JP7397785B2 - recording system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a recording system that includes a recording device that records images on a medium such as paper, and a post-processing device that is connected to the recording device and performs post-processing on the medium.

Conventionally, printing devices (recording devices) that print (record) images such as characters and photographs by applying ink, which is an example of a liquid, to paper, which is an example of a medium, and paper that is printed by the printing device. 2. Description of the Related Art Printing systems (recording systems) are known that include a post-processing device that performs post-processing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device, a first post-processing device that performs paper drying as a first post-processing, and a second post-processing device that performs stapling etc. as a second post-processing. A printing system is described.

The printing device in the printing system of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the paper on which the image is printed is transported to a first conveyance path toward a first post-processing device and to a paper output tray attached to the printing device. and a second conveyance path. That is, the printing system directly discharges the paper that is not subjected to post-processing from the printing device to the paper output tray without transporting the paper to the first and second post-processing devices. The paper ejection tray is configured to be able to stack a plurality of papers.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-71833

By the way, in the above printing system, the paper ejection tray is attached to the side of the recording apparatus so as to protrude from the recording apparatus, which increases the size of the printing system.
The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a recording system that can contribute to miniaturization.

Below, means for solving the above problems and their effects will be described.
A recording system that solves the above problems includes: a recording device that records an image on a medium; a first post-processing device that performs a first post-processing on the medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device; a second post-processing device that performs a second post-processing on the medium that has been subjected to the first post-processing by the post-processing device, the first post-processing device covering above the medium; The recording device has a housing having an upper surface portion, and the recording device includes a first conveyance path for conveying the medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device to the first post-processing device; A second conveyance path is provided that branches from the path and is located above the first conveyance path, and the upper surface portion is disposed on a side of the recording device, and the upper surface portion has a second conveyance path that has passed through the second conveyance path. The medium is placed.

According to the above configuration, since the upper surface portion covering the upper part of the first post-processing device functions as a paper ejection tray on which media on which images are recorded is loaded, the paper ejection tray is configured to protrude from the side of the recording device. In comparison, it can contribute to downsizing of the recording system.

Further, in the recording system, the housing includes an extension portion that protrudes upwardly from the upper surface portion in a portion where the first post-processing device is adjacent to the second post-processing device, and the first post-processing device The post-processing device includes a third transport path for transporting the medium from the first post-processing device to the second post-processing device; A connecting path is arranged that connects to the second post-processing device, and the connecting path includes a first portion that curves toward the recording device and a connecting path that connects the second post-processing device downstream and above the first portion. A second portion curved toward the post-processing device side, and a portion of the upper surface portion is preferably located below the first portion.

For example, when the connecting path extends straight from below to above and then bends in the horizontal direction toward the second post-processing device, the bending angle becomes approximately a right angle and the curvature becomes large. The greater the curvature of the path, the more likely medium conveyance failure will occur in the connection path. According to the above configuration, since the connecting path arranged inside the extension part is curved toward the recording device side, the curvature of the connecting path can be reduced. For this reason, it becomes difficult for media conveyance defects to occur.

In the above recording system, at least a portion of the upper surface portion has a first positional state covering an upper part of the first post-processing device and a first position state exposing an upper part of the first post-processing device. It is preferable to be configured to be able to switch between two position states.

According to the above configuration, since the upper part of the first post-processing device can be exposed by switching the position state of the top surface part, the first post-processing device can be Accordingly, it is possible to easily remove a medium that has been conveyed incorrectly from inside the post-processing device 1.

Further, in the recording system, the recording device is capable of pulling out a portion of at least one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path above the upper surface portion of the first post-processing device. It is preferable that it be configured.

According to the above configuration, when resolving a conveyance failure of the medium in at least one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path, at least one of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path is lower than the upper surface portion. The medium can be easily removed by pulling it upward.

Further, in the above recording system, it is preferable that the housing covers the recording device together with the first post-processing device.
According to the above configuration, the casing of the first post-processing device and the casing of the recording device can be made common.

Further, in the above recording system, it is preferable that the housing covers the second post-processing device as well as the first post-processing device.
According to the above configuration, the casing of the first post-processing device and the casing of the second post-processing device can be made common.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of an embodiment of a recording system including a recording device. A schematic structural diagram of the printer. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the guide mechanism in a first state. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the second state of the guide mechanism. The enlarged view which shows the 3rd state of a guide mechanism. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first post-processing device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first post-processing device when the top surface is in the first position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first post-processing device when the top surface is in the second position. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram showing a part of the recording system in a state where the drawer unit is pulled out. FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram showing a part of the recording system when the path forming section rotates with the drawer unit pulled out. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first state when a medium is transported within the first post-processing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second state when the medium is transported within the first post-processing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third state when the medium is transported within the first post-processing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth state when the medium is transported within the first post-processing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fifth state when the medium is transported within the first post-processing device. The figure which shows the modification of a 1st post-processing apparatus.

Hereinafter, a printing system as a recording system will be explained with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing system 1000 includes a printer 100, which is an example of a recording device that records an image on paper P, which is an example of a medium, and a printer 100, which is an example of a recording device that records an image on paper P, which is an example of a medium; A first post-processing device 200 that performs post-processing; and a second post-processing device 300 that performs a second post-processing on the paper P that has been subjected to the first post-processing by the first post-processing device. It is composed of . The printing system 1000 is configured by arranging a printer 100, a first post-processing device 200, and a second post-processing device 300 in order from the right side to the left side in the left-right direction X in FIG. That is, in this embodiment, the printer 100 and the first post-processing device 200 are adjacent to each other, and the first post-processing device 200 and The second post-processing devices 300 are adjacent to each other, and the first post-processing device 200 is arranged between the printer 100 and the second post-processing device 300.

The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that records images such as characters and photographs by applying ink, which is an example of a liquid, to paper P, and is housed in a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped recording device side housing 101. In the vertical direction Z, an operation unit 102 for performing various operations of the printer 100 is attached to the upper part of the recording device side housing 101.

The printer 100 is provided with a paper cassette 103 extending from the center to the bottom of the printer 100 in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, four paper cassettes 103 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction Z, and each paper cassette 103 accommodates sheets P to be recorded by the printer 100 in a stacked state. At the center of the paper cassette 103 in the left-right direction X, grip portions 103a that can be gripped by a user are formed. That is, the paper cassette 103 is configured to be insertable into and removed from the recording apparatus side housing 101 in the front-rear direction Y that intersects both the left-right direction X and the vertical direction Z. Note that the sheets P stored in the respective sheet cassettes 103 may be of different types, or may be of the same type.

A front cover 104 is provided at a position adjacent to the uppermost paper cassette 103 in the vertical direction Z. The front cover 104 is rotatably provided with the long side adjacent to the paper cassette 103 as the base end, and the front end side opposite to the base end is in an open position where it is separated from the printer 100 and in an open position where the front end side is separated from the printer 100 and the recording device side housing 101. It is configured to be rotatable between two positions, including a closed position, which forms part of the main body. When the front cover 104 assumes the open position, a portion of the paper P conveyance path 120 (see FIG. 2) inside the printer 100 is exposed. Therefore, by opening the front cover 104, the paper P can be removed when a paper P failure occurs in the transport path 120.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the printer 100, a part of the side wall of the recording device side housing 101 is located on the left side surface, which is the surface on which the first post-processing device 200 is attached and is the left side surface in the left-right direction X. A pull-out surface portion 106 is provided which constitutes the recording device side housing 101 and is provided so as to be pulled out from the recording device side housing 101. A handle portion 107 on which a user can place his or her hand is formed at the upper portion of the drawer surface portion 106 in the vertical direction Z. When the drawer surface section 106 is pulled out from the recording apparatus side casing 101 along the leftward pullout direction in the left-right direction 9, see Figure 10).

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the drawer surface portion 106, a discharge port 108 through which the recorded paper P is discharged is formed at a position below the handhold portion 107 in the vertical direction Z. . The discharge port 108 is formed on the first post-processing device 200 side. Therefore, the paper discharged from the discharge port 108 is discharged toward the first casing 201 of the first post-processing device 200 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the first post-processing device 200 attached to the left side of the printer 100 in the left-right direction X, which is the arrangement direction, includes a first housing 201. The first post-processing device 200 performs first post-processing on the paper P recorded by the printer 100. In this embodiment, the first post-processing is drying the paper P. The first post-processing device 200 dries the paper P by transporting the paper P for a predetermined period or more. Therefore, by increasing the time for transporting the paper P, it is possible to suppress the degree of curling that occurs on the paper P due to recording by the recording unit 110.

