Printing device

Abstract

A printing apparatus (1) includes: a pair of conveying rollers (41) that grips a print medium (P) at a nip position (NP) and conveys the print medium (P) in a conveying direction; a cutting unit (51) located downstream of the pair of conveying rollers (41); a discharge tray (61) located downstream and below the cutting unit (51); and a controller (7). The controller (7) performs (a) cutting of the print medium (P) by the cutting unit (51) into first and second print media (P1, P2); and (b) discharging of the second print medium (P2) onto the discharge tray (61) above the first print medium (P1). The discharge tray (61) is positioned so as to satisfy the formula H1 > 4 x 10 ‑7 ×D1 4 , where H1 represents a distance in a gravitational direction between the nip position (NP) and a placement surface (SU) of the discharge tray (61), and D1 represents a distance in the conveying direction between the nip position (NP) and a downstream end (ED1) of the cutting unit (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cutting device for cutting rolled sheets. The cutting device is located downstream of a discharge section for discharging rolled sheets that have undergone image recording processing. The cutting device cuts the rolled sheet, which is cantilevered and supported by rollers used to transport the rolled sheet. The cutting device includes a cutting holding section for holding a pair of upper and lower rotating blades used for cutting the rolled sheet. The cutting holding section is reciprocating in a width direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the rolled sheet.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-051114 Summary of the Invention

[0004] Since the cutting device described above is configured to cut rolled sheets, it is assumed that it does not cut sheets with a fixed sheet size. In the cutting device described above, the portion of the rolled sheet downstream of the blade falls onto the discharge tray due to its own weight.

[0005] In contrast, when cutting sheets of a fixed size, the portion of the sheet downstream of the blade falls onto the discharge tray due to its own weight upon completion of the cut, while the remaining portion upstream of the blade falls onto the discharge tray after reaching it. In this case, it is conceivable that the front and rear portions of the sheet may not align with each other. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cutting apparatus capable of improving the alignment or overlap between portions cut from printing media.

[0006] (1) To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a printing apparatus comprising: a pair of conveying rollers configured to hold a printing medium at a clamping position and convey the printing medium in a conveying direction; a cutting unit located downstream of the pair of conveying rollers in the conveying direction and configured to cut the printing medium conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers, the cutting unit having a downstream end in the conveying direction; a discharge disc located downstream of and below the cutting unit in the conveying direction, the discharge disc including a placement surface; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: process a: the cutting unit cuts the printing medium into a first printing medium and a second printing medium, and discharges the first printing medium cut from the printing medium onto the placement surface of the discharge disc; and process b: the pair of conveying rollers conveys the second printing medium, and discharges the second printing medium above the first printing medium already discharged onto the discharge disc. The position of the discharge disc satisfies the formula H1 > 4 × 10-7 ×D1 4 Wherein, H1 represents the distance in the direction of gravity between the clamping position and the placement surface of the discharge disc, and D1 represents the distance in the direction of transport between the clamping position and the downstream end of the cutting unit in the transport direction.

[0007] According to the above structure (1), it is possible to prevent the second printing medium from being located below the first printing medium that has been discharged and placed on the discharge tray before the second printing medium is discharged. Therefore, the alignment quality of the second printing medium relative to the first printing medium cut by the cutting unit can be improved.

[0008] (2) The present invention also provides a printing apparatus, comprising: a pair of conveying rollers configured to hold a printing medium at a clamping position and convey the printing medium in a conveying direction; a cutting unit located downstream of the pair of conveying rollers in the conveying direction and configured to cut the printing medium conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers; a discharge disc located downstream of and below the cutting unit in the conveying direction, the discharge disc including a placement surface; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: process a: the cutting unit cuts the printing medium into a first printing medium and a second printing medium, and discharges the first printing medium cut from the printing medium onto the placement surface of the discharge disc; and process b: the pair of conveying rollers conveys the second printing medium, and discharges the second printing medium above the first printing medium placed on the placement surface of the discharge disc. The discharge disc is located such that the distance between the clamping position and the placement surface of the discharge disc in the direction of gravity is greater than the deflection of the second printing medium clamped on the pair of conveying rollers, and the second printing medium clamped on the pair of conveying rollers is bent by the deflection in the direction of gravity.

[0009] According to the above structure (2), it is possible to prevent the second printing medium from being located below the first printing medium that has been discharged and placed on the discharge tray before the second printing medium is discharged. Therefore, the alignment quality of the second printing medium relative to the first printing medium cut by the cutting unit can be improved.

[0010] (3) According to the printing apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, the controller is further configured to perform process c: the printing medium is conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers at a first conveying speed in the conveying direction without cutting the printing medium, and the printing medium is discharged onto the placement surface of the discharge disk, wherein in the conveying of process b, the controller is configured to control the pair of conveying rollers to convey the second printing medium at a second conveying speed lower than the first conveying speed.

[0011] (4) The printing apparatus according to (3) above further includes a guide member connected to the discharge disc and configured to guide the head end of the printing medium discharged to the discharge disc, the guide member having a guide surface, and the second conveying speed in the conveying of the process b is set such that the head end of the second printing medium does not reach the guide surface.

