Post-processing device and recording device

Abstract

To provide a post-recording processing device capable of more appropriately suppressing deformation of a recorded recording medium and processing the recording medium.SOLUTION: A post-recording processing device 200 (a reversing device 210, a staple device 220) includes: a post-processing part that performs post-processing of a recorded recording medium 12; and deformation suppressing means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 in a conveyance route in which the recording medium 12 is conveyed or in a mounting portion on which the recording medium 12 is mounted. Deformation suppressing means is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to recording processing for the recording medium 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device and a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a post-processing device equipped with a sheet-loading processing section that performs post-processing such as stapling and shifting on paper sheets on which images have been formed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this post-processing device, post-processing is performed on multiple sheets on which images have been formed while they are loaded on a processing tray. As a device for forming an image on paper, for example, an inkjet printer equipped with a recording head that ejects ink as liquid droplets is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-107840 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an image is formed using an inkjet printer, the paper on which the image is formed may curl (part of the paper may become curved or deformed) as the ink (moisture) is absorbed and the ink dries. Therefore, when sheets of paper on which an image has been formed by an inkjet printer are sequentially placed on the processing tray of a post-processing device, if the degree of curl of the paper placed earlier is large, the paper being transported later may get caught on the curled part of the paper placed earlier, causing the sheets to become misaligned or causing transport problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following application examples or aspects.

[0006] [Application example 1] The recording post-processing device according to this application example includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the recorded recording medium, and a deformation suppression unit that suppresses deformation of the recording medium in the transport path along which the recording medium is transported or in the loading unit on which the recording medium is placed, and is characterized in that the deformation suppression unit is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording processing on the recording medium.

[0007] A recorded recording medium may be deformed (e.g., curled) on the transport path or on the mounting surface due to the influence of the recording material (e.g., ink). The degree of this deformation (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) is not constant, but varies depending on various parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium (e.g., the material of the recording medium, the recording material, the recorded image, the recording environment, etc.). According to this application example, the deformation suppression means is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium.

[0008] [Application example 2] In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the recording medium on which recording has been performed is a recording medium on which recording has been performed using water-based ink.

[0009] In printing using water-based ink, the water-based ink has a high affinity with the printing medium and penetrates into the printing medium, so the printing medium is more likely to deform after printing and after drying than in printing using oil-based ink. According to this application example, post-printing processing can be performed on a printing medium printed with water-based ink in a state in which deformation of the printing medium is more effectively suppressed.

[0010] [Application example 3] In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the water-based ink contains 50% by mass or more of water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

[0011] As in the post-recording processing device of this application example, the water-based ink used preferably contains 50% by mass or more of water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

[0012] [Application example 4] In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include physical property information of the recording medium.

[0013] The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation and the stress due to deformation) may differ depending on the physical properties of the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses the deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on predetermined parameters that include physical property information of the recording medium, so that it is possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[0014] [Application example 5] In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include recording environment information about an environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium.

[0015] The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation and the stress due to deformation) may differ depending on the environment (for example, temperature and humidity) in which recording is performed on the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on predetermined parameters that include recording environment information about the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium.

[0016] [Application Example 6] In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include recording data for performing recording on the recording medium.

[0017] The degree of deformation (amount of deformation and stress due to deformation) of the recording medium after recording or drying may differ depending on the recording data (for example, recording area and recording density) used to record on the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on predetermined parameters including recording data for recording on the recording medium, thereby making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium.

[0018] [Application Example 7] In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include an elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium.

[0019] The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation and the stress due to deformation) may differ depending on the time elapsed since recording was performed on the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses the deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on a predetermined parameter including the time elapsed since recording was performed on the recording medium, so that it is possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[0020] [Application Example 8] In the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include apparatus environment information of an environment including the transport path or the placement unit.

[0021] The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation and the stress caused by the deformation) may differ depending on the device environment information of the environment that the transport path or the mounting unit is in. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses the deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on predetermined parameters that include the device environment information of the environment that the transport path or the mounting unit is in, making it possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[0022] [Application Example 9] In the recording post-processing device according to the above application example, the post-processing section comprises an intermediate processing section that performs intermediate processing and a finishing section that performs finishing processing, and the intermediate processing section performs an inversion process or a drying process on the recording media as the intermediate processing, and the finishing section performs a stapling process, a punching process, or a sorting process on the multiple recording media for which the intermediate processing has been completed as the finishing process.

[0023] According to this application example, the post-processing unit includes an intermediate processing unit that performs intermediate processing and a finishing unit that performs finishing processing. The intermediate processing unit performs an inversion process or a drying process on the recording media as the intermediate processing, and the finishing unit performs a stapling process, a punching process, or a sorting process as the finishing process on the multiple recording media for which the intermediate processing has been completed. In other words, multiple processes can be performed on the recorded recording media. Furthermore, because deformation of the recording media is more appropriately suppressed, the occurrence of problems such as jams is suppressed even in a recording post-processing device that performs multiple processes.

[0024] [Application Example 10] A recording apparatus according to this application example is characterized by including the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, and a line head that performs recording by applying a water-based ink to the recording medium.

[0025] According to this application example, it is possible to perform recording with post-recording processing in a state where deformation of the recording medium after recording is more appropriately suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing the printer configuration [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the reversing device (post-recording processing device) [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a stapling device (post-recording processing device) [Figure 5] Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of recording media [Figure 6] Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of recording media [Figure 7] Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of recording media [Figure 8] Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of recording media [Figure 9] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to wind pressure. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to wind pressure. [Figure 11] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to pressure. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to pressure. [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to its own weight (gravity) [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic side view illustrating the deformation suppression means shown in FIG. 13 . [Figure 15] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to its own weight (gravity) [Figure 16] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium by humidifying (adding water) [Figure 17] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium by corrective deformation. [Figure 18] Schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to drying. [Figure 19] Schematic diagram showing curling concentrated in a certain area of ​​the recording medium [Figure 20] Schematic diagram of a deformation suppression means that can suppress deformation of a partially deformed recording medium DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following is an embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Note that in the following drawings, the dimensions may be drawn to a scale different from the actual scale in order to make the description easier to understand.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) <Recording device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The recording device 1 is made up of an inkjet printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as the printer 100) that records (prints) on a sheet of recording medium 12 such as printing paper, a post-recording processing device 200, and the like. The recording post-processing device 200 is equipped with a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12. The recording post-processing device 200 also includes, as post-processing sections, an intermediate processing section that performs intermediate processing and a finishing section that performs finishing processing. Specifically, the recording post-processing device 200 is composed of a reversing device 210 that has an inverting conveyance path 18 as an intermediate processing section that performs inverting (turning over) the recording medium 12 recorded by the printer 100 as intermediate processing, among post-processing sections for the recorded recording medium 12, and a stapling device 220 that has a stapling processing section 36 that stacks the inverted recording media 12 in order as finishing processing after the intermediate processing and staples them in predetermined units.

