Aftertreatment Device

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device capable of suppressing curl of a medium and decrease in alignment property.SOLUTION: A post-processing device comprises a first discharge part 23 for discharging a medium 17 recorded by a recording device, a first tray 24 for loading the medium 17 discharged by the first discharge part 23, a post-processing part 25 for performing post-processing on the medium 17 placed on the first tray 24, a pressing part 26 for executing a tip pressing operation of pressing the medium 17 discharged by the first discharge part 23 to lower a leading head 17f of the medium 17, and a control unit 41 for controlling the pressing part 26. The control unit 41 makes the pressing part 26 execute the tip pressing operation after the medium 17 is placed on the first tray 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a finisher, which is an example of a post-processing device, that performs side stitching, which is an example of post-processing, on sheets, which are an example of media on which images are formed. The finisher includes a discharge roller, which is an example of a first discharge unit, a processing tray, which is an example of a first tray, a front regulating unit, and a rear regulating unit.

[0003] Each of the front and rear restricting sections includes a leading edge guide and a leading edge pressing section. The leading edge guide guides the sheet discharged in the discharge direction by the discharge roller to the leading edge pressing section. The leading edge pressing section presses the guided sheet from above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-193870 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Recorded media can sometimes curl due to the fibers that make up the media expanding. This curling can be reduced by pressing the media. However, in Patent Document 1, the leading edge guide and leading edge pressing sections come into contact with the sheet being discharged by the conveyance roller, restricting the movement of the sheet in the discharge direction. In other words, restricting the movement of the medium being discharged by the first discharge section can result in the medium being stacked out of alignment on the first tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A post-processing device that solves the above problem comprises a first discharge unit that discharges media recorded by a recording device, a first tray that loads the media discharged by the first discharge unit, a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the media placed on the first tray, a holding unit that is capable of performing a front-pressing operation to hold down the media discharged by the first discharge unit and lower the leading edge of the media, and a control unit that controls the holding unit, and the control unit executes the front-pressing operation after the media is placed on the first tray. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a recording system including a post-processing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the post-processing device in which the pressing unit is positioned at a standby position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a post-processing device that supports media of a first size. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic front view of the post-processing device in which the pressing unit is located at a first pressing position. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic front view of the post-processing device in which the pressing unit is located at a second pre-pressing position. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the post-processing device in which the pressing unit is located at a rear pressing position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <Recording System> An embodiment of a recording system including a post-processing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the recording system 11 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y axis is also referred to as the transport direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0009] 1, the recording system 11 may include a recording device 12, an intermediate device 13, a post-processing device 14, and a folding device 15, which are arranged side by side in the conveyance direction Y. The recording device 12, the intermediate device 13, the post-processing device 14, and the folding device 15 are arranged adjacent to one another.

[0010] The recording device 12 is a device that records on a medium 17 by ejecting a liquid. The recording device 12 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that records an image by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium 17 such as paper. The image is formed by the liquid that adheres to the medium 17. The image includes photographs, designs, characters, symbols, marks, lines, tables, and the like.

[0011] The recording device 12 may include an operation unit 18, such as a touch panel, for operating the recording device 12 and the recording system 11, and a medium storage unit 19 that can store the media 17 in a stacked state. The recording device 12 may include multiple medium storage units 19.

[0012] The recording device 12 includes a recording unit 21 that performs recording by ejecting a liquid. The recording unit 21 performs recording on the media 17 that are fed out one by one from the medium storage unit 19. The recording unit 21 of this embodiment is a line type that is provided across the width direction X of the medium 17. The recording unit 21 may also be configured as a serial type that performs recording while moving in the width direction X of the medium 17.

[0013] Recording device 12 can perform single-sided recording on medium 17, where recording is performed on only one side, and double-sided recording, where recording is performed on both sides of medium 17. When performing single-sided recording, recording device 12 records on the front side of medium 17 and then sends medium 17 to intermediate device 13. When performing double-sided recording, recording device 12 records on the front side of medium 17, then turns medium 17 over and returns it to recording unit 21, where it records on the back side of medium 17. Recording device 12 sends medium 17, with recording performed on both sides, to intermediate device 13.

[0014] The intermediate device 13 sends the medium 17, which has been recorded on one or both sides, to the post-processing device 14. When performing a center folding process on the recorded medium 17, in which the medium 17 is folded in half, the post-processing device 14 sends the medium 17 to the center folding device 15. The center folding device 15 may also perform a saddle stitching process on the medium 17, in which the medium 17 is stapled in the center.

[0015] <Post-processing device> 2, post-processing device 14 includes first discharge section 23, first tray 24, post-processing section 25, and pressing section 26. Post-processing device 14 may also include second discharge section 28 and second tray 29. Post-processing device 14 may also include detection section 31 capable of detecting medium 17, edge alignment section 32, holding section 33, first conveying section 34, and second conveying section 35. Post-processing device 14 may also include support wall 37, support section 38, and curl suppression member 39.

[0016] The post-processing device 14 includes a control unit 41 that controls the holding unit 26. The control unit 41 may comprehensively control the driving of each mechanism in the post-processing device 14 and control various operations performed by the post-processing device 14. The control unit 41 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0017] The first ejection unit 23 ejects the medium 17 on which data has been recorded by the recording device 12. The first ejection unit 23 may be configured with a pair of rollers. The first ejection unit 23 ejects the medium 17 by rotating while sandwiching the medium 17. The first ejection unit 23 ejects the medium 17 in a first ejection direction D1.

