Patent Application
20240228210
The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2023-001527, filed Jan. 10, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The present disclosure relates to a medium transport device, a liquid ejection device, and a post-process device.
For example, there is an inkjet recording device, such as JP-A-2022-113585, which is an example of a liquid ejection device that performs printing on a paper sheet, which is an example of a medium. The inkjet recording device includes a paper sheet transport device which is an example of a medium transport device that transports the paper sheet. The paper sheet transport device includes an air blowing mechanism which is an example of a blower section that switches a transport destination of the paper sheet by blowing air. The air blowing mechanism blows out air at a timing immediately before a leading edge of the paper sheet enters an air outlet.
In air blowing, a time lag occurs between the time when an instruction is issued and the time when air hits the medium. Therefore, for example, when the medium is transported at a high speed, it is difficult to blow air to a leading edge of the medium.
A medium transport device that overcomes the above-described problem includes a first path configured to transport a medium; a second path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a third path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a branch section at which the first path branches into the second path and the third path; and a blower section configured to perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium transported on the first path by blowing air, and configured to transport the medium to either the second path or the third path, wherein when a medium that is transported first is defined as a first medium and a medium that is transported subsequently to the first medium is defined as a second medium, in a case where the blower section switches a transport destination between the first medium and the second medium, the blower section starts the switching operation while the first medium is passing through the branch section.
A liquid ejection device that overcomes the above-described problem includes an ejection section configured to eject liquid on a medium; a first path configured to transport the medium on which liquid is ejected by the ejection section; a second path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a third path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a branch section at which the first path branches into the second path and the third path; and a blower section configured to perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium transported on the first path by blowing air, and configured to transport the medium to either the second path or the third path, wherein when a medium that is transported first is defined as a first medium and a medium that is transported subsequently to the first medium is defined as a second medium, in a case where the blower section switches a transport destination between the first medium and the second medium, the blower section starts the switching operation while the first medium is passing through the branch section.
A post-process device that is connected to a liquid ejection device and that overcomes the above-described problem, the post-process device includes a receiving section configured to receive a medium on which liquid is ejected by an ejection section included in the liquid ejection device; a first path configured to transport the medium received by the receiving section; a second path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a third path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a branch section at which the first path branches into the second path and the third path; and a blower section configured to perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium transported on the first path to one of the second path and the third path by blowing air to the medium, wherein when a medium that is transported first is defined as a first medium and a medium that is transported subsequently to the first medium is defined as a second medium, in a case where the blower section switches a transport destination between the first medium and the second medium, the blower section starts the switching operation while the first medium is passing through the branch section.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a recording system including a medium transport device, a liquid ejection device, and a post-process device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawing, assuming that a recording system 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, a direction of gravity is indicated by a Z-axis, and directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by an X-axis and a Y-axis. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.
As shown in
The supply device 12 may include one or more medium accommodation sections 17 and one or more feeding sections 18. The medium accommodation section 17 can accommodate a plurality of sheets of medium 19 in a stacked state. The feeding section 18 may supply the medium 19 accommodated in the medium accommodation section 17 to the liquid ejection device 13 one by one. The medium accommodation section 17 and the feeding section 18 may also be provided in the liquid ejection device 13. That is, the liquid ejection device 13 may include one or more medium accommodation sections 17 and one or more feeding sections 18. In the present embodiment, the supply device 12 and the liquid ejection device 13 include the feeding section 18 having the same configuration. The configuration of the feeding section 18 will be described later.
The recording system 11 may include one or more stackers. For example, a first stacker 21, a second stacker 22, and a third stacker 23 may be provided in the liquid ejection device 13. For example, a fourth stacker 24 and a fifth stacker 25 may be provided in the post-process device 15. The first stacker 21 to the fifth stacker 25 each receive a recorded medium 19.
The liquid ejection device 13 is, for example, an inkjet printer that records an image by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, on the medium 19.
The intermediate device 14 supplies the medium 19 recorded in the liquid ejection device 13 to the post-process device 15.
The post-process device 15 performs post-processing on a recorded medium 19.
The recording system 11 may include one or more control sections 27. The control section 27 may be provided in at least one of the supply device 12, the liquid ejection device 13, the intermediate device 14, and the post-process device 15. The control section 27 integrally controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording system 11 or the device provided with the control section 27. The control section 27 controls various operations executed by the recording system 11 or the device provided with the control section 27.
The control section 27 can be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors which execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits which execute at least some of various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, which stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.
As shown in
The feeding section 18 feeds the sheets of the medium 19 accommodated in the medium accommodation section 17 to the medium transport device 29 one by one. The feeding section 18 may include a feed roller 32 and a separation section 33.
The feed roller 32 feeds the medium 19 from the medium accommodation section 17 by rotating in contact with the medium 19.
The separation section 33 separates the sheets of the fed medium 19 one by one. The separation section 33 separates the uppermost sheet of medium 19 from the stacked medium 19. The separation section 33 keeps the second and subsequent sheets of the medium 19 from the top inside the medium accommodation section 17.
The recording section 30 performs recording on the medium 19. The recording section 30 may include an ejection section 35 that ejects liquid on the medium 19. That is, the liquid ejection device 13 may include the ejection section 35. The ejection section 35 may include a plurality of nozzles 36 that eject liquid. The ejection section 35 performs recording on the medium 19 by ejecting liquid on the medium 19 transported by the medium transport device 29.
