Printing device and printing system

Abstract

To provide a printing device and a printing system which can perform detection of a medium in accordance with presence or absence of mounting of an optional instrument while suppressing cost increase.SOLUTION: The printing device comprises: a recording part 21 that performs recording on media 15; ejection trays 22 on which the media 15 with the recording performed thereon by the recording part 21 are placed; a detecting part that detects the media 15 placed on the ejection trays 22; and a mounting part 14 on which a sub tray 13 is mounted. The detecting part is positioned at a first position to detect the media 15 placed on the ejection trays 22 at a non-mounting time when the sub tray 13 is not mounted, and is positioned at a second position to detect the media 15 at a mounting time when the sub tray 13 is mounted, and the detecting part moves from the first position to the second position along with mounting of the sub tray 13 onto the mounting part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming apparatus which is an example of a printing apparatus that prints on a sheet which is an example of a medium. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit which is an example of a recording unit that records on a sheet, a stacking tray which is an example of a discharge tray that stacks the sheets recorded by the image forming unit, and a full-load detection unit which is an example of a detection unit. The full-load detection unit is located in a detection area that detects sheets, and detects that the amount of sheets stacked on the stacking tray is equal to or greater than a certain amount.

[0003] The image forming apparatus can be equipped with a sheet post-processing device, which is an example of an optional mechanism. When the sheet post-processing device is installed in the image forming apparatus, it pushes the full-load detection unit and moves the full-load detection unit located in the detection area to a non-detection area where no sheets are detected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-299811 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, when an optional device that allows media to be loaded even after the optional device is installed is installed in a printing device, the maximum media load capacity may change depending on the optional device. However, if a detection unit for detecting full load when the optional device is installed is provided separately from a detection unit for detecting full load when the optional device is not installed, the cost increases compared to when a single detection unit is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A printing device that solves the above problem comprises a recording unit that records on a medium, a discharge tray that loads the medium recorded by the recording unit, a detection unit that detects the medium loaded on the discharge tray, and an attachment unit in which an optional device is attached, wherein the detection unit is located at a first position to detect the medium loaded on the discharge tray when the optional device is not attached and is not installed, and is located at a second position to detect the medium when the optional device is attached and is installed, and moves from the first position to the second position in conjunction with the installation of the optional device in the attachment unit.

[0007] A printing system that solves the above problem includes a printing device having the above configuration, and an optional device that is attached to the printing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a printing apparatus and a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the detection unit when the sub-tray is not attached. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the detection unit while the sub-tray is being mounted in the mounting unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the detection unit when the sub-tray is attached. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a printing apparatus and a printing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the detection unit when the relay mechanism is not attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the detection unit in the middle of the relay mechanism being attached to the attachment unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a detection unit when the relay mechanism is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (First embodiment) A printing apparatus and a printing system according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printing apparatus according to this embodiment is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper.

[0010] In the drawings, the printing system 11 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, the direction parallel to the Y axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0011] 1, the printing system 11 includes a printing device 12 and a sub-tray 13, which is an example of an optional device that can be attached to the printing device 12. The printing device 12 includes an attachment unit 14 to which the sub-tray 13 can be attached. The sub-tray 13 is detachably attached to the attachment unit 14.

[0012] The printing device 12 may include a medium storage unit 17 capable of storing the medium 15, a feeding unit 18 that feeds the medium 15, and a transport unit 20 that transports the medium 15 along a transport path 19 shown by a dashed line in the drawing. The printing device 12 includes a recording unit 21 that records on the medium 15, and a discharge tray 22 that stacks the medium 15 recorded by the recording unit 21. The recording unit 21 of this embodiment ejects liquid from a nozzle 23 to perform recording.

[0013] The transport path 19 may include a first branch path 19f and a second branch path 19s. The first branch path 19f leads to a first discharge outlet 25 that discharges the medium 15 to the discharge tray 22. The second branch path 19s leads to a second discharge outlet 26 that is located above the first discharge outlet 25.

[0014] The medium storage unit 17 can store multiple media 15 in a stacked state. The printing device 12 may include multiple medium storage units 17 and the same number of feeding units 18 as the medium storage units 17. The feeding units 18 may include a feeding roller 28 that feeds the media 15 stored in the medium storage unit 17, and a separation unit 29 that separates the media 15 one by one. The feeding units 18 send the media 15 stored in the medium storage unit 17 to a transport path 19.

