Printing device, control method, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a printing device, a control method, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The printing device includes a printing unit configured to perform printing on a print medium; a stacking unit capable of stacking the discharged print medium by using a first stacking portion and a second stacking portion, the second stacking portion being disposed so as to be movable relative to the first stacking portion in a first direction; a first detection unit capable of detecting a position of the second stacking portion; and an acquisition unit configured to control movement of the second stacking portion in the first direction and to acquire the position of the second stacking portion based on a detection result obtained by the first detection unit, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to acquire the position of the second stacking portion according to the detection result obtained by the first detection unit when the second stacking portion is moved in the first direction, at the time when the printing by the printing unit is started.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to printing equipment, control methods, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] There is a known technique in which, in a printing device, after printing, the printing media is ejected and stacked on a stacking section, and the stacking section is moved to sort the printing media into batches of a certain number of sheets of paper. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-160715 discloses a technique in which, while sorting the printing media, the stacking section moves obliquely relative to the transport direction, thereby ensuring that the bundle of printing media to be sorted does not overlap with the area of ​​the already sorted bundle of printing media.

[0003] In such printing equipment, there are situations where printing media ejected in a previous print run remains in the stack while the next print run is being performed. In this case, depending on the size of the printing media to be used in the next print run, there is a possibility that the stacked printing media used for sorting may be damaged by movement. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to detect the position of the stack using the technique for detecting the position of the stack disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-113221.

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-113221, while using a sensor to detect one of the two positions, the other position is detected based on the load generated in the motor when the stacked portion comes into contact with another component. Therefore, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-113221, there is a possibility that the stacked printing media may be damaged when the position of the stacked portion is detected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems and provides a technique that can detect the position of the stacked portion while preventing damage to the stacked printing media.

[0006] A printing apparatus includes: a printing unit configured to print on a conveyed printing medium; a stacking unit configured to stack the conveyed and discharged printing medium using a first stacking portion and a second stacking portion, the second stacking portion being movable relative to the first stacking portion in a first direction; a first detection unit configured to detect the position of the second stacking portion by the movement of the second stacking portion in the first direction; and an acquisition unit configured to control the movement of the second stacking portion in the first direction and acquire the position of the second stacking portion based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit, wherein the first direction includes an extension direction in which the stacking unit extends and a contraction direction in which the extended stacking unit contracts, and wherein the acquisition unit is configured to acquire the position of the second stacking portion based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit when printing begins by the printing unit in the extension direction of the first direction.

[0007] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a printing device;

[0009] Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are the front view and floor plan of the printing section;

[0010] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram describing the conveyor system of the printing section;

[0011] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the control system focusing on the stacking section in the printing section;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a 3D configuration diagram of the stacking section;

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is a diagram describing the range of movement of the front tray;

[0014] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is a diagram describing the classification and location of the stacked sections;

[0015] Figures 8A to 8C This is a diagram depicting the detection of the front tray's position by the position detection unit;

[0016] Figure 9 This is a 3D configuration diagram of the drive transmission unit;

[0017] Figure 10 This is a 3D configuration diagram of the cam.

[0018] Figures 11A to 11C It is a diagram depicting the movement of a reciprocating component using a cam;

[0019] Figure 12 It is a diagram describing how the stacked section is driven according to the rotation direction of the drive source;

[0020] Figure 13A This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the printing process;

[0021] Figure 13B This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the printing process;

[0022] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the move process as a subroutine for printing processing;

[0023] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the get process as a subroutine for move processing;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of a move operation as a subroutine for move processing;

[0025] Figures 17A to 17D These are diagrams illustrating the state of the stacked sections after they have been driven during the printing process;

[0026] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the acquisition process in another embodiment; and

[0027] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the movement operation in another embodiment described above. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, examples of embodiments of the printing apparatus, control method, and storage medium are given. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit this disclosure, and each combination of features described in these embodiments is not necessarily necessary for the solutions provided in this disclosure. Furthermore, the positions, shapes, etc., of the constituent elements described in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] In this embodiment, as an example of a printing device, a description of a multifunctional peripheral device is given. This multifunctional peripheral device has a printing function for ejecting ink as a printing agent using an inkjet system to print on a printing medium and a reading function for reading a document placed on a platen glass. Note that the printing system is not limited to an inkjet system and may, for example, be an electrophotographic system or various other known systems. The printing agent that the printing device according to this embodiment can eject is not limited to ink and includes various known printing agents for printing, such as a treatment liquid for applying a predetermined treatment to the ejected ink.

[0030] In this specification, viewed from the side facing the ejected printing media, the direction from the left side of the printing device towards the right is described as the X direction, the direction from the inside (rear) side of the printing device towards the near side (front) side is described as the Y direction, and the direction from the bottom side of the printing device towards the top side is described as the Z direction. Thus, the X, Y, and Z directions are directions moving from one side to the other and are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, each direction is indicated by "+" (positive sign) when moving from one side to the other and by "-" (negative sign) when moving from the other side to one side (depending on the situation). <<First Embodiment>>

[0031] First, refer to Figures 1 to 17D A description of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment is given. (Printer configuration)

[0032] A description of the overall configuration of the printing device according to this embodiment is given. Figure 1 It is a 3D diagram of the internal configuration of the printing equipment. Figure 2A This is a front view of the printing section. Figure 2B This is a floor plan of the printing department. Note that... Figure 1 For ease of understanding, some configuration diagrams have been omitted.

[0033] The printing device 1 is a multifunctional peripheral device that includes a printing unit 10 for printing on a printing medium and a scanner unit (not shown in the figure) arranged above the printing unit 10 for reading documents. In the printing device 1, various processes related to printing and reading operations are performed individually or in conjunction with the printing unit 10 and the scanner unit.

[0034] The scanner unit includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) and an FBS (Flatbed Scanner), and is capable of reading documents automatically fed by the ADF, as well as documents placed by the user on the glass platen of the FBS. Note that although the printing device 1 in this embodiment is a multi-functional peripheral device including a printing unit 10 and a scanner unit, it may also be in the form of not having a scanner unit.

[0035] The printing unit 10 includes a first paper feed unit 11, a second paper feed unit 12, and a third paper feed unit 13 for feeding printing media (see...). Figure 1 Furthermore, the printing unit 10 includes a transport unit 2, a print head 3, and a stacking unit 4. The transport unit 2 transports printing media fed from each paper feed unit, the print head 3 performs printing by ejecting ink onto the printing media transported by the transport unit 2, and the stacking unit 4 is used to stack the printing media after printing. Additionally, the printing unit 10 includes a maintenance unit 5 for maintaining the print head 3, and a drive unit 6 for driving the first paper feed unit 11, the second paper feed unit 12, the third paper feed unit 13, and the maintenance unit 5.

[0036] The printing unit 10 includes a liquid storage unit 34 for storing ink to be supplied to the print head 3 and an ink discharge unit 51 for storing ink discharged from the maintenance unit 5 (see [link]). Figure 2A and Figure 2B In addition, the printing unit 10 includes a control unit 71 (see...). Figure 4 The control unit controls the overall operation of the printing device 1, including the control of the drive transport unit 2, print head 3, stacking unit 4, and drive unit 6. Furthermore, the printing unit 10 includes an operation unit 8 capable of receiving user input and displaying various information. The operation unit 8 is equipped with operation buttons 81 for inputting operation information into the printing device 1 and a display panel 82 for displaying operation information. In the printing device 1, each of the above-described configurations is secured to the housing 9 to form the printing unit 10.

[0037] In the printing unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are arranged above the stacking unit 4. More specifically, both the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are arranged at positions that partially overlap with the stacking unit 4 in the XY plane (see...). Figure 2B Note that the operating section 8 and the liquid storage section 34 are arranged at a distance from the stacking section 4 in the Z direction (see...). Figure 2A In this embodiment, the operation unit 8 is arranged on one side (left side) in the X direction, and the liquid storage unit 34 is arranged on the other side (right side) in the X direction. Note that the arrangement of the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 in the X direction can also be reversed.

