Recording apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of miniaturizing a device.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes an accommodating unit configured to accommodate a recording medium, a conveying unit configured to convey the recording medium from the accommodating unit in a first direction, a recording unit configured to perform recording on the recording medium from the conveying unit, and a first stacking unit configured to stack the recording medium recorded by the recording unit at a first position and a second position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first stacking unit is disposed above the accommodating unit and below the recording unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device that records on a recording medium. [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 sorting the recording media by moving the stacking unit diagonally relative to the transport direction, thereby ensuring an area where a stack of recording media to be sorted does not overlap with stacks of recording media that have already been sorted. [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 the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the stacking section is formed to a size that allows for stacking of recording media of various sizes, and most of the stacking section is installed so that it protrudes from the recording device, which results in an increased size of the recording device and requires a large space for installation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technique that makes it possible to miniaturize a device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of a recording device according to the present disclosure comprises a storage means for storing recording media, a transport means for transporting the recording media from the storage means in a first direction, a recording means for recording on the recording media from the transport means, and a first stacking section for loading the recording media recorded by the recording means at a first position and a second position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and is characterized in that the first stacking section is arranged above the storage means and below the recording means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the size 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] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 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. 4 is a diagram illustrating a movement range of the front tray. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a sorting position of the stacking section. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the movement of a reciprocating member by a cam. [Figure 11] 5A and 5B 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. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a paper feed unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a recording unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of components in a recording unit. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the width direction lengths of components in a recording unit. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another configuration for extending and contracting the loading section. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another configuration for moving the loading unit in the X direction. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for sorting recording media stacked on a stacking unit. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another configuration for sorting recording media stacked on a stacking section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An example of an embodiment of a recording device will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the present disclosure, and not all of the combinations of features described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the positions, shapes, and the like of components described in the embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to only 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] <<First Embodiment>> First, a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (Configuration of recording device) The schematic configuration of a recording device according to this embodiment will be described. 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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)).

[0020] (Transport unit and paper feed unit) Next, we will explain the configuration of the transport system of the recording unit 10. 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.

[0021] <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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] <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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] =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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] =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).

[0029] 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.

[0030] (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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, during recording, the stacking unit 4, which stacks recording media discharged via the pair of discharge rollers 26, automatically extends in the +Y direction (see FIG. 3(b)). As a result, the stacking unit 4, most of which was inside the housing 9 before extension, protrudes outside the housing 9, ensuring an area in which the discharged recording media can be stably stacked. The stacking unit 4 is detachable from the housing 9. By removing the stacking unit 4 from the housing 9, the user can insert their hand inside the housing 9 and remove recording media that have become stuck in the transport path.

[0034] (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 front tray 42 after the stacking unit 4 is contracted, and (b) shows the loading position of the front tray 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.

[0035] The stacking unit 4, which holds the recording media discharged by the pair of discharge rollers 26, automatically expands when recording begins, expanding the area that supports the discharged recording media. Furthermore, when a recording medium is removed from the stacking unit 4, the stacking unit 4 automatically contracts, reducing its area. Furthermore, the stacking unit 4 has the function of moving in a direction (X direction) that intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the direction of expansion and contraction (Y direction) of the stacking unit 4 to sort the discharged recording media. In the recording unit 10, the stacking unit 4 automatically contracts not only when a recording medium is removed from the stacking unit 4, but also when a command is received from the user via the operation unit 8, when no recording operation has been performed for a predetermined period of time, when the recording unit 10 switches to low-power mode, and so on.

[0036] 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).

[0037] The control unit 71 completes the movement of the stacking unit 4 in the X direction and the extension in the Y direction from the time the recording medium is conveyed after receiving the recording command until it is discharged to the stacking unit 4. Furthermore, when the recording medium is removed from the stacking unit 4, the control unit 71 starts the movement of the stacking unit 4 in the X direction and the contraction in the Y direction. As will be described in detail later, the stacking unit 4 moves in the X direction to a first sorting position (described later) and then is extended. When the stacking unit 4 is extended, the front tray 42 constituting the stacking unit 4 moves from a storage position (described later) to a stacking position (described later). When the stacking unit 4 is contracted, the front tray 42 constituting the stacking unit 4 moves from the stacking position to the storage position. This control makes it possible to reduce the effect of external forces caused by the movement of the stacking unit 4 on the recording medium while the recording medium is being discharged. That is, the alignment of the discharged and stacked recording media can be prevented from deteriorating, and the sorted recording media can be easily recognized when sorting them. Furthermore, because the stacking unit 4 automatically expands and contracts, it places no burden on the user and improves usability. Details of the drive control of the control unit 71, such as the movement and extension of the stacking unit 4, will be described later.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The detection unit 73 also includes a sensor that detects the position of the stacker 4 after a predetermined operation. The sensor can 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 recording media are loaded on the stacker 4. The sensor can detect the timing to retract the stacker 4.

[0041] The stacking unit 4 includes a rear tray 41 and a front tray 42 (see FIG. 5). The rear tray 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 is discharged (the Y direction). The rear tray 41 is disposed inside the housing 9, and an end 41a on the other side in the Y direction is located rearward in the Y direction from the front surface 9a of the housing 9 (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0042] The front tray 42 is supported by the rear tray 41 and is configured to be able to move back and forth in the Y direction on the rear tray 41. This allows the front tray 42 to move back and forth in the X direction via the rear tray 41.

[0043] The front tray 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 front tray 42 overlaps with the rear tray 41 in the XY plane, and the front tray 42 is stored below the rear tray 41 (see FIG. 6(a)). In the stacking position, the front tray 42 is pulled out from the storage position, and the front tray 42 cooperates with the rear tray 41 to load recording media (see FIG. 6(b)). That is, when the stacking unit 4 extends, the front tray 42 moves from the storage position in the +Y direction to the stacking position. Also, when the stacking unit 4 contracts, the front tray 42 moves from the stacking position in the -Y direction to the storage position. Note that in this embodiment, when the front tray 42 is in the storage position, a portion of the area on the end 42a side protrudes in the Y direction beyond the front surface 9a of the housing 9. With this configuration, when the front tray 42 is in the storage position, most of the loading section 4 is located inside the housing 9, making it possible to reduce the installation space for the recording device 1.

[0044] The stacking position can take multiple different positions in the Y direction depending on the size of the recording medium. In this embodiment, the stacking position can take four positions corresponding to A4, A5, B5, and LETTER sizes, respectively. However, the positions that the stacking position can take are not limited to these.

[0045] The stacking unit 4 is configured to be movable between two sorting positions where the discharged recording media are sorted by moving the rear tray 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] (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.

[0048] 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, and a support member 432 that can move in the Y direction by the drive force transmitted via the drive train 431 (see FIG. 8). The drive transmission unit 43 also includes a reciprocating member 433 that can move in the X direction by the drive force transmitted via the drive train 431, and a case (not shown) that holds the drive source 44 and the drive train 431.

[0049] The support member 432 includes a rack portion 4321 extending in the Y direction. The rack portion 4321 is engaged with a pinion 4311, which is one of the drive transmission members constituting the drive train 431, and this allows the support member 432 to move in the Y direction by the drive force transmitted from the drive train 431. Specifically, the drive train 431 is composed of a plurality of gears including the pinion 4311. The drive force transmitted from the drive source 44 is transmitted to the pinion 4311 via a predetermined gear in the drive train 431, and the drive force transmitted to the pinion 4311 moves the support member 432 in the Y direction.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] For example, suppose that the rotation of the cam 4312 causes the cam portion 4312b to rotate 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)). Also, suppose 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)).