[0029] The "recording post-processing device" in the present invention refers to a device that performs post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12, and in the example of this embodiment, this corresponds to the inversion device 210 and the stapling device 220, but the recording post-processing device is not limited to these, and may be, for example, a device that performs a process of inserting slip sheets at predetermined page intervals and stacking them, a punching process of punching holes, a process of dividing into volumes at predetermined units (sorting process), or a process of folding at predetermined positions and stacking them.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printer 100, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the reversing device 210, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the stapling device 220. As shown in FIG. The printer 100 is provided with a printer transport path 17, and the reversing device 210 is provided with a reversing transport path 18. Furthermore, the stapling device 220 is provided with a stapler transport path 19. The printer transport path 17, the reversing transport path 18, and the stapler transport path 19 form a transport path indicated by a two-dot chain line that runs from the printer 100, which is on the upstream side in the transport direction Y, to the stapling device 220 via the reversing device 210.

[0031] <Printer> As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 includes a cassette 21, a feeding unit 22, a printer transport unit 23, a recording unit 24, a printer control unit 70, and the like. The cassette 21 is a storage unit that can store the recording media 12 in a stacked state, and at least one cassette 21 (three in FIG. 2) is detachably provided in the printer 100. The feeding unit 22 feeds the recording media 12 stored in the cassette 21 to the printer transport unit 23. The feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 26 that feeds out the topmost recording medium 12 among the recording media 12 arranged in a stack in the cassette 21, and a separation roller pair 27 that separates the recording media 12 fed out by the pickup roller 26 one by one. Furthermore, the feeding unit 22 includes a feeding motor (not shown) that rotates and drives the pickup roller 26.

[0032] The printer transport unit 23 transports the fed recording medium 12 to the recording unit 24 and sends the recording medium 12 on which recording has been completed to the reversing device 210. The printer transport unit 23 is equipped with at least one transport roller pair 30 (three in FIG. 2) that rotates as a transport motor (not shown) is driven to transport the recording medium 12 along the printer transport path 17. Additionally, a drive pulley 32 and a driven pulley 33, between which an endless transport belt 31 is stretched, are provided along the printer transport path 17. The recording medium 12 is electrostatically attracted to the support surface (outer peripheral surface) of the transport belt 31 and transported as the transport belt 31 rotates.

[0033] The recording unit 24 includes a tank (not shown) that stores a liquid (hereinafter referred to as ink) as a recording material for recording on the recording medium 12, and an ink ejection head (not shown) that ejects the ink onto the recording medium 12. The ink ejection head is located opposite the conveyor belt 31 across the printer transport path 17. The recording unit 24 ejects ink based on recording data onto the recording medium 12 that is transported while supported by the transport belt 31, thereby adhering the ink to perform recording (forming an image based on the recording data). Note that the recording unit 24 (ink ejection head) in this embodiment is a so-called line head that can simultaneously eject ink across the width of the recording medium 12, which intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the transport direction Y. The recording data is data that is generated based on image data (text data or image data) to be recorded on the recording medium 12 and that causes the printer 100 to perform recording. The printer control unit 70 is, for example, a personal computer equipped with an input unit, a display unit, a memory unit (not shown), etc., and has a communication function with the inversion control unit 71 and stapler control unit 72 described below, and works in conjunction with them to control the driving of the feed unit 22, printer transport unit 23, recording unit 24, etc.

[0034] <Post-recording processing device (reversal device)> As shown in Figure 3, the inversion device 210 includes a first inversion section 41, a second inversion section 42, an inversion conveying section 52, an inversion control section 71, etc., and forms an inversion conveying path 18 as a post-processing section (intermediate processing section) that inverts (conveys) the recording medium 12 (turns it over). The reverse conveying section 52 includes a pair of conveying rollers 56, a sensor 58, a guide flap 59, and the like.

[0035] The reversing conveying path 18 is made up of a pre-reversing path 18a, a reversing path 18b, and a post-reversing path 18c. The upstream end of pre-reverse path 18a is connected to printer transport path 17, and recording medium 12 is introduced therethrough. The downstream end of pre-reverse path 18a is connected to branch point A (the upstream end of reversal path 18b). The reverse path 18b is composed of a first branch path 44, a second branch path 45, a first merging path 46, a second merging path 47, a first reverse path 48, and a second reverse path 49. The first branch path 44 is a path from branch point A to first connection point B. The second branch path 45 is a path from branch point A to second connection point C. The first merging path 46 is a path from first connection point B to merging point D. The second merging path 47 is a path from second connection point C to merging point D. The first reverse path 48 is a path that continues from the first connection point B. The second reverse path 49 is a path that continues from the second connection point C. The upstream end of the post-reverse path 18c is connected to the junction D (the downstream end of the reversal path 18b), and the recording medium 12 reversed by the reversal path 18b is introduced therein. The downstream end of the post-reversal path 18c is connected to the stapler transport path 19 of the stapling device 220.

[0036] The transport roller pairs 56 are provided at various locations on the reverse transport path 18 and are driven by a transport motor (not shown). The sensors 58 are provided on the pre-reverse path 18a, the first reversal path 48, and the second reversal path 49, and detect the recording medium 12 being transported on each path. The guide flaps 59 are provided at the branch point A, the first connection point B, and the second connection point C, and guide the conveying direction of the recording medium 12 conveyed to each point. The guide flaps 59 are rotated by a solenoid (not shown), and guide the conveying direction of the recording medium 12 at the branch points of the conveying path. The reverse conveying section 52 (conveying roller pair 56, sensor 58, guide flap 59, etc.) is driven and controlled by a reverse control section 71, and conveys the recording medium 12 along the reverse conveying path 18.

