Recording system, processing device

Abstract

A recording system, a processing device. If the curl of paper is considered to be constant, the maximum number of sheets to be processed in a medium processing device is determined uniformly. In actual curl, the number of sheets that can be processed is unnecessarily inhibited, and on the contrary, if the actual curl is large, paper jam can occur. The recording system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording unit that records a medium; a loading unit that loads a medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit; a processing unit that processes a stack of media loaded in the loading unit; and a control unit that controls the feeding of media into the loading unit, determines the maximum number of sheets of media loaded in the loading unit based on information related to the swelling of media on which recording has been performed by the recording unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with priority date of September 26, 2019, application date of September 24, 2020, application number 202011015376.1, entitled "Recording System, Processing Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a recording system comprising: a recording unit for recording a medium; a loading unit for loading the medium after it has been recorded by the recording unit; and a processing unit for processing a stack of media loaded in the loading unit.

[0003] In addition, the present invention relates to a processing apparatus comprising: a loading unit for loading a medium after it has been recorded by a recording unit for recording a medium; and a processing unit for processing a stack of media loaded in the loading unit. Background Technology

[0004] Among media processing devices that perform prescribed processing on media, there are media processing devices that perform binding and punching processing on multiple sheets of media overlapping in a loading section, or media processing devices that perform intermediate binding processing and then fold the media at the binding position to form a booklet, wherein the intermediate binding processing is performed at the center in the width direction of the multiple sheets of media overlapping in the loading section. Furthermore, such media processing devices can be configured as independent units installed outside the recording device and forming a system as a whole, or they can be integrated into a housing together with the recording section for recording media and forming a system, among other methods.

[0005] As an example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet processing apparatus in which an image forming apparatus, which is an example of a recording device, is provided next to a medium processing apparatus. This sheet processing apparatus includes: a stacking section for assembling transported sheets in a substantially vertical state; a first binding processing section disposed within the stacking section for intermediate binding at a binding position in the middle of the sheet stack in the sheet transport direction using metal pins; a second binding processing section for intermediate binding at the binding position in the middle of the sheet stack in the transport direction without using metal pins; and a folding processing section for intermediate folding of the sheet stack.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-023085 Summary of the Invention

[0007] When recording is performed by spraying liquid onto the medium, the medium swells and curls up by absorbing the liquid. Therefore, if the maximum number of sheets of medium in the loading section of the medium processing device is uniformly determined as a constant degree of curling, the number of sheets of medium that can be processed will be unnecessarily suppressed if the actual curling is less than originally intended. Conversely, if the actual curling is greater than originally intended, paper jams may occur inside the device.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the recording system of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a recording unit for recording a medium; a loading unit for loading the medium recorded by the recording unit; and a processing unit for processing a stack of media loaded in the loading unit, wherein a control unit for controlling the feeding of media into the loading unit determines the maximum number of sheets of media loaded in the loading unit based on information related to the swelling of the medium recorded by the recording unit. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of the recording system.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a side view of the middle binding and folding mechanism.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the movement of the medium in the intermediate binding and folding mechanism.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the movement of the medium in the intermediate binding and folding mechanism.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the decision-making process for intermediate binding.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the process of determining the maximum number of sheets in the stack.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for determining the unevenness of ink ejection from paper.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the area in the paper that passes between the binding equipment and the stacking section.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0018] 1…Recording system; 2…Recording unit; 3…Intermediate unit; 5…First unit; 6…Second unit; 10…Printer section; 11…Scanner section; 12…Media storage box; 13…Post-recording discharge tray; 14…Box storage section; 18…Environmental information acquisition section; 19…Operation section; 20…Linear head; 21…Feed path; 22…First discharge path; 23…Second discharge path; 24…Tilting path; 25…Control section; 30…Receiving path; 31…First turning path; 32…Second turning path; 33…Merging path; 35…Branching section; 36…Merging section; 40…First tray; 40a…Base section; 40b…Extension section; 41…Receiving section; 42…End binding section; 43…First conveying path; 44…Second conveying path; 45…Third conveying path; 46…Punching processing section; 47…Overlapping processing section; 48…Processing tray; 49…Upper tray ; 50…Drying section; 51…Heating roller pair; 52…Circular conveyor path; 59…Fourth conveyor path; 60…Fifth conveyor path; 61…First discharge section; 62…Second discharge section; 63…Third discharge section; 64…Overlapping path; 65…Second tray; 66…Limiting section; 67…Guiding section; 68…Conveyor roller pair; 69…Conveyor path; 70…Intermediate binding and folding mechanism; 70a…Processing section; 71…Stacking section; 72…Packaging section Binding mechanism; 72a…binding section; 73…folding roller pair; 74…blade; 75…transfer roller pair; 76…alignment section; 77…abutment section; 78…entry path; 79…hole section; 81…paddle blade; 82…rotating shaft; 85…support surface; 86…opposite surface; P…medium; M…medium stack; C…central section; D1…first branch section; D2…second branch section; D3…third branch section; G1…first confluence section; G2…second confluence section. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will now be briefly described.

[0020] The recording system involved in the first method is characterized by comprising: a recording unit for recording media; a loading unit for loading the media recorded by the recording unit; and a processing unit for processing the stack of media loaded in the loading unit. A control unit for controlling the feeding of media into the loading unit determines the maximum number of sheets of media loaded in the loading unit based on information related to the swelling of the media recorded by the recording unit.

[0021] According to this method, since the control unit that controls the feeding of the medium into the loading unit determines the maximum number of sheets of medium loaded into the loading unit based on information related to the swelling of the medium recorded by the recording unit, the maximum number of sheets can be optimized in each process based on information related to the actual swelling of the medium. Therefore, it is possible to suppress situations where the maximum number of sheets is unsuitable for the actual swelling of the medium, resulting in unnecessary suppression of the maximum number of sheets or media jamming in the loading unit.

[0022] The second method is characterized in that, based on the first method, the information related to the swelling includes information about the direction of the paper grain when the medium is paper, and the control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the direction of the paper grain.

[0023] When the medium is paper, the tendency of curling caused by swelling changes depending on the paper grain direction. However, according to this method, the information related to the swelling includes information about the paper grain direction when the medium is paper. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the paper grain direction, thus enabling good optimization of the maximum number of sheets for each process.

[0024] It should be noted that paper grain refers to the direction of fiber flow along the long or short side of the paper, depending on the conditions of the paper manufacturing process. Paper has the property of being difficult to bend in the direction orthogonal to the paper grain, but easy to bend in the direction parallel to the paper grain.

[0025] The third approach is characterized in that, based on the first or second approach, the information related to the swelling includes information about the thickness of the medium, and the control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the thickness.

[0026] The tendency of the medium to curl due to swelling varies depending on the thickness of the medium, but according to this method, the information related to the swelling includes information about the thickness of the medium. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the thickness, thus enabling good optimization of the maximum number of sheets for each process.