[0015] The transport unit 20 may include a transport roller 31, an endless transport belt 32, and a plurality of pulleys 33 around which the transport belt 32 is stretched. The transport unit 20 may include a plurality of transport rollers 31. The transport rollers 31 transport the medium 15 by rotating while sandwiching the medium 15. The transport belt 32 transports the medium 15 by rotating while supporting the medium 15 by, for example, electrostatic adsorption.

[0016] The printing device 12 includes a control unit 35 that controls recording by the recording unit 21. The control unit 35 may control various operations executed by the printing device 12. The control unit 35 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits, that execute at least a part of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, that stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0017] 2, the mounting portion 14 may be located between the first discharge outlet 25 and the second discharge outlet 26 in the vertical direction Z. The sub-tray 13 is mounted in the mounting portion 14 by being inserted into the mounting portion 14 in a mounting direction Da. The mounting direction Da in this embodiment is a direction along the X-axis.

[0018] The subtray 13 attached to the attachment section 14 is positioned above the discharge tray 22. The subtray 13 is attached above the first discharge outlet 25 and away from the discharge tray 22. Therefore, even when the subtray 13 is attached, the medium 15 discharged from the first discharge outlet 25 is stacked on the discharge tray 22. The medium 15 discharged from the second discharge outlet 26 when the subtray 13 is attached is stacked on the subtray 13.

[0019] The transport unit 20 discharges the medium 15 in a first discharge direction Df from the first discharge outlet 25. The transport unit 20 discharges the medium 15 in a second discharge direction Ds from the second discharge outlet 26. The first discharge direction Df and the second discharge direction Ds may be the same direction or different directions.

[0020] The discharge tray 22 has a loading surface 37 on which the media 15 are loaded. The media 15 are stacked in a loading direction Dp perpendicular to the loading surface 37. The loading direction Dp includes a component of the vertical direction Z. The loading surface 37 may have an inclined surface 38 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and a flat surface 39 that is more gently inclined than the inclined surface 38. The flat surface 39 is located downstream of the inclined surface 38 in the first discharge direction Df, and is continuous with the downstream end of the inclined surface 38. In the first discharge direction Df, the downstream end of the inclined surface 38 is located above the upstream end of the inclined surface 38.

[0021] The distance in the loading direction Dp between the subtray 13 attached to the mounting unit 14 and the discharge tray 22 is shorter downstream than upstream in the first discharge direction Df. In this embodiment, the distance in the loading direction Dp between the subtray 13 and the flat surface 39 is the shortest distance Ls between the subtray 13 attached to the mounting unit 14 and the discharge tray 22. The shortest distance Ls is the shortest distance perpendicular to the loading surface 37 between the subtray 13 attached to the mounting unit 14 and the loading surface 37.

[0022] The printing device 12 includes a detection unit 41 that detects the medium 15 loaded on the discharge tray 22. The detection unit 41 is located at a first position P1 when the sub-tray 13 is not installed. The first position P1 is a position below the first discharge opening 25.

[0023] 3, the printing device 12 includes a housing 43. The mounting unit 14 of this embodiment includes a hole that opens into the housing 43. The printing device 12 of this embodiment includes two mounting units 14 that are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction Y.

[0024] The subtray 13 of this embodiment has two first protrusions 13a protruding from a front end in the mounting direction Da. The two first protrusions 13a are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction Y. The subtray 13 is mounted in the mounting section 14 by inserting each of the two first protrusions 13a into the corresponding mounting section 14 in the mounting direction Da.

[0025] The detection unit 41 of this embodiment is an optical sensor having an irradiation unit 45 that irradiates light and a light receiving unit 46 that receives the light irradiated from the irradiation unit 45. The irradiation unit 45 and the light receiving unit 46 may be provided at the same position in the mounting direction Da, the vertical direction Z, the stacking direction Dp, the first discharge direction Df, and the second discharge direction Ds, and may be provided with a distance therebetween in the depth direction Y that is greater than that of the medium 15.

[0026] The printing device 12 may include a holding member 48 that holds the detection unit 41, and a spring 49 that pushes the holding member 48 upward. The printing device 12 of this embodiment includes two holding members 48 that are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction Y. One of the holding members 48 holds the irradiation unit 45. The other holding member 48 holds the light receiving unit 46.

[0027] The two holding members 48 are provided symmetrically with respect to a virtual line (not shown) parallel to the X-axis. In the following description, one of the holding members 48 will be described, and the description of the other holding member 48 will be omitted by assigning the same reference numeral.

