Printing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing device. The printing device can shorten a time required until a first sheet of a cut printing medium is discharged, and can maintain the same printing quality as that of the first sheet for a second sheet and subsequent sheets of the cut printing medium. The printing device performs a first image recording process on a first region (T1) of a sheet (P), a cutting process of the sheet (P), a first discharge process of a first sheet (P1) after the cutting, a first transport process of a second sheet (P2) after the cutting, and a second image recording process on a second region (T2) of the second sheet (P2) after the first transport process.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a printing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus provided with a cutting section that cuts a sheet in a process of being conveyed for printing. Patent Literature 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that, after forming an image on one sheet, cuts the sheet on which the image is formed by a sheet cutting section, thereby generating two sheets, and discharges the generated two sheets to a discharge tray, respectively.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-186448 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, the sheet cutting section is provided at a position further downstream in the conveying direction than the image recording section.

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a printing device that, for a printing device in which a cutting section is provided at a position further downstream in the conveying direction than an image recording section, is capable of shortening a time required from starting recording of an image on a print medium by the image recording section until a first print medium among print media cut by the cutting section is discharged, and is capable of maintaining the same print quality as that of the first print medium for print media after the second print medium.

[0009] TECHNICAL SOLUTION FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] The printing device of the first aspect of the present application is configured to include: a conveying section that conveys a print medium; a first conveying path that conveys the print medium in a first conveying direction; an image recording section that is provided to the first conveying path and records an image on the print medium; a cutting section that is provided to the first conveying path at a position more downstream than the image recording section and cuts the print medium into a first print medium having a first area and a second print medium having a second area at a predetermined cutting position; and a control section that performs: a first image recording process that records an image on the first area by the image recording section; a cutting process that cuts the print medium into the first print medium and the second print medium by the cutting section after the first image recording process; a first discharge process that discharges the first print medium to the outside after the cutting process; a first conveying process that conveys the second print medium in a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction by the conveying section after the first discharge process; and a second image recording process that records an image on the second area in the second print medium by the image recording section after the first conveying process.

[0011] In the above configuration, the print medium is cut into the first print medium and the second print medium by the cutting section after the first image recording process that records an image on the first area. In addition, the first print medium after the cutting is discharged to the outside. In addition, the second print medium after the cutting is conveyed in the second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction and an image is recorded by the image recording section. Thus, the first print medium is discharged to the outside before an image is recorded on the second print medium.

[0012] In addition, an image is recorded on the second area after the print medium is cut into the first print medium and the second print medium, and thus, it is possible to prevent a shift of the print medium caused by cutting resistance at the time of cutting that can occur in the middle of recording an image on the second area.

[0013] Thus, it is possible to shorten the time required from the start of recording an image on the print medium by the image recording section to the discharge of the first print medium among the print media cut by the cutting section, and it is possible to maintain the same print quality as the first print for the second and subsequent print media among the cut print media.

[0014] The printing device of the second aspect of the present application, in the above-described first aspect, can also be configured to have a second conveying path for conveying the second print medium along a second conveying direction with the rear end of the sheet in the second conveying direction as the front end, and the control section performs a second conveying process of conveying the second print medium to the second conveying path after the first discharge process, and a third conveying process of conveying the second print medium to the image recording section after the second conveying process.

[0015] In the above-described configuration, the second print medium is conveyed on the second conveying path with the rear end of the sheet in the first conveying direction as the front end of the sheet in the direction opposite to the cut side of the second print medium. In addition, the second print medium after being conveyed on the second conveying path is conveyed to the image recording section. Thus, even if the second print medium after being cut is offset due to the cut resistance of the print medium when cutting the print medium, the second print medium can be re-conveyed to the image recording section via the second conveying path with the rear end of the sheet in the first conveying direction as the front end of the sheet. That is, the front end positioning process of the second print medium to the image recording section can be accurately performed. Thus, since the second image recording process on the second region in the second print medium can be accurately performed, the print quality before and after cutting the print medium can be maintained to be the same as the print quality of the first print medium.

[0016] The printing device of the third aspect of the present application, in the above-described second aspect, can also be configured such that the control section, in a case where the print data for forming an image on the second region is not received, performs a second conveying process of conveying the second print medium to the second conveying path after a first discharge process of discharging the first print medium to the outside, and then performs a second discharge process.

[0017] In the above-described configuration, the control section, in a case where the print data for forming an image on the second region is not received, conveys the second print medium on the second conveying path with the rear end of the sheet in the first conveying direction as the front end of the sheet in the direction opposite to the cut side of the second print medium. In addition, the second print medium after being conveyed on the second conveying path is discharged to the outside in the second discharge process. Thus, the first print medium discharged to the outside and the second print medium on which no image is recorded can be aligned with the end of the sheet on the cut side without being performed.

[0018] The printing device of the fourth aspect of the present application, in the above-described third aspect, can also be configured such that the control section, in a case where the print data for forming an image on the second region is not received, performs the second discharge process of discharging the second print medium to the outside after the first discharge process of discharging the first print medium to the outside.

