Media discharge device, media processing device, and control method for media discharge device

Abstract

There is a risk that the user may not be able to stop the discharge of the media from the discharge unit at any time. [Solution] The media discharge device 50 includes a mounting section 6a on which a media tray 61a capable of loading media P is detachably mounted, a discharge port 5a for discharging media P into the media tray 61a mounted on the mounting section 6a, a detection unit for detecting a "removal operation of the mounting section" for removing the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a, a restricting unit 7a capable of "restricting the removal of the mounting section" to restrict the removal of the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a, and control units 90 and 91. When the detection unit detects a "removal operation of the mounting section", the control units 90 and 91 stop the discharge of media P from the discharge port 5a and then release the "restriction on the removal of the mounting section" by the restricting unit 7a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medium discharge device, a medium processing device, and a control method for a medium discharge device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including a paper discharge tray on which paper is placed, a discharge unit that discharges paper onto the paper discharge tray, a distance measuring unit, and a control unit. The distance measuring unit measures the distance to an object on the paper discharge tray at a position separated by a predetermined distance in the stacking direction of the paper from the bottom surface of the paper discharge tray, in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the paper discharge tray and orthogonal to the paper discharge direction by the discharge unit. The control unit stops the discharge of paper by the discharge unit when the measured distance by the distance measuring unit falls below a specific distance that serves as a determination criterion. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the paper already stacked on the paper discharge tray from colliding with the paper newly discharged onto the paper discharge tray.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the user may not be able to stop the discharge of paper by the discharge unit at an arbitrary timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The media discharge device comprises a mounting unit on which a loading unit capable of loading media is detachably attached; a discharge unit for discharging the media into the loading unit mounted on the mounting unit; a detection unit for detecting the removal operation of the loading unit for removing the loading unit from the mounting unit; a regulating unit capable of restricting the removal of the loading unit from the mounting unit; and a control unit. The control unit, when the detection unit detects the removal operation of the loading unit, stops the discharge of the media from the discharge unit and then releases the restriction on the removal of the loading unit by the regulating unit.

[0006] The media processing device comprises a processing unit that processes a medium, and a media discharge device that discharges the medium processed by the processing unit.

[0007] A control method for a media discharge device comprises a mounting section on which a loading section for loading media is detachably mounted, and a discharge section for discharging the media from the loading section mounted on the mounting section, and includes: stopping the discharge of the media from the discharge section when a removal operation for removing the loading section from the mounting section is detected, and releasing the restriction on the removal of the loading section that restricts the removal of the loading section from the mounting section after the discharge of the media from the discharge section has been stopped. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the media processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating the process that occurs when the removal operation of the loading unit is detected. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6]A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the medium being transported in a media processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present disclosure will be described below based on embodiments. In each figure, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. As used herein, "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" do not mean exactly the same.

[0010] For example, in this specification, when "same," "identical," or "simultaneous" is used, it includes cases where measurement errors are taken into consideration. Also, for example, when "same," "identical," or "simultaneous" is used, it includes cases where manufacturing variations of the components are taken into consideration.

[0011] In this specification, when "the same", "identical", or "simultaneous" is described, it shall include cases where they are the same within a range that does not impair the function. Thus, for example, "the dimensions of both are the same" means that, considering measurement errors and manufacturing variations of the members, the dimensional difference between the two is within ±5 percent, particularly preferably within ±3 percent, of the dimension of one of them.

[0012] In each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. When specifying a direction, the positive direction is denoted as "+", the negative direction as "-", and the positive and negative signs are used together in the direction notation. The direction in which the arrow in each figure points is the + direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is the - direction for explanation.

[0013] The Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, the +Z direction indicates vertically upward, and the -Z direction indicates vertically downward. The plane including the X-axis and Y-axis is the X-Y plane, the plane including the X-axis and Z-axis is the X-Z plane, and the plane including the Y-axis and Z-axis is the Y-Z plane. The X-Y plane is the horizontal plane. For the three spatial axes X, Y, and Z without limiting the positive and negative directions, they are described as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis.

[0014] [[ID=])]

[0015] In the X-axis direction, the +X direction is the direction from the front of the device toward the back of the device, and the -X direction is the direction from the back of the device toward the front of the device.

[0016] The Y-axis direction is the horizontal direction along the installation surface G on which the media processing device 1 is installed. The Y-axis direction is the width direction of the media processing device 1. When looking at the media processing device 1 from the front, the +Y direction is on the left side and the -Y direction is on the right side. The front of the media processing device 1 is the surface on the side where the reception unit 11 that the user operates to give instructions to the media processing device 1 is located. <.)000094>

[0017] The Z-axis direction is the normal direction to the installation surface G on which the medium processing device 1 is installed, and is the height direction of the medium processing device 1. In the following description, the +Z direction may be referred to as "vertically upward" and the -Z direction may be referred to as "vertically downward".

[0018] In the following description, in the medium processing device 1, the front end in the transfer direction of the medium P may be referred to as "downstream", and the side opposite to the transfer direction may be referred to as "upstream". The transfer direction of the medium P includes the feeding direction, the conveying direction, and the discharging direction of the medium P.

[0019] In each figure, the transfer path along which the medium P is transferred is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In the medium processing device 1, the medium P is transferred through the transfer path indicated by the two-dot chain line. For the sake of illustration, the sizes of the respective members may be different from the actual ones.

[0020] The schematic configuration of the medium processing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the medium processing device 1 is configured as an inkjet printer, and forms an image by discharging ink onto a medium P which is an example of a sheet-like paper such as printing paper. The ink is an example of a liquid.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the medium processing device 1 includes a device main body 10 and a medium discharging device 50. The device main body 10 performs recording by discharging ink onto the medium P from a recording unit 24 provided in the device main body 10. The medium discharging device 50 discharges the medium P recorded by the recording unit 24 to a medium tray 61. In the medium tray 61 of the present embodiment, the medium P is discharged in a posture in which the immediately preceding recording surface of the medium P faces upward.

[0022] The housing 13 of the medium discharging device 50 is disposed at a position adjacent to the housing 12 of the device main body 10 on the +Y direction side. Thereby, the medium processing device 1 includes the medium discharging device 50 at a position on the +Y direction side with respect to the device main body 10. It can also be said that the medium processing device 1 includes the medium discharging device 50 downstream of the device main body 10 in the transfer direction of the medium P.

[0023] The main body 10 of the media processing device 1 includes a receiving unit 11, a transport path 17, a media storage unit 21, transport units 22, transport units 23, a recording unit 24, a media receiver 37, and a control unit 90. The media discharge device 50 of the media processing device 1 includes a transport path 51, a transport unit 54, an outlet 55, a mounting unit 56, and a control unit 91.

[0024] The transport path 51 includes discharge paths 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d. The transport section 54 includes transport roller pairs 4p, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d. The transport section 54 has a media detection section 52. The media detection section 52 includes media detection units 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. The discharge port 55 includes discharge ports 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. The mounting section 56 includes mounting units 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

[0025] The media tray 61, which is detachably mounted on the mounting section 56, may be prepared separately from the media discharge device 50, or it may be provided by the media discharge device 50.

