RELAY TRANSPORT DEVICE, RECORDING SYSTEM, AND FEEDING SYSTEM

A relay transport device is configured to relay a medium fed from the feeding device and transport the medium to the recording device. The relay transport device includes a first restriction section having a first restriction surface configured to position a first edge, which is one edge in a width direction, a first transport belt configured to transport the medium toward the first restriction surface in a first direction, which intersects the transport direction and the width direction, a second transport belt that is provided downstream of the first transport belt in the transport direction and that is configured to transport the medium toward the first restriction surface in a second direction, which intersects the transport direction and the width direction, and a suction section configured to suck the medium via a through hole provided in the first transport belt and the second transport belt.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2022-131826, filed Aug. 22, 2022, 2022-131873, filed Aug. 22, 2022, 2022-174617, filed Oct. 31, 2022, and 2022-174661, filed Oct. 31, 2022, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a relay transport device that is disposed between a recording device and a feeding device and transports a medium. The present disclosure also relates to a recording system including the relay transport device.

2. Related Art

In a recording device represented by a printer, a leading edge of a paper sheet, which is an example of a medium, contacts against a roller pair to correct skew of the paper sheet. In JP-A-2017-190214, there is shown a recording device in which a leading edge of a paper sheet contacts against an alignment roller pair to correct skew of the paper sheet.

Sometimes a recording system is configured with an independent external feeding device installed with respect to a recording device and medium is supplied from the external feeding device to the recording device. In such a recording system, if the degree of skew is large when the medium is fed from the external feeding device, the skew may not be sufficiently corrected by the skew correction on the recording device side, and thus appropriate recording may not be executed.

SUMMARY

In order to solve the above problem, the relay transport device of the present disclosure isa relay transport device that is positioned between a recording device, which performs recording on a medium, and a feeding device, which is disposed outside the recording device and which feeds the medium to the recording device, and that is configured to relay the medium fed from the feeding device and transport the medium to the recording device, the relay transport device includes a first restriction section having a first restriction surface configured to position a first edge of the medium fed from the feeding device, the first edge being an edge in a width direction intersecting a transport direction; a first transport belt configured to transport the medium toward the first restriction surface in a first direction, which intersects the transport direction and the width direction; a second transport belt that is provided downstream of the first transport belt in the transport direction and that is configured to transport the medium toward the first restriction surface in a second direction, which intersects the transport direction and the width direction; and a suction section configured to suck the medium via a through hole provided in the first transport belt and the second transport belt.

A recording system of the present disclosure includes a recording device for recording on a medium; a feeding device disposed outside the recording device and configured to feed the medium to the recording device; the relay transport device being positioned between the recording device and the feeding device and configured to relay and transport the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will be described in general terms.

A relay transport device according to a first aspect is a relay transport device that is positioned between a recording device, which performs recording on a medium, and a feeding device, which is disposed outside the recording device and which feeds the medium to the recording device, and that is configured to relay the medium fed from the feeding device and transport the medium to the recording device, the relay transport device includes a first restriction section having a first restriction surface configured to position a first edge of the medium fed from the feeding device, the first edge being an edge in a width direction intersecting a transport direction; a first transport belt configured to transport the medium toward the first restriction surface in a first direction, which intersects the transport direction and the width direction; a second transport belt that is provided downstream of the first transport belt in the transport direction and that is configured to transport the medium toward the first restriction surface in a second direction, which intersects the transport direction and the width direction; and a suction section configured to suck the medium via a through hole provided in the first transport belt and the second transport belt.

According to the present aspect, even when the medium fed from the feeding device is skewed, the skew is corrected by the first edge of the medium contacting the first restriction surface in the relay transport device. Further, the position of the medium in the width direction is less likely to vary compared with a configuration in which the skew is corrected by bringing the leading edge of the medium into contact with the roller pair. Thus, appropriate recording can be performed in the recording device.

In addition, according to the present aspect, since the first transport belt and second transport belt are configured to suck and transport the medium and bring the first edge of the medium into contact with the first restriction surface, the medium is easily rotated compared to a configuration in which the medium is nipped and transported by the roller pair, and thus it is possible to appropriately transport the skew of the medium.

In addition, according to the present aspect, since the skew of the medium is corrected by at least two transport belts of the first transport belt and the second transport belt, the transport distance to correct the skew of the medium can be secured, and the skew of the medium can be appropriately corrected.

If the transport distance for correcting the skew of the medium were to be secured by one transport belt, then the distance in the widthwise direction between the first restriction surface and the transport belt would be long upstream in the transport direction, and the force for pressing the first edge against the first restriction surface would be weak. If an inclination angle of the transport belt with respect to the transport direction were made small in order to suppress such a problem, the effect of correcting the skew would be reduced, so that the transport distance would need to be lengthened, resulting in an increase in the size of the device. However, according to present aspect, by correcting the skew of the medium using at least two transport belts, i.e., the first transport belt and the second transport belt, the first edge can be appropriately pressed against the first restriction surface, thereby suppressing an increase in the size of the device.

A second aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the second direction is a direction along the first direction.

According to the present aspect, since the second direction is the direction along the first direction, it is possible to stably transport the medium.

A third aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the first direction and the second direction are changeable.

According to the present aspect, since the first direction and the second direction are changeable, it is possible to perform appropriate skew correction.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to the second aspect.

A fourth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein an angle formed by the transport direction and the second direction is smaller than an angle formed by the transport direction and the first direction.

According to the present aspect, since the angle formed by the transport direction and the second direction is smaller than the angle formed by the transport direction and the first direction, in the region of the first transport belt where the need for skew correction is high, the effect of skew correction is higher than that in the region of the second transport belt, and skew correction can be performed appropriately. In addition, in the region of the second transport belt where the medium is to be reliably supplied to the recording device, the medium is transported at an angle closer to the transport direction than in the region of the first transport belt, and it is possible to appropriately supply the medium to the recording device.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to the third aspect.

A fifth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, further includes a transport roller pair provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the first transport belt and configured to transport the medium to the first transport belt, wherein an angle formed by the transport direction and the first direction is smaller than an angle formed by the transport direction and the second direction.

In a case where the transport roller pair is provided upstream of the first transport belt in the transport direction, it is difficult for the medium to rotate while the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkling will occur in the medium due to the restraining action of the transport roller pair and the rotating action of the first transport belt being simultaneously applied to the medium.

According to the present aspect, since the angle formed by the transport direction and the first direction is smaller than the angle formed by the transport direction and the second direction, the rotating action applied to the medium by the first transport belt is suppressed, and the occurrence of damage can be suppressed.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to the third aspect.

A sixth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein a suction force of the first transport belt against the medium, a suction force of the second transport belt against the medium, or the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium are changeable according to the length of the medium in the width direction.

In a case where the medium overlaps with both the first transport belt and the second transport belt, a first moment around the center of gravity is generated in the medium by the transport force received from the first transport belt, and a second moment around the center of gravity is generated in the medium by the transport force received from the second transport belt. Here, if the first moment and the second moment are in the same direction and the rotation direction of the medium is the same as the skew correction direction, the skew of the medium is appropriately corrected. However, when the direction of the first moment and the direction of the second moment are opposite to each other, the rotation direction of the medium is opposite to the skew correction direction, so that the skew of the medium may not be appropriately corrected.

Since the centroid position of the medium changes according to the length of the medium in the width direction, and thus the direction of the first moment and the direction of the second moment are determined, the length of the medium in the width direction is important from the viewpoint of appropriately correcting the skew of the medium.

In the aspect, based on such a property, since the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium, the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium, or the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium are changeable according to the length of the medium in the width direction, it is possible to adjust the direction of the first moment and the direction of the second moment such that the skew of the medium is appropriately corrected, and thus it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the medium.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects.

A seventh aspect is an aspect according to the sixth aspect, wherein when a medium having a length in the width direction of the medium shorter than a predetermined length is transported, a suction force in a downstream region of the first transport belt in the transport direction against the medium is larger than a suction force in an upstream region of the second transport belt in the transport direction against the medium.

According to the present aspect, when the medium having the length in the width direction of the medium shorter than the predetermined length is transported, the suction force in the downstream region of the first transport belt in the transport direction against the medium is larger than the suction force in the upstream region of the second transport belt in the transport direction against the medium, it is possible to appropriately correct skewing when the medium having the length in the width direction shorter than the predetermined length is transported. Details thereof will be described later with reference to the drawings.

An eighth aspect is an aspect according to the sixth aspect, whereinwhen a medium having a length in the width direction of the medium shorter than a predetermined length is transported, the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium is larger than the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium.

According to the present aspect, when the medium having the length in the width direction of the medium shorter than the predetermined length is transported, the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium is larger than the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium, it is possible to appropriately correct skewing when the medium having the length in the width direction shorter than the predetermined length is transported. Details thereof will be described later with reference to the drawings.

In addition, in this aspect, since it is not necessary to partially change the suction force in the first transport belt and it is not necessary to partially change the suction force in the second transport belt, it is possible to suppress an increase in size and cost of the device by suppressing complication of the configuration.

A ninth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, further includes a transport roller pair provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the first transport belt and configured to transport the medium to the first transport belt, wherein a suction force of the first transport belt against the medium or a suction force of the first transport belt against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium are changeable.

In a case where the transport roller pair is provided upstream of the first transport belt in the transport direction, it is difficult for the medium to rotate while the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkling will occur in the medium due to the restraining action of the transport roller pair and the rotating action of the first transport belt being simultaneously applied to the medium. Further, depending on the length of the medium in the transport direction, the rotating action of the second transport belt may be applied at the same time, thereby causing the damage.