The first casing 201 includes a box-shaped main body 201a with an upper part open, a first plate-like member 201c and a second plate provided in the upward opening of the main body 201a so as to be openable and closable. and an upper surface portion 201b including a shaped member 201d. In other words, the upper surface portion 201b covers at least the upper portion of the first post-processing device 200 in the first position state where the first plate member 201c closes the upward opening of the main body portion 201a. In this respect, in this embodiment, the first casing 201 corresponds to an example of "a casing having an upper surface portion 201b that covers at least the upper part of the first post-processing device 200."

The main body part 201a includes an introduction part 202 into which the paper P recorded by the printer 100 is introduced, and a second rear part located on the left side of FIG. It is configured to include a deriving unit 203 that derives the paper P to the processing device 300. The introduction part 202 is provided so as to be larger than the lead-out part 203 in the left-right direction X, and is provided to be smaller than the lead-out part 203 in the vertical direction Z.

As shown in FIG. 2, when placed side by side with the printer 100 in the left-right direction The height of the lead-out portion 203 is approximately the same as that of the printer 100 . That is, when the introduction section 202 is attached to the printer 100 adjacent in the left-right direction X, the height in the vertical direction Z is made low so as not to interfere with the movement of the pull-out surface section 106 in the pull-out direction.

Further, the upper surface portion 201b has a first plate-like member 201c provided in a portion adjacent to the recording device side housing 101, and is adjacent to the first plate-like member 201c and has a higher recording capacity than the first plate-like member 201c. A second plate-like member 201d provided on the side away from the device-side housing 101 (adjacent to the left of the first plate-like member 201c). The position state of the first plate member 201c, which is a part of the upper surface part 201b, is switched from a first position state in which the upward opening of the main body part 201a is closed to a second position state in which the opening is opened. This allows the upper part of the first post-processing device 200 to be exposed. Specifically, the first plate member 201c is attached to one end of the main body portion 201a in the front-rear direction Y via a hinge or the like (not shown). Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper surface portion 201b is configured such that the first plate member 201c closes the upward opening of the first housing 201 (main body portion 201a) and performs the first post-processing. It is possible to switch between a first position state in which the upper part of the first post-processing apparatus 200 is covered and a second position state in which the upper part of the first post-processing apparatus 200 is exposed by opening the upward opening as shown in FIG. can. Note that the second plate member 201d is fixedly provided to the main body portion 201a. When the first plate-like member 201c is in the first position state, the first plate-like member 201c is placed so that the left end on the second plate-like member 201d side is caught on the upper surface of the right end of the second plate-like member 201d. Ru. Therefore, when the first plate member 201c is in the first position state, the first plate member 201c and the second plate member 201d are continuous in the left-right direction X.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plate-like member of the upper surface portion 201b is attached to the main body portion 201a so as to be substantially parallel to a plane along the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y in the first position state. When the first plate member 201c is in the first position, the upper surface of the upper surface portion 201b is located below the discharge port 108. Therefore, the paper P that has passed through the second discharge path 152 is placed on the upper surface of the upper surface portion 201b. Specifically, the sheets P discharged from the discharge port 108 fall onto the upper surface of the upper surface portion 201b, thereby being stacked on the upper surface portion 201b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lead-out portion 203 further includes an extension portion 203a that protrudes above the upper surface portion 201b in a portion adjacent to the second post-processing device 300. The extension portion 203a has a recessed portion 203b recessed toward the second post-processing device 300 in a lower portion in the vertical direction Z on the surface facing the printer 100. A part of the upper surface portion 201b is arranged inside the recessed portion 203b. More specifically, the second plate member 201d, which is the end of the upper surface portion 201b on the second post-processing device 300 side, is located at the lower end of the recess 203b. Note that the first plate member 201c, which is movable with respect to the main body portion 201a of the upper surface portion 201b, is arranged outside the recessed portion 203b. Therefore, the inner wall of the recess 203b does not prevent the position state of the first plate member 201c from switching from the first position state to the second position state.

The second post-processing device 300 installed next to the first post-processing device 200 (to the left in FIG. 1) in the horizontal direction There is. The second post-processing device 300 performs second post-processing on the paper P recorded by the printer 100 and conveyed by the first post-processing device 200. Examples of the second post-processing include cutting, paper folding, punching, stapling, and sorting. Then, the paper P that has been subjected to the second post-processing is placed on a paper discharge section 302 that extends leftward from the left side of the second post-processing device 300.

Next, the structure of the printer 100 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the recording device side housing 101 of the printer 100, there is a recording unit 110 that records on the paper P from above in the vertical direction Z, and a recording unit 110 that carries the paper P along the conveyance path 120. A conveying section 130 is provided to convey the information. The conveyance path 120 is formed such that when the width direction of the paper P is the direction along the front-rear direction Y, the paper P is conveyed with the direction intersecting the width direction as the conveyance direction.

The recording unit 110 includes a line head type recording head 111 at the bottom that can simultaneously eject ink over substantially the entire width of the paper P in the width direction. The recording unit 110 forms an image on the paper P by causing ink ejected from the recording head 111 to adhere to the recording surface of the paper P that faces the recording head 111 (the surface on which the image is printed).

The conveyance section 130 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 131 arranged along the conveyance path 120 and a belt conveyance section 132 provided directly below the recording section 110 . That is, ink is ejected from the recording head 111 onto the paper P being conveyed by the belt conveying section 132, and recording is performed.

The belt conveyance unit 132 includes a drive roller 133 disposed upstream of the recording head 111 in the conveyance direction, a driven roller 134 disposed downstream of the recording head 111 in the conveyance direction, and each of these rollers 133, The belt 135 has an endless annular belt 135 that is hung around the belt 134. As the drive roller 133 rotates, the belt 135 rotates, and the paper P is conveyed to the downstream side by the rotating belt 135. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the belt 135 functions as a support surface that supports the paper P on which recording is performed.

The conveyance path 120 includes a supply path 140 in which the paper P is conveyed toward the recording unit 110, an ejection path 150 in which the paper P that has been recorded by the recording unit 110 is conveyed, and an ejection path 150. It has a branch route 160 that branches from.

The supply route 140 has a first supply route 141 , a second supply route 142 , and a third supply route 143 . In the first supply path 141, the paper P inserted through the insertion opening 141b exposed by opening the cover 141a provided on the right side of the recording device side housing 101 is conveyed to the recording unit 110. A first drive roller pair 144 is provided in the first supply path 141, and the paper P inserted from the insertion opening 141b is linearly driven toward the recording unit 110 by the rotational drive of the first drive roller pair 144. transported.

In the second supply path 142, in the vertical direction Z, the sheets P respectively accommodated in the sheet cassettes 103 provided at the lower part of the recording apparatus side housing 101 are conveyed to the recording section 110. A pickup roller 142a and a pair of separation rollers 145 are provided near each paper cassette 103 in the second supply path 142. The sheets P stored in a stack in the paper cassette 103 are sent out by a pick-up roller 142a, separated into sheets one by one by a pair of separation rollers 145, and then reversed in their orientation in the vertical direction Z. , and is conveyed toward the recording section 110 by the rotation of a second drive roller pair 146 provided in the second supply path 142 .

In the third supply path 143, when performing double-sided printing in which images are recorded on both sides of the paper P, the paper P whose one side has been recorded by the recording unit 110 is conveyed to the recording unit 110 again. That is, a branch path 160 that branches from the discharge path 150 is provided downstream of the recording unit 110 in the transport direction. When performing double-sided printing, the paper P is conveyed to the branching route 160 by the operation of the branching mechanism 147 provided in the middle of the discharge route 150. Further, the branching route 160 is provided with a pair of branching route rollers 161 that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions on the downstream side of the branching mechanism 147 .

During double-sided printing, the paper P printed on one side is once guided to the branch path 160 by the branch mechanism 147, and is conveyed downstream in the branch path 160 by a pair of branch path rollers 161 that rotate normally. Thereafter, the paper P conveyed to the branch path 160 is reversely conveyed within the branch path 160 from the downstream side to the upstream side by the pair of branch path rollers 161 that rotate in reverse.

The paper P that is reversely transported from the branch path 160 is transported to the third supply path 143 and is transported toward the recording section 110 by a plurality of transport roller pairs 131 . The third supply route 143 bypasses the recording unit 110 and joins the first supply route 141 and the second supply route 142 on the upstream side of the recording unit 110. Therefore, by being conveyed through the third supply path 143, the paper P is reversed so that the other unprinted side faces the recording section 110, and the third driving roller pair 148 is rotationally driven to move the paper P to the recording section 110. transported towards. That is, the third supply path 143 functions as a reversal conveyance path that conveys the sheet P while reversing its posture in the vertical direction Z.

