Media transport mechanism

Abstract

To make it easy to remove media when conveyance of media by a conveying part arranged above the media stops in a media conveyance mechanism.SOLUTION: An inspection device 1, which is an example of media conveyance mechanism, includes a first conveyance part 10 arranged above media M and conveying the media M while adsorbing them, a first elevating part (for example, suspension wires 51 - 54, first driving part 71, etc.) that moves up and down the first conveyance part 10 between a conveying position P1 conveying the media M and a position P2 above the conveying position P1, and a control part 91 that controls the first conveyance part 10 so that when the conveyance of the media M by the first conveyance part 10 stops, the first elevating part is controlled so as to raise the first conveyance part 10 to the standby position P2, and the adsorption of part of the media M (for example, the second medium M12) is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport mechanism that transports a medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an inspection device has been proposed that includes a transport section that is positioned above the medium and transports the medium while adsorbing it, and an inspection section that is positioned below the medium opposite the transport section and inspects the medium, with the inspection section positioned opposite the upstream end of the transport section to make it easier to remove the medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-032634 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, the transport section is positioned above the medium and transports the medium while adsorbing it. When a jam occurs, for example, the transport section stops transporting the medium and rises from the transport position to an upper standby position to clear the jam.

[0005] If the suction of the medium is maintained even when the transport unit is in the standby position after the transport of the medium has stopped, the entire surface of the medium, particularly in the case of small media, will be suctioned to the transport unit, making it difficult for the user to find the medium when clearing a jam. On the other hand, if the suction of the medium is released when the transport unit is in the standby position after the transport of the medium has stopped, the medium will fall, and the position of the medium will likely become unknown. These conditions make it difficult for users to use and are likely to cause dissatisfaction.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a media transport mechanism that can facilitate the task of removing a medium when transport of the medium by a transport section arranged above the medium stops. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect, the medium transport mechanism includes a first transport unit positioned above the medium and transporting the medium while adsorbing it, a first lifting unit that raises and lowers the first transport unit to a transport position where the medium is transported and a standby position above the transport position, and a control unit that controls the first lifting unit to raise the first transport unit to the standby position when transport of the medium by the first transport unit stops, and controls the first transport unit to release adsorption of a portion of the medium. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to this aspect, when the transport of the medium by the transport unit arranged above the medium stops, the task of removing the medium can be facilitated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of a portion of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the inspection device (in a transporting state) according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the inspection device (in a jam-cleared state) according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view for explaining the lifting and lowering operations (transport positions) of a first transport unit and a second transport unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view for explaining the lifting and lowering operation (to a standby position) of a first transport unit and a second transport unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]11 is a table showing an example of the ON / OFF state of each fan depending on the size of a medium when a jam is cleared in one embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a front view (part 1) showing a state of a medium when a first transport unit and a second transport unit of an inspection device according to an embodiment are in a transport position. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a front view (part 1) showing a state of a medium when a first transport unit and a second transport unit of an inspection device according to an embodiment are in a standby position. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a second front view showing a state of a medium when a first transport unit and a second transport unit of an inspection device according to an embodiment are in a transport position; [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a front view (part 2) showing a state of a medium when a first transport unit and a second transport unit of an inspection device according to an embodiment are in a standby position. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a front view (part 3) showing a state of a medium when a first transport unit and a second transport unit of an inspection device according to an embodiment are in a transport position. [Figure 10B] FIG. 11 is a front view (part 3) showing a state of a medium when a first transport unit and a second transport unit of an inspection device according to an embodiment are in a standby position. [Figure 11A] FIG. 4 is a front view (part 4) showing a state of a medium when a first transport unit and a second transport unit of an inspection device according to an embodiment are in a transport position. [Figure 11B] FIG. 4 is a front view (part 4) showing a state of a medium when the first transport unit and the second transport unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment are in the standby position. [Figure 12A] FIG. 5 is a front view (part 5) showing a state of a medium when the first transport unit and the second transport unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment are in the transport position. [Figure 12B] FIG. 5 is a front view (part 5) showing a state of a medium when the first transport unit and the second transport unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment are in the standby position. [Figure 13A] FIG. 6 is a front view (part 6) showing a state of a medium when the first transport unit and the second transport unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment are in the transport position. [Figure 13B]FIG. 6 is a front view (part 6) showing a state of a medium when the first transport unit and the second transport unit of the inspection device according to the embodiment are in the standby position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a medium transport mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking an inspection device 1 as an example.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a printing system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the control configuration of the printing system 100. As shown in FIG.

[0013] Note that the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction shown in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 3 to 6 and 8A to 13B described later are merely directions for the convenience of explanation, but for example, the up-down direction is the vertical direction, and the left-right direction and front-rear direction are the horizontal directions.

[0014] 1 and 2, the printing system 100 includes a medium supply device 110, a first printing device 120, an intermediate conveying device 130, a second printing device 140, an inspection device 1, and a medium discharge device 150. Here, the inspection device 1 is an example of a medium conveying mechanism that conveys the medium M. This medium conveying mechanism is not limited to the inspection device 1, and may be any mechanism that conveys the medium M. Note that the medium M is, for example, paper (sheets), but may also be other sheet-like media such as film.

[0015] The medium supply device 110, the first printing device 120, the intermediate conveying device 130, the second printing device 140, the inspection device 1, and the medium discharge device 150 are arranged in series in the transport path (transport direction D) of the medium M. Note that a plurality of the medium supply device 110, the first printing device 120, the intermediate conveying device 130, the second printing device 140, the inspection device 1, and the medium discharge device 150 may be integrally arranged in a common housing. For example, the medium discharge device 150 may be arranged as a part of the inspection device 1. The inspection device 1 integrally including the medium discharge device 150 in this manner may be regarded as an inspection device (medium transport mechanism) or an inspection system (medium transport system). In addition, the printing system 100 may be provided with at least one printing unit (for example, the first printing unit 122 of the first printing device 120 and the second printing unit 142 of the second printing device 140, which will be described later) and the inspection device 1 (medium transport mechanism).

