Printing apparatus and

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of presenting appropriate processing required for an occurring jam.SOLUTION: When the sheet S on which the image is formed by the process unit 4 is jammed in the housing 20 while being conveyed by the conveyance unit 3, the multifunction peripheral 1 notifies the operation panel PA that the jam has occurred. In this notification, any one of the first rear jam notification PA1, the second rear jam notification PA2, and the cut jam notification PA3 is notified according to the type of the occurred jam. The cut jam notification PA3 includes a content suggesting that the cutter front cover 24 be opened, but neither the first rear jam notification PA1 nor the second rear jam notification PA2 includes a content suggesting that the cutter front cover 24 be opened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a printing device capable of processing a printed sheet to cut it to a predetermined size. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a conveyed sheet and cuts it in half to obtain a printed matter that is half the size of the conveyed sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-186448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not mention how to deal with jams that occur during printing or cutting of sheets.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a printing device that is capable of presenting appropriate measures required for a jam that occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the printing device described in the embodiment is a printing device that includes a print engine capable of printing on a sheet, a processing unit located downstream of the print engine on the sheet transport path, a user interface, and a controller, and the controller is capable of performing cut printing, in which a first size sheet printed by the print engine is processed using the processing unit to cut into a second size smaller than the first size and then discharged, and when performing cut printing, if a jam occurs in the sheet printed by the print engine, the controller is capable of notifying the user of the jam via the user interface, and the notification may include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, or may not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, depending on the type of jam that has occurred. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Because the processing unit is a unit for processing sheets, it includes components that are undesirable for the user to touch. However, the printing device described in the embodiment can provide appropriate notifications, suggesting when it is appropriate to open the cover to clear a jam, and not suggesting when it is not appropriate to do so. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a cutter unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction peripheral with the first rear cover open. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction peripheral with the first rear cover and the second rear cover open. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction peripheral with the first rear cover, the second rear cover, and the cut front cover open. [Figure 7]10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for print job processing. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a single-sided printing process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for double-sided printing processing. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a jam occurrence determination process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for processing during cut printing. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing during non-cut printing. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 1 and the procedure for clearing the jam. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 2 and the procedure for clearing the jam. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 3 and the procedure for clearing the jam. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 4 and the jam clearing procedure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 5 and the jam clearing procedure. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 6 and the procedure for clearing the jam. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a jam notification displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the open / closed states of the cover of the multifunction peripheral displayed in a jam notification. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the correspondence between types of jams and notification modes. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction peripheral according to a second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of processing during cut printing in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 1′ and the procedure for clearing the jam. [Figure 26]11 is a flowchart showing a partial procedure of a process during cut printing in a third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing jam pattern 7 and the jam clearing procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction device 1 according to a first embodiment. The multifunction device 1 is an example of a printing device and has a print function, a copy function, a scan function, etc. The multifunction device 1 may have a fax function in addition to these functions. The multifunction device 1 does not necessarily have to have the copy function or the scan function. For ease of explanation, the up-down direction and the front-rear direction of the multifunction device 1 are defined below as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the left-right direction is defined as the direction from the front of the multifunction device 1 to the left hand side of a user facing the multifunction device 1, and the right hand side is defined as the right hand side.

[0011] The multifunction device 1 includes a housing 20, a conveying unit 3, a process unit 4, a fixing unit 6, a scanner unit 9, and a cutter unit 10. The housing 20 is the exterior of the multifunction device 1. The process unit 4 and the fixing unit 6 are an example of a print engine. The scanner unit 9 is a component used to read documents in the copy function and the scanner function. The cutter unit 10 is an example of a processing unit. The housing 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The multifunction device 1 can form a monochrome image on a sheet S by an electrophotographic method using the print engine. The multifunction device 1 may also be able to form a full-color image on a sheet S by the print engine.

[0012] The multifunction peripheral 1 further includes a front cover 21, a rear cover 23, a supply tray 31, a discharge tray 22, a conveying path 201, and a re-conveying path 202. The front cover 21 is attached to the front surface of the housing 20 in an openable and closable manner. The rear cover 23 is made up of a first rear cover (an example of the first cover) 23A and a second rear cover (an example of the second cover) 23B, and is attached to the rear surface of the housing 20 in an openable and closable manner. The detailed configuration of the rear cover 23 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The supply tray 31 is detachably attached to the bottom of the housing 20. Sheets S are placed on the supply tray 31. The sheets S are standard-sized sheets such as A4 size. The sheets S are paper media such as plain paper or cardboard, but are not limited thereto and may also be transparencies. The discharge tray 22 is provided at the top of the housing 20, and sheets S on which images have been formed are placed on the discharge tray 22.

[0013] The transport path 201 is a path for transporting the sheet S placed on the supply tray 31 in a transport direction toward the discharge tray 22 via the process unit 4. The transport path 201 branches into a first discharge path 201A and a second discharge path 201B at a branch position D1. Therefore, the sheet S transported via the process unit 4 may be discharged to the discharge tray 22 via the first discharge path 201A or via the second discharge path 201B.

[0014] The re-conveying path 202 is a path for conveying the sheet S, on one side of which an image has been formed, in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, again toward the process unit 4. The re-conveying path 202 is a path that starts from a switchback position D2 on the first discharge path 201A, which is downstream in the conveying direction from the branching position D1, and ends at a junction position J on the conveying path 201.

[0015] The conveying unit 3 has a pickup roller 33, a separation roller 34, a registration roller 35, a conveying roller 36, an upstream cutting roller 85, a downstream cutting roller 86, a discharge roller 87, a flapper 88, re-conveying rollers 38 and 39, a main motor 108 (see FIG. 3), and a discharge motor 109 (see FIG. 3). The main motor 108 is an example of a first motor, and the discharge motor 109 is an example of a second motor.

[0016] The pickup roller 33 picks up the sheets S in the supply tray 31 that have been pushed upward by the sheet pressure plate 32, and transports them toward the transport path 201. The separation roller 34 separates the sheets S picked up by the pickup roller 33 one by one.

[0017] The registration rollers 35 are disposed upstream of the process unit 4 on the conveying path 201. The registration rollers 35 align the direction of the leading edge of the sheet S, and then convey the sheet S toward the process unit 4. The conveying rollers 36 convey the sheet S after it has passed through the fixing unit 6 toward the cut upstream rollers 85 or the discharge rollers 87.

