JP7601746B2 - Post-processing device and recording device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a post-processing device and a recording device.

Conventionally, there is known a post-processing device equipped with a loaded sheet processing section that performs post-processing such as stapling and shifting on paper sheets on which images have been formed (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-233636). In the post-processing device, post-processing is performed on a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed while the sheets are loaded on a processing tray.
As an example of a device for forming an image on paper, an inkjet printer equipped with a recording head that ejects ink as liquid in the form of droplets is known.

JP 2015-107840 A

Incidentally, when an image is formed using an inkjet printer, the paper on which the image is formed may curl (part of the paper may become curved or deformed) as the ink (moisture) is absorbed and the ink dries.
As a result, when sheets of paper on which images have been formed by an inkjet printer are successively placed on the processing tray of the post-processing device, if the degree of curl of the paper placed earlier is large, the paper being transported later can get caught on the curled part of the paper placed earlier, causing the sheets to become misaligned or causing transport problems.

The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above problems, and can be realized as the following application examples or forms.

[Application Example 1]
The post-recording processing device of this application example is characterized in that it comprises a post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the recorded recording medium, and a deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium in the transport path along which the recording medium is transported or in the loading section on which the recording medium is placed, and the deformation suppression means is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording processing on the recording medium.

A recorded recording medium may be deformed (e.g., curled) on the transport path or on the placement surface due to the influence of the recording material (e.g., ink). The degree of this deformation (amount of deformation or stress due to deformation) is not constant, but varies depending on various parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium (e.g., the material of the recording medium, the recording material, the recorded image, the recording environment, etc.). According to this application example, the deformation suppression means is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium.

[Application Example 2]
In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the recording medium on which recording has been performed is a recording medium on which recording has been performed using a water-based ink.

When recording with water-based ink, the water-based ink has a high affinity with the recording medium and penetrates into the recording medium, so the recording medium is more likely to deform after recording and drying than when recording with oil-based ink. According to this application example, post-recording processing can be performed on a recording medium recorded with water-based ink in a state where deformation of the recording medium is more effectively suppressed.

[Application Example 3]
In the post-recording processing device according to the above-described application example, the water-based ink contains water in an amount of 50% by mass or more, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

As with the post-recording processing device of this application example, the water-based ink used preferably contains 50% or more by mass of water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

[Application Example 4]
In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include physical property information of the recording medium.

The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation and the stress due to deformation) may vary depending on the physical properties of the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses the deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on a predetermined parameter that includes the physical property information of the recording medium, making it possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[Application Example 5]
In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include recording environment information about an environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium.

The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation or the stress due to deformation) may vary depending on the environment (e.g., temperature and humidity) in which recording is performed on the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on a predetermined parameter that includes recording environment information of the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium.

[Application Example 6]
In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include recording data for performing recording on the recording medium.

The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (deformation amount and stress due to deformation) may differ depending on the recording data (e.g., recording area and recording density) used to record on the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on a predetermined parameter included in the recording data used to record on the recording medium, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium.

[Application Example 7]
In the post-recording processing device according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include an elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium.

The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation and the stress due to deformation) may vary depending on the time that has elapsed since recording was performed on the recording medium. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses the deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on a predetermined parameter that includes the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium, making it possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[Application Example 8]
In the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, the predetermined parameters include apparatus environment information of an environment including the transport path or the placement unit.

The degree of deformation of the recording medium after recording or drying (the amount of deformation or the stress due to deformation) may differ depending on the device environment information of the environment including the transport path or the placement unit. According to this application example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses the deformation of the recording medium is controlled based on a predetermined parameter that includes the device environment information of the environment including the transport path or the placement unit, so that it is possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium.

[Application Example 9]
In the recording post-processing device of the above application example, the post-processing device is provided with an intermediate processing device that performs intermediate processing and a finishing unit that performs finishing processing, and the intermediate processing device performs an inversion process or a drying process on the recording media as the intermediate processing, and the finishing unit performs a stapling process, a punching process, or a sorting process on the multiple recording media for which the intermediate processing has been completed as the finishing process.

According to this application example, the post-processing section includes an intermediate processing section that performs intermediate processing, and a finishing section that performs finishing processing. The intermediate processing section performs a flipping process or a drying process on the recording media as the intermediate processing, and the finishing section performs a stapling process, a punching process, or a sorting process as the finishing process on the multiple recording media for which the intermediate processing has been completed. In other words, multiple processes can be performed on the recorded recording media. Furthermore, because deformation of the recording media is more appropriately suppressed, the occurrence of problems such as jams is also suppressed in the recording post-processing device that performs multiple processes.

[Application Example 10]
A recording apparatus according to this application example is characterized by including the post-recording processing apparatus according to the above application example, and a line head that performs recording by applying a water-based ink to the recording medium.

According to this application example, it is possible to perform recording with post-recording processing in a state where deformation of the recording medium after recording is more appropriately suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment; Schematic diagram showing the printer configuration Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an inversion device (post-recording processing device) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a stapling device (post-recording processing device); Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of a recording medium Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of a recording medium Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of a recording medium Schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of a recording medium FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression unit that suppresses deformation of a recording medium due to wind pressure. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression unit that suppresses deformation of a recording medium due to wind pressure. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to pressure; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to pressure; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to its own weight (gravity); FIG. 14 is a schematic side view illustrating the deformation suppression means shown in FIG. 13 . FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to its own weight (gravity); FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression unit that suppresses deformation of a recording medium by humidification (addition of water); FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression unit that suppresses deformation of a recording medium by corrective deformation. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a deformation suppression means for suppressing deformation of a recording medium due to drying. A schematic diagram showing curling occurring in a concentrated area of a recording medium. Schematic diagram of a deformation suppression means capable of suppressing deformation of a partially deformed recording medium.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. Note that the figures below may be drawn to a scale different from the actual scale in order to make the explanation easier to understand.

(Embodiment 1)
<Recording device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
The recording apparatus 1 is made up of an inkjet printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as the printer 100) that records (prints) on a sheet of recording medium 12 such as printing paper, a post-recording processing device 200, and the like.
The recording post-processing device 200 includes a post-processing section that performs post-processing of the recorded recording medium 12. The recording post-processing device 200 also includes, as post-processing sections, an intermediate processing section that performs intermediate processing and a finishing section that performs finishing processing. Specifically, the recording post-processing device 200 includes an inversion device 210 that includes an inversion transport path 18 as an intermediate processing section that performs inversion (turning over) of the recording medium 12 recorded by the printer 100 as intermediate processing among post-processing of the recorded recording medium 12, and a staple device 220 that includes a staple processing section 36 that stacks the inverted recording media 12 in order as finishing processing after the intermediate processing and staples them for each predetermined unit.

