Printing device

By combining a receiving section, a transport section, a printing section, a cutting section, and a detection section in the printing device, and by utilizing the synergistic effect of the detection section and the control section, the problem of cutting deviation caused by sheet size tolerance and positioning deviation is solved, thereby achieving accurate cutting of the printing medium and miniaturization of the device.

CN116194396BActive Publication Date: 2026-01-02BROTHER KOGYO KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180064447.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-09-30
Filing Date
2021-09-24
Publication Date
2026-01-02
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the printing process, the paper's dimensional tolerance and initial positioning deviation cause deviations in the transport direction after cutting, making it difficult to accurately cut to the desired size.

Method used

It adopts a combined structure of a receiving section, a transport section, a printing section, a cutting section, a first detection section, and a control section. The first detection section detects the front and rear ends of the printing medium, the control section calculates the length of the printing medium, and the printing medium is cut at a set cutting position.

Benefits of technology

It enables accurate cutting of printing media to the desired size and allows for miniaturization of the printing device.

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Abstract

A printing apparatus capable of accurately cutting a printing medium into a desired size is provided. A printing apparatus (1) includes a supply tray (21) that accommodates a paper sheet (P), conveyance rollers (60, 62, 64, 66), a printing section (3) that prints the paper sheet (P), a cutting section (10) that cuts the paper sheet (P), an alignment sensor (120) that detects a leading end and a trailing end of the paper sheet (P), and a control section. A distance (L) in a first conveyance direction (D1) between the alignment sensor (120) and the cutting section (10) is shorter than a length in the first conveyance direction (D1) of the paper sheet (P) that is bisected. The control section calculates the length in the first conveyance direction (D1) of the paper sheet (P) using a detection result of the leading end and the trailing end of the paper sheet (P) by the alignment sensor (120), sets a cutting position at which the paper sheet (P) is bisected, and cuts the paper sheet (P) at the set cutting position by the cutting section (10).
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus that has a cutting section that cuts a sheet of a fixed size that is in a conveyance process for printing. For example, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Literature 1, a structure is formed in which two sheets of A4 size are generated by cutting a sheet of A3 size in half.

[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] Here, in a sheet of a fixed size used for printing, there is a slight difference in size in each sheet due to a size tolerance or the like. For example, in a sheet of A4 size, a size tolerance of about ±2 mm occurs in the length in the conveyance direction. Also, when a sheet is positioned at the start of conveyance to a printing section, the position of the sheet in the conveyance direction sometimes deviates by about ±1 mm. There is a problem that a difference occurs in the length in the conveyance direction of a sheet after cutting due to the difference in size of each sheet and the difference caused by the start-of-conveyance positioning.

[0008] The present application has been achieved in order to solve the above problem, and aims to provide a printing device that can cut a print medium into a desired size.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a printing device of an aspect of the present application includes: a housing section that houses a print medium; a conveyance section that takes out the print medium from the housing section and conveys the print medium in a conveyance direction; a printing section that performs printing on the print medium conveyed by the conveyance section; a cutting section that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveyance section; a first detection section that is provided at an upstream position in the conveyance direction from the cutting section and detects a leading end and a trailing end of the print medium conveyed by the conveyance section; and a control section. The distance in the conveyance direction between the first detection section and the cutting section is shorter than the length in the conveyance direction of each print medium generated by dividing a print medium n times (n is an integer of 2 or more).

[0011] Furthermore, the control unit calculates the length of the printing medium in the transport direction by using the detection results of the front and rear ends of the printing medium by the first detection unit, and sets a cutting position so that the printing medium is divided by the n in the transport direction, and cuts the printing medium by the cutting unit at the set cutting position.

[0012] According to the printing apparatus with the above structure, the length of the printing medium in the transport direction can be calculated by using the detection results of the front and rear ends of the printing medium by the first detection unit. After setting the cutting position of the printing medium, the printing medium is cut at the set cutting position by the cutting unit. Thus, the printing medium can be cut into the desired size for use. In addition, since the distance in the transport direction between the first detection unit and the cutting unit is shorter than the length in the transport direction of each printing medium generated by dividing the printing medium n, miniaturization of the printing apparatus is possible.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus is made capable of cutting printing media into desired sizes for use. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the paper before cutting and the first and second sheets produced after cutting.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process performed by the control unit of the printing apparatus in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The flowchart of the first printing process.

[0021] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 The flowchart of the control process for the second printing process.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the first printing process performed by the control unit of the printing apparatus in Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of the attachment / detachment detection processing by the control section of the printing device of Embodiment 3.

[0024] Figure 10 is a sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing device of Embodiment 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] [Embodiment 1]

[0026] Hereinafter, the printing device 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present application will be described with reference to Figures 1-7

[0027] [Structure of printing device]

[0028] Figure 1 is a view showing the appearance of the printing device 1 of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing device 1. Figure 1 The printing device 1 shown in Figure 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) provided with a plurality of functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, a facsimile function, and the like. Note that, for convenience of explanation, as shown by arrows in

[0029] The printing device 1 has a printing function of the inkjet type that prints a paper sheet P as an example of a print medium with print data designated by a print job, for example, by ejecting ink. The image printed on the paper sheet P can be capable of color printing, or can be dedicated to monochrome printing. In addition, the print medium is not limited to a paper medium, and can be a resin medium such as an OHP sheet, in addition to the paper medium.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1 , an opening 20 is formed in the front surface of the printing device 1. In the opening 20, supply trays 21, 22, and a discharge tray 23 as examples of housing sections are arranged in a detachable manner. The supply trays 21, 22 are trays for housing a plurality of paper sheets P, and the upper surfaces thereof are open. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the two supply trays 21, 22 are arranged in a vertical arrangement. In the supply tray 21 on the upper side, A4-size paper sheets P are housed as an example of a first print medium. On the other hand, in the supply tray 22 on the lower side, letter-size paper sheets P are housed as an example of a second print medium.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2 ​As shown, a discharge tray 23 is disposed above the supply tray 21. The discharge tray 23 is a tray for housing the paper P, the first paper P1, and the second paper P2 discharged by the convey rollers 66, and the upper surface is open. Note that, in the example shown, the illustration of the supply tray 22 is omitted for convenience of explanation. Figure 2