[0053] The support member 432 is connected to the front tray 42. Therefore, the front tray 42 moves in the Y direction in conjunction with the movement of the support member 432 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the reciprocating member 433 is connected to the rear tray 41. Therefore, the rear tray 41 moves in the X direction in conjunction with the movement of the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction, and the front tray 42 moves in the X direction via the rear tray 41. In this embodiment, the support member 432 is connected to the front tray 42, and the reciprocating member 433 is connected to the rear tray 41, but this is not limited to this. For example, a rack portion 4321 may be formed in the front tray 42, so that the front tray 42 has the function of the support member 432, or an engagement portion 4333 may be formed in the rear tray 41, so that the rear tray 41 has the function of the engagement portion 4333. In this way, in this embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 and the drive source 44 function as a movement mechanism that moves the stacker 4 in the X direction and the Y direction.

[0054] (Outline of rear and front tray movement) Next, an outline of the movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42.

[0055] The drive train 431 has a delay section in its drive transmission path in the Y direction. Specifically, the drive train 431 is configured to start moving the front tray 42 in the Y direction after the rear tray 41 has completed moving in the X direction. More specifically, when the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is the first direction, the rear tray 41 is moved to the first sorting position, and the front tray 42 is also moved to the first sorting position via the rear tray 41. Thereafter, as the drive source 44 further rotates in the first direction, the front tray 42 extends relative to the rear tray 41, that is, the front tray 42, which is in the storage position, is moved in the +Y direction to the stacking position. When the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is a second direction opposite to the first direction, the rear tray 41 is moved to the second sorting position, and the front tray 42 is also moved to the second sorting position via the rear tray 41. Thereafter, by further rotation of the drive source 44 in the second direction, the front tray 42 is contracted relative to the rear tray 41, that is, the front tray 42 in the loading position is moved in the -Y direction to the storage position.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 moves the rear tray 41 in the X direction and then moves the front tray 42 in the Y direction, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the front tray 42 may be moved in the Y direction and then the rear tray 41 may be moved in the X direction. Various known transmission mechanisms, such as a link mechanism, may be used to transmit the driving force of the drive source 44. Furthermore, the recording unit 10 may be provided with multiple drive sources, and the rear tray 41 may be moved in the X direction and the front tray 42 may be moved in the Y direction using driving forces from different drive sources. The rear tray 41 may be moved in the X direction and the front tray 42 may be moved in the Y direction not only by the drive source 44 but also manually by a user.

[0057] (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.

[0058] When the recording process starts, first, in S1202, the control unit 71 moves the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position. In S1202, the drive source 44 is rotated in a first direction to move the rear tray 41 and the front tray 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 front tray 42 from the storage position to the stacking position. In S1204, with the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 located in the first sorting position, the drive source 44 is further rotated in the first direction to move the front tray 42 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 stacking unit 4 differs depending on the size of the recording media. For this reason, in S1204, the loading position is determined based on the detection result of a sensor in the detection unit 73 that detects the position of the loading unit 4 after a predetermined operation. Specifically, for example, the front tray 42 is moved to a loading position that corresponds to the size of the recording media based on the detection result of a rotary encoder of the drive source 44. Alternatively, the front tray 42 may be configured to be moved to a loading position that corresponds to the size of the recording media based on the detection result of a mechanical switch, a photosensor, or the like.

[0059] Here, the drive transmission unit 43 is formed so that when the rear tray 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 rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 located at the first sorting position, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 do not move in the -X direction from the first sorting position.

[0060] 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 conveyance unit 2 and supported by the platen 25. Next, the conveyance unit 2 performs a transport operation to transport the recording medium 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 and 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 stacker 4 at the first sorting position.

[0061] 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)).

[0062] In this embodiment, recording on the first sheet of recording medium of the first copy is started after the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are moved to the first sorting position and the front tray 42 is moved to the stacking position, but this is not limited to this. The above-described movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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, a notification urging the user to remove recording media from the stacker 4 may be displayed via the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8. Furthermore, if it is determined in S1220 that recording media have been removed from the stacker 4, the process proceeds to S1222, where the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are moved to the second sorting position. In S1222, the drive source 44 is rotated in the second direction to move the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 located at the first sorting position in the +X direction to the second sorting position, and the process proceeds to S1246 described later.

[0066] 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 rear tray 41 and the front tray 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)).

[0067] In this embodiment, recording is performed on the first sheet of recording medium of the nth copy after the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are moved to the second sorting position, but this is not limited to this. The movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 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 section 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 section 4" means, for example, until the first sheet of recording medium of the nth copy is discharged and placed on top of the recording media stacked on the stacking section 4.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position, and the process returns to S1208. In S1242, the drive source 44 is rotated in the first direction, and the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which are located at the second sorting position, are moved in the -X direction to the first sorting position.

[0070] In this embodiment, after the rear tray 41 and the front tray 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 rear tray 41 and the front tray 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 stacking unit 4, and this movement and recording on the first recording medium of the nth copy may be performed in parallel.

[0071] 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 front tray 42 from the stacking position to the storage position, and ends this recording process. Note that, when ending the recording process, for example, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which is in the storage position, are moved to their initial positions (see FIG. 13(a)).

[0072] In S1246, with the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 positioned at the second sorting position, the drive source 44 is further rotated in the second direction, thereby moving the front tray 42 in the -Y direction from the stacking position to the storage position. Here, the drive transmission unit 43 is formed so that, when the rear tray 41 is positioned 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, even if the drive source 44 rotates in the second direction with the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 positioned at the second sorting position in S1246, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 do not move in the +X direction from the second sorting position.

[0073] In this manner, in this embodiment, the control unit 71, the drive source 44, and the drive transmission unit 43 function as a control unit that controls the movement of the stacking unit 4 including the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42.

[0074] (Paper feed unit) Next, we will explain the paper feed unit equipped with the second paper feed unit 12 and the third paper feed unit 13 provided below the recording unit 10. Figure 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of the paper feed unit, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIVb-XIVb.

[0075] In the paper feed unit 1400, the second paper feed section 12 and the third paper feed section 13 are arranged one on top of the other, with the second paper feed section 12 located on the upper level and the third paper feed section 13 located on the lower level. The second paper feed section 12 and the third paper feed section 13 each have the function of separating the stored recording media one by one and feeding them to the conveying section 2. The second paper feed section 12 and the third paper feed section 13 have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following explanation, only the second paper feed section 12 will be explained, and a detailed explanation of the third paper feed section 13 will be omitted. Note that in the drawings, the reference numerals assigned to each component of the third paper feed section 13 are the same as the reference numerals assigned to the corresponding components of the second paper feed section 12, except that the tens or hundreds digit is changed from "2" to "3."

[0076] The second paper feed unit 12 includes a cassette case 121 that stores recording media, a swing arm 128 that feeds the stored recording media, and a separation unit 125 that separates the fed recording media (see FIG. 14(a)). Each of these components will be described in detail below.

[0077] <Cassette case> The cassette case 121 is generally box-shaped with an open top, and can accommodate a stack of recording media inside. The cassette case 121 is also configured to be detachable from the recording unit 10. In the recording unit 10, the user removes the attached cassette case 121, stores recording media inside the cassette case 121, and then inserts the cassette case 121 and attaches it to the recording unit 10, thereby replenishing the recording media.

[0078] When the cassette case 121 is attached to the recording unit 10, it is biased and pressed in a predetermined direction by a spring (not shown) installed in the recording unit 10. This keeps the cassette case 121 attached to the recording unit 10 in a predetermined position, making it less likely that the position of the recording medium being fed will vary.

