Recording apparatus and stacking apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing an increase in size of a device while sorting recording media by a predetermined number of sheets in a loading part.SOLUTION: A reciprocating member 433 reciprocating while being regulated by a first support member 434 in an X direction orthogonal to a Y direction is provided, and a second loading part 42 extendable in the Y direction with respect to the first support member 434 is moved in the X direction by the action of the reciprocating member 433.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a stacking device that ejects a recording medium after recording and stacks it on a stacking section. [Background technology]

[0002] In a recording device that ejects recorded recording media and stacks them on a stacking unit, there is known a technique for sorting the recording media into sets of a certain number of sheets by moving the stacking unit. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for moving the stacking unit obliquely relative to the transport direction, thereby securing an area where the ejected recording media can be stacked without overlapping with a stack of already sorted recording media. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-160715 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a configuration including a loading section as in Patent Document 1, the device inevitably becomes large in size, making it difficult to reduce its size.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology that can achieve miniaturization of the device while sorting recording media into predetermined number of sheets in the stacking section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of a recording device according to the present invention comprises a transport means for transporting recording media in a transport direction, a loading means for loading the recording media transported from the transport means, a first support means fixed to the device body and movably supporting the loading means, and a moving means supported by the first support means and movable relative to the first support means in a shift direction intersecting the transport direction, wherein the loading means is extendable in the transport direction relative to the first support means and movable in the shift direction relative to the first support means by engaging with the moving means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique that allows for sorting recording media into predetermined number of sheets in a stacking section while realizing miniaturization of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording apparatus. [Figure 2] 3A and 3B are a front view and a plan view of a recording unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a conveyance system of a recording unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing a control system of a stacking unit in a recording unit. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a range of movement of the second stacker. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sorting position of the stacking section. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive transmission section. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement of a reciprocating member by a cam. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating driving of a loading unit according to the rotation direction of a driving source. [Figure 12]10 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a recording process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state after the stacking unit is driven during the recording process. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a holding configuration of each component in a loading section. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a holding configuration of each component in a loading section. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view seen from below so as to show the drive unit in the loading unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a drive train of a drive unit. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a holding configuration of each component in a loading section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a recording device, a control method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the positions, shapes, and the like of components described in the embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to those.

[0010] In this embodiment, a multifunction peripheral having a recording function of ejecting ink as a recording material onto a recording medium using an inkjet method and a reading function of reading an original placed on a platen will be described as an example of the recording apparatus. Note that the recording method is not limited to the inkjet method, and various known methods such as electrophotography may be used. The recording material that can be ejected by the recording apparatus according to this embodiment is not limited to ink, and includes various known recording materials used for recording, such as a treatment liquid that performs a predetermined treatment on the ejected ink.

[0011] In this specification, when facing the side where the recorded recording medium is discharged, the direction from the left side to the right side of the recording device is referred to as the X direction, the direction from the back side (rear side) of the recording device to the front side (front side), and the direction from the bottom side to the top side of the recording device are referred to as the Z direction. As such, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are directions from one side to the other and are perpendicular to each other. In this specification, when a direction goes from one side to the other, a "+" (plus) is added, and when a direction goes from the other side to the one side, a "-" (minus) is added.

[0012] (Configuration of recording device) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording device. Fig. 2(a) is a front view of the recording unit, and Fig. 2(b) is a plan view of the recording unit. Note that in Fig. 1, some components are omitted for ease of understanding.

[0013] The recording device 1 is a multifunction device that includes a recording unit 10 that records on a recording medium, and a scanner unit (not shown) that reads documents and is placed above the recording unit 10. In the recording device 1, various processes related to the recording operation and the reading operation are performed by the recording unit 10 and the scanner unit individually or in conjunction with each other.

[0014] The scanner unit is equipped with an ADF (automatic document feeder) and an FBS (flatbed scanner), and can read documents automatically fed by the ADF and documents placed on the platen of the FBS by the user. Note that, although in this embodiment, the recording device 1 is a multifunction device equipped with the recording unit 10 and a scanner unit, it may be configured without the scanner unit.

[0015] Recording unit 10 includes first paper feed unit 11, second paper feed unit 12, and third paper feed unit 13 that feed recording media (see FIG. 1). Recording unit 10 also includes a transport unit 2 that transports the recording media fed from each paper feed unit, a recording head 3 that ejects ink onto the recording medium transported by transport unit 2 to perform recording, and a stacking unit 4 that stacks the recorded recording media. Recording unit 10 also includes a maintenance unit 5 that performs maintenance on recording head 3, and a drive unit 6 that drives first paper feed unit 11, second paper feed unit 12, third paper feed unit 13, and maintenance unit 5.

[0016] The recording unit 10 includes a liquid storage unit 34 that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 3, and an ink discharge unit 51 that stores ink discharged from the maintenance unit 5 (see FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b)). The recording unit 10 also includes a control unit 71 (see FIG. 4) that controls the overall operation of the recording device 1, such as driving control of the transport unit 2, recording head 3, stacking unit 4, and drive unit 6. The recording unit 10 also includes an operation unit 8 that can display input operations by the user and various information. The operation unit 8 is provided with operation buttons 81 for inputting operation information to the recording device 1, and a display panel 82 that displays the operation information. In the recording device 1, the above-mentioned components are fastened to a housing 9 to form the recording unit 10.

[0017] In the recording unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are disposed above the stacking unit 4. More specifically, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are each disposed in a position where a portion thereof overlaps with the stacking unit 4 in the XY plane (see FIG. 2(b)). The operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are disposed at a distance from the stacking unit 4 in the Z direction (see FIG. 2(a)). In this embodiment, the operation unit 8 is disposed on one side (left side) in the X direction, and the liquid storage unit 34 is disposed on the other side (right side) in the X direction. The positions of the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 in the X direction may be reversed.

[0018] In the recording unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are disposed on the other side (front side) of the discharge roller pair 26 in the Y direction, that is, downstream in the transport direction of the recording medium discharged by the discharge roller pair 26. Furthermore, in the recording unit 10, the maintenance unit 5 is disposed within the movement area of ​​the recording head 3 and on the other side of the stacker 4 in the X direction. More specifically, the maintenance unit 5 is disposed at a position where a portion of it overlaps with the stacker 4 in the YZ plane (see FIG. 3(a)). Furthermore, in the recording unit 10, the ink discharge unit 51 is disposed below the stacker 4. More specifically, the ink discharge unit 51 is disposed at a position where a portion of it overlaps with the stacker 4 in the XY plane (see FIGS. 2(a) and 3(a)).

[0019] (Transport unit and paper feed unit) Next, the configuration of the transport system of the recording unit 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the transport system of the recording unit 10, where (a) shows the state before the stacking unit 4 is extended, and (b) shows the state after the stacking unit is extended. In this embodiment, when the recording device 1 is not performing a recording operation (i.e., when it is in a standby state), the stacking unit 4 is housed in the housing 9 of the device, as shown in Figure 3(a). On the other hand, when the recording device 1 performs a recording operation, the stacking unit 4 is extended from the housing 9 of the device, as shown in Figure 3(b).

[0020] <Transportation section> The conveying unit 2 includes a pair of conveying rollers 22 that convey the recording medium fed from each paper feeding unit to a recording position where recording can be performed by the recording head 3, and a pair of discharge rollers 26 that discharge the recording medium after recording by the recording head 3. The pair of conveying rollers 22 includes a conveying roller 22a driven by a conveying motor 21 (see FIG. 1) and a pinch roller 22b that presses against the conveying roller 22a and drives the conveying roller 22a. The pair of conveying rollers 22 nip the recording medium between the conveying roller 22a and the pinch roller 22b to convey the recording medium. The pair of discharge rollers 26 includes a discharge roller 26a driven by the conveying motor 21 and a spur 26b that presses against the discharge roller 26a. The pair of discharge rollers 26 nip the recording medium between the discharge roller 26a and the spur 26b to convey the recording medium.

[0021] The conveying unit 2 also includes a first intermediate roller pair 126 that conveys the recording medium fed from the second paper feed unit 12 and the third paper feed unit 13 to the conveying roller pair 22, and a second intermediate roller pair 136 that conveys the recording medium fed from the third paper feed unit 13 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The first intermediate roller pair 126 includes a first intermediate roller 126a driven by the driving unit 6 and a first driven roller 126b that presses against and follows the first intermediate roller 126a. The first intermediate roller pair 126 conveys the recording medium by sandwiching it between the first intermediate roller 126a and the first driven roller 126b. The second intermediate roller pair 136 also includes a second intermediate roller 136a driven by the driving unit 6 and a second driven roller 136b that presses against and follows the second intermediate roller 136a. In the second intermediate roller pair 136, the recording medium is sandwiched between the second intermediate roller 136a and the second driven roller 136b and conveyed.