[0037] The first reversing section 41 is made up of a first branch path 44, a first reversing path 48, a first merging path 46, and a conveying roller pair 56, a guide flap 59, a sensor 58, and the like included in these paths. The second reversing section 42 is made up of a second branch path 45, a second reversing path 49, a second merging path 47, and a conveying roller pair 56, a guide flap 59, a sensor 58, and the like included in these paths.

[0038] The reversal control unit 71 has a communication function with the printer control unit 70 and the stapler control unit 72 described later, and in cooperation with them, drives and controls the transport roller pair 56, the sensor 58, and the guide flap 59 to perform the reversal process of the recording medium 12. Specifically, the recording medium 12 introduced into the pre-reversal path 18a is subjected to an inversion process by the first inversion unit 41 (an operation of transporting the recording medium 12 from the first branch path 44 through the first inversion path 48 to the first junction path 46 to the post-reversal path 18c) and an inversion process by the second inversion unit 42 (an operation of transporting the recording medium 12 introduced into the pre-reversal path 18a from the second branch path 45 through the second inversion path 49 to the second junction path 47 to the post-reversal path 18c), thereby continuously performing the inversion process of the recording medium 12.

[0039] <Post-recording processing device (stapling device)> The stapling device 220 is a device that stacks the recording media 12 that have been inverted by the inverting device 210 in order, staples them in predetermined units, and discharges them.As shown in Figure 4, the stapling device 220 is equipped with a stapler transport section 35, a staple processing section 36 as a post-processing section (finishing processing section), a stacker 37, a stapler control section 72, etc.

[0040] The stapler transport section 35 transports the recording medium 12 introduced from the reversing device 210 to the staple processing section 36, and sends the recording medium 12 that has been stapled in the staple processing section 36 to a stacker 37. The stapler transport section 35 includes transport roller pairs 81 and 82, a guide flap 83, a sensor 84, etc. The pair of transport rollers 81, 82 rotate as a transport motor (not shown) is driven, thereby transporting the recording medium 12 along the stapler transport path 19 into the stapling device 220. When a sensor 84 detects the trailing edge of the transported recording medium 12, a guide flap 83 rotates to guide the trailing edge of the recording medium 12 toward the staple processing section 36, and then the nip of the pair of transport rollers 82 is released. The recording medium 12 moves (slides) under its own weight into the staple processing section 36 located below. Note that when the recording medium 12 moves (slides) under its own weight, the pair of transport rollers 82 may be configured to reverse to assist in moving the recording medium 12 more easily to the staple processing section 36.

[0041] The stapling processing section 36 includes a tray 85, a stapler 86, and the like. The tray 85 is provided at an angle that descends from the pair of transport rollers 82 toward the stapler 86 so as to accommodate the recording media 12 that are moving when the nip between the pair of transport rollers 82 is released. The tray 85 aligns the end positions of the recording media 12 by using a contact wall that the end of the moving recording media 12 abuts against. The stapler 86 performs stapling processing by stapling the recording media 12 that have been arranged on the tray 85 in predetermined units with staples (needles).

[0042] When the stapling process is completed, the pair of transport rollers 82 nip and rotate the recording medium 12, and the recording medium 12 for which the stapling process has been completed is discharged to the stacker 37 and stacked. The stapler control unit 72 has a communication function between the printer control unit 70 and the inversion control unit 71, and in cooperation with them, controls the driving of the stapler transport unit 35 (pairs of transport rollers 81, 82, guide flap 83, sensor 84, etc.) and the staple processing unit 36 ​​(stapler 86).

[0043] <Ink> Next, the ink (ink composition) used as the recording material for recording on the recording medium 12 will be described. From the viewpoints of safety, ease of handling, and various performance characteristics (color development, strike-through suitability, ink reliability, etc.), the ink is preferably an aqueous ink composition in which the main solvent of the ink is water. Note that strike-through suitability refers to a property suitable for preventing the ink from excessively penetrating into the recording medium 12 and causing strike-through.

[0044] It is preferable to use pure water or ultrapure water such as ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltered water, reverse osmosis water, distilled water, etc. It is particularly preferable to use water that has been sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation or the addition of hydrogen peroxide, as this prevents the growth of mold and bacteria and enables the ink to be stored for a long period of time. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring appropriate physical properties (such as viscosity) of the ink and ensuring the stability and reliability of the ink, it is preferable that the ink composition contain 10% to 75% by mass of water.

[0045] Inks include inks (such as cyan, magenta, and yellow inks) that are compatible with full-color recording (image formation and printing), black ink, and white ink, each of which contains a coloring material. As the coloring material, it is preferable that each color ink contains at least one selected from pigments, dyes, metal oxides, and the like. The pigment is not particularly limited, but includes inorganic pigments and organic pigments for black, and organic pigments of various colors such as yellow, magenta, and cyan. As the dye, various dyes such as direct dyes, acid dyes, food dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, vat dyes, soluble vat dyes, and reactive disperse dyes can be used as dyes of various colors such as yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0046] In addition to the coloring material, the ink may also contain water-soluble organic solvents, polyhydric alcohols, betaines, sugars, ureas, surfactants, etc., in order to obtain predetermined ink characteristics. The predetermined ink characteristics include the ink's wettability and permeability to the recording medium 12, its curling and cockling properties on the recording medium 12, its strike-through properties, its clogging properties during ink ejection, and its suitability for viscosity characteristics depending on the ink temperature. Specifically, for example, 1,2-alkanediols, glycol ethers, pyrrolidone derivatives, etc. can be used as the water-soluble organic solvent, and glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, etc. can be used as the polyhydric alcohol. Known fluorine-based surfactants, acetylene glycol-based surfactants, silicone-based surfactants, etc. can be used as the surfactant.

[0047] When the ink contains a pigment, a dispersant for dispersing the pigment may be added as another component. In addition, the ink may contain a pH adjuster, a complexing agent, an antifoaming agent, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, an antiseptic, an antifungal agent, and the like to further improve the properties of the ink.

[0048] <Deformation of recording media> If the recording medium 12 contains a fiber that absorbs moisture, such as cellulose, the water contained in the ink may cause deformation of the recording medium 12. This may be particularly noticeable when recording using a water-based ink that contains 50% or more by mass of water. Among the deformations of the recording medium 12, the deformation of the recording medium 12 in which the recording medium 12 curls convexly or concavely will be described below.

