Recording device and control method of the same, program and storage medium

Abstract

To shorten time required for printing processing when performing two-sided printing with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises: a first conveyance path 111 which conveys a recording medium in a first direction Y1; a conveyance roller 121 which conveys the recording medium; a recording unit 102 which records an image on the recording medium; an inversion roller 123 which is provided at a position on a downstream side relative to the recording unit and can conveys the recording medium in a second direction Y2 by inverting the conveyance direction of the recording medium; a second conveyance path 112 which conveys the recording medium conveyed in the second direction by the inversion roller; a conveyance roller; and control means which controls rotation of the inversion roller. The control means controls the conveyance roller and the inversion roller such that a rear end in the second direction of the first recording medium passes through the inversion roller before the second recording medium conveyed by the conveyance roller subsequently to the first recording medium reaches the inversion roller when the first recording medium to which recording is performed precedingly is conveyed in the second direction via the second conveyance path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus capable of automatically reversing from the first surface to the second surface of a recording medium and performing double-sided printing.

Background Art

[0002] In a recording apparatus capable of recording on both surfaces of a recording medium, a technique for improving the productivity of double-sided printing has been proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for enhancing the productivity of double-sided printing in a recording apparatus capable of performing double-sided printing on the front and back surfaces of a recording medium. Before performing back surface printing on the recording medium after front surface printing, a subsequent recording medium is fed to perform front surface printing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, during double-sided printing, the preceding recording medium that has been surface printed is switched back by a reversing roller and drawn into a conveyance path for reversing, and the surface printing of the subsequent recording medium is performed. However, when the preceding recording medium is held by the reversing roller, the subsequent recording medium is conveyed from the printing unit toward the reversing roller. Since the conveyance direction is different from that of the preceding recording medium, it cannot enter the reversing roller. Therefore, it is configured such that after the preceding recording medium reaches an intermediate roller in the reversing conveyance path and the holding by the reversing roller is released, the subsequent recording medium enters the reversing roller.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the reversing rollers can be separated, allowing the preceding and succeeding recording media to be stacked downstream of the reversing rollers. However, separating the reversing rollers requires a separation mechanism, which complicates the mechanism.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to shorten the time required for printing when performing double-sided printing with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first transport path for transporting a recording medium in a first direction; a transport roller provided on the first transport path for transporting the recording medium in the first direction; recording means for recording an image on the recording medium transported by the transport roller; a reversing roller provided on the first transport path downstream of the recording means in the first direction and capable of reversing the transport direction of the recording medium to transport the recording medium in a second direction different from the first direction; a second transport path for transporting the recording medium transported in the second direction by the reversing roller to the first transport path with the front and back sides of the recording medium reversed; the transport roller; and control means for controlling the rotation of the reversing roller, wherein the control means controls the transport roller and the reversing roller so that, when a first recording medium that has been recorded on earlier is being transported in the second direction via the second transport path, the rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes the reversing roller before the second recording medium being transported by the transport roller after the first recording medium reaches the reversing roller. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required for printing when performing double-sided printing with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic side cross-sectional view of a recording device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during single-sided printing. [Figure 2B] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during single-sided printing. [Figure 2C] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during single-sided printing. [Figure 3A] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during double-sided retention printing. [Figure 3B] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during double-sided retention printing. [Figure 3C] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during double-sided retention printing. [Figure 3D] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during double-sided retention printing. [Figure 3E] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the behavior of the recording medium during double-sided retention printing. [Figure 4] Block diagram of the control unit that controls the recording device. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the sequence for single-sided printing. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the sequence for single-sided printing. [Figure 7A] A flowchart showing the sequence during double-sided printing with stowage. [Figure 7B] A flowchart showing the sequence during double-sided printing with stowage. [Figure 7C] A flowchart showing the sequence during double-sided printing with stowage. [Figure 7D] A flowchart showing the sequence during double-sided printing with stowage. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0012] Hereinafter, a recording apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Assuming that the recording apparatus 100 is placed on a horizontal plane, the vertical direction is defined as the Z direction, the recording direction and the conveyance direction of the recording medium P in the recording unit 102 are defined as the Y direction, and the width direction orthogonal to the YZ plane is defined as the X direction.

[0013] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus 100 as viewed from the YZ plane. The recording apparatus 100 is an inkjet recording apparatus that discharges ink onto a recording medium P to record an image, but the present invention is also applicable to other types of recording apparatuses 100.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the paper loading unit 101 includes a feed roller 101b and a feed cassette 101a. The feed roller 101b can apply a conveyance force to the loaded recording medium P by the driving force of a first conveyance motor 144 (see FIG. 4) and convey it to the supply path 110. The feed cassette 101a is detachably attached to a housing 104 that forms the exterior of the recording apparatus 100 and can hold the recording medium P in a loaded state.