[0038] Furthermore, in the printing unit 10, the operation unit 8 and the liquid storage unit 34 are arranged on the opposite side (front side) in the Y direction relative to the paper discharge roller pair 26, that is, downstream in the transport direction of the printing medium discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 26. Additionally, in the printing unit 10, the maintenance unit 5 is arranged in the moving area of ​​the print head 3, on the opposite side in the X direction of the stacking unit 4. More specifically, the maintenance unit 5 is arranged at a position in the YZ plane that partially overlaps with the stacking unit 4 (see...). Figure 3AFurthermore, in the printing section 10, the ink discharge section 51 is arranged below the stacking section 4. More specifically, the ink discharge section 51 is arranged at a position in the XY plane that partially overlaps with the stacking section 4 (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 3A ). (Conveying section and paper feeding section)

[0039] Next, a description of the configuration of the delivery system of the printing unit 10 will be given. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transport system of the printing unit 10, in which... Figure 3A The illustration shows the state of the stacked section 4 before it extends. Figure 3B The example shows the state after the stacked section has been extended. <Transportation Department>

[0040] The transport section 2 includes a transport roller pair 22 and a paper ejection roller pair 26. The transport roller pair 22 transports the printing media fed from each paper feed section to the printing position where it can be printed by the print head 3. The paper ejection roller pair 26 ejects the printing media after printing by the print head 3. The transport roller pair 22 includes a transport motor 21 (see...) Figure 1 The paper discharge roller pair 26 includes a conveyor roller 22a driven by a conveyor motor 21 and a pinch roller 22b in pressure contact with and associated with the conveyor roller 22a. At the conveyor roller pair 22, the printing medium is held and conveyed by the conveyor roller 22a and the pinch roller 22b. The paper discharge roller pair 26 includes a paper discharge roller 26a driven by a conveyor motor 21 and a ratchet 26b in pressure contact with the paper discharge roller 26a. At the paper discharge roller pair 26, the printing medium is held and conveyed by the paper discharge roller 26a and the ratchet 26b.

[0041] Furthermore, the transport unit 2 includes a first intermediate roller pair 126 that transports printing media fed from the second paper feed unit 12 and the third paper feed unit 13 to the transport roller pair 22, and a second intermediate roller pair 136 that transports printing media fed from the third paper feed unit 13 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The first intermediate roller pair 126 includes a first intermediate roller 126a driven by the drive unit 6 and a first driven roller 126b in pressure contact with and associated with the first intermediate roller 126a. At the first intermediate roller pair 126, the printing media is held and transported by the first intermediate roller 126a and the first driven roller 126b. Similarly, the second intermediate roller pair 136 includes a second intermediate roller 136a driven by the drive unit 6 and a second driven roller 136b in pressure contact with and associated with the second intermediate roller 136a. At the second intermediate roller pair 136, the printing media is held and transported by the second intermediate roller 136a and the second driven roller 136b.

[0042] Note that after the printing media fed from each paper feed section passes the detection rod 24 located upstream of the transport direction relative to the transport roller pair 22, the positions of the left and right front edges of the printing media in the width direction are aligned with the transport direction by the transport roller pair 22. That is, the skewness of the printing media in the transport direction is corrected by the transport roller pair 22. <Paper Feeding Department> First Paper Feeding Department

[0043] The first paper feed section 11 includes a pressure plate 111 for placing printing media and a first paper feed roller section 112 for feeding printing media placed on the pressure plate 111 to the transport roller pair 22. The first paper feed roller section 112 includes first paper feed rollers 112a and 112b for feeding printing media to the transport roller pair 22. Furthermore, the first paper feed roller section 112 includes a separation roller 113, which is arranged opposite to the first paper feed roller 112b and applies resistance to the printing media fed by the first paper feed roller 112b. The first paper feed rollers 112a and 112b are driven by a drive motor 61 of the drive section 6 (see...). Figure 1 Driven by the driving force of ).

[0044] In the first paper feed section 11, the printing medium P1 stacked on the pressure plate 111 abuts against the first paper feed roller 112a. The first paper feed roller 112a rotates under the drive of the drive motor 61, thereby starting the feeding of the printing medium P1. The printing medium P1 fed by the first paper feed roller 112a is fed by the first paper feed roller 112b, which is arranged downstream of the first paper feed roller 112a in the feeding direction. At this time, only the topmost sheet of the printing medium P1 fed by the first paper feed roller 112b is fed to the transport roller pair 22 by the separation roller 113, which is arranged at a position opposite to the first paper feed roller 112b. Second paper feed section

[0045] The second paper feed unit 12 includes a cassette case 121 for containing printing media, a second paper feed roller 123 for feeding the printing media contained in the cassette case 121, and a separation unit 125 for applying resistance to the printing media fed by the second paper feed roller 123. The second paper feed roller 123 is driven by a drive motor 62 of a drive unit 6 (see [reference needed]) transmitted through a gear train (not shown in the figure). Figure 1 Driven by the driving force of ).

[0046] In the second paper feed section 12, driven by the drive motor 62, the second paper feed roller 123 rotates while abutting against the printing medium P2 contained in the cartridge container 121, thereby beginning to feed the printing medium P2 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The separation section 125 applies resistance against the printing medium P2 fed by the second paper feed roller 123 in the opposite direction of feed. Therefore, even if the second paper feed roller 123 feeds multiple printing media P2, the separation section 125 only feeds the topmost sheet of printing medium P2 to the first intermediate roller pair 126. The printing medium P2 fed to the first intermediate roller pair 126 is then conveyed by the first intermediate roller pair 126 to the transport roller pair 22. Third Paper Feeding Section

[0047] The third paper feed unit 13 includes a cartridge container 131 for containing printing media, a third paper feed roller 133 for feeding the printing media contained in the cartridge container 131, and a separation unit 135 for applying resistance to the printing media fed by the third paper feed roller 133. The third paper feed roller 133 is driven by a drive motor 62 of a drive unit 6 (see [reference needed]) transmitted through a gear train (not shown in the figure). Figure 1 Driven by the driving force of ).

[0048] In the third paper feed section 13, driven by the drive motor 62, the third paper feed roller 133 rotates while abutting against the printing medium P3 contained in the cartridge container 131, thereby beginning to feed the printing medium P3 to the second intermediate roller pair 136. The separation section 135 applies resistance against the printing medium P3 fed by the third paper feed roller 133 in the opposite direction of feed. Therefore, even if the third paper feed roller 133 feeds multiple printing media P3, the separation section 135 only feeds the topmost sheet of the printing medium P3 to the second intermediate roller pair 136. The printing medium P3 fed to the second intermediate roller pair 136 is conveyed to the transport roller pair 22 via the second intermediate roller pair 136 and the first intermediate roller pair 126. (Print head)

[0049] Next, a description of the print head 3 will be given. In the printing unit 10, the print head 3 is slidably supported on a frame 33 extending in the X direction, and mounted on a carriage 31 that can reciprocate in the X direction (see...). Figure 2B and Figure 3A Therefore, the printhead 3 can reciprocate in the X direction via the carriage 31. The printing medium conveyed by the transport roller pair 22 is supported by the platform 25 placed at a position opposite to the printhead 3. Furthermore, while the printhead 3 moves in the X direction via the carriage 31, it ejects ink onto the printing medium supported by the platform 25 for printing.

[0050] When printing is performed only on one side of the printing medium, the printed medium is discharged to the stacking section 4 via the paper ejection roller pair 26. On the other hand, when printing is performed on both sides of the printing medium, and the rear edge of the printed medium after printing on one side is held by the paper ejection roller pair 26, the transport motor 21 is rotated in the opposite direction. Therefore, the paper ejection roller pair 26 and the transport roller pair 22 rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation used to transport the printing medium in the transport direction, so as to transport the printing medium held by the paper ejection roller pair 26 at the rear edge to the flip transport path F. In the description provided here, it is assumed that the rear edge of the printing medium refers to the rear edge of the printing medium in the transport direction (+Y direction), and the front edge of the printing medium refers to the front edge of the printing medium in the transport direction.

[0051] Then, once the leading edge of the printing medium, conveyed to the flipping conveyor path F, passes the conveyor roller pair 22, the conveyor motor 21 switches to forward rotation. Afterward, as it passes the detection rod 24 due to the conveying of the first intermediate roller pair 126, skew correction is again performed by the conveyor roller pair 22. Subsequently, the same operation as printing on one side of the printing medium is performed, so that after printing on the other side of the printing medium, the double-sided printed printing medium is discharged to the stacking section 4 via the paper ejection roller pair 26.

[0052] Note that, although details are described later, in this embodiment, the stack 4 automatically extends in the +Y direction during printing (see...). Figure 3B The printing media discharged via the paper discharge rollers 26 is stacked in a stacking section. Therefore, the stacking section 4, which is mostly located inside the housing 9 before extension, protrudes outside the housing 9, thus ensuring a stable area of ​​the discharged printing media. Note that the stacking section 4 is detachable from the housing 9. By removing the stacking section 4 from the housing 9, the user can insert their hand into the housing 9 to remove any blocked printing media from the transport path. (Stacking section)

[0053] Next, a description of stacking section 4 will be given. Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system of printing device 1. Note that, in order to focus on the stacking section 4 in the following description, Figure 4 The main example shown is the control configuration related to the stack section 4; other configurations are omitted. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the stacked section 4. Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating the positions of the stacked portion 4 after extension and after contraction, where Figure 6A The illustration shows the receiving position of the front tray 42 after the stacking section 4 has retracted. Figure 6B The stacking position of the front tray 42 is illustrated after the stacking section 4 is extended. Figure 7A and Figure 7BThis is a diagram illustrating two classification positions of the stack section 4, where Figure 7A The first category position is shown. Figure 7B The second category position is illustrated. Figures 8A to 8C These are diagrams describing how the position of the front tray 42 is detected by the position detection unit. Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating the state of the front tray 42 near the receiving position. Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating the state in which the front tray 42 is located near a predetermined position. Figure 8C This is a diagram illustrating the state where the front tray 42 is located near the maximum stacking position.

