System of Record

Abstract

To provide a recording system capable of improving processing speed without lowering recording quality due to a maintenance operation.SOLUTION: When a time measured with respect to displacement of a cap from an abutting position to a separation position exceeds a specified time, a maintenance operation can be executed by discharge of liquid. Before start of a recording operation in a recording job, at least a first medium is made to stand by at a standby position where a medium can stand by upstream of a liquid discharge head. A cap is at the separation position when the first medium for a recording job stands by at the standby position. In an initial control period, a post-processing operation on a second number of media smaller than a first number of media can be executed using the time of a maintenance operation. After finish of the initial control period. post-processing operation on the first number of media can be executed by using the time of the maintenance operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording system that can perform a recording operation for recording on a medium by ejecting a liquid onto the medium, and a post-processing operation for performing post-processing on the medium after recording. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a recording system including a transport unit that transports a medium along a transport path, a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, a cap that can contact the liquid ejection head, and a post-processing unit that can perform post-processing operations on the medium after recording. The cap has the function of preventing the liquid ejection head from drying out by contacting the liquid ejection head when no recording operation is being performed.

[0003] In this recording system, a recording operation can be performed in which recording is performed on a medium by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head. Furthermore, in this recording system, a maintenance operation can be performed in which maintenance of the liquid ejection head is performed by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head during a recording job. The cap is displaced to a spaced position away from the liquid ejection head during the recording operation, and to a contact position in contact with the liquid ejection head during the maintenance operation.

[0004] Furthermore, in such a recording system, in a recording job that records on a predetermined number of media, the cap is displaced from the abutting position to the separated position before the recording operation is performed, and after a specified time has elapsed based on that displacement, the recording operation is interrupted and a maintenance operation is performed. In addition to this, the recording operation is interrupted to adjust the media transport time to coincide with the execution timing of the post-processing operation, and a maintenance operation may also be performed in conjunction with the interruption of the recording operation. This allows the processing speed to be improved without degrading the recording quality on the media by adjusting the execution timing of the maintenance operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-54819 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, there is a demand for further improvement in the processing speed of such a recording system, and there is room for improvement in the execution timing of the recording operation, maintenance operation, and post-processing operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] a liquid ejection head capable of performing a recording operation on the medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium; a cap capable of being displaced between a separated position away from the liquid ejection head and a contact position in contact with the liquid ejection head; a processing tray on which the medium recorded by the liquid ejection head can be placed; a post-processing unit capable of performing a post-processing operation on the medium placed on the processing tray; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of measuring time based on the displacement of the cap from the contact position to the separated position, and the liquid ejection head is capable of performing the recording operation with the cap in the separated position in a recording job for recording on a predetermined number of media, and when the time measured by the control unit exceeds a specified time, the liquid ejection head performs the recording operation with the cap in the contact position. A maintenance operation can be performed by ejecting liquid, the transport path has a waiting position upstream of the liquid ejection head where media can wait, the transport unit can make at least a first sheet of media wait at the waiting position before the recording operation in the recording job starts, the cap is in the separated position when the first sheet of media in the recording job is waiting at the waiting position before the recording operation in the recording job starts, and the post-processing unit can perform the post-processing operation on a second number of media that is less than the first number during an initial control period of a control period associated with the recording job, using the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head, and after the initial control period ends, can perform the post-processing operation on the first number of media using the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a recording system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a recording apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 showing the post-treatment device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a recording control process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a matching control process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between modes, stages, and the number of sheets to be processed. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart showing control details in the recording system. [Figure 8] 10 is a timing chart showing control details in the recording system. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart showing control details in the recording system. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a recording control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] An embodiment of the recording system will be described below. The recording system performs, for example, a recording operation for recording on the medium 12 and a post-processing operation for performing post-processing on the medium 12 after recording.

[0010] <Recording system configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, recording system 11 includes recording device 13 that records on medium 12. Recording system 11 also includes post-processing device 14. Post-processing device 14 performs post-processing on medium 12 recorded by recording device 13. Recording system 11 may also include intermediate device 15. Intermediate device 15 is disposed between recording device 13 and post-processing device 14. Intermediate device 15 transports medium 12 recorded by recording device 13 to post-processing device 14.

[0011] The recording system 11 includes a transport path 16. The transport path 16 is a path that runs from the recording device 13, via the intermediate device 15, to the post-processing device 14. The recording system 11 includes multiple transport roller pairs. The multiple transport roller pairs transport the medium 12 along the transport path 16. For example, at least one transport roller pair is provided in each of the recording device 13, the intermediate device 15, and the post-processing device 14. In this embodiment, the width direction of the medium 12 is referred to as the width direction X.

[0012] <Configuration of recording device 13> The recording device 13 is configured to record on the medium 12. The recording device 13 of this embodiment may be an inkjet printer. An inkjet printer is a printer that records an image on the medium 12 by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium 12. The image includes photographs, designs, characters, symbols, marks, lines, tables, and the like.

[0013] The recording device 13 includes a cassette 20. The cassette 20 accommodates the media 12 in a stacked state. The cassette 20 is detachably provided in the recording device 13. A plurality of cassettes 20 may be provided.

[0014] The recording device 13 includes a paper feed unit 21. The paper feed unit 21 is configured to feed media 12 to the recording unit 27. The paper feed unit 21 sends out media 12 stored in a cassette 20 to the transport path 16. The paper feed unit 21 may include a pickup roller 22 and a separation roller 23. The pickup roller 22 sends out the topmost medium 12 of the media 12 stored in the cassette 20. The separation roller 23 separates the media 12 sent out by the pickup roller 22 into individual sheets.

[0015] The recording device 13 includes a transport unit 24. The transport unit 24 transports the medium 12 fed by the paper feed unit 21 along the transport path 16. The transport unit 24 is configured to transport the medium 12 on which data has been recorded by the recording unit 27. The transport unit 24 includes a plurality of first transport roller pairs 25. The plurality of first transport roller pairs 25 are transport roller pairs provided in the recording device 13. The plurality of first transport roller pairs 25 are arranged along the transport path 16. In FIG. 1, only one of the plurality of first transport roller pairs 25 is representatively illustrated. The plurality of first transport roller pairs 25 transport the medium 12 sent out from the cassette 20 along the transport path 16 within the recording device 13.

[0016] The recording device 13 includes a support section 26. The support section 26 is provided at a position along the transport path 16. The support section 26 is configured to support the medium 12. The support section 26 is movable between a support position and a retracted position. The support position is a position where the support section 26 can support the medium 12. The retracted position is a position where the support section 26 does not support the medium 12. The recording device 13 includes a drive motor 26A. The drive motor 26A is a drive source for moving the support section 26 between the support position and the retracted position.

[0017] The recording device 13 includes a recording unit 27. The recording unit 27 is configured to perform recording on the medium 12. The recording unit 27 is provided at a position facing the support unit 26 across the transport path 16. The recording unit 27 includes a liquid ejection head 28. The liquid ejection head 28 is configured to eject liquid. The liquid ejection head 28 includes a nozzle surface 29A and a plurality of nozzles 29B. The nozzle surface 29A faces the support unit 26. The plurality of nozzles 29B are formed on the nozzle surface 29A. The plurality of nozzles 29B eject liquid. The liquid ejection head 28 performs recording on the medium 12 by ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles 29B toward the medium 12 supported by the support unit 26.

[0018] The liquid ejection head 28 of this embodiment is, for example, a line head that includes a plurality of nozzles 29B arranged at a constant pitch in the width direction X and is capable of simultaneously ejecting liquid across the width of the medium 12. The liquid ejection head 28 may also be a serial head that is mounted on a carriage that moves back and forth in the width direction X and ejects liquid from the plurality of nozzles 29B while moving together with the carriage.

[0019] The transport path 16 also includes a standby position WP. The standby position WP is located upstream of the liquid ejection head 28 on the transport path 16. Thus, the transport path 16 has the standby position WP upstream of the liquid ejection head 28, where the medium 12 can wait. The standby position WP is a position where the medium 12 can wait before performing a recording operation.

[0020] 2, the recording unit 27 includes a holding unit 30. The holding unit 30 holds a liquid ejection head 28. The recording unit 27 includes a supply flow path 31. The supply flow path 31 is a flow path that supplies the liquid contained in the liquid container 17 to the liquid ejection head 28.

[0021] The recording device 13 includes a maintenance unit 32. The maintenance unit 32 executes a maintenance operation for maintaining the liquid ejection head 28. The maintenance unit 32 may perform flushing or cleaning as maintenance of the liquid ejection head 28. Flushing involves ejecting liquid unrelated to recording from the multiple nozzles 29B. Cleaning involves forcibly discharging liquid from the multiple nozzles 29B.

[0022] The maintenance unit 32 includes a cap 33. The cap 33 is capable of capping the nozzle surface 29A. The cap 33 is movable between an abutting position and a spaced position. That is, the cap 33 is displaceable between the spaced position and the abutting position. The abutting position is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, and is a position where the cap abuts the nozzle surface 29A. The spaced position is indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2, and is a position where the cap is spaced from the nozzle surface 29A.

[0023] When the cap 33 is disposed at the contact position, it comes into contact with the nozzle surface 29A to form a closed space in which the plurality of nozzles 29B are open. In this way, the cap 33 protects the liquid ejection head 28 by coming into contact with the liquid ejection head 28. When the cap 33 is disposed at the separated position, it is separated from the nozzle surface 29A, allowing the liquid from the plurality of nozzles 29B to be ejected onto the medium 12.

[0024] The maintenance unit 32 includes a waste liquid flow path 34, a suction pump 35, a moving unit 36, and a waste liquid container 37. The waste liquid flow path 34 is a flow path that connects the cap 33 and the waste liquid container 37. The suction pump 35 is a pump that applies negative pressure to the multiple nozzles 29B when performing cleaning. The suction pump 35 is provided midway along the waste liquid flow path 34. The moving unit 36 ​​moves the cap 33 between the separated position and the abutting position. The waste liquid container 37 is capable of containing the liquid contained in the cap 33.

[0025] In particular, when the maintenance operation starts, the support portion 26 moves from the support position to the separated position, and then the moving portion 36 moves the cap 33 from the separated position to the abutting position. In this way, when the maintenance operation starts, time is required to move the support portion 26 and the cap 33.

[0026] Furthermore, when the recording operation starts, the moving unit 36 ​​moves the cap 33 from the contact position to the separated position. After that, the support unit 26 moves from the retracted position to the support position. In this way, when the recording operation starts, time is required to move the support unit 26 and the cap 33.

[0027] Flushing is performed primarily when a specified time has elapsed since the cap 33 moved from the abutting position to the separated position. Flushing can vary the intensity of maintenance by varying the amount of liquid ejected and the processing time. As a specific example, flushing includes strong flushing and weak flushing. Weak flushing has a lower maintenance intensity than strong flushing. More specifically, weak flushing ejects a smaller amount of liquid and has a shorter processing time than strong flushing.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 13 includes a loading tray 38. The loading tray 38 is loaded with the medium 12 that is discharged from inside the recording device 13. The recording device 13 includes a first discharge path 39A, a switchback path 39B, a reversal path 39C, and a second discharge path 39D as part of the transport path 16. The first discharge path 39A is the path along which the medium 12 is discharged. The medium 12 that is discharged from the first discharge path 39A is placed on the loading tray 38. The switchback path 39B is the path along which the medium 12 is transported in a switchback manner. The reversal path 39C is the path along which the front and back of the medium 12 are reversed. The second discharge path 39D is the path along which the medium 12 is discharged. The medium 12 that is discharged from the second discharge path 39D is transported to the intermediate device 15. In this way, the medium 12 recorded by the liquid ejection head 28 is discharged onto the loading tray 38 via the first discharge path 39A, or is carried out toward the intermediate device 15 via the second discharge path 39D.

