Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device in which long work time is saved for performing multiple works separately, like changing of a stiffening condition and other works, when fitting a post-processing device.SOLUTION: A recording device has a recording part recording on a medium, a discharge part discharging the medium performing recording by the recording part, and a medium receiving part receiving the medium discharged by the discharge part, and is capable of feeding the medium to an option device from the discharge part by fitting the option device to a device body. The discharge part has a discharge roller discharging the medium, a curling part curling the discharged medium, and a detection part for detecting loading height of the medium loaded on the medium receiving part and positioned at a position interfering with the option device when fitting the option device. The detection part and the curling part are integrally formed, and the detection part and the curling part are attachable and detachable in relation to the device body as an integrated body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that records on a medium.

Background Art

[0002] In a recording apparatus typified by a printer, post-processing may be performed on the medium on which recording has been performed. Examples of post-processing include binding with a binding needle. In addition, a post-processing apparatus that performs such post-processing may be subsequently attached to the recording apparatus as an optional apparatus. The post-processing apparatus is attached to a discharge unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed in the recording apparatus. However, when attaching the post-processing apparatus, it may be necessary to change the configuration on the recording apparatus side. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a paper discharge roller is replaced in order to switch the binding conditions when binding the medium before and after attaching the post-processing apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When attaching the post-processing apparatus, not only changing the binding conditions but also other operations may be required. In particular, it is necessary to remove the members provided in the attachment area of the post-processing apparatus. However, in a configuration in which a plurality of operations are performed individually, a lot of working time is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the recording apparatus of the present invention includes a recording unit that records on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit. The recording apparatus is configured such that an optional device can be attached to the apparatus main body and the medium can be fed from the discharging unit to the optional device. The discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium, a shaping unit that shapes the discharged medium, and a detection unit for detecting the stacking height of the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit. The detection unit is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached. The detection unit and the shaping unit are integrally formed, and the detection unit and the shaping unit are integrally formed and detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0006] Also, in order to solve the above problems, the recording apparatus of the present invention includes a recording unit that records on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit. The recording apparatus is configured such that an optional device can be attached to the apparatus main body and the medium can be fed from the discharging unit to the optional device. The discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium and a shaping unit that shapes the discharged medium. At least a part of the medium receiving unit is a detachable part with respect to the apparatus main body. The detachable part is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached. The detachable part and the shaping unit are integrally formed, and the detachable part and the shaping unit are integrally formed and detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0007] In addition, a recording apparatus of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a recording unit that records on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit, and is a recording apparatus capable of feeding the medium from the discharging unit to an optional device by attaching the optional device to the apparatus main body. The discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium, a creasing unit that creases the discharged medium, and a detection unit for detecting the stacking height of the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit, which is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached and is detachable from the apparatus main body. The creasing unit can be switched between a first state when creasing the medium and a second state that is separated from the medium compared to the first state. The detection unit is provided so as to interact with the creasing unit, and when the detection unit is removed, the creasing unit switches from the first state to the second state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The present invention will be outlined below. A recording apparatus according to a first aspect includes a recording unit that performs recording on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit. The recording apparatus is configured such that an optional device can be attached to the apparatus main body and a medium can be fed from the discharging unit to the optional device. The discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium, a creasing unit that creases the discharged medium, and a detection unit for detecting the stacking height of the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit, the detection unit being located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached. The detection unit and the creasing unit are integrally formed, and the detection unit and the creasing unit are integrally formed and detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0010] Creasing of the medium by the creasing unit is likely to cause conveyance failure in the optional device when the optional device is attached. When the optional device is attached, it is necessary to disable the creasing unit. Further, since the detection unit is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached, it is necessary to remove the detection unit when the optional device is attached. In such a configuration, since the detection unit and the creasing unit are integrally formed, removing one will also remove the other, and the working time required to attach the optional device can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the detection unit and the creasing unit are removed individually.

[0011] Also, the relative positional relationship between the detection unit and the creasing unit in the medium stacking direction in the medium receiving unit is important. For example, when using the detection information of the detection unit to avoid the discharged medium from colliding with the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit, if the positions of the detection unit and the creasing unit in the medium stacking direction are closer than expected, the discharged medium is likely to collide with the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit. However, since the detection unit and the habituation unit are integrally configured and the detection unit and the habituation unit are integrated and detachable from the apparatus main body, the relative positional relationship between the detection unit and the habituation unit is maintained, and the occurrence of the above-described problems can be suppressed.

[0012] A second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, at least a part of the medium receiving unit is a detachable part with respect to the apparatus main body, and the detection unit and the habituation unit are integrally configured via the detachable part. According to this aspect, since the detection unit and the habituation unit are integrally configured via the detachable part that constitutes the medium receiving unit, a dedicated member for integrally configuring the detection unit and the habituation unit is not required, and an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be suppressed.

