Printing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus. A technology capable of suppressing misalignment of a stack position of discharged print media is provided. The present disclosure includes: a discharge unit configured to discharge print media in a first direction; a stack unit configured to be telescopic in the first direction and stack the print media discharged from the discharge unit on a stack surface; a first restriction unit arranged in the stack unit on a downstream side in the first direction of the stack unit and configured to restrict a position of a leading edge of the print media discharged from the discharge unit; and a control unit configured to control an elongation of the stack unit in accordance with a size of the print media to be discharged from the discharge unit before discharge of the print media.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printing apparatus including a stacking section on which discharged printing media are stacked. Background Technology

[0002] In printing equipment where printing media are ejected after printing and stacked on a stacking section, the technique of stacking printing media on an extendable stacking section is known. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-70565 discloses that the stacking section is extended according to the size of the printing media.

[0003] However, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-70565, the printing media is stacked across the ends of the stacking section, and the disorder of the stacking position is not taken into account. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems and provides a technique that can suppress the disorder of the stacking position of ejected printing media.

[0005] A printing apparatus includes: an ejection unit configured to eject printing media in a first direction; a stacking unit having a stacking surface and configured to extend and retract in the first direction, and to stack printing media ejected from the ejection unit on the stacking surface; a first limiting unit disposed in the stacking unit and downstream of the stacking unit in the first direction, and configured to limit the position of the leading edge of the printing media ejected from the ejection unit; and a control unit configured to control the extension of the stacking unit according to the size of the printing media to be ejected from the ejection unit before the ejection of the printing media.

[0006] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a printing device;

[0008] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are the front view and floor plan of the printing section;

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram describing the conveyor system of the printing section;

[0010] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the control system focusing on the stacking section in the printing section;

[0011] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a 3D configuration diagram of the stacking section;

[0012] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is a diagram describing the range of movement of the front tray;

[0013] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is a diagram describing the classification location of the stacked sections;

[0014] Figure 8 This is a 3D configuration diagram of the drive transmission unit;

[0015] Figure 9 This is a 3D configuration diagram of the cam.

[0016] Figures 10A to 10C It is a diagram depicting the movement of a reciprocating component using a cam;

[0017] Figure 11 It is a diagram describing how the stacked section is driven according to the rotation direction of the drive source;

[0018] Figure 12A This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the printing process;

[0019] Figure 12B This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the printing process;

[0020] Figures 13A to 13F This is a diagram illustrating the state of the stack that has been driven during the printing process;

[0021] Figures 14A to 14D It is a diagram used to describe the discharge of printing media onto the stacking surface of the stacking section;

[0022] Figure 15 This is a diagram depicting another configuration for the telescopic stacking section;

[0023] Figure 16 This is a diagram depicting another configuration for moving the stack in the X direction;

[0024] Figures 17A to 17C It is a diagram describing the configuration used to classify print media stacked in a stack section; and

[0025] Figure 18A and Figure 18B This is a diagram illustrating another configuration for classifying print media stacked in a stack section. Specific Implementation

[0026] In the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, examples of embodiments of the printing apparatus are given. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit this disclosure, and each combination of features described in these embodiments is not necessarily required for the solutions provided in this disclosure. Furthermore, the positions, shapes, etc., of the constituent elements described in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] In this embodiment, as an example of a printing device, a description of a multifunctional peripheral device is given. This multifunctional peripheral device has a printing function for ejecting ink as a printing agent using an inkjet system to print on a printing medium and a reading function for reading a document placed on a platen glass. Note that the printing system is not limited to an inkjet system and may, for example, be an electrophotographic system or various other known systems. The printing agent that the printing device according to this embodiment can eject is not limited to ink and includes various known printing agents for printing, such as a treatment liquid for applying a predetermined treatment to the ejected ink.

[0028] In this specification, viewed from the side facing the ejected printing media, the direction from the left side of the printing device towards the right is described as the X direction, the direction from the inside (rear) side of the printing device towards the near side (front) side is described as the Y direction, and the direction from the bottom side of the printing device towards the top side is described as the Z direction. Thus, the X, Y, and Z directions are directions moving from one side to the other and are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, each direction is indicated by "+" (positive sign) when moving from one side to the other and by "-" (negative sign) when moving from the other side to one side (depending on the situation). <<First Embodiment>>

[0029] First, refer to Figures 1 to 14D A description of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment is given. (Printer configuration)

[0030] A description of the overall configuration of the printing device according to this embodiment is given. Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram of the internal configuration of the printing equipment. Figure 2A This is a front view of the printing section. Figure 2B This is a floor plan of the printing department. Note that... Figure 1 For ease of understanding, some configuration diagrams have been omitted.

[0031] The printing device 1 is a multifunctional peripheral device that includes a printing unit 10 for printing on a printing medium and a scanner unit (not shown in the figure) arranged above the printing unit 10 for reading documents. In the printing device 1, various processes related to printing and reading operations are performed individually or in conjunction with the printing unit 10 and the scanner unit.

[0032] The scanner unit includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) and an FBS (Flatbed Scanner), and is capable of reading documents automatically fed by the ADF, as well as documents placed by the user on the glass platen of the FBS. Note that although the printing device 1 in this embodiment is a multi-functional peripheral device including a printing unit 10 and a scanner unit, it may also be in the form of not having a scanner unit.

[0033] The printing unit 10 includes a first paper feed unit 11, a second paper feed unit 12, and a third paper feed unit 13 for feeding printing media (see...). Figure 1 Furthermore, the printing unit 10 includes a transport unit 2, a print head 3, and a stacking unit 4. The transport unit 2 transports printing media fed from each paper feed unit, the print head 3 performs printing by ejecting ink onto the printing media transported by the transport unit 2, and the stacking unit 4 is used to stack the printing media after printing. Additionally, the printing unit 10 includes a maintenance unit 5 for maintaining the print head 3, and a drive unit 6 for driving the first paper feed unit 11, the second paper feed unit 12, the third paper feed unit 13, and the maintenance unit 5.

[0034] The printing unit 10 includes a liquid storage unit 34 for storing ink to be supplied to the print head 3 and an ink discharge unit 51 for storing ink discharged from the maintenance unit 5 (see [link]). Figure 2A and Figure 2B In addition, the printing unit 10 includes a control unit 71 (see...). Figure 4 The control unit controls the overall operation of the printing device 1, including the control of the drive transport unit 2, print head 3, stacking unit 4, and drive unit 6. Furthermore, the printing unit 10 includes an operation unit 8 capable of receiving user input and displaying various information. The operation unit 8 is equipped with operation buttons 81 for inputting operation information into the printing device 1 and a display panel 82 for displaying operation information. In the printing device 1, each of the above-described configurations is secured to the housing 9 to form the printing unit 10.

[0035] In the printing unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are arranged above the stacking unit 4. More specifically, both the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are arranged at positions that partially overlap with the stacking unit 4 in the XY plane (see...). Figure 2B Note that the operating section 8 and the liquid storage section 34 are arranged at a distance from the stacking section 4 in the Z direction (see...). Figure 2A In this embodiment, the operation unit 8 is arranged on one side (left side) in the X direction, and the liquid storage unit 34 is arranged on the other side (right side) in the X direction. Note that the arrangement of the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 in the X direction can also be reversed.

[0036] Furthermore, in the printing unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are arranged on the opposite side (front side) in the Y direction relative to the paper discharge roller pair 26, that is, downstream in the transport direction of the printing medium discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 26. Additionally, in the printing unit 10, the maintenance unit 5 is arranged in the moving area of ​​the print head 3, on the opposite side in the X direction of the stacking unit 4. More specifically, the maintenance unit 5 is arranged at a position in the YZ plane that partially overlaps with the stacking unit 4 (see...). Figure 3A Furthermore, in the printing section 10, the ink discharge section 51 is arranged below the stacking section 4. More specifically, the ink discharge section 51 is arranged at a position in the XY plane that partially overlaps with the stacking section 4 (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 3A ). (Conveying section and paper feeding section)

[0037] Next, a description of the configuration of the delivery system of the printing unit 10 will be given. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport system of the printing unit 10, in which... Figure 3A The illustration shows the state of the stacked section 4 before it extends. Figure 3B The example shows the state after the stacked section has been extended. <Transportation Department>

[0038] The transport section 2 includes a transport roller pair 22 and a paper ejection roller pair 26. The transport roller pair transports the printing media fed from each paper feed section to the printing position where it can be printed by the print head 3. The paper ejection roller pair 26 ejects the printing media after printing by the print head 3. The transport roller pair 22 includes a transport motor 21 (see...) Figure 1 The paper discharge roller pair 26 includes a conveyor roller 22a driven by a conveyor motor 21 and a pinch roller 22b in pressure contact with and associated with the conveyor roller 22a. At the conveyor roller pair 22, the printing medium is held and conveyed by the conveyor roller 22a and the pinch roller 22b. The paper discharge roller pair 26 includes a paper discharge roller 26a driven by a conveyor motor 21 and a ratchet 26b in pressure contact with the paper discharge roller 26a. At the paper discharge roller pair 26, the printing medium is held and conveyed by the paper discharge roller 26a and the ratchet 26b. In this embodiment, the paper discharge roller pair 26 serves as a discharge section for discharging (feeding) the printing medium to the stacking section 4.

[0039] Furthermore, the transport unit 2 includes a first intermediate roller pair 126 that transports printing media fed from the second paper feed unit 12 and the third paper feed unit 13 to the transport roller pair 22, and a second intermediate roller pair 136 that transports printing media fed from the third paper feed unit 13 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The first intermediate roller pair 126 includes a first intermediate roller 126a driven by the drive unit 6 and a first driven roller 126b in pressure contact with and associated with the first intermediate roller 126a. At the first intermediate roller pair 126, the printing media is held and transported by the first intermediate roller 126a and the first driven roller 126b. Similarly, the second intermediate roller pair 136 includes a second intermediate roller 136a driven by the drive unit 6 and a second driven roller 136b in pressure contact with and associated with the second intermediate roller 136a. At the second intermediate roller pair 136, the printing media is held and transported by the second intermediate roller 136a and the second driven roller 136b.