[0018] The first tray 24 is stacked with the media 17 discharged by the first discharge section 23. The first tray 24 is located downstream of the first discharge section 23 in the first discharge direction D1, and at least a portion of the first tray 24 is located below the first discharge section 23 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the first tray 24 receives the media 17 that are discharged by the first discharge section 23 and fall. The first tray 24 has a stacking surface 24a on which the media 17 are stacked.

[0019] The post-processing unit 25 performs post-processing on the media 17 placed on the first tray 24. In this embodiment, the post-processing unit 25 staples the number of media 17 to be processed that are loaded on the first tray 24. Stapling is a process of binding multiple sheets of media 17 together with staples. The post-processing unit 25 binds multiple sheets of media 17 together to form a media bundle 17w. Figure 2 shows a state in which one sheet of media 17 is placed on the first tray 24 and a media bundle 17w is placed on the second tray 29.

[0020] The second discharge section 28 discharges the media 17 stacked on the first tray 24. The second discharge section 28 discharges the media 17 that have been post-processed by the post-processing section 25. That is, the second discharge section 28 of this embodiment is capable of discharging a bundle of media 17 stacked on the first tray 24. The second discharge section 28 may be configured with a pair of rollers. The second discharge section 28 discharges the media 17 by rotating while sandwiching the media 17. The second discharge section 28 discharges the media 17 in the second discharge direction D2.

[0021] The second tray 29 is stacked with the media 17 discharged by the second discharge section 28. The second tray 29 is located downstream of the second discharge section 28 in the second discharge direction D2, and at least a portion of the second tray 29 is located below the second discharge section 28 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the second tray 29 receives the media 17 that are discharged by the second discharge section 28 and fall.

[0022] The edge alignment section 32 is located at the downstream end of the first tray 24 in the alignment direction D3. The alignment direction D3 is the direction in which the first conveying section 34 and the second conveying section 35 convey the media 17 placed on the first tray 24. The alignment direction D3 is a direction parallel to the stacking surface 24a. The first conveying section 34 and the second conveying section 35 rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 2 to convey the media 17 placed on the first tray 24 to the edge alignment section 32. The first conveying section 34 and the second conveying section 35 align the media 17 by abutting them against the edge alignment section 32.

[0023] The holding unit 33 is located between the second conveying unit 35 and the end alignment unit 32 in the alignment direction D3. The holding unit 33 is rotatable about an axis. The holding unit 33 is pressed against the first tray 24 by a spring (not shown). The medium 17 pushes up the holding unit 33, passes between the first tray 24 and the holding unit 33, and hits the end alignment unit 32. The holding unit 33 holds the medium 17 in an aligned state by sandwiching the medium 17 between itself and the first tray 24.

[0024] In this embodiment, alignment means aligning the trailing end 17r of the medium 17 with the end alignment section 32. The trailing end 17r of the medium 17 is the upstream end in the first discharge direction D1 and the second discharge direction D2, and the downstream end in the alignment direction D3. In this embodiment, the end of the medium 17 opposite the trailing end 17r is called the leading end 17f. The leading end 17f is the downstream end in the first discharge direction D1 and the second discharge direction D2, and the upstream end in the alignment direction D3. The first discharge section 23 discharges the leading end 17f first, and the trailing end 17r last.

[0025] The first conveying unit 34 and the second conveying unit 35 convey the medium 17 discharged from the first discharge unit 23 and align it against the end alignment unit 32, thereby aligning the rear ends 17r of the medium 17 and the medium 17 previously loaded on the first tray 24. The media 17 sequentially discharged from the first discharge unit 23 are stacked on the first tray 24 with their rear ends 17r aligned.

[0026] The first conveying section 34 is provided downstream of the first discharge section 23 in the first discharge direction D1 and upstream of the second conveying section 35 in the alignment direction D3. The first conveying section 34 and the second conveying section 35 are located above the first tray 24. In this embodiment, the first conveying section 34 and the second conveying section 35 have different sizes but the same configuration. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0027] The first conveying unit 34 may have a rotating shaft 45 and at least one paddle 46. In this embodiment, the first conveying unit 34 has three paddles 46. The paddles 46 have base ends fixed to the rotating shaft 45 and rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 45. The tip ends of the paddles 46 are plate-shaped and elastically deformable. Each of the first conveying unit 34 and the second conveying unit 35 may be provided across the width direction X, or multiple paddles may be provided side by side in the width direction X.

[0028] The support wall 37 is provided between the second discharge section 28 and the second tray 29 in the second discharge direction D2. The support wall 37 may be provided vertically or tilted relative to the horizontal plane. The support wall 37 may support the rear end 17r of the medium 17 discharged by the second discharge section 28. In other words, the support wall 37 may be provided at the lower end of the second tray 29, which is tilted, and may support the medium 17 placed on the second tray 29.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the support section 38 may have a guide section 48 that guides the edge of the medium 17 in the width direction X. The support section 38 is capable of supporting a portion of the medium 17 placed on the first tray 24. The support section 38 supports a portion of the medium 17 of a first size shown in FIG. 3 that is placed on the first tray 24. The support section 38 does not support the medium 17 of a second size shown in FIG. 2 that is smaller than the first size. Specifically, when the medium 17 is placed on the first tray 24 and the trailing end 17r is in contact with the end alignment section 32, the support section 38 supports a portion of the medium 17 of the first size, but does not support the medium 17 of the second size.

