JP2007126264A - Recording medium stacking device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the stacking performance of cut recording sheets on a tray. <P>SOLUTION: In a sorter 50, after a predetermined time passes since the predetermined size or more of cut recording sheets are discharged from an exit 148 of a processor 16 onto the tray 146, the tray 146 is moved a step down independently of whether the same order is completed or not. Then, the cut recording sheets are held between the upper and lower trays 146 where the curve of the cut recording sheets is corrected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention lowers the tray on which the recording medium discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is stacked, and performs a sorter operation for transporting an empty tray to the discharge port, whereby the recording discharged from the discharge port The present invention relates to a recording medium stacking apparatus that stacks a medium into a plurality of trays.

  In the printer processor, the photosensitive recording paper is unwound from a magazine and subjected to various processes such as color development, bleach-fixing, stabilization, and drying, and then cut into a predetermined size to form a recording medium stacking device (so-called sorter). ) Is discharged onto the tray. As this sorter, by rotating an endless chain with a plurality of trays attached at predetermined intervals, the tray on which cut photosensitive recording paper (hereinafter referred to as cut recording paper) is stacked is lowered, Examples include a sorter operation in which an empty tray is transported to a discharge port of a printer processor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, in the sorter described in Patent Document 1, in the temporary stacking unit provided between the tray and the discharge port of the printer processor, the cut recording paper is inclined once to align the trailing edge of the cut recording paper. By moving the sheet from the tray to the tray, the recording state of the cut recording paper on the tray is improved.

  However, when time passes after the cut recording paper is discharged onto the tray, the cut recording paper may be bent into a shape in which the leading and trailing ends are lifted due to restoration of the curl when it was wound around the magazine. There is. As a result, the leading and trailing edges of the cut recording paper accumulated on the tray are not aligned, and the cut recording paper discharged onto the tray next is caught on the leading and trailing edges of the collected cut recording paper. A problem occurs.

In addition, when stacking different sizes of cut recording paper on the same tray, the stacking can be guaranteed if the only different size is the longitudinal direction, such as standard, high-vision, panorama, etc., but the E size (82.5 mm × 117 mm), L size (89 mm × 127 mm) small service version cut recording paper is collected on the tray, and A4 (210 mm × 297 mm), 6 PW (wide 6 cuts, 203 mm × 305 mm) When the large-sized cut recording papers are stacked, the large-sized cut recording papers stacked thereon are tilted, so that the stacking property cannot be guaranteed.
JP-A-6-11819

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object thereof is to improve the stackability of recording media stacked on a tray.

  The recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 1 performs a sorter operation for lowering the tray on which the recording medium discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is stacked and transporting an empty tray to the discharge port. A recording medium stacking apparatus for stacking and stacking recording media discharged from the discharge port into a plurality of trays, and performing the sorter operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the recording medium was discharged from the discharge port to the tray. It is characterized by that.

  In the recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 1, when the recording medium is discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus and stacked on the tray, a sorter operation is performed, and the tray on which the recording medium is stacked is lowered. The empty tray is conveyed to the discharge port. As a result, the recording medium discharged from the discharge port is divided into a plurality of trays and collected.

  Here, the recording medium discharged onto the tray may be bent over time, for example, the curl when it is wound on the magazine is restored. When the recording medium is curved, the state of accumulation of the recording medium on the tray is disturbed, or the recording medium discharged from the discharge port is caught on the front and rear ends of the recording medium on the tray.

  Therefore, in the present invention, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the recording medium was discharged from the discharge port to the tray, a sorter operation is performed, and an empty tray is stacked on the tray on which the recording medium is stacked, and the recording medium is placed between the upper and lower trays. By sandwiching, the curvature of the recording medium accumulated on the tray is corrected. As a result, it is possible to improve the accumulation state of the recording media accumulated on the tray.

  The recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 2 lowers the tray on which the recording medium discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is lowered, and conveys an empty tray to the discharge port so that the discharge port A recording medium stacking apparatus for stacking and stacking recording media discharged from a plurality of trays, and performing a sorter operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since a recording medium of a predetermined size or more was discharged from the discharge port to the tray. It is characterized by that.

  Here, the curve of the recording medium after time becomes more prominent as the size increases. Therefore, in the recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 2, a sorting operation is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since a recording medium of a predetermined size or more is discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus, and the recording medium is sandwiched between the upper and lower trays. To correct curvature. As a result, it is possible to improve the accumulation state of the recording media accumulated on the tray.

  The recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 3 is the recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when a recording medium having a size less than a predetermined size is discharged from the discharge port to the tray, the same job ends. Thereafter, the sorter operation is performed.

