JP2021130553A - Medium discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce a burden of a user in a medium discharge device in which a storage route of a medium is switched according to an inspection result of the medium.SOLUTION: A plurality of storage parts of a medium discharge device 100 include: a first normal storage part 131 and a second normal storage part 132 which are examples of a plurality of normal storage parts storing a normal medium M1 having a normal inspection result; and an abnormal storage part 133 storing an abnormal medium M2 whose inspection result is abnormal. Further, a control unit 151 of the medium discharge device 100 determines storage paths R10, R11, R12, R13 of the normal medium M1 conveyed after the abnormal medium M2 based on the storage status of the normal medium M1 in the normal storage part (for example, the first normal storage part 131) storing the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a medium ejection device including a plurality of accommodating portions for accommodating a medium.

Conventionally, a printing device including an inspection unit for inspecting an image printed on paper and a storage route switching unit for switching the storage route of paper based on the inspection result of this inspection unit is known.

In addition, a sheet that ejects paper that is determined to be normal after the paper that is determined to be reprinted to a tray different from the paper that is determined to be normal before the paper that is determined to be reprinted. A processing apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-14246

By the way, in a medium discharging device including a normal accommodating unit for accommodating a normal medium having a normal inspection result of a medium such as paper and an abnormal accommodating unit for accommodating an abnormal medium having an abnormal inspection result, the printed medium is used. If the normal medium to be transported next to the abnormal medium is accommodated in the original normal accommodating portion while being conveyed in the specified order, the abnormal medium accommodated in the abnormal accommodating portion is removed from the normal accommodating portion. This disturbs the order of the media. Therefore, the user inserts the normal medium, which is later reprinted with the same print content as the abnormal medium, into the plurality of normal media housed in the normal storage unit so as to be arranged in order. The need for such work causes an increase in the burden on the user.

In order to ensure that the media are stored in order in the normal storage unit, the abnormal medium and the printed normal medium are stored in the abnormal storage unit, and the same print content as these abnormal media and the printed normal medium is used. The normal medium reprinted in (1) should be housed in the original normal container. However, when the printed normal medium is reprinted, the number of discarded media increases and the printing time (medium ejection time) becomes long, which increases the burden on the user.

In order to prevent the printed normal medium transported next to the abnormal medium from being accommodated in the abnormal accommodating portion, the normal medium transported next to the abnormal medium is accommodated in another normal accommodating portion. After that, the normal medium reprinted with the same print content as the abnormal medium may be accommodated in the original normal accommodating portion. However, when the normal accommodating portion for accommodating the normal medium is switched before and after the abnormal medium, the smaller the accommodating amount of the medium in the original normal accommodating portion, the higher the frequency of taking out the normal medium from the normal accommodating portion. It causes an increase in burden.

An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the user in a medium ejection device in which a medium accommodating route is switched according to a medium inspection result.

In one embodiment, the medium discharging device includes a transport unit for transporting a medium, a plurality of normal accommodating units for accommodating a normal medium having a normal inspection result, and an abnormal accommodating unit accommodating an abnormal medium having an abnormal inspection result. Acquire the inspection results of the medium, the plurality of accommodating units including the unit, the plurality of accommodating route switching units for switching the transport route of the medium to any of the plurality of accommodating routes to the different accommodating units, and the inspection result of the medium. The control unit includes a control unit that controls the plurality of accommodating route switching units, and the control unit is based on the accommodating status of the normal medium in the normal accommodating unit accommodating the normal medium conveyed before the abnormal medium. The accommodating route of the normal medium conveyed after the abnormal medium is determined.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user in the medium discharging device in which the accommodating route of the medium is switched according to the inspection result of the medium.

It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the printing system in one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the control configuration of a part of the printing system in one Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation path of the medium conveyed in the specified order in one Embodiment. It is a figure (the 1) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the 1st normal accommodation part in one Embodiment is less than a specified amount. It is a figure (the 2) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the 1st normal accommodation part in one Embodiment is less than a specified amount. It is a figure (the 3) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the 1st normal accommodation part in one Embodiment is less than a specified amount. It is a figure (the 1) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the 1st normal accommodation part exceeds a predetermined amount in one Embodiment. It is a figure (the 2) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the 1st normal accommodation part exceeds a specified amount in one Embodiment. It is a figure (the 3) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the 1st normal accommodation part exceeds a specified amount in one Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation path of the medium conveyed in random order in one Embodiment. It is a figure (the 1) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation path of the medium conveyed in random order in one Embodiment. It is a figure (the 2) for demonstrating the switching of the accommodation path of the medium conveyed in random order in one Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram (No. 3) for explaining switching of accommodation routes of media transported in no particular order in one embodiment.

Hereinafter, the medium discharging device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a printing system 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the control configuration of the printing system 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a medium supply device 10, a first printing device 20, an intermediate transfer device 30, a second printing device 40, an inspection device 50, and a medium ejection device 100. ..

The medium supply device 10, the first printing device 20, the intermediate transfer device 30, the second printing device 40, the inspection device 50, and the medium discharge device 100 are in series with, for example, the transfer path (convey direction D) of the medium M which is paper. Have been placed.

A plurality of the medium supply device 10, the first printing device 20, the intermediate transfer device 30, the second printing device 40, the inspection device 50, and the medium ejection device 100 are integrally arranged in a common housing. May be good. For example, the inspection device 50 may be arranged as a part of the medium ejection device 100. Further, when the printing device and the medium discharging device 100 are integrally arranged, they can be regarded as the printing device.

