Recording apparatus and method for controlling recording apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a recording apparatus and a control method of the recording apparatus capable of improving convenience of a user. A recording apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports a medium along a transport path; a recording unit that performs recording on the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the recording unit. The conveying path includes a recording path and a reversing path. The recording path is a path for the recording unit to record on the medium. The reversal path is a path that reconveys the medium to the recording path in a state in which the front and back of the medium conveyed along the recording path are reversed. When the conveyance section sequentially conveys the first medium and the second medium and the recording section performs recording on at least both surfaces of the first medium, the control section stops the first medium, the recording section performs recording on the first surface of the first medium, in a state in which the first medium is stopped on the reversal path. The second medium having been recorded on the first surface by the recording unit is conveyed to the reversal path, and the first medium is re-conveyed from the reversal path to the recording path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device and a method for controlling the recording device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus that records on both sides of a medium being transported along a transport path. The transport path includes a recording path for recording on the medium and a reversing path for re-transporting the medium back to the recording path in a reversed state. In such a recording apparatus, when recording on both sides of the medium, the transport speed of the medium on the reversing path is controlled independently of the transport speed of the medium on the recording path. Therefore, by recording on the medium according to its size, the throughput can be increased.

[0003] However, in such recording devices, it is hoped that user convenience can be improved by further increasing the processing capacity.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-280897 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A recording apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a conveying unit that conveys a medium along a conveying path; a recording unit that records on the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the recording unit. The conveying path includes a recording path and a reversing path. The recording path is a path for the recording unit to record on the medium, and the reversing path is a path for re-conveying the medium to the recording path while the back of the medium being conveyed along the recording path is reversed. In the case where the conveying unit sequentially conveys a first medium and a second medium and the recording unit records on at least two sides of the first medium, the control unit, while stopping the first medium on the first side recorded by the recording unit on the reversing path, conveys the second medium on the first side recorded by the recording unit to the reversing path and re-conveys the first medium from the reversing path to the recording path.

[0006] The control method for the recording device that solves the above-mentioned problem is as follows: the recording device includes: a conveying unit that conveys a medium along a conveying path; and a recording unit that records on the medium conveyed by the conveying unit. The conveying path includes a recording path and a reversing path. The recording path is a path for the recording unit to record on the medium, and the reversing path is a path for re-conveying the medium to the recording path while the back of the medium being conveyed along the recording path is reversed. In the case where the conveying unit sequentially conveys a first medium and a second medium and the recording unit records on at least two sides of the first medium, while the first medium on the first side recorded by the recording unit is stopped on the reversing path, the second medium on the first side recorded by the recording unit is conveyed to the reversing path, and the first medium is re-conveyed from the reversing path to the recording path. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of the recording device according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control mode of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the recording apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a timing diagram illustrating the third control mode of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a timing diagram illustrating the second control mode of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a timing diagram illustrating the first control mode of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the two-sided recording control process of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11This is a flowchart illustrating the two-sided recording control process of the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control mode of the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] First Implementation Method

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the recording device and its control method will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, it is assumed that the recording device is placed on a horizontal plane, and the direction of gravity is represented by the Z-axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are represented by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0021] Structure of recording device 11

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 is configured to record an image on the medium 99. The recording device 11 may also be, for example, an inkjet printer that records images by ejecting ink, an example of a liquid, onto the medium 99.

[0023] The recording device 11 may also have one or more media storage sections 12. The media storage section 12 can store multiple media 99 in a stacked state. The recording device 11 may also have a stacker 13. The stacker 13 receives the recorded media 99.

[0024] The recording device 11 may also include a transport path 98. The transport path 98 is the path for transporting the medium 99. In the accompanying drawings, the transport path 98 is represented by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the direction of transporting the medium 99 is also referred to as the transport direction D. The transport direction D is the direction along the transport path 98. In this embodiment, upstream refers to the upstream of the transport direction D, and downstream refers to the downstream of the transport direction D.

[0025] The recording device 11 may also include a feeding unit 20, a conveying unit 21, a recording unit 22, and a maintenance unit 23. The feeding unit 20 feeds the media 99 stored in the media storage unit 12 one by one onto the conveying path 98. That is, the feeding unit 20 feeds the media 99 stored in the media storage unit 12 to the conveying unit 21.

[0026] The feeding section 20 may also include a feeding roller 24 and a separating section 25. The feeding section 20 may also include the same number of feeding rollers 24 and separating sections 25 as the media receiving section 12.

[0027] The feed roller 24 feeds the medium 99 into the conveying path 98 by rotating while in contact with the medium 99 housed in the medium receiving section 12. The feed roller 24 is located at the upstream end of the conveying path 98.

[0028] The separation section 25 may also have a separation drive roller 26 and a separation driven roller 27. The separation drive roller 26 and the separation driven roller 27 are in contact with each other in a state where there is no medium 99 between them.

[0029] The driven separation roller 27 is subjected to a rotational load, for example, by a torque limiter. When multiple media 99 are clamped in the separation section 25, the drive separation roller 26 is driven to rotate, while the driven separation roller 27 is difficult to rotate passively. Thus, the separation section 25 separates the media 99 fed by the feed roller 24 one by one. The feed section 20 feeds the media 99 one by one via the drive separation roller 26 and the driven separation roller 27.

[0030] The conveying unit 21 is configured to convey the medium 99 along the conveying path 98. The conveying path 98 may also include a supply path 95, a recording path 96, a discharge path 97, and a reversing path 90. The reversing path 90 may also include a first reversing path 91, a second reversing path 92, and a third reversing path 93.

[0031] Supply path 95 is the path through which the medium 99 before recording passes. Supply path 95 is the path connecting the medium receiving unit 12 and the recording unit 22. Supply path 95 is located at the upstream end of transport path 98. Supply path 95 is located upstream of recording path 96. Supply path 95 is the path used to transport the medium 99 before recording to recording path 96.

[0032] Recording path 96 is the path used by recording unit 22 to record medium 99. Recording path 96 is the path along recording unit 22. Recording path 96 is the path used to transport the medium 99 recorded by recording unit 22. Recording path 96 is located downstream of supply path 95.

[0033] Discharge path 97 is the path for conveying the recorded medium 99. Discharge path 97 is the path connecting the recording unit 22 and the paper stacker 13. Discharge path 97 is located downstream of the recording path 96. Discharge path 97 is the path for discharging the medium 99 conveyed from the recording path 96 to the paper stacker 13.

[0034] The reversal path 90 is a path connecting the downstream end of the recording path 96 and the upstream end of the recording path 96. The reversal path 90 is a path that returns the medium 99, on which one side has been recorded, to a position upstream of the recording unit 22. The reversal path 90 is a path for reversing the medium 99. Specifically, the reversal path 90 is a path for reversing the medium 99 so that the surface of the previously recorded medium 99 is facing down. Thus, the medium 99, which is then transported back onto the recording path 96, is transported with its unrecorded back side facing the recording unit 22. In this way, the reversal path 90 is a path for retransmitting the medium 99, which is being transported along the recording path 96, to the recording path 96 with its back side reversed.

[0035] The reversing path 90 is longer than twice the maximum length of the medium 99 that the conveying unit 21 can convey in the conveying direction D. The reversing path 90 is longer than three times the minimum length of the medium 99 that the conveying unit 21 can convey in the conveying direction D.

[0036] The first reversal path 91 is located downstream of the second reversal path 92 in the reversal path 90. The first reversal path 91 is a path for conveying the medium 99 from the second reversal path 92 back to the recording path 96.

[0037] The second reversal path 92 is located downstream of the third reversal path 93 in the reversal path 90. The second reversal path 92 is a path for conveying the medium 99 from the third reversal path 93 back to the recording path 96. The second reversal path 92 is also a path for conveying the medium 99 from the third reversal path 93 to the first reversal path 91.

[0038] The third reversal path 93 is a path used to transport the medium 99 from the recording path 96 and reverse the medium 99. The third reversal path 93 is a path that, after transporting the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to the first transport direction D1, transports it to the second reversal path 92 in the second transport direction D2 while the medium 99 is reversed. The third reversal path 93 is a turnaround path.

[0039] The first reversing path 91 is longer than the minimum length in the conveying direction D of the medium 99 that the conveying unit 21 can convey. The second reversing path 92 is longer than the minimum length in the conveying direction D of the medium 99 that the conveying unit 21 can convey. The total length of the first reversing path 91 and the second reversing path 92 is longer than the maximum length in the conveying direction D of the medium 99 that the conveying unit 21 can convey. The third reversing path 93 is longer than the maximum length in the conveying direction D of the medium 99 that the conveying unit 21 can convey.

[0040] The conveying unit 21 includes a supply unit 28, a recording conveying unit 29, a discharge unit 30, a first reverse conveying unit 31, a second reverse conveying unit 32, and a third reverse conveying unit 33. The supply unit 28 is configured to convey medium 99 along a supply path 95. The supply unit 28 includes at least one supply roller pair 34. The supply roller pair 34 is positioned along the supply path 95. The supply roller pair 34 receives medium 99 from... Figure 2 The supply drive unit 51 shown rotates under the driving force. As a result, the supply roller pair 34 conveys the medium 99 along the supply path 95.

[0041] The recording transport unit 29 is configured to transport the medium 99 along the recording path 96. The recording transport unit 29 includes at least one pair of transport rollers 35. The recording transport unit 29 may also include the pair of transport rollers 35 on the upstream and downstream sides of the recording area where recording is performed by the recording unit 22. The pair of transport rollers 35 is positioned along the recording path 96. The pair of transport rollers 35 is connected by a medium from... Figure 2 The recording drive unit 52 shown rotates under the driving force. As a result, the transport roller pair 35 transports the medium 99 along the recording path 96. The transport roller pair 35 can also be a blocking roller pair that corrects the slant of the medium 99.

[0042] The recording transport unit 29 includes a media support unit 70. The media support unit 70 is configured to transport the media 99 along the recording path 96 while supporting the media 99. The media support unit 70 is located at a position opposite the recording unit 22, across the recording path 96.

[0043] The media support unit 70 may also include a seamless conveyor belt 71 and a pair of pulleys 72. The conveyor belt 71 is mounted on the pair of pulleys 72. The conveyor belt 71 is positioned opposite the recording unit 22 across the recording path 96. The conveyor belt 71 supports a portion of the media 99 in a flat state. The conveyor belt 71 transports the media 99 along the recording path 96 by rotating while adsorbing the media 99. One pulley 72 is connected by a... Figure 2 The recording drive unit 52 shown rotates under the driving force. As a result, the conveyor belt 71 transports the medium 99 along the recording path 96.

[0044] Recording and transporting unit 29 via from Figure 2 The moving part 53 shown rotates around a pulley 72 due to the driving force. The conveyor belt 71 is configured to rotate around a pulley 72, thereby enabling... Figure 1 The support position shown by the solid line is... Figure 1 The device moves between the avoidance positions indicated by the double-dotted lines. The support position is the position that supports the medium 99 and aligns it with the recording unit 22. The avoidance position is the position that moves away from the recording unit 22.