[0018] The upstream cutting roller 85 and the downstream cutting roller 86 are disposed on the second discharge path 201B. The upstream cutting roller 85 is disposed at a position upstream of the cutter position SP where the cutter unit 10 is disposed, and the downstream cutting roller 86 is disposed at a position downstream of the cutter position SP.

[0019] The upstream cutting roller 85 is rotated by the driving force from the discharge motor 109 (see FIG. 3). A first driven roller 85' is arranged at a position facing the upstream cutting roller 85 across the second discharge path 201B. The first driven roller 85' is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the upstream cutting roller 85. The downstream cutting roller 86 is also rotated by the driving force from the discharge motor 109. A second driven roller 86' is arranged at a position facing the downstream cutting roller 86 across the second discharge path 201B. The second driven roller 86' is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the downstream cutting roller 86.

[0020] The cutting upstream roller 85 and the cutting downstream roller 86 rotate to transport the sheet S in the transport direction, thereby discharging the sheet S onto the discharge tray 22. The rotation to transport the sheet S in the transport direction corresponds to a counterclockwise rotation around the left-right direction of the housing 20 as an axis.

[0021] On the other hand, the discharge roller 87 is disposed on the first discharge path 201A. The discharge roller 87 is rotated by a driving force from a discharge motor 109 (see FIG. 3). A third driven roller 87' is disposed at a position facing the discharge roller 87 across the first discharge path 201A. The third driven roller 87' is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the discharge roller 87. The discharge roller 87 rotates to transport the sheet S in the transport direction, thereby discharging the sheet S onto the discharge tray 22. The discharge roller 87 also rotates in a direction opposite to the rotation that transports the sheet S in the transport direction, thereby transporting the sheet S to the re-conveyance path 202. The rotation in the direction opposite to the rotation that transports the sheet S in the transport direction corresponds to a clockwise rotation about an axis that is the left-right direction of the housing 20.

[0022] Re-conveying rollers 38 and 39 are arranged on the re-conveying path 202. The re-conveying rollers 38 and 39 convey the sheet S conveyed to the re-conveying path 202 toward the process unit 4. The re-conveying rollers 38 and 39 re-convey the sheet S, on one side of which an image has been formed, toward the process unit 4 via the re-conveying path 202, thereby making it possible to form images on both sides of the sheet S.

[0023] The flapper 88 is a member that switches between guiding the sheet S to the first discharge path 201A and guiding the sheet S to the second discharge path 201B. The ASIC 105 (see FIG. 3) switches the direction of current flowing through a flapper solenoid (not shown) to switch the position of the flapper 88 between a first position (position 88A shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) and a second position (position 88B shown by a solid line in FIG. 1). The first position 88A is a position where the sheet S conveyed by the conveying rollers 36 is guided to the first discharge path 201A. The first position 88A is also a position where the sheet S on the first discharge path 201A is guided to the re-conveyance path 202. The second position 88B is a position where the sheet S conveyed by the conveying rollers 36 is guided to the second discharge path 201B.

[0024] The process unit 4 forms an image on the sheet S and is housed in the housing 20. The process unit 4 has a drum cartridge 5 and a laser unit 7. The drum cartridge 5 has a photosensitive drum 51, a toner storage unit 57, a supply roller 56, a developing roller 55, a charger 52, a transfer roller 53, and a pinch roller 54. The drum cartridge 5 can be removed from the housing 20 by opening the front cover 21. The pinch roller 54 of the drum cartridge 5 faces the registration roller 35. The pinch roller 54 rotates following the rotation of the registration roller 35 and transports the sheet S together with the registration roller 35.

[0025] The photosensitive drum 51 is rotated by a driving force from a main motor 108 (see FIG. 3) to transport the sheet S in the transport direction, thereby transporting the sheet S in the transport direction. The photosensitive drum 51 rotates clockwise around an axis that extends in the left-right direction of the housing 20. Toner is stored in the toner storage section 57. The supply roller 56 supplies the toner in the toner storage section 57 to the developing roller 55. The charger 52 is a scorotron charger, and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The charger 52 may be a charging roller.

[0026] A transfer roller 53 is disposed at a position facing the photosensitive drum 51. The transfer roller 53 forms a transfer nip TN between itself and the photosensitive drum 51 on the transport path 201. Note that a transfer belt may be used instead of the transfer roller 53.

[0027] The housing 20 has a laser unit 7 at its upper part. The laser unit 7 has a polygon mirror, a laser emitting unit, a polygon motor, a lens, a reflecting mirror, etc. (not shown). The laser unit 7 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 by scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 at high speed with laser light (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) based on image data emitted from the laser emitting unit.

[0028] An electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 by exposing it to light with the laser unit 7. The developing roller 55 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51, thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0029] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 53 by a high-voltage power supply board (not shown). The transfer roller 53 transports the sheet S between itself and the photosensitive drum 51, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 onto the sheet S passing through the transfer nip TN. In this way, an image is formed on the sheet S.

[0030] The fixing unit 6 is disposed downstream of the process unit 4 on the conveying path 201. The fixing unit 6 has a heating roller 61, a pressure roller 62, and a heater 63. The heating roller 61 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 62 forms a nip N between itself and the heating roller 61 and applies pressure to the sheet S. The pressure roller 62 rotates by the driving force of the main motor 108 to convey the sheet S in the conveying direction. The pressure roller 62 rotates counterclockwise around an axis that corresponds to the left-right direction of the housing 20 to convey the sheet S in the conveying direction. The heater 63 is, for example, a halogen heater, and heats the heating roller 61.

[0031] The fixing device 6 heats the sheet S with the heating roller 61 and rotates the pressure roller 62, thereby conveying the sheet S while applying pressure with the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 62, thereby fixing the image formed on the sheet S by the process unit 4 to the sheet S.

[0032] Although the fixing unit 6 has been described as including the heating roller 61, the pressure roller 62, and the heater 63, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the fixing unit 6 may have a heater, a nip plate that receives radiant heat from the heater, a heating belt that rotates around the nip plate, and a pressure roller.

[0033] The fixing unit 6 may also have a substrate on which a heat generating pattern is formed, a belt that rotates around the substrate, and a pressure roller, with the substrate and belt contacting the pressure roller.The fixing unit 6 may also have a heating roller, a heater, and a pressure belt.