In FIG. 1, the first printing device 20, the intermediate transfer device 30, the second printing device 40, and the medium discharge device 100 are connected to the straight line transfer path R1, R4-1, R5 of the medium M, and the non-reversing path R8-2. The merging route R9 and the accommodating routes R10, R11, R12, and R13 are indicated by solid lines, the circulating transport routes R2 and R6 are indicated by two-dot chain lines, and the inverted routes R3, R4-2, R7, and R8-1 are indicated by broken lines or dotted lines. show.

The medium supply device 10 has a mounting table 11 on which the medium M before printing is loaded. Although not shown, the medium supply device 10 includes a supply roller that feeds out and conveys the medium M located at the highest position among the plurality of media M loaded on the mounting table 11, a motor that drives the supply roller, and the like. Supply drive means (actuator) is arranged. In addition, a plurality of loading platforms 11 may be arranged side by side, for example.

The first printing apparatus 20 includes a plurality of transfer roller pairs 21, a first printing unit 22, a suction transfer unit 23, transfer path switching units 24 and 25, a switchback roller pair 26, and a discharge unit 27. ..

A plurality of pairs of transfer rollers 21 are arranged in the first printing apparatus 20, and the medium M is conveyed while niping.

The first printing unit 22 prints on the medium M using ink of a basic color such as CMYK or gray color. The first printing unit 22 is an example of a printing unit that prints on the medium M. The first printing unit 22 has, for example, a line head type inkjet head (not shown) for each color used for printing. The printing method of the first printing unit 22 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method.

The suction transport unit 23 is arranged so as to face the first printing unit 22. The suction transport unit 23 transports the medium M by the belt while sucking the medium M.

On the other hand, the transport route switching unit 24 carries out the transport path of the medium M printed by the first printing unit 22 through the straight transport path R1 that continues to the intermediate transport device 30 and the circulation transport that continues to the discharge unit 27 and the reverse path R3. Switch to route R2.

The other transport path switching unit 25 switches the circulation transport path R2 of the medium M to a transport path that continues to the discharge unit 27 and an inversion path R3 that reverses the front and back of the medium M by the switchback roller pair 26. The medium M whose front and back sides are reversed in the reversing path R3 is conveyed to the first printing unit 22 again.

A medium M that is not discharged to the medium discharge device 100 is loaded on the discharge unit 27.

The intermediate transfer device 30 has a plurality of transfer roller pairs 31, a switchback roller pair 32, and a transfer path switching unit 33.

The transport roller pair 31 transports the medium M discharged from the first printing apparatus 20 while niping the medium M.

The transport path switching unit 33 reverses the front and back of the medium M by means of a straight transport path R4-1 that transports the medium M discharged from the first printing device 20 as it is to the second printing device 40 and a switchback roller pair 32. The transport route is switched to and from the route R4-2. The intermediate transfer device 30 may be omitted, and the medium M may be directly transferred from the first printing device 20 to the second printing device 40.

The configuration of the second printing device 40 can be the same as the configuration of the first printing device 20. For example, the second printing device 40 includes a transfer roller pair 41, a second printing unit 42, a suction transfer unit 43, a transfer path switching unit 44, and a switchback roller pair 45, similarly to the first printing device 20. Has. Unlike the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40 does not have a discharge unit 27 and a transport route switching unit 25 for switching the transport route in the discharge unit 27, but is the same as the first printing device 20. May have a discharge unit 27 and a transport route switching unit 25.

Further, the printing system 1 includes a total of two printing units, a first printing unit 22 of the first printing device 20 and a second printing unit 42 of the second printing device 40, but only one printing unit or three printing units. The above printing unit may be provided.

A plurality of pairs of transfer rollers 41 are arranged in the second printing apparatus 40, and the medium M is conveyed while niping.

The second printing unit 42 prints on the medium M. The second printing unit 42 prints on the medium M using ink of a basic color such as CMYK or gray color. The second printing unit 42 is an example of a printing unit that prints on the medium M, similarly to the first printing unit 22. The second printing unit 42 may print using special ink. This special ink is, for example, a magnetic ink such as MICR (Magnetic ink character recognition) ink. Alternatively, the special ink may be an ink of a color other than the basic color such as a transparent color ink, a UV ink, or the like.

The second printing unit 42 has, for example, a line head type inkjet head (not shown), but the printing method of the second printing unit 42 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method.

The suction transport unit 43 is arranged so as to face the second printing unit 42. The suction transport unit 43 transports the medium M by the belt while sucking the medium M.

The transport path switching unit 44 switches the transport path of the medium M printed by the second printing unit 42 between a straight transport path R5 that continues to the inspection device 50 and a circulation transport path R6 that continues to the reverse path R7.

The switchback roller pair 45 inverts the front and back of the medium M in the inversion path R7. The medium M whose front and back sides are inverted in the inversion path R7 is conveyed to the second printing unit 42 again.

The inspection device 50 includes a first transport unit 51, a second transport unit 52, a first inspection unit 53, a second inspection unit 54, a medium detection sensor 55, and pressing rollers 56a and 56b.

The first transport unit 51 is arranged on the lower surface side (an example of the first surface side) of the medium M and transports the medium M. The first transport unit 51 is, for example, a suction transport unit that transports the medium M by a belt while sucking the medium M.