The medium transport device 29 may include a recording path 38, an inversion path 39, a first transport path 40, a retreat path 41, a second transport path 42, a first discharge path 43, a second discharge path 44, and a supplying path 45. The recording path 38, the inversion path 39, the first transport path 40, the retreat path 41, the second transport path 42, the first discharge path 43, the second discharge path 44, and the supplying path 45 transport the medium 19.
The medium transport device 29 may include one or more transport rollers 47, an endless transport belt 48, and a pair of pulleys 49. The medium transport device 29 may include one or more branch sections and one or more blower sections 50. The medium transport device 29 of the present embodiment includes three branch sections and three blower sections 50. Three branch sections are also referred to as a first branch section 51, a second branch section 52, and a third branch section 53. The blower section 50 is provided adjacent to each branch section. The medium transport device 29 may include a first discharge section 54, a second discharge section 55, a third discharge section 56, and a supplying section 57. In the present embodiment, an upper surface of the medium 19 transported to the branch section is referred to as a first surface 59, and a lower surface opposite from the first surface 59 is referred to as a second surface 60.
The transport rollers 47, the first discharge section 54, the second discharge section 55, the third discharge section 56, and the supplying section 57 may transport the medium 19 by rotating in a state of sandwiching the medium 19. The transport rollers 47 are provided along paths that transport the medium 19.
The transport belt 48 is wound around a pair of pulleys 49. The transport belt 48 faces the recording section 30 with the recording path 38 interposed therebetween. The transport belt 48 supports a part of the medium 19 in a flat state. The transport belt 48 transports the medium 19 by rotating in a state in which the medium 19 is attracted.
The first discharge section 54 discharges the medium 19 to the first stacker 21. The first discharge section 54 discharges the medium 19 with the first surface 59 facing downward.
The second discharge section 55 discharges the medium 19 to the second stacker 22. The second discharge section 55 discharges the medium 19 with the first surface 59 facing upward.
The third discharge section 56 discharges the medium 19 to the third stacker 23. The third discharge section 56 discharges the medium 19 with the first surface 59 facing upward.
The supplying section 57 supplies the recorded medium 19 to the intermediate device 14.
The medium transport device 29 may include a determination section 62. The determination section 62 may be realized by the control section 27 executing a program stored in a memory. The determination section 62 may determine a recording state of the medium 19 recorded by the recording section 30. The determination section 62 may determine the recording state based on a detection result of a sensor (not shown) for detecting an image, for example. The determination section 62 may determine the recording state on the basis of, for example, the load of a motor that drives the transport rollers 47, the ejection state of the nozzles 36, or the like.
The recording path 38 is a path upstream of the first branch section 51. The recording path 38 is a path connecting the feeding section 18 and the first branch section 51. The recording section 30 performs recording on the medium 19 which is transported along the recording path 38.
The inversion path 39 is arranged downstream of the recording path 38. The inversion path 39 is arranged downstream of the first branch section 51. The inversion path 39 may be a path curved upward in the vertical direction with respect to the recording path 38. A downstream end of the inversion path 39 merges with the recording path 38 upstream of the recording section 30. When recording is performed on both sides of the medium 19, the inversion path 39 returns the medium 19 recorded on one side to upstream of the recording section 30. At this time, the inversion path 39 inverts the medium 19 so that a previously recorded surface faces downward. That is, the recording is performed on the medium 19 returned to the recording path 38 so that a back surface on which recording is not performed faces the recording section 30. In the medium 19 recorded on one side, the recorded surface becomes the first surface 59. In the medium 19 recorded on both sides, the back surface recorded later becomes the first surface 59.
The first transport path 40 is arranged downstream of the recording path 38. The first transport path 40 is arranged downstream of the first branch section 51. The first transport path 40 is a path upstream of the second branch section 52. The first transport path 40 may be a straight path with respect to the recording path 38. The first transport path 40 is a path connecting the first branch section 51 and the second branch section 52.
The retreat path 41 is arranged downstream of the first transport path 40. The retreat path 41 is arranged downstream of the second branch section 52. The retreat path 41 may be a path curved downward in the vertical direction with respect to the first transport path 40. The retreat path 41 is a path connecting the second branch section 52 and the third discharge section 56. The retreat path 41 is a path for transporting the medium 19 to the third stacker 23.
The second transport path 42 is arranged downstream of the first transport path 40. The second transport path 42 is arranged downstream of the second branch section 52. The second transport path 42 is a path upstream of the third branch section 53. The second transport path 42 may be a straight path with respect to the first transport path 40. The second transport path 42 is a path connecting the second branch section 52 and the third branch section 53.
The first discharge path 43 is arranged downstream of the second transport path 42. The first discharge path 43 is arranged downstream of the third branch section 53. The first discharge path 43 may be a path curved upward in the vertical direction with respect to the second transport path 42. The first discharge path 43 is a path connecting the third branch section 53 and the first discharge section 54. The first discharge path 43 is a path for transporting the medium 19 to the first stacker 21.
The second discharge path 44 is arranged downstream of the second transport path 42. The second discharge path 44 is arranged downstream of the third branch section 53. The second discharge path 44 may be a straight path with respect to the second transport path 42. The second discharge path 44 is a path connecting the third branch section 53 and the second discharge section 55. The second discharge path 44 is a path for transporting the medium 19 to the second stacker 22.