[0026] Furthermore, the housing 13 of the media discharge device 50 may be integrally configured with the housing 12 of the main device body 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the discharge path 17b and discharge path 1e, the transport section 23, the media detection section 2e, the discharge port 5e, and the media receiver 37, which are part of the transport path 17, may be provided by the media discharge device 50. In this case, the housing 13 of the media discharge device 50 may be configured separately from the housing 12 of the main body of the device 10, or it may be configured integrally with the housing 12 of the main body of the device 10.

[0028] The reception unit 11 is located on the upper side of the housing 12 of the device body 10, on the side facing the -X direction, which is the front side. The reception unit 11 has a display unit 11a which is a touch panel. The user can input instructions to the media processing device 1 by touching the display unit 11a.

[0029] For example, when recording image data onto a medium P, the user can set via the receiving unit 11 which of the medium trays 61a, 61b, 61c, or 61d the recorded medium P should be ejected to. The receiving unit 11 may also be configured to have operation buttons.

[0030] The transport path 17 consists of a supply path 17a, a discharge path 17b, and a discharge path 1e. The supply path 17a is a transport path that transports the medium P from the medium storage section 21 onto the medium support section 31.

[0031] The discharge path 17b follows downstream of the supply path 17a. The discharge path 17b is a transport path that transports the medium P recorded by the recording unit 24 downstream. The downstream end of the discharge path 17b is connected to the discharge path 1a, which constitutes the transport path 51 of the medium discharge device 50.

[0032] The discharge path 1e branches off from the middle of the discharge path 17b and is a transport path for discharging the medium P recorded by the recording unit 24 from the discharge port 5e. The discharge port 5e is an opening provided in the housing 12 so that the medium P transported along the discharge path 1e can be discharged toward the medium receiver 37. The medium P discharged from the discharge port 5e is loaded onto the medium receiver 37. In this embodiment, the medium P is discharged into the medium receiver 37 in a position where the recording surface immediately in front of the medium P faces downwards.

[0033] The media storage section 21 is a cassette-type storage section capable of storing media P in a stacked state. At least one (four in Figure 1) media storage sections 21 are provided on the device body 10 so as to be detachable from the -X direction side of the device body 10.

[0034] The transport unit 22 supplies the medium P contained in the medium storage unit 21 toward the medium support unit 31 via the supply path 17a. The transport unit 22 includes a pickup roller 26, a pair of separation rollers 27, and a pair of transport rollers 30.

[0035] The pickup roller 26 rotates in conjunction with the drive of a feeding motor (not shown). As a result, the pickup roller 26 feeds the uppermost medium P of the medium P arranged in a stacked state in the medium storage section 21 downstream.

[0036] The separation roller pair 27 rotates in conjunction with the drive of a separation motor (not shown). As a result, the separation roller pair 27 separates the media P, which is fed out by the pickup roller 26, one sheet at a time.

[0037] The transport roller pair 30 rotates in conjunction with the drive of a transport motor (not shown). As a result, the transport roller pair 30 transports the medium P along the supply path 17a toward the medium support section 31 which is downstream in the supply direction.

[0038] The recording unit 24 records data onto the medium P. Recording performed on the medium P is an example of processing performed on the medium P. The recording unit 24 is an example of a processing unit that performs processing on the medium P.

[0039] The recording unit 24 includes a discharge unit 24h that performs recording by discharging ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown) onto the medium P. The discharge unit 24h is located on the +Z direction side of the medium support unit 31 and is positioned opposite the medium support unit 31 in the Z-axis direction, across the supply path 17a.

[0040] The recording unit 24 applies ink to the medium P supported by the medium support unit 31 by ejecting ink from the ejection unit 24h based on the recorded data. This forms an image on the medium P based on the recorded data.

[0041] The ejection unit 24h of the recording unit 24 in this embodiment is a so-called line head capable of simultaneously ejecting ink across the width direction of the medium P, which is the X-axis direction. Recording data is data generated based on image data to be recorded on the medium P, which causes the recording unit 24 to perform recording. Image data includes text data and image data.

[0042] Furthermore, the recording unit 24 is not limited to an inkjet method. The recording unit 24 may, for example, use an electrophotographic method or an impact method.

[0043] The transport unit 23 sends the medium P recorded by the recording unit 24 toward the medium discharge device 50 via the discharge path 17b. The transport unit 23 is equipped with a pair of transport rollers 4p in the discharge path 17b. The pair of transport rollers 4p rotates in conjunction with the drive of a transport motor (not shown). As a result, the pair of transport rollers 4p transports the medium P downstream along the discharge path 17b.

[0044] The transport unit 23 places the medium P recorded by the recording unit 24 onto the medium receiver 37 by discharging it from the discharge port 5e via the discharge path 1e. The transport unit 23 is equipped with a transport roller pair 4e in the discharge path 1e. The transport roller pair 4e rotates in conjunction with the drive of a transport motor (not shown). As a result, the transport roller pair 4e transports the medium P downstream along the discharge path 1e.

[0045] The transport unit 23 is equipped with a switching unit 3e at the branching point between the discharge path 17b and the discharge path 1e. The switching unit 3e is rotated, for example, by a solenoid (not shown) to switch the destination of the transport of the medium P toward either the downstream end of the discharge path 17b or the discharge path 1e.

[0046] The transport unit 23 includes a media detection unit 2e at the branching point between the discharge path 17b and the discharge path 1e in the discharge path 17b. For example, a reflective photosensor can be used as the media detection unit 2e.

[0047] The media detection unit 2e detects whether or not the media P is present at the branching point between the discharge path 17b and the discharge path 1e. This allows the media detection unit 2e to detect whether or not the media P has reached the switching unit 3e.

[0048] For example, if the destination of the medium P is towards the discharge port 5e, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has reached the discharge port 5e based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2e detected the medium P.

[0049] Alternatively, if the destination of the medium P is toward the discharge port 5e, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has been discharged from the discharge port 5e based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2e detected the medium P.

[0050] If the destination of the medium P is toward the downstream end of the discharge path 17b, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has been sent to the transport path 51 based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2e detected the medium P.

[0051] Discharge path 1a is a transport path for discharging the medium P sent from discharge path 17b through the discharge port 5a. Discharge path 1a is a transport path connecting discharge path 17b and the discharge port 5a.

[0052] The discharge port 5a is located on the side of the housing 13 on the +Y direction side and is an opening that faces in the +Y direction. The medium P discharged from the discharge port 5a is loaded onto the medium tray 61a.

[0053] Discharge route 1b is a transport route that branches off from discharge route 1a and discharges the medium P sent from discharge route 17b through the discharge port 5b. Discharge route 1b is a transport route that connects discharge route 1a and the discharge port 5b.

[0054] The discharge port 5b is provided on the side of the housing 13 on the +Y direction side and is an opening that faces in the +Y direction. The discharge port 5b is positioned at a distance from the discharge port 5a in the -Z direction. The medium P discharged from the discharge port 5b is loaded onto the medium tray 61b.

[0055] Discharge path 1c is a transport path that branches off from discharge path 1b and discharges the medium P sent from discharge path 17b through the discharge port 5c. Discharge path 1c is a transport path that connects discharge path 1b and the discharge port 5c.

[0056] The discharge port 5c is located on the side of the housing 13 on the +Y direction side and is an opening that faces in the +Y direction. The discharge port 5c is positioned at a distance from the discharge port 5b in the -Z direction. The medium P discharged from the discharge port 5c is loaded onto the medium tray 61c.

