MEDIUM TRANSPORT DEVICE AND RECORDING DEVICE

Abstract

The medium transport device includes a main roller configured to apply a feeding force to the medium in the transport direction, a pair of transport rollers includes a plurality of sub-rollers disposed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the main roller, and being driven to rotate about a first shaft in a state where the medium is nipped between the sub-rollers and the main roller, and an adjustment section that adjusts a path difference between a first path and a second path when a path of the medium that is nipped and transported between the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers is defined as the first path, and a path of the medium that is transported in contact with the main roller but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers 16 is defined as the second path.

Claims

1. A medium transport device comprising: a pair of transport rollers including a main roller configured to apply a feeding force in the transport direction to the medium and a plurality of sub-rollers that are disposed at intervals along a longitudinal direction of the main roller and that are driven to rotate about a first shaft in a state where the medium is nipped between the sub-rollers and the main roller and an adjustment section configured to adjust a path difference between a first path and a second path, assuming that the first path is a path of the medium nipped and transported between the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers and the second path is a path of the medium transported in contact with the main roller but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers.

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the first shaft of the sub-rollers is disposed so as to be shifted in the transport direction with respect to the rotating shaft of the main roller.

3. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment section is a pressing section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and that presses the medium from a sub-roller side and the pressing section is disposed at a position overlapping a portion between the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and presses the medium in the second path.

4. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment section is a suction section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and that suctions the medium from a main roller side and the suction section is disposed at a position overlapping with a portion between the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and sucks the medium in the second path.

5. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment section is a pressing section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and that presses the medium from the main roller side and the pressing section is disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and that presses the medium in the first path.

6. The medium transport device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment section is a suction section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and that sucks the medium from a sub-roller side and the suction section is disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and sucks the medium in the first path.

7. The medium transport device according to claim 1, further comprising: a feeding section that is disposed at a position upstream of the pair of transport rollers in the transport direction and that feeds the medium wound in a roll shape; a winding section that is disposed at a position downstream of the pair of transport rollers in the transport direction and that winds up the medium being transported; and a processing section that is disposed at a position between the feeding section and the winding section and that performs processing on the medium to be transported, wherein the adjustment section is disposed at a position between the feeding section and the processing section.

8. The medium transport device according to claim 3, further comprising: a support section that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section with the medium interposed therebetween and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the pressing section in the transport direction and that guides the transported medium, wherein in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, a pressing position where the pressing section presses the medium with respect to the support section is between a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a second position where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller.

9. The medium transport device according to claim 5, further comprising: a support section that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section with the medium interposed therebetween and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the pressing section in the transport direction and that guides the transported medium, wherein in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, a pressing position where the pressing section presses the medium with respect to the support section is on a straight line connecting a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a vertex position of the main roller, assuming that the intersecting direction is a height direction.

10. The medium transport device according to claim 4, further comprising: a support section that is disposed in a region facing the suction section and that supports the medium being transported; a plurality of openings provided at a position facing the second path of the support section; and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the suction section in the transport direction and that guides the transported medium, wherein the suction section sucks the medium in the second path through the openings and in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, the support position where the support section supports the medium is between a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a second position where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller.

11. The medium transport device according to claim 6, further comprising: a support section that is disposed in a region facing the suction section and that supports the medium being transported; a plurality of openings provided at a position facing the first path of the support section; and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the suction section in the transport direction and that guides the transported medium, wherein the suction section sucks the medium in the first path through the openings and in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, the support position where the support section supports the medium is on a straight line connecting a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a vertex position of the main roller, assuming that the intersecting direction is a height direction.

12. The medium transport device according to claim 3, wherein the pressing section is a plurality of driven rollers that are driven to rotate about a second shaft and that are disposed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the main roller, the adjustment section includes a pair of parallel link mechanisms in each of which a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, and a fourth arm are connected in a state of forming a parallelogram, the first arms are fixed to a frame, the first arms and the fourth arms are disposed in parallel, the second arms and the third arms are disposed in parallel, both ends of the first shaft are respectively supported at connection portions between the second arms and the fourth arms of the pair of parallel link mechanisms, both ends of the second shaft are respectively supported at connection portions between the third arms and fourth arms of the pair of parallel link mechanisms, and the second arms are provided with an elastic member that applies an elastic force in the direction that presses the sub-rollers against the main roller.

13. A recording device comprising: a recording section that records on the medium and a medium transport device that transports the medium toward the recording section, wherein the medium transport device includes a pair of transport rollers including a main roller configured to apply a feeding force in the transport direction to the medium and a plurality of sub-rollers that are disposed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the main roller and that are driven to rotate about a first shaft in a state where the medium is nipped between the sub-rollers and the main roller and an adjustment section configured to adjust a path difference between a first path and a second path, assuming that the first path is a path of the medium nipped and transported between the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers and the second path is a path of the medium transported in contact with the main roller but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording device according to a first embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the recording device of a first embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a main part of the medium transport device of a first embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of the medium transport device of a first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a main part of a medium transport device according to a third embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part of a medium transport device of a third embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a main part of the medium transport device of a second embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of a medium transport device of a second embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a main part of a medium transport device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a main part of a medium transport device of a fourth embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a main part of a medium transport device of a fifth embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a main part of a medium transport device according to a fifth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present disclosure will first be schematically described below.