[0013] A third aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the detachable part is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is mounted. According to this aspect, since the detachable part is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is mounted, it is necessary to remove the detachable part in addition to the detection unit and the habituation unit when mounting the optional device. However, since the detection unit, the habituation unit, and the detachable part are integrally configured, it is not necessary to individually remove each of the detection unit, the habituation unit, and the detachable part, and the working time required for mounting the optional device can be shortened.

[0014] A fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the detachable part abuts on the rear end of the medium loaded on the medium receiving tray and defines the position of the rear end. According to this aspect, in the configuration in which the detachable part abuts on the rear end of the medium loaded on the medium receiving tray and defines the position of the rear end, the operational effects of the third aspect described above can be obtained.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the detection unit includes a light emitting unit that emits detection light in a width direction intersecting the discharge direction of the medium, and a light receiving unit that receives the detection light, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are provided at positions facing each other with the medium loaded on the medium receiving unit in the width direction therebetween.

[0016] According to this aspect, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are configured to be provided at positions facing each other with the medium loaded on the medium receiving unit in the width direction therebetween, and a mounting space for the detection unit is required on both sides of the medium receiving unit in the width direction, and the apparatus is likely to be enlarged. However, since the detection unit, that is, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, are in a position where they interfere with the option device when the option device is mounted, it is not necessary to design the option device so as to avoid the detection unit, and further enlargement of the apparatus associated with mounting the option device can be suppressed.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the creasing unit configured integrally with the detection unit is a first creasing unit that contacts the first surface of the medium, the discharging unit includes a second creasing unit that contacts the second surface of the medium opposite to the first surface and performs creasing on the medium together with the first creasing unit, and among the first creasing unit and the second creasing unit, the first creasing unit is configured integrally with the detection unit, and the first creasing unit is located downstream of the second creasing unit in the discharging direction of the medium.

[0018] Since the first creasing unit is located downstream of the second creasing unit in the discharging direction of the medium, the first creasing unit has a greater influence on the discharging position in the medium loading direction of the medium receiving tray than the second creasing unit. In such a configuration, since the first attachment portion is configured integrally with the detection portion, and the detection portion and the first attachment portion are integrated and detachable from the apparatus main body, the relative positional relationship between the detection portion and the first attachment portion can be maintained. As a result, the occurrence of the above-described problem, that is, the problem associated with the deviation of the relative positional relationship between the detection portion and the first attachment portion, can be suppressed.

[0019] A recording apparatus according to a seventh aspect includes a recording unit that performs recording on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit, and is a recording apparatus in which an optional device can be attached to the apparatus main body and a medium can be fed from the discharging unit to the optional device, wherein the discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium and an attachment portion that attaches to the discharged medium, at least a part of the medium receiving unit is a detachable portion that is detachable from the apparatus main body, the detachable portion is located at a position that interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached, the detachable portion and the attachment portion are integrally configured, and the detachable portion and the attachment portion are integrated and detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0020] The attachment of the medium by the attachment portion is likely to cause a conveyance failure in the optional device when the optional device is attached, and it is necessary to disable the attachment portion when the optional device is attached. Further, at least a part of the medium receiving unit is a detachable portion that is detachable from the apparatus main body, and since this detachable portion is located at a position that interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached, it is necessary to remove the detachable portion when the optional device is attached. In such a configuration, since the detachable portion and the attachment portion are integrally configured, removing one will also remove the other, and the working time required to attach the optional device can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the detachable portion and the attachment portion are removed individually.

[0021] The recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect includes a recording unit that performs recording on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit. The recording apparatus is configured such that an optional device can be attached to the apparatus main body and a medium can be fed from the discharging unit to the optional device. The discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium, a creasing unit that creases the discharged medium, and a detection unit for detecting the stacking height of the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit. The detection unit is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached and is detachable from the apparatus main body. The creasing unit is capable of switching between a first state in which the medium is creased and a second state in which the creasing unit is separated from the medium. The detection unit is provided so as to interact with the creasing unit. When the detection unit is removed, the creasing unit switches from the first state to the second state.

[0022] Creasing the medium by the creasing unit is likely to cause a conveyance failure in the optional device when the optional device is attached. Therefore, it is necessary to make the creasing unit non-functional when the optional device is attached. Also, since the detection unit is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached, it is necessary to remove the detection unit when the optional device is attached. In such a configuration, the detection unit is provided so as to interact with the creasing unit. When the detection unit is removed, the creasing unit switches from the first state to the second state. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the removal of the detection unit and the state switching of the creasing unit are performed individually, the working time required to attach the optional device can be shortened.

[0023] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described. Hereinafter, an inkjet printer 1 that performs recording by discharging a liquid represented by ink onto a medium represented by recording paper will be described as an example of a recording apparatus. In the following, the inkjet printer 1 will be abbreviated as the printer 1.