The "recording post-processing device" in this invention refers to a device that performs post-processing on the recorded recording medium 12, and in the example of this embodiment, this corresponds to the inversion device 210 and the stapling device 220, but the recording post-processing device is not limited to these, and may be, for example, a device that performs a process of inserting slip sheets at predetermined pages and stacking them, a punching process that punches holes, a process of dividing into volumes at predetermined units (sorting process), a process of folding at predetermined positions and stacking them, etc.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printer 100, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the reversing device 210, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the stapling device 220. As shown in FIG.
The printer 100 is provided with a printer transport path 17, and the reversing device 210 is provided with a reversing transport path 18. Furthermore, the stapling device 220 is provided with a stapler transport path 19. The printer transport path 17, the reversing transport path 18, and the stapler transport path 19 form a transport path indicated by a two-dot chain line that runs from the printer 100, which is upstream in the transport direction Y, via the reversing device 210 to the stapling device 220.

<Printer>
As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 100 includes a cassette 21, a feed unit 22, a printer transport unit 23, a recording unit 24, a printer control unit 70, and the like.
The cassette 21 is a storage unit that can store the recording media 12 in a stacked state, and at least one cassette 21 (three in FIG. 2 ) is detachably provided in the printer 100 .
The feeding unit 22 feeds the recording media 12 contained in the cassette 21 to the printer transport unit 23. The feeding unit 22 includes a pickup roller 26 that feeds out the topmost recording medium 12 among the recording media 12 arranged in a stacked state in the cassette 21, and a separation roller pair 27 that separates the recording media 12 fed out by the pickup roller 26 one by one. Furthermore, the feeding unit 22 includes a feeding motor (not shown) for driving the rotation of the pickup roller 26.

The printer transport unit 23 transports the fed recording medium 12 to the recording unit 24 , and sends the recording medium 12 on which recording has been completed to the inversion device 210 .
The printer transport unit 23 includes at least one transport roller pair 30 (three in FIG. 2 ) that rotates as a transport motor (not shown) is driven to transport the recording medium 12 along the printer transport path 17. Additionally, a drive pulley 32 and a driven pulley 33 between which an endless transport belt 31 is stretched are provided at a position along the printer transport path 17. The recording medium 12 is electrostatically attracted to the support surface (outer peripheral surface) of the transport belt 31 and is transported as the transport belt 31 rotates.

The recording unit 24 includes a tank (not shown) that contains a liquid (hereinafter referred to as ink) as a recording material for recording on the recording medium 12, and an ink ejection head (not shown) that ejects the ink onto the recording medium 12. The ink ejection head is provided at a position facing the conveyor belt 31 across the printer transport path 17. The recording unit 24 ejects ink based on recording data onto the recording medium 12 that is supported and transported by the transport belt 31, thereby adhering the ink to perform recording (forming an image based on the recording data). Note that the recording unit 24 (ink ejection head) of this embodiment is a so-called line head that can simultaneously eject ink across the width direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the transport direction Y of the recording medium 12.
The recording data is data that is generated based on image data (text data or image data) to be recorded on the recording medium 12 and is used to cause the printer 100 to execute recording.
The printer control unit 70 is, for example, a personal computer equipped with an input unit, a display unit, a memory unit (not shown), etc., and has a communication function with an inversion control unit 71 and a stapler control unit 72 described below, and works in conjunction with them to control the driving of the feeding unit 22, the printer transport unit 23, the recording unit 24, etc.

<Post-recording processing device (reversal device)>
As shown in Figure 3, the inversion device 210 includes a first inversion section 41, a second inversion section 42, an inversion transport section 52, an inversion control section 71, etc., and constitutes an inversion transport path 18 as a post-processing section (intermediate processing section) that inverts (transports the recording medium 12 upside down).
The reverse transport section 52 includes a pair of transport rollers 56, a sensor 58, a guide flap 59, and the like.

The reversing conveying path 18 is made up of a pre-reversing path 18a, a reversing path 18b, and a post-reversing path 18c.
The upstream end of the pre-reversal path 18a is connected to the printer transport path 17, and the recording medium 12 is introduced therein. The downstream end of the pre-reversal path 18a is connected to branch point A (the upstream end of the reversal path 18b).
The reversal path 18b is composed of a first branch path 44, a second branch path 45, a first merging path 46, a second merging path 47, a first reversal path 48, and a second reversal path 49. The first branch path 44 is a path from branch point A to the first connection point B. The second branch path 45 is a path from branch point A to the second connection point C. The first merging path 46 is a path from the first connection point B to the merging point D. The second merging path 47 is a path from the second connection point C to the merging point D. The first reversal path 48 is a path continuing to the first connection point B. The second reversal path 49 is a path continuing to the second connection point C.
The upstream end of the post-reversal path 18c is connected to the junction D (the downstream end of the reversal path 18b), and the recording medium 12 reversed by the reversal path 18b is introduced therein. The downstream end of the post-reversal path 18c is connected to the stapler transport path 19 of the stapling device 220.

The transport roller pairs 56 are provided at various positions on the reversing transport path 18 and are driven by a transport motor (not shown).
The sensor 58 is provided on the pre-reversal path 18a, the first reversal path 48, and the second reversal path 49, and detects the recording medium 12 being transported on each path.
The guide flaps 59 are provided at the branch point A, the first connection point B, and the second connection point C, and guide the conveying direction of the recording medium 12 conveyed to each point. The guide flaps 59 are rotated by a solenoid (not shown), and guide the conveying direction of the recording medium 12 at the branch points of the conveying path.
The reversing conveying section 52 (the conveying roller pair 56 , the sensor 58 , the guide flap 59 , etc.) is driven and controlled by a reversing control section 71 , and conveys the recording medium 12 along the reversing conveying path 18 .

The first reversing section 41 is composed of a first branch path 44, a first reversing path 48, a first merging path 46, and a pair of transport rollers 56, a guide flap 59, a sensor 58, and the like included in these paths.
The second reversing section 42 is composed of a second branch path 45, a second reversing path 49, a second merging path 47, and a pair of transport rollers 56, a guide flap 59, a sensor 58, and the like included in these paths.

The reversal control unit 71 has a communication function between the printer control unit 70 and a stapler control unit 72 described below, and in cooperation with them, drives and controls the pair of transport rollers 56, the sensor 58, and the guide flap 59, and performs the reversal process of the recording medium 12.
Specifically, the recording medium 12 introduced into the pre-reversal path 18a is subjected to an inversion processing operation by the first inversion unit 41 (an operation of transporting the recording medium 12 from the first branch path 44 through the first inversion path 48 to the first junction path 46 to the post-reversal path 18c) and an inversion processing operation by the second inversion unit 42 (an operation of transporting the recording medium 12 introduced into the pre-reversal path 18a from the second branch path 45 through the second inversion path 49 to the second junction path 47 to the post-reversal path 18c), thereby continuously performing the inversion processing of the recording medium 12.

<Post-recording processing device (stapling device)>
The stapling device 220 is a device that stacks the recording media 12 that have been inverted by the inversion device 210 in order, staples them in predetermined units, and discharges them. As shown in FIG. 4, the stapling device 220 is equipped with a stapler transport section 35, a staple processing section 36 as a post-processing section (finishing processing section), a stacker 37, a stapler control section 72, etc.