[0023] A medium transport device according to a first aspect of the includes a pair of transport rollers including a main roller configured to apply a feeding force in the transport direction to the medium and a plurality of sub-rollers disposed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the main roller, and being driven to rotate about a first shaft in a state where the medium is nipped between the sub-rollers and the main roller, and an adjustment section configured to adjust a path difference between a first path and a second path, assuming that the first path is a path of the medium nipped and transported between the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers and the second path is a path of the medium transported in contact with the main roller but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers.

[0024] Here, adjusting a path difference in an adjustment section that adjusts a path difference between the first path and the second path means applying a force in a direction in which a portion of the medium positioned in the first path and a portion of the medium positioned in the second path relatively closer each other in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction.

[0025] According to this aspect, the device is provided with an adjustment section for adjusting a path difference between the first path, which is a path nipped between the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers and transported, and the second path, which is a path in contact with the main roller but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers and transported. By the adjustment section, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the medium which is likely to occur due to the presence of the first path and the second path.

[0026] A medium transport device according to a second aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the first aspect, the first shaft of the sub-rollers is disposed so as to be shifted in the transport direction with respect to the rotating shaft of the main roller. In the pair of transport rollers having a structure in which the first shaft of the sub-roller is disposed so as to be shifted in the transport direction with respect to the rotating shaft of the main roller, the path difference is likely to be large, and thus the wrinkle is likely to be generated.

[0027] However, according to this aspect, the occurrence of wrinkles in the medium based on the path difference can be suppressed by the adjustment section. In other words, when the pair of transport rollers has such a structure, the effect obtained is remarkable.

[0028] A medium transport device according to a third aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the first aspect, the adjustment section is a pressing section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and that presses the medium from a sub-roller side and the pressing section is disposed at a position overlapping a portion between the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and presses the medium in the second path.

[0029] According to this aspect, the pressing section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and presses the medium from the sub-roller side. Further, the pressing section that is disposed at a position overlapping with the portion between the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and presses the medium in the second path. With this configuration, by using the pressing section, it is possible to realize the adjustment section by simplifying the structure, thereby it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium.

[0030] A medium transport device according to a fourth aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the first aspect, the adjustment section is a suction section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and that suctions the medium from a main roller side and the suction section is disposed at a position overlapping with a portion between the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and sucks the medium in the second path.

[0031] According to this aspect, a suction section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and suctions the medium from the main roller side, Further, the suction section that is disposed at a position overlapping with the portion between the sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction, and sucks the medium in the second path. With this configuration, even by using the suction section instead of the pressing section, it is possible to realize the adjustment section by simplifying the structure, thereby it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium.

[0032] A medium transport device according to a fifth aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the first aspect, the adjustment section is a pressing section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and that presses the medium from the main roller side and the pressing section is disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and that presses the medium in the first path.

[0033] According to this aspect, a pressing section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and presses the medium from the main roller side, Further, the pressing section that is disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and presses the medium in the first path. With this configuration, even by using the pressing section that presses the medium from the main roller side, it is possible to realize the adjustment section by simplifying the structure, thereby it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium.

[0034] A medium transport device according to a sixth aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the first aspect, the adjustment section is a suction section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and sucks the medium from a sub-roller side, and the suction section that is disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction and sucks the medium in the first path.

[0035] According to this aspect, the suction section that is disposed at a position downstream of the sub-roller in the transport direction and sucks the medium from the sub-roller side. Further, the suction section that is disposed at a position overlapping with the plurality of sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction, and sucks the medium in the first path. With this configuration, even by using the suction section that performs suction from the sub-roller side instead of the pressing section, it is possible to realize the adjustment section by simplifying the structure, thereby it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium.

[0036] A medium transport device according to a seventh aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the first aspect, includes a feeding section that is disposed at a position upstream of the pair of transport rollers in the transport direction and that feeds the medium wound in a roll shape, a winding section that is disposed at a position downstream of the pair of transport rollers in the transport direction and that winds up the medium being transported; and a processing section that is disposed at a position between the feeding section and the winding section and that performs processing on the medium to be transported, wherein the adjustment section is disposed at a position between the feeding section and the processing section.

[0037] According to this aspect, the adjustment section that is disposed at a position between the feeding section and the processing section in the transport direction. With this configuration, it is possible to execute processing by the processing section on the medium in a state in which the generation of wrinkles is suppressed by the adjustment section, and it is possible to improve processing quality.

