Medium discharge device

Abstract

To load a medium at a proper position and to suppress deterioration in productivity caused by leaning of the medium, in a medium discharge device.SOLUTION: A medium discharge device 30 comprises: a loading base 31 on which a medium M is loaded; an end fence 32 (one example of a leading end regulation part) to be brought into contact with a leading end of the medium M discharged onto the loading base 31; a top fence 33 (one example of a rear end regulation part) to be brought into contact with a rear end of the medium M discharged onto the loading base 31; and a control part 39a which moves the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to a second position P2 separated away from a first position P1 corresponding to a loading scheduled position in a common separation direction being a discharge direction A of the medium M (or an opposite direction to the discharge direction A) before a first medium M (1) is loaded on the loading base 31, and moves the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to the first position P1 after the first medium M (1) is loaded on the loading base 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium discharging device including a loading table on which a medium is loaded.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when it is detected that a medium is leaning against a movable fence, the discharge of the medium is stopped, the movable fence is moved from a regulated position to a retracted position to perform a leaning elimination operation to return to the regulated position, and then the discharge of the medium is restarted. A medium discharging device has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described medium discharging device, when a leaning detection sensor continuously detects a medium (ON signal) for a specified time or longer above the loading surface height of the medium, a leaning elimination operation is performed.

[0005] Therefore, if the specified time is short, even when a slight leaning that can be eliminated by a normal lowering operation of the loading table occurs, a leaning elimination operation is performed. As a result, the leaning elimination operation is likely to be repeated, and each time it is necessary to stop the discharge of the medium, leading to a decrease in productivity.

[0006] Further, if the specified time is long, as the number of leaning media increases, the loading table drops below an appropriate height with respect to the number of loaded sheets, and a gap is formed between the lower end of the movable fence that regulates the position of the medium and the upper surface of the loading table, causing the medium to deviate from the paper discharge table or being unable to restore the disorder of the loading position of the medium.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium discharge device that can load a medium at an appropriate position and suppress a decrease in productivity caused by the sagging of the medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In one aspect, the medium discharge device includes a loading table on which a medium is loaded, a tip restricting portion that contacts the tip of the medium discharged onto the loading table, a rear end restricting portion that contacts the rear end of the medium discharged onto the loading table, and a control portion that moves the tip restricting portion and the rear end restricting portion to a second position separated in a common separation direction, which is one of the medium discharge direction and the opposite direction of the discharge direction, from a first position corresponding to a planned loading position before the first sheet of the medium is loaded on the loading table, and moves the tip restricting portion and the rear end restricting portion to the first position after the first sheet of the medium is loaded on the loading table.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the above aspect, the medium can be loaded at an appropriate position, and a decrease in productivity caused by the sagging of the medium can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a medium discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a printing system 1 including a medium discharge device 30 according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the main control configuration of the printing system 1.

[0014] The printing system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a printing device 10, an intermediate conveying device 20, and a media discharging device 30. Note that the up-down, front-back, and left-right directions shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3 to 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14 described later are examples for convenience of explanation. For example, the up-down direction is the vertical direction, and the front-back direction and the left-right direction are the horizontal directions. Also, in FIG. 1, the straight conveyance path R1 of the media M in the printing device 10 and the discharge path R4 of the media M in the intermediate conveying device 20 are shown by solid lines. Further, in FIG. 1, the circulation conveyance path R2 of the media M in the printing device 10 is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the reverse conveyance paths R3 and R5 in the printing device 10 and the intermediate conveying device 20 are shown by broken lines. Although it is an example, the media M is a sheet-like media such as a single-sheet paper (paper).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 10 includes a media supply unit 11, a feeding roller 12, a plurality of conveying roller pairs 13, a suction conveying unit 14, a printing head 15, conveyance path switching units 16 and 17, and a stacking table 18. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 10 includes a control unit 19a, a storage unit 19b, and an interface unit 19c. Note that the printing system 1 includes a single printing device 10, but may include a plurality of printing devices arranged in series in the conveyance path of the media M, for example.

[0016] The media supply unit 11 is, for example, a stacking table on which the media M is stacked. The media supply unit 11 is arranged integrally with the printing device 10, but may be arranged separately from the printing device 10. The feeding roller 12 feeds and conveys the media M located at the top of the plurality of media M stacked on the media supply unit 11. A plurality of pairs of conveying roller pairs 13 are arranged in each of the straight conveyance path R1, the circulation conveyance path R2, and the reverse conveyance path R3 in the printing device 10, and convey the media M while nipping it. The suction conveying unit 14 is arranged to face the printing head 15. The suction conveying unit 14 conveys the media M by, for example, a belt while sucking the media M. Note that the feeding roller 12, the plurality of conveying roller pairs 13, the suction conveying unit 14, and the plurality of conveying roller pairs 21 of the intermediate conveying device 20 described later are examples of a conveying unit that conveys the media M.

