JP7003440B2 - Intermediate unit, post-processing equipment, and printing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an intermediate unit, a post-processing device on which the intermediate unit is mounted, and a printing device on which the post-processing device is mounted.

Conventionally, a printing system having a multifunction device (image forming apparatus) for printing an image on paper, which is an example of a medium, and a post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing such as punching processing and staple processing on the paper on which an image is printed. (Printing apparatus) is known (Paper Document 1).
The printing system (printing device) described in Patent Document 1 includes a multifunction device (image forming device) that prints an image on paper, a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the paper on which an image is printed, and a multifunction device. It has a relay unit (intermediate unit) that constitutes a transport path to and from the post-processing device. The post-treatment device has a matching member, and the post-treatment is performed in a state where the paper is aligned by the matching member.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-107840

However, in the image forming apparatus and the intermediate unit, due to various causes such as the eccentricity of the rotation axis of the roller that conveys the paper and the curl of the paper, skewing that the paper is conveyed diagonally with respect to the conveying direction tends to occur. In the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the degree of skew of the paper carried from the intermediate unit to the post-processing apparatus is extremely large, it becomes difficult for the matching member to properly align the paper, and punching processing, staple processing, etc. There was a risk that it would be difficult to properly perform post-treatment.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following form or application example.

[Application Example 1] The intermediate unit according to this application example includes a carry-in port into which the medium is carried in from a printing unit that discharges a liquid and prints an image on the medium, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the medium. An intermediate unit having a carry-out port for carrying out and a transport path arranged between the carry-in port and the carry-out port, and the transport path is driven to apply a force in the transport direction to the medium. The first transport roller pair group provided with a plurality of transport roller pairs having a driven roller niping the medium between the roller and the driven roller and driven rotation, and the first transport roller pair group. It is characterized by having a correction roller pair located on the downstream side in the transport direction and correcting the skew of the medium with respect to the transport direction.

For example, when the liquid is a water-based ink and the image is printed on the medium by the water-based ink, the medium absorbs the moisture of the water-based ink and swells. Further, the swelling state of the medium differs between the portion where a large amount of water-based ink is ejected to form a dark image and the portion where a small amount of water-based ink is ejected to form a pale image, and the medium is affected by the difference in the partial swelling state. Easy to curl. Further, the curled state differs depending on the swelling state, and the medium curled into various shapes is carried from the printing unit to the intermediate unit and conveyed along the transport path of the intermediate unit.

When the curled medium is transported to the transport path of the intermediate unit, the transport roller pair uniformly nips the medium, making it difficult to uniformly apply a force in the transport direction to the medium, and tilting the medium with respect to the transport direction. Lines are likely to occur, but even if the skew of the medium occurs in the transport path due to the correction roller pair, the medium is carried out from the carry-out port with the skew of the medium in the transport direction corrected (corrected). can do.

[Application Example 2] In the intermediate unit according to the above application example, when the correction roller pair conveys the minimum size medium that can be conveyed, the correction roller pair nips the minimum size medium and conveys the medium. It is desirable that the tip of the minimum size medium be arranged so as to reach the carry-out port.

The correction roller pair is arranged so that the tip of the medium reaches the carry-out port during transportation by niping the medium by the correction roller pair. In other words, the compensating roller pair is located near the carry-out port. Correction for correcting the skew of the medium Since the roller pair is located near the carry-out port, even if the skew of the medium occurs in the transport path, the skew of the medium with respect to the transport direction is corrected (corrected). The medium can be carried out from the carry-out port in the state of being carried out.

[Application Example 3] In the intermediate unit according to the application example, the correction roller pair is placed between the first roller and the first roller, which are rotationally driven in a direction in which the medium is conveyed toward the carry-out port. It has a second roller that nip the medium and rotates drivenly, and the first roller preferably has a surface provided with a convex portion that can make point contact with the medium.

Since the first roller makes point contact with the medium, the contact area with the medium becomes smaller than in the case of surface contact with the medium, and dirt on the medium is less likely to be transferred to the first roller. Further, when the medium is niped and conveyed by the first roller and the second roller, the convex portion is arranged so as to bite into the medium, and the first roller is less likely to slip on the medium, so that the medium is stably conveyed. Can be made to.

[Application Example 4] In the intermediate unit according to the above application example, the first transport roller pair is composed of a plurality of first transport roller pairs driven by the same motor, and is in the transport direction with respect to the correction roller pair. The upstream side first transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side and the correction roller pair are arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction, and are arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the upstream side first transport roller pair. In the case of having the downstream side first transport roller pair and correcting the skew, after releasing the transport force applied to the medium by the upstream side first transport roller pair, the downstream side first transport It is preferable to release the conveying force applied to the medium by the roller pair.

When correcting the skew of the medium, the force in the transport direction applied to the medium from the downstream side first transport roller pair is temporarily released, and the force in the transport direction applied to the medium from the upstream side first transport roller pair is temporarily released. When the force is released later, the medium bends between the downstream side first transport roller pair and the upstream side first transport roller pair, and transport defects such as jam of the medium are likely to occur.

Therefore, when correcting the skew of the medium, the force in the transport direction applied to the medium from the upstream side first transport roller pair is first released, and the transport direction applied to the medium from the downstream side first transport roller pair is released. By releasing the above later, the medium is less likely to bend between the downstream side first transport roller pair and the upstream side first transport roller pair, and transport defects such as jam of the medium are less likely to occur.

[Application Example 5] In the intermediate unit according to the above application example, a second transport roller pair is arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first transport roller pair group, and a plurality of transport roller pairs driven by the same motor are arranged. Further having a transfer roller pair, the first transfer roller pair arranged at the uppermost stream in the first transfer roller pair group and the second transfer roller pair arranged at the most downstream side in the second transfer roller pair group. The distance between them is preferably longer than the distance between the first transport roller pair arranged at the most downstream side in the first transport roller pair group and the correction roller pair.

With the drive of the compensating roller pair stopped, the first transport roller pair group is driven and the end of the medium is pushed into the nip position of the compensating roller pair to push the medium (hereinafter referred to as the first medium). The skew is corrected. That is, the skew of the first medium is corrected while the transport of the first medium is stopped.
The second transport roller pair group transports the next medium (hereinafter referred to as the second medium), and when the skew of the first medium is corrected, the second medium is transferred to the first transport roller pair group. Correction of skew of the second medium by the feed and correction roller pair is performed.

If the distance between the first transport roller pair and the second transport roller pair is set short, the second transport roller pair is driven when the skew of the first medium is corrected. Since the medium may interfere with the first medium, it is also necessary to stop the transfer of the second medium by the second transfer roller pair group.
If the distance between the first transfer roller pair group and the second transfer roller pair group is set to be long, the second transfer roller pair group is driven even if the second transfer roller pair group is driven when correcting the skew of the first medium. The medium is less likely to interfere with the first medium, and it is not necessary to continue the transfer of the second medium by the second transfer roller pair group and stop the transfer of the second medium by the second transfer roller pair group. Therefore, when correcting the skew of the first medium, it is not necessary to stop the transfer of the second medium by the second transfer roller pair group, so that the transfer of the second medium by the second transfer roller pair group is stopped. It is possible to increase the transport capacity in the transport path as compared with the case where the transport is performed.
Therefore, it is preferable that the distance between the first transport roller pair and the second transport roller pair is longer than the distance between the first transport roller pair and the correction roller pair.

[Application Example 6] The post-treatment device according to the application example of this specification is arranged on the downstream side of the intermediate unit described in the above application example and the intermediate unit in the transport direction, and is carried out from the carry-out port. It is characterized by comprising a mounting unit on which a medium is placed and a post-processing unit having a post-processing unit for performing post-treatment on the medium mounted on the above-mentioned placement unit.

Even if the skew of the medium occurs in the transport path of the intermediate unit, the correction roller pair that corrects the skew of the medium is provided near the carry-out port, so that the skew is corrected. The medium is placed on the mounting section, and the post-processing section can appropriately perform post-treatment on the medium.

[Application Example 7] The post-processing apparatus according to this application example transports the medium carried in from a printing unit that discharges a liquid and prints an image on a medium in a transport direction, and applies a force in the transport direction to the medium. A group of transport roller pairs provided with a plurality of transport roller pairs having a drive roller for niping the medium between the drive rollers and a driven roller for driven rotation, a mounting portion for mounting the medium, and a mounting portion for mounting the medium. A post-treatment section for performing post-treatment on the medium placed on the pre-described mounting section is included, and a skew of the medium with respect to the transport direction is provided between the transport roller pair group and the pre-described placement section. It is characterized in that a correction roller pair for correction is provided.

When the skew of the medium occurs, the post-processing device is provided with a correction roller pair that corrects the skew of the medium between the transport roller pair and the mounting portion, so that the skew is corrected. The medium is placed on the mounting section, and the post-processing section can appropriately perform post-treatment on the medium.

[Application Example 8] The post-processing apparatus according to the above application example further has a mounting portion-side transport roller pair between the transport roller pair group and the above-mentioned mounting portion, and the correction roller pair can be transported. When transporting the minimum size medium, the tip of the minimum size medium is arranged so as to reach the previously described placement side transport roller pair while the minimum size medium is niped by the correction roller pair and conveyed. It is preferable to be done.