[0038] A medium transport device according to an eighth aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the third aspect, includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section with the medium interposed therebetween and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the pressing section in the transport direction and guides the medium to be transported, in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, a pressing position where the pressing section presses the medium with respect to the support section is between a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a second position where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller.

[0039] Here, between in between a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a second position at where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller is used in this specification to include a pressing position where the medium is pressed, being positioned on a straight line connecting the first position and the second position, in a case where the first position and the second position are the same position in the intersecting direction.

[0040] According to this aspect, the medium transport device includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section and indirectly contactable with the pressing section with the medium: interposed therebetween. With this configuration, the portion of the medium positioned in the first path and the portion of the medium positioned in the second path can be positioned at the same position in a state sandwiched from both the front surface and the back surface by the pressing section and the support section, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0041] Further, according to this aspect, in the cross direction, the pressing position where the pressing section presses the medium against the support section is between the first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and the second position where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a displacement amount of a portion of the medium which is pressed by the pressing section and is displaced in the pressing direction to be small.

[0042] A medium transport device according to a ninth aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the fifth aspect, includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section with the medium interposed therebetween and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the pressing section in the transport direction and guides the medium to be transported, in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, a pressing position where the pressing section presses the medium with respect to the support section is on a straight line connecting a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a vertex position of the main roller, assuming that the intersecting direction is a height direction.

[0043] According to this aspect, the medium transport device includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section and indirectly contactable with the pressing section with the medium interposed therebetween With this configuration, the portion of the medium positioned in the first path and the portion of the medium positioned in the second path can be positioned at the same position in a state sandwiched from both the front surface and the back surface by the pressing section and the support section, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0044] Further, according to this aspect, a pressing position at where the pressing section presses the medium against the support section is on a straight line connecting a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a vertex position of the main roller, assuming that the intersecting direction is a height direction. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a displacement amount of a portion of the medium which is pressed by the pressing section and is displaced in the pressing direction to be small.

[0045] A medium transport device according to a tenth aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the fourth aspect, includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the suction section and that supports the medium being transported, a plurality of openings provided at a position facing the second path of the support section, and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the suction section in the transport direction and guides the medium to be transported, the suction section sucks the medium in the second path through the openings and in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, the support position where the support section supports the medium is between a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a second position where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller.

[0046] Here, between in between a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a second position at where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller is used in this specification to include a pressing position where the medium is pressed, being positioned on a straight line connecting the first position and the second position, in a case where the first position and the second position are the same position in the intersecting direction.

[0047] According to this aspect, the medium transport device includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the suction section and supports the medium to be transported. Further, the suction section sucks the medium in the second path through the opening provided in the support section. With this configuration, the portion of the medium positioned in the first path and the portion of the medium positioned in the second path can be positioned at the same position in a state of being sucked by the suction section and sandwiched from both the front surface and the back surface by the support section, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0048] According to this aspect, in the intersecting direction, the support position where the support section supports the medium is between the first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and the second position where the medium is nipped by the main roller and the sub-roller. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a displacement amount of a portion of the medium which is sucked by the suction section and is displaced in the sanction direction to be small.

[0049] A medium transport device according to an eleventh aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the sixes aspect, includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the suction section and that supports the medium being transported, a plurality of openings provided at a position facing the first path of the support section, and a guide section that is disposed at a position downstream of the suction section in the transport direction and guides the medium to be transported, the suction section sucks the medium in the first path through the openings and in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction and the longitudinal direction, the support position where the support section supports the medium is on a straight line connecting a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a vertex position of the main roller, assuming that the intersecting direction is a height direction.

[0050] According to this aspect, the medium transport device includes a support section that is disposed in a region facing the suction section and supports the medium to be transported. Further, the suction section sucks the medium in the first path through the opening provided in the support section. With this configuration, the portion of the medium positioned in the first path and the portion of the medium positioned in the second path can be positioned at the same position in a state of being sucked by the suction section and sandwiched from both the front surface and the back surface by the support section, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0051] In addition, according to the aspect, in the intersecting direction, the support position where the support section supports the medium is on the straight line connecting a first position where the guide section comes into contact with the medium and a vertex position of the main roller, assuming the intersecting direction is a height direction. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a displacement amount of a portion of the medium which is sucked by the suction section and is displaced in the sanction direction to be small.

[0052] A medium transport device according to a twelfth aspect of the disclosure is an aspect according to the third aspect, includes the pressing section is a plurality of driven rollers that are driven to rotate about a second shaft and that are disposed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the main roller, the adjustment section includes a pair of parallel link mechanisms in which the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are connected in a state of forming a parallelogram, and wherein the first arms are fixed to a frame, the first arms and the fourth arms are disposed in parallel, the second arms and the third arms are disposed in parallel, both ends of the first shaft are respectively supported at the connection portion between the second arms and the fourth arms of the pair of parallel link mechanisms, both ends of the second shaft are respectively supported at the connection portion between the third arms and fourth arms of the pair of parallel link mechanisms, the second arm is provided with an elastic member that applies an elastic force in a direction that presses the sub-roller against the main roller.

