Post-processing device and recording device

Abstract

To provide a post-recording processing device capable of more appropriately suppressing deformation of a recorded recording medium and processing the recording medium.SOLUTION: A post-recording processing device 200 (a reversing device 210, a staple device 220) includes: a post-processing part that performs post-processing of a recorded recording medium 12; and deformation suppressing means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 in a conveyance route in which the recording medium 12 is conveyed or in a mounting portion on which the recording medium 12 is mounted. Deformation suppressing means is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to recording processing for the recording medium 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device and a recording device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a post-processing device including a placement sheet processing unit that performs post-processing such as stapling or shifting on a sheet on which an image is formed has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this post-processing device, post-processing is performed with a plurality of sheets on which images are formed placed on a processing tray. As a device for forming an image on a sheet, for example, an inkjet printer including a recording head that discharges ink as a liquid in the form of droplets is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when an image is formed using an inkjet printer, the sheet on which the image is formed may curl (a part of the sheet may be curved or deformed) due to absorption of ink (moisture) or drying of the ink. Therefore, when sheets on which images are formed by an inkjet printer are sequentially placed on the processing tray of a post-processing device, if the degree of curling of the previously placed sheets becomes large, the sheets to be conveyed later may get caught on the curled parts of the previously placed sheets, resulting in uneven sheets or conveyance failures.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-described problems and can be realized as the following application examples or forms.

[0006] [Application Example 1] The post-recording processing apparatus according to this application example includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on a recorded recording medium, and a deformation suppressing means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium in a conveyance path through which the recording medium is conveyed or a placement unit on which the recording medium is placed. The deformation suppressing means is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to a recording process on the recording medium.

[0007] The recorded recording medium may be deformed (e.g., curled) in a conveyance path through which it is conveyed or a placement unit on which it is placed due to the influence of a recording material (e.g., ink). The degree of this deformation (deformation amount or stress due to deformation) is not constant and varies depending on various parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium (e.g., the material of the recording medium, the recording material, the recording image, the recording environment, etc.). According to this application example, since the deformation suppressing means is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process on the recording medium, it becomes possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[0008] [Application Example 2] In the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, the recorded recording medium is a recording medium recorded with aqueous ink.

[0009] Recording using aqueous ink causes the aqueous ink, which has a high affinity for the recording medium, to penetrate into the recording medium. Therefore, compared to recording using oil-based ink, the degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying is greater. According to this application example, post-recording processing can be performed on a recording medium recorded with aqueous ink in a state where the deformation of the recording medium is more effectively suppressed.

[0010] [Application Example 3] In the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, the aqueous ink contains 50% by mass or more of water and includes a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

[0011] Like the post - processing device for recording in this application example, the aqueous ink to be used preferably contains 50 mass% or more of water and contains a water - soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

[0012] [Application Example 4] In the post - processing device for recording according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include the physical property information of the recording medium, which is characterized in that.

[0013] The degree of deformation (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) of the recording medium after recording or drying may vary depending on the physical properties of the recording medium. According to this application example, based on the predetermined parameters including the physical property information of the recording medium, in order to control the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium, it becomes possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[0014] [Application Example 5] In the post - processing device for recording according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include the recording environment information of the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium, which is characterized in that.

[0015] The degree of deformation (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) of the recording medium after recording or drying may vary depending on the environment (for example, temperature and humidity) in which recording is performed on the recording medium. According to this application example, based on the predetermined parameters including the recording environment information of the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium, in order to control the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium, it becomes possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[0016] [Application Example 6] In the post - processing device for recording according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include the recording data for performing recording on the recording medium, which is characterized in that.

[0017] The degree of deformation (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) of the recording medium after recording or drying may vary depending on the recording data (for example, recording area and recording density) for performing recording on the recording medium. According to this application example, based on a predetermined parameter including recording data for recording on a recording medium, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium is controlled, so that the deformation of the recording medium can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0018] [Application Example 7] In the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, the predetermined parameter includes the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium.

[0019] The degree of deformation (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) of the recording medium after recording or after drying may vary depending on the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium. According to this application example, based on a predetermined parameter including the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium is controlled, so that the deformation of the recording medium can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0020] [Application Example 8] In the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, the predetermined parameter includes device environment information of the environment including the transport path or the placement unit.

[0021] The degree of deformation (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) of the recording medium after recording or after drying may vary depending on the device environment information of the environment including the transport path or the placement unit. According to this application example, based on a predetermined parameter including the device environment information of the environment including the transport path or the placement unit, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium is controlled, so that the deformation of the recording medium can be more appropriately suppressed.

[0022] [Application Example 9] In the recording post-processing apparatus according to the above application example, as the post-processing unit, an intermediate processing unit that performs intermediate processing and a finishing unit that performs finishing processing are provided. The intermediate processing unit performs, as intermediate processing, inversion processing or drying processing of the recording medium, and the finishing unit performs, as the finishing processing, staple processing, punch processing, or sorting processing on the plurality of recording media on which the intermediate processing has been completed.

[0023] According to this application example, as the post-processing unit, an intermediate processing unit that performs intermediate processing and a finishing unit that performs finishing processing are provided. The intermediate processing unit performs, as intermediate processing, inversion processing or drying processing of the recording medium, and the finishing unit performs, as the finishing processing, staple processing, punch processing, or sorting processing on the plurality of recording media on which the intermediate processing has been completed. That is, a plurality of processes can be performed on the recorded recording medium. In addition, since the deformation of the recording medium is more appropriately suppressed, even in a recording post-processing apparatus that performs a plurality of processes, the occurrence of problems such as jams is suppressed.

[0024] [Application Example 10] The recording apparatus according to this application example is characterized by including the recording post-processing apparatus according to the above application example and a line head that performs recording by applying aqueous ink to the recording medium.

[0025] According to this application example, recording can be performed in a state where the deformation of the recording medium after recording is more appropriately suppressed and post-recording processing is performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. In each of the following figures, for the sake of easy understanding of the explanation, there may be cases where they are described in scales different from the actual ones.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) <Recording device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a recording device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The recording device 1 is composed of an inkjet printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as printer 100) that records (prints) on a sheet-like recording medium 12 such as printing paper, a post-processing device 200, and the like. The post-processing device 200 includes a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12. The post-processing device 200 also includes, as the post-processing unit, an intermediate processing unit that performs intermediate processing and a finishing unit that performs finishing processing. Specifically, the post-processing device 200 includes, as an intermediate processing unit for the post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12, an inversion device 210 having an inversion conveyance path 18 that performs an inversion (turning over) process on the recording medium 12 recorded by the printer 100 as intermediate processing, and a stapling device 220 having a stapling processing unit 36 as a finishing unit that sequentially stacks the recording media 12 that have been inverted as finishing processing after the intermediate processing and performs stapling processing for each predetermined unit.

