Recording device, control method for recording device, and program

Abstract

It suppresses jam formation. [Solution] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a recording device having a mounting section having a mounting surface on which an ejected recording medium is placed, a lifting section provided on the mounting section and capable of protruding from the mounting surface, and a detection section for detecting a recording medium stacked on the mounting section, characterized in that, before performing a recording process to record on a plurality of recording media in succession, if a recording medium is detected by the detection section, the device prompts the removal of the recording medium stacked on the mounting section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device, a control method for the recording device, and a program, and specifically relates to detection of the loading amount in a discharge tray.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional recording device, after image recording (i.e., printing) is completed, the loading amount of a discharge tray on which the discharged paper is loaded is detected by an optical sensor or the like, and monitoring is performed so as not to exceed the maximum loading amount. This prevents malfunction such as jamming caused by the discharged paper.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, during printing of a job for continuous printing of multiple sheets, when the loading limit number of sheets in the discharge tray is reached, if the remaining discharge number of sheets of the job is less than or equal to the surplus loading possible number, control is performed to print until the end. This control enables continuous printing of the job as much as possible within the range where no malfunction occurs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, during printing of a job for continuous printing of multiple sheets, a configuration in which a part of the discharge tray moves up and down is not considered. That is, in a recording device having this configuration, the optical sensor for detecting the loading amount detects the elevating part of the discharge tray, so that the loading amount cannot be accurately detected during printing.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the occurrence of jams in a recording device having a configuration in which a part of the discharge tray moves up and down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a recording device having a mounting section having a mounting surface on which discharged recording media are placed, a lifting section provided on the mounting section and capable of protruding from the mounting surface, and a detection section for detecting recording media stacked on the mounting section, characterized in that, before performing a recording process to record on a plurality of recording media in succession, if a recording media is detected by the detection section, the device prompts the removal of the recording media stacked on the mounting section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, in a recording device having a configuration in which a part of the discharge tray moves up and down, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of jams. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the configuration of the multifunction printer. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the detailed configuration of the printer section of a multifunction device. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. [Figure 4] Side view of the multifunction printer [Figure 5] This diagram shows the configuration of the recording system when a high-capacity paper feed unit is installed on a multifunction printer. [Figure 6] Front view showing the recording system with the cover of the multifunction printer open. [Figure 7] Plan view of the mounting section [Figure 8] Perspective view of the mounting section [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of the mounting section viewed from the Y direction. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the configuration of the recording system when a post-processing device is attached to a multifunction printer. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the relay transport section around the mounting section when a post-processing device is attached to a multifunction printer. [Figure 12]Figure showing the first modification example [Figure 13] Figure showing the second modification example [Figure 14] Figure showing the third modification example [Figure 15] Schematic view of the placement part in the first embodiment as seen from the Y direction [Figure 16] Flowchart of control at the start of printing in the first embodiment [Figure 17] Flowchart of control at the start of printing in the second embodiment [Figure 18] Flowchart of control during printing in the third embodiment

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, specific descriptions may be made for the sake of sufficient explanation, but these are merely examples showing technically preferable examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure more than necessary. For example, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure only to those, unless otherwise specified.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Recording Device> Hereinafter, the configuration of the recording device in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, a multifunction printer will be described as an example of the recording device, but the technology of the present disclosure can be applied to any device that discharges a liquid such as ink and records an image on a recording medium such as paper (hereinafter referred to as a medium). Examples of such devices include (image) recording devices such as inkjet printers and FAX machines.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped apparatus main body 12, an image reading unit 13 disposed above the apparatus main body 12, and an automatic document feeder 14 disposed above the image reading unit 13. The apparatus main body 12 also serves as the main part of the printer unit 15. The multifunction machine 11 has a configuration in which the printer unit 15, the image reading unit 13, and the automatic document feeder 14 are stacked in order from the bottom in the vertical direction Z. The apparatus main body 12 has a conveyance path T (see T1 to T11 in FIG. 2) for conveying a medium M such as paper. The multifunction machine 11 is installed on an installation surface F with a plurality of casters 16 provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body 12 grounded.

[0013] The image reading unit 13 is configured to be able to read images such as characters and photographs recorded on a document D (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1). The automatic document feeder 14 has a document tray 17 on which the document D can be placed. The automatic document feeder 14 feeds the document D placed on the document tray 17 toward the image reading unit 13. The document D after being read by the image reading unit 13 is discharged to a discharge tray 18. Further, the automatic document feeder 14 also serves as a document table cover of the image reading unit 13 and is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the image reading unit 13. When the automatic document feeder 14 is opened, a document table (not shown) disposed on the upper surface of the image reading unit 13 is exposed. After placing a document on the document table, the automatic document feeder 14 is closed. The image reading unit 13 can read the document placed on the document table.

[0014] Also, an operation panel 19 that is operated when giving an instruction to the multifunction machine 11 is provided above the apparatus main body 12. The operation panel 19 has a display unit 19A. The display unit 19A has, for example, a screen formed of a touch panel. A touch panel is a display panel that can give an instruction to the multifunction machine 11 by touching the screen. Note that the operation panel 19 may have operation buttons, or may be configured to include only operation buttons without the display unit 19A.

[0015] The multifunction printer 11 includes a cassette 20 (media storage section) for holding multiple media M. Multiple media M are stored in the cassette 20. The cassette 20 is, for example, a paper feed cassette capable of storing paper as an example of media M. The multifunction printer 11 of this embodiment has a total of four cassettes 20. The four cassettes 20 are arranged in four layers at the bottom of the device body 12, overlapping in the vertical Z direction. Multiple cassettes 20 are mounted on the device body 12 in a removable manner. The cassettes 20 are configured to be pullable out in the Y-axis direction relative to the device body 12. Multiple cassettes 20 can hold media M of different sizes or paper types, for example.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, each cassette 20 has a cassette cover 20K facing the Y-axis direction. This cassette cover 20K is an example of a cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body 12, and is provided on the side surface 12F of the device body 12 facing the Y-axis direction. For improved usability, the direction in which the side surface 12F on which the cassette cover 20K is provided faces is the same as the direction in which the operation panel 19 of the multifunction printer 11 faces. The cassette cover 20K is provided on the cassette 20 which can be pulled out in the Y-axis direction. The cassette cover 20K is also provided with a handle 20E for the user to pull out the cassette 20.

[0017] Furthermore, the number of cassettes 20 can be set arbitrarily. The number of cassettes 20 is not limited to 4; it may be 2, 3, 5, 6 or more. In addition, a multi-story cassette 20 may be composed of an optional expansion unit in which some of the cassettes are added. For example, the multifunction printer 11 may have a standard configuration with 2 cassettes 20, and the user may optionally add an expansion unit with 2 cassettes 20. The expansion unit may also be configured to allow for the addition of cassettes 20 one at a time.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side surface 12S of the main body 12 of the device is provided with a cover CV that can switch between a first state in which the transport path T (see Figure 2) is exposed and a second state in which the transport path T is covered. The cover CV is divided into a first cover 21 and a second cover 22.

[0019] In other words, the side surface 12S is provided with a first cover 21 and a second cover 22 located below the first cover 21, both of which can be opened and closed relative to the device body 12. Furthermore, the side surface 12S is provided with a third cover 23 located below the second cover 22, which can be opened and closed relative to the device body 12.

[0020] The first cover 21 is larger than the second cover 22. That is, the first cover 21 occupies a larger area (occupied area) on the side surface 12S than the second cover 22. The first cover 21 has a handle 21A for the user to open and close it. The first cover 21 also includes a feed tray 24 as an example of a tray for placing the medium M. The feed tray 24 is attached to the first cover 21 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The feed tray 24 has a handle 24A.

[0021] The second cover 22 and the third cover 23 are substantially the same size and shape. The second cover 22 has a handle 22A for the user to open and close it. The third cover 23 also has a handle 23A for the user to open and close it. The second cover 22 and the third cover 23 are provided with the handles 22A and 23A at substantially the same position on each cover surface (upper left position in Figure 1). In this embodiment, the first cover 21, the second cover 22, and the third cover 23 allow most of the side surface 12S to be opened and closed.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a front cover 25 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front of the device body 12 in the upper right area of ​​the cassette 20. Here, "front" refers to the surface that the user faces when performing basic operations, and is the surface on which the operation panel 19 and the cassette cover 20K are located. The front cover 25 can be opened and closed by swinging it sideways with its right end as the pivot point. Note that the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 may differ in at least one of their size and shape. Alternatively, in Figure 1, the third cover 23 may be omitted, and the second cover 22 may be made of a single cover having the combined size of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 shown in Figure 1.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the device body 12 has a recording unit 30 that records on a medium M (see Figure 2). The recording unit 30 records on medium M supplied from the cassette 20 and medium M supplied from the supply tray 24. Inside the device body 12 is a liquid supply source 35 (see Figure 2) that contains ink as an example of a liquid. The recording unit 30 records on the medium M using a liquid such as ink supplied from the liquid supply source 35. As shown in Figure 1, a window 26 is provided on the front of the device body 12 in an area corresponding to the liquid supply source 35. The user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid supply source 35 through the window 26.