Among the supply routes 141, 142, and 143, the second supply route 142 and the third supply route 143 transport the paper P toward the recording unit 110 while the posture of the paper P is curved in the vertical direction Z. . On the other hand, compared to the second supply route 142 and the third supply route 143, the first supply route 141 allows the paper P to move toward the recording unit 110 without the orientation of the paper P being greatly curved. transported.

The paper P conveyed through each of the supply paths 141, 142, and 143 is conveyed to a pair of alignment rollers 149 disposed upstream of the recording unit 110 in the conveyance direction, and then transferred to a pair of alignment rollers 149 that has stopped rotating. The tip of it hits. Then, the inclination of the sheet P with respect to the transport direction is corrected (skew removed) by the state in which the sheet P hits against the pair of alignment rollers 149. Then, the sheets P whose inclinations have been corrected are conveyed to the recording unit 110 in an aligned state by the subsequent rotational drive of the pair of alignment rollers 149.

The recording unit 110 performs recording on one or both sides of the sheet P. After the recording is completed, the sheet P is conveyed by a pair of conveyance rollers 131 along a discharge path 150 that constitutes a downstream portion of the conveyance path 120. The discharge route 150 branches into a first discharge route 151 , a second discharge route 152 , and a third discharge route 153 at a position downstream from the position where it branches to the branch route 160 . That is, after the paper P on which recording has been completed is conveyed through the common ejection path 154 constituting the upstream portion of the ejection path 150, the sheet P is moved along the ejection path 150 by the guide mechanism 180 provided at the downstream end of the common ejection path 154. It is guided to one of the first to third discharge routes 151, 152, and 153 that constitute the downstream portion.

The first discharge path 151 is curved and extends upward from the recording device side housing 101 and along the branch path 160 . The paper P conveyed through the first ejection path 151 is ejected from an ejection port 155 that is opened in a part of the recording apparatus side housing 101 so as to be at the end of the first ejection path 151 . Then, the sheets P discharged from the discharge port 155 fall downward in the vertical direction Z, and are discharged onto the mounting table 156 in a stacked state, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Note that the paper P is ejected from the ejection port 155 onto the mounting table 156 with the recording surface facing downward in the vertical direction Z during single-sided printing by the conveyance roller pairs 131 arranged at a plurality of locations on the ejection path 150. Ru.

The mounting table 156 has an inclined shape that rises upward in the vertical direction Z as it goes rightward in the left-right direction X, and the sheets P are placed on this mounting table 156 in a stacked state. At this time, each paper P placed on the mounting table 156 moves to the left along the inclination of the mounting table 156, and moves toward the vertical side wall 157 provided below the discharge port 155 of the recording device side housing 101. placed close to.

Further, the first ejection path 151 has a curved reversal path 151a that reverses the front and back sides of the sheet P recorded by the recording unit 110 while the sheet P is conveyed to the ejection port 155. That is, the curve reversal path 151a curves the recording surface of the paper P recorded by the recording unit 110 inward, and changes the recording surface of the paper P from a state where it faces upward in the vertical direction Z to a state where the recording surface of the paper P is turned upward in the vertical direction Z. Flip the paper P so that it faces downward. Therefore, in the ejection path 150, the paper P is ejected from the ejection port 155 with the recording surface facing the mounting table 156 during single-sided printing by passing through the curved reversal path 151a.

The second ejection path 152 branches lower than the first ejection path 151 in the vertical direction Z, and extends linearly from the recording section 110 toward the drawer surface section 106 that forms a part of the recording device side housing 101. It is extending. Therefore, the paper P conveyed through the second ejection path 152 is not conveyed in a curved posture as in the first ejection path 151, and its posture is kept constant as when it passes through the recording section 110. The paper is conveyed linearly as it is, and is discharged toward the upper surface 201b of the first casing 201 from the discharge port 108 formed in the pull-out surface 106. That is, the second ejection path 152 functions as a non-inversion ejection path that conveys the paper P toward the upper surface portion 201b without reversing the posture of the paper P in the vertical direction.

The third ejection path 153 branches lower than the second ejection path 152 in the vertical direction Z, and extends diagonally downward in the vertical direction Z so as to go below the recording device side casing 101. There is. The downstream end thereof is connected to the upstream end of the introduction path 211 of the first post-processing device 200 within the recording device side housing 101 . That is, the paper P transported through the third discharge path 153 is transported to the first post-processing device 200. In this respect, in this embodiment, the third ejection path 153 corresponds to an example of "the first conveyance path for conveying the paper P on which the image is recorded by the printer 100 to the first post-processing device 200." Further, the second discharge route 152 corresponds to an example of "a second conveyance route that branches from the third discharge route 153 and is located above the third discharge route 153."

A portion of the discharge path 150 and a portion of the branch path 160 are attached to a drawer unit 170 provided in the recording apparatus side housing 101. This drawer unit 170 is connected to the drawer surface section 106 so that it can be handled integrally. Therefore, the drawer unit 170 is pulled out from the recording device side casing 101 by pulling out the drawer surface portion 106, and is exposed from the recording device side casing 101.

The drawer unit 170 includes a first path forming part 171 that constitutes a part of the curved inner guide surface of the first discharge path 151 and a part of the curved outer guide surface of the branch path 160; A second path forming portion 172 forming a part of the curved inner guide surface is rotatably attached to the drawer unit 170 around a shaft 173 provided therein. That is, when the drawer unit 170 is pulled out, each of the route forming parts 171 and 172 rotates clockwise in FIG. exposed (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the guide mechanism 180 includes a first guide section 181 and a second guide section 182. Each of the guide sections 181 and 182 is provided at a branching position 190 where the downstream end of the common ejection path 154 branches into each of the first to third ejection paths 151, 152, and 153, and is provided in a direction in which the paper P is conveyed from the recording section 110. In the left-right direction X, the first guide part 181 is located on the right side, which is the upstream side, and the second guide part 182 is located on the left side, which is the downstream side. Also, in the vertical direction Z, the first guide part 181 is disposed on the lower side and the second guide part 182 is disposed on the upper side.

Further, each of the guide parts 181 and 182 has a shaft 185 and 186 at its base end part 183 and 184, which is the left side part on the downstream side in the left-right direction X, which is the conveyance direction. It is rotatably provided at the center. Each of the guide parts 181 and 182 rotates around its own shaft 185 and 186, so that the guide parts 181 and 182 are located on the right side on the upstream side in the left-right direction The positions of the tip portions 187 and 188 on the opposite side are vertically displaced in the vertical direction Z. That is, the respective guide portions 181 and 182 are located at an upper position where the respective leading end portions 187 and 188 located on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper P approach the first path forming portion 171, and at an upper position where the respective leading ends 187 and 188 are spaced apart from the first path forming portion 171. It is rotatably provided between two lower positions. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 3, the leading end 187 of the first guide part 181 is located upstream of the leading end 188 of the second guiding part 182 in the transport direction of the paper P.

Each of the guide parts 181 and 182 is selectively switched to an upper position or a lower position, respectively, and contacts the paper P conveyed through the common discharge path 154, thereby transporting the paper P to each of the first to third discharge positions. The user is guided to one of routes 151, 152, and 153. Incidentally, each of the guide parts 181 and 182 is formed in a comb-like shape from the base end parts 183 and 184 to the distal end parts 187 and 188 so as not to interfere with each other so as not to interfere with each other. It is configured. Note that this rotational movement in each of the guide sections 181 and 182 is controlled by a control section (not shown) included in the printer 100.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which both the tip end 187 of the first guide part 181 and the tip part 188 of the second guide part 182 are located at the lower position. At this time, the distal end portion 187 of the first guide portion 181 is located so as to block the upstream end of the third discharge path 153, and the distal end portion 188 of the second guide portion 182 is positioned so as to close the upstream end of the second discharge path 152. located so as to block the Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 3, the guide mechanism 180 guides the paper P conveyed through the common discharge path 154 to the first discharge path 151.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the tip end 187 of the first guide part 181 is in the lower position and the tip part 188 of the second guide part 182 is in the upper position. At this time, the tip portion 187 of the first guide portion 181 is positioned so as to close the upstream end of the third discharge path 153, and the tip portion 188 of the second guide portion 182 is located at the upstream end of the first discharge path 151. located so as to block the Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the guide mechanism 180 guides the paper P conveyed through the common discharge path 154 to the second discharge path 152.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which both the tip end 187 of the first guide part 181 and the tip part 188 of the second guide part 182 are located at the upper position. At this time, the tip portion 187 of the first guide portion 181 is positioned so as to close the upstream end of the first discharge path 151 and the upstream end of the second discharge path 152, and the tip portion 188 of the second guide portion 182 is , located so as to close the upstream end of the first discharge path 151. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the guide mechanism 180 guides the paper P conveyed through the common discharge path 154 to the third discharge path 153.

