the conveying force of the conveying roller pair 25 and the conveying force of the conveying section 10 act on the medium simultaneously, which may cause damage such as wrinkles on the medium. However, in the configuration of having a set of conveying roller pairs 25 in the width direction as in this embodiment, the medium becomes easier to rotate, which is suitable in terms of suppressing damage to the medium.

[0123] In addition, such as Figure 3As shown, the relay conveying device 4 has a discharge roller pair 26 downstream of the conveying section 10. The discharge roller pair 26 consists of a drive roller 26a driven by a drive motor (not shown) and a driven roller 26b capable of being driven to rotate. The drive motor is controlled by a control unit 111 (see reference 111). Figure 1 The driven roller 26b is capable of moving forward and backward relative to the drive roller 26a and is pressed toward the drive roller 26a by a pressing unit (not shown), such as a spring.

[0124] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, multiple sets of discharge roller pairs 26 are provided in the width direction. This allows for reliable supply of the medium to the recording device 3 while preventing the medium, which has been corrected for misalignment by the relay conveyor 4, from misaligning again. However, this is not a limitation; a single set of discharge roller pairs 26 may also be provided in the width direction.

[0125] It should be noted that the drive motor that serves as the drive source for the drive roller 26a can be the same as the drive roller 25a of the conveyor roller pair 25, or it can be a separate motor.

[0126] It should be noted that, in order to prevent media slack between the conveying roller pair 25 and the conveying section 10, the media conveying speed in the +Y direction of the conveying section 10 is preferably higher than the media conveying speed in the +Y direction of the conveying roller pair 25. Similarly, in order to prevent media slack between the conveying section 10 and the discharge roller pair 26, the media conveying speed in the +Y direction of the discharge roller pair 26 is preferably higher than the media conveying speed in the +Y direction of the conveying section 10.

[0127] Similarly, in order to prevent slack in the medium between the feed roller 107 and the discharge roller pair 26 of the recording device 3, it is preferable that the medium conveying speed of the feed roller 107 in the +Y direction is higher than the medium conveying speed of the discharge roller pair 26 in the +Y direction.

[0128] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the relay conveying device 4 includes a second limiting part 32 capable of restricting the position of a second end edge Ps2 on the side opposite to the first end edge Ps1 of the medium. The second limiting part 32 has a second limiting surface 32a that abuts against the second end edge Ps2 of the medium and is capable of restricting the position of the second end edge Ps2. The second limiting surface 32a is parallel to the Y-axis direction and extends along the Y-axis direction. Although in this embodiment the second limiting part 32 is a fixed structure that does not move in the width direction, it can also be configured to be movable in the width direction.

[0129] In addition, in this embodiment, the relay conveying device 4 includes: a first auxiliary guide 33, which is disposed downstream of the first limiting part 31 in the conveying direction and is capable of limiting the position of the first end edge Ps1 of the medium; and a second auxiliary guide 35, which is disposed on the side opposite to the first auxiliary guide 33 across the medium and is capable of limiting the position of the second end edge Ps2 of the medium.

[0130] The first auxiliary guide 33 has a first auxiliary guide surface 33a that restricts the position of the first end edge Ps1 of the medium. The second auxiliary guide 35 has a second auxiliary guide surface 35a that restricts the position of the second end edge Ps2 of the medium. The first auxiliary guide surface 33a and the second auxiliary guide surface 35a extend along the conveying direction.

[0131] The first auxiliary guide 33 and the second auxiliary guide 35 are positioned above the media support 112 constituting the recording device 3, and are configured to be movable in a direction that approaches or separates each other along the width direction via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). It should be noted that the media support 112 supports the media at the position of the feed roller 107 in the media transport path.

[0132] In this embodiment, the first auxiliary guide 33 is connected to the first limiting part 31 via a connecting part (not shown). When the first limiting part 31 is displaced in the width direction, the first auxiliary guide 33 is also displaced integrally in the width direction. Thus, in conjunction with the displacement of the first auxiliary guide 33, the second auxiliary guide 35 is also displaced in the width direction.

[0133] In the width direction, the distance U5 between the first auxiliary guide surface 33a and the second auxiliary guide surface 35a is shorter than the distance (U3+U4) between the first limiting surface 31a and the second limiting surface 32a.

[0134] The first auxiliary guide 33 has a medium receiving portion 34 extending upstream in the conveying direction in a direction (+X direction) away from the first end edge Ps1 of the medium. The second auxiliary guide 35 has a medium receiving portion 36 extending upstream in the conveying direction in a direction (-X direction) away from the second end edge Ps2 of the medium.

[0135] Composition of the feed device

[0136] Next, the feeding device 5 includes a loading section 60 for loading media and a feed roller 63 for feeding media from the loading section 60. Reference numeral P-1 indicates an example of the media loaded in the loading section 60.

[0137] like Figure 2As shown, the feeding device 5 according to this embodiment includes: a first feeding guide 61 having a first feeding guide surface 61a for positioning a first end edge Ps1 of the medium; and a second feeding guide 62 having a second feeding guide surface 62a for positioning a second end edge Ps2 of the medium.

[0138] The first feed guide 61 and the second feed guide 62 are configured to be displaced in a direction that approaches or separates each other along the width direction via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). A user who places the medium in the loading section 60 can, for example, operate the first feed guide 61 to displace the first feed guide 61 and the second feed guide 62 to a position suitable for the size of the medium.

[0139] The feed roller 63 is driven by a motor (not shown) Figure 3 The feed roller 63 is driven clockwise. The motor driving the feed roller 63 is controlled by the control unit 111 (see reference). Figure 1 Controlled. It should be noted that the feed roller 63 can also be configured to switch between a state of contact with the medium loaded in the loading section 60 and a state of separation from the medium loaded in the loading section 60. This state-switching operation of the feed roller 63 can be achieved by a motor (not shown). Furthermore, this motor can be controlled by the control unit 111 (see reference 111). Figure 1 )control.

[0140] The feed roller 63 is positioned at the second center position X51, which will be described later, in the width direction.

[0141] exist Figure 2 In this context, position X43 is the recording reference position in the width direction of the medium in the recording device 3. It is the position that is the center of the medium in the width direction regardless of the medium size, and it coincides with the center of the width direction of the medium when the first end edge Ps1 is along the first limiting surface 31a. Hereinafter, this will be designated as the first center position X43. Additionally, position X51 is the center position of the medium (P-1) loaded in the loading section 60 in the width direction, and this will be designated as the second center position X51. Furthermore, position X41 is the position of the first limiting surface 31a of the first limiting section 31 in the width direction.

[0142] In the width direction, the distance U2 between the second center position X51 and the first limiting surface 31a is longer than the distance U1 between the first center position X43 and the first limiting surface 31a.

[0143] It should be noted that although position X41 varies depending on the width dimension of the medium, the first center position X43 is always located in the +X direction, which is closer to the second center position X51, regardless of the width dimension of the medium.

