JP7416596B2 - media ejector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a medium discharge device on which a medium is loaded.

The medium printed in the printing device is ejected to a medium ejecting device disposed separately from the printing device or to a medium ejecting device integrated into the printing device, and is loaded on the medium ejecting device.

In printing apparatuses, printing may be stopped midway due to running out of ink, conveyance jam of the medium, cleaning operation of the print head, or the like. Such a mid-way stop of printing can also be performed by operating an interrupt switch (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-105383

When printing is stopped midway as described above, the media ejecting device where the media ejected from the printing device is loaded will stop midway ejecting the media before the loading capacity of the media reaches the maximum loading capacity. Become.

In the media ejecting device, when ejecting the media is stopped midway, the printing device user must take measures such as replacing the ink cartridge or removing the jammed media until the cause of the midway stop is resolved. The ejection of the medium is not resumed until processing such as , cleaning, etc. is completed.

If the user takes measures as described above, the downtime of the medium ejecting device includes the time from when ejecting is stopped midway until the user arrives at the printing device.

In addition, the downtime of the media ejection device is not only when the ejection of the media is stopped midway, but also when the loading capacity of the media reaches the maximum loading capacity. It will take the same amount of time for the media to arrive at the media ejection device.

Note that the media ejecting device is not limited to a printing device, but can also be used to load media ejected from a device that ejects media, such as a processing device or a conveying device. Along with the stop, the medium ejection by the medium ejecting device also stops midway.

An object of the present invention is to provide a media ejection device that can reduce downtime.

In one aspect, the medium ejecting device includes a loading platform on which a medium is loaded, an elevation drive unit that raises and lowers the loading platform, and a control unit that controls the elevation drive unit, and the control unit includes at least the following: Based on the fact that the discharging of the medium is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium on the loading platform reaches the loadable amount, performing a take-out lowering operation to lower the loading platform to a height at which the medium is taken out. The lifting drive unit is controlled so as to move.

According to the aspect, downtime of the medium discharge device can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a printing system in an embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of part of a printing system in an embodiment. FIG. It is a flow chart for explaining operation of a medium discharge device concerning one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the take-out height when the amount of loaded media is small in one embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the take-out height when a large amount of media is loaded in one embodiment. It is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first modified example of the medium ejecting device according to one embodiment. It is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second modification of the medium ejecting device according to one embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A medium discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a printing system 100 in one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control configuration of part of the printing system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 includes a medium supply device 110, a first printing device 120, a reversing device 130, a second printing device 140, and a medium ejection device 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printing system 100 includes an operation panel 150.

Note that FIG. 1 shows a first supply route R1, a second supply route R2, a straight transport route R3, R6-1, R7, R10-1, and a first discharge route for the medium M, which is, for example, paper (sheets). R11 and the second discharge route R12 are shown by solid lines, the circulation transport routes R4 and R8 are shown by two-dot chain lines, and the reverse transport routes R5, R6-2, R9, and R10-2 are shown by broken lines.

The medium supply device 110 includes a first loading table 111 , a second loading table 112 , a first supply section 113 , a second supply section 114 , and a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 115 . The first loading table 111 and the second loading table 112 are examples of a plurality of loading tables on which the medium M is loaded.

The medium M is loaded on the first loading table 111 and the second loading table 112. Media M of different sizes (an example of types) may be loaded on the first loading platform 111 and the second loading platform 112. The type of the medium M is not limited to the size, but also includes, for example, whether the medium M is matte paper, whether the medium M is cardboard or not, and the color of the medium. Furthermore, it is preferable that approximately several thousand (for example, 4000) media M can be loaded on each of the first loading platform 111 and the second loading platform 112, although this is just one example. Only a single loading platform may be arranged in the medium supply device 110, or three or more loading platforms may be arranged. Further, a plurality of medium supply devices each having a loading stage may be arranged.

The first supply unit 113 includes a conveying member such as a roller or a belt that feeds and conveys the uppermost medium M among the plurality of media M loaded on the first loading table 111, and drives this conveying member. It has a supply driving means (actuator) such as a motor.

The second supply unit 114 includes a conveyance member such as a roller or a belt that feeds and conveys the uppermost medium M among the plurality of media M loaded on the second loading table 112, and a conveyance member such as a belt that drives this conveyance member. It has a supply driving means (actuator) such as a motor.

The conveyance roller pair 115 includes a first supply path R1 through which the medium M is supplied from the first loading table 111, a second supply path R2 through which the medium M is supplied from the second loading table 112, and a straight conveyance path where these paths merge. R3, and transports the medium M while nipping it.

The first printing device 120 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 121 , a printing section 122 , a suction conveyance section 123 , conveyance path switching sections 124 and 125 , and a discharge section 126 . Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the first printing device 120 includes a control section 127, a storage section 128, and an interface section 129.

A plurality of conveyance roller pairs 121 are arranged in the printing device 120 and convey the medium M while nipping the medium M.

The printing unit 122 has, for example, a line head type inkjet head (not shown) for each color used for printing, and prints on the medium M. Note that the printing method of the printing unit 122 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method.

The suction conveyance section 123 is arranged to face the printing section 122. The suction conveyance unit 123 conveys the medium M with a belt while adsorbing the medium M. The suction conveyance section 123 is an example of a conveyance means.

One conveyance path switching section 124 switches the conveyance path (straight conveyance path R3) of the medium M printed by the printing section 122 into a straight conveyance path R3 that continues directly to the reversing device 130, and a discharge section 126 and a reverse conveyance path. The route is then switched to the circular conveyance route R4 that continues to R5.