  Here, the curvature of the recording medium after time is less likely to appear as the size is reduced, and the accumulation property of the recording medium on the tray is increased as the size is reduced. In addition, when recording media obtained by the same job are divided into a plurality of trays, the work of taking out the recording media from the tray and sorting them becomes complicated, so that the recording media obtained by the same job are placed on the same tray. It is desirable to be integrated.

  Therefore, in the recording medium accumulating apparatus according to the third aspect, when a recording medium of less than a predetermined size is discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus, the sorter operation is performed after the same job is completed. As a result, the recording media obtained by the same job can be stacked on the same tray, and the recording medium on the tray can be secured.

  The recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 4 is configured to lower the tray on which the recording medium discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is lowered and convey an empty tray to the discharge port, thereby A recording medium stacking apparatus for stacking and stacking recording media discharged from a plurality of trays, and recording a predetermined size or more after a predetermined number or more of recording media are discharged from the discharge port to the tray. The sorter operation is performed before the medium is discharged from the discharge port.

  Here, as a case where recording media of different sizes are stacked on the tray, a case where a small recording medium is stacked on a large recording medium, and a case where a large recording medium is stacked on a small recording medium. In some cases. When the recording medium on the tray is curved so that the leading and trailing edges are raised, in the previous case, the leading and trailing edges of the small recording medium on the upper side are supported by the large recording medium on the lower side. In the latter case, only the center of the upper large-sized recording medium is supported by the lower small-sized recording medium, so the upper recording medium is unstable. become. In particular, in the latter case, the degree of instability of the accumulation state increases as the accumulation height of the lower-side small-size recording medium increases.

  Therefore, in the recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 4, after a predetermined number or more of recording media are discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus to the tray, a recording medium of a predetermined size or more is discharged from the discharge port. In the meantime, the sorter operation is performed. That is, while the recording medium is being stacked on the tray, the tray for storing the recording medium is replaced. As a result, it is possible to improve the accumulation state of the recording medium on the tray.

  A recording medium accumulating device according to claim 5 is the recording medium accumulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the sorter operation is performed during the same job, It is characterized by notifying the user.

  In the recording medium accumulating apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the user is notified when the sorter operation is performed during the same job. As a result, the user can recognize that the recording media obtained in the same job are divided into a plurality of trays, and the work of taking out the recording media from the tray and sorting them becomes easy.

  Since the present invention has the above-described configuration, it is possible to improve the accumulation property of the recording media accumulated on the tray.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printer processor 10 equipped with a sorter 50 according to the present invention includes an image input device 12, an image processing device 13, a printer 15, a processor 16, a display panel 18, and a sorter 50. Each unit constituting the printer processor 10 is connected to the control unit 17 via a wiring (not shown), and the operation of the entire printer processor 10 is controlled by the control unit 17.

  The image input device 12 generates image data by photoelectrically reading the projection light of an image recorded on a photographic film using an image sensor such as a CCD image sensor, or recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. Image data is acquired by reading the image data. This image data is sent to the image processing device 13, and image processing such as color balance correction and density correction is performed. The image data that has been subjected to the image processing is sent to the printer 15 and used for image recording, which will be described later. Further, a warning display or the like is displayed on the display panel 18.

  The printer 15 performs image recording with recording light that has been intensity-modulated based on image data while transporting cut recording paper cut to a predetermined length. From the upstream side in the transport direction, the printer 15 A back printing unit 22, a registration unit 24, an image recording unit 26, a sub-scanning receiving unit 28, and a carry-out unit 32 are provided. Each part is provided with a plurality of conveyance roller pairs including a driving roller and a nip roller along the conveyance path of the cut recording paper.

  In the supply unit 20, magazines 20A and 20B for storing a long photosensitive recording paper 34 wound in a roll shape are set. Each magazine 20A, 20B is provided with a pair of drawing rollers 21A, 21B for pulling out the photosensitive recording paper 34 and transporting it toward the back printing unit 22. In this embodiment, two magazines 20A and 20B are provided. However, one magazine or three or more magazines may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the photosensitive recording paper 34 accommodated in the magazines 20A and 20B has a joining portion 80 in which the end portions of the strip-like recording paper are joined together in order to eliminate a loss in the manufacturing process. Is provided. And the splice hole 81 which shows that it is a junction part is provided in the junction part 80. FIG. A width L1 of the splice hole is set to 20 mm, for example.