[0040] Note that after the printing media fed from each paper feed section passes the detection rod 24 located upstream of the transport direction relative to the transport roller pair 22, the positions of the left and right front edges of the printing media in the width direction are aligned with the transport direction by the transport roller pair 22. That is, the skewness of the printing media in the transport direction is corrected by the transport roller pair 22. <Paper Feeding Department> First Paper Feeding Department

[0041] The first paper feed section 11 includes a pressure plate 111 for placing printing media and a first paper feed roller section 112 for feeding printing media placed on the pressure plate 111 to the transport roller pair 22. The first paper feed roller section 112 includes first paper feed rollers 112a and 112b for feeding printing media to the transport roller pair 22. Furthermore, the first paper feed roller section 112 includes a separation roller 113, which is arranged opposite to the first paper feed roller 112b and applies resistance to the printing media fed by the first paper feed roller 112b. The first paper feed rollers 112a and 112b are driven by a drive motor 61 of the drive section 6 (see...). Figure 1 Driven by the driving force of ).

[0042] In the first paper feed section 11, the printing medium P1 stacked on the pressure plate 111 abuts against the first paper feed roller 112a. The first paper feed roller 112a rotates under the drive of the drive motor 61, thereby starting the feeding of the printing medium P1. The printing medium P1 fed by the first paper feed roller 112a is fed by the first paper feed roller 112b, which is arranged downstream of the first paper feed roller 112a in the feeding direction. At this time, only the topmost sheet of the printing medium P1 fed by the first paper feed roller 112b is fed to the transport roller pair 22 by the separation roller 113, which is arranged at a position opposite to the first paper feed roller 112b. Second paper feed section

[0043] The second paper feed unit 12 includes a cassette case 121 for containing printing media, a second paper feed roller 123 for feeding the printing media contained in the cassette case 121, and a separation unit 125 for applying resistance to the printing media fed by the second paper feed roller 123. The second paper feed roller 123 is driven by a drive motor 62 of a drive unit 6 (see [reference needed]) transmitted through a gear train (not shown in the figure). Figure 1 Driven by the driving force of ).

[0044] In the second paper feed section 12, driven by the drive motor 62, the second paper feed roller 123 rotates while abutting against the printing medium P2 contained in the cartridge container 121, thereby beginning to feed the printing medium P2 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The separation section 125 applies resistance against the printing medium P2 fed by the second paper feed roller 123 in the opposite direction of feed. Therefore, even if the second paper feed roller 123 feeds multiple printing media P2, the separation section 125 only feeds the topmost sheet of printing medium P2 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The printing medium P2 fed to the first intermediate roller pair 126 is then conveyed by the first intermediate roller pair 126 to the transport roller pair 22. Third Paper Feeding Section

[0045] The third paper feed unit 13 includes a cartridge container 131 for containing printing media, a third paper feed roller 133 for feeding the printing media contained in the cartridge container 131, and a separation unit 135 for applying resistance to the printing media fed by the third paper feed roller 133. The third paper feed roller 133 is driven by a drive motor 62 of a drive unit 6 (see [reference needed]) transmitted through a gear train (not shown in the figure). Figure 1 Driven by the driving force of ).

[0046] In the third paper feed section 13, driven by the drive motor 62, the third paper feed roller 133 rotates while abutting against the printing medium P3 contained in the cartridge container 131, thereby beginning to feed the printing medium P3 to the second intermediate roller pair 136. The separation section 135 applies resistance against the printing medium P3 fed by the third paper feed roller 133 in the opposite direction of feed. Therefore, even if the third paper feed roller 133 feeds multiple printing media P3, the separation section 135 only feeds the topmost sheet of the printing medium P3 to the second intermediate roller pair 136. The printing medium P3 fed to the second intermediate roller pair 136 is conveyed to the transport roller pair 22 via the second intermediate roller pair 136 and the first intermediate roller pair 126. (Print head)

[0047] Next, a description of the print head 3 will be given. In the printing unit 10, the print head 3 is slidably supported on a frame 33 extending in the X direction, and mounted on a carriage 31 that can reciprocate in the X direction (see...). Figure 2B and Figure 3A Therefore, the printhead 3 can reciprocate in the X direction via the carriage 31. The printing medium conveyed by the transport roller pair 22 is supported by the platform 25 placed at a position opposite to the printhead 3. Furthermore, while the printhead 3 moves in the X direction via the carriage 31, it ejects ink onto the printing medium supported by the platform 25 for printing.

[0048] When printing is performed only on one side of the printing medium, the printed medium is discharged to the stacking section 4 via the paper ejection roller pair 26. On the other hand, when printing is performed on both sides of the printing medium, and the rear edge of the printed medium after printing on one side is held by the paper ejection roller pair 26, the transport motor 21 is rotated in the opposite direction. Therefore, the paper ejection roller pair 26 and the transport roller pair 22 rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation used to transport the printing medium in the transport direction, so as to transport the printing medium held by the paper ejection roller pair 26 at the rear edge to the flip transport path F. In the description provided here, it is assumed that the rear edge of the printing medium refers to the rear edge of the printing medium in the transport direction (+Y direction), and the front edge of the printing medium refers to the front edge of the printing medium in the transport direction.

[0049] Then, once the leading edge of the printing medium, conveyed to the flipping conveyor path F, passes the conveyor roller pair 22, the conveyor motor 21 switches to forward rotation. Afterward, as it passes the detection rod 24 due to the conveying of the first intermediate roller pair 126, skew correction is again performed by the conveyor roller pair 22. Subsequently, the same operation as printing on one side of the printing medium is performed, so that after printing on the other side of the printing medium, the double-sided printed printing medium is discharged to the stacking section 4 via the paper ejection roller pair 26.

[0050] Note that, although details are described later, in this embodiment, the stack 4 automatically extends in the +Y direction during printing (see...). Figure 3B The printing media discharged via the paper discharge rollers 26 is stacked in a stacking section. Therefore, the stacking section 4, which is mostly located inside the housing 9 before extension, protrudes outside the housing 9, thus ensuring a stable area of ​​the discharged printing media. Note that the stacking section 4 is detachable from the housing 9. By removing the stacking section 4 from the housing 9, the user can insert their hand into the housing 9 to remove any blocked printing media from the transport path. (Stacking section)

[0051] Next, a description of stacking section 4 will be given. Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of printing device 1. Note that, in order to focus on the stacking section 4 in the following description, Figure 4 The main example shown is the control configuration related to the stack section 4; other configurations are omitted. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThis is a schematic configuration diagram of stack section 4, in which Figure 5A This is a 3D view taken from the upper right side of the front. Figure 5B This is a 3D image viewed from the upper right rear side. Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating the positions of the stacked portion 4 after extension and after contraction, where Figure 6A The illustration shows the receiving position of the front tray 42 after the stacking section 4 has retracted. Figure 6B The stacking position of the front tray 42 is illustrated after the stacking section 4 is extended. Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating two classification positions of the stack section 4, where Figure 7A The first category position is shown. Figure 7B The second category position is illustrated.

[0052] The stacking section 4, used for stacking printing media discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 26, automatically extends at the start of printing, thereby increasing the area supporting the discharged printing media. Furthermore, when printing media is removed from the stacking section 4, the stacking section 4 automatically retracts, thereby reducing this area. In addition, the stacking section 4 has the function of moving in a direction (X direction) intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the extension direction (Y direction) to classify the discharged printing media. Note that the automatic retraction of the stacking section 4 in the printing unit 10 is performed not only when printing media is removed from the stacking section 4, but also when an instruction is received from the user via the operation unit 8, when there is no printing operation for a predetermined time, and when switching to a low-power mode, etc.

[0053] The printing unit 10 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a detection unit 73, an operation unit 8, a stacking unit 4, a drive transmission unit 43, and a drive source 44 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0054] During the period from receiving a print command until the print media is delivered and discharged onto the stacking section 4, the control unit 71 controls the stacking section 4 to move in the X direction and extend in the Y direction. Furthermore, if print media is removed from the stacking section 4, the control unit 71 controls the stacking section 4 to begin moving in the X direction and retracting in the Y direction. Although details will be described later, the stacking section 4 extends after moving to the first sorting position (described later) along the X direction. While the stacking section 4 extends, the front tray 42 constituting the stacking section 4 moves from the receiving position (described later) to the stacking position (described later). Furthermore, the stacking section 4 retracts after moving to a second sorting position (described later) different from the first sorting position along the X direction. While the stacking section 4 retracts, the front tray 42 constituting the stacking section 4 moves from the stacking position to the receiving position. Through this control, the influence of external forces applied to the print media due to the movement of the stacking section 4 can be reduced during print media discharge. That is, the deterioration of the alignment of the discharged and stacked print media can be suppressed, thus improving the visibility of the sorted print media during sorting. Furthermore, since the stacking section 4 automatically extends and retracts, it is not burdensome for the user, thus enhancing usability. Note that the details of the drive control for the movement and extension of the stacking section 4 by the control section 71 will be described later.

[0055] The operation unit 8 includes operation buttons 81 and a display panel 82 (see...). Figure 1 By operating the operation unit 8, the user can select whether the print media needs to be sorted and issue instructions for moving the stacking unit 4. Note that in the printing unit 10, for example, the sorting of print media and the movement of the stacking unit 4 can also be performed based on information set in the job. The storage unit 72 stores various programs for operating the stacking unit 4. When the user inputs information through the operation unit 8, the control unit 71 reads the program corresponding to the input result to control the driving of the stacking unit 4. In addition, the storage unit 72 saves the detection results from the detection unit 73.