[0022] When the recording medium fed from each paper feed unit passes through the detection lever 24 located upstream in the conveying direction of the conveying roller pair 22, the left and right leading edges of the recording medium in the width direction are aligned with respect to the conveying direction by the conveying roller pair 22. In other words, the conveying roller pair 22 corrects any skew in the conveying direction of the recording medium.

[0023] <Paper feed section> =1st paper feed section= The first paper feed unit 11 includes a pressure plate 111 on which a recording medium is placed, and a first paper feed roller unit 112 that feeds the recording medium placed on the pressure plate 111 to the pair of conveying rollers 22. The first paper feed roller unit 112 includes first paper feed rollers 112a and 112b that feed the recording medium to the pair of conveying rollers 22. The first paper feed roller unit 112 also includes a separation roller 113 that is disposed opposite the first paper feed roller 112b and applies resistance to the recording medium fed by the first paper feed roller 112b. The first paper feed rollers 112a and 112b are driven by the driving force of a drive motor 61 (see FIG. 1) of the drive unit 6.

[0024] In the first paper feed unit 11, feeding of the recording media P1 begins when the recording media P1 stacked on the pressure plate 111 comes into contact with the first paper feed roller 112a, which rotates as a result of being driven by the drive motor 61. The recording media P1 fed by the first paper feed roller 112a are then fed by the first paper feed roller 112b, which is positioned downstream of the first paper feed roller 112a in the paper feed direction. At this time, only the uppermost sheet of the recording media P1 fed by the first paper feed roller 112b is fed to the conveyance roller pair 22 by the separation roller 113, which is positioned opposite the first paper feed roller 112b.

[0025] =2nd paper feed section= The second paper feed unit 12 includes a cassette case 121 that accommodates recording media, a second paper feed roller 123 that feeds the recording media accommodated in the cassette case 121, and a separation unit 125 that applies resistance to the recording media fed by the second paper feed roller 123. The second paper feed roller 123 is driven by the driving force of a drive motor 62 (see FIG. 1) of the drive unit 6 transmitted via a gear train (not shown).

[0026] In the second paper feed unit 12, the second paper feed roller 123, which rotates in contact with the recording medium P2 housed in the cassette case 121 in response to the drive of the drive motor 62, begins feeding the recording medium P2 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The separation unit 125 applies resistance to the feeding direction of the recording medium P2 fed by the second paper feed roller 123. As a result, even if multiple recording media P2 are fed by the second paper feed roller 123, the separation unit 125 feeds the uppermost one of the recording media P2 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The recording medium P2 fed to the first intermediate roller pair 126 is transported to the transport roller pair 22 by the first intermediate roller pair 126.

[0027] =3rd paper feed section= The third paper feed unit 13 includes a cassette case 131 that stores recording media, a third paper feed roller 133 that feeds the recording media stored in the cassette case 131, and a separation unit 135 that applies resistance to the recording media fed by the third paper feed roller 133. The third paper feed roller 133 is driven by the driving force of a drive motor 62 (see FIG. 1) of the drive unit 6 transmitted via a gear train (not shown).

[0028] In the third paper feed unit 13, the third paper feed roller 133, which rotates in contact with the recording medium P3 housed in the cassette case 131 in response to the drive of the drive motor 62, begins feeding the recording medium P3 to the second intermediate roller pair 136. The separation unit 135 applies resistance to the feeding direction of the recording medium P3 fed by the third paper feed roller 133. As a result, even if multiple recording media P3 are fed by the third paper feed roller 133, the separation unit 135 feeds the uppermost one of the recording media P3 to the second intermediate roller pair 136. The recording medium P3 fed to the second intermediate roller pair 136 is transported to the transport roller pair 22 by the second intermediate roller pair 136 and the first intermediate roller pair 126.

[0029] (recording head) Next, the recording head 3 will be described. In the recording unit 10, the recording head 3 is slidably supported on a chassis 33 extending in the X direction and is mounted on a carriage 31 configured to be able to move back and forth in the X direction (see FIGS. 2(b) and 3(a)). This allows the recording head 3 to move back and forth in the X direction via the carriage 31. The recording medium transported by the transport roller pair 22 is supported by a platen 25 provided at a position opposite the recording head 3. The recording head 3 ejects ink onto the recording medium supported by the platen 25 while moving in the X direction via the carriage 31, thereby performing recording.

[0030] When recording is performed on only one side of the recording medium, the recorded recording medium is discharged to the stacking unit 4 via the discharge roller pair 26. On the other hand, when recording is performed on both sides of the recording medium, the conveyance motor 21 is rotated in reverse from a state in which the trailing end of the recording medium after recording on one side has been completed is sandwiched between the discharge roller pair 26. As a result, the discharge roller pair 26 and the conveyance roller pair 22 rotate in the opposite direction to when conveying the recording medium in the conveyance direction, and the recording medium with its trailing end sandwiched between the discharge roller pair 26 is conveyed to the reverse conveyance path F. In this description, the trailing end of the recording medium means the trailing end of the recording medium in the conveyance direction (+Y direction), and the leading end of the recording medium means the leading end of the recording medium in the conveyance direction.

[0031] Then, when the leading edge of the recording medium transported to the reverse transport path F passes the transport roller pair 22, the transport motor 21 is switched to forward rotation. After that, when the recording medium is transported by the first intermediate roller pair 126 and passes the detection lever 24, skew correction is again performed by the transport roller pair 22. After this, the same operation as recording on one side of the recording medium is performed, and after recording on the other side of the recording medium, the recording medium with recording on both sides is discharged to the stacking unit 4 by the discharge roller pair 26.

[0032] In this embodiment, the stacking section 4, which stacks recording media discharged via the discharge roller pair 26, expands in the +Y direction during recording (see FIG. 3(b)), as will be described in detail later. As a result, the stacking section 4, the majority of which was inside the housing 9 before expansion, protrudes outside the housing 9, ensuring an area where the discharged recording media can be stably stacked.

[0033] (Loading area) Next, the stacking unit 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the recording device 1. In the following description, the stacking unit 4 will be mainly described, and therefore FIG. 4 mainly shows the control configuration for the stacking unit 4, and other configurations are omitted. FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram of the stacking unit 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positions of the stacking unit 4 after extension and after contraction, where (a) shows the storage position of the second stacking unit 42 after the stacking unit 4 is contracted, and (b) shows the stacking position of the second stacking unit 42 after the stacking unit 4 is extended. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing two sorting positions of the stacking unit 4, where (a) shows the first sorting position and (b) shows the second sorting position.

[0034] The stacking section 4, which stacks the recording media discharged by the pair of discharge rollers 26, extends when recording begins, expanding the area that supports the discharged recording media. Furthermore, the stacking section 4 reduces its area when a recording medium is removed from the stacking section 4. Furthermore, the stacking section 4 has the function of moving in a direction (X direction) that intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the extension direction (Y direction) of the stacking section 4, and sorting the discharged recording media.

[0035] The recording unit 10 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a detection unit 73, an operation unit 8, a loading unit 4, a drive transmission unit 43, and a drive source 44 (see FIG. 4).

[0036] When the stacking section 4 is extended, the second stacking section 42 constituting the stacking section 4 moves from a storage position (described later) to a stacking position (described later). The stacking section 4 also moves in the X direction to a second sorting position (described later) that is different from the first sorting position, and then is contracted. When the stacking section 4 is contracted, the second stacking section 42 constituting the stacking section 4 moves from the stacking position to the storage position. This control reduces the effect of external forces on the recording media caused by the movement of the stacking section 4 while the recording media are being discharged. In other words, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the alignment of the discharged and stacked recording media, and improve the visibility of the sorted recording media when sorting the recording media.

[0037] The operation unit 8 is equipped with operation buttons 81 and a display panel 82 (see FIG. 1). By operating the operation unit 8, the user can select whether or not to sort the recording media and can instruct the stacker 4 to move. Note that in the recording unit 10, sorting of the recording media and movement of the stacker 4 can also be performed based on information set in a job, for example. The memory unit 72 stores various programs for operating the stacker 4. In response to input from the operation unit 8 by the user, the control unit 71 reads a program corresponding to the input result and controls the driving of the stacker 4. The memory unit 72 also stores the detection results of the detection unit 73.