  Cutters 36A and 36B for cutting the photosensitive recording paper 34 are provided at the outlets of the magazines 20A and 20B, respectively. The cutters 36A and 36B are driven in response to a control signal from the control unit 17, and cut the photosensitive recording paper 34 sent out by a predetermined length according to the print size to form a cut recording paper. Print sizes include L (89X127), panorama (89X254), 2L (127x178), 8 cuts (165x216), 6 cuts (203x254), 4 cuts (254x305), etc. In this embodiment, for example, cut recording sheets having widths of 89, 95, 102, 117, 120, 127, 130, 152, 165, 178, 203, 210, 216, 254, and 305 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Corresponding to The unit is mm. Further, splice sensors 37A and 37B for detecting a splice hole 81 provided in the photosensitive recording paper 34 and outputting a signal to the control unit 17 are provided upstream of the cutters 36A and 36B. When 37A and 37B detect the splice hole 81, the control unit 17 drives the cutters 36A and 36B after feeding out the photosensitive recording paper 34 having a predetermined length through which the joint 80 passes. The cut recording paper including the joining portion 80 formed in this way is discharged as it is to the sorter 50 without performing back printing or image recording. In the present embodiment, the guillotine type cutter is used, but not limited to this, a known means such as a rotary cutter using a rotary blade may be used.

  The back print unit 22 includes a back print head 38 that records print information such as a photograph date, print date, frame number, and various IDs on a non-recording surface (surface opposite to the exposure surface) of cut recording paper. . As the back print head 38, a known print head such as a dot impact head, an ink jet head, or a thermal transfer print head can be used as long as it is resistant to a wet development process to be performed later.

  The registration unit 24 includes a registration roller pair 40 that adjusts the inclination and the width direction position of the cut recording paper in order to prevent an exposure position / angle shift in the image recording unit 26, and a front and rear of the registration roller pair 40. It is comprised from the some conveyance roller pair arrange | positioned. As a method of adjusting the tilt and the width direction position by the resist roller pair 40, known methods such as a tilt resist, a top resist, and a side resist can be used.

  The image recording unit 26 includes an exposure unit 42, sub-scanning roller pairs 44 and 46, and recording paper sensors 45 and 47 that detect the passage of cut recording paper, and the operation of the control unit 17 is controlled. The exposure unit 42 is connected to the image processing apparatus 13, and when the recording paper sensor 45 detects that the leading edge of the cut recording paper has passed, the red, green, and blue light beams that are intensity-modulated based on the image data. The LB is scanned in the main scanning direction (direction orthogonal to the transport direction) to record an image on cut recording paper. The sub-scanning roller pairs 44 and 46 are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction so as to sandwich the exposure position by the light beam LB, and the cut recording paper is fed at a predetermined speed in the sub-scanning direction (direction parallel to the transport direction). Transport to. Note that the nip rollers of the sub-scanning roller pairs 44 and 46 can be switched between a position where the cut recording paper is sandwiched and a position where the cut recording paper is separated from the cut recording paper. Or it is switched when the rear end is detected. As a result, the leading edge of the cut recording paper abuts against the downstream side sub-scanning roller pair 46, or the trailing edge slips out of the upstream side sub-scanning roller pair 44, thereby causing excessive impact to the cut recording paper. To prevent.

  The sub-scan receiving unit 28 includes a plurality of roller pairs that hold the leading end of the cut recording paper that is sent out from the image recording unit 26 during image recording, and cuts at the same speed as the conveyance speed of the image recording unit 26. Send the recording paper downstream. Each roller pair of the sub-scanning receiving unit 28 includes a driving roller and a nip roller capable of releasing the nip, and holds the cut recording paper after the leading edge of the cut recording paper during image recording has passed. This prevents the conveyance speed from fluctuating due to the leading edge of the cut recording paper hitting.

  The carry-out unit 32 conveys the cut recording sheet sent from the sub-scan receiving unit 28 at a speed corresponding to the processing speed of the processor 16 and sends it to the processor 16.

  The processor 16 includes a development processing unit 60, a squeeze unit 61, a drying processing unit 62, and a carry-out unit 63. The development processing unit 60 includes, in order from the upstream side in the transport direction, a color developing tank 70, a bleach-fixing tank 71, and a stabilizing tank 72 including a first stabilizing tank 73, a second stabilizing tank 74, and a third stabilizing tank 75. Is provided. The color developer tank 70 stores a color developer, the bleach-fix tank 71 stores a bleach-fixer, and the first stabilizer 73 to the third stabilizer 75 store a predetermined amount of a stable processing solution. Each processing tank receives a driving force of the transport racks 52, 54, 56, and 58 provided in the color developing tank 70, the bleach-fixing tank 71, and the first stabilizing tank 73 to the third stabilizing tank 75, respectively. Each of the color development, bleach-fixing, and stabilization processes is performed by being conveyed within the range of 70 to 72.