[0019] In the above-described configuration, the control section, in a case where the print data for forming an image on the second region is not received, discharges the second print medium to the outside after discharging the first print medium to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to improve the speed of completing printing on the print medium.

[0020] The printing device of the fifth aspect of the present application, in any of the above-described first to fourth aspects, can also be configured such that the image recording section has a recording head including a plurality of nozzles, and a distance in the first conveyance direction from a cutting position of the cutting section to a position of the first-upstream nozzle in the first conveyance direction among the plurality of nozzles is shorter than half of a length in the first conveyance direction of the housing section of the print medium.

[0021] In the above-described configuration, the distance in the first conveyance direction from the cutting position of the cutting section at which the print medium is cut to the position of the first-upstream nozzle in the first conveyance direction among the plurality of nozzles is shorter than half of the length in the first conveyance direction of the housing section of the print medium. Thereby, it is possible to bring the cutting section in the first conveyance direction close to the image recording section. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the miniaturization of the printing device.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present application, it is possible to shorten the time required from the start of recording an image on a print medium by the image recording section to the discharge of the first print medium among the print media cut by the cutting section, and, for the second and subsequent print media among the cut print media, it is possible to maintain the same print quality as that of the first print medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a view showing the appearance of the printing device of the present application.

[0025] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing device of the present application.

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device of the present application.

[0027] Figure 4 is a view showing the paper before cutting and the first and second papers after cutting.

[0028] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control performed by the control section of the printing device of the present application.

[0029] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control performed by the control section of the printing device of the present application.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process performed by the control unit of the printing apparatus of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing apparatus of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] (Implementation Method 1)

[0033] The following is a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] (Composition of a printing apparatus)

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the printing apparatus 1. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing apparatus 1. Figure 1 The printing device 1 shown is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) with multiple functions including printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, as... Figure 1 As shown by the arrows, the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions of the printing device 1 are defined.

[0036] The printing apparatus 1 has an inkjet printing function, which records printing data specified by a printing job, for example, by ejecting ink, onto paper P, which is an example of the printing medium of the present invention. The image printed on the paper P can be color printed or monochrome printed. In addition, the paper P is not limited to paper media; it can also be a resin media such as OHP sheet.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, an opening 20 is formed on the front surface of the printing apparatus 1. A feed tray 21, as an example of a receiving section, and a discharge tray 22, as an example of a discharge section, are detachably disposed within this opening 20. The feed tray 21 is a tray for receiving multiple sheets of paper P, and its upper surface is open. Figure 1 In the example shown, two feed trays 21 are arranged vertically. For example, an A4-sized sheet of paper P is stored in the upper feed tray 21. For example, an A3-sized sheet of paper P is stored in the lower feed tray 21.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, a discharge tray 22 is disposed above the upper feed tray 21. The discharge tray 22 is a tray for receiving paper P, first paper P1, and second paper P2 discharged by the conveyor roller 66, and its upper surface is open. Furthermore, in Figure 2In the illustrated example, the supply tray 21 on the lower side is omitted for ease of illustration.

[0039] Further, as Figure 1 indicated, a setting section 122 having a display screen is provided on the front surface of the printing device 1. The setting section 122 is constituted by, for example, a touch panel, and is configured to enable various settings related to printing of the printing device 1 by a touch operation of a user. The setting section 122 accepts settings of the size of the paper P and whether or not to perform the cutting process. Information set by the setting section 122 is output to the control section 100 (see Figure 3 ).

[0040] As Figure 2 indicated, the printing device 1 is provided with a supply roller 23, a first conveying path R1, conveying rollers 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, a first baffle 46, a second baffle 48, a second conveying path R2, and a cutting section 10. Here, the conveying rollers 60, 62, 64, 66 are one example of a first conveying section. Further, the conveying rollers 64, 66, 68 are one example of a second conveying section. Furthermore, the number of rollers provided to the first conveying path R1 and the second conveying path R2 can be appropriately changed, and, for example, the conveying roller 66 can not be provided.

[0041] The supply roller 23 is a roller for supplying the paper P housed in the supply tray 21 to a conveying start position V of the first conveying path R1. The supply roller 23 is rotatably supported to a front end portion of a supply arm 24. The supply arm 24 is turnably supported to a shaft 25, which is supported by a frame of the printing device 1. The supply roller 23 is driven in the forward direction by a supply motor 107 (see Figure 3 ). The supply roller 23 is driven in the forward direction, and thereby the paper P housed in the supply tray 21 is supplied one sheet at a time to the conveying start position V of the first conveying path R1.

[0042] The first conveying path R1 is a path extending upward from a rear end portion of the supply tray 21, bending in a region divided by guide members 41, 42, passing a position of the image recording section 3, extending in a straight line in a region divided by guide members 43, 44, 45, and reaching the discharge tray 22. Further, in Embodiment 1, the first conveying direction D1 refers to a direction in which the paper P passes the cutting position X when the image recording section 3 records an image on the paper P, that is, a direction from the image recording section 3 toward the cutting position X. Further, the second conveying direction D2 refers to a conveying direction of the paper P in the opposite direction of the first conveying direction D1.