[0029] The "post-processing device" in the present invention refers to a device that performs post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12. In the example of this embodiment, the inversion device 210 and the stapling device 220 correspond to this, but the post-processing device is not limited to these. For example, it may be a device that performs processing such as inserting an interleaving paper and stacking for each predetermined page, a punching process for making punch holes, a sorting process for sorting into predetermined units, or a process of folding and stacking at a predetermined position.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printer 100, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the inversion device 210, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the stapling device 220. The printer 100 is provided with a printer conveyance path 17, and the reversing device 210 is provided with a reversing conveyance path 18. Further, the stapler device 220 is provided with a stapler conveyance path 19. The printer conveyance path 17, the reversing conveyance path 18, and the stapler conveyance path 19 constitute a conveyance path indicated by a two-dot chain line that continues from the printer 100, which is on the upstream side in the conveyance direction Y, via the reversing device 210 to the stapler device 220.

[0031] <Printer> As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 includes a cassette 21, a feeding unit 22, a printer conveyance unit 23, a recording unit 24, a printer control unit 70, and the like. The cassette 21 is a storage unit capable of storing the recording media 12 in a stacked state, and at least one (three in FIG. 2) is detachably provided in the printer 100. The feeding unit 22 feeds the recording media 12 stored in the cassette 21 to the printer conveyance unit 23. The feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 26 that feeds out the uppermost recording media 12 among the recording media 12 arranged in a stacked state in the cassette 21, and a separation roller pair 27 that separates the recording media 12 fed out by the pickup roller 26 one by one. Further, the feeding unit 22 includes a feeding motor (not shown) for rotationally driving the pickup roller 26.

[0032] The printer conveyance unit 23 conveys the fed recording media 12 to the recording unit 24 and sends out the recording media 12 for which recording has been completed to the reversing device 210. The printer conveyance unit 23 includes at least one (three in FIG. 2) conveyance roller pair 30 that conveys the recording media 12 along the printer conveyance path 17 by rotating in accordance with the drive of a conveyance motor (not shown). Further, at a position along the printer conveyance path 17, a drive pulley 32 and a driven pulley 33 around which an endless conveyance belt 31 is wound are provided. The recording media 12 is conveyed along with the rotation of the conveyance belt 31 while being electrostatically adsorbed to the support surface (outer peripheral surface) of the conveyance belt 31.

[0033] The recording unit 24 includes a tank (not shown) that stores a liquid (hereinafter referred to as ink) as a recording material for recording on the recording medium 12, and an ink ejection head (not shown) that ejects the ink onto the recording medium 12. The ink ejection head is provided at a position facing the conveyance belt 31 with the printer conveyance path 17 interposed therebetween. The recording unit 24 performs recording (formation of an image based on the recording data) by ejecting ink onto the recording medium 12 supported and conveyed by the conveyance belt 31 based on the recording data. Note that the recording unit 24 (ink ejection head) of the present embodiment is a so-called line head that can simultaneously eject ink over the width direction that intersects (for example, is orthogonal to) the conveyance direction Y of the recording medium 12. Note that the recording data is data for causing the printer 100 to perform recording, generated based on image data (text data or image data) to be recorded on the recording medium 12. The printer control unit 70 is, for example, a personal computer including an input unit, a display unit, a storage unit (not shown), etc., has a communication function with the inversion control unit 71 and the stapler control unit 72 described later, and cooperatively performs drive control of the feeding unit 22, the printer conveyance unit 23, the recording unit 24, etc.

[0034] <Post-recording processing device (inversion device)> As shown in FIG. 3, the inversion device 210 includes a first inversion unit 41, a second inversion unit 42, an inversion conveyance unit 52, an inversion control unit 71, etc., and constitutes an inversion conveyance path 18 as a post-processing unit (intermediate processing unit) that inverts (conveys in reverse) the recording medium 12. The inversion conveyance unit 52 has a pair of conveyance rollers 56, a sensor 58, a guide flap 59, etc.

[0035] The inversion conveyance path 18 is composed of a pre-inversion path 18a, an inversion path 18b, and a post-inversion path 18c. The upstream end of the pre-inversion path 18a is connected to the printer conveyance path 17, and the recording medium 12 is introduced. The downstream end of the pre-inversion path 18a is connected to a branch point A (the upstream end of the inversion path 18b). The reverse path 18b is composed of a first branch path 44, a second branch path 45, a first merging path 46, a second merging path 47, a first reverse path 48, and a second reverse path 49. The first branch path 44 is a path from the branch point A to the first connection point B. The second branch path 45 is a path from the branch point A to the second connection point C. The first merging path 46 is a path from the first connection point B to the merging point D. The second merging path 47 is a path from the second connection point C to the merging point D. The first reverse path 48 is a path following the first connection point B. The second reverse path 49 is a path following the second connection point C. The upstream end of the post-reversal path 18c is connected to the merging point D (the downstream end of the reverse path 18b), and the recording medium 12 reversed by the reverse path 18b is introduced. The downstream end of the post-reversal path 18c is connected to the stapler conveyance path 19 of the stapling device 220.

[0036] The pair of conveyance rollers 56 is provided at various locations on the reverse conveyance path 18 and is driven by a conveyance motor (not shown). The sensor 58 is provided on the pre-reversal path 18a, the first reverse path 48, and the second reverse path 49, and detects the recording medium 12 conveyed through each path. The guide flap 59 is provided at the branch point A, the first connection point B, and the second connection point C, and guides the conveyance direction of the recording medium 12 conveyed to each point. The guide flap 59 is rotated by a solenoid (not shown) to guide the conveyance direction of the recording medium 12 at the branch point of the conveyance path. The reverse conveyance unit 52 (the pair of conveyance rollers 56, the sensor 58, the guide flap 59, etc.) is driven and controlled by the reverse control unit 71 to convey the recording medium 12 along the reverse conveyance path 18.

[0037] The first reversing section 41 is composed of the first branch path 44, the first reverse path 48, the first merging path 46, and the pair of conveyance rollers 56, the guide flap 59, the sensor 58, etc. included in these paths. Also, the second reversing section 42 is composed of the second branch path 45, the second reverse path 49, the second merging path 47, and the pair of conveyance rollers 56, the guide flap 59, the sensor 58, etc. included in these paths.

[0038] The inversion control unit 71 has a communication function with the printer control unit 70 and the stapler control unit 72 (to be described later), and in cooperation, drives and controls the pair of conveyance rollers 56, the sensor 58, and the guide flap 59 to perform an inversion process on the recording medium 12. Specifically, the recording medium 12 introduced into the pre-inversion path 18a is subjected to an inversion process operation by the first inversion unit 41 (the operation of conveying from the first branch path 44 through the first inversion path 48 to the post-inversion path 18c from the first merging path 46), and an inversion process operation by the second inversion unit 42 (the operation of conveying the recording medium 12 introduced into the pre-inversion path 18a from the second branch path 45 through the second inversion path 49 to the post-inversion path 18c from the second merging path 47). By repeating these operations, the inversion process of the recording medium 12 is continuously performed.