[0032] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the print apparatus 1 is provided with a supply tray 21 and a supply tray 22. The supply tray 21 is a tray for housing the paper P, and the upper surface is open. The supply tray 22 is a tray for housing the first paper P1 and the second paper P2, and the upper surface is open. Note that, in the example shown, the illustration of the supply tray 22 is omitted for convenience of explanation. Figure 1 As shown, a setting section 124 having a display screen is provided on the front surface of the print apparatus 1. The setting section 124 is constituted by, for example, a touch panel, and becomes a structure in which various settings related to printing of the print apparatus 1 can be performed by a touch operation of a user. The setting section 124 accepts settings of the size of the paper P and whether or not to perform the cutting process. Information set by the setting section 124 is output to the control section 100 (refer to FIG. 1). Figure 3

[0033] As shown, the print apparatus 1 is provided with a supply roller 24, a first convey path R1, convey rollers 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, a first baffle 46, a second baffle 48, a second convey path R2, and a cutting section 10. Here, the supply roller 24, the convey rollers 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 are one example of a convey section. Note that, the number of rollers provided to the first convey path R1 and the second convey path R2 can be appropriately changed, and, for example, the convey roller 66 can not be provided. Figure 2

[0034] The supply roller 24 is a roller for supplying the paper P housed in the supply tray 21, 22 to a convey start position V of the first convey path R1. The supply roller 24 is rotatably supported to a front end portion of a supply arm 25. The supply arm 25 is turnably supported to a shaft 26, and the shaft 26 is supported to a frame of the print apparatus 1. The supply roller 24 is driven to rotate in the forward direction by a supply motor 107 (refer to FIG. 1). By the supply roller 24 rotating in the forward direction, the paper P housed in the supply tray 21 is supplied to the convey start position V of the first convey path R1 one sheet by one sheet. Figure 3

[0035] The first convey path R1 is a path extending upward from a rear end portion of the supply tray 21, bending in a region partitioned by the guide members 41, 42, passing through a position of the print section 3, extending linearly in a region partitioned by the guide members 43, 44, 45, and reaching the discharge tray 23. The first convey direction D1 is one example of a convey direction.

[0036] A convey roller 60 is disposed in the first convey path R1 on an upstream side of the print section 3 in the first convey direction D1. A pinch roller 61 is disposed in a position facing a lower portion of the convey roller 60. The convey roller 60 is driven to rotate in the forward direction by a convey motor 108 (refer to FIG. 1). By the convey roller 60 rotating in the forward direction, the paper P supplied to the convey start position V is conveyed to the print section 3. Figure 3 ​​​​The conveyor motor 108 shown drives the paper. The clamping roller 61 rotates in tandem with the rotation of the conveyor roller 60. As the conveyor roller 60 and the clamping roller 61 rotate forward, the paper P is clamped by the conveyor roller 60 and the clamping roller 61 and transported to the printing unit 3.

[0037] The printing unit 3 is disposed between the transport rollers 60 and 62 in the first transport path R1, and prints on the paper P. The printing unit 3 has a carriage 31, a head 32, nozzles 33, and a platform 34. The head 32 is mounted on the carriage 31. A plurality of nozzles 33 are provided on the lower surface of the head 32. The head 32 ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 33. The platform 34 is a rectangular plate-shaped component that holds the paper P. By selectively ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles 33 onto the paper P supported on the platform 34 during the movement of the carriage 31, the paper P is printed.

[0038] Carriage 31 accepts Figure 3 The drive force of the carriage motor 109 shown is transmitted and the paper moves back and forth in a direction orthogonal to the first transport direction D1, i.e., the width direction of the paper P. The control unit 100 prints onto the paper P by repeatedly performing printing and line feed processes. The printing process is a process in which ink is ejected from the nozzle 33 while the transport of the paper P is stopped, and ink is printed onto the paper P by moving the carriage 31 in the width direction of the paper P. The line feed process is a process in which the transport rollers 60 and 62 are driven to transport the paper P by a predetermined number of line feeds.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, a transport roller 62 is disposed in the first transport path R1 downstream of the printing section 3 in the first transport direction D1. A toothed roller 63 is disposed opposite to the upper part of the transport roller 62. The transport roller 62 is composed of... Figure 3 The conveyor motor 108 shown drives the paper. The toothed roller 63 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the conveyor roller 62. As the conveyor roller 62 and the toothed roller 63 rotate forward, the paper P is held by the conveyor roller 62 and the toothed roller 63 and is conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction D1.

[0040] Additionally, a transport roller 64 is disposed downstream of the transport roller 62 in the first transport direction D1 within the first transport path R1. A toothed roller 65 is disposed opposite the upper part of the transport roller 64. The transport roller 64 is driven by a transport motor 108. The toothed roller 65 rotates in tandem with the rotation of the transport roller 64. When the transport roller 64 and toothed roller 65 rotate in the forward direction, the paper P is held by the transport roller 64 and toothed roller 65 and transported toward the cutting section 10. On the other hand, when the transport roller 64 and toothed roller 65 rotate in the reverse direction, the paper P is held by the transport roller 64 and toothed roller 65 and transported along the lower surface of the first baffle 46 toward the second transport path R2.

[0041] A first baffle 46 is provided between the convey rollers 62 and 64 in the first convey path Rl. The first baffle 46 is disposed in the vicinity of the branch position Y opposite the guide member 43. The first baffle 46 is rotatably supported by the table 34 between a first state and a second state. In the first state shown by a solid line in Figure 2 , the first baffle 46 abuts against the guide member 43 to block the first convey path Rl. On the other hand, in the second state shown by a broken line in Figure 2 , the first baffle 46 is located at a lower position than the first state, and is separated from the guide member 43 to allow the paper P conveyed in the first convey direction Dl to pass therethrough.

[0042] In addition, the first baffle 46 is upwardly urged by a coil spring 47. One end of the coil spring 47 is connected to the first baffle 46, and the other end is connected to the table 34. The first baffle 46 is brought into the first state by the urging force of the coil spring 47, and the leading end thereof abuts against the guide member 43.

[0043] The cutting section 10 is disposed between the convey rollers 64 and 66 in the first convey path Rl. The cutting section 10 is a known cutter mechanism. The cutting section 10 divides the paper P into two equal parts (n is an integer of 2 or more) by cutting the paper P.