[0024] A concave mounting section 31 is provided between the main body 12 of the device and the image reading unit 13. The mounting section 31 includes a discharge tray 32 that forms its bottom. The discharge tray 32 is a plate-shaped member, and the discharged media M is stacked on the upper surface of the discharge tray 32. The discharge tray 32 is inclined at a predetermined angle such that the downstream side in the discharge direction from which the recorded media M is discharged is higher than the upstream side. The main body 12 has a discharge port 71 (Figure 8) that opens into one of the side walls (right side wall) that forms the concave part of the mounting section 31. The recorded media M is discharged from the discharge port 71 and stacked on the discharge tray 32 of the mounting section 31. The media M discharged onto the discharge tray 32 descends along the slope due to its own weight and hits a regulating wall (not shown), thereby aligning the upstream end in the discharge direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, when viewing the mounting section 31 from the Y direction, the diagonal direction in which the discharge tray 32 extends is defined as direction B. Of the B directions, the direction having a component in the +Z direction is defined as the +B direction, and the direction having a component in the -Z direction is defined as the -B direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to direction B that forms the slope of the discharge tray 32 is defined as direction C. Of the C directions, the direction having a component in the +Z direction is defined as the +C direction, and the direction having a component in the -Z direction is defined as the -C direction.

[0026] <Printer Unit Configuration> The detailed configuration of the printer unit 15 shown in Figure 1 will be explained below with reference to Figure 2. The main body of the device 12 is provided with a transport unit 40 that transports the medium M along the transport path T, and a recording unit 30 that records on the medium M. Furthermore, it is provided with a medium width sensor 33 that detects the medium M being transported along the transport path T, a liquid supply source 35 that supplies liquid such as ink to the recording unit 30, a waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​that stores waste liquid such as ink, and a control unit 37 that controls the operation of each part of the multifunction printer 11.

[0027] The recording unit 30 includes a liquid ejection head 30A that ejects a liquid such as ink onto the medium M. The liquid ejection head 30A ejects a liquid such as ink, supplied from a liquid supply source 35 through a tube (not shown), from a nozzle (not shown). The liquid supply source 35 may be a replaceable liquid cartridge such as an ink cartridge, or a liquid tank that can be refilled with liquid such as an ink tank.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, the liquid ejection head 30A is positioned at an angle to the horizontal. That is, the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head 30A, from which the liquid ejection nozzle opens, is positioned at an angle to the horizontal. The liquid ejection head 30A faces the conveyor belt 48. The liquid ejection head 30A ejects liquid onto the medium M being conveyed along the conveying direction A on the conveyor belt 48. The angle at which the liquid ejection head 30A is tilted relative to the horizontal can be changed as appropriate. For example, the liquid ejection head 30A and the conveyor belt 48 may be positioned horizontally (tilt angle 0°). The recording unit 30 may also be configured to include recording heads other than the liquid ejection head 30A that ejects liquid. Other recording heads may include dot impact recording heads, thermal recording heads, or, for example, laser recording heads that record with toner.

[0029] The conveying unit 40 is equipped with a plurality of rollers provided along the conveying path T. Specifically, the conveying unit 40 has a feeding roller 41 and a pair of separating rollers 42 for the cassette 20, and a feeding roller 43 and a separating roller 44 for the feeding tray 24. The conveying unit 40 also has conveying roller pairs 45-47, 54-56 of the conveying system, discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, conveying rollers 61-64, and an incoming roller 65. The conveying path T includes the first to sixth conveying paths T1-T6, which are the conveying paths of the feeding system, and the seventh to ninth conveying paths T7-T9 and the reversing paths T10, T11, which are the conveying paths of the conveying system.

[0030] More specifically, a feed roller 41 and a pair of separation rollers 42 are provided for each of the multiple cassettes 20 mounted on the main body 12 of the device, near the downstream end in the feeding direction of each cassette 20. The multiple media M contained in the cassette 20 are placed on a mounting plate 20F that is biased towards the +Z side (upwards), with the downstream portion in the feeding direction being placed on the mounting plate 20F. The mounting plate 20F is rotatably mounted on the main body 12 of the cassette 20, and biases the media M towards the +Z side, lifting it upwards as it moves downstream in the feeding direction. The uppermost media M of the multiple media M placed on the mounting plate 20F is pressed against the feed roller 41. As the feed roller 41 rotates in this state, the uppermost media M is fed out in the feeding direction. The fed-out media M is then separated by the separation action of the pair of separation rollers 42, which rotates while nipped at the separation rollers 42, and only one media M is separated and fed downstream. The media M supplied from each cassette 20 is transported along the transport paths T1 to T4 towards the +Z side and reaches the transport path T7. The media M supplied from the cassette 20 is transported towards the downstream transport path T7 by transport rollers 61 to 64 provided along each transport path T1 to T4.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the feeding tray 24 is equipped with edge guides 24B for positioning the placed medium M in the width direction. The first cover 21 is equipped with feeding rollers 43 for feeding the medium M placed on the feeding tray 24 to the transport path T. The first cover 21 is also equipped with separation rollers 44 that rotate in contact with the feeding rollers 43. The transport path T5, through which the medium M is transported from the feeding tray 24 by the feeding rollers 43 and separation rollers 44, merges with the transport path T7.

[0032] Furthermore, there is a transport path T6 for loading the medium M from the loading entrance (not shown) of the second cover 22. The transport path T6 is a transport route used when the medium M is loaded into the multifunction printer 11 from an external device. The second cover 22 is provided with loading rollers 65 for loading the medium M from the loading entrance along the transport path T6. In addition, the transport rollers 61 also serve as transport rollers for transporting the medium M along the transport path T6. The medium M loaded from the transport path T6 merges with the transport path T7 downstream.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the transport path T7 is curved in the region facing the medium width sensor 33 and extends diagonally upward from the medium width sensor 33. The medium M is transported along the transport path T7 to the recording position RP facing the liquid ejection head 30A by the rotation of the transport roller pairs 45, 46, and 47. At the recording position RP, the medium M is transported on a transport belt 48 positioned opposite the liquid ejection head 30A. The liquid ejection head 30A records on the medium M as it is transported on the transport belt 48. The liquid ejection head 30A is, for example, an inkjet recording method that ejects a liquid such as ink. At the recording position RP, the medium M is transported in direction A. After recording is complete, the medium M is transported downstream by the discharge roller pair 49. A flap 50 is provided downstream of the discharge roller pair 49. The flap 50 distributes the medium M to the transport path T8 and the reversal path T10.

[0034] In the case of single-sided recording, where recording is done on only one side of the medium M, after recording on the first side, the medium M is directed to the transport path T8 by the flap 50. The medium M directed to the transport path T8 is then transported downstream by the discharge roller pair 51. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided recording, where recording is done on both sides of the medium M, after recording on the first side, the medium M, having completed single-sided recording, is directed from the transport path T7 to the reversal path T10 by the flap 50.

[0035] Furthermore, a flap 52 is provided in the middle of the transport path T8. The flap 50 distributes the medium M to the transport path T8 and the transport path T9. The medium M transported along the transport path T8 is discharged onto the discharge tray 32 of the mounting section 31. The medium M distributed to the transport path T9 is discharged to the mounting section 31 by a pair of discharge rollers 53 provided along the transport path T9, and then discharged onto an unshown discharge tray provided in the mounting section 31.

[0036] After completing single-sided recording, the medium M is sent to the reversal path T10, then switches back in the reversal path T10 and is transported in the reverse direction towards the -Z side. It is then transported from the reversal path T10 through the reversal path T11 to the -Z side. After being transported along the reversal path T11 by transport roller pairs 55 and 56 provided along the reversal path T11, it joins the transport path T7. In other words, the medium M that has passed through the reversal paths T10 and T11 via the switchback is re-supplied to the transport path T7 with its front and back orientation reversed. At this time, the re-supplied medium M is transported along the transport path T7 with the second side, which is the side opposite to the recorded first side, facing the liquid discharge head 30A. The liquid discharge head 30A records on the second side of the re-supplied medium M. After completing double-sided recording by recording on the second side, the medium M is discharged to the mounting section 31 from the transport path T8 or transport path T9. In this embodiment, the transport path T includes reversal paths T10 and T11 as an example of a switchback path.