[0057] Discharge route 1d is a transport route that branches off from discharge route 1c and discharges the medium P sent from discharge route 17b through the discharge port 5d. Discharge route 1d is a transport route that connects discharge route 1c and the discharge port 5d.

[0058] The discharge port 5d is located on the side of the housing 13 on the +Y direction side and is an opening that faces in the +Y direction. The discharge port 5d is positioned at a distance from the discharge port 5c in the -Z direction. The medium P discharged from the discharge port 5d is loaded onto the medium tray 61d.

[0059] The conveying unit 54 conveys the medium P discharged from the discharge path 17b towards the discharge port 55 via the conveying path 51. The conveying unit 54 is equipped with conveying roller pairs 4p and 4a in the discharge path 1a.

[0060] This transport roller pair 4p is installed in the discharge path 1a at a position upstream of the branching point between discharge path 1a and discharge path 1b. The transport roller pair 4a is installed in the discharge path 1a at a position between the branching point between discharge path 1a and discharge path 1b and the discharge port 5a.

[0061] The transport roller pair 4p, 4a rotates in conjunction with the drive of a discharge motor (not shown). As a result, the transport roller pair 4p, 4a transports the medium P downstream along the discharge path 1a.

[0062] The transport unit 54 is equipped with a switching unit 3a at the branching point between the discharge path 1a and the discharge path 1b. The switching unit 3a is rotated, for example, by a solenoid (not shown) to switch the destination of the transport of the medium P toward either the discharge port 5a, which is the downstream end of the discharge path 1a, or toward the discharge path 1b.

[0063] The transport unit 54 is equipped with a medium detection unit 2a at the branching point between the discharge path 1a and the discharge path 1b. The medium detection unit 2a detects whether or not the medium P is present at the branching point between the discharge path 1a and the discharge path 1b. This allows the medium detection unit 2a to detect whether or not the medium P has reached the switching unit 3a.

[0064] For example, if the destination of the medium P is towards the discharge port 5a, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has reached the discharge port 5a based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2a detected the medium P.

[0065] Alternatively, if the destination of the medium P is toward the discharge port 5a, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has been discharged from the discharge port 5a based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2a detected the medium P.

[0066] The conveying unit 54 is equipped with a pair of conveying rollers 4p and 4b in the discharge path 1b. The pair of conveying rollers 4p is provided in the discharge path 1b at a position upstream of the branching point between the discharge path 1b and the discharge path 1c. The pair of conveying rollers 4b is provided in the discharge path 1b at a position between the branching point between the discharge path 1b and the discharge path 1c and the discharge port 5b.

[0067] The transport roller pair 4p,4b rotates in conjunction with the drive of a discharge motor (not shown). As a result, the transport roller pair 4p,4b transports the medium P downstream along the discharge path 1b.

[0068] The transport unit 54 is equipped with a switching unit 3b at the branching point between the discharge path 1b and the discharge path 1c. The switching unit 3b is rotated, for example, by a solenoid (not shown) to switch the destination of the transport of the medium P toward either the discharge port 5b, which is the downstream end of the discharge path 1b, or toward the discharge path 1c.

[0069] The transport unit 54 is equipped with a medium detection unit 2b at the branching point between the discharge path 1b and the discharge path 1c. The medium detection unit 2b detects whether or not the medium P is present at the branching point between the discharge path 1b and the discharge path 1c. This allows the medium detection unit 2b to detect whether or not the medium P has reached the switching unit 3b.

[0070] For example, if the destination of the medium P is towards the discharge port 5b, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has reached the discharge port 5b based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2b detected the medium P.

[0071] Alternatively, if the destination of the medium P is toward the discharge port 5b, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has been discharged from the discharge port 5b based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2b detected the medium P.

[0072] The conveying unit 54 is equipped with conveying roller pairs 4p and 4c in the discharge path 1c. The conveying roller pair 4p is located upstream of the branching point between the discharge path 1c and the discharge path 1d in the discharge path 1c. The conveying roller pair 4c is located between the branching point between the discharge path 1c and the discharge path 1d and the discharge port 5c in the discharge path 1c.

[0073] The transport roller pair 4p,4c rotates in conjunction with the drive of a discharge motor (not shown). As a result, the transport roller pair 4p,4c transports the medium P downstream along the discharge path 1c.

[0074] The transport unit 54 is equipped with a switching unit 3c at the branching point between the discharge path 1c and the discharge path 1d. The switching unit 3c is rotated, for example, by a solenoid (not shown) to switch the destination of the transport of the medium P toward either the discharge port 5c, which is the downstream end of the discharge path 1c, or toward the discharge path 1d.

[0075] The transport unit 54 is equipped with a medium detection unit 2c at the branching point between the discharge path 1c and the discharge path 1d. The medium detection unit 2c detects whether or not the medium P is present at the branching point between the discharge path 1c and the discharge path 1d. This allows the medium detection unit 2c to detect whether or not the medium P has reached the switching unit 3c.

[0076] For example, if the destination of the medium P is towards the discharge port 5c, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has reached the discharge port 5c based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2c detected the medium P.

[0077] Alternatively, if the destination of the medium P is towards the discharge port 5c, it is possible to determine whether or not the medium P has been discharged from the discharge port 5c based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2c detected the medium P.

[0078] The conveying unit 54 is equipped with conveying roller pairs 4p and 4d in the discharge path 1d. The conveying roller pair 4d is positioned in the discharge path 1d between the conveying roller pair 4p and the discharge port 5d.

[0079] The transport roller pairs 4p and 4d rotate in conjunction with the drive of a discharge motor (not shown). This causes the transport roller pairs 4p and 4d to transport the medium P downstream along the discharge path 1d.

[0080] The transport unit 54 includes a media detection unit 2d at a position between the transport roller pair 4p and the transport roller pair 4d in the discharge path 1d. The media detection unit 2d detects whether or not there is a medium P at the position between the transport roller pair 4p and the transport roller pair 4d.

[0081] For example, it is possible to determine whether the medium P has reached the discharge port 5d based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2d detected the medium P during transport. Alternatively, it is possible to determine whether the medium P has been discharged from the discharge port 5d based on the time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2d detected the medium P during transport.

[0082] The media discharge device 50 is provided with a mounting section 56 on the side of the housing 13 in the +Y direction. A media tray 61 is removably mounted on the mounting section 56. The media tray 61 is mounted on the mounting section 56 from the +Y direction side of the mounting section 56.

[0083] In this embodiment, the four media trays 61a, 61b, 61c, and 61d, which serve as the media tray 61, have the same configuration. The media tray 61 includes a storage section 62, a restricted section 63, and a gripping section 64. The media P is stored in the storage section 62.

[0084] The restricted portion 63 is provided on the bottom surface of the media tray 61 at the rear end in the direction of mounting to the mounting portion 56. When viewed from a direction along the X-axis, the restricted portion 63 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The restricted portion 63 is restricted by the restricting portion 57 of the mounting portion 56, which will be described later, thereby restricting the removal of the media tray 61 from the mounting portion 56.

[0085] The gripping portion 64 is provided on the bottom surface of the media tray 61 at the front end in the direction of mounting to the mounting portion 56. By gripping the gripping portion 64, the user can easily remove the media tray 61 from the mounting portion 56.