[0029] When double-sided recording is performed, the medium 12, which has been recorded on one side, is transported to the switchback path 39B and then switched back on the switchback path 39B. As a result, the medium 12, which has been recorded on one side, is transported from the switchback path 39B to the reversing path 39C. The medium 12, which has been reversed on the reversing path 39C, is transported again to the liquid ejection head 28, and then the liquid ejection head 28 performs recording on the side opposite to the side that has already been recorded. In this way, the recording device 13 performs double-sided recording on the medium 12.

[0030] The recording device 13 includes a recording control unit 19. The recording control unit 19 may comprehensively control the driving of each mechanism in the recording device 13 and control various operations executed by the recording device 13. The recording control unit 19 may include one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application specific integrated circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory. The memory is RAM, ROM, etc., and stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0031] When recording job information is input from a terminal device (not shown), the recording control unit 19 performs recording on the medium 12 based on the recording job information. The recording job information is information that can identify at least the execution of a recording job. The recording job indicates a series of operations for recording on at least a predetermined number of sheets of the medium 12. This predetermined number may be one sheet or multiple sheets.

[0032] The recording job information includes image data to be recorded on the medium 12. The recording job information includes medium type information. The medium type information is information that can identify the type of medium 12 to be recorded on. The type of medium 12 includes the size of the medium 12. The recording job information includes total number of recording sheets information. The total number of recording sheets information is information that can identify the total number of recording sheets on the medium 12 to be recorded on.

[0033] The recording job information includes post-processing related information. The post-processing related information is information related to post-processing, and is information that can identify whether the recording involves post-processing and the type of post-processing. The recording job information includes mode information. The mode information is information that can identify the mode controlled in the recording job. The mode is control information related to recording on the medium 12 and post-processing of the medium 12 after recording.

[0034] The recording control unit 19 can communicate with the intermediate device 15 via a communication unit (not shown). The recording control unit 19 can communicate with the post-processing device 14 via a communication unit (not shown). In this embodiment, when recording job information for recording that involves post-processing is input, the recording control unit 19 can send post-processing information related to the post-processing to the post-processing device 14.

[0035] The post-processing information includes medium type information. The post-processing information includes total number of recorded sheets information. The post-processing information includes post-processing related information. The post-processing information includes mode information. In this way, the recording control unit 19, which is an example of a control unit, is configured to perform predetermined control at least regarding recording on the medium 12.

[0036] <Configuration of intermediate device 15> The intermediate device 15 is a device that ejects the recorded medium 12 that has been transported from the recording device 13 to the post-processing device 14. The intermediate device 15 may also include an inversion processing unit 40. The inversion processing unit 40 inverts the transported medium 12.

[0037] The reversing processing unit 40 may include, as part of the transport path 16, a first introduction path 41, a first switchback path 42, a second switchback path 43, a first merging path 44, a second merging path 45, and a discharge path 46.

[0038] The reversing processing unit 40 may include a plurality of second transport roller pairs 47. The plurality of second transport roller pairs 47 are transport roller pairs provided in the intermediate device 15. The plurality of second transport roller pairs 47 are arranged along the transport path 16. In FIG. 1, one of the plurality of second transport roller pairs 47 is representatively illustrated.

[0039] The reversing processing unit 40 may include a flap 48. The flap 48 guides the medium 12 to either the first switchback path 42 or the second switchback path 43 at a branch point where the first introduction path 41 branches into the first switchback path 42 and the second switchback path 43. In this way, the flap 48 switches the destination of the medium 12 transported from the first introduction path 41 between the first switchback path 42 and the second switchback path 43.

[0040] The medium 12 transported to the first switchback path 42 is switched back by the first switchback path 42, reversed at the first merging path 44, and then transported to the discharge path 46. On the other hand, the medium 12 transported from the first introduction path 41 to the second switchback path 43 is switched back by the second switchback path 43, reversed at the second merging path 45, and then transported to the discharge path 46. The intermediate device 15 can, for example, cause the medium 12 to be transported alternately into the first switchback path 42 and the second switchback path 43.

[0041] <Configuration of post-processing device 14> Post-processing device 14 is a device that performs post-processing on recorded media 12 that have been transported from intermediate device 15. In other words, post-processing device 14 is configured to be able to accept media 12 that have been recorded on by recording device 13 and to perform post-processing on the accepted media 12.

[0042] The post-processing device 14 includes a receiving unit 50. The receiving unit 50 is provided on the transport path 16. The receiving unit 50 is configured to receive the medium 12 transported from the intermediate device 15. In this manner, the receiving unit 50 can receive the medium 12 recorded by the recording device 13.

[0043] The post-processing device 14 may include a third transport roller pair 51. The third transport roller pair 51 is a transport roller pair provided in the post-processing device 14. The third transport roller pair 51 is arranged along the transport path 16. The third transport roller pair 51 is configured to transport the recorded medium 12 received by the receiving unit 50.

[0044] The post-processing device 14 may include a fourth transport roller pair 52. The fourth transport roller pair 52 is a transport roller pair provided in the post-processing device 14. The fourth transport roller pair 52 is provided at the end of the transport path 16.

[0045] The post-processing device 14 includes a sensor 53. The sensor 53 is disposed on the transport path 16 between the third transport roller pair 51 and the fourth transport roller pair 52. In other words, the sensor 53 is disposed upstream of the fourth transport roller pair 52. The sensor 53 detects the leading and trailing ends of the transported medium 12.

[0046] In this embodiment, post-processing device 14 transports medium 12 at a predetermined transport speed in transport path 16 within post-processing device 14. In this embodiment, when the rear end of medium 12 passes through fourth transport roller pair 52, medium 12 falls from fourth transport roller pair 52.

[0047] 3, the post-processing device 14 includes a processing tray 54. The processing tray 54 is a tray on which the medium 12 transported by the third transport roller pair 51 and the fourth transport roller pair 52 is placed. In other words, the processing tray 54 is a tray on which the medium 12 after recording by the recording unit 27 of the recording device 13 can be placed. The processing tray 54 can also be used to place the medium 12 to be post-processed.

[0048] The processing tray 54 is located below the fourth transport roller pair 52. The processing tray 54 receives the medium 12 that falls from the fourth transport roller pair 52. This causes the medium 12 to be placed on the processing tray 54. At this time, the medium 12 may be placed on the processing tray 54 so that the leading edge of the medium 12 protrudes from the processing tray 54.

[0049] The processing tray 54 has a loading surface 55. The loading surface 55 is a surface on which the medium 12 is placed. The loading surface 55 has a first loading end 56 and a second loading end 57 opposite the first loading end 56. The loading surface 55 is inclined so as to extend upward from the first loading end 56 toward the second loading end 57. In other words, the first loading end 56 is located lower than the second loading end 57.

[0050] The post-processing device 14 includes a first alignment section 58. The first alignment section 58 is connected to the first loading end 56 of the processing tray 54. The first alignment section 58 includes a surface against which the rear ends of the media 12 placed on the processing tray 54 abut. In this embodiment, the loading surface 55 is inclined so as to extend upward from the first loading end 56 to the second loading end 57. The processing tray 54 also has a smaller coefficient of friction than the media 12 placed on it. Therefore, the media 12 placed on the loading surface 55 tend to slide toward the first alignment section 58 due to the action of gravity, and the rear ends of the media 12 tend to abut against the first alignment section 58. When the rear ends of the media 12 abut against the first alignment section 58, the rear ends of the media 12 are aligned with respect to the first alignment section 58. In particular, when multiple sheets of media 12 are placed and have the same size, aligning the rear ends of the media 12 also aligns the leading ends of the media 12.

[0051] The post-processing device 14 may include a pair of second alignment units 59 aligned in the width direction X. The second alignment units 59 may be, for example, edge guides. The pair of second alignment units 59 are provided on the processing tray 54. The pair of second alignment units 59 are configured to be movable in the width direction X. The pair of second alignment units 59 can widen or narrow the gap between them by moving. The pair of second alignment units 59 align both side edges of the medium 12 by contacting both side edges of the medium 12 placed on the placement surface 55. The side edges of the medium 12 refer to the two ends of the rectangular medium 12 excluding the leading and trailing ends. In this way, the pair of second alignment units 59 can align both side edges of the medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54.

[0052] Post-processing device 14 may include a first paddle 61 and a second paddle 62. First paddle 61 and second paddle 62 are configured to transport media 12 placed on processing tray 54 toward first alignment unit 58.

[0053] The first paddle 61 includes a first paddle rotor 61A, a first blade 61B, and a first paddle rotation shaft 61C. The first paddle rotor 61A is supported by the first paddle rotation shaft 61C. The first paddle rotor 61A rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2 around the first paddle rotation shaft 61C. The first paddle rotation shaft 61C extends in the width direction X.

[0054] The first blade 61B extends outward from the first paddle rotor 61A. One or more first blades 61B are provided. The first blade 61B is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The first blade 61B is provided in the shape of a plate, for example.

[0055] The first blade 61B is curved by the first paddle rotor 61A rotating while the tip of the first blade 61B is in contact with the upper surface of the medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54. The reaction force of this curvature generates a frictional force between the tip of the first blade 61B and the upper surface of the medium 12. The first paddle 61 transports the medium 12 toward the first loading end 56 due to the frictional force between the tip of the first blade 61B and the upper surface of the medium 12.

[0056] The second paddle 62 includes a second paddle rotor 62A, a second blade 62B, and a second paddle rotation shaft 62C. The second paddle 62 is smaller in size than the first paddle 61, but has a similar configuration to the first paddle 61.

[0057] The post-processing device 14 includes a first transport motor 63A and a second transport motor 63B. The first transport motor 63A is a drive source for rotating the first paddle 61. The second transport motor 63B is a drive source for rotating the second paddle 62. Hereinafter, the first transport motor 63A and the second transport motor 63B may be collectively referred to as the transport motor 63.

[0058] The post-processing device 14 includes a post-processing unit 60. The post-processing unit 60 is configured to perform post-processing on the media 12 placed on the processing tray 54. In other words, the post-processing unit 60 is configured to perform post-processing on the media 12 received by the receiving unit 50. The post-processing may be, for example, a binding process, but may also be a punching process, a folding process, a shifting process, a stacking process, or the like. The binding process is a process in which multiple media 12 are stapled together and then discharged. The punching process is a process in which one or more sheets of media 12 are punched and then discharged. The folding process is a process in which the media 12 are folded and then discharged. The shifting process is a process in which the media 12 are shifted and discharged for each set. The stacking process is a process in which multiple sheets of media 12 are discharged as a stack of media without shifting their positions for each set, and a process in which a single sheet of media 12 is discharged without shifting.

[0059] The post-processing section 60 may include a paper binding device 66. The paper binding device 66 binds a plurality of media 12. The post-processing section 60 may include, instead of the paper binding device 66, a hole-punching device, a center-folding device, or the like, for example.

[0060] The post-processing unit 60 may include a discharge unit 67. The discharge unit 67 includes, for example, a discharge drive roller 68 and a discharge driven roller 69. The discharge drive roller 68 contacts the medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54 from below. The discharge driven roller 69 is located above the discharge drive roller 68. In this embodiment, the discharge driven roller 69 is configured to be movable. The discharge driven roller 69 is movable between a nip position where it approaches the discharge drive roller 68 and a retracted position where it is separated from the discharge drive roller 68. The discharge driven roller 69 comes into contact with the medium 12 by approaching the discharge drive roller 68. At this time, the discharge driven roller 69 contacts the medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54 from above.