[0012] (5) The printing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) above further includes a sheet supply tray configured to receive the printing medium therein, the discharge tray having a downstream end in the transport direction, the cutting unit configured to cut the printing medium at a cutting position in the transport direction, the distance in the transport direction between the clamping position and the downstream end of the discharge tray in the transport direction being less than the sum of the following: the distance in the transport direction between the clamping position and the cutting position of the cutting unit; and the length in the transport direction of the second printing medium divided from the printing medium placed in the sheet supply tray.

[0013] (6) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the discharge disc has a downstream end in the conveying direction, and in the conveying of the process b, the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the conveying roller pair such that a portion of the second printing medium conveyed by the conveying roller pair protrudes further in the conveying direction than the downstream end of the discharge disc in the conveying direction.

[0014] (7) The printing apparatus according to (1) or (2) above further includes: a sheet supply tray configured to receive the printing medium therein; and a guide member connected to the discharge tray configured to guide the head end of the second printing medium discharged to the placement surface of the discharge tray, the guide member having an upstream end in the transport direction, the cutting unit configured to cut the printing medium at a cutting position in the transport direction, the distance in the transport direction between the clamping position and the upstream end of the guide member is less than the sum of the following two: the distance in the transport direction between the clamping position and the cutting position of the cutting unit; and the length of the second printing medium divided from the printing medium placed in the sheet supply tray in the transport direction.

[0015] (8) The printing apparatus according to (1) or (2) above further includes a guide member connected to the discharge disc and configured to guide the head end of the second printing medium discharged to the placement surface of the discharge disc, and the controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the conveying roller pair such that the second printing medium conveyed by the conveying roller pair abuts against the guide member.

[0016] With the structure described above in this invention, the alignment quality of the second printing medium relative to the first printing medium can be improved after the cutting unit cuts out the first printing medium and the second printing medium. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3A This is a longitudinal sectional view of the cutting unit 51 installed in the printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, viewed from the left side. Figure 3B This is the main view of the cutting unit 51. Figure 3C This is a magnified three-dimensional view of a portion of the cutting unit 51;

[0020] Figures 4A to 4C This is a diagram illustrating the cutting of sheet P by a cutting unit 51 provided in the printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram showing the discharge disc 61A according to a first modified embodiment. Figure 5C This is a schematic diagram of the discharge disc 61B according to the second variation of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 4C To illustrate a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] <Structure of Printing Device 1>

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 is a multi-function peripheral (MFP) with printing and scanning functions. The printing apparatus 1 is configured to perform, for example, inkjet printing, by ejecting ink from a sheet to record the print data specified in the print job onto the sheet P (an example of a print medium).

[0025] Not only inkjet printing but also electrophotographic printing can be used. Furthermore, printing device 1 can perform color or monochrome printing on sheet P. For ease of explanation, the up / down and front / back directions of printing device 1 are as follows: Figure 1 The arrows in the diagram are used to define this. Furthermore, Figure 1 The depth side and the near-front side are defined as the rightward and leftward directions of the printing device 1, respectively.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a sheet supply tray 11, a sheet supply roller 21, a sheet supply arm 22, a sheet channel R1, an image recording unit 31, a transport roller pair 41, a cutting unit 51, and an discharge tray 61. The sheet supply tray 11 is a housing for receiving sheet P and has an open upper end. The sheet supply tray 11 includes a placement portion 12. The sheet supply tray 11 receives the sheet P placed on the placement portion 12.

[0027] The sheet P has, for example, an A4 size. However, the sheet P may also have an A3 or B4 size. In the following description, it is assumed that the sheet P has an A4 size. Therefore, the A4 size is set as the size of the sheet P in the sheet supply tray 11. The sheet supply tray 11 and the discharge tray 61 are movable in the front-rear direction relative to the opening formed at the front of the printing device 1. The sheet P can be a paper medium or a resin medium such as an OHP sheet.

[0028] The sheet supply roller 21 is configured to supply sheet P, housed in the sheet supply tray 11, to the sheet channel R1. The sheet supply roller 21 is rotatably supported by the head end of the sheet supply arm 22. The sheet supply arm 22 is rotatably supported by a shaft 23 supported on the frame of the printing device 1 (not shown). The sheet supply arm 22 is subjected to a force that rotates towards the sheet supply tray 11 by its own weight or the elastic force of a spring.

[0029] The sheet feed roller 21 is configured to respond to such Figure 2 The sheet supply motor 101 shown rotates forward. The forward rotation of the sheet supply roller 21 conveys each sheet P contained in the sheet supply tray 11 to the sheet channel R1. The sheet P supplied to the sheet channel R1 moves through the section between the bending members 81 and 82, and then is conveyed in the transport direction DD through the section between the record head carriage 32 and the pressure plate 34 (described later). The transport direction DD is the forward direction from back to front in the printing apparatus 1.

[0030] The sheet channel R1 is a path that extends upward from the rear end of the sheet supply tray 11 to the discharge tray 61. Specifically, the sheet channel R1 extends upward from the rear end of the sheet supply tray 11, bends in the area between the bending members 81 and 82, and then extends straight forward through the section between the recording head carriage 32 and the pressure plate 34 to reach the discharge tray 61.