The supplying path 45 is arranged downstream of the second transport path 42. The supplying path 45 is arranged downstream of the third branch section 53. The supplying path 45 may be a path curved downward in the vertical direction with respect to the second transport path 42. The supplying path 45 is a path connecting the third branch section 53 and the supplying section 57.
The recording path 38 may branch into the inversion path 39 and the first transport path 40 at the first branch section 51. The recording path 38, the inversion path 39, and the first transport path 40 are connected to each other at the first branch section 51.
The recording path 38 may be an example of a first path for transporting the medium 19 on which liquid is ejected by the ejection section 35.
The inversion path 39 may be an example of a third path for returning the medium 19 recorded by the recording section 30 to upstream of the recording section 30.
The first transport path 40 may be an example of a second path for transporting the medium 19 to a discharge section for discharging the medium 19 recorded by the recording section 30. Specifically, the first transport path 40, the second transport path 42, and the first discharge path 43 may be an example of a second path for transporting the medium 19 to the first discharge section 54, which is an example of a discharge section. The first transport path 40, the second transport path 42, and the second discharge path 44 may be an example of a second path for transporting the medium 19 to the second discharge section 55, which is an example of the discharge section. The first transport path 40 and the retreat path 41 may be an example of a second path for transporting the medium 19 to the third discharge section 56, which is an example of the discharge section.
The first transport path 40 may branch into the second transport path 42 and the retreat path 41 at the second branch section 52. The first transport path 40, the second transport path 42, and the retreat path 41 are connected to each other at the second branch section 52.
The first transport path 40 may be an example of a first path for transporting the medium 19 on which liquid is ejected by the ejection section 35. Specifically, the recording path 38 and the first transport path 40 may be an example of a first path for transporting the recorded medium 19 to the second branch section 52.
The second transport path 42 may be an example of a second path. Specifically, the second transport path 42 and the first discharge path 43 may be an example of a second path for discharging the medium 19 to the first stacker 21, which is an example of a first tray. The second transport path 42 and the second discharge path 44 may be an example of a second path for discharging the medium 19 to the second stacker 22, which is an example of the first tray. The medium 19 determined as normal recording by the determination section 62 may be discharged to the first stacker 21 and the second stacker 22.
The retreat path 41 may be an example of a third path for transporting the medium 19 to the third stacker 23, which is an example of a second tray. The medium 19 determined as abnormal recording by the determination section 62 may be discharged to the third stacker 23. The determination section 62 may determine a recording state for each medium 19 or periodically. The control section 27 designates the retreat path 41 as a transport destination of the medium 19 determined to be abnormal recording.
The second transport path 42 may branch into the first discharge path 43, the second discharge path 44, and the supplying path 45 at the third branch section 53. The second transport path 42, the first discharge path 43, the second discharge path 44, and the supplying path 45 are connected to each other at the third branch section 53.
The second transport path 42 may be an example of a first path for transporting the medium 19 on which liquid is ejected by the ejection section 35. Specifically, the recording path 38, the first transport path 40, and the second transport path 42 may be an example of a first path for transporting the recorded medium 19 to the third branch section 53.
The first discharge path 43 may be an example of a second path for transporting the medium 19 to the first discharge section 54. In this case, one of the second discharge path 44 and the supplying path 45 is an example of a third path, and the other is an example of a fourth path.
The second discharge path 44 may be an example of a third path for transporting the medium 19 to the second discharge section 55. The second discharge path 44 may be an example of a fourth path, and the supplying path 45 may be an example of a third path.
As shown in
The blower section 50 can perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium 19 transported on the recording path 38 by blowing air. The blower section 50 transports the medium 19 to either the inversion path 39 or the first transport path 40. The blower section 50 may include at least one of a first blower section 64 and a second blower section 65. The first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65 are provided with the recording path 38 interposed therebetween. The blower section 50 may blow air containing ions. The blower section 50 may blow air obliquely with respect to a path of the medium 19 toward downstream in the transport direction D. By directing an air blowing direction toward downstream, it is possible to reduce a transport load of the medium 19. Drying of the medium 19 can be promoted by blowing air to the medium 19. The blower section 50 may blow air over a width direction of the medium 19.
The first blower section 64 may be provided above the recording path 38 in the vertical direction. The first blower section 64 blows air to the first surface 59 of the medium 19. The first blower section 64 may blow air to the medium 19 by sucking air.
The second blower section 65 may be provided below the recording path 38 in the vertical direction. The second blower section 65 blows air to the second surface 60 of the medium 19. The second blower section 65 may blow air to the medium 19 by spraying air.
In a case where a transport destination of the medium 19 at the first branch section 51 is set to the inversion path 39, the blower section 50 performs at least one of suction of air by the first blower section 64 and spraying of air by the second blower section 65.
The blower section 50 may change a blowing amount blown to the medium 19 from a first blowing amount to a second blowing amount that is larger than the first blowing amount as a switching operation. The first blowing amount is such a blowing amount that a leading edge of the medium 19 is not lifted. The first blowing amount may be zero. That is, in a case where a transport destination of the medium 19 at the first branch section 51 is set to the first transport path 40, the blower section 50 may not blow air. By setting the first blowing amount to zero, it is possible to reduce power consumption used for air blowing. By setting the first blowing amount to a blowing amount at which a leading edge of the medium 19 is not lifted, it is possible to reduce the difference in the magnitude of operation sound at the time of switching from the first blowing amount to the second blowing amount, and thus it is possible to reduce the influence of noise on the surroundings.