The stapler transport section 35 transports the recording medium 12 introduced from the reversing device 210 to the stapling processing section 36, and sends the recording medium 12 that has been stapled in the stapling processing section 36 to a stacker 37. The stapler transport section 35 includes a pair of transport rollers 81 and 82, a guide flap 83, a sensor 84, and the like.
The pair of transport rollers 81, 82 rotate with the drive of a transport motor (not shown) to transport the recording medium 12 along the stapler transport path 19 into the stapling device 220. When the sensor 84 detects the end of the transported recording medium 12, the guide flap 83 rotates to guide the end of the recording medium 12 toward the staple processing section 36, and then opens the nip of the pair of transport rollers 82. The recording medium 12 moves (slides) under its own weight into the staple processing section 36 provided below. Note that when the recording medium 12 moves (slides) under its own weight, the pair of transport rollers 82 may be reversed to assist in moving the recording medium 12 to the staple processing section 36 more easily.

The staple processing section 36 includes a tray 85, a stapler 86, and the like. The tray 85 is inclined downward from the pair of transport rollers 82 toward the stapler 86 so as to accommodate the moving recording medium 12 when the nip between the pair of transport rollers 82 is released. The tray 85 aligns the end position of the moving recording medium 12 by using a contact wall against which the end of the recording medium 12 abuts. The stapler 86 performs a stapling process in which the recording media 12 aligned on the tray 85 are stapled together in predetermined units with staples.

When the stapling process is completed, the transport roller pair 82 nip and rotates the recording medium 12, and the recording medium 12 after the stapling process is discharged to the stacker 37 and stacked.
The stapler control unit 72 has a communication function between the printer control unit 70 and the inversion control unit 71, and works in cooperation with them to control the driving of the stapler transport unit 35 (pairs of transport rollers 81, 82, guide flap 83, sensor 84, etc.) and the staple processing unit 36 (stapler 86).

<Ink>
Next, the ink (ink composition) as the recording material for recording on the recording medium 12 will be described.
From the viewpoints of safety, ease of handling, and various performances (color development, suitability for strike-through, ink reliability, etc.), the ink is preferably an aqueous ink composition in which the main solvent of the ink is water. Note that the suitability for strike-through refers to a property suitable for preventing the ink from excessively penetrating the recording medium 12 and striking through to the back.

It is preferable to use pure water or ultrapure water such as ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltered water, reverse osmosis water, distilled water, etc. In particular, it is preferable to use water that has been sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation or addition of hydrogen peroxide, etc., in order to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and enable long-term storage of the ink.
From the viewpoint of ensuring appropriate physical properties (such as viscosity) of the ink and ensuring the stability and reliability of the ink, it is preferable that the ink composition contains water in an amount of 10% by mass to 75% by mass.

Inks include inks for full-color recording (image formation and printing) (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, etc.), black ink, white ink, etc., each of which contains a coloring material.
As the coloring material, each color ink preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of pigments, dyes, metal oxides, and the like.
The pigment is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include inorganic pigments and organic pigments for black, and organic pigments of various colors such as yellow, magenta, and cyan.
As the dye, various dyes such as direct dyes, acid dyes, food dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, disperse dyes, vat dyes, soluble vat dyes, and reactive disperse dyes can be used as dyes of various colors such as yellow, magenta, and cyan.

In addition to the coloring material, the ink may contain water-soluble organic solvents, polyhydric alcohols, betaines, sugars, ureas, surfactants, etc., in order to obtain predetermined ink characteristics. The predetermined ink characteristics include the wettability and permeability of the ink to the recording medium 12, curling and cockling suitability for the recording medium 12, strike-through suitability, clogging suitability during ink ejection, suitability of viscosity characteristics depending on the ink temperature, etc.
Specifically, for example, 1,2-alkanediols, glycol ethers, pyrrolidone derivatives, etc. can be used as the water-soluble organic solvent, and glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, etc. can be used as the polyhydric alcohol. As the surfactant, known fluorine-based surfactants, acetylene glycol-based surfactants, silicon-based surfactants, etc. can be used.

When the ink contains a pigment, a dispersant for dispersing the pigment may be added as another component. In addition, to further improve the properties of the ink, a pH adjuster, a complexing agent, a defoaming agent, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorbing agent, a preservative/anti-mold agent, etc. may be added to the ink.

<Deformation of recording media>
When the recording medium 12 contains fibers that absorb moisture, such as cellulose, the water contained in the ink may cause deformation of the recording medium 12. This may be particularly noticeable when recording with a water-based ink that contains 50% or more by mass of water.
Among the deformations of the recording medium 12, the deformation of the recording medium 12 in a convex or concave curl will be described below.

5 to 8 are schematic diagrams showing examples of curled states of the recording medium 12. FIG.
5, when ink is applied to the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12, water contained in the ink permeates the main surface 12p, and the main surface 12p side swells (the fibers constituting the recording medium 12 extend), which may cause the recording medium 12 to curl in a convex shape toward the main surface 12p side. The direction in which the recording medium 12 curls in a convex shape with respect to the transport direction Y (direction of the arc) varies depending on the configuration specifications of the recording medium 12 (printing paper) and the direction in which the recording medium 12 is set in the printer 100, and for example, curling may occur as shown in FIG.
Such curling may become less severe as the main surface 12p dries due to shrinkage of the elongated fibers. In addition, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, drying may cause the fibers to shrink further, resulting in curling (secondary curl).

The degree of such curling (amount of deformation) varies depending on various factors. These factors include, for example, the material and thickness of the recording medium 12, the structural specifications of the layers if the recording medium 12 is formed of multiple layers, the environment in which the printer 100 is used (temperature and humidity), the recording time and the time elapsed since recording (drying time), the water content of the recording medium 12 at the start of recording and at the start of drying, the ink specifications (water content, concentration, temperature), the amount of ink applied, the shape and size of the area where the ink is applied, etc. The amount of curl and the amount of secondary curl vary depending on these specifications and the degree of the curl.

In addition, such deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12 may cause the recording device 1 to malfunction. Specifically, for example, the recording medium 12 may jam in the transport path after recording, or the recording media 12 may not be stacked evenly in a location where they are stacked, such as the tray 85 or stacker 37, resulting in the recording media 12 being folded over or stapling in a specified unit not being possible.

In response to this, there are devices that include means for suppressing deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12, such as the post-processing device described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above. However, when the degree of deformation (curl) of the recording medium 12 varies, the suppression means may not function adequately. For example, in the case of the post-processing device in Patent Document 1, if the pressing force of the second air flow blown from above the paper loading surface in a direction toward the paper loading surface is insufficient against the stress of the curled paper, the curl cannot be suppressed adequately.