[0027] The fourth method is characterized in that, based on any of the first to third methods, the recording unit records by spraying liquid onto the medium, and the information related to the swelling includes information about the amount of liquid sprayed onto the medium, and the control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the amount of liquid.

[0028] The tendency of the medium to curl due to swelling varies depending on the amount of liquid ejected into the medium. However, according to this method, the information related to the swelling includes information about the amount of liquid ejected into the medium. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the amount of liquid, thus enabling good optimization of the maximum number of sheets per process.

[0029] The fifth method is characterized in that, based on any of the first to fourth methods, when the number of sheets of the stack of media being processed in the processing unit, as specified by the user, exceeds the maximum number of sheets determined based on information related to the swelling, the control unit issues a warning to the user and performs the specified processing based on the user's instruction to the warning.

[0030] When the number of sheets of media being processed in the processing unit, as specified by the user, exceeds the maximum number determined based on information related to the swelling, processing is suspended in case of potential adverse events, which may reduce user convenience.

[0031] According to this method, when the number of sheets of media stacked and processed in the processing unit, as specified by the user, exceeds the maximum number of sheets determined based on information related to the swelling, the control unit issues a warning to the user and performs the specified processing based on the user's instruction to the warning, thereby improving usability.

[0032] The sixth method is characterized in that, based on the fifth method, the specified processing according to the user's instruction includes: a first processing, which directly processes while maintaining the number of sheets in the stack of media processed in the processing unit and the recording quality in the recording unit as specified by the user; and a second processing, which processes while maintaining the number of sheets in the stack of media processed in the processing unit as specified by the user, and changes at least one of the recording quality in the recording unit and the transport conditions of the media from the recording unit to the loading unit so that the number of sheets in the stack of media processed in the processing unit becomes less than or equal to the maximum number of sheets.

[0033] According to this method, by selecting the first process, the user can identify the possibility of blocking while performing the originally planned processing. Furthermore, by selecting the second process, the user can maintain the originally planned number of sheets processed and suppress blocking, and then perform processing in the processing unit.

[0034] The seventh method is characterized in that, based on any of the first to sixth methods, the processing unit comprises, at a position opposite to the loading unit: a binding device, a binding medium; and a folding device, which folds the medium based on the binding position of the binding device.

[0035] According to this method, the processing unit is provided with: a binding device and a binding medium at a position opposite to the loading unit; and a folding device for folding the medium based on the binding position of the binding device. In the above configuration, the effects of any of the first to fifth methods can be obtained.

[0036] The eighth method is characterized in that, based on any of the first to third methods, the recording unit records by spraying liquid onto the medium, and the processing unit, positioned opposite the loading unit, includes: a binding device, a binding medium; and a folding device that folds the medium based on the binding position of the binding device. Information related to the swelling includes information about the amount of liquid sprayed onto the medium through the area between the binding device and the loading unit. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the amount of liquid.

[0037] The binding device, by its very nature, has many uneven surfaces through which the medium passes, making it easy to hook onto the medium. Conversely, for areas of the medium that do not pass through the binding device and the loading section, even if curling occurs, there is no hooking onto the uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the area between the binding device and the loading section tends to narrow, is greatly affected by friction between the medium and other components, and by friction between the media themselves, making it prone to blockage. Therefore, in this method, the information related to the swelling includes information about the amount of liquid ejected from the medium through the area between the binding device and the loading section. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the amount of liquid, thus avoiding unnecessarily suppressing the maximum number of sheets and enabling better optimization of the maximum number of sheets.

[0038] The ninth method is characterized in that, based on any of the first to eighth methods, the recording unit constitutes an independent recording unit, the loading unit and the processing unit constitute an independent processing unit, and the control unit is provided in the recording unit to control the processing unit from the recording unit.

[0039] According to this method, the recording unit constitutes an independent recording unit, the loading unit and the processing unit constitute an independent processing unit, and the control unit is provided in the recording unit and controls the processing unit from the recording unit. In the above configuration, the effects of any of the first to seventh methods can be obtained.

[0040] The tenth method is characterized in that, based on any of the first to eighth methods, the recording unit constitutes an independent recording unit, the loading unit and the processing unit constitute an independent processing unit, and the control unit is disposed in the processing unit to transmit information related to the swelling from the recording unit to the processing unit.

[0041] According to this method, the recording unit constitutes an independent recording unit, the loading unit and the processing unit constitute an independent processing unit, and the control unit is provided in the processing unit to transmit information related to the swelling from the recording unit to the processing unit. In the above configuration, the effects of any of the first to seventh methods can be obtained.

[0042] The processing apparatus according to the eleventh method is characterized by comprising: a loading unit for loading media that have been recorded by a recording unit for recording media; and a processing unit for processing a stack of media loaded in the loading unit and determining the maximum number of sheets of media loaded in the loading unit based on information related to the swelling of the media recorded by the recording unit.

[0043] According to this method, the maximum number of sheets of medium loaded in the loading unit is determined based on information related to the swelling of the medium being recorded through the recording unit. Therefore, based on information related to the actual swelling of the medium, the maximum number of sheets can be optimized in each processing step. This suppresses the possibility of unnecessarily suppressing the maximum number of sheets or of medium jamming occurring inside the device.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0045] The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system. The X-axis direction represents the depth direction of the device, the Y-axis direction represents the width direction of the device, and the Z-axis direction represents the height direction of the device.

[0046] Overview of the recording system

[0047] Figure 1 The recording system 1 shown is taken as an example, from Figure 1 The device comprises, from right to left, a recording unit 2, an intermediate unit 3, a first unit 5, and a second unit 6, which is a processing device or processing unit that can be detached from the first unit 5.

[0048] Recording unit 2 records the transported medium. Intermediate unit 3 receives the recorded medium from recording unit 2 and transfers it to first unit 5, primarily functioning to flip the medium and promote its drying. First unit 5 includes: a drying section 50 for drying the received medium; and an end-binding section 42 for stacking the recorded media in recording unit 2 and performing end-binding. Second unit 6 includes an intermediate binding folding mechanism 70, which binds and folds the stack of recorded media in recording unit 2 at its center to form a booklet. It should be noted that the processing of binding the center of the stack of recorded media and the subsequent folding of the stack of media will be referred to as "intermediate binding processing."

[0049] The following sections will describe in detail the recording unit 2, intermediate unit 3, first unit 5, and second unit 6.

[0050] About the recording unit

[0051] The recording unit 2 is configured as a multifunction printer including a printer unit 10 and a scanner unit 11. The printer unit 10 includes a line print head 20, which serves as a recording unit for recording media. In this embodiment, the line print head 20 is configured as an inkjet recording head that sprays a sample of liquid, i.e., ink, onto the media for recording.