[0031] The image recording unit 31 is located between the bending members 81 and 82 and the conveyor roller pair 41 in the sheet passage R1, and is configured to record images on the sheet P. The image recording unit 31 includes a recording head carriage 32, a recording head 33, and a pressure plate 34. The recording head 33 is mounted on the recording head carriage 32.

[0032] The recording head 33 has a lower surface with a plurality of nozzles (not shown). In the recording head 33, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles by vibration of a vibrating element, such as a piezoelectric element. The pressure plate 34 is a rectangular plate-shaped member for supporting the sheet P. While the recording head carriage 32 moves relative to the sheet P supported on the pressure plate 34, the recording head 33 selectively ejects ink droplets, thereby recording an image on the sheet P.

[0033] The pressure plate 34 can extend to a first position parallel to the conveying direction DD. Figure 1 (represented by solid lines) and the pressure plate 34 rotates downward from the first position to the second position (represented by a predetermined angle). Figure 1 The platen 34 rotates between the two positions (indicated by the dashed line). During the feeding and printing operations of the sheet P, the platen 34 is in a first position. Conversely, if sheet jamming occurs, the user can move the platen 34 to a second position to remove the jammed sheet P.

[0034] When received Figure 2 When the recording head carriage motor 103 is driven, the recording head carriage 32 can reciprocate in the left-right direction, i.e., the scanning direction, of the printing device 1. In the image recording and processing of the sheet P, Figure 2 The controller 7 shown moves the recording head carriage 32 in the scanning direction while the sheet P is stopped, and ejects ink from the recording head 33, thereby recording a line of image on the sheet P.

[0035] The conveyor roller pair 41 is located downstream of the image recording unit 31 in the conveying direction DD. The conveyor roller pair 41 includes conveyor rollers 42 and 43. The conveyor roller pair 41 is configured to sandwich the sheet P therebetween and convey the sheet P in the conveying direction DD. Specifically, the conveyor roller 42 is located above the sheet passage R1, and the conveyor roller 43 is located below the sheet passage R1, facing the conveyor roller 42.

[0036] Conveyor roller 43 is composed of Figure 2The conveyor motor 102 shown drives the sheet. The conveyor roller 42 rotates along with the conveyor roller 43. The sheet P is held between the conveyor rollers 42 and 43 and conveyed in the conveying direction DD. The conveyor roller 43 is equipped with an encoder 105, which is used to detect the rotation of the conveyor roller 43. The encoder 105 is configured to output a pulse signal to the controller 7 according to the rotation of the conveyor roller 43.

[0037] The conveyor roller 42 can be driven by the conveyor motor 102. In this case, the conveyor roller 43 rotates by the rotation of the conveyor roller 42, and the encoder 105 is installed on the conveyor roller 42. The encoder 105 outputs a pulse signal to the controller 7 according to the rotation of the conveyor roller 42.

[0038] The cutting unit 51 is located downstream of the conveying roller pair 41 in the conveying direction DD. The cutting unit 51 is configured to cut the sheet P conveyed by the conveying roller pair 41. The cutting unit 51 will be described in detail later. The discharge tray 61 is located downstream of the cutting unit 51 in the conveying direction DD and is located below the cutting unit 51. In addition, the discharge tray 61 is located above the sheet supply tray 11.

[0039] <Electrical Structures in Printing Device 1>

[0040] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure in printing device 1. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the printing device 1 includes a controller 7, a sheet supply motor 101, a conveyor motor 102, a recording head carriage motor 103, a cutting carriage motor 104, an encoder 105, and a network interface 106.

[0041] The controller 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, registered trademark) 74, and an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) 75, which are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0042] ROM 72 stores various programs used by CPU 71 to perform various operations. RAM 73 serves as a temporary storage area for data and signals used by CPU 71 when executing the above programs, or as a working area for data processing. EEPROM 74 stores setting information that must be retained even after the power to the printing device 1 is turned off.

[0043] The controller 7 controls the sheet feed motor 101, the conveyor motor 102, the recording head carriage motor 103, the recording head 33, and the cutting carriage motor 104 based on a control program read from the ROM 72. The ASIC 75 is connected to the sheet feed motor 101, the conveyor motor 101, the recording head carriage motor 103, the recording head 33, the cutting carriage motor 104, the encoder 105, and the network interface 106.

[0044] The ASIC 75 is configured to supply drive current to the sheet feed motor 101, the conveyor motor 102, the record head carriage motor 103, and the cutting carriage motor 104. The sheet feed motor 101, the conveyor motor 102, the record head carriage motor 103, and the cutting carriage motor 104 are DC motors whose rotational speed increases in response to an increase in the supplied drive current and decreases in response to a decrease in the supplied drive current.

[0045] The controller 7 is configured to control the rotation of the sheet supply motor 101, the conveyor motor 102, the recording head carriage motor 103, and the cutting carriage motor 104 via, for example, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. Furthermore, the controller 7 is configured to apply a drive voltage to the oscillating element of the recording head 33 to eject ink droplets through the nozzle. The controller 7 is also configured to detect the rotation amount of the conveyor roller 43 based on the pulse signal output from the encoder 105. Additionally, the controller 7 is configured to estimate the conveying speed of the sheet P based on the pulse signal output from the encoder 105.