[0034] A cutter unit 10 is disposed between the upstream cutting roller 85 and the downstream cutting roller 86 in the second discharge path 201B. The cutter unit 10 is disposed downstream of the fixing unit 6 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. When the position on the sheet S to be cut reaches the cutter position SP, the multifunction device 1 stops the rotation of the upstream cutting roller 85 and the downstream cutting roller 86. With the rotation of the upstream cutting roller 85 and the downstream cutting roller 86 stopped, the multifunction device 1 cuts the sheet S using the cutter unit 10.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of the cutter unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the cutter unit 10 has a cutter frame 11, a slide rail 12, a fixed blade 13, a sheet passing section 14, a moving blade 15, a carriage 16, and a cutter motor 106. The cutter frame 11 extends in the axial direction (left-right direction). The slide rail 12 is a rail formed on the cutter frame 11 and extending in the axial direction. The fixed blade 13 is a flat blade fixed to the cutter frame 11 and extending in the axial direction. The sheet passing section 14 is a space formed in the cutter frame 11 through which the sheet S passes. In this embodiment, the sheet passing section 14 is formed between the slide rail 12 and the fixed blade 13. The moving blade 15 is a disc-shaped blade and is rotatably fixed to the carriage 16.

[0036] The carriage 16 engages with the slide rail 12 and is attached to the cutter frame 11 so as to be slidable along the slide rail 12. When the cutter motor 106 is driven in the forward direction, the carriage 16 slides from one side in the axial direction (e.g., the right side wall of the housing 20) to the other side (e.g., the left side wall of the housing 20). When the cutter motor 106 is driven in the reverse direction, the carriage 16 slides from the other side in the axial direction to the one side. The carriage 16 is movable from an initial position FP indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2 to a completion position KP indicated by a dashed line. At the cutter position SP, the carriage 16, to which the moving blade 15 is fixed, is movable in a cutting direction that intersects with the conveyance direction. The cutting direction is the direction from the initial position FP toward the completion position KP or the direction from the completion position KP toward the initial position FP.

[0037] When the sheet S is at the cutter position SP and the carriage 16 moves along the slide rail 12 to the completion position KP, the single sheet S is sandwiched between the fixed blade 13 and the movable blade 15 and cut into two pieces. After the sheet S is cut, the multifunction device 1 rotates the upstream cut roller 85 and the downstream cut roller 86 for a predetermined time, thereby discharging the two cut sheets S onto the discharge tray 22.

[0038] In this embodiment, the processing of the sheet S by the cutter unit 10 is to completely separate the sheet S into two pieces, but this is not limited to this, and the sheet S may be perforated without being completely separated. Furthermore, the number of sheets to be cut is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

[0039] Next, the electrical configuration of the multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the multifunction device 1 further includes an ASIC 105, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an NVRAM 104, a discharge front sensor SE1, a cut discharge sensor SE2, and a communication interface (I / F) 130. The discharge front sensor SE1 is an example of a first sensor, and the cut discharge sensor SE2 is an example of a second sensor.

[0040] The ASIC 105 is equipped with a CPU 101. The CPU 101 is an example of a controller, and performs overall control of each part of the multifunction device 1. The ASIC 105 is electrically connected to the ROM 102, RAM 103, NVRAM 104, cutter motor 106, electromagnetic clutch 107, main motor 108, discharge motor 109, discharge front sensor SE1, cut discharge sensor SE2, operation panel PA, communication I / F 130, drum cartridge 5, fuser 6, and laser unit 7. The operation panel PA is an example of a user interface.

[0041] The ROM 102 stores various control programs and settings for controlling the multifunction device 1. The control programs include print job processing, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 7. Some or all of these control programs and settings may be stored in the NVRAM 104.

[0042] The RAM 103 is used as a working area from which various control programs are read and as a storage area for temporarily storing image data included in a print job. The CPU 101 controls each part of the multifunction peripheral 1 in accordance with the control programs read from the ROM 102 and signals output from various sensors, while storing the processing results in the RAM 103.

[0043] Note that examples of memory are not limited to ROM 102, RAM 103, NVRAM 104, HDD, etc., built into MFP 1, but may also be storage media readable and writable by CPU 101. For example, external memories such as USB memory and HDD connected to MFP 1 via communication I / F 130, and memories and HDDs provided in devices connected to MFP 1 via communication I / F 130 are also examples of memory. Note that computer-readable storage media are non-transitory media. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include storage media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals carrying programs downloaded from a server on the Internet are computer-readable signal media, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0044] The CPU 101 drives the cutter motor 106 to move the carriage 16, thereby moving the moving blade 15 in the width direction of the sheet S and cutting the sheet S. An encoder 113 is attached to the rotation shaft of the cutter motor 106, and the encoder 113 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation of the cutter motor 106. The CPU 101 receives the signal output from the encoder 113, and obtains the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the cutter motor 106 based on the received signal. This allows the CPU 101 to know the position of the slide holder 16 on the slide rail 12, i.e., the position of the moving blade 15 in the axial direction.

[0045] The main motor 108 transmits driving force to the pickup roller 33, the registration roller 35, the conveying roller 36, the re-conveying rollers 38 and 39, the pressure roller 62, and the drum cartridge 5. When the CPU 101 drives the main motor 108 to rotate in the forward direction, the driving force is transmitted to the conveying roller 36, the pressure roller 62, the photosensitive drum 51, the developing roller 55, the pickup roller 33, and the registration roller 35. Then, the conveying roller 36, the pressure roller 62, the photosensitive drum 51, the developing roller 55, the pickup roller 33, and the registration roller 35 rotate in a direction to convey the sheet S in the conveyance direction.

[0046] Specifically, the conveying roller 36 and the pressure roller 62 rotate counterclockwise. The photosensitive drum 51 rotates clockwise. The developing roller 55 rotates counterclockwise. The pickup roller 33 rotates counterclockwise. The registration roller 35 rotates counterclockwise.

[0047] On the other hand, even if the CPU 101 drives the main motor 108 in the reverse direction, the driving force is not transmitted to the conveying roller 36, the pressure roller 62, the drum cartridge 5, the pickup roller 33, and the registration roller 35.

[0048] The discharge motor 109 is, for example, a stepping motor, and transmits driving force to the upstream cutting rollers 85 and the downstream cutting rollers 86. When the CPU 101 drives the discharge motor 109 in the forward direction, the upstream cutting rollers 85 and the downstream cutting rollers 86 rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the sheet S is discharged onto the discharge tray 22. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 drives the discharge motor 109 in the reverse direction, the upstream cutting rollers 85 and the downstream cutting rollers 86 rotate clockwise. As a result, the sheet S is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the CPU 101 drives the main motor 108 in the forward direction, causing the re-conveying rollers 38 and 39 to rotate clockwise. On the other hand, the CPU 101 drives the main motor 108 in the reverse direction, causing the re-conveying rollers 38 and 39 to rotate clockwise. As a result, the sheet S transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction is transported toward the image forming unit 4 via a re-conveying path 202.