[0086] The mounting portion 56 of this embodiment is composed of mounting portions 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d of the same configuration. The four mounting portions 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are positioned to correspond to the four outlets 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d. As a result, the four mounting portions 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are arranged in this order on the side of the housing 13 on the +Y side, spaced apart from the +Z side in the -Z direction.

[0087] A media tray 61a is mounted on the mounting section 6a. The media P discharged from the discharge port 5a is loaded into the storage section 62 of the media tray 61a mounted on the mounting section 6a from the bottom surface of the storage section 62 in the +Z direction.

[0088] A media tray 61b is mounted on the mounting section 6b. The media P discharged from the discharge port 5b is loaded into the storage section 62 of the media tray 61b mounted on the mounting section 6b from the bottom surface of the storage section 62 in the +Z direction.

[0089] A media tray 61c is mounted on the mounting section 6c. The media P discharged from the discharge port 5c is loaded into the storage section 62 of the media tray 61c mounted on the mounting section 6c from the bottom surface of the storage section 62 in the +Z direction.

[0090] A media tray 61d is mounted on the mounting section 6d. The media P discharged from the discharge port 5d is loaded into the storage section 62 of the media tray 61d mounted on the mounting section 6d from the bottom surface of the storage section 62 in the +Z direction.

[0091] The mounting section 56 includes a restricting section 57, a sensor 58, and an object detection section 59. The restricting section 57 includes restricting sections 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d of the same configuration, which are provided on each of the mounting sections 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

[0092] Sensor 58 includes sensors 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d of the same configuration, provided on each mounting section 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. Object detection unit 59 includes object detection units 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d of the same configuration, provided on each mounting section 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d.

[0093] The restricting portion 57 is provided on the mounting portion 56 so as to restrict the removal of the media tray 61 from the mounting portion 56. The restricting portion 57 is provided on the lower wall of the mounting portion 56 that supports the bottom surface of the media tray 61 to be mounted, closer to the -Y direction from the center.

[0094] In other words, the restricting portion 57 is provided on the lower wall of the mounting portion 56 at the rear end in the direction in which the media tray 61 is mounted to the mounting portion 56. In other words, the restricting portion 57 is provided at a position upstream of the center of the lower wall of the mounting portion 56 in the direction in which the media P discharged into the media tray 61 is discharged.

[0095] For example, the restricting portion 57 has a projection that can move back and forth in the Z-axis direction relative to the restricting portion body by driving an actuator. As shown in Figure 1, the projection of the restricting portion 57 that protrudes in the +Z direction from the restricting portion body is located adjacent to the restricted portion 63 of the media tray 61 in the +Y direction.

[0096] As a result, the restricted portion 63 is restricted from moving in the +Y direction, thereby restricting the removal of the media tray 61 from the mounting portion 56. Hereafter, the restriction on the removal of the media tray 61, which is set to be the "stacking portion" described later, from the mounting portion 56 may be referred to as "restriction on removal of the stacking portion."

[0097] When the projection of the restricting part 57 is located inside the restricting part body (see restricting part 7a in Figure 8), the movement of the restricted part 63 in the +Y direction is not restricted, so the media tray 61 set as the "loading part" can be removed from the mounting part 56. As a result, the "restriction on removal of the loading part" by the restricting part 57 is released.

[0098] The sensor 58 is provided on the mounting portion 56 so as to be able to detect the displacement of the media tray 61 relative to the mounting portion 56. The sensor 58 is provided on the lower wall of the mounting portion 56, closer to the edge in the +Y direction from the center.

[0099] In other words, the sensor 58 is located on the lower wall of the mounting section 56, at the front end in the direction in which the media tray 61 is mounted to the mounting section 56. In other words, the sensor 58 is located downstream of the regulating section 57 in the discharge direction of the media P discharged into the media tray 61.

[0100] For example, suppose a user attempts to remove a media tray 61a that is mounted on the mounting section 6a. At this time, the media tray 61a mounted on the mounting section 6a is displaced from the mounted state shown in Figure 1 to a position where the bottom surface of the media tray 61a is separated upward from the lower wall of the mounting section 6a, as shown in Figure 4, for example.

[0101] In this case, based on the displacement of the media tray 61a relative to the mounting section 6a detected by the sensor 8a, it can be inferred that the media tray 61a is about to be removed from the mounting section 6a. That is, the sensor 58 can detect the "removal operation of the loading section," which is the operation to remove the media tray 61, which is set to be the "loading section," from the mounting section 56. The sensor 58 is an example of a detection unit that detects the "removal operation of the loading section."

[0102] The sensor 58 can be a reflective photosensor, a mechanical sensor such as a contact-type displacement sensor, or a weight sensor. Furthermore, the sensor 58 can also detect whether or not the media tray 61 is mounted on the mounting section 56.

[0103] The object detection unit 59 is provided on the mounting unit 56 so as to be able to detect the position of the media P contained in the storage section 62 of the media tray 61. The object detection unit 59 is provided on the upper wall of the mounting unit 56, which is located above the media tray 61 mounted on the mounting unit 56, and is positioned vertically above the storage section 62 of the media tray 61.

[0104] The object detection unit 59 can detect the distance between the object detection unit 59 and an object located vertically below it. For example, when media P is loaded in the storage section 62 of the media tray 61, the object detection unit 59 detects the distance between the object detection unit 59 and the topmost media P loaded in the storage section 62.

[0105] In this case, it is possible to infer whether or not the medium P can be loaded into the medium tray 61 based on the distance between the object detection unit 59 detected by the object detection unit 59 and the uppermost medium P loaded into the storage unit 62.

[0106] Alternatively, from the distance between the detected object detection unit 59 and the object located vertically below it, it is possible to infer that the object located vertically below is the media tray 61 and that there is no media P in the storage unit 62.

[0107] Alternatively, from the distance between the detected object detection unit 59 and the object located vertically below the object detection unit 59, it is possible to infer that the object located vertically below is the medium P (see medium Pp in Figure 6) being discharged from the discharge port 55.

[0108] Alternatively, from the distance between the detected object detection unit 59 and the object located vertically below it, it is possible to infer that the object located vertically below is the mounting unit 56, and that the media tray 61 is not mounted on the mounting unit 56.

[0109] The control units 90 and 91 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory unit, etc. (not shown). The CPU can execute various programs stored in the memory unit and can make various decisions and issue various commands.

[0110] The memory unit stores various programs, such as those used to control the drive of the transport units 22, 23, and 54, and the ejection of the ejection unit 24h in the recording unit 24, when recording onto the medium P. The memory unit also stores setting values, various tables, and the like.

[0111] The control units 90 and 91 have a communication function between them. This allows at least one of the control units 90 and 91 to control each part of the main body of the device 10. This allows at least one of the control units 90 and 91 to control each part of the media discharge device 50.

[0112] For example, at least one of the control units 90 and 91 performs drive control of the transport unit 22, the recording unit 24, etc., to record on the medium P. For example, at least one of the control units 90 and 91 performs drive control of the transport roller pair 4e and the switching unit 3e provided in the discharge path 1e, thereby discharging the medium P from the discharge port 5e and placing it on the medium receiver 37.