[0017] The printing head 15 has, for example, line head type inkjet heads (not shown) for each color used in printing. Note that the printing method of the printing head 15 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method. That is, the printing head 15 is merely an example of a printing unit that performs printing on the medium M, and this printing unit is not limited to the printing head 15 of the inkjet printing method.

[0018] The conveyance path switching unit 16 is, for example, a flipper, and switches the conveyance path of the medium M printed by the printing head 15 to a straight conveyance path R1 leading to the intermediate conveyance device 20 and a circulation conveyance path R2 leading to the stacking table 18 or the reverse conveyance path R3. The conveyance path switching unit 17 is, for example, a flipper, and switches the circulation conveyance path R2 of the medium M to a conveyance path leading to the stacking table 18 and a conveyance path leading to the reverse conveyance path R3. The stacking table 18 stacks the medium M that is not discharged to the medium discharge device 30. Note that the medium M is reversed in the reverse conveyance path R3, conveyed back to the printing head 15 again, and printing is performed on the opposite surface.

[0019] The control unit 19a shown in FIG. 2 has one or more processors (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit) that function as an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the operation of the entire printing apparatus 10. This processor reads and executes a predetermined program from, for example, the storage unit 19b or a storage medium (non-transitory computer-readable recording medium) detachable from the printing apparatus 10, thereby controlling the operation of each part of the printing apparatus 10. In this way, the control unit 19a (or the printing apparatus 10) functions as an example of a computer that executes a program. Note that the control unit 19a of the printing apparatus 10 may function as the control unit 39a of the medium discharge device 30 described later. Further, a control unit (for example, a printing control device) that also serves as the control unit 19a of the printing apparatus 10 and the control unit 39a of the medium discharge device 30 may be disposed outside the printing apparatus 10.

[0020] The memory unit 19b includes memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read from as needed as a working memory area when the processor executes various control programs.

[0021] The interface unit 19c exchanges various information with devices such as the media discharge device 30 and the user terminal. For example, the interface unit 19c receives a print job from the user terminal (or a print control device).

[0022] The intermediate transport device 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of transport roller pairs 21, a discharge roller pair 22, and a discharge drive unit 23 (see FIG. 2). The plurality of transport roller pairs 21 transport the medium M discharged from the printing device 10 while nipping it. The discharge roller pair 22 is an example of a discharge unit that discharges the medium M toward the media discharge device 30 (a loading table 31 described later). The discharge drive unit 23 shown in FIG. 2 is an actuator such as a motor, for example, and drives the discharge roller pair 22. The intermediate transport device 20 may further include a transport drive unit that drives the transport roller pairs 21. Note that at least one of the discharge roller pair 22 and the discharge drive unit 23 may be disposed in the media discharge device 30.

[0023] The media discharge device 30 includes a loading table 31, an end fence 32, a top fence 33, side fences 34, 35, a discharge sensor S1, and an upper surface detection sensor S2. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the media discharge device 30 includes a loading table lifting unit 36, an end drive unit 37, a top drive unit 38, a control unit 39a, a memory unit 39b, and an interface unit 39c.

[0024] Note that although the medium discharge device 30 is disposed separately from the printing device 10, it may be disposed integrally with the printing device 10. That is, the medium discharge device 30 may be disposed as a part of the printing device 10. Further, the medium discharged to the medium discharge device 30 may not be the medium M printed by the printing device 10, but may be the medium M discharged from a processing device that performs a process other than printing on the medium M or a conveyance device that conveys the medium M. Further, when the intermediate conveyance device 20 is omitted, the medium M may be directly discharged from the printing device 10 to the medium discharge device 30. Further, in the printing system 1, when the medium M discharged from the printing device 10 is conveyed to any one of a plurality of medium discharge devices according to, for example, the size or type, the medium discharge device 30 according to the present embodiment is preferably at least one of the plurality of medium discharge devices.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the loading table 31 loads the medium M sequentially discharged from the printing device 10 via the intermediate conveyance device 20. As the number of the media M loaded as shown in FIG. 3(a) increases, the loading table 31 descends as shown in FIG. 3(b) by driving a loading table elevating unit 36 described later, and the loading surface height of the medium M is kept constant. Note that the loading table 31 may be a loading table having a conveying means, such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor, on which the medium M is loaded. Further, the loading table 31 is detachably disposed on the medium discharge device 30, and when the medium M is taken out, it may descend onto the cart 100 shown in FIG. 1, be placed on the cart 100, and be taken out from the medium discharge device 30 together with the medium M. Further, the loading table 31 may be disposed so as not to be able to move up and down.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), a plurality of ribs 31a extending in the width direction orthogonal to the discharge direction A of the medium M are arranged side by side in the discharge direction A (right direction) on the upper surface of the loading table 31. These ribs 31a are provided on each of one side (front side) and the other side (rear side) in the width direction of the loading table 31. The rib 31a has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Grooves G are formed between the plurality of ribs 31a. When the loading table 31 is in the upper limit position (such as when the first medium M(1) is loaded), the lower ends of the side fences 34 and 35 (see FIG. 1) enter the grooves G extending in the width direction between the plurality of ribs 31a. Further, when the loading table 31 is in the upper limit position, the lower end of the end fence 32 enters the groove G extending in the discharge direction A between the ribs 31a on both sides in the width direction. And when the loading table 31 is in the upper limit position, the lower ends of the end fence 32 and the side fences 34 and 35 move along the groove G according to the size of the medium M.