[0043] The conveying roller 60 is disposed at a position of the first conveying path R1 on the upstream side of the image recording section 3 in the first conveying direction D1. The pinch roller 61 is disposed at a position opposite to a lower portion of the conveying roller 60. The conveying roller 60 is driven in the forward direction by a conveying motor 108 (seeFigure 3 Driven by the conveyor roller 60, the pinch roller 61 rotates along with the conveyor roller 60. When the conveyor roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 rotate in the forward direction, the paper P is clamped by the conveyor roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and conveyed to the image recording unit 3.

[0044] The image recording unit 3 is disposed between the transport roller 60 and the transport roller 62 in the first transport path R1, and records an image on the paper P. The image recording unit 3 includes a carriage 31, a recording head 32, nozzles 33, and an impression plate 34. The recording head 32 is mounted on the carriage 31. A plurality of nozzles 33 are provided on the lower surface of the recording head 32. The recording head 32 ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 33. The impression plate 34 is a rectangular plate-shaped component that holds the paper P. As the carriage 31 moves relative to the paper P supported on the impression plate 34, the nozzles 33 selectively eject ink droplets onto the paper P, thereby recording an image on the paper P.

[0045] Carriage motor 109 (reference) Figure 3 The driving force of the paper is transmitted to the carriage 31, thereby causing the carriage 31 to reciprocate in a direction orthogonal to the first transport direction D1, i.e., the width direction of the paper P. The control unit 10 repeatedly performs the following processes to record an image on the paper P: recording process, in the state where the transport of the paper P is stopped, moving the carriage 31 in the width direction of the paper P while spraying ink from the nozzle 33, and recording one line of image on the paper P; and line-changing process, driving the transport rollers 60 and 62 to transport the paper P by a predetermined line-changing amount.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, a conveyor roller 62 is positioned downstream of the image recording unit 3 in the first conveying direction D1 along the first conveying path R1. A toothed roller 63 is positioned above the conveyor roller 62. The conveyor roller 62 is powered by a conveyor motor 108 (see reference). Figure 3 Driven by the toothed roller 63, the conveyor roller 62 rotates along with the conveyor roller 62. The conveyor roller 62 and the toothed roller 63 rotate in the forward direction, thereby the paper P is held by the conveyor roller 62 and the toothed roller 63 and conveyed to the downstream side of the first conveying direction D1.

[0047] Additionally, a conveyor roller 64 is positioned downstream of the conveyor roller 62 in the first conveying direction D1 along the first conveying path R1. A toothed roller 65 is positioned above the conveyor roller 64. The conveyor roller 64 is driven by a conveyor motor 108. The toothed roller 65 rotates as the conveyor roller 64 rotates. When the conveyor roller 64 and the toothed roller 65 rotate clockwise, the paper P is held by the conveyor roller 64 and the toothed roller 65 and conveyed to the cutting section 10 side. On the other hand, when the conveyor roller 64 and the toothed roller 65 rotate counterclockwise, the paper P is held by the conveyor roller 64 and the toothed roller 65 and conveyed along the lower surface of the first baffle 46 to the second conveying path R2.

[0048] A first baffle 46 is provided between conveyor rollers 62 and 64 in the first conveying path R1. The first baffle 46 is positioned near the branch position Y opposite to the guide member 43. The first baffle 46 is supported on the impression plate 34 in a manner that allows it to rotate between a first state and a second state. Figure 2 In the first state shown by the solid line, the first baffle 46 abuts against the guide member 43 to close the first conveying path R1. On the other hand, in Figure 2 In the second state shown by the dashed line, the first baffle 46 is located at a lower position than in the first state, and is separated from the guide member 43 so that the paper P conveyed to the first conveying direction D1 can pass through.

[0049] Additionally, the first baffle 46 is subjected to an upward force by the helical spring 47. One end of the helical spring 47 is connected to the first baffle 46, and the other end is connected to the imprint plate 34. The first baffle 46 is in a first state under the force of the helical spring 47, and its front end abuts against the guide member 43.

[0050] The cutting section 10 is disposed between the conveying roller 64 and the conveying roller 66 in the first conveying path R1.

[0051] The cutting section 10 is a known cutting mechanism and has a pair of upper and lower blades and a blade holder, which cut the paper P. Specifically, the cutting section 10 cuts the paper P at a predetermined position in the width direction by moving the blade holder in the width direction. Figure 4 As shown, the cutting section 10 divides the paper P into a first paper P1 and a second paper P2 by cutting the paper P. The first paper P1 is an example of a first printing medium of the present invention. The second paper P2 is an example of a second printing medium of the present invention. Furthermore, the cutting section 10 may also be configured to have only one blade on either the upper or lower side.