The other conveyance path switching section 125 switches the circulation conveyance path R4 of the medium M between a conveyance path that continues to the discharge section 126 and a conveyance path that continues to the reverse conveyance path R5. Note that the medium M is reversed on the reverse conveyance path R5 and conveyed to the printing section 122 again.

The medium M that is not discharged to the medium discharge device 1 is loaded on the discharge section 126 .
The control unit 127 shown in FIG. 2 includes a processor (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit that controls the operation of the entire first printing device 120, and includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operations of the printing unit 122, suction conveyance unit 123, etc. 1 controls the operation of each part of the printing apparatus 120. Note that even if a control unit that serves as at least one of the control unit 147 of the second printing device 140, the control unit 51 of the medium ejecting device 1, etc., which will be described later, and the control unit 127 of the first printing device 120 is disposed. good.

The storage unit 128 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which predetermined control programs are recorded in advance, and a working storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs. This includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that is used and can be written and read at any time.

The interface unit 129 exchanges various information with the media ejection device 1, media supply device 110, reversing device 130, second printing device 140, etc. of the printing system 100, a computer that sends a print job to the printing system 100, etc. I do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reversing device 130 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 131, a conveyance path switching section 132, and a switchback roller pair 133.

The transport roller pair 131 transports the medium M discharged from the first printing device 120 while nipping the medium M.

The conveyance path switching unit 132 has a straight conveyance path R6-1 that conveys the medium M ejected from the first printing device 120 as it is to the second printing device 140, and a reversal path that reverses the front and back of the medium M using a switchback roller pair 133. The transport route is switched to transport route R6-2.

Like the first printing device 120, the second printing device 140 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 141, a printing section 142, a suction conveyance section 143, conveyance path switching sections 144, 145, and a discharge section 146. . Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the second printing device 140 includes a control section 147, a storage section 148, and an interface section 149.

The configuration of the second printing device 140 can be the same as the configuration of the first printing device 120, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. The conveyance path of the medium M is switched between a straight conveyance path R7 that continues to the medium discharge device 1 and a circular conveyance path R8 that continues to the discharge section 146 and the reverse conveyance path R9. The other conveyance path switching section 145 switches the circulation conveyance path R8 of the medium M between a conveyance path that continues to the discharge section 146 and a conveyance path that continues to the reverse conveyance path R9.

Note that the printing system 100 includes a total of two printing units, the printing unit 122 of the first printing device 120 and the printing unit 142 of the second printing device 140, but may include only a single printing unit, Alternatively, three or more printing units may be provided.

The operation panel 150 includes, for example, a display that displays various information, a display control unit that controls the display contents of the display, a touch panel placed on the display, operation keys that perform various operations on the printing system 100, and the like. However, it functions as an example of a display unit, a display control unit, and an input unit of the printing system 100. Note that the operation panel 150 may be an operation panel provided in one or both of the first printing device 120 and the second printing device 140.

As will be described in detail later, the operation panel 150 performs a take-out and lowering operation in which the loading table 11 is lowered to the take-out height when the medium M is stopped midway in being discharged onto the loading tables 11 and 21 of the medium discharge device 1. The setting of whether or not is input is input. The setting as to whether or not to perform this ejecting/lowering operation may be input in advance, but may be input by the user after the user is notified of the setting input when the ejection of the medium M is stopped midway. may be done. Furthermore, the setting as to whether or not to perform the take-out and lowering operation may be input in a computer or the like that transmits a print job to the printing system 100. Information input on the operation panel 150, computer, etc. and setting whether or not to perform the ejecting/lowering operation is sent to the control unit 51 of the medium ejecting device 1, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the medium ejecting device 1 includes a first medium loading section 10, a second medium loading section 20, a first intermediate conveyance section 30, and a second intermediate conveyance section 40. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium ejecting device 1 includes a control section 51, a storage section 52, and an interface section 53.

Note that one of the first medium loading section 10 and the second medium loading section 20 may be omitted, and only a single medium loading section may be disposed. Also, at least one of the first intermediate conveyance section 30 and the second intermediate conveyance section 40 is omitted, and the second printing device 140 is directly connected to at least one of the first medium stacking section 10 and the second medium stacking section 20. A medium M may be transported. Further, the medium ejecting device 1 is a medium ejecting device in which at least two of the first medium loading section 10, the second medium loading section 20, the first intermediate conveyance section 30, and the second intermediate conveyance section 40 are integrated. There may be. Further, the medium ejecting device 1 may be integrated into a device that ejects the medium M, such as a single printing device.

The first medium loading section 10 includes a loading table 11 , a movable end fence 12 , an offset guide 13 , and an upper surface detection sensor 14 . Further, as shown in FIG. 2 , the first medium loading section 10 includes a loading platform lifting/lowering driving section 15 and an offset driving section 16 .

On the loading table 11, the media M discharged from the first intermediate conveyance unit 30, that is, the media M printed on at least one of the first printing device 120 and the second printing device 140 are sequentially stacked. The loading platform 11 is moved up and down by driving of the loading platform up/down drive section 15 . Although this is just one example, it is preferable that approximately several thousand (for example, 4000) media M can be loaded on the loading platform 11.

Note that the loading table 11 may be a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, or the like on which the medium M is loaded, that is, a loading table having a conveying means. Further, the loading platform 11 may be provided with a groove or the like so that it does not interfere with the cart even if it is lowered to the same height as the cart so that the medium M can be delivered to the cart.

The movable end fence 12 and the offset guide 13 are examples of partitioning means that performs a partitioning operation to partition the media M loaded on the loading table 11. The movable end fence 12 and the offset guide 13 perform an offset operation to offset the loading position of the medium M on the loading platform 11, as an example of a partition operation. However, the partitioning operation may be, for example, inserting an insert such as tape or blank paper between the media M, bending the media M, marking the media M, or bundling multiple media M with staples. It may be a movement or the like, and is not limited to an offset movement.