[0030] The curl suppression member 39 suppresses curling of the medium 17 supported by the support portion 38. In this embodiment, the curl suppression member 39 is a plate disposed above the support portion 38 and substantially parallel to the support portion 38. The curl suppression member 39 may move relative to the support portion 38 in a direction toward or away from the support portion 38 so as to change the distance between the curl suppression member 39 and the support portion 38. When the leading edge 17f of the curled medium 17 comes into contact with the curl suppression member 39, the curl is suppressed from growing.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4 , the post-processing device 14 of this embodiment includes a pair of support sections 38 and a pair of curl suppression members 39 spaced apart in the width direction X. The support sections 38 of this embodiment may reciprocate along the X axis by receiving power from a drive source (not shown). In this embodiment, each support section 38 is movable between a support position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4 and a release position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 . Each curl suppression member 39 may move together with the support sections 38. The support sections 38 positioned at the support position can support a portion of the first-size medium 17 placed on the first tray 24. Furthermore, the support sections 38 positioned at the support position can hold the medium 17 discharged by the second discharge section 28 on the support sections 38. The release position is located outside the support position in the width direction X. When the support sections 38 move from the support position to the release position, the supported medium 17 falls onto the second tray 29.

[0032] <Pressing part> 5, the post-processing device 14 may have a plurality of holding units 26. The post-processing device 14 of this embodiment has two holding units 26 arranged side by side in the width direction X.

[0033] The pressing units 26 may be configured to be movable in the width direction X of the medium 17. That is, the pressing units 26 may move back and forth along the X axis by receiving power from a drive source (not shown). In this embodiment, each pressing unit 26 is movable between a first position P1 indicated by a solid line and a second position P2 indicated by a two-dot chain line. The first position P1 is located outside the second position P2 in the width direction X. Therefore, the distance between the pressing units 26 positioned at the first position P1 is greater than the distance between the pressing units 26 positioned at the second position P2.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 6, each pressing portion 26 is capable of reciprocating movement along the Z axis by power transmitted from a drive source (not shown). Each pressing portion 26 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, each pressing portion 26 moves in the same manner. Therefore, the following description will be given of one pressing portion 26.

[0035] The pressing unit 26 is movable to a standby position WP shown in Fig. 2, a first first pressing position FP1 shown in Fig. 6, a second first pressing position FP2 shown in Fig. 7, and a rear pressing position RP shown in Fig. 8. The first first pressing position FP1 and the second first pressing position FP2 are examples of the first pressing positions.

[0036] 2, the standby position WP is a position that does not come into contact with the medium 17 discharged by the first discharge section 23. The standby position WP may be a position above the first discharge section 23 and the first tray 24.

[0037] 6, the first front pressing position FP1 is located below the standby position WP. The first front pressing position FP1 is located between the second front pressing position FP2 and the rear pressing position RP. The first front pressing position FP1 is located below the standby position WP by a first distance L1.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the second first pressing position FP2 is below the standby position WP. The second first pressing position FP2 is above the first first pressing position FP1. In other words, the second first pressing position FP2 is located between the standby position WP and the first first pressing position FP1. The second first pressing position FP2 is located below the standby position WP by a second distance L2. The second distance L2 is shorter than the first distance L1.

[0039] 8, the rear pressing position RP is located below the standby position WP, the first front pressing position FP1, and the second front pressing position FP2. The rear pressing position RP is located below the standby position WP by a third distance L3. The third distance L3 is longer than the first distance L1.

[0040] <medium> 2, the medium 17 on which an image is formed may be deformed to be curved, or so-called curled. The tendency of the medium 17 to curl varies depending on, for example, the recording density.

[0041] The print density is the ratio of the area on which an image is printed to the area of the medium 17. In other words, the print density is the ratio of the number of liquid dots actually deposited to the maximum number of liquid dots that can be deposited on the medium 17.

[0042] When the recording density of medium 17 is high, it is more likely to curl than when the recording density is low. When the difference between the recording density of the top surface and the recording density of the bottom surface is large, it is more likely to curl than when the difference is small. The direction of the curl depends on whether the recording density of the top surface or the bottom surface is higher. For example, when the recording density of the bottom surface is higher than the recording density of the top surface, medium 17 is more likely to curl with leading edge 17f lifting up.

[0043] <Pressing action> When performing a pre-pressing operation on medium 17 placed on first tray 24, control unit 41 may place presser unit 26 at first position P1 shown in FIG.

[0044] 2, 6, and 7, the presser unit 26 is capable of performing a front-pressing operation. The front-pressing operation is an operation of pressing down the medium 17 discharged by the first discharge unit 23 and lowering the leading edge 17f of the medium 17. The control unit 41 causes the presser unit 26 to perform the front-pressing operation after the medium 17 is placed on the first tray 24. To perform the front-pressing operation, the control unit 41 moves the presser unit 26 to the first front-pressing position FP1 or the second front-pressing position FP2.

[0045] The control unit 41 may store the first number threshold, the second number threshold, and the threshold amount in advance. The first number threshold, the second number threshold, and the threshold amount may be input from, for example, the operation unit 18. The first number threshold and the second number threshold may be the same value. The first number threshold may be greater than the second number threshold. The first number threshold may be smaller than the second number threshold.