[0037] The first cover 21 is positioned to correspond to the reversal paths T10 and T11. In this embodiment, the first cover 21 forms the reversal paths T10 and T11, which are examples of switchback paths. The transport roller pair 45 provided along the transport path T7 consists of a drive roller 45A and a driven roller 45B. The transport roller pair 46 consists of a drive roller 46A and a driven roller 46B. Furthermore, the transport roller pair 54 provided along the reversal path T10 consists of a drive roller 54A and a driven roller 54B. The transport mechanism 70 that forms the reversal paths T10 and T11 is assembled on the back surface of the first cover 21. That is, when the first cover 21 is opened, the transport mechanism 70 is separated from the main body 12 of the device.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the second cover 22 is positioned so that its Z-axis position coincides with the Z-axis position of the cassette 20. The first cover 21 is positioned so that its Z-axis position does not coincide with the Z-axis position of the cassette 20, and it covers the transport path downstream of the transport path covered by the second cover 22. The transport paths covered by the second cover 22 are the first transport path T1 and the second transport path T2. The transport paths covered by the first cover 21 are the seventh transport path T7 and the reversal paths T10 and T11, and the transport paths covered by the third cover 23 are the third transport path T3 and the fourth transport path T4.

[0039] The control unit 37 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage, which are not shown in the diagram. The control unit 37 controls the transport of the medium M in the printer unit 15 and the recording operation on the medium M by the liquid ejection head 30A. More specifically, the control unit 37 is not limited to performing software processing for all the processes it performs. For example, the control unit 37 may have a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that performs hardware processing for at least a portion of the processes it performs. That is, the control unit 37 can be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least a portion of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute the processing. Memory, or computer-readable storage medium, includes any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0040] The printer unit 15 is equipped with multiple sensors (detection units), not shown, capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium M on the transport path T. The control unit 37 determines whether the medium M is in the correct position on the transport path T when performing a recording operation to record on the medium M. If it is detected that the medium M is in an inappropriate position on the transport path T, it determines that a jam has occurred due to the medium M being stuck. Based on the detection signals from the multiple sensors, the control unit 37 identifies the location of the jam and displays a message on the display unit 19A indicating that a jam has occurred. The message includes information about the cover that should be opened to perform jam removal. The user opens the cover indicated in the message and performs the jam removal.

[0041] <Configuration of the recording device's control unit> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 37 shown in Figure 2. The control unit 37 mainly consists of a print engine unit 200 that manages the printer unit 15, a scanner engine unit 300 that manages the image reading unit 13, and a controller unit 100 that manages the entire multifunction device 11. The print controller 202 controls the various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to the instructions of the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The details of the configuration of the control unit 37 will be described below.

[0042] In the controller unit 100, the main controller 101, which is composed of a CPU, controls the entire multifunction printer 11 using the RAM 106 as the work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. For example, when a print job is input from the host device 400 via the host I / F 102 or wireless I / F 103, the image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data according to the instructions of the main controller 101. Then, the main controller 101 transmits the processed image data to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105.

[0043] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 11 may acquire image data from the host device 400 via wireless or wired communication, or it may acquire image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the multifunction printer 11. The communication method used for wireless or wired communication is not limited. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used as communication methods for wireless communication. For example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be used as a communication method for wired communication. Also, for example, when a read command is input from the host device 400, the main controller 101 transmits this command to the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

[0044] The control panel 19 is a mechanism for the user to perform input and output operations to the multifunction device 11. Through the control panel 19, the user can instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set the print mode, and access information about the multifunction device 11.

[0045] In the print engine unit 200, the print controller 202, which is composed of a CPU, controls the various mechanisms of the printer unit 15, using the RAM 204 as the work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 203. When various commands and image data are received via the controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. To make the liquid ejection head 30A available for recording, the print controller 202 instructs the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into recording data. Once the recording data is generated, the print controller 202 instructs the liquid ejection head 30A to perform a recording operation based on the recording data via the head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives each component of the transport unit 40 shown in Figure 2 via the transport control unit 207 to transport the medium M. Specifically, these components are the feed roller 41 and separation roller pair 42 for the cassette 20, and the feed roller 43 and separation roller 44 for the feed tray 24. The transport system consists of transport roller pairs 45-47, 54-56, discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, transport rollers 61-64, and input roller 65. Following instructions from the print controller 202, the recording operation by the liquid discharge head 30A is performed in conjunction with the transport operation of the medium M, and the printing process is carried out.

[0046] The head carriage control unit 208 changes the orientation and position of the liquid ejection head 30A according to the operating status of the multifunction printer 11, such as the maintenance status and recording status. The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit that supplies ink to the recording unit 30 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the liquid ejection head 30A is within an appropriate range. The ink supply unit consists of a liquid supply source 35. The maintenance control unit 210 controls the operation of the cap unit and wiping unit in the maintenance unit (not shown) when performing maintenance operations on the liquid ejection head 30A.

[0047] In the scanner engine unit 300, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302, using the RAM 106 as the work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. This controls the various mechanisms of the image reading unit 13. For example, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301, so that the document placed on the automatic document feeding unit 14 is transported via the transport control unit 304 and read by the sensor 305. The scanner controller 302 then stores the read image data in the RAM 303. The print controller 202 converts the acquired image data as described above into recording data, so that the liquid ejection head 30A can perform a recording operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302.

[0048] <Cover composition> Figure 4 shows the side view 12S of the printer unit 15 where the cover CV is provided. The main body of the device 12 has a first opening 121 in the area facing the first cover 21. The first cover 21 closes the first opening 121 when closed and opens the first opening 121 when open. The main body of the device 12 has a second opening 122 in the area facing the second cover 22. The second cover 22 closes the second opening 122 when closed and opens the second opening 122 when open. The main body of the device 12 has a third opening 123 in the area facing the third cover 23. The third cover 23 closes the third opening 123 when closed and opens the third opening 123 when open.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the first cover 21 has a pivot shaft 21B extending along the Z axis and is rotatably mounted relative to the device body 12. The second cover 22 is located on the -Z side of the first cover 21 and has a pivot shaft 22B extending along the Y axis on the -Z side and is rotatably mounted relative to the device body 12. Since the cover CV is divided into the first cover 21 and the second cover 22, the transport path T spanning the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 can be continuously opened by opening the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. Continuous opening means, for example, that in the closed state, there are no non-door portions such as frames or exteriors that separate the first opening 121 corresponding to the first cover 21 and the second opening 122 corresponding to the second cover 22. In other words, in the open state, there are no non-door portions such as frames or exteriors that separate the first opening 121 corresponding to the first cover 21 and the second opening 122 corresponding to the second cover 22. Therefore, when both the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are opened, the first opening 121 and the second opening 122 form one large, continuous opening.

[0050] In Figure 4, the area occupied by the second cover 22 on the side 12S is smaller than that of the first cover 21, but this size is not the only option. The area occupied by the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 on the side 12S may be the same. Also, for example, if the third cover 23 is eliminated and the second cover 22 is made large enough to cover the first to fourth transport paths T1 to T4, the area occupied by the second cover 22 on the side 12S may be larger than that of the first cover 21.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the Y-axis dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 may be greater than the Z-axis dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 (LY1 > LZ2). The Y-axis dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 may also be smaller than the Z-axis dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 (LY1 <LZ1)。

[0052] The Y-axis dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 may be greater than the Z-axis dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 (LY2 > LZ2). The Z-axis dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 may be less than the Z-axis dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 (LZ2 <LZ1) 。

[0053] The dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 in the Y-axis direction may be equal to the dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction (LY1 = LY2). Also, the side edge 21S of the first cover 21 extending in the Z-axis direction and the side edge 22S of the second cover 22 extending in the Z-axis direction may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction.

[0054] The third cover 23 is positioned on the -Z side of the cover CV and has a pivot axis 23B on the -Z side that extends along the Y axis perpendicular to the Z axis. The third cover 23 may be configured to rotate around the pivot axis 23B relative to the device body 12. The dimension LY3 of the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the dimension LZ3 of the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction (LY3 > LZ3). The dimension LY3 of the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction may be equal to the dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction (LY2 = LY3). Furthermore, the side edge 23S of the third cover 23 extending in the Z-axis direction and the side edge 22S of the second cover 22 extending in the Z-axis direction may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the three side edges 21S, 22S, and 23S may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the Z-axis dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 may be less than half (1 / 2) of the Z-axis dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 (LZ2 < 1 / 2 × LZ1, LZ3 < 1 / 2 × LZ1).

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the Z-axis dimension LZ4 of the cassette 20 is smaller than the Z-axis dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 (LZ4 <LZ2、LZ4<LZ3)。

[0057] The feeding tray 24 has a rotation axis 24C extending along the Y-axis and is configured to be rotatable with respect to the first cover 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the dimension LY5 of the feeding tray 24 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the dimensions LY2 and LY3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction (LY5 < LY2, LY5 < LY3). Also, the dimension LZ5 of the feeding tray 24 in the Z-axis direction may be larger than the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction (LZ5 > LZ2, LZ5 > LZ3).