  The squeeze part 61 is disposed above the third stabilization tank 75 and is composed of a blade, an air duct, and a transport roll. The blade contacts both sides of the cut recording paper conveyed by the conveying roll to scrape the processing liquid from the cut recording paper, and the blower duct blows air toward the cut recording paper conveyed by the conveying roll to cut the cutting recording paper. Blow off the processing solution.

  The drying process part 62 is arrange | positioned above the squeeze part 61, and is comprised from the conveyance belt and the ventilation duct. The blower duct blows dry air heated by a heater toward the conveyance belt, and presses the cut recording paper against the conveyance belt. By passing the front of the air duct in this state, the processing liquid adhering to the cut recording paper is completely removed. Then, the cut recording paper that has passed through the drying processing unit 62 is sent to the sorter 50 by the carry-out unit 63.

  Here, the configuration of the sorter 50 of the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sorter 50 circulates the plurality of trays 146 in a circumferential circuit that descends obliquely downward from the outlets 148 of the processors 16 and rises obliquely upward from the lowest position. A tray transport mechanism 51 to be operated. In the sorter 50, the tray 146 is exposed to the outside of the housing 160 while the tray 146 is lowered obliquely downward from the outlet 148, and the cut recording paper can be taken out from the tray 146 during this time.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the tray transport mechanism 51 includes an endless chain 154, and a first sprocket 150 and a second sprocket 152 around which the endless chain 154 is wound. The first sprocket 150 is disposed on the side of the outlet 148, the second sprocket 152 is disposed on the diagonally lower side of the first sprocket 150, and the chain 154 is installed diagonally below the side of the outlet 148. Has been passed. The plurality of trays 146 are attached to the chain 154 and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the chain 154.

  The first sprocket 150 and the second sprocket 152 rotate in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing, and rotate the chain 154 in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing. As a result, the plurality of trays 146 are sequentially sent from the outlet 148 of the processor 16 downward obliquely as indicated by the arrow B, turned at the lowermost end, and sent again to the outlet 148 at the diagonally upward direction opposite to the arrow B.

  Here, in the sorter 50, basically, when cut recording paper for one order is stacked on the tray 146 immediately below the outlet 148, the tray 146 moves downward by one step, and the tray 146 is empty on the tray 146. The tray 146 moves and receives cut recording paper to be sent out next. Further, the cut recording paper placed on the tray 146 is appropriately taken out by an operator while the tray 146 moves to the lowest position.

  As will be described later, even if the discharge of cut recording paper for one order has not been completed, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the cut recording paper of a predetermined size has been discharged onto the tray 146, the tray 146 Move down by one shot.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tray transport mechanism 51 is disposed between the structural side plate portions 156 and 158 facing each other and constituting a part of the housing 160 of the sorter 50. Each of the structure side plate portions 156 and 158 is formed integrally with the housing 160, extends obliquely downward from the side of the outlet 148, and faces each other.

  The first sprocket 150 provided between the structure side plate portions 156 and 158 is rotatably supported by the structure side plate portions 156 and 158 via the rotation shaft 162. A driven bevel gear 166 is integrally provided on the rotating shaft 162 of the first sprocket 150. The driven bevel gear 166 meshes with a drive side bevel gear 170 that is linked to the drive shaft of the motor 168, and the drive side bevel gear 170 and the driven bevel gear 166 transmit the driving force of the motor 168 to the first. One sprocket 150 is rotated and the chain 154 wound around the first sprocket 150 is rotated. Note that the second sprocket 152 is also rotatably supported by the structure side plate portions 156 and 158 via its rotation shaft, as is the case with the first sprocket 150, although not shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, a plurality of trays 146 are attached to the chain 154 at predetermined intervals. Each tray 146 includes a support portion 172 and a dish portion 174. As shown in FIG. 6, the chain 154 is configured by connecting a link 175 having a normal shape and a link 176 having a special shape by a pin 178. The specially shaped link 176 includes a link portion 176A in which a pin 178 is erected, a mounting piece portion 176B protruding from the link portion 176A to the support body portion 172 side, and an extension from the link portion 176A to the opposite side of the mounting portion 176B. The bracket portion 176C is integrally formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a support member 172 is attached to the attachment piece 176 </ b> B. A first support guide member 184 is attached to the bracket portion 176C. The first support guide member 184 includes a shaft portion 180 erected on the bracket portion 176C and a roll 182 that is rotatably attached to the shaft portion 180. The shaft portion 180 protrudes in the normal direction of the bracket 176C.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, second support guides are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the support body portion 172 (axial direction of the rotating shaft 162) and at one end side in the lateral direction (chain 154 side), respectively. A member 186 is provided. The second support guide member 186 includes a pair of parallel projecting pieces 186A and a roller 186B rotatably mounted between the pair of projecting pieces 186A.