[0027] The upper surface of the rib 31a forms the loading surface of the medium M loaded first on the loading table 31. The rib 31a gradually increases in height in the width direction so as to be higher at the end portions on both sides than at the central side end portion in the width direction of the loading table 31. Therefore, the loading surface of the first medium M on the loading table 31 has a V-shaped shape in which both end sides are positioned above the central side in the width direction in a right side view. In FIGS. 1 and 3, and FIGS. 8, 13, and 14 described later, the illustration of the rib 31a and the groove G of the loading table 31 is omitted.

[0028] The end fence 32, the top fence 33, and the side fences 34 and 35 (shown only in FIG. 1) are an example of a regulating portion that contacts the end portion (periphery) of the medium M discharged onto the loading table 31. The interval between the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 in the discharge direction A is set to be slightly longer than the length of the medium M in the discharge direction A, and the interval in the width direction of the side fences 34 and 35 is set to be slightly longer than the length of the medium M in the width direction. It can be said that the medium M can contact the end fence 32, the top fence 33, and the side fences 34 and 35 during the process of being loaded on the loading table 31.

[0029] Unlike the loading table 31, the end fence 32, the top fence 33, and the side fences 34, 35 are arranged so as not to be movable up and down, and are fixed, for example, in a suspended state above the medium discharge device 30. The end fence 32 is an example of a tip restricting portion that contacts the tip of the medium M discharged onto the loading table 31. The top fence 33 is an example of a rear end restricting portion that contacts the rear end of the medium M discharged onto the loading table 31. The side fences 34, 35 are examples of side restricting portions that contact the end portions in the width direction of the medium M discharged onto the loading table 31.

[0030] The end fence 32 is arranged to be movable in the discharge direction A (downstream side and upstream side) according to the size of the medium M (length in the discharge direction A). The side fences 34, 35 are arranged to be movable in the width direction according to the width of the medium M (length in the width direction). Further, the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 may function as sorting guides for performing a sorting operation of shifting the loading position of the medium M in the discharge direction A by moving in the discharge direction A at a specified timing such as for each printing job.

[0031] The discharge sensor S1 shown in FIG. 3 is arranged, for example, at the upstream end portion in the discharge direction A of the medium discharge device 30 or in the vicinity thereof, and detects the passage of the medium M discharged toward the loading table 31. In FIGS. 4, 5, 8, etc., the illustration of the discharge sensor S1 is omitted. The discharge sensor S1 is, for example, a reflection sensor that irradiates upward detection light (detection light axis L1) and detects the presence or absence of the medium M depending on whether the reflected light reflected by the medium M is received. Alternatively, the discharge sensor S1 may be a transmission sensor or the like that has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion arranged with the discharge path R4 (see FIG. 1) of the medium M therebetween, and detects the presence or absence of the medium M depending on whether the light receiving portion receives the detection light irradiated by the light emitting portion. Note that the discharge sensor S1 may be arranged in a device such as the intermediate conveyance device 20 on the upstream side in the discharge direction A from the medium discharge device 30, and the control unit 39a described later may acquire the detection result of the discharge sensor S1.

[0032] The upper detection sensor S2 is, for example, a transmission sensor or a reflection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the medium M based on whether the light-receiving unit receives the detection light (detection light axis L2) horizontally irradiated by the light-emitting unit at the loading surface height of the medium M on the loading table 31. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the illustration of the upper detection sensor S2 is omitted. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the upper detection sensor S2 are arranged on the downstream side of the discharge direction A from the end fence 32 and on the upstream side of the discharge direction A from the top fence 33. Note that the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are provided with holes (not shown) for passing the detection light irradiated by the light-emitting unit, or are arranged at positions where they do not interfere with the detection light. The control unit 39a described later controls the loading table elevating unit 36 to lower the loading table 31 based on the detection of the medium M by the upper detection sensor S2.