[0052] A cartridge storage section 14 is provided at the lower part of the printer section 10, and the cartridge storage section 14 has multiple media storage cartridges 12. The media P stored in the media storage cartridges 12 is conveyed to the recording area based on the line head 20 via the feed path 21 indicated by solid lines, thereby performing a recording operation. The recorded media based on the line head 20 is conveyed to either the first discharge path 22 or the second discharge path 23. The first discharge path 22 is the path for discharging the media to the post-recording discharge tray 13 provided above the line head 20, and the second discharge path 23 is the path for conveying the media to the intermediate unit 3.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the first discharge path 22 is represented by a dashed line, and the second discharge path 23 is represented by a dotted line. The second discharge path 23 extends in the +Y direction of the recording unit 2, transmitting the medium to the receiving path 30 of the adjacent intermediate unit 3.

[0054] In addition, the recording unit 2 has the capability to... Figure 1 The flipping path 24, indicated by double-dotted lines, is configured for double-sided recording, enabling the medium to be flipped after recording on the first side to record on the second side. Furthermore, this is an example of a device that uses one or more pairs of rollers (not shown) arranged in the feeding path 21, the first discharge path 22, the second discharge path 23, and the flipping path 24 to transport the medium.

[0055] A control unit 25 is provided in the recording unit 2, which controls the operations related to the transport and recording of the medium in the recording unit 2. Furthermore, the recording system 1 is configured such that the recording unit 2, intermediate unit 3, first unit 5, and second unit 6 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other, enabling the transport of the medium from the recording unit 2 to the second unit 6. In addition, the control unit 25 in this embodiment can control various operations in the intermediate unit 3, first unit 5, and second unit 6 connected to the recording unit 2.

[0056] The recording unit 2 includes an operation unit 19, which is configured to input various settings and execution commands regarding various processes in the recording unit 2, intermediate unit 3, first unit 5, and second unit 6. Furthermore, the operation unit 19 includes a display panel (not shown), which is configured to display various information.

[0057] It should be noted that when the recording system 1 is connected to an external computer (not shown), various settings and execution instructions that are the same as those performed in the operation unit 19 can be performed on the external computer.

[0058] Regarding the intermediate unit

[0059] Next, the intermediate unit 3 will be explained. Figure 1 The intermediate unit 3 shown transfers the medium received from the recording unit 2 to the first unit 5. The intermediate unit 3 is positioned between the recording unit 2 and the first unit 5. The medium transported via the second discharge path 23 of the recording unit 2 is received by the intermediate unit 3 from the receiving path 30 and transported toward the first unit 5. It should be noted that the receiving path 30... Figure 1 The center is represented by a solid line.

[0060] There are two transport paths for the transport medium in intermediate unit 3. The first transport path is from receiving path 30 through... Figure 1 The first turning path 31, indicated by a dashed line, leads to the merging path 33. The second path is from the receiving path 30 through... Figure 1 The path from the second turning path 32, indicated by the double-dotted line, to the merging path 33.

[0061] The first turning path 31 is the path that turns the medium in the direction of arrow A2 after receiving the medium in the direction of arrow A1. The second turning path 32 is the path that turns the medium in the direction of arrow B2 after receiving the medium in the direction of arrow B1.

[0062] The receiving path 30 branches into a first turning path 31 and a second turning path 32 in the branch 35. A hinge (not shown) is provided in the branch 35, which switches the destination of the medium to either the first turning path 31 or the second turning path 32.

[0063] Furthermore, the first turning path 31 and the second turning path 32 merge in the confluence section 36. Therefore, regardless of whether the medium is transmitted from the receiving path 30 to either the first turning path 31 or the second turning path 32, it can be transferred to the first unit 5 via the common confluence path 33.

[0064] Intermediate unit 3 receives the medium from recording unit 2 into receiving path 30 with the latest recording face up based on line header 20, but in confluence path 33, the medium is bent and flipped so that the latest recording face is down.

[0065] Therefore, the latest recording medium, in its face-down state, is transferred from the intermediate unit 3 in the +Y direction to the first transport path 43 of the first unit 5.

[0066] It should be noted that this is an example of a device in which one or more pairs of rollers (not shown) are respectively arranged in the receiving path 30, the first turning path 31, the second turning path 32 and the merging path 33 as the conveying medium.

[0067] In recording unit 2, when multiple media are continuously recorded, the media entering intermediate unit 3 are alternately conveyed to the conveying path passing through the first turning path 31 and the conveying path passing through the second turning path 32. This improves the throughput of media conveying in intermediate unit 3.

[0068] Furthermore, when the print head 20 of this embodiment is configured to record liquid ejected from the medium, specifically ink, if the medium is wet during processing in the first unit 5 and the second unit 6 in the later stage, the recording surface may be worn or the alignment of the medium may be poor.

[0069] By transferring the recorded medium from the recording unit 2 to the first unit 5 via the intermediate unit 3, the transport time of the recorded medium to the first unit 5 is extended, allowing the medium to be further dried before reaching the first unit 5 or the second unit 6.

[0070] About Unit 1

[0071] Next, we will explain Unit 5. Figure 1 The first unit 5 shown includes a receiving section 41, which receives the medium from the intermediate unit 3 from below in the -Y direction. The medium transported in the merging path 33 of the intermediate unit 3 enters the first unit 5 from the receiving section 41 and is transferred to the first transport path 43.

[0072] The first unit 5 includes: a drying section 50 for processing the medium received from the receiving section 41; and an end binding section 42 for processing the medium received from the receiving section 41 or the medium after processing in the drying section 50.

[0073] The first unit 5 includes: a first conveying path 43 for conveying media received from the receiving unit 41 to the end binding unit 42; and a second conveying path 44 that branches off from the first conveying path 43 at a second branch D2 and conveys the media to the drying unit 50. A hinge (not shown) is provided at the second branch D2, which switches the destination of the media between the first conveying path 43 and the second conveying path 44.

[0074] The end-binding section 42 is a component that performs end-binding processing on the end of a medium, such as a corner or one side of a medium. The end-binding section 42 is configured, for example, to include a stapler.

[0075] The drying section 50 is a component that performs drying treatment on the medium. In this embodiment, the drying section 50 dries the medium by heating it. The detailed configuration of the drying section 50 will be described later. The medium dried by the drying section 50 is conveyed to either the end binding section 42 or the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70 provided in the second unit 6.

[0076] Furthermore, the first unit 5 includes a punching processing unit 46, which punches the medium received from the receiving unit 41. The punching processing unit 46 is located near the receiving unit 41 on a first transport path 43 through which the medium received by the first unit 5 passes, and is configured to perform punching processing upstream of the first transport path 43. It should be noted that punching processing based on the punching processing unit 46 may or may not be performed on the medium received from the receiving unit 41.