[0038] The detection unit 73 includes a plurality of sensors. Specifically, the detection unit 73 includes a sensor that detects the rotation of the drive source 44 (see FIG. 2(a)) that drives the loading unit 4. The sensor is configured as a rotary encoder and is installed on the rotation axis of the drive source 44 that generates the rotational drive. The sensor converts the rotation angle of the drive source 44 into a number of steps and transmits the number to the control unit 71. The control unit 71 reads the number of steps required for a predetermined operation of the loading unit 4 from the memory unit 72. When the number of steps transmitted from the sensor reaches a predetermined number of steps, the control unit 71 determines that the predetermined operation of the loading unit 4 has been completed and stops the drive source 44. In this embodiment, the sensor is configured as an encoder provided on the rotation axis of the drive source 44, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor may be provided on the rotation axis of a predetermined transmission member that constitutes the drive transmission unit 43 (see FIG. 2(a)) that transmits the driving force of the drive source 44 to the loading unit 4.

[0039] The detection unit 73 also includes a sensor that detects the position of the stacker 4 after a predetermined operation. The sensor may be, for example, a mechanical switch, a photosensor, or a rotary encoder of the drive source 44. The detection unit 73 also includes a sensor that detects whether or not a recording medium is loaded on the stacker 4.

[0040] The stacking unit 4 includes a first stacking unit 41 and a second stacking unit 42 (see FIG. 5). The first stacking unit 41 is configured to be able to move back and forth in the X direction, which intersects with the direction in which the recording media are discharged (the Y direction). The first stacking unit 41 is disposed inside the housing 9, and an end 41a on the other side in the Y direction is located behind the front surface 9a of the housing 9 in the Y direction (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0041] The second stacking section 42 is supported by the first stacking section 41 and is configured to be able to move back and forth in the Y direction on the first stacking section 41. This allows the second stacking section 42 to move back and forth in the X direction via the first stacking section 41.

[0042] The second stacking unit 42 is configured to be movable between a storage position and a stacking position (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b)). In the storage position, most of the second stacking unit 42 overlaps with the first stacking unit 41 in the XY plane, and the second stacking unit 42 is stored below the first stacking unit 41 (see FIG. 6(a)). In the stacking position, the second stacking unit 42 is pulled out from the storage position, and the second stacking unit 42 cooperates with the first stacking unit 41 to load recording media (see FIG. 6(b)). That is, when the stacking unit 4 is extended, the second stacking unit 42 moves from the storage position in the +Y direction to the stacking position. When the stacking unit 4 is retracted, the second stacking unit 42 moves from the stacking position in the -Y direction to the storage position. In this embodiment, when the second stacking unit 42 is in the storage position, a portion of the area on the end 429a side slightly protrudes in the Y direction from the front surface 9a of the housing 9. With this configuration, when the second stacking unit 42 is in the storage position, most of the stacking unit 4 is located inside the housing 9, thereby reducing the installation space of the recording device 1. This allows the device to be made more compact.

[0043] The stacking position can take a number of different positions in the Y direction depending on the size of the recording medium.

[0044] The stacking unit 4 is configured to be movable between two sorting positions where the discharged recording media are sorted by moving the first stacking unit 41 in the X direction. That is, the stacking unit 4 is movable in the X direction between a first sorting position (see FIG. 7(a)) where the center position Os of the stacking unit 4 is located on one side of the center position Om of the discharged recording media, and a second sorting position (see FIG. 7(b)) where the center position Os of the stacking unit 4 is located on the other side of the center position Om. The stacking unit 4 is configured to stack recording media at the first sorting position and at the second sorting position, so that the discharged recording media can be sorted at positions shifted in the X direction. That is, the first sorting position and the second sorting position are located a predetermined distance apart in the X direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the first sorting position may be the same as the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the second sorting position. Alternatively, the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the first sorting position may be different from the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the second sorting position. The distance required for sorting, i.e., the distance between the first sorting position and the second sorting position, is, for example, 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The positions at which the stacking unit 4 can stay are not limited to the first sorting position and the second sorting position. For example, the stacking unit 4 may be configured to be located at the center position Om when sorting of recording media is not performed during the recording process or when recording is not performed.

[0046] (Drive transmission part) Next, the drive transmission unit 43 will be described. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit 43. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a cam which is a component of the drive transmission unit 43. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining movement of the loading unit 4 in the X direction by the cam.

[0047] The drive transmission unit 43 includes a drive train 431 configured with a plurality of drive transmission members that transmit the rotational drive from the drive source 44 (see FIG. 8). The drive transmission unit 43 also includes a reciprocating member 433 that can move in the X direction by the driving force transmitted via the drive train 431, and a case (not shown) that holds the drive source 44 and the drive train 431.

[0048] One end of the drive train 431 is connected to the drive source 44. A cam 4312 that engages with the reciprocating member 433 is located at the other end of the drive train 431. The cam 4312 includes a circular plate portion 4312c, a gear portion 4312a formed on one surface of the plate portion 4312c, and a cam portion 4312b formed on the other surface of the plate portion 4312c (see FIG. 9). When a driving force from the drive source 44 is transmitted to the gear portion 4312a, the cam 4312 rotates about an axis Oc that passes through the center of the plate portion 4312c and is parallel to the Z direction. In this embodiment, the cam portion 4312b has a substantially triangular cylindrical shape, and the sides connecting adjacent vertices of the triangle are gently curved so as to protrude outward (see FIG. 10(a)). The cam portion 4312b is formed eccentrically with respect to the center of rotation on the other surface of the plate portion 4312c so that a predetermined vertex P is positioned on the axis Oc.

[0049] The reciprocating member 433 is formed with an engaging portion 4333 with which the cam portion 4312b engages. The engaging portion 4333 is slidable by the engaging cam portion 4312b, and is formed with a first sliding surface 4331 and a second sliding surface 4332 that face each other with a predetermined interval in the X direction. The predetermined interval corresponds to the length of the cam portion 4312b in the X direction. The first sliding surface 4331 and the second sliding surface 4332 are formed parallel to the Y direction. As described above, the cam portion 4312b is eccentric with respect to the rotation center of the cam 4312. Therefore, when the cam 4312 rotates, the cam portion 4312b slides against the first sliding surface 4331 or the second sliding surface 4332, moving the reciprocating member 433 in the +X direction or the -X direction (see FIG. 10).

[0050] For example, suppose that the rotation of the cam 4312 rotates the cam portion 4312b from a predetermined position (the position shown in FIG. 10(a)) in the direction of arrow A (see FIG. 10(b)). In this case, the cam portion 4312b slides on the first sliding surface 4331, moving the reciprocating member 433 from the other side to one side in the X direction (-X direction) (see FIG. 10(b)). Note that, as will be described in detail later, when the cam portion 4312b is further rotated in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG. 10(b), the cam portion 4312b can move the reciprocating member 433 from one side to the other side in the X direction (+X direction). In this embodiment, the cam portion 4312b is rotated in the direction of arrow A using one driving source 44; however, the cam portion 4312b may be rotated in a direction other than the direction of arrow A using multiple driving sources. In a configuration including multiple drive sources, it is assumed that the rotation of the cam 4312 causes the cam portion 4312b to rotate from a predetermined position in the direction of arrow B (see FIG. 10(c)). In this case, the cam portion 4312b slides on the second sliding surface 4332, moving the reciprocating member 433 from one side to the other side in the X direction (+X direction) (see FIG. 10(c)).

[0051] The reciprocating member 433 is connected to the first stacking unit 41. Therefore, in conjunction with the movement of the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction, the first stacking unit 41 moves in the X direction, and the second stacking unit 42 moves in the X direction via the first stacking unit 41.

[0052] (Outline of driving of the first loading section and the second loading section) Next, an outline of the movement of the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the driving of the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42.

[0053] When the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is a first direction, the first stacking unit 41 is moved to the first sorting position, and the second stacking unit 42 is also moved to the first sorting position via the first stacking unit 41. When the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first stacking unit 41 is moved to the second sorting position, and the second stacking unit 42 is also moved to the second sorting position via the first stacking unit 41.

[0054] (Recording Processing) Next, a recording process will be described in which recording is performed on recording media while the recording media are sorted in the stacker 4 after recording. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing detailed processing of the recording process in which recording is performed on recording media while the recording media are sorted in the stacker 4 after recording. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of the stacker 4 after movement. The series of processing shown in the flowchart in FIG. 12 is performed by the control unit 71 expanding program code stored in the program memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 into the data memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in FIG. 12 may be performed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electrical circuit. In this specification, the symbol S in the description of each process in the flowchart indicates a step in that flowchart. Note that the description of the recording process using FIG. 12 will be based on a case in which the recording device 1 performs the recording process based on a job that executes recording to generate N copies of a batch of M recording media, where one copy is a batch of M recording media.