[0049] 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of the recording medium 12. FIG. 5, when ink is applied to the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12, the water contained in the ink penetrates into the main surface 12p, causing the main surface 12p side to swell (the fibers that make up the recording medium 12 stretch), which may cause the recording medium 12 to curl in a convex shape toward the main surface 12p side. The direction in which the recording medium 12 curls in a convex shape with respect to the conveyance direction Y (the direction of the arc) varies depending on the structural specifications of the recording medium 12 (printing paper) and the direction in which the recording medium 12 is set in the printer 100, and for example, curling may occur as shown in FIG. As the main surface 12p dries, the elongated fibers shrink, and the degree of curling may decrease. In addition, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the drying may further shrink the fibers, causing curling (secondary curling).

[0050] The degree of curl (amount of deformation) varies depending on various factors, such as the material and thickness of the recording medium 12, the structural specifications of the layers if the recording medium 12 is formed of multiple layers, the environment in which the printer 100 is used (temperature and humidity), the recording time and the time elapsed since recording (drying time), the water content of the recording medium 12 at the start of recording and at the start of drying, ink specifications (water content, concentration, temperature), the amount of ink applied, and the shape and size of the area where the ink is applied. The amount of curl and secondary curl vary depending on these specifications and the degree of curl.

[0051] Furthermore, such deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12 may cause the recording device 1 to malfunction. Specifically, for example, the recording medium 12 may jam in the transport path after recording, or the recording media 12 may not be stacked evenly in a location where they are stacked, such as the tray 85 or the stacker 37, resulting in the recording media 12 being folded over or making it impossible to staple them in a predetermined unit.

[0052] In response to this, there are devices that include means for suppressing deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12, such as the post-processing device described in Patent Document 1. However, when the degree of deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12 varies, the suppression means may not function sufficiently. For example, in the case of the post-processing device described in Patent Document 1, if the pressing force of the second airflow that is blown from above the paper loading surface toward the paper loading surface is insufficient to counter the stress of the curled paper, the curl cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

[0053] In contrast, the recording post-processing device (reversing device 210, stapling device 220) of this embodiment is equipped with a post-processing section (reversing conveying path 18, stapling processing section 36) that performs post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12, and a deformation suppressing means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 in the conveying path (reversing conveying path 18, stapler conveying path 19) along which the recording medium 12 is conveyed or in the loading section (tray 85, stacker 37) on which the recording medium 12 is placed, and is characterized in that the deformation suppressing means is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12. In other words, the suppression strength of the deformation suppressing means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12. This will be explained in detail below.

[0054] <Means to suppress deformation> The deformation suppressing means for suppressing curling can be configured in various forms in the conveying path (reverse conveying path 18, stapler conveying path 19) or the placing portion (tray 85, stacker 37). 9 to 18 are schematic diagrams showing examples of deformation suppression means.

[0055] <Measures to prevent deformation due to wind pressure> 9 shows an example of deformation suppression means 300 that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 placed on the tray 85 (see FIG. 4) by wind pressure. That is, the deformation suppression means 300 is a deformation suppression means that uses wind pressure as a pressing means to counteract stress caused by deformation of the recording medium 12. The deformation suppression means 300 includes a plurality of (three in the example shown in FIG. 9) air blowing units 90. Each air blowing unit 90 is provided so as to blow air from a position facing the placement surface 85a of the tray 85 on which the recording medium 12 is placed, in a direction toward the placement surface 85a.

[0056] The horizontal position (in-plane position parallel to the mounting surface 85a) at which the air blower 90 is installed is an appropriate position for pressing the recording medium 12 and suppressing curling. In other words, when the size of the recording medium 12 and the direction and orientation of curl are constant, the position (area) at which the recording medium 12 curls and moves away from the mounting surface 85a is known in advance, and the air blower 90 is installed in an appropriate position opposite that position (a position where the recording medium 12 that has moved away from the mounting surface 85a can be effectively pressed against the mounting surface 85a by air pressure). Note that when the size of the recording medium 12 handled by the recording device 1 and the direction and orientation of curl are not constant, it is preferable to configure the horizontal (in-plane) position at which the air blower 90 is installed to be variable. The blower 90 may be, for example, a so-called blower fan that blows air using rotating blades that are driven to rotate.

[0057] For example, the recording medium 12 that has curled due to swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied is inverted by the inverting device 210, and is placed in a concave state on the loading surface 85a of the tray 85 with the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied facing downward (toward the loading surface 85a), as shown in Fig. 9. The air blowing unit 90 applies air pressure to the areas on both sides of the recording medium 12 that have become separated from the loading surface 85a due to the curl, thereby suppressing the curling of the recording medium 12. Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the curl direction of the recording medium 12 is opposite to that described above, the air blowing section 90 can suppress curling of the recording medium 12 by pressing the central region of the recording medium 12 that is separated from the placement surface 85a due to curling with air pressure.

[0058] In this example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means is the air pressure blown by the air blower 90, for example, the rotation speed of the rotary blades. The air pressure blown by the air blower 90 is controlled by the stapler control unit 72, which works in conjunction with the printer control unit 70. Control of the suppression strength will be described later.

[0059] The deformation suppression means 300 may be provided in the stacker 37 (see FIG. 4). That is, the air blowing section 90 may be provided so as to blow air in a direction from a position facing the loading surface 37a of the stacker 37 on which the recording media 12 are loaded, toward the loading surface 37a. In this case, the deformation suppression means is configured as a deformation suppression means for suppressing curling when the bundled recording media 12 are curled and stacked after stapling processing is completed.

[0060] <Means for suppressing deformation due to pressure> 11 and 12 show an example of deformation suppression means 301 that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 placed on the tray 85 by contacting and pressing against the recording medium 12. In other words, the deformation suppression means 301 is a deformation suppression means that utilizes a pressing means that counteracts stress caused by deformation of the recording medium 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic side view illustrating the deformation suppression means 301 shown in Fig. 11. Note that Fig. 11 shows one recording medium 12, while Fig. 12 shows a plurality of recording media 12 placed in a stacked manner.

[0061] The deformation suppressing means 301 includes a plurality of pressing members 91 (two in the example shown in FIG. 11) and a guide shaft 92 that supports the pressing members 91. The pressing member 91 is a flexible thin plate-shaped resin member, and is configured such that one end region 91a thereof is supported by a guide shaft 92 and the other end region 91b thereof abuts against the recording medium 12 as a free end. The guide shaft 92 is attached to the stapling device 220 so as to extend parallel to the loading surface 85a of the tray 85 on which the recording media 12 are placed. As indicated by the arrow K in Figure 12, by rotating the guide shaft 92 around its axis, it is possible to adjust the pressure F with which the pressing member 91 presses the recording media 12.

