Media supply institution

Abstract

To provide a medium supply mechanism which securely conveys a medium which is supplied late, with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A control part 31 of a medium supply mechanism controls an acquiring and conveying part (131) so as to acquire a medium M (time t12) when time of detection of entrance of the medium M by entrance detection sensors (S11, S21) for detecting entrance of the medium M supplied from supply parts (11, 21) in conveyance passages (P1, P2) is within a first predetermined range R1 (time t11). Furthermore, the control part 31 controls the supply part so as to delay supply of the medium M to be conveyed next when the time of detection of the entrance of the medium M by the entrance detection sensor is in a second range R2 after passing the first range R1 (time t15), and controls the acquiring and conveying part so as to delay acquisition time t16 of the medium M (time t18).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium supply mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a paper feeding device of an image forming apparatus, when it is determined by a detection switch that a paperless jam has occurred, a drive control unit stops the rotation of a paper feeding roller, returns the paper into a paper storage unit by a return roller, and then controls to rotate the paper feeding roller again. A paper feeding device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a medium supply unit that floats a plurality of media including the uppermost medium stacked on a loading table by blowing air and conveys the floated uppermost medium by a conveyor belt, when the adsorption state when the medium is adsorbed to the conveyor belt is poor and the medium is conveyed in a state where the adsorption force is low, even though at least one adsorbed medium has advanced, it may not reach an entrance passage detection sensor arranged in a conveyance path within a specified time and may be determined as idling. When it is determined as idling in this way, it may also occur in other supply methods such as a supply method of supplying a medium using a roller as described above.

[0005] When it is determined that there is an idling state while the medium is being conveyed right up to near the entrance passage detection sensor, even if the conveyor belt is immediately stopped, the medium will be conveyed a certain distance before the conveyance of the medium is completely stopped, and there is a possibility that the medium will reach the conveyor roller provided in the conveyance path before it stops. In this case, the medium that should have been determined to be idling and stopped will be conveyed as it is.

[0006] In addition, when the time at which the medium is detected by the entrance passage detection sensor is later than the reference passage time, it is conceivable to make the arrival time of the medium at the intake conveyance unit equivalent to the resist roller constant by increasing the conveyance speed.

[0007] However, if the time at which the medium is detected is significantly later than the reference passage time, it becomes necessary to increase the conveyance speed accordingly, and it is conceivable that the upper limit of the motor performance will be exceeded. Also, even if the conveyance is performed with the conveyance speed set to the upper limit of the allowable speed of the motor, since it will be slower than the conveyance speed for recovering the delay, the passage time of the passage detection sensor on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the entrance passage detection sensor will also be delayed, and thus a jam will be determined there. Furthermore, it will no longer be possible to match the arrival time of the medium at the intake conveyance unit.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium supply mechanism that can surely convey a medium supplied late with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In one aspect, the medium supply mechanism includes a supply unit that supplies a medium, a conveyance path connected to the supply unit, a conveyance unit that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, a conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance unit, an entry detection sensor that detects that the medium supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path, a capture conveyance unit that captures the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the capture conveyance unit. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range, the control unit controls the capture conveyance unit to capture the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range that has elapsed from the first range, the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium and controls the capture conveyance unit to delay the capture time of the medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the above aspect, a medium supplied late can be reliably conveyed with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 12D

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

[0012] Hereinafter, the medium supply mechanism according to an embodiment and other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <One embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a printing system 100.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the control configuration of the medium supply device 1 and the printing device 101.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the first supply unit 11 (the second supply unit 12).

[0016] Note that the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and FIGS. 10A and 10B described later are merely for convenience of explanation. For example, the front-rear direction and the left-right direction are horizontal directions, and the up-down direction is a vertical direction.

[0017] The printing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a medium supply device 1 and a printing device 101. Although details will be described later, the medium supply mechanism in the present embodiment includes the medium supply device 1, the configuration of the conveyance path up to the resist roller pair 131 of the printing device 101 (the receiving roller pair 132, the resist roller pair 131, the resist sensor S30, and the merging conveyance path P3), and the control unit 151 of the printing device 101.

[0018] The medium supply mechanism supplies the medium M to the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the resist roller pair 131 of the printing device 101 (an example of the supply destination of the medium M). Note that the supply destination device of the medium M is not limited to the printing device 101, and may be other devices such as a conveyance device and a post-processing device. Further, the medium supply device 1 may be integrally provided in a supply destination device such as the printing device 101. Further, the medium M is, for example, paper (sheet-fed paper), but may be other sheet-like media such as a film.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the medium supply device 1 includes a first supply unit 11, a second supply unit 12, a first individual conveyance path P1, a second individual conveyance path P2, a merging conveyance path P3, first to ninth conveyance roller pairs 21 to 29, first to fourth conveyance drive units D1 to D4, a first entrance passage detection sensor S11, first intermediate passage detection sensors S12 to S14, a first exit passage detection sensor S15, a second entrance passage detection sensor S21, second intermediate passage detection sensors S22 and S23, and a second exit passage detection sensor S24. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium supply device 1 further includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and an interface unit 33.

[0020] The medium supply device 1 is divided into an upper stage 1a and a lower stage 1b. The first supply unit 11 is arranged on the upper stage 1a, and the second supply unit 12 is arranged on the lower stage 1b. Thus, the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 are arranged side by side vertically. The first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 are an example of a supply unit that supplies the medium M. This supply unit may be a single supply unit or three or more supply units.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 has a loading table 11a, 12a, a conveyance belt 11b, 12b, a suction unit 11c, 12c, a floating air blowing mechanism 11d, 12d, a floating air shutter 11e, 12e, a separation air blowing mechanism 11f, 12f, a medium detection sensor 11g, 12g, and an end fence 11h, 12h. Since the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 can have the same configuration, in FIG. 3, the reference numeral of the second supply unit 12 is shown in parentheses after the reference numeral of the first supply unit 11. Similarly, in FIG. 3, the reference numerals of the sixth conveyance roller pair 26 and the second entrance passage detection sensor S21 are shown in parentheses after the reference numerals of the first conveyance roller pair 21 and the first entrance passage detection sensor S11.

[0022] A plurality of media M are loaded on the loading tables 11a and 12a. Different types (such as size, material, color, etc.) of media M may be loaded on the loading table 11a of the first supply unit 11 and the loading table 12a of the second supply unit 12. In this case, when the type of the media M to be printed is changed, the supply unit that supplies the media M is switched between the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12. The loading tables 11a and 12a are moved up and down by the drive of a loading table lifting drive unit (not shown). Although it is an example, when the number of media M loaded on the loading tables 11a and 12a decreases, a control unit (not shown) of the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12 (or the control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2) controls the loading table lifting drive unit to raise the loading tables 11a and 12a based on the amount of the reflected light of the light horizontally irradiated by the media detection sensors 11g and 12g (to be described later) at a predetermined loading surface height.

[0023] The conveying belts 11b and 12b are, for example, endless belt-shaped and are wound around two pulleys. The conveying belts 11b and 12b are provided with a plurality of through holes for passing the suction air A1 sucked by the suction parts 11c and 12c (to be described later). The conveying belts 11b and 12b feed out the media M adsorbed by the suction of the suction air A1 by the suction parts 11c and 12c one by one by rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 3. The conveying belts 11b and 12b are an example of a feeding part that feeds out the media M of the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 one by one. Note that as this feeding part, other conveying members such as conveying rollers may be used instead of the conveying belts 11b and 12b.

[0024] The suction parts 11c and 12c suck the suction air A1 by driving a suction source (such as a suction fan) not shown through a plurality of through holes provided in the conveying belts 11b and 12b. Thereby, the suction parts 11c and 12c adsorb the uppermost media M1 floating among the plurality of media M loaded on the loading tables 11a and 12a to the conveying belts 11b and 12b.

