Processing system and relay transport unit

Abstract

To suppress damage of a member constituting a positioning part 11 and its periphery, at the time of positioning by a positioning mechanism 7.SOLUTION: A treatment system includes a first unit 3, and a second unit 5 connected to the first unit through a positioning mechanism 7, wherein the positioning mechanism 7 includes a positioning part 11 for positioning the first unit and the second unit by inserting a first insertion part 9 provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a first inserted part 10 provided on the other thereof, and a position guide part 17 for guiding the first insertion part 9 to a position where the first insertion part can be inserted into the first inserted part 10 by inserting a second insertion part 13 provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a second inserted part 15 provided on the other thereof, and the insertion of the position guide pat 17 precedes the insertion of the positioning part 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system and a relay transfer unit.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of the prior art of this type of processing system, a recording system, the one described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. Patent Document 1 describes that in an image forming system in which an image forming apparatus having an in-body discharge unit and a post-processing apparatus are connected and used, a relay transfer device detachably attached to the in-body discharge unit is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as in the above prior art, the relay transfer device attached to and detached from the in-body discharge unit often requires alignment at a deep position of the image forming apparatus, and it is difficult to align with a general positioning mechanism. If it is difficult to align, the relay transfer device may collide with the image forming apparatus and be damaged.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, the recording system according to the present invention comprises a first unit having a function to perform a first processing, and a second unit having a function to perform a second processing and connected to the first unit via a positioning mechanism, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a positioning unit that positions the first unit and the second unit by inserting a first insertion portion provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a first insertion portion provided on the other, and a positioning guide unit that guides the first insertion portion to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion by inserting a second insertion portion provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a second insertion portion provided on the other, wherein the insertion of the positioning guide unit precedes the insertion of the positioning unit.

[0006] The relay transport unit according to the present invention is connected via a positioning mechanism to the discharge section inside the cylinder of a recording device, has a receiving section that receives a medium recorded by the recording device, and transports the medium to a post-processing device that performs predetermined post-processing on the medium, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a positioning section that positions the recording device and the relay transport unit by inserting a first insertion section provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit into a first insertion section provided on the other, and a positioning guide section that guides the first insertion section to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion section by inserting a second insertion section provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit into a second insertion section provided on the other, wherein the insertion of the positioning guide section precedes the insertion of the positioning section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of the processing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the positioning mechanism of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the positioning mechanism of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5]A schematic front view of the main components of the processing system of Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] Embodiment 2 shows a front view of the relay transport unit. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the main part of Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] A perspective view of the main part of the first unit of Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] A perspective view of the main part of the second unit of Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] A view of the main part of Embodiment 2 from the insertion direction. [Figure 11] A view from above of the main part of Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the main part of Embodiment 2 and a partially enlarged view. [Figure 13] A perspective view of the main part of Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The present invention will now be described in general terms. To solve the above problems, a processing system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first unit having a function for performing a first processing, and a second unit having a function for performing a second processing and connected to the first unit via a positioning mechanism, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a positioning unit that positions the first unit and the second unit by inserting a first insertion portion provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a first insertion portion provided on the other, and a positioning unit that guides the first insertion portion to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion by inserting a second insertion portion provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a second insertion portion provided on the other, wherein the insertion of the positioning unit precedes the insertion of the positioning unit.

[0009] Here, "first process" refers to any main process that the first unit can perform, such as printing on a medium if the first unit is a printing device. "Second processing" refers to any main processing that the second unit can perform, such as stapling the medium if the second unit is a post-processing device that performs stapling. Furthermore, "second processing" also includes, for example, the "transport processing" of a relay transport device that relays the medium received from the printing device to another processing device.

[0010] According to this embodiment, when connecting the first unit and the second unit via the positioning mechanism, the insertion of the position guide portion precedes the insertion of the positioning portion. As a result, if the position guide portion is misaligned and the first unit and the second unit approach each other, the second insertion portion of the position guide portion will collide with the other unit. However, the first insertion portion of the positioning portion is not yet in a position to contact the other unit, so no collision occurs. In other words, damage to the members constituting the positioning portion and their surroundings can be suppressed during the alignment process. When the position guide portion is aligned, the first unit and the second unit approach each other, and the second insertion portion is inserted into the second insertion portion of the other unit. According to this embodiment, the second insertion portion is inserted into the second insertion portion, thereby guiding the first insertion portion, which constitutes the positioning portion, to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion. As a result, the first unit and the second unit continue to approach each other in this guided state, causing the first insertion portion to be inserted into the first insertion portion. As described above, according to this embodiment, by achieving the first stage of alignment by the position guide, the first insertion portion of the positioning portion automatically becomes aligned so that it can be inserted into the first insertion portion. That is, the positioning portion becomes aligned by the first stage of alignment. In this state, as the first unit and the second unit approach each other, the first insertion portion of the positioning portion reaches the entrance of the first insertion portion, so that the first insertion portion can enter the first insertion portion with less risk of collision. In the state where the alignment is achieved, the first insertion part of the positioning part enters the first inserted part, so that the first unit and the second unit are connected in a correctly positioned state.

[0011] The processing system according to the second aspect of the present invention is, in the first aspect, wherein the position guiding part has a clearance area in which the second insertion part can be displaced relatively in a direction intersecting the insertion direction with respect to the second inserted part, and the first insertion part and the first inserted part are configured to be in an insertable state by aligning them in a state where the second insertion part is located in the second inserted part having the clearance area.

[0012] According to this aspect, the position guiding part has a clearance area in which the second insertion part can be displaced relatively in a direction intersecting the insertion direction with respect to the second inserted part. Thus, because of the clearance area, it becomes easier to align the second insertion part for insertion into the second inserted part. And the first insertion part and the first inserted part are configured to be in an insertable state by aligning them in a state where the second insertion part is located in the second inserted part having the clearance area. Thereby, by inserting the first insertion part into the first inserted part, the first unit and the second unit are connected in a correctly positioned state.

[0013] The processing system according to the third aspect of the present invention is, in the second aspect, wherein the clearance area has an upper and lower clearance part that defines a displacement range in the vertical direction and a horizontal clearance part that defines a displacement range in the horizontal direction.

[0014] According to this aspect, the clearance area has the upper and lower clearance part and the horizontal clearance part. Thereby, the user can perform the alignment of the position guiding part within the ranges of the upper and lower clearance part and the horizontal clearance part, so that the alignment is easy.

[0015] A processing system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second or third aspect, the first insertion portion is a pin protruding in the insertion direction, the first insertion portion is a hole, the tip of the pin has a taper that narrows in the insertion direction, and when the second insertion portion is located within the displaceable region relative to the second insertion portion, the tip of the taper is located within the diameter of the hole.

[0016] According to this embodiment, by positioning the second insertion portion within the clearance region relative to the second insertion portion, the tip of the taper at the tip of the pin, which is the first insertion portion, is positioned within the diameter of the hole, which is the first insertion portion. As a result, even if the axis of the first insertion portion and the axis of the first insertion portion do not coincide, if the tip of the taper is positioned within the diameter of the hole, the taper will guide the insertion in a direction that brings the two axes together as it progresses. Therefore, by aligning the second insertion portion so that it is positioned within the clearance area relative to the second insertion portion, a configuration in which the first insertion portion and the first insertion portion can be inserted can be realized with a simple structure.