[0055] When the recording process starts, first, in S1202, the control unit 71 moves the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 to the first sorting position. In S1202, the drive source 44 is rotated in the first direction to move the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42, which are located in the initial position (see FIG. 13(a)), in the -X direction to the first sorting position (see FIG. 13(b)). Next, in S1204, the control unit 71 moves the second stacker 42 from the storage position to the stacking position. In S1204, with the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 located in the first sorting position, the second stacker 42 is moved in the +Y direction from the storage position to the stacking position (see FIG. 13(c)). In this embodiment, the stacking position changes depending on the size of the recording media. That is, in this embodiment, the extension amount of the stacker 4 varies depending on the size of the recording media. For this reason, in S1204, the stacking position is determined based on the detection result of the sensor in the detection unit 73 that detects the position of the stacking unit 4 after a predetermined operation. Specifically, for example, the second stacking unit 42 is moved to a stacking position that corresponds to the size of the recording media based on the detection result of the rotary encoder of the drive source 44. Alternatively, the second stacking unit 42 may be configured to be moved to a stacking position that corresponds to the size of the recording media based on the detection result of a mechanical switch, a photosensor, or the like.

[0056] Here, the drive transmission unit 43 is formed so that when the first stacking unit 41 is located at the first sorting position, the cam 4312 does not rotate any further even if the drive force caused by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the first direction is transmitted. Therefore, in S1204, even if the drive source 44 rotates in the first direction with the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 located at the first sorting position, the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 do not move in the -X direction from the first sorting position.

[0057] Next, in S1206, the control unit 71 sets a variable n, which indicates the number of copies representing the stack of recording media to be sorted, to "1." Also, in S1208, the control unit 71 sets a variable m, which indicates the number of sheets of recording media to be recorded, to "1." Thereafter, in S1210, the control unit 71 performs recording on the mth sheet of the nth copy. The recording unit 10 performs a recording operation by ejecting ink while moving the recording head 3 in the X direction onto a predetermined area of ​​the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit 2 and supported by the platen 25. Next, the conveying unit 2 performs a transport operation to transport the recording medium by a predetermined distance corresponding to the length of the predetermined area in the Y direction, and then performs a recording operation again. In this way, the recording unit 10 records on the recording medium by alternately repeatedly performing the recording operation and the transport operation. Therefore, the recording medium being recorded on is transported in the +Y direction as recording progresses, and when recording is completed, it is ejected, extended, and stacked on the stacking unit 4 at the first sorting position.

[0058] Then, in S1212, the control unit 71 determines whether the recording media have been ejected. In S1212, for example, the determination is made based on the detection result of a sensor in the detection unit 73 that detects the ejection of recording media, and the number of ejected recording media is counted. The ejected recording media are stacked on the stacking unit 4 located at the first sorting position (see FIG. 13(d)).

[0059] In this embodiment, recording on the first sheet of recording medium of the first copy is started after the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 are moved to the first sorting position and the second stacking unit 42 is moved to the stacking position, but this is not limited to this. The above-described movement of the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 only needs to be completed by the time the first sheet of recording medium of the first copy is discharged to the stacking unit 4, and this movement and recording on the first sheet of recording medium of the first copy may be performed in parallel. Note that "until the first sheet of recording medium of the first copy is discharged to the stacking unit 4" means, for example, until the first sheet of recording medium of the first copy is discharged and placed on the stacking unit 4.

[0060] Thereafter, in S1214, it is determined whether the number of ejected recording media has reached a predetermined number. In S1214, it is determined whether the count of the ejected recording media has reached a predetermined number set in advance. Alternatively, in S1214, it may be determined whether the number m has reached the predetermined number. In this case, in S1212, the number of ejected recording media is not counted. The predetermined number is set, for example, based on information set in the job. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined number is "M," and in S1214, it is determined whether m=M.

[0061] If it is determined in S1214 that the number of ejected recording media has not reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1216, where the control unit 71 increments m, and returns to S1210. If it is determined in S1214 that the number of ejected recording media has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1218, where the control unit 71 determines whether the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number. The predetermined number of copies is set, for example, based on information set in the job. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined number of copies is "N," and in S1218, it is determined whether n=N.

[0062] If it is determined in S1218 that the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1220, where the control unit 71 determines whether or not recording media have been removed from the stacker 4. In S1220, this determination is made based on the detection result of a sensor in the detection unit 73 that detects whether or not recording media are stacked on the stacker 4. If it is determined in S1220 that recording media have not been removed from the stacker 4, the process of S1220 is performed again. At this time, the user may be notified via the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8 that recording is complete or may be prompted to remove the recording media from the stacker 4. Furthermore, if the user does not remove the recording media from the stacker 4, the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 may be moved to an intermediate position between the first sorting position and the second sorting position. If it is determined in S1220 that the recording media have been removed from the stacker 4, the process proceeds to S1222, where the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 are moved to the second sorting position. In S1222, the drive source 44 is rotated in the second direction, whereby the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42, which are located at the first sorting position, are moved in the +X direction to the second sorting position, and the process proceeds to S1246, which will be described later.

[0063] Furthermore, if it is determined in S1218 that the number of copies n has not reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1224, where the control unit 71 moves the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 to the second sorting position (see FIG. 13(e)). The specific processing content of S1224 is the same as that of S1222 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Next, in S1226, the control unit 71 increments the variable n. Also, in S1228, the control unit 71 sets the variable m to "1." Thereafter, in S1230, the control unit 71 performs recording on the mth recording medium for the nth copy. The recording medium being recorded on is transported in the +Y direction as recording progresses, and when recording is completed, the recording medium is ejected, extended, and stacked on the stacker 4 at the second sorting position. Then, in S1232, the control unit 71 determines whether the recording medium has been ejected. The recording media ejected here are stacked on top of the recording media stacked on the stacking section 4 at the first sorting position, and are stacked at a position offset in the X direction relative to the recording media stacked at the first sorting position (see Figure 13(f)).

[0064] In this embodiment, recording is performed on the first sheet of recording medium of the nth copy after the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 are moved to the second sorting position, but this is not limited to this. The movement of the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 to the second sorting position only needs to be completed by the time at least the first sheet of recording medium of the nth copy is discharged to the stacking unit 4, and this movement and recording on the first sheet of recording medium of the nth copy may be performed in parallel. Note that "until the first sheet of recording medium of the nth copy is discharged to the stacking unit 4" means, for example, until the first sheet of recording medium of the nth copy is discharged and placed on the recording media stacked on the stacking unit 4.

[0065] Thereafter, in S1234, it is determined whether the number of ejected recording media has reached a predetermined number. If it is determined in S1234 that the number of ejected recording media has not reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1236, where the control unit 71 increments m, and returns to S1230. If it is determined in S1234 that the number of ejected recording media has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1238, where the control unit 71 determines whether the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number. Note that the specific processing content of S1232 to S1238 described above is the same as that of S1212 to S1218 described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] If it is determined in S1238 that the number of copies n has not reached the predetermined number of copies, the process proceeds to S1240, where the control unit 71 increments n. Then, in S1242, the control unit 71 moves the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 to the first sorting position, and the process returns to S1208. In S1242, the drive source 44 is rotated in the first direction, and the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42, which are located at the second sorting position, are moved in the -X direction to the first sorting position.

[0067] In this embodiment, after the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 are moved to the first sorting position in S1242, the process returns to S1208 and recording is performed on the first recording medium of the nth copy, but this is not limited to this. The movement of the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 to the first sorting position in S1242 only needs to be completed by the time at least the first recording medium of the nth copy is ejected to the stacker 4, and this movement and recording on the first recording medium of the nth copy may be performed in parallel.

[0068] Furthermore, if it is determined in S1238 that the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1244, where the control unit 71 determines whether or not a recording medium has been removed from the stacker 4. The specific processing content of S1244 is the same as that of S1220 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined in S1244 that a recording medium has not been removed from the stacker 4, the process of S1244 is performed again. At this time, a notification urging the user to remove the recording medium from the stacker 4 may be displayed via the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8. If it is determined in S1244 that a recording medium has been removed from the stacker 4, the process proceeds to S1246, where the control unit 71 moves the second stacker 42 from the stacking position to the storage position, and ends this recording process. Note that, when ending the recording process, for example, the first stacker and the second stacker 42 in the storage position are moved to their initial positions (see FIG. 13(a)).