[0039] <Post-recording processing device (stapler device)> The stapler device 220 is a device that sequentially stacks the recording media 12 that have been subjected to an inversion process by the inversion device 210, performs stapling processing for each predetermined unit, and discharges them. As shown in FIG. 4, it includes a stapler conveyance unit 35, a stapling processing unit 36 as a post-processing unit (finishing processing unit), a stacker 37, a stapler control unit 72, and the like.

[0040] The stapler conveyance unit 35 conveys the recording medium 12 introduced from the inversion device 210 to the stapling processing unit 36, and sends out the recording medium 12 for which the stapling processing has been completed in the stapling processing unit 36 to the stacker 37. The stapler conveyance unit 35 includes a pair of conveyance rollers 81, 82, a guide flap 83, a sensor 84, and the like. The conveying roller pairs 81 and 82 rotate along with the drive of a conveying motor (not shown), thereby conveying the recording medium 12 along the stapler conveying path 19 into the stapler device 220. When the sensor 84 detects the end of the recording medium 12 being conveyed, the guide flap 83 rotates to guide the end side of the recording medium 12 in the direction of the stapling processing unit 36, and then the nip of the conveying roller pair 82 is released. The recording medium 12 moves (slides down) by its own weight to the stapling processing unit 36 provided below. It should be noted that when the recording medium 12 moves (slides down) by its own weight, the conveying roller pair 82 may be reversed to assist in easily moving the recording medium 12 to the stapling processing unit 36.

[0041] The stapling processing unit 36 includes a tray 85, a stapler 86, etc. The tray 85 is inclined so as to descend from the conveying roller pair 82 toward the stapler 86 so as to accommodate the recording medium 12 that moves when the nip of the conveying roller pair 82 is released. The tray 85 aligns the end position of the recording medium 12 by means of an abutting wall against which the end portion of the moving recording medium 12 abuts. The stapler 86 performs a stapling process of stapling (stitching) the recording media 12 aligned on the tray 85 at predetermined units.

[0042] When the stapling process is completed, the conveying roller pair 82 nips the recording medium 12 and drives it to rotate, discharging and stacking the recording medium 12 for which the stapling process has been completed into the stacker 37. The stapler control unit 72 has a communication function with the printer control unit 70 and the reverse control unit 71, and cooperatively performs drive control of the stapler conveying unit 35 (conveying roller pairs 81 and 82, guide flap 83, sensor 84, etc.) and the stapling processing unit 36 (stapler 86).

[0043] <Ink> Next, the ink (ink composition), which is a recording material for performing recording on the recording medium 12, will be described. The ink is preferably an aqueous ink composition in which the main solvent of the ink is water from the viewpoints of safety, handleability, and various properties (color development property, bleeding suitability, ink reliability, etc.). Note that the bleeding suitability refers to the property suitable for suppressing the ink from excessively penetrating into the recording medium 12 and bleeding through.

[0044] For water, it is preferable to use pure water or ultrapure water such as ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltered water, reverse osmosis permeated water, distilled water, etc. In particular, using water sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation or hydrogen peroxide addition is preferable in terms of preventing the generation of mold and bacteria and enabling long-term storage of the ink. Also, from the viewpoints of ensuring appropriate physical property values (such as viscosity) of the ink and ensuring the stability and reliability of the ink, water is preferably contained in the ink composition in an amount of 10% to 75% by mass.

[0045] The inks include inks corresponding to full-color recording (image formation or printing) (such as cyan, magenta, yellow inks, etc.), black ink, white ink, etc., and each contains a colorant. As the colorant, in each color ink, it is preferably to contain at least one selected from pigments, dyes, metal oxides, etc. The pigments are not particularly limited, and there are inorganic pigments and organic pigments for black, and organic pigments of various colors such as yellow, magenta, and cyan. As the dyes, various dyes such as direct dyes, acidic dyes, food dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, vat dyes, soluble vat dyes, reactive disperse dyes, etc. can be used as dyes of various colors such as yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0046] Also, in order to obtain predetermined ink properties, the ink may contain, in addition to the colorant, water-soluble organic solvents, polyhydric alcohols, betaines, saccharides, ureas, surfactants, etc. The predetermined ink properties refer to the wettability and permeability of the ink to the recording medium 12, curl with respect to the recording medium 12, cockling suitability, bleeding suitability, clogging suitability in ink ejection, suitability of viscosity characteristics depending on the temperature of the ink, etc. Specifically, for example, as the water-soluble organic solvent, 1,2-alkanediol, glycol ether, pyrrolidone derivative, etc. can be used, and as the polyhydric alcohols, glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, etc. can be used. As the surfactant, known fluorosurfactant, acetylene glycol-based surfactant, silicone-based surfactant, etc. can be used.

[0047] When adding a pigment to the ink, as other components, a dispersant for dispersing the pigment may be added. Further, the ink may be added with a pH adjuster, a complexing agent, an antifoaming agent, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, an antiseptic and antifungal agent, etc. in order to further improve the properties of the ink.

[0048] <Deformation of the recording medium> When the recording medium 12 contains fibers that absorb moisture such as cellulose, the recording medium 12 may be deformed by the water contained in the ink. In particular, in the case of recording using an aqueous ink containing 50% by mass or more of water, this may appear significantly. Hereinafter, among the deformations of the recording medium 12, the deformation in which the recording medium 12 curls into a convex shape or a concave shape will be described.

[0049] Figs. 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the curled state of the recording medium 12. As shown in Fig. 5, when ink is applied to the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12, the water contained in the ink penetrates into the main surface 12p, and the main surface 12p side swells (the fibers constituting the recording medium 12 elongate), so that the recording medium 12 may curl so as to have a convex shape on the main surface 12p side. The direction of curling into a convex shape with respect to the conveyance direction Y of the recording medium 12 (the direction of the arc) varies depending on the configuration specifications of the recording medium 12 (printing paper) and the direction in which the recording medium 12 is set in the printer 100. For example, it may curl as shown in Fig. 6. Such curling may occur when the fibers that have elongated as the main surface 12p dries shrink, and the degree of shrinkage may decrease. Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fibers may further shrink due to drying and conversely curl (secondary curl).

[0050] In addition, the degree (amount of deformation) of such curling varies depending on various factors. The various factors are, for example, the material and thickness of the recording medium 12, the layer configuration specifications when the recording medium 12 is formed of multiple layers, the usage environment (temperature and humidity) of the printer 100, the recording time and the elapsed time since recording (drying time), the water content of the recording medium 12 at the start of recording or the start of drying, the ink specifications (water content rate, concentration, temperature), the ink application amount, the shape and size of the ink application area, and so on. Depending on these specifications and degrees, the amount of curl and the amount of secondary curl differ.