[0024] In each figure, the X - Y - Z coordinate system shown is a rectangular coordinate system. The Y - axis direction is the width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium and is also the depth direction of the apparatus. In the Y - axis direction, the +Y direction, which is the direction of the arrow, is the direction from the back surface to the front surface of the apparatus, and the -Y direction, which is opposite to the +Y direction, is the direction from the front surface to the back surface of the apparatus. Also, the X - axis direction is the width direction of the apparatus. Looking from the operator of the printer 1, the +X direction, which is the direction of the arrow, is the left side, and the opposite -X direction is the right side. The Z - axis direction is the vertical direction, that is, the height direction of the apparatus. The +Z direction, which is the direction of the arrow, is the upward direction, and the opposite -Z direction is the downward direction. Hereinafter, when the term "up" is used, it means the +Z direction, and when the term "down" is used, it means the -Z direction.

[0025] Also, the G - axis direction is the normal direction to the ink ejection surface of the line head 26 described later. The +G direction, which is the direction of the arrow, is the direction in which the head unit 25 described later separates from the conveyance belt 7, and the opposite -G direction is the direction in which the head unit 25 approaches the conveyance belt 7. Also, the F - axis direction is a direction parallel to the ink ejection surface of the line head 26 and is the medium conveyance direction at a position facing the line head 26. The +F direction, which is the direction of the arrow, is the downstream of the conveyance direction, and the opposite -F direction is the upstream of the conveyance direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the medium is sent may be referred to as "downstream", and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream".

[0026] In FIG. 1, the medium conveyance path is indicated by a broken line. In the printer 1, the medium is conveyed through the medium conveyance path indicated by the broken line. The apparatus main body 2 of the printer 1 includes a first medium cassette 3 and a second medium cassette 4 for accommodating the medium before feeding. The symbol P indicates the medium accommodated in each medium cassette. The first medium cassette 3 and the second medium cassette 4 are detachably provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 2. For the first medium cassette 3, a pick - up roller 9 for sending out the accommodated medium is provided, and for the second medium cassette 4, a pick - up roller 10 for sending out the accommodated medium is provided.

[0027] Also, for the first media cassette 3, a pair of feed rollers 11 for feeding the fed media in an obliquely upward direction is provided. For the second media cassette 4, a pair of feed rollers 12 for feeding the fed media in an obliquely upward direction and a pair of conveyance rollers 13 for conveying the media in an upward direction are provided. In addition, hereinafter, the "pair of rollers" shall be composed of a driving roller driven by a motor (not shown) unless otherwise specified, and a driven roller that rotates passively in contact with this driving roller.

[0028] The media fed from each media cassette is sent to the pair of conveyance rollers 16 by the pair of conveyance rollers 14 and the pair of conveyance rollers 15. The media receiving the feeding force from the pair of conveyance rollers 16 is sent between the line head 26 and the conveyance belt 7, that is, to a position facing the line head 26.

[0029] The line head 26 is provided in the head unit 25 and performs recording by discharging ink onto the surface of the media. The line head 26 is an ink discharge head configured such that nozzles (not shown) for discharging ink cover the entire width of the media in the media width direction, and is configured as an ink discharge head capable of performing recording over the entire width of the media without moving in the media width direction. The line head 26 is an example of a recording unit for performing recording on the media.

[0030] Reference numeral 5 is an ink storage unit for storing ink. The ink discharged from the line head 26 is supplied from the ink storage unit 5 to the line head 26 via a tube (not shown). The ink storage unit 5 is composed of a plurality of ink tanks arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0031] The conveyance belt 7, pulleys 8a, and 8b constitute the conveyance unit 6. The conveyance belt 7 is an endless belt wound around the pulley 8a and the pulley 8b arranged along the media conveyance direction. The conveyance belt 7 rotates when at least one of the pulley 8a and the pulley 8b is driven by a motor (not shown). The medium is conveyed while being adsorbed on the belt surface of the conveyor belt 7 to a position facing the line head 26. For the adsorption of the medium to the conveyor belt 7, a known adsorption method such as an air suction method or an electrostatic adsorption method can be adopted.

[0032] Here, the medium conveyance path passing through the position facing the line head 26 intersects both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and is configured to convey the medium in an obliquely upward direction. This obliquely upward conveyance direction is a direction including an -X direction component and a +Z direction component in FIG. 1. With such a configuration, the horizontal dimension of the printer 1 can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the medium conveyance path passing through the position facing the line head 26 is set to an inclination angle in the range of 50° to 70° with respect to the horizontal direction, and more specifically, is set to an inclination angle of 60°.