[0028] The holding member 48 has a guide surface 51 and a retaining surface 52. At least a part of the guide surface 51 and the retaining surface 52 are located within the mounting portion 14 when the sub-tray 13 is not attached. When the sub-tray 13 is attached to the mounting portion 14, the guide surface 51 and the retaining surface 52 come into contact with the first protrusion 13a.

[0029] 4, the detector 41 located at the first position P1 detects a first load amount H1 of media 15 stacked on the discharge tray 22. The first load amount H1 is the thickness of the stacked media 15 and is equal to the dimension in the stacking direction Dp from the discharge tray 22 to the detector 41 located at the first position P1.

[0030] 5, when the first protrusion 13a presses the guide surface 51 in the mounting direction Da, the holding member 48 moves in a movement direction Dm. In this embodiment, the movement direction Dm is a direction along the Z axis. The holding member 48 pressed by the first protrusion 13a moves downward. At this time, the detection unit 41 moves from the first position P1 to a second position P2 located below the first position P1.

[0031] The printing device 12 may include a guide portion (not shown) that guides the holding member 48 in the movement direction Dm. At this time, the spring 49 is pressed by the holding member 48 and contracts. Therefore, by arranging the guide surface 51 and the spring 49 side by side in the movement direction Dm, the movement of the holding member 48 can be stabilized.

[0032] 6, the maintaining surface 52 is aligned with the guide surface 51 in the mounting direction Da, and is located further back in the mounting direction Da than the guide surface 51. The maintaining surface 52 is a flat surface parallel to the mounting direction Da. Therefore, when the front end of the first protrusion 13a passes the guide surface 51, the sub-tray 13 moves in the mounting direction Da while maintaining the height of the holding member 48. At this time, the detection unit 41 is maintained at the second position P2.

[0033] The detection unit 41 is held by the holding member 48 and moves together with the holding member 48. That is, the detection unit 41 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in conjunction with the attachment of the sub-tray 13 to the attachment unit 14. The second position P2 in this embodiment is a position lower than the first position P1. The detection unit 41 is located at the second position P2 when the sub-tray 13 is attached.

[0034] The detection unit 41 located at the second position P2 detects a second stack amount H2 of media 15 stacked on the discharge tray 22. The second stack amount H2 is the thickness of the stacked media 15 and is equal to the dimension in the stacking direction Dp from the discharge tray 22 to the detection unit 41 located at the second position P2.

[0035] A first distance L1 between the first position P1 and the loading surface 37 is longer than a second distance L2 between the second position P2 and the loading surface 37. The first distance L1 is the distance in the vertical direction Z between the first position P1 and the loading surface 37. The second distance L2 is the distance in the vertical direction Z between the second position P2 and the loading surface 37.

[0036] The second distance L2 is shorter than the first distance L1. The second distance L2 may be shorter than the shortest distance Ls. In other words, the second distance L2 in the vertical direction Z between the second position P2 and the loading surface 37 may be shorter than the shortest distance Ls perpendicular to the loading surface 37 between the sub-tray 13 mounted in the mounting portion 14 and the loading surface 37.

[0037] The movement amount of the detection unit 41 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 may be larger than the difference between the first maximum load capacity when the sub-tray 13 is not attached to the attachment unit 14 and the second maximum load capacity when the sub-tray 13 is attached. The movement amount of the detection unit 41 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is equal to the difference distance Ld which is the difference between the first distance L1 and the second distance L2. The first maximum load capacity is the distance in the load direction Dp from the discharge tray 22 to the first discharge outlet 25. The second maximum load capacity is the shortest distance Ls.

[0038] The operation of this embodiment will be described. <When not worn> 4, the detection unit 41 is located at the first position P1 when the sub-tray 13 is not attached. The control unit 35 selects the first discharge outlet 25 as the discharge outlet for discharging the medium 15. The medium 15 is discharged from the first discharge outlet 25 onto the discharge tray 22. The medium 15 discharged from the first discharge outlet 25 is stacked sequentially on the discharge tray 22.

[0039] When the detector 41 located at the first position P1 detects the medium 15, the controller 35 determines that the discharge tray 22 is fully loaded with the first stack amount H1 of the medium 15. When the controller 35 determines that the discharge tray 22 is fully loaded, it executes a full loading process. The full loading process here is to stop the discharge of the medium 15 from the first discharge outlet 25.