  The roller 186B and the roller 182 of the first support guide member 184 described above are disposed offset in the longitudinal direction of the support body portion 172 and offset in the radial direction of the rollers 182 and 186B.

  The structure side plate portion 156 is integrally formed with guide guide portions 188 and 190 extending between the roller 182 and one roller 186B. The structure side plate portion 158 faces the circumferential surface of the other roller 186B. Extending guide guide portions 192 and 194 are integrally formed.

  The guide guide portions 188 and 190 are plate-like members extending along the chain 154, and guide the movement of the roller 182 and one roller 186B. The guide guide portions 192 and 194 are plate-like members extending along the chain 154, and guide the movement of the other roller 186B.

  Further, the cut recording sheets are stacked on the lowermost tray 146 in a range in which a plurality of (for example, seven) trays 146 that extend substantially horizontally are arranged obliquely, that is, in a range in which the cut recording sheets are stacked. Then, it is detected by a detection means (not shown). When the cut recording paper accumulated on the lowest tray 146 is detected by this detection means, the control unit 17 (see FIG. 1) does not perform the sorter operation and removes the cut recording paper from the tray 146. A warning display indicating the removal is displayed on the display panel 18. Thus, it is possible to prevent the cut recording paper from being brought into the housing 160 and being unable to be taken out.

  Further, the base end portion of the dish portion 174 is supported via the hinge portion 171 on the other end side in the short direction of the support portion 172 supported as described above (the opposite side of the chain 154). The hinge portion 171 is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the support body portion 172 and the plate portion 174, and the plate portion 174 can be rotated around the hinge portion 171.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the hinge portion 171 is integrally formed with a columnar hinge shaft 173 that is attached to both ends of the support body portion 172 in the axial direction and extends in the longitudinal direction of the support body portion 172, and a plate portion 174. And a pair of cylindrical bearings 175 rotatably attached to the hinge shaft 173, and a torsion coil spring 177 attached to the hinge shaft 173 and biasing the plate 174 in one direction around the hinge shaft 173. ing. The torsion coil spring 177 is attached to the central portion in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 173. In addition, the pair of bearing portions 175 protrude from the one end in the short direction of the plate portion 174 toward the support portion 172 and are attached to both axial ends of the hinge shaft 173.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the support portion 172 and the dish portion 174 have a hollow double structure. As shown in FIG. 10, one surface of the support portion 172 (the upper surface shown in FIG. 9). A pair of rectangular recesses 179 capable of accommodating a pair of bearing portions 175 are formed in 172A. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a recess 181 that can accommodate a pair of bearing portions 175 is formed on the other surface (the lower surface shown in FIG. 9, hereinafter referred to as a lower surface) 172 </ b> B of the support portion 172. Is formed. The hinge shaft 173 is inserted into the pair of recesses 179 and 181, and the bearing portion 175 is rotatably accommodated in the recesses 179 and 181.

  Further, at a location facing the torsion coil spring 177 of the plate portion 174, one surface of the plate portion 174 (the upper surface shown in FIG. 9 and hereinafter referred to as the upper surface) 174A and the other surface of the plate portion 174 (FIG. 9). (Hereinafter referred to as the lower surface) 174B is open.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an opening is formed between the upper surface 172 </ b> A and the lower surface 172 </ b> B of the support body portion 172 at a location corresponding to the recess 181 of the support body portion 172. Further, at this location, a rib 183 extending along the long side of the recess 179 is formed on the back surface of the upper surface 172A. On the other hand, a part of the outer periphery of the bearing portion 175 is enlarged, and the bearing portion 175 interferes with the rib 183 at a predetermined rotation position, and cannot rotate.

  Moreover, the axial direction center part and axial direction both ends of the torsion coil spring 177 are respectively hook parts 177A and 177B extended linearly. The hook portion 177A is inserted into the inside from the opening portion of the support portion 172, and the hook portion 177B is inserted into the inside from the opening portion of the plate portion 174. The biasing force of the torsion coil spring 177 is applied to the upper surface of the plate portion 174. 174A and the upper surface 172A of the support body part 172 act in a direction away from each other.

  Further, the predetermined rotation position of the bearing portion 175 is set to a position where the support body portion 172 and the dish portion 174 become substantially horizontal, and the support body portion 172 and the dish portion 174 provide the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 177. In response, the surface becomes substantially horizontal and is folded by bringing the upper surface 172A and the upper surface 174A closer to each other against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 177.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a guide member 185 that extends along the chain 154 from the lower side to the upper side of the chain 154 and guides the tip of the plate part 174 is formed inside the housing 160. The distance between the guide member 185 and the chain 154 is shorter than the distance between the tip of the plate portion 174 and the chain 154 in a substantially horizontal state. For this reason, when the tray 146 descends from the outlet 148 and enters the housing 160, the tip of the plate portion 174 contacts the guide member 185, and the plate portion 174 resists the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 177 and the hinge shaft 173. The support body 172 and the dish part 174 are folded to rotate around. As a result, the space occupied by the tray 146 in the housing 160 can be reduced, and the sorter 50 can be downsized.