[0054] The stacking section 4, used for stacking printing media discharged by the paper discharge roller pair 26, automatically extends at the start of printing, thereby increasing the area supporting the discharged printing media. Furthermore, when printing media is removed from the stacking section 4, the stacking section 4 automatically retracts, thereby reducing this area. In addition, the stacking section 4 has the function of moving in a direction (X direction) intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the extension direction (Y direction) to classify the discharged printing media. Note that the automatic retraction of the stacking section 4 in the printing unit 10 is performed not only when printing media is removed from the stacking section 4, but also when an instruction is received from the user via the operation unit 8, when there is no printing operation for a predetermined time, and when switching to a low-power mode, etc.

[0055] The printing unit 10 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a detection unit 73, a position detection unit 74, an operation unit 8, a stacking unit 4, a drive transmission unit 43, and a drive source 44 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0056] During the period from receiving a print command until the print media is delivered and discharged onto the stacking section 4, the control unit 71 controls the stacking section 4 to move in the X direction and extend in the Y direction. Furthermore, if print media is removed from the stacking section 4, the control unit 71 controls the stacking section 4 to begin moving in the X direction and retracting in the Y direction. Although details will be described later, the stacking section 4 extends after moving to the first sorting position (described later) along the X direction. While the stacking section 4 extends, the front tray 42 constituting the stacking section 4 moves from the receiving position (described later) to the stacking position (described later). Furthermore, the stacking section 4 retracts after moving to a second sorting position (described later) different from the first sorting position along the X direction. While the stacking section 4 retracts, the front tray 42 constituting the stacking section 4 moves from the stacking position to the receiving position. Through this control, the influence of external forces applied to the print media due to the movement of the stacking section 4 can be reduced during print media discharge. That is, the deterioration of the alignment of the discharged and stacked print media can be suppressed, thus improving the visibility of the sorted print media during sorting. Furthermore, since the stacking section 4 automatically extends and retracts, it is not burdensome for the user, thus enhancing usability. Note that the details of the drive control for the movement and extension of the stacking section 4 by the control section 71 will be described later.

[0057] The operation unit 8 includes operation buttons 81 and a display panel 82 (see...). Figure 1 By operating the operation unit 8, the user can select whether the print media needs to be sorted and can issue instructions to move the stacking unit 4. Note that in the printing unit 10, for example, the sorting of print media and the movement of the stacking unit 4 can also be performed based on information set in the job. The storage unit 72 stores various programs to be used to operate the stacking unit 4. When the user inputs through the operation unit 8, the control unit 71 reads the program corresponding to the input result and controls the driving of the stacking unit 4. In addition, the storage unit 72 stores the detection results obtained by the detection unit 73 and the position detection unit 74.

[0058] The detection unit 73 includes multiple sensors. Specifically, it includes sensors for detecting the drive source 44 used to drive the stacked unit 4 (see...). Figure 2A A rotation sensor is used to rotate the drive source 44. The sensor is equipped with a rotary encoder and is mounted on the rotational shaft of the drive source 44 that generates the rotational driving force. The sensor converts the rotation angle of the drive source 44 into a number of steps and sends this number to the control unit 71. The control unit 71 reads the number of steps required for a predetermined operation of the stacking unit 4 from the storage unit 72, and when the number of steps sent from the sensor reaches a specified number, the control unit 71 determines that the predetermined operation of the stacking unit 4 is complete and stops the drive source 44. In this embodiment, the sensor is equipped with an encoder mounted on the rotational shaft of the drive source 44; however, there is no such limitation. For example, it could also be mounted on the drive transmission unit 43 (see...). Figure 2AOn the rotation axis of the predetermined transmission member, the drive transmission unit transmits the driving force of the drive source 44 to the stacking unit 4.

[0059] Furthermore, the detection unit 73 includes a sensor for detecting the position of the stacking unit 4 after a predetermined operation. This sensor can be, for example, a mechanical switch, a light sensor, or a rotary encoder of the drive source 44. Additionally, the detection unit 73 includes a sensor 731 for detecting whether any printing media is stacked on the stacking unit 4 (see [link to sensor 731]). Figure 8A The moment when the stacked section 4 contracts can be detected by sensor 731.

[0060] Stacking section 4 includes a rear tray 41 and a front tray 42 (see...) Figure 5 The rear tray 41 is configured to reciprocate in the X direction, which intersects with the direction of printing media discharge (Y direction). The rear tray 41 is disposed within the housing 9, with its other end 41a in the Y direction positioned further rearward relative to the front surface 9a of the housing 9 in the Y direction (see...). Figure 6B ).

[0061] The front tray 42 is supported by the rear tray 41 and is configured to reciprocate within the rear tray 41 in the Y direction. Therefore, the front tray 42 can reciprocate via the rear tray 41 in the X direction. At the end 42a on the other side in the Y direction, the front tray 42 includes an upward (+Z direction) protrusion 42b. The protrusion 42b extends in the X direction, and a notch 42c is formed at the center between the protrusions 42b. The protrusion 42b constrains the movement of the printed media to be stacked in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the notch 42c makes it easier for the user to grip the stacked printed media.

[0062] The front tray 42 is configured to move between a receiving position and a stacking position (see...). Figure 6A and Figure 6B The receiving position is such that most of the front tray 42 overlaps with the rear tray 41 in the XY plane and is received below the rear tray 41 (see...). Figure 6A The stacking position is the position pulled out from the receiving position so that the front tray 42 and the rear tray 41 cooperate to enable stacking of printing media (see...). Figure 6B That is, when the stacking portion 4 extends, the front tray 42 moves from the receiving position to the stacking position in the +Y direction. Furthermore, when the stacking portion 4 retracts, the front tray 42 moves from the stacking position to the receiving position in the -Y direction. Note that in this embodiment, in the receiving position, a portion of the area on the end 42a side of the front tray 42 protrudes in the Y direction relative to the front surface 9a of the housing 9. With this configuration, when the front tray 42 is in the receiving position, most of the stacking portion 4 is located within the housing 9, thereby reducing the setup space of the printing device 1.

[0063] Regarding the stacking position, multiple different positions can be taken in the Y direction depending on the size of the printing media. In this embodiment, four stacking positions can be taken, corresponding to sizes A4, A5, B5, and LETTER, respectively. Note that the possible stacking positions are not limited to these.

[0064] Furthermore, by moving the rear tray 41 in the X direction, the stacking section 4 is configured to move between two sorting positions to sort the print media to be ejected. That is, in the X direction, the stacking section 4 can move between a first sorting position and a second sorting position. In the first sorting position, the center position Os of the stacking section 4 is located to one side of the center position Om of the print media to be ejected (see...). Figure 7A In the second classification position, the central position Os is located on the other side of the central position Om (see...). Figure 7B The stacking section 4 is configured to sort the print media to be discharged at positions offset from each other in the X direction by stacking the print media at a first sorting position and stacking the print media at a second sorting position. In other words, the first sorting position and the second sorting position are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other in the X direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the first classification position can be designed to match the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the second classification position. Alternatively, the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the first classification position can be designed to be different from the distance from the center position Os to the center position Om at the second classification position. The distance required for classification, i.e., the distance between the first and second classification positions, is set to, for example, 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The position where the stacking part 4 can reside is not limited to the first and second classification positions. For example, when classification is not performed during printing or printing is not performed, the stacking part 4 can be configured to be located at the center position Om.

[0066] The position detection unit 74 is configured to detect the position of the front tray 42. Specifically, the position detection unit 74 includes a trigger member 743 formed on the side of the front tray 42 to protrude in the X direction. In this embodiment, the trigger member 743 is formed on one side (left side) of the front tray 42 in the X direction to protrude towards the left. Note that in this embodiment, the trigger member 743 is formed on the front tray 42, but is not limited thereto, and the trigger member 743 may be formed on a support member 432 (described later), which supports the front tray 42 to be movable in the Y direction.