In contrast, the recording post-processing device (reversing device 210, stapling device 220) of this embodiment includes a post-processing section (reversing transport path 18, stapling processing section 36) that performs post-processing of the recorded recording medium 12, and a deformation suppressing means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 in the transport path (reversing transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) along which the recording medium 12 is transported, or in the loading section (tray 85, stacker 37) on which the recording medium 12 is loaded, and is characterized in that the deformation suppressing means is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12. In other words, the suppression strength of the deformation suppressing means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12.
The specific details are explained below.

<Deformation Suppression Means>
The deformation suppression means for suppressing curling can be configured in various forms in the transport path (reverse transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) or the placement section (tray 85, stacker 37).
9 to 18 are schematic diagrams showing examples of deformation suppression means.

<Measures to prevent deformation due to wind pressure>
9 shows an example of a deformation suppression means 300 that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 placed on the tray 85 (see FIG. 4 ) by wind pressure. That is, the deformation suppression means 300 is a deformation suppression means that uses wind pressure as a pressing means against the stress caused by the deformation of the recording medium 12.
The deformation suppression means 300 includes a plurality of (three in the example shown in FIG. 9 ) air blowing units 90. Each air blowing unit 90 is provided so as to blow air from a position facing the placement surface 85a of the tray 85 on which the recording medium 12 is placed, in a direction toward the placement surface 85a.

The horizontal position (in-plane position parallel to the mounting surface 85a) at which the blower 90 is installed is set at an appropriate position for pressing the recording medium 12 and suppressing curling. In other words, when the size of the recording medium 12 and the curling direction are constant, the position (area) at which the recording medium 12 curls and moves away from the mounting surface 85a is known in advance, so the blower 90 is installed at an appropriate position opposite that position (a position where the recording medium 12 moved away from the mounting surface 85a can be effectively pressed against the mounting surface 85a by air pressure). Note that, when the size of the recording medium 12 handled by the recording device 1 and the curling direction are not constant, it is preferable to configure the horizontal (in-plane) position at which the blower 90 is installed to be variable.
The blower 90 may be, for example, a so-called blower fan that blows air using rotating blades that are driven to rotate.

For example, the recording medium 12 that has curled due to swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied is inverted by the inverting device 210, and is placed in a concave state on the mounting surface 85a of the tray 85 with the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied facing down (toward the mounting surface 85a) as shown in Fig. 9. The air blowing unit 90 applies air pressure to the areas on both sides of the recording medium 12 that have become separated from the mounting surface 85a due to the curling, thereby suppressing the curling of the recording medium 12.
Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the curl direction of the recording medium 12 is opposite to that described above, the air blowing section 90 can suppress curling of the recording medium 12 by pressing the central area of the recording medium 12 that is separated from the mounting surface 85a due to the curling with air pressure.

In this example, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means is the air pressure blown by the blower 90, for example the rotation speed of the rotating blades. The air pressure blown by the blower 90 is controlled by the stapler control unit 72, which is linked to the printer control unit 70. The control of the suppression strength will be described later.

The deformation suppression means 300 may be provided in the stacker 37 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the air blowing section 90 may be provided so as to blow air from a position facing the loading surface 37a of the stacker 37 on which the recording media 12 are loaded, in a direction toward the loading surface 37a. In this case, it is configured as a deformation suppression means for suppressing curling when the recording media 12 are stacked after the staple process is completed and the bundled recording media 12 are curled.

<Means for suppressing deformation due to pressing>
11 and 12 show an example of a deformation suppression means 301 that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 placed on the tray 85 by contacting and pressing against the recording medium 12. That is, the deformation suppression means 301 is a deformation suppression means that utilizes a pressing means that counters the stress caused by the deformation of the recording medium 12.
Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the deformation suppression means 301 shown in Fig. 11 from the side. Note that Fig. 11 shows one recording medium 12, while Fig. 12 shows a plurality of recording media 12 placed in a stacked manner.

The deformation suppressing means 301 includes a plurality of pressing members 91 (two in the example shown in FIG. 11 ) and a guide shaft 92 that supports the pressing members 91 .
The pressing member 91 is a flexible, thin-plate-like resin member, one end region 91a of which is supported by a guide shaft 92 and the other end region 91b is configured to abut against the recording medium 12 as a free end.
The guide shaft 92 is attached to the stapling device 220 so as to extend parallel to the mounting surface 85a of the tray 85 on which the recording medium 12 is placed. As indicated by the arrow K in Fig. 12, the pressure F with which the pressing member 91 presses the recording medium 12 can be adjusted by rotating the guide shaft 92 about its axis.

The lateral position where the pressing member 91 is installed (the position where the guide shaft 92 is provided and the position in the direction along the guide shaft 92) is set at an appropriate position to press the recording medium 12 and suppress curling. In other words, when the size of the recording medium 12 and the curling direction are constant, the position (area) where the recording medium 12 curls and moves away from the mounting surface 85a is known in advance, so the pressing member 91 is set at an appropriate position opposite that position (a position where the recording medium 12 that has moved away from the mounting surface 85a can be effectively pressed against the mounting surface 85a). When the size of the recording medium 12 handled by the recording device 1 and the curling direction are not constant, it is preferable to configure the lateral (in-plane) position where the pressing member 91 is installed to be variable.

For example, the recording medium 12 that has curled due to swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied is inverted by the inverting device 210, and as shown in FIG. 11, is placed in a concave state on the mounting surface 85a of the tray 85 with the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied facing down (toward the mounting surface 85a). The pressing member 91 presses the areas on both sides of the recording medium 12 that have moved away from the mounting surface 85a due to the curling, thereby suppressing the curling of the recording medium 12.

The suppression strength of the deformation suppression means in this example is the pressure F applied by the pressing member 91, which is, for example, the rotation angle of the guide shaft 92. The pressure F applied by the pressing member 91 is controlled by the stapler control unit 72, which is linked to the printer control unit 70. The control of the suppression strength will be described later.

The deformation suppression means 301 may be provided in the stacker 37. That is, the guide shaft 92 may be attached to the stacker 37 so as to extend parallel to the loading surface 37a of the stacker 37 on which the recording media 12 are loaded, and the pressing member 91 may be provided so as to press in a direction toward the loading surface 37a. In this case, it is configured as a deformation suppression means for suppressing curling when the bundled recording media 12 are curled and stacked after the stapling process is completed.

<Means for suppressing deformation due to gravity>
13 to 15 show an example of deformation suppression means 302 having a protruding rib that abuts against the curled recording medium 12 so as to deform and straighten the recording medium 12 in the opposite direction to the direction of curling due to its own weight (gravity). In other words, the deformation suppression means 302 is a deformation suppression means that uses gravity as a pressing means for countering the stress caused by the deformation of the recording medium 12.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the deformation suppressing means 302 shown in FIG. 13 from a side view.