[0017] A processing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect, is characterized in that the first insertion portion is a pin protruding in the insertion direction, the first inserted portion is a hole, the entrance of the hole has a reverse taper that expands in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, and the pin is located within the maximum diameter of the reverse taper of the hole when the second insertion portion is located within the clearance region with respect to the second inserted portion.

[0018] According to this embodiment, by positioning the second insertion portion within the clearance region relative to the second insertion portion, the pin is positioned within the maximum diameter of the reverse taper of the hole. As a result, even if the axis of the first insertion portion and the axis of the first insertion portion are not aligned, if the pin is positioned within the maximum diameter of the reverse taper of the hole, the reverse taper will guide the pin in a direction that brings the two axes together as insertion progresses. Therefore, by aligning the second insertion portion so that it is positioned within the clearance area relative to the second insertion portion, a configuration in which the first insertion portion and the first insertion portion can be inserted can be realized with a simple structure.

[0019] A processing system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one aspect of the first to fifth aspects, is characterized in that the first unit is a recording device having an internal discharge section from which a recorded medium is discharged, and the second unit is an optional unit connected to the internal discharge section via the positioning mechanism and having a receiving section for receiving the medium recorded by the recording device, wherein the positioning section is located outside the receiving section in the width direction of the conveyed medium, and the position guide section is located above the receiving section.

[0020] If the second unit is an optional unit connected via the positioning mechanism to the discharge section inside the recording device and receiving the medium recorded by the recording device, the positioning section will be located in a place that is difficult for the user to see. In particular, if the positioning sections are located outside the receiving section in the width direction of the transported medium, it will be difficult to work while simultaneously checking both positioning sections, further reducing visibility. As a result, aligning the positioning sections will become difficult. However, according to this embodiment, as described above, the positioning part is aligned by the first stage alignment by the position guide part, so the first insertion part can enter the first insertion part with less risk of collision. Also, since the position guide part is located above the receiving part, the visibility of the position guide part that performs the first stage alignment is somewhat improved, and the alignment of the position guide part becomes easier due to the improved visibility. Therefore, the recording device and the option unit are connected in a correctly positioned state.

[0021] A processing system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the sixth aspect, the position guide unit is located above the positioning unit.

[0022] According to this embodiment, since the position guide portion is located above the positioning portion, the visibility of the position guide portion during alignment is improved, making alignment easier.

[0023] The processing system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the position guide portion is located upstream of the positioning portion in the insertion direction.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the position guide portion is located upstream of the positioning portion in the insertion direction, so that the visibility of the position guide portion when aligning it is improved and the alignment is made easier.

[0025] A processing system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one embodiment of the sixth to eighth aspects, the recording device comprises a discharge unit for discharging the medium, and the discharge unit is inserted into the receiving unit.

[0026] In a processing system in which the discharge section of the recording device is inserted into the receiving section of the optional unit, if the alignment is insufficient and the two are brought close together, there is a risk of damaging the positioning mechanism, as well as a risk of the discharge section and the receiving section colliding and damaging them. The present invention is particularly effective in processing systems with such a structure.

[0027] A processing system according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the ninth aspect, the first insertion portion is located on the same plane as the discharge portion.

[0028] In a processing system in which the medium discharged from the discharge section of the recording device is received by the receiving section of the optional unit, particularly high positioning accuracy is required in the relative position of the discharge section and the receiving section. According to this embodiment, since the first insertion portion is located on the same plane as the discharge portion, the positioning portion can be located near the discharge portion, making it easier to meet the requirements.

[0029] A processing system according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to tenth aspects, comprises a first hole as the second insertion portion provided on one of the recording device and the option unit, and a first protrusion as the second insertion portion provided on the other of the recording device and the option unit and inserted into the first hole, wherein the option unit is restricted from vertical displacement when the first protrusion is inserted into the first hole.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the option unit's vertical displacement is restricted by the insertion of the first protrusion, which constitutes the position guide portion, into the first hole, which also constitutes the position guide portion. In other words, according to this embodiment, by inserting the first protrusion into the first hole, the range of movement of the first protrusion is limited by the upper and lower parts within the hole, thereby easily providing the clearance region in the vertical direction.

[0031] A processing system according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in an eleventh aspect, is characterized in that the first hole is provided with a first flat portion, the first flat portion has a flat surface along the insertion direction, and the flat surface is arranged to face the first protrusion that is inserted into it from below, and the first protrusion inserted into the first hole is restricted from downward displacement by the first flat portion.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the first protrusion inserted into the first hole is restricted from downward displacement by the first flat portion, making it easier to align the position guide portion. Furthermore, since the first protrusion inserted into the first hole is guided in the insertion direction by the first flat portion, this also makes it easier to align the position guide portion.

[0033] A processing system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in an eleventh or twelfth aspect, comprises a second protrusion located outside the first hole in the width direction of the medium, and a second hole into which the second protrusion is inserted, wherein the option unit is characterized in that rotation about the position of the second insertion portion is restricted by the insertion of the second protrusion into the second hole.

[0034] According to this embodiment, the rotation of the option unit around the position of the second insertion portion is restricted by the insertion of the second protrusions into the second holes. This allows the position guide portion to be aligned in a stable position, making it easier to align the position guide portion.

[0035] A processing system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in a twelfth or thirteenth aspect, is characterized in that the second protrusion constitutes another second insertion portion of the position guide portion, the second hole constitutes another second insertion portion of the position guide portion, and the option unit is restricted from upward displacement by the insertion of the second protrusion into the second hole.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the option unit's upward displacement is restricted when the second protrusion, which forms the other second insertion part, is inserted into the second hole, which forms the other second insertion part, thereby facilitating the alignment of the position guide.

[0037] A processing system according to a 15th aspect of the present invention, in a 14th aspect, is characterized in that the option unit has a second flat plate portion in each of the second holes, the second protrusions are each formed by a plate-shaped third flat plate portion, and when the third flat plate portions are inserted into the second holes, the second flat plate portions are positioned to overlap the third flat plate portions from below.

[0038] According to this embodiment, when the third flat plate portion is inserted into the second hole portion, the second flat plate portion is positioned to overlap the third flat plate portion from below. This restricts the upward displacement, allowing the position guide portion to be aligned in a stable position, and making it easier to align the position guide portion. Furthermore, since the second flat plate overlaps the third flat plate from below, it is possible to fix the second flat plate and the third flat plate together using fasteners such as screws. In this case, since the position guide is located above the receiving portion, the fixing work is easier.

[0039] A processing system according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one embodiment of the sixth to fifteenth aspects, the optional unit is a relay transport unit that transports the medium recorded on the medium by the recording device to a post-processing device that performs predetermined post-processing on the medium.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the sixth embodiment can be obtained for such relay transport units.