The movable end fence 12 and the offset guide 13 are driven by the offset drive unit 16 to move the loading position of the medium M, for example, back and forth in the discharge direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1). The leading end of the medium M discharged from the first intermediate conveyance section 30 abuts against the movable end fence 12 . The offset guide 13 guides the rear end of the medium M.

The top surface detection sensor 14 is for detecting the height of the loading surface of the loading platform 11, that is, the height of the topmost medium M (the height of the top surface of the loading platform 11 when no medium M is loaded). It is a sensor. The upper surface detection sensor 14 includes, for example, a light emitting section that emits light (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1) horizontally to a height that is a desired loading surface, and a light receiving section that receives this light. When the light emitted from the light emitting part of the top detection sensor 14 is blocked by the medium M and the light receiving part of the top detection sensor 14 does not receive the light, the control unit 51, which will be described later, controls the loading table 11, for example, to control the loading platform 11 for several media M. The loading platform lifting/lowering drive section 15 is controlled to lower the loading platform by the height.

The loading platform elevating drive section 15 is an example of an elevating drive section that moves the loading platform 11 up and down. The loading platform lifting/lowering drive section 15 is, for example, an actuator such as a motor.

The offset drive unit 16 changes the loading position of the medium M back and forth in the discharge direction by moving the movable end fence 12 and the offset guide 13 back and forth in the discharge direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1). The offset drive unit 16 is, for example, an actuator such as a motor.

The second medium loading section 20, like the first medium loading section 10, includes a loading platform 21, a movable end fence 22, an offset guide 23, an upper surface detection sensor 24, a loading platform elevation drive section 25, and an offset drive. 26.

The configuration of the second medium loading section 20 can be the same as the configuration of the first medium loading section 10, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Instead of the medium M that is being transported, the medium M that has been transported through the first intermediate transport section 30 and the second intermediate transport section 40 and discharged from the second intermediate transport section 40 is loaded.

Note that, although the medium ejecting device 1 includes two loading platforms 11 and 21 as an example of a plurality of loading platforms, it may include only one loading platform or three or more loading platforms.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first intermediate conveyance section 30 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 31, a conveyance path switching section 32, a switchback roller pair 33, and a discharge path switching section 34.

The transport roller pair 31 transports the medium M discharged from the second printing device 140 while nipping the medium M.

The conveyance path switching section 32 divides the conveyance path (straight conveyance path R7) of the medium M discharged from the second printing device 140 into a straight conveyance path R10-1 that conveys the medium M discharged from the second printing device 140 as it is to the discharge path switching section 34, and a pair of switchback rollers. 33 to switch to the reversal conveyance path R10-2, which reverses the front and back of the medium M. Note that the reverse conveyance path R10-2 and the switchback roller pair 33 of the first intermediate conveyance section 30 may be omitted.

The discharge route switching unit 34 changes the discharge route for the medium M, where the straight conveyance route R10-1 and the reverse conveyance route R10-2 merge, into a first discharge route R11 that continues to the first medium loading unit 10 and a second intermediate conveyance route. The second discharge route R12 continues to the second medium loading section 20 via the section 40. The discharge route switching section 34 is, for example, a flipper. Note that, as described above, when the medium ejection device 1 has three or more loading platforms (medium loading sections), one or more ejection path switching sections switch the ejection paths of the medium M into three or more ejection paths. It will be switched to one of the loading platforms (medium loading units).

The second intermediate transport section 40 transports the medium M discharged from the first intermediate transport section 30 to the second medium stacking section 20 . The second intermediate conveyance section 40 has a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 41. The transport roller pair 41 transports the medium M to the second medium stacking section 20 while nipping the medium M.

Note that the second intermediate conveyance section 40 may also have a reversal conveyance path for reversing the front and back sides of the medium M, similarly to the first intermediate conveyance section 30.

The control unit 51 of the medium ejecting device 1 shown in FIG. The operation of each section such as the switching section 34 is controlled. Note that the control section 51 is not limited to a single control section, and includes, for example, a control section that controls the first medium stacking section 10 , a control section that controls the second medium stacking section 20 , and a control section that controls the first intermediate conveyance section 30 . At least one of the control section that controls the discharge path switching section 34 and the control section that controls the second intermediate conveyance section 40 may be arranged separately. Further, a control unit that serves as at least one of the control unit 127 of the first printing device 120, the control unit 147 of the second printing device 140, etc., and the control unit 51 of the medium ejecting device 1 may be provided.

The storage unit 52 includes, for example, a ROM, which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, and a ROM that is used as a working storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs. This includes RAM, which is a readable semiconductor memory.

The interface unit 53 exchanges various information with the first printing device 120, the second printing device 140, etc. of the printing system 100, a computer that sends a print job to the printing system 100, and the like.

Note that the medium ejecting device 1 is not loaded with the medium M printed on at least one of the first printing device 120 and the second printing device 140, but is a processing device that performs processing other than printing on the medium M. Alternatively, the medium M discharged from a conveying device that conveys the medium M may be loaded.

Hereinafter, the operation of the medium ejecting device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, while omitting items that overlap with the above description as appropriate.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the medium ejection device 1.
Each process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 is performed by the control unit 51 of the medium ejection device 1 shown in FIG. 2. However, each process is performed by another control unit of the printing system 100 (for example, the control units 127 and 147 of the first printing device 120 and the second printing device 140), and based on the process, the control unit 51 controls the medium ejection. The operation of the device 1 may also be controlled.

Note that although an example in which the medium M is loaded on the loading platform 11 of the first medium loading section 10 will be described below, the same applies when the medium M is loaded on the loading platform 21 of the second medium loading section 20. I can say that.