The deformation suppression means 302 is provided on the stacker 37 and includes one or more (two in the example shown in FIG. 15 ) protruding ribs 93 protruding from the mounting surface 37 a of the stacker 37 .
The protruding rib 93 is a block body extending in a direction intersecting the direction of the arc of the curl of the recording medium 12, and a protruding mechanism (not shown) provided in the deformation suppression means 302 can cause the upper surface that abuts against the recording medium 12 to protrude in the normal direction from the loading surface 37a.
The lateral position at which the protruding rib 93 is installed is set at an appropriate position where curling of the recording medium 12 due to its own weight (gravity G) is suppressed. In other words, when the size of the recording medium 12 and the direction and orientation of the curl are constant, the position (area) where the recording medium 12 curls and moves away from the placement surface 37a is known in advance, and therefore the position (area) is set at an appropriate position that serves as a fulcrum for being pressed by gravity G. When the size of the recording medium 12 and the direction and orientation of the curl are not constant, it is preferable to configure the lateral (in-plane) position at which the protruding rib 93 is installed to be variable.

For example, the recording medium 12 that has curled due to swelling of the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied is inverted by the inverting device 210, and is placed in a concave state on the protruding rib 93 that protrudes from the mounting surface 37a of the stacker 37, with the main surface 12p to which ink has been applied facing down (towards the mounting surface 37a), as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 13. The recording medium 12 curls, with the protruding rib 93 as a fulcrum, and the areas on both sides of the recording medium 12 that are away from the mounting surface 37a are subjected to gravity G, thereby straightening the curl of the recording medium 12. Alternatively, gravity G acts in a direction in which the curl is straightened.
15, for example, when the recording medium 12 curls in the opposite direction to the above, the curl of the recording medium 12 can be corrected by supporting both side areas of the recording medium 12 close to the mounting surface 37a as fulcrums with the protruding ribs 93 so that the central area of the recording medium 12 that is far from the mounting surface 37a receives gravity G due to the curl. Alternatively, gravity G acts in the direction in which the curl is corrected.

The suppression strength of the deformation suppression means in this example is the amount by which the upper surface of the protruding rib 93 (the surface that contacts the recording medium 12) protrudes from the placement surface 37a in the normal direction, and is the control amount of the protrusion mechanism. The protrusion mechanism is controlled by the stapler control unit 72 that works in conjunction with the printer control unit 70. The control of the suppression strength will be described later.

<Method of suppressing deformation by humidification (addition of water)>
16 shows an example of a deformation suppression means 303 that suppresses curling of the recording medium 12 by humidifying (applying water). The deformation suppression means 303 is a deformation suppression means that utilizes a humidifying (water application) means as a means for alleviating stress that causes deformation of the recording medium 12.
As described above, the recording medium 12 curls due to the action of water contained in the ink applied to the principal surface 12p. Therefore, by applying an amount of water equivalent to the amount of water that has permeated into the principal surface 12p to the rear surface of the principal surface 12p, curling of the recording medium 12 can be suppressed. In other words, by applying water that causes an amount of swelling equivalent to the swelling of the principal surface 12p to the rear surface, the front and rear surfaces are balanced and curling is suppressed.

The deformation suppression means 303 includes a humidifying section 94 capable of applying water to the rear surface of the recording medium 12 .
Specifically, the humidifying unit 94 can be configured with, for example, a line head that ejects water instead of ink. Therefore, the position where the deformation suppressing means 303 is provided can be any position on the transport path (reversal transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) through which the recorded recording medium 12 is transported, or on the placement section (tray 85, stacker 37) on which the recording medium 12 is placed, as long as the position is a position through which the recording medium 12 passes and where the humidifying unit 94 that ejects water onto the back surface of the recording medium 12 can be installed.

The suppression strength of the deformation suppression means in this example is the amount of water that the humidifier 94 applies to the back surface of the recording medium 12. The amount of water applied by the humidifier 94 is controlled by either the reversal control unit 71 or the stapler control unit 72, which are linked to the printer control unit 70, depending on the position where the humidifier 94 is installed. The control of the suppression strength will be described later.

<Means for suppressing deformation by corrective deformation>
17 shows an example of a deformation suppressing means 304 that suppresses curling of the recording medium 12 by correctively deforming the recording medium 12. In other words, the deformation suppressing means 304 is a deformation suppressing means that includes a correcting means for correcting deformation of the recording medium 12.
6 occurs, that is, when the arc formed by the curl faces the transport direction Y, the curl may be suppressed by deforming the recording medium 12 so as to extend in the transport direction Y. To explain an extreme example, it can be understood that when the recording medium 12 is folded so as to create a crease in the transport direction Y (that is, the direction of the arc formed by the curl) in the case of a curl as shown in FIG.

The deformation suppression means 304 includes a plurality of rollers 95 (seven in the example shown in FIG. 17 ) that, in association with the conveyance, cause deformation of the recording medium 12 extending in the direction of the arc formed by the curl, at any position on the conveyance path (the inversion conveyance path 18, the stapler conveyance path 19) along which the recorded recording medium 12 is conveyed. The rollers 95 are driven by a conveyance motor (not shown).
As shown in Fig. 17, the rollers 95 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in a direction intersecting the transport direction Y, and adjacent rollers 95 are shifted vertically (in the thickness direction of the recording medium 12) and arranged alternately so that the recording medium 12 is sandwiched between them. The recording medium 12 is sandwiched between the roller 95a shifted upward and the roller 95b shifted downward so that the height at which the roller 95b shifted downward contacts the recording medium 12 is higher than the height at which the roller 95a shifted upward contacts the recording medium 12, whereby the recording medium 12 can be corrected and deformed to have a wavy surface. This corrective deformation can suppress curling as shown in Fig. 6.

The suppression strength of the deformation suppression means in this example is the amount by which the roller 95 is shifted in the vertical direction (thickness direction of the recording medium 12), and is the gap amount between the lower end of the roller 95a shifted upward and the upper end of the roller 95b shifted downward. The larger this gap amount is, the larger the wave surface formed by the corrective deformation will be, and the greater the curl suppression effect will be.

<Methods for suppressing deformation due to drying>
18 shows an example of a deformation suppression means 305 that suppresses curling of the recording medium 12 by drying. That is, the deformation suppression means 305 is a deformation suppression means that includes a drying means as a means for alleviating stress that causes deformation of the recording medium 12.

The deformation suppression unit 305 includes a heater 96 capable of drying the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 .
The heater 96 is provided on the first reversal path 48 and the second reversal path 49, and heats and dries the recording medium 12 transported on the first reversal path 48 and the second reversal path 49, and suppresses curling by shrinking the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12 that has swelled due to the ink (water) applied to the main surface 12p. The heater 96 can be composed of an infrared lamp, a heating wire, or the like.

The transport path provided with the heater 96 may be configured, for example, as a first reversing path 48 shown in Fig. 18, which is straight and flat, or may be curved as a second reversing path 49 shown in Fig. 18. Note that it is preferable that the direction of this curvature is opposite to the direction in which the recording medium 12 curls.
Furthermore, the transport path accompanied by the heater 96 may be configured with multiple transport paths that are curved in a direction that corresponds to the various curl directions of the recording medium 12 and suppresses the curl, and the recording medium 12 may be controlled to be transported to the corresponding transport path.