[0033] The medium on which recording has been performed on the first surface by the line head 26 is further sent in an obliquely upward direction by the conveyor roller pair 17 located downstream of the conveyor belt 7. A flap 23 is provided downstream of the conveyor roller pair 17, and the conveyance direction of the medium is switched by this flap 23. When discharging the medium as it is, the medium conveyance path is switched by the flap 23 to go toward the upper conveyor roller pair 20. A discharge roller pair 31 is further provided downstream of the conveyor roller pair 20, and the medium is discharged to the medium receiving portion 45 or discharged to the post-processing device 100 (see FIG. 2) by this discharge roller pair 31. The discharge roller pair 31 constitutes the discharge portion 30. In this embodiment, the medium discharge direction is an obliquely upward direction including a +X direction component and a +Z direction component.

[0034] When recording is performed not only on the first side of the medium but also on the second side, the medium is conveyed in an obliquely upward direction including an -X direction component and a +Z direction component by the flap 23, passes through the branch position K1, and is sent to the upper switchback path from the branch position K1. A pair of conveying rollers 21 is provided on this switchback path. The medium that has entered the switchback path is conveyed upward by the pair of conveying rollers 21. Then, when the rear end of the medium has passed through the branch position K1, the rotation direction of the pair of conveying rollers 21 is switched, and thereby the medium is conveyed downward.

[0035] The medium conveyed downward by the pair of conveying rollers 21 receives a feeding force from the pair of conveying rollers 18, the pair of conveying rollers 19, and the pair of conveying rollers 15 and reaches the pair of conveying rollers 16, and is sent to a position facing the line head 26 again by the pair of conveying rollers 16. The medium sent to a position facing the line head 26 again has the second side opposite to the already recorded first side facing the line head 26. Thereby, recording by the line head 26 on the second side of the medium becomes possible. The medium on which recording has been performed on the second side is discharged to the medium receiving portion 45 by the pair of discharge rollers 31, or is discharged to the post-processing device 100 (see FIG. 2).

[0036] Subsequently, the discharge unit 30 and the medium receiving portion 45 will be further described. The discharge unit 30 includes, in addition to the pair of discharge rollers 31 described above, a first crimping portion 35 and a second crimping portion 40 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. The pair of discharge rollers 31 includes a discharge drive roller 32 that contacts the upper surface of the medium and a discharge driven roller 33 that contacts the lower surface of the medium. In FIG. 5, the symbol P indicates the medium to be discharged. In the present embodiment, the discharge drive roller 32 is a rubber roller, and the discharge driven roller 33 is a flywheel. Two pairs of discharge rollers 31 are provided on the left and right sides of the center position CL (see FIG. 5) in the medium width direction, and are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the center position CL.

[0037] The first creasing part 35 is provided with a first holder 36. Two driven rollers 37 are provided on the first holder 36 along the medium conveyance direction. The driven rollers 37 are in contact with the lower surface of the discharged medium. Two first creasing parts 35 are provided on the left and right sides respectively with respect to the center position CL (see FIG. 5) in the medium width direction, and are arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the center position CL.

[0038] The second creasing part 40 is provided with a second holder 41. Two driven rollers 42 are provided on the second holder 41 along the medium conveyance direction. The driven rollers 42 are in contact with the upper surface of the discharged medium. One second creasing part 40 is provided on the left and right sides respectively with respect to the center position CL (see FIG. 5) in the medium width direction, and is arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the center position CL.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first creasing part 35 and the second creasing part 40 are provided so as to overlap in the Z-axis direction, whereby creasing is performed so that the discharged medium undulates along the medium width direction as shown in FIG. 5. By this creasing, the rigidity of the medium along the medium discharge direction is enhanced, and curling of the medium on the medium receiving part 45, that is, curling along the medium discharge direction, is suppressed.

[0040] Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the medium receiving part 45 includes a tray 46, a rear end regulating member 47, and a displacement member 48. The tray 46 is provided so as to extend obliquely upward in the +X direction. The rear end regulating member 47 includes a regulating wall 47a that forms a wall surface along the Y-Z plane. The regulating wall 47a is in contact with the rear end of the medium loaded on the tray 46 and regulates the rear end position. The displacement member 48 is provided at the center of the tray 46 in the medium width direction, and is provided so as to be switchable between a state of protruding from the tray 46 and a state of not protruding by a drive mechanism (not shown). When the displacement member 48 protrudes from the tray 46, the loaded medium is curved so as to be convex upward along the medium width direction. Thereby, the rigidity of the medium along the medium discharge direction is enhanced, and curling of the medium along the medium discharge direction on the tray 46 is suppressed.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rear end regulating member 47 includes a first side wall 47b that forms a wall surface along the X-Z plane at the +Y direction end. The rear end regulating member 47 also includes a second side wall 47c that forms a wall surface along the X-Z plane at the -Y direction end. A hole 47e is formed in the first side wall 47b, and a hole 47g is formed below the hole 47e. A first light receiving portion 52 that constitutes the first detection portion 50 is provided on the wall surface in the +Y direction at a position corresponding to the hole 47e. A second light receiving portion 57 that constitutes the second detection portion 55 is provided on the wall surface in the +Y direction at a position corresponding to the hole 47g.