[0033] The loading table elevating unit 36, the end drive unit 37, and the top drive unit 38 shown in FIG. 2 are, for example, actuators such as motors.

[0034] The loading table elevating unit 36 raises and lowers the loading table 31 under the drive control of the control unit 39a. For example, as described above, the loading table elevating unit 36 lowers the loading table 31 as shown in FIG. 3(b) under the drive control of the control unit 39a based on the detection of the medium M by the upper detection sensor S2 as shown in FIG. 3(a). In this way, the control unit 39a controls the loading table elevating unit 36 to lower the loading table 31 by, for example, a height corresponding to a predetermined number of sheets based on the detection result of the upper detection sensor S2, thereby keeping the loading surface of the medium M at a constant height.

[0035] The end drive unit 37 moves the end fence 32 in the discharge direction A under the drive control of the control unit 39a. The top drive unit 38 moves the top fence 33 in the discharge direction A under the drive control of the control unit 39a. Note that the medium discharge device 30 may further include side drive units (not shown) that move the side fences 34 and 35 in the width direction.

[0036] The control unit 39a has one or more processors (e.g., a CPU) that function as an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the operation of the entire medium discharging device 30. By reading and executing a predetermined program from, for example, the storage unit 39b or from a storage medium (non-transitory computer-readable recording medium) that is detachable from the medium discharging device 30, this processor controls the operations of each unit such as the loading table elevating unit 36, the end drive unit 37, and the top drive unit 38. In this way, the control unit 39a (or the medium discharging device 30) functions as an example of a computer that executes a program. The control unit 39a may control the plurality of transport roller pairs 21 of the intermediate transport device 20 and the discharge roller pair 22. Although details will be described later, by controlling the end drive unit 37 and the top drive unit 38, the control unit 39a moves the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to the second position P2 on the downstream side in the discharge direction A before the first medium M(1) is loaded onto the loading table 31, and moves the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to the first position P1 on the upstream side in the discharge direction A after the first medium M(1) is loaded onto the loading table 31.

[0037] The storage unit 39b has memories such as a ROM, which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is pre-recorded, and a RAM, which is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read from at any time and is used as a working storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs.

[0038] The interface unit 39c exchanges various information with devices such as the printing device 10 and the intermediate transport device 20.

[0039] Here, the reason why sagging is likely to occur in the first medium M(1) loaded on the loading table 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), and the reason why sagging is less likely to occur in the media M after the second medium M(2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b).

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4(a), when a plurality of grooves G are formed by providing ribs 31a on the loading table 31, when the first medium M(1) is loaded on the loading table 31, as shown by the small arrows in Fig. 4(b), the air below the first medium M(1) can easily escape from the grooves G. Therefore, the falling speed of the first medium M(1) increases (see the large arrow in Fig. 4(b)).

[0041] As a result, the behavior of the first medium M(1) is unstable, and it is likely to be loaded in a state of leaning against the top fence 33 (or the end fence 32). Due to the friction with the loading table 31 (the dotted circle part in Fig. 4(c)) or the top fence 33 (the dotted circle part in Fig. 4(c)), or being caught by the groove G, the leaning state is likely to be maintained.

[0042] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5(a), when the second and subsequent media M are loaded on the loading table 31, the air below the media M is blocked by the already loaded media M (such as the first medium M(1)) and is difficult to escape from the grooves G of the loading table 31. Therefore, the falling speed of the media M decreases (see the small arrow in Fig. 5(a)), and the air below the media M serves as a cushion, making it easy for the media M to be naturally loaded in an appropriate position.

[0043] However, if the first medium M(1) is in a state of leaning against the top fence 33 or the like, as shown in Fig. 13(a) of the first comparative example, the second and subsequent media M are also loaded on top of the leaning media M. Therefore, leaning is likely to occur. And the more the number of media M leaning against the top fence 33 increases, the more difficult it is to eliminate the leaning, and it deteriorates. Also, when leaning occurs, the upper surface detection sensor S2 detects the leaning part of the media M, and as shown in Fig. 13(b), the loading table 31 moves downward from the appropriate height, and the media M deviates from between the end fence 32. In this case, since there is no room (space) for movement on the upstream side of the discharge direction A for the top fence 33, the leaning of the media M cannot be eliminated.

[0044] Even when the rib 31a (groove G) is not provided on the upper surface of the loading table 31, the first medium M(1) is more likely to lean than the second and subsequent media M due to static electricity generated between the loading table 31 and the like, friction with the loading table 31, and the like.