[0044] Figure 4 is a view showing the paper P before cutting and the first paper PI and the second paper P2 generated after cutting. In the example shown in Figure 4 , the paper P is divided into two equal parts by cutting by the cutting section 10, and is divided into the first paper PI and the second paper P2. For example, in the case where the paper P is of A4 size, the first paper PI and the second paper P2 of A5 size are generated. Note that in the first convey path Rl, the first paper PI is conveyed first compared to the second paper P2.

[0045] A convey roller 66 is disposed at a downstream side in the first convey direction Dl of the cutting section 10 in the first convey path Rl. A toothed roller 67 is disposed at a position opposite the upper portion of the convey roller 66. The convey roller 66 is driven by a convey motor 108 shown in Figure 3 . The toothed roller 67 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the convey roller 66. By the forward rotation of the convey roller 66 and the toothed roller 67, the paper P, the first paper PI and the second paper P2 are conveyed by the convey roller 66, and are discharged to the discharge tray 23.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2 , a second baffle 48 is disposed in a rotatable manner at a merging position W of the first convey path Rl and the second convey path R2. Specifically, the second baffle 48 is rotatable between a first state shown by a solid line in Figure 2 and a second state shown by a broken line in Figure 2between the first state and the second state shown by the broken line. When the second shutter 48 is in the first state, a portion of the second conveyance path R2 is constituted by the second shutter 48 and the guide member 42. Also, when the second shutter 48 is in the second state, a portion of the first conveyance path Rl is constituted by the second shutter 48 and the guide member 41.

[0047] An alignment sensor 120, which is an example of a first detection unit, is provided on the upstream side of the conveyance roller 60 in the first conveyance path Rl. The alignment sensor 120 is a sensor that detects when the leading end or the trailing end of the paper sheet P passes the abutment position that abuts against the conveyance roller 60. As the alignment sensor 120, a sensor having an actuator that swings by the abutment of the paper sheet P, an optical sensor, or the like can be used.

[0048] Figure 2 The distance L in the first conveyance direction Dl between the alignment sensor 120 and the certain position X of the cutting unit 10 is shorter than the lengths Al, A2 in the conveyance direction of the first paper sheet Pl and the second paper sheet P2 generated by bisecting the A4-size paper sheet P. Also, the distance L in the first conveyance direction Dl between the alignment sensor 120 and the certain position X of the cutting unit 10 is longer than the lengths Al, A2 in the conveyance direction of the first paper sheet Pl and the second paper sheet P2 generated by bisecting the letter-size paper sheet P.

[0049] 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 unit 100 in accordance with the rotation of the conveyance roller 60 (refer to FIG. 6). Figure 3 The rotation encoder 121 has an encoder disk and an optical sensor. The encoder disk rotates together with the rotation of the conveyance roller 60. The optical sensor reads the rotating encoder disk and generates a pulse signal, which is output to the control unit 100.

[0050] A medium sensor 122 is provided on the printing unit 3. The medium sensor 122 is a sensor that detects whether or not a paper sheet P is present on the platen 34. The medium sensor 122 is used to detect that the leading end of the paper sheet P conveyed in the first conveyance path Rl has reached the printing unit 3.

[0051] The second conveyance path R2 is a path that is demarcated by guide members 71, 72, 73, and conveyance rollers 68 and pinch rollers 69. The second conveyance path R2 branches from a branch position Y in the first conveyance path Rl on the upstream side of the conveyance roller 64, and is connected to a merge position W in the first conveyance path Rl on the upstream side of the printing unit 3 in the first conveyance direction Dl. Thus, it is possible to print both sides of the paper sheet P using the printing unit 3.

[0052] [Electrical configuration of the printing device]

[0053] Figure 3is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the printing device 1 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3 The printing device 1 has, in addition to the above-described parts, a control section 100, a feeding motor 107, a conveying motor 108, a carriage motor 109, a USB interface (I / F) 110, a LAN interface (I / F) 111, and a communication interface (I / F) 112.

[0054] 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) as an example of a storage section, and an ASIC 105, which are connected by an internal bus 106. The ROM 102 stores, for example, a program for controlling various actions by the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing data, signals, and the like used when the CPU 101 executes the above-described program, or a job area for data processing. The EEPROM 104 stores, for example, a standard length related to a plurality of paper sheets P. The control section 100 controls the feeding motor 107, the conveying motor 108, the carriage motor 109, the head 32, the cutting section 10, and the like based on a control program read from the ROM 102.

[0055] The ASIC 105 is connected to the feeding motor 107, the conveying motor 108, the carriage motor 109, the head 32, the cutting section 10, the USB interface 110, the LAN interface 111, the communication interface 112, the alignment sensor 120, the rotary encoder 121, the medium sensor 122, a mounting sensor 123 as an example of a second detection section, and a setting section 124. 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.

[0056] In addition, the control section 100 causes ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzle 33 by applying a driving voltage to the vibration element of the head 32. In addition, the alignment sensor 120, the rotary encoder 121, the medium sensor 122, and the mounting sensor 123 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 alignment sensor 120, the rotary encoder 121, the medium sensor 122, and the mounting sensor 123.

[0057] The alignment sensor 120 outputs an ON signal in a state where the paper P is passing through the position of the alignment sensor 120, and outputs an OFF signal in a state where the paper P is not passing through the position of the alignment sensor 120.

[0058] That is, the alignment sensor 120 outputs an ON signal during a period from when the leading end of the paper P reaches the position of the alignment sensor 120 to when the trailing end of the paper P passes through the position of the alignment sensor 120, and outputs an OFF signal during a period other than the above. The detection signal of the alignment sensor 120 is output to the control section 100.

[0059] The control section 100 calculates the length A of the paper P in the first conveyance direction Dl based on the conveyance amount of the paper P detected by the rotary encoder 121 during a period from when the leading end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120 to when the trailing end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120.

[0060] Note that, in a case where the conveyance speed of the paper P is predetermined, the control section 100 can also calculate the conveyance amount of the paper P based on the time from when the leading end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120 to when the trailing end of the paper P is detected and the conveyance speed of the paper P. In addition, instead of the alignment sensor 120, the conveyance amount of the paper P can also be estimated by using the medium sensor 122 as the first detection section, and the alignment sensor 120 and the medium sensor 122 can also be used in combination.