[0042] A hole 47d is formed in the second side wall 47c, and a hole 47f is formed below the hole 47d. A first light emitting portion 51 that constitutes the first detection portion 50 is provided on the wall surface in the -Y direction at a position corresponding to the hole 47d. A second light emitting portion 56 that constitutes the second detection portion 55 is provided on the wall surface in the -Y direction at a position corresponding to the hole 47f.

[0043] The first light emitting portion 51 and the first light receiving portion 52 that constitute the first detection portion 50 are arranged to face each other with the medium to be loaded sandwiched therebetween in the Y-axis direction, and the detection light emitted from the first light emitting portion 51 is configured to reach the first light receiving portion 52 through the holes 47d and 47e. Similarly, the second light emitting unit 56 and the second light receiving unit 57 that constitute the second detection unit 55 are arranged to face each other with the medium loaded in the Y-axis direction therebetween, and the detection light emitted from the second light emitting unit 56 is configured to reach the second light receiving unit 57 through the hole portions 47f and 47g.

[0044] With the above configuration, the control unit (not shown) of the printer 1 can detect that the medium loading height on the tray 46 has reached a predetermined value based on the detection signal transmitted from the second detection unit 55, and can further detect that the medium loading height on the tray 46 has reached the upper limit value based on the detection signal transmitted from the first detection unit 50. In addition, the first detection unit 50 and the second detection unit 55 according to the present embodiment are an example of a detection unit for detecting the medium loading height in the medium receiving unit 45. In other words, they are an example of a detection unit for detecting that the medium loading height in the medium receiving unit 45 has reached a predetermined height. However, the detection unit for detecting the medium loading height in the medium receiving unit 45 is not limited to this, and it may be one that can detect the medium loading height with a finer resolution. Alternatively, conversely, the second detection unit 55 may be omitted and only the first detection unit 50 may be provided, and it may be one that can only detect that the medium loading height has reached the upper limit value.

[0045] The rear end regulating member 47 is provided with the above-described first detection unit 50 and second detection unit 55, and the rear end regulating member 47 is further provided with the first attaching portion 35 among the above-described first attaching portion 35 and second attaching portion 40. The second attaching portion 40 is provided on the frame 30a (see FIG. 6) that constitutes the apparatus main body 2.

[0046] The tray 46 and the rear-end regulating member 47 that constitute the medium receiving portion 45 are configured separately, and each is detachably configured with respect to the apparatus main body 2. The tray 46, the displacement member 48, and a drive mechanism (not shown) for displacing the displacement member 48 are integrally configured. After removing these from the state shown in FIG. 1 and then removing the rear-end regulating member 47, the medium receiving portion 45 is in a state of being removed from the apparatus main body 2. Then, a post-processing apparatus 100, which is an example of an optional apparatus, can be mounted in the space formed by removing the medium receiving portion 45 from the apparatus main body 2, as shown in FIG. 2. And it becomes possible to feed the medium from the discharge roller pair 31 to the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0047] The post-processing apparatus 100 includes an introduction roller pair 101, and the medium discharged from the discharge roller pair 31 is introduced into the post-processing apparatus 100 by the introduction roller pair 101. Although the specific configuration inside the post-processing apparatus 100 and its description are omitted in the drawings, in the present embodiment, the post-processing apparatus 100 includes a processing tray (not shown) and a binding portion (not shown) that performs a binding process on the medium placed on the processing tray with binding needles. And the bound medium is discharged to the post-processing tray 102. In addition, in the present embodiment, the post-processing apparatus 100 performs a binding process, which is an example of post-processing, on the medium, but the post-processing is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to perform a punching process on the medium, or may be configured to perform a middle folding process.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement regions of these, namely the rear-end regulating member 47, the first creasing portion 35, the first detection portion 50, and the second detection portion 55, overlap with the mounting region of the post-processing apparatus 100. In order to mount the post-processing apparatus 100, they are in a positional relationship where it is necessary to remove the rear-end regulating member 47, the first creasing portion 35, the first detection portion 50, and the second detection portion 55. In addition, hereinafter, the first detection portion 50 and the second detection portion 55 may sometimes be collectively referred to as the "detection portions 50, 55".

[0049] In the printer 1, a first marking unit 35 that marks the discharged medium and detection units 50 and 55 for detecting the stacking height of the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit 45, which are located at positions where they interfere with the post-processing device 100 when the post-processing device 100 is mounted, are integrally configured via the rear end regulating member 47. Then, the detection units 50 and 55 and the first marking unit 35 are integrated and detachable from the apparatus main body 2.