[0077] The medium received from the receiving unit 41 passes through Figure 1 The first transport path 43 shown can be transported to the processing tray 48 or the second unit 6 described later. In the processing tray 48, the rear ends of the media in the transport direction are flush and stacked on the processing tray 48. If a predetermined number of media P are stacked on the processing tray 48, end-binding processing based on the end-binding part 42 can be performed on the rear ends of the media P. The first unit 5 includes a second discharge part 62 that discharges media in the +Y direction. It should be noted that, in addition to the second discharge part 62, the first unit 5 also includes a first discharge part 61 and a third discharge part 63 described later, and is configured to discharge media from them as well.

[0078] The medium processed by the end binding part 42 is discharged from the second discharge part 62 to the outside of the device of the first unit 5 through a discharge device (not shown), and is placed on a first tray 40 for receiving the medium discharged from the second discharge part 62. The first tray 40 protrudes from the first unit 5 in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the first tray 40 includes a base part 40a and an extension part 40b, the extension part 40b being configured to be housed in the base part 40a.

[0079] Additionally, a third conveying path 45 is connected to the first conveying path 43, and the third conveying path 45 branches off from the first conveying path 43 at a third branch D3 downstream of the second branch D2. A hinge (not shown) is provided at the third branch D3, which switches the destination of the medium between the first conveying path 43 and the third conveying path 45.

[0080] An upper tray 49 is provided on the upper part of the first unit 5. The third conveying path 45 connects to the aforementioned third discharge section 63 from the third branch D3. The medium conveyed in the third conveying path 45 is discharged from the third discharge section 63 to the upper tray 49 through a discharge device (not shown). That is, the medium received from the receiving section 41 can be discharged to the upper tray 49 without passing through the end binding section 42.

[0081] An overlapping path 64 is provided in the first conveying path 43. This overlapping path 64 branches off from the first conveying path 43 at the first branch point D1 and merges back into the first conveying path 43 at the first confluence point G1. The overlapping path 64 constitutes an overlapping processing unit 47 that overlaps two media and conveys them to the drying unit 50 or the end binding unit 42. By conveying the preceding media to the overlapping path 64, and merging the subsequent media conveyed in the first conveying path 43 with the preceding media at the first confluence point G1, the preceding and subsequent media can be overlapped and conveyed downstream of the first confluence point G1. Furthermore, the overlapping processing unit 47 may also be configured to provide multiple overlapping paths 64, overlapping three or more media and conveying them downstream.

[0082] In the first unit 5, the overlapping processing section 47 is located vertically below the drying section 50, and when viewed from the vertical direction (i.e., from above), the drying section 50, the end binding section 42, and the overlapping processing section 47 have overlapping portions. Alternatively, it may be configured such that only the drying section 50 overlaps with the overlapping processing section 47, or only the end binding section 42 overlaps with the overlapping processing section 47.

[0083] By arranging the drying section 50, the end binding section 42, and the overlapping processing section 47 in such a positional relationship, it is possible to suppress the increase in the horizontal dimension of the device and achieve miniaturization of the device.

[0084] Furthermore, in the first unit 5, there is an example of a device in which one or more pairs of rollers (not shown) are respectively arranged in the first conveying path 43, the second conveying path 44 and the third conveying path 45 to serve as the conveying medium.

[0085] Next, the drying section 50 provided in the first unit 5 will be described.

[0086] The drying unit 50 includes: a pair of heated rollers 51, serving as a drying process unit for drying the medium; and an annular conveying path 52, which includes the heated rollers 51 and is capable of conveying the medium in a circular path. A second conveying path 44, branching from the first conveying path 43, merges with the annular conveying path 52 upstream of the heated rollers 51. The medium is conveyed by the conveying rollers 68 disposed on the second conveying path 44, thereby being introduced into the annular conveying path 52.

[0087] In this embodiment, the lower roller of the heating roller pair 51 is a drying drive roller driven by a drive source (not shown), and the upper roller is a drying driven roller that rotates in response to the rotation of the drying drive roller. The drying drive roller is heated by a heater (not shown), thereby drying the medium by heating the drying drive roller. However, it is possible to heat at least one of the rollers constituting the heating roller pair 51, or both of them.

[0088] However, the medium conveyed from the intermediate unit 3 enters the second transport path 44 from the receiving section 41 of the first unit 5 via the first transport path 43 with the latest recording surface facing down. Then, the medium is held by the heated roller pair 51 with the latest recording surface facing down. Therefore, it is preferable that the heated roller in the heated roller pair 51 is the roller that is in contact with the latest recording surface of the medium.

[0089] The drying section has an annular conveying path 52, which is configured to convey the medium in a circular motion. Therefore, by conveying the medium in multiple circular motions, the drying process based on the heated rollers 51 can be performed multiple times. As a result, the medium can be dried more reliably.

[0090] In addition, by having a circular conveying path 52, compared to, for example, setting multiple pairs of heated rollers 51 in the conveying path, it is possible to suppress the increase in device cost and suppress power consumption.

[0091] In the recording system 1, the heating of 51 by the heating roller is controlled by the control unit 25 provided in the recording unit 2. The control unit 25 can control the heating of 51 by the heating roller according to conditions. In addition to factors such as the type, rigidity, thickness, and weight of the medium, other conditions may include the amount of ink ejected onto the medium during recording in the recording unit 2, whether the recording of the medium is double-sided or single-sided, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity during drying.

[0092] By controlling the heating of 51 based on these conditions, the medium can be dried more effectively. Examples of controlling the heating of 51 based on the heating roller include whether heating is performed, the temperature during heating, whether preheating is performed during heating, and the timing of starting the heating of 51 by the heating roller.

[0093] Furthermore, in the heating roller pair 51, one of the drying driven rollers is pressed against the other drying drive roller by a pressing device (not shown) such as a spring, which can be configured to change the pressing force based on the pressing device. By controlling the pressing force changing device (not shown) by the control unit 25, the pressing force changing device changes the pressing force based on the pressing device, thereby adjusting the clamping pressure in the heating roller pair 51. Preferably, the clamping pressure in the heating roller pair 51 is changed according to conditions. As conditions, the same conditions as when controlling the heating based on the heating roller pair 51 can be used.

[0094] A fourth conveying path 59 is connected to the annular conveying path 52. The fourth conveying path 59 is the path in which the medium, after being dried by the heated rollers 51, returns to the first conveying path 43 after being merged at the second confluence section G2 into the first conveying path 43.

[0095] Additionally, a fifth conveying path 60 is connected to the annular conveying path 52. The fifth conveying path 60 is connected to the first discharge section 61 and is the path for feeding the dried medium based on the heated roller pair 51 toward the second unit 6.

[0096] Furthermore, the first unit 5 is equipped with a switching hinge (not shown), which serves as a switching component capable of switching between a first state in which the medium processed by the drying unit 50 is conveyed to the first discharge unit 61 and a second state in which the medium processed by the drying unit 50 is conveyed to the end binding unit 42.