[0045] The discharge section 30 is configured to convey medium 99 along the discharge path 97. The discharge section 30 includes at least one discharge roller pair 37. The discharge roller pair 37 is positioned along the discharge path 97. The discharge roller pair 37 conveys medium 99 through... Figure 2 The discharge drive unit 54 shown rotates under the driving force. As a result, the discharge roller pair 37 conveys the medium 99 along the discharge path 97.

[0046] The first reverse conveying unit 31 is configured to convey medium 99 along a first reverse path 91. The first reverse conveying unit 31 includes at least one first reverse roller pair 38. The first reverse roller pair 38 is positioned along the first reverse path 91. The first reverse roller pair 38 conveys medium 99 via... Figure 2 The first reverse drive unit 55, as shown, rotates under the driving force. As a result, the first reverse roller pair 38 conveys the medium 99 along the first reverse path 91.

[0047] The second reverse conveying unit 32 is configured to convey medium 99 along the second reverse path 92. The second reverse conveying unit 32 includes at least one second reverse roller pair 39. The second reverse roller pair 39 is positioned along the second reverse path 92. The second reverse roller pair 39 is fed by... Figure 2 The second reverse drive unit 56, as shown, rotates under the driving force. As a result, the second reverse roller pair 39 conveys the medium 99 along the second reverse path 92.

[0048] The third reverse conveying unit 33 is configured to convey medium 99 along a third reverse path 93. The third reverse conveying unit 33 includes at least one third reverse roller pair 40. The third reverse roller pair 40 is positioned along the third reverse path 93. The third reverse roller pair 40 is connected to a conveyor belt via a conveyor belt from a conveyor belt. Figure 2 The third reverse drive unit 57, as shown, rotates under the driving force. As a result, the third reverse roller pair 40 conveys the medium 99 along the third reverse path 93.

[0049] The conveying unit 21 may also include a distribution unit 41. The distribution unit 41 is provided at the branch position where the recording path 96 branches into the discharge path 97 and the reversing path 90. The distribution unit 41 guides the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to either the discharge path 97 or the reversing path 90. The distribution unit 41 may also be a baffle.

[0050] Distribution unit 41 via from Figure 2The driving force of the distribution drive unit 58 shown enables it to move to the discharge position and the reverse position. The discharge position is the position where the distribution unit 41 guides the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to the discharge path 97. The reverse position is the position where the distribution unit 41 guides the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to the reverse path 90. More specifically, the reverse position is the position where the distribution unit 41 guides the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to the third reverse path 93.

[0051] The recording device 11 may also include a first medium detection unit 61, a second medium detection unit 62, a third medium detection unit 63, a fourth medium detection unit 64, a fifth medium detection unit 65, and a sixth medium detection unit 66. The first medium detection unit 61, the second medium detection unit 62, the third medium detection unit 63, the fourth medium detection unit 64, the fifth medium detection unit 65, and the sixth medium detection unit 66 are arranged along the transport path 98. The first medium detection unit 61, the second medium detection unit 62, the third medium detection unit 63, the fourth medium detection unit 64, the fifth medium detection unit 65, and the sixth medium detection unit 66 can be physical sensors or optical sensors.

[0052] The first medium detection unit 61 is located at the downstream end of the first reversing path 91. The first medium detection unit 61 is configured to detect the top of the medium 99 being conveyed to the first reversing path 91. In other words, the first medium detection unit 61 detects when the medium 99 has been conveyed to the first reversing path 91. The first medium detection unit 61 also detects when the medium 99 has been conveyed to the downstream end of the first reversing path 91. In other words, the first medium detection unit 61 detects when the medium 99 has been conveyed to the front of the recording path 96.

[0053] The second medium detection unit 62 is located at the downstream end of the second reversing path 92. The second medium detection unit 62 is configured to detect the top of the medium 99 being conveyed to the second reversing path 92. That is, the second medium detection unit 62 detects when the medium 99 has been conveyed to the second reversing path 92. The second medium detection unit 62 detects when the medium 99 has been conveyed to the downstream end of the second reversing path 92. In other words, the second medium detection unit 62 detects when the medium 99 has been conveyed to the vicinity of the first reversing path 91.

[0054] The third media detection unit 63 is located upstream of the third reverse roller pair 40 on the third reverse path 93. The third media detection unit 63 is configured to detect the rear end of the media 99 conveyed to the third reverse path 93. In other words, the third media detection unit 63 is configured to detect the top end of the media 99 that has been folded back from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92. In this way, the third media detection unit 63 detects that the media 99 has been conveyed to the third reverse path 93. In other words, the third media detection unit 63 detects that the media 99 from the recording path 96 has been received by the third reverse path 93.

[0055] A fourth media detection unit 64 is provided at the upstream end of the recording path 96. The fourth media detection unit 64 is located upstream of the upstream conveyor roller pair 35 on the recording path 96. The fourth media detection unit 64 is configured to detect the top of the media 99 conveyed from the supply path 95 or the first reverse path 91 to the recording path 96. That is, the fourth media detection unit 64 detects when the media 99 reaches the conveyor roller pair 35.

[0056] A fifth media detection unit 65 is provided at the downstream end of the recording path 96. The fifth media detection unit 65 is located downstream of the downstream conveyor roller pair 35 on the recording path 96. The fifth media detection unit 65 is located upstream of the branch positions from the recording path 96 to the discharge path 97 and the reversing path 90. The fifth media detection unit 65 is configured to detect the top tip of the media 99 being conveyed towards the branch position. In other words, the fifth media detection unit 65 detects when the media 99 reaches the branch position.

[0057] The sixth medium detection unit 66 is located at the upstream end of the third reversal path 93. The sixth medium detection unit 66 is configured to detect the rear end of the medium 99 that is transported to the third reversal path 93. That is, the sixth medium detection unit 66 is configured to detect the medium 99 at the branch position where the recording path 96 branches into the third reversal path 93.

[0058] The recording unit 22 is configured to record on the medium 99 conveyed by the transport unit 21. The recording unit 22 may also include a spraying unit 42 that sprays liquid onto the medium 99. The spraying unit 42 may also have multiple nozzles 43 for spraying liquid. The recording unit 22 may also spray liquid for recording.

[0059] Although the ejection section 42 is a linear head, it can also be a serial head. A linear head extends in the Y-axis direction and is capable of ejecting liquid uniformly into the medium 99 along the entire Y-axis direction. A serial head is a head capable of ejecting liquid into the medium 99 while moving in the Y-axis direction. In this way, although the recording section 22 is configured to extend along the Y-axis direction intersecting the transport direction D, it is not limited to this configuration. The Y-axis direction is an example of the width direction. In the recording section 22, the transport direction D is along the X-axis direction.

[0060] The maintenance unit 23 is configured to perform maintenance on the recording unit 22. The maintenance unit 23 may also be configured to move while the media support 70 is in a clearance position. Alternatively, the maintenance unit 23 can be moved to a position opposite or in contact with the recording unit 22 to perform maintenance on the recording unit 22.

[0061] The maintenance unit 23 can also perform rinsing as a maintenance function of the recording unit 22. Rinsing refers to the maintenance process of spraying droplets of liquid from the nozzle 43. The maintenance unit 23 can also receive the liquid sprayed from the nozzle 43 along with the rinsing. Rinsing is performed, for example, before, during, or after recording.

[0062] As a maintenance feature of the recording unit 22, the maintenance unit 23 may also perform capping, for example. Capping refers to the maintenance of preventing the nozzle 43 from drying out by covering it. Capping is performed, for example, outside of recording. As a maintenance feature of the recording unit 22, the maintenance unit 23 may also perform cleaning, for example. Cleaning refers to the maintenance of drawing liquid from the nozzle 43. The maintenance unit 23 may also receive liquid discharged from the nozzle 43 during cleaning.

[0063] The recording device 11 includes a control unit 19. The control unit 19 provides comprehensive control over the recording device 11. The control unit 19 controls various actions performed by the recording device 11. The control unit 19 can be configured to include α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a portion of the various processes; or γ: a circuit combining these. The hardware circuits are, for example, application-specific integrated circuits. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, which store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes all readable media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0064] Electrical structure of recording device 11

[0065] like Figure 2As shown, the recording device 11 includes a display unit 14 and an operation unit 15. The display unit 14 displays various information. The control unit 19 causes the display unit 14 to display various information. The operation unit 15 can be operated by a user. The control unit 19 receives instructions from the user from the operation unit 15. The recording device 11 may also be configured to communicate with a terminal device (not shown). The control unit 19 may also receive instructions from the user from a terminal device.

[0066] The conveying unit 21 includes a supply drive unit 51, a recording drive unit 52, a moving unit 53, a discharge drive unit 54, a first reverse drive unit 55, a second reverse drive unit 56, a third reverse drive unit 57, and a distribution drive unit 58. That is, the recording device 11 includes the supply drive unit 51, the recording drive unit 52, the moving unit 53, the discharge drive unit 54, the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, the third reverse drive unit 57, and the distribution drive unit 58. The supply drive unit 51, the recording drive unit 52, the moving unit 53, the discharge drive unit 54, the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, the third reverse drive unit 57, and the distribution drive unit 58 may also be motors.

[0067] A supply drive unit 51 is provided in the supply unit 28. The supply drive unit 51 is a drive source for rotating the supply roller pair 34. That is, the supply drive unit 51 conveys the medium 99 on the supply path 95.

[0068] A recording drive unit 52 is provided in the recording transport unit 29. The recording drive unit 52 is a drive source for rotating the transport roller pair 35 and a pulley 72. That is, the recording drive unit 52 transports the medium 99 on the recording path 96.

[0069] A moving part 53 is provided in the recording transport part 29. The moving part 53 is a drive source for rotating the recording transport part 29 about a pulley 72. That is, the moving part 53 moves the recording transport part 29 between a support position and a clearance position.

[0070] A discharge drive unit 54 is provided in the discharge unit 30. The discharge drive unit 54 is a drive source for rotating the discharge roller pair 37. That is, the discharge drive unit 54 conveys the medium 99 on the discharge path 97.

[0071] A first reverse drive unit 55 is provided in the first reverse conveying unit 31. The first reverse drive unit 55 is a drive source for rotating the first reverse roller pair 38. That is, the first reverse drive unit 55 conveys the medium 99 on the first reverse path 91.

[0072] The second reverse drive unit 56 is provided in the second reverse conveying unit 32. The second reverse drive unit 56 is a drive source for rotating the second reverse roller pair 39. That is, the second reverse drive unit 56 conveys the medium 99 on the second reverse path 92.

[0073] The third reverse drive unit 57 is provided in the third reverse conveying unit 33. The third reverse drive unit 57 is a drive source for rotating the third reverse roller pair 40. That is, the third reverse drive unit 57 conveys the medium 99 on the third reverse path 93.

[0074] The dispensing drive unit 58 is a drive source for moving the dispensing unit 41 between the discharge position and the reverse position. That is, the dispensing drive unit 58 dispenses the medium 99 from the recording path 96 onto either the discharge path 97 or the third reverse path 93.

[0075] The control unit 19 controls the feeding unit 20, the conveying unit 21, the recording unit 22, and the maintenance unit 23. The control unit 19 receives detection signals from the first medium detection unit 61, the second medium detection unit 62, the third medium detection unit 63, the fourth medium detection unit 64, the fifth medium detection unit 65, and the sixth medium detection unit 66.