[0046] The control unit 41 may be able to change whether or not to perform the front pressing operation depending on the size of the medium 17. The control unit 41 may not perform the front pressing operation when the size of the medium 17 is a first size. The control unit 41 may perform the front pressing operation when the size of the medium 17 is a second size.

[0047] The control unit 41 may be able to change the timing at which the first pressing operation starts depending on the number of media 17 stacked on the first tray 24. If the number of stacked sheets is less than the second sheet count threshold, the control unit 41 may set the start timing to the first timing. The first timing is the timing when the first alignment time has elapsed since the medium 17 passed through the first discharge unit 23. For example, when the detection unit 31 changes from a state in which it detects the medium 17 to a state in which it does not detect the medium 17, the control unit 41 may detect the trailing end 17r of the medium 17 and determine that the medium 17 has passed through the first discharge unit 23. The control unit 41 may start lowering the presser unit 26 after the first alignment time has elapsed since the detection unit 31 detected the trailing end 17r of the medium 17.

[0048] If the number of stacked sheets is equal to or greater than the second sheet count threshold, the control unit 41 may set the start timing to a second timing that is later than the first timing. The second timing is the timing when the second alignment time has elapsed since the medium 17 passed through the first discharge unit 23. The control unit 41 may start lowering the presser unit 26 after the second alignment time has elapsed since the detection unit 31 detected the rear end 17r of the medium 17.

[0049] The first alignment time and the second alignment time are the times required to align the media 17. The time required to align the media 17 varies depending on the number of sheets loaded. The media 17 transported in the alignment direction D3 pass through the holding section 33, pushing it up. In this embodiment, the holding section 33 is pressed down by a spring, so when the number of sheets loaded is large, the media 17 have a harder time passing through the holding section 33 than when the number of sheets loaded is small, and the time required for alignment becomes longer. Furthermore, even when the holding section 33 is not provided, the time required for alignment increases as the number of sheets loaded increases due to factors such as swelling of the media 17. In other words, the first alignment time when the number of sheets loaded is small is shorter than the second alignment time when the number of sheets loaded is large.

[0050] The control unit 41 may be able to change the leading edge pressing position depending on the number of media 17 loaded on the first tray 24. 6, when the number of stacked sheets is less than the first sheet number threshold, the control unit 41 may execute the pre-pressing operation by moving the pressing unit 26 to the first pre-pressing position FP1. That is, the control unit 41 lowers the pressing unit 26, which is positioned at the standby position WP, to the first pre-pressing position FP1.

[0051] 7, when the number of stacked sheets is equal to or greater than the first sheet number threshold, the control unit 41 may execute the pre-pressing operation by moving the pressing unit 26 to the second pre-pressing position FP2. That is, the control unit 41 lowers the pressing unit 26, which is positioned at the standby position WP, to the second pre-pressing position FP2.

[0052] The control unit 41 may be able to change the holding time during which the holding unit 26 holds the medium 17, depending on the amount of liquid ejected onto the medium 17. The holding time is the time during which the holding unit 26 is positioned at the first pre-holding position FP1 or the second pre-holding position FP2.

[0053] If the discharge amount is less than the threshold amount, the control unit 41 may set the holding time to a first time. If the discharge amount is equal to or greater than the threshold amount, the control unit 41 may set the holding time to a second time that is longer than the first time.

[0054] When the first or second set time has elapsed since the presser unit 26 was positioned at the first or second pre-pressing position FP1 or FP2, the control unit 41 moves the presser unit 26 from the first or second pre-pressing position FP1 or FP2. The control unit 41 may raise the presser unit 26 from the first or second pre-pressing position FP1 or FP2 and return it to the standby position WP. The control unit 41 may keep the presser unit 26 on standby at the standby position WP until the pre-pressing operation for the next medium 17 is started.

[0055] The control unit 41 may perform a pre-pressing operation each time a medium 17 is aligned. The post-processing device 14 of this embodiment forms a medium bundle 17w from multiple media 17 placed on the first tray 24. If it is determined that the medium 17 discharged from the first discharge unit 23 is the last medium 17 forming the medium bundle 17w, the control unit 41 may not perform a pre-pressing operation on the last medium 17. If it is determined that the medium 17 discharged from the first discharge unit 23 is not the last medium 17, the control unit 41 may perform a pre-pressing operation on the medium 17.

[0056] <Back pressure operation> When performing a post-pressing operation on the medium 17 discharged from the second discharge section 28, the control section 41 may place the presser section 26 in the second position P2 shown in Fig. 5. The control section 41 may place the support section 38 in the support position shown by the solid line in Fig. 4.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, the second discharge unit 28 discharges the post-processed media 17 as a bundle. The control unit 41 may be capable of performing a rear pressing operation on the media 17 discharged by the second discharge unit 28. The rear pressing operation is an operation of pressing down the media 17 discharged by the second discharge unit 28 and lowering the rear end 17r of the media 17. The control unit 41 performs the rear pressing operation by moving the pressing unit 26 to the rear pressing position RP after the media 17 have been discharged by the second discharge unit 28.

[0058] The control unit 41 lowers the presser unit 26, which is located at the standby position WP, to the rear presser position RP. The presser unit 26 may move along the support wall 37 to perform the rear presser operation. After moving the presser unit 26 to the rear presser position RP, the control unit 41 moves the presser unit 26 from the rear presser position RP. The control unit 41 may raise the presser unit 26, which is located at the rear presser position RP, and return it to the standby position WP. The control unit 41 may drop the supported medium 17 by moving the support unit 38 to the open position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 during or after the rear presser operation is performed.