[0113] For example, at least one of the control units 90 and 91 drives and controls the various parts of the main unit 10 and the media discharge device 50. As a result, at least one of the control units 90 and 91 records on the media P and discharges the recorded media P to the media tray 61 via the transport paths 17 and 51 and the discharge port 55.

[0114] The media processing device 1 may have a control unit 90 located within the housing 13 of the media discharge device 50. In this case, the control unit 90 controls the drive of each part of the main body 10 and the media discharge device 50. In this case, the media processing device 1 does not need to have a control unit 91.

[0115] Next, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 2, the processes performed by the control units 90 and 91 when the sensor 58 detects a "removal operation of the loading section" while the medium P is being transported will be explained. The flow of processes performed by the control units 90 and 91 when the sensor 58 detects a "removal operation of the loading section" corresponds to the control method of the medium discharge device 50.

[0116] In the following explanation, the media processing device 1 is assumed to be transporting media P as shown in Figure 3. Of the transported media P, in Figure 3, the preceding media P in the transport path 51 may be referred to as media Pp, and the subsequent media P in the transport path 17 may be referred to as media Ps.

[0117] In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the "loading section" is configured with media tray 61a, and the "second loading section" is configured with media tray 61b. The "loading section" is the discharge destination for media P, where the transported media P is preferentially discharged, and is configured with one of the media trays 61 that can be removed from the mounting section 56.

[0118] The "second loading section" is the destination for the medium P when the medium P is not discharged to the "loading section," and is set to one of the medium trays 61 that are not set in the "loading section."

[0119] The settings for the "Loading Unit" and the "Second Loading Unit" can be configured by the user operating the reception unit 11. However, if no settings are made by the user, the pre-configured settings for the "Loading Unit" and the "Second Loading Unit" will be applied.

[0120] When the media tray 61a is set as the "loading section", the mounting section 6a to which the media tray 61a is attached corresponds to the "mounting section" to which a "loading section" capable of loading media P is detachably attached. When the media tray 61a is set as the "loading section", the discharge port 5a, which is the destination for transporting the media P, corresponds to the "discharge section" that discharges the media P to the "loading section".

[0121] When the media tray 61b is set to the "second loading section," the mounting section 6b to which the media tray 61b is attached corresponds to the "second mounting section" to which the "second loading section" capable of loading media P is detachably attached. When the media tray 61b is set to the "second loading section," the discharge port 5b, which is the destination for transporting the media P, corresponds to the "second discharge section" that discharges the media P to the "second loading section."

[0122] For example, as shown in Figure 4, when the media P is being transported, if the media tray 61a is displaced because the user attempts to remove it, the sensor 8a detects the displacement of the media tray 61a.

[0123] When the sensor 8a detects a displacement of the media tray 61a, the control units 90 and 91 determine that a "removal operation of the loading section" has been detected.

[0124] In this case, in step S110, the control units 90 and 91 check whether or not there is a medium P between the switching unit 3a and the discharge port 5a.

[0125] Specifically, based on the detection result of the medium P by the medium detection unit 2a, the control units 90 and 91 check whether the medium P has reached the switching unit 3a. Furthermore, based on the transport time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2a detected the medium P, the control units 90 and 91 check whether the medium P has reached the discharge port 5a.

[0126] As shown in Figure 4, if the medium Pp has reached the switching unit 3a, or as shown in Figure 5, if the medium Pp has reached the discharge port 5a, step S110 becomes YES, and the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S120.

[0127] If there is no medium Pp between the switching unit 3a and the discharge port 5a in the discharge path 1a, step S110 becomes NO, and the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S130.

[0128] In step S120, the control units 90 and 91 discharge the medium Pp between the switching unit 3a and the discharge port 5a from the discharge port 5a. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control units 90 and 91 control the transport roller pairs 4p and 4a to discharge the medium Pp between the switching unit 3a and the discharge port 5a in the discharge path 1a to the medium tray 61a.

[0129] After completing the process in step S120, the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S130.

[0130] In step S130, the control units 90 and 91 confirm whether the medium P can be placed on the "second loading unit". Specifically, based on the detection result of the object detection unit 9b, the control units 90 and 91 confirm whether the medium P can be placed on the medium tray 61b.

[0131] If the media P can be placed in the storage section 62 of the media tray 61b, step S130 becomes YES, and the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S140.

[0132] Furthermore, if, for example, multiple media trays 61b, 61c, and 61d that are not designated as "loading units" are set as the "second loading unit," then in step S130, the control units 90 and 91 check whether or not it is possible to place the media P on any of the media trays 61b, 61c, or 61d.

[0133] For example, suppose that media P cannot be placed on media tray 61b, but media P can be placed on media tray 61c. In this case, the control units 90 and 91 set media tray 61c as the "second loading section," set step S130 to YES, and proceed to step S140. In this case, the discharge port 5c for discharging media P into media tray 61c corresponds to the "second discharge section."

[0134] Alternatively, media P may not be placed on media tray 61b, but media P can be placed on media trays 61c and 61d. In this case, the control units 90 and 91 set either of the media trays 61c or 61d with the higher priority to be the "second loading unit," and then set step S130 to YES, moving the process to step S140.

[0135] In this case, the "second discharge section" is one of the discharge ports 5c or 5d that discharge the media P into either of the media trays 61c or 61d, which is set as the "second loading section". If the priority is not set by the user, the control units 90 and 91 will set one of the media trays 61c or 61d as the "second loading section" according to the pre-set priority.

[0136] In step S140, the control units 90 and 91 switch the transport destination of the medium P to the second discharge unit. Specifically, by setting the switching units 3a and 3b to the configuration shown in Figure 7, the control units 90 and 91 switch the transport destination of the medium P to the discharge port 5b.

[0137] As a result, the transport of the medium P to the discharge port 5a is stopped, and the medium Ps is transported toward the discharge port 5b, as shown in Figure 8. The medium Ps transported toward the discharge port 5b is discharged into the storage section 62 of the medium tray 61b, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0138] After completing the process in step S140, the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S170.

[0139] If the media P cannot be placed on the media tray 61b, step S130 becomes NO, and the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S150. Note that "the media P cannot be placed on the media tray 61b" includes not only cases where there is no space to accommodate the media P in the storage section 62 of the media tray 61b, but also cases where the media tray 61b is not mounted on the mounting section 6b.

[0140] In step S150, the control units 90 and 91 notify that the media P cannot be placed on the "second loading unit". Specifically, the control units 90 and 91 control the receiving unit 11 to notify that the media P cannot be placed on the media tray 61b.

[0141] If the media tray 61b is not installed, the control units 90 and 91 will issue a notification prompting the user to install the media tray 61b into the mounting unit 6b. If media P is already placed in the media tray 61b, the control units 90 and 91 will issue a notification prompting the user to remove the media P from the media tray 61b.

[0142] After completing the process in step S150, the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S160. For example, if the user receives notification in step S150 that the media P cannot be placed in the "second loading section," they may perform an action such as reconfiguring either the media tray 61c or 61d to the "second loading section."

[0143] In this case, the control units 90 and 91 may perform the process of step S130 again based on instructions from the user.

[0144] For example, suppose that multiple media trays 61b, 61c, and 61d that are not designated as "loading units" are set as the "second loading unit". In this case, if media P cannot be placed on any of the media trays 61b, 61c, or 61d, step S130 may be set to NO.