According to the present aspect, since the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium or the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium are changeable, the damage can be suppressed by changing the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium or the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium when there is a risk of the damage occurring.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects.

A tenth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, further includes a transport roller pair provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the first transport belt and configured to transport the medium to the first transport belt, wherein a suction force of the first transport belt against the medium is weaker than a suction force of a second transport belt against the medium.

In a case where the transport roller pair is provided upstream of the first transport belt in the transport direction, it is difficult for the medium to rotate while the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkling will occur in the medium due to the restraining action of the transport roller pair and the rotating action of the first transport belt being simultaneously applied to the medium.

According to the present aspect, since the suction force of the first transport belt against the medium is weaker than the suction force of the second transport belt against the medium, in the region of the first transport belt where the need for skew correction is high, the medium is more easily rotated in the region of the first transport belt, and skew correction can be performed appropriately. In addition, in the region of the second transport belt where the medium is to be reliably supplied to the recording device, the medium is less likely to rotate than in the region of the first transport belt, and it is possible to appropriately supply the medium to the recording device.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects or the ninth aspect.

An eleventh aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the suction section is provided separately for each of the first transport belt and the second transport belt.

According to the present aspect, since the suction section is provided for the first transport belt and the second transport belt, independent suction control can be performed for the first transport belt and the second transport belt.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to tenth aspects.

A twelfth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein a second restriction section having a second restriction surface configured to restrict a position of a second edge, which is an opposite side from the first edge of the medium.

The medium is moved to the first restriction surface side by the first transport belt and the second transport belt. However, for example, when the medium rotates so that the downstream end of the first edge is separated from the first restriction surface, there is a concern that the correction of the skew cannot be performed even when the medium is transported by a distance which can be transported by and the second transport belt. Note that this is merely an example, and there are cases where the medium may move a direction away from the first restriction surface without being rotated as described above. However, according to the present aspect, since the second restriction section configured to restrict the position of the second edge of the medium on the opposite side from the first edge of the medium is provided, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the defects described above.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to seventeenth aspects.

A thirteenth aspect is an aspect according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the second restriction section has an upstream second restriction section provided with respect to the first transport belt and a downstream second restriction section provided with respect to the second transport belt and the upstream second restriction section and the downstream second restriction section are configured to independently displace in the width direction.

In this case, since the upstream second restriction section and the downstream second restriction section are configured to independently displace in the width direction, the second edge can be restricted appropriately in accordance with the first direction and the second direction.

A recording system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a recording device for recording on a medium; a feeding device disposed outside the recording device and configured to feed the medium to the recording device; and the relay transport device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the relay transport device being positioned between the recording device and the feeding device and configured to relay and transport the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device.

According to this aspect, in the recording system, the operational effects of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects can be obtained.

A feeding system according to a fifteenth aspect feeds medium to a recording device for recording on the medium and includes a feeding device disposed outside the recording device and configured to feed the medium to the recording device and the relay transport device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the relay transport device being positioned between the recording device and the feeding device and configured to relay and transport the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device.

According to the present aspect, in the feeding system, the operational effects of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be specifically described.

Hereinafter, a recording system1, a medium supplying system2, and a relay transport device4according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

In each drawing, an X-axis direction is a depth direction of each device, and is a width direction of a medium represented by a recording sheet. Among the X-axis directions, the +X direction is a direction from the device rear surface toward the device front surface, and the −X direction is a direction from the device front surface toward the device rear surface.

The Y-axis direction is the apparatus width direction of each device, and among the Y-axis directions, the +Y direction is the left direction as viewed from a user facing the device front surface, and the −Y direction is the right direction. The +Y direction is a transport direction of the medium in the relay transport device4.

A Z-axis direction is a device height direction of each device and is a vertical direction, a +Z direction is a vertically upward direction, and a −Z direction is a vertically downward direction. In the following description, the +Z direction may be simply referred to as upward, and the −Z direction may be simply referred to as downward.

Hereinafter, a direction in which the medium is transported may be referred to as a transport direction or downstream of the transport direction, and a direction opposite to the transport direction may be referred to as upstream of the transport direction.

InFIG.1, the transport path of the medium is indicated by dashed line. In the recording system1, the medium is transported through the transport path indicated by dashed line.

Configurations of Recording System and Recording Device

InFIG.1, a recording system1includes a recording device3, a relay transport device4, and a feeding device5. The relay transport device4and the feeding device5constitute a medium supplying system2. Therefore, the recording system1includes the recording device3and the medium supplying system2.

The recording device3, the relay transport device4, and the feeding device5are independent devices, and are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction on the installation surface G.

The recording device3is configured as an inkjet printer that performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of liquid, onto the medium, and includes a line head105, which is an example of a recording section. Further, the recording device3is a so-called multifunction device including an image reading device102in an upper section of the device. However, the recording device3is not limited to an inkjet printer, and may be a device that performs recording by another method such as a laser printer, a thermal transfer printer, or a dot impact printer.

The recording device3is provided with a medium accommodation section101for accommodating the medium to be fed in a lower portion of a device main body100, which is provided with the line head105. The medium accommodation section101includes a plurality of medium accommodation cassettes along the vertical direction.

The device main body100includes a plurality of transport roller pairs (not shown) for transporting the medium, and the medium on which recording has been performed by the line head105is discharged to an in-body discharge section103and stacked on a discharge tray104.

The device main body100is provided with a control section111for controlling the entire recording system1. The control section111includes a CPU (not shown), a nonvolatile memory, and the like, and all the controls executed in the recording system1are realized by executing a control program held in the nonvolatile memory.

In the present embodiment, the control section111is provided in the recording device3and controls the relay transport device4connected to the recording device3and the feeding device5connected to the relay transport device4. However, the relay transport device4and the feeding device5may include a control section for controlling each device, and the control section111of the recording device3, the control section (not shown) of the relay transport device4, and the control section (not shown) of the feeding device5may transport the medium in cooperation with each other.

The recording device3includes a feed roller107and a separation roller108as receiving rollers on the right side section of the device main body100, and is configured to be able to receive a medium from the right side section of the device main body100. The feed roller107is disposed at a predetermined height from the installation surface G. The relay transport device4(to be described later) supplies the medium to the feed roller107.

In a case where the medium is received from the right side section of the device main body100, the medium is sent to the registration roller pair109by the rotation of the feed roller107while being subjected to a separation action by the separation roller108. At this time, the leading edge of the medium contacts against the registration roller pair109and a bend is formed in the medium between the registration roller pair109and the feed roller107, and by this, the leading edge of the medium aligns with the registration roller pair109and skew is corrected.

Note that a feed tray (not shown) is pivotably provided on the right side surface of the device main body100, and in a case where the relay transport device4(to be described later) is not installed, the medium can be placed on the feed tray, and the medium placed on the feed tray can be fed by the feed roller107. When the relay transport device4(to be described later) is used, the feeding tray is removed and the relay transport device4is installed. The feed tray is provided so as to be able to take on a closed state, in which a right side surface of the device main body100is formed by pivoting, and an open state, in which the medium can be placed thereon, and since it is positioned at a position where it does not interfere with the relay transport device4in the open state, it is not always necessary to remove the feed tray when the relay transport device4(to be described later) is installed.

The relay transport device4is an apparatus that is positioned between the recording device3and the feeding device5, which is arranged outside the recording device3and feeds the medium to the recording device3, and that relays and transports the medium fed from the feeding device5to the feed roller107of the recording device3.

The medium is supplied from the feeding device5to the relay transport device4, and is transported to the feed roller107via the transport path Tk of the relay transport device4. As will be described in detail later, skew of the medium is corrected in the transport path Tk.

The relay transport device4is placed on an installation base6so that a position at which the medium is supplied to the recording device3in the vertical direction matches the feed roller107. A space6afor allowing an opening and closing body110, which is provided on the right side surface of the recording device3, to open and close is formed on the lower side of the installation base6. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the installation base6from obstructing the opening and closing of the opening and closing body110.

The opening and closing body110forms a part of the right side surface of the device main body100, can open as indicated by a reference symbol110-1and two dot chain line, and can open the transport path of the medium from the medium accommodation section101to the device main body100by opening.

Configuration of Relay Transport Device

Next, a basic configuration of the relay transport device4will be described with reference toFIGS.2to5B.

The relay transport device4includes a first restriction section31having a first restriction surface31athat positions a first edge Ps1, which is one edge (edge in the +X direction) in the width direction of the medium supplied from the feeding device5, and a transport section10that transports the medium toward the first restriction surface31ain an intersecting direction D, which intersects the +Y direction, which is the transport direction, and the X-axis direction, which is the width direction.

InFIG.2, a reference symbol P-2and a reference symbol P-3indicate an example of the medium to be transported, and the medium indicated by the reference symbol P-3is obtained by correcting the skew of the medium indicated by the reference symbol P-2.

The first restriction surface31acan contact against the first edge Ps1of the medium, is parallel to the Y-axis direction, and extends along the Y-axis direction.

The first restriction section31is provided so as to be displaceable in the X-axis direction, that is, in the width direction of the medium while being guided by a guide section (not shown). In the present embodiment, the displacement of the first restriction section31in the width direction is performed by a manual operation of the user. However, it goes without saying that the displacement of the first restriction section31in the width direction may be performed by power of a motor or the like.