[0059] <effect> 6 and 7, the presser 26 performs a leading edge pressing operation to lower the leading edge 17f of the medium 17 placed on the first tray 24. This straightens out any curl on the leading edge 17f side of the medium 17. This reduces the risk that the medium 17 being next discharged from the first discharge section 23 will be caught in the curl.

[0060] 8, the presser unit 26 performs a rear pressing operation to lower the rear end 17r of the medium 17 discharged from the second discharge unit 28. This straightens out any curl on the rear end 17r side of the medium 17.

[0061] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) After the medium 17 discharged by the first discharge unit 23 is placed on the first tray 24, the control unit 41 causes the pressing unit 26 to perform a pre-pressing operation. That is, the pressing unit 26 presses the medium 17 while the medium 17 is placed on the first tray 24. Therefore, curling of the medium 17 and loss of consistency can be suppressed.

[0062] (2) The position of the topmost medium 17 among the media 17 stacked on the first tray 24 varies depending on the number of media 17 loaded on the first tray 24. That is, when the number of loaded media is large, the topmost medium 17 is positioned higher than when the number of loaded media is small. When the number of loaded media is less than the first threshold, the control unit 41 moves the pressing unit 26 to the first pressing position FP1. When the number of loaded media is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit 41 moves the pressing unit 26 to the second pressing position FP2. The second pressing position FP2 is a position higher than the first pressing position FP1. Therefore, when the number of loaded media is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the pressing unit 26 presses the media 17 at a higher position than when the number of loaded media is less than the first threshold, allowing the media 17 to be properly pressed.

[0063] (3) The ease with which the media 17 discharged by the first discharge unit 23 are aligned may vary depending on the number of media 17 stacked on the first tray 24. That is, when the number of stacked media is large, the time required for alignment may be longer than when the number of stacked media is small. In this regard, when the number of stacked media is equal to or greater than the second number threshold, the control unit 41 starts the pre-pressing operation later than when the number of stacked media is less than the second number threshold. This allows time to be secured for aligning the media 17, thereby further preventing a decrease in the alignment of the media 17.

[0064] (4) The amount of curl in the medium 17 recorded with the ejected liquid can vary depending on the amount of liquid ejected. That is, when the amount of ejection is large, the curl is more likely to be large than when the amount of ejection is small. In this regard, the control unit 41 extends the pressing time when the amount of ejection is equal to or greater than a threshold amount compared to when the amount of ejection is less than the threshold amount. Therefore, even when the curl is likely to be large, it is possible to reduce the curl.

[0065] (5) The control unit 41 performs a rear pressing operation on the medium 17 discharged by the second discharge unit 28. Therefore, even if the medium 17 curls and the rear end 17r curls up, the curl of the medium 17 can be reduced.

[0066] (6) When the medium 17 curls, the rear end 17r moves away from the support wall 37. In this regard, the pressing unit 26 moves along the support wall 37 to press the medium 17, making it easier to align the rear end 17r of the medium 17 with the support wall 37.

[0067] (7) The control unit 41 moves the presser unit 26 to the front pressing position to perform the front pressing operation. The control unit 41 moves the presser unit 26 to the rear pressing position RP to perform the rear pressing operation. The rear pressing position RP is a position lower than the first front pressing position FP1 and the second front pressing position FP2. Therefore, even if the second tray 29 is located lower than the first tray 24, the media 17 can be pressed by the rear pressing operation.

[0068] (8) The control unit 41 performs the leading edge pressing operation by positioning the pressing unit 26 toward the edge in the width direction X, thereby efficiently reducing curl that occurs at the leading edge 17f of the medium 17. The control unit 41 performs the trailing edge pressing operation by positioning the pressing unit 26 toward the center in the width direction X, thereby curving the medium 17 so that the center of the medium 17 in the width direction X is positioned lower than the edge. This makes it easier for air to escape between the medium 17 and the second tray 29 when the medium 17 is placed on the second tray 29, reducing disturbance of the medium 17 stacked on the second tray 29.

[0069] (9) The control unit 41 does not execute the front-pressing operation when the medium 17 is the first size, but executes the front-pressing operation when the medium 17 is the second size. The curl suppressing member 39 suppresses curling of the first-size medium 17. Therefore, curling can be suppressed in a manner suited to the size of the medium 17.

[0070] (10) If the medium 17 that was previously discharged from the first discharge section 23 and placed on the first tray 24 is curled, the next medium 17 to be discharged from the first discharge section 23 may collide with the previously discharged medium 17 and buckle. In this regard, after the last medium 17 of the media 17 forming the media stack 17w is discharged from the first discharge section 23, the next medium 17 will not be discharged from the first discharge section 23 until the media stack 17w is discharged from the first tray 24. If the medium 17 discharged from the first discharge section 23 is the last medium 17, the control section 41 will not execute the pre-press operation. This improves throughput.

[0071] (11) For example, if the presser 26 is moved regardless of the number of sheets of media 17 loaded on the first tray 24, the media 17 may be pressed too hard or not hard enough. In this regard, the control unit 41 changes the pre-press position depending on the number of sheets loaded, so that the media 17 can be pressed appropriately to reduce curl.