[0050] CPU 101 controls electromagnetic clutch 107. By turning on electromagnetic clutch 107, CPU 101 brings about a state in which the driving force of main motor 108 is transmitted to pickup roller 33, and by turning off electromagnetic clutch 107, CPU 101 brings about a state in which the driving force of main motor 108 is not transmitted to pickup roller 33.

[0051] The discharge front sensor SE1 is disposed between the fixing unit 6 and the conveying rollers 36 on the conveying path 201, and detects the passage of the sheet S. The discharge front sensor SE1 may be a sensor having an actuator that swings when the sheet S comes into contact with it, or an optical sensor. The discharge front sensor SE1 outputs an ON signal when the sheet S is passing, and outputs an OFF signal when the sheet S is not passing. The detection signal from the discharge front sensor SE1 is output to the CPU 101.

[0052] The cut discharge sensor SE2 is disposed between the cutter position SP and the downstream cutter roller 86, and detects the passage of the sheet S. The cut discharge sensor SE2 has the same configuration as the discharge front sensor SE1. A detection signal by the cut discharge sensor SE2 is output to the CPU 101.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel PA is disposed on the upper surface of the front side of the device main body 2. Since a user operates the operation panel PA from a position in front of the multifunction device 1, the operation panel PA is provided in a position that allows easy operation by the user from the front of the multifunction device 1. The operation panel PA has, for example, a touch panel in which a touchpad and a display are integrally formed, and a key button section. The operation panel PA receives operations from the user and outputs the received information to the CPU 101. For example, the user can set whether or not to cut the sheet S by operating the operation panel PA.

[0054] The communication I / F 130 is connected to a network such as a LAN, and enables connection to an external device such as a PC incorporating a driver for the multifunction device 1. The CPU 101 can receive a print job via the communication I / F 130. The print job includes various information required to form an image on the sheet S, such as image data for image formation, the size and type of the sheet S to be used for image formation, and information on whether or not to cut the sheet S.

[0055] As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the rear cover 23 is made up of a first rear cover 23A and a second rear cover 23B, and is attached to the rear surface of the housing 20 in an openable and closable manner. The second rear cover 23B is attached at a position downstream of the first rear cover 23A and upstream of the cutter unit 10. When the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B are closed, the second rear cover 23B is entirely covered by the first rear cover 23A. Therefore, when opening the second rear cover 23B, it is necessary to open the first rear cover 23A first and then open the second rear cover 23B.

[0056] The first rear cover 23A forms part of the conveying path 201, specifically, part of the conveying path 201 between the conveying rollers 36 and the branching position D1. Furthermore, the first rear cover 23A also forms part of the re-conveying path 202, specifically, part of the re-conveying path 202 between the branching position D1 and the re-conveying rollers 38 and close to the rear surface of the housing 20. Furthermore, the second rear cover 23B forms part of the second discharge path 201B, specifically, part of the second discharge path 201B between the branching position D1 and the cutting upstream rollers 85.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a state in which only the first rear cover 23A is open. As shown in Fig. 4, when only the first rear cover 23A is open, the portion of the transport path 201 and the portion of the second discharge path 201B are open. Fig. 5 shows a state in which both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B are open. When both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B are open, the portion of the second discharge path 201B is also open, so the opening formed when both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B are open is larger than the opening formed when only the first rear cover 23A is open.

[0058] 6 shows a state in which both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B are open, and further, the cover of the cutter unit 10 (hereinafter referred to as the cutter front cover) 24 is open. The cutter front cover 24 is attached to the front side of the cutter unit 10 in an openable and closable state. The cutter front cover 24 forms part of the second discharge path 201B, specifically, part of the second discharge path 201B downstream from the cutter unit 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, the rear cover 23 is configured by two covers, the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B, but is not limited to this, and may be configured by one cover.

[0060] Next, the control operation of the multifunction peripheral 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The following processing refers to processing by the CPU 101 in accordance with instructions written in a program. In other words, in the following description, processing such as "determination," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" refer to processing by the CPU 101. Processing by the CPU 101 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS. In this specification, the operation of each program will be described without mentioning the OS. In other words, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "program B controls hardware C" may also mean that "program B controls hardware C using the API of the OS." Furthermore, processing by the CPU 101 in accordance with instructions written in a program may be described in abbreviated terms, such as "performed by the CPU 101."

[0061] Note that "acquire" is used as a concept that does not require a request. In other words, the process of CPU 101 receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "CPU 101 acquiring data." Furthermore, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit string that can be read by a computer. Data that has the same substantial meaning but different formats is treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Furthermore, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate outputting information indicating a request or an instruction to the other party. Furthermore, information indicating a request or an instruction is also simply referred to as a "request" or "instruction."

[0062] Furthermore, the process by CPU 101 to determine whether information A indicates event B may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B is present from information A." The process by CPU 101 to determine whether information A indicates event B or event C may be conceptually described as "determining whether event B or event C is present from information A."

[0063] 7 shows the procedure for print job processing executed by the multifunction device 1, particularly the CPU 101. The print job processing is started, for example, when the multifunction device 1 is turned on, and ends when the multifunction device 1 is turned off. Hereinafter, in the explanation of each process, steps will be represented as "S."

[0064] 7, CPU 101 waits until it acquires a print job (S10: NO). As described above, the print job may be acquired by receiving a print job output by an external device via communication I / F 130, or by reading a print job already stored in RAM 103 or NVRAM 104. Alternatively, the print job may be acquired by generating a print job for printing image data obtained by scanning a document with scanner unit 9 in response to receiving an instruction to execute copying.

[0065] Then, when the CPU 101 acquires the print job (S10: YES), it initializes a counter N that counts the number of sheets S to be printed to "1" (S11). The counter N may be configured as a software counter that uses a predetermined area (not shown) on the RAM 103 as a counter, for example.