In the present embodiment, the transport section10includes a first transport section11and a second transport section12disposed downstream of the first transport section11.

A direction in which the first transport section11transports the medium toward the first restriction section31is referred to as a first direction D1, and a direction in which the second transport section12transports the medium toward the first restriction section31is referred to as a second direction D2. The first direction D1and the second direction D2are both examples of the intersecting direction D. In the present embodiment, the second direction D2is a direction along the first direction D1.

In the present embodiment, the basic configurations of the first transport section11and the second transport section12are the same, and each of the transport sections is provided with a belt unit13on a rotary table14. The belt unit13includes a transport belt15. However, hereinafter, the transport belt15included in the first transport section11may be referred to as a first transport belt15A as necessary, and the transport belt15included in the second transport section12may be referred to as a second transport belt15B as necessary.

The rotary table14supports the transported medium from below. The rotary table14is rotatable in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction inFIG.2around a rotation shaft14a, that is, the transport belt15is rotatable in plan view (as viewed from the +Z direction). By the rotation of the rotary table14, the direction in which the transport belt15applies the transport force to the medium, that is, the intersecting direction D can be changed.

In the present embodiment, the transport belt15is provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the rotation shaft14aof the rotary table14. Said differently, “the transport belt15is provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the rotation shaft14a” is a situation where the rotation shaft14ais positioned downstream with respect to the center of the transport belt15in the transport direction, and “the rotation shaft14ais positioned downstream with respect to the center of the transport belt15in the transport direction” means that the axial center position of the rotation shaft14ais positioned downstream of the center position of the transport belt15in the transport direction.

The rotation of the rotary table14about the rotation shaft14ais performed by the user operation in the present embodiment, but may be performed by, for example, a motor (not shown). The motor for rotating the rotary table14can be controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1). In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which a dedicated motor is provided for each of the first transport section11and the second transport section12, and each independently rotates the rotary table14.

The belt unit13includes a transport belt15, and is configured to suck and transport the medium to the transport belt15. More specifically, as shown inFIG.4, the belt unit13includes drive pulley16aand driven pulleys16b,16c, and16d, and the transport belt15is wound around these pulleys. The drive pulley16ais driven in the counterclockwise direction ofFIG.4by a belt drive motor (not shown), and thus the transport belt15circulates in the counterclockwise direction inFIG.4.

Note that the belt drive motor (not shown) may be provided for each of the first transport section11and the second transport section12, or the first transport section11and the second transport section12may be driven by one belt drive motor.

The driven pulley16cis supported by a pulley support member21. The pulley support member21is provided so as to be rotatable in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction inFIG.4around the rotation shaft21a, and is pressed so as to rotate in the counterclockwise direction inFIG.4by a pressing member (not shown), for example, a spring. As a result, the driven pulley16capplies tension to the transport belt15.

A suction blower18, which is an example of a suction section, is provided inside the transport belt15. The suction blower18applies a negative pressure to the pressure chamber19.

A suction plate20is provided above the pressure chamber19. The suction plate20supports the transport belt15between the driven pulley16band the drive pulley16a. A plurality of openings20aare formed in the suction plate20as shown inFIG.5B.

A plurality of through holes15aare formed in the transport belt15as shown inFIG.5A, and the through holes15aof the transport belt15are configured capable of overlapping the openings20aof the suction plate20according to the circulation operation of the transport belt15. As a result, when the negative pressure is formed in the pressure chamber19by the suction blower18, the medium is sucked via the openings20aof the suction plate20and the through holes15aof the transport belt15, and the medium is transported in intimate contact with the transport belt15.

The suction blower18, which is an example of a suction section, is provided in each of the first transport section11and the second transport section12in the present embodiment. That is, since separate suction sections are provided for the first transport belt15A and the second transport belt15B, independent suction control can be performed for the first transport belt15A and the second transport belt15B.

However, instead of such a configuration, a single suction blower18may be used for the first transport section11and the second transport section12.

As shown inFIG.2, the relay transport device4is provided with an upper restriction section38which suppresses floating of the first edge Ps1of the medium in the −X direction with respect to the first restriction section31. InFIG.2, the upper restriction section38is shown in a simplified diagram, and the upper restriction section38will be described with reference toFIGS.6and7.

In the present embodiment, the upper restriction section38includes a plurality of upper restriction members39along the transport direction. Support members41are provided on both sides of each upper restriction member39in the transport direction, and the upper restriction members39are provided rotatably with respect to the support members41via a rotation shaft40. The upper restriction members39are rotatably provided as viewed from the transport direction, and are provided so as to be able to advance toward and retreat from the medium by rotating. The upper restriction members39are pressed by a pressing member (not shown), for example, a spring, in a counterclockwise direction inFIG.7, that is, a direction in which the upper restriction members39are pressed into contact with the medium. The lower surface of the upper restriction members39serves as an upper restriction surface39athat restricts the upward movement of the first edge Ps1facing the first restriction surface31a. The operation and effect of the upper restriction section38thus configured will be described later.

As shown inFIG.3, the relay transport device4includes a transport roller pair25upstream of the transport section10. The transport roller pair25includes a drive roller25adriven by a drive motor (not shown) and a driven roller25bwhich can be driven to rotate. The drive motor is controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1). The driven roller25bcan advance toward and retreat from the drive roller25a, and is pressed toward the drive roller25aby pressing member (not shown), for example, a spring.

In the present embodiment, one pair of the transport roller pair25is provided in the width direction as shown inFIG.2. Although a plurality of transport roller pairs25may be provided along the width direction, a configuration in which one transport roller pair25is provided in the width direction as in the present embodiment is suitable from the viewpoint that the medium is easily rotated and damage to the medium is suppressed.

That is, the transport roller pair25applies a transport force to the medium in the transport direction, but since a transport force in the intersecting direction D, which intersects the transport direction and the width direction is applied to the medium in the transport section10downstream, the transport force by the transport roller pair25and the transport force by the transport section10are simultaneously applied to the medium, and damage such as wrinkles may occur in the medium. However, the configuration in which one transport roller pair25is provided in the width direction as in the present embodiment is suitable from the viewpoint that the medium is easily rotated and damage to the medium is suppressed.

Further, as shown inFIG.3, the relay transport device4includes a discharge roller pair26downstream of the transport section10. The discharge roller pair26includes a drive roller26awhich is driven by a drive motor (not shown) and a driven roller26bwhich can be driven to rotate. The drive motor is controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1). The driven roller26bis movable back and forth with respect to the drive roller26a, and is pressed toward the drive roller26aby pressing member (not shown), for example, a spring.

In this embodiment, a plurality of discharge roller pairs26are provided in the width direction as shown inFIG.2. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably supply the medium to the recording device3while suppressing the medium that has had skew corrected by the relay transport device4from becoming skewed again. However, it is not limited to this, and one discharge roller pair26may be provided in the width direction.

The drive motor serving as a driving source of the drive roller26amay be the same as or different from the drive roller25aof the transport roller pair25.

It is desirable that a medium transport speed in the +Y direction by the transport section10is higher than a medium transport speed in the +Y direction by the transport roller pair25so that the medium does not become loose between the transport roller pair25and the transport section10. Similarly, it is desirable that a medium transport speed in the +Y direction by the discharge roller pair26is higher than the medium transport speed in the +Y direction by the transport section10so that the medium does not become loose between the transport section10and the discharge roller pair26.

Similarly, it is desirable that a medium transport speed in the +Y direction by the feed roller107is higher than the medium transport speed in the +Y direction by the discharge roller pair26so that the medium does not become loose between the feed roller107and the discharge roller pair26of the recording device3.

In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, the relay transport device4includes a second restriction section32capable of restricting the position of a second edge Ps2opposite side from the first edge Ps1of the medium. The second restriction section32has a second restriction surface32acapable of restricting the position of the second edge Ps2by contacting the second edge Ps2of the medium. The second restriction surface32ais parallel to the Y-axis direction and extends along the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the second restriction section32has a fixed structure that does not move in the width direction, but may be configured to be movable in the width direction.

In the present embodiment, the relay transport device4is provided with a first auxiliary guide33, which is disposed downstream of the first restriction section31in the transport direction and which can restrict the position of the first edge Ps1of the medium, and a second auxiliary guide35, which is disposed on the opposite side of the first auxiliary guide33with the medium interposed therebetween and which can restrict the position of the second edge Ps2of the medium.

The first auxiliary guide33includes a first auxiliary guide surface33athat restricts the position of the first edge Ps1of the medium. Further, the second auxiliary guide35includes a second auxiliary guide surface35athat restricts the position of the second edge Ps2of the medium. The first auxiliary guide surface33aand the second auxiliary guide surface35aextend along the transport direction.

The first auxiliary guide33and the second auxiliary guide35are positioned above a medium support section112constituting the recording device3, and are provided so as to be displaceable in a direction approaching each other or separating from each other along the width direction via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). The medium support section112supports the medium at the position of the feed roller107in the medium transport path.

In the present embodiment, the first auxiliary guide33is connected to the first restriction section31via a connecting section (not shown), and when the first restriction section31is displaced in the width direction, the first auxiliary guide33is also displaced integrally in the width direction. In conjunction with the displacement of the first auxiliary guide33, the second auxiliary guide35is also displaced in the width direction.

The distance U5between the first auxiliary guide surface33aand the second auxiliary guide surface35ain the width direction is shorter than the distance (U3+U4) between the first restriction surface31aand the second restriction surface32a.