[0062] The lateral position at which the pressing member 91 is installed (the position at which the guide shaft 92 is provided and the position in the direction along the guide shaft 92) is set at an appropriate position for pressing the recording medium 12 and suppressing curling. In other words, when the size of the recording medium 12 and the curling direction and orientation are constant, the position (area) at which the recording medium 12 curls and moves away from the loading surface 85a is known in advance, and the pressing member 91 is set at an appropriate position opposite that position (a position at which the recording medium 12 that has moved away from the loading surface 85a can be effectively pressed against the loading surface 85a). When the size of the recording medium 12 handled by the recording device 1 and the curling direction and orientation are not constant, it is preferable to configure the lateral (in-plane) position at which the pressing member 91 is installed to be variable.

[0063] For example, the recording medium 12 that has curled due to swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied is inverted by the inverting device 210, and is placed in a concave state on the loading surface 85a of the tray 85 with the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied facing downward (toward the loading surface 85a), as shown in Fig. 11. The pressing member 91 presses the regions on both sides of the recording medium 12 that have become separated from the loading surface 85a due to the curl, thereby suppressing the curling of the recording medium 12.

[0064] The suppression strength of the deformation suppression means in this example is the pressure F applied by the pressing member 91, which is, for example, the rotation angle of the guide shaft 92. The pressure F applied by the pressing member 91 is controlled by the stapler control unit 72, which works in conjunction with the printer control unit 70. Control of the suppression strength will be described later.

[0065] The deformation suppression means 301 may be provided in the stacker 37. That is, the guide shaft 92 may be attached to the stacker 37 so as to extend parallel to the loading surface 37a of the stacker 37 on which the recording media 12 are loaded, and the pressing member 91 may be provided so as to press in a direction toward the loading surface 37a. In this case, the deformation suppression means is configured to suppress curling when the bundled recording media 12 are curled and stacked after stapling processing is completed.

[0066] <Methods to suppress deformation due to gravity> 13 to 15 show an example of deformation suppression means 302 having protruding ribs that come into contact with the curled recording medium 12 so that the curled recording medium 12 is deformed in the direction opposite to the curl direction due to its own weight (gravity) and straightened. In other words, the deformation suppression means 302 is a deformation suppression means that uses gravity as a pressing means to counteract the stress caused by the deformation of the recording medium 12. 14 is a schematic side view of the deformation suppressing means 302 shown in FIG.

[0067] The deformation suppression means 302 is provided on the stacker 37 and includes one or more (two in the example shown in FIG. 15) protruding ribs 93 protruding from the mounting surface 37a of the stacker 37. The protruding rib 93 is a block body extending in a direction intersecting the direction of the arc of the curl of the recording medium 12, and the upper surface that contacts the recording medium 12 can be protruded in the normal direction from the loading surface 37a by a protruding mechanism (not shown) provided in the deformation suppression means 302. The lateral position at which the protruding rib 93 is installed is an appropriate position that suppresses curling of the recording medium 12 due to its own weight (gravity G). In other words, if the size of the recording medium 12 and the direction and orientation of the curl are constant, the position (area) where the recording medium 12 will curl and move away from the placement surface 37a is known in advance, and the position (area) is installed in an appropriate position that serves as a fulcrum for pressure from gravity G. If the size of the recording medium 12 and the direction and orientation of the curl are not constant, it is preferable to configure the lateral (in-plane) position at which the protruding rib 93 is installed to be variable.

[0068] For example, the recording medium 12 that has curled due to swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied is inverted by the inverting device 210, and is placed in a concave state on the protruding rib 93 that protrudes from the loading surface 37a of the stacker 37, with the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied facing downward (toward the loading surface 37a), as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 13. The curl of the recording medium 12 is corrected by gravity G acting on the protruding rib 93 as a fulcrum, so that both sides of the recording medium 12 that are away from the loading surface 37a are subjected to gravity G. Alternatively, gravity G acts in a direction that corrects the curl. 15, for example, when the curl direction of the recording medium 12 is opposite to that described above, the curl of the recording medium 12 can be corrected by the protruding ribs 93 supporting both side areas of the recording medium 12 close to the loading surface 37a as fulcrums so that the central area of ​​the recording medium 12 far from the loading surface 37a is subjected to gravity G. Alternatively, gravity G acts in the direction in which the curl is corrected.

[0069] In this example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means is the amount by which the upper surface of the protruding rib 93 (the surface that contacts the recording medium 12) protrudes from the loading surface 37a in the normal direction, and is the control amount of the protrusion mechanism. The protrusion mechanism is controlled by the stapler control unit 72, which works in conjunction with the printer control unit 70. Control of the suppression strength will be described later.

[0070] <Method of suppressing deformation by humidification (addition of water)> 16 shows an example of a deformation suppression means 303 that suppresses curling of the recording medium 12 by humidifying (applying water). The deformation suppression means 303 is a deformation suppression means that uses a humidifying (water application) means as a means for alleviating stress that causes deformation of the recording medium 12. As described above, the recording medium 12 curls due to the action of water contained in the ink applied to the main surface 12p. Therefore, by applying an amount of water equivalent to the amount of water that has penetrated into the main surface 12p to the back surface of the main surface 12p, curling of the recording medium 12 can be suppressed. In other words, by applying water to the back surface that causes swelling equivalent to the swelling of the main surface 12p, the front and back surfaces are balanced and curling is suppressed.

[0071] The deformation suppression means 303 includes a humidifying section 94 that can apply water to the rear surface of the recording medium 12 . Specifically, the humidifying unit 94 can be configured, for example, as a line head that ejects water instead of ink. Therefore, the deformation suppression means 303 can be installed at any position along the transport path (reverse transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) through which the recorded recording medium 12 is transported or the loading section (tray 85, stacker 37) on which the recording medium 12 is loaded, as long as the position is a position through which the recording medium 12 passes and where the humidifying unit 94 that ejects water onto the back surface of the recording medium 12 can be installed.

[0072] In this example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means is the amount of water that the humidifier 94 applies to the back surface of the recording medium 12. The amount of water applied by the humidifier 94 is controlled by either the reversal control unit 71 or the stapler control unit 72, which are linked to the printer control unit 70, depending on the installation position of the humidifier 94. Control of the suppression strength will be described later.