[0061] The discharge unit 67 discharges the medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54 by rotating the discharge drive roller 68 while the medium 12 is sandwiched between the discharge drive roller 68 and the discharge driven roller 69. In this way, the discharge unit 67 discharges the medium 12 that has been subjected to post-processing from the processing tray 54.

[0062] The discharge unit 67 includes a nip motor 65A. The nip motor 65A is a drive source for moving a discharge driven roller 69. The discharge unit 67 includes a discharge motor 65B. The discharge motor 65B is a drive source for rotating a discharge drive roller 68.

[0063] The post-processing device 14 may include a guide unit 70, a pair of support members 71, and a discharge tray 72. The guide unit 70 is, for example, plate-shaped. The guide unit 70 contacts the medium 12 discharged by the discharge unit 67, thereby preventing the medium 12 from displacing upward.

[0064] The pair of support members 71 are positioned below the guide unit 70. The pair of support members 71 are aligned in the width direction X. The pair of support members 71 temporarily support the medium 12 discharged by the discharge unit 67. The pair of support members 71 support the medium 12 by contacting the side edge portions of the medium 12. The pair of support members 71 are configured to be movable in the width direction X. That is, the pair of support members 71 can widen or narrow the gap between them. The pair of support members 71 support the side edge portions of the medium 12 by adjusting the gap between them to the width of the medium 12. The pair of support members 71 widen the gap between them while supporting the medium 12, allowing the supported medium 12 to fall. Note that the pair of support members 71 may support the leading edge of the medium 12 not only when the medium 12 is discharged from the processing tray 54 by the discharge unit 67, but also when the medium 12 falls from the fourth transport roller pair 52 to the processing tray 54.

[0065] The discharge tray 72 is located below the pair of support members 71. The media 12 that drop from the pair of support members 71 are placed on the discharge tray 72. The discharge tray 72 may be raised or lowered depending on the amount of media 12 placed on it.

[0066] The post-processing device 14 includes a post-processing control unit 80. The post-processing control unit 80 may comprehensively control the operation of each mechanism in the post-processing device 14 and control various operations performed by the post-processing device 14. The post-processing control unit 80 may include one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application specific integrated circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory. The memory is RAM, ROM, etc., and stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0067] In particular, the post-processing control unit 80 can communicate with the recording device 13 via a communication unit (not shown). The post-processing control unit 80 can detect the leading and trailing ends of the loaded medium 12 based on a signal from the sensor 53. The post-processing control unit 80 can rotate the first paddle 61 and the second paddle 62 by driving the transport motor 63. The post-processing control unit 80 can cause the post-processing unit 60 to perform post-processing. In particular, the post-processing control unit 80 can move the discharge driven roller 69 by driving the nip motor 65A. The post-processing control unit 80 can rotate the discharge drive roller 68 by driving the discharge motor 65B. In this way, the post-processing control unit 80 can control the post-processing device 14 and can cause it to perform at least post-processing-related control.

[0068] <mode> In this embodiment, the recording system 11 can be controlled to one of a plurality of modes. The plurality of modes may be modes based on recording job information. The plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode and the second mode are modes in which recording is performed with post-processing, and in which a type of post-processing is performed by stacking. Furthermore, the first mode is a mode in which the timing of the recording operation and the timing of the post-processing operation for the first medium 12 in a recording job are advanced compared to the second mode, based on the start of the recording job. In other words, the first mode is a mode in which the processing speed of the first medium 12 in a recording job is improved compared to the second mode. Hereinafter, the number of media 12 may be indicated as the number based on the start of the recording job.

[0069] After the recording job information is input, the recording job is started. When the recording job is started, image processing is performed on the image data included in the recording job information. In particular, the first mode is a mode in which the first medium 12 is transported from the cassette 20 to the standby position WP while image processing of the image data is being performed, thereby causing the first medium 12 to wait at the standby position WP. The second mode is a mode in which the first medium 12 is transported from the cassette 20 after image processing of the image data is completed. In this way, the first mode is a mode in which the timing for starting recording on the first medium 12 can be advanced compared to the second mode, with the start of the recording job as the reference.

[0070] Furthermore, the first mode is a mode in which the cap 33 is moved from the contact position to the separation position when image processing of the image data is started. The second mode is a mode in which the cap 33 is moved from the contact position to the separation position after image processing of the image data is completed. Thus, compared to the second mode, the first mode is a mode in which the timing of starting recording on the first medium 12 is advanced with respect to the start of the recording job, and therefore the timing of moving the cap 33 from the contact position to the separation position is also advanced.

[0071] Furthermore, the first mode is a mode in which the support unit 26 is moved from the retracted position to the support position when image processing of the image data is started. The second mode is a mode in which the support unit 26 is moved from the retracted position to the support position after image processing of the image data is completed. Thus, compared to the second mode, the first mode is a mode in which the timing of starting recording on the first medium 12 is advanced with respect to the start of the recording job, and therefore the timing of moving the support unit 26 from the retracted position to the support position is also advanced.

[0072] Furthermore, the first mode is a mode in which, when the first medium 12 is placed on the processing tray 54, the first medium 12 is ejected from the processing tray 54 without waiting for the second or subsequent medium 12. Furthermore, the first mode is a mode in which, for the second or subsequent medium 12 in a recording job, multiple media 12 are ejected as a media stack from the processing tray 54. The second mode is a mode in which, after the first medium 12 is placed on the processing tray 54, the second or subsequent medium 12 are waited for and multiple media 12 are ejected as a media stack from the processing tray 54. Thus, the first mode is a mode in which the timing of ejection of the first medium 12 can be advanced compared to the second mode. As a result, the first mode is a mode in which the timing at which the first medium 12 can be confirmed can be advanced compared to the second mode.

[0073] <Recording control process> Next, the recording control process will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The recording control process is executed by the recording control unit 19 of the recording device 13 when recording job information capable of specifying the first mode or recording job information capable of specifying the second mode is input.

[0074] In step S11, the recording control unit 19 starts image processing based on the input recording job information. Image processing is processing that generates data for recording based on image data included in the input recording job information. Once image processing is started in step S11, it is executed as a separate process from the recording control processing. Therefore, after starting image processing in step S11, the recording control unit 19 can execute steps S12 to S17 in parallel even while the image processing is being executed. When this processing is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S12.

[0075] In step S12, the recording control unit 19 determines whether or not the recording mode will be changed to the first mode based on the recording job information. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording mode will be changed to the first mode, the process proceeds to step S13. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording mode will not be changed to the first mode, the process proceeds to step S17. In other words, if the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording mode will be changed to the second mode, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0076] In step S13, the recording control unit 19 executes a cap separation process. In this process, the moving unit 36 ​​is controlled to move the cap 33 from the contact position to the separation position. As a result, the cap 33 moves from a state in which it is in contact with the liquid ejection head 28 to a state in which it is separated from the liquid ejection head 28. Then, the recording control unit 19 controls the drive motor 26A to move the support unit 26 from the retracted position to the support position. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S14.

[0077] In step S14, the recording control unit 19 executes a measurement start process. In this process, the recording control unit 19 starts measuring the time required to perform the maintenance operation when the cap 33 is moved from the contact position to the separated position. In this process, the recording control unit 19 sets a value indicating a specified time in a maintenance time counter. The maintenance time counter is allocated to the memory of the recording control unit 19. The maintenance time counter is a counter for determining whether a specified time has elapsed since the cap 33 was moved from the contact position to the separated position. In a process separate from the recording control process, the recording control unit 19 updates the maintenance time counter at a predetermined interval to determine whether a specified time has elapsed since the cap 33 was moved from the contact position to the separated position. In this way, the recording control unit 19 can measure time based on the displacement of the cap 33 from the contact position to the separated position. When this process ends, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S15.

[0078] In step S15, the recording control unit 19 executes an initial transport process. Before executing a recording operation based on the recording job information, the recording control unit 19 controls the paper feed unit 21 to feed the medium 12 from the cassette 20. The recording control unit 19 also controls the transport unit 24 to transport the fed medium 12 along the transport path 16 to the standby position WP.

[0079] In this way, the recording control unit 19 causes the first medium 12 to wait upstream of the liquid ejection head 28 before executing a recording operation based on the recording job information. In other words, in the first mode, the transport unit 24 can cause the first medium 12 to wait at the standby position WP before the start of a recording operation in the recording job. In this case, the cap separation process is performed in step S13, and in the first mode, the cap 33 is in the separation position when the first medium 12 in the recording job waits at the standby position WP before the start of a recording operation in the recording job. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S16.

[0080] In step S16, the recording control unit 19 determines whether the recording start condition is met. The recording start condition may be met when a predetermined time has elapsed since the input of the recording job information. This predetermined time may be a time sufficient for image processing to be completed. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording start condition is not met, it shifts the process back to step S16. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording start condition is met, it shifts the process to step S18. In this way, the recording control unit 19 repeats the determination in step S16 until the recording start condition is met, and if the recording start condition is met, it shifts the process to step S18.

[0081] In step S18, the recording control unit 19 executes an initial recording process. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 controls the transport unit 24 to transport the first medium 12 at the standby position WP along the transport path 16. The recording control unit 19 then performs recording on the medium 12 by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head 28. In other words, the initial recording process is a process in which the medium 12 is transported to the standby position WP in advance, and then a recording operation is executed.

[0082] In this way, the recording control unit 19 can cause the liquid ejection head 28 to perform the recording operation with the cap 33 in the separated position in a recording job that records on a predetermined number of media 12. In other words, the liquid ejection head 28 can perform the recording operation with the cap 33 in the separated position in a recording job that records on a predetermined number of media 12.

[0083] Furthermore, the recording control unit 19 counts the number of recordings on the medium 12 recorded in the recording job by updating the recording number counter in conjunction with the execution of the initial recording process. The recording number counter is allocated to the memory of the recording control unit 19. The recording number counter is a counter for specifying the number of recordings on the medium 12 recorded in one recording job. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S21.

[0084] On the other hand, in step S17, the recording control unit 19 determines whether the recording start condition is met, similar to step S16. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording start condition is not met, the process returns to step S17. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording start condition is met, the process returns to step S19.

[0085] In step S19, the recording control unit 19 executes the cap separation process in the same manner as in step S 13. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S20.

[0086] In step S20, the recording control unit 19 executes the measurement start process in the same manner as in step S 14. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S21.

[0087] In step S21, the recording control unit 19 executes a normal recording process. In this process, the recording control unit 19 controls the paper feed unit 21 to feed the medium 12 from the cassette 20, and controls the transport unit 24 to transport the fed medium 12 along the transport path 16. The recording control unit 19 then performs recording on the medium 12 by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head 28.

[0088] Furthermore, the recording control unit 19 counts the number of recordings made on the medium 12 during the recording job by updating the recording number counter as the normal recording process is performed. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S22.

[0089] In this way, the recording control unit 19 can cause the liquid ejection head 28 to perform the recording operation with the cap 33 in the separated position during the initial recording process and the normal recording process. In other words, the liquid ejection head 28 can perform the recording operation with the cap 33 in the separated position during a recording job that records on a predetermined number of media 12.