The compensating roller pair is arranged so that the tip of the medium reaches the loading portion side transport roller pair while the medium is nipated by the compensating roller pair and conveyed. In other words, the compensating roller pair is arranged near the mounting portion side transport roller pair. Even when the medium is skewed, the correction roller pair is arranged near the mounting portion side transport roller pair, so that the correction roller pair is arranged far away from the mounting portion side transport roller pair. The medium in which the skew is corrected more appropriately is conveyed to the transport roller pair on the mounting portion side and mounted on the mounting portion.
Since the medium is placed on the mounting section in a state where the skew is corrected more appropriately, the post-processing section can more appropriately perform post-treatment on the medium.

[Application Example 9] The printing apparatus according to this application example is arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the post-processing apparatus described in the above-mentioned application example and the post-processing apparatus, and discharges the liquid to the medium. It is characterized by having a printing unit for printing an image.

Even if an image is formed on the medium under conditions where swelling is likely to occur in the printing unit and skewing of the medium is likely to occur due to the swelling in the intermediate unit, a correction roller that corrects the skewing of the medium near the carry-out port. Since the pair is provided, the medium is placed on the mounting unit in a state where the skew is corrected, and the post-processing unit can appropriately perform post-processing on the medium.
Therefore, in the printing apparatus (post-processing apparatus), the adverse effect of skewing of the medium is suppressed, and the medium can be appropriately post-processed.

[Application Example 10] The printing apparatus according to this application example includes a printing unit that discharges a liquid and prints an image on a medium, a drive roller that applies a force in a transport direction to the medium sent from the printing unit, and the above. A group of transport roller pairs provided with a plurality of transport roller pairs having a driven roller that nip the medium and rotate driven between the drive rollers, a mounting portion on which the medium is mounted, and a mounting portion described above. A correction roller pair that corrects skew of the medium in the transport direction is provided between the transport roller pair group and the previously described mounting portion, including a post-treatment section that performs post-treatment on the placed medium. It is characterized by being provided.

When the skew of the medium occurs, the printing apparatus is provided with a correction roller pair for correcting the skew of the medium between the transport roller pair and the mounting portion, so that the skew is corrected. The medium is placed on the mounting section, and the post-processing section can appropriately perform post-treatment on the medium.

The schematic diagram which shows the outline of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the outline of a printing unit. The schematic diagram which shows the state of the transport system of an intermediate unit. The schematic diagram which shows the outline of the drive roller. Partially enlarged view of the drive roller. A partial schematic diagram showing an outline of a driven roller. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of region R in FIG. The schematic which shows the outline of the correction roller pair. The schematic diagram which shows the transport path of a paper. The schematic diagram which shows the transport path of other papers. Schematic diagram showing the state before correcting the skew of the paper. A process flow showing a method for correcting skewing of paper. The schematic diagram which shows the state of the process shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the state of the process shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the state of the process shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Such an embodiment shows one aspect of the present invention, does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, in each of the following figures, the scale of each layer and each part is different from the actual scale in order to make each layer and each part recognizable on the drawing.

(Embodiment)
"Overview of printing equipment"
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an outline of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of the printing apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1000 ejects ink, which is an example of a “liquid”, and prints an image on a paper M, which is an example of a “medium”, and a paper M with respect to the printing unit 100. It is composed of an aftertreatment device 500 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the above. The aftertreatment device 500 is arranged on the upstream side of the paper M in the transport direction, dries the ink ejected on the paper M, and corrects (corrects) the skew that is transported diagonally with respect to the transport direction. The intermediate unit 200 that feeds out the paper M and the paper M that is arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction of the paper M and is carried out from the intermediate unit 200 are stacked, and after various post-tapping processing and punching processing on the paper M. It is composed of a post-processing unit 300 for processing.
That is, the printing device 1000 is arranged on the upstream side of the post-processing device 500 including the intermediate unit 200 and the post-processing unit 300 and the post-processing device 500 in the transport direction of the paper M, and ejects ink to the paper M. It is equipped with a printing unit 100 for printing an image.

The printing unit 100 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 101, an operation unit 102 arranged at the upper part of the housing 101 in the vertical direction Z, and a paper cassette 103 provided from the central part to the lower part of the printing unit 100. have. Four paper cassettes 103 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction Z, and paper M is housed in each of the paper cassettes 103 in a laminated state. A grip portion 103a that can be gripped by the user is provided at the center of the paper cassette 103 in the left-right direction X. A rectangular front plate cover 104 is provided at a position adjacent to the uppermost paper cassette 103.

The intermediate unit 200 is attached to the left side surface of the printing unit 100 in the left-right direction X, which is the arrangement direction. The intermediate unit 200 has a housing 291 that is shorter on the printing unit 100 side and longer on the post-processing unit 300 side in the vertical direction Z. The housing 291 is provided with a carry-in inlet 292 into which the paper M printed by the printing unit 100 is carried in, and a carry-out outlet 293 in which the paper M is carried out to the post-processing unit 300.

The intermediate unit 200 has a transport path 201 for transporting the paper M, which is indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure. The transport path 201 is arranged between the carry-in inlet 292 and the carry-out port 293. The transport path 201 includes a fifth transport roller pair group 250, a fourth transport roller pair group 240, a third transport roller pair group 230, a second transport roller pair group 220, and a first transport roller pair group 210. The correction roller pair 260 and the discharge roller pair 270 are arranged in order along the transport direction of the paper M. The paper M carried in from the carry-in inlet 292 includes a fifth transport roller pair group 250, a fourth transport roller pair group 240 or a third transport roller pair group 230, a second transport roller pair group 220, and a first transport roller. It is conveyed in the transport direction by the pair group 210, the correction roller pair 260, and the discharge roller pair 270, and is carried out from the carry-out port 293 to the post-processing unit 300.

The first transport roller pair group 210 has a plurality of first transport roller pairs 10 arranged on the upstream side of the paper M in the transport direction with respect to the correction roller pair 260 and driven by the same motor (not shown). .. The second transport roller pair group 220 is arranged on the upstream side of the paper M in the transport direction with respect to the first transport roller pair group 210, and has a plurality of second transport roller pairs 20 driven by the same motor (not shown). Have. The third transport roller pair group 230 is arranged on the upstream side of the paper M in the transport direction with respect to the second transport roller pair group 220, and has a plurality of third transport roller pairs 30 driven by the same motor (not shown). Have. The fourth transport roller pair group 240 is arranged on the upstream side of the paper M in the transport direction with respect to the second transport roller pair group 220, and has a plurality of fourth transport roller pairs 40 driven by the same motor (not shown). Have. The fifth transport roller pair group 250 is arranged on the upstream side of the paper M in the transport direction with respect to the third transport roller pair group 230 and the fourth transport roller pair group 240, and is driven by the same motor (not shown). It has a fifth transport roller pair 50 of the above.

The correction roller pair 260 is arranged near the carry-out port 293 on the downstream side of the paper M in the transport direction with respect to the first transport roller pair group 210, and the paper M is conveyed diagonally with respect to the transport direction. Correct the skew of.
Further, the distance L2 between the first transport roller pair group 210 and the second transport roller pair group 220 is longer than the distance L1 between the first transport roller pair group 210 and the correction roller pair 260.

The post-processing unit 300 is attached to the left side surface of the intermediate unit 200 in the left-right direction X, which is the arrangement direction, and has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 301. Further, the post-processing unit 300 includes a post-processing transfer roller pair group 327, a guide unit 330, a stacker 328, and discharge, which are sequentially arranged along the transfer direction of the paper M indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in the drawing. It has a paper roller pair 329 and a paper ejection tray 331.
The post-treatment transfer roller pair group 327 has a post-treatment first transfer roller pair 327A arranged near the carry-out port 293 and a post-treatment second transfer roller pair 327B arranged near the paper discharge roller pair 329. Consists of. That is, the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A and the post-treatment second transport roller pair 327B are arranged in order from the carry-out port 293 toward the paper ejection roller pair 329.
The post-treatment first transport roller pair 327A is an example of the “mounting portion side transport roller pair”.

The paper M carried out from the intermediate unit 200 is conveyed to the stacker 328 via the paper ejection roller pair 329 and the guide unit 330.
The stacker 328 is for temporarily placing the paper M processed by the post-processing unit 325, and is an example of the “mounting unit”. The stacker 328 is arranged obliquely so as to incline downward toward the post-processing unit 325. As a result, one end side of the paper M placed on the stacker 328 comes into contact with the wall surface 328b of the stacker 328, and one end side of the paper M is aligned. When the number of sheets M placed on the stacker 328 reaches a predetermined number, the post-processing unit 325 performs various post-processing such as stapling processing and punching processing on the paper M. Subsequently, the paper ejection roller pair 329 is driven, and the post-processed paper M is ejected to the paper ejection tray 331.
In this way, in the post-processing unit 300, the paper M carried out from the intermediate unit 200 is sequentially conveyed to the stacker 328 by the paper ejection roller pair 329 and the guide unit 330, and a predetermined number of paper M is placed on the stacker 328. Then, the post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit 325, and the paper is discharged to the paper ejection tray 331 by the drive of the paper ejection roller pair 329.

"Overview of printing unit"
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an outline of the printing unit.
Next, the outline of the printing unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the housing 101 of the printing unit 100, a printing unit 110 that prints from the upper side in the vertical direction Z with respect to the paper M and a transport unit that transports the paper M along the transport path 120. 130 is provided. The transport path 120 is formed so that the paper M is transported with the direction intersecting the width direction as the transport direction when the direction along the front-rear direction Y is the width direction of the paper M.