[0050] As a result, the following operational effects can be obtained. Marking the medium by the first marking unit 35 is likely to cause conveyance failure in the post-processing device 100 when the post-processing device 100 is mounted, and it is necessary to disable the first marking unit 35 when the post-processing device 100 is mounted. Also, since the detection units 50 and 55 are located at positions where they interfere with the post-processing device 100 when the post-processing device 100 is mounted, it is necessary to remove the detection units 50 and 55 when the post-processing device 100 is mounted. In such a configuration, since the detection units 50 and 55 and the first marking unit 35 are integrally configured, the working time required to mount the post-processing device 100 can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the detection units 50 and 55 and the first marking unit 35 are removed individually.

[0051] Also, the relative positional relationship between the first detection unit 50 and the first marking unit 35 in the medium stacking direction in the medium receiving unit 45 is important. For example, when using the detection information of the first detection unit 50 to avoid the discharged medium from colliding with the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit 45, if the positions of the first detection unit 50 and the first marking unit 35 in the medium stacking direction are closer than expected, the discharged medium is likely to collide with the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit 45. However, since the first detection unit 50 and the first marking unit 35 are integrally configured and the first detection unit 50 and the first marking unit 35 are integrated and detachable from the apparatus main body 2, the relative positional relationship between the first detection unit 50 and the first marking unit 35 is maintained, and the occurrence of the above-described problems can be suppressed.

[0052] Further, in the present embodiment, a first connector (not shown) provided on a cable (not shown) extending from the detection units 50 and 55 is fitted to a second connector (not shown) provided on the apparatus main body 2. Therefore, when the rear end regulating member 47, the detection units 50 and 55, and the first attaching portion 35 are integrally removed from the apparatus main body 2, the user has to remove the first connector from the second connector. However, when removing the rear end regulating member 47, the detection units 50 and 55, and the first attaching portion 35 from the apparatus main body 2, the first connector may be configured to be detached from the second connector regardless of the user's operation. In this case, when attaching the rear end regulating member 47, the detection units 50 and 55, and the first attaching portion 35 to the apparatus main body 2, the first connector may be configured to be fitted to the second connector regardless of the user's operation.

[0053] Also, in the printer 1, the rear end regulating member 47, which is at least a part of the medium receiving portion 45, is a detachable portion with respect to the apparatus main body 2, and the rear end regulating member 47 is in a position where it interferes with the post-processing apparatus 100 when the post-processing apparatus 100 is attached. The rear end regulating member 47 and the first attaching portion 35 are integrally formed, and the rear end regulating member 47 and the first attaching portion 35 are integrally detachable with respect to the apparatus main body 2. Therefore, by removing the rear end regulating member 47, the first attaching portion 35 is also removed, and the working time required for attaching the post-processing apparatus 100 can be shortened compared to a configuration in which the rear end regulating member 47 and the first attaching portion 35 are individually removed.

[0054] Further, in the present embodiment, since the detection units 50 and 55 and the first attaching portion 35 are integrally formed via the rear end regulating member 47, a dedicated member for integrally forming the detection units 50 and 55 and the first attaching portion 35 is not required, and an increase in the cost of the apparatus can be suppressed.

[0055] Further, the first light emitting unit 51 and the first light receiving unit 52 that constitute the first detection unit 50 are arranged so as to face each other with the medium loaded in the Y-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction, interposed therebetween. Similarly, the second light emitting unit 56 and the second light receiving unit 57 that constitute the second detection unit 55 are arranged so as to face each other with the medium loaded in the Y-axis direction, that is, the medium width direction, interposed therebetween. Therefore, in the medium width direction, installation spaces for the first detection unit 50 and the second detection unit 55 are required on both sides of the medium receiving unit 45, and the apparatus tends to be enlarged in size. However, since the first detection unit 50 and the second detection unit 55 are located at positions where they interfere with the post-processing apparatus 100 when the post-processing apparatus 100 is mounted, it is not necessary to design the post-processing apparatus 100 so as to avoid the first detection unit 50 and the second detection unit 55, and further enlargement of the apparatus associated with mounting the post-processing apparatus 100 can be suppressed.

[0056] Further, the discharging unit 30 includes a first creasing unit 35 and a second creasing unit 40 that both perform creasing on the medium. Among the first creasing unit 35 and the second creasing unit 40, the first creasing unit 35 is integrally formed with the detection units 50 and 55, and the first creasing unit 35 is located downstream in the discharging direction of the medium with respect to the second creasing unit 40. As a result, the following operational effects can be obtained. Since the first creasing unit 35 is located downstream in the discharging direction of the medium from the second creasing unit 40, the first creasing unit 35 has a greater influence on the discharging position in the medium loading direction than the second creasing unit 40. In such a configuration, since the first creasing unit 35 is integrally formed with the first detection unit 50, and the first detection unit 50 and the first creasing unit 35 are integrated and detachable from the apparatus main body 2, the relative positional relationship between the first detection unit 50 and the first creasing unit 35 can be maintained. Thereby, the occurrence of problems associated with the relative positional relationship between the first detection unit 50 and the first creasing unit 35 being displaced can be suppressed. An example of the problems associated with the relative positional relationship between the first detection unit 50 and the first creasing unit 35 being displaced is that, for example, due to the positions of the first detection unit 50 and the first creasing unit 35 in the medium loading direction being closer than expected, the discharged medium is likely to collide with the loaded medium.