[0076] When the control unit 19 receives a recording task, it controls the feed unit 20, the transport unit 21, the recording unit 22, and the maintenance unit 23 to record an image on the medium 99. In particular, when the control unit 19 receives a recording task that includes recording on both sides, it controls the feed unit 20, the transport unit 21, the recording unit 22, and the maintenance unit 23 to record an image on both sides of the medium 99.

[0077] Specifically, the control unit 19 controls the recording unit 22 in such a way that, based on the timing of the fourth medium detection unit 64 detecting the tip of the medium 99, it records an image on the medium 99 by spraying liquid onto the medium 99. When the fifth medium detection unit 65 detects the tip of the medium 99, the control unit 19 controls the dispensing drive unit 58 to guide the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to either the discharge path 97 or the third reversal path 93.

[0078] The control unit 19 controls the first reverse drive unit 55 to stop the transport of the medium 99 when the first medium detection unit 61 detects the tip of the medium 99, thereby stopping the medium 99 on the first reverse path 91. The control unit 19 controls the second reverse drive unit 56 to stop the transport of the medium 99 when the second medium detection unit 62 detects the tip of the medium 99, thereby stopping the medium 99 on the second reverse path 92. The control unit 19 controls the third reverse drive unit 57 to stop the transport of the medium 99 when the third medium detection unit 63 detects the rear end of the medium 99, thereby stopping the medium 99 on the third reverse path 93.

[0079] Control table for double-sided recording

[0080] When recording on both sides, the control unit 19 controls the feed unit 20, the transport unit 21, and the recording unit 22 based on a control table for double-sided recording. The control table is stored in a memory. The control table is referenced by the control unit 19.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the control table is a data table that establishes a correspondence between the dimensions of the medium 99 and the control mode. The dimensions of the medium 99 can also be classified into first dimension, second dimension, and third dimension.

[0082] The first dimension is the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D, which is called the first length dimension. The second dimension is the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D, which is called the second length dimension. The third dimension is the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D, which is called the third length dimension.

[0083] The second length is longer than the first length. The third length is longer than the second length. The first length can be, for example, less than 216 mm. The second length can be, for example, more than 216 mm but less than 297 mm. The third length can be, for example, more than 297 mm.

[0084] The control mode is a mode related to the control of the feed unit 20, the conveying unit 21, and the recording unit 22. The control mode is stored in the memory. The control unit 19 controls the feed unit 20, the conveying unit 21, and the recording unit 22 based on the control mode.

[0085] The control modes include a first control mode, a second control mode, and a third control mode. The first control mode is referenced when the medium 99 is of a first size. The second control mode is referenced when the medium 99 is of a second size. The third control mode is referenced when the medium 99 is of a third size.

[0086] The control modes include the maximum number of sheets in a cycle, the maximum number of sheets in standby mode, the reverse conveying speed, the feeding interval, and the stop time. The maximum number of sheets in a cycle is the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on conveying path 98. Specifically, the maximum number of sheets in a cycle is the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on supply path 95, recording path 96, discharge path 97, and reverse path 90. The maximum number of sheets in standby mode is the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on reverse path 90. In other words, the maximum number of sheets in standby mode is the number of sheets of medium 99 that can be stopped from being conveyed on reverse path 90.

[0087] In the first control mode, the maximum number of cards in a cycle is set to 5, and the maximum number of cards in standby mode is set to 3. In the second and third control modes, the maximum number of cards in a cycle is set to 4, and the maximum number of cards in standby mode is set to 2. Thus, in the first control mode, the maximum number of cards in a cycle and the maximum number of cards in standby mode are set to be higher than in the second and third control modes.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, in the first control mode, the first medium 99A can be configured on the first reverse path 91, the second medium 99B can be configured on the second reverse path 92, and the third medium 99C can be configured on the third reverse path 93.

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, in the second control mode, the first medium 99A can be disposed on the first reversing path 91 and the second reversing path 92, and the second medium 99B can be disposed on the third reversing path 93. In the second control mode, the top end of the first medium 99A is located at the downstream end of the first reversing path 91, and the rear end of the first medium 99A is located at the middle end of the second reversing path 92. In the second control mode, when the second medium 99B is conveyed towards the first conveying direction D1, the rear end of the second medium 99B is located at the upstream end of the third reversing path 93. In other words, in the second control mode, when the second medium 99B is conveyed towards the second conveying direction D2, the top end of the second medium 99B is located at the upstream end of the third reversing path 93.

[0090] like Figure 6As shown, in the third control mode, the first medium 99A can be disposed on the first reversing path 91 and the second reversing path 92, and the second medium 99B can be disposed on the third reversing path 93. In the third control mode, the top end of the first medium 99A is located at the downstream end of the first reversing path 91, and the rear end of the first medium 99A is located at the downstream end of the second reversing path 92. In the third control mode, when the second medium 99B is conveyed towards the first conveying direction D1, the rear end of the second medium 99B is located at the upstream end of the third reversing path 93. In other words, in the second control mode, when the second medium 99B is conveyed towards the second conveying direction D2, the top end of the second medium 99B is located at the upstream end of the third reversing path 93. Therefore, in the second control mode, compared with the third control mode, the distance between the rear end of the first medium 99A and the top end of the second medium 99B is longer.

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown, the reverse conveying speed is the speed at which medium 99 is conveyed on the reverse path 90. The reverse conveying speed may also include a standard speed. The standard speed is the same conveying speed as the supply path 95, the recording path 96, and the discharge path 97.

[0092] In this embodiment, the reverse conveying speed is set to a standard speed in the first control mode, the second control mode, and the third control mode. In this way, the same reverse conveying speed is defined in the first control mode, the second control mode, and the third control mode.

[0093] The feeding interval is the interval during which medium 99 is fed from medium receiving section 12 to conveying section 21 via feeding section 20. The stopping time includes the time during which medium 99 is stopped on the first reversing path 91. The stopping time may also include the time during which medium 99 is stopped on the second reversing path 92 when referring to the first control mode. The feeding interval and the stopping time are related. Therefore, the stopping time is a time obtained based on the feeding interval. The feeding interval is a time obtained based on the stopping time.

[0094] Control Mode

[0095] like Figures 7-9 As shown, the feeding, conveying, and recording of medium 99 are implemented based on control modes. Each control mode is used to convey multiple media 99 separately, similar to the various conveying modes. The conveying mode is used to convey medium 99 along the conveying path 98. Figures 7-9In this illustration, for ease of understanding, the lengths in the conveying direction D of each path constituting the conveying path 98 are schematically shown. The various control modes are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the control modes and conveying modes will be described under the premise of no maintenance required. The surface of the medium 99 corresponds to an example of the first side, and the back side of the medium 99 corresponds to an example of the second side.

[0096] Third control mode

[0097] Reference Figure 7 A specific example is given where the first medium 99A, the second medium 99B, and the third medium 99C are sequentially transported and recorded on both sides when the medium 99 is of the third size.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, when the medium 99 is of the third size, the feeding, transport, and recording of the medium 99 are implemented based on the third control mode. The third control mode is a mode for transporting multiple media 99 separately, as in the third transport mode.

[0099] The third transport mode is a mode in which the medium 99, which is fed to the transport section 21, is transported from the supply path 95 to the recording path 96. In this case, an image is recorded on the surface of the medium 99 in the recording path 96. The third transport mode is a mode in which the medium 99 with the image recorded on its surface is transported from the recording path 96 to the third reversal path 93.

[0100] The third transport mode is a mode in which, after the medium 99 on which the image is recorded on the surface is transported to the third reversal path 93, the medium 99 is reversed and then sequentially transported from the third reversal path 93 to the second reversal path 92 and the first reversal path 91.

[0101] The third transport mode is a mode in which the medium 99, on which the image is recorded on the surface, is stopped for a third stop time ST3 on the first reversal path 91 and the second reversal path 92, and then the medium 99 is transported to the upstream end of the recording path 96. In this case, the image is recorded on the back side of the medium 99 on the recording path 96. The third transport mode is a mode in which the medium 99, on which the image is recorded on the back side, is transported from the recording path 96 to the discharge path 97.

[0102] The third control mode is a mode in which multiple media 99 are fed to the transport unit 21 at a third feeding interval FI3. The third control mode is a control mode in which an image is recorded in a third recording sequence whenever the top of a media 99 is detected by the fourth media detection unit 64. The third recording sequence is the following order: surface of the first media 99A, surface of the second media 99B, back side of the first media 99A, surface of the third media 99C, back side of the second media 99B, and back side of the third media 99C.

[0103] The third control mode is a mode in which the feeding unit 20, the supply drive unit 51, the recording drive unit 52, and the discharge drive unit 54 are controlled by conveying the medium 99 at a standard speed on the supply path 95, the recording path 96, and the discharge path 97.

[0104] The third control mode is a mode in which, when the top of the medium 99 is detected by the fifth medium detection unit 65 upstream of the branch position, the dispensing drive unit 58 is controlled to be guided from either the recording path 96 to the reversing path 90 or the discharge path 97. The third control mode is a mode for guiding the medium 99, on the surface of which has been recorded, from the recording path 96 to the reversing path 90. The third control mode is a mode for guiding the medium 99, on the back side of which has been recorded, from the recording path 96 to the discharge path 97. The third control mode is a mode in which the dispensing unit 41 is moved to the reversing position when the medium 99 is guided to the reversing path 90, and to the discharge position otherwise. However, it is also possible to use a mode in which the dispensing unit 41 is moved to the discharge position when the medium 99 is guided to the discharge path 97, and to the reversing position otherwise.

[0105] The third control mode is a mode in which the third reverse drive unit 57 is controlled to transport the medium 99 at a standard speed in the first transport direction D1 without driving the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 when transporting the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to the third reverse path 93.

[0106] The third control mode is a mode in which the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57 are controlled in such a way that the medium 99 is conveyed sequentially from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92 and the first reverse path 91 at a standard speed. In particular, the third control mode is a mode in which the third reverse drive unit 57 is controlled in such a way that the medium 99 in the third reverse path 93 is conveyed at a standard speed in the second conveying direction D2 when conveying the medium 99 from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92.

[0107] The third control mode controls the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 in such a way that the medium 99 is stopped on the first reverse path 91 and the second reverse path 92 for a third stop time ST3 before being fed back to the recording path 96. In particular, the third control mode specifies the third stop time ST3 as being fed back to the recording path 96 at a timing when the medium 99 from the recording path 96 is received on the third reverse path 93.

[0108] The third control mode is a mode in which the first medium 99A on the first reversal path 91 and the second reversal path 92 is retransmitted to the recording path 96, and the second medium 99B on the third reversal path 93 is sequentially retransmitted to the second reversal path 92 and the first reversal path 91. In particular, the third control mode is a mode in which the medium 99 is retransmitted from the third reversal path 93 to the second reversal path 92 at the timing when the medium 99 is retransmitted to the recording path 96.

[0109] Second control mode

[0110] Reference Figure 8 A specific example will be described where, with medium 99 being of the second size, the first medium 99A, the second medium 99B, and the third medium 99C are sequentially conveyed and recorded on both sides. From now on, the differences from the third control mode and the third conveying mode will be mainly explained, while the similarities to the third control mode and the third conveying mode will be omitted.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown, when the medium 99 is of the second size, the feeding, conveying, and recording of the medium 99 are implemented based on the second control mode. The second control mode is a mode for conveying multiple media 99 separately, as in the second conveying mode.