[0079] The cassette case 121 is provided with side guides 1211a and 1211b that restrict movement of the accommodated recording medium in the width direction (X direction), and an end guide 1212 that restricts movement of the recording medium in the +Y direction.

[0080] Side guides 1211a and 1211b are supported, for example, on bottom surface 121a of cassette case 121 so as to be movable in the X direction, and are configured to interlock with each other by a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown). Specifically, when side guide 1211b located on one side in the X direction is moved in the +X direction, side guide 1211a located on the other side in the X direction is configured to move in the -X direction by a distance that is approximately the same as the moving distance of side guide 1211b.

[0081] The end guide 1212 is supported on the bottom surface 121a of the cassette case 121 so as to be movable in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the height (length in the Z direction) of the side guides 1211a, 1211b and the end guide 1212 is approximately the same as the highest point of the side surface 121b of the cassette case 121. Note that the side surface 121b has cutout portions 121c in portions that may be adjacent to the side guides 1211a, 1211b in the X direction. This makes it easy for the user to grip the side guides 1211a, 1211b even when the side guides 1211a, 1211b are adjacent to the side surface 121b.

[0082] After loading and storing recording media in cassette case 121, the user moves side guides 1211a and 1211b to abut against the recording media, and also moves end guide 1212 to abut against the recording media. As a result, the recording media are always positioned approximately in the center of the X direction and on one side of the Y direction (upstream side in the paper feed direction) in cassette case 121, regardless of their size. Therefore, the recording media stored in cassette case 121 are stably fed by swing arm 128.

[0083] <Swing arm> The swing arm 128 is provided on the rear side (one side in the Y direction) of the cassette case 121. The swing arm 128 has a drive mechanism and is configured to apply force to the recording media housed in the cassette case 121 to feed the recording media. The swing arm 128 includes a second paper feed shaft gear 122 to which power is transmitted, a second paper feed roller 123, and a plurality of second paper feed idler gears 124 that transmit the power transmitted to the second paper feed shaft gear to the second paper feed roller 123 (see FIG. 14(b)).

[0084] In the swing arm 128, the second paper feed roller 123 abuts against the uppermost recording medium among the recording media housed in the cassette case 121. In this state, when power is transmitted to the second paper feed shaft gear 122 by a drive train (not shown), the power is transmitted to the second paper feed roller 123 via the second paper feed idler gear 124. When power is transmitted, the second paper feed roller 123 rotates and transports the recording medium it is in contact with in the -Y direction to feed it. In this way, in this embodiment, the swing arm 128 functions as a transport unit that transports the recording medium in order to feed the recording medium.

[0085] <Separation section> The separating unit 125 includes a separating slope 1251 that guides the recording medium fed by the second paper feed roller 123 to the conveying unit 2, and a separating resistor 1252 provided on the separating slope 1251. The separating unit 125 also includes a set bar 1253 that restricts the movement of the recording medium in the -Y direction on the separating slope 1251 (see FIG. 14(a)).

[0086] The separation slope 1251 is an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle θ with the bottom surface 121a of the cassette case 121, i.e., the recording medium stacking surface (see FIG. 14(b)). As a result, the recording medium transferred in the -Y direction by the second paper feed roller 123 is transferred in the direction of arrow C by the separation slope 1251. The separation slope 1251 extends in the X direction.

[0087] A plurality of separation resistors 1252 (three in this embodiment) are provided at different positions in the X direction on the separation slope 1251, and are biased in the +Y direction by a spring (not shown). The separation resistors 1252 have an uneven shape extending along the direction of arrow C, and the uneven shape protrudes from the separation slope 1251 due to the biasing force of the spring.

[0088] The set bar 1253 is formed so as to be movable between a restricting position (position shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b)) where it protrudes relative to the separation slope 1251 and restricts movement of the recording medium in the -Y direction, and a retracted position where it retracts to the inside of the separation slope 1251. The set bar 1253 is positioned at the restricting position when the cassette case 121 is attached to the recording unit 10, and is positioned at the retracted position when feeding a recording medium.

[0089] In this way, when the cassette case 121 is attached to the recording unit 10, the set bar 1253 is in the regulating position, so even if the recording medium moves in the -Y direction due to the momentum of the attachment, the movement is regulated by the set bar 1253. Furthermore, when feeding paper using the second paper feed roller 123, the set bar 1253 is in the retracted position, so the set bar 1253 does not interfere with the transfer of the recording medium.

[0090] The leading edge of a recording medium fed by the second paper feed roller 123 first comes into contact with the separation slope 1251, which guides it in the direction of arrow C. The recording medium that has come into contact with the separation slope 1251 is subjected to a force from the separation slope 1251 and the separation resistor 1252 that resists the transport direction. The force that the recording medium receives at this time is set so that when multiple recording media are fed, the topmost recording medium can be separated from the other recording media, depending on the inclination angle of the separation slope 1251, the biasing force of the spring on the separation resistor 1252, and the uneven shape of the separation resistor. As a result, even if multiple recording media housed in the cassette case 121 are fed by the second paper feed roller 123, the above-described configuration of the separation unit 125 allows only the topmost recording medium to be transported, and the other recording media remain in place.

[0091] (recording unit) Next, we will explain the recording unit equipped with the recording head 3 and a mechanism for moving the recording head 3 including the carriage 31. Figure 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of the recording unit, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a plan view.

[0092] The recording unit 1500 includes a carriage 31 and a chassis 33 as a moving mechanism for the recording head 3. The chassis 33 extends in the X direction. The carriage 31 is movably disposed on the chassis 33. A belt 36 driven by a motor 1502 is provided inside the chassis 33, and this belt 36 is connected to the carriage 31. With this configuration, in the recording unit 1500, the belt 36 is driven by the driving of the motor 1502, and the carriage 31, on which the recording head 3 is mounted, can be moved back and forth in the X direction, which is the extension direction of the chassis 33. The carriage 31 is equipped with a tube 35 for supplying ink to the recording head 3, together with the recording head 3. The tube 35 is connected to a liquid storage unit 34. Therefore, the recording head 3 is supplied with ink stored in the liquid storage unit 34 via the tube 35.

[0093] (Positional relationship between the stacking unit, paper feed unit, and recording unit) Next, the positional relationship between the stacking section 4, the paper feed unit 1400, and the recording unit 1500 in the recording section 10 will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the stacking section 4, the paper feed unit 1400, the recording unit 1500, and the operation section 8. Fig. 16(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIa-XVIa in Fig. 1. Fig. 16(b) is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 16(a) of the recording section 10 during recording. Fig. 16(c) is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 16(a) when the cassette case is removed.

[0094] The stacking unit 4 is disposed at a position overlapping the cassette cases 121 and 131 in the XY plane (see FIGS. 2(a) and 16(a)). The stacking unit 4 is disposed above the upper cassette case 121 in the paper feed unit 1400, at a position not overlapping with the cassette case 121 in the Z direction (not overlapping with the cassette case 121 when viewed from the X direction) (see FIG. 16(a)). The cassette case 121 is formed so that its upper end in the Z direction (vertical direction) coincides with the upper ends of the side guides 1211a and 1211b, and is positioned above the top surface of the maximum amount of recording media that can be accommodated.