[0015] The supply path 110 is connected to a first conveyance path 111 on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. The recording medium P conveyed by the feed roller 101b passes through the supply path 110 and a first sensor 146 provided upstream of a main conveyance roller pair 121, which will be described later, in the first conveyance path 111. Note that a roller pair for assisting conveyance may be provided in the supply path 110.

[0016] The first sensor 146 is a paper detection means, for example, using a photo interrupter and a cutoff lever. The first sensor 146 detects the passage of the leading edge (front part) of the recording medium P and performs jam detection and paper position identification. The recording medium P that has passed the first sensor 146 is gripped by the main transport roller pair 121 and transported to the recording unit 102. The recording unit 102 is located between the main transport roller pair 121 and the sub-transport roller pair 122 and includes a carriage 102a and a recording head 102b. The carriage 102a is configured to be able to reciprocate in the X direction by the driving force of the carriage motor 143 (see Figure 4), and its position and speed are controlled using the carriage encoder 148 (see Figure 4).

[0017] The recording head 102b is mounted on the carriage 102a and has an ink ejection section formed by multiple nozzles. By operating in conjunction with the carriage 102a, the main transport roller pair 121, and the sub-transport roller pair 122, it is possible to record across the entire area of ​​the recording medium P.

[0018] The main transport roller pair 121 and the sub-transport roller pair 122 are synchronously driven by the first transport motor 144 (see Figure 4) and are driven based on position information and speed information acquired by the main transport encoder 149 (see Figure 4). The first transport path 111 is configured to be connectable to the paper discharge path 113 and a position-changeable flapper 130 (described later) at a downstream position of the sub-transport roller pair 122 in the transport direction, and the recording medium P after recording is guided to the paper discharge path 113 by the flapper 130. The paper discharge path 113 has a paper discharge roller pair 125, and the recording medium P passing through the paper discharge path 113 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 105 by the paper discharge roller pair 125. Although the configuration in Figure 1 shows the recording medium P being discharged face down, a configuration in which it is discharged face up is also possible.

[0019] Furthermore, a pair of reversing rollers 123 is positioned downstream of the first transport path 111 and is driven by a second transport motor 145 (see Figure 4), which is a different drive source from the first transport motor 144 (see Figure 4). When a double-sided printing command is issued, the pair of reversing rollers 123 grips the recording medium P after one side has been recorded, pulls in the recording medium P, and then reverses its rotation direction, enabling transport to the second transport path 112, which has a different path from the first transport path 111. The second transport path 112 is connected to the first transport path 111 between the sub-transport roller pair 122 and the pair of reversing rollers 123, and the aforementioned flapper 130 is positioned at the merging section (first merging section 114).

[0020] The flapper 130 is configured to move between a first position 130a (see Figure 3A) that can transport the recording medium P in the direction from the recording unit 102 toward the reversing roller pair 123, and a second position 130b (see Figure 3B) that is different from that position. By moving the flapper 130 to a predetermined position between the first position 130a and the second position 130b, the recording medium P can be guided from the reversing roller pair 123 toward the second transport path 112. As a means of moving the flapper 130, for example, a configuration in which the rotation axis of the flapper 130 receives rotational force due to the reversal of the reversing roller pair 123 can be considered, but a separate actuator may also be provided. Furthermore, it is desirable that the above predetermined position of the flapper 130 is the same position as the second position that guides the recording medium P toward the paper discharge path 113, but each may be provided in its own unique position.

[0021] A second sensor 147, having the same configuration as the first sensor 146, is provided between the sub-transport roller pair 122 and the reversing roller pair 123. The second sensor 147 reads the passage of the rear end of the recording medium P as it is transported from the recording unit 102 toward the reversing roller pair 123, and determines the timing of the reversal of the reversing roller pair 123 and the movement of the flapper 130. Alternatively, the main transport encoder 149 (see Figure 4) may be used to determine the timing.

[0022] The second transport path 112 merges with the supply path 110 and the first transport path 111 at the connection point (second merging point 115), and the recording medium P guided into the second transport path 112 can be transported back to the first transport path 111 with its front and back sides reversed. An intermediate roller pair 124 is also arranged within the second transport path 112 and is driven by the second transport motor 145 (see Figure 4), similar to the reversing roller pair 123. The intermediate roller pair 124 is provided to receive the recording medium P from the reversing roller pair 123 and transport it to the main transport roller pair 121, and multiple intermediate roller pairs may be arranged depending on the length of the recording medium P.