The printing unit 110 includes a line head type printing head 111 capable of simultaneously ejecting ink over substantially the entire width direction of the paper M at the lower portion. In the printing unit 110, the ink ejected from the printing head 111 adheres (landing) to the printing surface (the surface on which the image is printed) of the paper M facing the printing head 111, so that an image is formed on the paper M. To.

The transport unit 130 has a plurality of transport roller pairs 131 arranged along the transport path 120, and a belt transport unit 132 provided directly under the printing unit 110. That is, ink is ejected from the print head 111 to the paper M transported by the belt transport unit 132, and printing is performed.

The ink is a water-based ink in which the coloring material is dispersed (or dissolved) in an aqueous medium.
The coloring material is, for example, a dye, and direct dyes, acidic dyes, edible dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, building dyes, soluble building dyes, reaction dispersion dyes and the like can be used.

The coloring material is, for example, a pigment, and is an azo pigment such as an insoluble azo pigment, a condensed azo pigment, an azo lake, a chelate azo pigment, a phthalocyanine pigment, a perylene and a perinone pigment, an anthraquinone pigment, a quinacridone pigment, a dioxane pigment, a thioindigo pigment, and an isoindolinone pigment. , Polycyclic pigments such as quinophthalone pigments, dye chelate, dyeing lakes, nitro pigments, nitroso pigments, aniline blacks, daylight fluorescent pigments, carbon blacks, base metal pigments and the like can be used.

The solvent is, for example, an aqueous medium, and pure water such as ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltered water, reverse osmosis water, and distilled water or ultrapure water can be used. Further, when water sterilized by irradiation with ultraviolet rays or addition of hydrogen peroxide is used, it is possible to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria when the ink is stored for a long period of time.
The solvent may contain a volatile water-soluble organic solvent such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned coloring materials and solvents, inks include basic catalysts, surfactants, tertiary amines, resins, pH regulators, buffers, fixing agents, preservatives, antioxidants and UV absorbers. It may contain agents, chelating agents, oxygen absorbers and the like.

The belt transport unit 132 includes a drive roller 133 arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction from the print head 111, a driven roller 134 arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the print head 111, and each of these rollers 133 and 133. It has an endless annular belt 135 hung on 134. The belt 135 circulates due to the drive rotation of the drive roller 133, and the paper M is conveyed to the downstream side by the circling belt 135. That is, the outer surface of the belt 135 functions as a support surface for supporting the paper M on which printing is performed.

The transport path 120 includes a supply path 140 in which the paper M is transported toward the printing unit 110, a discharge path 150 in which printing is performed by the printing unit 110 and the printed paper M is transported, and a discharge path 150. It has a branch path 160 that branches from.

The supply path 140 has a first supply path 141, a second supply path 142, and a third supply path 143. In the first supply path 141, the paper M inserted from the insertion port 141b exposed by opening the cover 141a provided on the right side surface of the housing 101 is conveyed to the printing unit 110. That is, the paper M inserted from the insertion slot 141b is linearly conveyed toward the printing unit 110 by the rotational drive of the first drive roller pair 144.

In the second supply path 142, in the vertical direction Z, the paper M housed in the paper cassette 103 provided in the lower part of the housing 101 is conveyed to the printing unit 110. That is, in the paper M housed in the paper cassette 103 in a laminated state, the uppermost paper M is sent out by the pickup roller 142a, separated into sheets one by one by the separation roller pair 145, and then the posture in the vertical direction Z is reversed. While being carried out, it is conveyed toward the printing unit 110 by the rotational drive of the second drive roller pair 146.

In the third supply path 143, when double-sided printing for printing an image on both sides of the paper M is performed, the paper M whose one side has been printed by the printing unit 110 is conveyed to the printing unit 110 again. That is, a branch path 160 that branches from the discharge path 150 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the printing unit 110. That is, when performing double-sided printing, the paper M is conveyed to the branch path 160 by the operation of the branch mechanism 147 provided in the middle of the discharge path 150. Further, the branch path 160 is provided with a branch path roller pair 161 capable of both forward rotation and reverse rotation on the downstream side of the branch mechanism 147.

In double-sided printing, the paper M on which one side is printed is once guided to the branch path 160 by the branch mechanism 147, and is conveyed downstream in the branch path 160 by the branch path roller pair 161 that rotates in the normal direction. After that, the paper M conveyed to the branch path 160 is reversely conveyed from the downstream side to the upstream side in the branch path 160 by the reversing branch path roller pair 161. That is, the paper M conveyed on the branch path 160 is conveyed in the opposite direction.

The paper M reversely conveyed from the branch path 160 is conveyed to the third supply path 143, and is conveyed toward the printing unit 110 by a plurality of transfer roller pairs 131. By being conveyed through the third supply path 143, the paper M is inverted so that the other side not printed is opposed to the printing unit 110, and is conveyed toward the printing unit 110 by the rotational drive of the third drive roller pair 148. Will be done. That is, the third supply path 143 functions as a reverse transfer transfer path for transporting the paper M while reversing the posture of the paper M in the vertical direction Z.

Of the supply paths 141, 142, and 143, in the second supply path 142 and the third supply path 143, the paper M is conveyed toward the printing unit 110 while the posture of the paper M is curved in the vertical direction Z. On the other hand, in the first supply path 141, the paper M is conveyed toward the printing unit 110 without significantly bending the posture of the paper M as compared with the second supply path 142 and the third supply path 143. ..

Printing is performed on one side or both sides by the printing unit 110, and the printed paper M is transported by the transport roller pair 131 along the discharge path 150 constituting the downstream portion of the transport path 120. The discharge path 150 is branched into a first discharge path 151, a second discharge path 152, and a third discharge path 153 at a position downstream from the position where the branch path 160 branches. That is, the printed paper M is conveyed through the common discharge path (upstream discharge path) 154 constituting the upstream portion of the discharge path 150, and then the guide mechanism (switching) provided at the downstream end of the common discharge path 154. The guide unit) 180 guides the user to one of the first to third discharge routes (downstream discharge routes) 151, 152, and 153 that constitute the downstream portion of the discharge route 150.

The first discharge path (upper discharge path) 151 is provided so as to go upward of the housing 101 and to be curved and extended along the branch path 160. The paper M conveyed through the first discharge path 151 is discharged from the discharge port 155 that opens in a part of the housing 101 so as to be the end of the first discharge path 151. Then, the paper M discharged from the discharge port 155 falls downward in the vertical direction Z, and is discharged to the mounting table 156 in a laminated state as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. The paper M is discharged from the discharge port 155 to the mounting table 156 in a posture in which the printing surface faces downward in the vertical direction Z during single-sided printing by the transport roller pair 131 arranged at a plurality of locations in the discharge path 150. To.

The mounting table 156 has an inclined shape that rises upward in the vertical direction Z toward the right in the left-right direction X, and the paper M is placed on the mounting table 156 in a laminated state. At this time, each paper M mounted on the mounting table 156 moves to the left along the inclination of the mounting table 156 and approaches the vertical side wall 157 provided under the discharge port 155 of the housing 101. Will be placed.

Further, the first discharge path 151 has an discharge reversal path 151a that reverses the front and back of the paper M while the paper M printed by the printing unit 110 is conveyed to the discharge port 155. That is, the discharge reversal path 151a is curved with the printing surface of the paper M printed by the printing unit 110 inward, and the printing surface of the paper M faces the vertical direction Z upward in the vertical direction Z to the vertical direction Z. Invert the paper M so that it faces downward. Therefore, in the discharge path 150, the paper M is discharged from the discharge port 155 in a state where the printing surface at the time of single-sided printing faces the mounting table 156 by passing through the discharge reversal path 151a.

The second discharge path 152 branches downward from the first discharge path 151 in the vertical direction Z, and extends linearly from the printing unit 110 toward the drawer surface portion 106 forming a part of the housing 101. Therefore, the paper M conveyed through the second discharge path 152 is not conveyed in a curved posture like the first discharge path 151, and the posture remains constant as when passing through the printing unit 110. The paper is linearly conveyed and discharged from the discharge port 108 formed in the drawer surface portion 106 to the output tray 109 attached to the drawer surface portion 106. That is, the second discharge path 152 functions as a non-reversing discharge path for transporting the paper M toward the paper discharge tray 109 without reversing the posture of the paper M in the vertical direction.

The third discharge path (downward discharge path) 153 branches downward in the vertical direction Z from the second discharge path 152, and extends diagonally downward in the vertical direction Z so as to go downward in the housing 101. There is. The downstream end thereof is connected to the carry-in inlet 292 of the intermediate unit 200. That is, the paper M conveyed through the third discharge path 153 is carried into the intermediate unit 200 from the carry-in port 292.

"Overview of intermediate units"
FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to the schematic diagram of the intermediate unit shown in FIG. 1, and is a schematic diagram showing the state of the transport system of the intermediate unit. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an outline of the drive roller. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the drive roller. FIG. 6 is a partial schematic view showing an outline of the driven roller. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the region R surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line of FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an outline of a pair of correction rollers.
It should be noted that in FIGS. 3 to 8, the illustration of components unnecessary for explanation is omitted. Further, in FIG. 3, the drive rollers 10a, 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a, 260a, 270a driven by the motor are illustrated by large circles, and the driven rollers 10b, 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b, 260b, which rotate in a driven manner, 270b is illustrated as a small circle.
Next, the outline of the intermediate unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.