[0046] Network interface 106 connects to a network such as a LAN (local area network), thereby allowing connection to external devices that have the driver for printing device 1 installed. Through network interface 106, printing device 1 can receive print jobs containing identification information for identifying the type of sheet P.

[0047] <Structure of Cutting Unit 51>

[0048] Figures 3A to 3C It shows the setting Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the cutting unit 51 in the printing apparatus 1. Specifically, Figure 3A This is a longitudinal sectional view of the cutting unit 51 from the left side of the printing device 1. Figure 3B This is a front view of the cutting unit 51 from the front side of the printing device 1. Figure 3C This is a three-dimensional view of cutting unit 51.

[0049] like Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the cutting unit 51 includes a cutting carriage 52, blades 53 and 54, a fixing part 55, a support rail 56, a rotating shaft 57, and an annular belt 58. The cutting unit 51 is configured to cut a sheet P on which an image has been recorded by the image recording unit 31.

[0050] Specifically, when sheet P is stopped being conveyed by the conveyor rollers 41, controller 7 controls cutting unit 51 to cut sheet P in the width direction by moving cutting carriage 52 relative to sheet P. The width direction of sheet P is perpendicular to the conveying direction DD. Cutting unit 51 is configured to cut sheet P when controller 7 determines that it needs to be cut.

[0051] The cutting carriage 52 supports blades 53 and 54, each of which is disc-shaped. The cutting carriage 52 has a slit SP through which a portion of the blades 53 and 54 protrudes. The cutting carriage 52 is fixed to a fixing part 55, which is connected to an annular belt 58.

[0052] Support rail 56 extends in the width direction of sheet P. Support rail 56 supports cutting carriage 52, allowing cutting carriage 52 to move in the width direction of sheet P. An annular belt 58 wraps around the rotation shaft 57. The annular belt 58 responds to... Figure 2 The cutting carriage motor 104 rotates together with the rotation shaft 57, so that the cutting carriage 52 can move along the support rail 56 in the width direction of the sheet P.

[0053] As sheet P enters the slit SP due to the movement of the cutting carriage 52 in the width direction of sheet P, sheet P is cut by blades 53 and 54. The cutting carriage 52 has an inclined surface S1 connected to the slit SP. The inclined surface S1 extends from the portion near the cutting edges of blades 53 and 54 towards the head end of the cutting carriage 52 in the moving direction MD of the cutting carriage 52. That is, in Figure 3B In the example, the inclined surface S1 is inclined to the left (downstream of the moving direction MD of the cutting carriage 52).

[0054] Inclined surface S1 slopes downward toward the head end of cutting carriage 52 in the direction of movement MD of cutting carriage 52. The lower end of inclined surface S1 can be located below sheet P, which is deflected by cutting carriage 52, when sheet P is clamped by conveyor roller pair 41. As sheet P, clamped by conveyor roller pair 41, abuts against inclined surface S1, sheet P is guided along inclined surface S1 to the cutting edges of blades 53 and 54.

[0055] <Cutting Sheets>

[0056] Figures 4A to 4C It is used to explain the settings Figure 1 The diagram shows the cutting unit 51 in the printing apparatus 1 cutting the sheet P. Figures 4A to 4C In this version, components other than the image recording unit 31, the conveying roller pair 41, the cutting unit 51, and the discharge disc 61 of the printing device 1 are omitted.

[0057] Here, as an example, assume that the controller 7 receives a print job from an external device via the network interface 106. In the print job, assume that printing is specified on an A4-sized sheet. In this case, the controller 7 drives the sheet supply motor 101 to rotate the sheet supply roller 21, thereby conveying the A4-sized sheet P contained in the sheet supply tray 11 to the sheet channel R1.

[0058] When the leading edge of sheet P reaches the conveyor roller pair 41 and the front half (head half) of sheet P reaches the image recording unit 31, controller 7 stops driving sheet supply motor 101. Then, controller 7 starts driving recording head 33 and recording head carriage motor 103 to record an image on the front half of sheet P. After completing image recording of the front half of sheet P, controller 7 starts driving conveyor motor 102 to convey sheet P in the conveying direction DD.

[0059] Then, as Figure 4A As shown, when the center position of sheet P in the conveying direction DD coincides with the position of cutting unit 51, controller 7 stops rotating conveyor motor 102. Controller 7 then starts driving recording head 33 and recording head carriage motor 103, thereby recording an image on the rear half of sheet P. During image recording of the rear half of sheet P, controller 7 allows cutting unit 51 to perform cutting processing for cutting sheet P.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 4B As shown, the controller 7 performs the following cutting process: the sheet P is cut by the cutting unit 51 and divided into a first sheet P1 (front half) and a second sheet P2 (rear half); the first sheet P1 of the sheet P is discharged onto the discharge tray 61.

[0061] Sheet P is cut at its center by cutting unit 51. Since the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 are two halves of sheet P with a size of A4, each of the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 has a size of A5. When sheet P has a size of A3, each of the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 has a size of A4; when sheet P has a size of B4, the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 each have a size of B5.