First, when printing is started in the first printing device 120 and the second printing device 140 and ejection of the medium M onto the loading table 11 of the first medium stacking section 10 is started, the control section 51 of the medium discharging device 1, for example, , based on the detection result of a height detection sensor (not shown) that detects the height of the loading platform 11, it is determined whether the loading amount of the medium M on the loading platform 11 is full (has the maximum loading capacity been reached) or Based on the information received from the first printing device 120, the second printing device 140, etc., it is determined whether the ejection (printing) of the medium M is finished (step S101).

When the loading amount of the medium M on the loading table 11 becomes full, or when the ejection (printing) of the medium M is finished (step S101: YES), the control unit 51 causes the loading table 11 to perform a process as shown in FIG. 4B. The loading platform lifting/lowering drive section 15 is controlled to perform a take-out and lowering operation to lower the medium M to the take-out height H2 (step S102), and the process shown in FIG. 3 is ended.

On the other hand, if the loading amount of the medium M on the loading platform 11 is not full and the ejection (printing) of the medium M has not been completed (step S101: NO), the control unit 51 controls the ejection of the medium M. It is determined whether or not the vehicle has stopped midway (step S103). This midway stop is caused by, for example, running out of ink in the printing units 122, 142, the start of a cleaning operation, a conveyance jam of the medium M in the printing system 100, an interruption operation by the user (for example, pressing an interruption switch), etc. The control unit 51 receives, for example, information from the first printing device 120, the second printing device 140, etc. that the printing has been stopped midway.

If the ejection of the medium M has not been stopped midway (step S103: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S101 described above.

When the ejection of the medium M is stopped midway (step S103: YES), the control unit 51 is configured to perform a take-out lowering operation in which the loading platform 11 is lowered to the take-out height on the operation panel 150, etc., as described above. It is determined whether or not (step S104).

When the control unit 51 is set to perform the ejecting lowering operation (step S104: YES), the control unit 51 lowers the medium M to the loading platform 11 to the ejecting height (ejecting heights H1 and H2 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The loading platform lifting/lowering drive section 15 is controlled to perform the unloading and lowering operation (step S105). In addition, when the unloading lowering operation is performed, it is preferable that the user of the medium ejecting device 1 is notified that the loading platform 11 has been lowered to the unloading height, such as on the operation panel 150 shown in FIG. 2 described above. In addition, the first medium loading section 10 and the second medium loading section 20 are provided with a door for opening and closing the loading space for the medium M, and when the door is locked, it is locked when the removal operation is lowered. It would be good if it were lifted. Furthermore, the process of determining whether or not the taking-out and lowering operation is set (step S104) may be omitted.

In addition, instead of the determination process (step S104) for determining whether or not the taking-out and lowering operation is set, or before or after this determination process (step S104), for example, the height of the loading platform 11 may be detected (not shown). Based on the detection result of the height detection sensor, processing may be performed to determine the loading amount of the medium M loaded on the loading table 11. For example, if the amount of media M loaded on the loading table 11 is less than a predetermined amount, it is preferable to avoid the operation of taking out and lowering the loading table 11 (step S105).

In addition, instead of the determination process (step S104) of determining whether or not the take-out and lowering operation is set, or before or after this determination process (step S104), for example, the remaining print jobs and the height of the loading table 11 may be determined. Based on the detection result of a height detection sensor (not shown) that detects the height, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the number of media M scheduled to be ejected can be loaded on the loading platform 11 even if the media M are not taken out from the loading platform 11. May be done. For example, if the number of media M scheduled to be ejected can be stacked on the stacking platform 11 even if the media M are not removed from the stacking platform 11, it is preferable to avoid the removal and lowering operation of the stacking platform 11 (step S105).

FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the take-out height H1 when the loaded amount of the medium M is small, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the take-out height H2 when the loaded amount of the medium M is large. FIG.

If the discharge of the medium M is stopped midway (step S103: YES), the loading capacity of the loading platform 11 is not full (step S101: NO), and the loading capacity becomes small as shown in FIG. 4A. There is also. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the above-mentioned loading amount is lowered to the take-out height H2 when it is full (step S102), the user of the medium ejecting device 1 removes the medium M from the loading platform 11. Difficult to take out. Therefore, when the loading amount is small (for example, less than 1,000 sheets), the loading platform 11 is placed at a height approximately at the center of the first medium loading section 10 (above the unloading height H2 when the tank is full). It is preferable to descend to the height H1. On the other hand, when the loaded amount is large (for example, 1000 sheets or more), the loading platform 11 is preferably lowered to the take-out height H2 when the loaded amount is full (step S102). Note that the take-out height of the loading platform 11 is not limited to the two take-out heights H1 and H2, but may be a height that varies in three or more levels depending on the loading amount.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the following processing will be continued when the take-out lowering operation (step S105) is performed and when the setting to perform the take-out lowering operation is not made (step S104: NO).

The control unit 51 detects the cause of the stoppage due to the user of the medium ejecting device 1 taking measures such as replacing an ink cartridge or removing the medium M in which a conveyance jam has occurred, or when a process such as a cleaning operation is completed. After the problem is resolved, it is repeatedly determined whether the user has performed an operation to resume printing (discharge) using the operation panel 150 shown in FIG. (Step S106).

Note that the user of the medium ejecting device 1 may not take out the medium M loaded on the loading table 11 after the taking out and lowering operation (step S105) is performed. In this case, the control unit 51 controls the control unit 51 based on, for example, the user's operation on the operation panel 150 shown in FIG. It is preferable to determine that the medium M in the first medium loading section 10 has not been taken out.