[0067] In the housing 9, the position detection unit 74 includes sensors 741 and 742 disposed at locations such that sensors 741 and 742 can contact a trigger member 743 when the front tray 42 moves in the Y direction. Sensors 741 and 742 are arranged along the Y direction at positions overlapping with the trigger member 743 along the X and Z directions. Sensor 741 is arranged upstream of sensor 742 in the +Y direction. Sensor 742 is spaced apart from sensor 741 in the +Y direction, downstream of sensor 741.

[0068] Sensors 741 and 742 are configured not to interfere with the movement of the front tray 42 in the +Y direction when detecting the trigger member 743, and are configured not to cause (or hardly cause) movement of the front tray 42 in the X direction. In this embodiment, sensors 741 and 742 are configured as mechanical switches that detect the trigger member 743 upon contact with it. Note that the configuration of sensors 741 and 742 is not limited thereto; for example, various known techniques capable of detecting the trigger member 743 while satisfying the above conditions can be used, such as optical sensors.

[0069] When the position of the front tray 42 is detected by the position detection unit 74 and performed by the control unit 71, the position of the front tray 42 is detected based on whether the trigger member 743 is detected by the sensors 741 and 742 when the front tray 42 moves in the +Y direction. For example, if the sensor 741 initially detects the trigger member 743 when the front tray 42 moves in the +Y direction, the control unit 71 determines that the front tray 42 is located at or near the receiving position (see...). Figure 8A ).

[0070] Furthermore, when the sensor 742 initially detects the trigger member 743 while the front tray 42 is moving in the +Y direction, the control unit 71 determines that the front tray 42 is located at or near a predetermined position, at which point the front tray 42 extends a predetermined amount from its receiving position (see...). Figure 8B Furthermore, if sensors 741 and 742 do not detect trigger member 743 when the front tray 42 moves in the +Y direction, the control unit 71 determines that the front tray 42 has moved to its maximum movable position and has contacted and stopped with the stop of the rear tray 41 (see...). Figure 8C The maximum position is, for example, the position of the front tray 42 when stacking print media of the largest size that can be printed by the print unit 10. (Drive Transmission Section)

[0071] Next, a description of the drive transmission unit 43 will be given. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the drive transmission unit 43. Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the cam, which is a component of the drive transmission unit 43. Figures 11A to 11C This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the stack section 4 in the X direction using a cam.

[0072] The drive transmission unit 43 includes a transmission system 431 and a support member 432. The transmission system 431 is composed of multiple drive transmission members, which transmit rotational driving force from the drive source 44. The support member 432 can move in the Y direction by the driving force transmitted via the transmission system 431 (see...). Figure 9 In addition, the drive transmission unit 43 includes a reciprocating member 433 that can move in the X direction by the driving force transmitted via the transmission system 431, and a housing (not shown in the figure) that holds the drive source 44 and the transmission system 431.

[0073] The support member 432 includes a rack portion 4321 extending in the Y direction. This rack portion 4321 meshes with a pinion 4311, which is one of the drive transmission members constituting the transmission system 431, thereby allowing the support member 432 to move in the Y direction by a driving force transmitted from the transmission system 431. Specifically, the transmission system 431 is composed of a plurality of gears, including the pinion 4311. The driving force transmitted from the drive source 44 is transmitted to the pinion 4311 via predetermined gears in the transmission system 431, causing the support member 432 to move in the Y direction due to the driving force transmitted to the pinion 4311.

[0074] One end of the transmission system 431 is connected to the drive source 44. Furthermore, a cam 4312, which engages with the reciprocating member 433, is positioned at the other end of the transmission system 431. The cam 4312 includes a circular plate portion 4312c, a gear portion 4312a formed on one surface of the plate portion 4312c, and a cam portion 4312b formed on the other surface of the plate portion 4312c (see...). Figure 10 The driving force from drive source 44 is transmitted to gear portion 4312a, causing cam 4312 to rotate about the rotation center (which is an axis Oc passing through the center of plate portion 4312c and parallel to the Z direction). In this embodiment, cam portion 4312b has a generally triangular cylindrical shape, with each side of the triangle connecting adjacent vertices slightly curved to protrude outwards (see...). Figure 11A Furthermore, the cam portion 4312b is formed eccentrically on another surface of the plate portion 4312c relative to the rotation center in such a way that the predetermined vertex P is located on the axis Oc.

[0075] The reciprocating member 433 has a engagement portion 4333 formed to engage with the cam portion 4312b. The engagement portion 4333 has a first sliding surface 4331 and a second sliding surface 4332, which are formed to face each other at a predetermined interval in the X direction, allowing the engaged cam portion 4312b to slide therein. Note that the predetermined interval corresponds to the length of the cam portion 4312b in the X direction. Furthermore, the first sliding surface 4331 and the second sliding surface 4332 are formed parallel to the Y direction. As described above, the cam portion 4312b is eccentric relative to the rotation center of the cam 4312. Therefore, if the cam 4312 rotates, the cam portion 4312b slides on the first sliding surface 4331 or the second sliding surface 4332, thereby causing the reciprocating member 433 to move in the +X or -X direction (see...). Figures 11A to 11C ).

[0076] For example, assuming that through the rotation of cam 4312, cam portion 4312b has moved from a predetermined position ( Figure 11A (as shown) along arrow A (see) Figure 11B The cam portion 4312b slides on the first sliding surface 4331, thereby causing the reciprocating member 433 to move from one side to the other (-X direction) in the X direction (see...). Figure 11B Furthermore, assuming that through the rotation of cam 4312, cam portion 4312b has moved from a predetermined position along arrow B (see...). Figure 11C The cam portion 4312b slides on the second sliding surface 4332, thereby causing the reciprocating member 433 to move from one side to the other (+X direction) in the X direction (see...). Figure 11C ).

[0077] Support member 432 is connected to and supports front tray 42. Therefore, as support member 432 moves in the Y direction, front tray 42 moves in the Y direction. Furthermore, reciprocating member 433 is connected to and supported by rear tray 41. Therefore, as reciprocating member 433 moves in the X direction, rear tray 41 moves in the X direction, and front tray 42 also moves in the X direction via rear tray 41. In this embodiment, support member 432 is connected to front tray 42 and reciprocating member 433 is connected to rear tray 41; however, there is no such limitation. For example, rack portion 4321 may be formed on front tray 42, allowing front tray 42 to function as support member 432, or engagement portion 4333 may be formed on rear tray 41, allowing rear tray 41 to function as engagement portion 4333. (Approximate movement of the rear and front pallets)

[0078] Next, a general description of the movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 is given. Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the general movement of the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42.

[0079] In the drivetrain 431, a delay segment is formed in the drive transmission path in the Y direction. Specifically, the drivetrain 431 is configured to begin moving the front pallet 42 in the Y direction after the rear pallet 41 has completed its movement in the X direction. More specifically, when the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is a first direction, the rear pallet 41 moves to a first sorting position, and the front pallet 42 also moves to the first sorting position via the rear pallet 41. Subsequently, the drive source 44 rotates further in the first direction, causing the front pallet 42 to extend relative to the rear pallet 41, that is, the front pallet 42 in the receiving position moves to a stacking position in the +Y direction. When the rotation direction of the drive source 44 is a second direction opposite to the first direction, the rear pallet 41 moves to a second sorting position, and the front pallet 42 also moves to the second sorting position via the rear pallet 41. Subsequently, the drive source 44 rotates further in the second direction, causing the front pallet 42 to contract relative to the rear pallet 41, that is, the front pallet 42 in the stacking position moves to the receiving position in the -Y direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, the drive transmission unit 43 moves the rear tray 41 in the X direction and then moves the front tray 42 in the Y direction; however, there is no such limitation. For example, the rear tray 41 may be moved in the X direction after the front tray 42 is moved in the Y direction. Furthermore, the movement of the stacking section 4 by the drive transmission unit 43—that is, the movement of the rear tray 41 to the first and second sorting positions, and the movement of the front tray 42 to the receiving and stacking positions—is not limited to the above description. For example, the movement of the stacking section 4 may be performed by rotation in the first or second direction. Furthermore, various known transmission mechanisms, such as linkage mechanisms, may be used as the configuration for transmitting the driving force of the drive source 44. Additionally, the printing unit 10 may include multiple drive sources, such that the movement of the rear tray 41 in the X direction and the movement of the front tray 42 in the Y direction are performed by driving forces from different drive sources. Note that the movement of the rear tray 41 in the X direction and the movement of the front tray 42 in the Y direction can be performed not only by the drive source 44 but also manually by the user. (Concerns arising from known technologies)

[0081] In the above configuration, when a job is input into the printing device 1, a printing process based on that job is performed. During the printing process, ink is ejected from the print head 3 to print on the printing medium conveyed by the transport unit 2 based on various information set in the job, and the printing medium discharged (input) to the stacking unit 4 after printing is sorted.