[0069] In S1246, with the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 located at the second sorting position, the second stacker 42 is moved in the -Y direction from the stacking position to the storage position. Here, the drive transmission unit 43 is formed so that, when the first stacker 41 is located at the second sorting position, the cam 4312 does not rotate any further even if the drive force caused by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the second direction is transmitted. Therefore, in S1246, with the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 located at the second sorting position, even if the drive source 44 rotates in the second direction, the first stacker 41 and the second stacker 42 do not move in the +X direction from the second sorting position.

[0070] In this manner, in this embodiment, the control unit 71, the drive source 44, and the drive transmission unit 43 function as a control means for controlling the movement of the loading unit 4, which has the first loading unit 41 and the second loading unit 42.

[0071] (Action and effect) As described above, in the recording device 1, the stacking unit 4, which can hold recording media, is moved in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, which is the transport direction of the recording media, until the first (first sheet) of the nth set of recording media is discharged, thereby sorting the recorded recording media. Furthermore, in the stacking unit 4, the second stacking unit 42 is moved from the storage position to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the recording media, ensuring a stacking area corresponding to the size, until the recording media recorded at the beginning of the recording process (i.e., the first sheet of the first set) is discharged to the stacking unit 4, thereby ensuring a stacking area corresponding to the size. Furthermore, when the recording media are removed from the stacking unit 4, the stacking unit 4 moves the second stacking unit 42 from the stacking position to a storage position where it overlaps with the first stacking unit 41 in the XY plane, and is stored within the housing 9.

[0072] As a result, in the recording device 1, in response to the ejection of recording media during recording, the stacking unit 4 is extended from a storage position housed within the housing 9 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the recording media, while moving to the sorting position. Also, in the recording device 1, in response to the removal of recording media from the stacking unit 4, the stacking unit 4 is contracted from a stacking position corresponding to the size of the recording media to the storage position housed within the housing 9. As a result, in the recording device 1, the stacking unit 4 can be stored within the housing 9 when not in use, making it possible to make the device more compact.

[0073] The above-described embodiment may be modified as shown in the following (1) to (9).

[0074] (1) Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the recording device 1 allows the user to select, by input from the operation unit 8 or the like, a recording process in which recording is performed on the recording medium while sorting the recorded recording medium (see FIG. 12), or a recording process in which sorting is not performed. In the case of a recording process in which sorting is not performed, for example, after moving to the first sorting position, the second stacking unit 42 is moved to the stacking position, and the recorded recording medium continues to be discharged. Also, in the case of a recording process in which sorting is not performed, for example, if it is determined in S1218 that the number of copies n has not reached the predetermined number of copies, the process proceeds to S1240. Furthermore, in the case of a recording process in which sorting is not performed, for example, S1202 and S1222 may be omitted.

[0075] In the above embodiment, a case where an instruction to "sort M sheets into N sections" is input by a job or the operation unit 8 has been described using the flowchart in FIG. 12. However, in an actual recording operation, even if M and N are known, it may be specified that sorting not be performed. In such a case, a configuration for switching whether or not to transmit the driving force of the drive source 44 to the engagement unit 4333 may be provided in advance, and when sorting is not to be performed, the stacking unit 4 may not move between the first sorting position and the second sorting position.

[0076] (2) In the above embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 is configured to prevent further rotation of the cam 4312 even when the drive force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the first direction is transmitted when the first stacker 41 is located at the first sorting position. However, the drive transmission unit 43 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the drive transmission unit 43 may be configured to prevent further rotation of the cam 4312 even when the drive force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the first direction is transmitted when the first stacker 41 is located at a predetermined position on one side of the first sorting position in the X direction. In this case, in the recording process of FIG. 12 , after the first stacker 41 is moved to the predetermined position, the drive source 44 is further rotated in the first direction to move the second stacker 42 from the storage position to the stacking position. Thereafter, the drive source 44 is rotated in the second direction to move the first stacker 41 in the +X direction to the first sorting position. At this time, the position of the first stacker 41 is based on the detection result of the sensor in the detector 73 that detects the position of the stacker 4 after the predetermined operation.

[0077] (3) In the above embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 is configured to prevent the cam 4312 from rotating any further even if the drive force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the second direction is transmitted to the drive transmission unit 43 when the first stacker 41 is located at the second sorting position. However, the drive transmission unit 43 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the drive transmission unit 43 may be configured to prevent the cam 4312 from rotating any further even if the drive force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the second direction is transmitted to the drive transmission unit 43 when the first stacker 41 is located at a predetermined position on the other side of the second sorting position in the X direction.

[0078] (4) In the above embodiment, a portion of the second stacking unit 42 on the end 429a side protrudes forward from the housing 9 in the Y direction when in the storage position (see FIG. 6(a)). However, this is not limited to this. The second stacking unit 42 may be configured not to protrude from the housing 9 in the Y direction when in the storage position. That is, in this case, the second stacking unit 42 is completely housed within the housing 9 when in the storage position. This further reduces the space occupied by the recording device 1 when not recording. Also, in the above embodiment, the stacking unit 4 sorts the discharged recording media by stacking them at two positions, the first sorting position and the second sorting position. However, the number of sorting positions is not limited to two. For example, the discharged recording media may be sorted at three or more different positions in the X direction.

[0079] (5) In the above embodiment, the recording device 1 is a so-called serial scan type recording device that ejects ink onto a conveyed recording medium while moving the recording head 3 in the X direction, but is not limited to this. A recording device to which the present disclosure can be applied may also be a so-called line type recording device that prints onto a recording medium conveyed in the Y direction using a recording head that can eject ink in the X direction within a range corresponding to the size of the printable recording medium.

[0080] (6) In the above embodiment, the first sorting position is such that the center position Os of the stacking unit 4 in the X direction is located on one side of the center position Om of the recording media to be discharged in the X direction, and the second sorting position is such that the center position Os is located on the other side of the center position Om in the X direction. However, the first sorting position and the second sorting position are not limited to this. For example, the center position Os of either the first sorting position or the second sorting position may be aligned with the center position Om. Also, in the above embodiment, the initial position, which is located during non-recording, is such that the center position Os of the stacking unit 4 and the center position Os of the recording media to be discharged are aligned, but this is not limited to this. The initial position may be the first sorting position, the second sorting position, or a predetermined position other than the first sorting position or the second sorting position.

[0081] (8) In the above embodiment, a case where an instruction to "sort M sheets into N batches" is set in a job has been described. However, the job may be in a form in which a command to change the sorting position is interposed between the image data of a predetermined page and the image data of the next page. In this case, the control unit 71 may sequentially execute operations in accordance with the received command, such as recording and ejecting according to the image data of the predetermined page, changing the sorting position, and recording and ejecting according to the image data of the next page.

[0082] (9) The above embodiment and the various configurations shown in (1) to (8) above may be combined as appropriate.

[0083] 14(a) to 14(c) are perspective views showing a characteristic configuration of this embodiment, illustrating the stacking unit 4. The stacking unit 4 is configured by stacking a first stacking unit 41, a second stacking unit 42, and a first support member 434 in this order from the top in the Z direction (vertically upward). FIG. 14(a) shows a storage state when no recording is being performed. When recording is being performed, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the second stacking unit 42 is moved relative to the first stacking unit 41 and the first support member 434 in the transport direction (Y direction) to ensure a stacking area after the recording media are discharged. After the recording media are loaded in the stacking area consisting of the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42, as shown in FIG. 14(c), the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 are moved in the X direction relative to the first support member 434. This moves the loaded recording media in the X direction, and sorts them by shifting their positions in the X direction from the next recording media to be discharged.

[0084] 15(a) to 15(f) are diagrams showing the holding configuration of each component in the stacking unit 4. As shown in FIG. 15(a), the stacking unit 4 is configured by stacking a first stacking unit 41, a second stacking unit 42, and a first support member 434 in this order from top to bottom in the Z direction. The stacking unit 4 includes a first support member 434 that engages with the main body of the recording apparatus (fixed to the apparatus), and a first stacking unit 41 and a reciprocating member 433 (see FIG. 17(a)) that are movable in the X direction relative to the first support member 434. The stacking unit 4 further includes a second stacking unit 42 that is movable in the transport direction (Y direction) and the X direction relative to the first support member 434.

[0085] 15(a), the first stacker 41 is provided with a boss-shaped guide portion 41c, and the guide portion 41c slides along a rail-shaped guide portion 434e that is provided on the first support member 434 and extends in the X direction. In this way, the first stacker 41 and the first support member 434 are configured to be relatively movable in the X direction along the guide portion 434e.