[0058] <Configuration of a recording system having a paper feeding unit> FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the recording system 10A. As shown in FIG. 4, the recording system 10A as an example of the medium conveyance system includes a multifunction machine 11 and a high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 that supplies a medium M to the multifunction machine 11. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is used in combination with the multifunction machine 11. In this example, the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is combined with the multifunction machine 11 at the portion of the second cover 22. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is arranged side by side with the apparatus main body 12 in the X-axis direction. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 accommodates a plurality of media M. The maximum number of media that can be accommodated in the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is larger than the maximum number of media that can be accommodated per cassette 20. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 feeds the accommodated medium M to the conveyance path T of the multifunction machine 11. The apparatus main body 12 of the multifunction machine 11 is configured to be able to be fed with the medium M from the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 to the conveyance path T.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 includes a housing 81, a high-capacity cassette 82 that is detachable from the housing 81, and a caster 83 that grounds on the installation surface F. The high-capacity cassette 82 has a handle 82A that is operated when the user pulls it out on the surface (front face) facing the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the dimension LZ6 of the high-capacity cassette 82 in the Z-axis direction is larger than the dimension LZ4 (see FIG. 4) of the cassette 20 on the multifunction machine 11 side in the Z-axis direction. For this reason, the stacking number of the high-capacity cassette 82 is larger than the stacking number of the cassette 20. The high-capacity cassette 82 of the present embodiment has a height dimension approximately equivalent to four stages of the cassette 20.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the height dimension H1 of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the mounting surface F is slightly higher than the top edge height of the uppermost first cassette 20A in the multifunction printer 11 equipped with four cassettes 20. The height dimension H1 of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is set so as not to interfere with the feed tray 24 when the feed tray 24 of the multifunction printer 11 is opened.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, when opening at least one of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23, the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is moved a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction away from the multifunction printer 11. This predetermined distance is the distance required to open at least one of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23. The dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction are smaller than their respective dimensions LY2 and LY3 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 4). Furthermore, it is preferable that the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 are smaller than half (1 / 2) of the Z-axis direction dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 (LZ2 < 1 / 2 × LZ1, LZ3 < 1 / 2 × LZ1). In these cases, the distance that the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 needs to be moved in the X-axis direction when opening the second cover 22 or the third cover 23 is shorter.

[0062] <Configuration of mounting section> Figure 7 is a top view of the mounting section 31. As shown in Figure 7, the mounting section 31 has a discharge tray 32. The mounting section 31 also has a mounting surface 91 on which the media M discharged from the discharge port 71 (Figure 8) is placed. A vertical wall 99 is provided at the -X end of the mounting surface 91, extending upright from the mounting surface 91 in the +Z direction. When viewed from a position in the +X direction relative to the multifunction printer 11, the vertical wall 99 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, with its Y dimension being longer than its Z dimension. The vertical wall 99 is also formed in a plate shape with a predetermined thickness in the X direction. The vertical wall 99 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the discharge port 71. The width of the vertical wall 99 in the Y direction is wider than the maximum Y-direction width of the media M used in the multifunction printer 11. The height of the vertical wall 99 in the Z direction is higher than the maximum stacking height of the multiple media M placed on the mounting section 31.

[0063] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting surface 91 includes, for example, a first mounting surface 92, second mounting surfaces 94 and 95, third mounting surfaces 96 and 97, and a fourth mounting surface 98. The first mounting surface 92 constitutes the central part of the mounting surface 91 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first mounting surface 92 is a surface that rises towards the +C direction (+Z direction) from the +B direction (+X direction). In other words, the first mounting surface 92 is a plane parallel to the BY surface. Moreover, the first mounting surface 92 is formed in a rectangular shape, with the dimension in the B direction being longer than the dimension in the Y direction when viewed from the C direction. A through hole 93 is formed in the central part of the first mounting surface 92 in the Y direction, as an example of an opening. The through hole 93 is formed in a rectangular shape, with the dimension in the B direction being longer than the dimension in the Y direction, as an example. The size of the through hole 93 is such that the movable rib 90, which will be described later, can pass through. As a result, the movable rib 90 can move in the C direction through the through hole 93 and protrude from the first mounting surface 92. In this specification, the elements involved in the discharge of the medium M, specifically the print controller 202, the discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, and the discharge port 71, are collectively referred to as the discharge section. The B direction has the discharge direction component when the medium M is discharged from the discharge port 71. The Y direction is perpendicular to the B direction and the discharge direction. Here, a configuration in which these directions are perpendicular is shown, but they do not necessarily have to be perpendicular; a configuration in which they are approximately perpendicular (i.e., a crossing state shifted by a few degrees from 90 degrees) is also acceptable.

[0064] The second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 are located on one side of the first mounting surface 92 in the Y direction. The second mounting surface 94 is continuous with the first mounting surface 92 and is located in the +Y direction more than the first mounting surface 92. The length of the second mounting surface 94 in the B direction decreases as it approaches the +Y direction. Also, the second mounting surface 94 slopes downward in the -C direction as it approaches the -Y direction. In other words, the second mounting surface 94 slopes toward the first mounting surface 92. The second mounting surface 95 is continuous with the first mounting surface 92 and is located in the -Y direction more than the first mounting surface 92. The length of the second mounting surface 95 in the B direction decreases as it approaches the -Y direction. Also, the second mounting surface 95 slopes downward in the -C direction as it approaches the +Y direction. In other words, the second mounting surface 95 slopes toward the first mounting surface 92. The inclination angle of the second mounting surface 94 with respect to the BY surface and the inclination angle of the second mounting surface 95 are approximately the same. The area and inclination angle of the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 are set so that the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 can come into contact with the medium M.

[0065] The third mounting surfaces 96 and 97 are located outside the first mounting surface 92 and the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 in the Y direction. The third mounting surface 96 is continuous with the second mounting surface 94 and is located further in the +Y direction than the second mounting surface 94. The third mounting surface 96 is formed in a nearly rectangular shape, except for a cutout in the -B direction. Also, the third mounting surface 96 is parallel to the Y direction. In other words, the third mounting surface 96 is a plane parallel to the BY plane, similar to the first mounting surface 92. The third mounting surface 97 is continuous with the second mounting surface 95 and is located further in the -Y direction than the second mounting surface 95. The third mounting surface 97 is formed in a nearly rectangular shape, except for a cutout in the -B direction. Also, the third mounting surface 97 is parallel to the Y direction. In other words, the third mounting surface 97 is a plane parallel to the BY plane, similar to the first mounting surface 92.

[0066] The fourth mounting surface 98 is a surface located in the +B direction, continuous with the first mounting surface 92, the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95, and the third mounting surfaces 96 and 97. Furthermore, the fourth mounting surface 98 is, for example, a plane parallel to the horizontal XY plane. At the -B direction end of the fourth mounting surface 98, the central part in the Y direction is recessed in the +B direction compared to both ends in the Y direction.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the movable rib 90 is an example of a projection that can project from the mounting surface 91 in the C direction, and is formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the B direction. The end of the movable rib 90 in the -C direction is open. The movable rib 90 also has a side wall 72 formed in the shape of a frame when viewed from the C direction, an upper wall 74 that covers the end of the side wall 72 in the +C direction, and two slide rails 76 provided on the inside of the side wall 72. A notch 73 is formed at the end of the side wall 72 in the +B direction. The upper surface 74A of the upper wall 74 in the +C direction is a plane parallel to the BY plane. The upper surface 74A is also formed in the shape of a rectangle where the dimension in the B direction is longer than the dimension in the Y direction when viewed from the C direction.

[0068] The movable rib 90 has a dimension in the B direction that is greater than its dimension in the Y direction. Furthermore, the movable rib 90 has a dimension in the B direction that is smaller than the dimension in the B direction of the largest size medium M used in the multifunction printer 11. Additionally, the movable rib 90 has a dimension in the Y direction that is smaller than the dimension in the Y direction of the smallest size medium M used in the multifunction printer 11. The movable rib 90 is moved back and forth in the C direction by a moving part 77 (described later), allowing it to move between a protruding position that extends from the mounting surface 91 in the +C direction and a retracted position where the mounting surface 91 and the upper surface 74A are at approximately the same height in the C direction. The protruding position is an example of a second position. The retracted position is an example of a first position. The movable rib 90 also supports a portion of the medium M in both the protruding and retracted positions. In this embodiment, the medium M is transported using a center-resist method. Therefore, the movable rib 90 supports approximately the center of the medium M in the Y direction.

[0069] The movable section 77 is configured, for example, as a link mechanism. Specifically, the movable section 77 includes a support plate 78, a movable rod 79, two first link members 84 spaced apart in the B direction, and one second link member 85 connected to each of the two first link members 84. The support plate 78 extends in the B direction in the -C direction relative to the movable rib 90. The movable rod 79 is provided between the support plate 78 and the movable rib 90 so as to be able to reciprocate in the B direction. The movable rod 79 is also moved back and forth in the B direction by a motor (not shown). This motor is controlled by a transport control unit 207 (Figure 3). The position of the movable rod 79 in the B direction is detected by a sensor (not shown). Based on this detection result, it is determined whether the movable rib 90 is in the protruding position or the retracted position. The position information of the movable rib 90 is sent to the control unit 37.