[0056] The detection unit 73 includes multiple sensors. Specifically, it includes sensors for detecting the drive source 44 used to drive the stacked unit 4 (see...). Figure 2A The sensor is a rotary encoder mounted on the rotating shaft of the drive source 44 that generates the rotary driving force. The sensor converts the rotation angle of the drive source 44 into steps and sends this number to the control unit 71. The control unit 71 reads the number of steps required for a predetermined operation of the stacking unit 4 from the storage unit 72, and when the number of steps sent from the sensor reaches a specified number, the control unit 71 determines that the predetermined operation of the stacking unit 4 is complete and stops the drive source 44. In this embodiment, the sensor is equipped with an encoder mounted on the rotating shaft of the drive source 44; however, there is no such limitation. For example, it may also be mounted on the drive transmission unit 43 (see...). Figure 2AOn the rotation axis of the predetermined transmission member, the drive transmission unit transmits the driving force of the drive source 44 to the stacking unit 4.

[0057] Furthermore, the detection unit 73 includes a sensor that detects the position of the stacking unit 4 after a predetermined operation. This sensor can be, for example, a mechanical switch, a light sensor, or a rotary encoder of the drive source 44. Additionally, the detection unit 73 includes a sensor that detects whether any printing media is stacked on the stacking unit 4. This sensor allows the detection of the moment when the stacking unit 4 is retracted.

[0058] Stacking section 4 includes a rear tray 41 and a front tray 42 (see...) Figure 5A and Figure 5B The rear tray 41 is configured to reciprocate in the X direction, intersecting the direction of printing media discharge (+Y direction). The rear tray 41 is disposed within the housing 9, with its other end 41a in the Y direction positioned further rearward relative to the front surface 9a of the housing 9 in the Y direction (see...). Figure 6B ).

[0059] The rear tray 41 includes a rear edge restraint 411 that protrudes upward over the stacking surface 4a of the stacking section 4 on which printing media are stacked, thereby restricting movement of the stacked printing media in the -Y direction (towards the rear). The rear edge restraint 411 extends in the X direction and includes an abutment surface 411a on which the rear edge (upstream edge in the +Y direction) of the printing media to be stacked can abut. The abutment surface 411a is formed, for example, perpendicular to the stacking surface 4a, and in this embodiment, is a surface parallel to the XZ plane. In this embodiment, the rear edge restraint 411 is located directly below the paper discharge roller pair 26, in other words, on the lower side in the vertical direction (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B For example, the abutment surface 411a may be located on the lower side in the vertical direction relative to the rotation center of the paper discharge roller 26a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear tray 41 is configured to move in the X direction but not in the Y direction. Therefore, this configuration ensures that the position of the rear edge restraint 411 (abutment surface 411a) does not change in the Y direction.

[0060] The front tray 42 is supported by the rear tray 41 and is configured to reciprocate within the rear tray 41 in the Y direction. Therefore, the front tray 42 can reciprocate via the rear tray 41 in the X direction. The front tray 42 includes a front edge restraint 421 that protrudes upward near its end on the other side (front side) in the Y direction, thereby restricting the movement of the stacked printing media in the +Y direction. That is, the front edge restraint 421 stands upright on the stacking surface 4a of the stacking section 4 near its downstream end in the extension direction (+Y direction) of the stacking section 4. Each front edge restraint 421 includes an abutment surface 421a against which the leading edge (downstream edge in the +Y direction) of the printing media to be stacked can abut. The abutment surface 421a is formed, for example, perpendicular to the stacking surface 4a, and in this embodiment, is a surface parallel to the XZ plane.

[0061] The front tray 42 includes two inclined portions 502 extending obliquely upwards towards the front at its other end in the Y direction, and a notch 504 formed between the two inclined portions. A leading edge restraint 421 stands upright on the stacking surface 4a of the front tray 42 on which print media to be ejected is stacked, and the inclined portions 502 are located on the front side of the leading edge restraint 421. The inclined portions 502 are formed to limit the movable range of the leading edge restraint 421. The leading edge restraint 421 is configured so as not to be damaged even if the user touches and pushes it while removing print media stacked on the stack. Note that the two inclined portions 502 and the notch 504 can be omitted from the front tray 42.

[0062] The front edge limiting portion 421 is formed at two locations corresponding to the two inclined portions 502a at the front end of the front tray 42. That is, the front edge limiting portion 421 is formed at the front end of the front tray 42 in a manner that the two are spaced apart in the X direction. Note that the number of locations of the front edge limiting portion 421 is not limited to two. For example, instead of forming a notch 504 at the front end of the front tray 42, the front edge limiting portion 421 may be formed at three or more locations along the X direction, or a single front edge limiting portion 421 may be formed extending over the entire area in the X direction.

[0063] The front tray 42 is configured to move between a receiving position and a stacking position (see...). Figure 6A and Figure 6B The receiving position is such that most of the front tray 42 overlaps with the rear tray 41 in the XY plane and is received below the rear tray 41 (see...). Figure 6A The stacking position is the position pulled out from the receiving position so that the front tray 42 and the rear tray 41 cooperate to enable stacking of printing media (see...). Figure 6BThat is, when the stacking portion 4 extends, the front tray 42 moves from the receiving position to the stacking position in the +Y direction. Furthermore, when the stacking portion 4 retracts, the front tray 42 moves from the stacking position to the receiving position in the -Y direction. Note that in this embodiment, in the receiving position, a portion of the front side of the front tray 42, including the inclined portion 502 and the front edge limiting portion 421, protrudes in the Y direction relative to the front surface 9a of the housing 9 (see...). Figure 6A With this configuration, when the current tray 42 is in the receiving position, most of the stack 4 is located inside the housing 9, thereby reducing the installation space of the printing device 1.

[0064] Regarding the stacking position, multiple different positions can be taken in the Y direction depending on the size of the printing media. Specifically, the stacking position is set such that the length L from the paper discharge roller pair 26 to the abutment surface 421a of the leading edge limiting portion 421 in the Y direction (see...) Figure 14A The length L of the paper discharge roller pair 26 (abutment surface 411a) to abutment surface 421a of the front edge limiter 421 is substantially matched with the length of the printing medium to be used in the Y direction. This substantial matching with the size of the printing medium includes not only matching with the length of the printing medium in the Y direction, but also matching with the length of the printing medium in the Y direction within a predetermined range. Preferably, the length L from the paper discharge roller pair 26 (abutment surface 411a) to abutment surface 421a is longer than the length of the printing medium in the Y direction by a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount is, for example, a value greater than 0 mm and equal to or less than 10 mm.

[0065] In this embodiment, the stacking positions include four positions corresponding to the standard sizes A4, A5, B5, and LETTER. Positions that can be considered as stacking positions are not limited to these four. In this embodiment, for example, these four positions are used as references and vary depending on the environment of the printing equipment, the type of printing media, the printed pattern (the amount of ink applied), etc.

[0066] If the printing medium is in a high-humidity environment, or if the printing pattern involves applying a large amount of ink to the printing medium, the printing medium may absorb liquid (water) or swell and expand, resulting in an increase in length in the Y direction. On the other hand, if the printing medium is in a low-humidity environment, or if the pattern involves applying a small amount of ink to the printing medium, moisture is lost from the printing medium and the printing medium shrinks, resulting in a decrease in length in the Y direction.

[0067] Therefore, the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium can be changed according to the environment in which the printing device 1 is used, the amount of ink applied to the printing medium based on the printing pattern, etc. The environment in which the printing device 1 is used is detected by, for example, a temperature and humidity sensor (not shown in the figure) installed in the printing device 1. Furthermore, for example, the printing pattern (the amount of ink applied to the printing medium) is obtained from printing data indicating ink ejection / non-ejection, which is generated in an image processing unit provided in the printing device 1 based on input image data.

[0068] In other words, in a high-humidity environment or if the printing pattern involves applying a large amount of ink to the printing medium, the stacking position moves in the +Y direction from a position corresponding to the size of the printing medium to be used. That is, in this case, the stacking position changes in the direction in which the elongation of the front tray 42 increases. On the other hand, in a low-humidity environment or if the printing pattern involves applying a small amount of ink to the printing medium, the stacking position moves in the -Y direction from a position corresponding to the size of the printing medium to be used. That is, in this case, the stacking position changes in the direction in which the elongation of the front tray 42 decreases.

[0069] Furthermore, resin-coated paper designed for photographic printing is less susceptible to change due to the usage environment or the printed pattern. On the other hand, paper made of cellulose tends to swell and become longer when absorbing water. Therefore, in the case of using printing media such as resin-coated paper as described above, which are unlikely to change size due to the usage environment or the amount of ink applied, the stacking position does not change. However, in the case of using printing media such as paper made of cellulose, which are prone to change size depending on the usage environment and the amount of ink applied, the stacking position moves from a position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used towards the +Y direction. That is, in this case, the stacking position changes in the direction in which the elongation of the front tray 42 increases. Note that in the following description, for ease of understanding, a description of the case where the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media does not change depending on the usage environment and the amount of ink applied is given.