The suppression strength of the deformation suppression means in this example is the output of the heater 96 and the drying time in the transport path accompanied by the heater 96. The output of the heater 96 and the drying time are controlled by the reversal control unit 71 that works in conjunction with the printer control unit 70. Control of the suppression strength will be described later.
Although the heater 96 has been described as being provided in the deformation suppression means 305, it also has a function as an intermediate processing section that performs a drying process as an intermediate process of the recording medium 12 on which data has been recorded.

In the above explanation, the deformation of the recording medium 12 has been explained using an example of a simple curl, but more complicated deformation may occur. For example, depending on the specifications of the image to be recorded on the recording medium 12, complicated deformation may occur. This is because the amount of ink applied to the main surface 12p of the recording medium 12 (i.e., the amount of water that penetrates) varies within the surface depending on the specifications of the image.
Therefore, it is preferable that the deformation suppression means is configured to suppress deformation when there is in-plane variation in deformation. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, when an image is formed (ink is applied) in a concentrated manner in a certain area of the recording medium 12 and curl occurs only in that area, it is preferable that the deformation suppression means is configured to suppress deformation of this area. This is to prevent the deformation suppression means from deforming the non-deformed area in the opposite manner when the deformation suppression means is applied to the non-deformed area.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a deformation suppressing means 306 configured to be able to suppress deformation in a partially deformed area of the recording medium 12 .
The deformation suppression means 306 shown in Figure 20 is a modified example of the deformation suppression means 302 equipped with protruding ribs described with reference to Figures 13 to 15, and shows a plan view of the arrangement of the protruding ribs 93a provided on the stacker 37.
As shown in FIG. 20, the deformation suppression means 306 includes a plurality of (56 in the example shown in FIG. 20) protruding ribs 93 a arranged in a matrix on the mounting surface 37 a of the stacker 37 .
Whereas the protruding rib 93 provided on the deformation suppression means 302 is a block body extending long in a direction intersecting the direction of the arc of the curl of the recording medium 12, the protruding rib 93a is arranged in a matrix pattern, so that by protruding the protruding rib 93a at a position corresponding to the deformation formed in a specific area of the recording medium 12 (a position where the deformation can be corrected), it is possible to act to suppress the deformation in that area.

In this way, by arranging action parts for suppressing deformation of the recording medium 12 in a matrix shape, not limited to the protruding rib 93a, facing the recording medium 12, it is possible to configure a deformation suppression means that can similarly suppress deformation formed in a specific region of the recording medium 12. For example, as action parts arranged in a matrix shape, the air blowing parts 90 of the deformation suppression means 300 described with reference to Fig. 9 may be arranged in a matrix shape.
16, when the humidifying unit 94 is configured with a line head that ejects water, the position where water is applied can be controlled in the same way as when an image is formed on the recording medium 12, so that, for example, water can be applied to the back side of the recording medium 12 in accordance with the image to be recorded on the recording medium 12 so as to form a mirror image, thereby achieving a balanced state between the front and back, and suppressing deformation such as curling. In other words, the deformation suppression means 303 is configured as a deformation suppression means that can suppress deformation formed in a specific area of the recording medium 12.

<Control of deformation suppression means>
Next, the control of the deformation suppression means that characterizes this embodiment will be described.
As described above, it is preferable to balance the degree of deformation and the effect (suppression strength) of the deformation suppression means in suppressing the deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, if the action of the deformation suppression means is insufficient against the stress of the curled recording medium 12, the curl cannot be sufficiently suppressed and the initial problem cannot be solved. Conversely, driving the deformation suppression means uniformly with a sufficient suppression strength that can handle all expected deformations may result in a waste of energy or may even deform the recording medium 12.
In this embodiment, the suppression strength and suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means are controlled to correspond to the degree and state of deformation of the recording medium 12. Specifically, the suppression strength and suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means are controlled based on parameters (predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12) that determine the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12. Note that the suppression specifications are the specifications of the suppression strength including the portion (the position within the surface of the recording medium 12) to which the suppression strength is applied, and locally mean the suppression strength.

<Predetermined parameters related to recording process>
The specified parameters related to the recording process that determine the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 include physical property information of the recording medium 12, ink composition data, recording environment information of the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12, recording data for recording on the recording medium 12, the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium 12, and device environment information of the environment including the transport path (printer transport path 17, inverted transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) or the loading section (tray 85, stacker 37).
It is not necessary for the predetermined parameters related to the recording process to include all of the above parameters. For example, when the recording medium 12 or ink used is limited to one type in advance, or when the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12 is limited to a specific environment, parameters that are not expected to affect the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 do not need to be included as parameters for controlling the suppression strength or suppression specifications of the deformation suppression means.

The physical property information of the recording medium 12 is physical property information related to the deformation of the recording medium 12, and is prepared in advance as evaluated data.
The data (physical property information related to the deformation of the recording medium 12) to be evaluated and prepared in advance can be, for example, prepared as the amount of deformation of the test piece at a specified time elapsed or the deformation stress obtained when the deformed portion is pressed when water is applied at a specified density to a specified test piece (recording medium 12) under a specified environment (specified temperature and humidity).
In addition, the physical property information may be product number information of the recording medium 12 linked to the physical property information obtained by a pre-evaluation, or the name of the material constituting the recording medium 12 linked to the physical property information obtained by a pre-evaluation.

The ink composition data is information about the amount of water and volatile components contained in the ink. In particular, in the case of water-based inks that contain 50% or more by mass of water, the degree of deformation of the recording medium 12 varies greatly depending on the water content. In addition, when ink that contains 70% or more by mass of water is applied, secondary curl occurs more frequently when the recording medium 12 dries.

The recording environment information regarding the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12 is, for example, the temperature and humidity of the location where the printer 100 is installed.
In different temperature and humidity environments, the penetration speed and drying speed of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change, resulting in changes in the deformation characteristics (degree and state of deformation and changes therein) of the recording medium 12. In addition, the moisture content (degree of drying) of the recording medium 12 placed in different temperature and humidity environments changes, and similarly, the penetration speed and drying speed of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change.

As described above, the recording data for recording on the recording medium 12 is data for causing the printer 100 to execute recording, which is generated based on image data (text data or image data) to be recorded on the recording medium 12. That is, the amount of ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12, the applied density (duty), and the applied area change depending on the recording data, so the degree of deformation and the state of deformation of the recording medium 12 differ depending on the recording data. For example, in the case where the recording medium 12 is a general recording paper mainly composed of cellulose, curling becomes noticeable when the difference in duty between the front and back of the recording medium 12 is 30% or more. The recording data also includes control information on whether the recording on the recording medium 12 is double-sided or single-sided. In single-sided recording, the difference in duty between the front and back of the recording medium 12 is noticeable, so curling also appears prominently.
Here, the "duty" is a value calculated by the following formula.
Duty [%] = number of actual printed dots / (vertical resolution x horizontal resolution) x 100
In the formula, "actual recording dot number" is the number of actual recording dots formed by ink droplets per unit area, and "vertical resolution" and "horizontal resolution" are the resolutions per unit length, respectively.