[0023] <Transport Control> The recording device 100 in this embodiment has three printing modes: single-sided printing mode, single-duplex printing mode, and double-duplex stagnant printing mode. Here, single-sided printing mode is a printing mode in which recording is performed only on the first side, and single-duplex printing mode is a printing mode in which double-sided printing is performed on a single recording medium P, recording only the first side and its reverse side, the second side. The double-duplex stagnant printing mode is a printing mode that is executed when printing two or more sheets in a single recording command, including at least one single-duplex print.

[0024] The transport control for single-sided printing mode will be explained using Figures 2A to 2C. Furthermore, the transport control for double-sided stagnant printing mode will be explained using Figures 3A to 3E.

[0025] Figures 2A to 2C are schematic side cross-sectional views showing the behavior of the recording medium during single-sided printing in this embodiment. The behavior of the recording medium when performing single-sided printing on multiple sheets will be explained in order using Figures 2A to 2C. Here, the transport direction during recording in the first transport path 111 is referred to as the first direction (Y1).

[0026] First, in Figure 2A, when the recording device 100 receives a print command, the first recording medium P1 loaded in the paper stacking section 101 is fed by the feed roller 101b, passes through the supply path 110, and is recorded on the first surface in the recording section 102. At this time, the flapper 130 is in the second position 130b.

[0027] Next, in Figure 2B, the first recording medium P1 passes through the flapper 130 and is transported to the paper output path 113. When it is detected that the rear end of the first recording medium P1 in the first direction (Y1) has passed the position of the first sensor 146, the next second recording medium P2 is fed in the same manner as the first recording medium P1.

[0028] Next, in Figure 2C, the first recording medium P1, once recording is complete, is transported by the paper output roller 125 and stacked on the paper output tray 105.

[0029] The same process is carried out on the second recording medium P2, which is then ejected. This series of operations is repeated to produce multiple single-sided prints.

[0030] Figures 3A to 3E are schematic side cross-sectional views showing the behavior of the recording medium during double-sided retention printing in this embodiment. The behavior of the recording medium in transport control for double-sided retention printing will be explained in order using Figures 3A to 3E.

[0031] Here, the transport direction from the first junction 114 to the second junction 115 in the second transport path 112 is defined as the second direction (Y2).

[0032] While double-sided stagnant printing can also be performed entirely by intermittent drive (intermittent transport) for transporting the recording medium, this explanation will focus on the case where control is performed by switching between intermittent drive (intermittent transport) and continuous drive (continuous transport).

[0033] First, in Figure 3A, when the recording device 100 receives a print command, the first recording medium P1 is fed by the feed roller 101b, passes through the supply path 110, and is recorded on the first side in the recording unit 102, similar to single-sided printing. At this time, for double-sided printing, the flapper 130 is in the first position 130a, and the first recording medium P1 is transported along the first transport path 111 towards the reversing roller pair 123. The reversing roller pair 123 rotates so that the first recording medium P1 faces the first direction (Y1), and is driven in sync with the main transport roller pair 121 and the sub-transport roller pair 122 so as not to interfere with the recording and transport of the first recording medium P1. When it is detected that the rear end P1b of the first recording medium P1 in the first direction (Y1) has passed the first sensor 146, the feeding of the next second recording medium P2 is started after a predetermined amount of the first recording medium P1 has been transported.

[0034] During recording on the first recording medium P1, the main transport roller pair 121, the sub-transport roller pair 122, and the reversing roller pair 123 are driven intermittently, but after recording is complete, these roller pairs are driven continuously.

[0035] Next, in Figure 3B, after recording on the first recording medium P1 is completed, recording on the first surface of the second recording medium P2 begins in the recording unit 102. The first recording medium P1 is also transported until the rear end P1b in the first direction (Y1) passes the flapper 130, and the flapper 130 moves from the first position 130a to the second position 130b.

[0036] In this operation, the main transport roller pair 121 and the sub-transport roller pair 122 that transport the second recording medium P2 are driven intermittently, while the reversing roller pair 123 and the intermediate roller pair 124 are driven continuously.

[0037] Next, in Figure 3C, the rotation direction of the reversing roller pair 123 is reversed, changing the transport direction of the first recording medium P1, and it is transported into the second transport path 112. After the leading edge P1b of the first recording medium in the second direction (Y2) passes through the flapper 130, the flapper 130 is moved to the first position 130a. As a result, the second recording medium P2 can be transported downstream in the first direction (Y1) of the first transport path 111 via the flapper 130.