[0041] A processing system according to a 17th aspect of the present invention, in a 16th aspect, is characterized in that the relay transport unit has a rear section having a transfer section for transferring the medium to the post-processing device, the recording device has a restricting section for restricting the movement of the relay transport unit in the insertion direction, and the rear section is restricted from movement by the restricting section.

[0042] According to this embodiment, when the relay transport unit is moved in the insertion direction and positioned by the positioning mechanism in the discharge section inside the body of the recording device, the rear surface portion is restricted from moving in the insertion direction by the restricting portion, making the installation work easier.

[0043] A relay transport unit according to the 18th aspect of the present invention is connected via a positioning mechanism to the discharge section inside the cylinder of a recording device, has a receiving section for receiving a medium recorded by the recording device, and transports the medium to a post-processing device for performing predetermined post-processing on the medium, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a positioning section for positioning the recording device and the relay transport unit by inserting a first insertion section provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit into a first insertion section provided on the other, and a positioning guide section for guiding the first insertion section to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion section by inserting a second insertion section provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit into a second insertion section provided on the other, wherein the insertion of the positioning guide section precedes the insertion of the positioning section. According to this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained as a relay transport unit.

[0044] A relay transport unit according to the 19th aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the 18th aspect, the positioning section is located outside the receiving section, and the position guide section is located above the receiving section. According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment can be obtained as a relay transport unit.

[0045] A relay transport unit according to a 20th aspect of the present invention, in a 19th aspect, comprises other position guides located outside the position guide in the width direction of the medium, wherein the option unit is characterized in that a second protrusion, which serves as a second insertion portion of the other position guide, is inserted into a second hole, which serves as a second insertion portion, thereby restricting rotation about the axis of the position guide located between the other position guides. According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the 13th embodiment can be obtained as a relay transport unit.

[0046] [Embodiment 1] The processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal axes will be referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as shown in each figure. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. In each figure, the direction indicated by the arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) is the positive direction for each axis, and the opposite direction is the negative direction.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the processing system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first unit 3 having the function of performing a first processing and a second unit 5 having the function of performing a second processing. The first unit 3 and the second unit 5 constituting the processing system 1 are positioned and connected by a positioning mechanism 7. In this embodiment, the positioning mechanism 7 includes a positioning unit 11 that positions the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 by inserting a first insertion portion 9, provided on the joining surface portion 2 of the second unit 5, into a first insertion portion 10, provided on the joining surface portion 4 of the first unit 3. Furthermore, the positioning mechanism 7 includes a positioning guide unit 17 that guides the first insertion portion 9 to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion 10 by inserting a second insertion portion 13, provided on the joining surface portion 2 of the second unit 5, into a second insertion portion 15, provided on the joining surface portion 4 of the first unit 3. Alternatively, the opposite may be provided: the first insertion portion 10 is provided on the joint surface portion 2 of the second unit 5, the first insertion portion 9 is provided on the joint surface portion 4 of the first unit 3, the second insertion portion 15 is provided on the joint surface portion 2 of the second unit 5, and the second insertion portion 13 is provided on the joint surface portion 4 of the first unit 3.

[0048] Furthermore, the relative arrangement of the position guide portion 17 and the positioning portion 11 is configured such that the insertion of the position guide portion 17, i.e., the insertion of the second insertion portion 13 into the second insertion portion 15, precedes the insertion of the positioning portion 11, i.e., the insertion of the first insertion portion 9 into the first insertion portion 10. Here, "leading" means that at the time the second insertion portion 13 of the position guide portion 17 approaches the second insertion portion 15 and begins insertion, the first insertion portion 9 of the positioning portion 11 has not yet reached the entrance of the first insertion portion 10. In other words, the structure is such that the first insertion portion 9 of the positioning portion 11 can reach the entrance of the first insertion portion 10 and begin insertion only after the second insertion portion 13 has approached the second insertion portion 15, reached its entrance, and begun insertion. Simply put, in a structure where the first insertion portion 9 and the second insertion portion 13 protrude from the same joint surface portion 2 as shown in Figure 1, the protrusion dimension of the second insertion portion 13 in the insertion direction P from the joint surface portion 2 is configured to be larger than the protrusion dimension of the first insertion portion 9.

[0049] <Positioning section> The positioning unit 11 is designed to ensure that the relative positions of the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 are in the intended state when the first insertion unit 9 is inserted into the first insertion unit 10, and that the two units can be connected in this state. As shown in Figure 1, the first insertion portion 9 has two first insertion portions 9a and 9b, and the first insertion portion 10 also has two first insertion portions 10a and 10b. The positioning portion 11 may be composed of three or more first insertion portions 9 and correspondingly three or more first insertion portions 10. Alternatively, the positioning section 11 may be composed of one first insertion section 9 and one first insertion section 10. When each is composed of only one of these, alignment is not easy if the second unit 5 can rotate around the position of the one positioning section 11, so it is desirable to have a structure that restricts this rotation for positioning. For example, the rotation can be restricted by making the first insertion section 9 a rectangular plate shape and the first insertion section 10 a rectangular hole shape corresponding to the respective plate shapes.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first insertion portions 9a and 9b of the positioning portion 11 are pins 19a and 19b that protrude in the insertion direction P (+Y direction). Here, the pins 19a and 19b are cylindrical in shape. The first insertion portions 10a and 10b are holes 21a and 21b into which the pins 19a and 19b are inserted. The holes 21a and 21b have an inner surface shape that corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the pins 19a and 19b. That is, the outer diameter of the pins 19a and 19b and the diameter of the holes 21a and 21b are approximately the same, and they are configured to be in contact with each other with a clearance sufficient to allow insertion. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(B)(D)(F) and 3(B)(D)(F), the tips of the pins 19a and 19b are provided with a taper 23 that narrows in the insertion direction P. This taper 23 is intended to facilitate the insertion of the pins 19a and 19b into the holes 21a and 21b. Here, the taper 23 is conical in shape. However, it may also be frustoconical, or any other shape that facilitates insertion.

[0051] <Location guide section> The position guide portion 17 is configured such that when the second insertion portion 13 is inserted into the second insertion portion 15, it guides the first insertion portion 9 (9a, 9b) to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion 10 (10a, 10b). Here, as shown in Figure 1, the second insertion portion 13 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The second insertion portion 15 has an inner surface shape corresponding to the rectangular plate shape. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(A), the position guide portion 17 has a clearance region 25 in which the second insertion portion 13 can be displaced relative to the second insertion portion 15 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, which are directions intersecting the insertion direction P. In this embodiment, the clearance region 25 has an upper and lower clearance portion 27 that defines the displacement range in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and a horizontal clearance portion 29 that defines the displacement range in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). Here, the dimensions of the upper and lower clearance portion 27 and the horizontal clearance portion 29 are formed to be the same. As described above, the clearance region 25 is the gap between the outer surface of the second insertion portion 13 and the inner surface of the second insertion portion 15 when the second insertion portion 13 is inserted into the second insertion portion 15. The first insertion portion 9 (9a, 9b) and the first insertion portion 10 (10a, 10b) are configured to be in an insertable state when the second insertion portion 13 is positioned within the second insertion portion 15 which has a clearance area 25.