  Then, when the tray 146 is raised to the top by the chain 154 and retracts from the housing 160 and the tip of the plate portion 174 is separated from the guide member 185, the plate portion 174 is rotated by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 177 and supported. The body part 172 and the dish part 174 become substantially horizontal.

  By the way, in the processor 16, the cut recording paper is discharged from the outlet 148 onto the tray 146 with the recording surface (emulsion surface) facing downward, but the cut recording paper discharged onto the tray 146 is discharged from the leading and trailing edges as time passes. Tends to bend in a raised state. This tendency occurs due to the restoration of the curl when it is wound around the magazines 20A and 20B, and is particularly noticeable in large-size cut recording paper.

  Then, the trailing edge of the cut recording sheet that has floated up closes the outlet 148, which becomes an obstacle to the discharge of the next cut recording sheet.

  Therefore, in the sorter 50, regardless of whether or not the same job has been completed, the tray 146 on which cut recording sheets are stacked is lowered by one stage, and the empty tray 146 is moved directly below the outlet 148 to move up and down. The cut recording paper is sandwiched by the tray 146 to correct the curl of the cut recording paper.

  Here, as a method of securing the strength of the resin plate material, there is a case where a method of providing a rib on the back surface is used. However, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, in this embodiment, the tray 146 that is a resin plate material is used. As a method for securing the strength, a method of forming a hollow double structure is used. The front and back (upper and lower) surfaces of the tray 146 are flat surfaces without ribs.

  For this reason, when the cut recording paper is sandwiched between the upper and lower trays 146, the upper and lower trays 146 come into surface contact with the cut recording paper, so that it is possible to prevent the recording surface of the cut recording paper from being pressed.

  Further, in the sorter 50, the upper surface of the tray 146 is subjected to a textured process, and fingerprints and the like are prevented from adhering to the front and back surfaces of the tray 146. As a result, fingerprints and the like can be prevented from being transferred from the upper surface of the tray 146 to the recording surface of the cut recording paper. In the present embodiment, the texture processing is used, but the upper surface of the tray 146 may be roughened by using another roughening process.

  Further, in the sorter 50, when the support body part 172 and the dish part 174 become substantially horizontal, the torsion coil spring 177 and the hinge shaft 173 are accommodated inside the support body part 172 and the dish part 174 in the hinge part 171. Yes. Specifically, the upper surface 174A of the plate portion 174 and the lower surface 172B of the support body portion 172 extend between the pair of bearing portions 175 to cover the coil portion of the torsion coil spring 177 and the hinge shaft 173, and the pulling of the torsion coil spring 177. The hook part 177A is inserted into the support body part 172, and the hook part 177B of the torsion coil spring 177 is inserted into the dish part 174.

  Further, when the support body part 172 and the dish part 174 are substantially horizontal, the outer peripheral surface of the bearing part 175 faces the upper surface 172A and the lower surface 172B of the support body part 172 and the upper surface 174A and the lower surface 174B of the dish part 174. It is supposed to be one.

  As a result, when the cut recording paper is sandwiched between the upper and lower trays 146, the hinge portion 171 comes into surface contact with the cut recording paper, so that it is possible to prevent the cut recording paper from being pressed.

  Further, in the sorter 50, when the tray 146 is transported to the outlet 148, the support body part 172 and the dish part 174 are in a substantially horizontal state, but as shown in FIG. 12, the support body part 172 and the dish part 174 are It is not completely horizontal, and the hinge 171 is slightly lowered, that is, refracted into a V shape.

  Here, as described above, the cut recording paper discharged onto the tray 146 curves into a shape in which the leading and trailing ends rise as time passes. However, the cut recording paper while being discharged onto the tray 146 has a width of The center part of the direction (direction orthogonal to the discharge direction) is curved to rise. Note that the cut recording paper is discharged so that the central portion in the width direction passes over the hinge portion 171. On the other hand, the tray 146 is refracted into a V shape with the hinge portion 171 slightly lowered. Therefore, only the both ends in the width direction of the cut recording paper while being discharged onto the tray 146 are in contact with the tray 146. This can prevent the emulsion surface of the cut recording paper from being scratched.