[0112] The second transport mode is a mode in which the medium 99, on which the image is recorded on the surface, is stopped for a second stop time ST2 on the first reversal path 91 and the second reversal path 92, and then the medium 99 is transported to the upstream end of the recording path 96.

[0113] The second control mode is a mode in which multiple media 99 are fed to the transport unit 21 at a second feed interval FI2. The second control mode is a control mode in which an image is recorded in a second recording order whenever the top of a media 99 is detected by the fourth media detection unit 64. The second recording order can also be the same as the third recording order.

[0114] The second control mode is a mode in which the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 are controlled in such a way that the medium 99 is stopped on the first reverse path 91 and the second reverse path 92 after the medium 99 has stopped for a second stop time ST2, and then the medium 99 is transported to the recording path 96 again.

[0115] First control mode

[0116] Reference Figure 9 A specific example will be described where, with medium 99 being of the first size, the first medium 99A, the second medium 99B, the third medium 99C, and the fourth medium 99D are sequentially conveyed and recorded on both sides. From now on, the differences from the third control mode and the third conveying mode will be mainly explained; the similarities to the third control mode and the third conveying mode will be omitted. The description of the recording on the back side of the fourth medium 99D will be omitted. The content after the stop on the first reverse path 91 of the fourth medium 99D will be omitted.

[0117] like Figure 9 As shown, when the medium 99 is of a first size, the feeding, transporting, and recording of the medium 99 are performed based on a first control mode. The first control mode is a mode for transporting multiple media 99 separately, as in a first transport mode. The first transport mode varies depending on whether the first medium 99 or subsequent media 99s are being transported.

[0118] The first transport mode is a mode in which, when the first medium 99A is the target, the medium 99 on which the image is recorded is reversed, is transported sequentially from the third reversal path 93 to the second reversal path 92 and the first reversal path 91. The first transport mode is also a mode in which, when the first medium 99A is the target, after the medium 99 on which the image is recorded is stopped for a first stop time ST1 on the first reversal path 91, the medium 99 is then transported to the upstream end of the recording path 96.

[0119] The first transport mode is a mode in which, when dealing with a second or subsequent medium 99, the medium 99 with the image recorded on its surface is reversed, is transported from the third reversal path 93 to the second reversal path 92. The first transport mode is also a mode in which, when dealing with a second or subsequent medium 99, the medium 99 is stopped on the second reversal path 92 for a fourth stop time ST4, and then transported to the first reversal path 91. The fourth stop time ST4 can also be shorter than the first stop time ST1. The fourth stop time ST4 can also be half the first stop time ST1. The first transport mode is also a mode in which, when dealing with a second or subsequent medium 99, the medium 99 is stopped on the first reversal path 91 for a fourth stop time ST4, and then transported to the upstream end of the recording path 96.

[0120] The first control mode is a mode in which multiple media 99 are fed to the transport unit 21 at a first feed interval FI1. The first control mode is a control mode in which an image is recorded in a first recording sequence whenever the top of a media 99 is detected by the fourth media detection unit 64. The first recording sequence is the following order: surface of the first media 99A, surface of the second media 99B, surface of the third media 99C, back side of the first media 99A, surface of the fourth media 99D, back side of the second media 99B, back side of the third media 99C, and back side of the fourth media 99D.

[0121] The first control mode is a mode in which the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57 are controlled in a manner that transports the medium 99 sequentially from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92 and the first reverse path 91 at a standard speed. The first control mode is also a mode in which the first reverse drive unit 55 is controlled in a manner that, after the medium 99 is stopped for a first stop time ST1 on the first reverse path 91, it is then transported to the recording path 96 again.

[0122] The first control mode is a mode in which the second and subsequent media 99 are targeted, and the second and third reverse drive units 56 and 57 are controlled in a manner that the media 99 are transported from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92 at a standard speed without driving the first reverse drive unit 55. The first control mode is a mode in which the first and second reverse drive units 55 and 56 are controlled in a manner that the media 99 is transported from the second reverse path 92 to the first reverse path 91 after the media 99 has stopped for a fourth stop time ST4. Specifically, the first control mode is a mode in which the first media 99A on the first reverse path 91 is transported to the recording path 96, and the second media 99B on the second reverse path 92 is transported to the first reverse path 91.

[0123] The first control mode targets the second and subsequent media 99, and controls the first reversal drive unit 55 to retransmit the media 99 to the recording path 96 after the media 99 has stopped for a fourth stop time ST4 on the first reversal path 91. Specifically, the first control mode also involves retransmitting the second media 99B on the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96, and conveying the third media 99C on the second reversal path 92 to the first reversal path 91.

[0124] In this manner, the first control mode is a mode in which, at the timing when the first medium 99A is re-transmitted to the recording path 96, the second medium 99B is transported from the second reverse path 92 to the first reverse path 91. The first control mode is a mode in which, at the timing when the second medium 99B is transported from the second reverse path 92 to the first reverse path 91, the third medium 99C is transported from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92.

[0125] The first feed interval FI1 can also be shorter than the second feed interval FI2. The second feed interval FI2 can also be shorter than the third feed interval FI3. Therefore, compared to the case where the medium 99 is of the first size, when the medium 99 is of the second size, the period from when the medium 99 is re-fed from the reversing path 90 to the recording path 96 until the next medium 99 is fed from the supply path 95 to the recording path 96 can be extended. Compared to the case where the medium 99 is of the second size, when the medium 99 is of the third size, the period from when the medium 99 is re-fed from the reversing path 90 to the recording path 96 until the next medium 99 is fed from the supply path 95 to the recording path 96 can be extended. The second stop time ST2 can also be shorter than the third stop time ST3. The third stop time ST3 can also be shorter than the fourth stop time ST4. The third stop time ST3 can also be shorter than the first stop time ST1.

[0126] Two-sided recording control processing

[0127] Next, refer to Figure 10 The double-sided recording control processing will now be explained. Double-sided recording control processing is the process performed by the control unit 19 when a recording task for double-sided recording is input. The recording task includes image data to be recorded on the medium 99. The recording task includes the size of the medium 99 for recording images. The recording task includes the number of images to be recorded on the medium 99.

[0128] like Figure 10 As shown, in step S10, the control unit 19 performs a media size acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 19 acquires the size of the media 99 from the input recording task. Thus, the control unit 19 determines whether the size of the media 99 used in double-sided printing is a first size, a second size, or a third size.

[0129] In step S11, the control unit 19 performs a control mode acquisition process. During this process, the control unit 19 acquires a control mode corresponding to the medium size acquired in step S10 by reading from the memory.

[0130] Specifically, when the size of the medium 99 is a first size, the control unit 19 acquires a first control mode from a plurality of control modes. When the size of the medium 99 is a second size, the control unit 19 acquires a second control mode from a plurality of control modes. When the size of the medium 99 is a third size, the control unit 19 acquires a third control mode from a plurality of control modes.

[0131] In step S12, the control unit 19 performs transport control processing. In this transport control processing, the control unit 19 controls the feeding unit 20 and the transport unit 21 based on the control mode obtained in step S11. Specifically, the control unit 19 controls the feeding unit 20, the supply drive unit 51, the recording drive unit 52, the discharge drive unit 54, the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, the third reverse drive unit 57, and the distribution drive unit 58 based on the control mode and detection signals from multiple media detection units.

[0132] In step S13, the control unit 19 performs recording processing. During recording processing, the control unit 19 controls the recording unit 22 to record an image on the medium 99. Specifically, based on the control mode obtained in step S11, the control unit 19 controls the recording unit 22 to record an image on the medium 99, using the timing of the detection of the top of the medium 99 by the fourth medium detection unit 64 as a reference.

[0133] In step S14, the control unit 19 determines whether the maintenance conditions have been met. The maintenance conditions may also be met when the medium 99 is no longer on the recording path 96. The maintenance conditions may also be met at a predetermined period. Alternatively, the maintenance conditions may be met when the medium 99 is no longer on the recording path 96 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0134] If the control unit 19 determines that the maintenance conditions have been met, it will proceed to step S15. If the control unit 19 determines that the maintenance conditions have not been met, it will proceed to step S16.

[0135] In step S15, the control unit 19 performs maintenance processing. During maintenance processing, the control unit 19 controls the maintenance unit 23 in a manner similar to performing maintenance on the recording unit 22. When the maintenance processing is completed, the control unit 19 transfers the processing to step S16.

[0136] In detail, the control unit 19 controls the moving part 53 by moving the media support part 70 from the supporting position to the clearance position, and moves the maintenance part 23 so that it is opposite to the recording part 22. The control unit 19 causes the maintenance part 23 to perform maintenance on the recording part 22. The control unit 19 also controls the moving part 53 by moving the maintenance part 23 so that it is not opposite to the recording part 22, and by moving the media support part 70 from the clearance position to the supporting position.

[0137] In this manner, when the maintenance unit 23 performs maintenance on the recording unit 22, the control unit 19 stops the transport of the medium 99 on the transport path 98. That is, the control unit 19 can stop the transport of the medium 99 on at least a portion of the supply path 95, the discharge path 97, and the reversing path 90.

[0138] Specifically, when the maintenance unit 23 performs maintenance on the recording unit 22, the control unit 19 stops the delivery of the medium 99 on the supply path 95, the discharge path 97, and the reversing path 90. As a result, the control unit 19 extends the stopping time for stopping the medium 99 on the reversing path 90. That is, when the control unit 19 stops the delivery of the medium 99 on at least one of the supply path 95, the discharge path 97, and the reversing path 90, it changes the stopping time for stopping the medium 99 on the reversing path 90.

[0139] In step S16, the control unit 19 determines whether the recording task has ended. If the control unit 19 determines that the recording task has ended, it terminates the two-sided recording control process. If the control unit 19 determines that the recording task has not ended, it transfers the process to step S12.

[0140] In this manner, the control unit 19 controls the transport unit 21 to transport the second medium 99B, which has been recorded on the surface, to the reversing path 90 while the first medium 99A, on which the first medium 99A has been recorded, is stopped on the reversing path 90. Specifically, the control unit 19 stops the first medium 99A on the first reversing path 91 by a stop time that spans the feeding interval of the feed medium 99. Thereafter, the control unit 19 controls the transport unit 21 to transport the first medium 99A from the reversing path 90 to the recording path 96.

[0141] Specifically, when the medium 99 is of a second or third size, the control unit 19 controls the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 to stop the first medium 99A on the first reverse path 91 and the second reverse path 92. The control unit 19 controls the third reverse drive unit 57 to transport the second medium 99B to the third reverse path 93 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reverse path 91 and the second reverse path 92.

[0142] Subsequently, the control unit 19 controls the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 in such a way that the first medium 99A is re-transported from the first reverse path 91 to the recording path 96. The control unit 19 controls the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57 in such a way that the second medium 99B is transported from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92 and then transported from the second reverse path 92 to the first reverse path 91.

[0143] When the medium 99 is of the first size, the control unit 19 controls the first reverse drive unit 55 to stop the first medium 99A on the first reverse path 91. The control unit 19 controls the second reverse drive unit 56 to transport the second medium 99B to the second reverse path 92 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reverse path 91.