[0016] In Figure 1, the first supply path R1, the second supply path R2, the junction path R3, the straight path R6, and the storage paths R8 to R11 of the medium M are shown only with solid lines, the straight path R4 is shown with dashed lines (reversed portions) and solid lines, and the circulation paths R5 and R7 are shown with dashed lines (reversed portions) and two-dot chain lines.

[0017] The medium supply device 110 has a first supply section 111, a second supply section 112 disposed below the first supply section 111, and a plurality of transport roller pairs 113 that nip and transport the medium M.

[0018] The first supply unit 111 and the second supply unit 112 have liftable stacking tables 111a, 112a on which media M are stacked, and suction transport units 111b, 112b that suction and pay out and transport the topmost medium M stacked on the stacking tables 111a, 112a.

[0019] A first supply path R1 for the medium M supplied from the first supply unit 111 and a second supply path R2 for the medium M supplied from the second supply unit 112 join at a joining path R3.

[0020] The first printing device 120 has multiple transport roller pairs 121 that nip and transport the medium M, a first printing unit 122 that prints on the medium M, an adsorption transport unit 123 arranged opposite the first printing unit 122 that transports the medium M while adsorbing it, transport path switching units 124, 125 that switch the transport path of the medium M, a switchback roller pair 126 that flips the medium M over, and an output tray 127 on which medium M that is not transported to the intermediate transport device 130 is placed.

[0021] One of the transport path switching units 124 is, for example, a flipper, and switches the transport path (junction path R3) of the medium M printed by the first printing unit 122 to a straight path R4 continuing to the intermediate transport device 130 and a circular path R5 continuing to the discharge tray 127 and the switchback roller pair 126.

[0022] The other transport path switching unit 125 is, for example, a flipper, and switches the transport path of the medium M on the circulation path R5 of the medium M between a transport path continuing to the discharge tray 127 and a transport path continuing to the switchback roller pair 126. The medium M that has been turned over at the switchback roller pair 126 is transported again to the first printing unit 122.

[0023] The intermediate conveying device 130 has a plurality of conveying roller pairs 131 that nip and convey the medium M, a switchback roller pair 132 that inverts the medium M from front to back, and an inversion storage section 133 that is arranged at the back of the inversion path in which the switchback roller pair 132 is arranged.

[0024] The second printing device 140 may be configured similarly to the first printing device 120. The second printing device 140 includes a plurality of conveying roller pairs 141, a second printing unit 142, a suction conveying unit 143, conveying path switching units 144 and 145, a switchback roller pair 146, and a discharge tray 147.

[0025] One of the transport path switching units 144 is, for example, a flipper, and switches the transport path (straight path R4) of the medium M printed by the second printing unit 142 to a straight path R6 leading to the inspection device 1 and a circular path R7 leading to the discharge tray 147 and a pair of switchback rollers 146.

[0026] The other transport path switching unit 145 is, for example, a flipper, and switches the transport path of the medium M on the circulation path R7 of the medium M between a transport path continuing to the discharge tray 147 and a transport path continuing to the switchback roller pair 146. The medium M that has been turned over at the switchback roller pair 146 is transported again to the second printing unit 142.

[0027] The inspection device 1 will be described in detail later, but here, the first transport section 10, the first inspection section 20, the second transport section 30, and the second inspection section 40 will be described.

[0028] The first transport unit 10 is disposed above the medium M and transports the medium M while adsorbing it. The first transport unit 10 has, for example, a plurality of fans (e.g., the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) that suck in air, and a belt that has a plurality of through holes formed therein through which the air sucked by the plurality of fans passes and transports the medium M that has been adsorbed by the suction of air.

[0029] The first inspection unit 20 is disposed below the first conveying unit 10 so as to face the first conveying unit 10 vertically. The first inspection unit 20 inspects an image printed on the lower surface of the medium M being conveyed by the first conveying unit 10. For example, the first inspection unit 20 has an imaging unit such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) that captures the image printed on the medium M. The first inspection unit 20 is an example of a first processing unit that performs processing on the medium M. Other examples of the first processing unit include a functional printing unit that performs functional printing using special ink (stealth ink, MICR (Magnetic ink character recognition) ink, etc.) as an example of processing, a printing unit that performs printing using normal ink (KCMY color ink, etc.) as an example of processing, and a drying heater that performs drying as an example of processing.

[0030] The second transport unit 30 is disposed below the medium M, on the upper and lower opposite side of the first transport unit 10, upstream of the first transport unit 10 in the transport direction D. The second transport unit 30 may be configured by inverting the orientation of the first transport unit 10. For example, similar to the first transport unit 10, the second transport unit 30 includes a plurality of fans (e.g., the upstream front fan 31 and the upstream rear fan 32 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) that suck air, and a belt that has a plurality of through holes formed therein through which the air sucked by the plurality of fans passes and that transports the medium M that is adsorbed by the suction of air.

[0031] The second inspection unit 40 is disposed above the medium M, which is on the opposite side of the first inspection unit 20 with respect to the medium M, so as to face the second transport unit 30 vertically. The second inspection unit 40 inspects an image printed on the upper surface of the medium M being transported by the second transport unit 30. For example, the second inspection unit 40 has an imaging unit such as a CIS that captures the image printed on the medium M. The second inspection unit 40 is an example of a second processing unit that performs processing on the medium M. Other examples of this second processing unit include, as with the first processing unit, a functional printing unit that performs functional printing using special ink, which is an example of processing, a printing unit that performs printing using normal ink, which is an example of processing, and a drying heater that performs drying, which is an example of processing.