[0057] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the first denting portion 35A and the rear end regulating member 47A according to another embodiment will be described. The embodiment described below is the same as the above-described embodiment with respect to other configurations except for the configurations specifically described. The first denting portion 35A is rotatably provided about a rotation axis 36a parallel to the Y-axis direction. In the state where the rear end regulating member 47A is attached to the apparatus main body 2 as shown in FIG. 10(A), the first denting portion 35A is supported by the regulating wall 47a, and the first denting portion 35A is in a first state of denting the medium. Note that the first denting portion 35A according to the present embodiment is not provided integrally with the rear end regulating member 47A.

[0058] When the rear end regulating member 47A is removed from this state, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the support of the first denting portion 35A by the rear end regulating member 47A is released, and the first denting portion 35A rotates downward to enter a second state in which it does not dent the medium. Note that the downward rotation of the first denting portion 35A is stopped in the posture shown in FIG. 10(B) by a regulating portion (not shown).

[0059] In this way, the first denting portion 35A can be switched between a first state (FIG. 10(A)) when denting the medium and a second state (FIG. 10(B)) that is separated from the medium compared to the first state. The detection units 50 and 55 are provided so as to be associated with the first denting portion 35A via the rear end regulating member 47A. When the rear end regulating member 47A, that is, the detection units 50 and 55 are removed, the first denting portion 35A switches from the first state to the second state. Thereby, compared with a configuration in which the removal of the detection units 50 and 55 and the state switching of the first denting portion 35A are performed individually, the working time required for attaching the post-processing apparatus 100 can be shortened.

[0060] The embodiment described above can also be modified as follows. (1) In the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the first denting portion 35 and the detection units 50 and 55 are integrally configured via the rear end regulating member 47. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the first denting portion 35 is integrally configured with the rear end regulating member 47, and the detection units 50 and 55 remain on the apparatus main body 2 when the rear end regulating member 47 is removed. In that case, when the rear-end restricting member 47 is removed, the detecting parts 50 and 55 may be configured to retract from a position where they interfere with the post-processing device 100. Also in that case, when the removed rear-end restricting member 47 is reinstalled, it is preferably configured to return from the retracted position to the original position.

[0061] (2) In the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 or the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10, the second pressing part 40 may be configured to be switchable between a first state in which the medium is pressed and a second state in which no pressing is performed. In this case, in the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, when the rear-end restricting member 47 is removed from the apparatus main body 2, the first pressing part 35 and the detecting parts 50 and 55 are removed, and the second pressing part 40 may be configured to switch from the first state to the second state. Incidentally, in that case, when the rear-end restricting member 47 is attached to the apparatus main body 2, it is preferably configured such that the second pressing part 40 returns from the second state to the first state. Also, in the configuration described with reference to FIG. 10, when the rear-end restricting member 47A is removed from the apparatus main body 2, the first pressing part 35A switches between a first state in which the medium is pressed and a second state in which no pressing is performed, and in addition, the second pressing part 40 may be configured to switch from the first state to the second state. Incidentally, in that case, when the rear-end restricting member 47A is attached to the apparatus main body 2, it is preferably configured such that the second pressing part 40 returns from the second state to the first state.

[0062] (3) In the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the rear-end restricting member 47 and the first pressing part 35 are integrally formed, and when the rear-end restricting member 47 and the first pressing part 35 are removed from the apparatus main body 2, the second pressing part 40 remains in the apparatus main body 2, but the rear-end restricting member 47, the first pressing part 35, and the second pressing part 40 may be integrally formed. Thereby, when the rear-end restricting member 47 is removed, the first pressing part 35, the second pressing part 40, and the detecting parts 50 and 55 can be integrally removed. Alternatively, the rear-end regulating member 47 and the second creasing portion 40 may be integrally formed, and the first creasing portion 35 may remain on the apparatus main body 2 when the rear-end regulating member 47 and the second creasing portion 40 are removed.

[0063] (4) In the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 10, the first creasing portion 35A switches its state as the rear-end regulating member 47A is attached and detached. However, the fixing of the first creasing portion 35A (fixing in the state shown in FIG. 10(A)) may be released as the rear-end regulating member 47A is attached and detached, and the user may switch the state of the first creasing portion 35A. By releasing the fixing of the first creasing portion 35A as the rear-end regulating member 47A is attached and detached, it is not necessary for the user to release the fixing of the first creasing portion 35A, and the working time required to attach the post-processing apparatus 100 can be shortened. Similarly, the fixing of the second creasing portion 40 may be released as the rear-end regulating member 47A is attached and detached.