[0052] Based on Figures 2 and 3, we will explain a structure in which the first insertion portion 9 (9a, 9b) of the positioning portion 11 is guided to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion 10 (10a, 10b) by aligning the second insertion portion 13 of the positioning guide portion 17 to be located within the second insertion portion 15 having a clearance area 25. Here, we will explain using the positioning portion 11 provided in the +X direction of the positioning guide portion 17 as an example, but the same applies to the positioning portion 11 provided in the -X direction of the positioning guide portion 17, although the orientation in the X direction will be reversed. Figures 2(A)(B) and 3(A)(B) show a state in which the center 6 of the tip of the second insertion portion 13 is aligned in a straight line with the center 8 of the second insertion portion 15 in the insertion direction P. In this state, the center 12 of the tips of the pins 19a and 19b, which constitute the first insertion portion 9 (9a and 9b), is aligned in a straight line with the center 14 of the holes 21a and 21b, which constitute the first insertion portion 10 (10a and 10b), in the insertion direction P. That is, the first insertion portion 9 (9a and 9b) is in a position to be inserted into the first insertion portion 10 (10a and 10b).

[0053] Figures 2(C)(D) and 3(C)(D) show a state in which the center 6 of the tip of the second insertion portion 13 is not aligned in a straight line with the center 8 of the second insertion portion 15 in the insertion direction P, but is offset to a maximum extent in the +X direction within the clearance region 25. In this state, the center 12 of the tips of the pins 19a and 19b, which are the first insertion portion 9(9a and 9b), is offset in the +X direction from the center 14 of the holes 21a and 21b, which are the first insertion portion 10(10a and 10b). However, the relative position of the position guide 17 and the positioning 11 is configured such that even with the aforementioned misalignment in the +X direction, the center 12 of the tip of the pins 19a and 19b is located inside the holes 21a and 21b. As a result, when the pins 19a and 19b are moved in the direction to be inserted into the holes 21a and 21b, the taper 23 first contacts the edge of the entrance of the holes 21a and 21b. Subsequently, the taper 23 guides the center 12 of the pins 19a and 19b in a direction (-X direction) where it is aligned with the center 14 of the holes 21a and 21b. Then, with both centers 12 and 14 aligned, the pins 19a and 19b are inserted into the holes 21a and 21b. In other words, even if the position guide portion 17 is positioned as far as possible in the +X direction within the clearance region 25 as described above, the first insertion portion 9 (9a, 9b) of the positioning portion 11 will be in a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion 10 (10a, 10b).

[0054] Figures 2(E)(F) and 3(E)(F) show a state in which the center 6 of the tip of the second insertion portion 13 is not aligned with the center 8 of the second insertion portion 15 in the insertion direction P, but is offset to the maximum extent in the -X direction within the clearance region 25. In this state, the center 12 of the tips of the pins 19a and 19b is offset in the -X direction from the center 14 of the holes 21a and 21b. However, the relative position of the position guide 17 and the positioning 11 is configured such that even with the aforementioned misalignment in the -X direction, the center 12 of the tip of the pins 19a and 19b is located inside the holes 21a and 21b. As a result, when the pins 19a and 19b are moved in the direction to be inserted into the holes 21a and 21b, the taper 23 first contacts the edge of the entrance of the holes 21a and 21b. Subsequently, the taper 23 guides the center 12 of the pins 19a and 19b in a direction (+X direction) where it is aligned with the center 14 of the holes 21a and 21b. Then, with both centers 12 and 14 aligned, the pins 19a and 19b are inserted into the holes 21a and 21b. In other words, even if the position guide portion 17 is positioned as far as possible in the -X direction within the clearance region 25 as described above, the first insertion portion 9 (9a, 9b) of the positioning portion 11 will be in a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion 10 (10a, 10b).

[0055] Even if the center 6 of the tip of the second insertion portion 13 is not aligned with the center 8 of the second insertion portion 15 in the insertion direction P, and is offset by a maximum of +Z or -Z within the clearance region 25, the first insertion portion 9 (9a, 9b) is still in a position to be inserted into the first insertion portion 10 (10a, 10b). This can be explained in the same way as in Figures 2 and 3 by simply replacing "X direction" with "Z direction" in the above explanation. Therefore, that explanation is omitted.

[0056] [Example 1] In the above description, the clearance area 25 was described as being formed with the same dimensions for the upper and lower clearance portions 27 and the horizontal clearance portion 29. However, the structure is not limited to this "same dimensions" configuration, and one of them may be larger than the other. Furthermore, the dimensions of either the upper / lower clearance portion 27 or the horizontal clearance portion 29, or both, may be set to approximately zero. In this case, aligning the position guide portion 17 becomes difficult, increasing the risk of the second insertion portion 13 colliding with the joint surface portion 4 on the second insertion portion 15 side. However, the position guide portion 17 does not play a role in positioning the first unit 3 and the second unit 5, but rather guides the first insertion portion 9 of the positioning portion 11 to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion 10. Therefore, even if the second insertion portion 13 of the position guide portion 17 collides with the joint surface portion 4, the processing unit 1 can be designed in such a way that it does not cause problems as long as the positioning portion 11 does not collide. Furthermore, even with a processing unit 1 of this structure, it is possible to facilitate insertion into the second insertion portion 15 by providing a taper at the tip of the second insertion portion 13.

[0057] [Differentiation 2] Instead of the taper 23 provided at the tip of the first insertion portion 9, a structure with a reverse taper 31 that expands in the opposite direction to the insertion direction P (-Y direction) at the entrance of the holes 21a and 21b, as shown in Figure 4, is also acceptable. The tips of the pins 19a and 19b do not have a taper 23. However, the tips of the pins 19a and 19b may also have a taper 23. Furthermore, with the second insertion portion 13 positioned within the clearance region 25 relative to the second insertion portion 15, the pins 19a and 19b of the positioning portion 11 are configured to be positioned within the maximum diameter of the reverse taper 31 of the holes 21a and 21b. It may also be combined with the taper 23 provided at the tip of the first insertion portion 9.