The second transport unit 52 is arranged on the upper surface side (an example of the second surface side) of the medium M on the downstream side in the transport direction D from the first transport unit 51, adjacent to the first transport unit 51, and is arranged adjacent to the first transport unit 51. To carry. The second transport unit 52 may have the direction of the first transport unit 51 inverted upside down. For example, the second transport unit 52 is a suction transport unit that transports the medium M by the belt while sucking the medium M, like the first transport unit 51.

The first inspection unit 53 is arranged above the first transport unit 51, and inspects the image printed on the upper surface (an example of the second surface) of the medium M transported by the first transport unit 51. The first inspection unit 53 has an image pickup unit such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) that captures an image printed on the medium M. The first inspection unit 53 is an example of an inspection unit that inspects an image printed on the medium M by the first printing unit 22 and the second printing unit 42.

The second inspection unit 54 is arranged below the second transport unit 52, and inspects the lower surface (an example of the first surface) of the medium M transported by the second transport unit 52. The second inspection unit 54 has an imaging unit such as CIS that captures an image printed on the medium M. The second inspection unit 54 is an example of an inspection unit that inspects an image printed on the medium M by the first printing unit 22 and the second printing unit 42, similarly to the first inspection unit 53.

The image captured by the imaging unit of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is a control unit (not shown) such as the inspection device 50, the first inspection unit 53, the second inspection unit 54, the printing system 1, or described later. Image processing is performed by the control unit 151 of the medium ejection device 100, and it is determined whether the image printed on the medium M is normal or abnormal. Whether the image is normal or abnormal may be determined based on, for example, the printing accuracy and the presence or absence of errors in the printed content as compared with the original data for printing. Further, each of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 may have a plurality of types of imaging units different from each other in the imaging method. When only one side is printed on the medium M, or when only one side is inspected even if double-sided printing is performed on the medium M, one of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is used. It can be omitted.

The medium detection sensor 55 is arranged on the upstream side of the transport direction D with respect to the first inspection unit 53, and detects the medium M. For example, the medium detection sensor 55 detects the medium M immediately before reaching the first transport unit 51.

The first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 inspect the image printed on the medium M, for example, based on the detection result by the medium detection sensor 55 and the detection result of the transport speed detection sensor (not shown). The transport speed detection sensor is, for example, an encoder arranged on the rotation shaft of the drive pulley to which the belt of the first transport unit 51 or the second transport unit 52 is hung.

The pressing roller 56a presses the medium M downward to the first conveying portion 51 in order to prevent the tip of the medium M conveyed to the first conveying portion 51 from rising. The pressing roller 56a rotates with the rotation of the belt 51a of the first transport unit 51, for example.

The pressing roller 56b presses the medium M upward against the second conveying portion 52 in order to prevent the tip of the medium M conveyed to the second conveying portion 51 from hanging down. The pressing roller 56b rotates with the rotation of the belt 52a of the second transport unit 52, for example.

The medium discharging device 100 includes a transport unit (for example, a plurality of transport roller pairs 101, an introduction unit 110, an upper transport unit 120, and an intermediate transport unit 140), an inversion unit 111, a first normal accommodating unit 131, and a second. It includes a normal accommodating unit 132, an abnormal accommodating unit 133, an inverted route switching unit F10, a first accommodating route switching unit F21, and a second accommodating route switching unit F22. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the medium ejection device 100 includes a control unit 151, a storage unit 152, and an interface unit 153.

Although the medium ejection device 100 is arranged as a part of the printing system 1, it may be arranged separately from the printing apparatus (first printing apparatus 20 or second printing apparatus 40), or , The medium M that has undergone processing other than printing may be discharged from a processing device that performs processing other than printing.

A plurality of pairs of transport rollers 101 are arranged inside the introduction section 110, the upper transport section 120, and the intermediate transport section 140, and transport the medium M while niping the medium M. The plurality of transfer roller pairs 101, together with the introduction unit 110, the upper transfer unit 120, and the intermediate transfer unit 140, function as an example of the transfer unit that conveys the medium M.

In the introduction unit 110, the medium M discharged from the inspection device 50 is conveyed by the plurality of transfer roller pairs 101 described above. Inside the introduction unit 110, an inversion route switching unit F10, an inversion unit 111, and a first accommodation route switching unit F21 are arranged.

The reversing path switching unit F10 is a non-reversing path that passes through the reversing path R8-1 and the reversing unit 111 toward the reversing unit 111 along the straight transport path R5 that continues from the second printing device 40 through the inspection device 50 to the introduction unit 110. Switch to R8-2. The reversing path switching unit F10 is, for example, a flipper.

The reversing section 111 has, for example, a switchback roller pair, and flips the front and back of the medium M.

The first accommodating route switching unit F21 sets the confluence route R9, which is the confluence of the reversing path R8-1 and the non-reversing path R8-2, to the accommodating route R10 toward the first normal accommodating unit 131, the second normal accommodating unit 132, and the confluence route R9. It is switched to the accommodation route R11 toward the abnormal accommodation unit 133. The first accommodation route switching unit F21 is, for example, a flipper.

The first accommodating route switching unit F21 and the second accommodating route switching unit F22, which will be described later, have different accommodating units (first normal accommodating unit 131, second normal accommodating unit 131) for the merging route R9 (transport route of the medium M). It functions as an example of a plurality of accommodation route switching units for switching to any of the plurality of accommodation routes R10, R11, R12, and R13 toward the accommodation unit 132 and the abnormal accommodation unit 133).