[0095] Therefore, in the recording unit 10, the cassette case 121 can be attached or detached without interference between the cassette case 121 and the recording media housed in the cassette case 121 and the stacking unit 4. Therefore, in the recording unit 10, the user can smoothly attach or detach the cassette cases 121 and 131 with the stacking unit 4 located in the housing position while minimizing the arrangement space for the stacking unit 4 and the cassette cases 121 and 131 (see FIG. 16(c)). Also, because the stacking unit 4 and the cassette case 121 are in the positional relationship described above, in the recording unit 10, the stacking unit 4 can be moved without interference between the cassette case 121 and the recording media housed in the cassette case 121 and the stacking unit 4. Note that the movement of the stacking unit 4 refers to the movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 in the X direction and the movement of the front tray 42 in the Y direction. Therefore, in the recording unit 10, the arrangement space for the loading unit 4 and the cassette cases 121, 131 can be reduced, and the loading unit 4 can be moved smoothly even when the cassette case 121 contains the maximum amount of recording media.

[0096] The stacking unit 4 is positioned so as to overlap the recording unit 1500 in the XY plane, and is positioned below the recording unit 1500 so as not to overlap the recording unit 1500 in the Z direction (see FIGS. 1 and 16(a)). This allows recording media recorded by the recording head 3 of the recording unit 1500 to be loaded onto the stacking unit 4 by gravity. Because the stacking unit 4 is positioned so as to overlap the recording unit 1500 in the XY plane and is positioned below the recording unit 1500, the discharge path for the recording media after recording can be short, and an increase in size of the recording unit 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by arranging the stacking unit 4 so that a portion of it overlaps the recording unit 1500 in the Y direction, an increase in size of the recording unit 10 in the Y direction can be suppressed.

[0097] The second paper feed shaft gear 122 in the second paper feed section 12 located at the upper level of the paper feed unit 1400 is located to one side in the Y direction (i.e., rearward) of the stacking section 4, and is arranged in a position overlapping with the stacking section 4 in the X and Z directions (see FIG. 16(a)). In other words, when viewed from the Y direction, the second paper feed shaft gear 122 is arranged in a position overlapping with the stacking section 4. This makes it possible to prevent the recording section 10 from becoming larger in the Y and Z directions while maximizing the movement of the front tray 42 in the stacking section 4 from the storage position to the stacking position, that is, the extension length of the stacking section 4.

[0098] The operation unit 8 is disposed in front of the recording unit 10 and above the stacking unit 4 (see FIGS. 2(b) and 16(a)). The operation unit 8 has a rotating unit 83, on which operation buttons 81 and a display panel 82 are provided, that is rotatable relative to a fixed unit 84 that is fixedly provided to the housing 9 (see FIG. 1). The rotating unit 83 is configured to be rotatable in stages or continuously from a storage position (position shown in FIG. 16(a)) in which a surface 83a of the rotating unit 83, on which the display panel 82 and the like are provided, is substantially parallel to the XZ plane. In the storage position, the surface 83a substantially coincides with the front surface of the paper feed unit 1400 and the front surface 9a of the housing 9 (see FIG. 6(a)) in the Y direction. The surface 83a is configured to face upward by pulling out the rotating unit 83 (pulling it forward) (see FIG. 16(b)).

[0099] By rotating the rotating part 83 from the storage position to any angle, the user can adjust the angle for easy operation of the operation buttons 81 and the angle for easy viewing of the display on the display panel 82. Furthermore, by arranging the operation part 8 above the stacking part 4, the user can operate it without being obstructed by the recording media loaded on the stacking part 4. Furthermore, by configuring the lower end part 83b to be pulled forward and the posture of the rotating part 83 to change, it is possible to prevent the recording part 10 from becoming larger in the Y direction and Z direction.

[0100] Here, in order to prevent the recording unit 10 from becoming larger in the Z direction, when the rotating unit 83 is in the storage position, the operation unit 8 is located in a position where the rotating unit 83 may interfere with the recording media that are discharged and stacked on the stacking unit 4. However, in the recording unit 10, by rotating the rotating unit 83 from the storage position, the rotating unit 83 does not interfere with the recording media that are discharged and stacked, or interferes less easily. In the recording unit 10, for example, during recording processing, the user rotates the rotating unit 83 from the storage position to a retracted position (the position shown in FIG. 16(b)) where the rotating unit 83 does not interfere with the recording media that are discharged.

[0101] The recording unit 10 may be configured to automatically rotate the rotator 83 from the storage position to the retracted position when the front tray 42 moves from the storage position to the stacking position. In this case, the recording unit 10 may be configured to include, for example, a rotation mechanism that rotates the rotator 83 between the storage position and the retracted position, and a drive unit that drives the rotation mechanism. When moving the front tray 42 from the storage position to the stacking position, the control unit 71 drives the rotation mechanism via the drive unit to move the rotator 83 from the storage position to the retracted position. When moving the front tray 42 from the stacking position to the storage position, the control unit 71 drives the rotation mechanism via the drive unit to move the rotator 83 from the retracted position to the storage position. The configuration for rotating the rotator 83 in accordance with the movement of the front tray 42 is not limited to this, and various known techniques may be used.

[0102] (Reverse transport path) Next, a description will be given of a reverse transport path for transporting a recording medium, after recording on one side, to a recording position by reversing the recording medium so that recording on the other side is possible. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram of the reverse transport path.

[0103] In this embodiment, the recording unit 10 is provided with a reverse transport path F for transporting a relatively small-sized recording medium to a recording position after recording on one side so that recording on the other side is possible. Also, in this embodiment, the recording unit 10 is provided with a reverse transport path FL for transporting a relatively large-sized recording medium to a recording position after recording on one side so that recording on the other side is possible. The recording position is a position where recording is possible by the recording head 3.

[0104] The recording unit 10 also includes a pair of conveying rollers 22 that convey the recording medium to the recording position, and a pair of discharge rollers 26 (hereinafter referred to as the "first pair of discharge rollers 26") that convey the recording medium in the direction of discharge after recording. The recording unit 10 also includes a second pair of discharge rollers 261 that conveys the recording medium conveyed by the first pair of discharge rollers 26 in the direction of discharge. The second pair of discharge rollers 261 includes a discharge roller 261a and a spur 261b driven by the conveyance motor 21, and the discharge roller 261a and the spur 261b work together to convey the recording medium. Note that the second pair of discharge rollers 261 is omitted from FIGS. 1, 3, and 16 for ease of understanding.

[0105] In the following description, the transport roller pair 22, the first paper discharge roller pair 26, and the second paper discharge roller pair 261 will be collectively referred to as the transport unit 1700 as appropriate. In the recording section 10, the transport unit 1700 is formed between the recording unit 1500 and the stacking section 4 in the Z direction, at a position that does not overlap with the stacking section 4. In other words, from above in the Z direction, the recording unit 1500, the transport unit 1700, and the stacking section 4 are arranged in this order. Furthermore, the reverse transport paths F and FL are formed above the stacking section 4 in the Z direction.

[0106] The reverse conveying path F, which reverses a recording medium of a relatively small size, is formed on one side in the Y direction (rear side) of the conveying roller pair 22. Here, the path length of the reverse conveying path needs to be formed longer than the length of the recording medium in the conveying direction (Y direction) to be conveyed. For this reason, if the reverse conveying path FL, which reverses a recording medium of a relatively large size, is formed on one side in the Y direction of the conveying roller pair 22, the recording unit 10 will become larger in the Y direction.

[0107] Therefore, in this embodiment, a reverse conveying path FL is formed from the other side (front side) of the conveying roller pair 22 in the Y direction to one side of the conveying roller pair 22 in the Y direction. In the recording unit 10, the reverse conveying path F does not overlap with the stacking unit 4 in the Y direction, and the reverse conveying path FL partially overlaps with the stacking unit 4. In other words, when viewed from the X direction, the reverse conveying path F does not overlap with the stacking unit 4, and the reverse conveying path FL partially overlaps with the stacking unit 4. This prevents the recording unit 10 from becoming larger in the Y direction, and also prevents the recording device 1 from becoming larger in the Y direction.