[0052] A conveying roller 66 is positioned downstream of the cutting section 10 in the first conveying direction D1 along the first conveying path R1. A toothed roller 67 is positioned above the conveying roller 66. The conveying roller 66 is powered by a conveying motor 108 (see reference). Figure 3 Driven by the toothed roller 67, which rotates along with the conveyor roller 66. The conveyor roller 66 and the toothed roller 67 rotate in the forward direction, thereby conveying paper P, the first paper P1 and the second paper P2 by the conveyor roller 66 and discharging them towards the discharge tray 22.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, a second baffle 48 is rotatably arranged at the junction W of the first conveying path R1 and the second conveying path R2. Specifically, the second baffle 48 is capable of... Figure 2 The first state shown by the solid line and Figure 2The second shutter 48 rotates between the first state and the second state indicated by a dashed line. When the second shutter 48 is in the first state, the second shutter 48 and the guide member 42 constitute a part of the second conveyance path R2. In addition, when the second shutter 48 is in the second state, the second shutter 48 and the guide member 41 constitute a part of the first conveyance path R1.

[0054] A registration sensor 120 is provided on the upstream side of the conveyance roller 60 in the first conveyance path R1. The registration sensor 120 is a sensor that detects the position at which the leading end or the trailing end of the paper sheet P abuts against the conveyance roller 60. As the registration sensor 120, a sensor having a lever that swings due to the abutment of the paper sheet P against the lever, an optical sensor, or the like can be used.

[0055] The registration sensor 120 outputs an on signal in a state in which the paper sheet P is passing the position of the registration sensor 120, and outputs an off signal in a state in which the paper sheet P is not passing the position of the registration sensor 120. That is, the on signal is output during the period from the timing at which the leading end of the paper sheet P reaches the position of the registration sensor 120 to the timing at which the trailing end of the paper sheet P passes the position of the registration sensor 120, and the off signal is output during the period other than this. The detection signal of the registration sensor 120 is output to the control section 100.

[0056] In addition, a rotation encoder 121 that detects the rotation of the conveyance roller 60 is provided on the conveyance roller 60. The rotation encoder 121 outputs a pulse signal to the control section 100 in accordance with the rotation of the conveyance roller 60 (see FIG. 6). Figure 3 ) The rotation encoder 121 has an encoder disk and an optical sensor. The encoder disk rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveyance roller 60. The optical sensor reads the rotating encoder disk and generates a pulse signal, and outputs the generated pulse signal to the control section 100.

[0057] The second conveyance path R2 is a path that is divided by the guide members 71, 72, 73, the conveyance roller 68, the pinch roller 69, and the like. The second conveyance path R2 branches from a branching position Y in the first conveyance path R1 that is on the more upstream side than the conveyance roller 64, and is connected to a merging position W that is located on the upstream side of the first conveyance direction D1 from the image recording section 3 in the first conveyance path R1. Thereby, in the image recording process (S4) that will be described later, it is possible to record an image on both sides of the paper sheet P.

[0058] (Electrical Configuration of the Printing Device)

[0059] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device 1 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3As shown, the printing device 1 has, in addition to the above-described components, a feeding motor 107, a conveying motor 108, a carriage motor 109, a control section 100, a USB interface (I / F) 110, a LAN interface (I / F) 111, and a communication interface (I / F) 112.

[0060] The control section 100 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an EEPROM 104 (registered trademark), and an ASIC 105, which are connected through an internal bus 106. The ROM 102 stores programs and the like for the CPU 101 to control various actions. The RAM 103 is used as a storage area to temporarily record data, signals, and the like used when the CPU 101 executes the above-described programs, or as a job area for data processing. The EEPROM 104 stores setting information that needs to be saved even after power is turned off. The control section 100 controls the feeding motor 107, the conveying motor 108, the carriage motor 109, the recording head 32, the cutting section 10, and the like based on a control program read from the ROM 102.

[0061] The feeding motor 107, the conveying motor 108, the carriage motor 109, the recording head 32, the cutting section 10, the USB interface (I / F) 110, the LAN interface (I / F) 111, the communication interface (I / F) 112, the registration sensor 120, the rotary encoder 121, and the setting section 122 are connected to the ASIC 105. The ASIC 105 supplies driving current to the feeding motor 107, the conveying motor 108, and the carriage motor 109. The control section 100 controls the rotation of the feeding motor 107, the conveying motor 108, and the carriage motor 109, for example, by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0062] In addition, the control section 100 causes the nozzle 33 to eject ink droplets by applying a driving voltage to the vibration element of the recording head 32. In addition, the registration sensor 120 and the rotary encoder 121 are connected to the ASIC 105. Furthermore, the control section 100 detects the state of the printing device 1 based on signals output from the registration sensor 120 and the rotary encoder 121.

[0063] Specifically, the control section 100 detects that the paper P passes the abutment position with the convey roller 60 based on the detection signal output from the registration sensor 120. The control section 100 detects the rotation amount of the convey roller 60 based on the pulse signal output from the rotation encoder 121. In addition, the control section 100 estimates the convey amount of the paper P in the first convey path Rl based on the pulse signal output from the rotation encoder 121 after the registration sensor 120 outputs the signal.