[0144] The effect of relay transmission device

[0145] Since the relay conveying device 4 includes: a first limiting part 31 having a first limiting surface 31a for positioning the first end edge Ps1 of the medium fed from the feeding device 5; and a conveying part 10 for conveying the medium toward the first limiting surface 31a in the cross direction D, even if the medium delivered from the feeding device 5 is tilted, the tilt will be corrected by the conveying part 10 bringing the first end edge Ps1 into contact with the first limiting surface 31a. When the medium P-2, which is tilted when supplied from the feeding device 5 to the relay conveying device 4, is conveyed by the conveying force in the cross direction D from the conveying part 10, the first end edge Ps1 comes into contact with the first limiting surface 31a, and the first end edge Ps1 is in a state along the first limiting surface 31a. Thus, as shown by reference numeral P-3 in the attached figure, the tilt of the medium is corrected. In addition, by correcting the tilt in this way, compared with the configuration of correcting the tilt by bringing the front end of the medium into contact with the roller pair, the position of the medium in the width direction is less likely to deviate. In summary, appropriate recording can be performed in the recording device 3.

[0146] Furthermore, the recording device 3 includes a pair of alignment rollers 109 for skew correction by contacting the leading edge of the medium supplied from the relay conveyor 4. Skew correction is performed in different ways between the recording device 3 and the relay conveyor 4, and the skew of the medium is properly corrected. In other words, sometimes it is difficult to align the position of the medium in the width direction by simply using the alignment rollers 109 provided in the recording device 3. By performing skew correction in the relay conveyor 4 at the same time, the skew of the medium is properly corrected.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the conveyor belt 15 is configured to attract and transport the medium and bring the medium into contact with the first limiting part 31, the medium can rotate more easily than the configuration in which the medium is held by rollers, and the slant of the medium can be properly corrected.

[0148] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although the medium air is configured to be attracted to the conveyor belt 15, it can also be configured to electrostatically attract the medium to the conveyor belt 15.

[0149] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the skew of the medium is corrected by at least two conveyor belts, the first conveyor belt 15A and the second conveyor belt 15B, the conveying distance used to correct the skew of the medium can be ensured, and the skew of the medium can be properly corrected.

[0150] Furthermore, assuming that a single conveyor belt is used to ensure a sufficient conveying distance for correcting the skew of the medium, the distance between the first limiting surface 31a and the conveyor belt in the width direction becomes longer on the upstream side of the conveying direction, weakening the force that presses the first end edge Ps1 against the first limiting surface 31a. Additionally, when the tilt angle of the conveyor belt relative to the conveying direction is reduced to suppress such adverse conditions, the skew correction effect decreases, thus requiring an extended conveying distance and resulting in a larger device. However, by using at least two conveyor belts, the first conveyor belt 15A and the second conveyor belt 15B, to correct the skew of the medium, the first end edge Ps1 can be properly pressed against the first limiting surface 31a, thereby preventing the need for a larger device.

[0151] It should be noted that, of course, there can be more than three conveyor belts along the conveying direction.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the direction in which the second conveying section 12 conveys the medium toward the first limiting section 31, i.e., the second direction D2, is along the direction in which the first conveying section 11 conveys the medium toward the first limiting section 31, i.e., the first direction D1, the medium can be conveyed stably.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be changed, appropriate tilt correction can be performed.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first limiting part 31 can move in the width direction, it is possible to correct the slant displacement of various media with different dimensions in the width direction.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the rotating worktable 14, i.e. the conveyor belt 15, can change the cross direction D by rotating the rotating shaft 14a, the cross direction can be changed according to the quality of the skew correction of the medium, thereby enabling more appropriate skew correction.

[0156] It should be noted that the rotation of the conveyor belt 15 centered on the rotating shaft 14a can also be configured in the control unit 111 (see reference). Figure 1 It is operated by a motor (not shown) or other power source under the control of the medium. Furthermore, in this case, the cross direction D can be changed according to the size and type of the medium. For example, since the lower the rigidity of the medium, the more it will flex when the first end edge Ps1 abuts against the first limiting part 31, making it more difficult to correct the skew, and the more easily the medium will be damaged, it is appropriate to reduce the angle between the conveying direction (Y-axis direction) and the cross direction D as the medium's rigidity decreases.

[0157] In addition, when the conveying force of the conveying roller pair 25 in the +Y direction and the conveying force of the conveying section 10 in the cross direction D are applied to the medium at the same time as described above, damage such as wrinkles may occur on the medium. Therefore, the longer the medium in the conveying direction is, the smaller the angle between the conveying direction (Y-axis direction) and the cross direction D should be.

[0158] Furthermore, the cross direction D can be changed during the transport of the medium. For example, as the transport of the medium continues, the angle between the transport direction (Y-axis direction) and the cross direction D can be increased. In this way, the aforementioned damage can be suppressed while the skew can be properly corrected.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the rotation center of the conveyor belt 15 is located downstream of the conveyor belt 15 in the conveying direction, the following effects can be obtained. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 8 The effects of this action will be explained. It should be noted that, in Figure 8 In the figures thereafter, only [the following figures are shown] Figure 2 The required configuration is illustrated in the diagram, and sometimes it is shown in a simplified manner.

[0160] Figure 8 (A) shows a comparative example where the rotation center Ra of the conveyor belt 15 is located upstream of the conveyor belt 15 in the conveying direction. Since the conveyor belt 15 conveys the medium towards the first limiting portion 31, the distance da1 in the width direction between the downstream end of the conveyor belt 15 and the first limiting portion 31 is shorter than the distance da2 between the upstream end of the conveyor belt 15 and the first limiting portion 31. Therefore, when the conveyor belt 15 rotates in a top-view view to change the crossing direction D, the downstream end of the conveyor belt 15 may interfere with the first limiting portion 31, thereby limiting the rotatable range of the conveyor belt 15 and narrowing the adjustment range of the crossing direction D. Figure 8 In (A) and (B), the conveyor belt 15, indicated by reference numeral 15-1 and a double-dotted line, is shown rotated 15° counterclockwise compared to the conveyor belt 15 indicated by a solid line. Figure 8 In case (A), the downstream end of the conveyor belt 15 will interfere with the first limiting part 31. To ensure that the first end edge Ps1 of the medium abuts against the first limiting surface 31a, the upper surface of the conveyor belt 15 needs to be positioned above (in the +Z direction) the lower end of the first limiting surface 31a in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the first limiting surface 31a. Therefore, a top-down view is not possible. Figure 8 The downstream end of the conveyor belt 15 shown in (A) interferes with the first limiting part 31.

[0161] However, in this embodiment, since the rotation center Ra of the conveyor belt 15 is located downstream of the conveyor belt 15 in the conveying direction, the swing range of the downstream end of the conveyor belt 15 during rotation can be narrower than the swing range of the upstream end. Therefore, as... Figure 8 As shown in (B), the downstream end of the conveyor belt 15 is less likely to interfere with the first limiting part 31. Therefore, the rotatable range of the conveyor belt 15 can be expanded, and thus the adjustable range of the cross direction D can be expanded.

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second limiting portion 32 with a second limiting surface 32a is provided, which can limit the position of the second end edge Ps2 of the medium. This results in the following effect: Although the medium is brought closer to the first limiting surface 31a by the conveyor belt 15, for example, when the medium rotates away from the first limiting surface 31a at the downstream end of the first end edge Ps1, even if the medium is conveyed a distance that can be conveyed by the conveyor belt 15, it may not be possible to correct the skew. It should be noted that, as an example, there are also cases where the medium moves away from the first limiting surface 31a without the aforementioned rotation. Furthermore, the movement of the medium away from the first limiting surface 31a may also occur due to the reaction force received from the first limiting surface 31a when the medium comes into contact with it. However, in this embodiment, since the second limiting portion 32 is provided to limit the position of the second end edge Ps2 of the medium, the aforementioned undesirable situation can be suppressed.