[0062] Due to its own weight, the first sheet P1, cut and separated from sheet P, falls onto the discharge tray 61. (As...) Figure 4C As shown, after the above cutting process is performed, the controller 7 performs the conveying process, that is, the conveying roller pair 41 conveys the second sheet P2, thereby discharging the second sheet P2 above the first sheet P1 that has been discharged onto the discharge tray 61.

[0063] Here, refer to Figure 4CH1 represents the distance in the gravity direction G1 between the clamping position NP of the conveying roller 41 where the sheet P is clamped and the placement surface SU of the discharge disc 61 where the first sheet P1 is placed. Furthermore, D1 represents the distance in the conveying direction DD between the clamping position NP and the downstream end ED1 of the cutting unit 51. In this case, the discharge disc 61 is positioned to satisfy the following equation (1).

[0064] H1 > 4 × 10 -7 ×D1 4 ......(1)

[0065] If the position of the discharge tray 61 satisfies the above formula (1), it is possible to prevent the second sheet P2 from being located below the first sheet P1 that has been discharged and placed on the discharge tray 61 before the second sheet P2 is discharged. Therefore, the alignment quality of the second sheet P2 relative to the first sheet P1 cut by the cutting unit 51 can be improved.

[0066] In addition, refer to Figure 4B In this embodiment, the discharge disc 61 is positioned such that the distance H1 is greater than the deflection amount DT of the second sheet P2. Here, the deflection amount DT is the distance from the clamping position NP (the position where the conveyor roller pair 41 clamps the second sheet P2) to the head end of the second sheet P2 in the direction of gravity G1. That is, the deflection amount DT is the amount by which the head end of the second sheet P2 bends in the direction of gravity G1 from the clamping position NP. The deflection amount DT is represented by the following formula (2).

[0067] DT=WL 4 / (8EI)......(2)

[0068] In equation (2), W represents the uniformly distributed load applied to the deflection portion (bending portion) of the second sheet P2 located downstream of the conveyor roller pair 41. L represents the length of the deflection portion of the second sheet P2 located downstream of the conveyor roller pair 41 in the conveying direction DD. E represents the Young's modulus of the second sheet P2. I represents the moment of inertia of the second sheet P2. The moment of inertia of the area is represented by the following equation (3), where B represents the width of the second sheet P2 and T represents the thickness of the second sheet P2.

[0069] I = BT 3 / 12......(3)

[0070] As described above, the distance H1 in the gravitational direction G1 between the clamping position NP (the position where the conveyor roller pair 41 clamps the sheet P) and the placement surface SU of the discharge disc 61 (the surface where the first sheet P1 is placed) is greater than the deflection amount DT of the second sheet P2 in the gravitational direction G1. Therefore, this structure in this embodiment can prevent the second sheet P2 from entering below the first sheet P1 that has already been discharged onto the discharge disc 61 before the second sheet P2 is discharged. Therefore, the alignment quality of the second sheet P2 relative to the first sheet P1 cut by the cutting unit 51 can be improved.

[0071] Here, taking groundwood paper (trade name Oumu, a product of Daio Paper Corporation) as an example, this groundwood paper is A4 size, weighs 0.000104 N / mm, and has a length of 297 mm, a width of 210 mm, and a thickness of 0.084 mm in the conveying direction DD. The basis weight of the groundwood paper is 50.4 g / m³. 2 The Clarkstiffness is 62 cm. 3 / 100, Young's modulus is 3117 MPa, density is 0.0006 g / mm³ 3 .

[0072] The area moment of inertia I of the wood paper calculated according to the above formula (3) is approximately 0.010372 N / mm. 4 The deflection DT of the wood paper calculated according to the above formula (2) is approximately 4 × 10⁻⁶. -7 ×L 4 The distance H1 is preferably greater than the deflection amount DT of the wood paper. Therefore, preferably, the discharge disc 61 is located at a position that satisfies the above formula (1).

[0073] Furthermore, in the conveying process, the controller 7 preferably causes the conveyor roller pair 41 to convey the second sheet P2 at a second conveying speed that is slower than the first conveying speed. The first conveying speed is the speed at which the controller 7 causes the conveyor roller pair 41 to convey the sheet P to the discharge tray 61 without cutting. In other words, in the conveying process controlled by the controller 7, the second sheet P2 is conveyed at a second rotational speed of the conveyor roller 43 that is lower than the first rotational speed of the conveyor roller 43 when conveying the sheet P to the discharge tray 61 without cutting.

[0074] According to this structure, the second sheet P2 is conveyed at a second rotational speed of the conveyor roller 43, which is lower than the first rotational speed of the conveyor roller 43 when the sheet P is conveyed to the discharge tray 61 without cutting. Therefore, compared to the case where the sheet P is not cut, the second sheet P2 can be discharged onto the discharge tray 61 more slowly, thus improving the alignment of the second sheet P2 with the first sheet P1 after cutting by the cutting unit 51.

[0075] The controller 7 can control the rotational speed of the conveyor motor 102, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the conveyor roller 43. Therefore, the controller 7 can control not only the conveying speed of the sheet P, but also the conveying speed of the second sheet P2.

[0076] exist Figure 4B In the diagram, H2 represents the distance in the conveying direction DD between the clamping position NP and the downstream end ED2 of the discharge disc 61. Furthermore, H3 represents the distance in the conveying direction DD between the clamping position NP and the cutting position CP of the cutting unit 51 for cutting the sheet P.