[0064] The USB interface (I / F) 110 is connected with a USB memory, a USB cable, and the like. The LAN interface 111 is connected with a PC via a LAN cable. When the control section 100 receives a print job via the USB interface 110 or the LAN interface 111, the respective sections of the printing device 1 are controlled, whereby the print data designated by the print job is recorded on the paper P.

[0065] (Flow of control by control section)

[0066] Next, the flow of control by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Figure 4 is a view showing the paper P before cutting and the first paper P1 and the second paper P2 after cutting. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by the control section 100 of the printing device 1.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5 , in step S10, the user performs the setting of the print job by the setting section 122. The setting of the print job includes the designation of the size of the paper P, the setting of whether to cut the designated paper P or not. The designation of the size of the paper P is, for example, the designation of whether to use an A4-size or an A3-size paper P for printing.

[0068] Further, as shown in Figure 4 , the paper P has a first region Tl on the upstream side and a second region T2 on the downstream side in the first convey direction Dl with CL as the boundary. In the present embodiment, the position of the middle of the paper P1 and the paper P2 formed in the size of one-half of the A4-size, i.e., the A5-size, is set as the boundary of the paper P, i.e., the CL (hereinafter, referred to as the boundary position CL).

[0069] Further, the first region Tl and the second region T2 are not regions set in advance in the paper P, and the position of the boundary position CL of the paper P can be changed according to the range of the first region Tl and the second region T2. That is, the range of the first region Tl and the second region T2 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the image data formed by the control of the image recording section 3 by the control section 100.

[0070] ​In step S20, when the control section 100 accepts a print job, a conveyance process of conveying the paper P from the feeding tray 21 to the image recording section 3 along the first conveyance direction Dl is performed. Specifically, first, the control section 100 drives the feeding motor 107 to rotate the feeding roller 23 in the forward direction, thereby starting conveyance of the paper P from the feeding tray 21 to the conveyance start position V of the first conveyance path Rl.

[0071] Then, when the leading end of the paper P abuts against the second baffle 48, the second baffle 48 maintained in the first state (refer to the solid line of Fig. 4) by its own weight is pressed by the paper P and rotated from the first state to the second state (refer to the broken line of Fig. 4). Thus, the second baffle 48 guides the paper P conveyed in the first conveyance direction Dl along the curved guide member 41 to a position on the downstream side of the merging position W than in the first conveyance direction Dl. Further, when the trailing end of the paper P passes through the second baffle 48, the second baffle 48 is rotated from the second state to the first state by its own weight. Figure 2 Figure 2 Then, when the leading end of the paper P abuts against the second baffle 48, the second baffle 48 maintained in the first state (refer to the solid line of Fig. 4) by its own weight is pressed by the paper P and rotated from the first state to the second state (refer to the broken line of Fig. 4). Thus, the second baffle 48 guides the paper P conveyed in the first conveyance direction Dl along the curved guide member 41 to a position on the downstream side of the merging position W than in the first conveyance direction Dl. Further, when the trailing end of the paper P passes through the second baffle 48, the second baffle 48 is rotated from the second state to the first state by its own weight.

[0072] Next, when the leading end of the paper P reaches the conveyance roller 60, the control section 100 drives the conveyance motor 108 to rotate the conveyance rollers 60, 62, 64, and 66, thereby conveying the leading end side of the paper P to the image recording section 3.

[0073] In step S30, the control section 100 executes a first image recording process of recording an image on the first region Tl of the paper P by the image recording section 3 on the paper P conveyed to the image recording section 3. Specifically, the control section 100 controls the operation of the image recording section 3 to form an image on the first region Tl of the paper P. That is, the first image recording process is a process of recording an image on the first region Tl of the paper P. The first region Tl is a region of the paper P on the downstream side of the first conveyance direction Dl by half. At the time of completion of formation of the image on the first region Tl, the second region T2 is a white paper.

[0074] When the first image recording process is completed, in step S40, the control section 100 performs a determination of whether or not there is data to be printed on the second region T2. In the case where the control section 100 determines that there is data to be printed on the second region T2 (S40: YES), in step S50, the control section 100 determines whether or not there is a setting of cutting the paper P.

[0075] In the case where there is a setting of cutting the paper P (S50: YES), the control section 100 conveys the paper P to a position where the boundary position CL of the first region Tl and the second region T2 of the paper P coincides with the cutting position X along the first conveyance direction Dl.

[0076] ​In step S60, the control section 100 performs a cutting process of the paper P by controlling the cutting section 10. The paper P is cut by the cutting section 10, and thereby divided into a first paper P1 and a second paper P2 of half size. In the present embodiment, the first paper P1 and the second paper P2 of A5 size are formed.