[0053] According to this aspect, the adjustment section includes a pair of parallel link mechanisms in which the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm are connected in a state of forming a parallelogram. The first arm of the parallel link mechanism is fixed to the frame.

[0054] Further, both ends of the first shaft are respectively supported at the connection portion between the second arms and the fourth arms of the pair of parallel link mechanisms, both ends of the second shaft are respectively supported at the connection portion between the third arms and fourth arms of the pair of parallel link mechanisms. Furthermore, the second arm is provided with an elastic member that applies an elastic force in the direction that presses the sub-roller against the main roller. When the thickness of the medium transported by the pair of transport rollers changes to a different one, the sub-roller is displaced by the amount corresponding to change in the thickness of the medium based on the elastic force of the elastic member. The first shaft is also displaced by this displacement. That is, the first shaft supported by the connection portion between the second arm and the fourth arm is displaced. When the first shaft is displaced, the second arm supporting the first shaft pivots around a connection portion with the first arm fixed to the frame as a pivot fulcrum. With this pivoting, the third arm constituting the parallel link mechanism, also pivots around the connection portion with the first arm as a pivot fulcrum, similar to the second arm. When the third arm pivots, the second shaft is also displaced. That is, the second shaft supported by the connection portion between the third arm and the fourth arm is displaced. When the second shaft is displaced, the driven roller supported by the second shaft is also displaced.

[0055] According to this aspect, in each of the displacements in the parallel link mechanism, since the fourth arm is maintained in a parallel state with the first arm fixed to the frame, the first shaft and the second shaft are equally displaced with respect to a change in the thickness of the medium. Thus, even if the thickness of the medium is changed, the state in which the driven roller forming the pressing section presses the medium in the second path can be maintained.

[0056] A recording device according to a thirteenth aspect of the disclosure, includes a recording section that records on the medium and a medium transport device that transports the medium toward the recording section, and wherein the medium transport device includes a main roller configured to apply a feeding force to the medium in the transport direction, the pair of transport rollers includes a plurality of sub-rollers disposed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the main roller, and being driven to rotate about a first shaft in a state where the medium is nipped between the sub-rollers and the main roller, and an adjustment section configured to adjust a path difference between a first path and a second path, assuming that the first path is a path of the medium nipped and transported between the main roller and the plurality of sub-rollers and the second path is a path of the medium transported in contact with the main roller but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers.

[0057] According to this aspect, the recording device can achieve the same effect as in the first aspect.

EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of a medium transport device and a recording device including the medium transport device according to the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0059] In the following description, three axes orthogonal to each other are referred to as an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, respectively, as shown in each drawing. The direction indicated by the arrows of the three axes (X, Y, and Z) is the +direction of each direction, and the opposite direction is the direction. The Z-axis direction corresponds to a vertical direction, that is, a direction in which gravity acts, a +Z direction indicates a vertically upward direction, and a Z direction indicates a vertically downward direction. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction correspond to horizontal directions. The +Y direction indicates the front direction of the recording device, and the Y direction indicates the rear direction of the device. The +X direction indicates a right direction of the device, and a X direction indicates a left direction of the device.

General Overview of the Recording Device

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a recording device 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called digital textile printing machine in which a medium 2 to be recorded is a fabric. The medium 2 is transported along a transport path 4 in a transport direction F by a medium transport device 3.

[0061] The recording device 1 applies an appropriate tension to the medium 2 by a transport method called Roll to Reel transport method so that the recording execution region of the recording section 51, which is part of the processing section 5 arranged in the transport path 4, is lifted up.

[0062] After the recording process by the recording section 51, the medium 2 is heated and dried by a heating section 6 disposed along the transport path 4, and is wound up by a winding section 7.

[0063] Here, the recording section 51 is of a serial type which is mounted on a carriage (not shown) and reciprocates in a width direction (X-axis direction) crossing the transport direction F.

[0064] The recording section 51 is not limited to a serial type, and may be a line head.

[0065] In this specification, the term fabric is used to mean not only a woven fabric made by crossing warps and wefts but also a knitted fabric made by forming a loop with one yarn and entangling the loop with an adjacent loop, a nonwoven fabric made by entangling or bonding fibers, and the like.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the roll body R1 of medium 2 is rotatably supported on the feeding shaft 9 of the feeding section 8.

[0067] The medium 2 fed out from the roll body R1 by the medium transport device 3 is transported by the pair of transport rollers 10 and the intermediate roller 11 constituting the transport path 4 so as to pass through the recording execution region of the recording section 51.

[0068] The medium 2 on which the recording process is executed by the recording section 51 is further transported to the heating region by the heating section 6 via the intermediate roller 11 and the guide bar 12.