[0090] In particular, the initial recording process is a process in which the medium 12, which has been placed on standby in the standby position WP in advance, is transported along the transport path 16 and a recording operation is performed. The normal recording process is a process in which the medium 12 is fed from the cassette 20 without being transported to the standby position WP in advance, and the fed medium 12 is transported along the transport path 16 and a recording operation is performed. In other words, the initial recording process is a process that can shorten the time until the recording operation is performed compared to the normal recording process.

[0091] In terms of modes, in the first mode, the recording control unit 19 causes the first medium 12 to wait at the standby position WP while image processing is being performed after the start of a recording job. In the first mode, the recording control unit 19 causes the cap 33 to move from the contact position to the separated position and the support unit 26 to move from the retracted position to the support position while image processing is being performed after the start of a recording job. Therefore, after the recording start condition is met, the recording control unit 19 can transport the first medium 12 that has been waiting at the standby position WP without moving the cap 33 and the support unit 26.

[0092] On the other hand, in the second mode, when image processing is being performed after the start of a recording job, the recording control unit 19 does not transport the first sheet of medium 12. In the second mode, when image processing is being performed after the start of a recording job, the recording control unit 19 does not move the cap 33 from the contact position to the separation position, and does not move the support unit 26 from the retracted position to the support position. Then, in the second mode, after image processing is completed and the recording start condition is met, the recording control unit 19 moves the cap 33 from the contact position to the separation position and moves the support unit 26 from the retracted position to the support position. Also, in the second mode, after image processing is completed and the recording start condition is met, the recording control unit 19 transports the first sheet of medium 12 from the cassette 20.

[0093] In step S22, the recording control unit 19 reads the value from the maintenance time counter and determines whether the time measured since the cap 33 was moved from the contact position to the separated position has exceeded the specified time. The specified time is shorter than the time required for a recording operation to record on the first number S1 of media 12 and longer than the time required for recording on the number of media 12 obtained by subtracting "1" from the first number S1. Therefore, if a recording operation is performed immediately after the cap 33 is moved from the contact position to the separated position, the recording control unit 19 determines that the specified time has elapsed each time a recording operation to record on the first number S1 of media 12 is performed. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the measured time has exceeded the specified time, it proceeds to step S27. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the measured time has not exceeded the specified time, it proceeds to step S23.

[0094] In step S23, the recording control unit 19 determines whether the first mode is in effect and the number of sheets recorded in the recording job is the initial number. The initial number is a reference number for performing the first maintenance operation after the start of a recording job in the first mode. In addition, in the first mode, the initial number is set so that the number of sheets recorded in the recording job becomes the initial number before the measured time after the start of the recording job exceeds a specified time. The initial number is allocated to the memory of the recording control unit 19. The initial number is a multiple number, for example, four.

[0095] The recording control unit 19 reads the value from the recording number counter and identifies the number of recordings on the medium 12 recorded in the recording job. The recording control unit 19 determines whether the number of recordings is the initial number. The recording control unit 19 also determines whether the first mode is selected, as in step S12.

[0096] If the recording control unit 19 determines that the mode is the first mode and that the number of sheets recorded in the recording job is the initial number, it proceeds to step S27. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the mode is not the first mode or that the number of sheets recorded in the recording job is not the initial number, it proceeds to step S24.

[0097] In step S24, the recording control unit 19 determines whether the recording operation in the recording job has ended. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording operation in the recording job has not ended, it shifts the process to step S21 again. As a result, the recording control unit 19 repeatedly executes the normal recording process until the recording operation in the recording job has ended. If the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording operation in the recording job has ended, it shifts the process to step S25.

[0098] In step S25, the recording control unit 19 executes the capping process. In this process, the recording control unit 19 controls the drive motor 26A to move the support unit 26 from the support position to the retracted position. Then, the recording control unit 19 controls the movement unit 36 ​​to move the cap 33 from the separated position to the abutting position. As a result, the cap 33 moves from a state separated from the liquid ejection head 28 to a state abutting the liquid ejection head 28. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S26.

[0099] In step S26, the recording control unit 19 executes a maintenance process. In this process, the recording control unit 19 controls the recording unit 27 to eject liquid from at least the liquid ejection head 28. As a result, the recording control unit 19 executes a maintenance operation for the liquid ejection head 28. In particular, the recording control unit 19 controls the recording unit 27 to execute a second maintenance operation in which the liquid ejection amount is a second ejection amount. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 ends the recording control process.

[0100] In step S27, the recording control unit 19 executes the capping process in the same manner as in step S25. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S .

[0101] In step S28, the recording control unit 19 executes a maintenance process. In this process, the recording control unit 19 controls the recording unit 27 to eject liquid from the liquid ejection head 28. As a result, the recording control unit 19 executes a maintenance operation for the liquid ejection head 28.

[0102] In particular, in this process, if the recording control unit 19 determines in step S22 that the time measured has exceeded the specified time, it controls the recording unit 27 to execute a second maintenance operation in which the liquid ejection amount is a second ejection amount. If the recording control unit 19 determines in step S23 that the first mode is selected and that the number of sheets recorded in the recording job is the initial number, it controls the recording unit 27 to execute a first maintenance operation in which the liquid ejection amount is a first ejection amount. The first ejection amount is smaller than the second ejection amount. In other words, the first maintenance operation is a maintenance operation in which the liquid ejection amount is smaller than the second maintenance operation. Furthermore, the first maintenance operation is a maintenance operation with a shorter processing time than the second maintenance operation. The first maintenance operation may be an operation that performs weak flushing, and the second maintenance operation may be an operation that performs strong flushing.

[0103] In this way, when the measured time exceeds the specified time, the recording control unit 19 causes the liquid ejection head 28 to perform a maintenance operation by ejecting liquid with the cap 33 in the abutting position. In other words, when the measured time exceeds the specified time, the liquid ejection head 28 can perform a maintenance operation by ejecting liquid with the cap 33 in the abutting position.

[0104] Furthermore, in the first mode, even if the measured time has not yet exceeded the specified time, the recording control unit 19 causes the liquid ejection head 28 to perform the first maintenance operation after the start of the recording job after performing the recording operation on the initial number of media 12. In other words, in the first mode, even if the measured time has not yet exceeded the specified time, the liquid ejection head 28 performs the first maintenance operation after performing the recording operation on a predetermined initial number of media 12 after the start of the recording job.

[0105] As a result, in the first mode, the recording control unit 19 executes the first maintenance operation after executing the recording operation on the initial number of media 12. Thereafter, in the first mode, the recording control unit 19 executes the recording operation on the first number S1 of media 12, and executes the second and subsequent maintenance operations each time the measured time exceeds the specified time. In the second mode, the recording control unit 19 executes the recording operation on the first number S1 of media 12, and executes the maintenance operation each time the measured time exceeds the specified time.

[0106] As a specific example, in the case where the initial number is four and the first number S1 is ten, the recording control unit 19 executes the maintenance operation in the first mode when the recording operation on the fourth, fourteenth, and twenty-fourth medium 12 in the recording job is completed. Also, in the second mode, the recording control unit 19 executes the maintenance operation in the case where the recording operation on the tenth, twentieth, and thirtieth medium 12 in the recording job is completed.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first mode, during the first maintenance operation in the recording job, the recording control unit 19 causes the liquid ejection head 28 to eject a first ejection amount of liquid. That is, in the first mode, the liquid ejection head 28 ejects a first ejection amount of liquid during the first maintenance operation in the recording job.

[0108] In the first mode, in the second and subsequent maintenance operations in the recording job, the recording control unit 19 causes the liquid ejection head 28 to eject the second ejection amount of liquid. That is, in the first mode, in the second and subsequent maintenance operations in the recording job, the liquid ejection head 28 ejects the second ejection amount of liquid, which is greater than the first ejection amount.

[0109] Furthermore, in the second mode, the recording control unit 19 causes the liquid ejection head 28 to eject a second ejection amount of liquid during the maintenance operation for the recording job in the second mode. That is, in the second mode, the liquid ejection head 28 ejects a second ejection amount of liquid that is greater than the first ejection amount during the maintenance operation for the recording job. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S29.

[0110] On the other hand, in step S29, the recording control unit 19 executes the cap separation process in the same manner as in step S13. When this process is completed, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S30.

[0111] In step S30, the recording control unit 19 executes the measurement start process in the same manner as in step S 14. When this process ends, the recording control unit 19 proceeds to step S25.

[0112] In this way, the recording control unit 19 can be controlled to either the first mode or the second mode, and can perform recording operations and maintenance operations corresponding to the mode that the recording control unit 19 controls.

[0113] <Matching control process> Next, the alignment control process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The alignment control process is a process executed by the post-processing control unit 80 of the post-processing device 14 when post-processing information capable of identifying the first mode or post-processing information capable of identifying the second mode is input.

[0114] In step S31, the post-processing control unit 80 acquires post-processing information. The post-processing information includes the type of mode obtained through communication with the recording device 13. The post-processing information includes total processed sheet count information obtained through communication with the recording device 13. The total processed sheet count information is information indicating the total number of media 12 that are post-processed in the recording job. When this process is completed, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S32.

[0115] In step S32, the post-processing control unit 80 determines whether the mode is the first mode based on the post-processing information. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the mode is the first mode, it proceeds to step S33. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the mode is not the first mode, it proceeds to step S37. In other words, if the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the mode is the second mode, it proceeds to step S37.

[0116] In step S33, the post-processing control unit 80 determines whether it is the first initial control period. In this process, the post-processing control unit 80 counts the total number of transported sheets of media 12 by updating a total transported sheet counter based on a signal from the sensor 53. The total transported sheet counter is the total number of media 12 that have been transported to the post-processing device 14 after recording in one recording job. The total transported sheet counter is allocated to the memory of the post-processing control unit 80.

[0117] Then, the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the period is the first initial control period when the total number of sheets conveyed in the first mode is one or less. The post-processing control unit 80 determines that the period is the second initial control period when the total number of sheets conveyed in the first mode is two or more and four or less. The post-processing control unit 80 determines that the period is the normal control period when the total number of sheets conveyed in the first mode is five or more. Furthermore, the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the period is the normal control period regardless of the total number of sheets conveyed in the second mode.

[0118] The first initial control period, the second initial control period, and the normal control period are control periods associated with a recording job, and more specifically, are control periods related to post-processing executed in association with a recording job. The first initial control period and the second initial control period are control periods in the first mode. The second initial control period is a control period after the end of the first initial control period. Hereinafter, the first initial control period and the second initial control period may be collectively referred to as the initial control period. In other words, the initial control period includes the first initial control period and the second initial control period.

[0119] The normal control period is the control period in the first mode and also the control period in the second mode. In the first mode, the normal control period is the control period after the end of the second initial control period. In other words, in the first mode, the normal control period is the control period after the end of the initial control period.

[0120] If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that it is the first initial control period, it proceeds to step S34. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that it is not the first initial control period, it proceeds to step S35.

[0121] In step S35, the post-processing control unit 80 determines whether or not it is the second initial control period. If it determines that it is the second initial control period, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S36. If it determines that it is not the second initial control period, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S37. In other words, if it determines that it is the normal control period, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S37.

[0122] In step S34, the post-processing control unit 80 executes a processing number setting process to set the processing number to 1. When this process is completed, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S38.

[0123] In step S36, the post-processing control unit 80 executes a processing number setting process. In this process, the post-processing control unit 80 subtracts the total number of conveyed sheets from the total processing number information to calculate the remaining number of sheets to be processed. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the remaining number of sheets to be processed is equal to or greater than the second number S2, it sets the second number S2 as the number of sheets to be processed. The second number S2 may be a multiple number of sheets, for example, three sheets. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the remaining number of sheets to be processed is less than the second number S2, it sets the remaining number of sheets to be processed. When this process is completed, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S38.