[0086] Furthermore, a guide surface 41d provided on the first stacker 41 and a guide surface 434f provided on the first support member 434 engage with each other and slide relative to each other in the X direction. As a result, the first stacker 41 is held movably in the X direction while its movement in the Z direction relative to the first support member 434 is restricted. Furthermore, a sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433 and an elongated hole-shaped guide portion 434c provided on the first support member 434 and extending in the X direction slide relative to each other. As a result, the reciprocating member 433 and the first support member 434 are configured to be relatively movable in the X direction along the guide portion 434c.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 15(b), the second stacking unit 42 is provided with guide portions 42f having a rail shape extending in the Y direction. The guide portions 42f slide relative to guide portions 41d provided on the first stacking unit 41, so that the second stacking unit 42 is configured to be able to move in the Y direction along the guide portions 42f while restricting movement of the second stacking unit 42 in the X direction relative to the first stacking unit 41. On the other hand, when the second stacking unit 42 moves in the X direction, it moves in the X direction together with the first stacking unit 41. Furthermore, the guide surfaces 41a provided on the first stacking unit 41 and the guide surfaces 42a provided on the second stacking unit 42 slide relative to each other, so that the relative movement of the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 in the Y direction is maintained while restricting relative movement in the Z direction.

[0088] The second loading section 42 is provided with a guide section 42d having a rail shape extending in the Y direction, which slides on a sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433. The second loading section 42 is configured to be movable relative to the reciprocating member 433 in the Y direction, and to move in the X direction together with the second loading section 42 when the reciprocating member 433 moves in the X direction.

[0089] The second stacker 42 can be pulled out from the recording device by a user operation. Furthermore, the second stacker 42 can be moved in the X direction to any position regardless of the amount of pulling out of the second stacker 42. This is because the second stacker 42 is moved in the X direction together with the first stacker 41 by moving the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction along the guide portion 434c of the first support member 434.

[0090] Furthermore, a rotating member (roller) 434g may be provided between the first support member 434 and the first stacker 41. By providing the rotating member 434g, friction generated during relative movement can be converted from sliding friction to rolling friction, thereby reducing the resistance during sliding. Furthermore, by arranging the rotating member 434g so that it rotates in the conveyance direction between the second stacker 42 and the first stacker 41, or between the second stacker 42 and the first support member 434, the operating force required when the user pulls out or pushes in the second stacker 42 can be reduced. Furthermore, by arranging the rotating member so that it rotates in the X direction between the first stacker 41 and the first support member 434, or between the second stacker 42 and the first support member 434, the force required for sorting can be reduced, allowing operation with a smaller drive source.

[0091] The rotating member 434g is not limited to a cylindrical rotating member (roller), but may be a sphere or other shape that rotates when sliding and reduces frictional resistance. The location where the rotating member (roller) is arranged is not limited to the location shown in the figure, and may be any location where each element slides.

[0092] 15(c) and (d) show a state in which the second stacking unit 42 is pulled out by a user operation, with Fig. 15(c) showing the first position when sorting is performed and Fig. 15(d) showing the second position when sorting is performed. When sorting is performed, with the second stacking unit 42 pulled out, the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 move in the X direction relative to the first support member 434.

[0093] 15(e) and (f) show the state after the second stacking unit 42 is pulled out and extended, and the state before it is retracted and extended, and in the state of Fig. 15(e), the second stacking unit 42 protrudes outside the housing 9, allowing ejected recording media to be stably stacked (see Fig. 3(b)). In the state of Fig. 15(f), the second stacking unit 42 is retracted inside the housing 9 (see Fig. 3(a)).

[0094] The reciprocating member 433 in this embodiment is movable relative to the second stacking unit 42 in the transport direction (Y direction), and moves in the X direction together with the second stacking unit 42. Movement in the X direction is achieved by the reciprocating member 433 sliding along a guide portion 434c that is provided on the first support member 434 and extends in the X direction.

[0095] Furthermore, the movement of the second stacking unit 42 in the X direction is stabilized by operating the reciprocating member 433, whose movement is restricted by the guide portion 434c of the first support member 434. This makes it possible to suppress variations in the amount of sorting of the recording media in the X direction in this embodiment, and improve visibility during sorting.

[0096] The technology disclosed herein is not limited to being applied to recording devices, but can also be applied to various devices, such as stacking devices or conveying devices, that include a stacking unit for stacking sheets that are conveyed and discharged after undergoing a predetermined process.

[0097] In this way, a reciprocating member 433 is provided that can reciprocate in the X direction (shift direction) perpendicular to the Y direction (conveyance direction) while being restricted by the first support member 434. Then, the second stacking unit 42, which is extendable in the Y direction (conveyance direction) relative to the first support member 434, is moved in the X direction by the action of the reciprocating member 433. This makes it possible to provide a technology that can sort recording media into predetermined numbers in the stacking unit while preventing the device from becoming larger.

[0098] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the characteristic configuration will be described below.

[0099] 16(a) to 16(c) are perspective views showing the stacking unit 4 in this embodiment. The stacking unit 4 is configured so that the first stacking unit 41, the second stacking unit 42, the second support member 432, and the first support member 434 are stacked in this order from top to bottom in the Z direction. FIG. 16(a) shows the storage state when no recording is being performed (see FIG. 3(a)). When recording is being performed, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the second stacking unit 42 and the second support member 432 are moved relative to the first stacking unit 41 and the first support member 434 in the transport direction to ensure a stacking area after the recording media have been discharged (see FIG. 3(b)).

[0100] Each time a predetermined number of recording media are loaded in the loading area consisting of the first loading section 41 and the second loading section 42, the first loading section 41 and the second loading section 42 are moved appropriately in the X direction, as shown in Figures 16(b) and (c). This allows the ejected recording media to be loaded at different positions in the X direction and sorted. Note that the second loading section 42 and the second support member 432 may be extended by a user operation.

[0101] 17(a) to 17(f) are diagrams illustrating the holding configuration of each component in the stacking unit 4. As shown in FIG. 17(a), the stacking unit 4 includes a first support member 434 that engages with the recording device 1, a reciprocating member 433 that is movable in the X direction relative to the first support member 434, and a first stacking unit 41. The stacking unit 4 further includes a second support member 432 that is movable in the transport direction (Y direction) relative to the first support member 434, and a second stacking unit 42 that is movable in the transport direction (Y direction) and the X direction relative to the first support member 434. When the recording device 1 is in use, the second stacking unit 42 is extended from inside the housing 9 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 17(b), when the recording device 1 is not in use, the second stacking unit 42 is configured to be retractable inside (within) the housing 9 (see FIG. 1).

[0102] 17(c) and (d) show the state in which the second stacking unit 42 is pulled out, with Fig. 17(c) showing the first position when sorting and Fig. 17(d) showing the second position when sorting. When sorting, with the second stacking unit 42 pulled out, the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 move in the X direction relative to the first support member 434.

[0103] 17(e) and (f) show the state after the second stacking unit 42 is pulled out and extended, and the state before it is retracted and extended, and in the state of Fig. 17(e), the second stacking unit 42 protrudes outside the housing 9, allowing ejected recording media to be stably stacked. In the state of Fig. 17(f), the second stacking unit 42 is retracted inside the housing 9 (see Fig. 1).

[0104] Figure 18(a) is a cross-section taken along the AA line in Figure 17(b), Figure 18(b) is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 18(a), and Figure 18(c) is a cross-section taken along the CC line in Figure 17(b).

[0105] Guide portion 434a (see FIG. 18(b)) provided on first support member 434 forms a rail shape with a convex shape extending in the Y direction on the XZ plane, and guide portion 432a of second support member 432 is slidable in the Y direction relative to guide portion 434a. This allows second support member 432 to move in the Y direction together with first support member 434 while being restricted from moving in the X direction relative to first support member 434.

[0106] Furthermore, guide surface 432b (see FIG. 18(b)) provided on second support member 432 is slidable relative to guide surface 434b provided on first support member 434. This allows second support member 432 to move in the Y direction relative to first support member 434, but restricts it from moving away in the Z direction. In this way, second support member 432 is restricted from moving in the X direction and Z direction relative to first support member 434, but is configured to be movable in the Y direction (transport direction).

[0107] As shown in FIG. 18(c), a guide portion 433c provided on the reciprocating member 433 has a recess extending in the X direction, and slidably engages with a boss-shaped guide portion 434c provided on the first support member 434. As a result, the reciprocating member 433 is restricted from moving relative to the first support member 434 in the Y direction, but is allowed to move relative to the first support member 434 in the X direction. Furthermore, a sliding surface 433d (see FIG. 18(c)) provided on the reciprocating member 433 slides against a sliding surface 434d provided on the first support member 434. With the above configuration, the reciprocating member 433 is restricted in the Y direction (transport direction) and the Z direction, but is allowed to move relative to the first support member 434 in the X direction.