[0040] <Installation process> 5, when mounting the sub-tray 13 in the mounting section 14, the worker moves the sub-tray 13 in the mounting direction Da with the sub-tray 13 positioned above the discharge tray 22. The worker moves the sub-tray 13 in the mounting direction Da so that the first protrusion 13a is inserted into the mounting section 14.

[0041] The first protrusion 13a moving in the mounting direction Da pushes the guide surface 51 in the mounting direction Da. The end of the guide surface 51 on the rear side in the mounting direction Da is positioned higher than the end on the front side. Therefore, by moving the subtray 13 in the mounting direction Da, the holding member 48 is displaced downward, and the detection unit 41 also moves downward in conjunction with the movement of the holding member 48. In other words, the holding member 48 and the detection unit 41 move from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in conjunction with the mounting of the subtray 13 in the mounting unit 14. The amount of displacement of the detection unit 41 in the vertical direction Z is proportional to the amount by which the first protrusion 13a moves while in contact with the guide surface 51.

[0042] 6, when the first protrusion 13a passes the guide surface 51, it comes into contact with the maintaining surface 52. The maintaining surface 52 is a flat surface parallel to the mounting direction Da. Therefore, the first protrusion 13a moves in the mounting direction Da while maintaining the height position of the holding member 48. The first protrusion 13a limits the upward movement of the holding member 48 pressed by the spring 49. The mounting of the sub-tray 13 is completed when the first protrusion 13a presses against the maintaining surface 52.

[0043] <When worn> 6, detection unit 41 is located at second position P2 when sub-tray 13 is installed. When sub-tray 13 is installed, medium 15 discharged from first discharge outlet 25 is stacked on discharge tray 22, and medium 15 discharged from second discharge outlet 26 is stacked on sub-tray 13.

[0044] The control unit 35 selects the first discharge outlet 25 or the second discharge outlet 26 as the outlet for discharging the medium 15. The control unit 35 may select the outlet based on the type of medium 15, the orientation of the medium 15, the recording conditions, etc. The medium 15 discharged from the first discharge outlet 25 is stacked in sequence on the discharge tray 22. The medium 15 discharged from the second discharge outlet 26 is stacked in sequence on the sub-tray 13.

[0045] When the detector 41 located at the second position P2 detects the medium 15, the controller 35 determines that the discharge tray 22 is fully loaded with the second stack amount H2 of the medium 15. When the controller 35 determines that the discharge tray 22 is fully loaded, it may stop the discharge of the medium 15 from the first discharge outlet 25.

[0046] <Desorption process> 5, the worker moves the sub-tray 13 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction Da to remove it from the mounting part 14. When the first protrusion 13a comes off the retaining surface 52 and comes into contact with the guide surface 51, the holding member 48 and the detection part 41 are pushed by the spring 49 and displaced upward.

[0047] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The detection unit 41 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in conjunction with the installation of the sub-tray 13. The first position P1 is a position for detecting the medium 15 when the sub-tray 13 is not installed. The second position P2 is a position for detecting the medium 15 when the sub-tray 13 is installed. Therefore, since the medium 15 can be detected by a single detection unit 41, it is possible to detect the medium 15 according to whether or not the sub-tray 13 is installed while suppressing an increase in costs.

[0048] (2) For example, when the sub-tray 13 is attached above the discharge tray 22 and away from the discharge tray 22, the amount of media 15 that can be loaded on the discharge tray 22 decreases compared to when the sub-tray 13 is not attached. In this regard, the sub-tray 13 moves the detection unit 41, which is located at the first position P1, to a second position P2 that is lower than the first position P1. In other words, by approaching the discharge tray 22, the detection unit 41 can detect the media 15 even when the sub-tray 13 is attached.

[0049] (3) The second distance L2 in the vertical direction Z between the second position P2 and the loading surface 37 is shorter than the shortest distance Ls between the subtray 13 and the loading surface 37, which is perpendicular to the loading surface 37. The shortest distance Ls between the subtray 13 and the loading surface 37, which is perpendicular to the loading surface 37, is the maximum load that can be loaded on the discharge tray 22 when the subtray 13 is attached. Therefore, the detection unit 41 can detect the media 15 before the maximum load amount of media 15 is loaded and it becomes impossible to load the media 15.