[0070] The first link member 84 is a member that is long in one direction. One end of the first link member 84 is connected to the support plate 78 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction. The other end of the first link member 84 is connected to the slide rail 76 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction and to move together with the slide rail 76. The second link member 85 is a member that is long in one direction and is shorter than the first link member 84. One end of the second link member 85 is connected to a part of the first link member 84 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction. The other end of the second link member 85 is connected to the moving rod 79 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction.

[0071] In the moving section 77, when the moving rod 79 is moved in the +B direction, one end of the second link member 85 moves downward in the -C direction, causing the other end of the first link member 84 to move downward in the -C direction and slide relative to the slide rail 76 in the +B direction. This causes the moving section 77 to lower the movable rib 90 in the -C direction. Also, in the moving section 77, when the moving rod 79 is moved in the -B direction, one end of the second link member 85 moves upward in the +C direction, causing the other end of the first link member 84 to move upward in the +C direction and slide relative to the slide rail 76 in the -B direction. This causes the moving section 77 to move the movable rib 90 in the +C direction. In other words, the moving section 77 causes the movable rib 90 to protrude from the mounting surface 91 in the +C direction.

[0072] <Configuration of a recording system with a post-processing device> Figure 10 shows a recording system 10B including a multifunction printer 11. As shown in Figure 10, the recording system 10B comprises a multifunction printer 11 and a post-processing device 86. The multifunction printer 11 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 30A that performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium M, such as recording paper. Here, the liquid ejection head 30A is described as a line head, but it is not particularly limited to that.

[0073] The multifunction printer 11 comprises a main unit 12, a cassette 20 for containing media, a transport unit 40 (see Figure 2) for transporting media, a liquid discharge head 30A, a mounting unit 31 for discharging media, and a relay unit 88 for transporting media to a post-processing device 86. As shown in Figure 10, a media transport path TA is provided inside the main unit 12, specifically directly below the liquid discharge head 30A.

[0074] The liquid ejection head 30A has multiple nozzles (not shown) arranged to cover the entire Y-axis area of ​​the medium. The liquid ejection head 30A records data onto the medium by ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown) from the multiple nozzles toward the medium.

[0075] The media recorded on by the multifunction printer 11 is sent to the post-processing device 86 via the relay unit 88. The post-processing device 86 comprises a main unit 89, a processing tray 58 and a stapler 57 (an example of a post-processing unit) located inside the main unit 89, and a main tray 59 located outside the main unit 89. The media received from the relay unit 88 to the main unit 89 is transported along the transport path TB inside the main unit 89 and sent to the processing tray 58.

[0076] <Configuration of the relay unit> Figure 11 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction printer 11.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11, the relay unit 88 is an example of a relay transport unit capable of transporting the medium M discharged from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86. The relay unit 88 also includes, as an example, a main frame (not shown), an upper path member 111, a rotating mechanism 130, a lower path member 116, a first rotating shaft 117, a second rotating shaft 118, and a spring member (not shown). The relay path TC is defined as the path between the discharge roller pair 120 of the discharge port 71 and the post-processing device 86 within the transport path T of the medium M. In other words, the transport path T in this embodiment includes the relay path TC.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11, the upper path member 111 constitutes the upper part of the relay path TC located in the +Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The upper path member 111 is provided with a rotating mechanism 130, which will be described later. The upper path member 111, as an example, has an inclined wall 112 and an upper wall 113. The inclined wall 112 is located downstream in the E direction of the discharge guide 119. The E direction is the direction in which the medium M is transported in the relay path TC within the relay unit 88. The inclined wall 112 is inclined such that its +X direction end is located in the +Z direction relative to its -X direction end. In other words, the inclined wall 112 extends diagonally upward relative to the discharge guide 119. The upper wall 113 extends in the +X direction, starting from the point where the inclined wall 112 and the upper wall 113 connect at the +X direction end of the inclined wall 112. This connecting point is curved.

[0079] The rotating mechanism 130 is driven by a drive motor (not shown) to transport the medium M from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86. The rotating mechanism 130 is composed of, for example, a plurality of upper rollers 131, a drive motor (not shown), a plurality of spurs (also called serrated rollers) 132, and a gear section (not shown). The plurality of upper rollers 131 are arranged at intervals in the E direction on the upper path member 111. In addition, a plurality of upper rollers 131 are also arranged in the Y direction. The plurality of upper rollers 131 rotate around a rotation axis along the Y direction. A portion of the outer circumferential surface of the plurality of upper rollers 131 is exposed from the upper path member 111 to the relay path TC and can come into contact with the medium M.

[0080] Multiple spurs 132 are provided on the upper path member 111 at intervals in the E direction and at positions different from the multiple upper rollers 131, and multiple spurs 132 are also arranged in the Y direction. Each of the multiple spurs 132 rotates around a rotation axis along the Y direction. Multiple teeth (not shown) are provided on the outer circumference of the multiple spurs 132. The outer diameter of the spurs 132 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper rollers 131. The multiple spurs 132 rotate by contact with the conveyed medium M.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, the lower path member 116 constitutes the lower part of the relay path TC located in the -Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The lower path member 116 is an example of a switching member. The lower path member 116 is configured to switch between a first state in which it constitutes the relay path TC for the medium M from the discharge port 71 to the post-treatment device 86, and a second state in which it opens the relay path TC toward the mounting section 31. Note that the lower path member 116 is not provided with a drive motor or gear section as a rotating mechanism section 130.

[0082] The lower path member 116 includes, for example, a first lower path member 133 and a second lower path member 134. The width of the first lower path member 133 and the second lower path member 134 in the Y direction is wider than the width of the medium M in the Y direction. The first lower path member 133 is rotatable about a first rotation axis 117. The second lower path member 134 is rotatable about a second rotation axis 118. In this embodiment, the first lower path member 133 of the lower path member 116 switches between the first state and the second state by rotating about the first rotation axis 117. In this embodiment, for example, the first and second states are not defined for the rotation of the second lower path member 134.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, the first rotation axis 117 is located in the -X and -Z directions relative to the middle of the relay path TC in the E direction (specifically, the center of the relay path TC). The first rotation axis 117 is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown) of the device body 12. The first rotation axis 117 extends in the Y direction, intersecting both the E and Z directions. The first rotation axis 117 consists of a cylindrical member. The first rotation axis 117 rotatably supports the first lower path member 133. Specifically, the base end 133A of the first lower path member 133 is attached to the first rotation axis 117. The first state and the second state are switched by the first lower path member 133 rotating around the first rotation axis 117.

[0084] The second lower path member 134 is located downstream in the E direction relative to the first lower path member 133. The second rotation axis 118 is located in the -Z direction relative to the upper wall 113. The second rotation axis 118 is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown) of the device body 12. The second rotation axis 118 consists of a cylindrical member extending in the Y direction. The second rotation axis 118 rotatably supports the second lower path member 134. Specifically, the base end 134A in the +X direction of the second lower path member 134 is attached to the second rotation axis 118. In other words, the downstream end in the E direction of the second lower path member 134 is rotatably supported by the second rotation axis 118. The second lower path member 134 then switches between a closed state that forms the relay path TC and an open state that opens the relay path TC by rotating around the second rotation axis 118.

[0085] In the first state of the lower path member 116, the first lower path member 133 faces the inclined wall 112, forming the upstream portion of the relay path TC. The arrangement in which the first lower path member 133 faces the inclined wall 112 is defined as the first state of the first lower path member 133. In the first state of the lower path member 116, the second lower path member 134 faces the upper wall 113, forming the downstream portion of the relay path TC.

[0086] [First modified example of the relay unit] Figure 12 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11, as a first modification of Figure 11. This modification differs from Figure 11 in that it has a linear upper path member 152 and a plate-shaped lower path member 154 instead of the upper path member 111 and lower path member 116. In this modification, the first rotation axis 117 (Figure 11) is not provided. The upper path member 152 is inclined such that its end in the +X direction is located in the +Z direction relative to its end in the -X direction.

[0087] In the first state, when the lower path member 154 forms a relay path TC together with the upper path member 152, the lower path member 154 has a predetermined thickness in the C direction and extends in the B direction. The base end 154A of the lower path member 154 in the +B direction is rotated around the second rotation axis 118. The lower path member 154 switches between the aforementioned first state and a second state, where it is retracted from the relay path TC in the -Z direction. In this modified example, when the lower path member 154 is in the second state, the medium M is discharged into the space on the mounting surface 91. Thus, the lower path member 154 may be composed of a single member. Alternatively, instead of providing the second rotation axis 118, a first rotation axis 117 (Figure 11) may be provided, and the base end of the lower path member 154 in the -B direction may be rotated around the first rotation axis 117. Alternatively, instead of providing the first rotating shaft 117 and the second rotating shaft 118, a lifting mechanism 166 (Figure 14) may be provided to raise and lower the lower path member 154.