[0077] In step S70, the control section 100 discharges the cut first paper P1 to the outside of the printing device in a first discharge process. Specifically, the control section 100 rotates the transport rollers 66 in the forward direction, and thereby transports the cut first paper P1 in the first transport direction D1. The transport rollers 66 are driven by the transport motor 108 (refer to FIG. 1). The toothed-disk roller 67 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport rollers 66. By the transport rollers 66 and the toothed-disk roller 67 being rotated in the forward direction, the first paper P1 is clamped by the transport rollers 66 and the toothed-disk roller 67, and discharged to the discharge tray 22. Figure 3

[0078] In step S80, the control section 100 performs a first transport process of transporting the cut second paper P2 in the opposite direction of the first transport direction D1, that is, in a second transport direction D2. Specifically, the control section 100 reverses the transport rollers 60, 62, 64, and thereby turns the paper P in the first transport path R1 in the second transport direction D2 by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount refers to a transport amount of the second paper P2 in the second transport direction D2 to a position at which an image can be recorded on the second region T2 of the second paper P2. The position at which an image can be recorded on the second region T2 of the second paper P2 refers to a position at which the paper end (cut side) of the second paper P2 in the first transport direction D1 can be clamped by the transport rollers 60 and the pinch rollers 61 and transported to the image recording section 3. After the control section 100 transports the second paper P2 in the second transport direction D2 by the predetermined amount, the control section 100 stops the transport of the second paper P2.

[0079] In step S90, the control section 100 performs a second image recording process of recording an image on the second region T2 of the second paper P2 by the image recording section 3 on the second paper P2 transported to the image recording section 3. Specifically, the control section 100 drives the transport motor 108 to rotate the transport rollers 60, 62, 64, 66 with respect to the second paper P2 located at the position at which an image can be recorded on the second region T2, and thereby transports the leading end side of the second paper P2 to the image recording section 3. Then, the control section 100 performs the second image recording process of recording an image by the image recording section 3 on the second paper P2 transported to the image recording section 3.

[0080] ​In step S100, the control section 100 discharges the second paper P2, for which the second image recording processing has been completed, to the outside of the printing device. Specifically, the control section 100 rotates the conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 in the forward direction, thereby conveying the second paper P2 in the first conveyance direction Dl. The conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 are driven by the conveyance motor 108 (refer to FIG. 1). The pin rollers 63, 65, 67 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66. The conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 and the pin rollers 63, 65, 67 are rotated in the forward direction, whereby the second paper P2 is gripped by the conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 and the pin rollers 63, 65, 67 and is discharged to the discharge tray 22. When the second paper P2 is discharged to the discharge tray 22, the printing job ends. Figure 3

[0081] On the other hand, in step S40, the control section 100 determines whether or not there is data to be printed on the second region T2 (S40: No), and in step S200, the control section 100 determines whether or not there is a setting to cut the paper P. In the case where there is a setting to cut the paper P (S200: Yes), the control section 100 conveys the paper P in the first conveyance direction Dl to a position where the boundary position CL of the first region Tl and the second region T2 coincides with the cutting position X.

[0082] In step S210, the control section 100 controls the cutting section 10 to perform the cutting processing of the paper P. The paper P is cut by the cutting section 10, whereby the paper P is divided into the first paper PI and the second paper P2 which are one-half in size.

[0083] In step S220, the control section 100 discharges the cut first paper PI to the outside of the printing device in the first discharge processing.

[0084] In step S230, the control section 100 performs the second discharge processing of discharging the second printing medium to the outside. Specifically, the control section 100 rotates the conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 in the forward direction, thereby conveying the second paper P2 in the first conveyance direction Dl. The conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 are driven by the conveyance motor 108 (refer to FIG. 1). The pin rollers 63, 65, 67 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66. The conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 and the pin rollers 63, 65, 67 are rotated in the forward direction, whereby the second paper P2 is gripped by the conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 and the pin rollers 63, 65, 67 and is discharged to the discharge tray 22. When the second paper P2 is discharged to the discharge tray 22, the printing job ends. Figure 3

[0085] ​​On the other hand, in a case where the control section 100 determines that the paper P is not set to be cut in step S200 (S200: No), the control section 100 conveys the paper P in the first conveying direction Dl and discharges it to the discharge tray 22 in step S300. When the paper P is discharged to the discharge tray 22, the printing job ends.

[0086] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, after the first image recording process of recording an image on the first region Tl, the paper P is cut by the cutting section 10 into the first paper Pl and the second paper P2. In addition, the cut first paper Pl is discharged to the discharge tray 22. In addition, the cut second paper P2 is conveyed in the second conveying direction D2 opposite to the first conveying direction Dl and an image is recorded thereon by the image recording section 3. Thereby, the first paper Pl is discharged to the outside before an image is recorded on the second paper P2. In addition, after the paper P is cut into the first paper Pl and the second paper P2, an image is recorded on the second region T2, and thus, it is possible to prevent the paper P from being shifted due to cutting resistance at the time of cutting, which can occur in the middle of recording an image on the second region T2.