[0163] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the distance U4 between the first center position X43 and the position X42 of the second limiting surface 32a in the width direction is longer than the distance U3 between the first center position X43 and the position X41 of the first limiting surface 31a. Therefore, the obliquely moving medium can be appropriately received from the feeding device 5.

[0164] It should be noted that although the position X41 varies depending on the width dimension of the medium, the position of the second limiting part 32 in the width direction is set such that even when the medium with the maximum width that can be recorded in the recording device 3 is being transported, the second distance U4 is longer than the first distance U3.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the upper limiting member 39 (upper limiting surface 39a) serves as the upper limiting unit 38 that restricts the upward movement of the medium, the following effects are achieved: When the first end face Ps1 of the medium touches the first limiting surface 31a, if the medium deforms, it will not rotate, potentially failing to properly correct the slant of the medium, and may also cause a paper jam. Figure 7In the accompanying drawing, reference numeral Pj-3 represents an example of a medium whose first end edge Ps1 deforms or curls upwards by impacting the first limiting portion 31. Additionally, in... Figure 7 In the accompanying drawing, reference numeral Pj-2 is an example of a medium whose side portion, including the first end edge Ps1, is deformed or curled downwards. Whether it is medium Pj-2 or medium Pj-3, the medium may not be able to rotate properly due to deformation.

[0166] However, in this embodiment, since there is an upper limiting surface 39a that restricts the upward movement of the medium, the first end edge Ps1 can properly contact the first limiting surface 31a, as shown by the reference numeral Pj-1, and the medium can be properly rotated to correct the skew.

[0167] Furthermore, since the upper limiting member 39 forming the upper limiting surface 39a is configured to be rotatable so that the upper limiting surface 39a can move forward and backward relative to the medium, the rotation can suppress the formation of damage on the medium when the upper limiting member 39 is subjected to a strong reaction force from the medium.

[0168] It should be noted that the upper limiting member 39 is pressed against the upper limiting surface 39a in the direction of medium travel by a pressing member (not shown), such as a spring. This prevents the upper limiting member 39 from easily rotating when subjected to a reaction force from the medium, thereby enabling proper correction of the medium's slant.

[0169] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since multiple upward limiting members 39 are provided along the conveying direction, the upward movement of the medium can be restricted over a larger range along the conveying direction.

[0170] Furthermore, by providing multiple upper limiting members 39 along the conveying direction, even if the degree of upward movement of the medium varies depending on the position of the conveying direction, the upper limiting surface 39a can be displaced accordingly, thereby suppressing damage to the medium caused by strong contact between the medium and the upper limiting surface 39a.

[0171] It should be noted that, from the perspective of preventing excessive pressure on the medium, it is preferable that the upper limiting member 39 forms a predetermined gap with the rotating worktable 14 supporting the medium from below and is able to maintain this state. The predetermined gap is preferably, for example, the value obtained by adding a predetermined margin to the maximum thickness of each medium sheet.

[0172] Alternatively, the upper limiting member 39 can also be a fixed structure that does not move relative to the medium. Furthermore, when multiple upper limiting members 39 are provided along the conveying direction, the aforementioned specified gap can vary among the multiple upper limiting members 39. For example, the aforementioned specified gap can be reduced on the downstream side, where the oblique displacement of the medium is corrected, compared to the upstream side.

[0173] Alternatively, a single upper limiting member extending along the conveying direction can be used instead of a configuration in which multiple upper limiting members 39 are provided at appropriate intervals along the conveying direction.

[0174] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the distance U2 between the second center position X51 and the first limiting surface 31a in the width direction is longer than the distance U1 between the first center position X43 and the first limiting surface 31a. This prevents the medium from getting caught on the first limiting part 31 when it is supplied from the feeding device 5 to the relay conveying device 4.

[0175] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first feed guide 61 and the second feed guide 62 are components that the user moves according to the width dimension of the medium, and similarly, the first limiting part 31 is also a component that the user moves according to the width dimension of the medium. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first feed guide 61 and the first limiting part 31 are connected by a connecting member (not shown) such that the distance U2 is longer than the distance U1, thus enabling the first feed guide 61 and the first limiting part 31 to move integrally.

[0176] However, even if the first feed guide 61 and the first limiting part 31 are not connected by a connecting member not shown, for example, if the movable area of ​​the first feed guide 61 is set to be in the -X direction more than the movable area of ​​the first limiting part 31, then the distance U2 can be longer than the distance U1.

[0177] It should be noted that in the configuration where the first feed guide 61 and the first limiting part 31 are not connected, a detection unit for detecting the position of the first limiting part 31 in the width direction and a detection unit for detecting the position of the first feed guide 61 in the width direction are provided. Based on the detection information of the two detection units, when the distance U2 is less than or equal to the distance U1, the control unit 111 (refer to...) Figure 1 It can also pause the media feeding operation and display the alarm meaning on the display unit (not shown) provided by the recording device 3.

[0178] Furthermore, the first limiting unit 31 is configured based on the control unit 111 (see reference). Figure 1When the displacement is achieved by the power of a motor (not shown) under the control of the control unit 111, the position of the first limiting part 31 can also be controlled according to the known medium size, so that the distance U2 is longer than the distance U1. In this case, in order to detect that the first feed guide 61 is in the appropriate position corresponding to the medium size, it is also appropriate to provide a detection unit that detects the position of the first feed guide 61 in the width direction. Therefore, when the control unit 111 determines, based on the detection information of the detection unit, that the first feed guide 61 is not in the appropriate position corresponding to the medium size, it can also suspend the medium feeding operation and display an alarm indicating this on the display unit (not shown) of the recording device 3.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feed roller 63, which is the feed section of the feed device 5, can feed the medium by contacting the second center position X51 of the medium in the width direction. As a result, the slant of the medium delivered from the feed device 5 can be suppressed.

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feeding device 5 includes a first feeding guide 61 for positioning the first end edge Ps1 of the medium. In the width direction, the first feeding guide surface 61a of the first feeding guide 61 is located between the first limiting surface 31a of the first limiting portion 31 and the first center position X43. As a result, it is possible to prevent the position of the first end edge Ps1 of the medium (P-1) delivered from the feeding device 5 from moving towards the first limiting portion 31, and it is possible to prevent the medium from getting caught on the first limiting portion 31 when the medium is supplied from the feeding device 5 to the relay conveying device 4.

[0181] In addition, the distance between the first limiting surface 31a and the first feed guide surface 61a in the width direction will not be longer than required, so that the medium can properly touch the first limiting part 31 after being supplied from the feed device 5 to the relay conveying device 4, thereby properly correcting the slant of the medium.

[0182] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feeding device 5 also includes a second feeding guide 62 having a second feeding guide surface 62a capable of restricting the position of the second end edge Ps2 of the medium, thus suppressing the oblique movement of the medium fed from the feeding device 5. Additionally, in Figure 2 Since the second center position X51 is located between the first feed guide surface 61a of the first feed guide 61 and the second feed guide surface 62a of the second feed guide 62 in the width direction, the oblique displacement of the medium delivered from the feed device 5 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0183] It should be noted that even without the configuration of the first feed guide 61 and the second feed guide 62, if the loading section 60 and the feed roller 63 are provided, the medium can still be fed out from the loading section 60.