The first auxiliary guide33includes, at an upstream end in the transport direction, a medium receiving section34that widens in a direction (+X direction) away from the first edge Ps1of the medium with progression upstream in the transport direction. The second auxiliary guide35includes, at the upstream end in the transport direction, a medium receiving section36that widens in a direction (−X direction) away from the second edge Ps2of the medium with progression upstream in the transport direction.

Configuration of Feeding Device

Next, the feeding device5includes a stacking section60on which the medium is stacked, and a feed roller63as a feeding section that feeds the medium from the stacking section60. A reference symbol P-1indicates an example of the medium stacked on the stacking section60.

As shown inFIG.2, the feeding device5according to the present embodiment includes a first feeding guide61having a first feeding guide surface61awhich positions the first edge Ps1of the medium, and a second feeding guide62having a second feeding guide surface62awhich positions the second edge Ps2of the medium.

The first feeding guide61and the second feeding guide62are provided displaceable in a direction of approaching each other or separating from each other along the width direction via a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). The user who sets the medium on the stacking section60can displace the first feeding guide61and the second feeding guide62to a position suitable for a medium size by operating the first feeding guide61, for example.

The feed roller63is driven in the clockwise direction ofFIG.3by a motor (not shown). The motor that drives the feed roller63is controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1). The feed roller63may be provided so as to be switchable between a state of being in contact with the medium stacked on the stacking section60and a state of being separated from the medium stacked on the stacking section60. Such a state switching operation of the feed roller63can be realized by a motor (not shown). The motor can be controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1).

The feed roller63is disposed at a second center position X51(to be described later) in the width direction.

InFIG.2, a position X43is a recording reference position in the width direction of the medium in the recording device3, and is a position that is the center in the width direction of the medium regardless of the medium size, and coincides with the center of the width direction in a state in which the first edge Ps1of the medium is along the first restriction surface31a. Hereinafter, this is referred to as a first center position X43. The position X51is a center position in the widthwise direction of the medium (P-1) stacked on the stacking section60, and is referred to as the second center position X51. The position X41is a position in the width direction of the first restriction surface31aof the first restriction section31.

The distance U2between the second center position X51and the first restriction surface31ain the width direction is longer than the distance U1between the first center position X43and the first restriction surface31a.

The position X41changes according to the width direction medium size, but the first center position X43is positioned in the +X direction from the second center position X51regardless of the width direction medium size.

Operation and Effect of Relay Transport Device

Since the relay transport device4includes the first restriction section31having the first restriction surface31afor positioning the first edge Ps1of the medium fed from the feeding device5and the transport section10for transporting the medium in the intersecting direction D toward the first restriction surface31a, even if the medium fed from the feeding device5is skewed, the skew is corrected by the first edge Ps1contacting the first restriction surface31aby the transport section10. The medium P-2, which is skewed when supplied from the feeding device5to the relay transport device4, receives transport force in the intersecting direction D from the transport section10, the first edge Ps1contacts on the first restriction surface31a, and the first edge Ps1enters a state of being aligned with the first restriction surface31a, and thus, the skew of the medium is corrected as indicated by reference symbol P-3. Further, by such correction of skew, the position of the medium in the width direction becomes less likely to vary compared with a configuration in which the skew is corrected by bringing the leading edge of the medium into contact with the roller pair. As described above, appropriate recording can be performed in the recording device3.

The recording device3is provided with the registration roller pair109for performing skew correction by bringing the leading edge of the medium supplied from the relay transport device4into contact therewith, and skew correction is performed by different means between the recording device3and the relay transport device4, and the skew of the medium is appropriately corrected. In other words, it may be difficult to align the position of the medium in the width direction only by the registration roller pair109provided in the recording device3, and the skew of the medium is appropriately corrected by the skew correction in the relay transport device4.

In the present embodiment, since the transport belt15is configured to suck and transport the medium and bring the medium into contact with the first restriction section31, the medium is easily rotated compared to a configuration in which the medium is nipped and transported by the roller pair, and thus it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the medium.

In the present embodiment, the medium is sucked against the transport belt15by air, but the medium may be caused to electrostatically cling to the transport belt15.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the skew of the medium is corrected by at least two transport belts of the first transport belt15A and the second transport belt15B, the transport distance to correct the skew of the medium can be secured, and the skew of the medium can be appropriately corrected.

If the transport distance for correcting the skew of the medium were to be secured by one transport belt, then the distance in the widthwise direction between the first restriction surface31aand the transport belt would be long upstream in the transport direction, and the force for pressing the first edge Ps1against the first restriction surface31awould be weak. If the inclination angle of the transport belt with respect to the transport direction were made small in order to suppress such a problem, the effect of correcting the skew would be reduced, so that the transport distance would need to be lengthened, resulting in an increase in the size of the device. However, by correcting the skew of the medium using at least two transport belts, i.e., the first transport belt15A and the second transport belt15B, the first edge Ps1can be appropriately pressed against the first restriction surface31a, thereby suppressing an increase in the size of the device.

It goes without saying that three or more transport belts may be provided along the transport direction.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to stably transport the medium because the second direction D2, which is the direction in which the second transport section12transports the medium toward the first restriction section31, is a direction along the first direction D1, which is the direction in which the first transport section11transports the medium toward the first restriction section31.

In the present embodiment, since the first direction D1and the second direction D2can be changed, appropriate skew correction can be performed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the first restriction section31is movable in the width direction, it is possible to correct the skew of a plurality of types of medium having different sizes in the width direction.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the rotary table14, that is, the transport belt15can change the intersecting direction D by the rotation of the rotation shaft14a, it is possible to perform more appropriate skew correction by changing the intersecting direction according to the quality of the skew correction of the medium.

The rotation of the transport belt15around the rotation shaft14amay be performed by a power of the motor (not shown) under the control of the control section111(seeFIG.1). In this case, change in the intersecting direction D may be controlled in accordance with the medium size or a medium type. For example, the lower the rigidity of the medium, the more likely that bending will occur when the first edge Ps1comes into contact with the first restriction section31, so that skew is less likely to be corrected or the medium is more likely to be damaged, so it is desirable that the angle formed by the transport direction (Y-axis direction) and the intersecting direction D be set smaller in accordance with lower rigidity of the medium.

As described above, when the transport force in the +Y direction by the transport roller pair25and the transport force in the intersecting direction D by the transport section10are applied to the medium at the same time, the medium may be damaged such as by wrinkling. Therefore, the angle formed by the transport direction (Y-axis direction) and the intersecting direction D may be made smaller in accordance with longer length of the medium in the transport direction.

The crossing direction D may be changed during transport of the medium, and for example, the angle formed by the transport direction (Y-axis direction) and the intersecting direction D may be increased as the transport of the medium proceeds. This makes it possible to appropriately correct the skew while suppressing the above described damage.

In the present embodiment, since the rotation center of the transport belt15is downstream of the transport belt15in the transport direction, the following operational effects are obtained. Hereinafter, this operation and effect will be described below with reference toFIGS.8A and8B. Note that, of the configuration shown inFIG.2, only that necessary for description may be shown, and may be simplified as appropriate, inFIG.8Aand the subsequent drawings.

FIG.8Ashows, as a comparative example, a case where a rotation center Ra when the transport belt15rotates is upstream of the transport belt15in the transport direction. Since the transport belt15transports the medium toward the first restriction section31, a distance da1between a downstream end of the transport belt15and the first restriction section31in the width direction is shorter than a distance da2between an upstream end of the transport belt15and the first restriction section31. For this reason, when the transport belt15rotates in plan view in order to change the intersecting direction D, there is a concern that the downstream end of the transport belt15and the first restriction section31interfere with each other, and this limits the rotatable range of the transport belt15, so that the adjustment range in the intersecting direction would is narrowed. The transport belt15indicated by the reference symbol15-1and two dot chain line inFIGS.8A and8Bis rotated from the transport belt15indicated by solid line by 15° in the counterclockwise direction of the drawing. In the case ofFIG.8A, the downstream end of the transport belt15interferes with the first restriction section31. In order to bring the first edge Ps1of the medium into contact with the first restriction surface31a, the upper surface of the transport belt15needs to be positioned above (+Z direction) the lower end section of the first restriction surface31ain the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the first restriction surface31a, so a configuration in which the downstream end of the transport belt15interferes with the first restriction section31in the plan view as shown inFIG.8Acannot be adopted.

However, in the present embodiment, the rotation center Ra of the transport belt15is positioned downstream of the transport belt15in the transport direction, so the swing range of the downstream end when the transport belt15rotates can be made narrower than the swing range of the upstream end, thereby making it difficult for the downstream end of the transport belt15to interfere with the first restriction section31as shown inFIG.8B. Therefore, the rotatable range of the transport belt15can be expanded, and the adjustable range in the intersecting direction D can be expanded.

In the present embodiment, the second restriction section32having the second restriction surface32acapable of restricting the position of the second edge Ps2of the medium is provided. As a result, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the medium is moved to the side of the first restriction surface31aby the transport belt15. However, as an example, when the medium rotates so that the downstream end of the first edge Ps1is separated from the first restriction surface31a, there is a concern that the correction of the skew cannot be performed even when the medium is transported by a distance transportable by the transport belt15. Note that this is merely an example, and there are cases where the medium may move in a direction away from the first restriction surface31awithout being rotated as described above. The movement of the medium in the direction away from the first restriction surface31acan also be caused by the medium receiving a reaction force from the first restriction surface31awhen contacting the first restriction surface31a. However, in the present embodiment, since the second restriction section32capable of restricting the position of the second edge Ps2of the medium is provided, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the defects described above.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, the second distance U4between the first center position X43and the position X42of the second restriction surface32ain the width direction is longer than the first distance U3between the first center position X43and the position X41of the first restriction surface31a. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately receive the skewed medium from the feeding device5.