[0097] Furthermore, the drying section 50 may also be configured without the annular transport path 52. Additionally, in this embodiment, a drying section 50 is described that dries the medium by heating it from the outside; however, the drying section 50 may also be configured to dry the medium, for example, by blowing air onto it.

[0098] Regarding Unit 2

[0099] Next, we will explain Unit 6.

[0100] The second unit 6 is detachably disposed on the lower side of the first tray 40 of the first unit 5.

[0101] The medium transferred from the first discharge section 61 of the first unit 5 to the second unit 6 is conveyed along the conveying path 69 and then transferred to the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70. The intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70 has a stacking section 71 that serves as a loading section for loading the medium, and is capable of stacking the medium loaded in the stacking section 71 at the intermediate binding position for binding, and then folding it at the intermediate binding position to form a booklet.

[0102] The media stack M after intermediate binding processing, based on the intermediate binding folding mechanism 70, is discharged to... Figure 1The second tray 65 is shown. The second tray 65 has a limiting portion 66 at its front end in the medium discharge direction (+Y direction) to prevent the medium stack M discharged to the second tray 65 from exceeding the media discharge direction or falling off the second tray 65. Reference numeral 67 is a guide portion 67 that guides the medium stack M discharged from the second unit 6 towards the second tray 65.

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration of the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70 is further explained below. The second unit 6 includes: a pair of conveying rollers 75 disposed on the conveying path 69 as a conveying device for the conveying medium P; a stacking section 71 as a loading section for the medium P; and a processing section 70a for performing intermediate binding processing on the media stacked on the stacking section 71. The processing section 70a includes: a binding mechanism 72 for binding a media stack M consisting of multiple media P stacked on the stacking section 71 at a binding position; and a pair of folding rollers 73 as a folding device for folding the media stack M at the binding position.

[0104] like Figure 2 As shown, an alignment section 76 and a blade 81 are provided in the stacking section 71. The alignment section 76 aligns the downstream ends E1 of the stacked media P. The transfer roller pair 75 includes: a drive roller 75a, which is driven by a drive source (not shown); and a driven roller 75b, which rotates in response to the rotation of the drive roller 75a, the drive roller 75a being controlled to rotate by the control section 25.

[0105] exist Figure 2 In the stacking section 71, a support surface 85 is provided. This support surface 85 supports the medium P conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 75 in an inclined posture facing downward downstream in the conveying direction +R, and receives and stacks the medium P between opposing surfaces 86 opposite to the support surface 85. A blade 81 is disposed between the conveyor roller pair 75 and the alignment section 76 in the conveying direction +R, and moves the medium P toward the alignment section 76 by rotating about a rotation axis 82 while in contact with the medium P.

[0106] exist Figure 2 In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral G indicates the confluence position G where the conveyor path 69 and the stacking section 71 merge. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the binding position is the central portion C of the medium P stacked on the stacking section 71 in the conveying direction +R. The medium P is conveyed from the conveyor path 69 to the stacking section 71 via the conveyor roller pair 75.

[0107] The stacking section 71 is provided with: an alignment section 76, which can abut against the downstream end E1 of the medium P stacked on the stacking section 71 in the transport direction +R; and an abutment section 77, which can abut against the upstream end E2 of the medium P stacked on the stacking section 71 in the transport direction +R.

[0108] The alignment part 76 and the abutment part 77 are configured to move in both the conveying direction +R and the reverse direction -R of the medium P in the stacking part 71. The alignment part 76 and the abutment part 77 utilize, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism or a belt moving mechanism powered by a drive source not shown, thereby enabling movement in both the conveying direction +R and the reverse direction -R. The movement of the alignment part 76 and the abutment part 77 will be described in detail when explaining the stacking operation in the stacking part 71.

[0109] A binding mechanism 72 is provided downstream of the confluence position G. This binding mechanism 72 binds the media stack M stacked on the stacking section 71 at a predetermined position in the transport direction +R. As an example, the binding mechanism 72 is a stapler, which binds the media stack M in a binding section 72a, which is an example of a binding device. A plurality of binding sections 72a are provided at intervals in the width direction of the media, i.e., the X-axis direction. As described above, the binding mechanism 72 is configured to bind the media stack M at the center C of the media stack M in the transport direction.

[0110] A pair of folding rollers 73 is provided downstream of the binding mechanism 72. An opening is formed in the opposing surface 86 corresponding to the clamping position N of the folding rollers 73, and an entry path 78 is formed from the stacking section 71 to the media stack M of the folding rollers 73. An inclined surface is formed at the entrance of the entry path 78 in the opposing surface 86 to guide the central portion C, which serves as the binding position, from the stacking section 71 to the clamping position N.

[0111] A blade 74 is provided on the opposite side of the folding roller pair 73, separated by the stacking section 71. This blade 74 is capable of switching as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The retreating state shown is the state of retraction from the stack 71, and as shown in the figure. Figure 4 The left figure shows the entry state relative to the binding position of the media stack M stacked on the stacking section 71. Reference numeral 79 is a hole 79 provided on the support surface 85 through which the blade 74 can pass.

[0112] Regarding the transport of media during intermediate binding processing

[0113] Next, refer to Figures 2-4 This describes the basic process of conveying medium P in the second unit 6 for intermediate binding until discharge.

[0114] exist Figure 2 In the process, the medium P delivered to the stacking section 71 moves toward the alignment section 76 by its own weight, and each time a medium P is delivered, the blade 81 rotates, causing the medium P to come into contact with the alignment section 76.

[0115] Figure 2 This shows the state in which multiple media P are stacked as media stack M in the stacking section 71.

[0116] Furthermore, when the stacking section 71 receives the medium, such as Figure 2 As shown, the alignment portion 76 is configured such that the distance from the confluence position G of the transport path 69 and the stacking portion 71 to the alignment portion 76 is longer than the length of the medium P. Therefore, the medium P is received by the stacking portion 71 in such a way that the upstream end E2 of the medium P transported from the transport path 69 does not remain on the transport path 69. The position of the alignment portion 76 in the transport direction +R of the stacking portion 71 can be changed according to the size of the medium P.

[0117] If a specified number of media P sheets are stacked in the stacking section 71, then the binding section 72a performs binding processing on the central portion C in the transport direction +R of the media stack M. At the point where the transport of media P from the transport path 69 to the stacking section 71 ends, if... Figure 2 As shown, the central portion C is offset from the position of the binding portion 72a, therefore, as Figure 3 As shown in the left figure, the alignment part 76 is moved in the -R direction, positioning the central portion C of the media stack M opposite to the binding part 72a. Furthermore, the abutment part 77 is moved in the +R direction to abut against the upstream end E2 of the media stack M. Through the alignment part 76 and the abutment part 77, the downstream end E1 and the upstream end E2 of the media stack M are aligned, and the binding part 72a binds the central portion C of the media stack M.