As shown in FIG. 3, the transport path 201 includes a branch point A, a branch point B, and a branch point C at which the transport path of the paper M branches, a confluence D at which the transport path of the paper M merges, and a transport of the paper M. It has an end E and an end F forming the end of the path. Further, at the branch point A, the branch point B, and the branch point C, a guide flap (not shown) for distributing the transport path of the paper M is provided.

Further, the transport route 201 includes an introduction route 202, a first branch route 203, a first switchback route 204, a first merging route 205, a second branch route 206, a second switchback route 207, and a second. It is composed of two merging routes 208 and a derivation route 209.

The transport path 201 between the carry-in inlet 292 and the branch point A is the introduction path 202. The transport path 201 between the branch point A and the branch point B is the first branch path 203. The transport path 201 between the branch point B and the end E is the first switchback path 204. The transport path 201 between the branch point B and the confluence point D is the first confluence path 205. The transport path 201 between the branch point A and the branch point C is the second branch path 206. The transport path 201 between the branch point C and the end F is the second switchback path 207. The transport path 201 between the branch point C and the confluence point D is the second confluence path 208. The transport path 201 between the confluence point D and the carry-out port 293 is the lead-out path 209.

A fifth transfer roller pair group 250 is provided in the introduction path 202, the first branch path 203, and the second branch path 206, and the transfer of the paper M is controlled by the fifth transfer roller pair group 250. A third transfer roller pair group 230 is provided in the first switchback path 204, and the transfer of the paper M is controlled by the third transfer roller pair group 230. A fourth transfer roller pair group 240 is provided in the second switchback path 207, and the transfer of the paper M is controlled by the fourth transfer roller pair group 240. A second transport roller pair group 220 is provided on the first merging path 205, the second merging path 208, and the upstream side of the lead-out path 209 in the transport direction of the paper M, and the paper is provided by the second transport roller pair group 220. The transport of M is controlled. On the downstream side of the lead-out path 209 in the transport direction of the paper M, a first transport roller pair group 210, a correction roller pair 260, and a discharge roller pair 270 are provided, and a first transport roller pair group 210 and a correction roller pair 260 are provided. The ejection roller pair 270 controls the transfer of the paper M.

Although the details will be described later, when the skew of the paper M with respect to the transport direction occurs in the transport path 201, the correction roller pair 260 corrects (corrects) the skew of the paper M. Further, the paper M whose skew has been corrected is nipated by the correction roller pair 260 and sent out (transported) to the carry-out port 293.
The correction roller pair 260 is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first transport roller pair group 210, and the tip T of the paper M (see FIG. 11) is being conveyed by niping the paper M by the correction roller pair 260. Is arranged so as to reach the carry-out port 293. Since the length of the paper M in the transport direction is extremely short compared to the length of the transport path 201, the tip T of the paper M reaches the carry-out port 293 while the paper M is niped by the correction roller pair 260 and the paper M is conveyed. The state in which the correction roller pair 260 is arranged corresponds to the state in which the correction roller pair 260 is arranged near the carry-out port 293.
That is, the correction roller pair 260 is located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first transport roller pair group 210, and is arranged near the carry-out outlet 293.
In the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of types of paper M having different lengths in the transport direction, the tip T of the paper M is 293 at the carry-out port 293 while being nipped by the correction roller pair 260 and being conveyed in any of the paper M. The correction roller pair 260 is arranged so as to reach. That is, there are a plurality of types of paper M having different lengths in the transport direction, and even in the paper M having the shortest length in the transport direction, the tip T of the paper M is nipped by the correction roller pair 260 and is conveyed. The correction roller pair 260 is arranged so as to reach the carry-out port 293.

The third transfer roller pair group 230 and the fourth transfer roller pair group 240 can rotate in the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction, and reverse the transfer direction of the paper M in the first switchback path 204 and the second switchback path 207. be able to.

The first transport roller pair 10 arranged in the first transport roller pair group 210 is composed of a first drive roller 10a and a first driven roller 10b. The second transport roller pair 20 arranged in the second transport roller pair group 220 is composed of a second drive roller 20a and a second driven roller 20b. The third transport roller pair 30 arranged in the third transport roller pair group 230 is composed of a third drive roller 30a and a third driven roller 30b. The fourth transport roller pair 40 arranged in the fourth transport roller pair group 240 is composed of a fourth drive roller 40a and a fourth driven roller 40b. The fifth transport roller pair 50 arranged in the fifth transport roller pair group 250 is composed of a fifth drive roller 50a and a fifth driven roller 50b.
The discharge roller pair 270 is composed of a drive roller 270a and a driven roller 270b.

The first drive roller 10a, the second drive roller 20a, the third drive roller 30a, the fourth drive roller 40a, the fifth drive roller 50a, and the drive roller 270a have the same configuration. Therefore, the first drive roller 10a will be described as a representative, and the description of the drive rollers 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a, and 270a will be omitted.
The first driven roller 10b, the second driven roller 20b, the third driven roller 30b, the fourth driven roller 40b, the fifth driven roller 50b, and the driven roller 270b have the same configuration. Therefore, the description will be made on behalf of the first driven roller 10b, and the description of the driven rollers 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b, and 270b will be omitted.
Further, in the following description, the drive rollers 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a may be collectively referred to as a drive roller 1, and the driven rollers 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b may be collectively referred to as a driven roller 2.

In the first transport roller pair 10, the first drive roller 10a and the first driven roller 10b nip (sandwich) the paper M, and the motor that is the power source of the first drive roller 10a drives the first drive. The roller 10a is rotationally driven, and a force for transporting the paper M in the transport direction is applied to the paper M. The first driven roller 10b nips the paper M between the first driven roller 10a and the first driven roller 10a and rotates drivenly.

When an image is printed on one side of the paper M in the printing unit 100, the first driven roller 10b is in contact with the one side on which the image is formed, and the first drive roller 10a is on the side on which the image is not formed. Contact. When an image is printed on both surfaces of the paper M in the printing unit 100, the first driven roller 10b is in contact with the surface on which the image is formed later, and the first drive roller 10a is the surface on which the image is formed first. In contact with.

In the following description, the image is formed after the image is printed on one side of the paper M and the image is formed on both sides of the paper M. The surface that has been printed is referred to as the surface of the paper M. Paper is the side on which the image is not formed when the image is printed on one side of the paper M, and the side on which the image is formed earlier when the image is printed on both sides of the paper M. It is called the back side of M.
That is, the first driven roller 10b is in contact with the front surface of the paper M, and the first driving roller 10a is in contact with the back surface of the paper M.

The first drive roller 10a is longer than the assumed maximum width of the paper M and comes into contact with the back surface of the paper M over the entire width direction of the paper M. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first drive roller 10a has a cylindrical shape extending in one direction, and has a drive shaft 11, a rubber roller portion 12 inserted through the drive shaft 11, and a rubber roller portion 12. It has a rough surface portion 13 that covers the surface of the paper M, and the rough surface portion 13 is in contact with the back surface of the paper M. The rubber roller portion 12 is fixed to the drive shaft 11 and is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the drive shaft 11. The rough surface portion 13 is composed of a binder layer 14 that covers the rubber roller portion 12 and ceramic particles 15 that are embedded so as to protrude from the surface of the binder layer 14.

By providing the rough surface portion 13 on the outer peripheral surface of the first drive roller 10a in contact with the paper M, the ceramic particles 15 are arranged so as to bite into the back surface of the paper M, so that the ceramic particles 15 are stably arranged with respect to the paper M in the transport direction. A force is applied, and the paper M is stably conveyed. That is, since the ceramic particles 15 bite into the back surface of the paper M, the first drive roller 10a becomes less slippery with respect to the paper M, so that a force in the transport direction is stably applied from the first drive roller 10a to the paper M. It is given, and the paper M is stably conveyed.

Further, since the ceramic particles 15 make point contact with the back surface of the paper M, the contact area of the first drive roller 10a with respect to the paper M becomes narrow, for example, double-sided printing is performed on the paper M, and undried ink is applied to the back surface of the paper M. If it remains, the undried ink is less likely to be transferred to the first drive roller 10a, and the first drive roller 10a is less likely to be soiled.

The first driven roller 10b is divided into a plurality of roll bodies (roll portions 17). Therefore, the area of the portion of the first driven roller 10b in contact with the paper M is smaller than the area of the portion of the first drive roller 10a in contact with the paper M.
In FIG. 6, one of a plurality of roll bodies (roll portions 17) of the first driven roller 10b is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 6, the first driven roller 10b includes a driven shaft 16 and a roll portion 17 inserted through the driven shaft 16. Specifically, the first driven roller 10b includes a driven shaft 16 and a plurality of roll portions 17 inserted through the driven shaft 16. The roll portion 17 is fixed to the driven shaft 16 and is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the driven shaft 16. The roll portion 17 has six toothed plates 82.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the region R as viewed from the direction (Y direction) along the driven shaft 16, and the state of the teeth 77 provided on the peripheral surface of the roll portion 17 (six toothed plates 82) is shown. It is illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 7, when viewed from the Y direction, the teeth 77 are provided so as to be offset from each other on the peripheral surface of the roll portion 17 (six toothed plates 82) so that the teeth 77 do not completely overlap each other. ing. That is, the teeth 77 are arranged on the peripheral surface of the roll portion 17 so that all the teeth 77 can be visually recognized when viewed from the Y direction.
Specifically, when viewed from the Y direction, the distance between the teeth 77 and the teeth 77 in the circumferential direction of the roll portion 17 is arranged so as to be evenly spaced. That is, the teeth 77 of the other five toothed plates 82 are arranged so as to divide the pitch P of the teeth 77 and the teeth 77 of one toothed plate 82 into six equal parts. In this embodiment, the length of the pitch P between the teeth 77 and the teeth 77 is approximately 0.6 mm.
Then, the tips of the teeth 77 provided on the peripheral surface of the six-toothed plate 82 come into point contact with the paper M. That is, the first driven roller 10b (roll portion 17) has teeth 77 pointed toward the outside of the surface, and the teeth 77 make point contact with the surface of the paper M.
The tooth 77 provided on the first driven roller 10b is an example of a "convex portion capable of point contact". That is, the first driven roller 10b has a surface provided with convex portions (teeth 77) capable of making point contact with the paper M, and is in contact with the surface of the paper M.