Although the position X41varies depending on the size of the medium in the width direction, the position of the second restriction section32in the width direction is set such that the second distance U4is longer than the first distance U3even when the widest medium recordable by the recording device3is transported.

In the present embodiment, since the upper restriction members39(upper restriction surface39a) are provided as the upper restriction section38which restricts the upward movement of the medium, the following operation and effect are obtained. That is, in case where the first edge Ps1of the medium comes into contact with the first restriction surface31a, if the medium deforms, the medium will not rotate, and there is a concern that the skew of the medium cannot be appropriately corrected, and there is also a concern that a jam occurs. InFIG.7, reference symbol Pj-3is an example of medium wherein the first edge Ps1deformed or curled upward so as to move up the first restriction section31. InFIG.7, reference symbol Pj-2is an example of the medium wherein a side end portion including the first edge Ps1deformed or curled downward. Regardless of whether the medium is Pj-2or Pj-3, there is a possibility that the medium cannot be appropriately rotated due to the deformation.

However, in the present embodiment, since the upper restriction surface39awhich restricts the upward movement of the medium is provided, the first edge Ps1can appropriately come into contact with the first restriction surface31aas in the medium indicated by the reference symbol Pj-1, and thus the skew can be corrected by appropriately rotating the medium.

Since the upper restriction members39forming the upper restriction surface39aare rotatably provided so that the upper restriction surface39acan advance toward and retreat from the medium, it is possible to suppress damage from being formed on the medium due to the upper restriction members39rotating when receiving a strong reaction force from the medium. The upper restriction members39are pressed by a pressing member (not shown), for example, a spring, in a direction in which the upper restriction surface39aadvances toward the medium. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the upper restriction members39from being easily rotated when the upper restriction members39receive the reaction force from the medium, and thus it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the medium.

In the present embodiment, since the plurality of upper restriction members39are provided along the transport direction, it is possible to restrict the upward movement of the medium in a wider range along the transport direction.

Since the plurality of upper restriction members39are provided along the transport direction, even in a case where the degree of upward movement of the medium different depends on the position in the transport direction, the upper restriction surface39acan be displaced according to the position in the transport direction, and thus it is possible to suppress damage from being formed on the medium due to the medium coming into strong contact with the upper restriction surface39a.

From the viewpoint of suppressing excessive pressing of the medium, it is desirable that the upper restriction members39form a predetermined gap between the upper restriction members39and the rotary table14that supports the medium from below, and can maintain the state. It is desirable that the predetermined gap is, for example, a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin to the maximum value of the thickness of the medium per sheet.

Further, the upper restriction members39may have a fixed structure which does not advance toward and retreat from the medium. Further, when the plurality of upper restriction members39are provided along the transport direction, the predetermined gap may be different among the plurality of upper restriction members39. For example, the predetermined gap may be made smaller downstream where the skew of the medium is corrected than upstream.

Further, instead of the configuration in which the plurality of upper restriction members39are provided at appropriate intervals along the transport direction, one upper restriction member extending along the transport direction may be used.

In this embodiment, as shown inFIG.2, it is configured so that the distance U2in the width direction between the second center position X51and the first restriction surface31ais longer than the distance U1between the first center position X43and the first restriction surface31a. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the medium from being caught on the first restriction section31when the medium is supplied from the feeding device5to the relay transport device4.

In the present embodiment, the first feeding guide61and the second feeding guide62are members which are displaced by the user according to the size of the medium in the width direction, and the first restriction section31is also a member which is displaced by the user according to the size of the medium in the width direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first feeding guide61and the first restriction section31are connected to each other by a connecting member (not shown) so that the distance U2is longer than the distance U1, and the first feeding guide61and the first restriction section31are configured to be integrally displaced. However, even when the first feeding guide61and the first restriction section31are not connected by the connecting member (not shown), the distance U2can be made longer than the distance U1if, as an example, the movable region of the first feeding guide61is set in the −X direction with respect to the movable region of the first restriction section31.

In a configuration in which the first feeding guide61and the first restriction section31are not connected, a detection member for detecting the position of the first restriction section31in the width direction and a detection member for detecting the position of the first feeding guide61in the width direction are provided, and when the distance U2is equal to or less than the distance U1based on the detection information of the two detection members, the control section111(seeFIG.1) can place the medium feeding operation on hold and display an alert to that effect on a display section (not shown) provided in the recording device3.

In a case where the first restriction section31is configured to be displaced by the power of a motor (not shown) under a control of the control section111(refer toFIG.1), the position of the first restriction section31may be controlled such that the distance U2is longer than the distance U1according to the medium size recognized by the control section111. In this case, in order to detect that the first feeding guide61is at an appropriate position corresponding to the medium size, it is also desirable to provide the detection member that detects the position of the first feeding guide61in the width direction. When the control section111determines that the first feeding guide61is not at the appropriate position corresponding to the medium size based on the detection information of the detection member, it can put the medium feeding operation on hold and display the alert to that effect on the display section (not shown) included in the recording device3.

In the present embodiment, the feed roller63, which is the feeding section of the feeding device5, can feed the medium by coming into contact with the second center position X51of the medium in the width direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress skew of the medium which is fed from the feeding device5.

In the present embodiment, the feeding device5includes the first feeding guide61which positions the first edge Ps1of the medium, and the first feeding guide surface61aof the first feeding guide61is positioned between the first restriction surface31aof the first restriction section31and the first center position X43in the width direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the position of the first edge Ps1of the medium (P-1) fed from the feeding device5from being close to the first restriction section31, and it is possible to suppress the medium from being caught on the first restriction section31when the medium is supplied from the feeding device5to the relay transport device4.

The distance between the first restriction surface31aand the first feeding guide surface61ain the width direction does not become longer than necessary, and the medium can appropriately contact the first restriction section31after being supplied from the feeding device5to the relay transport device4, and thus the skew of the medium can be appropriately corrected.

In the present embodiment, since the feeding device5is further provided with the second feeding guide62having the second feeding guide surface62awhich can restrict the position of the second edge Ps2of the medium, it is possible to suppress skew of the medium fed from the feeding device5. InFIG.2, since the second center position X51is at an intermediate position between the first feeding guide surface61aof the first feeding guide61and the second feeding guide surface62aof the second feeding guide62in the width direction, it is possible to more favorably suppress skew of the medium fed from the feeding device5.

Note that even in a configuration in which the first feeding guide61and the second feeding guide62are not provided, the medium can be sent out from the stacking section60as long as the stacking section60and the feed roller63are provided.

In the present embodiment, the medium of which the skew was corrected by the first restriction section31is supplied to the recording device3in a state of being interposed between the first auxiliary guide33and the second auxiliary guide35in the width direction. Thus, skew of the medium when the medium is supplied from the relay transport device4to the recording device3is suppressed, and the medium can be supplied to the recording device3in a state in which the skew correction effect in the relay transport device4is appropriately maintained.

In the present embodiment, since the first auxiliary guide33includes the medium receiving section34at the upstream end in the transport direction, it is possible to suppress the medium from being caught on the first auxiliary guide33. Since the second auxiliary guide35includes the medium receiving section36at the upstream end in the transport direction, it is possible to suppress the medium from being caught on the second auxiliary guide35.

In the present embodiment, the first restriction section31, the first auxiliary guide33, and the second auxiliary guide35are movable in the width direction. Accordingly, the skew can be appropriately corrected in accordance with the medium size in the width direction.

The first restriction section31and the first auxiliary guide33are integrally movable in the width direction. Thus, it is possible to prevent the first restriction section31and the first auxiliary guide33from being displaced in the width direction, and it is possible to suppress the medium from being caught on the first auxiliary guide33when the medium moves from the first restriction section31to the first auxiliary guide33.

However, the first restriction section31and the first auxiliary guide33are not limited to being integrated, and may be separate bodies.

In the present embodiment, the distance U5between the first auxiliary guide surface33aand the second auxiliary guide surface35ain the width direction is shorter than the distance (U3+U4) between the first restriction surface31aand the second restriction surface32a. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably suppress skew when the medium is supplied from the relay transport device4to the recording device3.

MODIFICATION EXAMPLE OF RELAY TRANSPORT DEVICE

The above described relay transport device4can be modified into the following Modification example 1 to Modification example 13. The modifications described below may be combined in any manner as long as there is no technical contradiction.

Modification Example 1

In the above described embodiment, displacement of the first restriction section31in the width direction is performed by a manual operation of the user. However, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the first restriction section31is displaced in the width direction using a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown). The motor for displacing the first restriction section31can be controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1). Since the control section111can recognize the medium size based on the print data, it is possible to displace the first restriction section31to an appropriate position according to the medium size.

Modification Example 2

The transport belt15may be configured to be movable in the width direction in conjunction with the movement of the first restriction section31. For example, in the above described embodiment, by integrally configuring the transport section10and the first restriction section31, it is possible to move the transport belt15in the width direction in conjunction with the movement of the first restriction section31.