[0069] The medium 2 that has passed through the guide bar 12 is wound onto a roll body R2 that is pivotally supported by the winding shaft 13 of the winding section 7.

[0070] The winding shaft 13 is driven to rotate by rotational force transmitted from a driving source (not shown), and rotates the roll body R2 in the winding direction.

First Embodiment

Medium Transport Device

[0071] The medium transport device 3 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0072] The medium transport device 3 of the present embodiment includes a pair of transport rollers 10 that is positioned in the transport path 4 and that applies a feeding force in the transport direction F to the medium 2, and an intermediate roller 11 that is positioned downstream of the pair of transport rollers 10 in the transport direction F in the transport path 4.

[0073] The pair of transport rollers 10 includes a main roller 14 that is a driving roller that applies the feeding force to medium 2, and a plurality of sub-rollers 16 that are driven to rotate about a first shaft 15 in a state where medium 2 is nipped between the main roller 14 and the sub-rollers 16.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of sub-rollers 16 are rotatably supported by the first shaft 15 at intervals along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the main roller 14.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the medium transport device 3 includes an adjustment section 19 that adjusts the path difference between a first path 17 and a second path 18, assuming that the path where the medium 2 is nipped and transported between the main roller 14 and the plurality of sub-rollers 16 is defined as the first path 17, and the path where the medium 2 is transported in contact with the main roller 14, but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers 16, is defined as the second path 18.

[0076] Here, adjusting the path difference in the adjustment section 19 that adjusts the path difference between the first path 17 and the second path 18 means applying a force in a direction that operates to move a portion 20 (FIG. 3) of the medium 2 positioned in the first path 17 and a portion 21 (FIG. 3) positioned in the second path 18 of the medium 2 relatively closer to each other in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), which intersects the transport direction F and the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the first shaft 15 of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 is disposed shifted in the transport direction F from a rotating shaft 22 of the main roller 14.

[0078] That is, the position of the first shaft 15 of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F is disposed at a position different from the position of the rotating shaft 22 of the main roller 14.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the first shaft 15 of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 is disposed at a downstream position in the transport direction F with respect to the rotating shaft 22 of the main roller 14.

[0080] Thus, the area where medium 2 contacts the main roller 14 is increased, making it possible to effectively apply a feeding force to the medium 2.

[0081] It goes without saying that the first shaft 15 of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 may be positioned vertically above the rotating shaft 22 of the main roller 14, and may not be arranged shifted in the transport direction F as described above.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the adjustment section 19 includes a plurality of pressing sections 23 for pressing the medium 2 from the side of the plurality of sub-rollers 16.

[0083] The plurality of pressing sections 23 are disposed at a position downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F.

[0084] Further, the pressing section 23 is disposed at a position overlapping with a portion 24 between sub-rollers 16 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0085] The pressing sections 23 are configured to press the medium 2 of the second path 18 by their arrangement.

[0086] In this embodiment, the pressing sections 23 are configured to individually apply a pressing force P by an individual pressing source (not shown).

[0087] The magnitude of the pressing force P can be adjusted by changing it according to the type and thickness of medium 2.

[0088] Note that the pressing sections 23 are rotatably attached to a common shaft, and the common shaft may be a structure to be pressed by a pressing source (not shown).

[0089] In this case, the plurality of pressing sections 23 preferably have the structure of a driven roller.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the recording section 51 as the processing section 5 that processes the transported medium 2 is disposed at a position between the feeding section 8 and the winding section 7.

[0091] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressing section 23, which is the adjustment section 19, is disposed at a position between the feeding section 8, which is positioned on the upstream side in the transport direction F, and the recording section 51, which is the processing section 5.

[0092] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 includes a support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section 23 and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section 23 with the medium 2 interposed therebetween, and a guide section 26 that is disposed at a position downstream of the pressing section 23 in the transport direction F and that guides the medium 2 to be transported.

[0093] The pressing section 23 is disposed so as to come into contact with the front surface Mf of the medium 2, and the support section 25 is disposed so as to come into contact with the back surface Mb of the medium 2.

[0094] Then, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), which intersects the transport direction F and the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the pressing position 27 where the pressing section 23 presses the medium 2 with respect to the support section 25 is configured to be between first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2, and second position 29 where the medium 2 is nipped by the main roller 14 and the sub-roller 16.

Description of Effects of First Embodiment

[0095] (1) In the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 includes an adjustment section 19 that adjusts the path difference between the first path 17 and the second path 18 when the path where the medium 2 is nipped and transported between the main roller 14 and the plurality of sub-rollers 16 is defined as the first path 17, and the path where the medium 2 is transported in contact with the main roller 14, but not in contact with the plurality of sub-rollers 16, is defined as the second path 18.

[0096] The adjustment section 19 can suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium 2, which are likely to occur due to the existence of the first path 17 and the second path 18. [0097] (2) In a case where the pair of transport rollers 10 has a structure in which the first shaft 15 of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 is arranged so as to be shifted in the transport direction F with respect to the rotating shaft 22 of the main roller 14, the path difference is likely to be large, and thus wrinkles are also likely to be generated.