[0061] The installation sensor 123 is provided at each of the respective supply trays 21, 22, and detects whether or not each of the supply trays 21, 22 is installed in the printing device 1. The installation sensor 123 outputs an ON signal to the control section 100 in a state where each of the supply trays 21, 22 is installed in the printing device 1, and outputs an OFF signal to the control section 100 in a state where each of the supply trays 21, 22 is not installed in the printing device 1.

[0062] The USB interface 110 is connected to a USB memory, a USB cable, or the like. The LAN interface 111 is connected to a PC via a LAN cable. The control section 100, if a print job is received via the USB interface 110 or the LAN interface 111, prints the print data designated by the print job to the paper P by controlling each part of the printing device 1.

[0063] [Flow of control by control section]

[0064] Next, the flow of control by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figures 5-7 Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing Figure 5 ​a flowchart of a flow of control of the first print processing S3. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing Figure 5 a flow of control of the second print processing S4. Note that Figures 5-7 the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and is not limited thereto.

[0065] In Figure 5 the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, if the power of the printing device 1 is turned on, the control section 100 first determines whether a print job is received via the USB interface 110 or the LAN interface 111 or the like (S1). The control section 100 returns to S1 in a case where no print job is received (S1: No), and proceeds to S2 in a case where a print job is received (S1: Yes). Note that it is assumed that whether the paper Pn or the like is divided into n (n is an integer of 2 or more) is set in advance by the user operating the setting section 124. Hereinafter, a case where the setting of dividing the paper P into two is being performed will be described.

[0066] Next, the control section 100 performs a determination as to whether the size of the paper P designated by the print job is equal to or smaller than a prescribed size (S2). The prescribed size is, for example, a letter size. The control section 100 performs the first print processing (S3) shown in FIG. 7 in a case where the size of the paper P is not equal to or smaller than the prescribed size (S2: No), that is, in a case where the size of the paper P is equal to or larger than an A4 size. On the other hand, the control section 100 performs the second print processing (S4) shown in FIG. 8 in a case where the size of the paper P is equal to or smaller than the prescribed size (S2: Yes), that is, in a case where the size of the paper P is equal to or smaller than a letter size. Figure 6 Figure 7

[0067] In Figure 6 the first print processing S3, the control section 100 acquires the length A in the conveyance direction of the paper P stored in the EEPROM 104 (S11). For example, in a case where the size of the paper P is an A4 size, the control section 100 acquires the length of a standard specification of the A4 size, that is, 297 mm, from the EEPROM 104.

[0068] Then, the control section 100 sets the cut position CL of the paper P (S12). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in a case where the paper P is divided into two, the positions of Al = A2 = 148.5 mm after the A = 297 mm is divided into two become the cut position CL of the paper P. Figure 4

[0069] ​​​Next, the control section 100 drives the feeding motor 107 to rotate the feeding roller 24 in the forward direction, thereby taking out the paper P from the feeding tray 21 and conveying the paper P in the first conveying direction Dl in the first conveying path Rl. Then, the control section 100 determines whether the leading end of the paper P is detected using the detection result of the alignment sensor 120 (S13). The control section 100 returns to S13 if the leading end of the paper P is not detected (S13: No), and proceeds to S14 if the leading end of the paper P is detected (S13: Yes).

[0070] Here, if the leading end of the paper P reaches the conveying roller 60, the control section 100 drives the conveying motor 108 to rotate the conveying rollers 60, 62, 64, and 66, thereby conveying the leading end side of the paper P to the printing section 3. Then, the control section 100 starts printing on the paper P conveyed to the printing section 3 using the printing section 3.

[0071] Next, the control section 100 determines whether the cutting position CL of the paper P reaches a certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S14). Specifically, the control section 100 determines that the cutting position CL of the paper P reaches the position X when the amount of conveyance of the paper P detected by the rotary encoder 121 reaches a length L+A1 obtained by adding the length Al of the first paper Pl in the conveying direction and the distance L in the first conveying direction Dl between the alignment sensor 120 and the certain position X of the cutting section 10, after the alignment sensor 120 detects the leading end of the paper P. The control section 100 returns to S14 if the cutting position CL of the paper P does not reach the certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S14: No), and proceeds to S15 if the cutting position CL of the paper P reaches the certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S14: Yes).

[0072] In S15, the control section 100 cuts the paper P at the cutting position CL set in S12 by controlling the cutting section 10. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, the paper P is bisected into the first paper Pl and the second paper P2. Here, the printing on the first paper Pl by the printing section 3 is completed before the paper P is bisected into the first paper Pl and the second paper P2. Figure 4

[0073] Next, the control section 100 determines whether the trailing end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120 (S16). The control section 100 returns to S16 if the trailing end of the paper P is not detected by the alignment sensor 120 (S16: No), and proceeds to S17 if the trailing end of the paper P is detected (S16: Yes).

[0074] ​In S17, the control section 100 calculates the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P. Specifically, the control section 100 calculates the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P based on the conveyance amount of the paper P detected by the rotary encoder 121 during the period from when the leading end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120 to when the trailing end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120.

[0075] After S17, the control section 100 updates the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P stored in the EEPROM 104 as the storage section to the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P calculated in S17 (S18). For example, in the case where the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P calculated in S17 is 299 mm, 299 mm is stored in the EEPROM 104 as the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P.

[0076] Here, in the case where a plurality of supply trays 21 are provided, the control section 100 calculates the length A in the conveyance direction of the paper P for each of the plurality of supply trays 21. Also, the control section 100 stores the length A in the conveyance direction corresponding to the paper P housed in each supply tray 21 in the EEPROM 104 for each of the plurality of supply trays 21.

[0077] Next, the control section 100 determines whether there is a next page in the print job (S19). The control section 100 ends the printing by the printing section 3 on the second paper P2 and discharges the first paper Pl and the second paper P2 to the discharge tray 23 in the case where there is no next page (S19: No). On the other hand, the control section 100 ends the printing by the printing section 3 on the second paper P2 and, after discharging the first paper Pl and the second paper P2 to the discharge tray 23, returns to SIl in the case where there is a next page (S19: Yes).

[0078] Then, the control section 100 acquires the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P updated by S18 from the EEPROM 104 in SIl. In this case, the control section 100 acquires 299 mm as the length A in the first conveyance direction Dl of the paper P, and sets the cut position CL of the paper P to a position where Al = A2 = 149.5 mm (S12). After that, the same processing as S13 to S19 described above is performed.