[0184] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the medium, after being corrected for skew by the first limiting part 31, is supplied to the recording device 3 in a state where it is sandwiched between the first auxiliary guide 33 and the second auxiliary guide 35 in the width direction. Thus, skew is suppressed when the medium is supplied from the relay transport device 4 to the recording device 3, and the medium can be supplied to the recording device 3 while appropriately maintaining the skew correction effect in the relay transport device 4.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first auxiliary guide 33 has a medium receiving portion 34 at its upstream end in the conveying direction, it is possible to prevent the medium from getting caught on the first auxiliary guide 33. Similarly, since the second auxiliary guide 35 has a medium receiving portion 36 at its upstream end in the conveying direction, it is possible to prevent the medium from getting caught on the second auxiliary guide 35.

[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first limiting part 31, the first auxiliary guide 33, and the second auxiliary guide 35 are movable in the width direction. This allows for proper correction of skewness in accordance with the medium size in the width direction.

[0187] Furthermore, the first limiting part 31 and the first auxiliary guide 33 can move integrally in the width direction. This prevents the first limiting part 31 and the first auxiliary guide 33 from deviating in the width direction, and inhibits the medium from getting caught on the first auxiliary guide 33 when moving from the first limiting part 31 to the first auxiliary guide 33.

[0188] However, the first limiting part 31 and the first auxiliary guide 33 are not limited to being one piece, but can also be separate pieces.

[0189] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance U5 between the first auxiliary guide surface 33a and the second auxiliary guide surface 35a in the width direction is shorter than the distance (U3+U4) between the first limiting surface 31a and the second limiting surface 32a. This allows for appropriate suppression of slant when the medium is supplied from the relay conveying device 4 to the recording device 3.

[0190] Modifications of relay conveying devices

[0191] The aforementioned relay transmission device 4 can be modified as shown in the following modifications 1 to 13. It should be noted that the modifications described below can be combined arbitrarily as long as they do not cause technical contradictions.

[0192] Variation Example 1

[0193] In the above embodiment, the displacement of the first limiting part 31 in the width direction is achieved through manual operation by the user. However, it is also possible, for example, to use a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown) to displace the first limiting part 31 in the width direction. The motor that displaces the first limiting part 31 can be controlled by the control unit 111 (see reference 111). Figure 1 Control. In addition, since the control unit 111 can grasp the media size based on the printing data, it can move the first limiting unit 31 to an appropriate position according to the media size.

[0194] Variation Example 2

[0195] Alternatively, the conveyor belt 15 can be configured to move in the width direction in conjunction with the movement of the first limiting part 31. For example, in the above embodiment, by integrally configuring the conveying part 10 and the first limiting part 31, the conveyor belt 15 can move in the width direction in conjunction with the movement of the first limiting part 31.

[0196] Therefore, the following effects can be achieved. Specifically, when the distance between the conveyor belt 15 and the first limiting surface 31a increases in the width direction, it may be impossible for the first end edge Ps1 of the medium to properly contact the first limiting surface 31a via the conveyor belt 15. Conversely, when the distance between the conveyor belt 15 and the first limiting surface 31a decreases in the width direction, in the case of a medium with a large width dimension, the area deviating from the conveyor belt 15 in the -X direction increases, which may result in improper medium conveying. Therefore, in order to properly correct the skewing of the medium and properly convey it, the distance between the conveyor belt 15 and the first limiting surface 31a in the width direction becomes important. By enabling the conveyor belt 15 to move in the width direction in conjunction with the movement of the first limiting part 31, the distance between the conveyor belt 15 and the first limiting surface 31a in the width direction can be properly maintained, thereby enabling proper correction of the skewing of the medium and proper conveying.

[0197] Variation Example 3

[0198] Multiple conveyor belts 15 can also be set in the width direction. Figure 9 For example, the upstream first conveying section 11 has first conveyor belts 15A-1 and 15A-2, and the downstream second conveying section 12 has second conveyor belts 15B-1 and 15B-2. By arranging multiple conveyor belts 15 in the width direction in this way, media with large dimensions in the width direction can be appropriately conveyed. It should be noted that the case of arranging multiple conveyor belts 15 in the width direction is, of course, not limited to, the following. Figure 9 As shown, two can be set in the width direction, or more than three can be set in the width direction.

[0199] It should be noted that when multiple conveyor belts 15 are arranged in the width direction, the attractive force of the medium attracted by one conveyor belt 15 can also be reduced.

[0200] Variation Example 4

[0201] exist Figure 3 Alternatively, by configuring the second limiting part 32 to be movable along the width direction, the difference between the first distance U3 and the second distance U4 can be changed. Therefore, the difference between the first distance U3 and the second distance U4 can be adjusted according to the degree of slant of the medium received from the feeding device 5, enabling more appropriate slant correction. It should be noted that a larger difference between the first distance U3 and the second distance U4 allows for receiving media with greater slant; conversely, a smaller difference makes it easier to restrict the medium between the first limiting part 31 and the second limiting part 32, making it easier to determine the position in the width direction and suppress slant.

[0202] More specifically, since the conveying distance of the medium via the conveyor belt 15 is limited, the second distance U4 is preferably as short as possible in order to properly correct the skewness of the medium. However, if the second distance U4 is shortened, the medium cannot be properly received when the skewness of the medium received from the feeding device 5 is large. Therefore, by adjusting the difference between the first distance U3 and the second distance U4 according to the skewness of the medium received from the feeding device 5, more appropriate skewness correction can be performed.

[0203] It should be noted that the movement of the second limiting part 32, i.e., the change of the second distance U4, can be performed manually by the user or configured to be automatic. In the case of automatic change of the second distance U4, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) actuated by a motor (not shown) can be used to displace the second limiting part 32 in the width direction, and the control unit 111 (see reference) can be used. Figure 1 The configuration of the motor is controlled according to the size of the medium. For example, since the smaller the size of the medium in the conveying direction, the easier it is for the slant of the medium received from the feed device 5 to increase, the control unit 111 (refer to...) Figure 1 It is appropriate to reduce the difference between the first distance U3 and the second distance U4 as the medium size in the width direction decreases.

[0204] Variation Example 5

[0205] Regarding the attraction of the medium drawn by the conveyor belt 15, the attraction in the first region can also be made weaker than the attraction in the second region located downstream of the first region in the conveying direction.

[0206] For example, Figure 10The suction plate 20A shown is a variation of the suction plate 20 described above. Reference numeral Ar1 denotes the first region, and reference numeral Ar2 denotes the second region downstream of the first region Ar1. In the first region Ar1, the number of openings 20a is less than in the second region Ar2; that is, the number of openings 20a overlapping with the through holes 15a of the conveyor belt 15 is less. Therefore, the suction force in the first region Ar1 is weaker than in the second region Ar2. Consequently, in the first region Ar1, where skew correction is more necessary, the medium rotates more easily than in the second region Ar2, allowing for proper skew correction. Thus, in the second region Ar2, where reliable supply of the medium to the recording device is desired, the medium can be reliably attracted, and the medium can be properly supplied to the recording device 3.

[0207] It should be noted that the attraction force can be changed in any way, as long as the attraction force per unit area in the conveyor belt 15 is different between the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2. For example, attraction blowers 18 can be set up for the first region Ar1 and the second region Ar2 respectively, and the attraction force can be different by adjusting the rotation speed of the attraction blowers 18.

[0208] Alternatively, the opening 20a of the suction plate 20 can be adjusted (see reference). Figure 5 The size of the object affects its attractiveness.