[0050] (4) The movement amount of the detection unit 41 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is greater than the difference between the first maximum load amount when the sub-tray 13 is not attached and the second maximum load amount when the sub-tray 13 is attached. The difference between the first maximum load amount and the second maximum load amount is the load amount that is reduced by the attachment of the sub-tray 13. In other words, the movement amount of the detection unit 41 that moves due to the attachment of the sub-tray 13 is greater than the load amount that is reduced by the attachment of the sub-tray 13, so the second maximum load amount can be made greater than the load amount of the medium 15 detected by the detection unit 41 at the second position P2, reducing the risk of overloading. Also, even when the medium 15 is curled downstream in the first discharge direction Df, the second maximum load amount is greater than the second load amount H2, so that the subsequent medium 15 can be discharged while allowing the curl downstream in the first discharge direction Df. This reduces the risk of overloading or subsequent media 15 colliding with media 15 already placed on stacking surface 37, resulting in poor ejection.

[0051] (5) For example, when a user removes the detection unit 41 located at the first position P1 and attaches it to the second position P2, this places a heavy burden on the user. In this regard, the detection unit 41 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in conjunction with the attachment of the sub-tray 13. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the burden on the user.

[0052] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the printing device and printing system will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a relay mechanism that relays between the printing device and the post-processing device is installed as an optional device, and that the second position is a position above the first position. Since the second embodiment is otherwise almost the same as the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0053] 7, the printing system 11 includes the printing device 12 and a relay mechanism 54, which is an example of an optional device attached to the printing device 12. The relay mechanism 54 is a member that relays between the printing device 12 and a post-processing device (not shown). The post-processing device is disposed adjacent to the printing device 12, and performs post-processing on the recorded medium 15. The post-processing includes, for example, stapling to bundle multiple media 15 together, punching holes, saddle-stitching, and folding.

[0054] The relay mechanism 54 may include a second protruding portion 54a protruding from a front end in the mounting direction Da. The mounting direction Da in this embodiment is a direction along the inclined surface 38. The relay mechanism 54 may include a plurality of second protruding portions 54a. The relay mechanism 54 is mounted to the mounting portion 14 by inserting the second protruding portions 54a into the mounting portion 14. The relay mechanism 54 may be detachable from the mounting portion 14.

[0055] The relay mechanism 54 may be attached so as to be placed on the discharge tray 22. At least a portion of the attached relay mechanism 54 may be located between the first discharge opening 25 and the discharge tray 22.

[0056] The relay mechanism 54 may have a relay path 56 capable of transporting the medium 15. When the relay mechanism 54 is attached, the relay path 56 has an upstream end located at the first discharge outlet 25 and is connected to the first branch path 19f. As a result, the medium 15 discharged from the first discharge outlet 25 through the first branch path 19f is transported to the post-processing device through the relay path 56.

[0057] The relay mechanism 54 mounted in the mounting unit 14 is located below the second discharge opening 26. The medium 15 discharged from the second discharge opening 26 when the relay mechanism 54 is mounted is loaded onto the relay mechanism 54. In other words, the relay mechanism 54 loads the medium 15 on which information has been recorded by the recording unit 21.

[0058] 8, the guide surface 51 in this embodiment is a surface that is inclined with respect to the mounting direction Da. The guide surface 51 is a plane that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and the rear end in the mounting direction Da is located lower than the front end. The detection unit 41 located at the first position P1 detects the first stack amount H1 of media 15 loaded on the discharge tray 22.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 9, when the second protrusion 54a presses the guide surface 51 in the mounting direction Da, the holding member 48 moves in a movement direction Dm. In this embodiment, the movement direction Dm is a direction along the Z axis. The holding member 48 pressed by the second protrusion 54a moves upward. At this time, the detection unit 41 moves from the first position P1 to a second position P2 located above the first position P1.

[0060] 10, the maintaining surface 52 is aligned with the guide surface 51 in the mounting direction Da, and is located further back in the mounting direction Da than the guide surface 51. The maintaining surface 52 is a flat surface parallel to the mounting direction Da. Therefore, when the front end of the second protrusion 54a passes over the guide surface 51, the relay mechanism 54 moves in the mounting direction Da while maintaining the height of the holding member 48. At this time, the detection unit 41 is maintained at the second position P2.

[0061] The detection unit 41 is held by the holding member 48 and moves together with the holding member 48. That is, the detection unit 41 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in conjunction with the mounting of the relay mechanism 54 to the mounting unit 14. The second position P2 in this embodiment is a position above the first position P1. The detection unit 41 is located at the second position P2 when the relay mechanism 54 is mounted.