The time that has elapsed since recording on the recording medium 12 is, in other words, the natural drying time of the recorded recording medium 12 .
The degree and state of deformation vary as the recorded recording medium 12 dries while moving along the transport path. In addition, for example, if the recording device 1 stops due to an error such as a jam of the recording medium 12 on the transport path of the recording device 1, the degree and state of deformation change as the recording medium 12 dries naturally.

Device environment information of the environment including the transport path (printer transport path 17, inversion transport path 18, stapler transport path 19) or the placement section (tray 85, stacker 37) is, for example, the temperature and humidity of the location where the post-recording processing device 200 (inversion device 210, staple device 220) is installed.
In the transport path or loading section of the recording medium 12, the penetration speed and drying speed of the ink (water) applied to the recording medium 12 may change under different temperature and humidity environments, and as a result, the deformation characteristics of the recording medium 12 will change.

<Control of suppression strength>
The suppression strength of each of the above-mentioned deformation suppression means is controlled based on the above-mentioned predetermined parameters. Specifically, for example, the suppression strength of each of the above-mentioned deformation suppression means is controlled using a condition table (or a function) from which the suppression strength of each of the above-mentioned deformation suppression means is derived in accordance with the specific values of the above-mentioned predetermined parameters.
The condition table (or function) is prepared after sufficient evaluation in advance, for example, for each type of recording medium 12 and each type of deformation suppression means, as a condition table (or function) in which the suppression strength is derived based on the density (duty) of the applied water and the temperature and humidity.
The prepared condition table (or function) is stored in a storage unit provided in the printer control unit 70 .

The printer control unit 70 derives the suppression strength using the condition table (or function). For example, when a standard, known recording paper is used as the recording medium 12, the name of the recording paper (e.g., product number) is specified to the printer control unit 70, and a condition table (or function) corresponding to the deformation suppression means provided in the recording device 1 is extracted from among multiple condition tables stored in a memory unit provided in the printer control unit 70. The printer control unit 70 uses the condition table (or function) to derive the suppression strength based on the recording data to be recorded and the temperature and humidity at that time. The temperature and humidity may be obtained from a thermo-hygrometer provided in each part of the recording device 1, or may be input to the printer control unit 70 by the operator of the recording device 1.

Based on the derived suppression strength, the printer control unit 70 works in conjunction with a control unit (inversion control unit 71, stapler control unit 72) that has a deformation suppression means to control the corresponding deformation suppression means.

As described above, the post-recording processing apparatus and the recording apparatus according to this embodiment can provide the following effects.
The degree of deformation (amount of deformation and stress due to deformation) of the recorded recording medium 12 is not constant, but differs depending on various parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12. According to this embodiment, the deformation suppression means is controlled based on predetermined parameters related to the recording process on the recording medium 12, so that it is possible to more appropriately suppress the deformation of the recording medium 12.

In addition, when recording using water-based ink, the water-based ink has a high affinity with the recording medium 12 and penetrates the recording medium 12, so the recording medium 12 is more likely to deform after recording and drying than when recording using oil-based ink. According to this embodiment, post-recording processing can be performed on the recording medium 12 recorded with water-based ink in a state in which deformation of the recording medium 12 is more effectively suppressed.

In addition, when using a water-based ink containing 50% or more by mass of water to record on a recording medium 12 that contains fibers that absorb moisture, such as cellulose, it is possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on a predetermined parameter that includes physical property information of the recording medium 12, so it is possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, for a recording medium 12 that curls under a stronger stress, deformation is suppressed by a stronger necessary and sufficient suppression strength.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on a predetermined parameter that includes recording environment information about the environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium 12, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, when recording is performed with a printer 100 installed in a more humid environment, and the moisture content of the recording medium 12 is high, the degree of deformation is lower compared to when recording is performed on a drier recording medium 12, and therefore deformation can be suppressed with a weaker suppression strength that is necessary and sufficient.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on a predetermined parameter that includes the recording data for recording on the recording medium 12, so it is possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, when there is a significant difference in duty between the front and back of the recording medium 12, such as in single-sided recording, the degree of curl is high, so deformation is suppressed with a stronger suppression strength that is necessary and sufficient.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on a predetermined parameter including the elapsed time since recording was performed on the recording medium 12, so it is possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12. For example, if it is expected that secondary curl will become noticeable if the elapsed time is exceeded, the deformation is suppressed with a necessary and sufficient suppression strength in the direction of suppressing secondary curl in accordance with the elapsed time.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the suppression strength of the deformation suppression means that suppresses deformation of the recording medium 12 is controlled based on a predetermined parameter including device environment information of the environment including the transport path or the placement unit, so that deformation of the recording medium 12 can be suppressed more appropriately. For example, when the temperature of the environment including the transport path is high and the humidity is low, the degree of drying of the recording medium 12 during transport is high, and it is expected that the degree of curling is high, deformation is suppressed with a stronger suppression strength that is necessary and sufficient.

The post-recording processing device 200 also includes, as a post-processing device, an inversion transport path 18 that performs inversion processing as an intermediate process, and a staple processing device 36 that performs stapling processing as a finishing process. Therefore, inversion processing and stapling processing can be performed within the same device. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, deformation of the recording medium 12 is more appropriately suppressed, so that the occurrence of problems such as jams is suppressed within the device that performs these processes.

In addition, deformation of the recording medium 12 is suppressed by a deformation suppression means, which is a pressing means for countering the stress caused by deformation, a correction means for correcting the deformation, or a means for mitigating the stress that causes deformation, and the strength of each suppression is controlled based on a predetermined parameter related to the recording process on the recording medium 12, making it possible to more appropriately suppress deformation of the recording medium 12.

In addition, the recording device 1 can perform recording that has been post-processed in a state in which deformation of the recording medium 12 after recording is more appropriately suppressed.

1...recording device, 12...recording medium, 17...printer transport path, 18...reversal transport path, 18a...pre-reversal path, 18b...reversal path, 18c...post-reversal path, 19...stapler transport path, 21...cassette, 22...feed section, 23...printer transport section, 24...recording section, 26...pickup roller, 27...separation roller pair, 30...transport roller pair, 31...transport belt, 32...driving pulley, 33...driven pulley, 35...stapler transport section, 36...stapling processing section, 37...stacker, 37a...loading surface, 41...first reversal section, 42...second reversal section, 44...first branch path, 45...second branch path, 46...first merging path, 4 7...second merging path, 48...first reversing path, 49...second reversing path, 52...reversing transport section, 56...transport roller pair, 58...sensor, 59...guide flap, 70...printer control section, 71...reversing control section, 72...stapler control section, 81, 82...transport roller pair, 83...guide flap, 84...sensor, 85...tray, 85a...mounting surface, 86...stapler, 90...blow section, 91...pressing member, 92...guide shaft, 93...protruding rib, 94...humidifying section, 95...roller, 96...heater, 100...printer, 200...recording post-processing device, 210...reversing device, 220...stapling device, 300-306...deformation suppression means.