[0098] However, according to the present embodiment, the generation of wrinkles in the medium 2 based on the path difference can be suppressed by the adjustment section 19. In other words, when the pair of transport rollers 10 has such a structure, the effect obtained is remarkable. [0099] (3) In this embodiment, the pressing section 23, which constitutes the adjustment section 19, is disposed downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F and presses the medium 2 from the side of the plurality of sub-rollers 16.

[0100] Further, the pressing section 23 is disposed at a position overlapping with the portion 24 between the sub-rollers in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and presses the medium 2 in the second path 18.

[0101] With this configuration, by using the pressing section 23, it is possible to realize the adjustment section 19 by simplifying the structure, and so it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium 2. [0102] (4) In the present embodiment, the adjustment section 19 is disposed at a position between the feeding section 8 and the processing section 5 in the transport direction F.

[0103] As a result, it is possible to execute the process by the processing section 5 on the medium 2 in a state in which the generation of wrinkles is suppressed by the adjustment section 19, and thus it is possible to improve the processing quality. [0104] (5) In the present embodiment, the medium transport device includes the support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section 23 and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section 23 with the medium 2 interposed therebetween.

[0105] With this configuration, the portion of medium 2 positioned in the first path 17 and the portion of the medium positioned in second path 18 can be positioned at the same position in a state of being sandwiched from both the front surface Mf and the back surface Mb by the pressing section 23 and the support section 25, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0106] In the present embodiment, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), the pressing position 27 where the pressing section 23 presses the medium 2 with respect to the support section 25 is between the first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2 and the second position 29 where the medium 2 is nipped by the main roller 14 and the plurality of sub-rollers 16.

[0107] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress, to a small amount, displacement of the portion of the medium 2 that is pressed by pressing section 23 and that is displaced in the pressing direction.

Second Embodiment

[0108] Next, the medium transport device 3 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0109] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configuration and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the medium transport device 3 of the present embodiment, the adjustment section 19 is a pressing section 23 that is disposed at a position downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F and that presses the medium 2 from the side of the main roller 14 in the opposite manner to the first embodiment compared to the first embodiment.

[0111] The pressing sections 23 are disposed at positions overlapping the sub-rollers 16 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Unlike the first embodiment, the pressing sections 23 are configured to press the medium 2 with the pressing force P in the first path 17 due to the above-described arrangement.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 includes a support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section 23 and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section 23 with the medium 2 interposed therebetween.

[0113] Further, the medium transport device 3 includes a guide section 26 that is disposed at a position downstream of the pressing section 23 in the transport direction F and guides the medium 2 to be transported.

[0114] The pressing section 23 is disposed so as to come into contact with the back surface Mb of medium 2, and the support section 25 is disposed so as to come into contact with the front surface Mf of medium 2. That is, it is the opposite of the first embodiment.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), which intersects the transport direction F and the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the pressing position 27 where the pressing section 23 presses the medium 2 with respect to the support section 25 is located on a straight line 31 that connects the first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2 and a vertex position 30 of the main roller 14, assuming that the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction) is the height direction.

Description of Effects of Second Embodiment

[0116] (1) In the present embodiment, the pressing section 23 is disposed at a position downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F and so as to press the medium 2 from the main roller 14 side.

[0117] Further, the pressing section 23 is disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and presses the medium 2 in the first path 17.

[0118] With this configuration, even by using the pressing section 23 that presses the medium 2 from the main roller 14 side, it is possible to realize the adjustment section 19 by simplifying the structure, so it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium 2. [0119] (2) In the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 includes a support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the pressing section 23 and that is indirectly contactable with the pressing section 23 with medium 2 interposed therebetween.

[0120] With this configuration, the portion of medium 2 positioned in the first path 17 and the portion of the medium positioned in second path 18 can be positioned at the same position in a state of being sandwiched from both the front surface Mf and the back surface Mb by the pressing section 23 and the support section 25, and thus it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0121] In the present embodiment, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), the pressing position 27 where the pressing section 23 presses the medium 2 with respect to the support section 25 is located on the straight line 31 connecting the first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2 and the vertex position 30 of the main roller 14, assuming that the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction) is the height direction.

[0122] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress, to a small amount, displacement of the portion of the medium 2 that is pressed by pressing section 23 and that is displaced in the pressing direction.

Third Embodiment

[0123] Next, the medium transport device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0124] The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configuration and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 5, in the medium transport device 3 of the present embodiment, the adjustment section 19 is a suction section 32 that is disposed at a position downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F and that sucks the medium 2 from the main roller 14 side.

[0126] The suction section 32 is disposed at a position overlapping with the portion 24 between the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0127] The suction section 32 is configured to suck the medium 2 of the second path 18 with a suction force A in the same arrangement as in the first embodiment.