[0108] When a relatively small recording medium is reversed and transported to the recording position, the transport motor 21 is rotated in reverse from a state in which the vicinity of the trailing edge of the recording medium after recording on one side is sandwiched between the first discharge roller pair 26. As a result, the first discharge roller pair 26, the second discharge roller pair 261, and the transport roller pair 22 rotate in the direction opposite to when the recording medium is transported in the transport direction, and the recording medium with the vicinity of the trailing edge sandwiched between the first discharge roller pair 26 is transported to the reverse transport path F. 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. Thereafter, the recording medium is transported by the first intermediate roller pair 126 to the transport roller pair 22. In this description, the trailing edge of the recording medium means the trailing edge in the transport direction (+Y direction) of the recording medium when recording on one side, and the leading edge of the recording medium means the leading edge in the transport direction of the recording medium when recording on one side.

[0109] When a relatively large recording medium is reversed and transported to the recording position, the transport motor 21 is rotated in reverse from a state in which the vicinity of the trailing edge of the recording medium after recording on one side is sandwiched between the second discharge roller pair 261. As a result, the first discharge roller pair 26, the second discharge roller pair 261, and the transport roller pair 22 rotate in the opposite direction to when the recording medium is transported in the transport direction, and the recording medium with the vicinity of the trailing edge sandwiched between the second discharge roller pair 261 is transported to the reverse transport path FL. Then, when the leading edge of the recording medium transported to the reverse transport path FL passes the second discharge roller pair 261, the transport motor 21 is switched to forward rotation. The recording medium is then transported by the first intermediate roller pair 126 to the transport roller pair 22.

[0110] (Size of the loading section, paper feed section, and recording unit) Next, the size in the X direction of each component of the recording unit 10, including the stacking unit 4, the second paper feed unit 12, the third paper feed unit 13, and the recording unit 1500, will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the size in the X direction of each component of the recording unit 10, including the stacking unit 4, the second paper feed unit 12, the third paper feed unit 13, and the recording unit 1500. FIG. 18(a) is a front view, and FIG. 18(b) is a plan view. Note that in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b), some components, such as the liquid storage unit 34, are omitted for ease of understanding.

[0111] The length L1 in the X direction of the second paper feed unit 12 and the third paper feed unit 13 is designed to be larger than the length in the X direction of the largest recording medium that can be accommodated in the cassette cases 121, 131 by the size of the accommodating case. A paper discharge outlet 1802, from which the recording medium transported by the transport unit 1700 is discharged, is formed in a position in the Z direction between the recording unit 1500 and the stacking unit 4, so as not to overlap with the stacking unit 4. The length L2 in the X direction of the paper discharge outlet 1802 is formed to be larger than the length L1, including a certain amount of misalignment, so that the recording medium fed from each paper feed unit can be transported even if it skews or runs skewed along the transport path.

[0112] The stacking unit 4 is configured to change its position in the X direction to stack and sort recording media discharged from the paper discharge port 1802. For this reason, the area in the X direction in which the stacking unit 4 can be located, i.e., the length L3 of the movement area of ​​the stacking unit 4 in the X direction, is greater than the length L2 of the paper discharge port 1802 in the X direction. In the recording unit 10, ink is ejected from the recording head 3 while the carriage 31 moves in the X direction toward the recording medium transported by the transport unit 1700 to perform recording. In order to perform stable recording in the recording unit 10, the carriage 31 is accelerated and decelerated outside the area in which ink is ejected from the recording head 3, and the movement of the carriage 31 is controlled so that it moves at a substantially constant speed when moving above the recording medium. For this reason, the length L4 of the movement area of ​​the carriage 31 in the X direction is greater than the length L2 by the area required for accelerating and decelerating the carriage 31.

[0113] The length L4 of the movement area of ​​the carriage 31 is set to a length that enables borderless printing, for example, for the X-direction length of the largest recording medium that can be printed by the printing unit 10. That is, the length L4 corresponds to the length from the scanning start position to the scanning end position of the carriage 31 when printing on a recording medium of the largest printable size in the X-direction. Note that "scanning" refers to the X-direction movement of the carriage 31 when printing on a recording medium. Therefore, the movement area of ​​the carriage 31 straddles both ends of the movement area of ​​the stacking unit 4, which has a length L3, in the X-direction. Note that the standby position where the carriage 31 is located when not printing and the maintenance position where the carriage 31 is located during maintenance may be located outside the movement area of ​​length L4.

[0114] In this embodiment, the length L4 of the movement area of ​​the carriage 31 is greater than the length L3 of the movement area of ​​the stacker 4, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the intervals between stacks of recording media during sorting are to be large, or if three or more sorting positions are to be provided, the length L3 may be designed to be greater than the length L4.

[0115] (Action and effect) As described above, in the recording unit 10, the rear tray 41 constituting the stacking unit 4 is disposed inside the housing 9, and the front tray 42 supported by the rear tray 41 is movable between a stacking position where it is pulled out from the rear tray and a storage position where it is stored in the rear tray. In addition, in the recording unit 10, the recording unit 1500, the transport unit 1700, the stacking unit 4, and the paper feed unit 1400 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

[0116] By arranging the transport unit 1700 below the recording unit 1500, the recording unit 1500 can stably eject ink onto the recording medium transported by the transport unit 1700 without resisting gravity, thereby recording. Furthermore, by arranging the stacking unit 4 below the transport unit 1700, the recording medium after recording is transported by the transport unit 1700, ejected, and then stacked on the stacking unit 4 by gravity, thereby shortening the path for transport and ejection. Furthermore, by arranging the cassette cases 121 of the paper feed unit 1400 below the stacking unit 4 without overlapping each other in the Z direction, the cassette cases 121 do not obstruct the movement of the stacking unit 4, and the stacking unit 4 does not obstruct the attachment and detachment of the cassette cases 121. As a result, the function of each component of the recording unit 10 is improved, and adjacent components in the Z direction can be arranged in a space-saving manner without interfering with each other, thereby enabling the recording device 1 including the recording unit 10 to be made more compact.

[0117] <<Second embodiment>> Next, a recording device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 19. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the loading unit 4 of the first embodiment is configured to extend and retract in the Y direction via a drive mechanism provided on the side of the loading unit 4, and is not allowed to move in the X direction. The configuration of the drive mechanism of the loading unit 4 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0119] (Loading section drive mechanism) The drive mechanism of the loading unit 4 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the drive mechanism for extending and contracting the loading unit 4 in the Y direction according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration for extending and contracting the loading unit 4 in the Y direction includes a rack 1602 provided on the side of the loading unit 4 and a drive member 1608 equipped with a pinion that meshes with the rack.

[0120] More specifically, a rack 1602 is formed on the side surface of the stacker 4 on the other side (right side) in the X direction. The rack 1602 includes a first rack portion 1602a formed over substantially the entire surface of the right side surface of the rear tray 41, and a second rack portion 1602b formed over substantially the entire surface of the right side surface of the front tray 42. Note that a groove portion 1604 is formed in front of the first tooth of the first rack portion 1602a. In other words, an area without teeth is formed in part of the front side of the right side surface of the rear tray 41. Both the first rack portion 1602a and the second rack portion 1602b are formed with their tooth tips facing rightward. Furthermore, both the first rack portion 1602a and the second rack portion 1602b have the same tooth pitch.