[0118] If the media stack M is bound by the binding section 72a, then as follows Figure 3 As shown in the right figure, the media stack M is moved such that the alignment portion 76 is moved in the +R direction so that the central portion C of the binding is positioned opposite the clamping position N of the folding roller pair 73. While maintaining the media stack M in contact with the alignment portion 76 due to its own weight, the media stack M can be moved in the +R direction by moving only the alignment portion 76. Alternatively, the abutment portion 77 can be moved in the +R direction while maintaining contact with the upstream end E2 of the media stack M.

[0119] Next, if the central portion C of the medium stack M is positioned opposite the clamping position N of the folding roller pair 73, then as Figure 4 As shown in the left figure, the blade 74 enters in the +S direction, causing the central portion C to bend towards the folding roller pair 73. The central portion C of the bent media stack M passes through the entry path 78, and the media stack M moves towards the clamping position N of the folding roller pair 73.

[0120] If the central portion C of the media stack M is held by the folding roller pair 73, then the folding roller pair 73 rotates, as... Figure 4 As shown in the right figure, the media stack M is folded at the central part C by the clamping pressure of the folding rollers on 73, and faces the second tray 65 (see figure). Figure 1 )discharge.

[0121] Additionally, after the central portion C is clamped by the folding rollers 73, the alignment portion 76 moves in the +R direction and returns. Figure 2 The state is prepared for receiving the next medium P in the stacking section 71.

[0122] It should be noted that a folding line forming device can be provided in the conveying path 69, which imparts a folding line to the central portion C of the medium P. By imparting a folding line to the central portion C, which becomes the folding position based on the folding roller pair 73, the medium stack M can be easily folded at the central portion C.

[0123] Regarding the limit on the number of media sheets processed in the second unit

[0124] Next, the limitations on the number of media sheets processed in the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70 will be explained.

[0125] When recording is performed by spraying ink, which is a liquid, onto a medium, the medium swells and curls up by absorbing the ink. Furthermore, the increase in moisture content of the medium caused by spraying ink increases the friction between the media and between the medium and other components. Therefore, if the curling and the increase in moisture content caused by ink spraying are considered constant, and the maximum number of media sheets loaded into the stacking section 71 of the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70 is uniformly determined, then when the actual degree of curling and the increase in moisture content is less than initially envisioned, the number of media sheets that can be processed is unnecessarily suppressed. Conversely, when the actual degree of curling and the increase in moisture content is greater than initially envisioned, paper jams may occur in the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70.

[0126] Therefore, control unit 25 (refer to) Figure 1 Based on information related to the swelling of the medium being recorded via the line header 20, the maximum number of media sheets loaded in the stacking section 71 is determined; in other words, the upper limit of the number of media sheets fed into the stacking section 71 is determined. It should be noted that this will be referred to below as the "maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71" or simply "maximum number of sheets".

[0127] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the unnecessary suppression of the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71, or the possibility of media jamming in the intermediate binding folding mechanism 70.

[0128] The following is a more detailed explanation. Figure 5 The flowchart of the judgment process regarding intermediate binding is shown, which is performed by the control unit 25. Figure 5 The processing shown is achieved by the control unit 25 executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown) provided with the control unit 25.

[0129] Control unit 25 is connected to operation unit 19 (see reference) Figure 1When a series of recording jobs are received, if the recording job includes intermediate binding processing in the second unit 6 ("Yes" in step S101), the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71 is determined (step S102). Details of step S102 will be explained later.

[0130] Furthermore, if the recording job does not include intermediate binding processing ("No" in step S101), the recording job is started based on the specified settings (step S106).

[0131] Next, it is determined whether the number of intermediate binding sheets specified by the user exceeds the maximum number of sheets determined in step S102 (step S103). If it exceeds the maximum number of sheets ("Yes" in step S103), the operation unit 19 (refer to...) will then... Figure 1 The display panel (not shown) provided by the device displays a warning (step S104).

[0132] The warning can be set to display a warning message such as "The number of intermediate binding sheets has exceeded the limit. Please select processing."

[0133] Based on the user's instruction regarding the warning, the control unit 25 performs the specified processing. As a result, availability is improved compared to the situation where processing is always stopped when the number of sheets specified by the user exceeds the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71, which is when a malfunction may occur.

[0134] In this embodiment, the "specified process" includes a first process, a second process, and a cancellation of the recording job. The user inputs any one of the first process, the second process, and the cancellation of the recording job via the operation unit 19.

[0135] The first process is to maintain the user-specified number of sheets in the intermediate binding process and proceed directly to the subsequent processing based on the recording quality of the line header 20 ("Yes" in step S105). By selecting this process, the user can identify the possibility of a blockage while performing the originally planned processing.

[0136] The second process maintains the user-specified number of sheets in the intermediate binding process and modifies at least one of the recording quality of the line header 20 and the transport conditions of the medium from the line header 20 to the stacking section 71 to make the user-specified number of sheets below the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71. This process is referred to below as the anti-blocking mode (step S106). By selecting this second process, i.e., the anti-blocking mode, the user can maintain the user-specified number of sheets as originally planned and suppress blockages, and perform processing in the intermediate binding folding mechanism 70.

[0137] As described above, the avoidance of blocking mode changes is based on at least one of the following: recording quality during recording at line head 20, paper transport conditions from line head 20 to stacking section 71, transport speed in the annular transport path 52 in drying section 50, number of media loops in the annular transport path 52, and heater-based heating temperature in drying section 50. Changes to recording quality during recording at line head 20 can be exemplified by reducing recording density. Changes to paper transport conditions are primarily aimed at promoting paper drying; examples include reducing paper transport speed and stopping the paper midway through the paper transport path.

[0138] Changes in the conveying speed in the annular conveying path 52 can include, for example, decreasing the conveying speed. Changes in the number of times the medium travels in the annular conveying path 52 can include, for example, increasing the number of travels. Changes in the heating temperature of the heater in the drying section 50 can include, for example, increasing the heating temperature.

[0139] Furthermore, the first and second processes described above are just one example; other processes are also possible, or a third or more processes may be added, from which options can be selected. As an example of such other processes, it is possible to remind the user of changes in paper type, or to remind them to reduce the number of user-specified sheets in the intermediate binding process.

[0140] If the first process is selected (Yes in step S105) and the second process is selected (Yes in step S106), the control unit 25 begins to execute the recording operation according to its content (step S107). If neither the first nor the second process is selected, that is, if the recording operation is cancelled (No in step S105 and No in step S106), the control unit 25 stops executing the recording operation.

[0141] Next, refer to Figure 6 This section explains the details of the process for determining the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71. Figure 6 The flow of the process for determining the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71, performed by the control unit 25, is shown. Figure 6 The processing shown is achieved by the control unit 25 executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown) provided with the control unit 25.