When discharge can be resumed (step S106: YES), the control unit 51 loads the loading table 11 (or the medium M if the medium M is not taken out) so that it rises until it is detected by the upper surface detection sensor 14. While controlling the platform lifting drive section 15, the conveyance roller pair 31 is set to the discharge path switching section 34 of the first intermediate conveyance section 30 while leaving the discharge path unchanged as the first medium stacking section 10 (first discharge path R11). etc., to eject the medium M (step S107). After that, the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S101 described above.

For example, in a print job of 5,000 sheets, 150 sheets of A4 size landscape media M are being ejected every minute, and when 2,000 sheets of media M have been ejected, ejection is stopped midway. The flow of the operation of the medium ejecting device 1 will be described for the case where the loading table 11 performs a take-out and lowering operation (this embodiment) and the case where it does not (comparative example). Note that it is assumed that 4000 sheets of media M can be loaded on the loading table 11.

First, when the loading platform 11 performs the take-out and lowering operation after stopping midway through ejection as in this embodiment, "2000 sheets printing" (13.3 minutes), "printing restart processing and medium M removal", "3000 sheets "Printing" (20 minutes) and "Removing medium M" takes 33.3 minutes for printing, the time for "print restart processing and ejecting medium M", and the time for "removing medium M".

On the other hand, when the loading platform 11 does not take out and descend after the ejection is stopped midway as in the comparative example, "2000 sheets printing" (13.3 minutes), "printing restart processing", "2000 sheets printing" (13.3 minutes), 3 minutes), "Remove media M", "Print 1000 sheets" (6.7 minutes), "Remove media M", 33.3 minutes of printing, "Resuming print processing" and "Remove media M twice" ” It takes a long time.

In the present embodiment, the first "medium M removal" is performed at the same time as the "printing restart process", so the number of times the user visits the medium ejecting device 1 is two, whereas in the comparative example , the number of times the user visits the medium ejecting device 1 is three times.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the time required for the user to arrive at the medium ejecting device 1 is one less time than in the comparative example, and the time required to complete printing (ejecting) is shorter than in the comparative example. , productivity of image formation (printing) is improved. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the user is able to take off his/her hands for 20 minutes, which is longer than the maximum of 13.3 minutes in the comparative example, making it easier for the user to perform other tasks.

The operation of the first modified example of the medium ejecting device 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5, while omitting items that overlap with the above description as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first modification.
Each process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is performed, for example, by the control unit 51 of the medium ejecting device 1 shown in FIG. 2.

In this first modified example, an example will be described in which the medium M is loaded on each of the first medium loading section 10 (loading table 11) and the second medium loading section 20 (loading table 21).

First, when printing in the first printing device 120 and the second printing device 140 is started and ejection of the medium M onto the loading platforms 11 and 21 of the first medium stacking section 10 or the second medium stacking section 20 starts, the medium is ejected. The control unit 51 of the device 1 determines whether the loading capacity of the medium M on the loading tables 11 and 21 is full (reaching the maximum loading capacity), or whether the ejection (printing) of the medium M has been completed. (Step S201).

When the loading capacity of the medium M on the loading tables 11 and 21 is full, or when the ejection (printing) of the medium M is finished (step S201: YES), the control unit 51 causes the loading tables 11 and 21 to The loading platform lifting/lowering drive units 15 and 25 are controlled to perform a take-out and lowering operation to lower the medium M to the take-out height H2 (see FIG. 4B) (step S202), and the process shown in FIG. 5 ends.

On the other hand, if the loading amount of the medium M on the loading platforms 11 and 21 is not full and the ejection (printing) of the medium M has not been completed (step S201: NO), the control unit 51 It is determined whether or not the discharge has been stopped midway (step S203).

If the ejection of the medium M has not been stopped midway (step S203: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S201 described above.

When the ejection of the medium M is stopped midway (step S203: YES), the control unit 51 sets the setting to perform the ejecting lowering operation in which the loading platform 11 descends to the ejecting height on the operation panel 150, etc., as described above. It is determined whether or not (step S204).

When the control unit 51 is not set to perform the take-out and lowering operation (step S204: NO), the control unit 51 performs the process of step S207, which will be described later.

When the control unit 51 is set to perform the take-out and lowering operation (step S204: YES), the control unit 51 loads the medium M on another loading platform 11, 21 different from the loading platform 11, 21 on which the medium M was loaded. It is determined whether or not (step S205).

When the medium M is loaded on the other loading platform 11, 21 (step S205: YES), the control unit 51 causes the other loading platform 11, 21 to perform an unloading/lowering operation to lower the medium M to the unloading height. The loading platform lifting/lowering driving units 15 and 25 are controlled so as to move the loading platform (step S206). This process prompts the user to take out the medium M, and since the medium M is ejected to the original loading platform 11, 21 in the process of step S208, which will be described later, the medium M can be taken out during this time.

Next, after the cause of the midway stop is resolved, the control unit 51 determines whether the user has performed an operation to resume printing (ejection) using the operation panel 150 shown in FIG. 2, for example, or whether ejection of the medium M can be resumed. It is repeatedly determined whether or not the discharge is possible until discharge can be resumed (step S207).

When the discharge can be resumed (step S207: YES), the control unit 51 controls the loading platform so that the original loading platform 11, 21 on which the medium M was loaded rises until it is detected by the upper surface detection sensor 14, 24. While controlling the elevating drive units 15 and 25, the ejection route switching unit 34 of the first intermediate transport unit 30 discharges the medium M onto the transport roller pair 31, etc. while leaving the ejection route as the original loading platform 11 and 21. (Step S208). After that, the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S201 described above.