[0124] In step S37, the post-processing control unit 80 executes a processing number setting process. In this process, the post-processing control unit 80 calculates the remaining number of sheets to be processed by subtracting the total number of sheets to be conveyed from the total processing number information. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the remaining number of sheets to be processed is equal to or greater than the first number S1, it sets the first number S1 as the number of sheets to be processed. The first number S1 is a multiple number of sheets, and may be, for example, 10 sheets. In this way, the second number S2 is smaller than the first number S1. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the remaining number of sheets to be processed is smaller than the first number S1, it sets the remaining number of sheets to be processed as the number of sheets to be processed. When this process is completed, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S38.

[0125] 6, the post-processing control unit 80 sets the number of sheets to be processed to 1 during the first initial control period in the first mode. The post-processing control unit 80 sets the number of sheets to be processed to a second number S2 during the second initial control period in the first mode. The post-processing control unit 80 sets the number of sheets to be processed to a first number S1 during the normal control period in the first and second modes.

[0126] Returning to the description of the alignment control process in Figure 5, in step S38, the post-processing control unit 80 executes the alignment process. In this process, the post-processing control unit 80 drives the transport motor 63 to rotate the first paddle 61 and the second paddle 62. As a result, the post-processing control unit 80 transports the medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54 toward the first alignment unit 58. When this process is completed, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S39.

[0127] In step S39, the post-processing control unit 80 determines whether the number of sheets of media 12 placed on the processing tray 54 has reached the processing number. The post-processing control unit 80 counts the number of sheets of media 12 placed on the processing tray 54 by updating the loaded sheet number counter based on the signal from the sensor 53. The loaded sheet number counter is allocated to the memory of the post-processing control unit 80.

[0128] If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the number of placed sheets has not reached the processing number, it again proceeds to step S38. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that the number of placed sheets has reached the processing number, it proceeds to step S40. In this way, the post-processing control unit 80 repeatedly performs the alignment process until the number of placed sheets reaches the processing number, and when the number of placed sheets reaches the processing number, it proceeds to step S40.

[0129] In step S40, the post-processing control unit 80 causes the post-processing unit 60 to perform post-processing on the media 12 placed on the processing tray 54. Then, the post-processing control unit 80 controls the discharge unit 67 to send the media 12 placed on the processing tray 54 from the processing tray 54 to the support member 71. This allows the post-processing control unit 80 to place multiple post-processed media 12 on the discharge tray 72. The post-processing control unit 80 also initializes the number of placed media counter.

[0130] Specifically, in the first mode, during the first initial control period, the post-processing control unit 80 causes the post-processing unit 60 to perform a post-processing operation to eject from the processing tray 54 the first sheet of medium 12 that is not formed as part of a media bundle on the processing tray 54. In this way, in the first mode, during the first initial control period, the post-processing unit 60 performs a post-processing operation to eject from the processing tray 54 the first sheet of medium 12 that is not formed as part of a media bundle on the processing tray 54.

[0131] Furthermore, in the first mode, during the second initial control period, the post-processing control unit 80 causes the post-processing unit 60 to perform a post-processing operation to discharge the second number S2 of media 12 formed as a media bundle on the processing tray 54 from the processing tray 54. Thus, in the first mode, during the second initial control period, the post-processing unit 60 performs a post-processing operation to discharge the second number S2 of media 12 formed as a media bundle on the processing tray 54 from the processing tray 54. In other words, the post-processing unit 60 can perform a post-processing operation on the second number S2 of media 12 during the initial control period.

[0132] Furthermore, in the first mode, during the normal control period, post-processing control unit 80 causes post-processing unit 60 to perform post-processing operations to discharge from processing tray 54 the first number S1 of media 12 formed as a media bundle on processing tray 54. In this way, in the first mode, during the normal control period, post-processing unit 60 performs post-processing operations to discharge from processing tray 54 the first number S1 of media 12 formed as a media bundle on processing tray 54.

[0133] Furthermore, in the second mode, during the normal control period associated with a recording job, the post-processing control unit 80 causes the post-processing unit 60 to perform a post-processing operation to eject the first number S1 of media 12 formed as a media stack on the processing tray 54 from the processing tray 54. In this way, in the second mode, during the control period associated with a recording job, the post-processing unit 60 performs a post-processing operation to eject the first number S1 of media 12 formed as a media stack on the processing tray 54 from the processing tray 54. In other words, the post-processing unit 60 can perform a post-processing operation on the first number S1 of media 12 during the normal control period.

[0134] The second number S2 is one less than the initial number. The initial number is the number of sheets that triggers the first maintenance to be performed by the liquid ejection head 28 in the first mode. The second number S2 is the number of sheets that triggers ejection from the processing tray 54 in the second initial control period in the first mode. One is the number of sheets that triggers ejection from the processing tray 54 in the first initial control period in the first mode.

[0135] That is, in the first mode, the trigger for ejecting the second number S2 of media 12 from the processing tray 54 during the second initial control period is based on the trigger for the first maintenance being performed by the liquid ejection head 28.

[0136] The first number S1 is the number of sheets that triggers ejection from the processing tray 54 during the normal control period in the first mode. The first number S1 is the number of sheets that triggers ejection from the processing tray 54 during the normal control period in the second mode. The first number S1 is the number of sheets that triggers determination that the time measured based on the displacement of the cap 33 from the abutting position to the separated position has exceeded a specified time.

[0137] That is, in the first mode, the trigger for ejecting the first number S1 of media 12 from the processing tray 54 during the normal control period is based on the trigger for performing the second or subsequent maintenance by the liquid ejection head 28. Also, in the second mode, the trigger for ejecting the first number S1 of media 12 from the processing tray 54 during the normal control period is based on the trigger for performing maintenance by the liquid ejection head 28.

[0138] To give a specific example, in the first mode, the recording device 13 performs the first maintenance operation after recording on the fourth medium 12. Also, in the first mode, in the post-processing device 14, after the first medium 12 is discharged, the second to fourth media 12 are discharged as a media stack from the processing tray 54. Thus, in the first mode, the post-processing unit 60 performs the post-processing operation during the second initial control period by utilizing the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head 28. Also, in the first mode, the post-processing unit 60 performs the post-processing operation during the first initial control period by utilizing the time between the recording operation on the first medium 12 and the recording operation on the second medium 12, regardless of the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head 28.

[0139] In the first mode, the recording device 13 performs a second maintenance operation after recording on the fourteenth medium 12. Also in the first mode, the post-processing device 14 ejects the fifth through fourteenth media 12 as a media bundle from the processing tray 54. In this way, in the first mode, the post-processing unit 60 performs post-processing operations by utilizing the time for maintenance operations by the liquid ejection head 28, even during the normal control period.

[0140] In the second mode, the recording device 13 performs the first maintenance operation after recording on the tenth medium 12. Also in the second mode, the post-processing device 14 ejects the first through tenth media 12 as a media stack from the processing tray 54. Also in the second mode, the recording device 13 performs the second maintenance operation after recording on the twentieth medium 12. Also in the second mode, the post-processing device 14 ejects the eleventh through twentieth media 12 as a media stack from the processing tray 54. In this way, even in the second mode, the post-processing unit 60 performs the post-processing operation during the normal control period by utilizing the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head 28. When this process is completed, the post-processing control unit 80 proceeds to step S41.

[0141] In step S41, the post-processing control unit 80 determines whether recording has finished. The post-processing control unit 80 determines that recording has finished when the total number of conveyed sheets reaches the total number of processed sheets and all of the media 12 have been sent to the support member 71. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that recording has not finished, it proceeds to step S32. If the post-processing control unit 80 determines that recording has finished, it ends the alignment control process.

[0142] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will be described. First, a specific example of a recording job controlled in the second mode will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7 to Fig. 9, in order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the recording operation is shown as a timing chart including the feeding and transport of the medium 12 in the recording device 13.

[0143] 7, when recording job information that can identify the second mode is input at the timing indicated by reference symbol T11 in the recording device 13 with the cap 33 in the abutting position, the recording job is started. When the recording job is started, image processing based on the recording job information is started. In addition, post-processing information is sent from the recording device 13 to the post-processing device 14.

[0144] Then, at the timing indicated by the reference symbol T12, when the image processing is completed and the recording start condition is satisfied, the cap 33 is displaced from the abutting position to the separated position. Then, although not shown, the support portion 26 is displaced from the retracted position to the supporting position. For convenience, the drawing shows that the image processing is executed until the recording start condition is satisfied.

[0145] Thereafter, the recording operation is started on the first medium 12. Furthermore, as a result of the recording operations being performed on the second to tenth media 12, the recording operation on the tenth medium 12 ends at the timing indicated by reference symbol T13.

[0146] In this case, time t11 has elapsed since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position at the timing indicated by reference symbol T12. Time t11 is longer than the specified time. Therefore, the time measured since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position exceeds the specified time. This causes the execution of the recording operation on the 11th medium 12 to be postponed.

[0147] At timing T13, when the recording operation on the 11th medium 12 is postponed, the support portion 26 is displaced from the support position to the retracted position (not shown), and the cap 33 is displaced from the separated position to the abutting position.

[0148] After that, the first maintenance operation in the recording job is started. As the first maintenance operation, strong flushing is executed. In the strong flushing, the second discharge amount of liquid is ejected over a time period t22.

[0149] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T14, when the first maintenance operation is completed, the cap 33 is displaced from the abutting position to the separated position. Then, although not shown, the support portion 26 is displaced from the retracted position to the supporting position. After that, the recording operation for the eleventh and subsequent media 12 is started.

[0150] Meanwhile, in the post-processing device 14, the first medium 12 is detected at the timing indicated by the reference symbol T31. The timing at which the first medium 12 is detected is delayed by the time it takes for the first medium 12 to be transported along the transport path 16 after the end of the recording operation on the first medium 12. The first medium 12 is placed on the processing tray 54. The first medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54 is transported toward the first alignment section 58 by the rotation of the first paddle 61 and the second paddle 62, and is aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54. Thereafter, the second to tenth media 12 are also aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54, in the same manner as the first medium 12. As a result, a stack of ten media 12 is formed on the processing tray 54.

[0151] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T32, post-processing is performed on the 10 media 12 formed as a media bundle on the processing tray 54. In this case, as a result of the random stacking process being performed as post-processing, the 10 media 12 are discharged from the processing tray 54. In this way, the post-processing operation on the 10 media 12 is started at the timing indicated by reference symbol T32. Then, as a result of the post-processing operation being performed over time t31, the post-processing operation on the 10 media 12 is completed at the timing indicated by reference symbol T33. This post-processing operation is performed using the time for maintenance operations in the recording device 13. Therefore, the post-processing operation on the 10 media 12 is completed before the 11th medium 12 is detected.

[0152] Then, at the timing shown by reference symbol T34, the eleventh medium 12 is detected. The eleventh medium 12, like the first through tenth medium 12, is aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54. Thereafter, the twelfth and subsequent media 12 are also aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54, like the eleventh medium 12.

[0153] Next, a specific example of a recording job controlled in the first mode when the control content previously considered is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The description of the same content as the specific example of a recording job controlled in the second mode will be omitted.

