PRINTING APPARATUS AND STACKING APPARATUS

Abstract

There is provided a technique that can suppress upsizing of an apparatus while sorting print media every predetermined number of print media on a stacking portion. To do so, a reciprocating member that reciprocates while being regulated in an X direction orthogonal to a Y direction by a first supporting member is provided, and a second stacking portion extendable in the Y direction relative to the first supporting member is moved in the X direction by action of the reciprocating member.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, comprising: conveyance unit for conveying a print medium in a conveyance direction; stacking unit on which the print medium conveyed from the conveyance unit is stacked; first supporting unit for movably supporting the stacking unit; and moving unit supported by the first supporting unit and movable in a shift direction intersecting the conveyance direction relative to the first supporting unit, wherein the stacking unit is extendable in the conveyance direction relative to the first supporting unit, and is movable in the shift direction relative to the first supporting unit by engagement with the moving unit.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacking unit includes first stacking unit moved with the moving unit in the shift direction relative to the first supporting unit, and second stacking unit movable in the shift direction and the conveyance direction relative to the first supporting unit.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising second supporting unit movable with the second stacking unit in the conveyance direction relative to the first supporting unit while supporting the second stacking unit.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first stacking unit, the second stacking unit, the second supporting unit, and the first supporting unit are disposed one above another in order from vertically above.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the moving unit is disposed between the second supporting unit and the second stacking unit.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second supporting unit includes a rack provided along the conveyance direction and engaging with a pinion gear provided on the apparats.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pinion gear is driven by a driving source for moving the moving unit in the shift direction, and the second stacking unit is moved in the conveyance direction by driving force of the driving source through the pinion gear and the rack.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second stacking unit includes a guide portion having a rail shape, slidable on a sliding surface provided on the moving unit.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the stacking unit is moved to a first sorting position and a second sorting position in the shift direction, with movement of the moving unit by action of a cam.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a rotary member between the first supporting unit and the first stacking unit.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a rotary member configured to rotate in the conveyance direction between the second stacking unit and the first stacking unit or between the second stacking unit and the first supporting unit, to prompt sliding of the second stacking unit and the first supporting unit.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the printing apparatus is in a use state, the stacking unit is extended in the conveyance direction, whereas when the printing apparatus is in a non-use state, the stacking unit is housed in a housing of the printing apparatus.

13. The printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, in a state where the stacking unit is housed in the housing of the printing apparatus, the stacking unit does not protrude from the housing of the printing apparatus.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising printing unit for performing printing on the print medium, wherein after printing on the print medium is performed by the printing unit, the print medium discharged by the conveyance unit is stacked on the stacking unit.

15. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first supporting unit is fixed to a main body of the apparatus.

16. A stacking apparatus, comprising: conveyance unit for conveying a medium in a conveyance direction; stacking unit on which the medium conveyed from the conveyance unit is stacked; first supporting unit for movably supporting the stacking unit; and moving unit supported by the first supporting unit and movable in a shift direction intersecting the conveyance direction relative to the first supporting unit, wherein the stacking unit is extendable in the conveyance direction relative to the first supporting unit, and is movable in the shift direction relative to the first supporting unit by engagement with the moving unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of a printing apparatus;

[0009] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are respectively a front view and a plan view of a printing unit;

[0010] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams for explaining a conveyance system of the printing unit;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram mainly illustrating a control system for a stacking portion in the printing unit;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram of the stacking portion;

[0013] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are diagrams for explaining a range of movement of a second stacking portion;

[0014] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are diagrams for explaining sorting positions of the stacking portion;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective configuration diagram of a driving transmission unit;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective configuration diagram of a cam;

[0017] FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10C are diagrams for explaining movement of a reciprocating member by the cam;

[0018] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining driving of the stacking portion depending on a rotation direction of a driving source;

[0019] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing contents of print processing;

[0020] FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating processing contents of previous print processing;

[0021] FIG. 12B is a flowchart illustrating processing contents of later print processing;

[0022] FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, FIG. 13C, FIG. 13D, FIG. 13E, and FIG. 13F are diagrams each illustrating a state of the stacking portion after driving during the print processing;

[0023] FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. 14C are perspective views each illustrating the stacking portion;

[0024] FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, FIG. 15D, FIG. 15E, and FIG. 15F are diagrams illustrating holding configurations of constituent elements of the stacking portion;

[0025] FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B, and FIG. 16C are perspective views each illustrating the stacking portion;

[0026] FIG. 17A, FIG. 17B, FIG. 17C, FIG. 17D, FIG. 17E, and FIG. 17F are diagrams illustrating holding configurations of the constituent elements of the stacking portion;

[0027] FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, and FIG. 18C are diagrams each illustrating the stacking portion;

[0028] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a driving unit of the stacking portion as viewed from below;

[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a chain of drives of the driving unit;

[0030] FIG. 21A, FIG. 21B, and FIG. 21C are perspective views each illustrating the stacking portion; and

[0031] FIG. 22A, FIG. 22B, FIG. 22C, FIG. 22D, FIG. 22E and FIG. 22F are diagrams illustrating holding configurations of the constituent elements of the stacking portion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

[0032] An exemplary embodiment of a printing apparatus, and a stacking apparatus is described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the present disclosure, and all of combinations of features described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential for solving means of the present disclosure. Positions, shapes, and the like of constituent elements described in the embodiment are merely illustrative, and do not intend to limit the scope of the disclosure thereto.

[0033] In the present embodiment, as an example of a printing apparatus, there is described a multifunctional peripheral that includes a print function of performing printing by ejecting ink as a printing agent to a print medium by an ink jet system, and a read function of reading a document placed on a document platen. The printing system is not limited to the ink jet system, and various well-known systems, for example, an electrophotographic system may be used. The printing agent that can be ejected from the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is not limited to ink, and includes various well-known printing agents used for printing, such as processing liquid performing predetermined processing on the ejected ink.

[0034] In the present specification, when the printed print medium rightly faces a discharge side, a direction going from a left side to a right side of the printing apparatus is explained as an X direction, a direction going from a depth side (back-side) to a near side (front side) of the printing apparatus is explained as a Y diction, and a direction going from a lower side to an upper side of the printing apparatus is explained as a Z direction. As described above, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are directions going from one side to the other side, and are directions orthogonal to one another. In the present specification, each direction is represented with a +(plus) in a case of going from the one side to the other side, and with a (minus) in a case of going from the other side to the one side, as appropriate.

(Configuration of Printing Apparatus)

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of the printing apparatus. FIG. 2A is a front view of a printing unit, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the printing unit. In FIG. 1, a part of configuration is omitted for facilitating understanding.

[0036] A printing apparatus 1 is a multifunctional peripheral that includes a printing unit 10 performing printing on a print medium, and a scanner unit (not illustrated) disposed above the printing unit 10 and reading a document. In the printing apparatus 1, various processing relating to printing operation and reading operation are performed by the printing unit 10 and the scanner unit individually or in conjunction with each other.

[0037] The scanner unit includes an auto-document feeder (ADF) and a flatbed scanner (FBS), and can perform reading of a document automatically fed by the ADF and reading of a document placed on a document platen of the FBS by a user. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 is the multifunctional peripheral including the printing unit 10 and the scanner unit, but may not include the scanner unit.

[0038] The printing unit 10 includes a first feeding unit 11, a second feeding unit 12, and a third feeding unit 13 each feeding a print medium (see FIG. 1). The printing unit 10 further includes a conveyance unit 2 conveying the print medium fed from each of the feeding units, a printing head 3 performing printing by ejecting ink to the print medium conveyed by the conveyance unit 2, and a stacking portion 4 on which the printed print medium is stacked. The printing unit 10 further includes a maintenance unit 5 maintaining the printing head 3, and a driving unit 6 driving the first feeding unit 11, the second feeding unit 12, the third feeding unit 13, and the maintenance unit 5.

[0039] The printing unit 10 includes a liquid storage portion 34 storing the ink to be supplied to the printing head 3, and an ink discharge portion 51 storing the ink discharged from the maintenance unit 5 (see FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B). The printing unit 10 further includes a control unit 71 (see FIG. 4) that performs operation control of the entire printing apparatus 1, such as driving control of the conveyance unit 2, the printing head 3, the stacking portion 4, and the driving unit 6. The printing unit 10 further includes an operation unit 8 that can receive input operation by the user and display various kinds of information. The operation unit 8 includes operation buttons 81 for inputting operation information to the printing apparatus 1, and a display panel 82 displaying the operation information. In the printing apparatus 1, the above-described constituent elements are fastened to a housing 9 to configure the printing unit 10.