[0108] 18(c), guide portion 42b provided on second stacker 42 has a boss shape and slidably engages with rail-shaped guide portion 432a provided on second support member 432, which extends in the X direction. This allows movement of second stacker 42 in the X direction relative to second support member 432, but restricts relative movement in the Y direction relative to second support member 432. Furthermore, guide surface 42c provided on second stacker 42 slidably engages with guide surface 432c provided on second support member 432. This restricts relative movement of second stacker 42 in the Z direction relative to second support member 432. In this way, second stacker 42 is restricted in relative movement in the Y direction (conveyance direction) and Z direction relative to second support member 432, but is configured to be relatively movable in the X direction.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 18(a), guide portion 42d, which is provided on second stacker 42 and has a flat portion extending in the Y direction, slidably engages with sliding surface 433a, which is provided on reciprocating member 433 and has a flat portion extending in the Y direction. As a result, relative movement of second stacker 42 with respect to reciprocating member 433 is restricted in the X direction, while relative movement in the Y direction is permitted. Furthermore, guide surface 42e (see FIG. 18(a)), which is provided on second stacker 42 and extends in the Y direction, slidably engages with guide surface 433b, which is provided on reciprocating member 433. As a result, movement of reciprocating member 433 is permitted in the Y direction with respect to second stacker 42, but movement in the Z direction is restricted. In other words, relative movement of second stacker 42 with respect to reciprocating member 433 in the X and Z directions is restricted, but movement in the Y direction (conveyance direction) is permitted.

[0110] With the above configuration, the second stacking unit 42 moves in the Y direction (transport direction) in accordance with the movement in the Y direction (transport direction) of the second support member 432 relative to the first support member 434 attached to the main body of the recording apparatus 1. Furthermore, the second stacking unit 42 can move in the X direction in accordance with the movement in the X direction of the reciprocating member 433.

[0111] As a result, when no recording operation is being performed, the second stacking unit can be stored inside the main body of the recording device 1, and when a recording operation is being performed, the second support member 432 can be moved in the Y direction (conveyance direction) to extend the second stacking unit 42 outside the device and ensure a loading area. In addition, when sorting in the X direction, with recording media placed on the second stacking unit 42, the reciprocating member 433 can be moved in the X direction to move the second stacking unit 42 in the X direction, thereby performing sorting.

[0112] This configuration allows selective sorting in the Y direction (conveying direction), sorting in the X direction, and even diagonal sorting that combines both. The second stacker 42 and the second support member 432 may be movable in the conveying direction by the user stretching. As shown in FIG. 18(b), the first stacker 41 has a guide surface 41a provided on the first stacker 41 and a guide surface 42a provided on the second stacker 42 that slidably engage with each other. This allows the second stacker 42 to move in the Y direction relative to the first stacker 41, but restricts its movement in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 18(c), a locking portion 41b provided on the first stacker 41 and a locking portion 433e provided on the reciprocating member 433 are locked together to prevent sliding. Therefore, when the second loading section 42 moves in the Y direction (conveying direction), it can move relative to the first loading section 41 in the Y direction (conveying direction), and when the second loading section 42 moves in the X direction, it moves in the X direction together with the first loading section 41 and the reciprocating member 433.

[0113] In addition, by adding a rotating member (roller) 434g, the friction that occurs during relative movement can be converted from sliding friction to rolling friction, reducing the resistance when sliding. As shown in Figure 18(c), the rotating member 434g is provided between the second support member 432 and the first support member 434, and is arranged so that it rotates in the Y direction (transport direction). This reduces the force required to move the second support member 432.

[0114] 18(a), the force required for sorting can be reduced by arranging the rotation member 434g between the second stacker 42 and the second support member 432 so that it rotates in the X direction. The same effect can also be obtained by arranging the rotation member 434g between the first support member 434 and the second support member 432 so that it rotates in the Y direction, as shown in FIG. 18(c).

[0115] The rotating member 434g is not limited to a cylindrical rotating member (roller), but may be a sphere or other shape that rotates when sliding and reduces frictional resistance. The location of the roller is not limited to the location shown in the figure, and may be any location where each element slides.

[0116] Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view seen from below so that the drive transmission unit 43 in the stacker 4 can be seen. Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a drive train 431 of the drive transmission unit 43 in this embodiment. In the first embodiment, since the second stacker 42 moves relatively in the X direction and the Y direction (conveyance direction), it was difficult to transmit drive of gears or the like to the second stacker 42. Therefore, when no recording operation was performed, it was necessary for the user to pull out the second stacker 42, which was housed inside the device, to the outside of the device.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, a second stacker 42 is provided that moves together with the second support member 432 in the Y direction but does not move relatively to the first support member 434 in the X direction, and the second support member 432 is provided with a rack 4321 that engages with a pinion gear 4311 (see FIG. 20 ). The engagement between this rack 4321 and the pinion gear 4311 allows the second support member 432 to move in the Y direction. The second stacker 42 then moves in the Y direction in conjunction with the movement of the second support member 432 in the Y direction. The pinion 4311 is included in a drive train 431 that transmits drive to move the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction, and therefore the drive to move the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction and the drive to move the second support member 432 in the Y direction can be performed by the same drive source. This makes it possible to use the same drive source within the device to move both the first support member 434 in the X direction and the second stacking section 42 in the Y direction (conveying direction) relative to the first support member 434, thereby eliminating the need for user operation and further improving convenience.

[0118] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the characteristic configuration will be described below.

[0119] 21(a) to 21(c) are perspective views showing the stacking unit 4 in this embodiment. The stacking unit 4 is configured so that the first stacking unit 41, the second stacking unit 42, the first support member 434, and the second support member 432 are stacked in this order from top to bottom in the Z direction. FIG. 21(a) shows a storage state when no recording is being performed. When recording is being performed, as shown in FIG. 21(b), the second stacking unit 42 and the second support member 432 are moved relative to the first stacking unit 41 and the first support member 434 in the transport direction to ensure a stacking area after the recording media are discharged. After the recording media are loaded in the stacking area consisting of the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42, the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 are moved appropriately in the X direction as shown in FIGS. 21(b) and 21(c). As a result, the discharged recording media are stacked at different positions in the X direction and sorted.

[0120] 22(a) to 22(f) are diagrams illustrating the holding configuration of each component in the stacking unit 4. As shown in FIG. 22(a), the stacking unit 4 of the recording apparatus 1 includes a first support member 434 that engages with the recording apparatus 1, a first stacking unit 41 that is movable in the X direction relative to the first support member 434, and a reciprocating member 433. The stacking unit 4 further includes a second support member 432 that is movable in the transport direction (Y direction) relative to the first support member 434, and a second stacking unit 42 that is movable in the transport direction (Y direction) and the X direction relative to the first support member 434. As shown in FIG. 22(a), a sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433 slidably engages with a guide portion 434c that is provided on the first support member 434 and has an elongated hole shape and extends in the X direction. This allows the reciprocating member 433 and the first support member 434 to move relatively in the X direction along the guide portion 434c.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 22(b), the second stacker 42 is provided with a guide portion 42d having a rail shape extending in the Y direction, and the guide portion 42d is slidable relative to a sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433. The second stacker 42 is movable relative to the reciprocating member 433 in the Y direction, but when the reciprocating member 433 moves in the X direction, the second stacker 42 moves in the X direction together with the reciprocating member 433, accompanying the first stacker 41. Note that the movement of the reciprocating member 433 is similar to that in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 22(b) illustrates only the pole-shaped reciprocating member 433, and does not illustrate the connection portion with the drive source. The second stacker 42 is provided with a guide portion 42f having a rail shape extending in the Y direction, and the guide portion 42f slidably engages with a guide portion 41d provided on the first stacker 41. In this way, the second stacker 42 is restricted from moving in the X direction relative to the first stacker 41, while being allowed to move relative to the first stacker 41 in the Y direction along the guide portion 41d.