[0121] A driving member 1608 including a gear 1606 that functions as a pinion meshing with the rack 1602 is fixedly provided to the housing 9. The gears 1606 are comprised of a gear 1606a and a gear 1606b that are concentric and stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction). The gears 1606a and 1606b have the same pitch and diameter. The gear 1606a located on the upper side meshes with the first rack portion 1602a, and the gear 1606b located on the lower side meshes with the second rack portion 1602b. When the loading unit 4 is in the storage position stored in the housing 9, the gear 1606b meshes with the second rack portion 1602b, but the tooth tip of the gear 1606a is positioned in the groove portion 1604, so it does not mesh with the first rack portion 1602a.

[0122] (Extension and contraction of loading area) In the above configuration, when the loading unit 4 extends in the Y direction, a drive motor (not shown) serving as a drive source provided in the drive member 1608 rotates forward, and the drive force generated by the drive motor is transmitted to the gear 1606 via multiple gears (not shown). This causes the gears 1606a and 1606b to rotate in the direction of arrow C. The drive member 1608 includes the drive motor as well as multiple gears that transmit the drive force generated by the drive motor to the gear 1606.

[0123] When the gears 1606a and 1606b rotate in the direction of arrow C, the second rack portion 1602b meshes with the gear 1606b, causing the front tray 42 to move in the +Y direction in the stacker unit 4 that is in the storage position. When the stacker unit 4 is in the storage position, the gear 1606b and the first rack portion 1602a are not meshed, and therefore the rear tray 41 does not move in the +Y direction.

[0124] Thereafter, when the front tray 42 moves a predetermined amount in the +Y direction, the rear tray 41 moves in the +Y direction in conjunction with the movement of the front tray 42. This movement of the rear tray 41 causes the first rack portion 1602a to mesh with the gear 1606a, and rotation of the gear 1606a in the direction of arrow C causes the rear tray 41 to move in the +Y direction via the first rack portion 1602a. Note that when the rear tray 41 moves in the +Y direction, the front tray 42 moves in the +Y direction together with the movement of the rear tray 41, so that the front tray 42 moves to a position where it does not overlap with the gear 1606 in the Y direction. As a result, the second rack portion 1602b and the gear 1606b no longer mesh with each other.

[0125] The amount of movement of the stacker 4 in the +Y direction, i.e., the amount of extension, varies depending on the size of the recording medium used. The amount of extension is controlled based on, for example, a sensor (not shown) that can detect the amount of rotation of a gear provided on the drive motor or drive member 1608.

[0126] Furthermore, when the stacker 4 contracts in the Y direction, the drive motor provided on the drive member 1608 rotates in the reverse direction, and the drive force generated by the drive motor is transmitted to the gear 1606 via multiple gears. This causes the gears 1606a and 1606b to rotate in the direction of arrow D. When the gears 1606a and 1606b rotate in the direction of arrow D, the rear tray 41 moves in the -Y direction due to the first rack portion 1602a meshing with the gear 1606a. At this time, the front tray 42 moves in the -Y direction in conjunction with the movement of the rear tray 41 in the -Y direction.

[0127] Thereafter, when the gear 1606a is positioned in the groove 1604, the movement of the rear tray 41 in the -Y direction stops, but the second rack 1602b meshes with the gear 1606b. Therefore, the rotation of the gear 1606b causes the front tray 42 to move in the -Y direction, and this movement of the front tray 42 in the -Y direction moves the front tray 42 and the rear tray 41 to the storage position. Note that in this embodiment, the steps of moving to the first sorting position and moving to the second sorting position in the recording process are omitted.

[0128] (Variation) Although not specifically mentioned in the above description, the loading unit 4 may be configured to be selectable between an automatic mode in which the above-described drive mechanism automatically extends and retracts the loading unit 4, and a manual mode in which the user manually extends and retracts the loading unit 4. In this case, in the manual mode, for example, the gear 1606 of the driving member 1608 is not engaged with the gear that transmits the driving force.

[0129] In the above description, the stacking unit 4 is configured not to move in the X direction, but this is not limiting, and the stacking unit 4 may be configured to move in the X direction using various known techniques. Also, in the above description, both the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are configured to be movable in the Y direction, but this is not limiting. The rear tray 41 may be configured not to move in the Y direction, and only the front tray 42 may be configured to move in the Y direction by the drive mechanism described above.

[0130] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a recording device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] In the third embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the loading unit 4 of the first embodiment is configured to move in the X direction by a drive mechanism and is not extended or contracted in the Y direction by the drive mechanism. The configuration of the drive mechanism of the loading unit 4 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0132] (Loading section drive mechanism) The drive mechanism of the stacker 4 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism for moving the stacker 4 in the X direction according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration for moving the stacker 4 in the X direction includes rollers 1702 that rotate the rear tray 41 so as to be able to move in the X direction, and a drive motor 1704 that drives the rollers. Note that in this embodiment, the front tray 42 is configured to be extendable and retractable only manually relative to the rear tray 41.

[0133] More specifically, a plurality of rollers 1702 that can move the rear tray 41 in the X direction in the housing 9 are provided on the bottom surface of the rear tray 41. In this embodiment, each roller 1702 is disposed on the bottom surface of the rear tray 41 at a position that does not restrict manual extension and contraction of the front tray 42. The rollers 1702 move, for example, on rails (not shown) that are provided on the housing 9 and extend in the X direction.

[0134] Also, provided on the bottom surface of the rear tray 41 are a drive motor 1704 that is driven under the control of the control unit 71, and a transmission unit 1706 that transmits the drive force generated by the drive motor 1704 to the rollers 1702. The drive motor 1704 and the transmission unit 1706 are also disposed on the bottom surface of the rear tray 41 at positions that do not restrict manual extension and retraction of the front tray 42.

[0135] (Moving the loading section) The drive motor 1704 rotates based on a drive signal from the control unit 71, which rotates the drive gear 1708, transmitting the drive force to the drive transmission gear 1710. The rotation of the drive transmission gear 1710 is then transmitted via a drive transmission belt 1712 to a gear 1716 coupled to a shaft 1714 that connects the rollers 1702. This causes the shaft 1714 to rotate, and the rollers 1702 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 1714. The rotation of the rollers 1702 then moves the rear tray 41 in the +X direction and the -X direction. The movement direction of the rear tray 41 changes depending on the rotation direction of the drive motor 1704. For example, when the drive motor 1704 rotates in the forward direction, the rear tray 41 moves in the +X direction, and when the drive motor 1704 rotates in the reverse direction, the rear tray 41 moves in the -X direction.

[0136] In this embodiment, in the step of the recording process in which the process of moving the front tray 42 to the stacking position or the storage position is executed, for example, a notification is displayed on the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8 to prompt the user to move the front tray 42 to the stacking position or the storage position. The front tray 42 may also have a sensor that detects whether it is in the stacking position or the storage position. The front tray 42 may be manually pulled out by the user. With the front tray 42 moved from the storage position to the stacking position, the rear tray 41 is moved in the X direction to sort the recording media.

[0137] (Variation) In the above description, the transmission unit 1706, which is configured with the roller 1702, the drive motor 1707, the drive transmission gear 1710, etc., is provided on the bottom surface of the rear tray 41, but this is not limiting. For example, a moving unit configured to be movable in the X direction using these components may be provided, and the rear tray 41 may be fixedly disposed on the moving unit.

[0138] In the above description, the loading section 4 is configured not to automatically expand and contract in the Y direction, but this is not limited to this, and the loading section 4 may be configured to automatically expand and contract using various known technologies.