Next, the first post-processing device 200 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 6, an intermediate conveyance section 220 that conveys the paper P along an intermediate conveyance path 210 is provided in the first casing 201 of the first post-processing apparatus 200. The intermediate conveyance path 210 is formed so that the paper P is conveyed while being curved, with the conveyance direction being a direction along the front-rear direction Y that intersects the width direction of the medium. The intermediate conveyance path 210 conveys the paper P from the first post-processing device 200 to the second post-processing device 300. In this respect, in this embodiment, the intermediate conveyance path 210 corresponds to an example of a "third conveyance path."

The first post-processing device 200 is arranged on an intermediate transport path so that the time required for the paper P transported at a predetermined transport speed to pass through the first post-processing device 200 is the time required for drying the paper P. A path length of 210 is set. In this embodiment, the path length necessary for drying the paper P is ensured by performing a switchback in which the paper P is reversed and transported in the intermediate transport path 210. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intermediate conveyance path 210 is made to meander to increase the path length.

The intermediate conveyance section 220 includes a plurality of intermediate conveyance roller pairs 221 provided along the intermediate conveyance path 210. That is, the paper P is transported along the intermediate transport path 210 by rotating the pair of intermediate transport rollers 221 while sandwiching and supporting the paper P from both sides. It is preferable that the intermediate conveying roller pair 221 has irregularities formed on its outer periphery so that ink attached to the paper P is difficult to transfer.

The intermediate conveyance path 210 has an introduction path 211 at its upstream end that is connected to the downstream end of the third ejection path 153 of the printer 100 and introduces the paper P into the first casing 201 . The introduction path 211 is provided at an upper position in the vertical direction Z in the introduction section 202, and extends in the vertical direction from inside the recording device side casing 101 on the upstream side to inside the first casing 201 on the downstream side in the transport direction. It intersects Z and extends straight downward diagonally. That is, the introduction path 211 is provided so as to pass through a part of the side wall forming the left side of the recording device side casing 101 and a part of the side wall forming the right side of the first casing 201. Furthermore, a sensor 222 that detects the paper P conveyed through the introduction path 211 is provided at a downstream portion of the introduction path 211 located inside the first casing 201 .

The downstream end of the introduction path 211 extending diagonally downward is connected to the upstream end of the first branch path 212 and the upstream end of the second branch path 213, respectively. The first branch path 212 branches leftward from the downstream end of the introduction path 211 and extends in a curved manner so as to bulge upward in the middle. The second branch path 213 branches from the downstream end of the introduction path 211 so as to curve further downward and to the right, and then extends downward in a meandering manner. That is, the intermediate conveyance route 210 branches from a branch point A, which is the downstream end of the introduction route 211, into a first branch route 212 and a second branch route 213. Then, the paper P conveyed through the introduction path 211 is guided to either the first branch path 212 or the second branch path 213 by the operation of the guide flap 223 provided at the branch point A. Note that this guide flap 223 is driven based on a signal transmitted when the sensor 222 detects the paper P, and is set at a position where the paper P conveyed through the introduction route 211 is guided to the first branch route 212 and a position where the paper P is guided to the first branch route 212. The position is switched between the position that guides the user to the second branch route 213. Note that it is preferable that the first branch route 212 and the second branch route 213 have substantially the same length in the transport direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the upstream end of the first switchback path 214 is connected to the downstream end of the first branch path 212. The first switchback path 214 curves slightly leftward in the left-right direction X from the middle thereof, and then extends downward. That is, the downstream end of the first switchback path 214 is located at the lowest position in the first switchback path 214 . Further, the path length of the first switchback path 214 in the transport direction is configured to be longer than the medium length in the transport direction of the paper P that can be recorded by the printer 100.

In the first switchback path 214, the downstream portion downstream of the curved portion is composed of a guide 214a that supports the sheet P, which is conveyed slightly curved rightward in the left-right direction X, from below in the vertical direction Z. There is. In the first switchback path 214, there is one sensor 224 in the upstream portion upstream of the curved point, which detects the sheet P conveyed through the first switchback path 214, and one sensor 224 in the forward and reverse directions. Two pairs of first reversing rollers 225 that are rotatable in the direction are provided. The two pairs of first reversing rollers 225 perform forward rotation drive or reverse rotation drive based on a signal transmitted when the sensor 224 detects the paper P. That is, the sheet P conveyed through the first switchback path 214 is conveyed (switchbacked) after the direction in which the sheet P is conveyed is reversed by the first reversing roller pair 225.

Further, at the downstream end of the first branch path 212, the paper P is allowed to move from the first branch path 212 to the first switchback path 214, while the paper P is allowed to move from the first switchback path 214 to the first switchback path 214. A first regulation flap 226 is provided to regulate movement of the paper P to the branch path 212. The first restriction flap 226 is biased to close the downstream end of the first branch path 212 by a biasing force from a biasing member (not shown).

On the other hand, the downstream end of the second branch path 213 is connected to the upstream end of the second switchback path 215 . The second switchback path 215 is provided so as to extend downward in the vertical direction Z. In the second switchback path 215, the downstream end of the upstream portion including the curved portion is open toward the right inner surface of the first casing 201. A guide portion 215b that curves and extends from the right inner surface of the first housing 201 to the bottom surface 215a of the first housing 201 is provided at a position facing this downstream end. In other words, when the paper P is conveyed through the second switchback path 215, the leading edge of the paper P protrudes from the open downstream end, and the protruding leading edge of the paper P is guided by the guide portion 215b, and the leading edge of the paper P protrudes from the open downstream end. It is guided to the bottom surface 215a of the housing 201 and below the downstream end of the first switchback path 214.

In other words, the second switchback path 215 includes the guide portion 215b and the bottom surface 215a of the first casing 201. Further, the path length of the second switchback path 215 in the transport direction is configured to be equal to or longer than the medium length in the transport direction of the paper P that can be recorded by the printer 100, as in the case of the first switchback path 214. has been done. Of course, the downstream part of the second switchback path 215, which is composed of the guide part 215b and the bottom surface 215a of the first housing 201, may have the same configuration as the upstream part, or it can be composed only of the guide part 215b. may have been done.

In the upstream part of the second switchback path 215, there is one sensor 227 located at a position upstream of the curved part for detecting the sheet P conveyed through the second switchback path 215, and one sensor 227 in the normal rotation direction. A pair of second reversing rollers 228 that are rotatable in the reverse direction are also provided. Further, another pair of second reversing rollers 228 is provided at a position downstream of the curved portion in the upstream portion of the second switchback path 215. The two pairs of second reversing rollers 228 perform forward rotation drive or reverse rotation drive based on a signal transmitted from the sensor 227. That is, the sheet P conveyed through the second switchback path 215 is conveyed (switchbacked) after the direction in which the sheet P is conveyed is reversed by the second reversing roller pair 228.

Further, at the downstream end of the second branch path 213, while allowing the paper P to move from the second branch path 213 to the second switchback path 215, there is a A second regulation flap 229 is provided to regulate movement of the paper P to the branch path 213. The second restriction flap 229 is biased to close the downstream end of the second branch path 213 by a biasing force from a biasing member (not shown).

The upstream end of the first switchback path 214 is connected to the upstream end of the first merging path 216 . That is, from the first connection point B where the downstream end of the first branch route 212 and the upstream end of the first switchback route 214 are connected, the first merging route 216 curves to the right in the left-right direction extends downward. Furthermore, the upstream end of the second switchback path 215 is connected to the upstream end of the second merging path 217 . That is, from the second connection point C where the downstream end of the second branch route 213 and the upstream end of the second switchback route 215 are connected, the second merging route 217 curves leftward in the left-right direction X. It is extending. The first merging route 216 and the second merging route 217 merge at a merging point D located between the first switchback route 214 and the second switchback route 215.

In other words, when the paper P is conveyed from the first branch route 212 to the first switchback route 214, the first regulation flap 226 is moved downstream of the first branch route 212 by contacting the leading edge of the paper P. Displaced to open the ends. On the other hand, when the paper P is reversely conveyed (switchback) from the first switchback route 214, the first regulation flap 226 restricts the paper P from being conveyed to the first branch route 212, and the paper P is The user is guided to the merging route 216 of No. 1. Further, when the paper P is conveyed from the second branch route 213 to the second switchback route 215, the leading edge of the paper P comes into contact with the second regulation flap 229 so that the second regulation flap 229 moves downstream of the second branch route 213. Displaced to open the ends. On the other hand, when the paper P is reversely conveyed (switchback) from the second switchback route 215, the second regulation flap 229 restricts the paper P from being conveyed to the second branch route 213, and the paper P is The user is guided to the confluence route 217 of No. 2. Note that it is preferable that the first merging route 216 and the second merging route 217 have substantially the same length.