[0128] The magnitude of suction force A can be adjusted by changing it according to the type and thickness of medium 2.

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 is provided with a support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the suction section 32 and that supports the medium 2 being transported.

[0130] The support section 25 is provided with a plurality of openings at positions facing the second path 18.

[0131] Further, the medium transport device 3 includes the guide section 26 that is disposed at a position downstream of the suction section 32 in the transport direction F and that guides the medium 2 to be transported.

[0132] The suction section 32 is configured to suck the medium 2 of the second path 18 through a plurality of openings 33.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 5, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), which intersects with the transport direction F and the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the support position 34 where the support section 25 supports the medium 2 based on the suction force A of the suction section 32 is configured to be between the first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2 and the second position 29 where the medium 2 is nipped by the main roller 14 and the plurality of sub-rollers 16.

Description of Effects of Third Embodiment

[0134] (1) In the present embodiment, the suction section 32 is disposed at a position downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F and sucks the medium 2 from the main roller 14 side.

[0135] Further, the suction section 32 is disposed at a position overlapping with the portion 24 between sub-rollers 16 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and sucks the medium 2 in the second path 18.

[0136] With this configuration, even by using the suction section 32 instead of the pressing section 23, it is possible to realize the adjustment section 19 by simplifying the structure, so it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in the medium 2. [0137] (2) In the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 includes the support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the suction section 32 and that supports the medium 2 being transported.

[0138] Furthermore, the suction section 32 sucks the medium 2 in the second path 18 through the plurality of openings 33 provided in the support section 25.

[0139] With this configuration, the portion of the medium 2 positioned in the first path 17 and the portion of the medium 2 positioned in the second path 18 can be positioned at the same position in a state of being sandwiched from both the front surface Mf and the back surface Mb by suction of the suction section 32 and the support section 25, so it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0140] In the present embodiment, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), the support position 34 where the support section 25 supports the medium 2 is between the first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2 and the second position 29 at which the medium 2 is nipped by the main roller 14 and the plurality of sub-rollers 16.

[0141] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress, to a small amount, displacement of the portion of the medium 2 that is being sucked by the suction section 32 and that is displaced in the suction direction.

Fourth Embodiment

[0142] Next, the medium transport device 3 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0143] The same parts as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configuration and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 9, in the medium transport device 3 of the present embodiment, the adjustment section 19 is a suction section 32 that is disposed at a position downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F and that sucks the medium 2 from the side of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the opposite manner to the third embodiment.

[0145] The suction section 32 is disposed at a position overlapping the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0146] The suction section 32 is configured to suck the medium 2 of the first path 17 with the suction force A in the same arrangement as in the second embodiment.

[0147] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 is provided with a support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the suction section 32 and that supports the medium 2 being transported.

[0148] The support section 25 is provided with a plurality of openings 33 at positions facing the first path 17.

[0149] Further, the medium transport device 3 includes the guide section 26 that is disposed at a position downstream of the suction section 32 in the transport direction F and that guides the medium 2 to be transported.

[0150] The suction section 32 is configured to suck the medium 2 of the first path 17 through the plurality of openings 33.

[0151] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction) intersecting the transport direction F and the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the support position 34 where the support section 25 supports the medium 2 based on the suction force A of the suction section 32 is on the straight line 31 connecting the first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2 and the vertex position 30 of the main roller 14, assuming that the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction) is the height direction.

Description of Effects of Fourth Embodiment

[0152] (1) In the present embodiment, the suction section 32 is disposed at a position downstream of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the transport direction F and sucks the medium 2 from the plurality of sub-rollers 16 side.

[0153] Further, the suction section 32 is disposed at a position overlapping with the plurality of sub-rollers 16 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and sucks the medium 2 in the first path 17.

[0154] With this configuration, even by using the suction section 32 that performs suction from the sub-roller 16 side instead of the pressing section 23, it is possible to realize the adjustment section 19 by simplifying the structure, so it is possible to suppress the generation of wrinkles in medium 2. [0155] (2) In the present embodiment, the medium transport device 3 includes the support section 25 that is disposed in a region facing the suction section 32 and that supports the medium 2 being transported.

[0156] Furthermore, the suction section 32 sucks the medium 2 of the first path 17 through the plurality of openings 33 provided in the support section 25.

[0157] With this configuration, the portion of the medium 2 positioned in the first path 17 and the portion of the medium 2 positioned in the second path 18 can be positioned at the same position in a state of being sandwiched from both the front surface Mf and the back surface Mb by suction of the suction section 32 and the support section 25, so it is possible to effectively suppress the generation of wrinkles.

[0158] In the present embodiment, in the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction), the support position 34 where the support section 25 supports the medium 2 is on the straight line 31 connecting the first position 28 where the guide section 26 comes into contact with the medium 2 and the vertex position 30 of the main roller 14, assuming that the intersecting direction (Z-axis direction) is the height direction.