[0070] Furthermore, by moving the rear tray 41 in the X direction, the stacking section 4 is configured to move between two sorting positions to sort the print media to be ejected. That is, in the X direction, the stacking section 4 can move between a first sorting position and a second sorting position. In the first sorting position, the center position Os of the stacking section 4 is located to one side of the center position Om of the print media to be ejected (see...). Figure 7A In the second classification position, the central position Os is located on the other side of the central position Om (see...). Figure 7BThe stacking section 4 is configured to sort the print media to be discharged at positions offset from each other in the X direction by stacking the print media at a first sorting position and stacking the print media at a second sorting position. In other words, the first sorting position and the second sorting position are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other in the X direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, the distance from the center position Os to the center position Orm at the first classification position can be designed to match the distance from the center position Os to the center position Orm at the second classification position. Alternatively, the distance from the center position Os to the center position Orm at the first classification position can be designed to be different from the distance from the center position Os to the center position Orm at the second classification position. The distance required for classification, i.e., the distance between the first and second classification positions, is set to, for example, 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The position where the stacking part 4 can be located is not limited to the first and second classification positions. For example, when classification is not performed during printing or when printing is not performed, the stacking part 4 can be located at the center position Orm where the center position Os overlaps with the center position Orm. (Drive Transmission Section)

[0072] Next, a description of the drive transmission unit 43 will be given. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit 43. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the cam, which is a component of the drive transmission unit 43. Figures 10A to 10C This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the stack section 4 in the X direction using a cam.

[0073] The drive transmission unit 43 includes a transmission system 431 and a support member 432. The transmission system 431 is equipped with a plurality of drive transmission members, which transmit rotational driving force from the drive source 44. The support member 432 can move in the Y direction by the driving force transmitted via the transmission system 431 (see...). Figure 8 In addition, the drive transmission unit 43 includes a reciprocating member 433 that can move in the X direction by the driving force transmitted via the transmission system 431, and a housing (not shown in the figure) that holds the drive source 44 and the transmission system 431.

[0074] The support member 432 includes a rack portion 4321 extending in the Y direction. This rack portion 4321 meshes with a pinion 4311, which is one of the drive transmission members constituting the transmission system 431, thereby allowing the support member 432 to move in the Y direction by a driving force transmitted from the transmission system 431. Specifically, the transmission system 431 is configured with a plurality of gears, including the pinion 4311. The driving force transmitted from the drive source 44 is transmitted to the pinion 4311 via predetermined gears in the transmission system 431, causing the support member 432 to move in the Y direction due to the driving force transmitted to the pinion 4311.

[0075] One end of the transmission system 431 is connected to the drive source 44. Furthermore, a cam 4312, which engages with the reciprocating member 433, is positioned at the other end of the transmission system 431. The cam 4312 includes a circular plate portion 4312c, a gear portion 4312a formed on one surface of the plate portion 4312c, and a cam portion 4312b formed on the other surface of the plate portion 4312c (see...). Figure 9 The driving force from drive source 44 is transmitted to gear portion 4312a, causing cam 4312 to rotate about axis Oc, which passes through the center of rotation and is parallel to the Z direction, passing through the center of plate portion 4312c. In this embodiment, cam portion 4312b has a generally triangular cylindrical shape, with each side of the triangle connecting adjacent vertices slightly curved to protrude outwards (see...). Figure 10A Furthermore, the cam portion 4312b is formed eccentrically on another surface of the plate portion 4312c relative to the rotation center in such a way that the predetermined vertex P is located on the axis Oc.

[0076] The reciprocating member 433 has a engagement portion 4333 formed to engage with the cam portion 4312b. The engagement portion 4333 has a first sliding surface 4331 and a second sliding surface 4332, which face each other in the X direction at a predetermined interval, allowing the engaged cam portion 4312b to slide therein. Note that the predetermined interval corresponds to the length of the cam portion 4312b in the X direction. Furthermore, the first sliding surface 4331 and the second sliding surface 4332 are formed parallel to the Y direction. As described above, the cam portion 4312b is eccentric relative to the rotation center of the cam 4312. Therefore, if the cam 4312 rotates, the cam portion 4312b slides on the first sliding surface 4331 or the second sliding surface 4332, thereby causing the reciprocating member 433 to move in the +X or -X direction (see...). Figures 10A to 10C ).

[0077] For example, assuming that through the rotation of cam 4312, cam portion 4312b has moved from a predetermined position ( Figure 10A (as shown) along arrow A (see...) Figure 10BThe cam portion 4312b slides on the first sliding surface 4331, thereby causing the reciprocating member 433 to move from one side to the other (-X direction) in the X direction (see...). Figure 10B Furthermore, assuming that through the rotation of cam 4312, cam portion 4312b has moved from a predetermined position along arrow B (see...). Figure 10C The cam portion 4312b slides on the second sliding surface 4332, thereby causing the reciprocating member 433 to move from one side to the other (+X direction) in the X direction (see...). Figure 10C ).

[0078] Support member 432 is connected to front tray 42. Therefore, as support member 432 moves in the Y direction, front tray 42 moves in the Y direction. Furthermore, reciprocating member 433 is connected to rear tray 41. Therefore, as reciprocating member 433 moves in the X direction, rear tray 41 moves in the X direction, and front tray 42 also moves in the X direction via rear tray 41. In this embodiment, support member 432 is connected to front tray 42 and reciprocating member 433 is connected to rear tray 41; however, there is no such limitation. For example, rack portion 4321 may be formed on front tray 42, allowing front tray 42 to function as support member 432, or engagement portion 4333 may be formed on rear tray 41, allowing rear tray 41 to function as engagement portion 4333. (Approximate movement of the rear and front pallets)

[0079] Next, a general description of the movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 is given. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the general movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42.

[0080] In the drivetrain 431, a delay segment is formed in the drive transmission path in the Y direction. Specifically, the drivetrain 431 is configured to begin moving the front pallet 42 in the Y direction after the rear pallet 41 has completed its movement in the X direction. More specifically, when the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is a first direction, the rear pallet 41 moves to a first sorting position, and the front pallet 42 also moves to the first sorting position via the rear pallet 41. Subsequently, the drive source 44 rotates further in the first direction, causing the front pallet 42 to extend relative to the rear pallet 41, that is, the front pallet 42 in the receiving position moves to a stacking position in the +Y direction. When the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is a second direction opposite to the first direction, the rear pallet 41 moves to a second sorting position, and the front pallet 42 also moves to the second sorting position via the rear pallet 41. Subsequently, the drive source 44 rotates further in the second direction, causing the front pallet 42 to contract relative to the rear pallet 41, that is, the front pallet 42 in the stacking position moves to the receiving position in the -Y direction.

[0081] In this embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 moves the rear tray 41 in the X direction and then moves the front tray 42 in the Y direction; however, there is no such limitation. For example, the rear tray 41 can be moved in the X direction after the front tray 42 is moved in the Y direction. Furthermore, various known transmission mechanisms, such as linkage mechanisms, can be used as the configuration for transmitting the driving force of the drive source 44. In addition, the printing unit 10 may include multiple drive sources, such that the movement of the rear tray 41 in the X direction and the movement of the front tray 42 in the Y direction are performed by driving forces from different drive sources. Note that the movement of the rear tray 41 in the X direction and the movement of the front tray 42 in the Y direction can be performed not only by the drive source 44 but also manually by the user. (Printing process)

[0082] Next, a description of the printing process is given, in which the printed media are sorted in the stacking section 4 while printing is being performed on the printing media. Figure 12A and 12B This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of a printing process, in which the printed media are sorted in the stacking section 4 while being printed. Figures 13A to 13F This is a diagram illustrating the state of stack 4 after it has been moved. Figures 14A to 14C This is a diagram used to describe the discharge of printing media onto the stacking surface 4a of the stacking section 4. Figure 14D This is a diagram illustrating the extension (stack position) of the front tray 42 according to the size of the printing media.

[0083] Figure 12A and 12B The flowchart illustrates a series of processes performed by the control unit 71 loading program code stored in the program memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 into the data memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 and executing the program code. Alternatively, Figure 12A and 12B Some or all of the functions in the steps can be executed by hardware such as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), electronic circuits, etc. In this specification, the symbol "S" in the description of each process in the flowchart represents a step in the flowchart. Note that when using... Figure 12A and 12B The description of the printing process describes a case in which a bundle of M print media is regarded as one unit, and the printing process is performed by the printing device 1 based on the job of performing printing to generate N such bundles of print media.

[0084] At the start of the printing process, firstly, in S1202, the control unit 71 moves the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position. In S1202, the drive source 44 rotates along a first direction to move the tray from its initial position (see...). Figure 13A The rear tray 41 and front tray 42 move along the -X direction to the first sorting position (see Figure 13B Next, in S1204, the control unit 71 moves the front tray 42 from the receiving position to the stacking position. In S1204, with the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 in the first sorting position, the drive source 44 further rotates along the first direction, thereby moving the front tray 42 from the receiving position to the stacking position along the +Y direction (see...). Figure 13C ).

[0085] As described above, in this embodiment, the stacking position changes according to the size of the printing medium. Specifically, the front tray 42 is moved to a position where the length L from the paper discharge roller pair 26 (abutment surface 411a) to the abutment surface 421a in the Y direction substantially matches the size (length in the Y direction) of the printing medium being printed. Therefore, compared to the stacking position when printing on a printing medium P5 whose length in the Y direction is ΔY shorter than a predetermined length, the stacking position when printing on a printing medium P4 whose length in the Y direction is a predetermined length is located at a downstream side ΔY in the +Y direction (see [reference]). Figure 14D ).

[0086] Therefore, in this embodiment, the extension amount of the stacking portion 4 varies according to the size of the printing medium. Thus, in S1204, it is determined whether the front tray 42 has been moved to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium based on the detection result of a sensor installed in the detection unit 73 to detect the position of the stacking portion 4 after a predetermined operation. Specifically, for example, the front tray 42 is moved to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium based on the detection result of the rotary encoder of the drive source 44. Alternatively, a configuration may be used where the front tray 42 is moved to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium based on the detection result of a mechanical switch, light sensor, etc.