The second blowing amount is a blowing amount capable of deforming the medium 19 and directing a leading edge of the medium 19 toward the inversion path 39. The blower section 50 may change a blowing amount in accordance with a recording condition. For example, the blower section 50 may change a blowing amount by changing the number of rotations of a fan (not shown) included in each of the first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65. The blower section 50 may reduce a blowing amount by blowing air from one of the first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65, and may increase a blowing amount by blowing air from both of the first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65.
The recording condition may include, for example, at least one of a type of the medium 19, a basis weight of the medium 19, a size of the medium 19, a print duty, a recorded surface, a transport speed for transporting the medium 19, temperature, and humidity.
For example, in a case where the basis weight of the medium 19 is large, the blowing amount may be set to be larger than that in a case where the basis weight is small. In a case where the size of the medium 19 is large, the blowing amount may be set to be larger than that in a case where the size is small. In a case where the print duty is high, the blowing amount may be set to be larger than in a case where the print duty is low. In a case where recording is performed on both sides of the medium 19, the blowing amount may be set to be larger than that in a case where recording is performed on one side of the medium 19. That is, in a case where the weight of the medium 19 is large, the blowing amount may be set to be larger than that in a case where the weight of the medium 19 is small so that the medium 19 is easily lifted.
In a case where the transport speed is high, the blowing amount may be set to be larger than that in a case where the transport speed is low. In a case where the transport speed is high, the medium 19 may be guided in a short time by increasing the blowing amount.
In a case where the temperature and the humidity of the environment in which the medium transport device 29 is installed are low, the blowing amount may be set to be larger than in a case where the temperature and the humidity are high. In a case where the temperature and the humidity are low, the rigidity of the medium 19 is higher than that in a case where the temperature and the humidity are high, so that the medium 19 can be easily bent by increasing the blowing amount.
The medium transport device 29 may include a flap member 67. The flap member 67 may be provided at the first branch section 51. The flap member 67 is displaceable to a first position P1 indicated by a solid line in
The flap member 67 narrows the inlet of the first transport path 40 by displacing to the second position P2. Even when the flap member 67 is located at the second position P2, the flap member 67 does not block the first transport path 40. By displacing the flap member 67 to the second position P2, it is possible to reduce the amount of deformation of the medium 19 required to transport the medium 19 to the inversion path 39.
The flap member 67 narrows the inlet of the inversion path 39 by displacing to the first position P1. Even when the flap member 67 is located at the first position P1, the flap member 67 does not block the inversion path 39. When the flap member 67 is displaced to the first position P1, the inlet of the first transport path 40 is enlarged.
In a case where the basis weight of the medium 19 is equal to or less than a threshold, the flap member 67 may be located at the first position P1. When the flap member 67 is located at the first position P1, the medium 19 can be transported to either the inversion path 39 or the first transport path 40 by the blower section 50. In a case where the basis weight of the medium 19 is larger than a threshold, the flap member 67 may be displaced in accordance with a transport destination of the medium 19.
As shown in
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s is the first transport path 40, the blower section 50 maintains the blowing amount at the first blowing amount and maintains the flap member 67 at the first position P1 until a leading edge of the second medium 19s passes through the first branch section 51.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s is the inversion path 39, the blower section 50 may maintain the blowing amount at the second blowing amount and maintain the flap member 67 at the second position P2 until a leading edge of the second medium 19s passes through the first branch section 51.
In a case where a transport destination is switched between the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s, the blower section 50 starts a switching operation while the first medium 19f is passing through the first branch section 51. In a case where a transport destination is switched between the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s, the flap member 67 may be displaced to a position corresponding to a transport destination of the second medium 19s while the first medium 19f is passing through the first branch section 51. The switching operation and the displacement of the flap member 67 may be instructed by the control section 27 to the blower section 50 and the flap member 67.
Specifically, in a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the first transport path 40 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the inversion path 39, the blower section 50 switches the blowing amount from the first blowing amount to the second blowing amount while the first medium 19f is passing through the first branch section 51. The flap member 67 may be displaced to the second position P2 in a state where the first medium 19f is located at the first branch section 51.
In other words, after a leading edge of the first medium 19f passes through the first branch section 51 and before a trailing edge of the first medium 19f passes through the first branch section 51, the blower section 50 sets the blowing amount to the blowing amount corresponding to a transport destination of the second medium 19s. The blower section 50 starts to change the blowing amount while a leading edge of the first medium 19f is located downstream of the first branch section 51 and a trailing edge of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s are located upstream of the first branch section 51. The blower section 50 changes the blowing amount blown to the first medium 19f in a state where the first medium 19f extends over a plurality of paths. The medium transport device 29 may set the timing for starting the switching operation based on a position of the medium 19 detected by a sensor (not shown).
After the first medium 19f has passed through the first branch section 51, the second medium 19s transported to the first branch section 51 is hit by the second blowing amount. The second medium 19s is guided to the inversion path 39 by air blowing by the blower section 50.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the inversion path 39 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the first transport path 40, the blower section 50 switches the blowing amount from the second blowing amount to the first blowing amount while the first medium 19f is passing through the first branch section 51.