[0142] The control unit 25 determines the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71 based on information related to the swelling of the recording medium. The swelling of the medium refers to the swelling that occurs when the paper absorbs ink, for example, when the medium is paper and the liquid is ink; this swelling further causes curling. Paper will be used as an example of a medium for the following explanation.

[0143] Furthermore, information related to paper swelling refers to information about at least one of the major factors that affect paper swelling.

[0144] Information about the main factors that affect paper swelling can include, for example, paper information and recorded content.

[0145] Paper information includes key factors such as paper size, paper width and height, paper thickness, grain direction, and whether it has a coating. This paper information can be obtained from the printer driver. Furthermore, the grain direction can be input by the user via the operation unit 19, or it can be pre-stored in conjunction with other paper information such as paper size and width and height, depending on the device's receiving location. This is because the paper grain direction tends to vary depending on the receiving location of the device, specifically the country where the device is used. Alternatively, the recording system 1 can be configured to include a GPS (global positioning system) to determine the paper grain direction based on its information.

[0146] The recorded content includes key factors such as the location of the recording area on the paper, the size of the recording area, the shape of the recording area, the amount of ink ejected from the recording area, whether there is double-sided recording, and the differences between the recorded content on the front and back sides when double-sided recording is used.

[0147] Furthermore, regarding paper information, it can be said that, for example, the thicker the paper, the less likely it is to swell and curl. In addition, coated paper is sometimes referred to as "gloss paper" or "inkjet paper" on printer drives. It can be said that such paper is less likely to swell and curl compared to uncoated paper, which is referred to as "plain paper" on printer drives.

[0148] Furthermore, regarding the recorded content, it can be said that, for example, the larger the proportion of the recorded area to the paper's surface area, the easier it is for the ink to swell and curl. Additionally, it can be said that the greater the amount of ink ejected from the recorded area, the easier it is for the ink to swell and curl. Furthermore, it can be said that the greater the unevenness in the amount of ink ejected from the paper's surface, the more uneven the swelling and the easier it is for the ink to curl. Here, the paper is divided into several areas, for example, like... Figure 7 As shown in the paper P, regions a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, and a6 are defined. The unevenness of ink ejection in the regions of the paper can be determined by the difference in ink ejection between the regions with the highest and lowest ink ejection.

[0149] Furthermore, it can be said that compared to double-sided recording, single-sided recording on paper results in a greater difference in moisture content between the front and back sides, making it more prone to curling. Additionally, during double-sided recording, the more significant the difference between the recorded content on the front and back sides, the more uneven the swelling and the more easily the paper curls. The difference between the recorded content on the front and back sides can be determined, for example, by the difference between the ink ejection volume on the front and the ink ejection volume on the back side.

[0150] In addition, when determining the maximum number of sheets of paper in the stacking section 71, the control unit 25 may also consider information about the main factors that affect the drying state of the paper being recorded.

[0151] Information regarding the main factors affecting the drying state of paper can be provided, such as environmental information. This environmental information includes key factors such as temperature and humidity. Furthermore, in the recording system 1, an environmental information acquisition unit 18 (see reference 18) is provided in the recording unit 2. Figure 1 ), Control Unit 25 (refer to) Figure 1 It can obtain the temperature and humidity inside the recording unit 2 from the environmental information acquisition unit 18.

[0152] Furthermore, regarding environmental factors, such as lower temperatures or higher humidity levels, drying becomes more difficult, leading to increased friction between the papers and a weakening of the paper's stiffness. In other words, it can be said that clogging is more likely to occur.

[0153] The storage device of the control unit 25 holds maximum number of sheets setting information determined based on the above properties, and the control unit 25 refers to the maximum number of sheets setting information to determine the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71.

[0154] It should be noted that information related to paper swelling, such as paper information, recorded content, and environmental information, can be considered in all cases, or only one or two of them. This setting can be made by the user through the operation unit 19 (see reference). Figure 1 It can select the information to be considered and save the selection as a setting value.

[0155] like Figure 6 As shown, when the control unit 25 acquires paper information based on the set information ("Yes" in step S201), it acquires paper information (step S202); when it acquires recording content ("Yes" in step S203), it acquires recording content (step S204); and when it acquires environmental information ("Yes" in step S205), it acquires environmental information (step S206).

[0156] Then, the setting information is read in (step S207), and the maximum number of sheets is determined (step S208).

[0157] Table 1 shows an example of the setting information. In this example, the recording concentration Pd (%) in the recorded content is used as information related to paper swelling, and the humidity Hm (%) in the environmental information is used. Here, the recording concentration Pd (%) refers to the value that increases or decreases corresponding to the amount of ink ejected, and is the ratio of the total amount of ink ejected (g) to the maximum amount of ink that can be injected into the recordable area of ​​a sheet of paper (g). That is, the recording concentration Pd (%) = [total amount of ink ejected (g) / maximum amount of ink that can be injected (g)] × 100. The maximum amount of ink that can be injected into the recordable area of ​​a sheet of paper (g) can be calculated based on the maximum amount of ink that can be injected per unit area of ​​the line header 20 set in the recording unit 2.

[0158] In addition, and not limited to this, the recorded concentration (%) can also be the proportion of the area of ​​ink ejected relative to the area of ​​a sheet of paper.

[0159] Table 1:

[0160]

[0161] The values ​​in Table 1 are examples of the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71. For example, when the humidity Hm = 0% and the recording density Pd = 20%, the maximum number of sheets is 20. In addition, when the humidity Hm = 100% and the recording density Pd = 20%, the maximum number of sheets is 18.

[0162] The higher the humidity Hm (%), the fewer the maximum number of sheets. In addition, the higher the recording concentration Pd (%), the fewer the maximum number of sheets.

[0163] Set and save these settings for each paper category.

[0164] Alternatively, the maximum number of sheets can be calculated using a formula instead of setting this information. For example, for the specified value M of the maximum number of sheets, a coefficient k can be set for each major factor related to paper swelling, and the specified value M can be successively multiplied by the coefficient k, with the final value being the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71. Furthermore, the specified value M can be calculated by dividing the maximum loading height in the stacking section 71 by the paper thickness.

[0165] Table 2 shows an example of the coefficient ka set according to the humidity Hm (%). In this way, by setting a coefficient for each condition and multiplying it by the specified value M for the maximum number of sheets, the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71 can be determined.

[0166] Table 2:

[0167]

[0168] Furthermore, the paper size, thickness, grain direction, and presence or absence of a coating can be used to determine the direction and amount of paper deformation based on swelling and subsequent curling. For example, curling accompanying paper swelling tends to occur in the direction intersecting the grain direction; in this case, the larger the paper size in the direction intersecting the grain direction, the greater the amount of deformation based on curling. Moreover, the maximum loading height in the stacking section 71 decreases to a degree corresponding to the amount of paper deformation based on curling, and therefore, the maximum number of sheets in the stacking section 71 decreases by this degree.