[0051] In addition, due to such deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12, the recording apparatus 1 may not operate normally. Specifically, for example, a jam of the recording medium 12 may occur in the conveyance path after recording, or at a place where the recording medium 12 is stacked such as the tray 85 or the stacker 37, it may become impossible to stack them neatly, and as a result, the recording medium 12 may be folded over, or staple processing may become impossible in a predetermined unit.

[0052] On the other hand, for example, there is an apparatus provided with means for suppressing deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12, such as the post-processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above. However, when the degree of deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12 is different, the suppressing means may not function sufficiently. For example, in the case of the post-processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the pressing force by the second air flow blown from above the paper placement surface toward the paper placement surface is insufficient with respect to the stress of the curled paper, sufficient curl suppression cannot be performed.

[0053] In contrast, the post-recording processing apparatus (inverting apparatus 210, stapling apparatus 220) of the present embodiment includes a post-processing unit (inverting conveyance path 18, stapling processing unit 36) that performs post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12, a conveyance path (inverting conveyance path 18, stapler conveyance path 19) through which the recording medium 12 is conveyed, or a placement unit (tray 85, stacker 37) on which the recording medium 12 is placed, and includes deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of the recording medium 12. The deformation suppression means is characterized in that it is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process for the recording medium 12. That is, based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process for the recording medium 12, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled. This will be specifically described below.

[0054] <Deformation suppression means> The deformation suppression means for suppressing curl can be configured in various forms in the conveyance path (inverting conveyance path 18, stapler conveyance path 19) and the placement unit (tray 85, stacker 37). Figs. 9 to 18 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the deformation suppression means.

[0055] <Deformation suppression means by wind pressure> Fig. 9 shows an example of the deformation suppression means 300 that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 placed on the tray 85 (see Fig. 4) by wind pressure. That is, the deformation suppression means 300 is a deformation suppression means that uses wind pressure as a pressing means to counter the stress caused by deformation of the recording medium 12. The deformation suppression means 300 includes a plurality (three in the example shown in Fig. 9) of air blowing units 90. Each air blowing unit 90 is provided so as to blow air in a direction toward the placement surface 85a from a position facing the placement surface 85a of the tray 85 on which the recording medium 12 is placed.

[0056] The horizontal position (in-plane position parallel to the mounting surface 85a) where the air blowing unit 90 is installed is provided at an appropriate position for pressing the recording medium 12 to suppress curling. That is, when the size, curling direction, and orientation of the recording medium 12 are constant, since the position (area) where the recording medium 12 curls and separates from the mounting surface 85a can be known in advance, it is provided at an appropriate position facing that position (a position where the recording medium 12 separated from the mounting surface 85a can be effectively pressed against the mounting surface 85a by the air pressure). When the size, curling direction, and orientation of the recording medium 12 handled by the recording apparatus 1 are not constant, it is preferable to configure the horizontal (in-plane) position where the air blowing unit 90 is installed to be variable. For the air blowing unit 90, for example, a so-called air blowing fan that blows air by a rotationally driven rotary blade can be used.

[0057] For example, the recording medium 12 that curls due to the swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink is applied is subjected to an inversion process by the inversion device 210, and as shown in FIG. 9, the main surface 12p to which ink is applied is placed downward (in the direction toward the mounting surface 85a) in a concave state on the mounting surface 85a of the tray 85. The air blowing unit 90 can suppress the curling of the recording medium 12 by pressing the areas on both sides of the recording medium 12 that have separated from the mounting surface 85a due to curling with air pressure. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the curling direction of the recording medium 12 is opposite to the above, the air blowing unit 90 can suppress the curling of the recording medium 12 by pressing the central area of the recording medium 12 that has separated from the mounting surface 85a due to curling with air pressure.

[0058] The suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means in this example is the air pressure blown by the air blowing unit 90, for example, the rotational speed of the rotary blade. The air pressure blown by the air blowing unit 90 is controlled by the stapler control unit 72 in cooperation with the printer control unit 70. The control of the suppression intensity will be described later.

[0059] Note that the deformation suppression means 300 may be provided in the stacker 37 (see FIG. 4). That is, the blower unit 90 may be provided so as to blow air in a direction from a position facing the placement surface 37a of the stacker 37 on which the recording medium 12 is placed toward the placement surface 37a. In this case, it is configured as a deformation suppression means for suppressing curling when the recording medium 12 that has completed staple processing and is bundled curls and is stacked.

[0060] <Deformation suppression means by pressing> FIGS. 11 and 12 show an example of the deformation suppression means 301 that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 placed on the tray 85 by contacting and pressing the recording medium 12. That is, the deformation suppression means 301 is a deformation suppression means that utilizes a pressing means that counteracts the stress caused by deformation of the recording medium 12. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the deformation suppression means 301 shown in FIG. 11 from the side. Note that in FIG. 11, one recording medium 12 is shown, and in FIG. 12, a plurality of recording media 12 placed so as to be stacked are additionally shown.

[0061] The deformation suppression means 301 includes a plurality (two in the example shown in FIG. 11) of pressing members 91 and a guide shaft 92 that supports the pressing members 91. The pressing member 91 is a thin plate-shaped resin member having flexibility, and one end region 91a thereof is supported by the guide shaft 92, and the other end region 91b is configured to contact the recording medium 12 as a free end. The guide shaft 92 is attached to the stapler 220 so as to extend parallel to the placement surface 85a of the tray 85 on which the recording medium 12 is placed. As shown by the arrow K in FIG. 12, by rotating the guide shaft 92 about its axis, the pressure F with which the pressing member 91 presses the recording medium 12 can be adjusted.

[0062] The horizontal position where the pressing member 91 is installed (the position where the guide shaft 92 is provided and the position in the direction along the guide shaft 92) is provided at an appropriate position for pressing the recording medium 12 and suppressing curling. That is, when the size, curling direction, and direction of the recording medium 12 are constant, since the position (area) where the recording medium 12 curls and separates from the placement surface 85a can be known in advance, it is provided at an appropriate position facing that position (a position where the recording medium 12 separated from the placement surface 85a can be effectively pressed against the placement surface 85a). When the size, curling direction, and direction of the recording medium 12 handled by the recording apparatus 1 are not constant, it is preferable to configure the horizontal (in-plane) position where the pressing member 91 is installed to be variable.

[0063] For example, the recording medium 12 that curls due to the swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink is applied is subjected to an inversion process by the inversion device 210, and as shown in FIG. 11, it is placed in a concave state on the placement surface 85a of the tray 85 with the main surface 12p to which ink is applied facing down (in the direction toward the placement surface 85a). The pressing member 91 can suppress the curling of the recording medium 12 by pressing the regions on both sides of the recording medium 12 that have curled away from the placement surface 85a.