The blower section 50 may change the blowing amount blown to the medium 19 from the second blowing amount to the first blowing amount as the switching operation. The flap member 67 may be displaced to the first position P1 in a state where the first medium 19f is located at the first branch section 51. After the first medium 19f has passed through the first branch section 51, when the second medium 19s is transported to the first branch section 51, the blowing amount of the blower section 50 is the first blowing amount. Therefore, the second medium 19s is transported to the first transport path 40.
As shown in
The blower section 50 can perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium 19 transported on the first transport path 40 by blowing air. The blower section 50 transports the medium 19 to either the retreat path 41 or the second transport path 42.
The first blower section 64 may blow air to the first surface 59 of the medium 19 by spraying air. The second blower section 65 may blow air to the second surface 60 of the medium 19 by sucking air.
In a case where a transport destination of the medium 19 at the second branch section 52 is set to the retreat path 41, the blower section 50 performs at least one of spraying of air by the first blower section 64 and suction of air by the second blower section 65.
As shown in
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s is the retreat path 41, the blower section 50 maintains the blowing amount at the second blowing amount until a leading edge of the second medium 19s passes through the second branch section 52.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the second transport path 42 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the retreat path 41, the blower section 50 switches the blowing amount from the first blowing amount to the second blowing amount while the first medium 19f is passing through the second branch section 52. After the first medium 19f has passed through the second branch section 52, the second medium 19s transported to the second branch section 52 is hit by the second blowing amount. The second medium 19s is guided to the retreat path 41 by air blowing by the blower section 50.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the retreat path 41 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the second transport path 42, the blower section 50 switches the blowing amount from the second blowing amount to the first blowing amount while the first medium 19f is passing through the second branch section 52. After the first medium 19f has passed through the second branch section 52, when the second medium 19s is transported to the second branch section 52, the blowing amount of the blower section 50 is the first blowing amount. Therefore, the second medium 19s is transported to the second transport path 42.
As shown in
The blower section 50 can perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium 19 transported on the second transport path 42 by blowing air. The blower section 50 transports the medium 19 to any one of the first discharge path 43, the second discharge path 44, and the supplying path 45.
At least one of the first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65 may be capable of sucking and spraying air.
In a case where a transport destination of the medium 19 is set to the first discharge path 43, the blower section 50 performs at least one of suction of air by the first blower section 64 and spraying of air by the second blower section 65.
In a case where a transport destination of the medium 19 is set to the second discharge path 44, the blower section 50 may not blow air.
In a case where a transport destination of the medium 19 is set to the supplying path 45, the blower section 50 performs at least one of spraying of air by the first blower section 64 and suction of air by the second blower section 65.
As shown in
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s is the second discharge path 44, the blower section 50 may maintain a state in which air blowing is not performed until a leading edge of the second medium 19s passes through the third branch section 53.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s is the supplying path 45, the blower section 50 may maintain spraying of air by the first blower section 64 and suction of air by the second blower section 65 until a leading edge of the second medium 19s passes through the third branch section 53.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the second discharge path 44 or the supplying path 45, and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the first discharge path 43, the blower section 50 starts suction of air by the first blower section 64 and spraying of air by the second blower section 65 while the first medium 19f is passing through the third branch section 53. After the first medium 19f has passed through the third branch section 53, the second medium 19s transported to the third branch section 53 is guided to the first discharge path 43 by air blowing by the blower section 50.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the first discharge path 43 or the supplying path 45 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the second discharge path 44, the blower section 50 starts to stop air blowing while the first medium 19f is passing through the third branch section 53. After the first medium 19f has passed through the third branch section 53, the second medium 19s transported to the third branch section 53 is transported straight through the third branch section 53 to the second discharge path 44.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the first discharge path 43 or the second discharge path 44 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the supplying path 45, spraying of air by the first blower section 64 and suction of air by the second blower section 65 may be started while the first medium 19f is passing through the third branch section 53. After the first medium 19f has passed through the third branch section 53, the second medium 19s transported to the third branch section 53 is guided to the supplying path 45 by air blowing by the blower section 50.
As shown in
The post-process device 15 includes a receiving path 70, a first post-process path 71, and a second post-process path 72. The post-process device 15 may include a first post-process section 73 and a second post-process section 74. Similar to the liquid ejection device 13, the post-process device 15 may include one or more transport rollers 47 and the blower section 50. The post-process device 15 may include a fourth branch section 75, which is an example of a branch section.
The receiving path 70 is an example of a first path for transporting the medium 19 received by the receiving section 69. The receiving path 70 is a path upstream of the fourth branch section 75. The receiving path 70 is a path connecting the receiving section 69 and the fourth branch section 75.
The first post-process path 71 is an example of a second path. The first post-process path 71 is arranged downstream of the receiving path 70. The first post-process path 71 is arranged downstream of the fourth branch section 75. The first post-process path 71 may be a straight path with respect to the receiving path 70. The first post-process path 71 is a path connecting the fourth branch section 75 and the fourth stacker 24. The first post-process section 73 may be provided in the first post-process path 71. The first post-process path 71 transports the medium 19 post-processed by the first post-process section 73 to the fourth stacker 24.