[0038] The pulling operation of the first recording medium P1 into the second transport path 112 is performed when the leading edge P1b of the first recording medium P1 being transported in the second direction is detected by the second sensor 147, transported a predetermined amount, and then stopped. After being transported a predetermined amount and stopping, the first recording medium P1 remains in the second transport path 112, as shown in Figure 3C.

[0039] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 3C, the first recording medium P1 has reached the dwelling position, and therefore the intermediate roller 124 is stopped, but it is driven continuously until just before that point.

[0040] Furthermore, when the first recording medium P1 is drawn into the second transport path 112, the main transport roller pair 121 and the sub-transport roller pair 122 are driven intermittently because they are transporting the second recording medium. The reversing roller pair 123 is driven continuously in reverse to feed the first recording medium P1 into the second transport path 112, and after the first recording medium P1 has passed the reversing roller pair 123, it is driven intermittently in forward rotation.

[0041] The first recording medium P1 is transported through the second transport path 112 toward the second merging section 115 via the intermediate roller pair 124. In this case, the length of the transport path from the nip position of the reversing roller pair 123 to the second merging section 115 via the second transport path 112 is set to be longer than the maximum paper length for which double-sided printing is possible. In other words, if the transport path length is d and the maximum paper length is Lmax, then the relationship is d > Lmax.

[0042] For example, the maximum paper length Lmax is A4 size. In other words, when the leading edge P1b of the first recording medium in the second direction (Y2) reaches the second junction 115, the trailing edge P1a has already passed the nip position of the reversing roller pair 123. Furthermore, the reversal timing of the reversing roller pair 123 and the transport speed of the reversing roller pair 123 and the intermediate roller pair 124 are controlled so that the trailing edge P1a of the first recording medium in the second direction (Y2) passes the nip position of the reversing roller pair 123 before the leading edge P2a of the second recording medium in the first direction (Y1) reaches the nip position of the reversing roller pair 123. This allows the second recording medium P2 to be held by the reversing roller pair 123 without interfering with the printing and transport of the second recording medium P2. In other words, it is possible to improve productivity when there are multiple sheets of double-sided printing.

[0043] Furthermore, the transport path length from the reversing roller pair 123 to the intermediate roller pair 124 is set to be less than or equal to the minimum paper length required for double-sided printing. For example, if the transport path length is d and the minimum paper length is Lmin, then the relationship is d ≤ Lmin. For example, the minimum paper length Lmin is A5 size. This transport path length setting makes it possible to perform double-sided transport even with the minimum paper length Lmin. Note that if the minimum paper length is less than or equal to half the maximum paper length, multiple intermediate roller pairs 124 are installed (multiple intermediate roller pairs are provided).

[0044] Next, in Figure 3D, the first recording medium P1 is transported again to the first transport path 111, and the second side is printed by the recording unit 102. At this time, the transport speed and reversal timing of the reversal roller pair 123 are controlled so that the rear end P2b of the second recording medium in the first direction (Y1) passes through the flapper 130 and is reversed by the reversal roller pair 123 before the leading end P1b of the first recording medium in the first direction (Y1) reaches the flapper 130. This makes it possible to guide the first recording medium P1 to the paper output path 113 and the second recording medium P2 to the second transport path 112 without interfering with the recording and transport of the second side of the first recording medium P1. After that, the first recording medium P1 is ejected onto the paper output tray 105 (see Figure 1) via the paper output roller pair 125, and at the same time, the second recording medium P2 is transported in the second direction (Y2) along the second transport path 112 toward the second merging section 115.

[0045] During this process, the main transport roller pair 121 and the sub-transport roller pair 122 are driven intermittently to transport the first recording medium P1 while recording its second surface. The intermediate roller pair 124 is also driven intermittently until the rear end P1a of the first recording medium P1 passes the intermediate roller pair 124, and then driven continuously after passing the intermediate roller pair 124.

[0046] Furthermore, the reversing roller pair 123 operates in an intermittent forward rotation mode from the state shown in Figure 3C until recording on the first surface of the second recording medium P2 is completed, and then switches to continuous forward rotation after recording is complete. In addition, the reversing roller pair 123 switches to continuous reverse rotation mode when the retraction operation of the second recording medium P2 into the second transport path 112 begins.

[0047] Next, in Figure 3E, the second side of the second recording medium P2 is recorded and ejected through the paper output path 113 onto the paper output tray 105 (see Figure 1). If there is another print command, the operation is repeated according to the print mode.

[0048] At this time, the main transport roller pair 121, the sub-transport roller pair 122, and the intermediate roller pair 124 are driven intermittently until recording on the second surface of the second recording medium P2 is completed, and then they are driven continuously after recording is complete.