[0040] In the printing unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage portion 34 are disposed above the stacking portion 4. More specifically, each of the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage portion 34 is partially disposed at a position overlapping with the stacking portion 4 on an XY plane (see FIG. 2B). The operation unit 8 and the liquid storage portion 34 are disposed with an interval from the stacking portion 4 in the Z direction (see FIG. 2A). In the present embodiment, the operation unit 8 is disposed on one side (left side) in the X direction, and the liquid storage portion 34 is disposed on the other side (right side) in the X direction. The operation unit 8 and the liquid storage portion 34 may be reversely arranged in the X direction.

[0041] In the printing unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage portion 34 are disposed on the other side (front side) in the Y direction relative to a discharge roller pair 26, namely, on a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the print medium discharged by the discharge roller pair 26. Further, in the printing unit 10, the maintenance unit 5 is disposed within a moving area of the printing head 3 and on the other side of the stacking portion 4 in the X direction. More specifically, the maintenance unit 5 is disposed at a position where a part thereof overlaps with the stacking portion 4 on a YZ plane (see FIG. 3A). Furthermore, in the printing unit 10, the ink discharge portion 51 is disposed below the stacking portion 4. More specifically, the ink discharge portion 51 is disposed at a position where a part thereof overlaps with the stacking portion 4 on the XY plane (see FIG. 2A and FIG. 3A).

(Conveyance Unit and Feeding Unit)

[0042] Next, a configuration of a conveyance system of the printing unit 10 is described. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams each illustrating the configuration of the conveyance system of the printing unit 10. FIG. 3A illustrates a state before the stacking portion 4 is extended, and FIG. 3B illustrates a state after the stacking portion is extended. In the present embodiment, when the printing apparatus 1 does not perform printing operation (i.e., in standby state), the stacking portion 4 is housed in the housing 9 of the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 3A. In contrast, when the printing apparatus 1 performs the printing operation, the stacking portion 4 is extended from the housing 9 of the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 3B.

<Conveyance Unit>

[0043] The conveyance unit 2 includes a conveyance roller pair 22 that conveys the print medium fed from each of the feeding units to a printing position where printing by the printing head 3 is performable, and the discharge roller pair 26 that discharges the print medium printed by the printing head 3. The conveyance roller pair 22 includes a conveyance roller 22a driven by a conveyance motor 21 (see FIG. 1), and a pinch roller 22b associatively driven while making pressure contact with the conveyance roller 22a. In the conveyance roller pair 22, the conveyance roller 22a and the pinch roller 22b nip and convey the print medium. The discharge roller pair 26 includes a discharge roller 26a driven by the conveyance motor 21, and a spur 26b making pressure contact with the discharge roller 26a. In the discharge roller pair 26, the discharge roller 26a and the spur 26b nip and convey the print medium.

[0044] The conveyance unit 2 further includes a first intermediate roller pair 126 that conveys the print medium fed from each of the second feeding unit 12 and the third feeding unit 13 to the conveyance roller pair 22, and a second intermediate roller pair 136 that conveys the print medium fed from the third feeding unit 13 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The first intermediate roller pair 126 includes a first intermediate roller 126a driven by the driving unit 6, and a first driven roller 126b associatively driven while making pressure contact with the first intermediate roller 126a. In the first intermediate roller pair 126, the first intermediate roller 126a and the first driven roller 126b nip and convey the print medium. The second intermediate roller pair 136 includes a second intermediate roller 136a driven by the driving unit 6, and a second driven roller 136b associatively driven while making pressure contact with the second intermediate roller 136a. In the second intermediate roller pair 136, the second intermediate roller 136a and the second driven roller 136b nip and convey the print medium.

[0045] After the print medium fed from each of the feeding units passes through a detection lever 24 that is positioned on an upstream side of the conveyance roller pair 22 in the conveyance direction, positions of right and left leading edges of the print medium in a width direction are aligned to the conveyance direction by the conveyance roller pair 22. In other words, skew of the print medium in the conveyance direction is corrected by the conveyance roller pair 22.

<Feeding Unit>

=First Feeding Unit=

[0046] The first feeding unit 11 includes a pressure plate 111 on which the print medium is placed, and a first feeding roller portion 112 that feeds the print medium placed on the pressure plate 111 to the conveyance roller pair 22. The first feeding roller portion 112 includes first feeding rollers 112a and 112b that feed the print medium to the conveyance roller pair 22. The first feeding roller portion 112 further includes a separation roller 113 that is disposed at a position facing the first feeding roller 112b and applies resistance to the print medium fed by the first feeding roller 112b. The first feeding rollers 112a and 112b are driven by driving force of a driving motor 61 (see FIG. 1) of the driving unit 6.

[0047] In the first feeding unit 11, when print media P1 stacked on the pressure plate 111 abut on the first feeding roller 112a that rotates in response to the driving of the driving motor 61, feeding of the print media P1 is started. The print media P1 fed by the first feeding roller 112a are fed by the first feeding roller 112b disposed on the downstream side of the first feeding roller 112a in a feeding direction. At this time, by the separation roller 113 disposed at the position facing the first feeding roller 112b, only the uppermost one of the print media P1 fed by the first feeding roller 112b is fed to the conveyance roller pair 22.

=Second Feeding Unit=

[0048] The second feeding unit 12 includes a cassette case 121 storing the print medium, a second feeding roller 123 feeding the print medium stored in the cassette case 121, and a separation portion 125 applying resistance to the print medium fed by the second feeding roller 123. The second feeding roller 123 is driven by driving force transmitted from a driving motor 62 (see FIG. 1) of the driving unit 6 through a gear train (not illustrated).

[0049] In the second feeding unit 12, feeding of print media P2 stored in the cassette case 121 to the first intermediate roller pair 126 is started by the second feeding roller 123 that rotates while abutting on the print media P2 in response to the driving of the driving motor 62. The separation portion 125 applies resistance in the feeding direction to the print media P2 fed by the second feeding roller 123. Therefore, even when a plurality of print media P2 is fed by the second feeding roller 123, the uppermost one of the print media P2 is fed to the first intermediate roller pair 126 by the separation portion 125. The print media P2 fed to the first intermediate roller pair 126 is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair 22 by the first intermediate roller pair 126.

=Third Feeding Unit=

[0050] The third feeding unit 13 includes a cassette case 131 storing the print medium, a third feeding roller 133 feeding the print medium stored in the cassette case 131, and a separation portion 135 applying resistance to the print medium fed by the third feeding roller 133. The third feeding roller 133 is driven by the driving force transmitted from the driving motor 62 (see FIG. 1) of the driving unit 6 through the gear train (not illustrated).

[0051] In the third feeding unit 13, feeding of print media P3 stored in the cassette case 131 to the second intermediate roller pair 136 is started by the third feeding roller 133 that rotates while abutting on the print media P3 in response to the driving of the driving motor 62. The separation portion 135 applies resistance in the feeding direction to the print media P3 fed by the third feeding roller 133. Therefore, even when a plurality of print media P3 is fed by the third feeding roller 133, the uppermost one of the print media P3 is fed to the second intermediate roller pair 136 by the separation portion 135. The print media P3 fed to the second intermediate roller pair 136 is conveyed to the conveyance roller pair 22 by the second intermediate roller pair 136 and the first intermediate roller pair 126.

(Printing Head)

[0052] Next, the printing head 3 is described. In the printing unit 10, the printing head 3 is slidably supported by a chassis 33 extending in the X direction, and is mounted on a carriage 31 that can reciprocate in the X direction (see FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A). Therefore, the printing head 3 can reciprocate in the X direction through the carriage 31. The print medium conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 22 is supported by a platen 25 provided at a position facing the printing head 3. The printing head 3 performs printing on the print medium supported by the platen 25 by ejecting ink while moving in the X direction through the carriage 31.

[0053] To perform printing on a single surface of the print medium, the printed print medium is discharged to the stacking portion 4 through the discharge roller pair 26. To perform printing on both surfaces of the print medium, the conveyance motor 21 is reversely rotated in a state where a trailing edge of the print medium on which printing on one surface has ended is nipped by the discharge roller pair 26. As a result, the discharge roller pair 26 and the conveyance roller pair 22 are rotated in a direction reversed from the direction when the print medium is conveyed in the conveyance direction, and convey the print medium, the trailing edge of which is nipped by the discharge roller pair 26, to a reversal conveyance path F. In the description, the trailing edge of the print medium means a trailing edge of the print medium in the conveyance direction (+Y direction), and the leading edge of the print medium means a leading edge of the print medium in the conveyance direction.