In step S205 described above, if the medium M is not loaded on the other loading platform 11, 21 (step S205: NO), the control unit 51 places the medium M on the original loading platform 11, 21 on which the medium M was loaded. The loading table lifting/lowering drive units 15 and 25 are controlled to perform a take-out and lowering operation to descend to the take-out height of the medium M (step S209). This process prompts the user to take out the medium M, and since the medium M is discharged onto the other loading platforms 11 and 21 in the process of step S211, which will be described later, the medium M can be taken out during this time. In this first modification, one loading platform comes to the medium ejection position, and in parallel with taking out the medium M, ejection is resumed on the other loading platform, so after resuming discharging, the two loading platforms are fully Capacity can be discharged.

Next, after the cause of the midway stop is resolved, the control unit 51 determines whether the user has performed an operation to resume printing (ejection) using the operation panel 150 shown in FIG. 2, for example, or whether ejection of the medium M can be resumed. It is repeatedly determined whether or not the discharge is possible until discharge can be restarted (step S210).

When the discharge can be restarted (step S210: YES), the control unit 51 causes the discharge route switching unit 34 to switch the discharge route from the original loading platform 11, 21 to the other loading platform 11, 21, and switches the conveyance roller pair. 31 or the like to eject the medium M (step S211). After that, the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S201 described above.

In the first modification, in step S205 described above, as an example of the loading status of the medium M, it is determined whether the medium M is loaded on the other loading tables 11 and 21, and it is determined whether the medium M is loaded on the other loading tables 11 and 21. In this case, the medium will be taken out from the other loading tables 11, 21. Therefore, even if the other loading tables 11, 21 are loaded with a very small amount of the medium M, the taking out and lowering operation will be performed. become. Therefore, in step S205 described above, as another example of the loading status of the medium M, it may be determined whether or not a predetermined amount or more of the medium M is loaded on the other loading tables 11 and 21.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 6, the operation of the second modified example of the medium ejecting device 1 will be described, while omitting items that overlap with the above description as appropriate. In this second modification, two loading platforms are used to perform offset operation for each loading platform, and while one loading platform is performing an offset operation, the discharge route is switched to another loading platform, and the discharge is carried out to the other loading platform. An example will be described in which the ejection of the medium M is stopped midway when the process is performed.

As in the process of step S307, which will be described later, it is possible to move the two loading tables to the take-out position and take out the medium M from both of them, but the timing for taking out the medium M can be changed depending on each loading stand. There is.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second modification.
Each process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is performed by, for example, the control unit 51 of the medium ejection device 1 shown in FIG. 2.

Also in this second modification, the medium M is loaded on each of the first medium loading section 10 (loading table 11) and the second medium loading section 20 (loading table 21), similarly to the above-mentioned first modification. .

First, when printing in the first printing device 120 and the second printing device 140 is started and ejection of the medium M onto the loading platforms 11 and 21 of the first medium stacking section 10 or the second medium stacking section 20 starts, the medium is ejected. The control unit 51 of the device 1 determines whether the loading capacity of the medium M on the loading tables 11 and 21 is full (reaching the maximum loading capacity), or whether the ejection (printing) of the medium M has been completed. (Step S301).

When the loading capacity of the medium M on the loading tables 11 and 21 becomes full, or when the ejection (printing) of the medium M is finished (step S301: YES), the control unit 51 causes the loading tables 11 and 21 to The loading platform lifting/lowering drive units 15 and 25 are controlled to perform a take-out and lowering operation to lower the medium M to the take-out height H2 (see FIG. 4B) (step S302), and the process shown in FIG. 6 ends.

On the other hand, if the loading capacity of the medium M on the loading platforms 11 and 21 is not full and the ejection (printing) of the medium M has not been completed (step S301: NO), the control unit 51 It is determined whether or not the discharge has been stopped midway (step S303).

If the ejection of the medium M has not been stopped midway (step S303: NO), the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S301 described above.

When the ejection of the medium M is stopped midway (step S303: YES), the control unit 51 sets the setting to perform the ejecting lowering operation in which the loading platform 11 descends to the ejecting height on the operation panel 150, etc., as described above. It is determined whether or not (step S304).

If the control unit 51 is not set to carry out the unloading and lowering operation (step S304: NO), after the cause of the midway stop is resolved, the control unit 51 allows the user to resume printing (discharging) using the operation panel shown in FIG. 2, for example. 150, that is, whether the ejection of the medium M can be resumed is repeatedly determined until the ejection becomes possible again (step S305).

When the ejection can be resumed (step S305: YES), the control unit 51 causes the ejection route switching unit 34 of the first intermediate conveyance unit 30 to change the ejection route to the original loading table 11, 21 on which the medium M was loaded. While maintaining this state, the conveyance roller pair 31 and the like are caused to discharge the medium M (step S306). After that, the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S301 described above.

In step S304 described above, if the setting is made to perform the ejecting lowering operation (step S304: YES), the control unit 51 causes all the loading tables 11 and 21 to perform the ejecting lowering operation to descend to the ejecting height of the medium M. The loading platform lifting/lowering drive units 15 and 25 are controlled so as to perform this (step S307).

Next, after the cause of the midway stop is resolved, the control unit 51 determines whether the user has performed an operation to resume printing (ejection) using the operation panel 150 shown in FIG. 2, for example, or whether ejection of the medium M can be resumed. It is repeatedly determined whether or not the discharge is possible until discharge can be resumed (step S308).

When the discharge can be restarted (step S308: YES), the control unit 51 controls the loading platform elevating drive unit so that the loading platforms 11 and 21 from which the medium M has been taken out rise until they are detected by the upper surface detection sensors 14 and 24. 15, 25, and also causes the ejection path switching unit 34 of the first intermediate conveyance section 30 to eject the medium M onto the conveyance roller pair 31, etc., by setting the ejection path as the loading platform 11, 21 from which the medium M has been taken out. (step S309). After that, the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S201 described above.