[0079] That is, each time the paper P is taken out from the supply trays 21, 22, the length A in the conveyance direction of each paper P is calculated (S17), and the cut position CL is set in such a manner that the paper P taken out next from the supply trays 21, 22 is divided in two in the conveyance direction by using the calculated length A in the conveyance direction of each paper P.

[0080] Next, the second print processing S4 will be described with reference to Figure 7 Figure 7 In the second print processing S4 shown in FIG. 6, the control section 100 drives the feeding motor 107 to rotate the feeding roller 24 in the forward direction, thereby taking out the paper P from the feeding tray 22 and conveying the paper P in the first conveying direction Dl in the first conveying path Rl. In this case, the paper P is letter size.

[0081] Then, the control section 100 determines whether or not the leading end of the paper P is detected using the detection result of the alignment sensor 120 (S31). The control section 100 returns to S31 if the leading end of the paper P is not detected (S31: No), and proceeds to S32 if the leading end of the paper P is detected (S31: Yes).

[0082] Here, if the leading end of the paper P reaches the conveying roller 60, the control section 100 drives the conveying motor 108 to rotate the conveying rollers 60, 62, 64, and 66, thereby conveying the leading end side of the paper P to the printing section 3. Then, the control section 100 starts printing on the paper P conveyed to the printing section 3 using the printing section 3.

[0083] Next, the control section 100 determines whether or not the trailing end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120 (S32). The control section 100 returns to S32 if the trailing end of the paper P is not detected by the alignment sensor 120 (S32: No), and calculates the length A of the paper P in the first conveying direction Dl (S33) if the trailing end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120 (S32: Yes), similarly to S17.

[0084] Then, the control section 100 sets the cutting position CL of the paper P based on the length A of the paper P in the first conveying direction Dl calculated in S33 (S34). After S34, the control section 100 determines whether or not the cutting position CL of the paper P reaches a certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S35). Specifically, the control section 100 determines that the cutting position CL of the paper P reaches the position X when the amount of conveyance of the paper P detected by the rotation encoder 121 reaches a length L-A2 obtained by subtracting the length A2 of the second paper P2 in the first conveying direction Dl from the above distance L after the trailing end of the paper P is detected by the alignment sensor 120.

[0085] ​The control section 100 returns to S35 in the case where the paper P has not reached the certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S35: No), and cuts the paper P at the cutting position CL in the case where the paper P has reached the certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S35: Yes) (S36). Here, in the case where the paper P of the letter size is cut, the first paper PI and the second paper P2 have the first transport direction Dl length Al = A2 < distance L. Thus, by calculating the length of the paper P in the transport direction of the cutting target in S33 and directly using the calculation result, the cutting position CL of the paper P can be set in S34, and the paper P can be cut at the cutting position CL in S36.

[0086] After S36, the control section 100 determines whether there is a next page (S37). The control section 100 ends the printing by the printing section 3 on the second paper P2 and discharges the first paper PI and the second paper P2 to the discharge tray 23 in the case where there is no next page (S37: No). On the other hand, the control section 100 ends the printing by the printing section 3 on the second paper P2 and returns to S31 after discharging the first paper PI and the second paper P2 to the discharge tray 23 in the case where there is a next page (S37: Yes), and thereafter, the same processing as S32 to S37 described above is performed.

[0087] According to the printing device of Embodiment 1 described above, the length Al of the paper P in the first transport direction Dl can be calculated by using the detection results of the leading end and the trailing end of the paper P by the alignment sensor 120, and the paper P can be cut at the cutting position CL of the paper P set after the cutting position CL is set by the cutting section 10. Thus, the paper P can be cut into a desired size and used.

[0088] In addition, the distance L in the first transport direction Dl between the alignment sensor 120 and the cutting section 10 is shorter than the length Al, A2 of each of the first paper PI and the second paper P2 in the first transport direction Dl generated by dividing the paper P into two equal parts. Thus, the printing device 1 can be downsized.

[0089] In addition, the control section 100 does not transport the paper P in the second transport direction D2 in the second transport path R2 at the time of printing of the first paper PI, and sets the cutting position CL of the paper P by using the length of the standard size stored in the EEPROM 104. Thus, the cutting of the first paper PI can be performed quickly.

[0090] Further, the control section 100 calculates the length A in the first conveying direction Dl of each sheet P each time the sheet P is taken out from the supply tray 21, 22, and sets the cutting position CL of the sheet P taken out from the supply tray 21, 22 after the sheet P whose length A in the first conveying direction Dl is calculated, by using the calculated length A in the first conveying direction Dl of each sheet P. By thus setting the cutting position CL of the sheet P each time using the calculation result of the sheet P conveyed immediately before, it is possible to prevent a decrease in cutting accuracy.

[0091] Further, in the case where a plurality of supply trays 21 are provided, the cutting position CL of the sheet P is set using the calculation result of the length A in the conveying direction of the sheet P corresponding to each supply tray 21. Thereby, it is possible to cut each sheet P into a desired size according to the kind of the sheet P housed in each of the plurality of supply trays 21.

[0092] Further, in the case where the size of the sheet P is a letter size (S2: YES), in the second printing process S4 shown in Fig. 6, the cutting position CL of each sheet P is set by calculating the length A in the conveying direction of each of the plurality of sheets P taken out from the supply tray 22. Thereby, it is possible to accurately cut the plurality of sheets P of the letter size at the desired cutting position CL. Figure 7

[0093] Note that, in the first printing process S3 of the above-described embodiment 1, as for printing after the second sheet, S17 and S18 can be omitted. That is, it can be that, in the printing of the first sheet, the specification length stored in advance in the EEPROM 104 is used, and on the other hand, in the printing after the second sheet, the calculated length A in the conveying direction of the first sheet P is continuously used. In this case, since it is not necessary to calculate the length A in the conveying direction of each sheet P, it is possible to quickly cut the sheets P after the second sheet.