The second post-process path 72 is an example of a third path. The second post-process path 72 is arranged downstream of the receiving path 70. The second post-process path 72 is arranged downstream of the fourth branch section 75. The second post-process path 72 may be a curved path with respect to the receiving path 70. The second post-process path 72 is a path connecting the fourth branch section 75 and the fifth stacker 25. The second post-process section 74 may be provided in the second post-process path 72. The second post-process path 72 transports the medium 19 post-processed by the second post-process section 74 to the fifth stacker 25.
The receiving path 70 may branch into the first post-process path 71 and a second post-process path 72 at the fourth branch section 75. The receiving path 70, the first post-process path 71, and the second post-process path 72 are connected to each other at the fourth branch section 75.
The first post-process section 73 and the second post-process section 74 may perform a stapling process, a punching process, a shifting process, and the like. The first post-process section 73 and the second post-process section 74 may perform processes different from each other. The stapling process is a process of binding a plurality of sheets of the medium 19 with staples. The punching process is a process of punching one or a plurality of sheets of the medium 19. The shifting process is a process of discharging the medium 19 while shifting the position for each set.
The blower section 50 may be provided at a position upstream of the fourth branch section 75. The first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65 may be provided so as to sandwich the receiving path 70 in the horizontal direction. The first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65 may be capable of at least one of air spraying and air suction.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s is the first post-process path 71, the blower section 50 may maintain suction of air by the first blower section 64 and spraying of air by the second blower section 65 until a leading edge of the second medium 19s passes through the fourth branch section 75.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f and the second medium 19s is the second post-process path 72, the blower section 50 may maintain spraying of air by the first blower section 64 and suction of air by the second blower section 65 until a leading edge of the second medium 19s passes through the fourth branch section 75.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the second post-process path 72 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the first post-process path 71, the blower section 50 starts suction of air by the first blower section 64 and spraying of air by the second blower section 65 while the first medium 19f is passing through the fourth branch section 75. After the first medium 19f has passed through the fourth branch section 75, the second medium 19s transported to the fourth branch section 75 is guided to the first post-process path 71 by air blowing by the blower section 50.
In a case where a transport destination of the first medium 19f is the first post-process path 71 and a transport destination of the second medium 19s is the second post-process path 72, the blower section 50 starts spraying of air by the first blower section 64 and suction of air by the second blower section 65 while the first medium 19f is passing through the fourth branch section 75. After the first medium 19f has passed through the fourth branch section 75, the second medium 19s transported to the fourth branch section 75 is guided to the second post-process path 72 by air blowing by the blower section 50.
The effects of the present embodiment will be described.
(1-1) While the first medium 19f transported first is passing through the first branch section 51, the blower section 50 starts a switching operation for transporting subsequent second medium 19s. Therefore, compared with a case where the switching operation is started after the first medium 19f has passed through the first branch section 51, a period from the start of the switching operation to the switching of a transport destination of the second medium 19s can be made longer. Therefore, even in a case where high-speed switching is necessary, such as a case where the medium 19 is transported at a high speed, the path for transporting the medium 19 can be easily switched.
(1-2) In a case where the basis weight of the medium 19 is large, the flap member 67 is displaced to a first position P1 at which the medium 19 is transported to the first transport path 40 and a second position P2 at which the medium 19 is transported to the inversion path 39. That is, in a case where the basis weight of the medium 19 is large, it is possible to assist the switching using the flap member 67.
(1-3) The blower section 50 includes the first blower section 64 and the second blower section 65. Therefore, air can be blown to both sides of the medium 19. Therefore, a transport destination of the medium 19 can be easily switched as compared with a case where air is blown to one side of the medium 19.
(1-4) The first blower section 64 that blows air to the first surface 59 blows air to the medium 19 by sucking air. The second blower section 65 that blows air to the second surface 60 blows air to the medium 19 by spraying air. Therefore, it is possible to easily guide the medium 19 so as to approach the first blower section 64.
(1-5) The first discharge path 43 and the second discharge path 44 are connected to different discharge sections. In a path for transporting the medium 19 to a discharge section, the medium 19 tends to be transported at a high speed. However, since the blower section 50 starts the switching operation while the first medium 19f is passing through the third branch section 53, it is possible to switch a transport destination in accordance with the transported medium 19.
(1-6) The inversion path 39 is a path for returning the medium 19 recorded by the recording section 30 to upstream of the recording section 30. For example, when recording is performed on both sides of the medium 19, the medium 19 recorded on one side is returned upstream of the recording section 30, and recording is also performed on the opposite side. Therefore, even in a case where recording is performed on both sides of the medium 19, it is possible to switch a transport destination in accordance with the transported medium 19.
(1-7) The blower section 50 switches a transport destination of the medium 19 to the first stacker 21 that discharges the medium 19 on which normal recording is performed or the third stacker 23 that discharges the medium 19 on which abnormal recording is performed. Therefore, even in a case where a recording state of the medium 19 is determined, the medium 19 can be transported at a high speed.
(1-8) Depending on a recording condition, it may be difficult to switch a transport destination. In this regard, since a blowing amount is changed according to the recording condition, the transport destination can be switched with an appropriate blowing amount.
(1-9) The medium 19 and dust separated from the medium 19, such as paper dust, may be charged by friction when the medium 19 is transported. In this regard, since the blower section 50 blows air containing ions, charging can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the deposit of dust to the medium 19, the device, and the like, which is caused by an electric operation.