[0077] Furthermore, L1 represents the length of the second sheet P2 in the conveying direction DD during the cutting process. Since the second sheet P2 is half of the sheet P placed in the sheet supply tray 11, the first sheet P1 also has a length L1 in the conveying direction DD. Figure 4B As shown, distance H2 is less than the total length (sum) of distance H3 and length L1. With this arrangement, the second sheet P2 is discharged onto the discharge tray 61, such that a portion (head end) of the second sheet P2 protrudes from the discharge tray 61. Therefore, the user can easily remove the second sheet P2 from the discharge tray 61.

[0078] Preferably, the controller 7 controls the rotational speed of the conveyor roller pair 41 such that a portion of the second sheet P2 conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 41 protrudes in front of the downstream end ED2 of the discharge disc 61 in the conveying direction DD. In this case, the controller 7 controls the rotational speed of the conveyor motor 102 to control the rotational speed of the conveyor roller 43, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the conveyor roller pair 41.

[0079] <Variations on the Implementation Method>

[0080] Figures 5A to 5C Various variations of the discharge disc 61 of the printing device 1 are shown.

[0081] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A first modification is shown, in which a discharge disc 61A and a guide member 81 connected thereto are provided in the printing apparatus 1 instead of the discharge disc 61. Figures 5A to 5CIn this version, components other than the image recording unit 31, the conveying roller pair 41, the cutting unit 51, the discharge disc 61A, and the guide member 81 are omitted.

[0082] like Figure 5A As shown, the printing apparatus 1 may include a guide member 81. The guide member 81 is connected to the discharge tray 61A and is configured to guide the head end of the second sheet P2 discharged onto the discharge tray 61A. The guide member 81 is rotatably connected to the downstream end of the discharge tray 61A in the transport direction DD.

[0083] When the second sheet P2 is discharged onto the discharge tray 61A, the guide member 81 is preferably located in a fixed position that is inclined upward relative to the placement surface SU of the discharge tray 61A (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5B (as shown by the solid line in the diagram), thereby allowing the second sheet P2 to abut against the guide member 81.

[0084] exist Figure 5A In this context, H4 represents the distance in the conveying direction DD between the clamping position NP and one end ED3 of the guide member 81. End ED3 of the guide member 81 is the upstream end of the guide member 81 in the conveying direction DD and is connected to the downstream end of the discharge disc 61A in the conveying direction DD. Here, distance H4 is less than the total length (sum) of distance H3 and length L1. Figure 5A For convenience, length L1 is represented as the second sheet P2 being in a horizontal straight line. Furthermore, distance H4 can be equal to distance H2.

[0085] like Figure 5B As shown, when the second sheet P2 is conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 41, the second sheet P2 is discharged onto the discharge disc 61A while it abuts against the guide member 81. That is, the second sheet P2 is guided by the guide member 81. Therefore, the alignment between the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 after the sheet P is cut by the cutting unit 51 can be improved.

[0086] Preferably, the controller 7 controls the rotational speed of the conveyor roller pair 41 so that the second sheet P2 conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 41 can abut against the guide member 81. In this case, the controller 7 can control the rotational speed of the conveyor roller 43 by controlling the rotational speed of the conveyor motor 102, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the conveyor roller pair 41.

[0087] The discharge tray 61A includes an inclined portion SL. The inclined portion SL extends obliquely downward from the placement surface SU and extends in the opposite direction to the conveying direction DD. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the second sheet P2 from entering below the first sheet P1, because the tail end of the first sheet P1 in the conveying direction DD is placed on the inclined portion SL along the inclined portion SL.

[0088] Figure 5C A second variation of the discharge disc 61 of the above embodiment is shown. For example... Figure 5C As shown, the discharge tray 61B of the second modification includes: a tray body 62 having a placement surface SU; and a retractable extension ET. The extension ET can extend from the tray body 62 in the conveying direction DD. The extension ET can retract into the tray body 62 and can extend outward from the inside of the tray body 62.

[0089] The guide member 81 is rotatably connected to the downstream end ED4 of the extension ET in the conveying direction DD. Specifically, the guide member 81 is rotatably supported by the shaft 63, which is supported by the extension ET. The guide member 81 may also be rotatably connected to the downstream end of the disc body 62 in the conveying direction DD (corresponding to the downstream end ED2 of the discharge disc 61 in the above embodiment).

[0090] Furthermore, preferably, when the sheet P is discharged to the discharge tray 61B without being cut by the cutting unit 51, the guide member 81 is fixed in a position such that the guide member 81 (its guide surface GS) is parallel to the placement surface SU (e.g., Figure 5C (As shown by the solid line in the figure) extends so that the head end of the sheet P is supported by the guide member 81. Since the guide member 81, which is parallel to the placement surface SU, is connected to the extension ET of the discharge tray 61B, the guide member 81 is able to guide the head end of the sheet P discharged onto the discharge tray 61B.