[0032] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the second conveying section 30 and the second inspection section 40 (second processing section) are arranged upstream of the first conveying section 10 and the first inspection section 20 (first processing section) in the conveying direction D, but the second conveying section 30 and the second inspection section 40 may also be arranged downstream of the first conveying section 10 and the first inspection section 20 in the conveying direction D.

[0033] The images captured by the imaging units of the first inspection unit 20 and the second inspection unit 40 are subjected to image processing by a control unit 91 described later or a control unit (not shown) of the entire printing system 100, and it is determined whether the image printed on the medium M is normal or abnormal. Whether the image is normal or abnormal may be determined based on, for example, the printing accuracy and the presence or absence of errors in the printed content in comparison with manuscript data for printing. Furthermore, each of the first inspection unit 20 and the second inspection unit 40 may have multiple types of imaging units with different imaging methods.

[0034] The medium ejection device 150 has an introduction section 151, a first normal storage section 152, an upper transport section 153, an intermediate transport section 154, a second normal storage section 155, an abnormal storage section 156, multiple transport roller pairs 157, and transport path switching sections 158 and 159.

[0035] The plurality of conveying roller pairs 157 convey the medium M while nipping it in each portion such as the introduction portion 151. Inside the introduction portion 151, a conveying path switching portion 158 is disposed.

[0036] The transport path switching unit 158 ​​is, for example, a flipper, and switches the straight path R6 that continues from the second printing device 140 through the inspection device 1 to the introduction unit 151 to a storage path R8 toward the first normal storage unit 152 and a storage path R9 toward the second normal storage unit 155 and the abnormal storage unit 156.

[0037] The first normal storage section 152 and the second normal storage section 155 store media M whose inspection results are normal. The second normal storage section 155 is disposed downstream of the first normal storage section 152 in the transport direction D. The first normal storage section 152 and the second normal storage section 155 have liftable mounting tables 152a, 155a on which the media M is placed. Note that the first normal storage section 152 and the second normal storage section 155 transport the media M to the other one when, for example, the capacity of the media M has been stored in one section, when the media M has been removed from the other section, or when the type of the media M has been changed.

[0038] The abnormal storage section 156 stores media M whose inspection results are abnormal, and media M whose inspection has not been completed when transportation of the media M is stopped due to a jam or the like. The abnormal storage section 156 is disposed above the second normal storage section 155. A plurality of abnormal storage sections 156 may be disposed.

[0039] The upper transfer section 153 is located above the first normal storage section 152. In the upper transfer section 153, a storage path R9 leading to the second normal storage section 155 and the abnormal storage section 156 is arranged.

[0040] The transport path switching unit 159 is, for example, a flipper, and is disposed at the downstream end in the transport direction D of the upper transport unit 153. The transport path switching unit 159 switches the storage path R9 leading to the second normal storage unit 155 and the abnormal storage unit 156 to a storage path R10 leading to the second normal storage unit 155 and a storage path R11 leading to the abnormal storage unit 156. The transport path switching unit 159 may be disposed in the intermediate transport unit 154.

[0041] The intermediate conveying section 154 is disposed between the first normal storage section 152 and the upper conveying section 153 and the second normal storage section 155 and the abnormal storage section 156. In the intermediate conveying section 154, a storage path R10 leading to the second normal storage section 155 and a storage path R11 leading to the abnormal storage section 156 are disposed.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the inspection device 1 will be described.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the inspection device 1 (in a transporting state).

[0044] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing the inspection device 1 (in a jam-cleared state).

[0045] 3 and 4 show the first conveying section 10, the first inspection section 20, the second conveying section 30, and the second inspection section 40 in detail, unlike FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5, 6, and 8A to 13B described below.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the inspection apparatus 1 includes the above-mentioned first conveying section 10, first inspection section 20, second conveying section 30, and second inspection section 40, as well as hanging wires 51-54, pulling wires 61-64, a first driving section 71, a power transmission section 72, driving shafts 73, 74, pulleys 75-78, a second driving section 81, a power transmission section 82, a driving shaft 83, and a pulley 84.

[0047] Although omitted in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 2, the inspection device 1 includes a control unit 91, a memory unit 92, an interface unit 93, stop switches 97, 98, a lower first position detection sensor S11, a lower second position detection sensor S12, an upper first position detection sensor S21, and an upper second position detection sensor S22.

[0048] Although not shown in FIG. 3, the inspection device 1 includes a pulley 85, an upstream guide pair 94, an intermediate guide pair 95, and a downstream guide pair 96, as shown in FIGS.

[0049] 3 has one end connected to, for example, four corners of the first conveying section 10 and the other end connected to, for example, four corners of the second conveying section 30, thereby suspending the first conveying section 10 and the second conveying section 30. The hanging wires 51 to 54 are an example of a flexible hanging member.

[0050] The pulling wires 61 to 64 are connected, for example, to the four corners of the first conveying section 10, and pull downward the first conveying section 10. The pulling wires 61 to 64 are an example of a flexible pulling member.

[0051] In addition, the hanging members, such as the hanging wires 51 to 54, and the pulling members, such as the pulling wires 61 to 64, are not limited to being linear and may be strip-shaped, and there are no particular limitations on the material or number of members.

[0052] The first driving unit 71 drives the suspension wires 51 to 54. The first driving unit 71 is, for example, an actuator such as a motor.

[0053] The power transmission unit 72 transmits the power generated by the first drive unit 71 to each of the two drive shafts 73 and 74. Note that the power transmission unit 72 is, for example, a plurality of gears as shown in Figures 3 and 4, but may be a plurality of belts as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0054] The drive shafts 73, 74 are disposed to extend in the front-rear direction above the second inspection unit 40. Two suspension wires 51, 53 are hooked to one drive shaft 73, and the remaining two suspension wires 52, 54 are hooked to the other drive shaft 74.