[0073] <Methods for suppressing deformation by corrective deformation> 17 shows an example of deformation suppression means 304 that suppresses curling of the recording medium 12 by correctively deforming the recording medium 12. That is, the deformation suppression means 304 is a deformation suppression means that includes a correcting means for correcting deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, when a curl such as that shown in Fig. 6 occurs, that is, when the arc formed by the curl faces the conveyance direction Y, the curl may be suppressed by deforming the recording medium 12 so that it extends in the conveyance direction Y. To explain this as an extreme example, it can be understood that when a curl such as that shown in Fig. 6 occurs, the curl can be suppressed by folding the recording medium 12 so that a crease is formed in the conveyance direction Y (that is, the direction of the arc formed by the curl).

[0074] The deformation suppression means 304 includes a plurality of rollers 95 (seven in the example shown in FIG. 17) that, at any position on the transport path (reverse transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) along which the recorded recording medium 12 is transported, cause deformation in the recording medium 12 that extends in the direction of the arc formed by the curl as the recording medium 12 is transported. The rollers 95 are driven by a transport motor (not shown). As shown in Fig. 17, the rollers 95 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction Y, and adjacent rollers 95 are shifted vertically (in the thickness direction of the recording medium 12) and arranged alternately so that the recording medium 12 is sandwiched between them. The recording medium 12 is sandwiched between an upwardly shifted roller 95a and a downwardly shifted roller 95b so that the height at which the downwardly shifted roller 95b contacts the recording medium 12 is higher than the height at which the upwardly shifted roller 95a contacts the recording medium 12, thereby correcting and deforming the recording medium 12 so that it has a wavy surface. This corrective deformation can suppress curling as shown in Fig. 6.

[0075] In this example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means is the amount by which roller 95 is shifted in the vertical direction (thickness direction of recording medium 12), and is the gap between the bottom end of roller 95a shifted upward and the top end of roller 95b shifted downward. The larger this gap is, the larger the wave surface formed by the corrective deformation will be, and the greater the curl suppression effect will be.

[0076] <Methods for preventing deformation due to drying> 18 shows an example of a deformation suppression means 305 that suppresses curling of the recording medium 12 by drying. That is, the deformation suppression means 305 is a deformation suppression means that includes a drying means as a means for alleviating stress that causes deformation of the recording medium 12.

[0077] The deformation suppression means 305 includes a heater 96 that can dry the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12. The heaters 96 are provided on the first reversal path 48 and the second reversal path 49, and heat and dry the recording medium 12 transported on the first reversal path 48 and the second reversal path 49, suppressing curling by shrinking the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12 that has swelled due to the ink (water) applied to the main surface 12p. The heaters 96 can be configured with an infrared lamp, a heating wire, or the like.

[0078] The transport path provided with the heater 96 may be configured to be straight and flat, for example, as in the first reversal path 48 shown in Fig. 18, or may be curved, as in the second reversal path 49 shown in Fig. 18. Note that it is desirable that the direction of this curvature be configured in the opposite direction to the direction in which the recording medium 12 curls. Furthermore, the conveying path accompanied by the heater 96 may be configured with multiple conveying paths that are curved in a direction that suppresses the curl in response to various curl directions of the recording medium 12, and the recording medium 12 may be controlled to be conveyed to the corresponding conveying path.

[0079] The suppression strength of the deformation suppression means in this example is the output of the heater 96 and the drying time in the transport path accompanied by the heater 96. The output of the heater 96 and the drying time are controlled by the reversal control unit 71, which works in conjunction with the printer control unit 70. Control of the suppression strength will be described later. Although the heater 96 has been described as being provided in the deformation suppression means 305, it also has the function of an intermediate treatment section that performs a drying process as an intermediate process for the recording medium 12 on which recording has been performed.

[0080] In the above explanation, deformation of the recording medium 12 has been explained using an example of a simple curl, but more complex deformation may occur. For example, complex deformation may occur depending on the specifications of the image to be recorded on the recording medium 12. This is because the amount of ink applied to the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12 (i.e., the amount of water that penetrates) varies within the surface depending on the specifications of the image. Therefore, it is preferable that the deformation suppression means be configured to be able to suppress deformation when there is in-plane variation in deformation. For example, as shown in Figure 19, if an image is formed (ink is applied) intensively in a certain area of ​​the recording medium 12 and curl occurs only in that area, it is preferable that the deformation suppression means be configured to be able to suppress deformation in that area. This is to prevent the deformation suppression means from causing deformation in the opposite way when it acts to suppress deformation in areas that are not deformed in the same way.

[0081] FIG. 20 shows an example of a deformation suppressing means 306 configured to be able to suppress deformation in a partially deformed area of ​​the recording medium 12. In FIG. The deformation suppression means 306 shown in Figure 20 is a modified example of the deformation suppression means 302 equipped with protruding ribs described with reference to Figures 13 to 15, and shows a plan view of the arrangement of the protruding ribs 93a provided on the stacker 37. As shown in FIG. 20, the deformation suppression means 306 includes a plurality of (56 in the example shown in FIG. 20) protruding ribs 93a arranged in a matrix on the mounting surface 37a of the stacker 37. While the protruding rib 93 provided on the deformation suppression means 302 is a block body extending long in a direction intersecting the direction of the arc of the curl of the recording medium 12, the protruding rib 93a is arranged in a matrix, and therefore, by protruding the protruding rib 93a at a position corresponding to the deformation formed in a specific area of ​​the recording medium 12 (a position where the deformation can be corrected), it can act to suppress the deformation in that area.

[0082] In this way, by arranging acting parts that suppress deformation of the recording medium 12 in a matrix pattern, not limited to the protruding rib 93a, facing the recording medium 12, it is possible to configure a deformation suppression means that can similarly suppress deformation formed in a specific area of ​​the recording medium 12. For example, as acting parts arranged in a matrix pattern, the air blowing parts 90 of the deformation suppression means 300 described with reference to Fig. 9 may be arranged in a matrix pattern. 16, when the humidifying unit 94 is configured as a line head that ejects water, the position at which water is applied can be controlled in the same way as when an image is formed on the recording medium 12. For example, by applying water to the back side of the recording medium 12 in a mirror image in accordance with the image to be recorded on the recording medium 12, the front and back sides are balanced, and deformations such as curling can be suppressed. In other words, the deformation suppression unit 303 is configured as deformation suppression unit that can suppress deformations formed in specific areas of the recording medium 12.