[0139] <<Fourth Embodiment>> Next, a recording device according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment will be used for components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the recording device according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0140] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the discharged recording media are sorted by a configuration separate from the stacking unit 4. The configuration for sorting the discharged recording media will be described in detail below.

[0141] (Configuration for sorting ejected recording media) Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an alignment member as an example of a configuration for sorting discharged recording media. Figure 21(a) is a diagram illustrating the alignment member when sorting the first batch of recording media. Figure 21(b) is a diagram illustrating the alignment member when sorting the second batch of recording media. Figure 21(c) is a diagram illustrating the alignment member when sorting the third batch of recording media.

[0142] In this embodiment, the recording device 1 includes an alignment member 1810 that can align the X-direction edges of the recording medium discharged from the discharge roller pair 26. The alignment member 1810 includes a pair of alignment members 1810a and 1810b, which are arranged to face each other and whose distance in the X direction can be changed.

[0143] The aligning members 1810a and 1810b are made of plate-like bodies. An aligning section 1804a is provided below the aligning member 1810a for aligning the recording media discharged to the stacking section 4, and an aligning section 1804b is provided below the aligning member 1810b for aligning the recording media in cooperation with the aligning section 1804a. The aligning sections 1804a and 1804b have flat surfaces facing each other. The aligning sections 1804a and 1804b press the edges of the multiple recording media stacked on the stacking section 4 in the X direction, aligning their positions in the X direction.

[0144] Alignment member 1810a has a recess 1806a above aligning portion 1804a, which is located on one side of aligning portion 1804a in the X direction. Alignment member 1810b has a recess 1806b above aligning portion 1804b, which is located on the other side of aligning portion 1804b in the X direction. This results in a wider spacing between recesses 1806a and 1806b in the X direction than the spacing between aligning portions 1804a and 1804b. Furthermore, recesses 1806a and 1806b narrow in width in the X direction as they extend downward from a predetermined position, and are connected to aligning portions 1804a and 1804b, respectively, at their lower ends. As a result, in the aligning member 1810, the recording medium discharged between the relief portions 1806a and 1806b is easily guided between the aligning portions 1804a and 1804b.

[0145] The alignment member 1810 is arranged in the housing 9 so as to be able to perform various operations described below. The operation of the alignment member 1810 is controlled by the control unit 71. The alignment member 1810 may be configured to be detachable or non-detachable.

[0146] A recess 1808a, into which the tip of an alignment member 1810a can enter, is provided on one side in the X direction on the top surface of the stacking unit 4 on which recording media are stacked. Also, a recess 1808b, into which the tip of an alignment member 1810b can enter, is provided on the other side in the X direction on the top surface, extending in the X direction. In this embodiment, the recesses 1808a and 1808b are provided on the rear tray 41.

[0147] When recording is performed on the first copy of recording media during the recording process, the alignment members 1810a and 1810b wait at the first receiving position, where the alignment sections 1804a and 1804b are spaced apart by a predetermined distance longer than the width (length in the X direction) of the recording media. At this time, the front tray 42 is positioned at the stacking position. Also, at this time, the leading ends of the alignment members 1810a and 1810b are inserted into the recesses 1808a and 1808b, respectively (see FIG. 21(a)).

[0148] The recording medium discharged from the pair of discharge rollers 26 enters between the recesses 1806a, 1806b of the aligning members 1810a, 1810b waiting at the first receiving position, and is discharged by its own weight onto the top surface of the stacker 4. At this time, the aligning members 1810a, 1810b accept the discharged recording medium with some degree of variation in the X direction in the recesses 1806a, 1806b, which have a wide gap in the X direction, and guide the recording medium between the aligning units 1804a, 1804b. After that, when recording of the first copy is completed, the aligning members 1810a, 1810b move the aligning member 1810a in the +X direction to narrow the gap between the aligning units 1804a, 1804b, and press the stack of recording media stacked on the stacker 4 in the +X direction to align it.

[0149] Next, when transitioning to recording the second copy, alignment members 1810a and 1810b are moved to a second receiving position that is shifted a predetermined amount in the +X direction from the first receiving position for the first copy. At this time, alignment member 1810a is positioned so that its leading edge is on the recording medium for the first copy, and alignment member 1810b is positioned so that its leading edge is inserted into recess 1808b (see FIG. 21(b)). Then, the recording medium discharged from discharge roller pair 26 enters between relief portions 1806a and 1806b of alignment members 1810a and 1810b, which are waiting at the second receiving position, and is discharged by its own weight onto the stack of recording media for the first copy. After that, when the recording of the second copy is completed, the alignment members 1810a and 1810b move the alignment members 1810b in the -X direction so as to narrow the gap between the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b, and press the stack of recording media stacked on top of the stack of recording media for the first copy in the -X direction to align them.

[0150] Furthermore, when transitioning to recording the third copy, the alignment members 1810a and 1810b are moved to the first receiving position. At this time, the leading edge of the alignment member 1810b is positioned above the second copy of the recording medium, and the leading edge of the alignment member 1810a is positioned in the recessed portion 1808a (see FIG. 21(c)). The recording medium discharged from the pair of discharge rollers 26 then enters between the recessed portions 1806a and 1806b of the alignment members 1810a and 1810b, which are waiting at the first receiving position, and is discharged by its own weight onto the stack of recording media for the second copy. Thereafter, when recording of the third copy is completed, the alignment members 1810a and 1810b move the alignment member 1810a in the +X direction to narrow the gap between the alignment portions 1804a and 1804b, and press the stack of recording media stacked on top of the stack of recording media for the second copy in the +X direction to align it. In this way, the recording device 1 can sort a stack of recording media according to the number of copies.

[0151] (Another configuration for sorting ejected recording media) Furthermore, the configuration for sorting the discharged recording media is not limited to the above-described alignment member 1810. For example, the pair of discharge rollers 26 may be configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the recording media, so that the recording media can be sorted by shifting their positions to at least two positions when discharged onto the stacker 4 (see FIG. 22). FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another configuration for sorting the discharged recording media, where (a) is a diagram illustrating discharge at a first position, and (b) is a diagram illustrating discharge at a second position.

[0152] Specifically, the discharge roller pair 26 is configured to be movable in the X direction. When discharging an odd-numbered copy of recording medium M1, the discharge roller pair 26 moves to, for example, a first position located relatively to the right while discharging the recording medium M1, and discharges the recording medium M1 onto the stacker 4. As a result, the discharged recording medium M1 is discharged to a position in the stacker 4 corresponding to the first position (see FIG. 22(a)). When discharging an even-numbered copy of recording medium M2, the discharge roller pair 26 moves to, for example, a second position located relatively to the left while discharging the recording medium M2, and discharges the recording medium M2 onto the stacker 4. As a result, the discharged recording medium M2 is discharged to a position in the stacker 4 corresponding to the second position (see FIG. 22(b)). Note that a specific configuration for moving the pair of paper discharge rollers 26 to different positions when discharging recording media depending on the number of copies can use various known techniques, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0153] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiment may be modified as shown in the following (1) to (8).

[0154] (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 data is recorded on the recording media and the recording media are sorted after recording (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 front tray 42 is moved to the stacking position and the recorded recording media continues to be discharged. 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] (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 rear tray 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 rear tray 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 rear tray 41 is moved to the predetermined position, the drive source 44 is further rotated in the first direction to move the front tray 42 from the storage position to the stacking position. Thereafter, the drive source 44 is rotated in the second direction to move the rear tray 41 in the +X direction to the first sorting position. At this time, the position of the rear tray 41 is based on the detection result of the sensor in the detection unit 73 that detects the position of the stacker 4 after the predetermined operation.