[0054] At a timing when the leading edge of the print medium conveyed to the reversal conveyance path F passes through the conveyance roller pair 22, the conveyance motor 21 is switched to forward rotation. Thereafter, when the print medium is conveyed by the first intermediate roller pair 126 and passes through the detection lever 24, skew correction is performed again by the conveyance roller pair 22. Subsequently, the operation same as the operation in printing on the single surface of the print medium is performed, and printing is performed on the other surface of the print medium. Thereafter, the print medium on which printing is performed on both surfaces is discharged to the stacking portion 4 by the discharge roller pair 26.

[0055] Although details are described below, in the present embodiment, in the printing, the stacking portion 4 on which the print medium discharged through the discharge roller pair 26 is stacked is extended in the +Y direction (see FIG. 3B). Thus, the stacking portion 4 that is mostly housed inside the housing 9 before extension protrudes to an outside of the housing 9, which secures an area where the discharged print medium can be stably stacked.

(Stacking Portion)

[0056] Next, the stacking portion 4 is described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the printing apparatus 1. In the following description, to mainly describe the stacking portion 4, FIG. 4 mainly illustrates a control configuration for the stacking portion 4, and the other configurations are omitted. FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram of the stacking portion 4. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are diagrams illustrating a position after extension of the stacking portion 4 and a position after contraction of the stacking portion 4, respectively. FIG. 6A illustrates a housing position of a second stacking portion 42 after the stacking portion 4 is contracted, and FIG. 6B illustrates a stacking position of the second stacking portion 42 after the stacking portion 4 is extended. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are diagrams illustrating two sorting positions of the stacking portion 4. FIG. 7A illustrates a first sorting position, and FIG. 7B illustrates a second sorting position.

[0057] The stacking portion 4 on which the print medium discharged by the discharge roller pair 26 is stacked is extended when printing is started, and an area supporting the discharged print medium is expanded. When the print medium is removed from the stacking portion 4, the area of the stacking portion 4 is reduced. Further, the stacking portion 4 has a function of moving in a direction (X direction) intersecting (in present embodiment, orthogonal to) the extending direction (Y direction) of the stacking portion 4, to sort the discharged print medium.

[0058] The printing unit 10 includes the control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a detection unit 73, the operation unit 8, the stacking portion 4, a driving transmission unit 43, and a driving source 44 (see FIG. 4).

[0059] In extension of the stacking portion 4, the second stacking portion 42 configuring the stacking portion 4 moves from the housing position (described below) to the stacking position (described below). Further, the stacking portion 4 is contracted after moving in the X direction to the second sorting position (described below) different from the first sorting position. In contraction of the stacking portion 4, the second stacking portion 42 configuring the stacking portion 4 moves from the stacking position to the housing position. By the control, it is possible to reduce influence of external force caused by movement of the stacking portion 4 on the print medium during discharge of the print medium. In other words, it is possible to suppress reduction in alignment property of the print medium discharged and stacked, which improves visibility of the sorted print medium when the print medium is sorted.

[0060] The operation unit 8 includes the operation buttons 81 and the display panel 82 (see FIG. 1). The user can select necessity of sorting of the print medium and issue a moving instruction of the stacking portion 4 by operating the operation unit 8. In the printing unit 10, sorting of the print medium and movement of the stacking portion 4 can be performed based on, for example, information set to a job. The storage unit 72 stores various kinds of programs for operating the stacking portion 4. In response to input from the user through the operation unit 8, the control unit 71 reads a program corresponding to an input result, and performs driving control of the stacking portion 4. The storage unit 72 also holds a detection result of the detection unit 73.

[0061] The detection unit 73 includes a plurality of sensors. More specifically, the detection unit 73 includes a sensor that detects rotation of the driving source 44 (see FIG. 2A) for driving the stacking portion 4. The sensor includes a rotary encoder, and is installed on a rotary shaft of the driving source 44 generating rotational driving force. The sensor converts a rotational angle of the driving source 44 into the number of steps, and transmits the number of steps to the control unit 71. The control unit 71 reads the number of steps necessary for predetermined operation of the stacking portion 4 from the storage unit 72. In a case where the number of steps transmitted from the sensor reaches a prescribed number of steps, the control unit 71 determines that the predetermined operation of the stacking portion 4 has been completed, and stops the driving source 44. In the present embodiment, the sensor is configured by providing the encoder on the rotary shaft of the driving source 44, but is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor may be provided on a rotary shaft of a predetermined transmission member that configures the driving transmission unit 43 (see FIG. 2A) transmitting the driving force of the driving source 44 to the stacking portion 4.

[0062] The detection unit 73 further includes a sensor that detects a position of the stacking portion 4 after the predetermined operation. As the sensor, for example, a mechanical switch, a photosensor, or a rotary encoder of the driving source 44 can be used. The detection unit 73 further includes a sensor that detects whether the print medium is stacked on the stacking portion 4.

[0063] The stacking portion 4 includes a first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 (see FIG. 5). The first stacking portion 41 can reciprocate in the X direction intersecting the direction (Y direction) in which the print medium is discharged. The first stacking portion 41 is disposed inside the housing 9, and an end 41a on the other side in the Y direction is positioned behind a front surface 9a of the housing 9 in the Y direction (see FIG. 6A).

[0064] The second stacking portion 42 is supported by the first stacking portion 41, and can reciprocate in the Y direction on the first stacking portion 41. Thus, the second stacking portion 42 can reciprocate in the X direction through the first stacking portion 41.

[0065] The second stacking portion 42 can move between the housing position and the stacking position (see FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B). The housing position is a position where, on the XY plane, a most part of the second stacking portion 42 overlaps with the first stacking portion 41 and is housed below the first stacking portion 41 (see FIG. 6A). The stacking position is a position where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out from the housing position and the print medium can be stacked on the second stacking portion 42 and the first stacking portion 41 (see FIG. 6B). In other words, when the stacking portion 4 is extended, the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the +Y direction from the housing position to the stacking position. When the stacking portion 4 is contracted, the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the Y direction from the stacking position to the housing position. In the present embodiment, at the housing position, a partial area of the second stacking portion 42 on an end 429a side slightly protrudes from the front surface 9a of the housing 9 in the Y direction. With such a configuration, when the second stacking portion 42 is at the housing position, a most part of the stacking portion 4 is positioned inside the housing 9, which makes it possible to reduce an installation space of the printing apparatus 1. This makes it possible to realize downsizing of the apparatus.

[0066] Depending on a size of the print medium, a plurality of stacking positions different in the Y direction can be set.

[0067] The stacking portion 4 can move between two sorting positions for sorting the discharged print medium, by movement of the first stacking portion 41 in the X direction. More specifically, in the X direction, the stacking portion 4 can move between a first sorting position (see FIG. 7A) where a center position Os of the stacking portion 4 is positioned on one side relative to a center position Om of the discharged print medium, and a second sorting position (see FIG. 7B) where the center position Os of the stacking portion 4 is positioned on the other side relative to the center position Om of the discharged print medium. The stacking portion 4 can sort the discharged print medium at positions shifted in the X direction by enabling stacking of the print medium at the first sorting position and stacking of the print medium at the second sorting position. In other words, the first sorting position and the second sorting position are separated by a predetermined distance in the X direction.

[0068] In the present embodiment, a distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the first sorting position may be coincident with a distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the second sorting position. Alternatively, the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the first sorting position may be different from the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the second sorting position. A distance necessary for sorting, namely, the distance between the first sorting position and the second sorting position is, for example, 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less. A position where the stacking portion 4 can stay is not limited to the first sorting position and the second sorting position. For example, in a case where sorting of the print medium is not performed during the print processing or in a case where the printing is not performed, the stacking portion 4 may be at the center position Om.

(Driving Transmission Unit)

[0069] Next, the driving transmission unit 43 is described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the driving transmission unit 43. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cam that is a constituent member of the driving transmission unit 43. FIGS. 10A-10C are a diagram for explaining movement of the stacking portion 4 in the X direction by the cam.

[0070] The driving transmission unit 43 includes a chain of drives 431 that includes a plurality of driving transmission members transmitting rotational driving force from the driving source 44 (see FIG. 8). The driving transmission unit 43 further includes a reciprocating member 433 movable in the X direction by the driving force transmitted through the chain of drives 431, and a case (not illustrated) holding the driving source 44 and the chain of drives 431.