[0082] Note that the printing device 1 is configured such that, if the sensor 731 determines that the printing media has been removed from the stacking section 4, the stacking section 4 automatically retracts; that is, the front tray 42 moves from the stacking position to the receiving position. However, depending on the user's usage, printing based on the next job may be performed without removing the printing media from the stacking section 4. In this case, the stacking section 4, which has the printing media stacked, retracts according to the size of the printing media to be used in the next job.

[0083] That is, the printing device 1 is configured such that, at the start of printing, the front tray 42 of the stacking section 4 moves in the Y direction to a position corresponding to the size of the printing media set in the job. Therefore, if the size of the printing media to be used in the next job is smaller than the size of the printing media stacked in the stacking section 4, the front tray 42 moves in the -Y direction. In this case, as the front tray 42 moves in the -Y direction, the printing media stacked in the stacking section 4 may be damaged because it is caught between the protrusion 42b and the wall formed on the upstream side of the stacking section 4 in the +Y direction.

[0084] Therefore, it is conceivable, for example, to use the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-113221 to detect the position of the front tray 42 and control the movement of the front tray 42 in the Y direction based on the detection result. However, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-113221, a sensor is provided for detecting one of the two positions, while the other position is detected based on the load generated in the motor when the stacked part comes into contact with another component. Therefore, when using the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-113221 to detect the position of the front tray 42, it is necessary to move the front tray 42 in the -Y direction, which causes the printing media stacked on the stacked part 4 to be trapped between the protrusion 42b and the aforementioned wall surface, thereby damaging the printing media. (Printing process)

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, while the front tray 42 is moved in the stacking section 4 at the start of printing, the position detection unit 74 detects the position of the front tray 42, and based on the detection result, moves the front tray 42 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium. Hereinafter, a description relating to the printing process performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is given.

[0086] Figure 13A and 13B This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the printing process performed in a printing device. Figure 14 This is an example as Figure 13A and 13BA flowchart detailing the processing details of moving the front tray 42 to the stacking position in the subroutine of the printing process. Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the process of obtaining the position of the previous tray 42 as a subroutine for movement processing. Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the front tray 42 movement operation as a subroutine for movement processing. Figures 17A to 17D These are diagrams illustrating the state of each of the four stacked sections after they have been moved.

[0087] Figures 13A to 16 The series of processes shown in the flowcharts are performed by the control unit 71 loading program code stored in the program memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 into the data memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 and executing the program code. Alternatively, Figures 13A to 16 Some or all of the functions in the steps can be executed by hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. In this specification, the symbol "S" in the description of each process in the flowchart indicates that it is a step in that flowchart. Note that when using... Figure 13A and 13B The description of the printing process describes a case in which a bundle of M print media is regarded as one unit, and the printing process is performed by the printing device 1 based on a job for performing printing to generate N such bundles of print media.

[0088] When the printing process begins, firstly, in S1302, the control unit 71 performs a movement process to move the front tray 42 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media.

[0089] In the following text, see references Figure 14 The description of the movement process related to the subroutine of the printing process is given. When the movement process in S1304 is executed, firstly, in S1402, the control unit 71 executes the acquisition process of acquiring the current position of the front tray 42.

[0090] In the following text, see references Figure 15This section provides a detailed description of the acquisition process related to the subroutine of the movement process. During the acquisition process in S1402, firstly, in S1502, the control unit 71 moves the front tray 42 in the +Y direction. In S1502, when the movement of the front tray 42 in the +Y direction begins, a time period count is started from the point of commencement of movement. Next, in S1504, the control unit 71 determines whether the trigger member 743 has been detected by either sensor 741 or sensor 742. Note that if the trigger member 743 is detected by sensor 741, the control unit 71 stores detection information indicating that sensor 741 has detected the trigger member 743 in the storage unit 72. Furthermore, if the trigger member 743 is detected by sensor 742, the control unit 71 stores detection information indicating that sensor 742 has detected the trigger member 743 in the storage unit 72.

[0091] In S1504, if it is determined that the trigger member 743 has been detected by the sensor 741 or the sensor 742, the process proceeds to S1506. In S1506, the control unit 71 stops the movement of the front tray 42 in the +Y direction, and then the process proceeds to S1510, which is described below. Furthermore, if it is determined in S1504 that the trigger member 743 has not been detected by the sensor 741 or the sensor 742, the process proceeds to S1508. In S1508, it is determined whether a predetermined time period has elapsed since the front tray 42 began moving in the +Y direction in S1502.

[0092] In S1508, a determination is made based on the count value that started in S1502. A predetermined time period is set as the time required for the front tray 42, located at a position where the trigger member 743 is not in contact with the sensors 741 or 742, to reach its downstream end in the +Y direction. The predetermined time period is, for example, the time period from the start of the front tray 42's movement in the +Y direction from a predetermined position (a position where the front tray 42 extends a predetermined amount from its receiving position) until the front tray 42 reaches its downstream end position in the +Y direction. Therefore, if it is determined in S1508 that the predetermined time period has passed, the front tray 42 is located at the downstream end, meaning the front tray 42 can move in the +Y direction to reach this downstream end. In S1508, if it is determined that the predetermined time period has passed, the control unit 71 stores detection information in the storage unit 72 indicating that a predetermined time period has passed since the front tray 42 moved in the +Y direction in S1502 without being detected by the sensors 741 or 742.

[0093] If it is determined in S1508 that the predetermined time period has not yet passed, the process returns to S1504. Alternatively, if it is determined in S1508 that the predetermined time period has passed, the process proceeds to S1506, where the movement of the front tray 42 stops, and then the process proceeds to S1510 as described below.

[0094] In S1510, the control unit 71 determines whether the triggering member 743 has been detected by the sensor 741. In S1510, this determination is based on detection information stored in the storage unit 72. That is, at the point in time S1510 is executed, one type of detection information is stored in the storage unit 72: detection information indicating that the triggering member 743 has been detected by the sensor 741, detection information indicating that the triggering member 743 has been detected by the sensor 742, and detection information indicating that a predetermined time period has elapsed when the triggering member 743 has not been detected by either sensor 741 or 742.

[0095] In S1510, if it is determined that the trigger member 743 has been detected by the sensor 741, the process proceeds to S1512. In S1512, the control unit 71 determines that the front tray 42 is located at or near the receiving position (see...). Figure 8A The system acquires a first position as the position of the front tray 42, terminates the acquisition process, and then proceeds to S1404 as described below. Note that the first position indicates the position information of the front tray 42 being located at or near the receiving position (i.e., at the upstream end in the +Y direction). In S1512, the acquired first position as the position information of the front tray 42 is stored in the storage unit 72. At this time, the detection information stored in the storage unit 72 is initialized. Furthermore, in S1510, if it is determined that the trigger member 743 has not been detected by the sensor 741, the process proceeds to S1514, in which the control unit 71 determines whether the trigger member 743 has been detected by the sensor 742. In S1514, as in S1510, the determination is based on the detection information stored in the storage unit 72.

[0096] In S1514, if it is determined that the trigger member 743 has been detected by the sensor 742, the process proceeds to S1516. In S1516, the control unit 71 determines that the front tray 42 is located at a predetermined position extending a predetermined amount from the receiving position (see...). Figure 8BThe process proceeds to S1404, where the second position is acquired as the position of the front tray 42, the acquisition process ends, and the process continues to S1404 as described below. Note that the second position indicates the position information of the front tray 42 at a predetermined position extending a predetermined amount from the receiving position (i.e., located downstream of the first position and upstream of the third position described later in the +Y direction). In S1516, the acquired second position as the position information of the front tray 42 is stored in the storage unit 72. At this time, the detection information stored in the storage unit 72 is initialized. Furthermore, in S1514, if it is determined that the trigger member 743 has not yet been detected by the sensor 742, the process proceeds to S1518, where it is determined whether a predetermined time period has elapsed in the state where it has not been detected by the sensor 741 or 742. In S1518, the determination is made based on the detection information stored in the storage unit 72, as in S1510.

[0097] In S1518, if it is determined that a predetermined time period has elapsed without being detected by sensor 741 or 742, the process proceeds to S1520. In S1520, the control unit 71 determines that the front tray 42 is located at the downstream end that the front tray 42 can reach in the +Y direction (see...). Figure 8C The process begins by acquiring a third position as the position of the front tray 42, terminating the acquisition process, and then proceeding to S1404 as described below. Note that the third position indicates the position information of the front tray 42 at its downstream end, which can be reached by movement in the +Y direction. In S1520, the acquired third position as the position information of the front tray 42 is stored in the storage unit 72. At this time, the detection information stored in the storage unit 72 is initialized. Furthermore, in S1518, if it is determined that a predetermined time period has not elapsed since the sensor 741 or 742 has not detected the device, the acquisition process is terminated, and then the process proceeds to S1404 as described below.