[0088] [Second variation of the relay unit] Figure 13 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction printer 11, as a modified example of Figure 11. This modified example differs from Figure 11 in that an upper path member 142 is provided as an example of an upper path member instead of the upper path member 111 (Figure 11), and a first lower path member 146 is provided as an example of a lower path member instead of the lower path member 133 (Figure 11). The other configurations are the same as in Figure 11.

[0089] The upper path member 142 constitutes the upper part of the relay path TC, located in the +Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The upper path member 142 is provided with a rotating mechanism 130. The upper path member 142, as an example, has an inclined wall 112 and an upper wall 113. The inclined wall 112 is located downstream in the E direction from the discharge guide 119. The inclined wall 112 is inclined such that its end in the +X direction is located in the +Z direction relative to its end in the -X direction. In other words, the inclined wall 112 is a wall that extends diagonally upward from the discharge guide 119.

[0090] The first lower path member 146 is formed in the shape of a plate having a predetermined thickness. The first lower path member 146 is formed in the shape of a rectangle in which the dimension in the Y direction is longer than the dimension in the E direction. The upstream end of the first lower path member 146 in the E direction is defined as the base end 146A. The downstream end of the first lower path member 146 in the E direction is defined as the tip end 146B. In other words, the tip end 146B is located opposite to the base end 146A. The base end 146A is rotatably mounted on the first rotation axis 117. When the first lower path member 146 is rotated around the first rotation axis 117, the trajectory traced by the tip end 146B is defined as the rotation trajectory R. The region inside the rotation trajectory R is defined as the rotation region SR. The mounting surface 91 is located outside the rotation trajectory R of the tip end 146B. In other words, when the first lower path member 146 is rotated, the first lower path member 146 does not come into contact with the mounting surface 91.

[0091] [Third variation of the relay unit] Figure 14 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11, as a modified example of Figure 13. This modified example differs from Figure 13 in that the first rotating shaft 117 and the second rotating shaft 118 (Figure 13) are absent, a first lower path member 163 is provided in place of the first lower path member 146, and a lifting section 166 is provided. The other configurations are the same as in Figure 13.

[0092] The lower path member 162 includes, for example, a first lower path member 163 and a second lower path member 164 located downstream of the first lower path member 163 in the E direction. The first lower path member 163 is provided so as to be retractable from the relay path TC in the -Z direction. The lower path member 162 switches from a first state to a second state when the first lower path member 163 is retracted from the relay path TC.

[0093] Specifically, the first lower path member 163 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the C direction and extending in the B direction. The first lower path member 163 switches between a first state and a second state when the lifting unit 166 is driven. In the first state, the first lower path member 163 faces the inclined wall 112 and forms a relay path TC. In the second state, the first lower path member 163 is retracted from the relay path TC in the -Z direction and rests on the mounting surface 91.

[0094] The second lower path member 164 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. For example, the second lower path member 164 is fixed in a state where it faces the upper wall 113 and forms a relay path TC.

[0095] [First Embodiment] <Curling caused by applying liquid to paper> When a liquid such as ink is applied to one or both sides of a sheet of paper, the side with a relatively larger amount of liquid applied will curl, causing it to expand. In other words, the side with a relatively larger amount of liquid applied will curl so that it becomes convex. This is because the side with a relatively larger amount of moisture applied expands more than the side with a relatively smaller amount. Therefore, in a recording device with face-down output, where the printed surface is ejected downwards, if printing is done on the front side, the paper will curl so that the lower side becomes convex when ejected. On the other hand, in a recording device with face-up output, where the printed surface is ejected upwards, if printing is done on the front side, the paper will curl so that the upper side becomes convex when ejected, and if printing is done on the back side, the paper will curl so that the lower side becomes convex when ejected. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the movable rib 90 (also called the lifting part) rises to correct the curl (a downward convex curl) that has occurred in the paper.

[0096] <Configuration of mounting section> The configuration of the mounting section 31 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the mounting section 31 in this embodiment as viewed from the Y direction.

[0097] In this embodiment, an optical sensor 150 is provided in the mounting section 31 as a detection unit for detecting the amount of paper loaded on the output tray 32 (Figure 7) of the mounting section 31. Paper discharged by the output roller pair 120 is loaded onto the mounting surface 91 of the output tray 32 in the mounting section 31. Since the movable rib 90 can be raised, the paper loaded on the mounting surface 91 may be lifted by the movable rib 90 during printing, and the movable rib 90 rises when it is near the center of the discharged paper in the Y direction. In this embodiment, "rising" means the movement of the movable rib 90 in the +C direction, and more specifically, it means the movement from a predetermined first position in the C direction (also called the normal position or initial position) to a predetermined second position in the C direction. Note that the C direction coordinate value of the second position is greater than the C direction coordinate value of the first position. After a predetermined time has elapsed and the correction of the curl that has occurred in the paper is complete, the movable rib 90 descends, and the C-direction coordinate value of the movable rib 90 becomes the first position. As a result, the C-direction position of the upper surface of the movable rib 90 becomes approximately the same as that of the first mounting surface 92 (Figure 8). "Descending" means the movement of the movable rib 90 in the -C direction, and more specifically, it means the movement from the second position to the first position as described above.

[0098] In this embodiment, when a user inputs a print command based on a print job, the amount of paper loaded in the output tray 32 is detected by the optical sensor 150 before executing the printing process (a combination of paper transport and image recording). The optical sensor 150 can be a reflective sensor, a transmissive sensor, or the like.

[0099] In this embodiment, the output of the optical sensor 150 is defined as Low when it can detect paper, and High when it cannot detect paper. Specifically, when there is not much paper loaded in the output tray 32 and the movable rib 90 is lowered, the optical sensor 150 does not detect paper, and its output is High. On the other hand, when the amount of paper loaded exceeds the maximum load capacity, the optical sensor 150 detects paper, and its output is Low. The maximum load capacity indicates the upper limit of the number of sheets of paper that can be loaded in the output tray 32 of the mounting unit 31, and is set on the manufacturing line before the recording device is shipped. Note that "not much paper loaded" means that there is less paper than the maximum load capacity loaded, or that there is no paper loaded at all.

[0100] When a user inputs a print command based on a print job, the output of the optical sensor 150 is checked while the movable rib 90 is lowered to the first position. If the checked output is Low, it means that the output tray 32 is loaded with more paper than the maximum load capacity, so a warning is issued to the user to remove any paper or other items loaded in the output tray 32. In other words, the user is notified to remove any paper or other items placed in the output tray 32. On the other hand, if the checked output is High, it means that there is not much paper loaded in the output tray 32, so the movable rib 90 is raised to the second position and the print preparation operation continues. In this state, even if there is no paper in the output tray 32, the optical sensor 150 will detect the raised movable rib 90, resulting in a Low output from the optical sensor 150. Therefore, in this embodiment, load capacity detection is not performed during the subsequent printing operation (while the printing process is being executed).

[0101] <Control at the start of printing> The control process at the start of printing in this embodiment will be explained below with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16 is a flowchart of the control process at the start of printing in this embodiment. The process in Figure 16 starts when the user instructs the execution of printing based on a print job.

[0102] In step S1602, the main controller 101 receives a print job. Examples of print jobs that the main controller 101 receives in this step include print jobs sent by the host device 400, and print jobs entered by the user via the operation panel 19 and stored in the ROM 107. Hereafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated as "S~".

[0103] In S1604, the main controller 101 sets the optical sensor 150 to a state where it can detect the amount of paper loaded (defined as the ON state).

[0104] In S1606, the main controller 101 determines whether the output of the optical sensor 150 is High. If the result of this step is YES (i.e., the output is High), it means that there is not much paper loaded in the output tray 32, so the process proceeds to S1610. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO (i.e., the output is Low), it means that there is more paper than the maximum load capacity in the output tray 32, so the process proceeds to S1608.

[0105] In S1608, the main controller 101 warns the user via the operation panel 19 to remove any stacks of paper or other materials placed in the output tray 32. For example, a warning message may be displayed on the display unit 19A of the operation panel 19. Alternatively, instead of displaying a warning message on the display unit, the system may be configured to warn the user by means of sound or a warning light. After this step, the main controller 101 confirms that the user has removed the stacks from the output tray 32 (i.e., that the output of the optical sensor 150 has become High) and then proceeds to S1610. In this flow, the output of the optical sensor 150 is used to confirm that the stacks from the output tray 32 have been removed. However, this method is not limited to this, and for example, confirmation may be made by the user operating the display unit 19A in addition to the output of the optical sensor 150. With such a configuration, it is possible to proceed to the next flow only after the stacks from the output tray 32 have been reliably removed.

[0106] In S1610, the main controller 101 raises the movable rib 90. As a result of this raising step, the position of the movable rib 90 in the C direction changes from the first position (normal position) to the second position.