The first normal accommodating unit 131 and the second normal accommodating unit 132 are examples of a plurality of normal accommodating units accommodating the normal medium M1 whose test result is normal. The second normal accommodating portion 132 is arranged on the downstream side in the transport direction D with respect to the first normal accommodating portion 131. The first normal accommodating unit 131 and the second normal accommodating unit 132 have elevating and lowering mounting tables 131a and 132a on which the normal medium M1 is loaded. The first normal accommodating unit 131 and the second normal accommodating unit 132 move to the other, for example, after the accommodating amount of the normal medium M1 is accommodated in one or when the normal medium M1 is taken out from one. The normal medium M1 is conveyed. Further, as the plurality of normal accommodating portions, three or more normal accommodating portions may be arranged.

The abnormal accommodating unit 133 is an example of the abnormal accommodating unit accommodating the abnormal medium M2 whose inspection result is abnormal. The abnormal accommodating portion 133 is arranged above the second normal accommodating portion 132. In addition, a plurality of abnormal accommodating portions 133 may be arranged.

The upper transport unit 120 is located above the first normal accommodating unit 131. In the upper transport unit 120, a storage route R11 heading to the second normal storage unit 132 and the abnormal storage unit 133 is arranged.

The first normal accommodating portion 131 and the second normal accommodating portion 132 are arranged, for example, with the same dimensions. Therefore, the upper transport unit 120 and the abnormal accommodating unit 133 can be selectively arranged above the first normal accommodating unit 131 and the second normal accommodating unit 132.

The second accommodation route switching unit F22 is arranged at the downstream end portion in the transport direction D in the upper transport unit 120. The second accommodation route switching unit F22 is, for example, a flipper. The second accommodation route switching unit F22 may be arranged in the intermediate transport unit 140.

The second accommodating route switching unit F22 includes the accommodating route R11 toward the second normal accommodating unit 132 and the abnormal accommodating unit 133, the accommodating route R12 toward the second normal accommodating unit 132, and the accommodating route R13 toward the abnormal accommodating unit 133. Switch to.

The intermediate transport unit 140 is arranged between the first normal accommodating unit 131 and the upper transport unit 120, and the second normal accommodating unit 132 and the abnormal accommodating unit 133. The intermediate transport unit 140 is provided with a storage route R12 toward the second normal storage unit 132 and a storage route R13 toward the abnormal storage unit 133.

The control unit 151 shown in FIG. 2 has a processor (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit, and is a medium discharge device 100 such as a first accommodation route switching unit F21 and a second accommodation route switching unit F22. Control each part. A control unit (not shown) of the printing system 1 may also serve as a control unit 151.

As will be described in detail later, the control unit 151 is based on the accommodation status of the normal medium M1 in the normal accommodation unit (for example, the first normal accommodation unit 131) that accommodates the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2. The accommodation route of the normal medium M1 transported after the abnormal medium M2 is determined.

The storage unit 152 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, or as a work storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs. A RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written and read at any time, is used.

The interface unit 153 exchanges various information with an external device such as the inspection device 50. For example, the interface unit 153 receives the inspection result of the medium M from the inspection device 50. The control unit 151 acquires the inspection result of the medium M received by the interface unit 153, and the control unit 151 captures the images captured by the imaging units of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 as described above. When the image is acquired and image processing is performed, the captured image can be regarded as an inspection result.

Hereinafter, the control of the first accommodation route switching unit F21 and the second accommodation route switching unit F22 by the control unit 151 will be described while appropriately omitting matters that overlap with the above description.

First, a case where the normal medium M1 is first accommodated in the first normal accommodating unit 131 when the printed media M are conveyed in a specified order will be described as an example. Examples of the medium M to be conveyed in the specified order include a medium M on which an image including a serial number such as a page number is printed. When the normal medium M1 is first accommodated in the second normal accommodating portion 132, the following control may be performed by exchanging the first normal accommodating portion 131 and the second normal accommodating portion 132.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining switching of the accommodation route of the medium M conveyed in the specified order.

4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the first normal accommodation unit 131 is equal to or less than the specified amount.

5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining switching of the accommodation route when the accommodation capacity of the first normal accommodation unit 131 exceeds the specified amount.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 151 controls the first accommodation route switching unit F21 so that the normal medium M1 whose inspection result by the inspection device 50 is normal is accommodated in the first normal accommodation unit 131 ( Step S11).

Next, the control unit 51 repeatedly determines whether to detect the abnormal medium M2 whose inspection result by the inspection device 50 is abnormal (step S12), and when the abnormal medium M2 is detected (step S12: YES), the first normal It is determined whether the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the storage unit 131 is equal to or less than the specified amount (step S13). This specified amount is smaller than the amount that can be accommodated by the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131. Further, the accommodation capacity of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodation unit 131 is, for example, a sensor (not shown) that detects the height of the mounting table 131a of the first normal accommodation unit 131, a sensor (not shown) that detects the passage of the medium M, and the like. The control unit 151 may make a determination based on the detection result (the number of passing sheets of the medium M).

When the accommodating amount of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131 is equal to or less than the specified amount (step S13: YES), the control unit 151 accommodates the abnormal medium M2 and the printed normal medium M1 in the abnormal accommodating unit 133. In this way, the first accommodation route switching unit F21 and the second accommodation route switching unit F22 are controlled (step S14). The printed normal medium M1 is, for example, a normal medium M1 in which printing is performed by at least one of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 when the control unit 151 detects the abnormal medium M2. be.