[0058] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 1> (1) In a device in which one device is provided with an insertion pin and the other device is provided with an insertion hole, and the two devices are positioned and connected by inserting the insertion pin into the insertion hole, the following problems exist. If the alignment of the insertion pin and the insertion hole is insufficient and they are misaligned when they approach each other, the insertion pin may come into contact with the other device, damaging the insertion pin and potentially damaging the other device it comes into contact with. In particular, if the device on which the insertion pin is provided is large, the position of the insertion pin is far away from the user, making the alignment difficult and increasing the likelihood of the devices coming into contact. According to this embodiment, when connecting the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 via the positioning mechanism 7, the insertion of the position guide portion 17 precedes the insertion of the positioning portion 11. As a result, when the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 approach each other while the alignment of the position guide section 17 is misaligned, the second insertion section 13, which constitutes the position guide section 17, collides with the other unit 3. However, the first insertion section 9, which constitutes the positioning section 11, is not yet in a position to contact the other unit 3, so there is no collision. In other words, damage to the members constituting the positioning section 11 and their surroundings can be suppressed during the alignment process. When the position guide unit 17 is aligned, the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 approach each other, and the second insertion unit 13 is inserted into the second insertion unit 15 of the other unit 3. According to this embodiment, the second insertion portion 13 is inserted into the second insertion portion 15, which guides the first insertion portion 9, which constitutes the positioning portion 11, to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion 10. As a result, the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 continue to approach each other in this guided state, causing the first insertion portion 9 to be inserted into the first insertion portion 10. As described above, according to this embodiment, by achieving the first stage of alignment by the position guide unit 17, the first insertion portion 9 of the positioning unit 11 is automatically aligned to be inserted into the first insertion portion 10. That is, the positioning unit 11 is aligned by the first stage of alignment. In this state, as the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 approach each other, the first insertion portion 9 of the positioning unit 11 reaches the entrance of the first insertion portion 10, so that the first insertion portion 9 can enter the first insertion portion 10 with less risk of collision. Once the alignment is achieved, the first insertion portion 9 of the positioning portion 11 enters the first insertion portion 10, thereby connecting the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 in a correctly positioned state.

[0059] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the position guide portion 17 has a clearance region 25 in which the second insertion portion 13 can be displaced relative to the second insertion portion 15 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction P. As a result, the clearance region 25 makes it easier to align the second insertion portion 13 for insertion into the second insertion portion 15. The first insertion portion 9 and the first insertion portion 10 are configured to be insertable when the second insertion portion 13 is positioned within the clearance area 25 relative to the second insertion portion 15. As a result, by inserting the first insertion portion 9 into the first insertion portion 10, the first unit 3 and the second unit 5 are connected in a correctly positioned state.

[0060] (3) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the clearance region 25 has an upper and lower clearance portion 27 and a horizontal clearance portion 29. As a result, the user can align the position guide portion 17 within the range of the upper and lower clearance portion 27 and the horizontal clearance portion 29, making the alignment easy.

[0061] (4) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by positioning the second insertion portion 13 within the clearance region 25 relative to the second insertion portion 15, the tip of the taper 23 at the tip of the pin 19a, 19b, which is the first insertion portion 9, is positioned within the diameter of the holes 21a, 21b, which is the first insertion portion 10. As a result, even if the axis of the first insertion portion 9 and the axis of the first insertion portion 10 do not coincide, if the center 12, which is the tip of the taper 23, is positioned within the diameter of the holes 21a, 21b, the taper 23 will guide the insertion in a direction in which the two axes coincide as insertion progresses in that state. Therefore, by aligning the second insertion portion 13 so that it is located within the clearance region 25 relative to the second insertion portion 15, a configuration in which the first insertion portion 9 and the first insertion portion 10 can be inserted can be realized with a simple structure.

[0062] (5) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by positioning the second insertion portion 13 within the clearance region 25 relative to the second insertion portion 15, the pins 19a and 19b are positioned within the maximum diameter of the reverse taper 31 of the holes 21a and 21b. As a result, even if the axis of the first insertion portion 9 and the axis of the first insertion portion 10 do not coincide, if the pins 19a and 19b are positioned within the maximum diameter of the reverse taper 31 of the holes 21a and 21b, the reverse taper 31 will guide them in a direction in which the two axes coincide as insertion progresses in that state. Therefore, by aligning the second insertion portion 13 so that it is located within the clearance region 25 relative to the second insertion portion 15, a configuration in which the first insertion portion 9 and the first insertion portion 10 can be inserted can be realized with a simple structure.

[0063] [Embodiment 2] Hereinafter, the processing system 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 13. Parts identical to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their previously described details are omitted. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first unit 3 is a recording device 3 having an internal discharge section 33 from which a medium S such as recorded paper is discharged. The same reference numerals will be used for the recording device 3 as for the first unit 3. This recording device 3 is an inkjet printer and is equipped with a scanner 16 on top. The internal discharge section 33 is surrounded by the scanner 16 at least on its upper part, and further surrounded by a side plate or the like on part or all of its sides. Therefore, when the second unit 5 is connected to the recessed part 18 of the internal discharge section 33, visibility is poor, making it often difficult to align the positioning mechanism 11.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second unit 5 is an optional unit 5 located in a recessed portion 18 of the internal discharge section 33 of the drum, connected to the recording device 3 via a positioning mechanism 7, and receiving the medium S recorded by the recording device 3. The same reference numerals as the second unit 5 will be used for the optional unit 5. In this embodiment, the optional unit 5 is a relay transport unit 39 that transports the medium S recorded by the recording device 3 to a post-processing device 37 (Figure 5) that performs predetermined post-processing such as stapling on the medium S, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In Figures 5 and 6, the symbol F indicates the transport direction in which the medium S is transported. As shown in Figure 6, the relay transport unit 39 has a receiving section 35 that receives the medium S discharged from the recording device 3. The medium S received in the receiving section 35 is transported along the internal transport path 20 in the transport direction F and sent to the post-processing device 37. Note that Figure 5 omits the illustration of the relay transport unit 39. In such a relay transport unit 39, there is a risk of paper jams occurring if the media is transported at an angle. To avoid such problems, it is important to receive the media in the correct position and orientation, and the positioning accuracy of the relay transport unit 39 is required.

[0065] <Arrangement of the positioning guide and positioning units> As shown in Figure 6, the joint surface 2 on which the positioning section 11 and position guide section 17 of the relay transport unit 39 are provided is composed of a first joint surface 2a and a second joint surface 2b, which are located front to back with respect to the insertion direction P, unlike in Embodiment 1. The first insertion section 9 of the positioning section 11 is provided on the second joint surface 2a, which is located "front". The second insertion section 13 of the position guide section 17 is provided on the second joint surface 2b, which is located "rear". As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the joint surface 4 on which the positioning section 11 and position guide section 17 of the recording device 3 are provided is also different from Embodiment 1, and is composed of a first joint surface 4a and a second joint surface 4b that are located front to back with respect to the insertion direction P. The first insertion section 10 of the positioning section 11 is provided on the second joint surface 4a which is located "front". The second insertion section 15 of the position guide section 17 is provided on the second joint surface 4b which is located "rear". Alternatively, the first insertion portion 10 of the positioning portion 11 may be provided on the second joining surface portion 2a, the second insertion portion 15 of the position guide portion 17 may be provided on the second joining surface portion 2b, the first insertion portion 9 of the positioning portion 11 may be provided on the second joining surface portion 4a, and the second insertion portion 13 of the position guide portion 17 may be provided on the second joining surface portion 4b. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, they may be provided on the same surface.

[0066] As can be understood from the above explanation, the position guide section 17 is located upstream of the positioning section 11 in the insertion direction P. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the position guide section 17 is located above the positioning section 11. Specifically, the position guide section 17 is located between and above the two first insertion sections 9a and 9b. Note that in Figure 7, other parts of the recording device 3 other than the joint surface section 4 (4a, 4b) on which the second insertion section 15 is provided have been omitted for the sake of clarity in the explanation.