[0045] Therefore, in the medium discharge device 30 according to the present embodiment, the positions of the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are changed when the first medium M(1) is loaded on the loading table 31 and when the second and subsequent media M are loaded on the loading table 31. Hereinafter, the operation of the medium discharge device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0046] The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is performed by the control unit 39a shown in FIG. 2, for example, at the start of the discharge operation of the medium M by the discharge roller pair 22.

[0047] First, the control unit 39a controls the end drive unit 37 and the top drive unit 38 to move the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to the initial positions (for example, the first position P1) shown in FIG. 8(a) (step S11).

[0048] In the example of FIG. 9, starting from the start of the discharge operation of the discharge roller pair 22 by the drive of the discharge drive unit 23 (time t10), only the end fence 32 starts to move upstream in the discharge direction A and reaches the first position P1 before time t11. On the other hand, since the top fence 33 is already located at the first position P1 at the start of the discharge operation of the discharge roller pair 22 (time t10), it does not move. Note that the initial position is not limited to the first position P1 and can be set to any position.

[0049] Next, the control unit 39a controls the end drive unit 37 and the top drive unit 38 so as to move the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to the second position P2 shown in FIG. 8(b) (step S12). This second position P2 is a position separated in the common separation direction, which is the discharge direction A (right direction in FIG. 8) of the medium M, from the first position P1 corresponding to the planned loading position. Here, the planned loading position is the position where the medium M is to be loaded after the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 have moved to the first position P1, as will be described later.

[0050] Here, the second position P2, that is, the offset amount from the first position P1 to the second position P2, may be determined based on medium information such as the size, orientation, type (e.g., thickness, material), and discharge speed of the medium M. For example, the longer the length of the medium M in the discharge direction A, the thinner the medium M, the greater the frictional force (coefficient of kinetic friction or coefficient of static friction), or the faster the discharge speed, the more likely it is for sagging to occur, so it is advisable to increase the offset amount. Note that the medium information may be acquired by the control unit 39a based on, for example, the print job, the detection results of sensors of the printing system 1 (e.g., the medium supply unit 11) that detect the size and orientation of the medium M, or the operations by the user corresponding to the type of the medium M at the operation unit (e.g., lever) provided in the printing system 1.

[0051] Although it is just one example, in the example of FIG. 7, for a landscape-oriented (LEF: Long Edge Feed) A4-sized medium M (with a length of 210 mm in the discharge direction A), if the medium is thick, the offset amount is 5 mm; if the medium is of standard thickness, the offset amount is 10 mm; if the medium is thin, the offset amount is 15 mm. For a portrait-oriented (SEF: Short Edge Feed) A4-sized medium M (with a length of 297 mm in the discharge direction A), if the medium is thick, the offset amount is 5 mm; if the medium is of standard thickness, the offset amount is 12 mm; if the medium is thin, the offset amount is 20 mm. For a portrait-oriented (SEF) A3-sized medium M (with a length of 420 mm in the discharge direction A), if the medium is thick, the offset amount is 5 mm; if the medium is of standard thickness, the offset amount is 15 mm; if the medium is thin, the offset amount is 25 mm. The storage unit 39b stores, as a table, the correspondence information between the medium information and the offset amount as shown in the table of FIG. 7, and it is preferable that the control unit 39a refers to this table.

[0052] Note that the control unit 39a may determine the second position P2 (offset amount) based on the environmental information instead of or in addition to the medium information. This environmental information is, for example, information such as the temperature detected by a temperature sensor and the humidity detected by a humidity sensor.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, at time t11, the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 start to move downstream in the discharge direction A, and at time t12, the movement of the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 stops at the second position P2. When the first medium M(1) is discharged when the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are located at the second position P2, the control unit 39a controls the discharge drive unit 23 to increase the discharge speed of the discharge roller pair 22. In the example of FIG. 9, the discharge speed of the discharge roller pair 22 is temporarily increased between time t11 and a later time t14 described below. The adjustment of the discharge speed of this discharge roller pair 22 is increased because the second position P2 is located downstream of the first position P1 in the discharge direction A. For example, if the second position P2 is located upstream of the first position P1 in the discharge direction A, it may be decreased. In this way, the control unit 39a may adjust the discharge speed of the discharge roller pair 22 that discharges the medium M toward the loading table 31 based on the second position P2.

[0054] Next, the first medium M(1) is discharged and loaded onto the loading table 31 (step S13). As described above with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), the first medium M(1) is likely to lean against the top fence 33 or the like, and as shown in FIG. 8(c), it is leaning against the top fence 33. Since the discharge of the first medium M(1) is detected by the discharge sensor S1 (time t13), it can be determined. Here, in FIG. 9, the detection time of the discharge sensor S1 at time t13 is shown to be short, but this detection time represents only the detection of the tip of the medium M, for example.