[0087] Note that the drive transmission unit 43 is configured such that even when the rear tray 41 is in the first sorting position, the cam 4312 will not rotate further, even if the driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the first direction is transmitted. Therefore, in S1204, even when the drive source 44 rotates in the first direction while the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are in the first sorting position, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 will not move from the first sorting position in the -X direction.

[0088] Next, in S1206, the control unit 71 sets the variable n, representing the number of copies of the print media bundle to be sorted, to "1". Furthermore, in S1208, the control unit 71 sets the variable m, representing the number of sheets of print media to be printed, to "1". Then, in S1210, the control unit 71 performs printing on the nth copy and the mth sheet of print media. In the printing unit 10, a printing operation is performed, during which ink is ejected relative to a predetermined area of ​​the print media conveyed by the transport unit 2 and supported by the platform 25 while the print head 3 moves in the X direction. Next, after the transport unit 2 performs a transport operation that conveys a predetermined amount of print media corresponding to the Y-direction length of the predetermined area, the printing operation is performed again. Thus, the printing unit 10 performs printing on the print media by alternately and repeatedly performing printing and transport operations. Therefore, during printing, as printing progresses, the print media is conveyed in the +Y direction, discharged at the end of printing, and then stacked onto the stacking unit 4, which has already extended to the first sorting position.

[0089] Then, in S1212, the control unit 71 determines whether the print media has been ejected. In S1212, for example, the determination is based on the detection result of a sensor installed in the detection unit 73 to detect the ejection of print media, and the number of ejected print media is counted. The ejected print media are stacked on the stacking section 4 located at the first sorting position (see...). Figure 13D ).

[0090] When ejecting the printing media, the abutment surface 421a is positioned such that the length L of the paper ejection roller pair 26 (abutment surface 411a) in the Y direction substantially matches the size (length in the Y direction) of the printing media to be ejected. Therefore, the printing media (see...) is ejected by the printhead 3... Figure 14A During the printing time on P4), the leading edge of the print head 3 (the downstream edge in the +Y direction) does not abut against the abutment surface 421a in the stack 4 (see P4). Figure 14A ).

[0091] Then, even when printing is completed using printhead 3 and the trailing edge of the printing medium (the upstream edge in the +Y direction) reaches the paper discharge roller pair 26, the leading edge of the printing medium is still not against the contact surface 421a (see...). Figure 14B Subsequently, just after the rear edge of the printing medium is discharged from the paper discharge roller pair 26, the front edge of the printing medium abuts against the abutment surface 421a, and the rear edge of the printing medium faces the abutment surface 411a (see...). Figure 14C As a result, the printing media discharged onto the stacking section 4 is contained between the front edge limiting section 421 and the rear edge limiting section 411.

[0092] In this way, by moving the front tray 42 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media, the sliding distance from the discharge of the printing media from the paper discharge roller pair 26 until the printing media stops on the stacking surface 4a of the stacking section 4 is optimized according to the size of the printing media. That is, the sliding distance becomes shorter according to the size of the printing media. Therefore, misalignment of the stacking position of the discharged printing media on the stacking section 4 is suppressed. Furthermore, although the reaction force generated when the printing media abuts against the abutment surface 421a may cause the printing media to move in the -Y direction or tilt in the XY plane, the movement of the printing media is constrained by the front edge restraint 421 and the rear edge restraint 411. This improves the alignment of the discharged printing media on the stacking section 4.

[0093] Note that, in order to reduce the impact noise generated when the printing medium abuts against the abutment surface 421a, the leading edge limiting portion 421 can be configured as an elastic member such as rubber, or the elastic member can be attached to the abutment surface 421a. Furthermore, the surface shape of the abutment surface 421a can be a wavy shape having irregularly arranged uneven portions extending in the X direction and arranged alternately in the Z direction, thereby suppressing the abutting printing medium from climbing onto the leading edge limiting portion 421. Alternatively, a return portion can be formed near the upper end of the abutment surface 421a to limit the printing medium abutting against the abutment surface 421a from climbing onto the leading edge limiting portion 421.

[0094] Furthermore, it is desirable that the height (length in the Z direction) of the leading edge limiting portion 421 (abutment surface 421a) is set to be equal to or lower than the position where the printing media is held by the paper ejection rollers 26a and ratchet 26b. This is to prevent the printing media stacked on the stacking portion 4 from being sucked into the paper ejection roller pair 26 during duplex printing. As a countermeasure to prevent the printing media stacked on the stacking portion 4 from being sucked into the paper ejection roller pair 26 during duplex printing, for example, a sensor can be installed to detect overload of the printing media on the stacking portion 4.

[0095] In this embodiment, printing begins on the first sheet of printing media after the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 are moved to the first sorting position and then the front tray 42 is moved to the stacking position; however, there is no such limitation. The aforementioned movement of the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 only needs to be completed before the first sheet of printing media is ejected into the stacking section 4, thus the movement and printing on the first sheet of printing media can be performed in parallel. Note that the phrase "before the first sheet of printing media is ejected into the stacking section 4" means, for example, before the first sheet of printing media is ejected and placed on the stacking section 4.

[0096] Alternatively, for example, as an initial operation after starting the printing device 1, the movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position and the movement of the front tray 42 to the stacking position can be performed. Or, at the moment the printing device 1 receives a job, the movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position and the movement of the front tray 42 to the stacking position can be performed.

[0097] Subsequently, in S1214, it is determined whether the number of ejected print media has reached the predetermined number. In S1214, it is determined whether the count of ejected print media has reached the preset predetermined number of pages. Alternatively, in S1214, it can also be determined whether the number of pages m has reached the predetermined number of pages. In this case, the number of ejected print media is not counted in S1212. For example, the predetermined number of pages is set based on information set in the job. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined number of pages is "M", and in S1214, it is determined whether m is equal to M.

[0098] In S1214, if it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has not yet reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1216, where the control unit 71 increments by m, and the process returns to S1210. Furthermore, in S1214, if it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1218, where the control unit 71 determines whether the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number. For example, the predetermined number of copies is set based on information set in the job. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined number of copies is "N", and in S1218, it is determined whether n is equal to N.

[0099] In S1218, if it is determined that the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1220. In S1220, the control unit 71 determines whether the print media has been removed from the stacking section 4. In S1220, the determination is based on the detection result of a sensor installed in the detection unit 73 to detect whether any print media is stacked on the stacking section 4. In S1220, if it is determined that the print media has not yet been removed from the stacking section 4, the process of S1220 is repeated. At this time, a notification can also be provided via the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8 to prompt the user to remove the print media from the stacking section 4. Furthermore, in S1220, if it is determined that the print media has been removed from the stacking section 4, the process proceeds to S1222, in which the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are moved to the second sorting position. In S1222, the drive source 44 rotates in the second direction to move the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which are in the first sorting position, to the second sorting position in the +X direction, and then the process proceeds to S1246, which will be described later.

[0100] Furthermore, in S1218, if it is determined that the number of portions n has not yet reached the predetermined number of portions, the process proceeds to S1224, in which the control unit 71 moves the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the second sorting position (see...). Figure 13E Since the processing details of S1224 are the same as those of S1222 described above, their detailed description is omitted. Next, in S1226, the control unit 71 increments the variable n. Furthermore, in S1228, the control unit 71 sets the variable m to "1". Subsequently, in S1230, the control unit 71 prints on the nth print media. During printing, as printing progresses, the print media is conveyed in the +Y direction, discharged at the end of printing, and then stacked on the stacking section 4, which has been extended to the second classification position. Then, in S1232, the control unit 71 determines whether the print media has been discharged. Note that the discharged print media here will be stacked on top of the print media stacked at the first classification position in the stacking section 4, that is, stacked at a position offset in the X direction relative to the print media stacked at the first classification position (see...). Figure 13F ).

[0101] During printing in S1230, as in printing in S1210, the abutment surface 421a is positioned such that its length L in the Y direction to the paper discharge roller pair 26 (abutment surface 411a) substantially matches the size of the printing medium to be discharged, depending on the size of the printing medium. Therefore, immediately after the rear edge of the printing medium (the upstream edge in the +Y direction) is discharged from the paper discharge roller pair 26, the leading edge of the printing medium (the downstream edge in the +Y direction) abuts against the abutment surface 421a, and the rear edge of the printing medium faces the abutment surface 411a.

[0102] In this way, by moving the front tray 42 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media, the sliding distance from the discharge of the printing media from the paper discharge roller pair 26 until the printing media stops on the stacking surface 4a of the stacking section 4 is optimized according to the size of the printing media. Therefore, misalignment of the discharged printing media on the stacking section 4 is suppressed. Furthermore, although the reaction force generated when the printing media abuts against the abutment surface 421a may cause the printing media to move in the -Y direction or tilt in the XY plane, the movement of the printing media is constrained by the front edge restraint 421 and the rear edge restraint 411. This improves the alignment of the discharged printing media.

[0103] In this embodiment, printing is performed on the nth first print medium after the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 have moved to the second sorting position; however, there is no such limitation. The movement of the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 to the second sorting position only needs to be completed before the nth first print medium is ejected into the stack 4, thus the movement and printing on the nth first print medium can be performed in parallel. Note that the phrase "before the nth first print medium is ejected into the stack 4" means, for example, before the nth first print medium is ejected and placed on the print media stacked on the stack 4.

[0104] Subsequently, in S1234, it is determined whether the number of printed media ejected has reached the predetermined number. If, in S1234, it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has not yet reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1236, where the control unit 71 increments by m, and the process returns to S1230. Furthermore, if, in S1234, it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1238, where the control unit 71 determines whether the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number. Note that since the specific details of the processes in S1232 to S1238 are the same as those in S1212 to S1218, their detailed explanation is omitted.