[0091] Furthermore, when the cutting unit 51 cuts the sheet P into a first sheet P1 and a second sheet P2 with the guide member 81 set parallel to the placement surface SU, that is, when the controller 7 performs the cutting process with the guide member 81 set parallel to the placement surface SU, preferably, the second conveying speed for conveying the second sheet P2 in the subsequent conveying process is set to a conveying speed such that the second sheet P2 does not reach the guide surface GS of the guide member 81 when it is discharged.

[0092] With this structure, the discharge disc 61B can not only support the second sheet P2 and the first sheet P1, but also guide the uncut sheet P together with the guide member 81. Furthermore, when supporting the second sheet P2 and the first sheet P1 and guiding the uncut sheet P, the arrangement of the guide member 81 parallel to the placement surface SU prevents the second sheet P2 from reaching the guide surface GS of the guide member 81. Therefore, the alignment or overlap between the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 cut by the cutting unit 51 can be improved.

[0093] When sheet P is discharged onto discharge tray 61B without being cut by cutting unit 51, discharge tray 61B can support sheet P (whose size is larger than that of the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2) through tray body 62, extension ET, and guide member 81. Furthermore, extension ET can move (retract) relative to tray body 62 in the transport direction DD. Therefore, the position of guide member 81 in the transport direction DD can be moved.

[0094] exist Figure 5C In this structure, when the second sheet P2 cut by the cutting unit 51 is discharged onto the discharge tray 61B, the extension ET can be accommodated inside the tray body 62. Through this structure, the second sheet P2 can contact the guide member 81.

[0095] Furthermore, when the sheet P is discharged onto the discharge tray 61B in an uncut state by the cutting unit 51, the extension ET can be pulled out of the tray body 62. With this structure, the uncut sheet P can be supported by the guide member 81, the extension ET, and the tray body 62.

[0096] When uncut sheet P is discharged onto discharge tray 61B, guide member 81 can be fixed in an inclined position relative to the placement surface SU of discharge tray 61B (e.g., Figure 5C (As shown by the dashed line in the diagram). With this structure, the sheet P that has not been cut by the cutting unit 51 can reliably abut against the guide member 81, thereby improving the alignment of the sheet P. More preferably, in this case, the controller 7 can control the rotational speed of the conveyor roller pair 41 so that the sheet P conveyed by the conveyor roller pair 41 can abut against the guide member 81.

[0097] Although specific descriptions have been made with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible.

[0098] <Note>

[0099] Printing device 1 is an example of a printing device. Sheet P is an example of a printing medium. First sheet P1 is an example of a first printing medium, and second sheet P2 is an example of a second printing medium. Conveyor roller pair 41 is an example of conveyor rollers. Cutting unit 51 is an example of a cutting unit. Discharge discs 61, 61A, and 61B are an example of discharge discs. Controller 7 is an example of a controller. Clamping position NP is an example of a clamping position. Cutting position CP is an example of a cutting position. Conveying direction DD is an example of a conveying direction. The downstream end ED1 of cutting unit 51 is an example of the downstream end of a cutting unit. Guide member 81 is an example of a guide member. The downstream end ED2 of discharge disc 61 is an example of the downstream end of a discharge disc.

[0100] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0101] 1: Printing device

[0102] 7: Controller

[0103] 11: Sheet Material Supply Plate

[0104] 41: Conveyor Roller

[0105] 51: Cutting Unit

[0106] 61, 61A, 61B: Discharge tray

[0107] 81: Guiding Component

[0108] CP: Cutting position

[0109] DD: Conveying direction

[0110] DT: Deflection

[0111] G1: Direction of gravity

[0112] GS: Guide Surface

[0113] NP: Clamping position

[0114] SU: Placement surface

[0115] P: Sheet

[0116] P1: First sheet

[0117] P2: Second sheet

Claims

1. A printing device comprising: a pair of conveyance rollers configured to hold a print medium at a nip position and convey the print medium in a conveyance direction; a cutting unit located downstream of the pair of conveyance rollers in the conveyance direction, configured to cut the print medium conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers; a discharge tray located downstream of the cutting unit in the conveyance direction and below the cutting unit, the discharge tray including a placement surface; and a controller configured to perform: process a: cutting, by the cutting unit, the print medium into a first print medium and a second print medium, and discharging the first print medium cut from the print medium onto the placement surface of the discharge tray; and process b: conveying, by the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium, and discharging the second print medium above the first print medium already placed on the placement surface of the discharge tray, the discharge tray being located such that a distance in a gravitational direction between the nip position and the placement surface of the discharge tray is greater than an amount of deflection of the second print medium clamped to the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium clamped to the pair of conveyance rollers being bent in the gravitational direction from the pair of conveyance rollers by the amount of deflection, the controller being further configured to perform process c: conveying, by the pair of conveyance rollers, the print medium at a first conveyance speed in the conveyance direction without cutting the print medium, and discharging the print medium onto the placement surface of the discharge tray, in the conveying of the process b, the controller being configured to control the pair of conveyance rollers to convey the second print medium at a second conveyance speed lower than the first conveyance speed.

2. The printing device of claim 1, wherein, further comprising a guide member connected to the discharge tray, configured to guide a head end of the print medium discharged to the discharge tray, the guide member having a guide surface, the second conveyance speed in the conveying of the process b being set such that the head end of the second print medium does not reach the guide surface.