After that, at least one of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 reprints the printed image corresponding to the abnormal medium M2 and the normal medium M1 housed in the abnormal accommodating unit 133, and the control unit 151 reprints the printed image. The first accommodation route switching unit F21 is controlled so that the reprinted reprint medium M3 is accommodated in the first normal accommodation unit 131 (step S15). As a result, the control unit 151 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, but it is preferable to repeat the processing from step S11 again.

Here, an example of switching the accommodation route (steps S14 and S15) when the accommodation amount of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodation unit 131 is equal to or less than the specified amount (step S13: YES) will be described.

For example, after the 1st to 9th normal media M1 (P1-9) are housed in the first normal housing unit 131 as shown in FIG. 4A, the 10th sheet is the abnormal medium M2 (as shown in FIG. 4B). In the case of P10), the abnormal medium M2 (P10) and, for example, five (11th to 15th) printed normal media M1 (P11-15) are accommodated in the abnormal accommodating portion 133.

After that, at least one of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 reprints the printed image corresponding to the abnormal medium M2 (P10) and the normal medium M1 (P11-15) housed in the abnormal accommodating unit 133. Is done. As shown in FIG. 4C, the reprint medium M3 (P10-15) corresponding to the 10th to 15th sheets after reprinting and the inspection result is normal, and the normal medium M1 (P16) after the 16th sheet thereafter. -) Is accommodated in the first normal accommodating portion 131.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3, in step S13 described above, when the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the first normal storage unit 131 exceeds the specified amount (step S13: NO), only the abnormal medium M2 is abnormal. The first accommodation route switching unit F21 and the second accommodation route switching unit F22 are controlled so as to be accommodated in the accommodation unit 133 (step S16).

After that, the control unit 151 controls the first accommodation route switching unit F21 and the second accommodation route switching unit F22 so that the normal medium M1 conveyed next to the abnormal medium M2 is accommodated in the second normal accommodation unit 132 ( Step S17).

The reprinting of the print image corresponding to the abnormal image M2 is performed by at least one of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 after the ejection of the medium M corresponding to the print job is completed, and the reprinting is performed. It is preferable that the print medium M3 is accommodated in the first normal accommodating portion 131.

As a result, the control unit 151 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, but it is preferable to replace the first normal accommodating unit 131 and the second normal accommodating unit 132 as described above and repeat the process again from step S11. .. In this case, if the capacity of the second normal storage unit 132 exceeds the specified amount in step S13 (step S13: NO), the control unit 151 stops the transportation of the medium M in step S17, or the medium When the discharge device 100 has three or more normal accommodating portions, it is preferable to accommodate the abnormal medium M2 from the next normal medium M1 to the third normal accommodating portion.

Here, an example of switching the accommodation route (steps S16 and S17) when the accommodation amount of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodation unit 131 exceeds the specified amount (step S13: NO) will be described.

For example, after the 1st to 4th 499th normal medium M1 (P1-3499) is housed in the 1st normal accommodating section 131 as shown in FIG. 5A, the 3500th sheet is the abnormal medium M2 (as shown in FIG. 5B). In the case of P3500), only the abnormal medium M2 (P3500) is accommodated in the abnormal accommodating portion 133.

After that, as shown in FIG. 5C, the 3501st and subsequent normal media M1 (P3501-) are housed in the second normal housing unit 132. The reprinting of the printed image corresponding to the 3500th sheet is performed by at least one of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 after the ejection of the medium M corresponding to the print job is completed, and the reprinting is performed. It is preferable that the print medium M3 (P3500) is accommodated in the first normal accommodating portion 131.

As described above, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 151 is conveyed after the abnormal medium M2 depending on whether the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the first normal storage unit 131 is equal to or less than the specified amount or exceeds the specified amount. The accommodating route of the normal medium M1 is switched between the accommodating route R10 toward the first normal accommodating portion 131 and the accommodating route R12 toward the second normal accommodating portion 132.

However, for example, instead of the accommodating amount, it is based on the specified number of normal media M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131, the specified time during which the normal medium M1 is accommodating in the first normal accommodating unit 131, and the like. Then, the accommodating route of the normal medium M1 transported after the abnormal medium M2 by the control unit 151 is switched between the accommodating route R10 toward the first normal accommodating unit 131 and the accommodating route R12 toward the second normal accommodating unit 132. May be good. As described above, the control unit 151 is not limited to the above-mentioned accommodating amount, but is based on the accommodating status of the normal medium M1 in the normal accommodating unit (first normal accommodating unit 131) such as the specified number of sheets and the specified time, and the abnormal medium M2. The accommodating route of the normal medium M1 to be transported after the above may be determined.

Further, for example, when the number of remaining media M until the print job is completed is small and all the remaining media M are normal media M1 but can be accommodated in the first normal accommodating unit 131, the control unit may be used. In 151, even if the capacity of the first normal storage unit 131 exceeds the specified amount, the first storage route is switched so that the normal medium M1 transported after the abnormal medium M2 is stored in the first normal storage unit 131. The unit F21 may be controlled. Therefore, the control unit 151 is based not only on the accommodation status (accommodation amount) of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodation unit 131 but also on the discharge schedule status of the medium M (for example, the number of remaining media M). , The accommodating route of the normal medium M1 transported after the abnormal medium M2 may be determined.

Further, the number of abnormal media M2 is large, and depending on the accommodation status (accommodation amount) of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodation unit 131, the reprint medium M3 reprinted in step S15 of FIG. 3 is first normally accommodated. It may not be accommodated in the unit 131. Therefore, the control unit 151 may determine the accommodation route of the normal medium M1 transported after the abnormal medium M2 based on not only the accommodation status (accommodation amount) but also the number of reprint media M3.