[0209] Variation Example 6

[0210] In a configuration such as this embodiment, where a pair of conveying rollers 25 for conveying media to the first conveyor belt 15A is located upstream of the first conveyor belt 15A in the conveying direction, it is also possible to change the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A, or the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A and the attractive force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0211] That is, when a pair of conveyor rollers 25 is provided upstream of the first conveyor belt 15A in the conveying direction, the medium is difficult to rotate while it is held by the pair of conveyor rollers 25. The medium is simultaneously subjected to the restraining effect of the conveyor rollers 25 and the rotational effect of the first conveyor belt 15A, which may cause damage such as wrinkles on the medium. Furthermore, depending on the length of the medium in the conveying direction, the rotational effect of the second conveyor belt 15B also acts simultaneously, which may also cause the aforementioned damage.

[0212] Therefore, by changing the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A, or the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A and the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B, in cases where damage as described above may occur, the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A, or the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A and the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B, can be reduced, thereby suppressing the aforementioned damage.

[0213] It should be noted that the suction force can be adjusted by changing the rotational speed of the suction blower 18. The suction force can be adjusted by the user via an operation panel (not shown), or it can be adjusted in the control unit 111 (see reference 111). Figure 1 Under the control of ), it automatically operates according to conditions such as media type and media size.

[0214] For example, since the longer the medium is transported in the direction of travel, the more easily the aforementioned damage occurs, it is appropriate to reduce the attractive force as the medium length increases. For instance, in the case of a first medium and a second medium with a transport length longer than the first medium, a first attractive force is used when transporting the first medium, and a second attractive force, weaker than the first attractive force, is used when transporting the second medium. Furthermore, since the lower the rigidity of the medium, the more easily the aforementioned damage occurs, in the case of a first medium and a second medium with lower rigidity than the first medium, a first attractive force is used when transporting the first medium, and a second attractive force, weaker than the first attractive force, is used when transporting the second medium.

[0215] At this point, both the first conveyor belt 15A and the second conveyor belt 15B can serve as the second attraction force, or only the first conveyor belt 15A can serve as the second attraction force. Furthermore, only the upstream portion of the first conveyor belt 15A can serve as the second attraction force.

[0216] Alternatively, the attraction force can be set to a second attraction force before the rear end of the second medium in the conveying direction leaves the conveying roller pair 25, and the attraction force can be set to a first attraction force once the rear end of the second medium in the conveying direction leaves the conveying roller pair 25.

[0217] Modification Example 7

[0218] Furthermore, it is also suitable that, regardless of the length of the medium, the attractive force of the medium drawn by the first conveyor belt 15A is weaker than that drawn by the second conveyor belt 15B. Therefore, in the region of the first conveyor belt 15A where skew correction is highly necessary, the medium rotates more easily than in the region of the second conveyor belt 15B, allowing for proper skew correction. Then, in the region of the second conveyor belt 15B where reliable transfer of the medium to the discharge roller pair 26 is desired, the medium rotates less easily but the conveying force is greater than in the region of the first conveyor belt 15A, allowing for proper transfer of the medium to the discharge roller pair 26.

[0219] Variation Example 8

[0220] In a configuration such as this embodiment, where a pair of conveying rollers 25 for conveying media to the first conveyor belt 15A is located upstream of the first conveyor belt 15A in the conveying direction, the pair of conveying rollers 25 can be configured to switch between a clamping state for clamping the media and a clamping release state for releasing the clamping. Alternatively, the pair of conveying rollers 25 can be configured to switch to a clamping release state after a portion of the media conveyed by the conveying rollers 25 in the clamping state is attracted to the first conveyor belt 15A.

[0221] Figure 12 (A) shows the clamping state of the conveyor roller pair 25. Figure 12 (B) shows the unclamped state of the conveyor roller pair 25.

[0222] In such Figure 12 As shown in (A), a portion of the medium conveyed by the conveyor rollers in a clamping state is such that... Figure 12 As shown in (B), after being attracted to the first conveyor belt 15A, the conveyor roller pair 25 switches to the clamping-out state. Figure 12 In the attached figure, the reference numeral P indicates the medium. Therefore, the following effects can be obtained.

[0223] That is, during the period when the medium is held by the conveyor roller pair 25, the medium is difficult to rotate, and the constraint effect of the conveyor roller pair 25 and the rotation effect of the first conveyor belt 15A are applied to the medium at the same time, which may cause damage such as wrinkles on the medium.

[0224] However, by switching the conveyor roller pair 25 to a clamped-out state after a portion of the medium being conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 25 in a clamped state is attracted to the first conveyor belt 15A, the period during which the constraint effect of the conveyor roller pair 25 on the medium and the rotation effect of the first conveyor belt 15A are simultaneously shortened, thereby suppressing the aforementioned damage.

[0225] It should be pointed out that, such as Figure 11As shown, as an example, the driven roller 25b is configured to be able to move up and down via the solenoid 46, and can be configured such that the up and down movement of the driven roller 25b switches the clamping state and the clamping-off state of the conveyor roller pair 25. More specifically, in Figure 11 In this configuration, the driven roller 25b is supported by a support member 45 that can rotate about a rotation axis 45a. The driven roller 25b moves forward and backward relative to the drive roller 25a through the rotation of the support member 45. The support member 45 is pressed by a pressing unit (not shown), such as a spring. Figure 11 Press in a clockwise direction, that is, in the direction in which the driven roller 25b moves toward the driving roller 25a.

[0226] Solenoid 46 can engage with support member 45, in Figure 11 In the clamping state of the conveyor roller pair 25 shown in (A), by pressing the -Y direction end of the support member 45 downward, the support member 45 is moved as if by... Figure 11 (A) to Figure 11 The rotation shown by (B) switches the conveyor roller pair 25 to the clamping release state.

[0227] Solenoid 46 passes through control unit 111 (see reference) Figure 1 ) control. For example Figure 12 As shown, in the medium conveying path, a medium detection unit 47 is provided between the conveying roller pair 25 and the first conveyor belt 15A. The control unit 111 switches the conveying roller pair 25 from the clamping state to the clamping release state based on the detection information of the medium detection unit 47.

[0228] It should be noted that the timing of switching the conveyor roller pair 25 from the clamping state to the clamping-out state can also be changed depending on the type of medium. For example, since the aforementioned damage is less likely to occur when the medium has high rigidity compared to when it has relatively low rigidity, the timing of switching the conveyor roller pair 25 from the clamping state to the clamping-out state can be delayed when dealing with a high-rigidity medium. As a result, the medium can be reliably conveyed downstream via the conveyor roller pair 25.

[0229] It should be noted that when a portion of the medium conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 25 in the clamped state is attracted to the first conveyor belt 15A and the conveyor roller pair 25 is switched to the clamped-out state, it is preferable that the feed roller 63 of the feeding device 5 has been released from its constraint on the medium. This is because if the medium is constrained by the feed roller 63 of the feeding device 5, the medium is difficult to rotate, and damage such as wrinkles may occur.

[0230] Here, the state of releasing the feed roller 63 from the medium means a state in which the feed roller 63 is not in contact with the medium, such as a state in which the medium is less likely to be damaged by the force exerted on the feed roller 63 when it is about to rotate under the action of the first conveyor belt 15A. Therefore, when the feed roller 63 can switch between a state of contact with the medium loaded in the loading section 60 and a state of separation from the medium loaded in the loading section 60, it is appropriate to separate the feed roller 63 from the medium once the leading edge of the medium is clamped by the conveyor roller pair 25.