[0064] (5) The discharge unit 30 includes a protective sheet 34 downstream of the pair of discharge rollers 31, as shown in FIG. 6. The protective sheet 34 suppresses the user from contacting the pair of discharge rollers 31. The protective sheet 34 may be integrally formed with the rear-end regulating member 47, and configured to be removed when the rear-end regulating member 47 is removed.

[0065] (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the tray 46 and the rear-end regulating member 47 are configured separately, but the tray 46 and the rear-end regulating member 47 may be integrally formed.

[0066] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that those are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1... Inkjet printer, 2... Apparatus main body, 2a... Front surface, 2b... Rear surface, 2c... Bottom surface, 3... First media cassette, 4... Second media cassette, 5... Ink storage section, 6... Conveyor unit, 7... Conveyor belt, 8a, 8b... Pulleys, 9, 10... Pickup rollers, 11, 12... Feed roller pairs, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21... Conveyor roller pairs, 23... Flap, 25... Head unit, 26... Line head, 30... Discharge section, 31... Discharge roller pair, 32... Discharge drive roller, 33... Discharge driven roller, 34... Protection sheet, 35, 35A... First creasing section, 36... First holder, 36a... Rotation axis, 37... Driven roller, 40... Second creasing section, 41... Second holder, 42... Driven roller, 45... Media receiving section, 46... Tray, 47, 47A... Rear end regulating member, 47a... Regulating wall, 47b... First side wall, 47c... Second side wall, 47d, 47e, 47f, 47g... Hole portions, 48... Displacement member, 50... First detection section, 51... First light emitting section, 52... First light receiving section, 55... Second detection section, 56... Second light emitting section, 57... Second light receiving section, 100... Post-processing apparatus, 101... Introduction roller pair, 102... Post-processing tray, P... Media

Claims

1. A recording unit that records on a medium, A discharge unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, A medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharge unit, and is a recording device capable of feeding the medium from the discharge unit to an optional device by attaching the optional device to the apparatus main body, The discharge unit includes a discharge roller that discharges the medium, A creasing unit that creases the discharged medium, A detection unit for detecting the stacking height of the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit, and is a detection unit located at a position that interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached, The detection unit and the creasing unit are integrally formed, and the detection unit and the creasing unit are integrated and detachable from the apparatus main body, A recording device characterized by the above.

2. In the recording device according to Claim 1, at least a part of the medium receiving unit is a detachable part with respect to the apparatus main body, The detection unit and the creasing unit are integrally formed via the detachable part, A recording device characterized by the above.

3. In the recording device according to Claim 2, the detachable part is located at a position that interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached, A recording device characterized by the above.

4. In the recording device according to Claim 3, the detachable part abuts on the rear end of the medium stacked on the medium receiving tray and defines the position of the rear end, A recording device characterized by the above.

5. In the recording device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, the detection unit includes a light emitting unit that emits detection light in the width direction intersecting the discharge direction of the medium, A light receiving unit that receives the detection light, The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are provided at positions facing each other across the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit in the width direction, A recording device characterized by the above.

6. In the recording device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, when the creasing unit integrally formed with the detection unit is a first creasing unit that contacts the first surface of the medium, the discharge unit includes a second creasing unit that contacts the second surface opposite to the first surface of the medium and performs creasing on the medium together with the first creasing unit, Among the first creasing unit and the second creasing unit, the first creasing unit is integrally formed with the detection unit, The first creasing unit is located downstream in the discharge direction of the medium with respect to the second creasing unit, A recording device characterized by the above.

7. A recording unit that records on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit. The recording device is configured such that an optional device can be attached to the apparatus main body and a medium can be fed from the discharging unit to the optional device. The discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium, and a creasing unit that creases the discharged medium. At least a part of the medium receiving unit is a detachable part with respect to the apparatus main body, and the detachable part is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached. The detachable part and the creasing unit are integrally formed, and the detachable part and the creasing unit are integrally detachable with respect to the apparatus main body. A recording device characterized by the above.

8. A recording unit that records on a medium, a discharging unit that discharges the medium on which recording has been performed by the recording unit, and a medium receiving unit that receives the medium discharged by the discharging unit. The recording device is configured such that an optional device can be attached to the apparatus main body and a medium can be fed from the discharging unit to the optional device. The discharging unit includes a discharging roller that discharges the medium, a creasing unit that creases the discharged medium, and a detection unit for detecting the stacking height of the medium stacked on the medium receiving unit. The detection unit is located at a position where it interferes with the optional device when the optional device is attached and is detachable with respect to the apparatus main body. The creasing unit is switchable between a first state when creasing the medium and a second state that is separated from the medium compared to the first state. The detection unit is provided so as to interact with the creasing unit, and when the detection unit is removed, the creasing unit switches from the first state to the second state. A recording device characterized by the above.

Images