[0105] In S1238, if it is determined that the number of portions n has not yet reached the predetermined number of portions, the process proceeds to S1240, where the control unit 71 increments n. Then, in S1242, the control unit 71 moves the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position, and the process returns to S1208. In S1242, the drive source 44 rotates along the first direction to move the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which are at the second sorting position, to the first sorting position along the -X direction.

[0106] In this embodiment, after moving the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 to the first sorting position in S1242, the process returns to S1208, where printing is performed on the nth first print medium; however, there is no such limitation. In S1242, the movement of the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 to the first sorting position only needs to be completed before the nth first print medium is discharged into the stack 4, thus the movement and printing on the nth first print medium can be performed in parallel.

[0107] Furthermore, in S1238, if it is determined that the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number of copies, the process proceeds to S1244, where the control unit 71 determines whether the printing media has been removed from the stacking section 4. Since the processing details of S1244 are the same as those of S1220 described above, their detailed description is omitted. In S1244, if it is determined that the printing media has not yet been removed from the stacking section 4, the process of S1244 is repeated. At this time, a notification can also be provided via the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8 to prompt the user to remove the printing media from the stacking section 4. In S1244, if it is determined that the printing media has been removed from the stacking section 4, the process proceeds to S1246, where the control unit 71 moves the front tray 42 from the stacking position to the receiving position and ends the printing process. Note that when the printing process ends, for example, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which were in the receiving position, are moved to their initial positions (see...). Figure 13A ).

[0108] In S1246, with the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 in the second sorting position, the drive source 44 further rotates along the second direction, causing the front tray 42 to move from the stacking position to the receiving position along the -Y direction. Note that the drive transmission unit 43 is configured such that even when the rear tray 41 is in the second sorting position, the cam 4312 will not rotate further, even if the driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 along the second direction is transmitted. Therefore, in S1246, even when the drive source 44 rotates along the second direction with the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 in the second sorting position, the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 will not move from the second sorting position along the +X direction.

[0109] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 71, the drive source 44, and the drive transmission unit 43 are used as a control unit that controls the movement of the stacked portion 4 equipped with the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42. (Function and Effect)

[0110] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 includes a stacking section 4 on which printing media to be discharged can be stacked using a rear tray 41 and a front tray 42 movable in the Y direction of discharging the printing media. Furthermore, the front tray 42 includes a leading edge limiting portion 421 at its front end, which is configured such that the leading edge of the printing media to be discharged abuts against an abutment surface 421a, thereby limiting the position of the leading edge. Moreover, during printing, the front tray 42 moves to a position where the length from the paper discharge roller pair 26 to the abutment surface 421a of the leading edge limiting portion 421 substantially matches the size of the printing media to be used. This optimizes the sliding distance of the printing media discharged into the stacking section 4 from the paper discharge roller pair 26 until the printing media stops on the stacking surface 4a of the stacking section 4, thereby suppressing misalignment of the stacked position of the discharged printing media on the stacking section 4.

[0111] Furthermore, in the rear tray 41, a rear edge limiting portion 411, including an abutment surface 411a, is formed on the vertically lower side of the paper discharge roller pair 26, wherein the rear edge of the discharged printing medium can abut against the abutment surface 411a. This limits the movement of the printing medium in the direction opposite to the discharge direction and the tilting of the printing medium on the stacking surface 4a (which occurs due to the reaction force when the printing medium abuts against the abutment surface 421a). Therefore, the alignment of the discharged printing medium can be ensured. <<Second Embodiment>>

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 15 The following description provides a description of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. In the following description, configurations that are the same as or correspond to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment described above are given the same symbols as those used in the first embodiment described above, thereby omitting their detailed description.

[0113] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the stacking portion 4 is configured to extend and retract in the Y direction via a drive mechanism mounted on the side of the stacking portion 4, but not move in the X direction. A detailed description of the configuration of the drive mechanism for the stacking portion 4 according to this embodiment is given below. (Drive mechanism of the stacking section)

[0114] A description of the drive mechanism for the stacked section 4 according to this embodiment is given. Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the stacked portion 4 in the Y direction according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration for extending and retracting the stacked portion 4 in the Y direction includes a rack 1602 mounted on the side surface of the stacked portion 4, and a drive member 1608 equipped with a pinion gear meshing with the rack.

[0115] More specifically, rack 1602 is formed on the side surface of the stacked portion 4 on the other side (right side) in the X direction. Rack 1602 includes a first rack portion 1602a formed covering approximately the entire right side surface of the rear tray 41 and a second rack portion 1602b formed covering approximately the entire right side surface of the front tray 42. Note that the first rack portion 1602a includes a groove 1604 formed in front of the first tooth. That is, a toothless area is formed in a portion of the front side of the right side surface of the rear tray 41. Both the first rack portion 1602a and the second rack portion 1602b have tooth tips facing to the right. Furthermore, both the first rack portion 1602a and the second rack portion 1602b have the same tooth pitch.

[0116] The housing 9 includes a fixedly mounted drive member 1608 equipped with a gear 1606 that serves as a pinion meshing with a rack 1602. The gear 1606 includes gears 1606a and 1606b that are concentrically stacked in a vertical direction (Z direction). Both gears 1606a and 1606b have the same pitch and diameter. The upper gear 1606a meshes with the first rack portion 1602a, while the lower gear 1606b meshes with the second rack portion 1602b. Note that when the stacked portion 4 is in its receiving position within the housing 9, gear 1606b meshes with the second rack portion 1602b, but gear 1606a is positioned so that its tooth tip is located in a slot 1604 and does not mesh with the first rack portion 1602a. (Extension and contraction of the stacking section)

[0117] In the above configuration, with the stacked portion 4 extending in the Y direction, the drive motor (not shown) installed in the drive member 1608 as a drive source rotates in the forward direction, and the driving force generated by the drive motor is transmitted to gear 1606 via multiple gears (not shown). Therefore, gears 1606a and 1606b rotate in the direction of arrow C. Note that in addition to the drive motor, the drive member 1608 also includes multiple gears for transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to gear 1606.

[0118] If gears 1606a and 1606b rotate in the direction of arrow C, the front tray 42 of the stacked portion 4, which is in the receiving position, moves in the +Y direction because the second rack portion 1602b meshes with gear 1606b. When the stacked portion 4 is in the receiving position, gear 1606b does not mesh with the first rack portion 1602a, and therefore the tray 41 does not move in the +Y direction.

[0119] Then, if the front tray 42 moves a predetermined amount in the +Y direction, the rear tray 41 will move in the +Y direction along with the front tray 42. Due to this movement of the rear tray 41, the first rack portion 1602a begins to mesh with the gear 1606a, thereby causing the rear tray 41 to move in the +Y direction via the first rack portion 1602a as the gear 1606a rotates in the direction of arrow C. Note that if the rear tray 41 moves in the +Y direction, the front tray 42 also moves in the +Y direction along with the rear tray 41, thereby moving the front tray 42 to a position in the Y direction that does not overlap with the gear 1606. This ends the meshing of the second rack portion 1602b and the gear 1606b.

[0120] The amount of movement of the stacking section 4 in the +Y direction, i.e., the amount of extension, varies depending on the size of the printing medium used. Note that, for example, the amount of extension is controlled based on a sensor (not shown in the figure) that can detect the amount of rotation of the drive motor or the gear mounted in the drive member 1608.

[0121] Furthermore, when the stacked portion 4 retracts along the Y direction, the drive motor installed in the drive member 1608 rotates in the opposite direction, and the driving force generated by the drive motor is transmitted to gear 1606 via multiple gears. Therefore, gears 1606a and 1606b rotate in the direction of arrow D. If gears 1606a and 1606b rotate in the direction of arrow D, the rear tray 41 moves along the -Y direction because the first rack portion 1602a meshes with gear 1606a. At this time, the front tray 42 moves along the -Y direction along with the rear tray 41 moving along the -Y direction.

[0122] Then, when gear 1606a is in slot 1604, the movement of rear tray 41 in the -Y direction stops, but the second rack portion 1602b begins to mesh with gear 1606b. Therefore, due to the rotation of gear 1606b, front tray 42 begins to move in the -Y direction, and this movement of front tray 42 in the -Y direction moves both front tray 42 and rear tray 41 to their receiving positions. Note that in this embodiment, the steps of moving to the first classification position and moving to the second classification position during the printing process are omitted. (Variant Example)

[0123] Although not specifically mentioned in the above description, a configuration that allows selection between automatic and manual modes is also possible. In automatic mode, the stacking section 4 extends and retracts automatically using the aforementioned drive mechanism, while in manual mode, the user manually extends and retracts the stacking section 4. In this case, in manual mode, for example, the gear 1606 in the drive member 1608 is configured not to mesh with the gear that transmits the driving force.

[0124] In the above description, the stacking section 4 is configured not to move in the X direction; however, there is no such limitation, and the stacking section 4 can also be configured to move in the X direction using various known techniques. Furthermore, in the above description, both the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are configured to move in the Y direction; however, there is no such limitation. Alternatively, the rear tray 41 can be configured not to move in the Y direction, and only the front tray 42 can be configured to move in the Y direction using the aforementioned drive mechanism. <<Third Embodiment>>

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 16 The following description provides a description of a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment. In the following description, configurations that are the same as or correspond to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment described above are given the same symbols as those used in the first embodiment described above, thereby omitting their detailed description.