[0055] Pulleys 75 to 78 are disposed above the positions where suspending wires 51 to are connected to first conveying section 10, and suspending wires 51 to are hooked thereon.

[0056] Therefore, when the drive shafts 73, 74 rotate by the power transmitted from the power transmission section 72, the hanging wires 51-54 are able to lower the first conveying section 10 and raise the second conveying section 30 to a conveying position P1 in contact with the first inspection section 20 or the second inspection section 40 as shown in Figure 3, and also to raise the first conveying section 10 and lower the second conveying section 30 to a waiting position P2 separated from the first inspection section 20 or the second inspection section 40 as shown in Figure 4.

[0057] The second driving unit 81 drives the pulling wires 61 to 64. The second driving unit 81 is, for example, an actuator such as a motor.

[0058] The power transmission unit 82 transmits the power generated by the second drive unit 81 to the drive shaft 83. Note that the power transmission unit 82 has, for example, a gear, but may have a belt as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0059] The drive shaft 83 is disposed so as to extend in the left-right direction behind the first inspection unit 20, and the pull wires 61 to 64 are hooked to the drive shaft 83. The direction of the drive shaft 83 may be any direction. For example, in Figs. 5 and 6, the drive shaft 83 is illustrated as extending in the front-rear direction.

[0060] A pulling wire 62 connected to the right front part of the first conveying section 10 is hooked to the pulley 84. Note that a pulley to which a pulling wire 61 connected to the left front part of the first conveying section 10 is hooked is not shown in Figures 3 and 4, but is, for example, pulley 85 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0061] When the drive shaft 83 is rotated by the power transmitted from the power transmission unit 82, the pulling wires 61 to 64 can move the first conveying unit 10 downward.

[0062] Since the second drive unit 81 pulls the first transport unit 10 downward using the pulling wires 61-64, it is possible to raise the second transport unit 30 connected to the first transport unit 10 via the hanging wires 51-54. Therefore, if it is possible to move the hanging wires 51-54 so as to lower the second transport unit 30 and raise the first transport unit 10 while the driving of the second drive unit 81 is stopped, for example, by a configuration in which a weight is placed on the second transport unit 30, it is possible to omit the first drive unit 71.

[0063] The above-mentioned hanging wires 51-54, pulling wires 61-64, first drive unit 71, second drive unit 81, etc. function as an example of a first lifting unit that lifts and lowers the first transport unit 10 to the transport position P1 where the medium M is transported and a standby position above the transport position P1, and also function as an example of a second lifting unit that lifts and lowers the second transport unit 30 to the transport position P1 where the medium M is transported and a standby position P2 below the transport position P1. The first lifting unit and the second lifting unit are not limited to those using the pulling wires 61-64, etc., and may be, for example, those that lift and lower the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 along a guide.

[0064] 2 has a processor (e.g., a CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing device, and controls each part of the inspection device 1, such as the first conveying part 10 and the second conveying part 30. Note that a control part (not shown) of the printing system 100 may also function as the control part 91.

[0065] The storage unit 92 has memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a specific control program is pre-recorded, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read at any time and is used as a working memory area as needed when the processor executes various control programs.

[0066] The interface unit 93 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices. For example, the interface unit 93 transmits the inspection results of the medium M to the first printing device 120, the second printing device 140, the medium ejection device 150, and the like.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the upstream guide pair 94 is disposed upstream of the second transport section 30 in the transport direction D, and guides the medium M.

[0068] The intermediate guide pair 95 is disposed between the second transport section 30 and the first transport section 10 in the transport direction D, and guides the medium M.

[0069] The downstream guide pair 96 is disposed downstream of the first transport section 10 in the transport direction D and guides the medium M.

[0070] Each of the upstream guide pair 94, the intermediate guide pair 95, and the downstream guide pair 96 is, for example, two plates, one above the other.

[0071] The bumping switches 97 are arranged, for example, in four positions so as to be able to contact the four corners of the second conveying section 30 at the conveying position P1, and detect that the second conveying section 30 is at the conveying position P1 when the second conveying section 30 is bumped against the bumping switches.

[0072] For example, a total of four bump switches 98 are arranged at positions that can contact the four corners of the first conveying section 10 at the conveying position P1, and detect that the first conveying section 10 is at the conveying position P1 when the first conveying section 10 is bumped against the bump switches.

[0073] The lower first position detection sensor S11 detects the second conveying section 30 at an intermediate position between the conveying position P1 and the standby position P2.

[0074] The lower second position detection sensor S12 detects the second conveyor 30 at the standby position P2 shown in FIG.

[0075] The first upper position detection sensor S21 detects the first conveying section 10 at an intermediate position between the conveying position P1 and the standby position P2.

[0076] The upper second position detection sensor S22 detects the first conveyor 10 at the standby position P2 shown in FIG.

[0077] Preferably, each of the first lower position detection sensor S11, the second lower position detection sensor S12, the first upper position detection sensor S21, and the second upper position detection sensor S22 is disposed at the same height.

[0078] Next, the lifting and lowering operations of the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a front view for explaining the lifting and lowering operation of the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 (transport position P1).

[0080] FIG. 6 is a front view for explaining the lifting operation (standby position P2) of the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30. As shown in FIG.

[0081] 5 and 6, the suspension wire 53 is hidden by the suspension wire 51 and does not appear, and the suspension wire 54 is hidden by the suspension wire 52 and does not appear, but the reference numerals of the suspension wires 53 and 54 are given together with the reference numerals of the suspension wires 51 and 52. Similarly, in Figs. 5 and 6, the pulling wire 63 is hidden by the pulling wire 61 and does not appear, and the pulling wire 64 is hidden by the pulling wire 62 and does not appear, but the reference numerals of the pulling wires 63 and 64 are given together with the reference numerals of the pulling wires 61 and 62.