[0071] One end of the chain of drives 431 is connected to the driving source 44. A cam 4312 engaging with the reciprocating member 433 is positioned at the other end of the chain of drives 431. The cam 4312 includes a circular plate portion 4312c, a gear portion 4312a provided on one surface of the plate portion 4312c, and a cam portion 4312b provided on the other surface of the plate portion 4312c (see FIG. 9). The cam 4312 rotates around an axis Oc that is parallel to the Z direction and passes through a center of the plate portion 4312c, by driving force transmitted to the gear portion 4312a from the driving source 44. In the present embodiment, the cam portion 4312b has a substantially triangular cylindrical shape, and each side connecting adjacent vertices of the triangle is gently curved so as to protrude outward (see FIG. 10A). The cam portion 4312b is provided to be eccentric from a rotation center on the other surface of the plate portion 4312c such that a predetermined vertex P is positioned on the axis Oc.

[0072] The reciprocating member 433 includes an engagement portion 4333 engaging with the cam portion 4312b. The engagement portion 4333 includes a first sliding surface 4331 and a second sliding surface 4332 on which the engaging cam portion 4312b can slide. The first sliding surface 4331 and the second sliding surface 4332 face each other with a predetermined interval in the X direction. The predetermined interval corresponds to a length of the cam portion 4312b in the X direction. Further, the first sliding surface 4331 and the second sliding surface 4332 are provided in parallel to the Y direction. As described above, the cam portion 4312b is eccentric from the rotation center of the cam 4312. Therefore, when the cam 4312 rotates, the cam portion 4312b slides on the first sliding surface 4331 or the second sliding surface 4332, and moves the reciprocating member 433 in the +X direction or the X direction (see FIGS. 10A-0C).

[0073] For example, it is assumed that the cam portion 4312b is rotated from a predetermined position (position illustrated in FIG. 10A) in a direction of an arrow A (see FIG. 10B) by rotation of the cam 4312. In this case, the cam portion 4312b slides on the first sliding surface 4331, and moves the reciprocating member 433 from the other side to the one side (in X direction) in the X direction (see FIG. 10B). Although details are described below, when the cam portion 4312b is further rotated in the direction of the arrow A from the state illustrated in FIG. 10B, the cam portion 4312b can move the reciprocating member 433 from the one side to the other side (in +X direction) in the X direction. In the present embodiment, the cam portion 4312b is rotated in the direction of the arrow A by using one driving source 44; however, the cam portion 4312b may be rotated in a direction different from the direction of the arrow A by using a plurality of driving sources. It is assumed that, in the configuration including the plurality of driving sources, the cam portion 4312b is rotated from the predetermined position in a direction of an arrow B (see FIG. 10C) by rotation of the cam 4312. In this case, the cam portion 4312b slides on the second sliding surface 4332, and moves the reciprocating member 433 from the one side to the other side (in +X direction) in the X direction (see FIG. 10C).

[0074] The reciprocating member 433 is connected to the first stacking portion 41. Therefore, in conjunction with movement of the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction, the first stacking portion 41 is moved in the X direction, and the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the X direction through the first stacking portion 41.

(Outline of Driving of First Stacking Portion and Second Stacking Portion)

[0075] Next, outline of driving of the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 is described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the outline of driving of the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42.

[0076] In a case where the rotation direction of the driving source 44 is a first direction, the first stacking portion 41 is moved to the first sorting position, and the second stacking portion 42 is also moved to the first sorting position through the first stacking portion 41. In a case where the rotation direction of the driving source 44 is a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first stacking portion 41 is moved to the second sorting position, and the second stacking portion 42 is also moved to the second sorting position through the first stacking portion 41.

(Print Processing)

[0077] Next, print processing in which the printed print medium is sorted by the stacking portion 4 while printing on the print medium is performed is described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating detailed processing contents of the print processing in which the printed print medium is sorted by the stacking portion 4 while printing on the print medium is performed. FIGS. 13A-13F are a diagram illustrating a state after movement of the stacking portion 4. A series of processing illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is performed when the control unit 71 develops program codes stored in a program memory (not illustrated) of the storage unit 72, to a data memory (not illustrated) of the storage unit 72, and executes the program codes. Alternatively, a part or all of functions of steps in FIG. 12 may be performed by hardware such as an ASIC or an electric circuit.

[0078] In the present specification, a sign S in description of processing in the flowchart means a step in the flowchart. In the description of the print processing with reference to FIG. 12, a case where the printing apparatus 1 performs the print processing based on a job in which M pieces of print media is handled as one bundle, and printing for generating N bundles of print media is performed, is described.

[0079] When the print processing is started, first, in S1202, the control unit 71 moves the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 to the first sorting position. In S1202, the control unit 71 rotates the driving source 44 in the first direction, and moves the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 positioned at an initial position (see FIG. 13A), to the first sorting position in the X direction (see FIG. 13B). Next, in S1204, the control unit 71 moves the second stacking portion 42 from the housing position to the stacking position. In S1204, in a state where the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are at the first sorting position, the second stacking portion 42 is moved from the housing position to the stacking position in the +Y direction (see FIG. 13C). In the present embodiment, the stacking position is changed depending on the size of the print medium. In other words, in the present embodiment, an extension amount of the stacking portion 4 is varied depending on the size of the print medium. Therefore, in S1204, the stacking position is determined based on a detection result of the sensor of the detection unit 73 that detects the position of the stacking portion 4 after the predetermined operation. More specifically, for example, based on a detection result of the rotary encoder of the driving source 44, the second stacking portion 42 is moved to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the print medium. Alternatively, based on a detection result of the mechanical switch, the photosensor, or the like, the second stacking portion 42 may be moved to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the print medium.

[0080] The driving transmission unit 43 is configured such that, even when the driving force by rotation of the driving source 44 in the first direction is transmitted while the first stacking portion 41 is at the first sorting position, the cam 4312 is not rotated anymore. Therefore, in S1204, even when the driving source 44 is rotated in the first direction in the state where the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are at the first sorting position, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are not moved from the first sorting position in the X direction.

[0081] Next, in S1206, the control unit 71 sets a variable n that indicates the number of bundles of print media to be sorted, to 1. Further, in S1208, the control unit 71 sets a variable m that indicates the number of print media to be printed, to 1. Thereafter, in S1210, the control unit 71 performs printing on an m-th print medium of an n-th bundle. The printing unit 10 performs printing operation for performing printing by ejecting ink to a predetermined area supported by the platen 25, of the print medium conveyed by the conveyance unit 2 while moving the printing head 3 in the X direction. Next, after conveyance operation in which the print medium is conveyed by the conveyance unit 2 by a predetermined amount corresponding to a length of the above-described predetermined area in the Y direction, the printing operation is performed again. As described above, the printing unit 10 alternately repeats the printing operation and the conveyance operation to perform printing on the print medium. Accordingly, the print medium being printed is conveyed in the +Y direction as the printing progresses. After printing ends, the print medium is discharged and stacked on the stacking portion 4 that is extended and at the first sorting position.

[0082] In S1212, the control unit 71 determines whether the print medium has been discharged. In S1212, for example, the control unit 71 performs determination based on the detection result of the sensor of the detection unit 73 that detects discharge of the print medium, and counts the number of discharged print media. The discharged print medium is stacked on the stacking portion 4 that is at the first sorting position (see FIG. 13D).

[0083] In the present embodiment, after the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved to the first sorting position, and the second stacking portion 42 is moved to the stacking position, the printing on the first print medium of the first bundle is started; however, the processing is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the above-described movement of the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 is completed at least until the first print medium of the first bundle is discharged to the stacking portion 4. The movement and the printing on the first print medium of the first bundle may be performed in parallel. Note that the phrase until first print medium of first bundle is discharged to stacking portion 4 means, for example, a time until the first print medium of the first bundle is discharged and placed on the stacking portion 4.

[0084] In S1214, it is determined whether the number of discharged print media has reached a predetermined number of print media. In S1214, it is determined whether the counted number of discharged print media has reached the preset predetermined number of print media. Alternatively, in S1214, it may be determined whether the number of print media m has reached the predetermined number of print media. In this case, in S1212, the number of discharged print media is not counted. The predetermined number of print media is set based on, for example, information set to the job. In other words, in the present embodiment, the predetermined number of print media is M, and it is determined in S1214 whether m=M is established.

[0085] In a case where it is determined in S1214 that the number of discharged print media has not reached the predetermined number of print media, the processing proceeds to S1216. The control unit 71 increments the variable m, and the processing returns to S1210. In a case where it is determined in S1214 that the number of discharged print media has reached the predetermined number of print media, the processing proceeds to S1218, and the control unit 71 determines whether the number of bundles n has reached a predetermined number of bundles. The predetermined number of bundles is set based on, for example, information set to the job. In other words, in the present embodiment, the predetermined number of bundles is N, and it is determined in S1218 whether n=N is established.