3. The printing device of claim 1, wherein, further comprising a guide member connected to the discharge tray, configured to guide a head end of the second print medium discharged to the placement surface of the discharge tray, the controller being configured to control a rotational speed of the pair of conveyance rollers such that the second print medium conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers abuts against the guide member.

4. A printing device comprising: a pair of conveyance rollers configured to hold a print medium at a nip position and convey the print medium in a conveyance direction; a cutting unit located downstream of the pair of conveyance rollers in the conveyance direction, configured to cut the print medium conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers; a discharge tray located downstream of the cutting unit in the conveyance direction and below the cutting unit, the discharge tray including a placement surface; and a controller configured to perform: process a: cutting, by the cutting unit, the print medium into a first print medium and a second print medium, and discharging the first print medium cut from the print medium onto the placement surface of the discharge tray; and process b: conveying, by the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium, and discharging the second print medium above the first print medium already placed on the placement surface of the discharge tray, the discharge tray being located such that a distance in a gravitational direction between the nip position and the placement surface of the discharge tray is greater than an amount of deflection of the second print medium clamped to the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium clamped to the pair of conveyance rollers being bent in the gravitational direction from the pair of conveyance rollers by the amount of deflection, the controller being further configured to perform process c: conveying, by the pair of conveyance rollers, the print medium at a first conveyance speed in the conveyance direction without cutting the print medium, and discharging the print medium onto the placement surface of the discharge tray, in the conveying of the process b, the controller being configured to control the pair of conveyance rollers to convey the second print medium at a second conveyance speed lower than the first conveyance speed. the second print medium is discharged above the first print medium that has been placed on the placement surface of the discharge tray, the discharge tray is located such that a distance between the nip position and the placement surface of the discharge tray in a gravitational direction is larger than an amount of deflection of the second print medium nipped by the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium nipped by the pair of conveyance rollers is bent in the gravitational direction from the pair of conveyance rollers by the amount of deflection, the print apparatus further includes a sheet supply tray configured to accommodate the print medium therein, the discharge tray has a most downstream end in the conveyance direction, the cutting unit is configured to cut the print medium at a cutting position in the conveyance direction, a distance between the nip position and the most downstream end of the discharge tray in the conveyance direction is smaller than a sum of a distance between the nip position and the cutting position of the cutting unit in the conveyance direction and a length of the second print medium in the conveyance direction that is cut out from the print medium placed in the sheet supply tray.

5. A print apparatus comprising: a pair of conveyance rollers configured to nip a print medium at a nip position and convey the print medium in a conveyance direction; a cutting unit located downstream of the pair of conveyance rollers in the conveyance direction and configured to cut the print medium conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers; a discharge tray located downstream of the cutting unit in the conveyance direction and below the cutting unit, the discharge tray including a placement surface; and a controller configured to perform: process a: cutting, by the cutting unit, the print medium into a first print medium and a second print medium, and discharging the first print medium cut out from the print medium onto the placement surface of the discharge tray; and process b: conveying, by the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium, and discharging the second print medium above the first print medium that has been placed on the placement surface of the discharge tray, the discharge tray is located such that a distance between the nip position and the placement surface of the discharge tray in a gravitational direction is larger than an amount of deflection of the second print medium nipped by the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium nipped by the pair of conveyance rollers is bent in the gravitational direction from the pair of conveyance rollers by the amount of deflection, the discharge tray has a most downstream end in the conveyance direction, in the conveying of the process b, the controller is configured to control a rotation speed of the pair of conveyance rollers such that a portion of the second print medium conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers protrudes in the conveyance direction further than the most downstream end of the discharge tray in the conveyance direction.

6. A print apparatus comprising: a pair of conveyance rollers configured to nip a print medium at a nip position and convey the print medium in a conveyance direction; a cutting unit located downstream of the pair of conveyance rollers in the conveyance direction and configured to cut the print medium conveyed by the pair of conveyance rollers; an ejection tray located downstream of the cutting unit in the conveyance direction and below the cutting unit, the ejection tray including a placement surface; and a controller configured to: process a: cutting, by the cutting unit, the print medium into a first print medium and a second print medium, and ejecting the first print medium cut out from the print medium onto the placement surface of the ejection tray; and process b: conveying, by the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium, and ejecting the second print medium above the first print medium that has been placed on the placement surface of the ejection tray, the ejection tray is located such that a distance between the nip position and the placement surface of the ejection tray in a gravitational direction is greater than an amount of deflection of the second print medium clamped by the pair of conveyance rollers, the second print medium clamped by the pair of conveyance rollers being bent in the gravitational direction from the pair of conveyance rollers by the amount of deflection, the print apparatus further includes: a sheet supply tray configured to accommodate the print medium therein; and a guide member connected to the ejection tray and configured to guide a head end of the second print medium ejected onto the placement surface of the ejection tray, the guide member having an uppermost stream end in the conveyance direction, the cutting unit is configured to cut the print medium at a cutting position in the conveyance direction, a distance between the nip position and the uppermost stream end of the guide member in the conveyance direction is less than a sum of a distance between the nip position and the cutting position of the cutting unit in the conveyance direction and a length of the second print medium cut out from the print medium placed in the sheet supply tray in the conveyance direction.

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