[0144] The control unit 19 controls the third reversal drive unit 57 in such a way that the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reversal path 91 and the second medium 99B is stopped on the second reversal path 92, and the third medium 99C is transported to the third reversal path 93.

[0145] Subsequently, the control unit 19 controls the first reverse drive unit 55 to retransmit the first medium 99A from the first reverse path 91 to the recording path 96. The control unit 19 controls the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57 to retransmit the second medium 99B from the second reverse path 92 to the first reverse path 91 and to retransmit the third medium 99C from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92.

[0146] Specifically, when the medium 99 is of the first size, the control unit 19 increases the maximum number of sheets per cycle compared to when the medium 99 is of the second or third size. When the medium 99 is of the first size, the control unit 19 also increases the maximum number of sheets per standby time compared to when the medium 99 is of the second or third size.

[0147] The function and effects of the first implementation method

[0148] The function and effects of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0149] (1-1) While the first medium 99A, whose surface has been recorded, is stopped on the reversing path 90, the control unit 19 transports the second medium 99B, whose surface has been recorded, onto the reversing path 90. The control unit 19 then retransports the first medium 99A from the reversing path 90 to the recording path 96. According to this structure, the second medium 99B, whose surface has been recorded, can be transported onto the reversing path 90 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the reversing path 90, before the first medium 99A is retransported onto the recording path 96. Therefore, from the time the surface of the first medium 99A is recorded until the back surface of the first medium 99A is recorded, the second medium 99B, whose surface has been recorded, can be smoothly transported onto the reversing path 90. This increases throughput. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0150] (1-2) While controlling the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 to stop the first medium 99A on the first reverse path 91, the control unit 19 controls the third reverse drive unit 57 to transport the second medium 99B to the third reverse path 93. According to this structure, the control unit 19 can smoothly transport the second medium 99B to the third reverse path 93 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reverse path 91 by controlling the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57. This increases throughput and improves user convenience.

[0151] (1-3) When the medium 99 is of the first size, the control unit 19 controls the second reversing drive unit 56 and the third reversing drive unit 57 to transport the second medium 99B from the third reversing path 93 to the second reversing path 92 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reversing path 91. According to this structure, the control unit 19 can smoothly transport the second medium 99B from the second reversing path 99B to the second reversing path 92 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reversing path 91 by controlling the first reversing drive unit 55, the second reversing drive unit 56, and the third reversing drive unit 57. This increases the throughput. Therefore, it improves user convenience.

[0152] (1-4) When the medium 99 is of the first size, the control unit 19 controls the third reversing drive unit 57 to transport the third medium 99C to the third reversing path 93 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reversing path 91 and the second medium 99B is stopped on the second reversing path 92. According to this structure, the control unit 19 can smoothly transport the third medium 99C to the third reversing path 93 while the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reversing path 91 and the second medium 99B is stopped on the second reversing path 92. This increases throughput. Therefore, it improves user convenience.

[0153] (1-5) The control unit 19 stops the first medium 99A on the first reversing path 91 at a stop time obtained based on the feeding interval of the feeding medium 99. According to this structure, the medium 99 on the first reversing path 91 can be retransmitted to the recording path 96 at a timing obtained based on the feeding interval of the medium 99 fed from the feeding unit 20 to the conveying unit 21. This suppresses contact between the fed medium 99 and the retransmitted medium 99. Therefore, the reliability of the conveyed medium 99 can be improved, and the throughput can be increased. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0154] (1-6) The control unit 19 is capable of stopping the delivery of the medium 99 at least a portion of the supply path 95, the recording path 96, the reversing path 90, and the discharge path 97. According to this structure, the delivery of the medium 99 can be stopped at any timing point on at least a portion of the supply path 95, the recording path 96, the reversing path 90, and the discharge path 97. Therefore, control related to the delivery of the medium 99 can be performed according to the situation.

[0155] (1-7) When the control unit 19 stops the delivery of the medium 99 on at least one of the supply path 95, the recording path 96, and the discharge path 97, it changes the stopping time at which the medium 99 is stopped on the reversing path 90. According to this structure, the timing for re-delivering the medium 99 from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96 can be changed when the delivery of the medium 99 on at least one of the supply path 95, the recording path 96, and the discharge path 97 stops.

[0156] (1-8) When the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D is a first length, the control unit 19 increases the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the transport path 98 compared to when the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D is a second length. According to this structure, the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the transport path 98 can be varied according to the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D. Therefore, by varying the transport of the medium 99 on the transport path 98 according to the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D, the throughput can be increased. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0157] (1-9) When the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D is a first length, the control unit 19 increases the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the reverse path 90 compared to when the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D is a second length. According to this structure, the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the reverse path 90 can be varied according to the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D. Therefore, by having diversity related to the transport of medium 99 on the transport path 98 according to the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D, the throughput can be increased. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0158] (1-10) The length of the reverse path 90 in the transport direction D is more than twice the maximum length of the medium 99 that the transport section 21 can transport in the transport direction D. According to this structure, at least two sheets of medium 99 can be present on the reverse path 90.

[0159] (1-11) The length of the reverse path 90 in the transport direction D is more than three times the minimum length of the medium 99 that the transport section 21 can transport in the transport direction D. According to this structure, as long as the medium 99 has a minimum length in the transport direction D, at least three sheets of medium 99 can be present on the reverse path 90.

[0160] (1-12) When the control unit 19 performs maintenance on the recording unit 22, it changes the stopping time for stopping the transport of the medium 99 on the reverse path 90 and stopping the medium 99 on the reverse path 90. According to this structure, the timing for re-transporting the medium 99 on the reverse path 90 to the recording path 96 can be changed along with the maintenance of the recording unit 22.

[0161] Second Implementation Method

[0162] Next, the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, structures that are the same as those in the previously described embodiments will be omitted or simplified, while structures that are different from those in the previously described embodiments will be described.

[0163] In the second embodiment, the medium 99 can be transported from the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96 when the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the medium 99. That is, the medium 99 may not be stopped for a predetermined stop time on the reversal path 90. The sixth medium detection unit 66 may also be an example of a medium detection unit.

[0164] Two-sided recording control processing

[0165] like Figure 11 As shown, in step S17, the control unit 19 determines whether the rear end of the target medium 99 has been detected by the sixth medium detection unit 66. The target medium 99 is a medium 99 whose number of sheets arranged on the reversing path 90 is equal to the standby upper limit. Specifically, when the medium 99 is a second or third size, by conveying it to the third reversing path 93, two sheets of the medium 99 arranged on the reversing path 90, whose number of sheets is equal to the standby upper limit, become the target medium 99. When the medium 99 is a first size, by conveying it to the third reversing path 93, three sheets of the medium 99 arranged on the reversing path 90, whose number of sheets is equal to the standby upper limit, become the target medium 99.

[0166] If the control unit 19 determines that the rear end of the target medium 99 has not been detected by the sixth medium detection unit 66, it does not execute step S18, but instead transfers the process to step S14. If the control unit 19 determines that the rear end of the target medium 99 has been detected by the sixth medium detection unit 66, it transfers the process to step S18.

[0167] In step S18, the control unit 19 performs a retransmission control process. During this process, the control unit 19 stores data indicating that the medium 99 should be retransmitted from the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96 in a memory. Therefore, in step S12, the control unit 19 controls the first reversal drive unit 55 to retransmit the medium 99 from the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96. In this embodiment, the control unit 19 may also execute steps S17 and S18 before steps S12 and S13.

[0168] In this manner, the control unit 19 controls the transport unit 21 in such a way that the medium 99 is stopped on the first reverse path 91 until the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the medium 99.

[0169] In detail, when the medium 99 is of the second or third size, the control unit 19 controls the transport unit 21 in such a way that the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reversing path 91 until the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the second medium 99B. The control unit 19 controls the transport unit 21 to transport the first medium 99A from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96 after the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the second medium 99B.

[0170] When medium 99 is of the first size, control unit 19 controls conveying unit 21 in such a way that the first medium 99A is stopped on the first reversing path 91 until the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the third medium 99C. Control unit 19 controls conveying unit 21 in such a way that the second medium 99B is stopped on the second reversing path 92 until the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the third medium 99C.

[0171] The control unit 19 controls the conveying unit 21 in such a way that, after the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the third medium 99C, it causes the first medium 99A to be re-conveyed from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96. The control unit 19 also controls the conveying unit 21 in such a way that, after the sixth medium detection unit 66 detects the rear end of the third medium 99C, it causes the second medium 99B to be conveyed from the second reversing path 92 to the first reversing path 91.

[0172] The function and effects of the second embodiment

[0173] The function and effects of the second embodiment will be explained.

[0174] (2-1) The control unit 19 stops the first medium 99A on the first reversing path 91 until the rear end of the target medium 99 is detected at the branch position of the branch to the reversing path 90. After detecting the rear end of the target medium 99 at the branch position of the branch to the reversing path 90, the control unit 19 re-transports the first medium 99A from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96. According to this structure, the first medium 99A can be re-transported to the recording path 96 after the target medium 99 is detected to have been transported from the recording path 96 to the reversing path 90. As a result, contact between the medium 99 transported from the recording path 96 to the third reversing path 93 and the medium 99 re-transported from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96 can be suppressed. Therefore, the reliability of transporting the medium 99 can be improved, and the throughput can be increased. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0175] Third Implementation Method

[0176] Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0177] like Figure 12 As shown, in the third embodiment, the reverse conveying speed may also include a standard speed and a high speed. The high speed is a conveying speed faster than the supply path 95, the recording path 96, and the discharge path 97. In the second control mode, the reverse conveying speed can also be set to a high speed.

[0178] In detail, the second control mode is a mode in which the third reverse drive unit 57 is controlled to transport the medium 99 at a high speed in the first transport direction D1 without driving the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 when transporting the medium 99 from the recording path 96 to the third reverse path 93.

[0179] The second control mode is a mode in which the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57 are controlled by conveying the medium 99 sequentially from the third reverse path 93 to the second reverse path 92 and the first reverse path 91 at high speed.

[0180] The second control mode controls the first reverse drive unit 55 and the second reverse drive unit 56 by stopping the medium 99 on the first reverse path 91 and the second reverse path 92 for a third stop time ST3, and then re-transporting the medium 99 to the recording path 96 at high speed. Here, the third stop time ST3 may be the same as or different from the third stop time ST3 in the first embodiment.

[0181] In this way, when the medium 99 is of the first or third size, the control unit 19 slows down the conveying speed of the medium 99 on the reversing path 90 compared to when the medium 99 is of the second size. The control unit 19 can also make the conveying speed of the medium 99 on the reversing path 90 the same for both the first and third size cases.

[0182] The control unit 19 can also set the conveying speed of the medium 99 on the reversing path 90 to be higher than the conveying speed of the medium 99 on the recording path 96, depending on whether the medium 99 is of the first size or the second size. In other words, when the medium 99 is of the first size, second size, or third size, the control unit 19 can also set the conveying speed of the medium 99 on the reversing path 90 to be higher than the conveying speed of the medium 99 on the recording path 96.

[0183] The role and effects of the third implementation method

[0184] The function and effects of the third embodiment will be explained.