[0086] In a case where it is determined in S1218 that the number of bundles n has reached the predetermined number of bundles, the processing proceeds to S1220, and the control unit 71 determines whether the print medium has been removed from the stacking portion 4. In S1220, the control unit 71 performs determination based on the detection result of the sensor of the detection unit 73 that detects whether the print medium is stacked on the stacking portion 4. In a case where it is determined in S1220 that the print medium has not been removed from the stacking portion 4, the processing in S1220 is performed again. At this time, a notification indicating that the printing has been completed, or a notification prompting the user to remove the print medium from the stacking portion 4 may be issued to the user through the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8. In a case where the print medium is not removed from the stacking portion 4 by the user, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 may be moved to an intermediate position between the first sorting position and the second sorting position. In a case where it is determined in S1220 that the print medium has been removed from the stacking portion 4, the processing proceeds to S1222, and the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved to the second sorting position. In S1222, the driving source 44 is rotated in the second direction, and the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 that are at the first sorting position are moved to the second sorting position in the +X direction. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S1246 described below.

[0087] In a case where it is determined in S1218 that the number of bundles n has not reached the predetermined number of bundles, the processing proceeds to S1224, and the control unit 71 moves the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 to the second sorting position (see FIG. 13E). Specific processing contents in S1224 are the same as in S1222 described above, and therefore, detailed description of the processing is omitted. Next, in S1226, the control unit 71 increments the variable n. In S1228, the control unit 71 sets the variable m to 1. Thereafter, in S1230, the control unit 71 performs printing on the m-th print medium of the n-th bundle. The print medium being printed is conveyed in the +Y direction as the printing progresses. After printing ends, the print medium is discharged and stacked on the stacking portion 4 that is extended and at the second sorting position. In S1232, the control unit 71 determines whether the print medium has been discharged. The print medium discharged at this time is stacked on the print medium stacked on the stacking portion 4 at the first sorting position, and is stacked at a position shifted in the X direction from the position of the print medium stacked at the first sorting position (see FIG. 13F).

[0088] In the present embodiment, after the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved to the second sorting position, the printing is performed on the first print medium of the n-th bundle; however, the processing is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that movement of the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 to the second sorting position is completed at least until the first print medium of the n-th bundle is discharged to the stacking portion 4. The movement and the printing on the first print medium of the n-th bundle may be performed in parallel. Note that the phrase until first print medium of n-th bundle is discharged to stacking portion 4 means, for example, a time until the first print medium of the n-th bundle is discharged and placed on the print medium stacked on the stacking portion 4.

[0089] Thereafter, in S1234, it is determined whether the number of discharged print media has reached a predetermined number of print media. In a case where it is determined in S1234 that the number of discharged print media has not reached the predetermined number of print media, the processing proceeds to S1236, the control unit 71 increments the variable m, and the processing returns to S1230. In a case where it is determined in S1234 that the number of discharged print media has reached the predetermined number of print media, the processing proceeds to S1238, and the control unit 71 determines that the number of bundles n has reached a predetermined number of bundles. Specific processing contents in S1232 to S1238 described above are the same as in S1212 to S1218 described above, and therefore, detailed description of the processing is omitted.

[0090] In a case where it is determined in S1238 that the number of bundles n has not reached the predetermined number of bundles, the processing proceeds to S1240, and the control unit 71 increments the variable n. In S1242, the control unit 71 moves the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 to the first sorting position, and the processing returns to S1208. In S1242, the driving source 44 is rotated in the first direction, and the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 that are at the second sorting position are moved to the first sorting position in the X direction.

[0091] In the present embodiment, after the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved to the first sorting position in S1242, the processing returns to S1208, and the printing is performed on the first print medium of the n-th bundle; however, the processing is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that movement of the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 to the first sorting position in S1242 is completed at least until the first print medium of the n-th bundle is discharged to the stacking portion 4. The movement and the printing on the first print medium of the n-th bundle may be performed in parallel.

[0092] In a case where it is determined in S1238 that the number of bundles n has reached the predetermined number of bundles, the processing proceeds to S1244, and the control unit 71 determines whether the print medium has been removed from the stacking portion 4. Specific processing contents in S1244 are the same as in S1220 described above, and therefore, detailed description of the processing is omitted. In a case where it is determined in S1244 that the print medium has not been removed from the stacking portion 4, the processing in S1244 is performed again. At this time, a notification prompting the user to remove the print medium from the stacking portion 4 may be issued to the user through the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8. In a case where it is determined in S1244 that the print medium has been removed from the stacking portion 4, the processing proceeds to S1246, the control unit 71 moves the second stacking portion 42 from the stacking position to the housing position, and the print processing ends. When the print processing ends, for example, the first stacking portion and the second stacking portion 42 that is at the housing position are moved to the initial position (see FIG. 13A).

[0093] In S1246, in the state where the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are at the second sorting position, the second stacking portion 42 is moved from the stacking position to the housing position in the Y direction. The driving transmission unit 43 is configured such that, even when the driving force by rotation of the driving source 44 in the second direction is transmitted while the first stacking portion 41 is at the second sorting position, the cam 4312 is not rotated anymore. Therefore, in S1246, even when the driving source 44 is rotated in the second direction in the state where the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are at the second sorting position, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are not moved from the second sorting position in the +X direction.

[0094] As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 71, the driving source 44, and the driving transmission unit 43 function as control means for controlling movement of the stacking portion 4 including the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42.

Action and Effects

[0095] As described above, in the printing apparatus 1, until the first print medium of the n-th bundle is discharged, the stacking portion 4 on which the print medium can be stacked is moved in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction that is the conveyance direction of the print medium, and the printed print medium is sorted. Further, in the stacking portion 4, until the print medium firstly printed (i.e., first print medium of first bundle) in the print processing is discharged to the stacking portion 4, the second stacking portion 42 is moved from the housing position to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the print medium, and the stacking area corresponding to the size is secured. When the print medium is removed from the stacking portion 4, in the stacking portion 4, the second stacking portion 42 is moved from the stacking position to the housing position overlapping with the first stacking portion 41 on the XY plane, and is housed inside the housing 9.

[0096] Accordingly, in the printing apparatus 1, along with discharge of the print medium in printing, the stacking portion 4 is moved to the sorting position while being extended from the housing position inside the housing 9 to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the print medium. Further, in the printing apparatus 1, along with removal of the print medium from the stacking portion 4, the stacking portion 4 is contracted from stacking position corresponding to the size of the print medium to the housing position inside the housing 9. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1, the stacking portion 4 can be housed inside the housing 9 when the stacking portion 4 is not used, which makes it possible to downsize the apparatus.

[0097] The above-described embodiment may be modified as described in the following (1) to (9).

[0098] (1) Although not particularly described in the above-described embodiment, in the printing apparatus 1, by input through the operation unit 8 or the like, the print processing (see FIG. 12) in which the printed print medium is sorted while printing is performed on the print medium and the print processing without sorting can be selected. In a case of the print processing without sorting, for example, in a state where the second stacking portion 42 is moved to the stacking position after movement to the first sorting position, the printed print medium is continuously discharged. In the case of the print processing without sorting, for example, in a case where it is determined in S1218 that the number of bundles n has not reached the predetermined number of bundles, the processing proceeds to S1240. Further, in the case of the print processing without sorting, for example, S1202 and S1222 may be omitted.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the instruction for sorting print media into N bundles each including M print media is input from the job or through the operation unit 8 is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 12. However, in the actual printing operation, even when the numbers M and N are known, an instruction not to perform the sorting may be given. In such a case, a configuration for switching whether to transmit the driving force of the driving source 44 to the engagement portion 4333 is previously provided, and in a case where the sorting is not performed, the stacking portion 4 is prevented from being moved between the first sorting position and the second sorting position.

[0100] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the driving transmission unit 43 is configured such that, even when the driving force by rotation of the driving source 44 in the first direction is transmitted while the first stacking portion 41 is at the first sorting position, the cam 4312 is not rotated anymore. However, the configuration of the driving transmission unit 43 is not limited thereto. For example, the driving transmission unit 43 may be configured such that, even when the driving force by rotation of the driving source 44 in the first direction is transmitted while the first stacking portion 41 is at a predetermined position on one side in the X direction relative to the first sorting position, the cam 4312 is not rotated anymore. In this case, in the print processing illustrated in FIG. 12, the second stacking portion 42 is moved from the housing position to the stacking position by moving the first stacking portion 41 to the above-described predetermined position and further rotating the driving source 44 in the first direction. Thereafter, by rotating the driving source 44 in the second direction, the first stacking portion 41 is moved to the first sorting position in the +X direction. At this time, the position of the first stacking portion 41 is based on the detection result of the sensor of the detection unit 73 that detects the position of the stacking portion 4 after the predetermined operation.