[0107] In S1612, the main controller 101 determines whether the output of the optical sensor 150 is Low. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S1614. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO (i.e., the output is High), the process waits until the output becomes Low.

[0108] In S1614, the main controller 101 acquires the time it takes for the output of the optical sensor 150 to change from High to Low, specifically the time from when the movable rib 90 starts to rise in S1610 until the output of the optical sensor 150 is determined to be Low in S1612. In this embodiment, the recording device has a timer for measuring the time acquired in this step.

[0109] In S1616, the main controller 101 calculates a predicted value for the paper load in the output tray 32 based on the time acquired in S1614. A possible formula for calculating the predicted value in this step is, for example, multiplying the reciprocal of the acquired time by a predetermined constant. Here, the predicted value for the paper load does not necessarily have to be the number of sheets; it may also be a calculation of the volume occupied by the loaded paper in the output tray 32.

[0110] In S1618, the main controller 101 determines whether the predicted value calculated in S1616 is below a predetermined threshold (for example, 10 sheets or less). This predetermined threshold may be set on the manufacturing line before the recording device is shipped, or it may be set arbitrarily by the user. If the result of this step is YES, that is, if the predicted value is 10 sheets or less (the first number), the process proceeds to S1622. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO, that is, if the predicted value is more than 10 sheets (the second number), the process proceeds to S1620.

[0111] In S1620, the main controller 101 warns the user via the operation panel 19 to remove any stacks of paper or other materials placed in the output tray 32. For example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 19A of the operation panel 19. After this step, the main controller 101 confirms that the user has removed the stacks from the output tray 32 (i.e., that the output of the optical sensor 150 has become High) and then proceeds to S1622.

[0112] In S1622, the main controller 101 executes the printing process based on the print job received in S1602. Note that from S1614 onwards, the optical sensor can be turned OFF before this printing process begins.

[0113] <Effects of this embodiment, variations, etc.> As described above, in this embodiment, before executing the printing process, the system is controlled to warn the user if it is predicted that the output tray 32 is loaded with more paper than its maximum capacity. Furthermore, the system is controlled to warn the user if the predicted amount of paper loaded is greater than a predetermined threshold. These controls make it possible to prevent jams from occurring during printing based on print jobs that print multiple sheets consecutively, by preventing the output tray 32 from exceeding its maximum capacity.

[0114] In the example above, the predicted paper load was calculated based on the time required for the optical sensor output to change, but the system is not limited to this configuration. The method for calculating the predicted paper load and the threshold used in S1618 may be appropriately changed depending on the paper size or type of paper loaded, or the paper size or type set in the print job.

[0115] [Second Example] The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 17. Note that the following description will primarily focus on the differences from the previously described embodiment, and explanations of aspects common to both embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0116] <Control at the start of printing> The process shown in Figure 17 begins when the user instructs the system to execute a print job. In S1702, the main controller 101 receives the print job. Examples of print jobs that the main controller 101 receives in this step include print jobs sent by the host device 400, and print jobs entered by the user via the operation panel 19 and stored in the ROM 107.

[0117] In S1704, the main controller 101 turns on the optical sensor 150.

[0118] In S1706, the main controller 101 determines whether the output of the optical sensor 150 is High. If the result of this step is YES (i.e., the output is High), the process proceeds to S1710. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO (i.e., the output is Low), the process proceeds to S1708.

[0119] In S1708, the main controller 101 warns the user via the operation panel 19 to remove any stacks of paper or other materials placed in the output tray 32. For example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 19A of the operation panel 19. After this step, the main controller 101 confirms that the user has removed the stacks from the output tray 32 (i.e., that the output of the optical sensor 150 has become High) and then proceeds to S1710.

[0120] In S1710, the main controller 101 raises the movable rib 90. As a result of this raising step, the position of the movable rib 90 in the C direction changes from the first position to the second position described above.

[0121] In S1712, the main controller 101 determines whether the output of the optical sensor 150 is Low. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S1714. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO (i.e., the output is High), the process waits until the output becomes Low.

[0122] In S1714, the main controller 101 obtains the time it takes for the output of the optical sensor 150 to change from High to Low, specifically the time from when the movable rib 90 starts to rise in S1710 until the output of the optical sensor 150 is determined to be Low in S1712.

[0123] In S1716, the main controller 101 calculates a predicted value for the paper load in the output tray 32 based on the time acquired in S1714. A possible formula for calculating the predicted value in this step could be, for example, multiplying the reciprocal of the acquired time by a predetermined constant.

[0124] In S1718, the main controller 101 calculates the sum of the predicted paper load amount calculated in S1716 and the number of sheets of paper set in the print job received in S1702.

[0125] In S1720, the main controller 101 determines whether the total value calculated in S1718 exceeds the maximum load capacity. If the result of this step is YES, that is, if it is predicted that the maximum load capacity will not be exceeded even if the print job is executed, the process proceeds to S1724. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO, the process proceeds to S1722.

[0126] In S1722, the main controller 101 warns the user via the operation panel 19 to remove any stacks of paper or other materials placed in the output tray 32. For example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 19A of the operation panel 19. After this step, the main controller 101 confirms that the user has removed the stacks from the output tray 32 (i.e., that the output of the optical sensor 150 has become High) and then proceeds to S1724.

[0127] In S1724, the main controller 101 executes the printing process based on the print job received in S1702. Note that the optical sensor may be turned OFF before this printing process begins from S1714 onwards. Alternatively, the optical sensor may be left ON to monitor the output during the printing process.

[0128] <Effects of this embodiment> As explained above, in this embodiment, if the sum of the predicted paper load and the number of sheets of paper set in the print job is greater than the maximum load, the system is controlled to warn the user before executing the print process. This makes it possible to prevent jams from occurring when the maximum load capacity of the output tray is exceeded during printing based on print jobs that print multiple sheets consecutively.

[0129] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 18.

[0130] <Print Control> The process shown in Figure 18 begins when the user instructs the system to execute a print job. In S1802, the main controller 101 receives the print job. Examples of print jobs that the main controller 101 receives in this step include print jobs sent by the host device 400, and print jobs entered by the user via the operation panel 19 and stored in the ROM 107.

[0131] In S1804, the main controller 101 turns on the optical sensor 150.

[0132] In S1806, the main controller 101 determines whether the output of the optical sensor 150 is High. If the result of this step is YES (i.e., the output is High), the process proceeds to S1810. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO (i.e., the output is Low), the process proceeds to S1808.

[0133] In S1808, the main controller 101 warns the user via the operation panel 19 to remove any stacks of paper or other materials placed in the output tray 32. For example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 19A of the operation panel 19. After this step, the main controller 101 confirms that the user has removed the stacks from the output tray 32 (i.e., that the output of the optical sensor 150 has become High) and then proceeds to S1810.

[0134] In S1810, the main controller 101 raises the movable rib 90. As a result of this raising step, the position of the movable rib 90 in the C direction changes from the first position to the second position described above.

[0135] In S1812, the main controller 101 executes the printing process for one page based on the print job received in S1802. While this embodiment describes an example where one page of printing is executed in this step, it is not limited to this; any predetermined number of pages (e.g., two or three pages) can be printed. The number of pages printed in this step is added to the number of consecutive prints, as described later.

[0136] In S1814, the main controller 101 determines whether all printing processes based on the print job have been completed. If the result of this step is YES, the series of processes ends. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO, the process proceeds to S1816.

[0137] In S1816, the main controller 101 determines whether the number of consecutively printed pages is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The number of consecutively printed pages refers to the number of pages printed continuously without interruption of the printing process. This threshold can be changed or set as appropriate, for example, it can be set to 10 pages. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S1818. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO, the process proceeds to S1812. In other words, the printing process continues.

[0138] In step S1818, the main controller 101 interrupts the printing process and lowers the movable rib 90. At this point, the number of consecutive prints returns to 0.

[0139] In S1820, the main controller 101 determines whether the output of the optical sensor 150 is High. If the result of this step is YES (i.e., the output is High), the process proceeds to S1810. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO (i.e., the output is Low), the process proceeds to S1822.

[0140] In S1822, the main controller 101 warns the user via the operation panel 19 to remove any stacks of paper or other materials placed in the output tray 32. For example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 19A of the operation panel 19. After this step, the main controller 101 confirms that the user has removed the stacks from the output tray 32 (i.e., that the output of the optical sensor 150 has become High) and then proceeds to S1810.

[0141] <Effects of this embodiment> As explained above, in this embodiment, when printing a job that prints multiple pages consecutively, if the number of consecutively printed pages exceeds a predetermined threshold, the printing process is temporarily interrupted. If the maximum load capacity is exceeded, the system is controlled to issue a warning to the user. On the other hand, if the maximum load capacity is not exceeded, the printing process is resumed, and the number of consecutively printed pages is counted again. If the number of consecutively printed pages exceeds the predetermined threshold, the above process is repeated. This makes it possible to prevent jams from occurring due to exceeding the maximum load capacity of the output tray during printing of a print job that prints multiple pages consecutively.