(1-10) The blower section 50 performs the switching operation by changing the first blowing amount to the second blowing amount. Therefore, the difference in operation sound between the non-switching operation and the switching operation can be reduced as compared with a case of blowing the second blowing amount from a state in which the drive is stopped.
(1-11) The second transport path 42 branches into the first discharge path 43, the supplying path 45, and the second discharge path 44 at the third branch section 53. Even in a case where there are three transport destinations, a path can be switched by blowing air of the blower section 50.
The present embodiment can be modified as follows. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a range that is not technically contradictory.
As shown in
The liquid ejection device 13 may include a plurality of recording sections 30. The medium transport device 29 may switch a transport destination of the medium 19 between the second path 82 connected to one recording section 30 and the third path 83 connected to the other recording section 30.
The medium transporting device 29 may be included in the intermediate device 14.
The recording system 11 may include a plurality of post-process devices 15. The medium transport device 29 may switch a transport destination of the medium 19 between the second path 82 connected to one post-process device 15 and the third path 83 connected to the other post-process device 15.
The first medium 19f and the second medium 19s may have different basis weights. In a case where the basis weight of the second medium 19s is larger than a threshold, the flap member 67 may be displaced to a first position P1 where the medium 19 is transported to a second path and a second position P2 where the medium 19 is transported to a third path.
Among a plurality of blowing sections 50, at least one blower section 50 may blow air containing no ions.
The blower section 50 may blow air at a constant blowing amount regardless of a recording condition.
The medium transport device 29 may be configured to include one or two of the first branch section 51 to the third branch section 53.
The blower section 50 may switch a transport destination of the medium 19 by blowing air to either the first surface 59 or the second surface 60.
In the medium transport device 29, the flap member 67 may be provided in at least one of the first branch section 51 and the second branch section 52, or the flap member 67 may not be provided in both of the first branch section 51 and the second branch section 52.
The recording system 11 may include a recording device such as a laser printer, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or a digital printing machine.
The liquid ejection device 13 may be a liquid ejection device that sprays or ejects liquid other than ink. The state of the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection device in the form of minute droplets includes a granular state, a teardrop state, and a thread-like state with a tail. Here, the liquid may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid can be any substance when in its liquid phase, and includes a fluid body such as a liquid body having high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The liquid includes not only a liquid as one state of a substance but also a substance in which particles of a functional material composed of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of the liquid include ink as described in the above embodiments, liquid crystal, and the like. Here, the ink includes general water-based ink and oil-based ink, and various liquid compositions such as gel ink and hot-melt ink. Specific examples of the liquid ejection device are apparatuses that eject a liquid containing a material, such as a color material or an electrode material in a dispersed or dissolved form, the material being used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence display, a surface emitting display, a color filter, or the like. The liquid ejection device may be an apparatus that ejects a bioorganic substance used for manufacturing biochips, an apparatus used as a precision pipette for ejecting a liquid serving as a sample, a textile printer, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device may be an apparatus that ejects a lubricating oil to a precision machine such as a watch or a camera in a pinpoint manner, or an apparatus that discharges a transparent resin liquid, such as an ultraviolet curable resin, onto a substrate in order to form a micro-hemispherical lens, an optical lens, or the like that is used in an optical communication element or the like. The liquid ejection device may be an apparatus that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali in order to etch a substrate or the like.
The expression “at least one” as used herein means “one or more” of the desired alternatives. As an example, the expression “at least one” as used herein means “only one option” or “both of two options” if the number of options is two. As another example, the expression “at least one” as used herein means “only one option” or “any combination of two or more options” if the number of options is three or more.
Hereinafter, technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiment and modifications, and operations and effects thereof, will be described.
(A) A medium transport device includes a first path configured to transport a medium; a second path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a third path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a branch section at which the first path branches into the second path and the third path; and a blower section configured to perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium transported on the first path by blowing air, and configured to transport the medium to either the second path or the third path, wherein when a medium that is transported first is defined as a first medium and a medium that is transported subsequently to the first medium is defined as a second medium, in a case where the blower section switches a transport destination between the first medium and the second medium, the blower section starts the switching operation while the first medium is passing through the branch section.
According to this configuration, the blower section starts the switching operation for transporting subsequent second medium while the first medium transported first is passing through the branch section. Therefore, compared with a case where the switching operation is started after the first medium has passed through the branch section, a period from the start of the switching operation to the switching of a transport destination of the second medium can be made longer. Therefore, even in a case where high-speed switching is necessary, such as a case where the medium is transported at a high speed, the path for transporting the medium can be easily switched.
(B) The medium transport device may be configured such that the medium transport device further includes a flap member configured to be displaced to a first position at which the medium is transported to the second path and a second position at which the medium is transported to the third path, wherein the flap member is displaced in accordance with a transport destination of the medium when a basis weight of the medium is larger than a threshold.
According to this configuration, in a case where the basis weight of the medium is large, the flap member is displaced to the first position at which the medium is transported to the second path and the second position at which the medium is transported to the third path. That is, in a case where the basis weight of the medium is large, it is possible to assist the switching using the flap member.
(C) The medium transport device may be configured such that the blower section includes a first blower section configured to blow air to a first surface of the medium and a second blower section configured to blow air to a second surface of the medium opposite from the first surface.