Claims (11)

a post-processing section for performing post-processing of a recording medium recorded with a water-based ink;
a deformation suppressing means for suppressing deformation of the recording medium in a placement portion on which the recording medium is placed;
a printer control unit that derives a suppression strength to be used by the deformation suppression means based on predetermined parameters related to a recording process for the recording medium;
a control unit that communicates with the printer control unit and controls one or more protruding ribs of the deformation suppression means based on the suppression strength derived by the printer control unit;
Equipped with
the one or more protruding ribs are provided on the placement portion, and an upper surface of the protruding rib is protruded from the placement portion by a protruding mechanism;
The control unit controls a protruding amount of the one or more protruding ribs from the mounting portion based on the suppression strength,
The predetermined parameters include:
Composition data of the water-based ink;
Information based on physical property information of the recording medium;
Information based on recording environment information of an environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium;
information based on recording data for recording on the recording medium;
information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium;
Equipment environment information of an environment including the transport path or the placement unit;
At least one of
the information based on the physical property information of the recording medium is information based on previously evaluated data related to deformation of the recording medium,
The recording environment information of the environment in which the recording is performed on the recording medium is the temperature and humidity of a place where the device is installed,
The information based on the recording data for recording on the recording medium is the amount of ink to be applied to the recording medium, the density at which the ink is applied, and the area to which the ink is applied based on the image data to be recorded on the recording medium,
the information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium is a natural drying time of the recorded recording medium,
A recording device characterized in that, when an elapsed time since recording on the recording medium exceeds a predetermined value , deformation is suppressed in a direction that suppresses secondary deformation in accordance with the elapsed time. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding rib is configured so that its position can be changed in a lateral direction with respect to the transport direction. a post-processing section for performing post-processing of a recording medium recorded with a water-based ink;
a deformation suppressing unit that suppresses deformation of the recording medium in a conveying path along which the recording medium is conveyed or in a placement portion on which the recording medium is placed;
a printer control unit that derives a suppression strength to be used by the deformation suppression means based on predetermined parameters related to a recording process for the recording medium;
a control unit that communicates with the printer control unit, the control unit being provided in the deformation suppression means and that controls a humidification unit that can apply water to the rear surface of the recording medium based on the suppression strength derived by the printer control unit;
Equipped with
The predetermined parameters include:
Composition data of the water-based ink;
Information based on physical property information of the recording medium;
Information based on recording environment information of an environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium;
information based on recording data for recording on the recording medium;
information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium;
Equipment environment information of an environment including the transport path or the placement unit;
At least one of
the information based on the physical property information of the recording medium is information based on previously evaluated data related to deformation of the recording medium,
The recording environment information of the environment in which the recording is performed on the recording medium is the temperature and humidity of a place where the device is installed,
The information based on the recording data for recording on the recording medium is the amount of ink to be applied to the recording medium, the density at which the ink is applied, and the area to which the ink is applied based on the image data to be recorded on the recording medium,
the information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium is a natural drying time of the recorded recording medium,
A recording device characterized in that, when an elapsed time since recording on the recording medium exceeds a predetermined value , deformation is suppressed in a direction that suppresses secondary deformation in accordance with the elapsed time. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the humidifying unit is provided at a position on either a transport path along which the recording medium is transported after recording or on the placement unit. a post-processing section for performing post-processing of a recording medium recorded with a water-based ink;
a deformation suppressing unit that suppresses deformation of the recording medium in a conveying path along which the recording medium is conveyed or in a placement portion on which the recording medium is placed;
a printer control unit that derives a suppression strength to be used by the deformation suppression means based on predetermined parameters related to a recording process for the recording medium;
a control unit that communicates with the printer control unit, the control unit being provided in the deformation suppression means and that controls the correction means that corrects the deformation of the recording medium based on the suppression strength derived by the printer control unit;
Equipped with
The predetermined parameters include:
Composition data of the water-based ink;
Information based on physical property information of the recording medium;
Information based on recording environment information of an environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium;
information based on recording data for recording on the recording medium;
information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium;
Equipment environment information of an environment including the transport path or the placement unit;
At least one of
the information based on the physical property information of the recording medium is information based on previously evaluated data related to deformation of the recording medium,
The recording environment information of the environment in which the recording is performed on the recording medium is the temperature and humidity of a place where the device is installed,
The information based on the recording data for recording on the recording medium is the amount of ink to be applied to the recording medium, the density at which the ink is applied, and the area to which the ink is applied based on the image data to be recorded on the recording medium,
the information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium is a natural drying time of the recorded recording medium,
A recording device characterized in that, when an elapsed time since recording on the recording medium exceeds a predetermined value , deformation is suppressed in a direction that suppresses secondary deformation in accordance with the elapsed time. a post-processing section for performing post-processing of a recording medium recorded with a water-based ink;
a deformation suppressing unit that suppresses deformation of the recording medium in a conveying path along which the recording medium is conveyed or in a placement portion on which the recording medium is placed;
a printer control unit that derives a suppression strength to be used by the deformation suppression means based on predetermined parameters related to a recording process for the recording medium;
a control unit that communicates with the printer control unit, the control unit controlling a heater that is provided in the deformation suppression means and that is capable of drying the water-based ink applied to the recording medium, based on the suppression strength derived by the printer control unit;
Equipped with
The predetermined parameters include:
Composition data of the water-based ink;
Information based on physical property information of the recording medium;
Information based on recording environment information of an environment in which recording is performed on the recording medium;
information based on recording data for recording on the recording medium;
information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium;
Equipment environment information of an environment including the transport path or the placement unit;
At least one of
the information based on the physical property information of the recording medium is information based on previously evaluated data related to deformation of the recording medium,
The recording environment information of the environment in which the recording is performed on the recording medium is the temperature and humidity of a place where the device is installed,
The information based on the recording data for recording on the recording medium is the amount of ink to be applied to the recording medium, the density at which the ink is applied, and the area to which the ink is applied based on the image data to be recorded on the recording medium,
the information based on the elapsed time since recording on the recording medium is a natural drying time of the recorded recording medium,
A recording device characterized in that, when an elapsed time since recording on the recording medium exceeds a predetermined value , deformation is suppressed in a direction that suppresses secondary deformation in accordance with the elapsed time. The post-processing section includes an inversion path as an intermediate processing section for performing intermediate processing,
The inversion path is composed of a first inversion path and a second inversion path,
7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate processing section performs, as the intermediate processing, a reversing process or a drying process of the recording medium on the first reversing path and the second reversing path. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heater is provided in the first reversal path and the second reversal path. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first reversing path is configured to be linear and flat, and the second reversing path is configured to be curved. The post-treatment section includes a finishing section that performs finishing treatment,
10. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the finishing section performs stapling, punching, or sorting as the finishing process on the plurality of recording media for which the intermediate process has been completed. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water-based ink contains water in an amount of 50% by mass or more, and further contains a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a pigment.

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