[0025] The floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d blow out the floating air A2, for example, by means of a blowing fan, to lift at least the uppermost medium M1 among the plurality of media M loaded on the loading platforms 11a and 12a. The floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d may blow out the floating air A2 obliquely upward so as to lift, for example, about 10 media M including the uppermost medium M1. Although FIG. 3 shows the floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d arranged on the downstream side (right side) in the conveyance direction of the medium M, it is preferable that floating air blowing mechanisms are also arranged on both sides in the width direction (front-rear direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the medium M.

[0026] The floating air shutters 11e and 12e are an example of a blocking part that blocks the blowing of the floating air A2 by the floating air blowing mechanism 11d, and open and close between a closed position where the blowing is blocked and an open position where the blowing is not blocked. As this blocking part, it may be a control part that stops the blowing of the floating air A2 of the floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d, etc., but by using the floating air shutters 11e and 12e, the blowing of the floating air A2 can be blocked immediately. Note that the floating air shutters 11e and 12e may be able to adjust the air volume of the floating air A2 at one or more positions between the closed position and the open position.

[0027] The separating air blowing mechanisms 11f and 12f blow out the separating air A3, for example, by means of a blowing fan so as to separate the uppermost medium M1 from the second medium M2 located below the uppermost medium M1. Note that the separating air blowing mechanisms 11f and 12f may be able to block all or part of the separating air A3 by having a separating air shutter which is an example of a blocking part, similar to the floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d. Although FIG. 3 shows the separating air blowing mechanisms 11f and 12f arranged on the downstream side (right side) in the conveyance direction of the medium M, it is preferable that separating air blowing mechanisms are also arranged on both sides in the width direction (front-rear direction) of the medium M.

[0028] The media detection sensors 11g and 12g detect the media M loaded on the loading tables 11a and 12a. The media detection sensors 11g and 12g detect the presence or absence of the media M at the detection height based on, for example, the reflected light of the detection light irradiated horizontally. By the media detection sensors 11g and 12g detecting the presence or absence of the media M, the control unit of the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12 (or the control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2), which is not shown, can detect the height of the uppermost media M1 loaded on the loading tables 11a and 12a. Further, the media detection sensors 11g and 12g may irradiate detection light toward the floating media M and detect the floating state of the media M (for example, the number of the media M within the detectable range in the height direction) based on the amount of the reflected light.

[0029] The end fences 11h and 12h regulate the position of the upstream end portion in the conveyance direction of the floating media M. Although not shown, a pair of side fences that regulate the position of the end portion in the width direction of the media M loaded on the loading tables 11a and 12a may be arranged.

[0030] Note that, as described above, the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 have the floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d and supply the media M by floating it by blowing out the floating air A2, but it may be a supply unit that supplies the media M without floating it.

[0031] Further, although not shown, the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 may have a loading table lifting drive unit such as a motor (an example of an actuator) that moves the loading tables 11a and 12a up and down, and a feeding drive unit such as a motor (an example of an actuator) that rotates a drive pulley which is one of the two pulleys around which the conveyor belts 11b and 12b are wound.

[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, the first individual conveyance path P1 is connected to the first supply unit 11. The second individual conveyance path P2 is connected to the second supply unit 12. The confluence conveyance path P3 is a conveyance path where the first individual conveyance path P1 and the second individual conveyance path P2 merge, and extends to the resist roller pair 131 of the printing apparatus 101. Note that the path lengths of the conveyance paths of the first individual conveyance path P1 and the second individual conveyance path P2 are different. For example, the path length of the second individual conveyance path P2 is less than or equal to half of the path length of the first individual conveyance path P1.

[0033] Most of the first individual conveyance path P1 is disposed in the upper stage 1a of the medium supply device 1, and the second individual conveyance path P2 is disposed in the lower stage 1b of the medium supply device 1. The first individual conveyance path P1 merges with the second individual conveyance path P2 in the confluence conveyance path P3 disposed in the lower stage 1b.

[0034] Each of the first to ninth conveyance roller pairs 21 to 29 has a driving roller and a driven roller disposed opposite to each other, and conveys the medium M while nipping it.

[0035] The first to fifth conveying roller pairs 21 to 25 convey the medium M in the first individual conveying path P1 in the upper stage 1a of the medium supply device 1. The sixth and seventh conveying roller pairs 26 and 27 convey the medium M in the second individual conveying path P2 in the lower stage 1b of the medium supply device 1. The eighth and ninth conveying roller pairs 28 and 29 convey the medium M in the merging conveying path P3 in the lower stage 1b of the medium supply device 1. Further, the receiving roller pair 132 of the printing device 101 described later conveys the medium M in the merging conveying path P3 of the printing device 101. Note that the first to fifth conveying roller pairs 21 to 25 and the sixth and seventh conveying roller pairs 26 and 27 are examples of a plurality of individual conveying units that convey the medium M in the first individual conveying path P1 and the second individual conveying path P2 (a plurality of individual conveying paths). Also, the eighth and ninth conveying roller pairs 28 and 29 and the receiving roller pair 132 are examples of a merging conveying unit that conveys the medium M in the merging conveying path P3. The first individual conveying path P1, the second individual conveying path P2, and the merging conveying path P3 are examples of a conveying path connected to a supply unit (the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12), and the first to ninth conveying roller pairs 21 to 29 and the receiving roller pair 132 are examples of a conveying unit that conveys the medium M in the conveying path.

[0036] The first to fourth conveying drive units D1 to D4 are motors (an example of an actuator) that rotate the drive rollers of the first to ninth conveying roller pairs 21 to 29. The first conveying drive unit D1 rotates the drive rollers of the first and second conveying roller pairs 21 and 22. The second conveying drive unit D2 rotates the drive rollers of the third to fifth conveying roller pairs 23 to 25. The third conveying drive unit D3 rotates the drive rollers of the sixth and seventh conveying roller pairs 26 and 27. The fourth conveying drive unit D4 rotates the drive rollers of the eighth and ninth conveying roller pairs 28 and 29. The first and second conveying drive units D1 and D2 and the third conveying drive unit D3 are an example of individual conveying drive units that drive a plurality of individual conveying units (the first to seventh conveying roller pairs 21 to 27). The fourth conveying drive unit D4 and a conveying drive unit (not shown) that drives the receiving roller pair 132 are an example of a merging conveying drive unit that drives a merging conveying unit (the eighth and ninth conveying roller pairs 28 and 29 and the receiving roller pair 132). And the first to fourth conveying drive units D1 to D4 and a conveying drive unit (not shown) that drives the receiving roller pair 132 are also an example of a conveying drive unit that drives a conveying unit (the first to ninth conveying roller pairs 21 to 29 and the receiving roller pair 132). Note that the conveying speed of the medium M by the first to ninth conveying roller pairs 21 to 29 is, for example, constant. However, the conveying speeds may be different in the first individual conveying path P1, the second individual conveying path P2, and the merging conveying path P3, or the conveying speeds may be different inside at least one or more of the first individual conveying path P1, the second individual conveying path P2, and the merging conveying path P3.

[0037] The first entrance passing detection sensor S11, the first in - transit passing detection sensors S12 to S14, the first exit passing detection sensor S15, the second entrance passing detection sensor S21, the second in - transit passing detection sensors S22 and S23, and the second exit passing detection sensor S24 are, for example, reflection - type or transmission - type photoelectric sensors that detect the passing of the medium M.