[0055] After the first medium M(1) is loaded onto the loading table 31, the control unit 39a delays the discharge of the second and subsequent media M, and first controls the top drive unit 38 to move only the top fence 33 to the first position P1 shown in FIG. 8(d) between time t14 and time t15 (step S14). Thereby, the leaning of the first medium M against the top fence 33 can be eliminated.

[0056] Thereafter, between time t16 and time t17 after the top fence 33 has completed its movement to the first position P1, the control unit 39a controls the end drive unit 37 to move the end fence 32 to the first position P1 shown in FIG. 8(e) following the top fence 33 (step S15). Thereby, the loading position of the first medium M can be loaded at the planned loading position (appropriate loading position) corresponding to the first positions P1 of the end fence 32 and the top fence 33, and disturbance of the medium M can be avoided. Here, when the first medium M(1) is loaded, the loading table 31 is at the upper limit position, and since the end fence 32 enters the groove G provided on the upper surface of the loading table 31, the end fence 32 can be moved while pushing the first medium M(1) into the planned loading position by moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1. In addition, when there is a gap between the lower end of the end fence 32 and the upper surface of the loading table 31, for example, when the end fence 32 does not enter the groove G, the end fence 32 cannot push the first medium M(1) into the planned loading position. However, as the top fence 33 moves to the first position P1 as described above, the first medium M(1) is loaded at or near the planned loading position while the leaning on the top fence 33 is eliminated. Therefore, although it is desirable that there is no gap between the lower end of the end fence 32 and the upper surface of the loading table 31, such a gap may exist.

[0057] Note that there is a time difference (from time t15 to time t16) between the period when the top fence 33 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 and the period when the end fence 32 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1. However, these periods may be performed continuously without a time difference, or at least partially overlap. However, if there is a time difference between the moving period of the top fence 33 and the moving period of the end fence 32, it becomes easier to eliminate the leaning. Note that if the end fence 32 starts moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1 even slightly after the top fence 33 starts moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1, it becomes easier to eliminate the leaning of the first medium M(1) against the top fence 33. Also, if the moving period of the top fence 33 and the moving period of the end fence 32 at least partially overlap, the discharge start time (time t18) of the second and subsequent media M can be advanced.

[0058] Next, the second and subsequent media M are discharged and loaded on the loading table 31 as shown in FIG. 8(f) (step S16). Thereby, the process shown in FIG. 6 ends. The second and subsequent media M are detected by the discharge sensor S1 at regular intervals after time t18.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the medium discharge device 30 according to the first modification.

[0060] The processes from time t20 to t28 shown in FIG. 10 are different from the processes from time t10 to t18 shown in FIG. 9 only in that the end fence 32 performs a jogging operation when the first medium M(1) is discharged and is at the second position P2 (immediately after time t23) and when the second and subsequent media M are discharged and are at the first position P1 (after immediately after time t28). Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

[0061] The jogging operation is an operation that reciprocates in the discharge direction A and the opposite direction. This jogging operation may be performed one or more reciprocations for each sheet of medium M, but it is preferably performed two or more reciprocations for each sheet of medium M. Note that the end fence 32 continuously performs the jogging operation from the time when the second sheet of medium M is discharged (time t28) until the discharge of all the media M is completed.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the medium discharge device 30 according to the second modification.

[0063] The processing from time t30 to t38 shown in FIG. 11 is different from the processing from time t20 to t28 shown in FIG. 10 only in that the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the end fence 32 is made shorter than the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the top fence 33. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0064] The control unit 39a controls the end drive unit 37 and the top drive unit 38 so that the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 start to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2 on the downstream side in the discharge direction A at time t31. Then, the control unit 39a first stops the movement of the end fence 32 (time t32a), and then stops the movement of the top fence 33 (time t32b). Thereby, the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the end fence 32 is made shorter than the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the top fence 33. Therefore, the space for moving the end fence 32 to the second position P2 on the downstream side in the discharge direction A can be reduced. And the movable range for the jogging operation of the top fence 33 can be secured. Note that if the moving speed is changed, even if the moving period is the same, it is possible to change the offset amount. Therefore, the moving periods from the initial positions (first position P1) of the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to the second position P2 may be the same.

[0065] Here, by making the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the end fence 32 shorter than the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the top fence 33, at the second position P2, the interval between the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 may be less than the length in the discharge direction A of the medium M.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the medium discharge device 30 according to the third modification.

[0067] The processes at times t40 to t47 shown in FIG. 12 are mainly different from the processes at times t20 to t28 shown in FIG. 10 in that the movement of the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to their initial positions (for example, the first position P1) is omitted. Therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0068] First, at the start (time t40) of the discharge operation of the discharge roller pair 22 by the drive of the discharge drive unit 23, the end fence 32 moves to the second position P2, for example, upstream in the discharge direction A. Further, the top fence 33 moves to the second position P2, for example, downstream in the discharge direction A. Thereby, the discharge timing (immediately after time t42) of the first medium M(1), and thus the discharge timings of the second and subsequent media M can be advanced.