[0154] In a control content that has been considered in the past, in recording device 13, a maintenance operation is performed both when the time counted since cap 33 was displaced from the abutting position to the separated position exceeds a specified time, and when recording operation is performed on a first number S1 of media 12. In a control content that has been considered in the past, in post-processing device 14, a post-processing operation is performed when recording operation on a first number S1 of media 12 is completed, with the exception of the first medium 12.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 8, in the recording device 13, when recording job information capable of specifying the first mode is input at the timing indicated by reference symbol T11 with the cap 33 in the abutting position, the recording job is started.

[0156] When a recording job is started, an initial transport process is executed. In the figure, the initial transport process is indicated by "0." In this initial transport process, the first medium 12 is fed from the cassette 20 and then transported to the standby position WP. The cap 33 also shifts from the contact position to the separation position. Then, although not shown, the support portion 26 shifts from the retracted position to the support position. In this way, before the recording operation is started, the first medium 12 is placed on standby at the standby position WP at the timing indicated by the symbol T15.

[0157] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T12, image processing ends, and when the recording start condition is met, the recording operation begins on the first medium 12. Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T16, the recording operation on the first medium 12 ends. In this case, in the first mode, the first medium 12 is waiting at the standby position WP, and the cap 33 is in the separated position, so the recording operation ends in a shorter time than in the second mode.

[0158] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T17, the recording operation is started on the second medium 12. Furthermore, as a result of the recording operations being performed on the third to fifth media 12, the recording operation on the fifth medium 12 ends at the timing indicated by reference symbol T18.

[0159] In this case, time t12 has passed since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position at the timing indicated by reference symbol T11. Time t12 is longer than the specified time. Therefore, the time measured since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position exceeds the specified time. As a result, the recording operation on the sixth medium 12 is postponed.

[0160] At timing T18, when the recording operation on the sixth medium 12 is postponed, the support portion 26 is displaced from the support position to the retracted position (not shown), and the cap 33 is displaced from the separated position to the abutting position.

[0161] After that, the first maintenance operation for the recording job is started. As the first maintenance operation, strong flushing is executed. Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T19, when the first maintenance operation is completed, the cap 33 is displaced from the contact position to the separated position. Then, although not shown, the support portion 26 is displaced from the retracted position to the support position. Thereafter, the recording operation for the sixth medium 12 is initiated. Furthermore, as a result of the recording operations being performed on the seventh to tenth media 12, the recording operation for the tenth medium 12 is completed at the timing indicated by reference symbol T20. In this case, time t13 has elapsed since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position at the timing indicated by reference symbol T19. Time t13 is shorter than the specified time. However, due to the execution of the recording operation on the first number S1 of media 12, the second maintenance operation is executed, as described below, and the recording operation for the eleventh medium 12 is postponed.

[0162] At timing T20, when the recording operation on the eleventh medium 12 is postponed, the support portion 26 is displaced from the support position to the retracted position (not shown), and the cap 33 is displaced from the separated position to the abutting position.

[0163] After that, the second maintenance operation is started in the recording job. As the second maintenance operation, strong flushing is executed. Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T21, when the second maintenance operation is completed, the cap 33 is displaced from the abutting position to the separated position. Then, although not shown, the support portion 26 is displaced from the retracted position to the supporting position. After that, the recording operation for the eleventh and subsequent media 12 is started.

[0164] In this case, in the recording device 13, maintenance operations are performed both after the recording operation on the fifth medium 12 is completed and after the recording operation on the tenth medium 12 is completed. If the first maintenance operation had not been performed after the recording operation on the fifth medium 12 was completed, the condition of the liquid ejection head 28 could have deteriorated. For this reason, the first maintenance operation was performed after the recording operation on the fifth medium 12 was completed.

[0165] However, the second maintenance operation is performed after the recording operation on the tenth medium 12 is completed, but the time measured after the first maintenance operation is completed and the cap 33 is displaced from the contact position to the separated position does not exceed the specified time. Therefore, the second maintenance operation is performed after the recording operation on the tenth medium 12 is completed, and the recording operation is not continued. Therefore, there is room for improvement to increase the processing speed.

[0166] Meanwhile, in the post-processing device 14, the first sheet of medium 12 is detected at the timing indicated by the symbol T35. The first sheet of medium 12 is placed on the processing tray 54. The first sheet of medium 12 placed on the processing tray 54 is transported toward the first alignment section 58 by the rotation of the first paddle 61 and the second paddle 62, and is aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54.

[0167] Then, a post-processing operation is performed on one sheet of medium 12 that is not part of a media stack on the processing tray 54. In this case, as a result of the random stacking process being performed as post-processing, the single sheet of medium 12 is discharged from the processing tray 54. In this way, the post-processing operation on the single sheet of medium 12 begins at the timing indicated by reference symbol T35. Then, as a result of the post-processing operation being performed over time t31, the post-processing operation on the single sheet of medium 12 ends at the timing indicated by reference symbol T36. This post-processing operation is performed using the time between the recording operation on the first sheet and the recording operation on the second sheet of medium 12 in the recording device 13. Therefore, the post-processing operation on the single sheet of medium 12 ends before the second sheet of medium 12 is detected.

[0168] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T37, the second medium 12 is detected. The second medium 12, like the first medium 12, is aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54. Thereafter, the third to tenth media 12 are also aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54, like the first medium 12. As a result, nine media 12 are formed as a media stack on the processing tray 54.

[0169] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T38, post-processing is performed on the nine media 12 formed as a media bundle on the processing tray 54. In this case, as a result of performing the random stacking process as post-processing, the nine media 12 are discharged from the processing tray 54. In this way, the post-processing operation on the nine media 12 is initiated at the timing indicated by reference symbol T38. Then, as a result of performing the post-processing operation over time t31, the post-processing operation on the nine media 12 is completed at the timing indicated by reference symbol T39. This post-processing operation is performed using the time for maintenance operations in the recording device 13. Therefore, the post-processing operation on the nine media 12 is completed before the eleventh medium 12 is detected. Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T40, the eleventh medium 12 is detected.

[0170] In this case, the recording device 13 may perform a maintenance operation before starting the recording operation on the sixth medium 12, which delays the timing at which the sixth medium 12 is transported in the post-processing device 14. However, in the control previously considered, the post-processing operation on the second to fifth media 12 is not performed, and the time for the maintenance operation is not used effectively.

[0171] Finally, a specific example of a print job controlled in the first mode in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Descriptions of the same content as in the case where control previously considered is applied will be omitted.

[0172] As shown in Figure 9, in the recording device 13, the recording operation on the fourth medium 12 ends at the timing indicated by reference symbol T22. In this case, time t14 has passed since the cap 33 was displaced from the abutting position to the separated position at the timing indicated by reference symbol T11. Although time t14 is shorter than the specified time, the recording operation on the initial number of media 12 in the first mode is executed. As a result, the recording operation on the fifth medium 12 is postponed.

[0173] At timing T22, when the recording operation on the fifth medium 12 is postponed, the support portion 26 is displaced from the support position to the retracted position (not shown), and the cap 33 is displaced from the separated position to the abutting position.

[0174] After that, the first maintenance operation in the recording job is started. As the first maintenance operation, weak flushing is executed. In the weak flushing, the first ejection amount of liquid is ejected over a time t21.

[0175] In this way, the first maintenance operation is performed by performing the recording operation on four media 12, but the condition of the liquid ejection head 28 is not worse than when performing the recording operation on ten media 12. Therefore, by performing weak flushing instead of strong flushing, the amount of liquid ejected can be reduced and the processing time for the maintenance operation can be shortened.

[0176] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T23, when the first maintenance operation is completed, the cap 33 is displaced from the abutting position to the separated position. Then, although not shown, the support portion 26 is displaced from the retracted position to the supporting position. After that, recording operations are started on the fifth and subsequent media 12. Furthermore, as a result of performing recording operations on the sixth through fourteenth media 12, the recording operation on the fourteenth medium 12 is completed at the timing indicated by reference symbol T24.

[0177] In this case, time t11 has elapsed since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position at the timing indicated by reference symbol T23. Time t11 is longer than the specified time. Therefore, the time measured since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position exceeds the specified time. As a result, the recording operation on the 15th medium 12 is postponed.

[0178] At timing T24, when the recording operation on the 15th medium 12 is postponed, the support portion 26 is displaced from the support position to the retracted position (not shown), and the cap 33 is displaced from the separated position to the abutting position.

[0179] After that, the second maintenance operation is started in the recording job. As the second maintenance operation, strong flushing is executed. Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T25, when the second maintenance operation is completed, the cap 33 is displaced from the abutting position to the separated position. Then, although not shown, the support portion 26 is displaced from the retracted position to the supporting position. After that, the recording operation for the 15th and subsequent media 12 is started.

[0180] Meanwhile, in the post-processing device 14, the fourth medium 12 is detected at timing T41. The second to fourth media 12 are aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54, just like the first medium 12. As a result, the three media 12 are formed into a media bundle on the processing tray 54.

[0181] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T41, a post-processing operation is performed on the three media 12 formed as a media bundle on the processing tray 54. In this case, as a result of the random stacking process being performed as post-processing, the three media 12 are discharged from the processing tray 54. In this way, the post-processing operation on the three media 12 is initiated at the timing indicated by reference symbol T41. Then, as a result of the post-processing operation being performed over time t31, the post-processing operation on the three media 12 is completed at the timing indicated by reference symbol T42. This post-processing operation is performed using the time for maintenance operations in the recording device 13. Therefore, the post-processing operation on the three media 12 is completed before the fifth medium 12 is detected.

[0182] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T43, the fifth medium 12 is detected. The fifth medium 12, like the first medium 12, is aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54. Thereafter, the sixth to fourteenth media 12, like the first medium 12, are aligned in the first alignment section 58 on the processing tray 54. As a result, a stack of ten media 12 is formed on the processing tray 54.

[0183] Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T44, post-processing is performed on the 10 media 12 formed as a media bundle on the processing tray 54. In this case, as a result of the random stacking process being performed as post-processing, the 10 media 12 are ejected from the processing tray 54. In this way, the post-processing operation on the 10 media 12 is initiated at the timing indicated by reference symbol T44. Then, as a result of the post-processing operation being performed over time t31, the post-processing operation on 9 media 12 is completed at the timing indicated by reference symbol T45. This post-processing operation is performed using the time for maintenance operations in the recording device 13. Therefore, the post-processing operation on the 10 media 12 is completed before the 15th medium 12 is detected. Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T46, the 15th medium 12 is detected.

[0184] <Effects of the first embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) When the time measured based on the displacement of the cap 33 from the contact position to the separated position exceeds a specified time, a maintenance operation can be performed by discharging liquid while the cap 33 is in the contact position. Before the start of a recording operation in a recording job that records on a predetermined number of media 12, the first media 12 can be placed on standby at a standby position WP upstream of the liquid ejection head 28. In this case, the cap 33 is in the separated position when the first media 12 in the recording job is placed on standby at the standby position WP. During the second initial control period of the control period associated with the recording job, the time for the maintenance operation can be used to perform post-processing operations on a second number S2 of media 12, which is less than the first number S1. After the second initial control period ends, the time for the maintenance operation can be used to perform post-processing operations on the first number S1 of media 12. Therefore, before the start of a recording operation in a recording job, the first media 12 can be placed on standby at the standby position WP, and the cap 33 can be displaced from the contact position to the separated position. This makes it possible to reduce the processing time from the start of the recording operation in the recording job for the first medium 12.

[0185] As the processing time from the start of the recording operation for the first medium 12 is shortened, the cap 33 is displaced to the separated position before the start of the recording operation, and the timing at which the cap 33 is displaced to the separated position is advanced with respect to the start of the recording operation. As a result, the number of media 12 recorded by the recording operation before the measured time exceeds the specified time is reduced.