Further, in the toothed plate 82, assuming that the tip of the tooth 77 is a mountain portion 90, a groove-shaped valley portion 91 is provided between the mountain portion 90 and the mountain portion 90. In the present embodiment, the distance L3 from the valley portion 91 of the tooth 77 to the peak portion 90 in the radial direction of the roll portion 17 is approximately 0.41 mm. Further, the shape of the tooth 77 that makes point contact with the paper M is preferably a triangular shape having a tip angle of 45 degrees or more, and in the present embodiment, the angle of the mountain portion 90 is configured to be 60 degrees. ing.

As described above, the teeth 77 have a sharp shape toward the outside of the surface, and the contact area with respect to the paper M can be further reduced as compared with the ceramic particles 15. When double-sided printing is performed on the paper M, undried ink tends to remain on the front surface of the paper M as compared with the back surface of the paper M. Even when a large amount of undried ink is present on the surface of the paper M, the contact area of the first driven roller 10b with respect to the paper M is smaller than that of the first driving roller 10a, so that the undried ink is present. Ink is less likely to be transferred to the first driven roller 10b, and the first driven roller 10b is less likely to be soiled.

Further, the teeth 77 sharpened toward the outside of the surface bite into the surface of the paper M, so that the first driven roller 10b becomes less slippery with respect to the paper M, and the paper M is placed between the first driven roller 10a and the paper M. It can be niped and stably driven and rotated.

As shown in FIG. 8, the correction roller pair 260 is composed of a drive roller 260a and a driven roller 260b. The drive roller 260a is rotationally driven by being driven by a motor that is a power source. The driven roller 260b nip the paper M between the driven roller 260a and the driven roller 260a and rotate the driven roller 260b. That is, the correction roller pair 260 has a drive roller 260a that rotationally drives the paper M in the direction of transporting the paper M toward the carry-out port 293, and a driven roller 260b that nip the paper M between the drive rollers 260a and rotate the paper M. is doing.
The drive roller 260a is an example of the "first roller", and the driven roller 260b is an example of the "second roller".

The drive roller 260a is in contact with the front surface of the paper M, and the driven roller 260b is in contact with the back surface of the paper M. That is, the driven rollers 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b, 270b and the driving roller 260a are in contact with the front surface of the paper M, and the driving rollers 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a, 270a and the driven roller 260b are in contact with the back surface of the paper M.

The driven roller 260b may be in contact with the front surface of the paper M, and the driving roller 260a may be in contact with the back surface of the paper M. That is, the driven rollers 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b, 270b and the driven rollers 260b are in contact with the front surface of the paper M, and the driving rollers 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a, 270a and the driving rollers 260a are in contact with the back surface of the paper M. It may be.

The drive roller 260a includes a drive shaft 264 and a plurality of rollers 265 inserted through the drive shaft 264. The roller 265 is fixed to the drive shaft 264 and is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the drive shaft 264. The roller 265 has the same configuration as the roll portion 17 (see FIG. 6) of the first driven roller 10b in the first transport roller pair 10. That is, the surface of the roller 265 is provided with teeth 77 (see FIG. 7) that are pointed toward the outside of the surface, and the teeth 77 make point contact with the surface of the paper M.
As described above, the drive roller 260a has a surface provided with teeth 77 that can make point contact with the paper M. Further, when viewed from the Y direction, the teeth 77 are provided so as to be displaced from each other so that the respective teeth 77 do not completely overlap on the peripheral surface of the drive roller 260a (roll portion 17) (see FIG. 7).
The teeth 77 provided on the drive roller 260a are an example of "convex portions capable of point contact". That is, the drive roller 260a has a surface provided with convex portions (teeth 77) capable of making point contact with the paper M.

As a result, the drive roller 260a becomes less slippery with respect to the paper M because the teeth 77 provided on the surface of the drive roller 260a bite into the surface of the paper M, and stably applies a force in the transport direction to the paper M. This makes it possible to stably convey the paper M. By providing the teeth 77 on the surface of the drive roller 260a, it becomes difficult to get dirty.

The driven roller 260b includes a driven shaft 266 and a plurality of rollers 267 inserted through the driven shaft 266. The roller 267 is rotatably supported by the driven shaft 266 and is arranged so as to face the roller 265 of the drive roller 260a. Each of the plurality of rollers 267 has a smooth surface without unevenness. Therefore, the paper M is slippery with respect to the driven roller 260b as compared with the driving roller 260a having the teeth 77 on the surface.
That is, the driven roller 260b has a smooth surface on which the paper M is slippery.

Further, the driven roller 260b is made of a slippery material having excellent wear resistance. For example, the driven roller 260b is made of polyacetal (acetal resin) and has self-lubricating property and excellent slipperiness in addition to wear resistance. As the constituent material of the driven roller 260b, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene (fluororesin), polyphenylene sulfide and the like can be used in addition to polyacetal.

The driven roller 260b comes into surface contact with the back surface of the paper M.
The paper M carried into the intermediate unit 200 includes a fifth transport roller pair group 250, a fourth transport roller pair group 240, a third transport roller pair group 230, a second transport roller pair group 220, and a first transport roller. It reaches the correction roller pair 260 via the pair group 210. Paper M via the fifth transfer roller pair group 250, the fourth transfer roller pair group 240, the third transfer roller pair group 230, the second transfer roller pair group 220, and the first transfer roller pair group 210. Since the ink adhering to the back surface of the paper M is gradually dried while being conveyed, the undried ink is unlikely to remain on the back surface of the paper M in contact with the driven roller 260b. Therefore, even if the driven roller 260b comes into surface contact with the back surface of the paper M, the driven roller 260b is less likely to be contaminated with undried ink.

"Transfer route of intermediate unit"
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a paper transport path. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a transport path of other papers.
9 and 10 are views corresponding to FIG. 3, and are of transport paths such as drive rollers 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a, 260a, 270a and driven rollers 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b, 260b, 270b. Illustration of components unnecessary for explanation is omitted. Further, in FIGS. 9 and 10, the portion of the transport path 201 that is used for transporting the paper M is shown by a solid line, and the portion of the transport path 201 that is not used for transporting the paper M is shown by a broken line. Further, the arrows in the figure indicate the transport direction of the paper M, and are designated by the symbols H1 to H6, respectively.

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, the first transfer path 201a to which the paper M is conveyed includes the introduction path 202, the first branch path 203, the first switchback path 204, and the first confluence path 205. It is composed of a derivation path 209.
In the first transport path 201a, the paper M carried in from the carry-in inlet 292 passes through the introduction path 202, proceeds through the first branch path 203 in the transport direction H1, and is carried into the first switchback path 204. The paper M carried into the first switchback path 204 travels in the direction of the transport direction H2, then the traveling direction of the paper M is reversed (switched back), and the paper M travels in the transport direction H3 opposite to the transport direction H2. Then, it is carried into the first confluence route 205. Further, the paper M travels in the transport direction H4 in the first confluence path 205, is carried into the lead-out path 209, travels in the transport direction H5 and the transport direction H6 in the lead-out path 209, and travels from the carry-out port 293 to the post-processing unit 300. It is carried out toward.

As shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, the other transport paths 201b (second transport path 201b) to which the paper M is transported include the introduction path 202, the second branch path 206, the second switchback path 207, and the like. It is composed of a second merging route 208 and a derivation route 209.
In the second transport path 201b, the paper M carried in from the carry-in inlet 292 passes through the introduction path 202, proceeds through the second branch path 206 in the transport direction H1, and is carried into the second switchback path 207. The paper M carried into the second switchback path 207 travels in the transport direction H2, then the traveling direction of the paper M is reversed (switched back), and the paper M travels in the transport direction H3 opposite to the transport direction H2. It is carried into the second confluence route 208. Further, the paper M proceeds in the transport direction H4 in the second merging path 208, is carried into the lead-out path 209, proceeds in the transport direction H5 and the transport direction H6 in the lead-out path 209, and travels from the carry-out port 293 to the post-processing unit 300. It is carried out toward.

The paper M carried in from the carry-in entrance 292 is guided to the first transport path 201a by the guide flap provided at the branch point A. Subsequently, the next sheet M carried in from the carry-in entrance 292 is guided to the second transport path 201b by the guide flap provided at the branch point A. Then, the transfer of the paper M by the first transfer path 201a and the transfer of the paper M by the second transfer path 201b are alternately repeated.
Since the intermediate unit 200 has two transport paths (first transport path 201a and second transport path 201b), the transport capacity of the paper M is as compared with the case where the intermediate unit 200 has one transport path. Can be enhanced.

Since the transport paths 201a and 201b have switchback paths 204 and 207, the transport paths 201a and 201b can be lengthened as compared with the case where they do not have the switchback paths 204 and 207. That is, the intermediate unit 200 according to the present embodiment has a configuration capable of increasing the transport capacity of the paper M and lengthening the transport paths 201a and 201b while saving space.