Next, a case where the normal medium M1 is first accommodated in the first normal accommodating unit 131 when the printed media M is conveyed in no particular order will be described as an example. Examples of the medium M transported in no particular order include a medium M on which the same image is printed, a medium M on which another image (for example, an image including an address, etc.) in which the order is not important is printed. When the normal medium M1 is first accommodated in the second normal accommodating portion 132, the following control may be performed by exchanging the first normal accommodating portion 131 and the second normal accommodating portion 132.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining switching of the accommodation route of the medium M conveyed in no particular order.

7A to 7C are diagrams for explaining switching of the accommodation route of the medium M conveyed in no particular order.

First, the control unit 151 controls the first accommodation route switching unit F21 so that the normal medium M1 whose inspection result by the inspection device 50 is normal is accommodated in the first normal accommodation unit 131 (step S21).

Next, the control unit 51 repeatedly determines whether to detect the abnormal medium M2 whose inspection result by the inspection device 50 is abnormal (step S22), and when the abnormal medium M2 is detected (step S22: YES), the abnormal medium M2 The first accommodating route switching unit F21 and the second accommodating route switching unit F22 are controlled so that only the abnormal accommodating unit 133 is accommodated (step S23). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the same processing is performed regardless of whether the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the first normal storage unit 131 is equal to or less than the specified amount or exceeds the specified amount.

After that, the control unit 151 controls the first accommodation route switching unit F21 so that the normal medium M1 conveyed next to the abnormal medium M2 is accommodated in the first normal accommodation unit 131 (step S24). The reprinting of the print image corresponding to the abnormal image M2 is performed by at least one of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 after the ejection of the medium M corresponding to the print job is completed, and the reprinting is performed. It is preferable that the print medium M3 is accommodated in the first normal accommodating portion 131.

For example, when the 1st to 99th sheets of the normal medium M1 (P1-99) are printed as shown in FIG. 7A and then the 100th sheet is the abnormal medium M2 (P100) as shown in FIG. 7B. Only the 100th abnormal medium M2 (P100) is accommodated in the abnormal accommodating portion 133.

After that, as shown in FIG. 7C, the 101st and subsequent normal media M1 (P101-) are housed in the first normal housing section 131. The reprinting of the printed image corresponding to the 100th sheet is performed by at least one of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40 after the ejection of the medium M corresponding to the print job is completed, and the reprinting is performed. It is preferable that the print medium M3 (P100) is accommodated in the first normal accommodating portion 131.

In the present embodiment described above, the medium discharge device 100 includes a plurality of transport units (for example, a plurality of transport roller pairs 101, an introduction unit 110, an upper transport unit 120, and an intermediate transport unit 140) for transporting the medium M. (For example, the first normal accommodating unit 131, the second normal accommodating unit 132, and the abnormal accommodating unit 133), and the first accommodating route switching unit F21 and the second accommodating route, which are examples of a plurality of accommodating route switching units. It includes a switching unit F22 and a control unit 151. The plurality of accommodating units include a first normal accommodating unit 131 and a second normal accommodating unit 132, which are examples of a plurality of normal accommodating units accommodating a normal medium M1 having a normal inspection result, and an abnormal medium having an abnormal inspection result. It includes an abnormal accommodating portion 133 accommodating M2. The first accommodating route switching unit F21 and the second accommodating route switching unit F22 are any of a plurality of accommodating routes R10, R11, R12, and 13 each heading to a different accommodating portion along the transport route (merging route R9) of the medium M. Switch to. The control unit 151 acquires the inspection result of the medium M and controls the first accommodation route switching unit F21 and the second accommodation route switching unit F22. Further, the control unit 151 of the abnormal medium M2 is based on the accommodation status of the normal medium M1 in the normal accommodating unit (for example, the first normal accommodating unit 131) accommodating the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2. The accommodation paths R10, R11, R12, 13 of the normal medium M1 to be transported later are determined.

As a result, for example, when the accommodating amount of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2 is small, the normal medium conveyed after the abnormal medium M2 is conveyed. By accommodating M1 in the original first normal accommodating portion 131, the frequency of taking out the normal medium M1 from the first normal accommodating portion 131 can be reduced.

By the way, when the printed media M are conveyed in the specified order, if the normal medium M1 conveyed next to the abnormal medium M2 is accommodated in the original first normal accommodating section 131, the first normal accommodating unit M1 is accommodated. In the unit 131, the order of the normal media M1 is disturbed by the removal of the abnormal medium M2. When the order of the normal media M1 is disturbed in this way, the user accommodates the normal medium M1 (reprint medium M3) having the same print content as the abnormal medium M2 to be reprinted later in the first normal accommodating unit 131. It will be inserted into a plurality of normal media M1 so as to be arranged in order. In the present embodiment, for example, when the amount of the normal medium M1 accommodated in the first normal accommodating unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2 is large, the normal medium M1 is conveyed next to the abnormal medium M2. By switching and accommodating the normal medium M1 to be stored in the second normal accommodating unit 132, it is possible to avoid disturbing the order of the printed normal media M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131. Therefore, the user can omit the work of inserting the reprint medium M3 into the plurality of normal media M1 housed in the first normal storage unit 131.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the burden on the user can be reduced in the medium discharging device 100 in which the accommodating paths R10, R11, R12, and R13 of the medium M are switched according to the inspection result of the medium M.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 151 accommodates the accommodating amount of the normal medium M1 in the normal accommodating unit (for example, the first normal accommodating unit 131) accommodating the normal medium M1 transported before the abnormal medium M2. When the amount is less than the specified amount, which is less than the possible amount, the transport path (for example, the merging path R9) of the normal medium M1 transported after the abnormal medium M2 is accommodated in the normal medium M1 transported before the abnormal medium M2. The first accommodating route switching unit F21 is controlled so as to switch to the accommodating route R10 toward the first normal accommodating unit 131. Further, when the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the normal storage unit (for example, the first normal storage unit 131) that stores the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2 exceeds the specified amount, the control unit 151 may use the control unit 151. The transport path (for example, the merging path R9) of the normal medium M1 transported after the abnormal medium M2 is different from the first normal accommodating unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 transported before the abnormal medium M2. 2 The first accommodating route switching unit F21 and the second accommodating route switching unit F22 are controlled so as to switch to the accommodating route R12 toward the normal accommodating unit 132.