[0072] (12) When the number of stacked sheets is less than the second threshold number, the control unit 41 starts the pre-pressing operation earlier than when the number of stacked sheets is equal to or greater than the second threshold number. Therefore, when the number of stacked sheets is less than the second threshold number, the post-processing device 14 can receive the next medium 17 at an earlier timing than when the pre-pressing operation is started at the same timing as when the number of stacked sheets is equal to or greater than the second threshold number.

[0073] (13) The pressing unit 26 performs a front pressing operation and a rear pressing operation. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified compared to when a member for performing the front pressing operation and a member for performing the rear pressing operation are provided separately.

[0074] (14) For example, when media 17 are pressed by a rotating presser, a large space must be secured for the presser to move. When media 17 are pressed by a rotating presser, there is a risk that the position at which the presser presses media 17 may change depending on the number of sheets loaded. In this regard, presser 26 moves back and forth along the Z axis. In other words, presser 26 moves linearly. This allows for a smaller space to move presser 26, and also reduces the change in the position at which media 17 is pressed.

[0075] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility. The post-processing unit 25 may perform punching, shifting, and other processes. Punching is a process of punching holes in one or more sheets of media 17. Shifting is a process of discharging media 17 in sets onto the second tray 29, and discharging each set at a different position.

[0076] The pressing portion 26 may move in a direction different from the vertical direction Z. For example, the pressing portion 26 may move in a direction perpendicular to the loading surface 24a to perform a first pressing operation. The tendency of the medium 17 to curl also varies depending on the grain direction of the medium 17. The control unit 41 may execute at least one of the front pressing operation and the rear pressing operation depending on the grain direction of the medium 17. The grain direction is the direction of the fibers that make up the medium 17. When the grain direction does not match the first discharge direction D1, curling is more likely to occur than when the grain direction matches the first discharge direction D1. Therefore, the control unit 41 may set the pressing time to a first time when the grain direction matches the first discharge direction D1, and may set the pressing time to a second time that is longer than the first time when the grain direction does not match the first discharge direction D1.

[0077] The frictional force generated between the first tray 24 and the media 17 is smaller than the frictional force between the media 17 themselves. Therefore, the first alignment time for the first medium 17 contacting the first tray 24 is shorter than the second alignment time for the second medium 17 contacting the first medium 17. Therefore, the second number threshold may be one. If the number of media 17 loaded on the first tray 24 is zero, the control unit 41 may start the pre-pressing operation at a first timing when the first alignment time has elapsed since the first medium 17 passed through the first discharge unit 23. If the number of loaded media is one or more, the control unit 41 may start the pre-pressing operation at a second timing when a second alignment time longer than the first alignment time has elapsed since the second or subsequent media 17 passed through the first discharge unit 23.

[0078] The control unit 41 may execute the pre-pressing operation on the medium 17 even if it is the last medium 17 forming the medium bundle 17w. The control unit 41 may execute the front pressing operation regardless of the size of the medium 17 .

[0079] The post-processing device 14 may be configured to include one pressing unit 26. The pressing portion 26 does not have to move in the width direction X. The pressing portion 26 may perform the leading pressing operation and the trailing pressing operation while remaining at the same position in the width direction X.

[0080] The post-processing device 14 may include three or more holding units 26. The control unit 41 may cause all of the holding units 26 to perform the front-pressing operation and the rear-pressing operation. The control unit 41 may cause some of the holding units 26 to perform the front-pressing operation and some of the holding units 26 to perform the rear-pressing operation.

[0081] The rear pressing position RP may be the same as the first front pressing position FP1 or the second front pressing position FP2. The pressing portion 26 may move in a direction intersecting the support wall 37 to perform a rear pressing operation.

[0082] The pressing unit 26 may perform a post-pressing operation on the medium 17 after it has been placed on the second tray 29. The control unit 41 may execute the front pressing operation regardless of the amount of ink ejected onto the medium 17 .

[0083] The control unit 41 may execute the first pressing operation regardless of the number of sheets of media 17 loaded on the first tray 24. The presser unit 26 may have an air blowing mechanism that blows air onto the medium 17. The air blowing mechanism may press the medium 17 by blowing air onto the medium 17. That is, the presser unit 26 may be fixed. When the number of media 17 stacked on the first tray 24 is less than a first threshold number, the control unit 41 may blow a stronger airflow onto the medium 17 than when the number of stacked media 17 is equal to or greater than the first threshold number. For example, when the amount of liquid ejected onto the medium 17 is less than a threshold amount, the control unit 41 may set the time for blowing air onto the medium 17 to a first time. When the amount of liquid ejected onto the medium 17 is equal to or greater than the threshold amount, the control unit 41 may set the time for blowing air onto the medium 17 to a second time that is longer than the first time.

[0084] The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium 17 and record on the medium 17. For example, ink includes particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments or metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and includes various compositions such as water-based ink, oil-based ink, gel ink, and hot-melt ink.

[0085] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) The post-processing device includes a first discharge unit that discharges media recorded by a recording device, a first tray that loads the media discharged by the first discharge unit, a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the media placed on the first tray, a holding unit that is capable of performing a front-end holding operation that holds the media discharged by the first discharge unit and lowers the leading end of the media, and a control unit that controls the holding unit, and the control unit executes the front-end holding operation after the media is placed on the first tray.

[0086] With this configuration, after the medium discharged by the first discharge unit is placed on the first tray, the control unit causes the presser unit to perform a pre-pressing operation. That is, the presser unit presses the medium while it is placed on the first tray. This prevents the medium from curling and losing its consistency.