The upstream end of the derivation path 218 is connected to the merging point D where the downstream end of the first merging path 216 and the downstream end of the second merging path 217 are connected. The derivation path 218 extends downward while curving so as to pass between the first switchback path 214 and the second switchback path 215 toward the second post-processing device 300, and then passes through the first switchback path 214 and the second switchback path 215. It detours around the lower side of the downstream end of the back path 214 and extends to the upper part of the lead-out portion 203 . The downstream end of the lead-out path 218 passes through a portion of the left side wall of the first housing 201 and extends toward the second post-processing device 300 . A cover 221a is provided on the first switchback path 214 side of the intermediate conveyance roller pair 221 provided on the lead-out path 218 and facing the first switchback path 214. This prevents the paper P conveyed through the first switchback path 214 from coming into contact with the pair of intermediate conveyance rollers 221 on the lead-out path 218 .

The lead-out path 218 includes a connection path 219 that is disposed inside the extension portion 203a and is connected to the second post-processing device 300. The connection path 219 includes a first portion 219a that curves toward the printer 100 above the recess 203b, and a second portion that curves toward the second post-processing device 300 downstream and above the first portion 219a. 219b. A downstream end of the second portion 219b is connected to a conveyance path (not shown) in the second post-processing device 300. A portion of the upper surface portion 201b is located below the first portion 219a.

In this way, the intermediate conveyance route 210 includes an introduction route 211, a first branch route 212, a second branch route 213, a first switchback route 214, a second switchback route 215, and a first merging route 216. , a second merging route 217 and a deriving route 218. In addition, the positional relationship of each point A, B, C, D is arranged in the order of "A, B, D, C" from the top in the vertical direction Z, and "C, A, D, B" from the right in the horizontal direction They are arranged in the following order.

Next, a working method for resolving paper P conveyance defects in the printing system 1000 will be described.
In a recording device such as the printer 100 shown in FIG. 2, which records and transports a sheet-like medium such as paper P, transport defects such as paper jams may occur while the paper P is being transported along a path. It may occur. In particular, in a recording device that performs recording by ejecting liquid such as ink onto a medium, the recording surface of the paper P expands and curls that make the recording surface have a convex shape are likely to occur. Conveyance defects tend to occur on the downstream side. Therefore, the printer 100 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which a part of the intermediate conveyance path 210 can be opened in order to make it easier to take out the paper P that is jammed during the conveyance. Further, a part of the ejection path 150 and a part of the branch path 160 are configured to be able to be pulled out from the recording apparatus side casing 101.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, by rotating the top surface portion 201b in the first position state (see FIG. 7) relative to the main body portion 201a at one end side in the front-rear direction Y, the top surface portion 201b is moved to the second position. (see FIG. 8). In the second position state, the upper surface portion 201b can open the upward opening of the first housing 201. Therefore, the first post-processing device 200 inside the first casing 201, specifically the intermediate conveyance path 210, is exposed. Therefore, the paper P in the intermediate conveyance path 210 can be removed.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the paper P jams in the ejection path 150 and the branch path 160, the user places his/her hand on the handle part 107 formed on the drawer surface part 106 and removes the paper P. The pull-out surface portion 106 is pulled out along the pull-out direction that is the left direction in the left-right direction X that is the transport direction. When the pull-out surface section 106 is pulled out along the pull-out direction, the pull-out unit 170 is pulled out from the recording apparatus side casing 101 together with the pull-out surface section 106 . That is, a portion of the curved reversal path 151a, the second ejection path 152, the third ejection path 153, and the branch path 160 that constitute the ejection path 150 are pulled out. Further, the guide mechanism 180 provided at the branch position 190, which is the downstream end of the common discharge path 154, is also pulled out of the recording apparatus side housing 101.

At this time, since the height of the upper surface part 201b that covers the upper part of the first post-processing device 200 attached to the left side of the printer 100 is formed to be lower than the lower part of the drawer surface part 106, the height of the upper surface part 201b is When the drawer unit 170 is pulled out, it does not interfere with the drawer surface part 106 and the drawer unit 170. In other words, the printer 100 is configured such that the second ejection path 152 and the third ejection path 153 can be pulled out above the upper surface portion 201b of the first post-processing device 200. Further, the length of the introduction part 202 in the left-right direction X is longer than the area (movement area) in which the drawer unit 170 moves in the left-right direction It is formed so that Therefore, the lead-out part 203, which is formed higher than the introduction part 202, does not interfere with the draw-out surface part 106 and the draw-out unit 170 when the draw-out unit 170 is pulled out. In other words, the first post-processing device 200 is formed so as to avoid the movement area when the drawer unit 170 is pulled out from the recording device side housing 101. Note that if the drawer unit 170 were configured to be able to be pulled out in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper P, there is a risk that the jammed paper P would be torn to pieces in the path when the drawer unit 170 is pulled out. Therefore, it is preferable that the drawer unit 170 is configured to be able to be pulled out in a direction along the conveyance direction of the paper P.

As shown in FIG. 10, after the drawer unit 170 is pulled out from the recording device side housing 101, the first path forming part 171 and the second path forming part 172 attached to the drawer unit 170 are rotated clockwise around the shaft 173. Rotate in the rotation direction. Then, the inner guide surface of the curved reversal path 151a constituting the first discharge path 151 is separated from the outer guide surface, and the outer guide surface and the inner guide surface of the branch path 160 are separated. By separating the outer and inner guide surfaces of the curved reversing path 151a and the branching path 160, the paths are opened and the paper P that has jammed in the path can be removed. Furthermore, when pulling out the drawer unit 170, the paper P may remain not in the drawer unit 170 but in the recording apparatus side housing 101. In this case, by opening the front cover 104 (see FIG. 1), the opening 105b is exposed. Therefore, the paper P is pulled out through the opening 105b, thereby eliminating the conveyance failure.

Next, the first post-processing performed by the first post-processing device 200 will be described.
Now, when performing the second post-processing on the paper P that has been recorded by the recording unit 110 included in the printer 100, the paper P is discharged onto the mounting table 156 via the first discharge path 151. It is transported to the second post-processing device 300 via the first post-processing device 200 without any processing. That is, the recorded paper P is guided from the common discharge route 154 to the third discharge route 153 by the branching mechanism 147, and is introduced into the introduction route 211 within the recording apparatus side housing 101.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first sheet P1 introduced into the first housing 201 is conveyed downstream along the introduction path 211. Then, the guide flap 223 provided at the downstream end of the introduction path 211 is positioned so as to close the upstream end of the second branch path 213, so that the paper P1 is guided to the first branch path 212. Subsequently, when the sheet P1 passes through the introduction path 211, the second sheet P2 is introduced into the introduction path 211.

As shown in FIG. 12, the paper P1 conveyed through the first branch path 212 is conveyed to the first switchback path 214 by the first pair of reversing rollers 225 that are driven to rotate in the normal direction. On the other hand, the paper P2 conveyed through the introduction path 211 is guided to the second branch path 213 by the guide flap 223 being positioned so as to close the upstream end of the first branch path 212. The paper P2 conveyed to the second branch path 213 is conveyed to the second switchback path 215 by a second reversing roller pair 228 that rotates normally. Subsequently, when the sheet P2 passes through the introduction path 211, the third sheet P3 is introduced into the introduction path 211.

As shown in FIG. 13, the paper P1 conveyed downstream through the first switchback path 214 and stored in the first switchback path 214 is rotated by a first reversing roller pair 225 that is driven in reverse. is transported from the downstream side to the upstream side of the switchback path 214 , passes through the first merging path 216 , and is transported to the derivation path 218 . On the other hand, the leading end of the sheet P2 conveyed through the second switchback path 215 protrudes from the open downstream end of the second switchback path 215 and moves along the guide portion 215b to the first housing 201. It is guided to the bottom surface 215a. Note that depending on the medium length in the conveyance direction of the paper P conveyed through the second switchback path 215, the sheet P may not be guided to the bottom surface 215a of the first casing 201. Further, the paper P3 conveyed through the introduction path 211 is guided to the first branch path 212 by the guide flap 223. Subsequently, when the sheet P3 passes through the introduction path 211, a fourth sheet P4 is introduced into the introduction path.