[0064] The suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means in this example is the pressure F applied by the pressing member 91, for example, the rotation angle of the guide shaft 92. The pressure F applied by the pressing member 91 is controlled by the stapler control unit 72 associated with the printer control unit 70. The control of the suppression intensity will be described later.

[0065] Note that the deformation suppression means 301 may be provided on the stacker 37. That is, the guide shaft 92 may be attached to the stacker 37 so as to extend parallel to the placement surface 37a of the stacker 37 on which the recording medium 12 is placed, and the pressing member 91 may be provided so as to press in the direction toward the placement surface 37a. In this case, it is configured as a deformation suppression means for suppressing curling when the recording medium 12 that has been stapled and bundled curls and is stacked after the stapling process is completed.

[0066] <Deformation suppression means by gravity> Figs. 13 to 15 show an example of the deformation suppression means 302 provided with protruding ribs that abut so that the curled recording medium 12 is deformed and corrected in a direction opposite to the direction in which it is curled by its own weight (gravity). That is, the deformation suppression means 302 is a deformation suppression means that utilizes gravity as a pressing means that counteracts the stress caused by the deformation of the recording medium 12. Note that Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the deformation suppression means 302 shown in Fig. 13 from the side.

[0067] The deformation suppression means 302 is provided on the stacker 37 and includes one or a plurality (two in the example shown in Fig. 15) of protruding ribs 93 that protrude from the mounting surface 37a of the stacker 37. The protruding rib 93 is a block body that extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the curl arc of the recording medium 12, and the upper surface that abuts the recording medium 12 by a protruding mechanism (not shown) provided in the deformation suppression means 302 can be protruded in the normal direction from the mounting surface 37a. The lateral position where the protruding rib 93 is installed is provided at an appropriate position where the curl of the recording medium 12 is suppressed by its own weight (gravity G). That is, when the size, curling direction, and direction of the recording medium 12 are constant, since the position (area) where the recording medium 12 curls and separates from the mounting surface 37a can be known in advance, it is provided at an appropriate position that becomes a fulcrum pressed by the gravity G at that position (area). When the size, curling direction, and direction of the recording medium 12 are not constant, it is preferable to configure the lateral (in-plane) position where the protruding rib 93 is installed to be variable.

[0068] For example, the recording medium 12 that curls due to the swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink is applied is subjected to an inversion process by the inversion device 210, and as shown by the broken line in Fig. 13, the main surface 12p to which ink is applied is placed downward (in the direction toward the mounting surface 37a) and placed in a concave state on the protruding rib 93 that protrudes from the mounting surface 37a of the stacker 37. Using the protruding rib 93 as a fulcrum, the areas on both sides of the recording medium 12 that have separated from the mounting surface 37a due to curling receive the gravity G, thereby correcting the curl of the recording medium 12. Alternatively, the gravity G acts in the direction in which the curl is corrected. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the curling direction of the recording medium 12 is opposite to the above, by curling, the central region of the recording medium 12 that is separated from the placement surface 37a receives the gravity G, and the protruding ribs 93 support both side regions of the recording medium 12 close to the placement surface 37a as fulcrums, so that the curl of the recording medium 12 can be corrected. Alternatively, the gravity G acts in the direction in which the curl is corrected.

[0069] In this example, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means is the amount by which the upper surface of the protruding rib 93 (the surface in contact with the recording medium 12) protrudes in the normal direction from the placement surface 37a, and is the control amount of the protruding mechanism. The protruding mechanism is controlled by a stapler control unit 72 that is associated with the printer control unit 70. The control of the suppression intensity will be described later.

[0070] <Deformation suppression means by humidification (application of water)> FIG. 16 shows an example of a deformation suppression means 303 that suppresses the curl of the recording medium 12 by humidification (application of water). The deformation suppression means 303 is a deformation suppression means that uses a humidification (application of water) means as a stress relaxation means for generating deformation of the recording medium 12. As described above, the recording medium 12 curls due to the action of the water contained in the ink applied to the main surface 12p. Therefore, by applying an amount of water equivalent to the water that has penetrated the main surface 12p to the back surface of the main surface 12p, the curl of the recording medium 12 can be suppressed. That is, by applying water that causes swelling equivalent to the swelling of the main surface 12p to the back surface, the front and back are balanced and the curl is suppressed.

[0071] The deformation suppression means 303 includes a humidifying unit 94 that can apply water to the back surface of the recording medium 12. Specifically, the humidifying unit 94 can be configured by, for example, a line head that discharges water instead of ink. Therefore, the position where the deformation suppressing means 303 is provided can be any position on the conveyance path (inversion conveyance path 18, stapler conveyance path 19) where the recorded recording medium 12 is conveyed or on the placement unit (tray 85, stacker 37) where the recording medium 12 is placed, as long as the recording medium 12 passes through and the humidifying unit 94 that discharges water onto the back surface of the recording medium 12 can be installed.

[0072] In this example, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppressing means is the amount of water that the humidifying unit 94 applies to the back surface of the recording medium 12. The amount of water applied by the humidifying unit 94 is controlled by either the inversion control unit 71 or the stapler control unit 72 that is associated with the printer control unit 70, depending on the position where the humidifying unit 94 is installed. The control of the suppression intensity will be described later.

[0073] <Deformation Suppressing Means by Corrective Deformation> FIG. 17 shows an example of the deformation suppressing means 304 that suppresses the curl of the recording medium 12 by correcting the deformation of the recording medium 12. That is, the deformation suppressing means 304 is a deformation suppressing means provided with a correcting means for correcting the deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, when curl as shown in FIG. 6 occurs, that is, when the arc formed by the curl faces the conveyance direction Y, the curl may be suppressed by applying a deformation extending in the conveyance direction Y to the recording medium 12. To explain with an extreme example, it can be understood that when the recording medium 12 is bent so that a crease can be formed in the conveyance direction Y (that is, the direction of the arc formed by the curl) with respect to the curl shown in FIG. 6, the curl is suppressed.

[0074] The deformation suppressing means 304 includes a plurality (seven in the example shown in FIG. 17) of rollers 95 that form a deformation extending in the direction of the arc formed by the curl on the recording medium 12 as it is conveyed, at any position on the conveyance path (inversion conveyance path 18, stapler conveyance path 19) where the recorded recording medium 12 is conveyed. The rollers 95 are driven by a conveyance motor (not shown). As shown in FIG. 17, the rollers 95 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction Y, and adjacent rollers 95 are alternately arranged with a shift in the vertical direction (the thickness direction of the recording medium 12) so that the recording medium 12 is sandwiched therebetween. The recording medium 12 is sandwiched between the roller 95a shifted upward and the roller 95b shifted downward so as to abut thereon, and the height at which the roller 95b shifted downward abuts on the recording medium 12 is made higher than the height at which the roller 95a shifted upward abuts on the recording medium 12, whereby the recording medium 12 can be corrected and deformed so as to have a wave surface. By this correction and deformation, curl as shown in FIG. 6 can be suppressed.