[0169] Furthermore, the paper is supported at an angle in the stacking section 71, tilted downwards towards the transport direction +R. Therefore, due to its own weight, the paper is prone to deflection in the transport direction +R on the stacking section 71. Consequently, compared to when the paper grain direction is along the transport direction +R, the rigidity of the transport direction +R is lower when the paper grain direction is along the X-axis (i.e., the media width direction), making it relatively easier to deflect. Thus, information about the paper grain direction can also be used to determine the direction and amount of paper deformation.

[0170] As explained above, in the above embodiment, the control unit 25 determines the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71 based on the acquired information about the paper grain direction, thus enabling good optimization of the maximum number of sheets for each process.

[0171] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 25 determines the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71 based on the acquired information about the paper thickness, thus enabling good optimization of the maximum number of sheets for each process.

[0172] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 25 determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the amount of ink ejected from the paper, thus enabling good optimization of the maximum number of sheets for each process.

[0173] In addition, one example of the recorded information related to the swelling of the paper is information about the amount of ink ejected from the paper through the area between the binding mechanism 72 and the stacking section 71. Based on the information about the amount of ink obtained, the control unit 25 can also determine the maximum number of sheets.

[0174] That is, the binding mechanism 72 can be said to have many protrusions and indentations on the surface through which the paper passes, making it easy to hook the paper. Conversely, the paper does not pass through the area between the binding mechanism 72 and the stacking part 71, and even if curling caused by swelling occurs, it does not hook onto the protrusions and indentations of the binding mechanism 72.

[0175] Specifically, in Figure 2 The area that enters from position k in the +R direction is an area where the paper is easily hooked onto the binding mechanism 72 due to the curling caused by swelling. Figure 8An example of paper P is shown, where region a0 is from... Figure 2 The region is the area entered from position k in the +R direction, and region b0 is the region other than that. Therefore, the control unit 25 can determine the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71 by considering the recording content in region a0, without considering the recording content in region b0. As a result, the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71 is not unnecessarily suppressed, and the maximum number of sheets in the stacking unit 71 can be optimized more effectively.

[0176] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the recording unit 2 having the line header 20 is an independent unit, the second unit 6 having the stacking part 71 and the binding mechanism 72 is an independent unit, and the control unit 25 is provided in the recording unit 2 and configured to control the second unit 6 from the recording unit 2.

[0177] Alternatively, the second unit 6 may be configured with a control unit (not shown) that controls the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70. This control unit transmits swelling-related information from the control unit 25 of the recording unit 2, and based on this information, the control unit of the second unit 6 controls the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70.

[0178] In addition, the control unit for controlling the intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70 can also be located in a device other than the recording unit 2 and the second unit 6.

[0179] In addition, control units (not shown) can be provided for the intermediate unit 3 and the first unit 5, not just the second unit 6. These control units control the operation of the intermediate unit 3 and the first unit 5 respectively based on the information from the control unit 25 of the recording unit 2.

[0180] Furthermore, in recording system 1, the intermediate unit 3 and the first unit 5 can be omitted. Alternatively, recording unit 2 and the second unit 6 can be treated as separate independent units, or they can be integrated into one unit. More specifically, the recording system can be configured to include a line header 20 and an intermediate binding and folding mechanism 70.

[0181] As described above, in this specification, the recording system 1 can be either a collection of independent units or a single unit.

[0182] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, and these modifications are undoubtedly also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A recording system, characterized in that, have: The recording department records information from the medium. The loading unit loads the medium that has been recorded by the recording unit; and The processing unit processes the stack of media loaded in the loading unit. The control unit that controls the feeding of media into the loading unit determines the maximum number of sheets of media loaded into the loading unit based on information related to the swelling of the media being recorded by the recording unit, depending on whether the media is not easily curled or not. Information related to the swelling of the medium includes medium information and recorded content. The medium information includes the medium's dimensions, cross-section, thickness, paper grain direction (if the medium is paper), and whether it has a coating. The recorded content includes the location, size, and shape of the recording area on the medium, whether double-sided recording is used, and the differences between the recorded content on the front and back sides when double-sided recording is used. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets of media loaded in the loading unit based on at least one factor, namely the media information and the recorded content, and according to whether the media is not easily curled or not.

2. The recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the thickness is thicker, the maximum number of sheets is greater compared to when the thickness is thinner.

3. The recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recording unit records by spraying liquid onto the medium. Information related to the swelling includes information about the amount of liquid ejected into the medium. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the amount of liquid.

4. The recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit issues a warning to the user when the number of sheets of media being processed in the processing unit exceeds the maximum number determined based on information related to the swelling. Based on the user's instructions regarding the warning, the specified processing is performed.

5. The recording system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The specified processing based on user instructions includes: The first processing maintains the number of sheets in the stack of media processed in the processing unit and the recording quality in the recording unit as specified by the user; and The second process maintains the number of sheets in the stack of media processed in the processing unit as specified by the user, and changes at least one of the recording quality in the recording unit and the media transport conditions from the recording unit to the loading unit so that the number of sheets in the stack of media processed in the processing unit becomes less than or equal to the maximum number of sheets.

6. The recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing unit is provided at a position opposite to the loading unit: Binding equipment, binding media; and A folding device that folds the medium at the binding position based on the binding device.

7. The recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recording unit records by spraying liquid onto the medium. The processing unit is provided at a position opposite to the loading unit: Binding equipment, binding media; and The folding device folds the medium at the binding position based on the binding device. Information related to the swelling includes information about the amount of liquid ejected from the medium through the area between the binding device and the loading section. The control unit determines the maximum number of sheets based on the acquired information about the amount of liquid.

8. The recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recording section constitutes an independent recording unit. The loading section and the processing section constitute an independent processing unit. The control unit is located in the recording unit and controls the processing unit from the recording unit.

9. The recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The recording section constitutes an independent recording unit. The loading section and the processing section constitute an independent processing unit. The control unit is located in the processing unit and transmits information related to the swelling from the recording unit to the processing unit.

10. A processing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The loading unit loads the medium after it has been recorded by the recording unit that records the medium; and The processing unit processes the stack of media loaded in the loading unit. Based on information related to the swelling of the medium being recorded through the recording unit, the maximum number of sheets of medium loaded into the loading unit is determined according to whether the medium is not easily curled or not. Information related to the swelling of the medium includes medium information and recorded content. The medium information includes the medium's dimensions, cross-section, thickness, paper grain direction (if the medium is paper), and whether it has a coating. The recorded content includes the location, size, and shape of the recording area on the medium, whether double-sided recording is used, and the differences between the recorded content on the front and back sides when double-sided recording is used. The maximum number of sheets of media loaded in the loading section is determined based on at least one of the media information and the recorded content, and according to whether the media is not easily curled or not.

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