[0142] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, a movable rib 90 provided at the center of the mounting surface 91 in the Y direction was shown to lift the paper that was curled downwards in a convex shape by rising in the +C direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. As another embodiment, for example, instead of the movable rib 90 rising, the structure may be such that both ends of the mounting surface 91 in the Y direction each descend, and when placing paper that is curled downwards in a convex shape, the paper may be placed on the mounting surface 91 where both ends have descended.

[0143] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the upward direction of the movable rib 90 was set to the C direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 91. However, the upward direction of the movable rib 90 is not limited to this, and any direction that is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface 91 in order to lift the curled paper is acceptable.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the presence or absence of a recording medium placed on the discharge tray 32 was detected by a change in the output of the optical sensor. However, the method for detecting the recording medium does not have to be one that uses an optical sensor. For example, the discharge tray 32 may be equipped with a mechanism for detecting weight, and the load capacity may be predicted based on that weight.

[0145] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0146] [Technical Features of This Disclosure] This disclosure includes the following components:

[0147] (Configuration 1) A recording device comprising: a mounting section having a mounting surface on which ejected recording media are placed; a lifting section provided on the mounting section and capable of protruding from the mounting surface; and a detection section for detecting recording media stacked on the mounting section, characterized in that, before performing a recording process to record on multiple recording media in succession, if a recording media is detected by the detection section, the device prompts the removal of the recording media stacked on the mounting section. (Configuration 2) A recording device according to Configuration 1, characterized in that it is provided with a notification means for notifying that a recording medium placed on the aforementioned storage unit should be removed, and the notification from the notification means prompts the removal of the recording medium stacked on the aforementioned storage unit. (Configuration 3) The recording device according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that, when prompted to remove the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit, the lifting unit is raised after confirming that the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit has been removed. (Configuration 4) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit is an optical sensor, and further comprises a first determination means that determines whether or not to prompt the removal of the recording medium loaded in the storage unit based on a predicted value of the amount of recording medium loaded in the storage unit obtained based on the change in output of the optical sensor when the lifting unit is raised. (Configuration 5) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that a change in the output of the detection unit confirms that the recording medium loaded in the storage unit described above has been removed. (Configuration 6) The recording device according to Configuration 4, further comprising a first calculation means for calculating the predicted value based on the time required for the change in the output of the optical sensor. (Configuration 7) The recording device according to Configuration 6, characterized in that the first calculation means calculates the predicted value by multiplying the reciprocal of the time required for the output change by a predetermined constant. (Configuration 8) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 4, 6, and 7, characterized in that when the predicted value is a first value, it does not prompt the user to remove the recording medium loaded in the storage unit described above, and when the predicted value is a second value greater than the first value, it prompts the user to remove the recording medium loaded in the storage unit described above. (Configuration 9) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that, when prompted to remove the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit, after confirming that the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit has been removed, a printing process including image recording processing and recording medium transport processing is performed. (Configuration 10) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 4, 6, 7, and 8, further comprising a second calculation means for calculating the sum of the predicted value and the number of recording media set in the print job. (Configuration 11) A recording device according to Configuration 10, further comprising a second determination means for determining whether or not to prompt the removal of the recording medium loaded in the storage unit based on the total calculated by the second calculation means, wherein if the total is a third value, the device does not prompt the removal of the recording medium loaded in the storage unit, and if the total is a fourth value greater than the third value, the device prompts the removal of the recording medium loaded in the storage unit. (Configuration 12) The recording device according to Configuration 10 or 11, characterized in that the second determination means determines whether or not to prompt the removal of the recording media stacked in the aforementioned storage unit based on the total and the upper limit number of recording media that can be stacked in the aforementioned storage unit. (Configuration 13) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that, when prompted to remove the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit, after confirming that the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit has been removed, a printing process including image recording processing and recording medium transport processing is performed. (Configuration 14) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, further comprising a third determination means for determining the number of consecutive prints, which is the number of pages printed consecutively within a single print job. (Configuration 15) The recording device according to Configuration 14, characterized in that if the number of consecutive printed sheets determined by the third determination means is the first number, the printing process is continued, and if the number of consecutive printed sheets determined by the third determination means is the second number, the printing process is interrupted and the lifting and lowering unit is controlled to be lowered. (Control method for recording device) A control method for a recording device having a mounting section having a mounting surface on which ejected recording media are placed, a lifting section provided on the mounting section and capable of protruding from the mounting surface, and a detection section for detecting recording media stacked on the mounting section, characterized in that, before performing a recording process to record on multiple recording media in succession, the method includes a step of prompting the removal of recording media stacked on the mounting section when a recording media is detected by the detection section. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a recording device, the device having a mounting section having a mounting surface on which ejected recording media are placed, a lifting section provided on the mounting section and capable of protruding from the mounting surface, and a detection section for detecting recording media stacked on the mounting section, wherein, before executing a recording process to record on multiple recording media in succession, the program includes a step of prompting the computer to remove the recording media stacked on the mounting section when a recording media is detected by the detection section. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0148] 31 Mounting section 90 Movable Ribs 91 Mounting surface 92 First mounting surface 150 optical sensors 202 Print Controller

Claims

1. A mounting section having a mounting surface on which the ejected recording medium is placed, A lifting mechanism is provided on the mounting portion and is capable of protruding from the mounting surface described above, A detection unit for detecting recording media loaded on the mounting unit, A recording device having, Before performing a recording process that records continuously onto multiple recording media, if a recording media is detected by the detection unit, the system prompts the removal of the recording media currently loaded in the aforementioned storage unit. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The system includes a notification means for notifying that a recording medium placed on the mounting section should be removed, and the notification means prompts the removal of the recording medium stacked on the mounting section. The recording device according to feature 1.

3. If prompted to remove the recording medium loaded on the aforementioned mounting section, the lifting section will be raised after confirming that the recording medium loaded on the aforementioned mounting section has been removed. The recording device according to feature 1.

4. The detection unit is an optical sensor, The system further includes a first determination means that determines whether or not to prompt the removal of the recording media loaded in the aforementioned storage unit, based on a predicted value of the amount of recording media loaded in the aforementioned storage unit, which is obtained based on the change in the output of the optical sensor when the lifting unit is raised. The recording device according to feature 3.

5. The change in output of the detection unit confirms that the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit has been removed. The recording device according to feature 4.

6. The system further includes a first calculation means for calculating the predicted value based on the time required for the output change of the optical sensor. The recording device according to feature 4.

7. The first calculation means calculates the predicted value by multiplying the reciprocal of the time required for the output change by a predetermined constant. The recording device according to feature 6.

8. If the predicted value is the first value, do not prompt the removal of the recording medium stored in the aforementioned storage unit. If the predicted value is a second value that is greater than the first value, the system prompts the removal of the recording medium stored in the aforementioned storage unit. The recording device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. If prompted to remove the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned mounting section, after confirming that the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned mounting section has been removed, a printing process including image recording and recording medium transport is performed. The recording device according to feature 8.

10. The system further includes a second calculation means for calculating the sum of the aforementioned predicted value and the number of recording media set in the print job. The recording device according to claim 6 or 7.

11. The system further includes a second determination means that determines whether or not to prompt the removal of the recording medium stored in the aforementioned storage unit based on the total calculated by the second calculation means, If the sum is the third value, do not prompt the removal of the recording medium stored in the aforementioned storage unit. If the sum is a fourth value greater than the third value, the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned storage unit is prompted to be removed. The recording device according to feature 10.

12. The second determination means determines, based on the total and the maximum number of recording media that can be stacked in the aforementioned storage unit, whether or not to prompt the removal of the recording media stacked in the aforementioned storage unit. The recording device according to feature 11.

13. If prompted to remove the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned mounting unit, after confirming that the recording medium loaded in the aforementioned mounting unit has been removed, a printing process including image recording and recording medium transport is performed. The recording device according to feature 11.

14. The system further includes a third determination means for determining the number of consecutive prints, which is the number of pages printed consecutively within a single print job. The recording device according to claim 6 or 7.

15. If the number of consecutive prints determined by the third determination means is the first number, the printing process is continued; if the number of consecutive prints determined by the third determination means is the second number, the printing process is interrupted and the lifting unit is controlled to be lowered. The recording device according to feature 14.

16. A mounting section having a mounting surface on which the ejected recording medium is placed, A lifting mechanism is provided on the mounting portion and is capable of protruding from the mounting surface described above, A detection unit for detecting recording media loaded on the mounting unit, A control method for a recording device having, Before performing a recording process to record continuously onto multiple recording media, if a recording media is detected by the detection unit, the system includes a step of prompting the removal of the recording media currently loaded in the aforementioned storage unit. A control method for a recording device, characterized by the following:

17. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for the recording device described in claim 16.

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