[0101] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the driving transmission unit 43 is configured such that, even when the driving force by rotation of the driving source 44 in the second direction is transmitted while the first stacking portion 41 is at the second sorting position, the cam 4312 is not rotated anymore. However, the configuration of the driving transmission unit 43 is not limited thereto. For example, the driving transmission unit 43 may be configured such that, even when the driving force by rotation of the driving source 44 in the second direction is transmitted while the first stacking portion 41 is at a predetermined position on the other side in the X direction relative to the second sorting position, the cam 4312 is not rotated anymore.

[0102] (4) In the above-described embodiment, at the housing position, a partial area of the second stacking portion 42 on the end 429a side protrudes forward from the housing 9 in the Y direction (see FIG. 6A); however, the configuration is not limited thereto. The second stacking portion 42 may be configured so as not to protrude from the housing 9 in the Y direction at the housing position. In other words, in this case, at the housing position, the second stacking portion 42 is completely housed inside the housing 9. In this case, an occupancy space of the printing apparatus 1 in non-printing can be further downsized. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the discharged print media are sorted by being stacked on the stacking portion 4 at the first sorting position and the second sorting position; however, the sorting positions are not limited to the two positions. For example, the discharged print media may be sorted at three or more positions different in the X direction.

[0103] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 is a so-called serial scan type printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink to the conveyed print medium while moving the printing head 3 in the X direction; however, the printing apparatus 1 is not limited thereto. The printing apparatus to which the present disclosure is applicable may be, for example, a so-called line type printing apparatus that performs printing on a print medium conveyed in the Y direction by using a printing head that can eject ink within a range corresponding to a size of a printable print medium in the X direction.

[0104] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the first sorting position is set such that the center position Os of the stacking portion 4 in the X direction is positioned on one side relative to the center position Om of the discharged print medium in the X direction, and the second sorting position is set such that the center position Os of the stacking portion 4 is positioned on the other side relative to the center position Om of the discharged print medium in the X direction. However, the first sorting position and the second sorting position are not limited thereto. For example, one of the first sorting position and the second sorting position may be set such that the center position Os is coincident with the center position Om. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the initial position when the printing is not performed is set to the position where the center position Os of the stacking portion 4 is coincident with the center position Om of the discharged print medium; however, the initial position is not limited thereto. The initial position may be set to the first sorting position, the second sorting position, or a predetermined position other than the first sorting position and the second sorting position.

[0105] (8) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the instruction for sorting print media into N bundles each including M print media is set in the job is described. However, the job may be in a form in which a command for changing the sorting position is interposed between image data on a predetermined page and image data on a next page. In this case, the control unit 71 sequentially performs printing based on the image data on the predetermined page and discharge of the print medium, change of the sorting position, and printing based on the image data on the next page and discharge of the print medium, along the received command.

[0106] (9) The various kinds of forms described in the embodiment and (1) to (8) described above may be appropriately combined.

[0107] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C are diagrams illustrating a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment and are perspective views each illustrating the stacking portion 4. The stacking portion 4 is configured such that the first stacking portion 41, the second stacking portion 42, and a first supporting member 434 are disposed one above another in order from above in the Z direction (vertically above). FIG. 14A illustrates a housed state when the printing is not performed. When the printing is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the conveyance direction (Y direction) relative to the first stacking portion 41 and the first supporting member 434 to secure the stacking area for the discharged print medium. After the print medium is stacked on the stacking area formed by the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434 as illustrated in FIG. 14C. The stacked print medium is thus moved in the X direction to shift, in the X direction, the position from the position of the print medium to be discharged next. In such a manner, sorting is realized.

[0108] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15F are diagrams illustrating holding configurations of the constituent elements of the stacking portion 4. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the stacking portion 4 is configured such that the first stacking portion 41, the second stacking portion 42, and the first supporting member 434 are disposed one above another in order from above in the Z direction. The stacking portion 4 includes the first supporting member 434 that engages with the apparatus main body of the printing apparatus (is fixed to apparatus), and the first stacking portion 41 and the reciprocating member 433 (see FIG. 17A) that can be moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434. The stacking portion 4 further includes the second stacking portion 42 that can be moved in the conveyance direction (Y direction) and the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the first stacking portion 41 includes guide portions 41c each having a boss shape, and the guide portions 41c slide along respective guide portions 434e each having a rail shape extending in the X direction, provided on the first supporting member 434. As described above, the first stacking portion 41 and the first supporting member 434 are configured so as to be relatively movable in the X direction along the guide portions 434e.

[0110] A guide surface 41d provided on the first stacking portion 41 and a guide surface 434f provided on the first supporting member 434 engage with and slide on each other in the X direction. As a result, the first stacking portion 41 is held to be movable in the X direction while being regulated in movement in the Z direction relative to the first supporting member 434. Further, a sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433 and a guide portion 434c having a long hole shape extending in the X direction, provided on the first supporting member 434 slide on each other. Thus, the reciprocating member 433 and the first supporting member 434 are relatively movable in the X direction along the guide portion 434c.

[0111] As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the second stacking portion 42 includes a guide portion 42f having a rail shape extending in the Y direction. The guide portion 42f slides on a guide portion 41d provided on the first stacking portion 41, and therefore, the second stacking portion 42 is configured to be relatively movable in the Y direction along the guide portion 42f while being regulated in movement in the X direction relative to the first stacking portion 41. On the other hand, when the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the X direction, the second stacking portion 42 is moved with the first stacking portion 41 in the X direction. When a guide surface 41a provided on the first stacking portion 41 and a guide surface 42a provided on the second stacking portion 42 slide on each other, relative movement of the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 in the Y direction is held while relative movement in the Z direction is regulated.

[0112] The second stacking portion 42 includes a guide portion 42d having a rail shape extending in the Y direction, and the guide portion 42d slides on a sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433. The second stacking portion 42 is configured to be movable relative to the reciprocating member 433 in the Y direction, and is configured such that, when the reciprocating member 433 is moved in the X direction, the reciprocating member 433 is moved with the second stacking portion 42 in the X direction.

[0113] The second stacking portion 42 can be drawn out from the printing apparatus by user operation. The second stacking portion 42 can be moved in the X direction at an optional position irrespective of a drawing amount of the second stacking portion 42. This is because, when the reciprocating member 433 is moved in the X direction along the guide portion 434c of the first supporting member 434, the second stacking portion 42 is moved with the first stacking portion 41 in the X direction.

[0114] A rotary member (roller) 434g may be provided between the first supporting member 434 and the first stacking portion 41. Providing the rotary member 434g makes it possible to convert friction occurring in relative movement from sliding friction to rolling friction and to reduce resistance in sliding. Further, when the rotary member 434g is disposed so as to be rotated in the conveyance direction between the second stacking portion 42 and the first stacking portion 41 or between the second stacking portion 42 and the first supporting member 434, operation force for the user to draw out or push in the second stacking portion 42 can be reduced. When the rotary member is disposed so as to be rotated in the X direction between the first stacking portion 41 and the first supporting member 434 or between the second stacking portion 42 and the first supporting member 434, force necessary for sorting is reduced, and operation can be performed by a smaller driving source.

[0115] The rotary member 434g is not limited to the rotary member (roller) having a cylindrical shape, and may have a shape that is rotated in sliding to reduce frictional resistance, for example, a sphere. A position where the rotary member (roller) is disposed is not limited to an illustrated position, and may be a position where each element slides.

[0116] FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D each illustrate a state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out by user operation. FIG. 15C illustrates a first position when the sorting is performed, and FIG. 15D illustrates a second position when the sorting is performed. When the sorting is performed, in the state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0117] FIG. 15E and FIG. 15F respectively illustrate an after-extension state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out, and a before-extension state where the second stacking portion 42 is housed. In the state illustrated in FIG. 15E, the second stacking portion 42 protrudes to the outside of the housing 9, and the discharged print medium can be stably stacked on the second stacking portion 42 (see FIG. 3B). In the state illustrated in FIG. 15F, the second stacking portion 42 is housed inside the housing 9 (see FIG. 3A).

[0118] The reciprocating member 433 according to the present embodiment is movable in the conveyance direction (Y direction) relative to the second stacking portion 42, and is moved with the second stacking portion 42 in the X direction. Movement in the X direction is realized when the reciprocating member 433 slides along the guide portion 434c extending in the X direction, provided on the first supporting member 434.