[0069] In the example of FIG. 10, the discharge speed of the discharge roller pair 22 temporarily increases between time t21 and time t24 described later, but in the example of FIG. 12, it immediately becomes a temporarily high speed from the start (time t40) of the discharge operation of the discharge roller pair 22.

[0070] At time t41, the movement of the top fence 33 stops, and the processes at times t42 to t47 after the movement of the end fence 32 stops with a delay can be made the same as the processes at times t23 to t28 shown in FIG. 10.

[0071] In the above description, the separation direction from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is described as the discharge direction A. However, particularly when the medium M is likely to lean against the end fence 32, the separation direction may be set to the opposite direction of the discharge direction A, and the second position P2 may be set to the upstream side of the discharge direction A with respect to the first position P1. Alternatively, when the medium M can lean against both the top fence 33 and the end fence 32, the end fence 32 may be further separated from the second position P2 when the first medium M(1) is discharged, and then moved to the first position P1.

[0072] Also, in the above description, the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 move to the second position P2 before the first medium M(1) is loaded on the loading table 31, and move to the first position P1 after the first medium M(1) is loaded on the loading table 31 and before the second medium M(2) is loaded. However, the timing at which the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 move from the second position P2 to the first position P1 may be after several (for example, 2 or 3) media M are loaded. However, when the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are at the second position P2, not only the first medium M(1) but also the subsequent media M are loaded, as shown in FIG. 14(a) of the second comparative example, a plurality of media M can lean against the top fence 33 when the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are at the second position P2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the loading table 31 moves below the appropriate height, and the medium M deviates from between the end fence 32, or as shown in FIG. 14(c), even if the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are moved to the first position P1, the disturbance of the medium M cannot be restored.

[0073] Also, the control of this embodiment in which the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are moved to the second position P2 before the first medium M(1) is loaded on the loading table 31 may be switched between being set and not being set according to the setting of the user of the medium discharge device 30 (or the printing system 1), or the execution of the control may be determined by the control unit 39a based on the above-described medium information.

[0074] In the embodiment described above, the medium discharge device 30 includes a loading table 31 on which the medium M is loaded, an end fence 32 (an example of a front-end restricting portion) that contacts the front end of the medium M discharged onto the loading table 31, a top fence 33 (an example of a rear-end restricting portion) that contacts the rear end of the medium M discharged onto the loading table 31, and a control unit 39a that moves the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to a second position P2 separated in a common separation direction that is the discharge direction A of the medium M (or the direction opposite to the discharge direction A) from a first position P1 corresponding to the planned loading position before the first medium M(1) is loaded onto the loading table 31, and moves the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 to the first position P1 after the first medium M(1) is loaded onto the loading table 31.

[0075] As a result, the tendency of the first medium M(1) to lean against the top fence 33 or the like, which is likely to occur due to the presence of the rib 31a (groove G) provided on the upper surface of the loading table 31, can be eliminated by the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the subsequent media M to lean, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity caused by stopping the discharge operation of the medium M when leaning occurs. Further, since it becomes difficult for the subsequent media M to lean in this way, the upper surface detection sensor S2 detects the portion where the medium M leans, preventing the loading table 31 from moving downward from an appropriate height and preventing the medium M from deviating from between the medium M and the end fence 32 or from being unable to restore the disorder of the medium M. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the medium M can be loaded at an appropriate position, and a decrease in productivity caused by the leaning of the medium M can be suppressed.

[0076] Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit 39a determines the second position P2 based on the medium information of the medium M.

[0077] Accordingly, depending on the size, orientation, type, discharge speed, etc. of the medium M, the leaning of the medium M with different leaning degrees and occurrence frequencies can be prevented with the minimum necessary offset amount from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Therefore, by being able to reduce the space for the movement of the end fence 32 (or the top fence 33) to the second position P2, it is possible to avoid a reduction in the types of sizes of the loadable medium M. Also, the movement time of the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 can be shortened.

[0078] Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit 39a adjusts the discharge speed of the discharge roller pair 22 (an example of a discharge unit) that discharges the medium M toward the loading table 31 based on the second position P2.

[0079] Accordingly, for example, when discharging the first medium M(1), as the second position P2 of the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 is separated in the discharge direction A from the first position P1 corresponding to the planned loading position, it is possible to prevent the medium M from contacting the upper surface of the top fence 33 or from being prone to leaning. Therefore, the medium M can be loaded at a more appropriate position.