[0087] Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required from the start of recording an image on the paper P by the image recording section 3 to the exclusion of the first paper Pl among the first paper Pl and the second paper P2 cut by the cutting section 10, and it is possible to maintain the same print quality as that of the first paper Pl for the second paper P2 and the second paper P2 and thereafter.

[0088] Further, the paper feeding failure rate is also reduced. That is, in a case where the first paper Pl is discharged to the discharge tray 22 first, and thereby the first paper Pl and the second paper P2 are conveyed in the first conveying direction Dl in the first conveying path Rl, it is possible to reduce the case where the first paper Pl and the second paper P2 interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of paper jam caused by the paper end on the upstream side in the first conveying direction Dl of the first paper Pl interfering with the paper end on the downstream side in the first conveying direction Dl of the second paper P2. In addition, since it is possible to reduce the case where the paper ends interfere with each other, it is possible to prevent the discharge order of the first paper Pl and the second paper P2 from being reversed.

[0089] In addition, the control section 100 discharges the second paper P2 of a white paper to the discharge tray 22 after the first paper Pl is discharged to the discharge tray 22 in a case where the print data for forming an image on the second region T2 is not received. Therefore, it is possible to improve the speed of completing printing on the paper P.

[0090] (Embodiment 2)

[0091] Next, the following will be described using Figure 6 andFigure 7 An embodiment 2 of the control by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 will be described. Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control by the control section 100 of the printing device 1. As shown in Figure 6 , the embodiment 2 differs from the embodiment 1 in that, in the case where there is data to be printed on the second sheet P2, the processing including the second conveyance processing and the third conveyance processing is executed. In addition, as shown in Figure 7 , the embodiment 2 differs from the embodiment 1 in that, in the case where there is no data to be printed on the second sheet P2, the processing including the second conveyance processing is executed.

[0092] Further, the same numerals are affixed to the same steps as those shown in the embodiment 1, and the detailed description and the description of the effects related to the same steps are omitted. Figure 5

[0093] In step S81, the control section 100 executes the second conveyance processing of conveying the second sheet P2 to the second conveyance path R2. Specifically, the control section 100 reversely drives the conveyance motor 108 to reverse the conveyance rollers 64, 66, thereby conveying the second sheet P2 on which no image is recorded in the first conveyance path Rl in the opposite direction of the first conveyance direction Dl, i.e., the second conveyance direction D2. At this time, the first baffle 46 is turned to the first state by the force of the coil spring 47.

[0094] That is, after the rear end of the second sheet P2 passes through the first baffle 46, the first baffle 46 becomes a state of closing the first conveyance path Rl by the force of the coil spring 47. Therefore, the second sheet P2 conveyed in the second conveyance direction D2 in the first conveyance path Rl is conveyed with the rear end in the first conveyance direction Dl as the front end along the lower surface of the first baffle 46 toward the second conveyance path R2. Then, the control section 100 rotates the conveyance roller 68, thereby conveying the sheet P from the branch position Y toward the conveyance start position V in the second conveyance path R2.

[0095] In step S82, the control section 100 executes the third conveyance processing of conveying the second sheet P2 to the image recording section 3. Specifically, the second sheet P2 located in the second conveyance path R2 is conveyed from the merging position W toward the first conveyance path Rl, thereby conveying the second sheet P2 to the image recording section 3 after inverting the front and back surfaces of the second sheet P2. Then, the control section 100 executes the second image recording processing (S90) on the back surface of the second sheet P2 by the image recording section 3.

[0096] ​Further, in step S221, the control section 100 performs a second conveyance process of conveying the second print medium to the second conveyance path. Specifically, the control section 100 reversely drives the conveyance motor 108 to reverse the conveyance rollers 64, 66, thereby conveying the second sheet P2 on which no image is recorded in the first conveyance path Rl in the second conveyance direction D2 opposite to the first conveyance direction Dl.

[0097] As described above, in Embodiment 2, the second sheet P2 is conveyed on the second conveyance path R2 with the trailing end of the second sheet P2 in the first conveyance direction Dl opposite to the cut side of the second sheet P2 as the leading end of the sheet. Further, the second sheet P2 conveyed on the second conveyance path R2 is conveyed to the image recording section 3.

[0098] Thus, even if the second sheet P2 after the cut is shifted due to the cut resistance of the sheet P at the time of the cut of the sheet P, the second sheet P2 can be re-conveyed to the image recording section 3 via the second conveyance path R2 with the trailing end of the second sheet P2 in the first conveyance direction Dl as the leading end of the sheet.

[0099] That is, the front end positioning process of the second sheet P2 to the image recording section 3 can be accurately performed. Thus, since the second image recording process to the second region T2 in the second sheet P2 can be accurately performed, the print quality of the sheet P before and after the cut can be maintained to be the same as the print quality of the first sheet Pl.

[0100] Further, the control section 100 conveys the second sheet P2 on the second conveyance path R2 with the trailing end of the second sheet P2 in the first conveyance direction Dl opposite to the cut side of the second sheet P2 as the leading end of the sheet, in a case where no print data for forming an image to the second region T2 is received.