[0126] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the stacking section 4 is configured to move in the X direction via a drive mechanism, but not to extend or retract in the Y direction via the same drive mechanism. A detailed description of the configuration of the drive mechanism for the stacking section 4 according to this embodiment is given below. (Drive mechanism of the stacking section)

[0127] A description of the drive mechanism for the stacked section 4 according to this embodiment is given. Figure 16 This diagram illustrates a drive mechanism for moving the stack 4 in the X direction according to this embodiment. As a configuration for moving the stack 4 in the X direction, this embodiment includes a roller 1702 that rotates to enable the rear tray 41 to move in the X direction and a drive motor 1704 that drives the roller. Note that in this embodiment, the front tray 42 is configured to extend and retract relative to the rear tray 41 only manually.

[0128] More specifically, the bottom surface of the rear tray 41 is equipped with a plurality of rollers 1702, which allow the rear tray 41 to move in the X direction within the housing 9. In this embodiment, each roller 1702 is arranged on the bottom surface of the rear tray 41 at a position that does not restrict the manual extension and retraction of the front tray 42. The rollers 1702 move, for example, on a track (not shown) mounted in the housing 9 and extending in the X direction.

[0129] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the rear pallet 41 is equipped with a drive motor 1704 that is driven under the control of the control unit 71 and a transmission unit 1706 that transmits the driving force generated by the drive motor 1704 to the roller 1702. The drive motor 1704 and the transmission unit 1706 are also arranged on the bottom surface of the rear pallet 41 at a position that does not restrict the manual extension and retraction of the front pallet 42. (Movement of the stacking section)

[0130] The drive motor 1704 rotates based on a drive signal from the control unit 71, causing the drive gear 1708 to rotate, and this drive is transmitted to the drive transmission gear 1710. The rotation of the drive transmission gear 1710 is then transmitted via the drive transmission belt 1712 to the gear 1716, which is connected to the shaft 1714 of the connecting roller 1702. Therefore, when the shaft 1714 rotates, the roller 1702 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 1714. Furthermore, this rotation of the roller 1702 causes the rear tray 41 to move in the +X and -X directions. The direction of movement of the rear tray 41 changes according to the rotation direction of the drive motor 1704. For example, if the drive motor 1704 rotates in the positive direction, the rear tray 41 moves in the +X direction, and if the drive motor 1704 rotates in the opposite direction, the rear tray 41 moves in the -X direction.

[0131] In this embodiment, during the step of moving the front tray 42 to the stacking position and the receiving position during the printing process, a notification prompting the user to move the front tray 42 to the stacking position or the receiving position is provided on the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8. (Variant Example)

[0132] In the above description, the bottom surface of the rear tray 41 is equipped with a roller 1702, a drive motor 1704, and a transmission section 1706 equipped with a drive transmission gear 1710, etc.; however, there is no such limitation. For example, a moving section equipped with these configurations to move in the X direction may also be installed, and the rear tray 41 may be fixedly arranged on the moving section.

[0133] In the above description, the stack 4 is configured not to automatically expand or contract in the Y direction; however, there is no such limitation, and the stack 4 can also be configured to automatically expand or contract using various known techniques. <<Fourth Embodiment>>

[0134] Next, refer to Figures 17A to 18B The following description provides a description of a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. In the following description, configurations that are the same as or correspond to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment described above are given the same symbols as those used in the first embodiment described above, thereby omitting their detailed description.

[0135] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the print media to be ejected is classified using a different configuration than that of the stacking section 4. A detailed description of the configuration for classifying the print media to be ejected is given below. (Configuration for sorting out the print media to be ejected)

[0136] Figures 17A to 17CThis is a diagram describing an alignment component, which is a configuration example used to sort out print media to be ejected. Figure 17A This is a diagram illustrating how the alignment components classify the bundles of the first print media. Figure 17B This is a diagram illustrating how the alignment components classify the bundles of the second print media. Figure 17C This is a diagram illustrating how the alignment component sorts the bundles of the third print media.

[0137] In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 includes an alignment member 1802 capable of aligning the X-direction ends of the printing medium discharged from the paper discharge roller pair 26. The alignment member 1802 includes a pair of alignment members 1802a and 1802b, and the alignment members 1802a and 1802b are arranged to face each other such that their spacing in the X direction can be varied.

[0138] Alignment members 1802a and 1802b are formed from plate-shaped bodies. An alignment portion 1804a, used to align the printing media discharged into the stacking section 4, is formed at the lower part of the alignment member 1802a, and an alignment portion 1804b, cooperating with the alignment portion 1804a to align the printing media, is formed at the lower part of the alignment member 1802b. Alignment portions 1804a and 1804b have flat surfaces facing each other. Multiple printing media stacked in the stacking section 4 are pressurized at their X-direction edges by the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b, causing them to align in the X-direction.

[0139] Alignment member 1802a includes a relief part 1806a formed above alignment portion 1804a and located on one side in the X direction relative to alignment portion 1804a. Furthermore, alignment member 1802b includes a relief part 1806b formed above alignment portion 1804b and located on the other side in the X direction relative to alignment portion 1804b. Therefore, relief parts 1806a and 1806b have a wider spacing in the X direction than the spacing between alignment portions 1804a and 1804b. Moreover, relief parts 1806a and 1806b narrow in width in the X direction as they extend downward from a predetermined position, and are connected to alignment portions 1804a and 1804b at their lower ends, respectively. Therefore, in alignment member 1802, printing media discharged between relief parts 1806a and 1806b is likely to be guided between alignment portions 1804a and 1804b.

[0140] Alignment member 1802 is arranged in housing 9 to enable the performance of various operations described later. Operation of alignment member 1802 is controlled by control unit 71. Alignment member 1802 may have a detachable or non-detachable configuration.

[0141] On the X-direction side of the upper surface of the stacking section 4 used for stacking printing media, the end of the alignment member 1802a extends into a recess 1808a that can be inserted therein in the X-direction. Furthermore, on the other X-direction side of the upper surface, the end of the alignment member 1802b extends into a recess 1808b that can be inserted therein in the X-direction. In this embodiment, recesses 1808a and 1808b are formed in the rear tray 41.

[0142] When printing is performed on the first print media during the printing process, the alignment members 1802a and 1802b are in a first receiving position, where the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b are spaced apart by a predetermined amount wider than the width (length in the X direction) of the print media. At this time, the front tray 42 is in a stacked position. Furthermore, at this time, the ends of the alignment members 1802a and 1802b respectively enter the recesses 1808a and 1808b (see...). Figure 17A ).

[0143] Printing media discharged from the paper discharge roller pair 26 enters between the release portions 1806a and 1806b of the alignment members 1802a and 1802b, which are waiting in the first receiving position, and is discharged onto the upper surface of the stacking portion 4 by its own weight. At this time, the release portions 1806a and 1806b, which are widely spaced apart in the X direction, receive the discharged printing media whose position in the X direction has changed slightly, and guide the printing media into the gap between the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b. Then, after the first print is finished, the alignment member 1802a moves in the +X direction to reduce the gap between the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b, so that the alignment members 1802a and 1802b press and align the bundle of printing media stacked on the stacking portion 4 in the +X direction.

[0144] Next, during the transition to the second print, alignment members 1802a and 1802b move to a second receiving position, which is offset by a predetermined amount in the +X direction relative to the first receiving position for the first print. At this point, alignment member 1802a is positioned so that its end is on the first print medium, while alignment member 1802b is in a state where its end has entered the recess 1808b (see...). Figure 17BFurthermore, the printing media discharged from the paper discharge roller pair 26 enters between the release portions 1806a and 1806b of the alignment members 1802a and 1802b, which are waiting in the second receiving position, and is discharged onto the bundle of the first printing media by its own weight. Then, after the second copy of printing is completed, the alignment member 1802b moves in the -X direction to reduce the gap between the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b, so that the alignment members 1802a and 1802b press and align the bundle of printing media stacked on the bundle of the first printing media in the -X direction.

[0145] Furthermore, during the transition to the third print, alignment members 1802a and 1802b move to the first receiving position. At this time, alignment member 1802b is positioned so that its end is on the second print medium, while alignment member 1802a is in a state where its end has entered the recess 1808a (see...). Figure 17C Furthermore, the printing media discharged from the paper discharge roller pair 26 enters between the release portions 1806a and 1806b of the alignment members 1802a and 1802b, which are waiting in the first receiving position, and is discharged onto the bundle of the second printing media by its own weight. Then, after the printing of the third copy is completed, the alignment member 1802a moves in the +X direction to reduce the gap between the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b, so that the alignment members 1802a and 1802b press and align the bundle of printing media stacked on the bundle of the second printing media along the +X direction. In this way, the printing device 1 is able to classify the bundle of printing media according to the number of copies. (Another configuration for sorting out the print media to be ejected)

[0146] Furthermore, the configuration for sorting the ejected printing media is not limited to the alignment member 1802 described above. For example, the paper ejection roller pair 26 can be configured to move in a direction orthogonal to the ejection direction of the printing media, such that sorting can be performed by offsetting the position of the printing media at at least two positions when ejected into the stack 4 (see...). Figure 18A and Figure 18B ). Figure 18A and Figure 18B This is a diagram depicting another configuration used to sort the print media to be ejected, in which... Figure 18A The discharge at the first location is described. Figure 18B The discharge at the second position is described.

[0147] Specifically, the paper ejection roller pair 26 is configured to move in the X direction. Furthermore, when ejecting an odd number of print media M1, the paper ejection roller pair 26 moves to, for example, a first position relative to the right when ejecting the print media M1, and then ejects the print media M1 into the stacking section 4. Therefore, the print media M1 will be ejected into the stacking section 4 at the position corresponding to the first position (see...). Figure 18A Furthermore, when discharging an even number of print media M2, the paper discharge roller pair 26 moves to, for example, a second position relative to the left side when discharging the print media M2, and then discharges the print media M2 into the stacking section 4. Therefore, the print media M2 will be discharged into the stacking section 4 at the position corresponding to the second position (see...). Figure 18B Note that various known techniques can be used for specific configurations of moving the paper ejection roller pair 26 to different positions when ejecting printing media according to the number of copies, therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. (Other embodiments)

[0148] Note that the above embodiments can be modified as shown in (1) to (11) below.