[0098] In other words, in this acquisition process, by using two sensors 741 and 742 and a trigger member 743 to move the front tray 42 in the +Y direction, the position of the front tray 42 in the Y direction can be obtained from three roughly set positions. Therefore, in the acquisition process, the position of the front tray 42 is obtained without moving the front tray 42 in the -Y direction (which could damage the printing media stacked in the stacking section 4). As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 71 controls the movement of the front tray 42 in the Y direction and functions as an acquisition unit that obtains the position of the front tray 42 based on the detection result of the position detection unit 74.

[0099] Return to Figure 14Continuing the description, after the acquisition process in S1402 is completed, in S1404, the control unit 71 determines whether the position information of the front tray 42 has been acquired. In S1404, the determination is based on the position information stored in the storage unit 72. That is, in S1404, if the first position, second position, or third position is stored in the storage unit 72 as position information of the front tray 42, it is determined that the position information of the front tray 42 has been acquired. Furthermore, in S1404, if it is determined that the position information of the front tray 42 has not been stored in the storage unit 72, it is determined that the position information of the front tray 42 has not yet been acquired.

[0100] In S1404, if it is determined that the position information of the front tray 42 has not yet been acquired, the process proceeds to S1406. In S1406, the control unit 71 determines that an error has occurred in the storage unit 72 or the sensor 741 or 742, and provides an error notification to the user, for example, via the operation unit 8, and then terminates the acquisition process, thereby terminating the printing process. Alternatively, if it is determined in S1404 that the position information of the front tray 42 has been acquired, the process proceeds to S1408. In S1408, based on the position information acquired in the acquisition process of S1402 and information related to the size of the print media set in the job, the control unit 71 performs a movement operation to move the front tray 42 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the print media.

[0101] In the following text, see references Figure 16 This section provides a detailed description of the movement operation as a subroutine of the movement process. When the movement operation in S1408 begins, firstly, in S1602, the control unit 71 determines whether the movement direction of the front tray 42 to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media is the -Y direction. In S1408, based on the position information of the front tray 42 obtained through the acquisition process and information related to the size of the printing media set in the job, it determines whether the movement direction of the front tray 42 is the -Y direction.

[0102] For example, if the position of the front tray 42, based on the position information obtained through the acquisition process, is located upstream in the +Y direction relative to the stacking position associated with information related to the size of the printing medium, then the front tray 42 needs to be moved in the +Y direction. Furthermore, if the position of the front tray 42, based on the position information obtained through the acquisition process, is located at the same stacking position associated with information related to the size of the printing medium, then it is not necessary to move the front tray 42 in the Y direction. Therefore, in these cases, it is determined in S1408 that the direction of movement of the front tray 42 is not the -Y direction. Furthermore, if the position of the front tray 42, based on the position information obtained through the acquisition process, is located downstream in the +Y direction relative to the stacking position associated with information related to the size of the printing medium, then the front tray 42 needs to be moved in the -Y direction. Therefore, in this case, it is determined in S1408 that the direction of movement of the front tray 42 is the -Y direction.

[0103] In S1602, if it is determined that the movement direction of the front tray 42 is not in the -Y direction, the process proceeds to S1612, which will be described later. Furthermore, in S1602, if it is determined that the movement direction of the front tray 42 is in the -Y direction, the process proceeds to S1604, where the control unit 71 determines whether the printing media is stacked on the stacking unit 4. In S1604, this determination is based on the detection result of the sensor 731.

[0104] In S1604, if it is determined that the print media is not stacked on the stacking section 4, the process proceeds to S1612, which will be described later. Furthermore, in S1604, if it is determined that the print media is stacked on the stacking section 4, the process proceeds to S1606, in which the control unit 71 provides a notification via the operation unit 8 to prompt the user to remove the print media stacked on the stacking section 4. As a specific notification method, for example, a note or image reflecting the notification may be displayed on the display panel 82, or a voice prompt reflecting the notification may be output via a speaker (not shown) provided in the operation unit 8. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the print media is stacked on the stacking section 4 and the stacking position corresponding to the size of the print media to be used for subsequent printing is upstream in the +Y direction relative to the position of the front tray 42 obtained in the acquisition process, the movement of the front tray 42 in the -Y direction is constrained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 71 functions as a notification unit that provides a notification prompting the removal of the print media stacked on the stacking section 4.

[0105] Next, in S1608, the control unit 71 determines whether the user has performed an action in response to the notification provided in S1606. In this embodiment, for example, in S1606, along with the notification, an end button for confirming that the user's action has been completed and a continue button for forcing processing are displayed. Then, in S1608, if the end button or the continue button is pressed, it is determined that the user has taken an action in response to the notification; otherwise, it is determined that the user has not yet taken an action in response to the notification.

[0106] In S1608, if it is determined that the user has not yet taken action in response to the notification, the process returns to S1608. Note that if it is repeatedly determined that the user has not taken action within a predetermined time period, an error notification can be provided to the user. Furthermore, in S1608, if it is determined that the user has already taken action in response to the notification, the process proceeds to S1610, where the control unit 71 again determines whether the print media is stacked on the stacking unit 4. Since the specific details of the process in S1610 are the same as those in S1604, a detailed description of it is omitted.

[0107] In S1610, if it is determined that the print media is stacked on the stacking section 4, assuming that the continue button for forced processing was selected in S1608, the current movement operation is terminated, thereby terminating the printing process. Furthermore, if it is determined in S1610 that the print media is not stacked on the stacking section 4, it is determined that the user's action has been appropriately taken, and the process proceeds to S1612. Therefore, even if the print media is stacked on the stacking section 4 and the stacking position corresponding to the size of the print media is upstream in the +Y direction relative to the position of the front tray 42 acquired in the acquisition process, removing the print media from the stacking section 4 allows the front tray 42 to move in the -Y direction.

[0108] In S1612, the control unit 71 moves the front tray 42 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used for subsequent printing (see S1612). Figure 17A The movement process is terminated along with this movement operation, and proceeds to S1306, which will be described later. In S1612, the stacking position is determined based on the detection result of a sensor installed in the detection unit 73 to detect the position of the stacking unit 4 after the predetermined operation. Specifically, for example, the front tray 42 is moved to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium based on the detection result of the rotary encoder of the drive source 44. Alternatively, a configuration in which the front tray 42 is moved to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium based on the detection result of a mechanical switch, light sensor, etc., may also be used.

[0109] That is, in this moving operation, based on the position of the front tray 42 in the stacking section 4 and the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used for subsequent printing, it is determined whether the moving direction of the front tray 42 is in the -Y direction. Furthermore, if the moving direction is in the -Y direction, since there is a possibility of damaging the printing media stacked on the stacking section 4, it is determined whether printing media is present on the stacking section 4, and if printing media is stacked on the stacking section 4, the user is prompted to take action. Therefore, even if printing media is stacked on the stacking section 4, even if the front tray 42 is moved to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used for subsequent printing, damage to the printing media is unlikely to occur.

[0110] Return to Figure 13A and 13B Continuing the description. At the end of the movement process in S1302, in S1304, the control unit 71 moves the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 (stacked section 4) to the first sorting position. In S1302, the drive source 44 rotates along a first direction to move the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position in the -X direction.

[0111] Note that during the movement process in S1302, when the front tray 42, which was in the receiving position, moves to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media, the stacking part 4 is already in the first sorting position. Furthermore, during the movement process in S1302, when the front tray 42 moves in the +Y direction, thereby moving to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media, the stacking part 4 is also already in the first sorting position.

[0112] That is, when the front tray 42 moves in the +Y direction, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 move to the first sorting position, and then the drive source 44 rotates further in the first direction. Note that the drive transmission unit 43 is configured such that even when the rear tray 41 is in the first sorting position, the cam 4312 will not rotate further, even if the driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the first direction is transmitted. Therefore, even when the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are in the first sorting position and the drive source 44 rotates in the first direction, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 will not move from the first sorting position in the -X direction.

[0113] Therefore, in these cases, for example, a configuration can be adopted in which the stacking part 4 is located in the first classification position or the second classification position by using sensors, etc., thereby omitting the processing of S1304 when the stacking part 4 is located in the first classification position. Note that during the movement processing of S1302, when the front tray 42 moves along the -Y direction to the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media, since the stacking part 4 is located in the second classification position, the stacking part 4 moves to the first classification position through the processing of S1304.