[0087] (B) In the post-processing device, the control unit may change the pre-pressing position to which the holding unit is moved to perform the pre-pressing operation depending on the number of sheets of media loaded on the first tray, and if the number of sheets loaded is less than a first sheet number threshold, the control unit may perform the pre-pressing operation by moving the holding unit to a first pre-pressing position, and if the number of sheets loaded is equal to or greater than the first sheet number threshold, the control unit may perform the pre-pressing operation by moving the holding unit to a second pre-pressing position above the first pre-pressing position.

[0088] The position of the topmost medium among the media stacked in the first tray changes depending on the number of media loaded on the first tray. That is, when the number of loaded media is large, the topmost medium is positioned higher than when the number of loaded media is small. With this configuration, the control unit moves the presser unit to the first presser position when the number of loaded media is less than the first threshold number. The control unit moves the presser unit to the second presser position when the number of loaded media is equal to or greater than the first threshold number. The second presser position is a position higher than the first presser position. Therefore, when the number of loaded media is equal to or greater than the first threshold number, the presser unit presses the media at a higher position than when the number of loaded media is less than the first threshold number, allowing the media to be properly pressed.

[0089] (C) In the post-processing device, the control unit may change the start timing for starting the pre-pressing operation depending on the number of sheets of media loaded on the first tray, and may set the start timing to a first timing when the number of sheets loaded is less than a second sheet number threshold, and may set the start timing to a second timing later than the first timing when the number of sheets loaded is equal to or greater than the second sheet number threshold.

[0090] The ease with which the media ejected by the first ejection unit are aligned may vary depending on the number of media stacked on the first tray. That is, when the number of stacked sheets is large, the time required for alignment may be longer than when the number of stacked sheets is small. In this regard, with this configuration, the control unit starts the pre-pressing operation later when the number of stacked sheets is equal to or greater than the second sheet-count threshold than when the number is less than the second sheet-count threshold. This makes it possible to ensure time for aligning the media, thereby further preventing a decrease in media alignment.

[0091] (D) In the post-processing device, the recording device is a device that records on the medium by ejecting liquid, and the control unit is capable of changing the holding time for which the holding unit holds the medium according to the amount of liquid ejected onto the medium, and may set the holding time to a first time if the amount of liquid ejected is less than a threshold amount, and may set the holding time to a second time that is longer than the first time if the amount of liquid ejected is equal to or greater than the threshold amount.

[0092] The amount of curl in a medium recorded with ejected liquid can vary depending on the amount of liquid ejected. That is, when the amount of ejection is large, the curl tends to be larger than when the amount of ejection is small. In this regard, with this configuration, the control unit extends the pressing time when the amount of ejection is equal to or greater than a threshold amount compared to when the amount of ejection is less than the threshold amount. Therefore, even when curl tends to be large, it is possible to reduce the curl.

[0093] (E) The post-processing device may include a second discharge section that discharges the medium that has been post-processed by the post-processing section, and a second tray that loads the medium discharged by the second discharge section, and the holding section may be capable of performing a rear holding operation that holds down the medium discharged by the second discharge section and lowers the rear end of the medium.

[0094] With this configuration, the control unit performs a rear pressing operation on the medium discharged by the second discharge unit, thereby reducing the curl of the medium even if the medium curls and the rear end curls up.

[0095] (F) In the post-processing device, a support wall may be provided between the second discharge section and the second tray to support the rear end of the medium discharged by the second discharge section, and the pressing section may move along the support wall to perform the rear pressing operation.

[0096] The rear end of the curled medium separates from the support wall. In this regard, with this configuration, the pressing unit moves along the support wall to press down on the medium, making it easier to align the rear end of the medium with the support wall.

[0097] (G) In the post-processing device, the control unit executes the front-pressing operation by moving the holding unit to a front-pressing position, and executes the rear-pressing operation by moving the holding unit to a rear-pressing position, and the rear-pressing position may be a position lower than the front-pressing position.

[0098] According to this configuration, the control unit moves the presser unit to the front presser position and executes the front presser operation. The control unit moves the presser unit to the rear presser position and executes the rear presser operation. The rear presser position is lower than the front presser position. Therefore, even if the second tray is located lower than the first tray, the media can be pressed by the rear presser operation.

[0099] (H) In the post-processing device, the holding section is configured to be movable in the width direction of the medium, and the control section positions the holding section at a first position when performing the pre-pressing operation on the medium placed on the first tray, and positions the holding section at a second position when performing the post-pressing operation on the medium discharged by the second discharge section, and the first position may be a position outer than the second position in the width direction.

[0100] With this configuration, the control unit positions the presser unit closer to the edge in the width direction to perform the leading edge pressing operation, thereby efficiently reducing curl that occurs at the leading edge of the medium.The control unit positions the presser unit closer to the center in the width direction to perform the trailing edge pressing operation, thereby curving the medium so that the center of the medium in the width direction is positioned lower than the edge.This makes it easier for air to escape between the medium and the second tray when the medium is placed on the second tray, reducing disturbance of the medium loaded on the second tray.

[0101] (I) The post-processing device may include a support portion that supports a portion of the medium of a first size placed on the first tray, and a curl suppression member that suppresses curling of the medium supported by the support portion, wherein the support portion does not support the medium of a second size that is smaller than the first size, and the control portion may not perform the pre-pressing operation when the size of the medium is the first size, and may perform the pre-pressing operation when the size of the medium is the second size.