[0082] First, to move the first conveying section 10 and the second conveying section 30 to the conveying position P1 as shown in FIG. 5, the lower first position detection sensor S11 detects the upper end of the second conveying section 30 in the intermediate position described above, and the upper first position detection sensor S21 detects the lower end of the first conveying section 10 in the intermediate position described above. From this state, the first driving section 71 drives the hanging wires 51-54 a predetermined amount to lower the first conveying section 10 and raise the second conveying section 30.

[0083] 5, the first conveying section 10 moves to a conveying position P1 where it contacts the first inspection section 20, and the second conveying section 30 moves to a conveying position P1 where it contacts the second inspection section 40. In this manner, the four corners of the first conveying section 10 can be reliably brought into contact with the first inspection section 20, and the four corners of the second conveying section 30 can be reliably brought into contact with the second inspection section 40. Here, when the first conveying section 10 contacts the first inspection section 20 and the second conveying section 30 contacts the second inspection section 40, the hanging wires 51 to 54 may have slack. On the other hand, the pulling wires 61 to 64 do not have slack because they pull the first conveying section 10 downward to bring the first conveying section 10 into contact with the first inspection section 20.

[0084] Next, when moving the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 away from the first inspection unit 20 or the second inspection unit 40, the control unit 91 first controls the second drive unit 81 to unwind the pulling wires 61-64 to form slack, and then controls the first drive unit 71 to lift the first transport unit 10 with a delay by the hanging wires 51-54. As a result, the first transport unit 10 lifts after the pulling wires 61-64 have slackened.

[0085] When the first transport section 10 rises away from the first inspection section 20 and the second transport section 30 descends away from the second inspection section 40, the lower second position detection sensor S12 detects the upper end of the second transport section 30 and the upper second position detection sensor S22 detects the lower end of the first transport section 10, as shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 are in a standby position P2 for when a jam of the medium M occurs in the inspection device 1. Note that, to return the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 to the transport position P1, the first drive section 71 and the second drive section 81 may start driving at the same time.

[0086] Here, if a jam occurs during transport (inspection) of the medium M, the control unit 91 stops the transport of the medium M by the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30. Furthermore, when the transport of the medium M by the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 is stopped, the control unit 91 performs the above-mentioned control so as to raise the first transport unit 10 to the standby position P2 and lower the second transport unit 30 to the standby position P2 in order to secure space for clearing the jam.

[0087] In this way, if suction of the medium M by the downstream front fan 11 and downstream rear fan 12 of the first transport unit 10 is maintained after the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 have moved to the standby position P2, the entire surface of the medium M will be suctioned by the first transport unit 10, particularly in the case of a small medium M, making it difficult for the user to find the medium M when clearing a jam, etc. On the other hand, if suction of the entire medium M is released when the first transport unit 10 is in the standby position P2 after the transport of the medium M has stopped, the medium M will fall toward the first inspection unit 20, making it easy for the position of the medium M to become unclear.

[0088] Therefore, after the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 move to the standby position P2, as shown in FIG. 7, it is advisable to turn off the downstream front fan 11 only when the length of the medium M in the transport direction D is less than L [mm] (for example, less than 400 mm). This releases the adsorption of a portion (front side) of the medium M, causing the portion of the medium M to hang down, making it possible to easily remove the medium M. Note that by releasing the adsorption of a portion of the medium M after the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 move to the standby position P2, it is possible to prevent the medium M from getting caught on the intermediate guide pair 95 or the downstream guide pair 96 and becoming unable to be adsorbed by the first transport unit 10, compared to a case in which the adsorption of a portion of the medium M is released before or during the movement.

[0089] On the other hand, when the length of the medium M in the transport direction D is L [mm] or more (e.g., 400 mm or more), it is advisable to keep all fans ON even after the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 move to the standby position P2. This is because, in the case of the medium M with a long length in the transport direction D, it is difficult for the entire surface of the medium M to be adsorbed by the first transport unit 10. However, regardless of the size of the medium M, it is also possible to release the adsorption of a portion of the medium M.

[0090] It should be noted that, with regard to the upstream front fan 31 and the upstream rear fan 32 of the second transport unit 30, at least one, and preferably both, should be kept operating so as to maintain suction of at least a portion of the medium M.

[0091] Here, the method for releasing the adsorption of a portion of the medium M is not limited to turning off a portion of the multiple fans (the downstream front fan 11), but can also be achieved by, for example, reducing the air volume of a portion of the fans or opening and closing a shutter that blocks the air suction path. When a shutter is used, the number of fans may be only one. Also, adsorption is not limited to suction, and electrostatic adsorption may be used.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, assuming that a user removes the medium M from the front side of the inspection device 1, the downstream front fan 11 is turned off to make the front part of the medium M hang down, but the downstream rear fan 12 may be turned off to make the rear part of the medium M hang down. In addition, the multiple fans are not limited to the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, but may be arranged side by side in the transport direction D. In this case, the upstream end or downstream end of the medium M can be made to hang down by turning off either the upstream or downstream fan in the transport direction D. In addition, the number of multiple fans is not limited to two, and may be three or more. In addition, the multiple fans may be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction and the transport direction D, such as when a total of four fans are arranged at the upstream front, upstream rear, downstream front, and downstream rear.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the transport of the medium M by the first transport unit 10 stops, the control unit 91 determines whether the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 should be operated (ON) or stopped (OFF) based on the size of the medium M, but may also determine whether the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 should be operated (ON) or stopped (OFF) based on the type (e.g., thickness, material, basis weight, etc.) of the medium M. For example, when the medium M is thin paper that is prone to sagging, both the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 may be kept operating, as in the case of a medium M that has a long length in the transport direction D.

[0094] Next, we will explain the adsorption state when the transport of medium M whose length in the transport direction D is less than L [mm] (see Figures 8A to 10B) and medium M whose length in the transport direction D is L [mm] or more (see Figures 11A to 13B) is stopped due to a jam or other reason.