[0122] On the other hand, when the second stacking unit 42 moves in the X direction, it moves in the X direction together with the first stacking unit 41. Furthermore, a guide surface 41a provided on the first stacking unit 41 and a guide surface 42a provided on the second stacking unit 42 slidably engage with each other, thereby restricting relative movement in the Z direction.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 22(a), a guide surface 41d provided on the first stacking unit 41 and a guide surface 434f provided on the first support member 434 and extending in the X direction are slidably engaged with each other, thereby enabling the first stacking unit 41 to move relative to the first support member 434 in the X direction.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 22(b), the guide portion 432c provided on the second support member 432 has a convex shape on the XZ cross section and extends in the Y direction. On the other hand, the guide portion 434a provided on the first support member 434 forms a rail shape with a concave shape on the XZ plane extending in the Y direction. The guide portion 434a and the guide portion 432c are slidably engaged with each other, so that the second support member 432 and the first support member 434 are restricted from moving in the X direction while being able to move relatively in the Y direction along the rail. Furthermore, the guide surface 432d provided on the second support member 432 slidably engages with the guide surface 434d provided on the first support member 434. This allows the second support member 432 and the first support member 434 to move relatively in the Y direction and restricts the second support member 432 from moving away from the first support member 434 in the Z direction. In this way, the second support member 432 is restricted in the X direction and the Z direction with respect to the first support member 434, and is configured to be relatively movable in the Y direction (transport direction).

[0125] 22(a), guide portion 42d provided on second stacker 42 has a rail shape in the X direction and slidably engages with the convex shape of guide portion 432a provided on second support member 432. As a result, second stacker 42 is configured to be movable in the X direction relative to second support member 432 and to extend integrally with second support member 432 in the Y direction (conveyance direction). Movement of second stacker 42 and second support member 432 in the Y direction is the same as in the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Note that second stacker 42 and second support member 432 may be movable in the conveyance direction by being pulled out or pushed in by the user.

[0126] 22(a), by adding a rotating member 434g to the first support member 434 and the second support member 432, the friction that occurs during relative movement can be converted from sliding friction to rolling friction, thereby reducing the resistance during sliding. Specifically, by arranging the rotating member 434g between the second support member 432 and the first support member 434 so that it rotates in the Y direction (transport direction), the force required for moving the second support member 432 can be reduced.

[0127] Furthermore, the force required for sorting can be reduced by arranging the rotation member 434g between the second stacker 42 and the second support member 432 so that it rotates in the X direction. The same effect can also be obtained by arranging the rotation member 434g between the second stacker 42 and the first support member 434 so that it rotates in the X direction.

[0128] The rotating member 434g is not limited to a cylindrical rotating member (roller), but may be a sphere or other shape that rotates when sliding and reduces frictional resistance. The location of the roller is not limited to the location shown in the figure, and may be any location where each element slides.

[0129] 22(c) and (d) show the state in which the second stacking unit 42 is pulled out, with Fig. 22(c) showing the first position when sorting, and Fig. 22(d) showing the second position when sorting. When sorting, with the second stacking unit 42 pulled out, the first stacking unit 41 and the second stacking unit 42 move in the X direction between the first position and the second position relative to the first support member 434.

[0130] 22(e) and (f) show the second stacking section 42 in an extended state when pulled out, and in a retracted state before being extended, and in the state of FIG. 22(e), the second stacking section 42 protrudes outside the housing 9, allowing ejected recording media to be stably stacked. In the state of FIG. 22(f), the second stacking section 42 is retracted inside the housing 9. Even with this configuration, no user operation is required, further improving convenience.

[0131] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0132] (Configuration 1) a conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a conveying direction; a stacking means for stacking the recording medium conveyed from the conveying means; a first support means fixed to the device body and movably supporting the loading means; a moving means supported by the first supporting means and movable relative to the first supporting means in a shift direction intersecting the conveying direction; Equipped with The recording apparatus is characterized in that the loading means is extendable in the transport direction relative to the first supporting means, and is movable in the shift direction relative to the first supporting means by engaging with the moving means. (Configuration 2) The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the loading means includes a first loading means that moves together with the moving means in the shift direction relative to the first support means, and a second loading means that is movable in the shift direction and the transport direction relative to the first support means. (Configuration 3) The recording apparatus according to Configuration 2, further comprising second support means that supports the second stacking means and is movable together with the second stacking means in the transport direction relative to the first support means. (Configuration 4) The recording apparatus according to Configuration 3, wherein the first stacking means, the second stacking means, the second support means, and the first support means are stacked in this order from vertically above. (Configuration 5) 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the moving means is disposed between the second supporting means and the second loading means. (Configuration 6) 6. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the second support means is provided along the transport direction and has a rack that engages with a pinion gear provided in the apparatus. (Configuration 7) The recording device according to configuration 6, wherein the pinion gear is driven by a drive source for moving the moving means in the shift direction, and the second loading means is moved in the transport direction by the driving force of the drive source passing through the pinion gear and the rack. (Configuration 8) 5. The recording apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the second loading means has a rail-shaped guide portion that is slidable on a sliding surface provided on the moving means. (Configuration 9) 9. The recording device according to any one of configurations 2 to 8, wherein the moving means moves by the action of a cam, so that the loading means moves to a first sorting position and a second sorting position in the shift direction. (Configuration 10) 10. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 9, further comprising a rotating member between the first supporting means and the first loading means. (Configuration 11) The recording device according to any one of configurations 2 to 10, further comprising a rotating member that rotates in the transport direction between the second stacking means and the first stacking means, or between the second stacking means and the first support means, thereby promoting sliding between the second stacking means and the first support means. (Configuration 12) The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein when the recording device is in use, the loading means is extended in the transport direction, and when the recording device is not in use, the loading means is housed within a housing of the recording device. (Configuration 13) 13. The recording apparatus according to configuration 12, wherein the loading means does not protrude beyond the housing of the recording apparatus when the loading means is housed within the housing of the recording apparatus. (Configuration 14) Further comprising a recording means for recording on a recording medium, 12. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein after recording on the recording medium by the recording means, the recording medium discharged by the conveying means is loaded onto the loading means. (Configuration 15) a conveying means for conveying the medium in a conveying direction; a stacking means for stacking the media transported from the transporting means; a first support means fixed to the device body and movably supporting the loading means; a moving means supported by the first supporting means and movable relative to the first supporting means in a shift direction intersecting the conveying direction; Equipped with The loading device is characterized in that the loading means is extendable in the conveying direction relative to the first supporting means, and is movable in the shift direction relative to the first supporting means by engaging with the moving means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 4 Loading section 41 First Loading Section 42 Second loading section 43 Drive transmission unit 432 Second support member 433 Reciprocating moving member 434 First support member

Claims

1. a conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a conveying direction; a stacking means for stacking the recording medium conveyed from the conveying means; a first support means fixed to the device body and movably supporting the loading means; a moving means supported by the first supporting means and movable relative to the first supporting means in a shift direction intersecting the conveying direction; Equipped with a loading means for loading the first supporting means in the conveying direction and for moving the loading means in the shifting direction relative to the first supporting means by engaging with the moving means;

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacking means includes a first stacking means that moves together with the moving means in the shift direction relative to the first support means, and a second stacking means that is movable in the shift direction and the transport direction relative to the first support means.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: second support means that supports said second stacking means and is movable together with said second stacking means in the transport direction relative to said first support means.

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first stacking means, the second stacking means, the second support means, and the first support means are stacked in this order from vertically above.

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said moving means is disposed between said second supporting means and said second loading means.

6. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second support means is provided along the transport direction and has a rack that engages with a pinion gear provided in the apparatus.

7. 7. The recording device according to claim 6, wherein the pinion gear is driven by a drive source for moving the moving means in the shift direction, and the second loading means moves in the transport direction as the driving force of the drive source passes through the pinion gear and the rack.

8. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second loading means has a rail-shaped guide portion that is slidable along a sliding surface provided on the moving means.

9. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the moving means is moved by the action of a cam, so that the stacking means moves to a first sorting position and a second sorting position in the shift direction.

10. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a rotating member between said first supporting means and said first stacking means.

11. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, further comprising a rotating member that rotates in the transport direction between the second stacking means and the first stacking means, or between the second stacking means and the first support means, thereby promoting sliding between the second stacking means and the first support means.

12. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loading means is extended in the transport direction when the recording apparatus is in use, and the loading means is accommodated within the housing of the recording apparatus when the recording apparatus is not in use.

13. 13. The recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the loading means does not protrude beyond the housing of the recording apparatus when the loading means is housed within the housing of the recording apparatus.

14. Further comprising a recording means for recording on a recording medium, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after recording on the recording medium by the recording means, the recording medium discharged by the conveying means is stacked on the stacking means.

15. a conveying means for conveying the medium in a conveying direction; a stacking means for stacking the media transported from the transporting means; a first support means fixed to the device body and movably supporting the loading means; a moving means supported by the first supporting means and movable relative to the first supporting means in a shift direction intersecting the conveying direction; Equipped with The loading device is characterized in that the loading means is extendable in the conveying direction relative to the first supporting means, and is movable in the shift direction relative to the first supporting means by engaging with the moving means.

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