[0038] The first entrance passing detection sensor S11 is arranged adjacent to the first conveying roller pair 21 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the first conveying roller pair 21. The first in - transit passing detection sensor S12 is arranged adjacent to the second conveying roller pair 22 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the second conveying roller pair 22. The first in - transit passing detection sensor S13 is arranged adjacent to the third conveying roller pair 23 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the third conveying roller pair 23. The first in - transit passing detection sensor S14 is arranged adjacent to the fourth conveying roller pair 24 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the fourth conveying roller pair 24. The first exit passing detection sensor S15 is arranged adjacent to the fifth conveying roller pair 25 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the fifth conveying roller pair 25.

[0039] And it can be said that the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 detects the passage of the medium M, and the first exit passing detection sensor S15 detects the passage of the medium M near the exit of the first individual conveyance path P1.

[0040] The second entrance passing detection sensor S21 is arranged adjacent to the sixth conveying roller pair 26 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sixth conveying roller pair 26. The second in - transit passing detection sensor S22 is arranged adjacent to the seventh conveying roller pair 27 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the seventh conveying roller pair 27. The second in - transit passing detection sensor S23 is arranged adjacent to the eighth conveying roller pair 28 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the eighth conveying roller pair 28. The second exit passing detection sensor S24 is arranged adjacent to the ninth conveying roller pair 29 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the ninth conveying roller pair 29.

[0041] And it can be said that the second entrance passing detection sensor S21 detects the passage of the medium M near the entrance of the second individual conveyance path P2, and the second exit passing detection sensor S24 detects the passage of the medium M near the exit of the medium supply device 1 in the confluence conveyance path P3.

[0042] The first entrance passage detection sensor S11 and the second entrance passage detection sensor S21 are examples of entrance detection sensors that detect that the medium M supplied from the supply unit (the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12) has entered the conveyance path (the first individual conveyance path P1 or the second individual conveyance path P2). Since there are no particular restrictions on the detection position in the conveyance path (the first individual conveyance path P1 or the second individual conveyance path P2), it may be, for example, the first in - transit passage detection sensor S12 or the second in - transit passage detection sensor S22. However, since it is used to determine whether there is an air conveyance of the medium M, etc., it is preferably arranged near the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12.

[0043] Also, the first in - transit passage detection sensors S12 to S14, the first exit passage detection sensor S15, the second in - transit passage detection sensors S22, S23, the second exit passage detection sensor S24, and the resist sensor S30 are examples of passage detection sensors that detect the passage of the medium M on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the medium M from the entrance detection sensor (the first entrance passage detection sensor S11 or the second entrance passage detection sensor S21) and on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the intake conveyance unit (the resist roller pair 131).

[0044] The control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2 has a processor (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the operation of the entire medium supply device 1, and controls each part of the medium supply device 1. For example, based on the supply signal of the medium M received by the interface unit 33 described later from the interface unit 153 (control unit 151) of the printing device 101, the control unit 31 controls the first supply unit 11, the second supply unit 12, and the first to fourth conveyance drive units D1 to D4. Note that the control of the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 may be performed by the control units arranged in the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 respectively when they receive the supply signal from the printing device 101. Also, when the medium supply device 1 is integrally provided in a supply destination device such as the printing device 101, the control unit (for example, the control unit 151 of the printing device 101 described later) of the supply destination device may function as the control unit 31.

[0045] The storage unit 32 includes memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is pre-recorded, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read from as needed as a working storage area when the processor executes various control programs. When the medium supply device 1 is integrally provided in a destination device such as the printing device 101, the storage unit of the destination device (for example, the storage unit 152 of the printing device 101 described later) may function as the storage unit 32.

[0046] The interface unit 33 exchanges various information with external devices such as the printing device 101. For example, the interface unit 33 receives information such as a supply signal of the medium M and a detection result of the resist sensor S30 from the interface unit 153 of the printing device 101, and the control unit 31 controls the operations of the respective units of the medium supply device 1 based on this information. Further, the interface unit 33 sends information such as a notification of the retry mode 1 or 2 described later to the interface unit 153 of the printing device 101.

[0047] Next, the printing device 101 will be described.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing device 101 includes a printing unit 110, a suction conveyance unit 120, a conveyance unit 130, a resist sensor S30, a destination conveyance path P11, a circulation inversion conveyance path P12, an inversion unit 140, a control unit 151, a storage unit 152, and an interface unit 153. In FIG. 1, the merging conveyance path P3 and the destination conveyance path P11 are shown by solid lines, and the circulation inversion conveyance path P12 is shown by a broken line.

[0049] The printing unit 110 has, for example, line head type inkjet heads for each color used in printing. Note that the printing method of the printing unit 110 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the adsorption conveyance unit 120 is arranged to face the printing unit 110. The adsorption conveyance unit 120 conveys the medium M by a conveyance belt while adsorbing the medium M.

[0051] The conveyance unit 130 includes a registration roller pair 131 that corrects the skew of the medium M when the medium M conveyed toward the printing unit 110 abuts against it, a receiving roller pair 132 that conveys the medium M in the merging conveyance path P3 following from the medium supply device 1, and a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 133 that convey the medium M in the supply destination conveyance path P11 or the circulation reverse conveyance path P12. The registration roller pair 131, the receiving roller pair 132, and the plurality of conveyance roller pairs 133 convey the medium M while nipping it.

[0052] The registration roller pair 131 is an example of a taking-in conveyance unit that takes in the medium M conveyed by the above-described conveyance unit (the first to ninth conveyance roller pairs 21 to 29 and the receiving roller pair 132) into, for example, the supply destination conveyance path P11 of the printing apparatus 101. Note that the registration roller pair 131 is also an example of a reference arrival position in the merging conveyance path P3. For example, the medium M arrives at a reference arrival time at a predetermined interval, and the medium M is taken in at a taking-in time at a predetermined interval. This reference arrival time and taking-in time may be within a certain time range. Also, the reference arrival time and taking-in time may be set for each medium M based on, for example, the size of the medium M, the printing time of the printing unit 110 corresponding to the printing content, the gap between the continuously conveyed media M, and the like. The medium M arriving at the registration roller pair 131 later than the reference arrival time serves as a determination material for jamming and causes a delay in the printing start time by the printing unit 110 and variations in the accuracy of skew correction. Note that the reference arrival position may be any position other than the registration roller pair 131.

[0053] The resist sensor S30 is arranged near the resist roller pair 131 in the upstream confluence conveyance path P3 in the conveyance direction of the resist roller pair 131. The resist sensor S30 is arranged in the confluence conveyance path P3 and is an example of a arrival detection sensor that detects the arrival time of the medium M. As this arrival detection sensor, the above-described second outlet passage detection sensor S24 arranged in the confluence conveyance path P3 of the medium supply device 1 may be used. As described above, since the medium supply mechanism in the present embodiment includes the medium supply device 1, the configuration of the conveyance path up to the resist roller pair 131 in the printing device 101 (the receiving roller pair 132, the resist roller pair 131, the resist sensor S30, and the confluence conveyance path P3), and the control unit 151 of the printing device 101, the receiving roller pair 132 and the resist sensor S30 can be said to be part of the medium supply mechanism.

[0054] A sensor for detecting the medium M is not provided in the resist roller pair 131 which is an example of the above-described reference arrival position. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the medium M has reached the resist roller pair 131 based on the detection result of the resist sensor S30.

[0055] The supply destination conveyance path P11 is connected to the confluence conveyance path P3 continuing from the medium supply device 1 and extends downstream in the conveyance direction from the resist roller pair 131. In the printing system 100 shown in FIG. 1, when other printing devices or medium discharge devices are arranged downstream in the conveyance direction of the printing device 101, the supply destination conveyance path P11 is connected to the conveyance paths of these devices.