As a result, the following effects can be obtained. That is, when the distance between the transport belt15and the first restriction surface31ain the width direction is long, there is a possibility that the first edge Ps1of the medium cannot be appropriately brought into contact with the first restriction surface31aby the transport belt15. On the other hand, when the distance between the transport belt15and the first restriction surface31ain the width direction is short, in a case where the medium has a large size in the width direction, then a region which deviates from the transport belt15in the −X direction increases, and as a result, there is a concern that the medium cannot be appropriately transported. Therefore, in order to appropriately transport the medium while appropriately correcting the skew of the medium, the distance between the transport belt15and the first restriction surface31ain the width direction is important. However, by making the transport belt15movable in the width direction in conjunction with the movement of the first restriction section31, it is possible to appropriately maintain the distance between the transport belt15and the first restriction surface31ain the width direction, and thus it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the medium and appropriately transport the medium.

Modification Example 3

A plurality of transport belts15may be provided in the width direction.FIG.9shows an example thereof, in which the upstream first transport section11has a first transport belt15A-1and a first transport belt15A-2, and the downstream second transport section12has a second transport belt15B-1and a second transport belt15B-2. By providing the plurality of transport belts15in the width direction in this manner, it is possible to appropriately transport the medium having a large size in the width direction. When a plurality of transport belts15are provided in the width direction, they are not limited to two in the transport direction as shown inFIG.9, and it goes without saying that three or more transport belts15may be provided in the transport direction.

In a case where the plurality of transport belts15are provided in the width direction, the suction force for sucking the medium by each transport belt15may be set to be weaker.

Modification Example 4

InFIG.2, the difference between the first distance U3and the second distance U4may be made variable by providing the second restriction section32so as to be movable along the widthwise direction. As a result, the difference between the first distance U3and the second distance U4can be adjusted according to the degree of skew of the medium received from the feeding device5, and more appropriate skew correction can be performed. The greater the difference between the first distance U3and the second distance U4, the larger the degree of medium skew that can be received, and the smaller the difference between the first distance U3and the second distance U4, the more easily that the medium can be regulated between the first restriction section31and the second restriction section32, so that the position in the width direction is more easily determined, and skew can be suppressed.

More specifically, the second distance U4is desirably as short as possible in order to appropriately correct the skew of the medium, because the distance in the transport direction in which the medium can be transported by the transport belt15is limited. However, if the second distance U4is shortened, the medium cannot be appropriately received when the degree of skew of the medium received from the feeding device5is large. Therefore, it is possible to perform more appropriate skew correction by adjusting the difference between the first distance U3and the second distance U4according to the skew of the medium received from the feeding device5.

The movement of the second restriction section32, that is, the change of the second distance U4may be manually performed by the user or may be automatically performed. In a case where the second distance U4is automatically changed, for example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the second restriction section32is displaced in the width direction by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) operated by a motor (not shown), and the control section111(refer toFIG.1) controls the motor according to the medium size. For example, since the degree of skew of the medium received from the feeding device5tends to increase as the medium size in the transport direction decreases, it is desirable that the control section111(seeFIG.1) decreases the difference between the first distance U3and the second distance U4according to decrease in the medium size in the width direction.

Modification Example 5

The suction force of the medium by the transport belt15in the first region may be weaker than the suction force in the second region downstream of the first region in the transport direction.

For example, the suction plate20A shown inFIGS.10A and10Bis a modified example of the above described suction plate20, reference symbol Ar1is a first region, and reference symbol Ar2is a second region downstream of the first region Ar1. In the first region Ar1, the number of openings20ais smaller than that in the second region Ar2, that is, the number of openings20aoverlapping with the through holes15aof the transport belt15is smaller. As a result, the suction force in the first region Ar1is weaker than that in the second region Ar2. Accordingly, in the first region Ar1where the necessity of skew correction is high, the medium is more easily rotated than in the second region Ar2, and the skew correction can be appropriately performed. In addition, it is possible to reliably suck the medium in the second region Ar2where it is desirable to reliably supply the medium to the recording device, and it is possible to appropriately supply the medium to the recording device3.

The change of the suction force is not limited to the above described means, and any means may be used as long as the suction force per unit area of the transport belt15is made different between the first region Ar1and the second region Ar2. For example, the suction blowers18may be provided for the first region Ar1and the second region Ar2, and the suction forces may be made different from each other by adjusting the rotational speeds of the suction blowers18. Further, the suction force may be varied by adjusting the size of the openings20a(seeFIGS.5A and5B) in the suction plate20.

Modification Example 6

In the configuration in which the transport roller pair25for transporting the medium to the first transport belt15A is provided upstream of the first transport belt15A in the transport direction as in the present embodiment, the suction force of the medium by the first transport belt15A, or the suction force of the medium by the first transport belt15A and the suction force of the medium by the second transport belt15B, may be changeable.

That is, in a case where the transport roller pair25is provided upstream of the first transport belt15A in the transport direction, it is difficult for the medium to rotate while the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair25, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkling will occur in the medium due to the restraining action of the transport roller pair25and the rotating action of the first transport belt15A being simultaneously applied to the medium. Depending on the length of the medium in the transport direction, the rotating action of the second transport belt15B may be applied at the same time, which may cause the damage.

Therefore, by making it possible to change the suction force applied to the medium by the first transport belt15A, or the suction force applied to the medium by the first transport belt15A and the suction force applied to the medium by the second transport belt15B, it is possible to weaken the suction force applied to the medium by the first transport belt15A, or the suction force applied to the medium by the first transport belt15A and the suction force applied to the medium by the second transport belt15B, when there is a risk of damage as described above, and thus it is possible to suppress the damage described above.

The suction force can be adjusted by adjusting the rotational speed of the suction blower18. The adjustment of the suction force may be performed by the user through an operation panel (not shown), or may be automatically performed under the control of the control section111(seeFIG.1) according to conditions such as the medium type and the medium size.

For example, since the damage as described above is more likely to occur the longer that the length of the medium is in the transport direction, it is desirable to make the suction force weaker according to the length of the medium in the transport direction, that is, as the length of the medium is longer. For example, when there is a first medium and a second medium whose length in the transport direction is longer than that of the first medium, a first suction force is used when the first medium is transported, and a second suction force weaker than the first suction force is used when the second medium is transported. Since such damage is more likely to occur as the rigidity of the medium is lower, when there is the first medium and the second medium having a rigidity lower than that of the first medium, the first suction force is used when the first medium is transported, and the second suction force weaker than the first suction force is used when the second medium is transported.

In this case, both the first transport belt15A and the second transport belt15B may be used as the second suction force, or only the first transport belt15A may be used as the second suction force. Further, the second suction force may be applied only to the upstream section of the first transport belt15A.

The suction force may be set to the second suction force until a trailing edge of the second medium in the transport direction passes through the transport roller pair25, and the suction force may be set to the first suction force when the trailing edge of the second medium in the transport direction passes through the transport roller pair25.

Modification Example 7

Regardless of the length of the medium, it is also desirable that the suction force of the medium by the first transport belt15A be made weaker than the suction force of the medium by the second transport belt15B. By this, the medium rotates more easily in the region of the first transport belt15A where there is a high need for skew correction, than in the region of the second transport belt15B, and skew correction can be performed appropriately. In the region of the second transport belt15B where the medium is to be reliably delivered to the discharge roller pair26, the medium is less likely to rotate than in the region of the first transport belt15A, but the transport force is large, and the medium can be appropriately delivered to the discharge roller pair26.

Modification Example 8

In a configuration in which the transport roller pair25that transports the medium to the first transport belt15A is provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the first transport belt15A as in the present embodiment, the transport roller pair25may be configured to be switchable between the nip state in which the transport roller pair25nips the medium and the nip release state in which the transport roller pair25releases the nip, and in this case, the transport roller pair25may be switched to the nip release state after a part of the medium transported by the transport roller pair25in the nip state is sucked by the first transport belt15A.

FIG.12Ashows the nip state of the transport roller pair25, andFIG.12Bshows the nip release state of the transport roller pair25.

After a part of the medium transported by the transport roller pair25in the nip state as shown inFIG.12Ais sucked by the first transport belt15A as shownFIG.12B, the transport roller pair25is switched to the nip release state. InFIGS.12A and12B, reference symbol P denotes medium. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, it is difficult for the medium to rotate while the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair25, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkling will occur in the medium due to the restraining action of the transport roller pair25and the rotating action of the first transport belt15A being simultaneously applied to the medium.

However, since the transport roller pair25is switched to the nip release state after a part of the medium transported by the transport roller pair25in the nip state is sucked to the first transport belt15A, it is possible to shorten a period in which the restraining action by the transport roller pair25and the rotating action by the first transport belt15A are simultaneously applied to the medium, and it is possible to suppress the damage as described above.

As shown inFIGS.11A and11B, it is provided so as to be vertically displaceable by a solenoid46as an example, and the transport roller pair25can be configured to switch between the nip state and the nip release state by vertically displacing the driven roller25b. More specifically, inFIGS.11A and11B, the driven roller25bis supported by a support member45rotatable about a rotation shaft45a, and the driven roller25badvances toward and retreats from the drive roller25aby rotation of the support member45. The support member45is pressed in the counterclockwise direction ofFIGS.11A and11B, that is, in the direction in which the driven roller25badvances to the drive roller25a, by a pressing member (not shown), for example, a spring.

The solenoid46can be engaged with the support member45, and in the nip state of the transport roller pair25shown inFIG.11A, by pressing the −Y direction end section of the support member45downward, the support member45is rotated as shown by the change fromFIG.11AtoFIG.11B, and the transport roller pair25is switched to the nip release state.