[0083] <Control of deformation suppression means> Next, the control of the deformation suppression means that characterizes this embodiment will be described. As mentioned above, it is preferable to balance the degree of deformation and the effect (restraint strength) of the deformation suppression means in suppressing deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, if the action of the deformation suppression means is insufficient against the stress of the curled recording medium 12, the curl cannot be sufficiently suppressed, and the original problem cannot be solved. Conversely, driving the deformation suppression means uniformly with a sufficient suppression strength that can handle all expected deformations may result in a waste of energy or may even deform the recording medium 12. In this embodiment, the suppression strength and suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means are controlled to correspond to the degree and state of deformation of the recording medium 12. Specifically, the suppression strength and suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means are controlled based on parameters (predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12) that determine the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12. Note that the suppression specifications are specifications of the suppression strength that include the area (the position within the surface of the recording medium 12) to which the suppression strength is applied, and refer to the suppression strength locally.

[0084] <Prescribed parameters related to recording processing> The predetermined parameters related to the recording process that determine the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 include physical property information of the recording medium 12, ink composition data, recording environment information of the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12, recording data for recording on the recording medium 12, the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium 12, and device environment information of the environment including the transport path (printer transport path 17, reverse transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) or the loading section (tray 85, stacker 37). It should be noted that the predetermined parameters related to the recording process do not necessarily need to include all of the above parameters. For example, if the recording medium 12 or ink used is limited to one type in advance, or if the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12 is limited to a specific environment, parameters that are not expected to affect the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 do not need to be included as parameters for controlling the suppression strength or suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means.

[0085] The physical property information of the recording medium 12 is physical property information relating to the deformation of the recording medium 12, and is prepared as pre-evaluated data. The data to be evaluated and prepared in advance (physical property information related to the deformation of the recording medium 12) can be prepared, for example, by applying water at a predetermined density to a predetermined test piece (recording medium 12) under a predetermined environment (under a predetermined temperature and humidity), and preparing the amount of deformation of the test piece after a predetermined elapsed time, or the deformation stress obtained when pressing the deformed portion. The physical property information may be product number information of the recording medium 12 linked to the physical property information obtained by a pre-evaluation, or the name of the material constituting the recording medium 12 linked to the physical property information obtained by a pre-evaluation.

[0086] The ink composition data is information about the amount of water and volatile components contained in the ink. In particular, in the case of water-based inks containing 50% or more by mass of water, the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 varies greatly depending on the water content. Furthermore, when ink containing 70% or more by mass of water is applied, secondary curling occurs more frequently when the recording medium 12 dries.

[0087] The recording environment information for the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12 is, for example, the temperature and humidity of the location where the printer 100 is installed. In different temperature and humidity environments, the penetration speed and drying speed of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change, resulting in changes in the deformation characteristics (degree and state of deformation and changes thereto) of the recording medium 12. In addition, the moisture content (degree of drying) of the recording medium 12 changes when placed in different temperature and humidity environments, and similarly, the penetration speed and drying speed of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change.

[0088] As described above, the recording data for recording on the recording medium 12 is data for causing the printer 100 to perform recording, which is generated based on image data (text data or image data) to be recorded on the recording medium 12. That is, the amount of ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12, the density (duty) at which it is applied, and the area to which it is applied vary depending on the recording data, and therefore the degree and state of deformation of the recording medium 12 differ depending on the recording data. For example, if the recording medium 12 is general recording paper primarily composed of cellulose, curling becomes noticeable when the duty difference between the front and back of the recording medium 12 is 30% or more. The recording data also includes control information for determining whether recording on the recording medium 12 is double-sided or single-sided. In single-sided recording, the duty difference between the front and back of the recording medium 12 is significant, and curling also becomes significant. Here, the "duty" is a value calculated by the following formula. duty[%] = actual number of recorded dots / (vertical resolution x horizontal resolution) x 100 In the formula, "number of actual recorded dots" is the number of actual recorded dots formed by ink droplets per unit area, and "vertical resolution" and "horizontal resolution" are the resolutions per unit length, respectively.

[0089] The time that has elapsed since recording on the recording medium 12 is, in other words, the time it takes for the recorded recording medium 12 to dry naturally. The degree and state of deformation of the recorded recording medium 12 changes as the recording medium 12 dries while moving along the transport path. Also, for example, if the recording device 1 stops due to an error such as a jam of the recording medium 12 along the transport path of the recording device 1, the degree and state of deformation of the recording medium 12 will change as the recording medium 12 dries naturally.

[0090] Device environment information for an environment including the transport path (printer transport path 17, inversion transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) or the loading section (tray 85, stacker 37) is, for example, the temperature and humidity of the location where the post-recording processing device 200 (inversion device 210, staple device 220) is installed. In the transport path or loading area of ​​the recording medium 12, the penetration speed and drying speed of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change under different temperature and humidity environments, which results in changes in the deformation characteristics of the recording medium 12.

[0091] <Control of suppression strength> The suppression strength of each of the above-mentioned deformation suppression means is controlled based on the above-mentioned predetermined parameters. Specifically, for example, the suppression strength of each of the above-mentioned deformation suppression means is controlled using a condition table (or a function) that derives the suppression strength of each of the above-mentioned deformation suppression means in accordance with the specific values ​​of the above-mentioned predetermined parameters. The condition table (or function) is prepared after sufficient evaluation in advance, for example, for each type of recording medium 12 and type of deformation suppression means, as a condition table (or function) in which the suppression strength is derived based on the density (duty) of the applied water and temperature and humidity. The prepared condition table (or function) is stored in a storage unit provided in the printer control unit 70.

[0092] The printer control unit 70 derives the suppression strength using the condition table (or function). For example, when using standard, known recording paper as the recording medium 12, the name of the recording paper (e.g., product number) is specified in the printer control unit 70, and the condition table (or function) corresponding to the deformation suppression means provided in the recording device 1 is extracted from multiple condition tables stored in the memory provided in the printer control unit 70. The printer control unit 70 uses this condition table (or function) to derive the suppression strength based on the recording data to be recorded and the temperature and humidity at that time. The temperature and humidity may be obtained from a thermo-hygrometer provided in each part of the recording device 1, or may be input into the printer control unit 70 by the operator of the recording device 1.