[0159] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress, to a small amount, displacement of the portion of the medium 2 that is being sucked by the suction section 32 and that is displaced in the suction direction.

Fifth Embodiment

[0160] Next, the medium transport device 3 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0161] The same parts as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configuration and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0162] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the medium transport device 3 of the present embodiment, the pressing section 23 comprises a plurality of driven rollers that rotate around the second shaft 37 and that are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the main roller 14.

[0163] A plurality of driven rollers 38 are disposed at pressing positions where the medium 2 in the second path 18.

[0164] The adjustment section 19 includes a pair of parallel link mechanisms 40 in which a first arm 41, a second arm 42, a third arm 43, and a fourth arm 44 are connected in a state of forming a parallelogram.

[0165] Each first arm 41 of the pair of parallel link mechanisms 40 is fixed to a frame 45, which is a structural member of the medium transport device 3. The first arm 41 and the fourth arm 44 are disposed in parallel, and the second arm 42 and the third arm 43 are disposed in parallel.

[0166] Both ends 151 and 152 of the first shaft 15 are respectively supported at a connection portion 46 where the fourth arm 44 connects with the respective second arm 42 of the pair of parallel link mechanisms 40.

[0167] Both ends 371 and 372 of the second shaft 37 are respectively supported at a connection portion 47 where the third arm 43 connects to the respective fourth arm 44 of the pair of parallel link mechanisms 40.

[0168] Further, the second arm 42 is provided with an elastic member 48 (FIG. 12) such as a coil spring that applies an elastic force in a direction in which the plurality of sub-rollers 16 are pressed against the main roller 14.

[0169] In FIG. 11, numerals 61 and 62 denote reinforcing members, which reinforce the frame 45 to which the first arm 41 is fixed.

[0170] That is, in the present embodiment, the adjustment section 19 includes a pair of parallel link mechanisms 40 in which the four arms 41, 42, 43, and 44 are connected in a state of forming a parallelogram.

[0171] The first arm 41 of the parallel link mechanism 40 is fixed to the frame 45.

[0172] Furthermore, both ends 151 of the first shaft 15 are respectively supported at the connection portion 46 between the fourth arm 44 and the respectively second arm 42 of the parallel link mechanism 40, and both ends 371 and 372 of the second shaft 37 are respectively supported at the connection portion 47 between the fourth arm 44 and the respective third arm 43 of the parallel link mechanism 40.

[0173] Further, the second arm 42 is provided with an elastic member 48 that applies an elastic force in a direction in which the plurality of sub-rollers 16 are pressed against the main roller 14.

Description of Effects of Fifth Embodiment

[0174] When the thickness of the medium 2 transported by the pair of transport rollers 10 changes to a different one, the plurality of sub-rollers 16 are displaced by an amount corresponding to the change in the thickness of the medium 2 based on the elastic force of the elastic member 48.

[0175] Due to this displacement, the first shaft 15 is also displaced.

[0176] That is, the first shaft 15 supported by the connection portion 46 between the second arm 42 and the fourth arm 44 is displaced.

[0177] When the first shaft 15 is displaced, the second arm 42 supporting the first shaft 15 pivots around the connection portion with the first arm 41, which is fixed to the frame 45, as a pivot fulcrum 49.

[0178] With this pivoting, the third arm 43 constituting the parallel link mechanism 40 also pivots around the connection portion with the first arm 41 as the pivot fulcrum 50, similarly to the second arm 42.

[0179] When the third arm 43 pivots, the second shaft 37 is also displaced.

[0180] That is, the second shaft 37 supported by the connection portion 47 between the third arm 43 and the fourth arm 44 is displaced.

[0181] When the second shaft 37 is displaced, the plurality of driven rollers 38 supported on the second shaft 37 are also displaced.

[0182] According to the present embodiment, in each of the displacements in the parallel link mechanism 40, since the fourth arm 44 is maintained in a parallel state with the first arm 41 fixed to the frame 45, the first shaft 15 and the second shaft 37 are equally displaced with respect to the change in the thickness of the medium 2.

[0183] By this, it is possible to maintain a state in which the plurality of driven rollers 38 forming the pressing section 19 press the medium 2 in the second path 18.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0184] The recording device 1 and the medium transport device 3 according to present disclosure basically have the configurations of the respective embodiments described above, but it is of course possible to change or omit a partial configuration within a scope not departing from the gist of the disclosure of the present application.

[0185] In the first to fourth embodiments, the structure in which the medium transport device 3 includes the support section 25 has been described, but the support section 25 may not be provided.

[0186] In addition, in a case where the first shaft 15 of the plurality of sub-rollers 16 are positioned vertically above the rotating shaft 22 of the main roller 14 and are not disposed to be shifted in the transport direction F, the guide section 26 may not be provided.

[0187] Furthermore, in each embodiment, while medium 2 has been described as a fabric, it may alternatively be a sheet of plain paper or similar material instead of a fabric.