As shown in FIG. 14, the paper P2 stored in the second switchback path 215 is moved from the downstream side to the upstream side of the second switchback path 215 by a second reversing roller pair 228 that is driven in reverse. It is transported, passes through the second merging path 217, and is transported to the derivation path 218. On the other hand, the paper P3 conveyed through the first branch path 212 is conveyed to the first switchback path 214.

As shown in FIG. 15, the paper P3 conveyed through the first switchback path 214 is conveyed by the first reversing roller pair 225 through the first merging path 216 to the lead-out path 218. On the other hand, the paper P4 conveyed through the introduction path 211 is guided by the guide flap 223 to the second branch path 213, and then conveyed to the second switchback path 215.

That is, the sheets P1, P2, P3, and P4, which are successively conveyed through the introduction path 211, are guided alternately to the first branch path 212 and the second branch path 213 by the guide flap 223. For example, when the first sheet P1 is guided to the second branch path 213, the second sheet P2 is conveyed to the first branch path 212.

In this way, the paper P on which recording has been performed in the printer 100 is reversed in its orientation by the first post-processing device 200, and the paper P is printed with the recording surface facing downward in the vertical direction Z during single-sided printing. It is transported to the post-processing device 300 of No. 2. Further, at this time, since it is not preferable that the paper P is conveyed to the second post-processing device 300 in a curled state, the intermediate conveyance path 210 is curved and meandering within the first casing 201. The path length in the conveying direction of the paper P is ensured by forming the path shape such that the path extends as shown in FIG.

Here, it is known that curling of the paper P caused by ink adhering to the recording head 111 of the recording unit 110 gradually subsides over time. Therefore, by ensuring the path length of the intermediate conveyance path 210, the first post-processing device 200 allows the paper P to travel along the intermediate conveyance path 210 in a time required for the degree of curl occurring on the sheet P to become less than a predetermined level. This is secured as the time required for transportation. Thereafter, the paper P is subjected to second post-processing such as cutting and stapling in the second post-processing device 300.

In particular, since the line head type recording head 111 prints on the paper P at high speed and transports the paper P at high speed, there is a possibility that the paper P is transported without being sufficiently dried. In other words, there is a possibility that the sheet is transported to the second post-processing device 300 in a state where the curl is not sufficiently settled, and that the post-processing cannot be performed correctly. However, if the conveyance speed in the intermediate conveyance path 210 is reduced in order to secure drying time, the distance between the sheets may be reduced to prevent the sheets conveyed at high speed from colliding with preceding sheets in the intermediate conveyance path 210 during recording. The overall throughput will drop because of the distance. In particular, there is a possibility that a subsequent sheet collides with a preceding sheet while the preceding sheet is undergoing post-processing.

Therefore, in the first post-processing device 200, by providing a plurality of switchback paths such as the first switchback path 214 and the second switchback path 215 described above, the large-sized It is possible to secure the path length of the intermediate conveyance path 210 and provide a drying time while suppressing the drying. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid unnecessarily widening the distance between sheets during recording on sheets, and to avoid reducing throughput. Further, as described above, by using a curved, meandering path shape for the intermediate conveyance path 210, it is possible to further increase the drying time.

Next, the operation of the upper surface portion 201b of the printing system 1000 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 2, when recording on paper P in printer 100, recording is performed on either paper P stored in paper cassette 103 or paper P inserted from insertion slot 141b. At this time, if recording is to be performed on a medium that cannot be accommodated in the paper cassette 103, especially a highly rigid medium such as cardboard, the cardboard is inserted through the insertion slot 141b and conveyed to the recording unit 110 through the first supply path 141. be done. A medium such as cardboard is difficult to bend due to its high rigidity, so if the medium is conveyed through the conveyance path 120 with a large degree of curvature, conveyance failures such as paper jams may occur. Therefore, the first supply path 141 has a smaller degree of curvature than the second supply path 142, and is a straight path extending straight toward the recording section 110.

The cardboard that has been recorded by the recording unit 110 is conveyed to one of the first discharge route 151 , the second discharge route 152 , and the third discharge route 153 that constitute the discharge route 150 . Here, if the recorded cardboard is to be placed on the mounting table 156, it will be transported along the first ejection path 151. However, since the first discharge path 151 has a curved reversing path 151a that is greatly curved, there is a risk that a conveyance failure will occur when the cardboard is conveyed. Furthermore, when attempting to load cardboard from the third ejection path 153 via the first post-processing device 200 to the paper discharging section 302 of the second post-processing device 300, the first post-processing device 200 bends. Since it becomes necessary to provide a path with a small degree of transport, there is a possibility that the degree of freedom in designing the intermediate transport path 210 of the first post-processing device 200 may be reduced.

Therefore, the printer 100 of this embodiment is provided with a second ejection path 152 that is formed to extend straight along the common ejection path 154. That is, the cardboard that is conveyed from the second supply path 142 through the recording unit 110 and through the common discharge path 154 and the second discharge path 152 has one side that is on the upper side in the vertical direction Z when inserted into the insertion slot 141b. is always transported with its face facing upward. Then, the sheet is discharged from the discharge port 108 with one side, which will be the recording surface, facing upward.

The paper P discharged from the third discharge path 153 is discharged toward the upper surface portion 201b located below the third discharge path 153. The paper P hits the surface of the recessed portion 203b on the printer 100 side due to the force exerted when it is ejected from the ejection port 108, and falls onto the upper surface portion 201b. That is, the upper surface portion 201b functions as a paper discharge tray. Therefore, compared to the case where a paper ejection tray separate from the first housing 201 is provided near the ejection port 108, it is possible to contribute to miniaturization of the printing system 1000. Note that it is preferable that the biasing force applied to the paper P discharged from the third discharge path 153 of the printer 100 is such that the small size paper P abuts against the recess 203b.

Further, for example, if a paper ejection tray separate from the housing 201 is provided near the ejection port 108, when drawing out the drawer unit 170, the drawer unit 170 will be pulled out after the paper ejection tray is removed. , operation becomes complicated. In contrast, in this embodiment, the upper surface portion 201b functions as a paper ejection tray, so that the operation of pulling out the drawer unit 170 can be simplified.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the printing system 1000, the top surface portion 201b of the first housing 201 functions as a paper ejection tray on which paper P is stacked. This can contribute to downsizing of the printing system 1000.

(2) In the printing system 1000, the second plate member 201d, which is a part of the upper surface portion 201b, is arranged inside the recessed portion 203b, so that the area of the upper surface portion 201b is reduced compared to a case where the recessed portion 203b is not formed. Can be made larger. Therefore, even large-sized sheets P can be appropriately stacked on the upper surface portion 201b.

Also, compared to the case where the recess 203b and the second plate member 201d disposed inside the recess 203b are not provided and the first plate member 201c is simply enlarged to accommodate the large size paper P. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the first post-processing device 200 from increasing in size in the left-right direction X.

(3) For example, when the connection path 219 extends from below to above and then bends in the horizontal direction toward the second post-processing device 300, the bending angle becomes approximately a right angle and the curvature becomes large. The greater the curvature of the path, the more likely the paper P will be conveyed incorrectly in the connection path 219. In this embodiment, since the connecting path 219 arranged inside the extension part 203a is curved toward the printer 100 side, the curvature of the connecting path 219 can be reduced. Therefore, transport defects of the paper P are less likely to occur. Furthermore, by curving the connecting path 219, the total length of the intermediate transport path 210 can be increased, so it is possible to reduce the possibility that the paper P will be transported to the second post-processing device 300 in an insufficiently dry state. .

Moreover, since the portion of the connection path 219 on the upstream side of the first portion 219a is moved toward the second post-processing device 300 side, the recessed portion 203b can be formed large. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the first post-processing device 200 in the left-right direction X.

(4) Since the printing system 1000 can expose the upper part of the first post-processing device 200 by changing the position state of the top surface portion 201b, it is possible to avoid poor conveyance of the paper P inside the first post-processing device 200. When resolving the problem, it is possible to easily remove the paper P that has been conveyed incorrectly from inside the first post-processing device 200.

(5) When the printing system 1000 corrects the conveyance failure of the paper P in the second ejection path 152 and the third ejection path 153, the printing system 1000 connects the second ejection path 152 and the third ejection path 153 to the upper surface portion 201b. The paper P can be easily removed by pulling it upward.

(6) The printing system 1000 can cause the paper P to abut against the surface of the recess 203b on the printer 100 side by the bias when the paper P is ejected from the ejection port 108. Therefore, the edges of the paper P can be easily aligned, improving convenience for the user.