[0101] Further, the second sheet P2 conveyed on the second conveyance path R2 is discharged to the discharge tray 22 in the second discharge process. Thus, the first sheet Pl and the second sheet P2 on which no image is recorded can be discharged to the discharge tray 22 with the sheet end on the cut side of the sheet aligned.

[0102] (Embodiment 3)

[0103] Next, the printing device 1A of Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 8 The printing device 1A of Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 8 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing device 1A. As shown in FIG. 17, the printing device 1A includes a control section 100, a sheet cassette 2, an image recording section 3, a sheet cutting section 4, a sheet discharge section 5, and a sheet conveyance section 6. Figure 8As shown, the printing device 1 of Embodiment 3 differs from the printing devices 1 of Embodiments 1 and 2 in that the distance LX in the first conveyance direction Dl from the cutting position X at which the paper P is cut by the cutting section 10 to the position of the most upstream nozzle 33 of the plurality of nozzles 33 is shorter than half the length L of the first conveyance direction Dl of the housing section 21 of the paper P. Further, for convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are affixed to components having the same functions as those already explained in the above embodiments, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

[0104] As shown in Figure 8 the distance LX in the first conveyance direction Dl from the cutting position X at which the paper P is cut by the cutting section 10 to the position of the most upstream nozzle 33 of the plurality of nozzles 33 is shorter than half the length L in the front-rear direction of the feeding tray 21. Here, the length L in the front-rear direction of the feeding tray 21 refers to the length from the front inner wall surface to the rear inner wall surface of the feeding tray 21.

[0105] In the printing device 1A, the distance of the first conveyance path Rl is shortened. Therefore, the control section 100 conveys the second paper P2 by a predetermined amount in the first conveyance direction Dl before executing the second conveyance process of conveying the second paper P2 to the second conveyance path R2 (step S81, step S221). The predetermined amount here refers to the conveyance amount of the second paper P2 in the first conveyance direction Dl to the position at which the rear end of the second paper P2 passes the first baffle 46.

[0106] As explained above, in Embodiment 3, the distance LX in the first conveyance direction Dl from the cutting position X at which the paper P is cut by the cutting section 10 to the position of the most upstream nozzle 33 of the plurality of nozzles 33 is longer than half the length L of the first conveyance direction Dl of the feeding tray 21 of the paper P. Thereby, it is possible to bring the cutting section 10 in the first conveyance direction Dl close to the image recording section 3. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the further miniaturization of the printing device 1A.

[0107] Further, the internal configuration of the printing device 1A is provided with the second conveyance path R2, but a structure in which the second conveyance path R2 is not provided can also be adopted. In the case where the structure in which the second conveyance path R2 is not provided is adopted, for example, any one pair of the conveyance rollers 62, 64, 66 and the toothed-disk rollers 63, 65, 67 in the printing device 1 is omitted, and it is possible to achieve the further miniaturization of the printing device 1A.

[0108] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means respectively disclosed in the different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present application.

[0109] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1, 1A... printing device, 3... image recording section, 10... cutting section, 100... control section, D1... first conveying direction, D2... second conveying direction, P1... first paper sheet, P2... second paper sheet, R1... first conveying path, R2... second conveying path, T1... first region, T2... second region

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit conveys the printing medium; A first conveying path is used to convey the printing medium along a first conveying direction; An image recording unit is disposed in the first transport path and records an image on the printing medium; A cutting section is disposed on the first transport path at a position further downstream than the image recording section, and cuts the printing medium into a first printing medium having a first region and a second printing medium having a second region at a predetermined cutting position. as well as Control Department The control unit performs the following processing: The first image recording process records an image on the first region through the image recording unit; The cutting process involves cutting the printing medium into the first printing medium and the second printing medium via the cutting section after the first image recording process. The first discharge process involves discharging the first printing medium to the outside after the cutting process. The first conveying process involves conveying the second printing medium along a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction via the conveying unit after the first discharge process. as well as The second image recording process, following the first transport process, involves recording an image on the second region of the second printing medium using the image recording unit. The printing apparatus further includes a second conveying path, which is used to convey the second printing medium along the second conveying direction with the rear end of the second printing medium in the first conveying direction as the front end. The control unit performs the following processing: The second conveying process, following the first discharge process, conveys the second printing medium to the second conveying path; and The third transport process, following the second transport process, transports the second printing medium to the image recording unit.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, If no printing data for forming an image on the second area is received, the control unit performs a second discharge process to discharge the second printing medium to the outside after performing the first discharge process to discharge the first printing medium to the outside.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, If no printing data for forming an image on the second area is received, the control unit performs the first discharge process to discharge the first printing medium to the outside, then performs the second transport process to transport the second printing medium to the second transport path, and then performs the second discharge process.

4. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The image recording unit has a recording head containing multiple nozzles. The distance from the cutting position of the cutting portion to the position of the upstream nozzle among the plurality of nozzles in the first conveying direction is shorter than half the length of the receiving portion of the printing medium in the first conveying direction.

Images