[0102] With this configuration, the control unit does not execute the front-pressing operation when the medium is the first size, and executes the front-pressing operation when the medium is the second size. The curl suppressing member suppresses curling of the first-size medium. Therefore, curling can be suppressed in a manner suited to the size of the medium.

[0103] (J) In a post-processing device, when a media stack is formed using multiple media placed on the first tray, if it is determined that the media discharged from the first discharge section is the last medium forming the media stack, the control unit may not perform the pre-pressing operation on the last medium, and if it is determined that the media discharged from the first discharge section is not the last medium, the control unit may perform the pre-pressing operation on the medium.

[0104] If the first medium discharged from the first discharge section and placed on the first tray is curled, the next medium discharged from the first discharge section may collide with the previously discharged medium and buckle. After the last medium in a stack of media is discharged from the first discharge section, the next medium is not discharged from the first discharge section until the stack of media is discharged from the first tray. With this configuration, if the medium discharged from the first discharge section is the last medium, the control unit does not execute the pre-press operation. This improves throughput. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 11...recording system, 12...recording device, 13...intermediate device, 14...post-processing device, 15...center folding device, 17...medium, 17f...leading edge, 17r...trailing edge, 17w...medium stack, 18...operation unit, 19...media storage unit, 21...recording unit, 23...first discharge unit, 24...first tray, 24a...loading surface, 25...post-processing unit, 26...holding unit, 28...second discharge unit, 29...second tray, 31...detection unit, 32...edge alignment unit, 33...holding unit, 34...first conveying unit, 35...second 2. Conveying section, 37...support wall, 38...support section, 39...curl suppression member, 41...control section, 45...rotating shaft, 46...paddle, 48...guide section, D1...first discharge direction, D2...second discharge direction, D3...alignment direction, FP1...first front holding position, FP2...second front holding position, L1...first distance, L2...second distance, L3...third distance, P1...first position, P2...second position, RP...rear holding position, WP...waiting position, X...width direction, Y...conveying direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. a first ejection unit that ejects a medium recorded by the recording device; a first tray that holds the medium discharged by the first discharge unit; a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the medium placed on the first tray; a pressing unit capable of performing a leading edge pressing operation to press down the medium discharged by the first discharge unit and lower the leading edge of the medium; a control unit that controls the pressing unit; Equipped with The post-processing device, wherein the control unit executes the pre-pressing operation after the medium is placed on the first tray and before the first discharge unit discharges the next medium.

2. the control unit is capable of changing a front-pressing position to which the pressing unit is moved in order to perform the front-pressing operation in accordance with the number of sheets of the medium loaded on the first tray, When the number of stacked sheets is less than a first threshold number, the pressing unit is moved to a first pressing position to perform the pressing operation; 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the number of stacked sheets is equal to or greater than the first sheet number threshold, the pre-pressing operation is performed by moving the pressing unit to a second pre-pressing position above the first pre-pressing position.

3. the control unit is capable of changing a start timing of starting the front pressing operation in accordance with the number of sheets of the medium loaded on the first tray, If the number of stacked sheets is less than a second sheet number threshold, the start timing is set to a first timing; 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the number of stacked sheets is equal to or greater than the second threshold number, the start timing is set to a second timing that is later than the first timing.

4. the recording device is a device that performs recording on the medium by ejecting a liquid, the control unit is capable of changing a pressing time for which the pressing unit presses the medium in accordance with an ejection amount of the liquid ejected onto the medium, If the discharge amount is less than a threshold amount, the holding time is set to a first time; 4. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein, when the ejection amount is equal to or greater than the threshold amount, the holding time is set to a second time that is longer than the first time.

5. a second discharge unit that discharges the medium that has been post-processed by the post-processing unit; a second tray that holds the medium discharged by the second discharge unit; Equipped with The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pressing unit is capable of performing a rear pressing operation to press down the medium discharged by the second discharge unit and lower the rear end of the medium.

6. a support wall provided between the second discharge section and the second tray, the support wall supporting the rear end of the medium discharged by the second discharge section; The post-processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the pressing portion moves along the support wall to perform the post-pressing operation.

7. The control unit The pressing unit is moved to a first pressing position to perform the first pressing operation. The rear pressing operation is performed by moving the pressing unit to a rear pressing position, 7. The post-processing device according to claim 5, wherein the rear pressing position is located below the front pressing position.

8. The pressing unit is configured to be movable in the width direction of the medium, The control unit When performing the pre-pressing operation on the medium placed on the first tray, the pressing unit is placed at a first position; When performing the rear pressing operation on the medium discharged by the second discharge unit, the pressing unit is disposed at a second position; 8. The post-processing device according to claim 5, wherein the first position is a position further outward in the width direction than the second position.

9. a support portion that supports a portion of the medium of the first size placed on the first tray; a curl suppressing member that suppresses curling of the medium supported by the support portion; Equipped with the support portion does not support the medium of a second size smaller than the first size, The control unit If the size of the medium is the first size, the first pressing operation is not performed, 9. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the size of the medium is the second size, the pre-pressing operation is executed.

10. When a stack of media is formed by a plurality of the media placed on the first tray, and when it is determined that the medium discharged from the first discharge unit is the last medium forming the stack of media, the control unit does not execute the pre-pressing operation on the last medium, A post-processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that when it is determined that the medium discharged from the first discharge section is not the last medium, the control section performs the pre-pressing operation on the medium.

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