[0080] Also, in the first to third modified examples (Figs. 10 to 12) of the present embodiment, the control unit 39a causes the end fence 32 to perform a jogging operation that reciprocates in the discharge direction A and the opposite direction when the medium M is discharged toward the loading table 31, respectively when it is at the second position P2 and when it is at the first position P1.

[0081] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the leaning of the medium M when the end fence 32 and the top fence 33 are at the second position P2 and when they are at the first position P1, respectively. Therefore, the medium M can be loaded at a more appropriate position.

[0082] Further, in the second modification of the present embodiment (FIG. 11), the separation direction separating from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is the discharge direction A, and the control unit 39a makes the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the end fence 32 shorter than the distance (offset amount) between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the top fence 33.

[0083] Thereby, the space for moving the end fence 32 to the second position P2 on the downstream side in the discharge direction A can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a reduction in the types of sizes of the medium M that can be loaded. In addition, a movable range for the jogging operation of the top fence 33 can be secured.

[0084] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, all the components shown in the embodiment may be appropriately combined. Needless to say, various modifications and applications are possible within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention. Hereinafter, the invention described in the claims at the time of the original filing of the present application and some of the inventions described in the specification are appended.

[0085] [Appendix 1] A loading table on which a medium is loaded, A tip restricting portion that contacts the tip of the medium discharged onto the loading table, A rear end restricting portion that contacts the rear end of the medium discharged onto the loading table, The tip restricting portion and the rear end restricting portion are moved to a second position separated in a common separation direction that is one of the discharge direction of the medium and the direction opposite to the discharge direction from a first position corresponding to the planned loading position before the first medium is loaded on the loading table, and after the first medium is loaded on the loading table, the tip restricting portion and the rear end restricting portion are moved to the first position. A control unit A medium discharge device, characterized by comprising.

[0086] [Appendix 2] The control unit determines the second position based on the medium information of the medium. The medium discharge device according to Appendix 1, characterized in that.

[0087] [Appendix 3] The control unit adjusts the discharge speed of the discharge unit that discharges the medium toward the stacking table based on the second position. The medium discharge device according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that.

[0088] [Appendix 4] When the medium is discharged toward the stacking table, the control unit causes the jogging operation that reciprocates in the direction opposite to the discharge direction to be performed on the tip restricting unit when it is in the second position and when it is in the first position, respectively. The medium discharge device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that.

[0089] [Appendix 5] The separation direction is the discharge direction, The control unit makes the distance between the first position and the second position in the tip restricting unit shorter than the distance between the first position and the second position in the rear end restricting unit. The medium discharge device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, characterized in that.

Explanation of Signs

[0090] 1 Printing system 10 Printing device 11 Medium supply unit 12 Feed roller 13 Pair of conveying rollers 14 Adsorption conveying unit 15 Printing head 16, 17 Conveying path switching unit 18 Stacking table 19a Control unit 19b Storage unit 19c Interface unit 20 Intermediate conveying device 21 Conveyor roller pair 22 Discharge roller pair 23 Discharge drive unit 30 Media discharge device 31 Loading table 31a Rib 32 End fence 33 Top fence 34, 35 Side fences 36 Loading table lifting unit 37 End drive unit 38 Top drive unit 39a Control unit 39b Memory unit 39c Interface unit 100 Cart A Discharge direction G Groove L1, L2 Detection optical axes M Media P1 First position P2 Second position R1 Straight conveyance path R2 Circulation conveyance path R3 Inversion conveyance path R4 Discharge path R5 Inversion conveyance path S1 Discharge sensor S2 Upper surface detection sensor

Claims

1. A loading table on which a medium is loaded, A tip restricting portion that contacts the tip of the medium discharged onto the loading table, A rear end restricting portion that contacts the rear end of the medium discharged onto the loading table, A control unit that moves the tip restricting portion and the rear end restricting portion to a second position separated in a common separation direction, which is one of the discharge direction of the medium and the direction opposite to the discharge direction, from a first position corresponding to the planned loading position before the first sheet of the medium is loaded on the loading table, and after the first sheet of the medium is loaded on the loading table, moves the tip restricting portion and the rear end restricting portion to the first position A medium discharge device, characterized by comprising the above.

2. The control unit determines the second position based on the medium information of the medium The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The control unit adjusts the discharge speed of a discharge unit that discharges the medium toward the loading table based on the second position The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. When the medium is discharged toward the loading table, the control unit causes the jogging operation that reciprocates in the discharge direction and the direction opposite to the discharge direction to be performed on the tip restricting portion when it is in the second position and when it is in the first position, respectively The medium discharge device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The separation direction is the discharge direction, The control unit makes the distance between the first position and the second position in the tip restricting portion shorter than the distance between the first position and the second position in the rear end restricting portion The medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

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