[0094] [Embodiment 2]

[0095] Next, the flow of control performed by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 of the embodiment 2 of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 8 [Control Action of Control Section]

[0096]

[0097] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of control performed by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 of the embodiment 2. In the embodiment 2, the control section 100 performs the control shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7. Figure 5 ​​The flow of control of the first print processing S3 shown is different from that of Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the flow of control of the first print processing S3A of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 8 In Embodiment 2, the following points are different from Embodiment 1: the length A in the conveyance direction of all the sheets P including the first sheet taken out from the supply tray 21 is calculated by conveying the sheets P in the second conveyance direction D2 in the second conveyance path R2. Note that, in Embodiment 2, for the sake of convenience of description, a case where only the surface of the sheets P is printed is described.

[0098] As shown in Figure 8 First, the control section 100 determines whether or not the leading end of the sheet P taken out from the supply tray 21 is detected by using the detection result of the alignment sensor 120 (S41). The control section 100 returns to S41 in the case where the leading end of the sheet P is not detected (S41: No), and determines whether or not the trailing end of the sheet P is detected in the case where the leading end of the sheet P is detected (S41: Yes).

[0099] Next, the control section 100 returns to S42 in the case where the trailing end of the sheet P is not detected (S42: No), and calculates the length A in the conveyance direction of the sheet P (S43) in the case where the trailing end of the sheet P is detected (S42: Yes) in the same manner as S17 of Figure 6

[0100] Next, in S44, the control section 100 sets the cutting position CL of the sheet P by using the length A in the conveyance direction of the sheet P calculated in S43. Specifically, the control section 100 sets the cutting position CL of the sheet P in such a manner that the sheet P is divided into two equal parts in the conveyance direction.

[0101] Next, in S45, the control section 100 conveys the sheet P of which the length A in the conveyance direction is calculated in the second conveyance path R2 in the second conveyance direction D2 opposite to the first conveyance direction D1 by reversing the conveyance rollers 64, 66 shown in Figure 2

[0102] Next, the control section 100 conveys the sheet P in the first conveyance path R1 along the first conveyance direction D1 after the surface and back of the sheet P are reversed by conveying the sheet P in the second conveyance path R2 from the merging position W to the first conveyance path R1. Note that, here, the back of the sheet P conveyed to the print section 3 can also be printed by the print section 3.

[0103] ​​Then, the control section 100 determines whether the cutting position CL of the paper P has reached a certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S46). Specifically, the control section 100 determines that the cutting position CL of the paper P has reached the position X when the alignment sensor 120 detects the leading end of the paper P and the paper P transport amount detected by the rotary encoder 121 reaches a length L+A1 obtained by adding the length Al in the paper P transport direction from the leading end of the paper P to the cutting position CL to the distance L. In a case where the cutting position CL of the paper P has not reached the certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S46: No), the process returns to S46, and in a case where the cutting position CL of the paper P has reached the certain position X of the cutting section 10 (S46: Yes), the paper P is cut at the cutting position CL (S47).

[0104] After S47, the control section 100 performs a determination as to whether there is a next page in the print job (S48). The control section 100 ends the first print processing S3A and discharges the first paper PI and the second paper P2 to the discharge tray 23 in a case where there is no next page (S48: No). On the other hand, in a case where there is a next page (S48: Yes), the process returns to S41 after the first paper PI and the second paper P2 are discharged to the discharge tray 23.

[0105] In the print apparatus 1 of Embodiment 2 described above as well, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained. In particular, in a case of continuous printing on a plurality of papers P, the length Al in the paper P transport direction is calculated for each paper P (S43), and the cutting position CL of each paper P is set using the calculated length Al in the paper P transport direction (S44). Thus, in the continuous printing on a plurality of papers P, by calculating the length Al in the paper P transport direction each time, it is possible to accurately cut all the papers P at the desired cutting position CL.

[0106] In addition, since the plurality of papers P are transported in the second transport direction D2 in the second transport path R2 in S45, it is possible to unify the orientations of the images printed on the respective papers P. In addition, it is possible to accurately cut each paper P at the desired cutting position CL after performing double-sided printing on the plurality of papers P.

[0107] Note that, in Embodiment 2, the length Al in the paper P transport direction is calculated for each of the plurality of papers P (S43), and the cutting position CL of each paper P is set (S44), but this is not limiting. For example, after the length Al in the paper P transport direction of the first paper P is calculated (S43), the calculated length Al in the paper P transport direction of the first paper P can be used continuously in printing from the second paper onward. In this case, since it is not necessary to calculate the length Al in the paper P transport direction of the papers P from the second onward, it is possible to quickly cut the papers P from the second onward.

[0108] [Embodiment 3]

[0109] Next, the flow of control performed by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 of Embodiment 3 of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 9 . Note that, for ease of description, regarding components having the same functions as those described in Embodiment 1 described above, the same reference numerals are attached, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0110] [Control Action of Control Section]

[0111] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the attachment / detachment detection process performed by the control section 100 of the printing device 1 of Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the following points are different from Embodiment 1: it is assumed that the attachment / detachment of the supply trays 21, 22 and the collection of a new bundle of paper P into the supply trays 21, 22 are performed in the process of the first printing process S3 of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 6 , and the attachment / detachment detection process shown in Figure 9 is continuously performed.

[0112] In the attachment / detachment detection process shown in Figure 9 , if the power of the printing device 1 is turned on, the control section 100 performs determination as to whether the attachment / detachment of either of the supply trays 21, 22 has occurred. Specifically, based on the detection result of the installation sensor 123, it is continuously detected whether the supply trays 21, 22 are installed in the printing device 1.

[0113] The control section 100, in a case where the attachment / detachment of either of the supply trays 21, 22 has occurred (S61: YES), restores the length A in the conveyance direction of the paper P stored in the EEPROM 104 to the standard length (S62). Thereby, the length in the conveyance direction of the paper P, which is acquired in S11, is initialized to the standard length. Figure 6

[0114] On the other hand, in a case where there is no attachment / detachment of the supply trays 21, 22 (S61: NO), the control section 100 returns to S61. And, until the attachment / detachment of the supply trays 21, 22 is detected, the cutting position CL of the paper P is set in S12 by using the length A in the conveyance direction of the paper P updated in S18 of Figure 6 .