As a result, the control unit 151 is a simple process based on the accommodating amount of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2. When the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the normal storage unit 131 is small, the frequency of taking out the normal medium M1 from the first normal storage unit 131 can be reduced. Further, when the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131 is large, the control unit 151 has a first order to prevent the user from disturbing the order of the normal media M1 in the first normal accommodating unit 131. 1. The work of inserting the reprint medium M3 into the plurality of normal media M1 housed in the normal storage unit 131 can be omitted.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 151 is a first normal accommodating unit that accommodates the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2 when the printed media M are conveyed in the specified order. When the accommodating amount of the normal medium M1 in 131 is equal to or less than the specified amount, the transport path (for example, the merging path R9) of the abnormal medium M2 and the printed normal medium M1 is switched to the accommodating route R13 toward the abnormal accommodating portion 133. , The transport path of the normal medium M1 (reprint medium M3) after reprinting is switched to the accommodation path R10 toward the first normal accommodation unit 131 that accommodates the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2. The first accommodation route switching unit F21 is controlled. Further, when the accommodation amount in the first normal accommodation unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2 exceeds the specified amount, the control unit 151 sets the transport route of only the abnormal medium M2 to the abnormal accommodation unit. Switching to the accommodating route R13 toward 133, the transport route of the normal medium M1 transported next to the abnormal medium M2 is different from the first normal accommodating unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 transported before the abnormal medium M2. The first accommodation route switching unit F21 and the second accommodation route switching unit F22 are controlled so as to switch to the accommodation route R12 toward the other second normal accommodation unit 132.

As a result, when the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the first normal storage unit 131 is small, the reprint medium M3 in which the print image corresponding to the abnormal medium M2 and the printed normal medium M1 is reprinted is used as the original first. By accommodating in the normal accommodating unit 131, it is possible to prevent the order of the normal media M1 from being disturbed in the first normal accommodating unit 131, and reduce the frequency of taking out the normal medium M1 from the first normal accommodating unit 131. be able to. Further, when the capacity of the normal medium M1 in the first normal storage unit 131 is large, the normal medium M1 transported next to the abnormal medium M2 is stored in the second normal storage unit 132, so that the printed normal medium M1 is stored. It is possible to avoid an increase in the medium M (reprinting medium M3) to be reprinted due to the medium M1 being accommodated in the abnormal accommodating portion 133.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 151 accommodates the printed medium M in the first normal accommodating unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2 when the printed medium M is conveyed in no particular order. Regardless of whether the amount is less than or equal to the specified amount or exceeds the specified amount, the transport path (for example, the merging path R9) of only the abnormal medium M2 is switched to the accommodating route R13 toward the abnormal accommodating portion 133, and next to the abnormal medium M. The first accommodating route switching unit F21 is controlled so as to switch the conveying path of the conveyed normal medium M1 to the accommodating route R10 toward the first normal accommodating unit 131 accommodating the normal medium M1 conveyed before the abnormal medium M2. do.

As a result, when the medium M is conveyed in no particular order, the normal medium M1 conveyed next to the abnormal medium M2 is accommodated in the original first normal accommodating unit 131, thereby switching to the second normal accommodating unit 132. The frequency of taking out the normal medium M1 from the first normal accommodating portion 131 can be reduced as compared with the case of accommodating the normal medium M1.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and the components can be modified and embodied within a range that does not deviate from the gist at the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by an appropriate combination of the plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible within the range that does not deviate from the gist of the invention. The inventions described in the claims at the time of filing the application of the present application are described below.

[Appendix 1]
A transport unit that transports the medium and
A plurality of accommodating portions including a plurality of normal accommodating portions accommodating a normal medium having a normal inspection result, and an abnormal accommodating portion accommodating an abnormal medium having an abnormal inspection result.
A plurality of accommodation route switching units that switch the transport route of the medium to any one of a plurality of accommodation routes heading to the different accommodation units.
A control unit that acquires the inspection result of the medium and controls the plurality of accommodation route switching units is provided.
The control unit has the accommodating route of the normal medium transported after the abnormal medium based on the accommodating state of the normal medium in the normal accommodating unit accommodating the normal medium conveyed before the abnormal medium. A medium ejection device characterized by determining.