Here, when the ejection of the media M in sorting units is completed due to the separation of print jobs, changes in the type of the media M (for example, size, matte paper or not, thick paper or not, color, etc.), the offset operation ( An example of a partitioning operation) may be desirable. However, when the offset operation is performed, the ejection of the medium M is stopped during that time. Therefore, the discharge route switching unit 34 switches the discharge route to another loading table 11 or 21 when the discharge of the media M in sorting units is completed. In this second modification, the medium M may be removed from the other loading platforms 11 and 21 to which the ejection route is switched before the ejection route is switched.

Therefore, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the ejection route of the sorted medium M is finished and the ejection route switching unit 34 switches the ejection route to another loading table 11, 21 until the ejection route is switched (step S310).

When the ejection route is switched to another loading platform 11, 21 (step S310: YES), the control unit 51 determines whether the medium M has been taken out from the other loading platform 11, 21 to which the ejection route is switched. The determination is made until M is taken out (step S311). Note that when the user performs an operation not to take out the medium M, for example, on the operation panel 150 shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable to treat the same as when the medium M is taken out.

If the medium M has been taken out from the other loading tables 11 and 21 (step S311: YES), the control unit 51 causes the discharge route switching unit 34 to change the discharge route to the other loading table 11, from which the medium M was taken out. 21 and causes the pair of transport rollers 31 and the like to discharge the medium M (step S312).

Then, the control unit 51 controls the offset drive units 16 and 26 to cause the movable end fences 12 and 22 and offset guides 13 and 23 of the original loading platforms 11 and 21 to perform the above-mentioned offset operation (step S313). . After that, the control unit 51 repeats the process from step S301 described above.

In this way, in the second modification, the control unit 51 causes all the loading tables 11 and 21 to perform the unloading and lowering operation (step S307), and causes some loading tables 11 and 21 from which the medium M has been taken out to perform the unloading and lowering operation. The medium is ejected (step S309), and the medium M is ejected from the other loading tables 11 and 21 after the ejection of the medium M in sorting units is completed.

Therefore, until the ejection of the medium M is restarted (step S309), it is sufficient to take out the medium M from some of the loading tables 11 and 21, and the ejection of the medium M from the other loading tables 11 and 21 is resumed. It is only necessary to take out the medium M from the loading tables 11 and 21 before the ejection route is switched. Therefore, it is possible to avoid stopping the ejection of the medium M due to the time required to take out the medium M.

Furthermore, in this second modification, since a partitioning operation (offset operation) is performed on the medium M, the medium M is taken out from the loading tables 11 and 21 more carefully than when no partitioning operation is performed. This is desirable. Therefore, even if it takes time to take out the medium M, as described above, until the ejection of the medium M is restarted (step S309), it is only necessary to take out the medium M from some of the loading tables 11 and 21, and the medium Stopping the discharge of M can be more effectively avoided.

In the present embodiment described above, the medium ejection device 1 includes the loading platforms 11 and 21 on which the medium M is loaded, and the loading platform lift drive units (lift drive units) 15 and 25 that raise and lower the loading platforms 11 and 21. and a control section 51 that controls the loading platform lifting/lowering drive sections 15 and 25. The control unit 51 at least controls the loading platform 11, 21 to load the medium M on the loading platform 11, 21 based on the fact that the discharging of the medium M is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium M on the loading platform 11, 21 reaches the loadable amount. The loading platform lifting/lowering drive units 15 and 25 are controlled so as to perform a take-out and lowering operation to descend to the take-out heights H1 and H2 of M.

As a result, when the ejection of the medium M is stopped midway, when the user of the medium ejecting device 1 takes measures such as replacing the ink cartridge or removing the medium M where a conveyance jam has occurred, or when processing such as cleaning operation is completed. Until then, the user can take out the medium M. Therefore, the number of times the user visits the medium ejecting device 1 to take out the medium M from the loading platforms 11 and 21 can be reduced, and ejection of the medium M is stopped until the user reaches the medium ejecting device 1. It is possible to shorten the period of time required. Furthermore, since the medium M after restarting discharge can be discharged up to the loading capacity of the loading tables 11 and 21, it is possible to discharge the medium M until the loading capacity of the medium M on the loading tables 11 and 21 reaches the loading capacity after restarting discharge. You can also extend the time. Therefore, according to this embodiment, downtime of the medium ejecting device 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the medium ejecting device 1 can eject (print) in a short time. In addition, by reducing the number of times the user of the medium ejecting device 1 visits the medium ejecting device 1 to take out the medium M from the loading platform 11, 21, the user's time away from the device can be extended. , it becomes easier for the user to perform other tasks.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 51 accepts a setting input as to whether or not to perform a take-out and lowering operation, which is input before or after ejection of the medium M is stopped midway. Further, the control unit 51 determines that the ejection of the medium M is stopped midway (step S103, S203, S303: YES) and that the setting is made to perform the unloading and lowering operation (steps S104, S204, S304: YES). 15 and 25 are controlled.

As a result, for example, if the user does not take out the medium M frequently, by inputting in advance a setting that does not perform the ejecting and lowering operation, unnecessary ejecting and lowering operations can be avoided. can. In addition, if the user does not take out the medium M even if he or she visits the medium ejecting device 1 in order to deal with a stoppage in the middle of ejection, etc., the setting of whether or not to perform the ejecting and lowering operation can be changed to By inputting the input after the machine has stopped, it is possible to avoid unnecessary ejecting and lowering operations.