[0115] After the supply trays 21, 22 are installed to the printing device 1, in the attachment / detachment detection process shown in Figure 6 ​In S17, the length A in the conveyance direction of the first paper sheet P conveyed after the supply tray 21, 22 is installed is calculated, and in S12, it is used for the setting of the cut position CL of the second and subsequent paper sheets P. This takes into account that if it is the same bundle of paper sheets P, the error in the length A in the conveyance direction of the paper sheets P is small.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment 3, in a case where the attachment and detachment of the supply tray 21, 22 has occurred (S61: YES), by using the length in the conveyance direction of the first paper sheet P conveyed after the supply tray 21, 22 is installed for the setting of the cut position CL of the second and subsequent paper sheets P, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the cut precision. In addition, since it is not necessary to calculate the length A in the conveyance direction of the plurality of paper sheets P respectively, it is possible to reduce the time required for the print processing.

[0117] In addition, in a case where the attachment and detachment of the supply tray 21, 22 has occurred (S61: YES), it is considered that the bundle of paper sheets P has been replaced by the user, and the conveyance direction length A of the paper sheets P stored in the EEPROM 104 is restored to the standard length (S62). Thereby, it is possible to reduce the influence of the dimensional error of the paper sheets P that occurs in association with a change in the manufacturer of the paper sheets P or the like.

[0118] Note that, in the embodiment 3, the processing shown in Figure 9 is introduced to the first print processing S3 of the embodiment 1, but is not limited thereto. It is also possible to introduce the processing shown in Figure 9 to the first print processing S3A of the embodiment 2.

[0119] [Embodiment 4]

[0120] Next, the print apparatus 1A of the embodiment 4 of the present application will be described with reference to Figure 10 . Note that, for the convenience of explanation, regarding the members having the same function as the members described in the above-described embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are attached, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0121] [Structure of print apparatus]

[0122] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the print apparatus 1A of the embodiment 4. As Figure 10 indicated in the embodiment 4, the print apparatus 1A differs from the print apparatus 1 of the embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2 in that the second conveyance path R2 is not provided.

[0123] As Figure 10As shown, the printing device 1A is provided with the feeding trays 21, 22, the discharge tray 23, the feeding roller 24, the first conveyance path Rl, the conveyance rollers 60 and pinch rollers 61, the printing section 3, the conveyance rollers 62 and toothed rollers 63, the conveyance rollers 64 and toothed rollers 65, and the cutting section 10. Note that, in Figure 10 , the illustration of the feeding tray 22 is omitted.

[0124] The distance L between the alignment sensor 120 and the cutting section 10 is shorter than the length of a paper sheet P of A4 size divided into two equal parts, and shorter than the length of a paper sheet P of letter size divided into two equal parts.

[0125] [Flow of control by the control section]

[0126] Next, the flow of control by the control section 100 of the printing device 1A of Embodiment 4 will be described. In Embodiment 4, the control of the control section 100 is basically performed similarly to Embodiment 2. That is, the first printing process S3A and Figure 8 the second printing process S4 shown in Embodiment 2 are performed. Hereinafter, only the points different from the first printing process S3A and the second printing process S4 of Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 7

[0127] In Embodiment 4, in S45 of Figure 8 , the conveyance rollers 64, 66 are reversed, as shown in Figure 10 , to turn the paper sheet P in the first conveyance path Rl in the opposite direction of the first conveyance direction Dl, i.e., the second conveyance direction D2. Also, after the paper sheet P is cut at the cutting position CL in S47, the paper sheet P is conveyed again in the first conveyance path Rl in the first conveyance direction Dl, and the printed first paper sheet Pl and second paper sheet P2 are discharged to the discharge tray 23.

[0128] In addition, in Embodiment 4, in the first printing process S3A of Figure 8 , after the length A in the conveyance direction of the first paper sheet P is calculated in S43, the cutting position CL of the paper sheet P is set in S44 for the paper sheets P after the second paper sheet by using the calculation result of S43 of the first paper sheet. That is, as for the second and subsequent paper sheets, the process of S43 is omitted.

[0129] In the printing device 1A of Embodiment 4 described above, the same effects as Embodiment 2 can be obtained. In particular, in S45, the paper sheet P is conveyed in the first conveyance path Rl in the second conveyance direction D2, so it is not necessary to provide the second conveyance path R2 as in the printing device 1 of Embodiment 2. Thus, the paper sheet P can be cut into a desired size and used with a simple structure.

[0130] In addition, in Embodiment 4, in the first printing process S3A of​Figure 8 After the length A in the conveyance direction of the first sheet P is calculated in S43, for the second and subsequent sheets P, the cut position CL of the sheet P is set in S44 using the calculation result of S43 of the first sheet. Thus, when printing is performed continuously, a plurality of sheets P can be cut quickly and accurately.

[0131] [Other Embodiments]

[0132] The printing device 1 of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4 is a serial type inkjet printer, but is not limited thereto, and can be a line type inkjet printer, for example. In addition, the printing method is not limited to the inkjet method, and can be an electrophotographic method.

[0133] In addition, in Embodiments 1 to 4, a case where the sheet P is divided into two equal parts is described, but is not limited thereto, and the sheet P can be divided into three equal parts, for example, and the cut position CL of the sheet P can be changed appropriately according to the size of the print data. In addition, in Embodiment 1, a case where the sheet P is divided accurately into two equal parts is described, but is not limited thereto. With respect to "two equal parts", a prescribed allowable range is included. For example, in a case where an A4 size sheet P having a length A of 297 mm in the conveyance direction is divided into two equal parts, the lengths Al, A2 of the first sheet PI and the second sheet P2 in the conveyance direction generated are allowed to have an error of about ±0.5 mm with respect to the length in the conveyance direction after being divided accurately into two equal parts, i.e., 148.5 mm.

[0134] In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, the cutting unit 10 is a cutter mechanism, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cutting unit 10 can be a mechanism that forms a perforation line at the cut position CL of the sheet P. In addition, the cutting unit 10 is provided at a position downstream of the printing unit 3 in the first conveyance path Rl, but is not limited thereto, and the cutting unit 10 can be provided at a position upstream of the printing unit 3 in the first conveyance path Rl.

[0135] In the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, the control unit 100 is configured to include the CPU 101 and the ASIC 105, but is not limited thereto, and can be configured to include one or more CPUs 101 and one or more hardware circuits such as ASICs 105.

[0136] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and an embodiment obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments is also included in the technical scope of the present application.