[0145] In this case, in step S150, the control units 90 and 91 may control the receiving unit 11 to notify that the media P cannot be placed on the media tray 61. If the media tray 61 is not installed, the control units 90 and 91 may notify the user to install one of the media trays 61b, 61c, or 61d into one of the mounting units 6b, 6c, or 6d.

[0146] If a media P is already placed in the media tray 61, the control units 90 and 91 may issue a notification prompting the removal of the media P from any of the media trays 61b, 61c, or 61d.

[0147] In step S160, the control units 90 and 91 stop the transport of the medium P by the transport units 22, 23, and 54. Specifically, they stop the transport of the medium P along the transport paths 17 and 51 by controlling the drive of the transport units 22, 23, and 54.

[0148] This stops the transport of the medium P to the discharge port 5a. After completing the process in step S160, the control units 90 and 91 proceed to step S170.

[0149] Step S160 is not necessarily required. After providing notification in step S150, the discharge of media P to the "loading section" may be continued until media P can be placed on the "second loading section".

[0150] Alternatively, the user may be asked whether or not to perform step S160. That is, the user may be asked whether to perform step S160 or to continue discharging the medium P to the "loading section".

[0151] In step S170, the control units 90 and 91 release the "removal restriction on the loading section" after a predetermined time has elapsed since stopping the discharge of the medium P from the discharge port 5a. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the control units 90 and 91 control the restricting section 7a to position the protrusion of the restricting section 7a inside the main body of the restricting section 7a.

[0152] As a result, the control units 90 and 91 release the restriction on the removal of the media tray 61a by the regulating unit 7a. After completing the process in step S170, the control units 90 and 91 terminate the process for when the sensor 58 detects a "removal operation of the loading unit" while the media P is being transported.

[0153] As shown in Figure 8, when the restriction on the removal of the media tray 61a by the restricting unit 7a is released, the user can remove the media tray 61a from the mounting unit 6a. As shown in Figure 9, after the media tray 61a has been removed from the mounting unit 6a, the sensor 8a or the object detection unit 9a does not detect that the media tray 61a has been mounted on the mounting unit 6a.

[0154] In this case, the restriction on the removal of the media tray 61a by the restricting unit 7a is released, and the state in which the media tray 61a can be mounted on the mounting unit 6a is maintained, as shown in Figure 10.

[0155] As shown in Figure 11, when the media tray 61a is mounted on the mounting section 6a, the sensor 8a or object detection unit 9a detects that the media tray 61a has been mounted on the mounting section 6a.

[0156] In this case, the control units 90 and 91 control the restricting unit 7a to cause the protrusion of the restricting unit 7a to protrude from the main body of the restricting unit in the +Z direction (see Figure 7). This restricts the removal of the media tray 61a from the mounting unit 6a.

[0157] The restriction on the removal of the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a by the restriction unit 7a may be performed by the control units 90 and 91 controlling the restriction unit 7a based on input from the user via the reception unit 11.

[0158] Furthermore, when the media tray 61a is set as the "loading section", the media receiver 37 may be set as the "second loading section". When the media receiver 37 is set as the "second loading section", the discharge port 5e corresponds to the "second discharge section" that discharges the media P to the "second loading section".

[0159] In this embodiment, in step S110, based on the detection result of the medium P by the medium detection unit 2e, the control units 90 and 91 check whether the medium Pp has reached the switching unit 3e. Furthermore, based on the transport time elapsed since the medium detection unit 2e detected the medium P, the control units 90 and 91 check whether the medium Pp has reached the discharge port 5a.

[0160] In this embodiment, in step S130, the control units 90 and 91 check whether the medium P can be placed on the medium receiver 37.

[0161] In this embodiment, in step S140, the control units 90 and 91 switch the destination of the medium P to the discharge port 5e by setting the switching units 3a and 3e to the configuration shown in Figure 12.

[0162] As a result, the transport of medium P to the discharge port 5a is stopped, and the subsequent medium Ps is transported toward the discharge port 5e. The subsequent medium Ps is transported toward the discharge port 5e and discharged into the medium receiver 37, as shown in Figure 13.

[0163] In this embodiment, in step S150, the control units 90 and 91 control the receiving unit 11 to notify that the medium P cannot be placed on the medium receiver 37.

[0164] As described above, the media discharge device 50, media processing device 1, and control method for the media discharge device 50 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0165] The media discharge device 50 includes a mounting section 6a on which a media tray 61a capable of loading media P is detachably mounted. The media discharge device 50 includes an outlet 5a for discharging media P into the media tray 61a mounted on the mounting section 6a. The media discharge device 50 includes a detection unit that detects a "removal operation of the loading section" for removing the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a. The media discharge device 50 includes a regulating unit 7a that can restrict the removal of the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a. The media discharge device 50 includes control units 90 and 91. When the detection unit detects a "removal operation of the loading section", the control units 90 and 91 stop the discharge of media P from the outlet 5a and then release the "removal restriction of the loading section" by the regulating unit 7a.

[0166] This allows the user to remove the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a at any time. Furthermore, since the "restriction on removal of the loading section" by the regulating section 7a is released after the discharge of the media P from the discharge port 5a is stopped, it is possible to prevent the media P from being discharged without the media tray 61a.

[0167] The detection unit is a sensor 8a that detects the "removal operation of the loading unit." This improves ease of use because the user does not need to perform any special operations.

[0168] The sensor 8a is located downstream of the regulating unit 7a in the discharge direction of the medium P discharged into the medium tray 61a.

[0169] According to this, compared to the case where the sensor 8a is located upstream of the regulating section 7a, the displacement of the media tray 61a at the position of the sensor 8a is more likely to be larger when the user attempts to remove the media tray 61a. Therefore, the sensor 8a is more likely to detect the removal operation of the loading section.

[0170] When the detection unit detects the "removal operation of the loading unit", the control units 90 and 91 stop the discharge of subsequent media Ps from the discharge port 5a after the discharge of media Pp that has reached the discharge port 5a is completed.

[0171] According to this, any media Pp that is in the process of being discharged is discharged from the discharge port 5a, which prevents the media Pp from stopping in an incomplete state. In particular, if the media Pp protrudes onto the media tray 61a, it may get in the way when attaching or detaching the media tray 61a, but this can be prevented.

[0172] The control units 90 and 91 release the "restriction on removal of the loading section" by the regulating unit 7a after a predetermined time has elapsed since stopping the discharge of the medium Pp from the discharge port 5a.

[0173] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the media Pp from being discharged without the media tray 61a. In particular, when the media Pp is discharged from the discharge port 5a and falls, by ensuring a falling time, it is possible to prevent the media tray 61a from being removed while the media Pp is falling.

[0174] The media ejection device 50 further includes a media tray 61a. This allows the user to remove the media tray 61a from the mounting unit 6a at any time.