[0062] The detector 41 located at the second position P2 detects a second load amount H2 of media 15 stacked on the discharge tray 22. The second load amount H2 is the thickness of the stacked media 15 and is equal to the dimension in the stacking direction Dp from the relay mechanism 54 to the detector 41 located at the second position P2.

[0063] The operation of this embodiment will be described. <When not worn> The operation when the relay mechanism 54 is not attached is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0064] <Installation process> 9, when mounting the relay mechanism 54 to the mounting unit 14, the worker places the relay mechanism 54 on the discharge tray 22 and moves the relay mechanism 54 in the mounting direction Da. The worker moves the relay mechanism 54 in the mounting direction Da so that the second protrusion 54a is inserted into the mounting unit 14.

[0065] The second protrusion 54a moving in the mounting direction Da pushes the guide surface 51 in the mounting direction Da. The end of the guide surface 51 on the rear side in the mounting direction Da is positioned lower than the end on the front side. Therefore, by moving the relay mechanism 54 in the mounting direction Da, the holding member 48 is displaced upward, and the detection unit 41 also moves upward in conjunction with the movement of the holding member 48. In other words, the holding member 48 and the detection unit 41 move from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in conjunction with the mounting of the relay mechanism 54 to the mounting unit 14. The amount of displacement of the detection unit 41 in the vertical direction Z is proportional to the amount by which the second protrusion 54a moves while in contact with the guide surface 51.

[0066] 10, when the second protrusion 54a passes the guide surface 51, it comes into contact with the retaining surface 52. The retaining surface 52 is a plane parallel to the mounting direction Da. Therefore, the second protrusion 54a moves in the mounting direction Da while maintaining the height position of the holding member 48. The second protrusion 54a supports the holding member 48 in an upturned state. This completes the mounting of the relay mechanism 54 to the mounting section 14.

[0067] <When worn> 10, the detection unit 41 is located at the second position P2 when the relay mechanism 54 is installed. When the relay mechanism 54 is installed, the medium 15 discharged from the first discharge outlet 25 is sent to the post-processing device via the relay mechanism 54. When the relay mechanism 54 is installed, the medium 15 discharged from the second discharge outlet 26 is loaded on the relay mechanism 54.

[0068] When the detector 41, located at the second position P2, detects media 15, the controller 35 determines that the relay mechanism 54 is in a fully loaded state with the second load amount H2 of media 15. When the controller 35 determines that the relay mechanism 54 is in a fully loaded state, it executes a fully loaded process. The fully loaded process here is to stop the discharge of media 15 from the second discharge outlet 26.

[0069] <Desorption process> 9, the worker moves the relay mechanism 54 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction Da to remove it from the mounting unit 14. When the second protrusion 54a comes off the maintaining surface 52, the holding member 48 is displaced downward by its own weight. The detection unit 41 is displaced downward from the second position P2 together with the holding member 48. The detection unit 41 may be displaced downward in conjunction with the removal of the relay mechanism 54 from the mounting unit 14.

[0070] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (6) For example, when medium 15 is discharged onto relay mechanism 54, the medium 15 is loaded onto relay mechanism 54. Relay mechanism 54 moves detection unit 41, which is located at first position P1, to second position P2, which is higher than first position P1. Therefore, even when medium 15 is loaded onto relay mechanism 54 attached above discharge tray 22, detection unit 41 can detect medium 15.

[0071] The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications may be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0072] In the first embodiment, when the subtray 13 is attached, the discharge tray 22 may be removed and moved to a position lower than the position of the discharge tray 22 when the subtray 13 is not attached. The subtray 13 may be attached to a position where the discharge tray 22 was located when the subtray 13 was not attached. In this modified example, when the subtray 13 is attached to the attachment unit 14, the discharge tray 22 is located below the subtray 13. In this modified example, the detection unit 41 is located at the second position P2 when the subtray 13 is attached. The detection unit 41 located at the second position P2 detects the second stack amount H2 of media 15 stacked on the discharge tray 22 when the subtray 13 is attached. In this modified example as well, the detection unit 41 is located at the first position P1 when the subtray 13 is not attached. The second position P2 is located below the first position P1.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the relay mechanism 54 may be attached in a state separated from the discharge tray 22. The discharge tray 22 may be removed when the relay mechanism 54 is attached. The relay mechanism 54 may be attached to the location where the discharge tray 22 was located when the relay mechanism 54 was not attached.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the second distance L2 in the vertical direction Z between the second position P2 and the loading surface 37 may be greater than or equal to the shortest distance Ls between the sub-tray 13 mounted in the mounting section 14 and the loading surface 37, the distance being perpendicular to the loading surface 37.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the amount of movement of the detection unit 41 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 may be equal to or greater than the difference between the first maximum load capacity when the sub-tray 13 is not attached to the attachment unit 14 and the second maximum load capacity when the sub-tray 13 is attached.