[0185] (3-1) When the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a first length, the conveying speed of medium 99 on the reverse path 90 is slower compared to when the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a second length. According to this structure, when the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a second length, medium 99 can be conveyed faster on the reverse path 90 compared to when the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a first length. Therefore, the conveying speed of medium 99 on the reverse path 90 can be adjusted according to the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D.

[0186] (3-2) When the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is the third length, the conveying speed of medium 99 on the reverse path 90 is slower compared to the case where the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is the second length. According to this structure, when the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is the second length, the medium 99 can be conveyed faster on the reverse path 90 compared to the case where the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is the third length. Therefore, the conveying speed of medium 99 on the reverse path 90 can be adjusted according to the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D.

[0187] (3-3) When the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a first length and when the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a third length, the conveying speed of medium 99 on the reverse path 90 is the same. According to this structure, the conveying speed of medium 99 on the reverse path 90 is slower when the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a first length and when it is a third length than when the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D is a second length, but the same conveying speed can be achieved. Therefore, the conveying speed of medium 99 on the reverse path 90 can be adjusted according to the length of medium 99 in the conveying direction D.

[0188] (3-4) In both the case where the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D is a first length and the case where it is a second length, the transport speed of the medium 99 on the reverse path 90 is greater than the transport speed of the medium 99 on the recording path 96. According to this structure, when the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D is either the first length or the second length, the medium 99 can be transported faster on the reverse path 90 than on the recording path 96. Therefore, the transport speed of the medium 99 can be adjusted according to the type of transport path 98 of the medium 99. Furthermore, the spacing between the media 99 can be maintained.

[0189] Change example

[0190] This embodiment can be modified and implemented as described below. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0191] • In the first embodiment, the stop time based on the feeding interval can also be set according to the timing of the conveying roller pair 35 at the rear end of the third medium 99C.

[0192] In the second embodiment, the medium 99 may be transported from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96 when the fifth medium detection unit 65 detects the rear end of the medium 99. The fifth medium detection unit 65 may be an example of a medium detection unit. In such a case, the control unit 19 may control the transport unit 21 by stopping the medium 99 on the first reversing path 91 until the fifth medium detection unit 65 detects the rear end of the target medium 99.

[0193] In the second embodiment, the medium 99 may be retransported from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96 when the rear end of the medium 99 is detected by the fourth medium detection unit 64. In this case, the control unit 19 may control the transport unit 21 by stopping the medium 99 on the first reversing path 91 until the fourth medium detection unit 64 detects the rear end of the target medium 99. This allows for a smaller interval between the rear end of the target medium 99 and the top end of the first medium 99A retransported to the recording path 96. The fourth medium detection unit 64 may be an example of a medium detection unit.

[0194] In the second embodiment, the medium 99 may be transported from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the medium 99 was detected by the fourth medium detection unit 64. In this case, the control unit 19 may control the transport unit 21 by stopping the medium 99 on the first reversing path 91 until a predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the target medium 99 was detected by the fourth medium detection unit 64. The predetermined time may vary depending on the length of the medium 99 in the transport direction D and the transport speed of the medium 99. The predetermined time may be the time between the rear end of the target medium 99 and the top end of the first medium 99A that is transported back to the recording path 96. The predetermined interval may be the minimum interval suitable for recording the medium 99.

[0195] As described above, by retransmitting the medium 99 from the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96 based on the condition that the rear end of the medium 99 is detected by the fourth medium detection unit 64, the medium 99 can be recorded on the recording path 96 at appropriate timing points. Therefore, the processing capacity can be increased.

[0196] In the first and second embodiments, when the medium 99 is transported from the first reversing path 91 to the recording path 96 based on the case where the rear end of the medium 99 is detected by the fourth medium detection unit 64, the reversing transport speed can be changed according to the size of the medium 99, as in the third embodiment.

[0197] Specifically, the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in standby mode is the same whether the medium 99 is of the second size or the third size. However, when the medium 99 is of the second size, the time taken to travel through the recording path 96 is shorter compared to when the medium 99 is of the third size. Therefore, the interval between the top of the second medium 99B and the rear end of the first medium 99A being re-transported to the recording path 96 may differ. For example, when the medium 99 is re-transported from the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96 based on the rear end of the medium 99 detected by the fourth medium detection unit 64, the first medium 99A may be re-transported at a different timing than in the second embodiment. Therefore, the interval between the top of the second medium 99B and the rear end of the first medium 99A being re-transported to the recording path 96 may be significantly different. For example, when the medium 99 is of the second size, the first medium 99A may be re-transported at an earlier timing compared to when the medium 99 is of the third size. Therefore, the interval between the top of the second medium 99B and the rear end of the first medium 99A being re-transported to the recording path 96 may become longer. In this case, when the medium 99 is of the second size, compared to the case where the medium 99 is of the third size, by increasing the reverse conveying speed, the timing of the second medium 99B reaching the downstream end of the first reverse path 91 can be advanced. This shortens the interval between the top of the second medium 99B and the rear end of the first medium 99A being conveyed to the recording path 96. Therefore, a further increase in throughput can be achieved.

[0198] Specifically, when the reverse conveying speed is the same whether the medium 99 is of the second size or the third size, the top of the second medium 99B may not reach the downstream end of the first reverse path 91 when the rear end of the third medium 99C is detected by the fourth medium detection unit 64. This situation sometimes occurs due to the length of the second-size medium 99 in the conveying direction D. Therefore, when the medium 99 is of the second size, compared to the case where the medium 99 is of the third size, by increasing the reverse conveying speed, the second medium 99B can be conveyed from the first reverse path 91 to the recording path 96 at the optimal timing. Therefore, a further increase in throughput can be achieved.

[0199] In the third embodiment, the reverse conveying speed can also be set to a high speed even in the first control mode. Alternatively, the reverse conveying speed can be set to a relatively fast speed in the order of the first, second, and third control modes. Depending on the control mode, the reverse conveying speed can also be slower than the recording conveying speed.

[0200] In the third embodiment, when the reverse conveying speed is set to a high speed, the control unit 19 can also convey the medium 99 at a high speed on a portion of the first reverse path 91, the second reverse path 92, and the third reverse path 93. Therefore, when a portion of the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57 are driven at a high speed, the load on the drive unit or the power consumption can be reduced compared to the case where the first reverse drive unit 55, the second reverse drive unit 56, and the third reverse drive unit 57 are driven at a high speed. For example, since the third reverse drive unit 57 needs to switch its rotation direction to reverse the medium 99, it can also reduce the load on the drive unit or the power consumption by driving it at a standard speed.

[0201] Although the feeding interval differs in the first, second, and third control modes, it can also be the same depending on the control mode. Specifically, the feeding interval can also be the same in the second and third control modes.

[0202] The control unit 19 can also increase the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the transport path 98 when the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a second length, compared to the case where the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a third length. The control unit 19 can also keep the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the transport path 98 the same for both the case where the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a first length and the case where the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a second length.

[0203] The control unit 19 can also increase the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the reverse path 90 when the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a second length, compared to the case where the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a third length. The control unit 19 can also make the number of sheets of medium 99 that can exist on the reverse path 90 the same for both the case where the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a first length and the case where the length of medium 99 in the transport direction D is a second length.

[0204] In the first control mode, when the target is a second or subsequent medium 99, the stop time on the second reversal path 92 may differ from the stop time on the first reversal path 91. That is, in the first control mode, when the target is a second or subsequent medium 99, the stop time on the first reversal path 91 may also be a fifth stop time, different from the fourth stop time ST4. The fifth stop time may be longer than or shorter than the fourth stop time ST4.

[0205] • Although the control mode is a mode in which the medium 99 is conveyed at a standard speed on the supply path 95, the recording path 96 and the discharge path 97 regardless of the presence or absence of the medium 99, it can also be a mode in which the conveying of the medium 99 is stopped during a period of detection of the medium 99.

[0206] • The first feed interval FI1 can be longer than or equal to the second feed interval FI2. The second feed interval FI2 can be longer than or equal to the third feed interval FI3. The second stop time ST2 can be longer than or equal to the third stop time ST3. The third stop time ST3 can be longer than or equal to the fourth stop time ST4.

[0207] The first feed interval FI1, the second feed interval FI2, and the third feed interval FI3 may each include multiple feed intervals. For example, the first feed interval FI1 may include two different feed intervals. The third feed interval FI3 may also include three different feed intervals. Furthermore, the first feed interval FI1, the second feed interval FI2, and the third feed interval FI3 may be arbitrarily set by the control unit 19 based on the length of the medium 99 in the conveying direction D and the spacing between the mediums 99.

[0208] When the medium 99 is of a second or third size, the control unit 19 may also re-feed the first medium 99A on the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96 before the second medium 99B is received in the third reversal path 93. When the medium 99 is of a first size, the control unit 19 may also re-feed the first medium 99A on the first reversal path 91 to the recording path 96 before the third medium 99C is received in the third reversal path 93. This prevents contact between the medium 99 conveyed from the supply path 95 and the medium 99 conveyed from the reversal path 90 on the recording path 96.

[0209] Maintenance conditions can also be established at a period set according to user instructions. Maintenance conditions can also be established when the medium 99 is transported from the recording path 96 to the reversing path 90 or the discharge path 97. Maintenance conditions can also be established when the medium 99 is on the recording path 96.

[0210] In this way, the control unit 19 can also stop the delivery of the medium 99 on the supply path 95, the recording path 96, the discharge path 97, and the reversing path 90 when the maintenance unit 23 is performing maintenance on the recording unit 22. That is, the control unit 19 can stop the delivery of the medium 99 on at least a portion of the supply path 95, the recording path 96, the discharge path 97, and the reversing path 90.

[0211] • When maintenance conditions are met, the control unit 19 can also move the recording unit 22 away from the transport path 98 or position the maintenance unit 23 opposite the recording unit 22. In this case, the media support unit 70 may not move between the support position and the clearance position. The media support unit 70 may also remain stationary.

[0212] The control unit 19 can also stop the transport of the medium 99 on the transport path 98 regardless of whether maintenance conditions are met. The control unit 19 can also stop the transport of the medium 99 when an error occurs. In such a case, the control unit 19 can also extend the stop time of the medium 99 on the first reverse path 91 only until the time from error recovery.

[0213] Even when maintenance conditions are not met, the control unit 19 can stop the transport of the medium 99 on the transport path 98 when the recording of the medium 99 performed by the recording unit 22 is interrupted. In this way, the control unit 19 can also stop the transport of the medium 99 on the supply path 95, the recording path 96, the discharge path 97, and the reversing path 90 when the recording of the medium 99 performed by the recording unit 22 is interrupted. That is, the control unit 19 can stop the transport of the medium 99 on at least a portion of the supply path 95, the recording path 96, the discharge path 97, and the reversing path 90.

[0214] At this time, the control unit 19 can also extend the stopping time for stopping the transport of the medium 99 on the reversing path 90. In other words, the control unit 19 can also change the stopping time for stopping the transport of the medium 99 on the reversing path 90 when the recording of the medium 99 performed by the recording unit 22 is interrupted.

[0215] • When recording of the medium 99 by the recording unit 22 is interrupted, it may also include stopping the transport of the medium 99 in order to promote the drying of the medium 99. Alternatively, the maintenance unit 23 performing maintenance on the recording unit 22 may also be an example of interrupting the recording of the medium 99 by the recording unit 22.