[0175] The media discharge device 50 further includes a mounting section 6b to which a media tray 61b for loading media P is detachably mounted. The media discharge device 50 further includes an outlet 5b for discharging media P into the media tray 61b mounted on the mounting section 6b. The media discharge device 50 further includes a transport section 54 capable of transporting media P to the outlets 5a and 5b. The media discharge device 50 further includes switching sections 3a and 3b for switching the destination of media P transported by the transport section 54 between the outlets 5a and 5b. When the detection section detects the "removal operation of the loading section", the control units 90 and 91 switch the destination of media P to the outlet 5b using the switching sections 3a and 3b. At the same time, after the discharge of media P from the outlet 5a is stopped, the control units 90 and 91 release the "removal restriction of the loading section" by the regulating section 7a.

[0176] According to this, in addition to stopping the discharge of the medium P from the discharge port 5a, the destination of the medium P is switched to the discharge port 5b, so the discharge of the medium P can continue. Therefore, while suppressing a decrease in throughput, it becomes possible for the user to remove the medium tray 61a from the mounting unit 6a at any time.

[0177] Furthermore, since the "restriction on removal of the loading section" by the regulating unit 7a is released after the discharge of the media P from the discharge port 5a is stopped, it is possible to prevent the media P from being discharged when the media tray 61a is not present.

[0178] When the detection unit detects the "removal operation of the loading unit", the control units 90 and 91 stop the discharge of the subsequent medium Ps from the discharge port 5a after the discharge of the medium Pp that has reached the switching unit 3a is completed.

[0179] According to this, if the switching of the transport destination for the medium P cannot be completed in time, the medium Pp will be discharged from the discharge port 5a, thereby preventing the medium Pp from stopping in an incomplete state. In particular, for print jobs with a set order, this prevents the order from being changed. Specifically, if the medium Pp protrudes onto the medium tray 61a, it may get in the way when attaching or detaching the medium tray 61a, but this can be prevented.

[0180] When the detection unit detects the "removal operation of the loading unit" and the media tray 61b is capable of loading media P, the control units 90 and 91 switch the destination of the media P to the discharge port 5b using the switching units 3a and 3b. At the same time, after the discharge of media P from the discharge port 5a is stopped, the control units 90 and 91 release the "restriction on removal of the loading unit" imposed by the regulating unit 7a.

[0181] According to this, the media tray 61b, which is the destination for the media P, is capable of holding media P, so the discharge of media P can continue.

[0182] The control units 90 and 91 stop the transport of media P by the transport unit 54 when the detection unit detects the "removal operation of the loading unit" and the media tray 61b is not capable of loading media P. At the same time, after stopping the discharge of media P from the discharge port 5a, the control units 90 and 91 release the "restriction on removal of the loading unit" by the regulating unit 7a.

[0183] According to this, if the media tray 61b is not capable of loading the media P, the transport unit 54 stops transporting the media P, thereby suppressing transport failures of the media P.

[0184] The media ejection device 50 further includes a media tray 61b. This allows the user to remove the media tray 61a from the mounting unit 6a at any time while suppressing a decrease in throughput.

[0185] The media discharge device 50 further includes a media receiver 37 for loading media P. The media discharge device 50 further includes an outlet 5e for discharging media P into the media receiver 37. The media discharge device 50 further includes transport units 23 and 54 capable of transporting media P to outlets 5a and 5e. The media discharge device 50 further includes switching units 3a and 3e that switch the destination of media P transported by the transport units 23 and 54 between outlets 5a and 5e. When the detection unit detects the "removal operation of the loading unit", the control units 90 and 91 switch the destination of media P to outlet 5e using the switching units 3a and 3e. At the same time, after the discharge of media P from outlet 5a is stopped, the control units 90 and 91 release the "removal restriction of the loading unit" by the regulating unit 7a.

[0186] According to this, in addition to stopping the discharge of the medium P from the discharge port 5a, the destination of the medium P is switched to the discharge port 5e, so the discharge of the medium P can continue. Therefore, while suppressing a decrease in throughput, it becomes possible for the user to remove the medium tray 61a from the mounting unit 6a at any time.

[0187] The media processing device 1 comprises a recording unit 24 that records data on a medium P, and a media discharge device 50 that discharges the medium P recorded by the recording unit 24. This configuration allows the media processing device 1 to provide the effects of the media discharge device 50.

[0188] The control method for the media discharge device 50 is a control method for a media discharge device 50 comprising a mounting section 6a on which a media tray 61a for loading media P is detachably mounted, and a discharge port 5a for discharging media P into the media tray 61a mounted on the mounting section 6a. The control method for the media discharge device 50 includes stopping the discharge of media P from the discharge port 5a when a "removal operation of the loading section" for removing the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a is detected. The control method for the media discharge device 50 also includes releasing the "removal restriction of the loading section" that restricts the removal of the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a after the discharge of media P from the discharge port 5a has been stopped.

[0189] This allows the user to remove the media tray 61a from the mounting section 6a at any time. Furthermore, since the "removal restriction of the loading section" is released after the discharge of media P from the discharge port 5a is stopped, it is possible to prevent media P from being discharged without the media tray 61a.

[0190] The media discharge device 50 according to the above embodiment of this disclosure is based on having the configuration described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0191] The media processing apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment of this disclosure is based on having the configuration described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0192] The control method for the media discharge device 50 according to the above embodiment of this disclosure is based on having the configuration described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0193] The embodiments described above and other embodiments described below can be combined and implemented to the extent that they do not conflict with each other technically. Other embodiments are described below.

[0194] In the above embodiment, the media trays 61b, 61c, and 61d do not need to be detachably mounted to the mounting portions 6b, 6c, and 6d. In this case, the media trays 61b, 61c, and 61d may be provided integrally with the mounting portions 6b, 6c, and 6d. In this case, the media discharge device 50 includes the media trays 61b, 61c, and 61d in the housing 13.

[0195] In the above embodiment, the media discharge device 50 does not need to have mounting sections 6b, 6c, 6d on which media trays 61b, 61c, 61d can be mounted.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the control units 90 and 91 may determine that a "removal operation of the loading unit" has been detected when the receiving unit 11 receives an input indicating a desire to remove the media tray 61a set in the "loading unit". In this case, the receiving unit 11 is an example of a detection unit that detects the "removal operation of the loading unit". According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0197] The detection unit is a reception unit 11 that receives input for removing the media tray 61a. This allows time to be gained to stop the discharge of media P from the discharge port 5a, which is the "discharge unit," before the user actually removes the media tray 61a, which is set as the "loading unit."

[0198] In the above embodiment, the sensor 8a does not need to detect the displacement of the media tray 61a set in the "loading section". For example, the sensor 8a may detect when the user grasps the media tray 61a. In this case, the control units 90 and 91 may determine that a "removal operation of the loading section" has been detected when the sensor 8a detects when the user grasps the media tray 61a.

[0199] In this embodiment, for example, the gripping portion 64 may be displaced by the user gripping it. For example, the sensor 8a in this embodiment is provided on the mounting portion 6a so as to be able to detect the displacement of the gripping portion 64.

[0200] In this case, the sensor 8a detects the user gripping the media tray 61a by detecting the displacement of the gripping portion 64. In this embodiment, the control units 90 and 91 determine that a "removal operation of the loading portion" has been detected when the sensor 8a detects the displacement of the gripping portion 64 due to the user gripping.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the detection unit does not have to be a sensor 8a that detects the displacement of the media tray 61a set in the "loading unit". For example, the media discharge device 50 may be equipped with a motion sensor that can detect a user approaching the media tray 61a.