[0056] In the circulation reverse conveyance path P12, the medium M is conveyed when printing is to be performed on the opposite surface of the medium M on which one-sided printing has been performed by the printing unit 110.

[0057] The reversing unit 140 has a reversing path for reversing the front and back of the medium M conveyed to the circulation reverse conveyance path P12, a switchback roller pair, and the like.

[0058] The control unit 151 shown in FIG. 2 has a processor (e.g., CPU) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the operation of the entire printing apparatus 101, and controls each part of the printing apparatus 101. Although details will be described later, the control unit 151 controls the resist roller pair 131 so as to delay the intake time of the medium M based on the notification of retry mode 1 or 2 received from the control unit 31 of the medium supply apparatus 1. Therefore, it can also be said that the control unit 31 of the medium supply apparatus 1 indirectly controls the resist roller pair 131 using the control unit 151 of the printing apparatus 101.

[0059] The storage unit 152 includes memories such as a ROM which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, and a RAM which is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read from at any time and is used as a working storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs.

[0060] The interface unit 153 exchanges various types of information with external devices such as the medium supply apparatus 1 and a user terminal that transmits print data. For example, as described above, the interface unit 153 sends information such as a supply signal of the medium M and a detection result of the registration sensor S30 to the interface unit 33 of the medium supply apparatus 1, and receives information such as a notification of retry mode 1 or 2 from this interface unit 33.

[0061] Next, an overview of the operation of the printing system 100 will be described while appropriately omitting matters overlapping with the above description.

[0062] First, based on the supply signal of the medium M received from the printing apparatus 101 (interface unit 153) by the interface unit 33, the control unit 31 shown in FIG. 2 controls the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12 to switch between the medium M of the first supply unit 11 and the medium M of the second supply unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, or to supply only the medium M of either the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12.

[0063] The control unit 31 controls the first to fifth conveyance roller pairs 21 to 25 using the first conveyance drive unit D1 and the second conveyance drive unit D2 so as to convey the medium M supplied from the first supply unit 11 in the first individual conveyance path P1. When the medium M is conveyed in the first individual conveyance path P1, its passage is detected by the first entrance passage detection sensor S11, the first intermediate passage detection sensors S12 to S14, and the first exit passage detection sensor S15.

[0064] Also, the control unit 31 controls the sixth and seventh conveyance roller pairs 26, 27 using the third conveyance drive unit D3 so as to convey the medium M supplied from the second supply unit 12 in the second individual conveyance path P2. When the medium M is conveyed in the second individual conveyance path P2, its passage is detected by the second entrance passage detection sensor S21 and the second intermediate passage detection sensor S22.

[0065] Then, the control unit 31 controls the eighth and ninth conveyance roller pairs 28, 29 using the fourth conveyance drive unit D4 so as to convey the medium M conveyed from the first individual conveyance path P1 or the second individual conveyance path P2 in the confluence conveyance path P3. When the medium M is conveyed in the confluence conveyance path P3, its passage is detected by the second intermediate passage detection sensor S23 and the second exit passage detection sensor S24.

[0066] Thereby, the medium M is supplied to the confluence conveyance path P3 of the printing device 101 connected to the confluence conveyance path P3 of the medium supply device 1, its passage (arrival) is detected by the resist sensor S30, and after being abutted against the resist roller pair 131 and the skew is corrected, printing is performed by the printing unit 110.

[0067] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the details of the supply operation of the medium M in the present embodiment will be described.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the supply operation of the medium M.

[0069] Each process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 starts when the control unit 31 of the medium supply device 1 shown in FIG. 2 receives a supply signal of the medium M from, for example, the control unit 151 of the printing device 101.

[0070] First, the control unit 31 of the medium supply device 1 determines whether it has received a supply end instruction sent from the control unit 151 of the printing device 101 due to the end of printing or interruption of printing (step S41).

[0071] When the control unit 31 receives a supply end instruction (step S41: YES), it stops the conveyance of the medium M by the first supply unit 11, the second supply unit 12, and the first to ninth conveyance roller pairs 21 to 29 (step S42), and ends the supply operation shown in FIG. 4.

[0072] If the control unit 31 does not receive a supply end instruction (step S41: NO) and receives a supply signal (step S43), it determines whether to convey (take in) the medium M in the retry mode 2 described later (step S44). If the conveyance of the medium M is in the retry mode 2 (step S44: YES), since no new supply of the medium M is performed, the process is repeated from step S41 described above.

[0073] If the conveyance of the medium M is not in the retry mode 2 (step S44: NO), the control unit 31 activates the conveyance belts 11b and 12b of the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12 (steps S45, for example, times t10 and t13 in FIG. 5).

[0074] Further, the control unit 31 updates the elapsed time T from the activation of the conveyance belts 11b and 12b (step S46), and determines whether the medium M has passed through the entry detection sensor (the first entrance passage detection sensor S11 or the second entrance passage detection sensor S21) (step S47).

[0075] When the control unit 31 detects that the medium M has passed through the entry detection sensor (step S47: YES, for example, times t11 and t15 in FIG. 5), it determines whether the elapsed time T is later than the time T2 which is the end of the correction range (step S48). Here, the correction range is T1 or more and T2 or less (T1 ≤ T ≤ T2), and is the first range R1 shown in FIG. 5. Note that this first range R1 and the second range R2 described later are not limited to the elapsed time T from the start of activation of the conveyor belts 11b and 12b, but may be a time range starting from other conditions such as when control for activating the conveyor belts 11b and 12b is performed or when the conveyor belts 11b and 12b reach a predetermined rotational speed.

[0076] When the elapsed time T is T2 or less (step S48: NO), the control unit 31 determines whether the elapsed time T is earlier than the time T1 which is the start of the first range R1 (step S49).

[0077] When the control unit 31 determines that the elapsed time T is T1 or more which is the start of the first range R1 (step S49: NO), in order to be in the first range R1 that satisfies the relationship of T1 ≤ T ≤ T2 (for example, time t11 in FIG. 5), the conveyance speed of the medium M is corrected by controlling the first to fourth conveyance drive units D1 to D4 so as to make the arrival time when the medium M reaches the resist roller pair 131 approach a constant (step S50). Also, the control unit 151 of the printing apparatus 101 controls the resist roller pair 131 (the resist drive unit that drives the resist roller pair 131) to take in the medium M at a predetermined take-in time, for example, time t12 shown in FIG. 5. Then, the control unit 31 of the medium supply apparatus 1 repeats the process from step S41 described above.

[0078] Here, the correction of the conveyance speed of the medium M will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0079] FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the relationship between the conveyance speed and the elapsed time for explaining the correction of the conveyance speed. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the medium M supplied from the second supply unit 12 is taken as an example for explanation.

[0080] First, in the example of FIG. 8, the passing time (time t41a) of the second inlet passing detection sensor S21 for the medium M is delayed from the reference passing time (time t41) as the reference passing time which is a predetermined theoretical value, because there is a lot of slippage between the medium M and the conveyor belt 12b and the conveyance rate is low. Therefore, in order for the control unit 31 to recover the delay of the medium M and make the abutting time (arrival time) when the medium M abuts against the resist roller pair 131 approach a constant value (reference abutting time (reference arrival time)), between the second inlet passing detection sensor S21 and the second outlet passing detection sensor S24 (in the second individual conveyance path P2 and the merging conveyance path P3), the conveyance speed v1 is determined to be higher than the conveyance speed v0 between the second outlet passing detection sensor S24 and the resist sensor S30. Note that the thick line portion in FIG. 8 represents a case where the conveyance speed is not corrected, which will be described later.