[0049] The switching between driving the intermediate roller pair 124 according to the preceding paper (recording medium being recorded) or according to the following paper (recording medium being pulled in) is managed based on whether or not the leading edge of the preceding paper has been driven by a predetermined amount after the second sensor 147 has detected it.

[0050] For example, when the first recording medium P1 is transported again in the second direction from the state shown in Figure 3B, the intermediate roller pair 124 is initially driven according to the first recording medium P1. Then, after the trailing end P1a of the first recording medium P1 is detected by the second sensor 147 and transported by a predetermined amount (by passing through the intermediate roller pair 124), the drive is switched to one that corresponds to the second recording medium P2 (the following paper).

[0051] <Department Head> Referring to Figure 4, the configuration of the control unit of the recording device 100 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 140 that controls the recording device 100.

[0052] The control unit 140 of the recording device 100 receives print commands from a host device such as a personal computer (PC) and performs operations according to the commands. Based on signals from the first sensor 146, second sensor 147, carriage encoder 148, main transport encoder 149, etc., provided on the recording device 100, the determination unit 142 of the driver 141 determines the execution command. The driver 141 also drives the recording head 102b, carriage motor 143, first transport motor 144, and second transport motor 145. The main transport roller pair 121, sub-transport roller pair 122, and paper discharge roller pair 125 are driven by the first transport motor 144 via the first drive transmission mechanism 151a. The feed roller 101b can also be driven by adding the drive of the carriage motor 143. The reversing roller pair 123, intermediate roller pair 124, and flapper 130 are driven by the second transport motor 145 via the second drive transmission mechanism 151b.

[0053] <Overall Sequence> The following describes the operation sequences for single-sided printing, single-sided printing, and double-sided stagnant printing using Figures 5 to 7.

[0054] <Single-sided printing paper feeding and output sequence> Figure 5 illustrates the paper feeding and ejection sequence in single-sided printing.

[0055] First, in step S501, the recording device 100, having received a recording command for single-sided printing, starts feeding paper.

[0056] Next, in step S502, it is checked whether the flapper 130 is in the second position 130b. If it is not in the second position 130b, in step S503 the flapper 130 is moved to the second position 130b. Then, in step S504 recording is started.

[0057] Next, in step S505, it is determined whether or not there is another paper feed. If there is another paper feed, in step S506, the single-sided printing paper feed and ejection sequence for the next paper feed is executed without waiting for the paper to be ejected from the recording medium P. Finally, in step S507, the paper is ejected.

[0058] <Single-sided paper feeding and output sequence> Figure 6 illustrates the paper feeding and ejection sequence in single-sided printing.

[0059] First, in step S601, the recording device 100, having received a recording command for single-sided printing, starts feeding paper.

[0060] Next, in step S602, it is checked whether the flapper 130 is in the first position 130a. If it is not in the first position 130a, in step S603, the flapper 130 is moved to the first position 130a.

[0061] Next, in step S604, it is determined whether this is the second time recording has been performed. If it is the first time, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, recording of the first surface is started.

[0062] Next, in step S606, the rear end of the recording medium P is detected by the second sensor 147. If the rear end is not detected, it is determined in step S607 that there is a paper jam. If it is detected, it is determined that the rear end of the recording medium P has passed through the flapper 130, and in step S608, the flapper 130 is moved to the second position 130b.

[0063] Next, in step S609, the recording medium P is drawn into the second transport path 112 by reversing the reversing roller pair 123.

[0064] On the other hand, if the recording is being performed for the second time in step S604, the process proceeds to step S610. In step S610, the recording of the second side of the recording medium P, whose first side has been recorded, begins. Finally, the paper is ejected in step S611.

[0065] <Double-sided paper feeding and output sequence for delayed printing> Figures 7A to 7D will be used to explain the paper feeding and ejection sequence in double-sided stagnant printing. Figure 7A is a flowchart of the overall operation of the paper feeding and ejection sequence in double-sided stagnant printing.

[0066] Upon receiving a recording command for double-sided stagnant printing, the recording device 100 proceeds to the double-sided paper feeding sequence in step S701. The double-sided paper feeding sequence will be described later using Figure 7B. After completing step S701, the device proceeds to the double-sided stagnant sequence in step S702. The double-sided stagnant sequence will be described later using Figure 7C. After completing step S702, the device proceeds to the double-sided paper output sequence in step S703. The double-sided paper output sequence will be described later using Figure 7D.

[0067] The following describes each sequence.

[0068] In the double-sided paper feeding sequence shown in Figure 7B, first, in step S711, the feeding of the first recording medium P1 begins.

[0069] Next, in step S712, it is checked whether the flapper 130 is in the first position 130a. If the flapper 130 is not in the first position 130a, in step S713, the flapper 130 is moved to the first position 130a.