Further, in the first modification of the present embodiment, the medium ejecting device 1 includes a plurality of loading tables 11 and 21, a plurality of lifting drive units 15 and 25 for raising and lowering the plurality of loading tables 11 and 21, and a medium It includes a discharge route switching unit 34 that switches the discharge route of M to either one of the plurality of loading platforms 11 and 21. When discharging onto some of the plurality of loading platforms 11, 21 is stopped midway, the control unit 51 controls the control unit 51 based on the loading status of the medium M on the other loading platforms 11, 21. Then, the elevating drive units 15 and 25 are controlled to cause some of the loading platforms or other loading platforms to take out and descend (steps S206 and S209), and when ejection of the medium M is restarted (step S207). , S210: YES), the ejection path switching unit 34 is controlled so that the medium M is ejected to the loading platforms 11, 21 that are not performing the ejection/lowering operation (steps S210, S211).

As a result, the ejection of the medium M can be resumed for the loading platforms 11 and 21 that have not performed the ejecting/lowering operation, that is, the loading platforms 11 and 21 from which the medium M has not been ejected, so that it is possible to resume ejecting the medium M. It is possible to avoid stopping the ejection of the medium M due to this.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, but can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements within the scope of the invention at the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Below, the invention described in the original claims of this application will be added.

[Additional note 1]
a loading platform on which media is loaded;
a lifting drive unit that lifts and lowers the loading platform;
and a control unit that controls the lifting drive unit,
The control unit is configured to, at least, control the loading platform to a height at which the medium is taken out, based on the fact that the discharging of the medium is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium on the loading platform reaches the maximum loading capacity. A medium ejecting device characterized in that the elevating drive unit is controlled to perform a descending take-out and lowering operation.

[Additional note 2]
The control unit receives a setting as to whether or not to perform the ejecting and lowering operation, which is input before or after ejection of the medium is stopped midway;
The control unit is configured to at least determine that the ejection of the medium is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium on the loading table reaches the loadable amount, and that the ejecting and lowering operation is performed. The medium ejecting device according to appendix 1, wherein the elevating drive unit is controlled to cause the loading platform to perform the ejecting and lowering operation based on the following.

[Additional note 3]
a plurality of the loading platforms;
a plurality of the lifting drive units that lift and lower the plurality of loading platforms;
a discharge route switching unit that switches the discharge route of the medium to any of the plurality of loading platforms;
When discharging onto some of the plurality of loading platforms is stopped midway, the control unit controls the loading of the partial loading platform based on the loading status of the medium on other loading platforms. The elevating drive unit is controlled to cause the platform or the other loading platform to perform the take-out and lowering operation, and when ejection of the medium is restarted, the loader that is not performing the take-out and lowering operation is moved to place the medium. The medium ejection device according to appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the ejection path switching unit is controlled so that the medium is ejected.

1 Medium discharge device 10 First medium loading section 20 Second medium loading section 11, 21 Loading platform 12, 22 Movable end fence 13, 23 Offset guide 14, 24 Top surface detection sensor 15, 25 Loading platform elevation drive section 16, 26 Offset Drive section 30 First intermediate conveyance section 31 Conveyance roller pair 32 Conveyance path switching section 33 Switchback roller pair 34 Discharge path switching section 40 Second intermediate conveyance section 41 Conveyance roller pair 51 Control section 52 Storage section 53 Interface section 100 Printing system 110 Media supply device 120 First printing device 130 Reversing device 140 Second printing device 150 Operation panel H1, H2 Take-out height M Medium R11 First discharge path R12 Second discharge path

Claims (4)

a loading platform on which media is loaded;
a lifting drive unit that lifts and lowers the loading platform;
and a control unit that controls the lifting drive unit,
The control unit is configured to at least determine that the ejection of the medium is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium on the loading platform reaches the loadable amount, and that the loading of the medium loaded on the loading platform is stopped. A medium ejecting device characterized in that, based on the fact that the amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the elevating drive unit is controlled to cause the loading platform to perform a take-out and lowering operation of descending to a take-out height of the medium. The control unit receives a setting as to whether or not to perform the ejecting and lowering operation, which is input before ejection of the medium is stopped midway;
The control unit is configured to at least determine that the ejection of the medium is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium on the loading platform reaches the loadable amount, and the loading amount of the medium loaded on the loading platform. is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and the elevating drive unit is controlled to cause the loading platform to perform the ejecting and lowering operation based on the fact that the amount of the ejecting and lowering operation is set to be performed. The medium discharge device according to claim 1. a plurality of loading tables on which media are loaded;
a plurality of lifting drive units that lift and lower the plurality of loading platforms;
a control unit that controls the plurality of lifting drive units;
a discharge route switching unit that switches the discharge route of the medium to any of the plurality of loading platforms;
The control unit is configured to: when discharging to some of the plurality of loading platforms is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium on the loading platform reaches the loadable amount; Based on whether or not another loading platform is loaded with a predetermined amount or more of the medium, the partial loading platform or the other loading platform is caused to perform an unloading/lowering operation of descending to a height at which the medium is to be unloaded. The elevating drive unit is controlled, and the ejection path switching unit is also controlled so that when ejection of the medium is restarted, the medium is ejected to the loading platform that is not performing the take-out and lowering operation. media ejection device. a loading platform on which media is loaded;
a lifting drive unit that lifts and lowers the loading platform;
and a control unit that controls the lifting drive unit,
The control unit is configured to at least determine that the ejection of the medium is stopped midway before the loading amount of the medium on the loading platform reaches the maximum loading capacity, and that the scheduled number of media to be ejected is removed from the loading platform. Based on the fact that the medium cannot be loaded on the loading table unless the medium is taken out, the lifting drive unit is controlled to cause the loading table to perform a take-out and lowering operation of descending to a height at which the medium is taken out. Media ejector.

Images