The solenoid46is controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1). A medium detection section47is provided between the transport roller pair25and the first transport belt15A in the medium transport path, as shown inFIGS.12A and12B, and the control section111switches the transport roller pair25from the nip state to the nip release state based on the detection information of the medium detection section47.

The timing of switching the transport roller pair25from the nip state to the nip release state may be changed according to type of the medium. For example, since in a case where the rigidity of the medium is high, the above described damage is less likely to occur than in a case where the rigidity is relatively low, in the case of the medium having high rigidity, the timing of switching the transport roller pair25from the nip state to the nip release state may be delayed. As a result, the medium can be reliably transported downstream by the transport roller pair25.

After a part of the medium transported by the transport roller pair25in the nip state is sucked to the first transport belt15A, it is desirable that the restraint of the medium by the feed roller63of the feeding device5is released when the transport roller pair25is switched to the nip release state. This is because when the medium is restrained by the feed roller63of the feeding device5, the medium is difficult to rotate, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkles described above may occur.

Here, the state in which “the restraint of the medium by the feed roller63is released” means a state, such as a state in which the feed roller63is not in contact with the medium, in which the above described damage is unlikely to occur in the medium due to force received from the feed roller63when the medium is about to rotate due to the action of the first transport belt15A. Therefore, in a case where the feed roller63can be switched between a state of being in contact with the medium stacked on the stacking section60and a state of being separated from the medium stacked on the stacking section60, it is desirable to separate the feed roller63from the medium when the leading edge of the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair25.

Modification Example 9

Regarding the first direction D1by the first transport belt15A and the second direction D2by the second transport belt15B, as shown inFIG.13, the +Y direction, that is, the angle formed by the transport direction and the second direction D2may be smaller than the angle formed by the transport direction and the first direction D1.

As a result, in the region of the first transport belt15A where the need for skew correction is high, the effect of skew correction is higher than that in the region of the second transport belt15B, and skew correction can be performed appropriately. In the region of the second transport belt15B where the medium is to be reliably delivered to the discharge roller pair26, the medium is transported at an angle closer to the transport direction than in the region of the first transport belt15A, and the medium can be appropriately delivered to the discharge roller pair26.

In a case where the first direction D1and the second direction D2are different, it is desirable to adjust the circulation speed of the first transport belt15A and the circulation speed of the second transport belt15B such that the transport speed in the +Y direction by the first transport belt15A and the transport speed in the +Y direction by the second transport belt15B are the same.

Modification Example 10

In the configuration in which the transport roller pair25for transporting the medium to the first transport belt15A is provided upstream of the first transport belt15A in the transport direction as in the present embodiment, the angle formed by the transport direction and the first direction D1may be smaller than the angle formed by the transport direction and the second direction D2as shown inFIG.14.

As described above, in a case where the transport roller pair25is provided upstream of the first transport belt15A in the transport direction, it is difficult for the medium to rotate while the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair25, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkling will occur in the medium due to the restraining action of the transport roller pair25and the rotating action of the first transport belt15A being simultaneously applied to the medium.

However, as shown inFIG.14, by making the angle formed by the transport direction and the first direction D1smaller than the angle formed by the transport direction and the second direction D2, the rotating action applied to the medium by the first transport belt15A is suppressed, and the occurrence of damage can be suppressed.

In such a configuration, the angle between the transport direction and the first direction D1and the angle between the transport direction and the second direction D2may be adjusted in accordance with the lengths of the medium in the transport direction. For example, the longer the medium is in the transport direction, the longer the time during which the restraining action of the transport roller pair25and the rotating action of the first transport belt15A will be simultaneously applied, and the higher the risk of damage, so the smaller the angle may be set between the transport direction and the first direction D1, with increase in length of the medium in the transport direction.

In a case where the first direction D1and the second direction D2are different, it is desirable to adjust the circulation speed of the first transport belt15A and the circulation speed of the second transport belt15B such that the transport speed in the +Y direction by the first transport belt15A and the transport speed in the +Y direction by the second transport belt15B are the same.

Modification Example 11

As shown inFIG.15, the second restriction section32may be constituted by an upstream second restriction section32A provided for the first transport belt15A and a downstream second restriction section32B provided for the second transport belt15B. The upstream second restriction section32A and the downstream second restriction section32B may be configured to be independently displaceable in the width direction. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately restrict the second edge Ps2of the medium according to the first direction D1and the second direction D2.

In this case, as shown inFIG.15, the downstream second restriction section32B may be closer to the first restriction section31than the upstream second restriction section32A. Thus, the position in the width direction of the medium of which the skew is corrected can be appropriately regulated. In this case, it is also desirable to form an inclined guide surface32bfor suppressing the medium from being caught upstream of the downstream second restriction section32B.

Modification Example 12

As shown inFIG.16, the second restriction section32may be provided so as to approach the first restriction section31downstream in the transport direction. Thus, the position in the width direction of the medium of which the skew is corrected can be appropriately regulated.

In such a configuration, the second restriction section32may be constituted by the plurality of restriction sections along the transport direction as shown inFIG.15.

Modification Example 13

In addition to the inclination of the transport belt with respect to the transport direction, as shown inFIG.17, the movement of the medium toward the first restriction section31may be performed by a paddle43that moves the medium toward the first restriction section31by rotating. InFIG.17, the paddle43is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft43a. The rotation shaft43ais rotated in the direction of an arrow Rm by power of a motor (not shown) controlled by the control section111(seeFIG.1). Similarly to the upper restriction members39shown inFIG.7, a plurality of paddles43are provided along the transport direction. The paddle43has a plurality of blade sections43bformed of an elastically deformable material (for example, rubber) along the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft43a. The blade sections43bare positioned at a position farthest from the rotary table14as indicated by solid line before receiving the medium into the relay transport device4, and when the medium is supplied to the relay transport device4, the blade sections43brotate in the direction of the arrow Rm to move the medium toward the first restriction section31.

Since the medium is moved to the first restriction section31as indicated by reference symbol Pj-1by the paddles43, it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the medium.

The paddles43shown inFIG.17are disposed so that the rotation shaft43aextends in the Y-axis direction and the medium is moved in the +X direction, but may be disposed so that the medium is moved in the intersecting direction D.

In a case where the side end portion including the first edge Ps1is easily deformed or curled upward as indicated by reference symbol Pj-3by the action of the paddles43when the first edge Ps1of the medium comes into contact with the first restriction surface31aof the first restriction section31, it is also desirable to use the upper restriction section38described with reference toFIG.7together with the paddles43.

Modification Example 14

At least one of the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium may be changed in accordance with the length of the medium in the width direction (X-axis direction).

Referring toFIGS.18A and18B, the moment generated in the medium when the medium is delivered from the first transport belt15A to the second transport belt15B will be described.FIG.18Ais a diagram showing a case where a first medium Pg1is transported, andFIG.18Bis a diagram showing a case where a second medium Pg2whose length in the width direction is shorter than that of the first medium Pg1is transported.

In a case where the medium overlaps with both the first transport belt15A and the second transport belt15B, a first moment around the center of gravity is generated in the medium by the transport force received from the first transport belt15A, and a second moment around the center of gravity is generated in the medium by the transport force received from the second transport belt15B.

InFIG.18A, reference symbol Jg1denotes the centroid position of the first medium Pg1. Note that the centroid position of the medium in the Y-axis direction does not always coincide with the center position of the medium in the Y-axis direction. Similarly, the centroid position of the medium in the X-axis direction does not always coincide with the center position of the medium in the X-axis direction. An example of such a medium is an envelope.

The first medium Pg1receives the transport force Fla from the range overlap with the suction area of the first transport belt15A, and receives the transport force F1bfrom the range overlap with the suction area of the second transport belt15B. It is assumed that the transport force Fla acts on a center position of a range in which the first medium Pg1overlaps the suction area of the first transport belt15A, and the transport force F1bacts on a center position of a range in which the first medium Pg1overlaps the suction area of the second transport belt15B.

The transport force Fla is parallel to the first direction D1, and a line segment d1aindicates a distance between an acting position of the transport force Fla and the centroid position Jg1in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1.

The transport force F1bis parallel to the second direction D2, and a line segment dlb indicates a distance between an acting position of the transport force F1band the centric position Jg1in a direction orthogonal to the second direction D2.

The first moment M1aaround the centroid position Jg1acts on the first medium Pg1due to the transport force Fla, and the second moment M1baround the centroid position Jg1acts on the first medium Pg1due to the transport force F1b.

Since the first moment M1aand the second moment M1bare in the same direction, which is the same as the skew correction direction (the clockwise direction in the drawing), the skew of the first medium Pg1is appropriately corrected.

Next, inFIG.18B, reference symbol Jg2denotes the centroid position of the second medium Pg2. The second medium Pg2receives the transport force F2afrom the range overlap with the suction area of the first transport belt15A, and receives the transport force F2bfrom the range overlap with the suction area of the second transport belt15B. It is assumed that the transport force F2aacts on a center position of a range in which the second medium Pg2overlaps the suction area of the first transport belt15A, and the transport force F2bacts on a center position of a range in which the second medium Pg2overlaps the suction area of the second transport belt15B.

The transport force F2ais parallel to the first direction D1, and a line segment d2aindicates a distance between an acting position of the transport force F2aand the centroid position Jg2in a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1.

The transport force F2bis parallel to the second direction D2, and a line segment d2bindicates a distance between the action position of the transport force F2band the centroid position Jg2in a direction orthogonal to the second direction D2.