[0157] (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 rear tray 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 rear tray 41 is located at a predetermined position on the other side of the second sorting position in the X direction.

[0158] (4) In the above embodiment, a portion of the front tray 42 on the end 42a side protrudes forward from the housing 9 in the Y direction when in the storage position (see FIG. 6(a)), but this is not limited to this. The front tray 42 may be configured not to protrude forward from the housing 9 when in the storage position. That is, in this case, the front tray 42 is completely stored within the housing 9 when in the storage position. Also, in the above embodiment, the stacking unit 4 sorts the discharged recording media by loading them at two positions, the first sorting position and the second sorting position, but 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.

[0159] (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.

[0160] (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.

[0161] (7) 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.

[0162] (8) The above embodiment and the various configurations shown in (1) to (7) above may be combined as appropriate.

[0163] The disclosure of the above embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) a storage means for storing a recording medium; a conveying means for conveying the recording medium from the storage means in a first direction; a recording means for recording on the recording medium from the conveying means; a first stacking unit for stacking recording media recorded by the recording means at a first position and a second position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The recording device is characterized in that the first stacking section is disposed above the storage means and below the recording means. (Configuration 2) 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first stacking unit is movable in the first direction from a storage position. (Configuration 3) Further, a second stacking section on which the recording medium is stacked is provided, 3. The recording apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the first stacking unit moves in the first direction relative to the second stacking unit. (Configuration 4) a movement mechanism for moving the second loading unit in the second direction, 4. The recording apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the movement mechanism moves the first stacking unit together with the second stacking unit. (Configuration 5) 5. The recording apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein the movement mechanism moves the first stacking unit in the first direction and the second stacking unit in the second direction. (Configuration 6) The recording apparatus according to configuration 1, further comprising a movement mechanism for moving the first stacking unit in the second direction. (Configuration 7) The recording device according to configuration 2, wherein the first stacking section is movable between a storage position where it is stacked on the second stacking section and stored therein, and a loading position where it can cooperate with the second stacking section to load recording media. (Configuration 8) 8. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the first stacking section stacks recording media at a plurality of different positions in the second direction. (Configuration 9) a reversing conveyance path for reversing the surface of the recording medium to be recorded by the recording means; The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the reverse transport path is disposed above the storage means and at a position that does not overlap with the storage means in a vertical direction that intersects with the first direction and the second direction. (Configuration 10) The reverse conveying path is a first reverse transport path formed on the upstream side of the recording means in the first direction; 10. The recording apparatus according to configuration 9, further comprising: a second reverse transport path formed from the downstream side to the upstream side in the first direction relative to the recording means. (Configuration 11) a transport means for transporting the recording medium stored in the storage means in order to feed the recording medium; The recording device of any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the transport means is arranged in a position that does not overlap the first stacking section in the first direction, and in a vertical direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, so that a portion of the transport means overlaps the first stacking section. (Configuration 12) Further, the device has an operation means capable of displaying and operating information, The operating means is Located above the first loading section, 12. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that it is configured to be rotatable between a first position that interferes with the recording medium placed on the first stacking section and a second position that does not interfere with the recording medium placed on the first stacking section. (Configuration 13) 13. The recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the operation unit is rotated from the first position to the second position when the first stacking unit moves in the first direction from the storage position. (Configuration 14) The storage means is detachable, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the storage means and the first stacking section are adjacent to each other in a vertical direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and are positioned so as not to interfere with each other's operations. (Configuration 15) 15. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein when the first stacking section is in the storage position, a portion of the first stacking section is positioned so as to overlap the recording means in the first direction. (Configuration 16) a paper discharge port from which the recording medium is discharged is formed at a position between the recording means and the first stacking unit in a vertical direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, so as not to overlap with the first stacking unit; 16. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the length in the second direction of a paper discharge port from which the recording medium is discharged is longer than the length in the second direction of a paper feeding means that feeds the recording medium stored in the storage means. (Configuration 17) 17. The recording apparatus according to configuration 16, wherein the length of an area in which the first stacking unit can be positioned in the second direction is longer than the length of the paper discharge port in the second direction. (Configuration 18) the recording means performs recording on the recording medium while moving in the second direction, 18. The recording apparatus according to configuration 16 or 17, wherein the length of the movement area of ​​the recording means is longer than the length of the area in which the first stacking unit can be positioned in the second direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Recording device 4 Loading section 1400 Paper Feed Unit 1500 recording units 1700 Transport Unit

Claims

1. a storage means for storing a recording medium; a conveying means for conveying the recording medium from the storage means in a first direction; a recording means for recording on the recording medium from the conveying means; a first stacking unit for stacking recording media recorded by the recording means at a first position and a second position different from the first position in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The recording apparatus is characterized in that the first stacking section is disposed above the storage means and below the recording means.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first stacking section is movable in the first direction from a storage position.

3. Further, a second stacking unit on which the recording medium is stacked is provided, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first stacking unit moves in the first direction relative to the second stacking unit.

4. a movement mechanism for moving the second loading unit in the second direction, 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the moving mechanism moves the first stacking unit together with the second stacking unit.

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the movement mechanism moves the first stacking unit in the first direction and moves the second stacking unit in the second direction.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a movement mechanism for moving the first stacking unit in the second direction.

7. 4. The recording device according to claim 3, wherein the first stacking section is movable between a storage position where it is stacked on the second stacking section and a loading position where it can cooperate with the second stacking section to load recording media.

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first stacking section stacks recording media at a plurality of different positions in the second direction.

9. a reversing conveyance path for reversing the surface of the recording medium to be recorded by the recording means; 8. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the reverse transport path is positioned above the storage means and does not overlap with the storage means in a vertical direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

10. The reverse conveying path is a first reverse transport path formed on the upstream side of the recording means in the first direction; 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a second reverse transport path formed from the downstream side to the upstream side in the first direction relative to the recording means.

11. a transport means for transporting the recording medium stored in the storage means in order to feed the recording medium; 8. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the transport means is arranged in a position that does not overlap the first stacking section in the first direction, and in a vertical direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, a portion of the transport means overlaps the first stacking section.

12. Further, the device has an operation means capable of displaying and operating information, The operating means is Located above the first loading section, 8. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is configured to be rotatable between a first position where it interferes with the recording medium placed on the first stacking section and a second position where it does not interfere with the recording medium placed on the first stacking section.

13. 13. The recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the operation unit is rotated from the first position to the second position when the first stacking unit moves in the first direction from the storage position.

14. The storage means is detachable, 8. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the storage means and the first stacking section are adjacent to each other in a vertical direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and are positioned so as not to interfere with each other's operations.

15. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the first stacking section is in the storage position, a portion of the first stacking section is positioned so as to overlap the recording means in the first direction.

16. a paper discharge port from which the recording medium is discharged is formed at a position between the recording means and the first stacking unit in a vertical direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, so as not to overlap with the first stacking unit; 8. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the length in the second direction of the discharge port from which the recording medium is discharged is longer than the length in the second direction of the paper feeding means from which the recording medium stored in the storage means is fed.

17. 17. The recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a length of an area in which the first stacking unit can be positioned in the second direction is longer than a length of the paper discharge port in the second direction.

18. the recording means performs recording on the recording medium while moving in the second direction, 17. The recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the length of the movement area of ​​the recording means is longer than the length of the area in which the first stacking unit can be positioned in the second direction.

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