  3, 5, and 6, in the sorter 50, the support portion 172 and the end portion on the outlet 148 side in the longitudinal direction of the dish portion 174 (upstream end portion in the discharge direction) are respectively buffered. Flocked fabrics 187A and 187B as materials are affixed. The flocking cloth 187A is affixed so as to cover the corner from the lower surface 172B of the support body part 172 to the upper surface 172A, and the flocking cloth 187B is affixed so as to cover the corner from the lower surface 174B of the dish part 174 to the upper surface 174A. ing.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to prevent the cut recording paper protruding from the support body portion 172 and the dish portion 174 from exiting 148 from being folded. In addition, you may use other buffer materials, such as rubber | gum, instead of a flocking cloth.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in the sorter 50, a space S1 for inserting a hand from the downstream side in the discharge direction is provided between the support body portion 172 and the dish portion 174, which is indicated by a solid line in the figure. Large cut recording paper can be easily removed from the tray 146.

  Further, although the gap between the outlet 148 side of the tray 146 and the housing 160 is narrow, the length of the tray part 174 on the outlet 148 side in the longitudinal direction is the length of the support part 172 on the outlet 148 side in the longitudinal direction. The step 146A is formed on the outlet 148 side of the tray 146, and a space S2 for inserting a finger is secured between the plate 174 and the housing of the processor 16. Has been. For this reason, the cut recording paper having a small size indicated by a chain line in the drawing can be easily removed from the tray 146.

  The cut recording paper hangs down from the step portion 146A to the space S2, but since the above-described flocking cloth 187B is attached to the step portion 146A, the cut recording paper can be prevented from being folded.

  Here, a control method of the sorter 50 will be described.

  As described above, the sorter 50 basically accumulates the cut recording sheets in a plurality of trays for each job (order). However, since the cut recording sheets accumulated on the tray 146 are curved after time, the accumulated state is deteriorated, and the cut recording sheets are caught by the cut recording sheets discharged from the outlet 148. However, under a predetermined condition, a sorter operation (hereinafter referred to as “presort”) is performed, and the cut recording sheets stacked on the upper and lower trays 146 are sandwiched to correct the curvature of the cut recording sheets.

  This presort is basically performed once when the printer processor 10 stops driving from the normal print output state. In addition, when the first print output after the presort is performed once is a new order (new job), the sorter operation is not performed.

  Note that whether or not to perform presorting can be set on a function setting screen (not shown) provided in the printer processor 10, and the same job always ends when the setting is made so that presorting is not performed. A sort operation is performed every time.

  Hereinafter, a presorting method will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when a print job is received by the printer processor 10, a processing routine is started and the process proceeds to step 100. In step 100, it is determined whether the presorting is set to be performed or not performed on the function setting screen described above. If the presorting is set to be performed, the process proceeds to step 102, where the presorting is not performed. If so, the processing routine is terminated.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not the size to be printed is a predetermined size A (for example, width 152 mm, feed length 255 mm) or more. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 104, and if the determination is negative. The process proceeds to step 103.

  In step 104, it is determined whether or not the printing operation of the printer processor 10 has been stopped. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106. In step 106, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since the start of discharge of cut recording paper onto one tray 146. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108. If the determination is negative, the routine proceeds to step 107. The predetermined time T may be replaced with an elapsed time T ′ after the print job is started.

  In step 107, it is determined whether or not the print job is completed. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 110, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 106.

  On the other hand, in step 108, it is determined whether or not cut recording sheets are stacked on the lowest tray 146 in the range in which the discharged cut recording sheets are stacked. If the determination is affirmative, the processing routine is terminated. If the determination is negative, the routine proceeds to step 110. In step 110, presorting is executed, and the routine proceeds to step 112. In step 112, it is determined whether or not presorting has been executed in the middle of the print job. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 114, and if the determination is negative, the processing routine is terminated.

  In step 114, a display indicating that the prints output in the same print job are divided into a plurality of trays 146 is displayed on the display panel 18. Then, the processing routine ends.

  In step 103, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number N (for example, 30 sheets) of cut recording sheets of a size less than the predetermined size A are stacked on the same tray 146. If the determination is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 105. If the determination is negative, the processing routine is terminated.

  In step 105, it is determined whether or not the size of the print to be output is equal to or larger than the predetermined size A after a predetermined number of prints less than the predetermined size A have been output. If the determination is negative, the processing routine is terminated.

  Here, the curve of the cut recording paper after time becomes more prominent as the size increases. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, in the sorter 50, after a predetermined time T has elapsed since the cut recording paper 34 ′ having a predetermined size A or more is discharged from the outlet 148 of the processor 16, presorting is performed, and the upper and lower trays 146 are used. The curving is corrected by sandwiching the cut recording paper 34 '. As a result, the state of accumulation of the cut recording sheets 34 ′ accumulated on the tray 146 can be improved.