[0066] Next, CPU 101 determines whether the print job is to be printed single-sided (S12). Whether the print job is to be printed single-sided may be determined based on instruction information included in the print job, or based on an operation received from the user via operation panel PA. If the print job is to be printed single-sided (S12: YES), CPU 101 executes single-sided printing processing (S13) and returns the process to S10. On the other hand, if the print job is not to be printed single-sided (S12: NO), that is, if the print job is to be printed double-sided, CPU 101 executes double-sided printing processing (S14) and returns the process to S10. Note that in this embodiment, single-sided printing and double-sided printing are used as examples of printing types, but 2-in-1 printing and the like may also be added.

[0067] FIG. 8 shows detailed steps of the single-sided printing process. In FIG. 8, CPU 101 starts conveying sheet S using conveying unit 3 (S20). The process of S20 includes various controls executed by CPU 101, such as control to start driving main motor 108 and control to turn on electromagnetic clutch 107. However, in both the single-sided printing process (FIG. 8) and the double-sided printing process (FIG. 9), explanations of the control processes related to the conveyance of sheet S will be omitted as appropriate. For example, the switching control of flapper 88 will be omitted in both the single-sided printing process and the double-sided printing process. The reason for omitting explanations of the control processes related to the conveyance of sheet S as appropriate is that the main purpose of both the single-sided printing process (FIG. 8) and the double-sided printing process (FIG. 9) is to explain the process of determining whether a jam has occurred in housing 20 while sheet S is being conveyed, and, if a jam has occurred, the process of determining the type of jam. Also, as for occurrence of jams, a description of jams that occur before the discharge front sensor SE1 detects the leading edge of the sheet S will be omitted as appropriate.

[0068] Next, CPU 101 causes process unit 4 to print the Nth image data indicated by counter N, among the image data included in the print job, onto sheet S (S21). Furthermore, CPU 101 executes a jam occurrence determination process (S22).

[0069] FIG. 10 shows detailed steps of the jam occurrence determination process. In FIG. 10, the CPU 101 waits until the discharge front sensor SE1 outputs an ON signal (S50: NO). Then, when the discharge front sensor SE1 outputs an ON signal (S50: YES), the CPU 101 starts driving the discharge motor 109 (S51). As a result, the conveyance of the sheet S is switched from conveyance by the main motor 108 to conveyance by the discharge motor 109. The point at which the discharge front sensor SE1 outputs an ON signal is the point at which the discharge front sensor SE1 detects the leading edge of the sheet S in the conveyance direction (hereinafter, abbreviated as "the leading edge of the sheet S"). Therefore, when the discharge front sensor SE1 detects the leading edge of the sheet S, the discharge motor 109 starts driving the cut upstream rollers 85, the cut downstream rollers 86, and the discharge rollers 87.

[0070] Next, CPU 101 determines whether to cut print the print job (S52). Whether to cut print the print job may be determined based on instruction information included in the print job, or based on an operation received from the user via operation panel PA. If the print job is to be cut printed (S52: YES), CPU 101 executes cut printing processing (S53) and then terminates the jam occurrence determination processing. On the other hand, if the print job is not to be cut printed (S52: NO), CPU 101 executes non-cut printing processing (S54) and then terminates the jam occurrence determination processing.

[0071] FIG. 11 shows the detailed procedure for the cut printing process. In FIG. 11, CPU 101 determines whether the cut and discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an OFF signal for a first time or longer in steps S60 and S61. Here, the first time is the time assumed by the developer of multifunction peripheral 1 that, if conveyance unit 3 is conveying sheet S normally without a jam, cut and discharge sensor SE2 will detect the leading edge of sheet S within the first time after discharge front sensor SE1 detects the leading edge of sheet S. The first time may be the time plus a predetermined margin. If the leading edge of sheet S is not detected by cut and discharge sensor SE2 even after the first time has elapsed since the leading edge of sheet S was detected by discharge front sensor SE1 during conveyance (S10: YES in FIG. 7) (S61: YES), CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in sheet S somewhere before it reaches the detection position of cut and discharge sensor SE2. If the CPU 101 determines "YES" in S61, it determines that a jam of jam pattern 1 has occurred on the sheet S (S62), and then ends the cut printing process.

[0072] FIG. 13(a) shows an example of a stopped state of sheet Sa when jam pattern 1 is determined. In the example of FIG. 13(a), sheet Sa is stopped with its leading edge reaching a position downstream of cutter position SP. To remove sheet Sa stopped in this state from inside housing 20, as shown in FIG. 13(b), both first rear cover 23A and second rear cover 23B must be opened. The user removes sheet Sa from either or both of first rear cover 23A and second rear cover 23B in the direction of arrows A1 and A2 to clear the jam. However, because the leading edge of sheet Sa has not yet reached the detection position of cut / discharge sensor SE2, there is no need to open cutter front cover 24.

[0073] After CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 1 has occurred in sheet S (S62), and then ends the cut printing process, the process proceeds to S23 in FIG. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: YES), it notifies the operation panel PA of the jam in the form of a second rear jam notification PA2 (S24). FIG. 19(b) shows an example of the second rear jam notification PA2, which includes content suggesting that the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B be opened, on the operation panel PA. In the second rear jam notification PA2, "Sheet jammed rear" is displayed in display area PA2a, "Open the first rear cover and the second rear cover and remove the jammed sheet" is displayed in display area PA2b, and an image showing the procedure for opening the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B and an image showing the procedure for closing the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B are toggled on and off in display area PA2c. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a list of the types of jams that can be detected and their corresponding notification modes.

[0074] FIG. 20 shows an example of an image illustrating the procedures for opening and closing the first rear cover 23A, the second rear cover 23B, and the cutter front cover 24. Note that each image shown in FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the multifunction device 1 and does not directly represent the multifunction device 1. Of course, a diagram directly representing the multifunction device 1 may be used as the image displayed in the display area PA2c. FIG. 20(a) shows a first image of the multifunction device 1 viewed from the front with the first rear cover 23A, the second rear cover 23B, and the cutter front cover 24 all in a closed state. FIG. 20(b) shows a second image of the multifunction device 1 viewed from the rear with the first rear cover 23A, the second rear cover 23B, and the cutter front cover 24 all in a closed state. FIG. 20(c) shows a third image of the multifunction device 1 viewed from the rear with only the first rear cover 23A open. Figure 20(d) is a fourth image of the multifunction device 1 viewed from the rear with the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B in the open state and the cutter front cover 24 in the closed state. Figure 20(e) is a fifth image of the multifunction device 1 viewed from the front with the first rear cover 23A, the second rear cover 23B, and the cutter front cover 24 all in the open state. Figure 20(f) is a sixth image of the multifunction device 1 viewed from the front with the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B in the open state and the cutter front cover 24 in the closed state.