[0075] In this example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means is the amount by which the roller 95 is shifted in the vertical direction (the thickness direction of the recording medium 12), and is the gap amount between the lower end of the roller 95a shifted upward and the upper end of the roller 95b shifted downward. The larger this gap amount is, the larger the wave surface formed by the correction and deformation becomes, and the higher the curl suppression effect becomes.

[0076] <Deformation suppression means by drying> FIG. 18 shows an example of the deformation suppression means 305 for suppressing the curl of the recording medium 12 by drying. That is, the deformation suppression means 305 is a deformation suppression means provided with a drying means as a stress relaxation means for generating deformation of the recording medium 12.

[0077] The deformation suppression means 305 includes a heater 96 that can dry the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12. The heater 96 is provided in the first inversion path 48 and the second inversion path 49, dries the recording medium 12 conveyed in the first inversion path 48 and the second inversion path 49 by heating, and contracts the main surface 12p swollen by the ink (water) applied to the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12 to suppress curl. The heater 96 can be composed of an infrared lamp, a heating wire, or the like.

[0078] The conveyance path provided with the heater 96 may be configured to be straight and flat, for example, like the first inversion path 48 shown in FIG. 18, or may be curved like the second inversion path 49 shown in FIG. 18. It is desirable that the direction of this curvature be configured in a direction opposite to the curvature direction in which the recording medium 12 curls. Furthermore, a plurality of conveyance paths having curvatures that counteract the curl of the recording medium 12 in various curl directions may be configured in the conveyance path with the heater 96, and the recording medium 12 may be conveyed to the corresponding conveyance path for control.

[0079] The suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means in this example is the output of the heater 96 and the drying time in the conveyance path with the heater 96. The output of the heater 96 and the drying time are controlled by the inversion control unit 71 associated with the printer control unit 70. The control of the suppression intensity will be described later. Although the heater 96 has been described as being provided in the deformation suppression means 305, it also has the function of an intermediate processing unit that performs a drying process as an intermediate process for the recorded recording medium 12.

[0080] In the above description, the deformation of the recording medium 12 has been described using the example of simple curling, but more complex deformations may occur. For example, depending on the specifications of the image recorded on the recording medium 12, complex deformations may occur. This is because the amount of ink applied to the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12 (i.e., the amount of water that penetrates) varies within the plane depending on the specifications of the image. Therefore, as the deformation suppression means, it is preferable that the configuration can suppress the deformation when there is in-plane variation in the deformation. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when an image is formed (ink is applied) concentrated in a partial region of the recording medium 12 and curling occurs only in that region, it is preferable that the configuration can suppress the deformation targeted at this region. This is to prevent the deformation suppression means from causing deformation in the opposite direction in some cases when the same action of suppressing deformation is applied to the non-deformed regions.

[0081] FIG. 20 shows an example of a deformation suppression means 306 having a configuration capable of suppressing deformation for a partially deformed region of the recording medium 12. The deformation suppression means 306 shown in FIG. 20 is a modified example of the deformation suppression means 302 provided with the protruding ribs described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, and shows a state of the arrangement of the protruding ribs 93a provided on the stacker 37 as viewed in plan. As shown in FIG. 20, the deformation suppression means 306 includes a plurality (56 in the example shown in FIG. 20) of protruding ribs 93a arranged in a matrix on the mounting surface 37a of the stacker 37. The protruding rib 93 provided in the deformation suppression means 302 is a block body that extends long in a direction intersecting the direction of the curl arc of the recording medium 12, whereas the protruding ribs 93a are arranged in a matrix. Therefore, by protruding the protruding rib 93a at a position (a position where the deformation can be corrected) corresponding to the deformation formed in a specific region of the recording medium 12, it is possible to act so as to suppress the deformation of that region.

[0082] In this way, not limited to the protruding rib 93a, by arranging the acting portions for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium 12 in a matrix and facing the recording medium 12, it is possible to configure a deformation suppression means that can similarly suppress the deformation formed in a specific region of the recording medium 12. For example, as the acting portions arranged in a matrix, a configuration in which the air blowing portions 90 of the deformation suppression means 300 described with reference to FIG. 9 are arranged in a matrix may be used. Note that the deformation suppression means 303 described with reference to FIG. 16 can control the position where water is applied in the same manner as forming an image on the recording medium 12 when the humidifying portion 94 is configured by a line head that discharges water. For example, by applying water so as to be a mirror image on the back surface in accordance with the image recorded on the recording medium 12, the front and back are balanced, and deformation such as curl can be suppressed. That is, the deformation suppression means 303 is configured as a deformation suppression means capable of suppressing the deformation formed in a specific region of the recording medium 12.

[0083] <Control of Deformation Suppression Means> Next, the control of the deformation suppression means characterizing the present embodiment will be described. As described above, it is preferable to balance the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 and the effect of the deformation suppression means (suppression intensity). For example, if the action of the deformation suppression means is insufficient with respect to the stress of the curled recording medium 12, sufficient curl suppression cannot be performed and the original problem cannot be solved. Conversely, driving the deformation suppression means uniformly with a sufficient suppression intensity that can cope with all assumed deformations may result in energy waste or, conversely, may deform the recording medium 12. In the present embodiment, the suppression intensity and suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means are controlled so as to correspond to the degree of deformation and deformation state of the recording medium 12. Specifically, the suppression intensity and suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means are controlled based on parameters (predetermined parameters related to the recording process for the recording medium 12) that determine the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12. Note that the suppression specification is the specification of the suppression intensity including the site (position within the plane of the recording medium 12) to which the suppression intensity is applied, and locally means the suppression intensity.

[0084] <Predetermined parameters related to the recording process> The predetermined parameters related to the recording process that determine the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 include the physical properties information of the recording medium 12, the ink composition data, the recording environment information of the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12, the recording data for recording on the recording medium 12, the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium 12, the conveyance path (printer conveyance path 17, reverse conveyance path 18, stapler conveyance path 19) or the device environment information of the environment of the placement unit (tray 85, stacker 37). Note that the predetermined parameters related to the recording process do not necessarily have to include all of the above parameters. For example, when the recording medium 12 and ink to be used are limited to one type in advance, or when the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12 is limited to a specific environment, etc., parameters that are assumed not to affect the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 do not need to be included as parameters for controlling the suppression intensity and suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means.