Note that the above embodiment may be modified as follows.
- In the above embodiment, an opening 230 into which the user can insert his or her hand may be formed at the location indicated by the broken line in FIG. According to this configuration, when a transport failure such as a paper jam occurs in the first post-processing device 200, the opening/closing cover that makes up the exterior of the first post-processing device 200 is opened and the intermediate transport path 210 is opened. By inserting your hand through the opening 230 provided in the forming side wall and pulling out the jammed paper P, the conveyance failure can be resolved.

- In the above embodiment, the printing system 1000 may have a configuration in which the printer 100 is provided within the first housing 201. That is, the first casing 201 is integrated with the recording device side casing 101, and the first casing 201 covers the printer 100 together with the first post-processing device 200. Therefore, the casing of the first post-processing device 200 and the casing of the printer 100 can be made common. In this case, the printer 100 and the first post-processing device 200 may be integrated.

- In the above embodiment, the printing system 1000 may have a configuration in which the second post-processing device 300 is provided within the first housing 201. That is, the first casing 201 is integrated with the second casing 301, and the first casing 201 covers the first post-processing device 200 as well as the second post-processing device 300. Therefore, the casing of the first post-processing device 200 and the casing of the second post-processing device 300 can be made common. In this case, the first post-processing device 200 and the second post-processing device 300 may be integrated.

- In the above embodiment, the printing system 1000 may have a configuration in which the first post-processing device 200 and the second post-processing device 300 are provided in the first housing 201. That is, the first housing 201 is integrated with the recording device side housing 101 and the second housing 301, and the first housing 201 is integrated with the first post-processing device 200, the printer 100, and the second post-processing device. Cover the device 300. In this case, the printer 100, the first post-processing device 200, and the second post-processing device 300 may be integrated.

- In the above-mentioned embodiment, the derivation part 203 which constitutes the 1st post-processing device 200 is not limited to the structure formed so that it may be higher than the introduction part 202 in the vertical direction Z. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the height may be approximately the same as that of the introduction part 202, or the height may be lower than that of the introduction part 202. When the lead-out portion 203 has substantially the same height as the introduction portions 202 in the vertical direction Z, the upper surface portion 201b can cover the entire upper part of the first housing 201.

- In the above embodiment, the second post-processing device 300 does not perform post-processing on the paper P conveyed from the first post-processing device 200 in the second casing 301, and discharges it as is. It may also be configured to be placed on the paper section 302.

- In the above embodiment, the guide mechanism 180 is not limited to a configuration controlled by a control unit (not shown) included in the printer 100. For example, a lever for operating the guide mechanism 180 may be provided on the recording device side casing 101 to manually switch between the upper position and the lower position of the first guide part 181 and the second guide part 182 that constitute the guide mechanism 180. There may be.

- In the above embodiment, the second discharge route 152 is not limited to the configuration in which it extends further straight along the common discharge route 154. For example, in the vertical direction Z, it may be a configuration that extends with a slight upward slope, a configuration that extends with a downward slope, or a configuration that extends with a slight curve.

- In the above embodiment, the third discharge path 153 is not limited to the configuration extending downward from the common discharge path 154. For example, in the vertical direction Z, the structure may extend straight, be inclined upward, or may be slightly curved.

- In the embodiment described above, the introduction path 211 is not limited to the configuration that extends through the side surface of the first casing 201. For example, the structure may extend through the upper surface. In this case, the sheets P are stacked on a portion of the upper surface portion 201b that is closer to the second post-processing device 300 than the portion through which the introduction path 211 passes.

- In the above embodiment, the upper surface portion 201b may be formed such that the upper surface of the first plate member 201c is inclined when the first plate member 201c is in the first position. For example, the configuration may be such that it slopes from the bottom to the top as it goes from the printer 100 to the second post-processing device 300. Further, for example, it may be configured to be inclined from the top to the bottom as it goes from the printer 100 to the second post-processing device 300. Further, the upper surface of the upper surface portion 201b can be bent at the intermediate portion.

- In the embodiment described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the extension portion 203a of the lead-out portion 203 of the first post-processing device 200 is not provided with the recessed portion 203b. That is, the second plate member 201d is omitted, and the upper surface portion 201b that covers the upper part of the first post-processing device 200 is configured only with the first plate member 201c that closes the upward opening of the main body portion 201a. Good too. Alternatively, the upward opening of the main body part 201a may be formed to a size that extends into the recess 203b, and the first plate-like member 201c that constitutes the entire upper surface part 201b may be detachably attached to such an upward opening. good.

- In the above embodiment, the first plate-like member 201c can also be detachably attached to the main body part 201a. In this case, a first position state is formed by attaching the first plate member 201c to the main body part 201a, and a second position state is formed by removing the first plate member 201c from the main body part 201a. Ru. In short, the first plate-like member 201c can adopt any configuration as long as it allows the upper part of the first post-processing device 200 to be exposed.

- In the above embodiment, the first plate member 201c can be fixed to the main body 201a and provided in the main body 201a. In this case, the upper surface portion 201b and the main body portion 201a may be integrally formed.

- In the above embodiment, the second plate member 201d can be attached to the main body 201a so as to be movable (for example, rotatable using a hinge) with respect to the main body 201a. Further, the second plate member 201d can be detachably attached to the main body portion 201a.

- In the above embodiment, the printer 100 may have a configuration in which the branch path 160 and the first ejection path 151 are shared as one path.
- In the embodiment described above, the third supply path 143 may be configured to extend so as to pass below the recording section 110 in the vertical direction Z.

- In the above embodiment, the configuration of the intermediate conveyance path 210 can be changed as appropriate. The intermediate conveyance path 210 of the above embodiment secures the path length necessary for drying the paper P by performing a switchback in which the paper P is reversed and conveyed, and by meandering the intermediate conveyance path 210. In addition to this, it is also possible to secure drying time by stopping the conveyance of the paper P or slowing down the conveyance speed. Further, at least one of the following may be performed: performing a switchback in which the paper P is reversed and transported, making the intermediate transport path 210 meander, stopping transport of the paper P, and slowing down the transport speed of the paper P. By selecting, it is also possible to buy the time necessary for drying the paper P. In short, any configuration can be used as long as it can secure a predetermined conveyance time so that the paper P dries.

- In the above embodiment, the connection path 219 may not be curved toward the printer 100 side. In this case, the connection path 219 has a shape in which, for example, an upstream portion within the extension portion 203a extends straight in the vertical direction Z, and a downstream portion of the upper end portion of the extension portion 203a is connected to the second post-processing device 300. curve towards.

- In the above embodiment, when the recording unit 110 records on the paper P, the configuration is not limited to supporting the paper P using the outer circumferential surface of the belt 135 of the belt conveyance unit 132 as a support surface; for example, a support base may be provided, The paper P may be supported by using the upper side of the support base in the vertical direction Z as the support surface.

- In the embodiment described above, the conveyance section 130 that conveys the paper P along the conveyance path 120 is not limited to the pair of conveyance rollers 131, and may be configured with, for example, a conveyor.
- In the above embodiment, the recording head 111 included in the recording unit 110 is not limited to a line head type, but may be a serial head type movable along the width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the paper P.

- In the above embodiment, the recording device may eject or eject a fluid other than ink (a fluid such as a liquid, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid, or a gel). It may also be a fluid ejecting device that performs recording. For example, recording is performed by jetting a liquid material containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and coloring materials (picture materials) used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescent) displays, and surface emitting displays. It may be a liquid material injection device. Alternatively, it may be a fluid jetting device that jets a fluid such as gel (for example, physical gel). The present invention can be applied to any type of fluid ejecting device among these. In this specification, "fluid" is a concept that does not include fluids consisting only of gas, and fluids include, for example, liquids (inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melt), etc. ), liquids, fluids, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100...Printer (recording device), 101...Recording device side housing, 102...Operation unit, 103...Paper cassette, 103a...Gripping part, 104...Front cover, 152...Second ejection path (second transport path) ), 153... Third discharge route (first conveyance route), 200... First post-processing device, 201... First casing (casing), 201a... Main body part, 201b... Upper surface part, 201c... First plate-like member, 201d...Second plate-like member, 202...Introduction part, 203...Derivation part, 203a...Extension part, 203b...Recessed part, 219...Connection path (third conveyance path), 219a...No. 1 part, 219b...second part, 300...second post-processing device, 301...second casing, 302...sheet discharge section, 1000...printing system (recording system).