In the printing unit 100, ink (water-based ink) is ejected from the print head 111 onto the paper M, and when the ink adheres to the paper M, the water in the ink permeates the paper M and the paper M absorbs the water. In the intermediate unit 200, the paper M is transported along the transport paths 201a and 201b to evaporate the water absorbed by the paper M and dry the ink adhering to the paper M. Since the transport paths 201a and 201b are long, the ink adhering to the paper M can be dried more appropriately than when the transport paths 201a and 201b are short.
In this way, in the intermediate unit 200, the ink adhering to the paper M can be appropriately dried by the paper M being conveyed along the transfer paths 201a and 201b which are lengthened by the switchback paths 204 and 207. In other words, the transport paths 201a and 201b form a drying path that evaporates the moisture absorbed by the paper M and appropriately dries the ink adhering to the paper M.

When the transport direction (traveling direction) of the paper M is switched back by the switchback paths 204 and 207 and the traveling direction of the paper M is reversed, the position of the surface of the paper M with respect to the transport direction is also reversed. That is, before and after the traveling direction of the paper M is switched back by the switchback paths 204 and 207, the position of the surface of the paper M with respect to the conveying direction is reversed.

Therefore, the position of the surface of the paper M carried in from the carry-in inlet 292 is reversed by the switchback paths 204 and 207 with respect to the carry-in direction. Then, the paper M is carried out from the carry-out port 293 toward the post-processing unit 300 in a state where the position of the surface with respect to the transport direction is reversed.
As a result, the paper M is carried in from the carry-in inlet 292 with the surface arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction Z, and is carried out from the carry-out port 293 with the surface arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction Z. That is, in the printing apparatus 1000, the paper M is carried from the printing unit 100 to the intermediate unit 200 with the surface arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction Z, and the surface is arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction Z. Paper M is carried from the intermediate unit 200 to the post-processing unit 300.

However, in the printing unit 100, when the water-based ink is ejected from the print head 111 onto the paper M and the paper M absorbs moisture, the paper M swells. Further, the printing duty on the paper M is not uniform, and the paper M has a portion where a dark image is formed and the printing duty is high (a portion where the amount of ink ejected is large) and a portion where a light image is formed and the printing duty is low (a portion of the ink). It has a portion with a small discharge amount). In the portion where the print duty is high, the paper M absorbs a large amount of water, so that the swelling of the paper M becomes large. In the portion where the print duty is low, the paper M absorbs a small amount of water, so that the swelling of the paper M becomes small.

Therefore, the paper M on which the image is printed has a portion having a large swelling and a portion having a small swelling, and the paper M is curled (curved) due to the difference in the swelling state.
Therefore, in the intermediate unit 200, the paper M that has absorbed moisture and is curled is conveyed along the transfer paths 201a and 201b. Further, since the curled state of the paper M changes depending on the image pattern to be printed, the composition of the ink (moisture content), and the like, the paper M curled in various states is transported along the transport paths 201a and 201b. become.

When the paper M is not curled, the end portion of the paper M arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction (hereinafter referred to as the tip T (see FIG. 11)) is uniform with respect to the drive roller 1 and the driven roller 2. It becomes easy to come into contact with the paper M, and skewing of the paper M with respect to the transport direction is unlikely to occur.
However, when the paper M is curled, it becomes difficult for the tip T of the paper M to uniformly contact the drive roller 1 and the driven roller 2, and the paper M tends to be skewed with respect to the transport direction. Further, the skewed state of the paper M varies depending on the curl state of the paper M, and the skew of the paper M may be slight or the skew of the paper M may be extremely large.
Therefore, the paper M slightly skewed in the transport direction and the paper M significantly skewed in the transport direction are carried from the intermediate unit 200 to the post-processing unit 300.

When the skew of the paper M is extremely large, the paper M is placed on the stacker 328 in a state of being skewed. Therefore, the post-processing unit 325 properly performs post-processing on the paper M placed on the stacker 328. There is a problem that it is difficult to apply.

Therefore, the intermediate unit 200 according to the present embodiment has a configuration for correcting the skew of the paper M with respect to the transport direction near the carry-out outlet 293 for carrying out the paper M toward the post-processing unit 300. Since the intermediate unit 200 properly corrects the skew of the paper M with respect to the transport direction caused by transporting the transport paths 201a and 201b near the carry-out port 293, the paper M is placed on the stacker 328 in an aligned state. The post-processing unit 325 can appropriately perform post-processing on the paper M placed on the stacker 328.
The details will be described below.

"How to correct paper skew"
FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the portion of FIG. 3 in which the pair of correction rollers is arranged, and is a schematic view showing a state before correcting the skew of the paper. That is, FIG. 11 shows a state in which the paper M1 is conveyed immediately before the correction roller pair 260 by the first transfer roller pair group 210.
FIG. 12 is a process flow showing a method for correcting skewing of paper. FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 11 and is a schematic view showing a state of the process shown in FIG. 14 and 15 are diagrams corresponding to FIG. 13, and are schematic views showing the state of the process shown in FIG.
In FIGS. 11, 13, 14, and 15, the drive rollers 10a, 20a, 260a and the driven rollers 10b, 20b, 260b are illustrated by circles of the same size in order to make the state easy to understand. ing.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first transport roller pair 10A, the first transport roller pair 10B, and the first transport roller pair 10C are located on the upstream side of the paper M in the transport direction H6 with respect to the correction roller pair 260. The first transport roller pair 10D, the second transport roller pair 20A, and the second transport roller pair 20B are arranged in this order. The first transfer roller pair 10A, the first transfer roller pair 10B, the first transfer roller pair 10C, and the first transfer roller pair 10D constitute a first transfer roller pair group 210, and a second transfer roller pair 20A and a second transfer roller pair. The roller pair 20B constitutes a part of the second transport roller pair group 220.

The paper M1 is transported in the transport direction H6 by the first transport roller pair group 210, and the tip T of the paper M1 is arranged immediately before the correction roller pair 260. Since the paper M1 is transported diagonally with respect to the transport direction H6, the tip T of the paper M1 intersects in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction H6.
That is, when the paper M1 is not skewed and the paper M1 is transported along the transport direction H6, the tip T of the paper M1 is orthogonal to the transport direction H6. When the paper M1 is skewed and the paper M1 is transported diagonally with respect to the transport direction H6, the tip T of the paper M1 intersects in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction H6.

The next sheet M2 is conveyed in the conveying direction H6 by the second conveying roller pair group 220. The tip T of the next paper M2 is arranged so as to project from the second transport roller pair 20A to the side of the first transport roller pair group 210.

As shown in FIG. 12, the method for correcting the skew of the paper M includes a step of guiding the tip T of the paper M to the nip position P1 of the correction roller pair 260 (step S1) and the skew of the paper M at the nip position P1. (Step S2) and a step (step S3) of carrying out the paper M whose skew has been corrected toward the carry-out port 293 are included.

In step S1, the correction roller pair 260 (drive roller 260a) is stopped, the first transfer roller pair group 210 (first drive roller 10a) is driven, and the transfer direction from the first transfer roller pair group 210 to the paper M1. The force of H6 is applied.
As shown in FIG. 13, the paper M is transported in the transport direction H6 by the first transport roller pair group 210, and the tip T of the paper M1 first contacts the position P2 of the driven roller 260b of the correction roller pair 260. Since the driven roller 260b is made of a slippery material, the tip T of the paper M1 slides on the smooth surface of the driven roller 260b by the force in the transport direction H6 and is guided to the nip position P1 of the correction roller vs. 260. To.
That is, the driven roller 260b has a smooth surface, and when correcting the skew of the paper M, the tip T (edge of the paper M) of the paper M is slid to nip the paper M between the driven roller 260a and the driving roller 260a. Guide to the nip position P1.

In step S2, when the tip T of the paper M is guided to the nip position P1 of the correction roller pair 260, the first transport roller pair 10D, the first transport roller pair 10C, the first transport roller pair 10B, and the first transport roller pair In the order of 10A, the connection of the motor to the first drive roller 10a is disconnected, the first drive roller 10a is changed to the idle state, and the first transfer roller pair 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D is applied to the paper M. The forces in the transport direction H6 are released in order.

In the first transport roller pair 10A and the first transport roller pair 10B, the first transport roller pair 10A is an example of the "downstream side first transport roller pair", and the first transport roller pair 10B is the "upstream side first". This is an example of "a pair of transport rollers". In the first transfer roller pair 10B and the first transfer roller pair 10C, the first transfer roller pair 10B is an example of the "downstream side first transfer roller pair", and the first transfer roller pair 10C is the "upstream side first transfer roller pair". This is an example of "pair". In the first transfer roller pair 10C and the first transfer roller pair 10D, the first transfer roller pair 10C is an example of the "downstream side first transfer roller pair", and the first transfer roller pair 10D is the "upstream side first transfer roller pair". This is an example of "pair".
That is, when correcting the skew of the paper M, the force applied to the paper M in the transport direction H6 is first released from the "upstream side first transport roller pair", and the paper is released from the "downstream side first transport roller pair". The force applied to M in the transport direction H6 is later released.

Since the force in the transport direction H6 is applied to the paper M1 from the first transport roller pair group 210, the paper M1 has the correction roller pair 260 and the first transport as shown by the broken line in FIG. 13 and the solid line in FIG. It bends to the right in the left-right direction X between the roller pair 10A, and the tip T of the paper M1 is pushed into the nip position P1 of the correction roller pair 260.