[0067] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the positioning section 11 is located outside the receiving section 35 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the conveyed medium S. Specifically, the two first insertion sections 9a and 9b of the positioning section 11 are located at both ends of the relay conveying unit 39 in the width direction (X-axis direction). In Figure 7, the receiving section 35 is not shown because it is in a position that is not visible, but the receiving section 35 shown in Figure 6 is located between the two first insertion sections 9a and 9b in Figure 7. The two first insertion sections 10a and 10b of the positioning section 11 are located on the bonding surface 4 of the recording device 3, and are provided at positions corresponding to the two first insertion sections 9a and 9b. As shown in Figure 6, the position guide section 17 is located above the receiving section 35.

[0068] <Location guide section> In this embodiment, the recording device 3 includes a first hole 41 as a second insertion portion 15 and a first protrusion 43 as a second insertion portion 13 provided on the relay transport unit 39, which is an optional unit 5, and inserted into the first hole 41. The relay transport unit 39 is restricted from vertical displacement (in the Z-axis direction) when the first protrusion 43 is inserted into the first hole 41. As shown in Figure 8, the joint surfaces 4 (4a, 4b) of the recording device 3 are formed by bending and cutting sheet metal 22. The first hole 41, which serves as the second insertion portion 15, is formed by cutting sheet metal 22. The holes 21a and 21b, which serve as the first insertion portions 10a and 10b of the positioning portion 11, are also formed by drilling holes in the sheet metal 22, as shown in the figure. In this embodiment, one of the holes 21a is formed as an elongated hole that is long in the X-axis direction.

[0069] Furthermore, a first flat portion 45 is provided in the first hole portion 41. The first flat portion 45 is formed by cutting and bending the sheet metal 22 into the shape shown in the figure so that it protrudes in the insertion direction P. The first flat portion 45 has a flat surface 47 along the insertion direction P, and is provided in such a way that the flat surface 47 faces the first protrusion 43, which is inserted into the first hole portion 41, from below. As a result, the first protrusion 43 inserted into the first hole 41 is restricted from downward displacement by the first flat portion 45.

[0070] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the second joining surface portion 2b, which is part of the joining surface portion 2 of the relay transport unit 39, is formed by bending and cutting sheet metal 24. The first protrusion 43, which serves as the second insertion portion 13, is formed by cutting and raising sheet metal 24. Specifically, the first protrusion 43 is formed by cutting and raising sheet metal 24 into the shape shown in the figure so that it protrudes in the insertion direction P. In Figure 9, parts of the relay transport unit 39 other than the second joining surface 2b are omitted from the illustration. Also, in this embodiment, the second joining surface 2a on which the first insertion parts 9a and 9b are provided is also provided on a separate component from the sheet metal 24, so it is omitted from the illustration.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the medium S is provided with second protrusions 49a and 49b located outside the first hole 41, which is located in the width direction (X-axis direction), and second holes 51a and 51b into which the second protrusions 49a and 49b are inserted, as shown in Figure 9. The second protrusions 49a and 49b are formed by cutting and bending the same sheet metal 22 as the first flat portion 45, so as to protrude in the opposite direction to the insertion direction P (-Y direction). The second holes 51a and 51b are formed by cutting and bending the same sheet metal 24 as the second insertion portion 13, so as to protrude in the opposite direction to the insertion direction P (-Y direction). The rotation of the option unit 5 around the position of the second insertion portion 13 is restricted by the insertion of the second protrusions 49a and 49b into the second holes 51a and 51b.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second protrusions 49a and 49b constitute the other second insertion portion 13 of the position guide portion 17, and the second holes 51a and 51b constitute the other second insertion portion 15 of the position guide portion 17. As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the upward displacement of the option unit 5 is restricted by the insertion of the second protrusions 49a and 49b into the second holes 51a and 51b.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the optional unit 5 has second flat plate portions 53a and 53b in the second holes 51a and 51b, respectively, and as shown in Figure 8, the second protrusions 49a and 49b are formed by plate-shaped third flat plate portions 55a and 55b, respectively. The second flat sections 53a and 53b are formed by cutting and bending the same sheet metal 24 as the second insertion section 13, so as to protrude in the opposite direction to the insertion direction P (-Y direction). The third flat sections 55a and 55b are formed by cutting and bending the same sheet metal 22 as the first flat section 45, so as to protrude in the opposite direction to the insertion direction P (-Y direction). As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b are inserted into the second holes 51a and 51b, so that the second flat plate portions 53a and 53b are positioned to overlap the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b from below. In other words, the second flat plate portions 53a and 53b are located below the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b and are configured to overlap them when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the second flat plate portions 53a and 53b are in contact with the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b from below. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second flat plate portions 53a and 53b and the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b are fastened together with screws 26 in the overlapping state.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, which is a partially enlarged view, the recording device 3 is equipped with an discharge unit 57 for discharging the recorded medium S. The discharge unit 57 is configured to be inserted into the receiving unit 35. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first insertion portion 10 is formed to be on the same plane as the discharge portion 57. That is, as shown in Figure 12, the first insertion portion 10 is positioned in the upper position and the discharge portion 57 is positioned in the lower position, with the XZ plane being the same plane. Here, "located on the same plane" does not require strict identity, but rather means that the first insertion portion 10 and the discharge portion 57 are located close to a single plane, with that plane as the reference plane.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 13, the relay transport unit 39 has a rear section 61 on which a transfer section 59 is located for transferring the medium S to the post-processing device 37. The recording device 3 has a restricting section 63 that restricts the movement of the relay transport unit 37 in the insertion direction P. The rear section 61 is restricted from moving in the insertion direction P by the restricting section 63. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the rear portion 61 is located on the outside and in contact with the restricting portion 63. In other words, the rear portion 61 is located at the rear of the restricting portion 63 in the insertion direction P and in contact with it.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear surface portion 61 of the relay transport unit 37 is positioned and in contact with the regulating portion 63 and the rear positioning portion 68 of the recording device 3. The rear positioning section 68 is configured such that the rear portion 61 of the relay transport unit 37 is positioned relative to the recording device 3 by inserting two protrusions 65a and 65b provided on the regulating section 63 into holes 67a and 67b provided on the rear portion 61. The unit is then fastened with screws 70 or the like while in the positioned position provided by the rear positioning section 68.

[0077] <Description of the effects of Embodiment 2> (1) According to this embodiment, if the second unit 5 is an optional unit 5 that is connected via a positioning mechanism 7 in the discharge section 33 inside the recording device 3 and receives the medium S recorded by the recording device 3, the positioning section 11 will be located in a place that is difficult for the user to see. In particular, in a structure in which the positioning sections 11 are located outside the receiving section 35 in the width direction of the medium S being transported, one of the positioning sections 11 will be located deep inside the optional unit. Therefore, it is difficult to work while checking both positioning sections 11 at the same time, and the visibility of the positioning section 11 is further reduced. As a result, aligning the positioning section 11 becomes more difficult. However, according to this embodiment, as described in Embodiment 1, the positioning section 11 is aligned by the first stage alignment performed by the position guide section 17, so the first insertion section 9 can enter the first insertion section 10 with less risk of collision. Also, since the position guide section 17 is located above the receiving section 35, the visibility of the position guide section 17 that performs the first stage alignment is somewhat improved, and the alignment of the position guide section 17 becomes easier due to the improved visibility. Therefore, the recording device 3 and the optional unit 5 are connected in a correctly positioned state.