[0095] 8A, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 are at the transport position P1, the first medium M11 is mostly adsorbed to the second transport section 30 and is guided by the upstream guide pair 94 at the upstream end in the transport direction D. Moreover, the second medium M12 is mostly adsorbed to the first transport section 10 and is guided by the intermediate guide pair 95 at the upstream end in the transport direction D.

[0096] 8B, when the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 30 move to the standby position P2, most of the first medium M11 is attracted to the second transport unit 30 in which the upstream front fan 31 and the upstream rear fan 32 are ON, and therefore the first medium M11 comes out of the upstream guide pair 94. Meanwhile, most of the second medium M12 is attracted to the first transport unit 10 in which the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 are ON while the first transport unit 10 moves from the transport position P1 to the standby position P2, and therefore the second medium M12 comes out of the intermediate guide pair 95. Then, after the first transport unit 10 moves to the standby position P2, only the downstream front fan 11 is turned OFF, and therefore the front portion of the second medium M12 sags.

[0097] 9A, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 are at the transport position P1, the first medium M21 is located upstream of the second transport section 30 in the transport direction D, and is guided by the upstream guide pair 94 at its downstream end in the transport direction D. The second medium M22 is mostly adsorbed to the second transport section 30, and is guided by the intermediate guide pair 95 at its downstream end in the transport direction D. The third medium M23 is mostly adsorbed to the first transport section 10, and is guided by the downstream guide pair 96 at its downstream end in the transport direction D.

[0098] Thereafter, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 move to the standby position P2 as shown in FIG. 9B, the first medium M21 is not attracted by the second transport section 30 and the first transport section 10, and is guided by the upstream guide pair 94 at the downstream end in the transport direction D. Moreover, the second medium M22 is mostly attracted to the second transport section 30 in which the upstream front fan 31 and the upstream rear fan 32 are ON, and therefore the second medium M22 comes out of the intermediate guide pair 95. Moreover, the third medium M23 is mostly attracted to the first transport section 10 in which the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 are ON while the first transport section 10 moves from the transport position P1 to the standby position P2, and therefore the third medium M23 comes out of the downstream guide pair 96. Then, after the first transport section 10 moves to the standby position P2, only the downstream front fan 11 is turned OFF, and therefore the front part of the third medium M23 sags.

[0099] 10A, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 are at the transport position P1, the downstream end of the first medium M31 in the transport direction D is adsorbed to the second transport section 30, and the first medium M31 is guided by the upstream guide pair 94 downstream of the center of the transport direction D. The upstream end of the second medium M32 in the transport direction D is adsorbed to the second transport section 30, and the downstream end is adsorbed to the first transport section 10, but the adsorption area of ​​the first transport section 10 is larger than that of the second transport section 30. The upstream end of the third medium M33 in the transport direction D is adsorbed to the first transport section 10, but most of the third medium M33 is located downstream of the first transport section 10 and is guided by the downstream guide pair 96.

[0100] Thereafter, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 move to the standby position P2 as shown in FIG. 10B, the downstream end of the first medium M31 in the transport direction D is adsorbed to the second transport section 30 in which the upstream front fan 31 and the upstream rear fan 32 are ON, so the downstream end remains adsorbed to the second transport section 30, but the upstream portion in the transport direction D is located upstream of the second transport section 30 in the transport direction D, so it is guided by the upstream guide pair 94 as it is. Since the adsorption area of ​​the first transport section 10 is larger than the adsorption area of ​​the second transport section 30, the second medium M32 is adsorbed to the first transport section 10, moves away from the second transport section 30, and comes out of the intermediate guide pair 95. Then, after the first transport section 10 moves to the standby position P2, only the downstream front fan 11 is turned OFF, so the front portion of the second medium M32 sags. In addition, when the suction area of ​​the second conveying unit 30 and the suction area of ​​the first conveying unit 10 are approximately the same, the first conveying unit 10 and the second conveying unit 30 may move the medium M to either the first conveying unit 10 side or the second conveying unit 30 side by conveying the medium M by the first conveying unit 10 and the second conveying unit 30, and then the first conveying unit 10 and the second conveying unit 30 may be moved to the standby position P2. The upstream end of the third medium M33 in the conveying direction D is attracted to the first conveying unit 10, but since most of the third medium M33 is located downstream of the first conveying unit 10, it is separated from the first conveying unit 10 and remains guided by the downstream guide pair 96.

[0101] 11A, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 are at the transport position P1, the upstream end of the first medium M41 in the transport direction D is located upstream of the upstream guide pair 94 in the transport direction D, and the downstream end is adsorbed to the first transport section 10. The second medium M42 is guided by the downstream guide pair 96 in the center portion in the transport direction D, and the upstream portion is adsorbed to the first transport section 10.

[0102] 11B, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 move to the standby position P2, the first medium M41 is positioned throughout the second transport section 30 with the upstream front fan 31 and the upstream rear fan 32 ON, and therefore escapes from the upstream guide pair 94 and the intermediate guide pair 95, but hangs down on the upstream and downstream sides of the second transport section 30, since the length in the transport direction D is longer than that of the second transport section 30. Since about half of the second medium M42 in the transport direction D is attracted to the first transport section 10 with the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 ON, the upstream portion of the second medium M42 hangs down while being attracted to the first transport section 10, and is guided by the downstream guide pair 96.

[0103] 12A, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 are at the transport position P1, the first medium M51 is adsorbed to the second transport section 30 at its downstream end in the transport direction D, but most of the first medium M51 is located upstream of the second transport section 30 and is guided by the upstream guide pair 94. The second medium M52 has its upstream end in the transport direction D adsorbed to the second transport section 30 and its downstream end adsorbed to the first transport section 10, but the adsorption area of ​​the first transport section 10 is larger than that of the second transport section 30. The third medium M53 is located downstream of the first transport section 10 in the transport direction D, and is guided by the downstream guide pair 96 at its upstream end in the transport direction D.