[0076] The detection unit 41 may be a lever sensor that detects the position of the topmost medium 15 by contacting the stacked media 15. The detection unit 41 may be a distance sensor that detects the distance to the topmost medium 15 of the stacked media 15. The detection unit 41 may be an image sensor that detects the thickness of the stacked media 15. The detection unit 41 may be a weight sensor that measures the weight of the stacked media 15.

[0077] The detector 41 is not limited to a configuration used only for detecting a full load of the medium 15. For example, the state of the discharge tray 22 during a print job may be known by detecting the top surface position of the medium 15 before the medium 15 becomes full. Also, the detector 41 may be configured to constantly monitor the top surface position of the medium 15.

[0078] The moving direction Dm may be a direction including a horizontal component. The discharge tray 22 has an inclined surface 38 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, the detector 41 located at the first position P1 may move in the horizontal direction so as to approach the discharge tray 22 and reach the second position P2.

[0079] In the first embodiment, a relay mechanism that relays between the printing device and the post-processing device may be an optional device. In this case, the relay mechanism 54 may be connected to the second discharge port 26. When the relay mechanism 54 is connected to the second discharge port 26, the detection unit 41 may move from the first position P1 to a second position P2 that is located below the first position P1.

[0080] The optional equipment may be a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the recorded medium 15. The optional equipment may be a reversing mechanism for recording on both sides of the medium 15. The full-load process is not limited to a configuration that stops the discharge of the medium 15 from the first discharge outlet 25 or the second discharge outlet 26, but may also be a configuration that stops recording by the recording unit 21, a configuration that changes the discharge destination of the medium 15 to an optional device, a configuration that causes the notification unit to notify that the medium is fully loaded, or a configuration that discharges the medium 15 to a tray other than the discharge tray 22 or to a post-processing device.

[0081] The printing device 12 may be a printing device that ejects or discharges liquid other than ink. The state of the liquid discharged from the printing device as minute droplets includes granular, teardrop, and thread-like tails. The liquid here may be any material that can be discharged from the printing device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, and includes fluids such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The liquid includes not only liquids as one state of matter, but also particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiment. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot melt inks. Specific examples of printing devices include devices that discharge liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and color materials in a dispersed or dissolved form, which are used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. The printing device may be a device that discharges biological organic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, a device that is used as a precision pipette to discharge a liquid sample, a textile printing device, a microdispenser, or the like. The printing device may be a device that discharges lubricating oil at a pinpoint onto precision machinery such as a watch or camera, or a device that discharges transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curing resin onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens, optical lens, or the like used in optical communication elements. The printing device may be a device that discharges an etching liquid such as an acid or alkali to etch a substrate or the like.

[0082] The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) A printing device includes a recording unit that records on a medium, a discharge tray that loads the medium recorded by the recording unit, a detection unit that detects the medium loaded on the discharge tray, and an attachment unit in which an optional device is attached, wherein the detection unit is located at a first position to detect the medium loaded on the discharge tray when the optional device is not attached and is located at a second position to detect the medium when the optional device is attached and moves from the first position to the second position in conjunction with the attachment of the optional device to the attachment unit.

[0083] According to this configuration, the detection unit moves from a first position to a second position in conjunction with the installation of an optional device. The first position is a position for detecting the medium when the optional device is not installed. The second position is a position for detecting the medium when the optional device is installed. Therefore, since the medium can be detected by a single detection unit, it is possible to detect the medium according to whether or not the optional device is installed while suppressing an increase in costs.

[0084] (B) In the printing device, the second position may be a position lower than the first position, and the detection unit located at the second position may detect the medium loaded on the discharge tray.

[0085] For example, when an optional device is attached above the discharge tray and away from the discharge tray, the amount of media that can be loaded onto the discharge tray decreases compared to when the optional device is not attached. In this regard, with this configuration, the optional device moves the detection unit located at the first position to a second position that is lower than the first position. In other words, by approaching the discharge tray, the detection unit can detect media even when the optional device is attached.

[0086] (C) In the printing device, the second position may be a position above the first position, and the detection unit located at the second position may detect the medium loaded on the optional device.