[0093] Based on the derived suppression strength, the printer control unit 70 works in conjunction with the control unit that includes deformation suppression means (the reversal control unit 71, the stapler control unit 72) to control the corresponding deformation suppression means.

[0094] As described above, the post-recording processing device and recording device according to this embodiment can provide the following effects. The degree of deformation (amount of deformation and stress due to deformation) of the recorded recording medium 12 is not constant, but varies depending on various parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12. According to this embodiment, the deformation suppression means is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12, so that it is possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12.

[0095] Furthermore, when recording with water-based ink, the water-based ink has a high affinity with the recording medium 12 and penetrates into the recording medium 12, so the recording medium 12 is more likely to deform after recording and drying than when recording with oil-based ink. According to this embodiment, post-recording processing can be performed on the recording medium 12 that has been recorded with water-based ink in a state in which deformation of the recording medium 12 is more effectively suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, when recording is performed on a recording medium 12 containing moisture-absorbing fibers such as cellulose using a water-based ink containing 50% or more by mass of water, deformation of the recording medium 12 can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on predetermined parameters including physical property information of the recording medium 12, thereby making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, for a recording medium 12 that curls under stronger stress, deformation is suppressed by a stronger suppression strength that is necessary and sufficient.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on predetermined parameters that include recording environment information about the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, when recording is performed using the printer 100 installed in a more humid environment, and the moisture content of the recording medium 12 is high, the degree of deformation is lower than when recording is performed on a drier recording medium 12, and therefore deformation can be suppressed with a necessary and sufficient weaker suppression strength.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on predetermined parameters including recording data for performing recording on the recording medium 12, thereby making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, when there is a significant difference in duty between the front and back sides of the recording medium 12, such as in single-sided recording, the degree of curl is high, so deformation is suppressed with a stronger suppression strength that is necessary and sufficient.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on a predetermined parameter including the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium 12, thereby making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, if it is expected that secondary curl will become noticeable when the elapsed time is exceeded, deformation is suppressed with a necessary and sufficient suppression strength in the direction of suppressing secondary curl in accordance with the elapsed time.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on predetermined parameters including device environment information of the environment including the transport path or the placement unit, thereby making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, when the temperature and humidity of the environment including the transport path are high, and it is expected that the recording medium 12 will dry out to a high degree during transport and will curl to a high degree, deformation is suppressed with a stronger suppression strength that is necessary and sufficient.

[0102] Furthermore, the recording post-processing device 200 includes, as post-processing sections, an inversion conveyance path 18 as an intermediate processing section that performs inversion processing as an intermediate processing section, and a staple processing section 36 that performs stapling processing as a finishing processing section. Therefore, inversion processing and stapling processing can be performed within the same device. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, deformation of the recording medium 12 is more appropriately suppressed, thereby suppressing the occurrence of problems such as jams within the device that performs these processes.

[0103] In addition, deformation of the recording medium 12 is suppressed by a deformation suppression means, which is either a pressing means that counteracts the stress caused by deformation, a correction means that corrects the deformation, or a means that alleviates the stress that causes deformation, and the strength of each suppression is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12.

[0104] Furthermore, the recording apparatus 1 can perform recording in which post-recording processing is performed in a state in which deformation of the recording medium 12 after recording is more appropriately suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...recording device, 12...recording medium, 17...printer transport path, 18...reverse transport path, 18a...pre-reverse path, 18b...reverse path, 18c...post-reverse path, 19...stapler transport path, 21...cassette, 22...feeding section, 23...printer transport section, 24...recording section, 26...pickup roller, 27...separation roller pair, 30...transport roller pair, 31...transport belt, 32...drive pulley, 33...driven pulley, 35...stapler transport section, 36...stapling processing section, 37...stacker, 37a...loading surface, 41...first reversing section, 42...second reversing section, 44...first branch path, 45...second branch path, 46...first merging path, 47...second merging path, 48...first reversing path, 49...second reversing path, 52...reversing conveying section, 56...pair of conveying rollers, 58...sensor, 59...guide flap, 70...printer control section, 71...reversing control section, 72...stapler control section, 81, 82...pair of conveying rollers, 83...guide flap, 84...sensor, 85...tray, 85a...placing surface, 86...stapler, 90...blowing section, 91...pressing member, 92...guide shaft, 93...protruding rib, 94...humidifying section, 95...roller, 96...heater, 100...printer, 200...recording post-processing device, 210...reversing device, 220...stapling device, 300-306...deformation suppression means.

Claims

1. a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on a recording medium printed with water-based ink; a placement unit on which the recording medium to be post-processed in the post-processing unit is placed; a deformation suppressing unit for suppressing deformation of the recording medium on the placement unit due to a predetermined parameter related to a recording process on the recording medium; a control unit that controls the deformation suppression means based on the predetermined parameters, the control unit receives the predetermined parameter from a printer control unit that controls recording, and changes the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means for the recording medium based on the predetermined parameter; 2. A post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters include information based on conditions under which recording was performed on the recording medium.

2. 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the water-based ink contains water in an amount of 50% by mass or more, and further contains a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

3. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters include information based on physical property information of the recording medium.

4. 4. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters include information based on recording environment information of an environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium.

5. 5. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters include information based on recording data for performing recording on the recording medium.

6. 6. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters include information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium.

7. 7. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined parameters include device environment information of an environment including a transport path along which the recording medium is transported or the loading unit.

8. The post-treatment section includes an intermediate treatment section that performs intermediate treatment and a finishing section that performs finishing treatment, the intermediate processing unit performs a reversing process or a drying process on the recording medium as the intermediate processing, 8. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the finishing unit performs stapling, punching, or sorting as the finishing process on the plurality of recording media for which the intermediate process has been completed.

9. a recording head that performs recording by applying a water-based ink to a recording medium; a printer control unit that controls recording on the recording medium by the recording head; a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the recording medium; a placement unit on which the recording medium to be post-processed in the post-processing unit is placed; a deformation suppressing unit for suppressing deformation of the recording medium on the placement unit due to a predetermined parameter related to a recording process on the recording medium; a control unit that controls the deformation suppression means based on the predetermined parameters, The control unit receives the specified parameters from the printer control unit and changes the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means for the recording medium based on the specified parameters, and the specified parameters include information based on the conditions under which recording was performed on the recording medium.

Images