[0216] • When the recording of the medium 99 performed by the recording unit 22 is interrupted, it may also include cases where the recording is interrupted in order to ensure the post-processing time of the medium 99 in the post-processing device when the recording device 11 is connected to the post-processing device.

[0217] The control unit 19 can also stop the transport of the medium 99 according to instructions from the user. The control unit 19 can also stop the transport of the medium 99 for any time period according to instructions from the user. In such cases, the control unit 19 can also change the stopping time of the medium 99 on the first reverse path 91.

[0218] The control unit 19 can also stop the medium 99 on the first reverse path 91 by spanning a predetermined stop time, regardless of the feed interval. The control unit 19 can also make the feed interval the same but the stop time different depending on the control mode.

[0219] The recording drive unit 52 can also rotate the conveyor roller pair 35 and one of the pulleys 72 via different drive units. The recording drive unit 52 may also include a first recording drive unit that rotates the conveyor roller pair 35 and a second recording drive unit that rotates one of the pulleys 72.

[0220] At least one of the supply roller pair 34, conveying roller pair 35, discharge roller pair 37, first reverse roller pair 38, second reverse roller pair 39, and third reverse roller pair 40 may also be composed of a drive roller and a driven roller.

[0221] • The conveying unit 21 may also exclude at least one of the supply drive unit 51, the recording drive unit 52, and the discharge drive unit 54. Alternatively, a combination of at least one of the supply drive unit 51, the recording drive unit 52, and the discharge drive unit 54 may be made common.

[0222] • The second reverse path 92 can also be a return path. The first reverse path 91 can also be a return path. The third reverse path 93 can also not be a return path.

[0223] • Reversed path 90 may not include either the second reverse path 92 or the third reverse path 93. Reversed path 90 may also include paths other than the first reverse path 91, the second reverse path 92, and the third reverse path 93. The first reverse path 91 and the second reverse path 92 can be considered examples of the first reverse path, and the third reverse path 93 can be considered an example of the second reverse path. That is to say, the second reverse path can also be a loop path.

[0224] • Medium 99 can also be paper, resin film or sheet, resin and metal composite film, laminated film, fabric, non-woven fabric, metal foil, metal film, ceramic sheet, and clothing, etc.

[0225] The medium 99 controlled in this embodiment may also include all media 99 recorded by the recording device 11. The medium 99 controlled in this embodiment may also be a medium 99 among the media 99 recorded by the recording device 11 that the recording device 11 is capable of performing recording tasks including bi-lateral recording. The medium 99 controlled in this embodiment may also be a medium 99 of a specific size among the media 99 recorded by the recording device 11. For example, the medium 99 controlled in this embodiment may also be a medium 99 of a fixed size.

[0226] • The liquid can be arbitrarily selected as long as it is a substance that can be recorded on the medium 99 by adhering to the medium 99. For example, ink may also include substances obtained by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments or metal particles in a solvent, and may include various compositions such as water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0227] • The recording device 11 can also be a landscape printer. A landscape printer is a printer whose carriage can move in both the X and Y axes. The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer; it can also be a click-to-click printer. The recording device 11 can also be a laser printer.

[0228] The expression "at least one" as used in this specification means that there are more than one desired option. As an example, "at least one" as used in this specification means that if there are two options, only one option can be selected, or both options can be selected. As another example, "at least one" as used in this specification means that if there are three or more options, only one option can be selected, or a combination of two or more options can be selected.

[0229] Postscript

[0230] The following describes the technical concept and its effects derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other without technical contradiction.

[0231] [1] A recording apparatus comprising: a conveying unit that conveys a medium along a conveying path; a recording unit that records on the medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the recording unit, wherein the conveying path includes a recording path and a reversing path, the recording path being a path for the recording unit to record on the medium, and the reversing path being a path for re-conveying the medium to the recording path while the back of the medium being conveyed along the recording path is reversed, wherein, when the conveying unit sequentially conveys a first medium and a second medium and the recording unit records on at least two sides of the first medium, the control unit, while stopping the first medium recorded on the first side by the recording unit on the reversing path, conveys the second medium recorded on the first side by the recording unit to the reversing path and re-conveys the first medium from the reversing path to the recording path.

[0232] According to this structure, a second medium, on which the first surface has been recorded, can be conveyed to the reverse path while the first medium is stopped on the reverse path, before the first medium, which has been recorded on the first surface, is conveyed to the reverse path. Therefore, during the period from when the first surface of the first medium has been recorded until the second surface of the first medium has been recorded, the second medium, on which the first surface has been recorded, can be smoothly conveyed to the reverse path. This increases throughput and improves user convenience.

[0233] [2] In the above-described recording device, the following method may also be adopted, namely, the reversing path includes a first reversing path and a second reversing path, the first reversing path is located downstream of the second reversing path on the reversing path, the conveying unit has a first reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the first reversing path and a second reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the second reversing path, and the control unit controls the second reversing drive unit to convey the second medium to the second reversing path while controlling the first reversing drive unit to stop the first medium on the first reversing path.

[0234] According to this structure, the control unit controls the first and second reverse drive units, thereby enabling the smooth transfer of the second medium to the second reverse path while the first medium is stopped on the first reverse path. This increases throughput and improves user convenience.

[0235] [3] In the above recording apparatus, the following method may also be adopted, namely, the reversing path includes a first reversing path, a second reversing path and a third reversing path, wherein the first reversing path is a path located downstream of the second reversing path and used to re-transport the medium from the second reversing path to the recording path, the second reversing path is a path located downstream of the third reversing path and used to transport the medium from the third reversing path to the first reversing path, and the third reversing path is a path for transporting the medium from the recording path and used to reverse the medium, the conveying unit has a first reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the first reversing path, a second reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the second reversing path and a third reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the third reversing path, and the control unit controls the third reversing drive unit to transport the second medium to the third reversing path while controlling the first reversing drive unit to stop the first medium on the first reversing path.

[0236] Based on this structure, the same effect as [2] can be achieved. Furthermore, by controlling the first reverse drive unit, the second reverse drive unit, and the third reverse drive unit, the control unit can smoothly transport the third medium to the third reverse path while the first medium is stopped on the first reverse path and the second medium is stopped on the second reverse path. This increases the throughput. Therefore, it improves user convenience.

[0237] [4] In the above-described recording device, it is also possible to include a feeding unit that feeds the medium to the conveying unit, and a control unit that stops the first medium on the first reversing path with a stopping time based on the feeding interval of the medium fed by the feeding unit.

[0238] According to this structure, the medium on the first reverse path can be re-transported onto the recording path at a timing determined by the transport interval of the medium fed from the feeding unit to the transport unit. This suppresses contact between the fed medium and the re-transported medium. Therefore, the throughput can be increased while improving the reliability of the transported medium. This also improves user convenience. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a medium detection unit for determining the timing of re-transportation, costs can be reduced.

[0239] [5] In the above recording device, the following method may also be adopted, namely, a medium detection unit is provided, which detects the medium at the branch position from the recording path to the reversing path, and the control unit controls the conveying unit in such a way that the first medium stops on the first reversing path until the medium detection unit detects the rear end of the second medium, and after the medium detection unit detects the rear end of the second medium, the first medium is conveyed again from the first reversing path to the recording path.

[0240] According to this structure, the control unit can re-feed the first medium onto the recording path after detecting that the second medium has been transported from the recording path to the reversing path. This prevents contact between the medium transported from the recording path to the reversing path and the medium being transported back from the reversing path to the recording path. Therefore, it is possible to increase throughput while improving the reliability of the transported medium. Consequently, it enhances user convenience.

[0241] [6] In the above recording device, the following method may also be adopted, namely, the transport path includes a discharge path for discharging the medium transported from the recording path, and the control unit is able to stop the transport of the medium on at least a part of the recording path, the reversing path and the discharge path.

[0242] According to this structure, the transport of the medium can be stopped at any timing point along at least a portion of the recording path, the reversing path, and the discharge path. Therefore, control related to the transport of the medium can be performed according to the situation. As an example, the transport of the medium can be stopped for purposes such as drying the medium or maintaining the recording unit.

[0243] [7] In the above recording device, the following method may also be adopted, that is, the transport path includes a discharge path for discharging the medium transported from the recording path, and when the control unit stops the transport of the medium on at least one of the recording path and the discharge path, it changes the stopping time for stopping the medium on the reversing path.

[0244] According to this structure, the timing for re-transporting the medium from the first reverse path to the recording path can be changed as the transport of the medium on at least one of the recording path and the discharge path stops.

[0245] [8] In the above-described recording device, the control unit may increase the number of sheets of medium that can exist on the transport path when the length of the medium in the transport direction is a first length, compared to the case where the length of the medium in the transport direction is a second length longer than the first length.

[0246] This structure allows for the variation in the number of sheets of medium that can exist on the conveying path based on the length of the medium in the conveying direction. Therefore, by providing diversity related to the conveying of medium on the conveying path based on the length of the medium in the conveying direction, the throughput can be increased. This, in turn, improves user convenience.

[0247] [9] In the above-described recording device, the control unit may increase the number of sheets of the medium that can exist on the reverse path when the length of the medium in the transport direction is a first length, compared to the case where the length of the medium in the transport direction is a second length longer than the first length.

[0248] This structure allows for the variation in the number of sheets of medium that can exist on the reverse path, depending on the length of the medium in the transport direction. Therefore, by providing diversity related to the transport of the medium along the transport path based on the length of the medium in the transport direction, the throughput can be increased. This, in turn, improves user convenience.

[0249]

[10] In the above-described recording device, the length of the reverse path in the conveying direction is longer than twice the maximum length of the medium that the conveying unit can convey in the conveying direction.

[0250] According to this structure, at least two media can exist on the reversal path.

[0251]

[11] In the above-described recording device, the length of the reverse path in the transport direction is longer than three times the minimum length of the medium that the transport unit can transport in the transport direction.

[0252] According to this structure, if the medium is of minimum length in the transport direction, then at least three media can exist on the reverse path.

[0253]

[12] In the above-described recording device, the control unit may slow down the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path when the length in the conveying direction of the medium is a first length, compared with the case where the length in the conveying direction of the medium is a second length longer than the first length.

[0254] According to this structure, when the length in the medium's conveying direction is a second length, the medium can be conveyed more quickly on the reverse path compared to when the length in the medium's conveying direction is a first length. Therefore, the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path can be adjusted according to the length in the medium's conveying direction.

[0255]

[13] In the above-described recording device, the following method may also be adopted: when the length of the control unit in the transport direction of the medium is a third length that is longer than the second length, the transport speed of the medium on the reverse path is slowed down compared with the case where the length in the transport direction of the medium is the second length.

[0256] According to this structure, when the length in the medium's conveying direction is the second length, the medium can be conveyed more quickly on the reverse path compared to when the length in the medium's conveying direction is the third length. Therefore, the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path can be adjusted according to the length in the medium's conveying direction.

[0257]

[14] In the above-described recording device, the control unit may set the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path to be the same for both the case where the length in the conveying direction of the medium is the first length and the case where the length in the conveying direction of the medium is the third length.