[0078] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the position guide unit 17 is located above the positioning unit 11, so the visibility of the position guide unit 17 when aligning it is improved, making it easier to align it. (3) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the position guide portion 17 is located upstream of the positioning portion 11 in the insertion direction P, so the visibility of the position guide portion 17 when aligning it is improved, and the alignment becomes easier. (4) Furthermore, in a processing system 1 in which the discharge section 57 of the recording device 3 is inserted into the receiving section 35 of the optional unit 5, if the alignment is insufficient and the two are brought close together, there is a risk of damaging the positioning mechanism 7, as well as a risk of the discharge section 57 and the receiving section 35 colliding and damaging them. According to this embodiment, the effect is significant in a processing system 1 with such a structure. (5) In addition, in the processing system 1, which has a structure in which the medium S discharged from the discharge section 57 of the recording device 3 is received by the receiving section 35 of the optional unit 5, a particularly high positioning accuracy is required in the relative position of the discharge section 57 and the receiving section 35. According to this embodiment, since the first insertion section 10 is located on the same plane as the discharge section 57, the positioning section 11 can be located close to the discharge section 57, making it easier to meet the above requirement.

[0079] (6) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the displacement of the option unit 5 in the vertical direction is restricted by inserting the first protrusion 43, which constitutes the position guide portion 17, into the first hole portion 41, which also constitutes the position guide portion 17. That is, by inserting the first protrusion 43 into the first hole portion 41, it is possible to configure the unit so that the range of movement of the first protrusion 43 is restricted by the upper and lower parts of the hole, thereby easily providing a clearance region 27 (Embodiment 1) in the vertical direction. (7) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first protrusion 43 inserted into the first hole 41 is restricted from downward displacement by the first flat portion 45, making it easier to align the position guide portion 17. Also, the first protrusion 43 inserted into the first hole 41 is guided in the insertion direction by the first flat portion 45, which also makes it easier to align the position guide portion 17.

[0080] (8) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rotation of the option unit 5 around the position of the second insertion portion 13 is restricted by the insertion of the second protrusions 49a and 49b into the second holes 51a and 51b, respectively. This allows the position guide portion 17 to be aligned in a stable position, making it easier to align the position guide portion 17. (9) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the option unit 5 is restricted from upward displacement by inserting the second protrusions 49a and 49b, which form the other second insertion portion 13, into the second holes 51a and 51b, which form the other second insertion portion 15, thereby making it easier to align the position guide portion 17. (10) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b are inserted into the second holes 51a and 51b respectively, the second flat plate portions 53a and 53b are positioned to overlap the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b from below. This restricts upward displacement, allowing the position guide portion 17 to be aligned in a stable position, and making it easier to align the position guide portion 17. Also, since the second flat plate portions 53a and 53b overlap the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b from below, it is possible to fix the second flat plate portions 53a and 53b and the third flat plate portions 55a and 55b with fasteners such as screws. In this case, since the position guide portion 17 is located above the receiving portion 35, the fixing work is easier.

[0081] (11) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained for the relay transport unit 39 that transports the medium S to the post-processing device 37 that performs predetermined post-processing on the medium S recorded by the recording device 3. (12) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the relay transport unit 39 is moved in the insertion direction P at the discharge section 33 inside the body of the recording device 3 and positioned and mounted by the positioning mechanism 7, the rear section 61 is restricted from moving in the insertion direction P by the restricting section 63, making the mounting work easier.

[0082] [Other embodiments] The processing system 1 according to the present invention is based on having the configuration of the embodiments described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In Embodiment 2, the optional unit 5 was described as a relay transport unit 39, but it may also be an inner finisher. Since the inner finisher performs alignment after receiving the medium into the device, the positioning accuracy requirements are lower compared to the relay transport unit 39. However, media recorded by inkjet may be difficult to align due to the frictional force of the medium. Therefore, even when the optional unit 5 is an inner finisher, improving positional accuracy as in the present invention is effective. In Embodiment 2, the second protrusions 49a, 49b and the second flat plates 53a, 53b were described as protruding in the direction opposite to the insertion direction P, but they may also protrude in the insertion direction P. In Embodiment 2, the joining surface portion 2 and the joining surface portion 4 may be configured as part of the relay transport unit and the recording device, or they may be configured as separate parts that can be attached and detached as needed. In Embodiment 2, by adopting a structure that allows the scanner 16 shown in Figure 5 to be lifted and attached / detached, the position guide unit 17 can be viewed from above while working. In particular, even when the entire upper surface of the internal discharge section 33 is covered by the scanner 16, the scanner 16 can be lifted, allowing the operator to work while visually inspecting the position guide section 17 from above. In this case, the position guide section 17, which is the first to be aligned, is located above the receiving section 35 and the positioning section 11, etc., which improves visibility and makes alignment easier. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1...processing system, 2...joint surface section, 2a...first joint surface section, 2b...second joint surface section, 3...first unit 3, 4...joint surface section, 4a...first joint surface section, 4b...second joint surface section, 5...Second unit, 6...Center, 7...Positioning mechanism, 8...Center 9,9a,9b...first insertion part, 10,10a,10b...first inserted part, 11...Positioning part, 12...Center, 13...Second insertion part, 14...Center, 15...Second insertion part, 16...Scanner, 17...Position guide part, 18...Recessed part, 19a, 19b... pins, 20... transport path, 21a, 21b... holes, 22... sheet metal, 23...Taper, 24...Sheet metal, 25...Clearance area 27...Upper and lower clearance section, 29...Horizontal clearance section, 31...Reverse taper, 33...Internal discharge section, 35...Receiving section, 37...Post-processing device, 39...Transfer and transport unit, 41...First hole portion, 43...First protrusion portion, 45...First flat portion, 47...Flat surface, 49a, 49b... Second protrusion, 51a, 51b... Second hole, 53a, 53b...second flat plate part, 55a, 55b...third flat plate part, 57...discharge part, 59...Delivery part, 61...Rear part, 63...Restriction part, 65a, 65b...Convex part, 67a, 67b... Hole section, 70... Screw, F: Conveying direction, P: Insertion direction, S: Medium

Claims

1. A first unit having the function of performing a first process, The system comprises a second unit having the function of performing a second processing and connected to the first unit via a positioning mechanism, The positioning mechanism is, A positioning unit that positions the first unit and the second unit by inserting a first insertion portion provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a first insertion portion provided on the other, The first unit and the second unit each include a position guide that guides the first insertion portion to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion, by inserting the second insertion portion provided on one of the first and second units into the second insertion portion provided on the other. The aforementioned position guide unit is In the state in which the second insertion portion is inserted into the second insertion portion, the second insertion portion has a clearance region in which it can be displaced relative to the second insertion portion in a direction intersecting the insertion direction, The first insertion portion and the first insertion portion are configured to be in an insertable state when the second insertion portion is positioned within the second insertion portion having the clearance region. The insertion of the position guide portion precedes the insertion of the positioning portion. A processing system characterized by the following:

2. A first unit having the function of performing a first process, The system comprises a second unit having the function of performing a second processing and connected to the first unit via a positioning mechanism, The positioning mechanism is, A positioning unit that positions the first unit and the second unit by inserting a first insertion portion provided on one of the first unit and the second unit into a first insertion portion provided on the other, The first unit and the second unit each include a position guide that guides the first insertion portion to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion portion, by inserting the second insertion portion provided on one of the first and second units into the second insertion portion provided on the other. The first unit is a recording device having an internal discharge section from which the recorded medium is discharged, The second unit is an optional unit connected via the positioning mechanism in the internal discharge section of the drum and having a receiving section for receiving the medium recorded by the recording device. The positioning section is located outside the receiving section in the width direction of the discharged medium, The position guide section is located above the receiving section. The insertion of the position guide portion precedes the insertion of the positioning portion. A processing system characterized by the following:

3. In the processing system described in claim 2, The aforementioned position guide unit is The second insertion portion has a clearance region that can be displaced relative to the second insertion portion in a direction intersecting the insertion direction, The first insertion portion and the first insertion portion are configured to be in an insertion state when the second insertion portion is positioned within the second insertion portion having the clearance region. A processing system characterized by the following:

4. In the processing system according to claim 1 or claim 3, The aforementioned clearance region is A vertical clearance section that defines the vertical displacement range, A horizontal clearance section that defines the horizontal displacement range, A processing system characterized by the following:

5. In the processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The position guide section is located above the positioning section. A processing system characterized by the following:

6. In the processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The position guide section is located upstream of the positioning section in the insertion direction. A processing system characterized by the following:

7. In the processing system described in claim 2, The recording device includes an ejection unit for ejecting the recorded medium. The discharge section is inserted into the receiving section. A processing system characterized by the following:

8. In the processing system described in claim 7, The first insertion portion is located on the same plane as the discharge portion, A processing system characterized by the following:

9. In the processing system described in claim 2, The first hole portion, which serves as the second insertion portion, is provided in either the recording device or the option unit. The recording device and the other option unit are provided with a first protrusion which serves as a second insertion portion and is inserted into the first hole, The aforementioned optional unit is such that the first protrusion is inserted into the first hole, thereby limiting its vertical displacement. A processing system characterized by the following:

10. In the processing system described in claim 9, The first hole is provided with a first flat portion. The first flat portion has a flat surface along the insertion direction, and is provided such that the flat surface faces the first protrusion to be inserted from below. The first protrusion, inserted into the first hole, is restricted from downward displacement by the first flat portion. A processing system characterized by the following:

11. In the processing system according to claim 9 or claim 10, The second protrusions are located on the outside of the first hole in the width direction of the medium, It comprises a second hole into which the second protrusion is inserted, The aforementioned optional unit is configured such that the second protrusion is inserted into the second hole, thereby restricting rotation about the position of the second insertion portion. A processing system characterized by the following:

12. In the processing system according to claim 11, The second protrusion constitutes another second insertion portion of the position guide portion. The second hole constitutes another second insertion portion of the position guide portion. The aforementioned optional unit is restricted from upward displacement when the second protrusion is inserted into the second hole. A processing system characterized by the following:

13. In the processing system according to claim 12, The aforementioned optional unit has a second flat plate portion in each of the second holes, Each of the aforementioned second protrusions is formed by a plate-shaped third flat portion, When the third flat plate portion is inserted into the second hole portion, the second flat plate portion is positioned to overlap the third flat plate portion from below. A processing system characterized by the following:

14. In the processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 3, The optional unit is a relay transport unit that transports the medium recorded on by the recording device to a post-processing device that performs predetermined post-processing on the medium. A processing system characterized by the following:

15. In the processing system according to claim 14, The relay transport unit has a rear section which has a transfer section for transferring the medium to the post-processing device, The recording device includes a restricting unit that restricts the movement of the relay transport unit in the insertion direction, The rear portion is restricted from moving by the restricting portion. A processing system characterized by the following:

16. In the processing system according to claim 1, claim 3, or claim 4, The first insertion portion is a pin that protrudes in the insertion direction, The first insertion portion is a hole, The tip of the aforementioned pin has a taper that narrows in the insertion direction. When the second insertion portion is positioned within the clearance region relative to the second insertion portion, the tip of the taper is positioned within the diameter of the hole. A processing system characterized by the following:

17. In the processing system according to claim 1, claim 3, or claim 4, The first insertion portion is a pin that protrudes in the insertion direction, The first insertion portion is a hole, The entrance to the hole has a reverse taper that expands in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. With the second insertion portion positioned within the clearance region relative to the second insertion portion, the pin is positioned within the maximum diameter of the reverse taper of the hole. A processing system characterized by the following:

18. A relay transport unit connected via a positioning mechanism to the discharge section inside the cylinder of a recording device, having a receiving section for receiving a medium recorded by the recording device, and transporting the medium to a post-processing device that performs predetermined post-processing on the medium, The positioning mechanism is, A positioning unit is provided which a first insertion portion is inserted into a first insertion portion provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit to position the recording device and the relay transport unit, The recording device and the relay transport unit include a position guide that guides the first insertion part to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion part, by inserting the second insertion part provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit into the second insertion part provided on the other, The aforementioned position guide unit is In the state in which the second insertion portion is inserted into the second insertion portion, the second insertion portion has a clearance region in which it can be displaced relative to the second insertion portion in a direction intersecting the insertion direction, The first insertion portion and the first insertion portion are configured to be in an insertable state when the second insertion portion is positioned within the second insertion portion having the clearance region. The insertion of the position guide portion precedes the insertion of the positioning portion. A relay transport unit characterized by the following features.

19. A relay transport unit connected via a positioning mechanism to the discharge section inside the cylinder of a recording device, having a receiving section for receiving a medium recorded by the recording device, and transporting the medium to a post-processing device that performs predetermined post-processing on the medium, The positioning mechanism is, A positioning unit is provided which a first insertion portion is inserted into a first insertion portion provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit to position the recording device and the relay transport unit, The recording device and the relay transport unit include a position guide that guides the first insertion part to a position where it can be inserted into the first insertion part, by inserting the second insertion part provided on one of the recording device and the relay transport unit into the second insertion part provided on the other, The positioning parts are located outside the receiving parts, The position guide section is located above the receiving section. The insertion of the position guide portion precedes the insertion of the positioning portion. A relay transport unit characterized by the following features.

20. In the relay transport unit according to claim 19, The medium is provided with other position guides located outside the position guide in the width direction of the medium, The post-processing device restricts rotation of the position guide located between the other position guides by inserting the second protrusion, which serves as the second insertion portion of the other position guide, into the second hole, which serves as the second insertion portion. A processing system characterized by the following:

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