[0075] The second rear jam notification PA2 includes a suggestion to open the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B, but does not include a suggestion to open the cutter front cover 24. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the display area PA2c toggles between the first image, the second image, the third image, the fourth image, the third image, and the second image. The toggle display may be such that the next image is displayed according to a user instruction, or the next image is displayed every time a predetermined time elapses. Furthermore, the next image may be displayed based on the detection results of a sensor or the like that detects the open / closed states of the first rear cover 23A, the second rear cover 23B, and the cutter front cover 24. Instead of the toggle display, a moving image or arrows shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 may be used to indicate which of the first rear cover 23A, the second rear cover 23B, and the cutter front cover 24 should be opened or closed.

[0076] 8, CPU 101 waits until the jam clearing operation is performed (S25: NO), and once the jam clearing operation is performed (S25: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the jam has been cleared (S26). The user clears the jam while viewing the contents of second rear jam notification PA2. In particular, images showing the procedures for opening and closing first rear cover 23A and second rear cover 23B are displayed in toggle order in display area PA2c, allowing the user to easily clear the jam by following the procedures.

[0077] If it is determined in S26 that the jam has not been cleared (S26: NO), the CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared, and if the jam has been cleared (S26: YES), the CPU 101 returns the process to S20.

[0078] CPU 101 repeats the processes of S20 to S22, and when it determines in S23 that a jam has not occurred (S23: NO), it determines whether the print job includes image data for the next page (S30). If it determines that the print job includes image data for the next page (S30: YES), CPU 101 increments counter N by "1" (S31) and returns the process to S20.

[0079] On the other hand, if the determination in S30 is that the print job does not include image data for the next page (S30: NO), CPU 101 waits until ejection of sheet S from housing 20 is complete (S32: NO), and when ejection of sheet S from housing 20 is complete (S32: YES), CPU 101 ends the single-sided printing process.

[0080] 11, if it is determined in S60 that the cut / discharge sensor SE2 has output an ON signal (S60: YES), CPU 101 waits until a second time has elapsed (S63: NO). Then, when the second time has elapsed (S63: YES), CPU 101 stops driving discharge motor 109 (S64). Here, the second time is the time assumed by the developer of multifunction peripheral 1 that, if conveyance unit 3 is conveying sheet S normally without jamming, the position on sheet S to be cut will reach cutter position SP within the second time after cut / discharge sensor SE2 detects the leading edge of sheet S. Therefore, when the process proceeds to S64, the position on sheet S to be cut has reached cutter position SP, and therefore CPU 101 stops driving discharge motor 109 in S64.

[0081] Next, CPU 101 determines whether discharge front sensor SE1 is outputting an OFF signal (S65). If this determination is made and discharge front sensor SE1 is not outputting an OFF signal (S65: NO), that is, if discharge front sensor SE1 is outputting an ON signal, CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 2 has occurred in sheet S (S66), and then ends the cut printing process. When the position on sheet S to be cut has reached cutter position SP, the trailing edge of sheet S should be downstream of the detection position of discharge front sensor SE1. This is because, when a sheet of an expected length is printed in multifunction device 1, the length of conveyance path 201 from the detection position of discharge front sensor SE1 to cutter position SP is designed so that when the position on sheet S to be cut reaches cutter position SP, the trailing edge of sheet S will be downstream of the detection position of discharge front sensor SE1. Therefore, if the CPU 101 judges "NO" in S65, it determines that the position on the sheet S to be cut has reached the cutter position SP, but part of the sheet S is pinched in the nip N of the fixing unit 6 due to reasons such as the sheet S being longer than expected.

[0082] FIG. 14A shows an example of a stopped state of a sheet Sb when jam pattern 2 is determined. In the example of FIG. 14A, the sheet Sb is stopped with the cutting position reaching the cutter position SP and a portion of the sheet Sb near its rear end pinched in the nip N of the fuser 6. To remove the stopped sheet Sb from the housing 20, the user must open the cutter front cover 24 and pull out the sheet Sb in the direction of arrow A3, as shown in FIG. 14B. If the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B are left closed at this time, the sheet Sb will remain pinched with a strong force between the cutter upstream roller 85, the conveyance roller 36, and the like on the conveyance path 201. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14B, both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B must be opened.

[0083] After CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 2 has occurred on sheet S (S62), and then ends the cut printing process, the process proceeds to S23 in Fig. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: YES), it notifies the operation panel PA of the jam in the form of cut jam notification PA3 as shown in Fig. 21 (S24). Fig. 19(c) shows an example of when cut jam notification PA3, which includes content suggesting that first rear cover 23A, second rear cover 23B, and cutter front cover 24 be opened, is displayed on operation panel PA. In the cutter jam notification PA3, the display area PA3a displays "Sheet jammed cutter," the display area PA3b displays "Open the first rear cover, the second rear cover, and the cutter front cover, and remove the jammed sheet," and the display area PA3c toggles between images showing the procedure for opening and the procedure for closing the first rear cover 23A, the second rear cover 23B, and the cutter front cover 24. Specifically, the display area PA3c toggles between the first image → the second image → the third image → the fourth image → the fifth image → the sixth image → the third image → the second image, as shown in FIG.

[0084] Returning to FIG. 8, CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared (S25: NO), and once the jam is cleared (S25: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the jam has been cleared (S26). The user clears the jam while viewing the contents of cut jam notification PA3. If the jam has not been cleared in the determination of S26 (S26: NO), CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared, and if the jam has been cleared (S26: YES), CPU 101 returns the process to S20. The process after returning to S20 has been described above, so it will not be described again here.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 11, if the discharge front sensor SE1 outputs an OFF signal in the determination of S65 (S65: YES), the CPU 101 starts driving the cutter motor 106 in the forward direction (S67). As a result, the cutter motor 106 moves the carriage 16 from the initial position FP toward the completion position KP, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, thereby moving the movable blade 15 in the width direction of the sheet S and cutting the sheet S. Next, the CPU 101 determines whether the cutting operation by the movable blade 15 is complete (S68). This determination can be made based on whether the carriage 16 has reached the completion position KP. As described above, the CPU 101 receives a signal output from the encoder 113 and acquires the rotation direction, rotation position, and rotation speed of the cutter motor 106 based on the received signal. Therefore, the CPU 101 can determine the position of the slide holder 16 on the slide rail 12, i.e., the axial position of the movable blade 15, and can therefore make the determination of S68.