[0104] Thereafter, when the first conveying section 10 and the second conveying section 30 move to the standby position P2 as shown in FIG. 12B, the downstream end of the first medium M51 in the conveying direction D is adsorbed to the second conveying section 30, but since most of the first medium M51 is located upstream of the second conveying section 30, it separates from the second conveying section 30 and remains guided by the upstream guide pair 94. Since the adsorption area of ​​the first conveying section 10 is larger than the adsorption area of ​​the second conveying section 30, the second medium M52 is adsorbed to the first conveying section 10, separates from the second conveying section 30, and comes out of the intermediate guide pair 95. Then, the upstream portion hangs down on the upstream side of the first conveying section 10. Since the third medium M53 is not adsorbed by the second conveying section 30 and the first conveying section 10, it remains guided by the downstream guide pair 96 at the upstream end in the conveying direction D.

[0105] 13A, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 are at the transport position P1, the downstream end of the first medium M61 in the transport direction D is adsorbed to the second transport section 30, and the first medium M61 is guided by the upstream guide pair 94 in a portion downstream of the center in the transport direction D. The upstream end of the second medium M62 in the transport direction D is adsorbed to the second transport section 30, and the downstream end is located downstream of the downstream guide pair 96 in the transport direction D.

[0106] 13B, when the first transport section 10 and the second transport section 30 move to the standby position P2, the downstream end of the first medium M61 in the transport direction D is adsorbed to the second transport section 30 in which the upstream front fan 31 and the upstream rear fan 32 are ON, so that the downstream end remains adsorbed to the second transport section 30, but more than half of the upstream side in the transport direction D is located upstream of the second transport section 30 in the transport direction D, so that the first medium M61 is guided by the upstream guide pair 94 as it is. The second medium M62 is adsorbed to the second transport section 30 at the upstream end in the transport direction D, and the downstream end is located downstream of the downstream guide pair 96 in the transport direction D, but is located over the entire first transport section 10 in which the downstream front fan 11 and the downstream rear fan 12 are ON. Therefore, the second medium M62 comes out of the intermediate guide pair 95 and the downstream guide pair 96, but hangs down on the upstream and downstream sides of the first transport section 10.

[0107] In the present embodiment described above, the inspection device 1, which is an example of a media transport mechanism, is provided with a first transport unit 10 that is arranged above the medium M and transports the medium M while adsorbing it, a first lifting unit (e.g., hanging wires 51-54, a first drive unit 71, etc.) that raises and lowers the first transport unit 10 to a transport position P1 where the medium M is transported and a standby position P2 above the transport position P1, and a control unit 91 that controls the first lifting unit to raise the first transport unit 10 to the standby position P2 when the transport of the medium M by the first transport unit 10 stops, and controls the first transport unit 10 to release adsorption of a portion of the medium M (e.g., the second medium M12 shown in Figure 8B, the third medium M23 shown in Figure 9B, and the second medium M32 shown in Figure 10B).

[0108] As a result, even if the first conveying unit 10 stops conveying the medium M when a jam occurs and raises the first conveying unit 10 from the conveying position P1 to the upper standby position P2, the suction of a part of the medium M is released, causing a part of the medium M to hang down. Therefore, the entire surface of the medium M is no longer suctioned by the first conveying unit 10. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the user is unable to find the medium M when removing a jam, etc. In addition, compared to a mode in which the suction of the entire medium M is released when the first conveying unit 10 is in the standby position P2 after the conveying of the medium M stops, it is possible to prevent the medium M from falling and the position of the medium M from becoming unclear. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the conveying of the medium M by the first conveying unit 10 arranged above the medium M stops, the task of removing the medium M can be made easier. This improves the ease of use for the user and improves usability.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, the first transport section 10 has a downstream front fan 11 and a downstream rear fan 12, which are examples of multiple fans that suck in air, and the control section 91 controls the first transport section 10 to release suction of a portion of the medium M by operating some of the multiple fans (e.g., the downstream rear fan 12) and stopping other some of the multiple fans (e.g., the downstream front fan 11).

[0110] This makes it possible to easily remove the medium M by simply controlling the stopping of some of the multiple fans and using an existing configuration to release the suction of some of the medium M and allow the medium M to hang down.

[0111] In addition, in this embodiment, when the transport of the medium M by the first transport unit 10 stops, the control unit 91 determines whether to operate or stop the multiple fans based on at least one of the size (e.g., the length in the transport direction D) and type of the medium M.

[0112] As a result, in the case of medium M that is relatively likely to droop from the first transport unit 10, the suction of a portion of the medium M is not released, and in the case of medium M that is relatively unlikely to droop from the first transport unit 10, the suction of a portion of the medium M is released, thereby ensuring that a portion of the medium M droops. Therefore, the task of removing the medium M can be facilitated by simple control only for medium M that is unlikely to droop.

[0113] In addition, in this embodiment, the inspection device 1, which is an example of a media conveying mechanism, is arranged below the medium M, upstream (or downstream) of the first conveying unit 10 in the conveying direction D of the medium M, and further includes a second conveying unit 30 that conveys the medium M while adsorbing it, and a second lifting unit (e.g., hanging wires 51-54, first drive unit 71, etc.) that raises and lowers the second conveying unit 30 to a conveying position P1 where the medium M is conveyed and a waiting position P2 below the conveying position P1, and the control unit 91 controls the second lifting unit to lower the second conveying unit 30 to the waiting position P1 when the conveying of the medium M by the second conveying unit 30 stops, and controls the second conveying unit 30 to maintain adsorption of at least a portion of the medium M.