[0085] The physical property information of the recording medium 12 is physical property information related to the deformation of the recording medium 12, and is prepared in advance as evaluated data. The data (physical property information related to the deformation of the recording medium 12) prepared by evaluating in advance can be prepared, for example, as the deformation amount of the test piece at a predetermined elapsed time and the deformation stress obtained when pressing the deformed part by applying water to a predetermined test piece (recording medium 12) at a predetermined density under a predetermined environment (under predetermined temperature and humidity). Note that as the physical property information, the product number information of the recording medium 12 associated with the physically evaluated information obtained in advance or the material name constituting the recording medium 12 associated with the physically evaluated information obtained in advance may be used.

[0086] The composition data of the ink is the content information of water and volatile components contained in the ink. In particular, in the case of an aqueous ink containing 50% by mass or more of water, the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 varies greatly depending on the water content. Further, when an ink containing 70% by mass or more of water is applied, the frequency of occurrence of secondary curl increases when the recording medium 12 dries.

[0087] The recording environment information of the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12 is, for example, the temperature and humidity of the place where the printer 100 is installed. In different temperature and humidity environments, the penetration rate and drying rate of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change. As a result, the deformation characteristics (degree and state of deformation and their changes) of the recording medium 12 change. Further, since the moisture content (degree of dryness) of the recording medium 12 placed in different temperature and humidity environments changes, similarly, the penetration rate and drying rate of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change.

[0088] The recording data for recording on the recording medium 12 is, as described above, data for causing the printer 100 to execute recording, which is generated based on the image data (text data or image data) to be recorded on the recording medium 12. That is, since the amount of ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12, the density (duty) of the application, and the area of the application change depending on the recording data, the degree and state of deformation of the recording medium 12 differ depending on the recording data. For example, in the case of a general recording paper mainly composed of cellulose for the recording medium 12, when the difference in duty between the front and back of the recording medium 12 is 30% or more, curling becomes prominent. Further, the recording data also includes control information as to whether the recording on the recording medium 12 is double-sided recording or single-sided recording. Since the difference in duty between the front and back of the recording medium 12 is prominent in single-sided recording, curling also appears prominently. Here, "duty" is a value calculated by the following formula. duty [%] = actual recorded dot number / (vertical resolution × horizontal resolution) × 100 In the formula, the "actual recorded dot number" is the actual recorded dot number per unit area formed by ink droplets, and the "vertical resolution" and "horizontal resolution" are the resolutions per unit length, respectively.

[0089] The elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium 12 is, in other words, the natural drying time of the recorded recording medium 12. As the recorded recording medium 12 moves along the conveyance path and dries, the degree and state of deformation differ. Further, for example, when the recording apparatus 1 stops due to an error such as a jam of the recording medium 12 occurring in the conveyance path of the recording apparatus 1, if the natural drying of the recording medium 12 progresses, the degree and state of deformation change.

[0090] The device environment information of the environment including the conveyance path (printer conveyance path 17, reverse conveyance path 18, stapler conveyance path 19) or the placement unit (tray 85, stacker 37) is, for example, the temperature and humidity of the place where the post-recording processing apparatus 200 (reverse apparatus 210, stapler apparatus 220) is installed. In the conveyance path and placement section of the recording medium 12, the penetration rate and drying rate of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change under different temperature and humidity environments. As a result, the deformation characteristics of the recording medium 12 may change.

[0091] <Control of suppression intensity> The suppression intensity of each of the above-described deformation suppression means is controlled based on the above-described predetermined parameters. Specifically, for example, it is controlled using a condition table (or function) in which the suppression intensity of each deformation suppression means is derived corresponding to the specific value of the above-described predetermined parameter. The condition table (or function) is prepared, for example, as a condition table (or function) in which the suppression intensity is derived depending on the density (duty) of the water applied and the temperature and humidity, for each type of the recording medium 12 and each type of the deformation suppression means, after sufficient evaluation in advance. The prepared condition table (or function) is stored in the storage unit provided in the printer control unit 70.

[0092] The derivation of the suppression intensity using the condition table (or function) is performed in the printer control unit 70. When using a standard known recording paper as the recording medium 12, for example, by designating the recording paper name (for example, product number) to the printer control unit 70, the condition table (or function) corresponding to the deformation suppression means provided in the recording apparatus 1 is extracted from among a plurality of condition tables stored in the storage unit provided in the printer control unit 70. The printer control unit 70 uses the condition table (or function) to derive the suppression intensity based on the recording data for recording and the temperature and humidity at that time. The temperature and humidity may be obtained from the thermohygrometers provided in each part of the recording apparatus 1, or may be input by the operator of the recording apparatus 1 to the printer control unit 70.

[0093] Based on the derived suppression intensity, the printer control unit 70 controls the corresponding deformation suppression means in cooperation with the control units (inversion control unit 71, stapler control unit 72) provided with the deformation suppression means.

[0094] As described above, according to the post-recording processing apparatus and the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The degree of deformation (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) of the recorded recording medium 12 is not constant and varies depending on various parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12. According to the present embodiment, since the deformation suppressing means is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process on the recording medium 12, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium 12.

[0095] In addition, in the case of recording using an aqueous ink, since the aqueous ink having a high affinity for the recording medium 12 penetrates into the recording medium 12, the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 after recording or drying is larger than that in the case of recording using an oil-based ink. According to the present embodiment, post-recording processing can be performed on the recording medium 12 recorded with the aqueous ink in a state where the deformation of the recording medium 12 is more effectively suppressed.

[0096] In addition, when recording is performed on the recording medium 12 containing fibers that absorb moisture, such as cellulose, using an aqueous ink containing 50% by mass or more of water, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium 12.

[0097] In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the suppression intensity of the deformation suppressing means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on a predetermined parameter including the physical property information of the recording medium 12, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, for the recording medium 12 that curls with a stronger stress, the deformation is suppressed with a stronger necessary and sufficient suppression intensity.

[0098] Also, according to the present embodiment, based on a predetermined parameter including the recording environment information of the environment where recording is performed on the recording medium 12, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled, so that the deformation of the recording medium 12 can be more appropriately suppressed. For example, when recording is performed with a printer 100 installed in an environment with higher humidity, if the moisture content of the recording medium 12 is high, compared with the case of performing recording on a more dried recording medium 12, since the degree of deformation is low, deformation can be suppressed with a necessary and sufficient weaker suppression intensity.

[0099] Also, according to the present embodiment, based on a predetermined parameter including the recording data for performing recording on the recording medium 12, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled, so that the deformation of the recording medium 12 can be more appropriately suppressed. For example, when the difference in duty between the front and back of the recording medium 12 is significant, such as in single-sided recording, since the degree of curl is high, deformation is suppressed with a necessary and sufficient stronger suppression intensity.