[0087] For example, when the media is discharged onto an optional device, the media is loaded onto the optional device. With this configuration, the optional device moves the detection unit located at the first position to a second position above the first position. Therefore, even when the media is loaded onto the optional device attached onto the discharge tray, the detection unit can detect the media.

[0088] (D) In ​​a printing device, the discharge tray has a loading surface on which the medium is loaded, and the vertical distance between the second position and the loading surface may be shorter than the shortest distance perpendicular to the loading surface between the optional equipment mounted in the mounting section and the loading surface.

[0089] According to this configuration, the vertical distance between the second position and the loading surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the optional device and the loading surface perpendicular to the loading surface. The shortest distance between the optional device and the loading surface perpendicular to the loading surface is the maximum load that can be loaded on the discharge tray when the optional device is installed. Therefore, the detection unit can detect media before the maximum load amount of media is loaded and it becomes impossible to load media.

[0090] (E) In a printing device, the amount of movement of the detection unit from the first position to the second position may be greater than the difference between a first maximum load capacity when the optional device is not attached to the attachment unit and a second maximum load capacity when the optional device is attached.

[0091] According to this configuration, the amount of movement of the detection unit from the first position to the second position is greater than the difference between the first maximum load capacity when the optional device is not installed and the second maximum load capacity when the optional device is installed. The difference between the first maximum load capacity and the second maximum load capacity is the load capacity that is reduced by installing the optional device. In other words, since the amount of movement of the detection unit that is caused by installing the optional device is greater than the load capacity that is reduced by installing the optional device, the second maximum load capacity can be made greater than the load capacity of media detected by the detection unit at the second position, thereby reducing the risk of overloading.

[0092] (F) A printing system includes a printing device having the above configuration and an optional device that is attached to the printing device. According to this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the above-mentioned printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 11...printing system, 12...printing device, 13...sub-tray as an example of optional equipment, 13a...first protrusion, 14...mounting section, 15...medium, 17...medium storage section, 18...feed section, 19...transport path, 19f...first branch path, 19s...second branch path, 20...transport section, 21...recording section, 22...ejection tray, 23...nozzle, 25...first discharge outlet, 26...second discharge outlet, 28...feed roller, 29...separation section, 31...transport roller, 32...transport belt, 33...pulley, 35...control section, 37...loading surface, 38...inclined surface, 3 9...flat surface, 41...detection unit, 43...housing, 45...irradiation unit, 46...light-receiving unit, 48...holding member, 49...spring, 51...guide surface, 52...maintenance surface, 54...relay mechanism which is an example of optional equipment, 54a...second protrusion, 56...relay path, Da...installation direction, Df...first discharge direction, Dm...movement direction, Dp...loading direction, Ds...second discharge direction, H1...first load amount, H2...second load amount, L1...first distance, L2...second distance, Ld...differential distance, Ls...shortest distance, P1...first position, P2...second position, Y...depth direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. a recording unit for recording on a medium; a discharge tray that holds the medium recorded by the recording unit; a detection unit that detects the medium loaded on the discharge tray; A mounting section for mounting an optional device; Equipped with The detection unit is When the optional device is not installed, the optional device is located at the first position and is disposed on the discharge tray. Detecting the loaded media; When the optional device is installed, the optional device is located at the second position and is disposed on the discharge tray. Detecting the loaded media; The optional device is moved from the first position to the second position in response to the attachment of the optional device to the attachment portion. Go to The printing device, wherein the second position is a position lower than the first position.

2. the ejection tray has a loading surface on which the medium is loaded, The vertical distance between the second position and the loading surface is determined by the distance between the optional part mounted on the mounting portion.

2. The distance between the load surface and the load equipment is shorter than the shortest distance perpendicular to the load surface. The printing device described in

3. The movement amount of the detection part from the first position to the second position is determined by the amount of movement of the detection part. The first maximum load capacity when no optional equipment is installed and the second maximum load capacity when the optional equipment is installed and the second maximum load capacity when the vehicle is mounted is greater than the difference between the first maximum load capacity and the second maximum load capacity when the vehicle is mounted.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The detection unit detects the medium at both the first position and the second position.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An optional device that is attached to the printing device; A printing system comprising:

6. A holding member for holding the detection unit is provided, The holding member has a first guide surface that guides the optional device, and a guide member that is connected to the first guide surface. and a retaining surface for retaining the The optional device is slidably engaged along the first guide surface, and the first guide 6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein the support surface is mounted on the support surface. 。

Images