[0081] On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 9, because there is little slippage between the medium M and the conveyor belt 12b and the conveyance rate is high, the passing time (time t41b) of the second inlet passing detection sensor S21 for the medium M is earlier than the reference passing time (time t41) which is a predetermined theoretical value. In this case, in order for the control unit 31 to make the abutting time (arrival time) when the medium M abuts against the resist roller pair 131 approach a constant value (reference abutting time (reference arrival time)), between the second inlet passing detection sensor S21 and the second outlet passing detection sensor S24 (in the second individual conveyance path P2 and the merging conveyance path P3), the conveyance speed v2 is determined to be lower than the conveyance speed v0 between the second outlet passing detection sensor S24 and the resist sensor S30.

[0082] The deviation of the passing time (times t41a, t41b) of the second inlet passing detection sensor S21 for the medium M from the reference passing time (time t41) described above occurs not only when the uppermost medium M that has been lifted by the floating air and separated from the lower medium M by the separation air is adsorbed and conveyed by the conveyor belt 12b, but also when the uppermost medium M and the lower medium M are separated by a deflector plate or the like, and is caused by friction acting between the deflector plate and the medium M.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 4, when the control unit 31 determines that the elapsed time T is earlier than the time T1 (step S49: YES), it can be said that the medium M has reached the entry detection sensor earlier than the first range R1. Therefore, a jam error is notified to the control unit 151 of the printing apparatus 101 (step S51). Then, the control unit 31 of the medium supply apparatus 1 repeats the process from step S41 described above. For example, when receiving the jam error notification, the control unit 151 of the printing apparatus 101 sends a supply end instruction to the control unit 31 to stop the supply of the medium M.

[0084] Returning to step S48 described above, when it is determined that the elapsed time T is later than T2 (step S48: YES), only when the elapsed time T is equal to or less than the time T3, which is the end of the second range R2, after passing through steps S54 to S56 described later before the medium M passes through the entry detection sensor in step S47. Therefore, since the elapsed time T falls within the second range R2 that satisfies the relationship of T2 < T ≦ T3 (for example, time t15 in FIG. 5), the control unit 31 notifies the control unit 151 of the printing apparatus 101 of the retry mode 2 (step S52). Also, in this case, the control unit 31 does not perform the above-described speed correction of the medium M (step S53) and repeats the process from step S41 described above.

[0085] Here, when the control unit 31 of the medium supply device 1 notifies the control unit 151 of the printing device 101 of the retry mode 2, the control unit 31 delays the supply of the next conveyed medium M from the supply unit (for example, cancels one supply as shown at time t17 in FIG. 5). As a result, without correcting the conveyance speed (correcting to increase the conveyance speed), the medium M is conveyed at the conveyance speed v0 as shown by the thick solid line in FIG. 8, the passage time t42a of the second exit passage detection sensor S24 is delayed from the reference passage time t42, the arrival time t43a of the resist sensor S30 is delayed from the reference arrival time t43, and the abutting time t44a (arrival time) of the resist roller pair 131 is delayed from the reference abutting time t44. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the nth medium M conveyed later than the schedule (dashed line) does not come into contact with the nth medium M when abutting against the resist roller pair 131, etc., because the supply of the next (n + 1)th medium M (the next conveyed medium M) is delayed by, for example, one time as described above.

[0086] Also, when the control unit 31 of the medium supply device 1 notifies the control unit 151 of the printing device 101 of the retry mode 2, the control unit 151 of the printing device 101 controls the resist roller pair 131 to delay the taking-in time of the medium M (for example, cancels the taking-in as shown at time t16 in FIG. 5). For example, the control unit 151 may control the resist roller pair 131 to take in the medium M with the delayed taking-in time at the taking-in time (for example, time 18 in FIG. 5) when it was planned to take in the next conveyed medium M.

[0087] Further, when the control unit 31 notifies the retry mode 2, it may block the blowing of the levitation air A2 by the levitation air shutters 11e and 12e shown in FIG. 3 (for example, at time t15 in FIG. 5). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10A, the medium M on the loading tables 11a and 12a that has been levitated by the blowing of the levitation air A2 by the levitation air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d drops when the preceding medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor (the first entry passage detection sensor S11 or the second entry passage detection sensor S21) as shown in FIG. 10B and the blowing of the levitation air A2 is blocked. Therefore, so-called carry - over can be suppressed. When the control unit 31 notifies the retry mode 2 and the levitation air shutters 11e and 12e are already closed and the blowing of the levitation air A2 is blocked as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, the levitation air shutters 11e and 12e may not be opened until the next medium M is supplied.

[0088] Further, when the control unit 31 notifies the retry mode 2, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D, it is advisable to reschedule the allowable time of each sensor. In FIGS. 12A to 12D, taking the medium M supplied from the first supply unit 11 as an example, the time is described in msec.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12A, regarding the elapsed time T from the start of the conveyor belt 11b, the theoretical passing time of the first entry passage detection sensor S11 is 100, and the allowable passing time is 80 - 120. When the elapsed time T deviates from this allowable passing time, for example, an under - jam, which is an error indicating that the medium M is not being conveyed normally, is notified to the control unit 151. Also, the allowable time for a retention jam of the first entry passage detection sensor S11 is 380. When the elapsed time T exceeds this retention jam, a retention jam, which is an error indicating that the medium M is staying in the conveyance path, is notified to the control unit 151.

[0090] The theoretical passing time of the first in-transit passing detection sensor S12 (first in-transit passing detection sensor 1) with a required time of 50 from the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 is 150, the passing allowable time is 135 - 165, and the jam allowable time is 435. The reason why the width of the passing allowable time is narrower than that of the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 is that when the above-mentioned conveyance speed correction is performed, the arrival time of the resist roller pair 131 can be made closer to a constant value.

[0091] The theoretical passing time of the first in-transit passing detection sensor S13 (first in-transit passing detection sensor 2) with a required time of 100 from the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 is 200, the passing allowable time is 190 - 210, and the jam allowable time is 490.

[0092] The theoretical passing time of the first in-transit passing detection sensor S14 (first in-transit passing detection sensor 3) with a required time of 150 from the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 is 250, the passing allowable time is 245 - 255, and the jam allowable time is 545.

[0093] The theoretical passing time of the first exit passing detection sensor S15 with a required time of 200 from the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 is 300, the passing allowable time is only 300, and the jam allowable time is 600.

[0094] The theoretical passing time of the resist sensor S30 with a required time of 250 from the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 is 350, the passing allowable time is only 350, and the jam allowable time is 650.

[0095] When the elapsed time T is in the second range R2 after passing through the first range R1 (passing allowable time) as described above, the actual passing time of the first entrance passing detection sensor S11, for example, exceeds the passing allowable time of 80 - 120 of the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 and becomes 140. As a result, it is expected that the actual passing times of other sensors will also exceed the passing allowable time.

[0096] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control unit 31 sets the predicted passing time of each sensor to, for example, the sum of the actual passing time (140) of the first entrance passing detection sensor S11 and the required time from the first entrance passing detection sensor S11.

[0097] In addition, as shown in FIG. 12C, the control unit 31 updates the end time of the passing allowable time of each sensor to a time later than the predicted passing time. Further, the control unit 31 invalidates the allowable time for the retention jam or changes it to a correspondingly long time.

[0098] Then, when the intake time of the medium M is determined (for example, time t18 in FIG. 5), the control unit 31 updates the allowable time for the retention jam as shown in FIG. 12D in accordance with that time.

[0099] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the medium M does not pass through the entry detection sensor (step S47: NO), the control unit 31 determines whether the elapsed time T is later than the time T2 which is the end of the first range R1, in the same manner as in step S48 above (step S54). When the elapsed time T is equal to or less than T2 (step S54: NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S46 above.