[0070] Subsequently, in step S714, recording begins on the first side of the first recording medium P1. Also, in step S715, paper feeding of the second recording medium P2 begins. Step S715 is started after the rear end P1b of the first recording medium P1 has passed the first sensor 146 and has been transported a predetermined amount. Once the operation shown in Figure 7B is complete, the process moves to the double-sided retention sequence shown in Figure 7C.

[0071] In the double-sided retention sequence shown in Figure 7C, step S721 first starts recording on the first side of the second recording medium P2.

[0072] Next, in step S722, it is confirmed that the rear end P1b of the first recording medium P1 has passed the second sensor 147. If it is confirmed that it has passed, in step S724, the flapper 130 is moved to the second position 130b. If the rear end P1b of the first recording medium P1 is not detected in step S722, a paper jam error is determined in step S723.

[0073] Here, by moving the flapper 130 to the second position 130b in step S724, it becomes possible to draw the first recording medium P1 into the second conveyance path 112. At this time, since the second recording medium P2 is undergoing a recording process, in order not to interfere with the printing on the second recording medium P2, the following control is performed. Let the elapsed time from the start of recording of the second recording medium P2 until the leading end P2a of the second recording medium P2 passes the flapper 130 be T2. At this time, the conveyance speed of the pair of reverse rollers 123 that conveys the first recording medium P1 is changed so that the elapsed time T1 from the start of recording of the second recording medium P2 until the trailing end P1b of the first recording medium P1 passes the flapper 130 is less than T2. However, when T1 ≥ T2, a waiting time is provided for the printing of the second recording medium P2 so that T1 < T2 at the shortest T1.

[0074] Next, in step S725, the pair of reverse rollers 123 is reversed to draw the first recording medium P1 into the second conveyance path 112.

[0075] Next, in step S726, after the leading end P1b of the first recording medium P1 in the drawing direction (second direction Y2) into the second conveyance path 112 has passed the flapper 130, the flapper 130 is moved to the first position 130a.

[0076] Next, in step S727, conveyance is performed so that the entire first recording medium P1 is accommodated in the second conveyance path 112. At this time, although the leading end P2a of the second recording medium P2 is being conveyed toward the pair of inversion rollers 123 from the flapper 130, the following control is performed so as not to interfere with the printing and conveyance of the second recording medium P2. Let the elapsed time from when the leading end P2a of the second recording medium P2 passes through the flapper 130 until it reaches the pair of inversion rollers 123 be T2_2. At this time, the conveyance speeds of the pair of inversion rollers 123 and the pair of intermediate rollers 124 and the inversion timing of the pair of inversion rollers 123 are changed so that the elapsed time T1_2 from when the leading end P2a of the second recording medium P2 passes through the flapper 130 until the trailing end P1a of the first recording medium P1 in the pulling-in direction (second direction Y2) to the second conveyance path 112 passes through the pair of inversion rollers 123 is less than T2_2. However, when T1_2 ≥ T2_2, a standby time is provided for the printing or conveyance of the second recording medium P2 so that T1_2 < T2_2 at the shortest T1_2.

[0077] Next, in step S728, it is determined whether or not the first sensor 146 has detected the trailing end P2b of the second recording medium P2. When the trailing end P2b of the second recording medium P2 is detected, in step S730, conveyance of the first recording medium P1 from the second conveyance path 112 to the first conveyance path 111 is started. Then, in step S731, recording on the second side of the first recording medium P1 is started.

[0078] Next, regarding steps S732 to S735, the same processing as steps S722 to S725 is performed with the first and second recording media swapped, and the conveyance speed of the pair of inversion rollers 123 is changed so that T1 is less than T2. That is, at this time, T2 is the elapsed time from the start of recording on the second side of the first recording medium P1 until the leading end P1b of the first recording medium P1 passes through the flapper 130. Also, T1 is the elapsed time from the start of recording on the second side of the first recording medium P1 until the trailing end P2b of the second recording medium P2 passes through the flapper 130. The same applies when T1 ≥ T2.

[0079] If the trailing end P2b of the second recording medium P2 is not detected in step S732, a paper jam error is determined in step S723.

[0080] Once step S735 is complete, the process moves to the double-sided paper output sequence shown in Figure 7D.

[0081] In the double-sided paper output sequence shown in Figure 7D, step S741 first determines whether the first sensor 146 has detected the rear end P1a of the first recording medium P1. If the rear end P1a of the first recording medium P1 is detected, step S743 starts transporting the second recording medium P2, which is currently in the second transport path 112, to the first transport path 111.