[0086] If the determination in S68 shows that the cutting operation by the moving blade 15 has not been completed (S68: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the cutter motor 106 has stopped abnormally (S69S). If the determination in S69 shows that the cutter motor 106 has not stopped abnormally (S69: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S68. On the other hand, if the cutter motor 106 has stopped abnormally (S69: YES), the CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 3 has occurred on the sheet S (S70), and then ends the cut printing process. The CPU 101 may make the determination in S69 based on the signal output from the encoder 113, similar to the determination in S68.

[0087] FIG. 15(a) shows an example of a stopped state of the sheet Sc when jam pattern 3 is determined. In the example of FIG. 15(a), the sheet Sc is stopped when the position where it should be cut has reached the cutter position SP and the cutter motor 106 has abnormally stopped. To remove the stopped sheet Sc from the housing 20 in this state, as shown in FIG. 15(b), it is necessary to open both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B and also open the cutter front cover 24. The user removes the upstream sheet piece Sc2 of the sheet Sc being cut from the open second rear cover 23B in the direction of arrow A5, and removes the downstream sheet piece Sc1 of the sheet Sc being cut from the open cutter front cover 24 in the direction of arrow A4, thereby clearing the jam.

[0088] After CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 3 has occurred in sheet S (S62), and then ends the cut printing process, the process proceeds to S23 in FIG. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: YES), it notifies the operation panel PA of the jam in the form of cut jam notification PA3, as shown in FIG. 21 (S24). Cut jam notification PA3 was described above with reference to FIG. 19(c), and will not be described again here. However, as described above with reference to FIG. 15(b), the jam is cleared in jam pattern 3 by removing two sheet pieces Sc1 and Sc2 of the sheet Sc being cut from different covers, namely, the cutter front cover 24 and the second rear cover 23B. In contrast, the jam is cleared in jam pattern 2 by removing sheet Sb from the cutter front cover 24, as described above with reference to FIG. 14(b). In this way, even if the same cut jam notification PA3 is performed, the method of removing the sheet S from the housing 20 is different. For this reason, it is preferable that the CPU 101 also notify the method of removing the sheet S from the housing 20 in the notification of S24.

[0089] Returning to FIG. 8, CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared (S25: NO), and once the jam is cleared (S25: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the jam has been cleared (S26). The user clears the jam while viewing the contents of cut jam notification PA3. If the jam has not been cleared in the determination of S26 (S26: NO), CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared, and if the jam has been cleared (S26: YES), CPU 101 returns the process to S20. The process after returning to S20 has been described above, so it will not be described again here.

[0090] 11, if the determination in S68 is that the cutting operation by the movable blade 15 is complete (S68: YES), CPU 101 stops the forward rotation of cutter motor 106 and resumes driving of discharge motor 109 (S71). Then, CPU 101 waits until a third time has elapsed (S72: NO). When the third time has elapsed (S72: YES), CPU 101 determines whether or not cut discharge sensor SE2 has output an OFF signal (S73). If this determination is that cut discharge sensor SE2 has not output an OFF signal (S74: NO), that is, if cut discharge sensor SE2 has output an ON signal, CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 4 or 5 has occurred in sheet S (S74), and then ends the cut printing process. Here, the third time is the time assumed by the developer of the multifunction peripheral 1 for the conveying unit 3 to convey the sheet S normally without a jam, after the cutting operation by the moving blade 15 is completed and the discharge motor 109 is restarted, for both of the cut pieces of the sheet S to be discharged from the housing 20. The third time may be a time obtained by adding a predetermined margin to this time. If the cut and discharge sensor SE2 is still outputting an ON signal after the third time has elapsed, either both of the cut pieces of the sheet S have stopped (jam pattern 4), or the downstream piece has been discharged but the upstream piece has stopped (jam pattern 5).

[0091] FIG. 16(a) shows an example of a stopped state of the sheet Sd when jam pattern 4 is determined. In the example of FIG. 16(a), the downstream cut sheet piece Sd1 of the sheet Sd is stopped with the cut discharge sensor SE2 turned on. To remove the stopped sheet Sd from the housing 20 in this state, as shown in FIG. 16(b), it is necessary to open both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B and also open the cutter front cover 24. The user removes the upstream cut sheet piece Sd2 from the second rear cover 23B in the open state in the direction of arrow A7, and removes the downstream cut sheet piece Sd1 from the open cutter front cover 24 in the direction of arrow A6 to clear the jam.

[0092] In contrast, FIG. 17(a) shows an example of a stopped state of the sheet Se when jam pattern 5 is determined. In the example of FIG. 17(a), the upstream cut sheet piece Se2 of the sheet Se is stopped with the cut discharge sensor SE2 turned on. To remove the stopped sheet piece Se2 from the housing 20 in this state, as shown in FIG. 17(b), it is necessary to open both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B and also open the cutter front cover 24. The user removes the upstream cut sheet piece Se2 of the sheet Se from the cutter front cover 24 in this open state in the direction of arrow A8 to clear the jam.

[0093] In the cut printing process of FIG. 11, the CPU 101 cannot distinguish between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5. However, for both jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5, it is necessary to open both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B, and also open the cutter front cover 24, so there is no need to distinguish between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5. However, if the notification in S24 is configured to also notify the method for removing the sheet S from the housing 20 as described above, it is preferable to distinguish between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5 because the methods for removing the sheet S from the housing 20 differ between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5. In a third embodiment described later, a process for distinguishing between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5 will be described.

[0094] After CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 4 or 5 has occurred on sheet S (S74), and then ends the cut printing process, the process proceeds to S23 in Fig. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: YES), it notifies the operation panel PA of the jam in the form of cut jam notification PA3 as shown in Fig. 21 (S24). Cut jam notification PA3 has been described above with reference to Fig. 19(c), and will not be described again here.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 8, CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared (S25: NO), and once the jam is cleared (S25: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the jam has been cleared (S26). The user clears the jam while viewing the contents of cut jam notification PA3. If the jam has not been cleared in the determination of S26 (S26: NO), CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared, and if the jam has been cleared (S26: YES), CPU 101 returns the process to S20. The process after returning to S20 has been described above, so it will not be described again here.