  Further, the curvature of the cut recording paper after time is less likely to appear as the size is reduced, and the accumulation property of the cut recording paper on the tray 146 is higher as the size is reduced. Further, when cut recording sheets obtained by the same job are divided and stacked in a plurality of trays 146, the work of taking out the cut recording sheets from the tray 146 and sorting them becomes complicated, so that cut recording sheets obtained by the same job are collected. The paper is preferably stacked on the same tray 146.

  Therefore, in the sorter 50, when cut recording paper of less than the predetermined size A is discharged from the exit 148 of the processor 16, presorting is executed after the same job is completed. As a result, cut recording sheets obtained in the same job can be stacked on the same tray 146, and the stackability of the cut recording sheets on the tray 146 can be secured.

  Further, as a case where cut recording sheets of different sizes are stacked on the tray 146, as shown in FIG. 17A, a small cut recording sheet 34 ′ is placed on a large cut recording sheet 34 ′. As shown in FIG. 17B, there are cases where the large-size cut recording paper 34 ′ is stacked on the small-size cut recording paper 34 ′. When the cut recording paper 34 ′ on the tray 146 is curved so that the leading and trailing edges are raised as in this embodiment, in the previous case, the leading and trailing edges of the upper small-sized cut recording paper 34 ′ are on the lower side. The large cut recording paper 34 'is supported by the upper cut recording paper 34', so that the upper cut recording paper 34 'is stably accumulated. However, in the latter case, only the central portion of the upper large cut recording paper 34' is lowered. Since it is only supported by the small-size cut recording paper 34 'on the side, the accumulation state of the upper cut recording paper 34' becomes unstable. In particular, in the latter case, the degree of instability of the accumulation state increases as the accumulation height of the lower small cut recording paper increases.

  Therefore, in the sorter 50, after a predetermined number N or more of cut recording sheets less than a predetermined size A are discharged from the outlet 148 of the processor 16 to the tray 146, until a cut recording sheet of a predetermined size A or more is discharged from the outlet 148. In the meantime, the presort is executed. That is, the tray 146 for stacking the cut recording paper is replaced while the stacking state of the cut recording paper on the tray 146 is stable. Thereby, it is possible to improve the accumulation state of the cut recording paper on the tray 146.

  Further, the sorter 50 notifies the user when presorting is performed during the same job. As a result, the user can recognize that the cut recording sheets obtained in the same job are divided and accumulated in a plurality of trays 146, so that the work of taking out and sorting the cut recording sheets from the tray 146 becomes easy. .

  In the present embodiment, the present invention has been described taking the sorter provided in the printer processor as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable.

It is a figure which shows the outline of a structure of a printer processor provided with the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and side view which show the junction part of the photosensitive recording paper. It is a perspective view which shows the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the outline of a structure of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows FIG. It is a side view which expands and shows a part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the hinge part of the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the hinge part of the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the hinge part of the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the hinge part of the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control method of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state which the cut recording paper has accumulated on the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention. (A), (B) is a figure which shows the state in which the cut recording paper from which size differs is mixed on the tray of the sorter of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Printer processor (image recording device)
34 Photosensitive recording paper (recording medium)
34 'cut recording paper (recording medium)
50 Sorter (Recording medium storage device)
146 Tray 148 Discharge port (exit)

Claims (5)

A plurality of recording media discharged from the discharge port are removed by lowering the tray on which the recording medium discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is stacked and performing a sorter operation for conveying an empty tray to the discharge port. A recording medium stacking apparatus that divides and stacks the trays,
A recording medium stacking apparatus, wherein the sorter operation is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the recording medium was discharged from the discharge port to the tray. The recording medium discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is lowered and the empty tray is transported to the discharge port so that the recording medium discharged from the discharge port is divided into a plurality of trays. A recording medium stacking device for stacking
A recording medium stacking apparatus, wherein the sorting operation is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since a recording medium of a predetermined size or more was discharged from the discharge port to the tray.   3. The recording medium stacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when a recording medium having a predetermined size is discharged from the discharge port to the tray, the sorter operation is performed after the same job is completed. The recording medium discharged from the discharge port of the image recording apparatus is lowered and the empty tray is transported to the discharge port so that the recording medium discharged from the discharge port is divided into a plurality of trays. A recording medium stacking device for stacking
The sorter operation is performed after a predetermined number or more of recording media of a predetermined size or more are discharged from the discharge port to the tray until a recording medium of a predetermined size or more is discharged from the discharge port. Recording medium stacking apparatus.   5. The recording medium accumulating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a user is notified when the sorter operation is performed during the same job.

Images