[0100] When the elapsed time T is later than the time T2 which is the end of the first range R1 (step S54: YES), the control unit 31 stops the conveyor belts 11b and 12b (step S55, for example, time t14 shown in FIG. 5).

[0101] In addition, the control unit 31 determines whether the elapsed time T is later than T3 which is the end of the second range R2 (expansion range) (step S56). When the elapsed time T is equal to or less than T3 (step S56: NO), the control unit 31 returns to step S46 above.

[0102] When the elapsed time T is later than T3 (step S56: YES, for example, when the second range R2 starting from time t24 in FIG. 6 has elapsed), the control unit 31 notifies the control unit 151 of the printing apparatus 101 of the retry mode 1 (step S57), and repeats the process from step S41 above.

[0103] Here, when the control unit 31 of the medium supply device 1 notifies the control unit 151 of the printing device 101 of the retry mode 1, the control unit 151 controls the resist roller pair 131 to stop taking in the medium M (for example, at time t25 in FIG. 6). On the other hand, the control unit 31 of the medium supply device 1 activates the conveyance belts 11b and 12b of the supply unit (the first supply unit 11 or the second supply unit 12) to supply the next medium M as usual (for example, at times t26 in FIG. 6, step S5 in FIG. 4). Further, the control unit 151 controls the resist roller pair 131 to take in the next medium M at a predetermined intake time (for example, time t27 in FIG. 6).

[0104] In the embodiment described above, the medium supply mechanism includes a supply unit (for example, the first supply unit 11 and the second supply unit 12) that supplies the medium M, a conveyance path (for example, the first individual conveyance path P1, the second individual conveyance path P2, and the merging conveyance path P3) connected to the supply unit, a conveyance unit (for example, the first to ninth conveyance roller pairs 21 to 29 and the receiving roller pair 132) that conveys the medium M in the conveyance path, a conveyance drive unit (for example, the first to fourth conveyance drive units D1 to D4 and the conveyance drive unit of the conveyance unit 130) that drives the conveyance unit, an entry detection sensor (for example, the first entrance passage detection sensor S11 and the second entrance passage detection sensor S21) that detects that the medium M supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path, a taking-in conveyance unit (for example, the resist roller pair 131) that takes in the medium M conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a control unit (for example, the control units 31 and 151) that controls the supply unit and the taking-in conveyance unit. When the time when the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range R1 (for example, time t11 in FIG. 5), the control unit controls the taking-in conveyance unit to take in the medium M (for example, at time t12 in FIG. 5). Further, when the time when the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range R2 that has passed the first range R1 (for example, time t15 in FIG. 5), the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium M, and controls the taking-in conveyance unit to delay the taking-in time of the medium M (for example, from time t16 to time t18).

[0105] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 7 (comparative example), when the medium M does not reach the entry detection sensor (entrance passage detection sensor) at a predetermined time (for example, the time t34 at the end of the first range R1), even if the conveyor belts 11b and 12b are stopped, the conveyor belts 11b and 12b do not stop immediately, and the medium M may reach the entry detection sensor after a delay from the predetermined time (for example, time t35). In this case, the supply of the medium M is treated as an error, and the supply of the medium M is stopped, or the intake of the medium M by the resist roller pair 131 (resist drive unit) is stopped (times t37 and t38). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is in the second range R2 after the first range R1 has elapsed, in order to delay the intake time of the medium M by the intake conveyance unit and the supply of the next conveyed medium M, even if the time at which the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is delayed from the reference passage time, the medium M can be conveyed without requiring correction of the conveyance speed. Therefore, it is possible to avoid adopting a complicated configuration such as a high-performance motor for increasing the conveyance speed, and it is also possible to avoid the occurrence of errors such as jams in which the medium M is conveyed with a delay even when the conveyance speed is increased.

[0106] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the medium M supplied with a delay can be reliably conveyed with a simple configuration.

[0107] Further, in the present embodiment, when the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is in the second range (for example, time t15 in FIG. 5), the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to intake the medium M with the intake time (for example, time t16) delayed at the intake time (for example, time t18) at which the next conveyed medium M was scheduled to be intaken.

[0108] Thereby, the conveyance of the medium M can be continued only by taking a single break in the intake by the intake conveyance unit of the medium M (for example, time t16 in FIG. 5). Therefore, the medium M can be conveyed with simple control.

[0109] Further, in the present embodiment, when the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the first range R1, the control unit corrects the conveyance speed of the medium M by controlling the conveyance drive unit so as to make the arrival time at which the medium M reaches the intake conveyance unit approach a constant value (for example, the conveyance speed v1 in FIG. 8 and the conveyance speed v2 in FIG. 9). Further, when the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range R2, the control unit does not perform correction of the conveyance speed for making the arrival time at which the medium M reaches the intake conveyance unit approach a constant value.

[0110] Thereby, when the time at which the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the first range R1, by making the time to reach the intake conveyance unit approach a constant value, for example, it is possible to avoid occurrence of a delay in the printing start time by the printing unit 110 or variations in the accuracy of skew correction. Further, when the time at which the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range R2, since the intake of the medium M by the intake conveyance unit is delayed (for example, paused once), the medium M can be conveyed by a simple control without performing correction of the conveyance speed (correction for increasing the conveyance speed).

[0111] Further, in the present embodiment, the medium supply mechanism further includes a passage detection sensor (for example, the first in - transit passage detection sensors S12 to S14, the first exit passage detection sensor S15, the second in - transit passage detection sensors S22, S23, the second exit passage detection sensor S24, and the resist sensor S30) that detects the passage of the medium M on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the medium M from the entry detection sensor and on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the intake conveyance unit. When the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range R2, the control unit reschedules the allowable time (for example, the passage allowable time or the jam allowable time shown in FIGS. 12A to 12D) of the time at which the passage of the medium M is detected by the passage detection sensor.

[0112] Accordingly, even when the conveyance speed of the medium M supplied late, for which the time detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range R2, is not corrected, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of errors such as jams caused by the conveyance of the medium M being delayed.

[0113] Also, in the present embodiment, the supply unit includes loading tables 11a and 12a on which the medium M is loaded, floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d that blow out floating air A2 for lifting at least the uppermost medium M1 among the plurality of media M loaded on the loading tables 11a and 12a, and shut-off portions (for example, floating air shutters 11e and 12e) that shut off the blowing of the floating air A2 by the floating air blowing mechanisms 11d and 12d. When the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range R2, the control unit causes the shut-off portion to shut off the blowing of the floating air A2 (for example, at time t15 in FIG. 5).

[0114] Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the medium M to be conveyed next after the medium M with a delayed supply from being lifted by the blowing of the floating air A2 and causing double feeding of the medium M.

[0115] <Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, when the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the first entrance passage detection sensor S11 and the second entrance passage detection sensor S21 (an example of an entry detection sensor) is within the second range R2 after the first range R1 has elapsed (for example, at time t15 in FIG. 5), the control units 31 and 151 control the resist roller pair 131 (an example of a capture conveyance unit) to delay the capture time by, for example, the capture time of the next conveyed medium M (for example, from time t16 to time t18).

[0116] For example, a medium M for which the entry detection time of the second entry detection sensor S21 is within the second range R has a slow capture time by the resist roller pair 131. Therefore, without correction to increase the conveyance speed, as shown in FIG. 13, the medium M is conveyed at the same specified conveyance speed v0 as the medium M that is not corrected and is conveyed normally as indicated by the dashed line. As a result, for the medium M, the passage time t42c at the second exit passage detection sensor S24 is delayed from the reference passage time t42, the arrival time t43c at the resist sensor S30 is delayed from the reference arrival time t43, and the abutting time t44c (arrival time) of the resist roller pair 131 is delayed from the reference abutting time t44.