[0114] Next, in S1306, the control unit 71 sets the variable n, representing the number of copies of the print media bundle to be sorted, to "1". Furthermore, in S1308, the control unit 71 sets the variable m, representing the number of sheets of print media to be printed, to "1". Then, in S1310, the control unit 71 prints on the nth copy of the m-th print media. In the printing unit 10, a printing operation is performed, in which ink is ejected from a predetermined area of ​​the print media conveyed by the transport unit 2 and supported by the platform 25 while the print head 3 moves in the X direction. Next, after the transport unit 2 performs a transport operation that conveys a predetermined amount of print media corresponding to the Y-direction length of the predetermined area, the printing operation is performed again. Thus, the printing unit 10 prints on the print media by alternately and repeatedly performing the printing operation and the transport operation. Therefore, during printing, as printing progresses, the print media is conveyed in the +Y direction, discharged at the end of printing, and then stacked on the stacking unit 4 at the first sorting position.

[0115] Then, in S1312, the control unit 71 determines whether the print media has been ejected. In S1312, for example, the determination is based on the detection result of a sensor installed in the detection unit 73 to detect the ejection of print media, and the number of ejected print media is counted. The ejected print media are stacked on the stacking section 4 at the first sorting position (see...). Figure 17B ).

[0116] Subsequently, in S1314, the control unit 71 determines whether the number of ejected print media has reached a predetermined number. In S1314, it is determined whether the count of ejected print media has reached a preset predetermined number. Alternatively, in S1314, it may also be determined whether the number of print media m has reached a predetermined number. In this case, the number of ejected print media is not counted in S1312. For example, the predetermined number of print media is set based on information set in the job. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined number of print media is "M", and in S1314, it is determined whether m is equal to M.

[0117] In S1314, if it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has not yet reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1316. In S1316, the control unit 71 increments by m, and the process returns to S1310. Alternatively, in S1314, if it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1318. In S1318, the control unit 71 determines whether the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number. For example, the predetermined number of copies is set based on information set in the job. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined number of copies is "N", and in S1318, it is determined whether n is equal to N.

[0118] In S1318, if it is determined that the predetermined number of copies n has been reached, the process proceeds to S1320. In S1320, the control unit 71 determines whether the print media has been removed from the stacking unit 4. This determination is based on the detection result of the sensor 731. If, in S1320, it is determined that the print media has not been removed from the stacking unit 4, the process proceeds to S1322. In S1322, the control unit 71 determines whether the next job has been entered. If, in S1322, it is determined that the next job has been entered, this printing process ends. Thereafter, a new printing process begins based on the entered next job. Alternatively, if, in S1322, it is determined that the next job has not been entered, the process returns to S1320. At this time, a notification can also be provided via the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8 to prompt the user to remove the print media from the stacking unit 4.

[0119] Furthermore, in S1320, if it is determined that the printing media has been removed from the stacking section 4, the process proceeds to S1324, in which the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 are moved to the second sorting position. In S1324, the drive source 44 rotates in the second direction to move the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which are in the first sorting position, to the second sorting position in the +X direction, and then the process proceeds to S1350, which will be described later.

[0120] Furthermore, in S1318, if it is determined that the number of portions n has not yet reached the predetermined number of portions, the process proceeds to S1326, in which the control unit 71 moves the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the second sorting position (see...). Figure 17C Since the specific details of the processing in S1326 are the same as those of the processing in S1324 described above, their detailed description is omitted.

[0121] Next, in S1328, the control unit 71 increments the variable n. Furthermore, in S1330, the control unit 71 sets the variable m to "1". Then, in S1332, the control unit 71 prints on the nth and mth print media. During printing, as printing progresses, the print media is conveyed in the +Y direction, ejected at the end of printing, and then stacked onto the stacking section 4 at the second classification position. Then, in S1334, the control unit 71 determines whether the print media has been ejected. Note that the ejected print media will be stacked onto the print media stacked in the stacking section 4 at the first classification position, that is, it will be stacked at a position offset in the X direction relative to the print media stacked in the first classification position (see...). Figure 17D ).

[0122] Subsequently, in S1336, the control unit 71 determines whether the number of printed media ejected has reached the predetermined number. If, in S1336, it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has not yet reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1338, where the control unit 71 increments by m, and the process returns to S1332. Furthermore, if, in S1336, it is determined that the number of printed media ejected has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1340, where the control unit 71 determines whether the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number. Note that since the specific details of the processes in S1334 to S1340 are the same as those in S1312 to S1318, their detailed description is omitted.

[0123] In S1340, if it is determined that the number of portions n has not yet reached the predetermined number of portions, the process proceeds to S1342, where the control unit 71 increments n. Then, in S1344, the control unit 71 moves the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42 to the first sorting position, and the process returns to S1308. In S1344, the drive source 44 rotates along a first direction to move the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which are in the second sorting position, to the first sorting position along the -X direction.

[0124] Furthermore, in S1340, if it is determined that the number of copies n has reached the predetermined number, the process proceeds to S1346, where the control unit 71 determines whether the print media has been removed from the stacking unit 4. Since the specific details of the process in S1346 are the same as those in S1320 described above, their detailed description is omitted. In S1346, if it is determined that the print media has not been removed from the stacking unit 4, the process proceeds to S1348, where the control unit 71 determines whether the next job has been entered. If it is determined in S1348 that the next job has been entered, the process ends. Thereafter, a new printing process begins based on the entered next job. Furthermore, if it is determined in S1348 that the next job has not been entered, the process returns to S1346. At this time, a notification can also be provided via the display panel 82 of the operation unit 8 to prompt the user to remove the print media from the stacking unit 4.

[0125] Furthermore, in S1346, if it is determined that the printing media has been removed from the stacking section 4, the process proceeds to S1350. In S1350, the control unit 71 moves the front tray 42 from the stacking position to the receiving position and ends the printing process. Note that, for example, when the printing process ends, the rear tray 41 and the front tray 42, which are located in the receiving position, move to an initial position where the center position Os of the stacking section 4 overlaps with the center position Om of the printing media to be ejected.

[0126] In S1350, with the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 in the second sorting position, the drive source 44 rotates further in the second direction, causing the front tray 42 to move from the stacking position to the receiving position along the -Y direction. Note that the drive transmission unit 43 is configured such that even when the rear tray 41 is in the second sorting position, the cam 4312 will not rotate further, even if the driving force generated by the rotation of the drive source 44 in the second direction is transmitted. Therefore, in S1246, even when the drive source 44 rotates in the second direction with the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 in the second sorting position, the rear tray 41 and front tray 42 will not move from the second sorting position along the +X direction. (Function and Effect)

[0127] As described above, in the printing device 1, multiple sensors are arranged along the Y direction, which is the direction of movement of the front tray, and a triggering member capable of being detected by the sensors is provided on the front tray. Furthermore, before moving the front tray to the stacking position at the start of printing, the front tray is moved in the +Y direction to obtain a rough position of the front tray in the Y direction.

[0128] Therefore, in printing device 1, when detecting the position of the front tray, the front tray moves only in the direction extending from the stacking surface for the printing media. Thus, even when the printing media is stacked on a stack including the front tray, the position information of the front tray can be obtained without damaging the printing media.

[0129] Furthermore, if the stack position corresponding to the size of the print media to be used for subsequent printing is located downstream in the +Y direction compared to the acquired position information, the front tray is moved to that stack position based on the position information and the size. On the other hand, if the stack position corresponding to the size of the print media to be used for subsequent printing is located upstream in the +Y direction compared to the acquired position information, and if the print media is stacked on the stack, the user is prompted to remove the print media, and then the front tray is moved to that stack position.

[0130] Therefore, in the printing device 1, even when the printing media are stacked on the stacking section, the front tray can be moved to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used for subsequent printing without damaging the printing media. <<Second Embodiment>>

[0131] Next, refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 The following description relates to a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment. In the following description, configurations that are the same as or equivalent to the configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment described above are given the same symbols as those used in the first embodiment, thereby omitting their detailed description.

[0132] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, as needed, the front tray 42 is moved in the +Y direction, and the position of the front tray is detected. A detailed description relating to the acquisition and movement processes performed by the printing device 1 according to the second embodiment is given below. (Acquisition and Processing)

[0133] First, a description of the acquisition process is given, which is a subroutine of the movement process that moves the front tray 42 to a stack position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used for subsequent printing at the start of printing. Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the acquisition process performed by the printing device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 18 The flowchart illustrates a series of processes performed by the control unit 71 loading program code stored in the program memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 into the data memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 and executing the program code. Alternatively, Figure 18Some or all of the functions in the steps can be performed by hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Note that in Figure 18 In the flowchart, steps that perform the same processing as the acquisition process in the first embodiment described above are represented by the same step numbers, thus omitting their detailed description.