[0186] Therefore, during the second initial control period of the control period associated with the recording job, the post-processing operation can be performed using the time for the maintenance operation for the second number S2 of media 12, which is less than the first number S1, after the end of the initial control period. This allows the post-processing operation to be performed using the time for the maintenance operation, even if the maintenance operation time is shortened, by performing the post-processing operation on the second number S2 of media 12, which is less than the first number S1. Furthermore, when the measured time exceeds the specified time, the cap 33 is displaced from the retracted position to the abutting position, thereby preventing the liquid ejection head 28 from drying out. This allows the processing speed to be improved without degrading the recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0187] (2) Control is possible in either the first mode or the second mode. Compared to the second mode, the first mode is a mode in which the timing of the recording operation and the timing of the post-processing operation for the first medium 12 are advanced relative to the start of the recording job. In the first mode, during the first initial control period, the first medium 12 that is not formed into a media stack on the processing tray 54 is discharged from the processing tray 54. In the first mode, during the second initial control period after the end of the first initial control period, the second number S2 of media 12 that are formed into a media stack on the processing tray 54 are discharged from the processing tray 54 during the maintenance operation. After the end of the second initial control period, the first number S1 of media 12 that are formed into a media stack on the processing tray 54 are discharged from the processing tray 54 during the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head 28. This shortens the processing time until the first medium 12 is discharged. This allows the user to check the first medium 12 early. Therefore, the processing speed can be improved without deteriorating the recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0188] (3) In the first mode, even if the measured time has not yet exceeded the specified time, the first maintenance operation after the start of the recording job is performed after the recording operation has been performed on a predetermined initial number of media 12 after the start of the recording job. Therefore, even if the measured time has not yet exceeded the specified time after the start of the recording job, the recording operation is performed on the initial number of media 12, so that the first maintenance operation can be reliably performed. Therefore, the processing speed can be improved without degrading the recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0189] (4) In the second mode, during the control period associated with the recording job, the first number S1 of media 12 formed as a media stack on the processing tray 54 is discharged from the processing tray 54 during the maintenance operation performed by the liquid ejection head 28. Therefore, in the second mode, during the control period associated with the recording job, post-processing operations can be performed on the first number S1 of media 12. In this way, if either the first mode or the second mode is controllable, control of the post-processing operations can be switched depending on the situation. Therefore, depending on the situation, processing speed can be improved without degrading recording quality due to maintenance operations.

[0190] (5) In the first mode, the number of recording operations up to the first maintenance operation in a recording job is likely to be less than the number of recording operations between subsequent maintenance operations. Thus, the condition of the liquid ejection head 28 is likely to be less deteriorated by the time of the first maintenance operation in a recording job than between subsequent maintenance operations.

[0191] Therefore, in the first mode, a first ejection amount of liquid is ejected in the first maintenance operation in a recording job. In the first mode, a second ejection amount of liquid, which is greater than the first ejection amount, is ejected in the second and subsequent maintenance operations in a recording job. Therefore, in the first mode, the ejection amount of liquid in the first maintenance operation in a recording job can be made smaller than in the second and subsequent maintenance operations. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the consumption of liquid in the maintenance operation without causing a decrease in recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0192] (6) In the first mode, the first maintenance operation of the liquid ejection head 28 in a recording job can be performed over a first processing time. In the first mode, the second and subsequent maintenance operations in a recording job can be performed over a second processing time that is longer than the first processing time. Therefore, in the first mode, the first maintenance operation in a recording job can have a shorter processing time than the second and subsequent maintenance operations. Therefore, the processing speed can be improved without degrading the recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0193] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, if the time measured based on the displacement of the cap 33 from the abutting position to the separated position exceeds a specified time, and a restriction condition is met, the execution of the maintenance operation may be restricted. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same configurations and the same control contents as those in the already described embodiments, and redundant description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0194] 10, in the recording control process, if the recording control unit 19 determines in step S22 that the specified time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S31. If the recording control unit 19 determines in step S23 that the first mode is selected and that the number of sheets recorded in the recording job is the initial number, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0195] In step S31, the recording control unit 19 determines whether a restrictive condition is met. The restrictive condition is met when the time required for the maintenance operation is longer than the time required to perform the recording operation on the remaining number of media 12 in the recording job.

[0196] In this process, the recording control unit 19 identifies total recorded sheet count information based on the recording job information. The recording control unit 19 reads a value from a recorded sheet count counter to identify the number of sheets recorded on the medium 12 in the recording job. The recording control unit 19 then subtracts the number of recorded sheets on the medium 12 from the total recorded sheet count information to identify the number of remaining sheets on the medium 12 in the recording job. The recording control unit 19 then determines that the restriction condition is met if the remaining number of sheets on the medium 12 is equal to or less than the lower limit number.

[0197] The lower limit number does not include 0 and is the number of sheets that can be recorded on the medium 12 before the maintenance operation is completed. As a specific example, the number of sheets that can be recorded on the medium 12 before the strong flushing is completed may be two. In this way, if it is determined in step S22 that the specified time has been exceeded, strong flushing is performed. In this case, the lower limit number is two. Furthermore, the number of sheets that can be recorded on the medium 12 before the weak flushing is completed is one. In this way, if it is determined in step S23 that the first mode is being used and that the number of sheets recorded in the recording job is the initial number, weak flushing is performed. In this case, the lower limit number is one. In other words, the lower limit number may be varied depending on the duration of the maintenance operation.

[0198] If the recording control unit 19 determines that the restrictive condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S26. In other words, if the recording control unit 19 determines that the restrictive condition is not met, the recording control unit 19 executes maintenance processing in step S28.

[0199] If the recording control unit 19 determines that the restrictive condition is met, it proceeds to step S25. That is, if the recording control unit 19 determines that the restrictive condition is met, it performs recording operations on the remaining number of media 12 without performing maintenance processing in step S28. Then, after the recording operations on the remaining number of media 12 are completed, the recording control unit 19 determines that the recording operations in the recording job are completed in step S24, and performs maintenance processing in step S26. That is, if the restrictive condition is met when the specified time has passed in the recording job, the liquid ejection head 28 performs maintenance processing after performing recording operations on the remaining number of media 12 in the recording job.

[0200] In the post-processing device 14, in the first mode, when the total number of sheets to be processed is 5, the post-processing control unit 80 restricts the execution of the post-processing operation even if the number of sheets placed in the second initial control period reaches the number of sheets to be processed. Then, when the total number of sheets to be conveyed reaches the total number of sheets to be post-processed, the post-processing control unit 80 causes the post-processing operation to be executed.

[0201] In the first mode, when the total number of sheets to be processed is not five, the post-processing control unit 80 restricts the execution of the post-processing operation if the result of subtracting the total number of sheets to be transported from the total number of sheets to be post-processed when the number of sheets placed reaches the number of sheets to be processed is one or two.In the second mode, when the number of sheets placed reaches the number of sheets to be processed, the result of subtracting the total number of sheets to be transported from the total number of sheets to be post-processed is one or two.The post-processing control unit 80 then executes the post-processing operation when the total number of sheets to be transported reaches the total number of sheets to be post-processed.

[0202] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> The operation of the second embodiment will be described. In the recording device 13, in the first mode, when the total number of recordings is five, the maintenance operation is not performed even after the recording operation on the fourth medium 12 is completed. Then, after the recording operation on the fifth medium 12 is performed, the maintenance operation is performed.

[0203] In post-processing device 14, in the first mode, when the total number of processed sheets is five, the post-processing operation is not performed on the fourth medium 12. Then, the post-processing operation is performed on the second to fifth media 12 placed on processing tray 54.

[0204] In the recording device 13, when it is determined that the specified time has elapsed, if the remaining number of media 12 in the recording job is one or two, the maintenance operation is not performed. Then, after the recording operation is performed on the remaining number of media 12, the maintenance operation is performed.

[0205] In post-processing device 14, when the number of loaded sheets reaches the number of sheets to be processed, if the result of subtracting the total number of sheets to be conveyed from the total number of sheets to be processed is 1 or 2, post-processing operation is not performed. Then, when the total number of sheets to be conveyed matches the total number of sheets to be processed, post-processing operation is performed on media 12 placed on processing tray 54.

[0206] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of the second embodiment will be described. (7) If the regulating condition is met when the measured time exceeds the specified time, the maintenance operation is performed after the recording operation for the remaining number of media 12 in the recording job is performed. The specified condition is met when the time for the maintenance operation is longer than the time for performing the recording operation for the remaining number of media 12 in the recording job. Therefore, when the time for performing the recording operation for the remaining number of media 12 in the recording job is shorter than the time for the maintenance operation, the execution of the maintenance operation can be postponed until the recording operation for the remaining number of media 12 is completed. Therefore, the processing speed can be improved without significantly degrading the recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0207] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0208] Although the time elapsed since the cap 33 was displaced from the contact position to the separated position was measured, this is not limiting. For example, the time elapsed since the start of the maintenance operation may be measured. In this case, it is preferable that the duration of the maintenance operation is the same. Furthermore, the specified time may differ depending on the duration of the maintenance operation. For example, the time elapsed from the moment the liquid ejection head 28 ejected liquid may be measured. In such cases, the time may be measured based on the displacement of the cap 33 from the contact position to the separated position.

[0209] The recording start condition may be satisfied when image processing is completed. Alternatively, the recording start condition may be satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed or when image processing is completed. In this way, if the recording start condition is satisfied when image processing is completed, the timing at which the recording start condition is satisfied varies depending on the image processing time. For this reason, in the first mode, the initial number of sheets is set so that the recording operation on the initial number of media 12 is completed before the measured time exceeds the specified time. This allows maintenance operations and post-processing operations to be performed appropriately even if image processing takes a while.

[0210] Although the timing from input of the recording job information for feeding, transporting, and recording the second and subsequent sheets of media 12 in a recording job is the same in the first and second modes, this is not limited to this. For example, the timing from input of the recording job information for feeding, transporting, and recording the second and subsequent sheets of media 12 in a recording job may be earlier in the first mode than in the second mode. In this case, it is preferable that the second sheet of media 12 is placed on the processing tray 54 after the post-processing operation for the first sheet of media 12 is completed.

[0211] In the first mode, two or more media 12 may be on standby at the standby position WP. That is, in the first mode, at least one medium 12 may be on standby at the standby position WP. That is, the processing speed of the recording operation on at least one medium 12 may be improved.

[0212] In the first mode, after the post-processing operation is performed on the first medium 12 in the first initial control period, the post-processing operation is performed on the second number S2 of media 12 in the second initial control period, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the first mode, the post-processing operation may not be performed on the first medium 12 alone in the initial control period, but may be performed on one medium 12 and the second number S2 of media 12. In this way, the first mode may be a mode that increases the processing speed of at least one of the recording operation and post-processing operation on the first medium 12.

[0213] The type of maintenance is not limited to flushing, but may include cleaning, etc. The timing of the execution of the post-processing operation may be controlled based on the timing of the maintenance operation. The timing of the execution of the post-processing operation may be controlled based on the timing of the maintenance operation. In other words, the post-processing operation may be executed using the time of the maintenance operation.

[0214] The plurality of modes may include a mode other than the first mode and the second mode. The second mode may be any mode as long as the processing speed for the first medium 12 is not increased compared to the first mode, and may be a mode in which a process other than the stacking process is executed as a post-process.

[0215] Although the mode is set in accordance with the recording job, this is not limiting, and for example, the mode may be set in the recording device 13, rather than for each recording job. As in step S26 of FIG. 4, the maintenance operation does not have to be performed when the recording job is completed.