[0258] According to this structure, in both the case where the length in the medium's conveying direction is a first length and the case where it is a third length, the medium can be conveyed on the reverse path at a faster speed than in the case where the length in the medium's conveying direction is a second length, while maintaining the same conveying speed. Therefore, the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path can be adjusted according to the length in the medium's conveying direction.

[0259]

[15] In the above recording apparatus, it is also possible to include a recording drive unit for conveying the medium on the recording path, and a control unit for two cases, namely, the length of the medium in the conveying direction is the first length and the length of the medium in the conveying direction is the second length, to make the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path greater than or equal to the conveying speed of the medium on the recording path.

[0260] According to this structure, when the length in the medium's transport direction is a first length or a second length, the medium can be transported faster on the reverse path than on the recording path. Therefore, the medium transport speed can be adjusted according to the type of medium transport path.

[0261]

[16] In the above recording device, the control unit may also stop the transport of the medium on the reverse path when the recording performed by the recording unit is interrupted, and change the stopping time of stopping the medium on the reverse path.

[0262] According to this structure, in the event that the recording performed by the recording unit needs to be interrupted, the timing for retransmitting the medium on the reverse path to the recording path can be changed.

[0263]

[17] In the above recording device, it is also possible to use a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the recording unit, and when the maintenance unit performs maintenance on the recording unit, the control unit stops the transport of the medium on the reversing path and changes the stopping time of stopping the medium on the reversing path.

[0264] According to this structure, the timing for retransmitting the medium on the reversing path to the recording path can be changed along with the maintenance of the recording unit.

[0265]

[18] A method for controlling a recording device, the recording device comprising: a conveying unit that conveys a medium along a conveying path; and a recording unit that records on the medium conveyed by the conveying unit. In the method for controlling the recording device, the conveying path includes a recording path and a reversing path. The recording path is a path for the recording unit to record on the medium, and the reversing path is a path for re-conveying the medium to the recording path while the back of the medium being conveyed along the recording path is reversed. In the case where the conveying unit sequentially conveys a first medium and a second medium and the recording unit records on at least two sides of the first medium, while the first medium on the first side recorded by the recording unit is stopped on the reversing path, the second medium on the first side recorded by the recording unit is conveyed to the reversing path, and the first medium is re-conveyed from the reversing path to the recording path. According to this structure, the same effect as [1] can be achieved.

[0266]

[19] In the control method of the above-described recording device, the following approach can also be adopted: A feeding unit is provided that feeds the medium to the conveying unit; the reversing path includes a first reversing path and a second reversing path; the first reversing path is located downstream of the second reversing path on the reversing path; the conveying unit has a first reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the first reversing path and a second reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the second reversing path; the first medium is stopped on the first reversing path based on a stopping time obtained from the feeding interval of the medium fed by the feeding unit. According to this structure, the same effect as [4] can be achieved.

[0267]

[20] In the control method of the recording device described above, the following approach can also be adopted: A medium detection unit is provided, which detects the medium at a branch position from the recording path to the reversing path. The reversing path includes a first reversing path and a second reversing path. The first reversing path is located downstream of the second reversing path. The transport unit has a first reversing drive unit for transporting the medium on the first reversing path and a second reversing drive unit for transporting the medium on the second reversing path. The control method of the recording device includes a process of controlling the transport unit in such a way that the first medium is stopped on the first reversing path until the medium detection unit detects the rear end of the second medium, and after the medium detection unit detects the rear end of the second medium, the first medium is re-transported from the first reversing path to the recording path. According to this structure, the same effect as [5] can be achieved.

[0268] Symbol Explanation

[0269] 11…Recording device, 12…Media receiving unit, 13…Stacker, 14…Display unit, 15…Operation unit, 19…Control unit, 20…Feeding unit, 21…Conveying unit, 22…Recording unit, 23…Maintenance unit, 24…Feeding roller, 25…Separation unit, 26…Separation drive roller, 27…Separation driven roller, 28…Supply unit, 29…Recording and conveying unit, 30…Discharge unit, 31…First reverse conveying unit, 32…Second reverse conveying unit, 33… Third reverse conveying section, 34… supply roller pair, 35… conveying roller pair, 37… discharge roller pair, 38… first reverse roller pair, 39… second reverse roller pair, 40… third reverse roller pair, 41… distribution section, 42… ejection section, 43… nozzle, 51… supply drive section, 52… recording drive section, 53… moving section, 54… discharge drive section, 55… first reverse drive section, 56… second reverse drive section, 57… third reverse drive section, 58… The following components are included: drive unit, 61…first medium detection unit, 62…second medium detection unit, 63…third medium detection unit, 64…fourth medium detection unit, 65…fifth medium detection unit, 66…sixth medium detection unit, 70…medium support unit, 71…conveyor belt, 72…pulley, 90…reverse path, 91…first reverse path, 92…second reverse path, 93…third reverse path, 95…supply path, 96…recording path, 97…discharge path, 98…conveying path, 99…medium, 99A…first medium, 99B…second medium, 99C…third medium, 99D…fourth medium, D…conveying direction, D1…first conveying direction, D2…second conveying direction, FI1…first feed interval, FI2…second feed interval, FI3…third feed interval, ST1…first stop time, ST2…second stop time, ST3…third stop time, ST4…fourth stop time.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit transports the medium along the conveying path; A recording unit that records on the medium transported by the conveying unit; The control unit controls the conveying unit and the recording unit. The transport path includes a recording path and a reversal path. The recording path is the path used by the recording unit to record on the medium. The reversal path is a path that re-transports the medium along the recording path while the front and back of the medium are reversed. When the conveying unit sequentially conveys the first medium and the second medium, and the recording unit records at least on both sides of the first medium... When the control unit stops the first medium, which has been recorded by the recording unit on the first surface, on the reversing path, it transports the second medium, which has been recorded by the recording unit on the first surface, to the reversing path, and then transports the first medium from the reversing path back to the recording path.

2. The recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The reversal path includes a first reversal path and a second reversal path. The first reversal path is located downstream of the second reversal path on the reversal path. The conveying unit has a first reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the first reversing path and a second reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the second reversing path. The control unit controls the second reversing drive unit to transport the second medium to the second reversing path while controlling the first reversing drive unit to stop the first medium on the first reversing path.

3. The recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The inversion path includes a first inversion path, a second inversion path, and a third inversion path. The first reversal path is a path located downstream of the second reversal path on the reversal path, used to retransmit the medium from the second reversal path to the recording path. The second reversing path is a path located downstream of the third reversing path, used to transport the medium from the third reversing path to the first reversing path. The third reversal path is a path that transports the medium from the recording path and is used to reverse the medium. The conveying unit includes a first reverse drive unit for conveying the medium on the first reverse path, a second reverse drive unit for conveying the medium on the second reverse path, and a third reverse drive unit for conveying the medium on the third reverse path. The control unit controls the third reversing drive unit to transport the second medium to the third reversing path while controlling the first reversing drive unit to stop the first medium on the first reversing path.

4. The recording device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that, It includes a feeding unit that feeds the medium to the conveying unit. The control unit stops the first medium on the first reversing path by using a stop time derived from the feeding interval of the medium being fed by the feeding unit.

5. The recording device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that, The device includes a media detection unit that detects the media at a branch position from the recording path to the reverse path. The control unit controls the conveying unit in such a way that the first medium stops on the first reversing path until the medium detection unit detects the rear end of the second medium, and after the medium detection unit detects the rear end of the second medium, the first medium is conveyed again from the first reversing path to the recording path.

6. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The transport path includes a discharge path for discharging the medium transported from the recording path. The control unit is capable of stopping the delivery of the medium at least a portion of the recording path, the reversal path, and the discharge path.

7. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The transport path includes a discharge path for discharging the medium transported from the recording path. When the control unit stops the delivery of the medium on at least one of the recording path and the discharge path, it changes the stopping time that stops the medium on the reversing path.

8. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the length of the medium in the transport direction is a first length, the control unit increases the number of sheets of the medium that can exist on the transport path compared to when the length of the medium in the transport direction is a second length longer than the first length.

9. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the length of the medium in the transport direction is a first length, the control unit increases the number of sheets of the medium that can exist on the reverse path compared to when the length of the medium in the transport direction is a second length longer than the first length.

10. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The length of the reverse path in the conveying direction is more than twice the maximum length of the medium that the conveying unit can convey in the conveying direction.

11. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The length of the reverse path in the conveying direction is more than three times the minimum length of the medium that the conveying unit can convey in the conveying direction.

12. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the length of the medium in the transport direction is a first length, the control unit slows down the transport speed of the medium on the reverse path compared to when the length of the medium in the transport direction is a second length longer than the first length.

13. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, When the length of the control unit in the medium's transport direction is a third length longer than the second length, compared to when the length in the medium's transport direction is the second length, the control unit slows down the transport speed of the medium on the reverse path.

14. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The control unit sets the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path to be the same for both the case where the length in the conveying direction of the medium is the first length and the case where the length in the conveying direction of the medium is the third length.

15. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, It includes a recording drive unit for conveying the medium along the recording path. The control unit adjusts the conveying speed of the medium on the reverse path to be greater than or equal to the conveying speed of the medium on the recording path for two cases: when the length of the medium in the conveying direction is the first length and when the length of the medium in the conveying direction is the second length.

16. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the recording performed by the recording unit is interrupted, the control unit stops the transport of the medium on the reverse path and changes the stopping time for stopping the medium on the reverse path.

17. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, It includes a maintenance department that performs maintenance on the recording department. When the maintenance unit performs maintenance on the recording unit, the control unit stops the transport of the medium on the reversing path and changes the stopping time for stopping the medium on the reversing path.

18. A control method for a recording device, characterized in that, The recording device includes: The conveying unit transports the medium along the conveying path; A recording unit that records on the medium transported by the conveying unit. In the control method of the recording device, The transport path includes a recording path and a reversal path. The recording path is the path used by the recording unit to record on the medium. The reversal path is a path that re-transports the medium along the recording path while the front and back of the medium are reversed. When the conveying unit sequentially conveys the first medium and the second medium, and the recording unit records at least on both sides of the first medium... With the first medium, which has been recorded by the recording unit on the first surface, stopped on the reversing path, the second medium, which has been recorded by the recording unit on the first surface, is conveyed to the reversing path, and the first medium is conveyed again from the reversing path to the recording path.

19. The control method for the recording device as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The recording device includes a feeding unit that feeds the medium to the conveying unit. The reversal path includes a first reversal path and a second reversal path. The first reversal path is located downstream of the second reversal path on the reversal path. The conveying unit has a first reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the first reversing path and a second reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the second reversing path. The first medium is stopped on the first reversing path by a stopping time obtained based on the feeding interval of the medium being fed by the feeding unit.

20. The control method for the recording device as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The recording device includes a media detection unit that detects the media at a branch position from the recording path to the reverse path branch. The reversal path includes a first reversal path and a second reversal path. The first reversal path is located downstream of the second reversal path on the reversal path. The conveying unit has a first reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the first reversing path and a second reversing drive unit for conveying the medium on the second reversing path. The control method of the recording device includes a process of controlling the transport section in such a way that the first medium is stopped on the first reversing path until the medium detection section detects the rear end of the second medium, and after the medium detection section detects the rear end of the second medium, the first medium is transported again from the first reversing path to the recording path.

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