[0082] Next, in step S744, recording begins on the second side of the second recording medium P2.

[0083] On the other hand, if the rear end P1a of the first recording medium P1 cannot be detected in step S741, a paper jam error is determined in step S742.

[0084] Next, in step S745, since the flapper 130 is in the second position 130b, the first recording medium P1 passes through the output path 113 (see Figure 1) and is ejected onto the output tray 105 (see Figure 1).

[0085] Next, in step S746, the second recording medium P2 is ejected, similar to step S745.

[0086] As described above, according to the above embodiment, when the first recording medium, which has been recorded on first, is inverted by the inversion roller and transported in the second direction on the second transport path, the rotation speed and inversion timing of the transport roller and the inversion roller are controlled so that the timing at which the rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes the inversion roller is earlier than the timing at which the second recording medium, which will be recorded next, is transported by the transport roller and its front end reaches the inversion roller. This control eliminates the need to stop recording and transporting the second recording medium and wait until the rear end of the first recording medium passes the inversion roller, thereby shortening the time required for printing when performing double-sided printing.

[0087] The disclosures herein include the following recording devices, methods, and programs.

[0088] (Item 1) A first transport path for transporting the recording medium in a first direction, A conveyor roller provided in the first conveyor path for conveying the recording medium in the first direction, A recording means for recording an image on a recording medium conveyed by the aforementioned conveyor roller, A reversing roller is provided at a position downstream of the recording means in the first direction of the first transport path, and is capable of reversing the transport direction of the recording medium and transporting the recording medium in a second direction different from the first direction, A second transport path for transporting the recording medium, which is transported in the second direction by the reversing roller, to the first transport path with the front and back sides of the recording medium reversed, The system comprises the aforementioned conveying roller and control means for controlling the rotation of the aforementioned reversing roller. The recording apparatus is characterized in that, when a first recording medium that has been recorded on is being transported in the second direction via the second transport path, the control means controls the transport roller and the reversing roller so that the rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes the reversing roller before the second recording medium, which is being transported on the transport roller after the first recording medium, reaches the reversing roller.

[0089] (Item 2) The recording apparatus according to item 1, characterized in that the reversing roller is continuously driven when the first recording medium is being transported in the second direction, and the transport roller is intermittently driven until the second recording medium reaches the reversing roller.

[0090] (Item 3) The recording device according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the length of the transport path via the second transport path from the reversing roller to the position where the second transport path merges with the first transport path is longer than the length of the maximum recording medium on which the recording device can perform double-sided printing.

[0091] (Item 4) The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 3, further comprising an intermediate roller provided in the second transport path, wherein when the first recording medium from the second transport path is recorded by the recording means, the intermediate roller is driven intermittently, and when the rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes the intermediate roller, the intermediate roller is driven continuously.

[0092] (Item 5) The recording device according to item 4, characterized in that the intermediate roller is driven by the same drive source as the reversing roller.

[0093] (Item 6) The recording device according to item 4 or 5, characterized in that the length of the transport path from the reversing roller to the intermediate roller via the second transport path is shorter than the length of the smallest recording medium on which double-sided printing is possible with the recording device.

[0094] (Item 7) The recording device according to any one of items 4 to 6, characterized in that if the minimum length of the recording medium that can be double-sided printed with the recording device is 1 / 2 or less of the maximum length of the recording medium that can be double-sided printed, a plurality of intermediate rollers are provided.

[0095] (Item 8) A recording device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a flapper capable of switching between a first position that guides the recording medium downstream of the first transport path in the first direction and a second position that guides the recording medium downstream of the second transport path in the second direction.

[0096] (Item 9) A recording device according to any one of items 1 to 8, further comprising a paper output path for transporting a recording medium in which recording has been completed to a path different from the first transport path.

[0097] (Item 10) The recording apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the reversing roller rotates to transport the recording medium in the first direction before reversing the recording medium on which the recording has been made.

[0098] (Item 11) The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 10, further comprising a first sensor positioned upstream of the transport roller in the first direction of the first transport path for detecting the edge of the recording medium.

[0099] (Item 12) The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising a second sensor positioned downstream of the transport roller in the first direction of the first transport path for detecting the edge of the recording medium.

[0100] (Item 13) A method for controlling a recording device comprising: a first transport path for transporting a recording medium in a first direction; a transport roller provided on the first transport path for transporting the recording medium in the first direction; recording means for recording an image on the recording medium transported by the transport roller; a reversing roller provided on the first transport path downstream of the recording means in the first direction, capable of reversing the transport direction of the recording medium and transporting the recording medium in a second direction different from the first direction; and a second transport path for transporting the recording medium transported in the second direction by the reversing roller to the first transport path with the front and back sides of the recording medium reversed, wherein The system includes a control step for controlling the rotation of the conveying roller and the reversing roller, A control method for a recording device, characterized in that, in the control step, when a first recording medium that has been recorded on is being transported in the second direction via the second transport path, the transport roller and the reversing roller are controlled so that the rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes the reversing roller before the second recording medium, which is being transported on the transport roller after the first recording medium, reaches the reversing roller.