[0231] Variation Example 9

[0232] Regarding the first conveying direction D1 of the first conveyor belt 15A and the second conveying direction D2 of the second conveyor belt 15B, as follows: Figure 13 As shown, the angle between the +Y direction (i.e., the conveying direction) and the second direction D2 can also be smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction D1.

[0233] Therefore, in the region of the first conveyor belt 15A where skew correction is highly necessary, the effect of skew correction is greater than that in the region of the second conveyor belt 15B, and skew correction can be performed appropriately. Then, in the region of the second conveyor belt 15B where it is desired to reliably transfer the medium to the discharge roller pair 26, the medium is conveyed at an angle closer to the conveying direction than in the region of the first conveyor belt 15A, and the medium can be properly transferred to the discharge roller pair 26.

[0234] It should be noted that when the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are different, it is preferable to adjust the rotation speed of the first conveyor belt 15A and the rotation speed of the second conveyor belt 15B so that the conveying speed of the first conveyor belt 15A in the +Y direction is the same as that of the second conveyor belt 15B in the +Y direction.

[0235] Variation Example 10

[0236] In a configuration such as this embodiment, a pair of conveying rollers 25 for conveying media to the first conveyor belt 15A is provided upstream of the first conveyor belt 15A in the conveying direction. Figure 14 As shown, the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction D1 can also be smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the second direction D2.

[0237] As already explained, when a pair of conveying rollers 25 is provided upstream of the first conveyor belt 15A in the conveying direction, the medium is difficult to rotate while it is being held by the pair of conveying rollers 25. The constraint effect of the pair of conveying rollers 25 and the rotation effect of the first conveyor belt 15A act on the medium simultaneously, which may cause damage such as wrinkles on the medium.

[0238] However, through such Figure 14The angle between the conveying direction and the first direction D1 is smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the second direction D2, thereby suppressing the rotational effect of the medium acting on it through the first conveyor belt 15A and suppressing the aforementioned damage.

[0239] It should be noted that in such a configuration, the angles between the conveying direction and the first direction D1, and between the conveying direction and the second direction D2, can also be adjusted according to the length of the medium in the conveying direction. For example, since the longer the length of the medium in the conveying direction, the longer the time of the constraint effect of the conveying roller on 25 and the rotation effect of the first conveyor belt 15A become, the higher the risk of the aforementioned damage, it is also possible that the longer the length of the medium in the conveying direction, the smaller the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction D1.

[0240] It should be noted that when the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are different, it is preferable to adjust the rotation speed of the first conveyor belt 15A and the rotation speed of the second conveyor belt 15B so that the conveying speed of the first conveyor belt 15A in the +Y direction is the same as that of the second conveyor belt 15B in the +Y direction.

[0241] Variation Example 11

[0242] like Figure 15 As shown, the second limiting part 32 can also be composed of an upstream second limiting part 32A provided for the first conveyor belt 15A and a downstream second limiting part 32B provided for the second conveyor belt 15B. Furthermore, the upstream second limiting part 32A and the downstream second limiting part 32B can be configured to be displaceable independently in the width direction. With this configuration, the second end edge Ps2 of the medium can be appropriately limited according to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0243] In addition, in this case, such as Figure 15 As shown, the downstream second limiting portion 32B can be closer to the first limiting portion 31 than the upstream second limiting portion 32A. This allows for proper limitation of the corrected width direction position of the medium after oblique displacement. Furthermore, in this case, it is also suitable to form an inclined guide surface 32b upstream of the downstream second limiting portion 32B to suppress medium snagging.

[0244] Variation Example 12

[0245] like Figure 16 As shown, the second limiting part 32 can also be positioned downstream of the conveying direction and close to the first limiting part 31. This allows for proper limitation of the skewed displacement to obtain the corrected position of the medium in the width direction.

[0246] Furthermore, in such a configuration, such as Figure 15As shown, the second restriction section 32 can also be formed by multiple restriction sections along the conveying direction.

[0247] Variation Example 13

[0248] The movement of the medium toward the first limiting part 31 can also be achieved, in addition to the conveyor belt being tilted relative to the conveying direction, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the medium is also brought closer to the blade 43 of the first limiting part 31 by rotation. Figure 17 In this configuration, the blade 43 is designed to rotate about a rotation axis 43a. The rotation axis 43a is controlled by a control unit 111 (see reference 111). Figure 1 The propeller blade 43 rotates in the direction of arrow Rm under the power of a motor (not shown) controlled by the motor. Figure 7 The upper limiting member 39 shown also has multiple components arranged along the conveying direction. The blade 43 has multiple blade portions 43b formed of an elastically deformable material (e.g., rubber) along the circumference of the rotation axis 43a. As shown by the solid line, the blade portions 43b are located at the position furthest from the rotary table 14 before receiving the medium supplied to the relay conveying device 4. When the medium is supplied to the relay conveying device 4, they rotate in the direction of arrow Rm to bring the medium closer to the first limiting member 31.

[0249] Since the medium is brought close to the first limiting part 31 as shown by the reference numeral Pj-1 by such a blade 43, the oblique displacement of the medium can be properly corrected.

[0250] It should be pointed out that, although Figure 17 The blade 43 shown is configured such that the rotating shaft 43a extends in the Y-axis direction and moves the medium toward the +X direction, but it can also be configured to move the medium toward the cross direction D.

[0251] Furthermore, when the first end edge Ps1 of the medium abuts against the first limiting surface 31a of the first limiting part 31, and the side end portion including the first end edge Ps1 is prone to upward deformation or curling due to the action of the blade 43 as shown by reference numeral Pj-3, the following will be referred to Figure 7 It is also appropriate to use the upper limiting unit 38 and the blade 43 together as described above.

[0252] Variation Example 14

[0253] The attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A and the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B can also be varied according to the length of the medium in the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0254] Reference Figure 18 The torque generated on the medium when it is transferred from the first conveyor belt 15A to the second conveyor belt 15B is explained. Figure 18(A) is a diagram showing the case where the first medium Pg1 is being transported. Figure 18 (B) is a diagram of the case where the length of the second medium Pg2 is shorter than that of the first medium Pg1 in the width direction.

[0255] When the medium is mounted on both the first conveyor belt 15A and the second conveyor belt 15B, a first torque about the center of gravity is generated on the medium due to the conveying force received from the first conveyor belt 15A, and a second torque about the center of gravity is generated due to the conveying force received from the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0256] exist Figure 18 In (A), the reference numeral Jg1 indicates the centroid position of the first medium Pg1. It should be noted that the centroid position of the medium along the Y-axis may not coincide with the center position of the medium along the Y-axis. Similarly, the centroid position of the medium along the X-axis may not coincide with the center position of the medium along the X-axis. An envelope is an example of such a medium.

[0257] The first medium Pg1 is subjected to a conveying force F1a from the adsorption area of ​​the first conveyor belt 15A, and a conveying force F1b from the adsorption area of ​​the second conveyor belt 15B. Assume that the conveying force F1a acts at the center of the adsorption area of ​​the first medium Pg1 on the first conveyor belt 15A, and that the conveying force F1b acts at the center of the adsorption area of ​​the first medium Pg1 on the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0258] The conveying force F1a is parallel to the first direction D1, and the line segment d1a represents the distance between the position of the conveying force F1a in the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the position of the center of gravity Jg1.