[0149] (1) Although not specifically described in the above embodiments, in the printing device 1, printing processing can be performed based on input from the operation unit 8, etc., to select printing on the printing medium and to classify the printing medium after printing (see...). Figure 12A and 12B The printing process can be divided into two categories: printing without sorting and printing without sorting. For example, after moving to the first sorting position, and with the front tray 42 already in the stacking position, the printed media continues to be ejected. Furthermore, in the case of printing without sorting, for example, if it is determined in S1218 that the number of copies n has not yet reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1240. Additionally, in the case of printing without sorting, for example, S1202 and S1222 can be omitted.

[0150] Note that in the above embodiments, the use Figure 12A and 12B The flowchart describes the case where the instruction "Classify M sheets into N copies" is input through the job or operation unit 8. However, in actual printing operations, even when M and N are known, there may be instances where classification is not specified. In such cases, a configuration is pre-installed for switching whether the driving force of the drive source 44 is transmitted to the joint 4333, and in the absence of classification, the stacking unit 4 can be controlled not to move between the first classification position and the second classification position.

[0151] (2) In the above embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 is configured such that, when the rear tray 41 is located at the first sorting position, even if a driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 along the first direction is transmitted, the cam 4312 will not rotate further. However, the drive transmission unit 43 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the drive transmission unit 43 may be configured such that, when the rear tray 41 is located at a predetermined position relative to the first sorting position on one side of the X direction, even if a driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 along the first direction is transmitted, the cam 4312 will not rotate further. In this case, Figure 12A and 12B In the printing process, after the rear tray 41 is moved to a predetermined position, the drive source 44 further rotates along a first direction to move the front tray 42 from the receiving position to the stacking position. Then, the drive source 44 rotates along a second direction, thereby moving the rear tray 41 along the +X direction to a first sorting position. At this time, the position of the rear tray 41 is determined based on the detection result of the sensor installed in the detection unit 73, so as to detect the position of the stacking unit 4 after the predetermined operation.

[0152] (3) In the above embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 is configured such that when the rear tray 41 is in the second sorting position, even if the driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the second direction is transmitted, the cam 4312 will not rotate further. However, the drive transmission unit 43 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the drive transmission unit 43 may be configured such that when the rear tray 41 is in a predetermined position on the other side of the second sorting position in the X direction, even if the driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the second direction is transmitted, the cam 4312 will not rotate further.

[0153] (4) In the above embodiment, in the receiving position, a portion of the end 42a side of the front tray 42 protrudes forward from the housing 9 along the Y direction (see...). Figure 6A However, there is no such limitation. The front tray 42 can also be configured not to protrude forward from the housing 9 in the receiving position. That is, in this case, the front tray 42 is completely received within the housing 9 in the receiving position. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stacking section 4 sorts the discharged printing media by stacking them in two positions (i.e., the first sorting position and the second sorting position); however, the positions used for sorting are not limited to these two positions. For example, the discharged printing media can also be sorted at three or more different positions in the X direction.

[0154] (5) In the above embodiments, the printing device 1 is a so-called serial scanning type printing device, which performs printing by ejecting ink onto the conveyed printing medium while moving the print head 3 in the X direction; however, there is no such limitation. The printing device suitable for this disclosure may be a so-called line printing device, which uses a print head capable of ejecting ink relative to the X direction within a range corresponding to the printable size of the printing medium to print a printing medium conveyed in the Y direction.

[0155] (6) In the above embodiment, the first classification position is set such that the center position Os of the stack 4 in the X direction is located on one side of the X direction relative to the center position Om of the print medium to be discharged, and the second classification position is set such that the center position Os is located on the other side of the X direction relative to the center position Om. However, the first classification position and the second classification position are not limited to this. For example, the first classification position or the second classification position may be set such that the center position Os coincides with the center position Om. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the initial position during the non-printing period when printing is not performed is set to a position where the center position Os of the stack 4 and the center position Om of the print medium to be discharged coincide; however, there is no such limitation. The initial position may be set to the first classification position, the second classification position, or a predetermined position other than the first classification position and the second classification position.

[0156] (7) In the above embodiment, when the printing media is removed from the stacking section 4, the stacking section 4 moves along the +X direction, and the front tray 42 moves from the stacking position to the receiving position; however, there is no such limitation. After the printing media is removed from the stacking section 4, the user can manually move the front tray 42 from the stacking position to the receiving position. In this case, although the process of the user moving the front tray 42 after removing the printing media is added, the user's burden is relatively small because the user only needs to push the front tray 42 in this process, so the usability is not significantly reduced.

[0157] (8) In the above embodiment, the case where the instruction "each M images are classified into N groups" is described in the job is described. However, the job may also be in the form of inserting a command to change the classification position between the image data of a predetermined page and the image data of the next page. In this case, the control unit 71 can perform operations sequentially according to the received commands, such as printing and extruding according to the image data of the predetermined page, changing the classification position, and printing and extruding according to the image data of the next page.

[0158] (9) In the above embodiment, the rear tray 41 is configured to have a rear edge limiting portion 411 including an abutting surface 411a facing the rear edge of the discharged printing medium and capable of abutting against the rear edge; however, such a limiting portion is not present. The rear tray 41 may be configured without the rear edge limiting portion 411.

[0159] (10) Although not specifically described in the above embodiments, the front edge limiting portion 421 can have any configuration as long as the abutment surface 421a is kept upright perpendicular to the stacking surface 4a of the stacking portion 4. Therefore, the front edge limiting portion 421 can be fixedly formed on the front tray 42, for example, with the abutment surface 421a upright perpendicular to the stacking surface 4a. Furthermore, the front edge limiting portion 421 can be formed on the front tray 42, for example, so that it can be changed between a first posture in which the abutment surface 421a is perpendicular to the stacking surface 4a and a second posture in which the front edge limiting portion 421 is tilted forward from its upper end. That is, in the first posture, the angle formed between the abutment surface 421a and the stacking surface 4a is 90°, and in the second posture, the angle formed between the abutment surface 421a and the stacking surface 4a is an obtuse angle. Since the front edge limiting portion 421 can be in the second posture, the front edge limiting portion 421 is less likely to interfere with the printing media when the printing media stacked on the stacking surface 4a of the stacking portion 4 is removed, thereby improving workability.

[0160] When the leading edge limiting portion 421 is configured to change between a first posture and a second posture, this configuration ensures that, at least in the first posture, the leading edge limiting portion 421 remains perpendicular to the stacking surface 4a unless a force equal to or greater than a predetermined level is applied. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the leading edge limiting portion 421 is configured to rotate about an axis extending in the X direction on the stacking surface 4a of the front tray 42. Note that various known techniques can be applied to specific configurations to enable the leading edge limiting portion 421 to be in both the first and second postures. Furthermore, in the second posture, it is sufficient that the leading edge limiting portion 421 is unlikely to interfere when removing the printing media from the stack 4, and the angle formed with the stacking surface 4a is appropriately set. That is, the leading edge limiting portion 421 can be such that the abutment surface 421a forms an obtuse angle relative to the stacking surface 4a, can be such that the abutment surface 421a forms an angle parallel to the stacking surface 4a, or can be such that the abutment surface 421a forms an angle greater than 180° relative to the stacking surface 4a. In other words, in the second posture, it is sufficient for the contact surface 421a to form an angle greater than a right angle with respect to the stacking surface 4a.

[0161] (11) The above embodiments and the various forms shown in (1) to (10) can be appropriately combined.

[0162] According to this disclosure, misalignment of the stacking position of the ejected printing media can be suppressed.

[0163] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: An ejection unit is configured to eject printing media in a first direction; A stacking unit having a stacking surface, and the stacking unit being configured to extend and retract in the first direction and stack the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit on the stacking surface; A first limiting unit is disposed in the stacking unit and on the downstream side of the stacking unit in the first direction, and the first limiting unit is configured to limit the position of the leading edge of the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit; as well as A control unit is configured to control the elongation of the stacking unit according to the size of the printing medium to be discharged from the discharge unit before the printing medium is discharged.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The control unit is configured to extend the stacking unit to a position where the length from the discharge unit to the first limiting unit substantially matches the length of the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit in the first direction.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The first limiting unit has a contact surface that is fixedly arranged perpendicular to the stacking surface, and the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit abuts against the contact surface.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The first limiting unit has a contact surface and is arranged to change between a first posture and a second posture. In the first posture, the contact surface against which the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit contacts is perpendicular to the stacking surface. In the second posture, the contact surface forms an angle greater than a right angle with respect to the stacking surface.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A second limiting unit is arranged in the stacking unit and configured to limit the position of the rear edge of the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, in, The second limiting unit is arranged vertically below the discharge unit.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The stacking unit includes: A first stacking section is configured to allow the stacking units to move in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and A second stacking section, wherein the first limiting unit is disposed in the second stacking section, and the second stacking section is configured to move relative to the first stacking section in the first direction, and The control unit is configured to control the movement of the second stacking portion to control the extension of the stacking unit, and is also configured to control the movement of the first stacking portion.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, in, The first stack portion includes a second limiting unit configured to limit the position of the rear edge of the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit.

9. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The control unit is configured to change the elongation of the stacked units according to the usage environment.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, in, The control unit is configured to change the elongation of the stacking units according to the type of the printing medium.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, in, The control unit is configured to change the elongation of the stacking units based on the amount of ink applied to the printing medium.

12. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The first limiting unit is formed by an elastic member.

13. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, In the first limiting unit, an elastic member is attached to the surface against which the printing medium discharged from the discharge unit abuts.

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