[0100] Also, according to the present embodiment, based on a predetermined parameter including the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium 12, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled, so that the deformation of the recording medium 12 can be more appropriately suppressed. For example, when it is assumed that secondary curl will appear significantly when the elapsed time has exceeded, deformation is suppressed with a necessary and sufficient suppression intensity in the direction of suppressing secondary curl according to the elapsed time.

[0101] Also, according to the present embodiment, based on a predetermined parameter including the device environment information of the environment including the conveyance path or the placement unit, the suppression intensity of the deformation suppression means for suppressing the deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled, so that the deformation of the recording medium 12 can be more appropriately suppressed. For example, when the temperature of the environment including the conveyance path is high and the humidity is low, if it is assumed that the degree of drying of the recording medium 12 progresses during conveyance and the degree of curl is high, deformation is suppressed with a necessary and sufficient stronger suppression intensity.

[0102] In addition, the post-recording processing device 200 includes, as a post-processing unit, an inversion conveyance path 18 as an intermediate processing unit that performs an inversion process as intermediate processing, and a staple processing unit 36 that performs a staple process as a finishing process. Therefore, the inversion process and the staple process can be performed within the same device. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the deformation of the recording medium 12 is more appropriately suppressed, the occurrence of problems such as jams is suppressed within the device that performs these processes.

[0103] In addition, the deformation of the recording medium 12 is suppressed by any one of deformation suppression means such as pressing means for countering stress due to deformation, correction means for correcting deformation, and stress relaxation means for generating deformation, and the suppression intensity of each is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process for the recording medium 12. Therefore, it becomes possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium 12.

[0104] Further, according to the recording device 1, it is possible to perform recording in which post-recording processing is performed in a state where the deformation of the recording medium 12 after recording is more appropriately suppressed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 1…Recording device, 12…Recording medium, 17…Printer conveyance path, 18…Reverse conveyance path, 18a…Pre-reverse path, 18b…Reverse path, 18c…Post-reverse path, 19…Stapler conveyance path, 21…Cassette, 22…Feeding unit, 23…Printer conveyance unit, 24…Recording unit, 26…Pickup roller, 27…Separation roller pair, 30…Conveyance roller pair, 31…Conveyance belt, 32…Drive pulley, 33…Driven pulley, 35…Stapler conveyance unit, 36…Stapling processing unit, 37…Stacker, 37a…Placement surface, 41…First reversing unit, 42…Second reversing unit, 44…First branch path, 45…Second branch path, 46…First merging path, 47…Second merging path, 48…First reverse path, 49…Second reverse path, 52…Reverse conveyance unit, 56…Conveyance roller pair, 58…Sensor, 59…Guide flap, 70…Printer control unit, 71…Reverse control unit, 72…Stapler control unit, 81, 82…Conveyance roller pair, 83…Guide flap, 84…Sensor, 85…Tray, 85a…Placement surface, 86…Stapler, 90…Blower unit, 91…Pressing member, 92…Guide shaft, 93…Protruding rib, 94…Humidifying unit, 95…Roller, 96…Heater, 100…Printer, 200…Post-recording processing device, 210…Reversing device, 220…Stapling device, 300~306…Deformation suppression means.

Claims

1. A post-processing unit that performs post-processing on a recording medium recorded with aqueous ink, Deformation suppressing means for suppressing deformation of the recording medium in the placement unit on which the recording medium is placed And, A printer control unit that derives the suppression intensity by the deformation suppressing means based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process for the recording medium And a control unit that communicates with the printer control unit and controls the deformation suppressing means with the suppression intensity derived by the printer control unit, Comprising, The deformation suppressing means is, One or a plurality of protruding ribs provided on the placement unit and protruding the upper surface from the placement unit by a protruding mechanism Comprising, The control unit controls the deformation suppressing means by controlling the amount of protrusion of the protruding rib of the deformation suppressing means from the placement unit based on the suppression intensity, The protruding rib is configured to be variable in the lateral position with respect to the conveyance direction, The predetermined parameters include, Composition data of the aqueous ink, Information based on the physical property information of the recording medium, Information based on the recording environment information of the environment in which the recording is performed on the recording medium, Information based on the recording data for performing recording on the recording medium, Information based on the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium Device environment information of the environment in which the placement unit is included, At least one of which is included, The information based on the physical property information of the recording medium is information based on pre-evaluated data related to the deformation of the recording medium, The recording environment information of the environment in which the recording is performed on the recording medium is the temperature and humidity of the place where the device is installed, And, The information based on the recording data for performing recording on the recording medium is the amount, density, and area of the ink applied to the recording medium by the image data to be recorded on the recording medium, The information based on the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium is the natural drying time of the recorded recording medium, The device environment information of the environment in which the placement unit is included is the temperature and humidity of the place where the placement unit is installed, A recording apparatus characterized by that.

2. A post-processing unit that performs post-processing on a recording medium recorded with aqueous ink, Deformation suppressing means for suppressing deformation of the recording medium in the placement unit on which the recording medium is placed And, A printer control unit that derives the suppression specification by the deformation suppressing means based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process for the recording medium And a control unit that communicates with the printer control unit and is derived by the printer control unit, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A control unit that controls the deformation suppression means according to the suppression specification obtained; Comprising; The deformation suppression means is; Provided on the placement part, and a plurality of protruding ribs that can protrude from the placement part to the upper surface by a protruding mechanism Comprising; The plurality of protruding ribs are arranged in a matrix; The control unit controls the deformation suppression means by protruding the protruding ribs at positions corresponding to the deformation of the recording medium among the plurality of protruding ribs based on the suppression specification; The predetermined parameters include; Composition data of the aqueous ink, Information based on the physical properties information of the recording medium, Information based on the recording environment information of the environment where recording is performed on the recording medium, Information based on the recording data for recording on the recording medium, Information based on the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium, Device environment information of the environment in which the placement part is included, At least one of which is included; The information based on the physical properties information of the recording medium is information based on pre-evaluated data related to the deformation of the recording medium; The recording environment information of the environment where recording is performed on the recording medium is the temperature and humidity of the place where the device is installed; And; The information based on the recording data for recording on the recording medium is the amount, density, and area of the ink applied to the recording medium by the image data to be recorded on the recording medium; The information based on the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium is the natural drying time of the recorded recording medium; The device environment information of the environment in which the placement part is included is the temperature and humidity of the place where the placement part is installed; And, A recording device characterized by the above.

3. The aqueous ink contains 50% by mass or more of water and contains a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment. The recording device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that.

4. As the post-processing unit, an intermediate processing unit that performs intermediate processing and a finishing unit that performs finishing processing are provided; Comprising; The intermediate processing unit performs, as the intermediate processing, an inversion process or a drying process of the recording medium; The finishing unit performs, as the finishing process, a staple process, a punch process, or a sort process on the plurality of recording media on which the intermediate processing has been completed. The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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