[0119] The second stacking portion 42 is operated by the reciprocating member 433 that is regulated in movement by the guide portion 434c of the first supporting member 434, which stabilizes movement of the second stacking portion 42 in the X direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, variation in sorting amount of the print medium in the X direction can be suppressed, and visibility in the sorting can be improved.

[0120] The technique according to the present disclosure is not applied only to the printing apparatus. For example, the technique according to the present disclosure can be applied to various kinds of apparatuses that include a stacking portion on which a sheet that is conveyed and discharged after being subjected to predetermined processing is stacked, such as a stacking apparatus or a conveyance apparatus.

[0121] As described above, the reciprocating member 433 that can reciprocate while being regulated in the X direction (shift direction) orthogonal to the Y direction (conveyance direction) by the first supporting member 434 is provided. The second stacking portion 42 that can be extended in the Y direction (conveyance direction) relative to the first supporting member 434 is moved in the X direction by action of the reciprocating member 433. This makes it possible to provide the technique that can suppress upsizing of the apparatus while sorting the print media every predetermined number of print media on the stacking portion.

Second Embodiment

[0122] A second embodiment according to the present disclosure is described below with reference to drawings. A basic configuration of the present embodiment is similar to the basic configuration of the first embodiment, and therefore, a characteristic configuration is described below.

[0123] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C are perspective views each illustrating the stacking portion 4 according to the present embodiment. The stacking portion 4 is configured such that the first stacking portion 41, the second stacking portion 42, a second supporting member 432, and the first supporting member 434 are disposed one above another in order from above in the Z direction. FIG. 16A illustrates the housed state when the printing is not performed (see FIG. 3A). When the printing is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 16B, the second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 are moved in the conveyance direction relative to the first stacking portion 41 and the first supporting member 434 to secure the stacking area for the discharged print medium (see FIG. 3B).

[0124] Every time the predetermined number of print media is stacked on the stacking area formed by the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are appropriately moved in the X direction as illustrated in FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C. The discharged print media are thus stacked at positions different in the X direction. In such a manner, sorting is realized. Note that the second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 may be extended by user operation.

[0125] FIG. 17A to FIG. 17F are diagrams illustrating holding configurations of the constituent elements of the stacking portion 4. As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the stacking portion 4 includes the first supporting member 434 engaging with the printing apparatus 1, and the reciprocating member 433 and the first stacking portion 41 that can be moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434. The stacking portion 4 further includes the second supporting member 432 that can be moved in the conveyance direction (Y direction) relative to the first supporting member 434, and the second stacking portion 42 that can be moved in the conveyance direction (Y direction) and the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434. When the printing apparatus 1 is in the use state, the second stacking portion 42 is extended from the inside of the housing 9 (see FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIG. 17B, when the printing apparatus 1 is in the non-use state, the second stacking portion 42 is configured to be housed inside the housing 9 (see FIG. 1).

[0126] FIG. 17C and FIG. 17D each illustrate a state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out. FIG. 17C illustrates the first position when the sorting is performed, and FIG. 17D illustrates the second position when the sorting is performed. When the sorting is performed, in the state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0127] FIG. 17E and FIG. 17F respectively illustrate the after-extension state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out, and the before-extension state where the second stacking portion 42 is housed. In the state illustrated in FIG. 17E, the second stacking portion 42 protrudes to the outside of the housing 9, and the discharged print medium can be stably stacked on the second stacking portion 42. In the state illustrated in FIG. 17F, the second stacking portion 42 is housed inside the housing 9 (see FIG. 1).

[0128] FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating a cross-section taken along line A-A in FIG. 17B. FIG. 18B is an enlarged view illustrating a portion B in FIG. 18A. FIG. 18C is a diagram illustrating a cross-section taken along line C-C in FIG. 17B.

[0129] A guide portion 434a (see FIG. 18B) provided on the first supporting member 434 has a rail shape in which a convex shape extends in the Y direction on a XZ plane, and a guide portion 432a of the second supporting member 432 can slide on the guide portion 434a in the Y direction. Therefore, the second supporting member 432 can be moved with the first supporting member 434 in the Y direction while being regulated in movement in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0130] A guide surface 432b (see FIG. 18B) provided on the second supporting member 432 can slide on a guide surface 434b provided on the first supporting member 434. Therefore, the second supporting member 432 is regulated in separation in the Z direction while being allowed in movement in the Y direction relative to the first supporting member 434. As described above, the second supporting member 432 is configured to be regulated in movement in the X direction and the Z direction, and to be movable in the Y direction (conveyance direction), relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 18C, a guide portion 433c provided on the reciprocating member 433 has a concave part extending in the X direction, and the guide portion 433c slidably engages with the guide portion 434c having the boss shape, provided on the first supporting member 434. Therefore, the reciprocating member 433 can be moved in the X direction while being regulated in movement in the Y direction, relative to the first supporting member 434. A sliding surface 433d (see FIG. 18C) provided on the reciprocating member 433 slides on a sliding surface 434d provided on the first supporting member 434. By the above-described configuration, the reciprocating member 433 can be moved in the X direction while being regulated in the Y direction (conveyance direction) and the Z direction, relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 18C, a guide portion 42b provided on the second stacking portion 42 has a boss shape, and slidably engages with the rail shape extending in the X direction, of the guide portion 432a provided on the second supporting member 432. Thus, movement of the second stacking portion 42 in the X direction relative to the second supporting member 432 is allowed, whereas movement of the second stacking portion 42 in the Y direction relative to the second supporting member 432 is regulated. In addition, a guide surface 42c provided on the second stacking portion 42 slidably engages with a guide surface 432c provided on the second supporting member 432. Thus, movement of the second stacking portion 42 in the Z direction relative to the second supporting member 432 is regulated. As described above, the second stacking portion 42 is configured so as to be regulated in movement in the Y direction (conveyance direction) and the Z direction and to be movable in the X direction, relative to the second supporting member 432.

[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 18A, the guide portion 42d having a flat surface part extending in the Y direction, provided on the second stacking portion 42 slidably engages with the sliding surface 433a having a flat surface part extending in the Y direction, provided on the reciprocating member 433. Thus, the second stacking portion 42 is regulated in movement in the X direction and is allowed in movement in the Y direction, relative to the reciprocating member 433. A guide surface 42e (see FIG. 18A) extending in the Y direction, provided on the second stacking portion 42 slidably engages with a guide surface 433b provided on the reciprocating member 433. Thus, the reciprocating member 433 is allowed in movement in the Y direction and is regulated in movement in the Z direction, relative to the second stacking portion 42. In other words, the second stacking portion 42 is regulated in movement in the X direction and the Z direction, and is allowed in movement in the Y direction (conveyance direction), relative to the reciprocating member 433.

[0134] By the above-described configuration, the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the Y direction (conveyance direction) with movement of the second supporting member 432 in the Y direction (conveyance direction) relative to the first supporting member 434 attached to the main body of the printing apparatus 1. Further, the second stacking portion 42 can be moved in the X direction with movement of the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction.

[0135] Therefore, when the printing operation is not performed, the second stacking portion can be housed inside the main body of the printing apparatus 1. When the printing operation is performed, the second supporting member 432 can be moved in the Y direction (conveyance direction) to extend the second stacking portion 42 to the outside of the apparatus, thereby securing the stacking area. In addition, when sorting in the X direction is performed, the reciprocating member 433 is moved in the X direction in a state where the print medium is placed on the second stacking portion 42, which makes it possible to move the second stacking portion 42 in the X direction and to perform sorting.

[0136] By the configuration, sorting in the Y direction (conveyance direction), sorting in the X direction, and oblique sorting in a combined direction can be selectively performed. The second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 may be movable in the conveyance direction by being extended by the user. As illustrated in FIG. 18B, in the first stacking portion 41, the guide surface 41a provided on the first stacking portion 41 and the guide surface 42a provided on the second stacking portion 42 slidably engage with each other. Therefore, the second stacking portion 42 is allowed in movement in the Y direction, and is regulated in movement in the X direction, relative to the first stacking portion 41. As illustrated in FIG. 18C, a retaining portion 41b provided on the first stacking portion 41 and a retaining portion 433e provided on the reciprocating member 433 non-slidably retain each other. Therefore, when the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the Y direction (conveyance direction), the second stacking portion 42 can be moved in the Y direction (conveyance direction) relative to the first stacking portion 41, and when the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the X direction, the second stacking portion 42 is moved together with the first stacking portion 41 and the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction.

[0137] In addition, by adding a rotary member (roller) 434g, it is possible to convert friction occurring in relative movement from sliding friction to rolling friction and to reduce resistance in sliding. As illustrated in FIG. 18C, the rotary member 434g is disposed between the second supporting member 432 and the first supporting member 434 so as to be rotated in the Y direction (conveyance direction). This makes it possible to reduce force necessary for movement of the second supporting member 432.