[0216] The post-processing device 14 and the intermediate device 15 may be combined to form a post-processing device. The post-processing device 14 may receive the recorded medium 12 from the recording device 13, rather than from the intermediate device 15.

[0217] The medium 12 is not limited to paper, but may be a synthetic resin film, cloth, nonwoven fabric, laminated medium, or the like. The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium 12 to record on the medium 12. 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.

[0218] The recording device 13 is not limited to a printer, but may be a multifunction device that has a scanning mechanism and a copying function in addition to a recording function. [Note] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0219] (A) A recording method and apparatus for recording a medium on a recording path, the recording method comprising: a conveying unit configured to convey a medium on a conveying path; a liquid ejection head capable of performing a recording operation on the medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium; a cap displaceable between a separated position away from the liquid ejection head and an abutting position abutting the liquid ejection head; a processing tray on which the medium recorded by the liquid ejection head can be placed; a post-processing unit capable of performing a post-processing operation on the medium placed on the processing tray; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is capable of measuring time based on the displacement of the cap from the abutting position to the separated position, and the liquid ejection head is capable of performing the recording operation with the cap in the separated position in a recording job for recording on a predetermined number of media, and when the time measured by the control unit exceeds a specified time, the recording operation is performed by ejecting liquid with the cap in the abutting position. a maintenance operation can be performed by the liquid ejection head, the transport path has a standby position upstream of the liquid ejection head where the medium can wait, the transport unit can make at least a first medium wait at the standby position before the recording operation in the recording job starts, the cap is in the separated position when the first medium in the recording job is waiting at the standby position before the recording operation in the recording job starts, and the post-processing unit can use the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head to perform the post-processing operation on a second number of media that is less than the first number during an initial control period of a control period associated with the recording job, and after the initial control period ends, can use the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head to perform the post-processing operation on the first number of media.

[0220] According to this configuration, before the start of the recording operation in the recording job, at least the first medium is placed on standby at the standby position, and the cap can be displaced from the abutting position to the separated position, thereby shortening the processing time from the start of the recording operation in the recording job for at least the first medium.

[0221] Furthermore, during the initial control period of the control period associated with a recording job, post-processing operations can be performed using the time for maintenance operations for a second number of media, which is less than the first number, after the end of the initial control period. This allows the post-processing operations to be performed using the time for maintenance operations, even if the maintenance operation time is accelerated, by performing post-processing operations on the second number of media, which is less than the first number. Furthermore, when the measured time exceeds a specified time, the cap is displaced from the retracted position to the abutting position, thereby preventing the liquid ejection head from drying out. Therefore, processing speed can be improved without degrading recording quality due to maintenance operations.

[0222] (B) the control unit is capable of control to either one of a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode, the first mode being a mode in which the timing of the recording operation and the timing of the post-processing operation are advanced for at least a first sheet of medium with reference to the start of the recording job compared to the second mode, the transport unit, in the first mode, causes at least a first sheet of medium to wait at the standby position before the start of the recording operation in the recording job, the cap, in the first mode, is at the separated position when the first sheet of medium in the recording job waits at the standby position, the initial control period is a control period in the first mode, The initial control period includes a first initial control period and a second initial control period after the end of the first initial control period, and in the first mode, the post-processing unit may, during the first initial control period, discharge from the processing tray the first medium that is not formed as a media stack on the processing tray, and, during the second initial control period, discharge from the processing tray the second number of media that have been formed as a media stack on the processing tray using the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head, and, after the end of the second initial control period, discharge from the processing tray the first number of media that have been formed as a media stack on the processing tray using the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head.

[0223] This configuration can shorten the processing time until the first medium is ejected. This allows the user to quickly check the first medium. Therefore, the processing speed can be improved without degrading the recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0224] (C) In the first mode, the liquid ejection head may perform the first maintenance operation after the start of the recording job after performing the recording operation on a predetermined initial number of media after the start of the recording job, even if the time measured by the control unit has not yet exceeded the specified time.

[0225] With this configuration, even if the measured time after the start of a recording job has not yet exceeded the specified time, the recording operation is performed on the initial number of media, so that the first maintenance operation can be performed reliably. Therefore, the processing speed can be improved without degrading the recording quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0226] (D) In ​​the second mode, during a control period associated with the recording job, the post-processing unit may discharge the first number of media formed as a media stack on the processing tray from the processing tray by utilizing the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head.

[0227] According to this configuration, in the second mode, post-processing operations can be performed on the first number of media during the control period associated with the recording job. In this way, if either the first mode or the second mode is controllable, control of the post-processing operations can be switched depending on the situation. Therefore, depending on the situation, processing speed can be improved without degrading recording quality due to maintenance operations.

[0228] (E) In the first mode, the liquid ejection head may eject a first ejection amount of liquid during the first maintenance operation in the recording job, and in the first mode, eject a second ejection amount of liquid that is greater than the first ejection amount during the second or subsequent maintenance operation in the recording job.

[0229] According to this configuration, in the first mode, the first maintenance operation in a print job can eject a smaller amount of liquid than the second and subsequent maintenance operations, thereby reducing the consumption of liquid in the maintenance operation without degrading print quality.

[0230] (F) In the first mode, the liquid ejection head may be capable of performing the first maintenance operation in the recording job over a first processing time, and in the first mode, the liquid ejection head may be capable of performing the second or subsequent maintenance operation in the recording job over a second processing time that is longer than the first processing time.

[0231] According to this configuration, in the first mode, the processing time for the first maintenance operation in a print job can be shortened compared to the processing time for the second and subsequent maintenance operations, thereby improving the processing speed without degrading the print quality due to the maintenance operation.

[0232] (G) When the time measured by the control unit in the recording job exceeds the specified time, and a regulatory condition is met, the liquid ejection head performs the maintenance operation after performing the recording operation on the remaining number of media in the recording job, and the regulatory condition may be met when the time for the maintenance operation is longer than the time for performing the recording operation on the remaining number of media in the recording job.

[0233] With this configuration, when the time required to perform the recording operation on the remaining number of media in a recording job is shorter than the time required for the maintenance operation, the execution of the maintenance operation can be postponed until the recording operation on the remaining number of media is completed, thereby improving processing speed without significantly degrading recording quality due to the maintenance operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0234] WP...waiting position, X...width direction, 11...recording system, 12...medium, 13...recording device, 14...post-processing device, 15...intermediate device, 16...conveying path, 17...liquid container, 19...recording control unit, 20...cassette, 21...paper feeding unit, 22...pickup roller, 23...separation roller, 24...conveying unit, 25...first conveying roller pair, 26...support unit, 26A...drive motor, 27...recording unit, 28...liquid ejection head, 29A...nozzle surface, 29B...nozzle, 30...holding section, 31...supply flow path, 32...maintenance section, 33...cap, 34...waste liquid flow path, 35...suction pump, 36...moving section, 37...waste liquid container, 38...loading tray, 39A...first discharge path, 39B...switchback path, 39C...reversal path, 39D...second discharge path, 40...reversal processing section, 41...first introduction path, 42...first switchback path, 43...second switchback path, 44...first junction Path, 45...second merging path, 46...lead-out path, 47...second pair of conveying rollers, 48...flap, 50...receiving section, 51...third pair of conveying rollers, 52...fourth pair of conveying rollers, 53...sensor, 54...processing tray, 55...placing surface, 56...first placing end, 57...second placing end, 58...first alignment section, 59...second alignment section, 60...post-processing section, 61...first paddle, 61A...first paddle rotor, 61B...first blade, 61C...second First paddle rotating shaft, 62...second paddle, 62A...second paddle rotating body, 62B...second blade, 62C...second paddle rotating shaft, 63...conveyor motor, 63A...first conveyor motor, 63B...second conveyor motor, 65A...nip motor, 65B...discharge motor, 66...paper binding device, 67...discharge section, 68...discharge drive roller, 69...discharge driven roller, 70...guide section, 71...support member, 72...discharge tray, 80...post-processing control section

Claims

1. a transport configured to transport the medium in a transport path; a liquid ejection head capable of performing a recording operation to perform recording on a medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium; a cap that is displaceable between a spaced position where it is spaced from the liquid ejection head and an abutting position where it is in contact with the liquid ejection head; a processing tray on which a medium recorded by the liquid ejection head can be placed; a post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing operations on the media placed on the processing tray; A control unit; Equipped with the control unit is capable of measuring time based on displacement of the cap from the abutting position to the separated position, the liquid ejection head is capable of performing the recording operation with the cap at the separated position in a recording job for recording on a predetermined number of media, and is capable of performing a maintenance operation by ejecting liquid with the cap at the abutting position when the time measured by the control unit exceeds a specified time, the transport path has a standby position upstream of the liquid ejection head where the medium can wait; the conveyance unit can cause at least a first sheet of medium to wait at the waiting position before starting the recording operation in the recording job, the cap is in the separated position when a first sheet of the medium in the recording job is waiting at the waiting position before the start of the recording operation in the recording job; During an initial control period of a control period associated with the recording job, the post-processing unit is capable of performing the post-processing operation on a second number of media, which is less than the first number, by utilizing the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head, and after the end of the initial control period, is capable of performing the post-processing operation on the first number of media by utilizing the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head. A recording system characterized by:

2. 2. The recording system according to claim 1, the control unit is capable of controlling the operation in either a first mode or a second mode different from the first mode, the first mode is a mode in which, compared to the second mode, timing of the recording operation and timing of the post-processing operation are advanced for at least a first medium based on the start of the recording job; In the first mode, the conveyance unit causes at least a first sheet of medium to wait at the waiting position before starting the recording operation in the recording job; the cap is in the separated position when a first sheet of the medium in the recording job is waiting at the waiting position in the first mode; the initial control period is a control period in the first mode, The initial control period includes a first initial control period and a second initial control period that follows the end of the first initial control period, In the first mode, the post-processing unit discharges from the processing tray, during the first initial control period, a first sheet of media that is not formed as a media bundle on the processing tray, and, during the second initial control period, discharges from the processing tray the second number of media that have been formed as a media bundle on the processing tray, utilizing the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head, and, after the second initial control period ends, discharges from the processing tray the first number of media that have been formed as a media bundle on the processing tray, utilizing the time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head. A recording system characterized by:

3. 3. The recording system according to claim 2, In the first mode, the liquid ejection head performs the first maintenance operation after the start of the recording job, after performing the recording operation on a predetermined initial number of media after the start of the recording job, even if the time measured by the control unit has not yet exceeded the specified time. A recording system characterized by:

4. 4. The recording system according to claim 2, wherein: and in the second mode, during a control period associated with the recording job, the post-processing unit discharges the first number of media formed as a media bundle on the processing tray from the processing tray by utilizing a time for the maintenance operation by the liquid ejection head. A recording system characterized by:

5. The recording system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the liquid ejection head ejects a first ejection amount of liquid in the first maintenance operation in the recording job in the first mode, and ejects a second ejection amount of liquid that is greater than the first ejection amount in the second or subsequent maintenance operations in the recording job in the first mode; A recording system characterized by:

6. 6. The recording system according to claim 1, When the time measured by the control unit in the recording job exceeds the specified time, and a regulation condition is met, the liquid ejection head performs the recording operation on the remaining number of sheets of media in the recording job, and then performs the maintenance operation; the restrictive condition is met when the time required for the maintenance operation is longer than the time required for performing the recording operation on the remaining number of media in the recording job. A recording system characterized by:

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