[0137] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0138] 1, 1A printing device

[0139] 3 printing section

[0140] 10 cutting section

[0141] 21, 22 supply tray (storage section)

[0142] 24 supply roller (transport section)

[0143] 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 transport roller (transport section)

[0144] 104 EEPROM (storage section)

[0145] 120 alignment sensor (first detection section)

[0146] 122 medium sensor

[0147] 123 installation sensor (second detection section)

[0148] D1 first transport direction

[0149] D2 second transport direction

[0150] R1 first transport path

[0151] R2 second transport path

[0152] S3, S3A first printing process

[0153] S4 second printing process

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized by, Possessing: a housing portion that houses a print medium; a conveying portion that conveys the print medium from the housing portion along a conveying direction; a printing portion that prints the print medium conveyed by the conveying portion; a cutting portion that cuts the print medium conveyed by the conveying portion; a first detecting portion that is provided at an upstream of the conveying direction from the cutting portion and detects a front end and a rear end of the print medium conveyed by the conveying portion; and a control portion, a distance in the conveying direction between the first detecting portion and the cutting portion is shorter than a length in the conveying direction of each of print media generated by dividing a print medium n times, where n is an integer of 2 or more, the control portion calculates the length in the conveying direction of the print medium using a result of detection of the front end and the rear end of the print medium by the first detecting portion, and sets a cutting position in such a manner that the print medium is divided n times in the conveying direction, the control portion cuts the print medium at the set cutting position using the cutting portion.

2. The print apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control portion sets the cutting position in such a manner that a print medium following the print medium for which the length in the conveying direction is calculated is divided n times in the conveying direction using the calculated length in the conveying direction of the print medium.

3. The print apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a storage portion that stores a specification length that follows a specification predetermined with respect to the print medium, the control portion sets the cutting position in such a manner that the print medium for which the length in the conveying direction is calculated is divided n times in the conveying direction using the specification length stored in the storage portion.

4. The print apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control portion does not convey the print medium for which the length in the conveying direction is calculated in a direction opposite to the conveying direction using the conveying portion, and cuts the print medium for which the length in the conveying direction is calculated at the cutting position set using the specification length stored in the storage portion using the cutting portion.

5. The print apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control portion calculates the length in the conveying direction of each print medium each time the print medium is taken out from the housing portion, the control portion sets the cutting position in such a manner that a print medium taken out from the housing portion following each print medium for which the length in the conveying direction is calculated is divided n times in the conveying direction using the calculated length in the conveying direction of each print medium. Further comprising:

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by a storage portion that stores a specification length that follows a specification predetermined with respect to the print medium; and a second detecting portion that detects whether the housing portion is attached to the print apparatus, the storage portion stores the calculated length in the conveying direction of the print medium, the control portion determines that the attachment and detachment of the housing portion has occurred based on a result of detection by the second detecting portion, ​ calculating a length in the conveyance direction of the print medium conveyed by the conveyance section after the housing section is installed, updating the length in the conveyance direction of the print medium stored in the storage section to the length in the conveyance direction of the print medium calculated after the housing section is installed, setting the cut position in such a manner that the print medium following the print medium of which the length in the conveyance direction is calculated after the housing section is installed is divided by n in the conveyance direction by using the updated length in the conveyance direction of the print medium.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the housing section is provided with a plurality of the control section calculates a length in the conveyance direction of the print medium conveyed by the conveyance section for each of the plurality of housing sections, the control section sets the cut position in such a manner that the print medium housed in the same housing section as the print medium of which the length in the conveyance direction is calculated and following the print medium of which the length in the conveyance direction is calculated is divided by n in the conveyance direction by using the length in the conveyance direction of the print medium calculated for each of the plurality of housing sections, the storage section stores the length in the conveyance direction corresponding to the print medium housed in the plurality of housing sections for each of the plurality of housing sections.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control section sets the cut position in such a manner that the print medium of which the length in the conveyance direction is calculated is divided by n in the conveyance direction by using the specification length stored in the storage section in a case where it is determined based on the detection result of the second detection section that the housing section is attached or detached.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section conveys the print medium of which the length in the conveyance direction is calculated in the opposite direction of the conveyance direction by the conveyance section, the control section sets the cut position in such a manner that the print medium conveyed in the opposite direction is divided by n in the conveyance direction by using the calculated length in the conveyance direction of the print medium.

10. The printing device of claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: a first conveyance path for conveying the print medium housed in the housing section to the first detection section, the printing section, and the cutting section in the conveyance direction; and a second conveyance path branching from the first conveyance path at a position downstream of the printing section in the conveyance direction and extending in the opposite direction, and merging into the first conveyance path at a position upstream of the printing section and the cutting section in the conveyance direction, the control section conveys the print medium of which the length in the conveyance direction is calculated in the second conveyance path in the opposite direction by the conveyance section.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The control section transports, using the conveyance section, a subsequent print medium, which is a print medium taken out from the housing section after a print medium whose length in the conveyance direction is calculated, in the second conveyance path in the opposite direction, The control section sets the cut position in such a manner that the subsequent print medium transported in the second conveyance path in the opposite direction is divided by n in the conveyance direction in the first conveyance path.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The control section calculates the length in the conveyance direction of each print medium each time a print medium is taken out from the housing section, and transports, using the conveyance section, each print medium whose length in the conveyance direction is calculated in the opposite direction, The control section sets each cut position for each print medium transported in the opposite direction by using the calculated length in the conveyance direction in such a manner that each print medium transported in the opposite direction is divided by n in the conveyance direction.

13. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7 to 12, wherein The control section determines which of a first print medium and a second print medium a print medium taken out from the housing section is, the first print medium being a print medium whose length in the conveyance direction per one print medium generated by the division by n is longer than a distance in the conveyance direction between the first detection section and the cutting section, the second print medium being a print medium whose length in the conveyance direction per one print medium generated by the division by n is shorter than the distance in the conveyance direction between the first detection section and the cutting section, The control section calculates the length in the conveyance direction of the second print medium based on detection results of the first detection section on a leading end and a trailing end of the second print medium in a case where it is determined that the print medium is the second print medium, The control section sets a cut position in such a manner that the second print medium is divided by n in the conveyance direction by using the calculated length in the conveyance direction of the second print medium, The control section does not transport, using the conveyance section, the second print medium whose length in the conveyance direction is calculated in the opposite direction of the conveyance direction, and causes the cutting section to cut the second print medium at the set cut position.

Citation Information

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