[0114] As a result, the transport of medium M stops, and after the second transport unit 30 is lowered to the standby position P2, medium M can be held by adsorption to the second transport unit 30. This makes it possible to prevent medium M from falling around the second transport unit 30 and making the position of medium M unclear. This makes it easier to remove medium M.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriate combinations of the multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, all the components shown in the embodiment may be appropriately combined. Of course, various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention described in the claims at the time of filing of this application is appended below.

[0116] [Appendix 1] a first conveying unit that is disposed above the medium and conveys the medium while adsorbing the medium; a first lifting unit that lifts and lowers the first transport unit to a transport position where the medium is transported and a standby position above the transport position; a control unit that controls the first lift unit to raise the first transport unit to the standby position when transport of the medium by the first transport unit stops, and controls the first transport unit to release suction of a portion of the medium; A medium transport mechanism comprising:

[0117] [Appendix 2] The first transfer unit has a plurality of fans that suck air, The control unit controls the first transport unit to release suction of a portion of the medium by operating a portion of the plurality of fans and stopping another portion of the plurality of fans. 2. The medium transport mechanism according to claim 1.

[0118] [Appendix 3] The medium transport mechanism described in Appendix 2, characterized in that the control unit determines whether to operate or stop the multiple fans based on at least one of the size and type of the medium when the transport of the medium by the first transport unit stops.

[0119] [Appendix 4] a second transport unit that is disposed below the medium and upstream or downstream of the first transport unit in a transport direction of the medium, and transports the medium while adsorbing it; a second lifting unit that lifts and lowers the second transport unit to a transport position where the medium is transported and a standby position that is lower than the transport position; The control unit controls the second lift unit to lower the second transport unit to the standby position when transport of the medium by the second transport unit stops, and controls the second transport unit to maintain suction of at least a portion of the medium. 4. A medium transport mechanism according to claim 1, [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1. Inspection equipment 10 First conveyor section 11 Downstream front fan 12 Downstream rear fan 20 First Inspection Department 30 Second conveyor section 31 Upstream front fan 32 Upstream rear fan 40 2nd Inspection Department 51~54 Suspension wire 61~64 Pull wire 71 First Drive Unit 72 Power transmission section 73,74 Drive shaft 75~78 Pulley 81 Second Drive Unit 82 Power transmission section 83 Drive shaft 84,85 Pulley 91 Control Unit 92 Memory section 93 Interface section 94 Upstream Guide Pair 95 Intermediate Guide Pair 96 Downstream Guide Pair 97,98 Stop switch 100 Printing System 110 Media supply device 111 1st supply section 111a Loading platform 111b Suction conveyance section 112 2nd supply section 112a Loading platform 112b Adsorption transport section 113 Conveyor roller pair 120 1st printing device 121 Transport roller pair 122 1st Printing Department 123 Suction conveying section 124,125 Conveyor path switching section 126 Switchback roller pair 127 Output Tray 130 Intermediate conveying device 131 Transport roller pair 132 Switchback roller pair 133 Reversible storage section 140 2nd printing device 141 Transport roller pair 142 2nd Printing Department 143 Suction conveying section 144,145 Conveyor path switching section 146 Switchback roller pair 147 Output Tray 150 Media ejector 151 Introduction 152 Normal Containment Unit No. 1 152a Mounting table 153 Upper conveyor 154 Intermediate conveyor 155 Second Normal Containment Section 155a Mounting table 156 Anomaly Containment Unit 157 Transport roller pair 158,159 Conveyor path switching section D Conveying direction M medium P1 Delivery position P2 Standby position R1 First supply route R2 Second supply route R3 Merging route R4, R6 Straight route R5, R7 Circulation Route R8, R9, R10, R11 accommodation route

Claims

1. a first transport unit that is disposed above the medium and transports the medium while adsorbing the medium; a first lifting unit that lifts and lowers the first transport unit to a transport position where the medium is transported and a standby position above the transport position; a control unit that controls the first lift unit to raise the first transport unit to the standby position when transport of the medium by the first transport unit is stopped, and controls the first transport unit to release suction of a portion of the medium while stopping transport of the medium; A medium transport mechanism comprising:

2. A first conveying unit that is disposed above the medium and conveys the medium while adsorbing it; a first lifting unit that lifts and lowers the first transport unit to a transport position where the medium is transported and a standby position above the transport position; a control unit that controls the first lift unit to raise the first transport unit to the standby position when transport of the medium by the first transport unit is stopped, and controls the first transport unit to release suction of a portion of the medium, The first conveying unit has a plurality of fans that suck air, The control unit controls the first transport unit to release suction of a portion of the medium by operating a portion of the plurality of fans and stopping another portion of the plurality of fans. A medium transport mechanism comprising:

3. The medium transport mechanism of claim 2, characterized in that the control unit determines whether to operate or stop the multiple fans based on at least one of the size and type of the medium when the transport of the medium by the first transport unit stops.

4. A first conveying unit that is disposed above the medium and conveys the medium while adsorbing it; a first lifting unit that lifts and lowers the first transport unit to a transport position where the medium is transported and a standby position above the transport position; a control unit that controls the first lift unit to raise the first transport unit to the standby position when transport of the medium by the first transport unit is stopped, and controls the first transport unit to release suction of a portion of the medium, The first transfer unit has at least one fan that draws in air, The control unit controls the first transport unit to release suction of a portion of the medium by reducing the air volume of some of the fans or by opening and closing a shutter that blocks an air suction path of the at least one fan. A medium transport mechanism comprising:

5. a second transport unit that is disposed below the medium and upstream or downstream of the first transport unit in a transport direction of the medium, and transports the medium while adsorbing it; a second lifting unit that lifts and lowers the second transport unit to a transport position where the medium is transported and a standby position that is lower than the transport position; The control unit controls the second lift unit to lower the second transport unit to the standby position when transport of the medium by the second transport unit stops, and controls the second transport unit to maintain suction of at least a portion of the medium.

5. The medium transport mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the medium transport mechanism is a movable member.

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