[0202] In this embodiment, the control units 90 and 91 determine that a "removal operation of the loading unit" has been detected when the motion sensor detects a user approaching the media tray 61a. In this case, the motion sensor is an example of a detection unit that detects the "removal operation of the loading unit." As the motion sensor, a device that detects human movement and heat in the surrounding environment using infrared rays, ultrasound, microwaves, etc., can be employed.

[0203] In the above embodiment, the media processing device 1 may be equipped with an operation button that the user operates when they wish to remove the media tray 61a set in the "loading section". For example, the operation button may be located on the housing 13 of the media discharge device 50, or on the mounting section 6a. Alternatively, the operation button may be located on the media tray 61a.

[0204] In this embodiment, the control units 90 and 91 determine that a "removal operation of the loading unit" has been detected when the operation button is operated. In this case, the operation button is an example of a detection unit that detects the "removal operation of the loading unit". In this embodiment, the sensor 8a may be omitted.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the media processing device 1 may include a drying unit for drying the medium P. In this case, the media discharge device 50 discharges the medium P that has been dried by the drying unit. The drying performed on the medium P by the drying unit is an example of a process performed on the medium P, and the drying unit is an example of a processing unit. In this case, the media processing device 1 does not need to include a recording unit 24.

[0206] In the above embodiment, the media processing device 1 may include a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the medium P. In this case, the media discharge device 50 discharges the medium P that has been post-processed by the post-processing unit. The post-processing performed on the medium P by the post-processing unit is an example of processing performed on the medium P, and the post-processing unit is an example of a processing unit. In this case, the media processing device 1 does not need to include a recording unit 24.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the media processing device 1 may include a pre-processing unit that performs pre-processing on the medium P. In this case, the media discharge device 50 discharges the medium P that has been pre-processed by the pre-processing unit. The pre-processing performed on the medium P by the pre-processing unit is an example of processing performed on the medium P, and the pre-processing unit is an example of a processing unit. In this case, the media processing device 1 does not need to include a recording unit 24.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the media processing device 1 may include a reading unit that performs a reading process to read an image recorded on the medium P. In this case, the media ejection device 50 ejects the medium P that has been read by the reading unit. The reading process performed by the reading unit on the medium P is an example of a process performed on the medium P, and the reading unit is an example of a processing unit. In this case, the media processing device 1 does not need to include a recording unit 24.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the order of the steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 2 may be changed arbitrarily. In the above embodiment, multiple steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 2 may be executed simultaneously.

[0210] For example, step S130 may be executed before step S110. In this case, if step S130 is YES, the process may proceed to step S110. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 1...media processing device, 10...device body, 11...acceptance part, 11A...display part, 12, 13...casing, 17,51...transport path, 17a...supply path, 17b, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e...discharge path, 21...media storage part, 22, 23, 54...transport part, 24...note Recording part, 24h...Exhalation part, 26...Practice part, 27...Separation part, 30, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4 p...Transportation robot, 31...Media support department, 50...Media ejection device, 52, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e...Media ejection department, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3e… Switching section, 55, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e… Discharge outlet, 56, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d… Clothing section, 57, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d… Regulation section, 58, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d… Center, 59, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d… Object detection section, 61, 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d… Media trailer, 62… Storage section, 63… Regulated section, 64… Holding section, 90, 91… Control section, P, Pp, Ps… Media, S110, S120, S130, S140, S150, S160, S170… Step.

Claims

1. A mounting section on which a loading section capable of loading media is detachably attached, The loading section attached to the mounting section is equipped with a discharge section for discharging the medium, A detection unit for detecting the removal operation of the loading unit for removing the loading unit from the mounting unit, A restricting unit capable of restricting the removal of the loading unit from the mounting unit, Control unit and Equipped with, When the detection unit detects the removal operation of the loading unit, the control unit stops the discharge of the medium from the discharge unit and then releases the restriction on the removal of the loading unit by the regulating unit. A media discharge device characterized by the following features.

2. The detection unit is a sensor that detects the removal operation of the loading unit. The media discharge device according to feature 1.

3. The sensor is provided downstream of the regulating section in the discharge direction of the medium discharged to the loading section. The media discharge device according to claim 2.

4. The detection unit is a reception unit that receives input for removing the loading unit. The media discharge device according to feature 1.

5. The control unit stops the discharge of subsequent media from the discharge unit after the discharge of the media that has reached the discharge unit is completed when the detection unit detects the removal operation of the loading unit. The media discharge device according to feature 1.

6. The control unit releases the restriction on the removal of the loading unit by the regulating unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since stopping the discharge of the medium from the discharge unit. The media discharge device according to feature 1.

7. The aforementioned loading section is further provided, The media discharge device according to feature 1.

8. A second mounting section on which the aforementioned medium is loaded is detachably attached, The second mounting portion is fitted to the second loading portion, and the second discharge portion is used to discharge the medium. The discharge unit and the second discharge unit are provided with a transport unit capable of transporting the medium, A switching unit that switches the destination of the medium transported by the transport unit to the discharge unit and the second discharge unit, Furthermore, When the detection unit detects the removal operation of the loading unit, the control unit switches the destination of the medium to the second discharge unit using the switching unit, and after stopping the discharge of the medium from the discharge unit, it releases the restriction on the removal of the loading unit by the regulating unit. A media discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

9. The control unit stops the discharge of subsequent media from the discharge unit after the discharge of the media that has reached the switching unit is completed when the detection unit detects the removal operation of the loading unit. The media discharge device according to feature 8.

10. The control unit, when the detection unit detects the removal operation of the loading unit and the second loading unit is capable of loading the medium, switches the destination of the medium to the second discharge unit using the switching unit, and after stopping the discharge of the medium from the discharge unit, releases the restriction on the removal of the loading unit by the regulating unit. The media discharge device according to feature 8.

11. The control unit, upon detection of the removal operation of the loading unit and determining that the second loading unit is unable to load the medium, stops the transport of the medium by the transport unit and, after stopping the discharge of the medium from the discharge unit, releases the restriction on the removal of the loading unit by the regulating unit. The media discharge device according to feature 8.

12. The second loading section is further provided, The media discharge device according to feature 8.

13. A second loading section for loading the aforementioned medium, The second loading section includes a second discharge section for discharging the medium, The discharge unit and the second discharge unit are provided with a transport unit capable of transporting the medium, A switching unit that switches the destination of the medium transported by the transport unit to the discharge unit and the second discharge unit, Furthermore, When the detection unit detects the removal operation of the loading unit, the control unit switches the destination of the medium to the second discharge unit using the switching unit, and after stopping the discharge of the medium from the discharge unit, it releases the restriction on the removal of the loading unit by the regulating unit. A media discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

14. A processing unit that processes the medium, A medium discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which discharges the medium processed by the processing unit, Equipped with, A media processing apparatus characterized by the following:

15. A control method for a media discharge device comprising: a mounting section on which a loading section for loading media is detachably attached; and a discharge section for discharging the media from the loading section attached to the mounting section, When an operation to remove the loading unit from the mounting unit is detected, the discharge of the medium from the discharge unit is stopped. After stopping the discharge of the medium from the discharge section, the restriction on removing the loading section from the mounting section is released. including, A control method for a media discharge device, characterized by the following:

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