[0259] The conveying force F1b is parallel to the second direction D2, and the line segment d1b represents the distance between the position of the conveying force F1b in the direction orthogonal to the second direction D2 and the position of the center of gravity Jg1.

[0260] Due to the conveying force F1a, a first torque M1a is applied to the first medium Pg1 about the center of gravity position Jg1. In addition, due to the conveying force F1b, a second torque M1b is applied to the first medium Pg1 about the center of gravity position Jg1.

[0261] Since the first torque M1a and the second torque M1b are in the same direction and the skew correction direction (clockwise in the figure) is the same, the skew of the first medium Pg1 is properly corrected.

[0262] Next, in Figure 18In (B), the reference numeral Jg2 indicates the center of gravity of the second medium Pg2. The second medium Pg2 is subjected to a conveying force F2a from the adsorption area of ​​the first conveyor belt 15A, and a conveying force F2b from the adsorption area of ​​the second conveyor belt 15B. Assume that the conveying force F2a acts at the center of the adsorption area of ​​the second medium Pg2 on the first conveyor belt 15A, and that the conveying force F2b acts at the center of the adsorption area of ​​the second medium Pg2 on the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0263] The conveying force F2a and the first direction D1 are represented by line segment d2a, which indicates the distance between the position of the conveying force F2a in the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1 and the position of the center of gravity Jg2.

[0264] The conveying force F2b is parallel to the second direction D2, and the line segment d2b represents the distance between the position of the conveying force F2b in the direction orthogonal to the second direction D2 and the position of the center of gravity Jg2.

[0265] Due to the conveying force F2a, a first torque M2a is exerted on the second medium Pg2 about the center of gravity Jg2. In addition, due to the conveying force F2b, a second torque M2b is exerted on the second medium Pg2 about the center of gravity Jg2.

[0266] The direction of the first torque M2a is opposite to the direction of the second torque M2b. The first torque M2a is larger than the second torque M2b. Moreover, the direction of the first torque M2a is opposite to the skew correction direction (clockwise in the figure), which is the direction of skew deterioration and cannot properly correct the skew of the second medium Pg2.

[0267] Thus, since the position of the center of gravity of the medium varies with the length of the medium in the width direction, the directions of the first torque and the second torque are determined accordingly. Therefore, the length of the medium in the width direction is important in properly correcting the angle of the medium's slant.

[0268] In this embodiment, based on this property, the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A, the attractive force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B, or both the attractive force of the first conveyor belt 15A and the attractive force of the second conveyor belt 15B are varied according to the length of the medium in the width direction. Therefore, the directions of the first torque and the second torque can be adjusted to properly correct the skewing of the medium, thereby enabling proper correction of the skewing of the medium.

[0269] As an example, the control unit 111 can control the suction blower 18 provided in the first conveying unit 11 to adjust the suction force of the medium being attracted through the first conveyor belt 15A. In addition, it can control the suction blower 18 provided in the second conveying unit 12 to adjust the suction force of the medium being attracted through the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0270] In one example, the second medium Pg2 is a medium whose length in the width direction is shorter than a predetermined length. As an example, when the second medium Pg2 is transferred from the first conveyor belt 15A to the second conveyor belt 15B, the control unit 111 controls the suction blower 18 of the first conveyor unit 11 to make the suction force of the medium drawn through the first conveyor belt 15A greater than a preset value. This increases the first torque M2a, i.e., the torque in the same direction as the skew correction direction (clockwise in the figure), and allows for proper correction of the skew of the second medium Pg2.

[0271] It should be noted that the adjustment of the attractive force used to adjust the relationship between the first torque and the second torque to make the skew correction direction more appropriate can be exemplified by changing only the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A, changing only the attractive force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B, or changing both the attractive force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A and the attractive force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0272] For example, in the case where only the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B is changed, in Figure 18 In (B), if the conveying force F2b is reduced, the second torque M2b can be reduced, which in turn increases the influence of the first torque M2a in the same direction as the skew correction direction (clockwise direction in the figure) and thus properly corrects the skew.

[0273] It should be noted that information relating to the relationship between the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A and the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B, corresponding to the width length of the medium, can be stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) provided in the control unit 111, or in an external information device (not shown) that can communicate with the control unit 111.

[0274] It should be noted that the change in attractive force can be performed locally, not across the entire first conveyor belt 15A, and similarly, locally, not across the entire second conveyor belt 15B. As an example, changing the attractive force locally can be compared with a reference... Figure 10 The same applies to the description. In this case, by making the attractive force in the downstream region of the first conveyor belt 15A in the conveying direction greater than the attractive force in the upstream region of the second conveyor belt 15B in the conveying direction, the first torque M2a, i.e., the torque in the same direction as the skew correction direction (clockwise in the figure), can be increased, and the skew of the second medium Pg2 can be properly corrected.

[0275] As described above, the relationship between the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt 15A and the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt 15B can be set throughout the entire period of conveying the medium, or it can be limited to the time when the medium is transferred from the first conveyor belt 15A to the second conveyor belt 15B.

[0276] The following is a brief explanation of the variations.

[0277] The first aspect relates to a media supply system characterized in that it supplies media to a recording device for recording media, the media supply system comprising: a feeding device disposed outside the recording device for feeding media to the recording device; and a relay conveying device disposed outside the recording device between the recording device and the feeding device for relaying the media fed from the feeding device to the recording device, the feeding device comprising: a loading section for loading media; and a feeding section for feeding media, the relay conveying device comprising: a first limiting section having a first limiting surface, the first limiting surface positioning a first end edge of the media fed from the feeding device, the first end edge being an end edge in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction; and a conveying section conveying media toward the first limiting section in an intersecting direction intersecting the conveying direction and the width direction, wherein the center position of the media in the width direction with the first end edge along the first limiting surface is set as a first center position, and the center position of the media loaded in the loading section in the width direction is set as a second center position, wherein the distance between the second center position and the first limiting surface in the width direction is longer than the distance between the first center position and the first limiting surface.

[0278] According to this aspect, even if the medium fed from the feeding device experiences skew, the skew will be corrected in the relay conveying device by bringing the first end edge of the medium abutting against the first limiting surface. Furthermore, compared to a configuration that corrects skew by bringing the front end of the medium abutting against the roller pair, the position of the medium in the width direction is less prone to deviation. In summary, proper recording can be performed in the recording device.

[0279] Furthermore, since the relay conveying device and the feeding device are configured such that the distance between the second center position and the first limiting surface is longer than the distance between the first center position and the first limiting surface in the width direction, it is possible to suppress the medium from getting caught on the first limiting part when the medium is supplied from the feeding device to the relay conveying device.

[0280] The second aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the feeding unit is capable of feeding the medium by contacting the second center position of the medium in the width direction.

[0281] According to this aspect, since the feed section can feed the medium by contacting the second center position of the medium in the width direction, it is possible to suppress the oblique movement of the medium delivered from the feed device.

[0282] The third aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the feeding device includes a first feeding guide having a first feeding guide surface for positioning the first end edge of the medium, wherein the first feeding guide surface is located between the first limiting surface and the first center position in the width direction.

[0283] According to this aspect, since the feeding device has a first feeding guide with a first feeding guide surface for positioning the first end edge of the medium, it is possible to prevent the position of the first end edge of the medium delivered from the feeding device from approaching the first limiting surface, and to prevent the medium from getting caught on the first limiting portion when the medium is supplied from the feeding device to the relay conveying device.