According to this configuration, the air blower section includes the first blower section and the second blower section. Therefore, air can be blown to both sides of the medium. Therefore, a transport destination of the medium can be easily switched as compared with a case where air is blown to one side of the medium.
(D) The medium transport device may be configured such that the first blower section blows air to the medium by sucking air and the second blower section blows air to the medium by spraying air.
According to this configuration, the first blower section that blows air to a first surface blows air to the medium by sucking air. The second blower section that blows air to a second surface blows air to the medium by spraying air. Therefore, it is possible to easily guide the medium so as to approach the first blower section.
(E) The medium transport device may be configured such that the second path is a path that transports the medium to a first discharge section that discharges the medium with a first surface facing downward and the third path is a path that transports the medium to a second discharge section that discharges the medium with the first surface facing upward.
According to this configuration, the second path and the third path are connected to different discharge sections. In a path for transporting the medium to a discharge section, the medium tends to be transported at a high speed. However, since the blower section starts the switching operation while the first medium is passing through the branch section, it is possible to switch a transport destination in accordance with the transported medium.
(F) The medium transport device may be configured such that the medium transport device further includes a recording section configured to perform recording on the medium, wherein the second path is a path that transports the medium to a discharge section that discharges the medium recorded by the recording section and the third path is a path that returns the medium recorded by the recording section to upstream of the recording section.
According to this configuration, the third path is a path for returning the medium recorded by the recording section to upstream of the recording section. For example, when recording is performed on both sides of the medium, the medium recorded on one side is returned upstream of the recording section, and recording is also performed on the opposite side. Therefore, even in a case where recording is performed on both sides of the medium, it is possible to switch a transport destination in accordance with the transported medium.
(G) The medium transport device may be configured such that the medium transport device further includes a recording section configured to perform recording on the medium; a determination section configured to determine a recording state of the medium recorded by the recording section; a first tray to which the medium determined as normal recording by the determination section is discharged; and a second tray to which the medium determined as abnormal recording by the determination section is discharged, wherein the second path is a path that transports the medium to the first tray and the third path is a path that transports the medium to the second tray.
According to this configuration, the blower section switches a transport destination of the medium to the first tray that discharges the medium on which normal recording is performed or the second tray that discharges the medium on which abnormal recording is performed. Therefore, even in a case where a recording state of the medium is determined, the medium can be transported at a high speed.
(H) The medium transport device may be configured such that the medium transport device includes a recording section configured to perform recording on the medium and the blower section changes a blowing amount in accordance with a recording condition of the recording section.
Depending on a recording condition, it may be difficult to switch a transport destination. In this regard, according to this configuration, since a blowing amount is changed according to the recording condition, the transport destination can be switched with an appropriate blowing amount.
(I) The medium transport device may be configured such that the blower section blows air containing ions.
The medium and dust separated from the medium, such as paper dust, may be charged by friction when the medium is transported. In this regard, according to this configuration, since the blower section blows air containing ions, charging can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the deposit of dust to the medium, the device, and the like, which is caused by an electric operation.
(J) The medium transport device may be configured such that as the switching operation, the blower section changes a blowing amount blown to the medium from a first blowing amount to a second blowing amount that is larger than the first blowing amount.
According to this configuration, the blower section performs the switching operation by changing the first blowing amount to the second blowing amount. Therefore, the difference in operation sound between the non-switching operation and the switching operation can be reduced as compared with a case of blowing the second blowing amount from a state in which the drive is stopped.
(K) The medium transport device may be configured such that the medium transport device further includes a fourth path that is connected to the first path, the second path, and the third path at the branch section and that is a straight path with respect to the first path, wherein the blower section does not blow air when a transport destination of the medium is set to the fourth path.
According to this configuration, the first path branches into the second path, the third path, and the fourth path at the branch section. Even in a case where there are three transport destinations, a path can be switched by blowing air of the blower section.
(L) A liquid ejection device includes an ejection section configured to eject liquid on a medium; a first path configured to transport the medium on which liquid is ejected by the ejection section; a second path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a third path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a branch section at which the first path branches into the second path and the third path; and a blower section configured to perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium transported on the first path by blowing air, and configured to transport the medium to either the second path or the third path, wherein when a medium that is transported first is defined as a first medium and a medium that is transported subsequently to the first medium is defined as a second medium, in a case where the blower section switches a transport destination between the first medium and the second medium, the blower section starts the switching operation while the first medium is passing through the branch section.
According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described medium transport device.
(M) A post-process device that is connected to a liquid ejection device, the post-process device includes an introduction section configured to introduce a medium on which liquid is ejected by an ejection section included in the liquid ejection device; a first path configured to transport the medium introduced from the introduction section; a second path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a third path arranged downstream of the first path and configured to transport a medium; a branch section at which the first path branches into the second path and the third path; and a blower section configured to perform a switching operation for switching a transport destination of the medium transported on the first path to one of the second path and the third path by blowing air to the medium, wherein when a medium that is transported first is defined as a first medium and a medium that is transported subsequently to the first medium is defined as a second medium, in a case where the blower section switches a transport destination between the first medium and the second medium, the blower section starts the switching operation while the first medium is passing through the branch section.
According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described medium transport device.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-001527 | Jan 2023 | JP | national |