[Appendix 2]
The control unit
When the capacity of the normal medium in the normal storage unit for accommodating the normal medium to be transported before the abnormal medium is less than or equal to a specified amount smaller than the accommodable amount, the normal medium is transported after the abnormal medium. The plurality of accommodating route switching units are controlled so as to switch the transport path of the normal medium to the accommodating route toward the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium.
When the accommodation amount in the normal accommodation unit accommodating the normal medium transported before the abnormal medium exceeds the specified amount, the transport path of the normal medium transported after the abnormal medium is described as described above. It is characterized in that the plurality of accommodating route switching units are controlled so as to switch to the accommodating route toward the normal accommodating portion different from the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium conveyed in front of the abnormal medium. The medium ejection device according to Appendix 1.

[Appendix 3]
When the printed media is conveyed in a specified order, the control unit may use the control unit.
When the accommodating amount in the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium conveyed before the abnormal medium is equal to or less than the specified amount, the transport path of the abnormal medium and the printed normal medium is described. The accommodation route is switched to the accommodation route toward the abnormal accommodation unit, and the transfer route of the normal medium after reprinting is switched to the accommodation route toward the normal accommodation unit that accommodates the normal medium conveyed before the abnormal medium. As described above, the plurality of accommodation route switching units are controlled.
When the accommodation amount in the normal accommodation unit for accommodating the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium exceeds the specified amount, the accommodation route for the abnormal medium only is directed to the abnormal accommodation unit. The transport path of the normal medium transported next to the abnormal medium is changed to another normal accommodating portion different from the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium. The medium discharging device according to Appendix 2, wherein the plurality of accommodating route switching units are controlled so as to switch to the accommodating route toward the accommodation route.

[Appendix 4]
When the printed media is transported in no particular order, the control unit determines whether the capacity of the normal storage unit that accommodates the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium is equal to or less than the specified amount. Regardless of whether the specified amount is exceeded, the transport route of only the abnormal medium is switched to the storage route toward the abnormal storage portion, and the transport path of the normal medium transported next to the abnormal medium is changed to the transport route. 2. Device.

1 Printing system 10 Media supply device 20 1st printing device 30 Intermediate transfer device 40 2nd printing device 50 Inspection device 100 Media discharge device 101 Transfer roller pair 110 Introduction unit 111 Inversion unit 120 Upper transport unit 131 First normal storage unit 131a Stand 132 2nd normal accommodating unit 132a Allocation unit 133 Abnormal accommodating unit 140 Intermediate transport unit 151 Control unit 152 Storage unit 153 Interface unit F10 Inverted route switching unit F21 1st accommodating route switching unit F22 2nd accommodating route switching unit M medium M1 Normal Medium M2 Abnormal medium M3 Reprint medium R1, R4-1, R5 Straight transport path R2, R6 Circular transport path R3, R4-2, R8-1 Inverted path R8-2 Non-inverted path R9 Confluence path R10, R11, R12, R13 accommodation route

Claims (4)

A transport unit that transports the medium and
A plurality of accommodating portions including a plurality of normal accommodating portions accommodating a normal medium having a normal inspection result, and an abnormal accommodating portion accommodating an abnormal medium having an abnormal inspection result.
A plurality of accommodation route switching units that switch the transport route of the medium to any one of a plurality of accommodation routes heading to the different accommodation units.
A control unit that acquires the inspection result of the medium and controls the plurality of accommodation route switching units is provided.
The control unit has the accommodating route of the normal medium transported after the abnormal medium based on the accommodating state of the normal medium in the normal accommodating unit accommodating the normal medium conveyed before the abnormal medium. A medium ejection device characterized by determining. The control unit
When the capacity of the normal medium in the normal storage unit for accommodating the normal medium to be transported before the abnormal medium is less than or equal to a specified amount smaller than the accommodable amount, the normal medium is transported after the abnormal medium. The plurality of accommodating route switching units are controlled so as to switch the transport path of the normal medium to the accommodating route toward the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium.
When the accommodating amount in the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium transported before the abnormal medium exceeds the specified amount, the transport path of the normal medium transported after the abnormal medium is described as described above. It is characterized in that the plurality of accommodating route switching units are controlled so as to switch to the accommodating route toward the normal accommodating portion different from the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium conveyed in front of the abnormal medium. The medium ejection device according to claim 1. When the printed media is conveyed in a specified order, the control unit may use the control unit.
When the accommodating amount in the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium conveyed before the abnormal medium is equal to or less than the specified amount, the transport path of the abnormal medium and the printed normal medium is described. The accommodation route is switched to the accommodation route toward the abnormal accommodation unit, and the transfer route of the normal medium after reprinting is switched to the accommodation route toward the normal accommodation unit that accommodates the normal medium conveyed before the abnormal medium. As described above, the plurality of accommodation route switching units are controlled.
When the accommodating amount in the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium exceeds the specified amount, the accommodating route for the abnormal medium only is directed to the abnormal accommodating portion. The transport path of the normal medium transported next to the abnormal medium is changed to another normal accommodating portion different from the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium. The medium discharging device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of accommodation route switching units are controlled so as to switch to the accommodation route toward the accommodation route. When the printed media is transported in no particular order, the control unit determines whether the capacity of the normal storage unit that accommodates the normal medium transported in front of the abnormal medium is equal to or less than the specified amount. Regardless of whether the specified amount is exceeded, the transport path of only the abnormal medium is switched to the accommodation route toward the abnormal accommodating portion, and the transport path of the normal medium transported next to the abnormal medium is changed to the transport path. The medium according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of accommodating route switching units are controlled so as to switch to the accommodating route toward the normal accommodating portion accommodating the normal medium conveyed in front of the abnormal medium. Discharge device.

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