The first moment M2aaround the centroid position Jg2acts on the second medium Pg2due to the transport force F2a, and the second moment M2baround the centroid position Jg2acts on the second medium Pg2due to the transport force F2b.

The direction of the first moment M2aand the direction of the second moment M2bare opposite to each other, the first moment M2ais larger than the second moment M2b, and the direction of the first moment M2ais opposite to the skew correction direction (the clockwise direction in the drawing), which is a direction in which the skew deteriorates, and the skew of the second medium Pg2cannot be appropriately corrected.

In this manner, since the centroid position of the medium changes according to the length of the medium in the width direction, and thus the direction of the first moment and the direction of the second moment are determined, the length of the medium in the width direction is important from the viewpoint of appropriately correcting the skew of the medium.

In the present embodiment, based on such a property, the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium, the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium, or the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium are changed according to the length of the medium in the width direction. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the direction of the first moment and the direction of the second moment such that the skew of the medium is appropriately corrected, and thus it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the medium.

As an example, the control section111can adjust the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium by controlling the suction blower18included in the first transport section11, and can adjust the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium by controlling the suction blower18included in the second transport section12.

The second medium Pg2is an example of a medium whose length in the width direction is shorter than a predetermined length, and the control section111, as an example, controls the suction blower18provided in the first transport section11to make the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium larger than a predetermined value at least when the second medium Pg2is delivered from the first transport belt15A to the second transport belt15B. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the first moment M2a, that is, the moment in the same direction as the skew correction direction (clockwise direction in the drawing), and it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the second medium Pg2.

The adjustment of the suction force for adjusting the relationship between the first moment and the second moment so that the skew correction direction becomes more appropriate includes a case where only the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium is changed, a case where only the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium is changed, or a case where both the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium are changed.

For example, in a case where only the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium is changed, when the transport force F2bis decreased inFIG.18B, the second moment M2bcan be decreased, and further, the influence of the first moment M2ain the same direction as the skew correction direction (the clockwise direction in the drawing) can be increased to appropriately correct the skew.

Information on the relationship between the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium according to the width direction length of the medium can be stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) included in the control section111or in an external information device (not shown) capable of communicating with the control section111.

Note that the suction force may be changed not in the entire first transport belt15A but in a part thereof, and similarly, the suction force may be changed not in the entire second transport belt15B but in a part thereof. The partial change of the suction force, as an example, can be performed in the same manner as described with reference toFIGS.10Aand B. In this case, by making the suction force of the downstream region of the first transport belt15A in the transport direction larger than the suction force of the upstream region of the second transport belt15B in the transport direction, it is possible to increase the first moment M2a, that is, the moment in the same direction as the skew correction direction (clockwise direction in the drawing), and it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the second medium Pg2.

The relationship between the suction force of the first transport belt15A against the medium and the suction force of the second transport belt15B against the medium as described above may be set in the entire period of transporting the medium, or may be set only when the medium is delivered from the first transport belt15A to the second transport belt15B.

Hereinafter, modification examples will be schematically described.

A medium supplying system according to a first aspect is a medium supplying system that feeds a medium to a recording device that performs recording on the medium includes a feeding device that is disposed outside the recording device and that is configured to feed the medium to the recording device and a relay transport device that is disposed between the recording device and the feeding device on the outside of the recording device and that is configured to relay and transport the medium fed from the feeding device to the recording device, wherein the feeding device includes a stacking section configured to stack the medium and a feeding section configured to feed the medium, the relay transport device includes a first restriction section having a first restriction surface configured to position a first edge of the medium fed from the feeding device and a transport section configured to transport the medium toward the first restriction section in an intersecting direction which intersects the transport direction and the width direction, and assuming that a center position of the medium in the width direction in a state where the first edge is along the first restriction section is set as a first center position and that a center position of the medium in the width direction in a state where the medium is stacked on the stacking section is set as second center position, a distance between the second center position and the first restriction surface is longer than the first center position and the first restriction surface, in the width direction.

According to the present aspect, even when the medium fed from the feeding device is skewed, the skew is corrected by the first edge of the medium contacting the first restriction surface in the relay transport device.

Further, the position of the medium in the width direction is less likely to vary compared with a configuration in which the skew is corrected by bringing the leading edge of the medium into contact with the roller pair. Thus, appropriate recording can be performed in the recording device.

Since the relay transport device and the feeding device are disposed such that the distance between the second center position and the first restriction surface is longer than the distance between the first center position and the first restriction surface in the width direction, it is possible to suppress the medium from being caught on the first restriction section when the medium is supplied from the feeding device to the relay transport device.

A second aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the feeding section is configured to feed the medium by contact with the second center position of the medium in the width direction.

According to the present aspect, since the feeding section is configured to feed the medium by contact with the second center position of the medium in the width direction, it is possible to suppress skewing of the medium which is fed out from the feeding device.

A third aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the feeding device includes a first feeding guide having a first feeding guide surface configured to position the first edge of the medium, and the first feeding guide surface is positioned between the first restriction surface and the first center position in the width direction.

According to the present aspect, since the feeding device includes the first feeding guide surface configured to position the first edge of the medium, it is possible to prevent the position of the first edge of the medium, which is fed from the feeding device, from being close to the first restriction surface, and it is possible to prevent the medium from being caught on the first restriction section when the medium is supplied from the feeding device to the relay transport device.

The distance between the first restriction surface and the first feeding guide in the width direction does not become longer than necessary, and the medium can appropriately contact against the first restriction section after being supplied from the feeding device to the relay transport device, and thus the skew of the medium can be appropriately corrected.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to the second aspect.

A fourth aspect is an aspect according to the third aspect, wherein the feeding device includes a second feeding guide having a second feeding guide surface configured to restrict a position of a second edge on an opposite side from the first edge of the medium and the second center position is at an intermediate position between the first feeding guide surface and the second feeding guide surface in the width direction.

According to the present aspect, since the feeding device further includes the second feeding guide configured to restrict the position of the second edge on the opposite side from the first edge of the medium, it is possible to suppress skewing of the medium which is fed out from the feeding device. Since the second center position is at an intermediate position between the first feeding guide surface and the second feeding guide surface in the width direction, it is possible to more favorably suppress skewing of the medium which is fed out from the feeding device.

A fifth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the transport section includes a transport belt configured to transport the medium and a suction section configured to suck the medium via a through hole provided in the transport belt.

According to the present aspect, the transport section includes the transport belt configured to transport the medium and the suction section configured to suck the medium via the through hole provided in the transport belt, the medium is easily rotated compared to a configuration in which the medium is nipped by the roller pair, and it is possible to appropriately correct the skew of the medium.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to fourth aspects.

A sixth aspect is an aspect according to the first aspect, wherein the relay transport device includes a second restriction section having a second restriction surface configured to restrict a position of a second edge, which is an opposite side from the first edge of the medium.

The medium is moved to the side of the first restriction section by the transport belt. However, as an example, when the medium rotates so that the downstream end of the first edge is separated from the first restriction surface, there is a concern that the correction of the skew cannot be performed even when the medium is transported by a distance which can be transported by the transport belt. Note that this is merely an example, and there are cases where the medium may move a direction away from the first restriction surface without being rotated as described above. However, according to the present aspect, since the second restriction section configured to restrict the position of the second edge of the medium on the opposite side from the first edge of the medium is provided, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the defects described above.

This aspect is not limited to the first aspect, and may be applied to any of the second to fifth aspects.

A seventh aspect is an aspect according to the sixth aspect, wherein a center position of the medium in the width direction in a state where the first edge is along the first restriction surface is set as a first center position, and a second distance which is a distance between the first center position and the second restriction surface in the width direction is longer than a first distance which is a distance between the first center position and the first restriction surface.

According to the present aspect, since the second distance is longer than the first distance, it is possible to appropriately receive the skewed medium from the feeding device.

A eighth aspect is an aspect according to the fifth aspect, further includes a transport roller pair provided upstream in the transport direction with respect to the transport belt and configured to transport the medium to the transport belt, wherein the transport roller pair is switchable between a nip state in which the transport roller pair nips the medium and a nip release state in which the transport roller pair releases the nip, the transport roller pair is switched to the nip release state after a part of the medium transported by the transport roller pair in the nip state is sucked by the transport belt and in a state in which restraint of the medium by the feeding section is released.

In a case where the transport roller pair is provided upstream of the transport belt in the transport direction, it is difficult for the medium to rotate while the medium is nipped by the transport roller pair and is restrained by the feeding section, and there is a concern that damage such as wrinkling will occur in the medium due to the restraining action of the transport roller pair and the feeding section and the rotating action of the transport belt being simultaneously applied to the medium.

According to the present aspect, since after a part of the medium transported by the transport roller pair in the nip state is sucked to the transport belt and in a state in which restraint of the medium by the feeding section is released the transport roller pair switches to the nip release state, it is possible to shorten a period in which the restraining action by the transport roller pair and the feeding unit and the rotating action by the transport belt are simultaneously applied to the medium and to suppress the damage.

Here, “the state in which the restraint of the medium by the feeding section is released” means a state in which the medium is less likely to be damaged by the force received from the feeding section when the medium is about to rotate due to the action of the transport belt, such as a state in which the feeding section is not in contact with the medium.

The recording system according to a ninth aspect includes the recording device configured to record on the medium and the medium supplying system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects that disposed outside the recording device and configured to supply the medium to the recording device.

According to the present aspect, in the recording system, the operational effects of any one of the first to eighth aspects can be obtained.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the disclosure described in the claims, and it is needless to say that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.