Since the nip position P1 of the correction roller pair 260 is orthogonal to the transport direction H6, when the tip T of the paper M1 is pushed into the nip position P1 of the correction roller pair 260, the tip T of the paper M1 becomes the correction roller pair 260. It will be arranged in the direction along the nip position P1, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction H6.
As described above, in step S2, the tip T of the paper M1 intersects the direction perpendicular to the transport direction H6 (the state in which the paper M is skewed) to the state orthogonal to the transport direction H6 (paper). The skew of M is corrected).

As described above, when viewed from the Y direction, the teeth 77 are provided so as to be offset from each other so that the teeth 77 do not completely overlap on the peripheral surface of the drive roller 260a (see FIG. 7).
If the teeth 77 are provided so as to overlap each other on the peripheral surface of the drive roller 260a when viewed from the Y direction, the tip T of the paper M that abuts against the correction roller pair 260 is the teeth 77 and the teeth 77 of the drive roller 260a. There is a risk that the paper M will not be guided to the nip position P1 of the correction roller pair 260 and will not be able to properly correct the skew of the paper M.
In the present embodiment, since the teeth 77 are provided so as not to completely overlap each other, the tip T of the paper M is difficult to enter between the teeth 77 and the teeth 77 of the drive roller 260a, and the correction roller pair is stable. It is guided to the nip position P1 of 260, and the skew of the paper M can be corrected appropriately.

Temporarily, the connection between the first transfer roller pair 10B, which is an example of the "downstream side first transfer roller pair", and the motor is disconnected first, and the first transfer roller pair, which is an example of the "upstream side first transfer roller pair", is disconnected. When the connection between the 10C and the motor is later disconnected, as shown in FIG. 15, the paper M1 is added between the correction roller pair 260 and the first transfer roller pair 10A, and the first transfer roller pair 10B and the first transfer roller pair 10B. It also bends between the 1 transport roller pair 10C, and a transport defect such as jam of the paper M1 is likely to occur between the 1st transport roller pair 10B and the 1st transport roller pair 10C.
Therefore, when correcting the skew of the paper M1, the transport direction H6 given to the paper M1 from the first transport roller pair 10 in order from the first transport roller pair 10 arranged far from the correction roller pair 260. It is preferable to release the forces in order. That is, when correcting the skew of the paper M, the force applied to the paper M in the transport direction H6 is first released from the "upstream side first transport roller pair", and the paper is released from the "downstream side first transport roller pair". It is preferable to release the force applied to M in the transport direction H6 later.

In step S3, the drive roller 260a is driven, the correction roller pair 260 is rotationally driven, and the paper M with the skew corrected is carried out toward the carry-out port 293.
Subsequently, steps S1 and S2 are executed for the next sheet M2 to correct the skew of the next sheet M2.

Returning to FIG. 14, in step S2, the second transport roller pair group 220 is maintained in the driven state. That is, while the correction roller pair 260 inhibits the transfer of the paper M1 in the transfer direction H6, the next sheet M2 is conveyed in the transfer direction H6 by the second transfer roller pair group 220.

The distance L2 between the first transport roller pair group 210 and the second transport roller pair group 220 is longer than the distance L1 between the first transport roller pair group 210 and the correction roller pair 260, and the paper M1 transport direction. When the next sheet M2 is conveyed in the conveying direction H6 while the transfer to the H6 is hindered, the next sheet M2 is set so as not to interfere with the sheet M1.
Therefore, in step S2, when the correction roller pair 260 inhibits the transport of the paper M1 in the transport direction H6 and the second transport roller pair group 220 transports the next paper M2 in the transport direction H6, the next paper M2 Approaches the paper M1 and does not interfere with the paper M1.

Therefore, in step S2, it is not necessary to stop the transfer of the paper M by the second transfer roller pair group 220, so that the transfer path 201 is compared with the case where the transfer of the paper M by the second transfer roller pair group 220 is stopped. The transport capacity of the paper M can be increased.
Therefore, it is preferable that the distance L2 between the first transport roller pair group 210 and the second transport roller pair group 220 is longer than the distance L1 between the correction roller pair 260 and the first transport roller pair group 210.

As described above, the correction roller pair 260 is arranged near the carry-out port 293 so that the tip T of the paper M reaches the carry-out port 293 during transportation by niping the paper M by the correction roller pair 260. .. As a result, the skew of the paper M caused by transporting the transport paths 201a and 201b is corrected near the carry-out port 293 by the correction roller pair 260. Therefore, the paper M whose skew has been corrected is carried into the post-processing unit 300 from the carry-out port 293, and is placed on the stacker 328 in a state where the paper M is aligned in the post-processing unit 300, and the post-processing unit 325 is placed on the stacker 328. The paper M placed on the paper M can be appropriately post-processed.

Further, the correction roller pair 260 is arranged so that the tip T of the paper M reaches the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A while the paper M is nipped by the correction roller pair 260 and conveyed. In other words, when the paper M whose skew is corrected by the correction roller pair 260 is conveyed toward the stacker 328 (post-processing unit 325), both the correction roller pair 260 and the post-processing first transfer roller pair 327A are used. The correction roller pair 260 is arranged at a distance that allows the paper M to be nipped.
Specifically, there are a plurality of types of paper M having different lengths in the transport direction, and even in the paper M having the shortest length in the transport direction, the paper is used for both the correction roller pair 260 and the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A. The correction roller pair 260 is arranged at a distance that allows M to be nipated. For example, the size of the paper M is A4 size, the long side of the paper M is arranged in a direction intersecting the transport direction from the correction roller pair 260 to the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A, and the short side of the paper M is arranged. When the paper M is transported (when the A4 size paper M is horizontally transported) in a state where the paper M is arranged along the transport direction from the correction roller pair 260 to the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A. Also, the correction roller pair 260 is arranged at a distance such that the paper M can be nipped by both the correction roller pair 260 and the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A. That is, the distance between the correction roller pair 260 and the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A is shorter than the length of the short side of the A4 size paper M.

As a result, the paper M whose skew is corrected by the correction roller pair 260 is nipped by both the correction roller pair 260 on the intermediate unit 200 side and the post-processing first transport roller pair 327A on the post-processing unit 300 side, and the paper M will be conveyed toward the stacker 328 on the post-processing unit 300 side in a state where the skew is surely corrected. As a result, the paper M with the corrected skew is surely carried into the stacker 328 on the post-processing unit 300 side, and the post-processing unit 325 on the post-processing unit 300 side is placed on the stacker 328. Appropriate post-processing can be reliably applied to the paper M.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately modified as long as it does not contradict the gist or idea of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. Conceivable. Hereinafter, a modified example will be described.

(Modification 1)
In the above embodiment, the intermediate unit 200 has switchback paths 204 and 207, but is not limited thereto.
The intermediate unit 200 may be configured not to have switchback paths 204 and 207. For example, instead of providing the switchback paths 204 and 207 in the intermediate unit 200, the switchback paths 204 and 207 may be provided in the printing unit 100.
For example, the intermediate unit 200 carries out the paper M to the carry-in inlet 292 in which the paper M is carried in from the printing unit 100 that ejects ink and prints an image on the paper M, and to the post-processing unit 300 that performs post-processing on the paper M. The configuration may include a carry-out port 293 and a carry-out path arranged between the carry-in port 292 and the carry-out port 293 and provided with a drying path for drying the ink.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, the post-processing device 500 is composed of an intermediate unit 200 and a post-processing unit 300, and the intermediate unit 200 has a carry-out port 293 for carrying out the paper M to the post-processing unit 300. Not limited to this.
For example, the post-processing device 500 does not have a carry-out port 293, and has a configuration in which the intermediate unit 200 and the post-treatment unit 300 are integrated, for example, a transport roller pair that forms a transport path 201 in the same housing. The groups 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, the correction roller pair 260, the stacker 328, and the post-processing unit 325 may be arranged.

(Modification 3)
In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 1000 is composed of a printing unit 100, an intermediate unit 200, and a post-processing unit 300. The processing unit 300 has an outlet 293 for carrying out the paper M, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the printing apparatus 1000 does not have a carry-in inlet 292 and a carry-out outlet 293, and has a configuration in which a printing unit 100, an intermediate unit 200, and a post-processing unit 300 are integrated, for example, ink is placed in the same housing. A printing unit 110 for printing an image on the ejection paper M, a transport roller pair group 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, a correction roller pair 260, a stacker 328, and a post-processing unit 325 are arranged. There may be.

(Modification example 4)
In the above embodiment, the roller 265 of the drive roller 260a has the same configuration as the roll portion 17 (see FIG. 6) of the first driven roller 10b, but has the same configuration as the rubber roller portion 12 of the first drive roller 10a. You may. That is, the drive roller 260a may have a structure in which the surface is roughened by the ceramic particles 15.
Even when the drive roller 260a has a structure in which the surface is roughened by the ceramic particles 15, the same effect as that of the above embodiment that the paper M is stably conveyed and the undried ink is less likely to be transferred can be obtained. Obtainable.

(Modification 5)
Double-sided printing is performed on the paper M, and the ink adhering to the back surface of the paper M dries on the downstream side in the transport direction in the transport path 201, and undried ink is unlikely to remain on the back surface side of the paper M. Therefore, on the downstream side of the transport path 201 in the transport direction, even if the drive roller 1 comes into surface contact with the back surface of the paper M, it is unlikely to be contaminated by the undried ink.