[0117] However, even if the abutting time t44c to the resist roller pair 131 is delayed in this way, for example, if the capture time of the medium M is delayed to the capture time of the next conveyed medium M, the state in which the medium M is abutted against the resist roller pair 131 continues until the capture time. Therefore, the accuracy of skew correction of the medium M decreases.

[0118] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the entry detection time is within the second range R2, the conveyance drive unit (for example, the fourth conveyance drive unit D4) is controlled so as to delay the time for the medium M to reach the resist roller pair 13 by temporarily stopping the conveyance of the medium M (or reducing the conveyance speed of the medium M). In the present embodiment, since the configuration of the printing system 100 and the like can be the same as in the above-described embodiment, only the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0119] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the conveyance speed and the elapsed time for explaining the stop of conveyance. In FIG. 14, as in FIG. 13, the medium M supplied from the second supply unit 12 will be described as an example.

[0120] First, when the slippage between the medium M and the conveyor belt 12b is large and the conveyance rate is low, and the passing time (time t41c) of the second inlet passage detection sensor S21 of the medium M is within the above-described second range R2 (for example, time t15 in FIG. 5), the passing time (time t41c) is delayed from the reference passing time (time t41) as the reference passing time which is a predetermined theoretical value.

[0121] The control unit 31 controls the third conveyance drive unit D3 to accelerate the conveyance speed of the medium M to the conveyance speed v0 in the same manner as the conveyance speed of the medium M conveyed normally shown by the dashed line, after the medium M passes through the second inlet passage detection sensor S21. Further, the control unit 31 temporarily stops the conveyance of the medium M after the leading end of the medium M passes through the second outlet passage detection sensor S24 and before reaching the resist roller pair 131.

[0122] Also, the control unit 31 controls the fourth conveyance drive unit D4 to return the conveyance speed of the medium M to the specified conveyance speed v0 before the medium M reaches the resist roller pair 131. The timing at which the control unit 31 returns the conveyance speed of the medium M that has been stopped to the conveyance speed v0 may be such that the fourth conveyance drive unit D4 and the conveyance drive unit of the conveyance unit 130 are controlled so that the medium M reaches the resist roller pair 131 at the arrival time (reference abutting time t52) at which the next medium M to be conveyed was scheduled to reach the resist roller pair 131. In this case, the time at which the medium M reaches the resist sensor S30 also becomes the same as the arrival time (reference arrival time t51) at which the next medium M to be conveyed was scheduled to reach the resist sensor S30. However, even when the medium M reaches the resist roller pair 131 earlier than the arrival time (reference arrival time t51) at which the next medium M to be conveyed was scheduled to reach the resist sensor S30, by temporarily stopping the conveyance of the medium M or reducing the conveyance speed of the medium M, the time during which the state where the medium M is abutted against the resist roller pair 131 continues can be significantly shortened.

[0123] In the example shown in FIG. 14, although the conveyance of the medium M is temporarily stopped, the time during which the state where the medium M abuts against the resist roller pair 131 continues can also be shortened by decelerating the conveyance speed to such an extent that the conveyance speed of the medium M does not become zero.

[0124] In the present embodiment, in order to temporarily stop the conveyance of the medium M and delay the time for the medium M to reach the resist roller pair 131, among the tables of rescheduling the allowable times of the respective sensors shown in FIG. 12D described above, the predicted passing time (390 msec) and the end of the allowable passing time (395 msec) are delayed to the predicted passing time (705 msec) and the end of the allowable passing time (710 msec) shown in FIG. 15, and the time rescheduling may be performed.

[0125] Incidentally, the receiving roller pair 132 shown in FIG. 1 performs nipping of the medium M having a relatively short length in the conveyance direction, but does not perform nipping of the medium M having a relatively long length in the conveyance direction. This is because for the long medium M, the medium M can be conveyed by the eighth conveyance roller pair 28, the ninth conveyance roller pair 29, and the resist roller pair 131, so as to be less affected by factors such as the deviation in conveyance speed between the first to fourth conveyance drive units D1 to D4 on the medium supply device 1 side and the conveyance drive unit on the printing device 101 side. Therefore, when stopping or decelerating the long medium M as described above, the leading end of the long medium M may be located between the receiving roller pair 132 and the resist roller pair 131, but when stopping or decelerating the short medium M as described above, the leading end of the short medium M is preferably located upstream of the receiving roller pair 132, and more preferably, the leading end of the short medium M passes through the receiving roller pair 132 after the end of re-acceleration (after returning to the conveyance speed v0). Further, when stopping or decelerating the medium M as described above, the control is simplified by performing it only with the fourth conveyance drive unit D4 without using the second conveyance drive unit D2 or the third conveyance drive unit D3 (particularly, the second conveyance drive unit D2 arranged in the upper stage 1a of the medium supply device 1, which is different from the fourth conveyance drive unit D4).

[0126] In other embodiments described above, for matters similar to those in the above-described embodiment, the same effects can be obtained, that is, effects such as being able to surely convey the medium M supplied late with a simple configuration can be obtained.

[0127] Further, in the present embodiment, when the time at which the entry of the medium M is detected by the entry detection sensor (for example, the first entrance passage detection sensor S11 and the second entrance passage detection sensor S21) is within the second range R2, the control unit (for example, the control units 31 and 151) controls the conveyance drive unit (for example, the fourth conveyance drive unit D4) so as to temporarily stop the conveyance of the medium M or slow down the conveyance speed of the medium M to delay the time at which the medium M reaches the intake conveyance unit (for example, the resist roller pair 131).

[0128] Thereby, for the medium M whose intake time is delayed as described above due to the entry detection time being within the second range R2 (for example, from time t16 to time t18 in FIG. 5), it is possible to suppress the increase in the time when it hits the intake conveyance unit.

[0129] Further, in the present embodiment, after temporarily stopping the conveyance of the medium M or slowing down the conveyance speed of the medium M, before the medium M reaches the intake conveyance unit, the control unit controls the conveyance drive unit so as to return the conveyance speed of the medium M to the specified conveyance speed v0.

[0130] Thereby, for the medium M whose conveyance is temporarily stopped or whose conveyance speed is slowed down, conveyance control can be performed immediately before reaching the intake conveyance unit in the same manner as for a normal medium M for which such control is not performed. Therefore, skew correction can be performed in the same control as that for the above normal medium M.

[0131] Further, in the present embodiment, after temporarily stopping the conveyance of the medium M or slowing down the conveyance speed of the medium M, the control unit controls the conveyance drive unit so that the medium M reaches the intake conveyance unit at the arrival time (for example, the reference hitting time 52 shown in FIG. 14) at which the next conveyed medium M was scheduled to reach the intake conveyance unit.

[0132] As a result, the medium M can be immediately taken in by the intake and conveyance unit, so that it is possible to avoid the situation where the time for which the medium M abuts against the intake and conveyance unit becomes long.

[0133] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Also, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be appropriately combined. Needless to say, various modifications and applications are possible within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention. The invention described in the claims of the present application at the time of initial filing is appended below.

[0134] [Appendix 1] A supply unit that supplies a medium, A conveyance path connected to the supply unit, A conveyance unit that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, A conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance unit, An entry detection sensor that detects that the medium supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path, An intake and conveyance unit that takes in the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, A control unit that controls the supply unit and the intake and conveyance unit, When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range, the control unit controls the intake and conveyance unit to take in the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range that has passed the first range, the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium and controls the intake and conveyance unit to delay the intake time of the medium. A medium supply mechanism characterized by the above.

[0135] [Appendix 2] When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to intake the medium whose intake time has been delayed from the intake time at which the next medium to be conveyed was scheduled to be taken in. The medium supply mechanism according to appended claim 1, characterized in that.