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 18A, the rotary member 434g is disposed between the second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 so as to be rotated in the X direction, which makes it possible to reduce force necessary for sorting. As illustrated in FIG. 18C, even when the rotary member 434g is disposed between the first supporting member 434 and the second supporting member 432 so as to be rotated in the Y direction, similar effects are achievable.

[0139] The rotary member 434g is not limited to the rotary member (roller) having a cylindrical shape, and may have a shape that is rotated in sliding to reduce frictional resistance, for example, a sphere. A position where the roller is disposed is not limited to an illustrated position, and may be a position where each element slides.

[0140] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the driving transmission unit 43 of the stacking portion 4 as viewed from below. FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the chain of drives 431 of the driving transmission unit 43 according to the present embodiment. In the first embodiment, since the second stacking portion 42 is relatively moved in the X direction and the Y direction (conveyance direction), it is difficult to transmit driving force by a gear and the like to the second stacking portion 42. Therefore, in a case where the printing operation is not performed, it is necessary to entrust the user with operation for drawing out the second stacking portion 42 housed inside the apparatus, to the outside of the apparatus.

[0141] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second stacking portion 42 that is moved with the second supporting member 432 in the Y direction and is not moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434 is provided, and a rack 4321 engaging with a pinion gear 4311 (see FIG. 20) is provided on the second supporting member 432. By engagement of the rack 4321 and the pinion gear 4311, the second supporting member 432 can be moved in the Y direction. In conjunction with movement of the second supporting member 432 in the Y direction, the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the Y direction. The pinion gear 4311 is included in the chain of drives 431 that transmits driving force for moving the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction. Therefore, driving for moving the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction and driving for moving the second supporting member 432 in the Y direction can be performed by the same driving source. As a result, movement of the first supporting member 434 in the X direction and movement of the second stacking portion 42 in the Y direction (conveyance direction) relative to the first supporting member 434 can be performed by using the same driving source inside the apparatus, which makes it possible to further improve convenience without requiring user operation.

Third Embodiment

[0142] A third embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to drawings. A basic configuration of the present embodiment is similar to the basic configuration of the first embodiment, and therefore, a characteristic configuration is described below.

[0143] FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C are perspective views each illustrating the stacking portion 4 according to the present embodiment. The stacking portion 4 is configured such that the first stacking portion 41, the second stacking portion 42, the first supporting member 434, and the second supporting member 432 are disposed one above another in order from above in the Z direction. FIG. 21A illustrates the housed state when the printing is not performed. When the printing is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 21B, the second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 are moved in the conveyance direction relative to the first stacking portion 41 and the first supporting member 434 to secure the stacking area for the discharged print medium. After the print medium is stacked on the stacking area formed by the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are appropriately moved in the X direction as illustrated in FIG. 21B and FIG. 21C. The discharged print media are thus stacked at positions different in the X direction. In such a manner, sorting is realized.

[0144] FIG. 22A to FIG. 22F are diagrams illustrating holding configurations of the constituent elements of the stacking portion 4. As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the stacking portion 4 of the printing apparatus 1 includes the first supporting member 434 engaging with the printing apparatus 1, and the first stacking portion 41 and the reciprocating member 433 that can be moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434. The stacking portion 4 further includes the second supporting member 432 that can be moved in the conveyance direction (Y direction) relative to the first supporting member 434, and the second stacking portion 42 that can be moved in the conveyance direction (Y direction) and the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434. As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433 slidably engages with the guide portion 434c having a long hole shape extending in the X direction, provided on the first supporting member 434. Therefore, the reciprocating member 433 and the first supporting member 434 are configured so as to be relatively movable in the X direction along the guide portion 434c.

[0145] As illustrated in FIG. 22B, the second stacking portion 42 includes the guide portion 42d having a rail shape extending in the Y direction, and the guide portion 42d can slide on the sliding surface 433a provided on the reciprocating member 433. Although the second stacking portion 42 can be moved in the Y direction relative to the reciprocating member 433, when the reciprocating member 433 is moved in the X direction, the second stacking portion 42 is moved together with the first stacking portion 41 and the reciprocating member 433 in the X direction. Movement of the reciprocating member 433 is similar to movement in the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 22B, only the reciprocating member 433 having a pole shape is illustrated, and illustration of a connection portion with the driving source is omitted. The second stacking portion 42 includes the guide portion 42f having a rail shape extending in the Y direction, and the guide portion 42f slidably engages with the guide portion 41d provided on the first stacking portion 41. As described above, relative movement of the second stacking portion 42 in the Y direction along the guide portion 41d of the first stacking portion 41 is allowed while movement of the second stacking portion 42 in the X direction relative to the first stacking portion 41 is regulated.

[0146] On the other hand, when the second stacking portion 42 is moved in the X direction, the second stacking portion 42 is moved with the first stacking portion 41 in the X direction. The guide surface 41a provided on the first stacking portion 41 and the guide surface 42a provided on the second stacking portion 42 slidably engage with each other, which regulates relative movement in the Z direction.

[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 22A, when the guide surface 41d provided on the first stacking portion 41 and the guide surface 434f extending in the X direction, provided on the first supporting member 434 slidably engage with each other, the first stacking portion 41 can be moved in the X direction relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 22B, a guide portion 432c provided on the second supporting member 432 has a convex shape on the XZ cross-section, and extends in the Y direction. On the other hand, the guide portion 434a provided on the first supporting member 434 has a rail shape in which a concave shape on the XZ plane extends in the Y direction. When the guide portion 434a and the guide portion 432c slidably engage with each other, the second supporting member 432 and the first supporting member 434 can perform relative movement in the Y direction along the rail while being regulated in movement in the X direction. A guide surface 432d provided on the second supporting member 432 slidably engages with a guide surface 434d provided on the first supporting member 434. This enables relative movement of the second supporting member 432 and the first supporting member 434 in the Y direction, and regulates separation of the second supporting member 432 from the first supporting member 434 in the Z direction. As described above, the second supporting member 432 is regulated in the X direction and the Z direction, and is movable in the Y direction (conveyance direction), relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the guide portion 42d provided on the second stacking portion 42 has a rail shape in the X direction, and slidably engages with the convex shape of the guide portion 432a provided on the second supporting member 432. Therefore, the second stacking portion 42 is configured so as to be movable in the X direction relative to the second supporting member 432, and to be extended integrally with the second supporting member 432 in the Y direction (conveyance direction). Movement of the second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 in the Y direction is similar to movement in the second embodiment, and therefore, description thereof is omitted. The second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 may be movable in the conveyance direction by being drawn out or pushed in by the user.

[0150] As illustrated in FIG. 22A, adding the rotary member 434g to the first supporting member 434 and the second supporting member 432 makes it possible to convert friction occurring in relative movement from sliding friction to rolling friction and to reduce resistance in sliding. More specifically, disposing the rotary member 434g between the second supporting member 432 and the first supporting member 434 so as to be rotated in the Y direction (conveyance direction) makes it possible to reduce force necessary for movement of the second supporting member 432.

[0151] When the rotary member 434g is disposed between the second stacking portion 42 and the second supporting member 432 so as to be rotated in the X direction, force necessary for sorting is reduced. Further, when the rotary member 434g is disposed between the second stacking portion 42 and the first supporting member 434 so as to be rotated in the X direction, similar effects are also achievable.

[0152] The rotary member 434g is not limited to the rotary member (roller) having a cylindrical shape, and may have a shape that is rotated in sliding to reduce frictional resistance, for example, a sphere. A position where the roller is disposed is not limited to an illustrated position, and may be a position where each element slides.

[0153] FIG. 22C and FIG. 22D each illustrate a state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out. FIG. 22C illustrates the first position when the sorting is performed, and FIG. 22D illustrates the second position when the sorting is performed. When the sorting is performed, in the state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out, the first stacking portion 41 and the second stacking portion 42 are moved in the X direction between the first position and the second position, relative to the first supporting member 434.

[0154] FIG. 22E and FIG. 22F respectively illustrate the after-extension state where the second stacking portion 42 is drawn out, and the before-extension state where the second stacking portion 42 is housed. In the state illustrated in FIG. 22E, the second stacking portion 42 protrudes to the outside of the housing 9, and the discharged print medium can be stably stacked on the second stacking portion 42. In the state illustrated in FIG. 22F, the second stacking portion 42 is housed inside the housing 9. Such a configuration can also improve convenience without requiring user operation.

[0155] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0156] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-124688, filed Jul. 31, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.