Therefore, on the downstream side of the transport path 201 in the transport direction, the drive roller 1 may have a configuration that allows surface contact with the back surface of the paper M. That is, the drive roller 1 may be composed of a drive shaft 11 and a rubber roller portion 12 inserted through the drive shaft 11, and the rough surface portion 13 covering the rubber roller portion 12 may be deleted.

For example, the first drive roller 10a and the second drive roller 20a are composed of a drive shaft 11 and a rubber roller portion 12 inserted through the drive shaft 11, and the rough surface portion 13 covering the rubber roller portion 12 is deleted. There may be.
For example, the first drive roller 10a of the first transfer roller pairs 10A and 10B in the first transfer roller pair group 210 is composed of a drive shaft 11 and a rubber roller portion 12 inserted through the drive shaft 11, and is a first transfer roller. The first drive roller 10a of the first transfer roller pair 10C and 10D in the pair group 210 may be composed of a drive shaft 11, a rubber roller portion 12 inserted through the drive shaft 11, and a rough surface portion 13.
By removing the rough surface portion 13, the cost of the drive roller 1 can be reduced.

(Modification 6)
In the above embodiment, the print head 111 included in the printing unit 110 is not limited to the line head type, but may be a serial head type that can move along the width direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper M.

(Modification 7)
In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus ejects or ejects a fluid other than ink (a liquid, a liquid in which particles of functional materials are dispersed or mixed in the liquid, or a fluid such as a gel). It may be a fluid injection device for printing. For example, printing is performed by injecting a liquid substance containing materials such as electrode materials and color materials (pixel materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays and surface emitting displays in the form of dispersion or dissolution. It may be a liquid crystal injection device. Further, it may be a flow-like body injection device that injects a flow-like body such as a gel (for example, a physical gel). Then, the present invention can be applied to any one of these fluid injection devices. In the present specification, the term "fluid" is a concept that does not include a fluid consisting only of gas, and the fluid includes, for example, a liquid (inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, liquid metal (metal melt), or the like. Includes), liquids, fluids, etc.

10, 20, 30, 40, 50 ... Conveying roller pair, 10a, 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a ... Drive roller, 10b, 20b, 30b, 40b, 50b ... Driven roller, 100 ... Printing unit, 101 ... Housing, 102 ... Operation unit, 103 ... Paper cassette, 103a ... Grip unit, 104 ... Front plate cover, 109 ... Paper discharge tray, 200 ... Intermediate unit, 201 ... Transfer path, 210 ... First transport roller pair group, 220 ... Second Conveying roller pair group, 230 ... 3rd transport roller pair group, 240 ... 4th transport roller pair group, 250 ... 1st transport roller pair group, 260 ... correction roller pair, 270 ... paper ejection roller pair, 291 ... housing, 292 ... Carry-in inlet, 293 ... Carry-out outlet, 300 ... Post-processing unit, 500 ... Post-processing device, 1000 ... Printing device.

Claims (14)

A carry-in port where the medium is carried in from a printing unit that discharges a liquid and prints an image on the medium.
An carry-out port for carrying out the medium to a post-treatment unit for post-treating the medium,
A transport path arranged between the carry-in port and the carry-out port,
Is an intermediate unit with
In the transport path,
A transport roller pair having a drive roller that applies a force in the transport direction to the medium, and a driven roller that nips the medium between the drive rollers and rotates drivenly.
A correction roller pair located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the transport roller pair and correcting the skew of the medium with respect to the transport direction.
Is provided,
The compensating roller pair has a first roller and a second roller that nip and rotate the medium between the first roller.
The first roller has a plurality of toothed plates on which teeth are arranged on the peripheral surface, and is arranged so that a part of the teeth overlaps when viewed from a direction intersecting the transport direction. All the teeth are visibly provided,
An intermediate unit characterized by that. The transport roller pair has a third roller and a fourth roller that nip and rotate the medium between the third roller.
The third roller has a plurality of the toothed plates, is arranged so that a part of the teeth overlaps when viewed from a direction intersecting the transport direction, and all the teeth are visible. Is provided in
The intermediate unit according to claim 1. The fourth roller is provided with a convex portion capable of making point contact with the medium.
The intermediate unit according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate unit is characterized in that. It has a first transport roller pair group consisting of the plurality of transport roller pairs, and has a group of first transport rollers.
The first transport roller pair group
An upstream first transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the correction roller pair,
It has a downstream side first transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction from the correction roller pair and arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the upstream side first transport roller pair.
When correcting the skew, after releasing the conveying force applied to the medium by the upstream side first conveying roller pair, the conveying force applied to the medium by the downstream side first conveying roller pair is released. The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate unit is characterized by the above. A carry-in port where the medium is carried in from a printing unit that discharges a liquid and prints an image on the medium.
An carry-out port for carrying out the medium to a post-treatment unit for post-treating the medium,
A transport path arranged between the carry-in port and the carry-out port,
Is an intermediate unit with
In the transport path,
A first transport roller pair group provided with a plurality of transport roller pairs having a drive roller that applies a force in a transport direction to the medium and a driven roller that nip the medium and rotate driven between the drive rollers.
A correction roller pair located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first transport roller pair group and correcting the skew of the medium with respect to the transport direction.
Is provided,
The first transport roller pair group
An upstream first transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the correction roller pair,
It has a downstream side first transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction from the correction roller pair and arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the upstream side first transport roller pair.
When correcting the skew, after the medium is guided to the nip position of the correction roller pair, the transport force applied to the medium by the upstream side first transport roller pair is released, and the upstream side first transport is performed. An intermediate unit characterized in that, after releasing the conveying force applied to the medium by the roller pair, the conveying force applied to the medium by the downstream side first conveying roller pair is released. Further having a second transport roller pair group arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first transport roller pair group and having a plurality of transport roller pairs arranged.
The distance between the first transfer roller pair arranged at the uppermost stream in the first transfer roller pair group and the second transfer roller pair arranged at the most downstream side in the second transfer roller pair group is the first transfer. The intermediate unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the distance is longer than the distance between the first transport roller pair arranged at the most downstream side in the roller pair group and the correction roller pair. The correction roller pair is characterized in that, when the minimum size medium that can be conveyed is niped and conveyed, the tip of the minimum size medium is arranged so as to reach the carry-out port. The intermediate unit according to any one of 6. The intermediate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and the intermediate unit.
Post-treatment is applied to the mounting portion on which the medium, which is arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the intermediate unit and is carried out from the carry-out port, and the medium mounted on the previously described mounting portion are placed. A post-processing unit having a post-processing unit and
An aftertreatment device characterized by being equipped with. The medium is transferred between the drive roller, which is carried in the transport direction from a printing unit that discharges a liquid and prints an image on the medium, and applies a force in the transport direction to the medium, and the drive roller. A transport roller pair with a driven roller that is nipped and driven to rotate, and
A mounting unit on which the medium is mounted and a mounting portion
A post-processing unit that performs post-treatment on the medium placed on the above-mentioned storage unit, and a post-processing unit.
Including
A correction roller pair for correcting the skew of the medium in the transport direction is provided between the transport roller pair and the above-mentioned placement portion.
The compensating roller pair has a first roller and a second roller that nip and rotate the medium between the first roller.
The first roller has a plurality of toothed plates on which teeth are arranged on the peripheral surface, and is arranged so that a part of the teeth overlaps when viewed from a direction intersecting the transport direction. All the teeth are visibly provided,
An aftertreatment device characterized by that. The transport roller pair has a third roller and a fourth roller that nip and rotate the medium between the third roller.
The third roller has a plurality of the toothed plates, is arranged so that a part of the teeth overlaps when viewed from a direction intersecting the transport direction, and all the teeth are visible. Is provided in
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9. The post-treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fourth roller is provided with a convex portion capable of making point contact with the medium. It has a group of transport roller pairs composed of a plurality of the transport roller pairs, and has a group of transport rollers.
The transport roller pair group
An upstream transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the correction roller pair,
It has a downstream transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction from the correction roller pair and arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the upstream transport roller pair.
When correcting the skew, it is characterized in that after releasing the conveying force applied to the medium by the upstream transport roller pair, the conveying force applied to the medium by the downstream transport roller pair is released. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11. The medium is transferred between the drive roller, which discharges the liquid and carries the medium carried in from the printing unit for printing an image on the medium in the transport direction, and applies a force in the transport direction to the medium, and the drive roller. A first transport roller pair consisting of a transport roller pair having a driven roller that is nipped and driven to rotate, and a group of transport rollers.
A mounting unit on which the medium is mounted and a mounting portion
A post-processing unit that performs post-treatment on the medium placed on the above-mentioned storage unit, and a post-processing unit.
Including
A correction roller pair for correcting the skew of the medium in the transport direction is provided between the transport roller pair and the above-mentioned placement portion.
The first transport roller pair group
An upstream first transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the correction roller pair,
It has a downstream side first transport roller pair arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction from the correction roller pair and arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction from the upstream side first transport roller pair.
When correcting the skew, after the medium is guided to the nip position of the correction roller pair, the transport force applied to the medium by the upstream side first transport roller pair is released, and the upstream side first transport is performed. A post-processing apparatus comprising releasing the conveying force applied to the medium by the roller pair and then releasing the conveying force applied to the medium by the downstream first conveying roller pair. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, and the post-processing apparatus.
A printing unit, which is arranged on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the post-processing device, discharges the liquid, and prints an image on the medium.
A printing system characterized by being equipped with.

Images