Claims (17)

an intermediate conveyance path for conveying a medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device to a post-processing device;
an intermediate conveyance section that conveys the medium along the intermediate conveyance path;
A conveyance device comprising:
further comprising an opening through which the medium can be pulled out;
The intermediate conveyance path is
an upstream path along which the media is transported;
a first switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a second switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a first guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the first switchback path;
a second guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the second switchback path;
a guide switching unit that selectively switches so that the medium conveyed by the upstream route is conveyed to either the first guide route or the second guide route;
a first merging path through which the medium is discharged from the first switchback path;
a second merging path through which the medium is discharged from the second switchback path;
a derivation path whose upstream end is connected to a merging point between the downstream ends of the first merging path and the second merging path, and which extends to the post-processing device;
Equipped with
The derivation route is
a portion is located between the first switchback path and the second switchback path;
extending around below the downstream end of the first switchback path;
the second switchback path extends downward;
The branching point between the first switchback route and the first merging route is located above the branching point between the second switchback route and the second merging route,
the opening is capable of withdrawing the medium of the second switchback path;
The opening and the second switchback path at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. an intermediate conveyance path for conveying a medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device to a post-processing device;
an intermediate conveyance section that conveys the medium along the intermediate conveyance path;
A conveyance device comprising:
further comprising an opening through which the medium can be pulled out;
The intermediate conveyance path is
an upstream path along which the media is transported;
a first switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a second switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a first guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the first switchback path;
a second guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the second switchback path;
a guide switching unit that selectively switches so that the medium conveyed by the upstream route is conveyed to either the first guide route or the second guide route;
a first merging path through which the medium is discharged from the first switchback path;
a second merging path through which the medium is discharged from the second switchback path;
a derivation path whose upstream end is connected to a merging point between the downstream ends of the first merging path and the second merging path, and which extends to the post-processing device;
Equipped with
The derivation route is
a portion is located between the first switchback path and the second switchback path;
extending around below the downstream end of the first switchback path;
the second switchback path extends downward;
The branching point between the first switchback route and the first merging route is located above the branching point between the second switchback route and the second merging route,
The opening is capable of drawing out the medium of the second merging path,
The opening and the second switchback path at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveyance device according to claim 2,
When the direction in which the transport device and the post-processing device are lined up is the line direction, the opening and the first switchback path at least partially overlap in position in the line direction when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. an intermediate conveyance path for conveying a medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device to a post-processing device;
an intermediate conveyance section that conveys the medium along the intermediate conveyance path;
A conveyance device comprising:
further comprising an opening through which the medium can be pulled out;
The intermediate conveyance path is
an upstream path along which the media is transported;
a first switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a second switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a first guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the first switchback path;
a second guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the second switchback path;
a guide switching unit that selectively switches so that the medium conveyed by the upstream route is conveyed to either the first guide route or the second guide route;
a first merging path through which the medium is discharged from the first switchback path;
a second merging path through which the medium is discharged from the second switchback path;
a derivation path whose upstream end is connected to a merging point between the downstream ends of the first merging path and the second merging path, and which extends to the post-processing device;
Equipped with
The derivation route is
a portion is located between the first switchback path and the second switchback path;
extending around below the downstream end of the first switchback path;
the second switchback path extends downward;
The branching point between the first switchback route and the first merging route is located above the branching point between the second switchback route and the second merging route,
the opening is capable of drawing out the medium of the outlet path;
When the direction in which the transport device and the post-processing device are lined up is the line direction, the opening and the first switchback path at least partially overlap in position in the line direction when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveying device according to claim 4,
The opening and the second switchback path at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveying device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
When the direction in which the transport device and the post-processing device are lined up is the line direction, the opening and the lead-out path at least partially overlap in position in the line direction when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveyance device according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The opening and the lead-out path at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveyance device according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
When the direction in which the transport device and the post-processing device are lined up is the line direction, the opening and the first merging path at least partially overlap in position in the line direction when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveying device according to any one of claims 2 to 8,
When the direction in which the transport device and the post-processing device are lined up is defined as the line direction, the opening and the second merging path at least partially overlap in position in the line direction when viewed from the side;
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveyance device according to any one of claims 2 to 9,
The derivation route and the second switchback route at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A conveying device characterized by the following. The conveying device according to any one of claims 2 to 10,
When the direction in which the transport device and the post-processing device are lined up is defined as the line direction, the lead-out route and the first switchback route at least partially overlap in position in the line direction when viewed from the side;
A conveying device characterized by the following. a recording device that records an image on a medium;
a first post-processing device that performs a first post-processing on the medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device;
a second post-processing device that performs a second post-processing on the medium that has been subjected to the first post-processing by the first post-processing device;
The first post-processing device includes:
an intermediate transport path that transports the medium to the second post-processing device;
an opening through which the medium can be pulled out;
Equipped with
The intermediate conveyance path is
an upstream path along which the media is transported;
a first switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a second switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a first guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the first switchback path;
a second guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the second switchback path;
a guide switching unit that selectively switches so that the medium conveyed by the upstream route is conveyed to either the first guide route or the second guide route;
a first merging path through which the medium is discharged from the first switchback path;
a second merging path through which the medium is discharged from the second switchback path;
a derivation path whose upstream end is connected to a merging point between the downstream ends of the first merging path and the second merging path, and which extends to the post-processing device;
Equipped with
The derivation route is
a portion is located between the first switchback path and the second switchback path;
extending around below the downstream end of the first switchback path;
the second switchback path extends downward;
The branching point between the first switchback route and the first merging route is located above the branching point between the second switchback route and the second merging route,
the opening is capable of withdrawing the medium of the second switchback path;
The opening and the second switchback path at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A recording system characterized by: a recording device that records an image on a medium;
a first post-processing device that performs a first post-processing on the medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device;
a second post-processing device that performs a second post-processing on the medium that has been subjected to the first post-processing by the first post-processing device;
The first post-processing device includes:
an intermediate transport path that transports the medium to the second post-processing device;
an opening through which the medium can be pulled out;
Equipped with
The intermediate conveyance path is
an upstream path along which the media is transported;
a first switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a second switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a first guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the first switchback path;
a second guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the second switchback path;
a guide switching unit that selectively switches so that the medium conveyed by the upstream route is conveyed to either the first guide route or the second guide route;
a first merging path through which the medium is discharged from the first switchback path;
a second merging path through which the medium is discharged from the second switchback path;
a derivation path whose upstream end is connected to a merging point between the downstream ends of the first merging path and the second merging path, and which extends to the post-processing device;
Equipped with
The derivation route is
a portion is located between the first switchback path and the second switchback path;
extending around below the downstream end of the first switchback path;
the second switchback path extends downward;
The branching point between the first switchback route and the first merging route is located above the branching point between the second switchback route and the second merging route,
The opening is capable of drawing out the medium of the second merging path,
The opening and the second switchback path at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A recording system characterized by: a recording device that records an image on a medium;
a first post-processing device that performs a first post-processing on the medium on which an image is recorded by the recording device;
a second post-processing device that performs a second post-processing on the medium that has been subjected to the first post-processing by the first post-processing device;
The first post-processing device includes:
an intermediate transport path that transports the medium to the second post-processing device;
an opening through which the medium can be pulled out;
Equipped with
The intermediate conveyance path is
an upstream path along which the media is transported;
a first switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a second switchback path that is disposed downstream of the upstream path and discharges the transported medium in a direction opposite to the transport direction;
a first guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the first switchback path;
a second guide path guiding the medium of the upstream path to the second switchback path;
a guide switching unit that selectively switches so that the medium conveyed by the upstream route is conveyed to either the first guide route or the second guide route;
a first merging path through which the medium is discharged from the first switchback path;
a second merging path through which the medium is discharged from the second switchback path;
a derivation path whose upstream end is connected to a merging point between the downstream ends of the first merging path and the second merging path, and which extends to the post-processing device;
Equipped with
The derivation route is
a portion is located between the first switchback path and the second switchback path;
extending around below the downstream end of the first switchback path;
the second switchback path extends downward;
The branching point between the first switchback route and the first merging route is located above the branching point between the second switchback route and the second merging route,
the opening is capable of drawing out the medium of the outlet path;
When the direction in which the first post-processing device and the second post-processing device are lined up is defined as the line direction, the opening and the first switchback path are located at a position in the line direction in a side view. at least partially overlap ,
A recording system characterized by: The recording system according to claim 13 or 14,
When the direction in which the first post-processing device and the second post-processing device are lined up is defined as the line direction, the opening and the lead-out path are at least partially overlapped in position in the line direction when viewed from the side. Become ,
A recording system characterized by: The recording system according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
The opening and the lead-out path at least partially overlap in vertical position when viewed from the side.
A recording system characterized by: The recording system according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
When the direction in which the first post-processing device and the second post-processing device are lined up is defined as the line direction, the opening and the second merging path are at least at the position in the line direction when viewed from the side. partially overlap ,
A recording system characterized by:

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