[0136] [Appended claim 3] When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the first range, the control unit corrects the conveyance speed of the medium by controlling the conveyance drive unit so as to make the arrival time when the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit approach a constant value. When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit does not correct the conveyance speed for making the arrival time when the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit approach a constant value. The medium supply mechanism according to appended claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

[0137] [Appended claim 4] The medium supply mechanism further includes a passage detection sensor that detects the passage of the medium downstream of the entry detection sensor in the conveyance direction of the medium and upstream of the intake conveyance unit in the conveyance direction. When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit reschedules the allowable time of the time when the passage of the medium is detected by the passage detection sensor. The medium supply mechanism according to any one of appended claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

[0138] [Appended claim 5] The supply unit includes a loading table on which the medium is loaded, a floating air blowing mechanism that blows out floating air for lifting at least the uppermost one of the plurality of media loaded on the loading table, and a blocking unit that blocks the blowing of the floating air by the floating air blowing mechanism. When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit causes the blocking unit to block the blowing of the floating air. The medium supply mechanism according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that.

[0139] [Appendix 6] When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit controls the conveyance drive unit so as to temporarily stop the conveyance of the medium or slow down the conveyance speed of the medium to delay the time for the medium to reach the intake conveyance unit. The medium supply mechanism according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that.

[0140] [Appendix 7] After the control unit temporarily stops the conveyance of the medium or slows down the conveyance speed of the medium, before the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit, the control unit controls the conveyance drive unit so as to return the conveyance speed of the medium to a specified conveyance speed. The medium supply mechanism according to Appendix 6, characterized in that. [Appendix 8] After the control unit temporarily stops the conveyance of the medium or slows down the conveyance speed of the medium, the control unit controls the conveyance drive unit so that the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit at the arrival time when the next medium to be conveyed was scheduled to reach the intake conveyance unit. The medium supply mechanism according to Appendix 6 or 7, characterized in that.

Explanation of Signs

[0141] 1 Medium supply device 1a Upper stage 1b Lower stage 11 First supply unit 11a Loading table 11b Conveyor belt 11c Suction unit 11d Floating air blowing mechanism 11e Floating air shutter 11f Separation air blowing mechanism 11g Media detection sensor 11h End fence 12 Second supply unit 12a Loading table 12b Conveyor belt 12c Suction unit 12d Levitation air blowing mechanism 12e Levitation air shutter 12f Separation air blowing mechanism 12g Media detection sensor 12h End fence 21 - 29 First - ninth conveyor roller pairs 31 Control unit 32 Memory unit 33 Interface unit 100 Printing system 101 Printing device 110 Printing section 120 Adsorption and conveyance section 130 Conveyance section 131 Registration roller pair 132 Receiving roller pair 133 Conveyor roller pair 140 Reversing section 151 Control unit 152 Memory unit 153 Interface unit A1 Suction air A2 Levitation air A3 Separation air D1 - D4 First - fourth conveyance drive units M Media P1 First individual conveyance path P2 Second individual conveyance path P3 Merging conveyance path P11 Supply destination conveyance path P12 Circulation and reversing conveyance path R1 First range R2 Second range S11 First entrance passage detection sensor S12 First intermediate passage detection sensor 1 S13 First intermediate passage detection sensor 2 S14 First Passing Detection Sensor 3 in the First Route S15 First Exit Passing Detection Sensor S21 Second Entrance Passing Detection Sensor S22 Second Passing Detection Sensor 1 in the Second Route S23 Second Passing Detection Sensor 2 in the Second Route S24 Second Exit Passing Detection Sensor S30 Resist Sensor

Claims

1. A supply unit that supplies a medium, A conveyance path connected to the supply unit, A conveyance unit that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, A conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance unit, An entry detection sensor that detects that the medium supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path, A sensor, An intake conveyance unit that takes in the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, A control unit that controls the supply unit and the intake conveyance unit, and When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range, the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to take in the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range that has passed the first range, the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium, and controls the intake conveyance unit to delay the intake time of the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to take in the medium with the intake time delayed from the intake time at which the next conveyed medium was to be taken in. A medium supply mechanism characterized by the above.

2. A supply unit that supplies a medium, A conveyance path connected to the supply unit, A conveyance unit that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, A conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance unit, An entry detection sensor that detects that the medium supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path, A sensor, An intake conveyance unit that takes in the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, A control unit that controls the supply unit and the intake conveyance unit, and When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range, the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to take in the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range that has passed the first range, the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium, and controls the intake conveyance unit to delay the intake time of the medium. When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the first range, the control unit corrects the conveyance speed of the medium by controlling the conveyance drive unit so as to make the arrival time when the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit approach a constant value. When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit does not correct the conveyance speed for making the arrival time when the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit approach a constant value. A medium supply mechanism characterized by the above.

3. A supply unit that supplies a medium, A conveyance path connected to the supply unit, A conveyance unit that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, A conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance unit, An entry detection sensor that detects that the medium supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path, And a sensor, An intake conveyance unit that takes in the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, And a control unit that controls the supply unit and the intake conveyance unit, When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range, the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to take in the medium. When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range that has passed the first range, the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium, and controls the intake conveyance unit to delay the intake time of the medium. The medium supply mechanism further includes a passage detection sensor that detects the passage of the medium on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the medium from the entry detection sensor and on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the intake conveyance unit. When the time when the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit reschedules the allowable time for the time when the passage of the medium is detected by the passage detection sensor. A medium supply mechanism characterized by the above.

4. A supply unit that supplies a medium, A conveyance path connected to the supply unit, A conveyance unit that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, A conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance unit, An entry detection sensor that detects that the medium supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path, And a sensor, An intake conveyance unit that takes in the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, And a control unit that controls the supply unit and the intake conveyance unit, When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range, the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to intake the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range that has elapsed from the first range, the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium and controls the intake conveyance unit to delay the intake time of the medium. The supply unit includes a loading table on which the medium is loaded, a floating air blowing mechanism that blows out floating air to lift at least the uppermost one of the plurality of media loaded on the loading table, and a blocking unit that blocks the blowing of the floating air by the floating air blowing mechanism. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit causes the blocking unit to block the blowing of the floating air. A medium supply mechanism characterized by the above.

5. A supply unit that supplies a medium, A conveyance path connected to the supply unit, A conveyance unit that conveys the medium in the conveyance path, A conveyance drive unit that drives the conveyance unit, An entry detection sensor that detects that the medium supplied from the supply unit has entered the conveyance path And a control unit that controls the supply unit and the intake conveyance unit. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a predetermined first range, the control unit controls the intake conveyance unit to intake the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within a second range that has elapsed from the first range, the control unit controls the supply unit to delay the supply of the next conveyed medium and controls the intake conveyance unit to delay the intake time of the medium. When the time at which the entry of the medium is detected by the entry detection sensor is within the second range, the control unit controls the conveyance drive unit to temporarily stop the conveyance of the medium or slow down the conveyance speed of the medium so as to delay the time for the medium to reach the intake conveyance unit. A medium supply mechanism characterized by the above.

6. ​ ​ The control unit controls the conveyance drive unit so that, after temporarily stopping the conveyance of the medium or reducing the conveyance speed of the medium, the conveyance speed of the medium is restored to a specified conveyance speed before the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit. The medium supply mechanism according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. The control unit controls the conveyance drive unit so that, after temporarily stopping the conveyance of the medium or reducing the conveyance speed of the medium, the medium reaches the intake conveyance unit at the arrival time when the next medium to be conveyed was scheduled to reach the intake conveyance unit. The medium supply mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above.

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