[0101] (Item 14) A program to cause a computer to execute the control method described in item 13.

[0102] (Item 15) A computer-readable storage medium containing a program that causes the computer to execute the control method described in item 13.

[0103] (Other embodiments) Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0104] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 100: Recording device, 101: Paper loading section, 102: Recording section, 104: Housing, 105: Paper output tray, 110: Supply path, 111: First transport path, 112: Second transport path, 113: Paper output path, 121: Main transport roller pair, 122: Sub-transport roller pair, 123: Reversing roller pair, 124: Intermediate roller pair, 125: Paper output roller pair, 130: Flapper, 130a: First position of the flapper, 130b: Second position of the flapper

Claims

1. a first transport path that transports the recording medium in a first direction; a conveying roller provided in the first conveying path and configured to convey the recording medium in the first direction; a recording means for recording an image on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying roller; a reversing roller that is provided at a position downstream of the recording means in the first direction of the first transport path and that is capable of reversing a transport direction of the recording medium and transporting the recording medium in a second direction different from the first direction; a second conveying path for inverting the recording medium conveyed in the second direction by the reversing roller and conveying the recording medium to the first conveying path; A control unit is provided to control the rotation of the conveying roller and the reversing roller, the control means controls the transport rollers and the reversing rollers such that, when a first recording medium on which recording has been previously performed is transported in the second direction via the second transport path, a rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes through the reversing rollers before a second recording medium that is transported by the transport rollers next to the first recording medium reaches the reversing rollers; A recording device characterized in that the length of the transport path via the second transport path from the reversing roller to the position where the second transport path merges with the first transport path is longer than the length of the maximum recording medium that can be printed on both sides by the recording device.

2. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the reversing roller is continuously driven when the first recording medium is transported in the second direction, and the transport roller is intermittently driven until the second recording medium reaches the reversing roller.

3. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate roller provided in the second transport path, wherein when the first recording medium from the second transport path is recorded by the recording means, the intermediate roller is driven intermittently, and when the rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes the intermediate roller, the intermediate roller is driven continuously.

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate roller is driven by the same driving source as the reversing roller.

5. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a length of the transport path from the reversing roller to the intermediate roller via the second transport path is shorter than a length of a minimum recording medium capable of being printed on both sides by the recording apparatus.

6. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of intermediate rollers are provided when the length of the minimum recording medium on which double-sided printing is possible is equal to or less than half the length of the maximum recording medium on which double-sided printing is possible.

7. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a flapper switchable between a first position for guiding the recording medium to the downstream side of the first transport path in the first direction and a second position for guiding the recording medium to the downstream side of the second transport path in the second direction.

8. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a paper discharge path for transporting the recording medium on which recording has been completed to a path different from the first transport path.

9. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reversing roller rotates so as to transport the recording medium in the first direction before reversing the recording medium on which recording has been performed.

10. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first sensor that is disposed on the first transport path at a position upstream of the transport roller in the first direction and detects an edge of the recording medium.

11. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second sensor disposed at a position on the first transport path downstream of the transport roller in the first direction, the second sensor detecting an edge of the recording medium.

12. A method for controlling a recording device comprising: a first transport path that transports a recording medium in a first direction; transport rollers provided on the first transport path that transport the recording medium in the first direction; a recording means that records an image on the recording medium transported by the transport rollers; a reversing roller that is provided at a position downstream of the recording means in the first direction of the first transport path and is capable of reversing the transport direction of the recording medium and transporting the recording medium in a second direction different from the first direction; and a second transport path that reverses the recording medium transported in the second direction by the reversing roller and transports the recording medium to the first transport path, A control step of controlling the rotation of the conveying roller and the reversing roller, In the control step, when a first recording medium on which recording has been previously performed is being transported in the second direction via the second transport path, the transport rollers and the reversing rollers are controlled so that a rear end of the first recording medium in the second direction passes through the reversing rollers before a second recording medium being transported by the transport rollers after the first recording medium reaches the reversing rollers; A method for controlling a recording device, characterized in that the length of the transport path via the second transport path from the reversing roller to the position where the second transport path merges with the first transport path is longer than the length of the maximum recording medium that can be printed on both sides by the recording device.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12.

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