[0134] During the acquisition process in S1402, which initiates the move process, firstly, in S1802, the control unit 71 determines whether the size of the print media to be used for printing based on the current job is different from the size of the print media used for printing based on previous jobs. For example, the size of the print media used for printing based on previous jobs can be obtained by referring to the printing history stored in the storage unit 72.

[0135] In S1802, if it is determined that the size of the print media to be used for printing based on the current job is different from the size of the print media to be used for printing based on the previous job, the process proceeds to S1502. Furthermore, in S1802, if it is determined that the size of the print media to be used for printing based on the current job is the same as the size of the print media to be used for printing based on the previous job, the process proceeds to S1804.

[0136] In S1804, the control unit 71 determines whether a change has occurred in the position detection unit 74 and the detection unit 73. That is, in S1804, it determines whether the detection results obtained by the trigger member 743 from sensors 741 and 742 and the detection results obtained by the rotary encoder of the drive source 44 have changed since the point in time when the printing process for printing based on the previous job was completed. Note that in the printing device 1, at the end of the printing process, the detection results obtained by sensors 741 and 742 and the detection results obtained by the rotary encoder of the drive source 44 are acquired and stored in the storage unit 72.

[0137] In S1804, if it is determined that no change has occurred in the position detection unit 74 and the detection unit 73, the acquisition process ends, and the process proceeds to S1404. That is, if it is determined that no change has occurred in the position detection unit 74 and the detection unit 73, the position of the front tray 42 is the same as the position at the end of the printing process for printing based on the previous job, so it is determined that it is not necessary to acquire the position of the front tray 42 again. Furthermore, if it is determined in S1804 that a change has occurred in the position detection unit 74 and the detection unit 73, the process proceeds to S1502, so that the process in S1504 and the process after S1504 are executed, thereby acquiring the position of the front tray 42. (Movement Operation)

[0138] Next, a description of the move operation is given, which is a subroutine of the move processing. Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing details of the moving operation performed by the printing device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 19 The flowchart illustrates a series of processes performed by the control unit 71 loading program code stored in the program memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 into the data memory (not shown) of the storage unit 72 and executing the program code. Alternatively, Figure 19 Some or all of the functions in the steps can be performed by hardware such as ASICs or electronic circuits. Note that in Figure 19 In this embodiment, the steps that perform the same processing as the movement operation described above are represented by the same step numbers, thus omitting their detailed description.

[0139] When the movement operation begins in S1408 of the movement process, firstly, in S1902, the control unit 71 determines whether the front tray 42 has been moved during the acquisition process. That is, if the position of the front tray 42 is acquired during the acquisition process executed in S1402 of the movement process, it is determined that the front tray 42 has been moved; and if it is determined that the position of the front tray 42 has not been acquired during the acquisition process, it is determined that the front tray 42 has not been moved.

[0140] In S1902, if it is determined that the front tray 42 has not been moved during the acquisition process, the movement operation ends without moving the front tray 42, thereby ending the movement process. Alternatively, in S1902, if it is determined that the front tray 42 has been moved during the acquisition process, the process proceeds to S1602, whereby the processes in S1602 and subsequent processes are executed, thereby moving the front tray 42 to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media. (Function and Effect)

[0141] As described above, in this embodiment, during the acquisition process, when using a printing medium with the same size as the printing medium used in the previous printing, the position of the front tray 42 is not acquired, and during the movement operation, the movement of the front tray 42 is not performed. Therefore, in addition to the functional effects of the first embodiment described above, the functional effect of shortening the time required for printing processing compared to the first embodiment, which detects the position of the front tray 42 each time and moves the front tray 42 based on the detection results, is achieved.

[0142] Note that in the printing device 1, while the front tray 42 is in the stacked position, it protrudes outward from the housing 9. Therefore, the front tray 42 may move due to accidental contact by a user or the like. In this embodiment, during the acquisition process S1804, it is determined whether a change has occurred in the detection unit 73 and the position detection unit 74 after the previous printing process was completed. Therefore, even if the front tray 42 moves due to contact by a user or the like after the previous printing process was completed, the front tray 42 can be reliably moved to a stacked position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used for subsequent printing. <<Other Embodiments>>

[0143] Note that the above embodiments can be modified as shown in (1) to (4) below.

[0144] (1) In the above embodiment, two sensors 741 and 742 are included in the position detection unit 74, and the approximate position of the front tray 42 is determined from three positions based on the detection results of the trigger member 743 obtained by these sensors; however, there is no such limitation. For example, three or more sensors capable of detecting the trigger member 743 may be provided, and the approximate position of the front tray 42 may be determined from four or more positions.

[0145] (2) In the above embodiment, the position of the front tray 42 is obtained by using two sensors 741 and 742 and a trigger member 743; however, the configuration for obtaining the position is not limited thereto. For example, the position of the front tray 42 can be obtained by an encoder. In this case, for example, scales are arranged on the side of the front tray 42, and a detector for detecting position information is arranged inside the housing 9.

[0146] (3) One or more embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a “non-transitory computer-readable storage medium”) to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above embodiments, and by a method performed by a computer of the system or device by, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors for reading and executing the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include one or more of the following: hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage unit of a distributed computing system, optical disc (such as compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD) or Blu-ray disc (BD)™), flash storage device and memory card.

[0147] (4) The above embodiments and the various forms shown in (1) to (3) can be appropriately combined.

[0148] According to this disclosure, the position of the stacked sections can be detected while preventing damage to the stacked printing media.

[0149] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: A printing unit configured to print on the delivered printing medium; A stacking unit configured to stack the delivered and discharged printing media using a first stacking portion and a second stacking portion, the second stacking portion being configured to move relative to the first stacking portion in a first direction; The first detection unit is configured to detect the position of the second stacked portion by the movement of the second stacked portion in the first direction; as well as The acquisition unit is configured to control the movement of the second stacked portion in the first direction and acquire the position of the second stacked portion based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit. Wherein, the first direction includes the extension direction of the stacked unit and the contraction direction of the extended stacked unit, and The acquisition unit is configured to acquire the position of the second stacked portion based on the detection result obtained by the first detection unit when printing begins by the printing unit.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The first detection unit includes a triggering component and multiple sensors. The triggering component is disposed on the second stacked portion, and the multiple sensors are capable of detecting the triggering component and are arranged along the first direction. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire the position of the second stack based on the position of any sensor among the sensors that has detected the triggering member.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, in, The first detection unit is an encoder, which includes a scale disposed on the second stack and a detector configured to detect the scale.

4. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The second stacking portion is movable between a receiving position and a stacking position, in which the second stacking portion is received within the first stacking portion, and in the stacking position, the second stacking portion cooperates with the first stacking portion to stack the printing medium, the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium to be stacked.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: A second detection unit is configured to detect the printing media stacked on the stacking unit. Wherein, when the printing medium is stacked on the stacking unit and the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium to be used for the printing to be started is located upstream of the position of the second stacking part detected by the first detection unit in the extension direction, the movement of the second stacking part in the contraction direction is constrained.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: The second detection unit is configured to detect the printing media stacked on the stacking unit; as well as A notification unit is configured to provide a notification prompting the removal of the printing media stacked on the stacking unit when the printing media is stacked on the stacking unit and the stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing media to be used for the printing to be started is located upstream of the position of the second stack portion detected by the first detection unit in the extending direction.

7. The printing device according to claim 4, in, The second stacking section is configured such that, if the size of the printing medium to be used for the first print to begin is the same as the size of the printing medium to be used for the second print performed before the first print, and the position of the second stacking section has not changed after the second print is completed, the second stacking section does not move to a stacking position corresponding to the size of the printing medium to be used for the first print.

8. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first stacked portion is capable of moving together with the second stacked portion between a first position on one side of a second direction intersecting the first direction and a second position on the other side of the second direction, and The stacking unit is configured to stack the printing medium at the first position and the second position.

9. A method for controlling a printing device, the printing device comprising: A printing unit configured to print on the delivered printing medium. A stacking unit configured to stack the delivered and discharged printing media using a first stacking portion and a second stacking portion, the second stacking portion being movable relative to the first stacking portion in a first direction, and The detection unit is configured to detect the position of the second stacked portion by the movement of the second stacked portion in the first direction. Wherein, the first direction includes the extension direction of the stacked unit and the contraction direction of the extended stacked unit. The control method includes: At the start of printing, the position of the second stack is obtained based on the detection result obtained by the detection unit as the second stack moves in the extension direction of the first direction.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the control method according to claim 9.

11. A computer-readable program product including a program for causing a computer to perform the control method according to claim 9.

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