[0284] In addition, the distance between the first limiting surface in the width direction and the first feed guide will not be longer than required, so that the first limiting part can be properly touched after the medium is supplied from the feeding device to the relay conveying device, thereby properly correcting the slant of the medium.

[0285] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to the second aspect mentioned above.

[0286] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the feeding device is characterized in that it includes a second feeding guide, the second feeding guide having a second feeding guide surface capable of restricting the position of a second end edge opposite to the first end edge of the medium, the second center position being located at the midpoint between the first feeding guide surface and the second feeding guide surface in the width direction.

[0287] According to this aspect, since the feeding device also includes a second feed guide capable of limiting the position of a second end edge of the medium opposite to the first end edge, oblique displacement of the medium delivered from the feeding device can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the second center position is located between the first feed guide surface and the second feed guide surface in the width direction, oblique displacement of the medium delivered from the feeding device can be suppressed even more effectively.

[0288] The fifth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the conveying unit comprises: a conveyor belt, a conveying medium; and an attraction unit that attracts the medium via a through hole provided in the conveyor belt.

[0289] According to this aspect, the conveying unit is configured to include: a conveyor belt, a conveying medium; and an attraction unit that attracts the medium through a through hole provided in the conveyor belt. Compared with a configuration in which the medium is held by a roller pair, the medium can be easily rotated, and the skew of the medium can be properly corrected.

[0290] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to any of the second to fourth aspects mentioned above.

[0291] The sixth aspect, in the first aspect, is characterized in that the relay conveying device includes a second limiting part having a second limiting surface, the second limiting surface being capable of limiting the position of a second end edge of the medium on the side opposite to the first end edge.

[0292] Although the conveyor belt brings the medium closer to the first limiting part, for example, when the medium rotates away from the first limiting surface at its downstream end, even if the medium is conveyed a distance that can be covered by the conveyor belt, it may not be possible to correct the skew. It should be noted that, as an example, there are also cases where the medium moves away from the first limiting surface without the aforementioned rotation. However, according to this aspect, since a second limiting part is provided that can limit the position of the second end of the medium on the side opposite to the first end, the aforementioned undesirable situation can be suppressed.

[0293] It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect mentioned above, but can also be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above.

[0294] The seventh aspect is in addition to the sixth aspect, characterized in that the center position of the medium in the width direction when the first end edge is along the first limiting surface is set as the first center position, and the distance between the first center position in the width direction and the second limiting surface, i.e., the second distance, is longer than the distance between the first center position and the first limiting surface, i.e., the first distance.

[0295] According to this aspect, since the second distance is longer than the first distance, the obliquely moving medium can be properly received from the feeding device.

[0296] The eighth aspect, in the fifth aspect, is characterized in that, upstream of the conveyor belt in the conveying direction, there is a pair of conveying rollers for conveying medium to the conveyor belt, the pair of conveying rollers being able to switch between a clamping state of clamping the medium and a clamping release state of releasing the clamping, wherein, when a portion of the medium conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers in the clamping state is attracted to the conveyor belt and the constraint of the feed unit on the medium is released, the pair of conveying rollers switches to the clamping release state.

[0297] When the conveyor roller pair is located upstream of the conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the medium is difficult to rotate while it is held by the conveyor roller pair and constrained by the feed section. The constraint of the conveyor roller pair and the feed section, as well as the rotation of the conveyor belt, act on the medium simultaneously, which may cause damage such as wrinkles on the medium.

[0298] According to this aspect, since the conveyor roller pair switches to the clamping-released state after a portion of the medium being conveyed by the conveyor roller pair in the clamping state is attracted to the conveyor belt and the constraint of the feed unit on the medium is released, the period during which the constraint effect of the conveyor roller pair and the feed unit on the medium and the rotation effect of the conveyor belt are simultaneously applied can be shortened, thereby suppressing the aforementioned damage.

[0299] It should be noted that the state in which the feed section is released from its constraint on the medium means that the feed section is not in contact with the medium, and that when the medium is about to rotate under the action of the conveyor belt, it is not easy for the medium to be damaged by the force from the feed section.

[0300] The recording system according to the ninth aspect is characterized by comprising: the recording device for recording a medium; and the medium supply system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, disposed outside the recording device for supplying a medium to the recording device.

[0301] Based on this aspect, the effects of any one of the first to eighth aspects mentioned above can be obtained in the recording system.

[0302] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, and these modifications are naturally included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A relay conveying device, characterized in that, Located between a recording device and a feeding device, the relay conveying device relays the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device, which records the medium. The feeding device is disposed outside the recording device and feeds the medium to the recording device. The relay conveying device includes: The first limiting part has a first limiting surface, which positions a first end edge of the medium fed from the feeding device. The first end edge is an end edge of the medium in the width direction that intersects the conveying direction. A first conveyor belt conveys a medium toward a first direction that intersects the conveying direction and the width direction, facing the first limiting surface. The second conveyor belt is located downstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, and the second conveyor belt conveys the medium toward the first limiting surface in a second direction that intersects the conveying direction and the width direction; The suction unit draws in the medium through through holes provided in the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt; as well as The second limiting part has a second limiting surface, which can limit the position of the second end edge of the medium on the side opposite to the first end edge. The second limiting part has an upstream second limiting part provided for the first conveyor belt and a downstream second limiting part provided for the second conveyor belt. The upstream second limiting part and the downstream second limiting part can be displaced independently in the width direction.

2. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second direction is the direction along the first direction.

3. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first direction and the second direction can be changed.

4. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the conveying direction and the second direction is smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the first direction.

5. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the relay conveying device further includes a pair of conveying rollers for conveying the medium to the first conveyor belt. The angle between the conveying direction and the first direction is smaller than the angle between the conveying direction and the second direction.

6. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attraction force of the medium drawn by the first conveyor belt, the attraction force of the medium drawn by the second conveyor belt, or the attraction force of the medium drawn by both the first and second conveyor belts can vary according to the length of the medium in the width direction.

7. The relay conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When conveying a medium whose length in the width direction is shorter than a specified length, the attraction force of the medium in the downstream region of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction is greater than the attraction force of the medium in the upstream region of the second conveyor belt in the conveying direction.

8. The relay conveying device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When conveying a medium whose length in the width direction is shorter than a specified length, the attraction force of the medium drawn by the first conveyor belt is greater than that drawn by the second conveyor belt.

9. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the relay conveying device further includes a pair of conveying rollers for conveying the medium to the first conveyor belt. The attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt, or the attraction force of the medium attracted by the first conveyor belt and the attraction force of the medium attracted by the second conveyor belt, can be changed.

10. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upstream of the first conveyor belt in the conveying direction, the relay conveying device further includes a pair of conveying rollers for conveying the medium to the first conveyor belt. The attraction of the medium drawn by the first conveyor belt is weaker than that drawn by the second conveyor belt.

11. The relay conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relay conveying device is provided with a separate suction section for each of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

12. A recording system, characterized in that, have: A recording device for recording on a medium; A feeding device, disposed outside the recording device, feeds a medium into the recording device; and The relay conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is located between the recording device and the feeding device, and relays the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device.

13. A feeding system, characterized in that, A feeding system provides a medium to a recording apparatus for recording a medium, the feeding system comprising: A feeding device, disposed outside the recording device, feeds a medium into the recording device; and The relay conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is located between the recording device and the feeding device, and relays the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device.

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