[0096] Returning to FIG. 11, if it is determined in S73 that the cut and discharge sensor SE2 is outputting an OFF signal (S73: YES), the CPU 101 starts reverse driving of the cutter motor 106 and stops driving of the discharge motor 109 (S75). The CPU 101 then waits until the carriage 16 returns to the initial position FP (S76: NO). Once the carriage 16 returns to the initial position FP (S76: YES), the CPU 101 stops reverse driving of the cutter motor 106 (S77) and then ends the cut printing process. When the CPU 101 ends the cut printing process via the process of S77, the process proceeds to S23 in FIG. 8. Since the CPU 101 determines in the jam occurrence determination process that a jam has not occurred (S23: NO), the process proceeds from S23 to S30. The process from S30 onwards has already been described, so it will not be repeated here.

[0097] FIG. 12 shows detailed steps of the non-cut printing process of S54 (FIG. 10). In FIG. 12, CPU 101 determines whether the discharge front sensor SE1 has been outputting an ON signal for a fourth time or longer in S80 and S81. Here, the fourth time is the time assumed by the developer of multifunction device 1 for discharge front sensor SE1 to detect the leading edge of sheet S and then the trailing edge of sheet S, if conveyance unit 3 is conveying sheet S normally without a jam. The fourth time may be the time plus a predetermined margin. If the trailing edge of sheet S is not detected by discharge front sensor SE1 even after the fourth time has elapsed since the leading edge of sheet S was detected by discharge front sensor SE1 during conveyance (S10: YES in FIG. 7), CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred somewhere after the leading edge of sheet S has passed the detection position of discharge front sensor SE1. If the CPU 101 determines "YES" in S81, it determines that a jam of jam pattern 6 has occurred on the sheet S (S82), and then ends the non-cut printing process.

[0098] Fig. 18(a) shows an example of a stopped state of sheet Sf when jam pattern 6 is determined. In the example of Fig. 18(a), sheet Sf is stopped with the vicinity of its leading edge pinched between discharge rollers 87. To remove sheet S stopped in this state from inside housing 20, only first rear cover 23A needs to be opened, as shown in Fig. 18(b).

[0099] After CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 6 has occurred in sheet S (S82), and then ends the non-cut printing process, the process proceeds to S23 in FIG. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: YES), it notifies the operation panel PA of the jam in the form of a first rear jam notification PA1, as shown in FIG. 21 (S24). FIG. 19(a) shows an example of the first rear jam notification PA1, which includes content suggesting that only the first rear cover 23A be opened, on the operation panel PA. In the first rear jam notification PA1, "Sheet jammed rear" is displayed in display area PA1a, "Open first rear cover and remove jammed sheet" is displayed in display area PA1b, and an image showing the procedure for opening the first rear cover 23A and an image showing the procedure for closing the first rear cover 23A are toggled on and off in display area PA1c. Specifically, in the display area PA1c, the first image, the second image, the third image, and the second image are toggled in this order, as shown in FIG. 19(a).

[0100] Returning to FIG. 8, CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared (S25: NO), and when the jam is cleared (S25: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the jam has been cleared (S26). The user performs the jam clearing operation while viewing the contents of the first rear jam notification PA1. If the jam has not been cleared in the determination of S26 (S26: NO), CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared, and when the jam is cleared (S26: YES), CPU 101 returns the process to S20. The process after returning to S20 has been described above, so it will not be described again here.

[0101] Returning to FIG. 12, if the discharge front sensor SE1 outputs an OFF signal in the determination of S80 (S80: YES), the CPU 101 waits until the fifth time has elapsed (S83: NO). After the fifth time has elapsed (S83: YES), the CPU 101 stops driving the discharge motor 109 (S84) and then ends the no-cut printing process. Here, the fifth time is the time assumed by the developer of the multifunction peripheral 1 for the sheet S to be discharged from the housing 20 via the first discharge path 201A after the discharge front sensor SE1 detects the trailing edge of the sheet S, assuming that the conveying unit 3 is conveying the sheet S normally without jamming. The fifth time may be the time added with a predetermined margin. After the discharge front sensor SE1 detects the trailing edge of the sheet S and outputs an OFF signal (S80: YES), the sheet S is discharged from the housing 20 after the fifth time has elapsed (S83: YES). Therefore, when the CPU 101 determines "YES" in S83, it stops driving the discharge motor 109 (S84).

[0102] When CPU 101 completes the non-cut printing process via the process of S84, the process proceeds to S23 in Fig. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has not occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: NO), the process proceeds from S23 to S30. The process from S30 onwards has already been explained, so it will not be explained again here.

[0103] FIG. 9 shows detailed steps of the double-sided printing process in S14 (FIG. 7). In FIG. 9, processes similar to those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of those processes will be omitted where appropriate. In FIG. 9, after starting conveyance of the sheet S (S20), the CPU 101 prints a back-side image on the Nth sheet S. Then, after executing a jam occurrence determination process (S22), the CPU 101 determines whether a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23). If a jam has not occurred (NO in S23), that is, if a jam has not occurred, the CPU 101 determines whether the sheet S has been conveyed to a position for sheet inversion timing (S41). The position for sheet inversion timing is, for example, the switchback position D2 (FIG. 1). The sheet S being conveyed to the position for sheet inversion timing may be defined as the trailing edge of the sheet S being conveyed to the switchback position D2. This determination may be made, for example, based on the lapse of a predetermined time after the output of the discharge front sensor SE1 switches from an ON signal to an OFF signal. The predetermined time is the time assumed by the developer of the multifunction device 1 for the trailing edge of the sheet S to reach the switchback position D2 after the discharge front sensor SE1 detects the trailing edge of the sheet S (from the time the signal switches from ON to OFF) if the conveying unit 3 is conveying the sheet S normally without jamming.

[0104] If it is determined in S41 that the sheet S has been conveyed to the sheet reversal timing position (S41: YES), the CPU 101 switches back the sheet S (S42). Specifically, the main motor 108 and the discharge motor 109 are driven in reverse. Then, when the sheet S passes through the re-conveyance path 202 and is conveyed from the junction position J back to the conveyance path 201, the CPU 101 prints a front side image on the Nth sheet S (S43). Next, the CPU 101 executes a jam occurrence determination process (S44) in the same manner as in S22, and then determines whether or not a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S45) in the same manner as in S23. If it is determined that a jam has occurred in this determination (S45: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a jam has occurred (S45: NO), that is, if it is determined that a jam has not occurred, CPU 101 proceeds to S30. The processes from S30 onwards have already been described, so they will not be described again here.

[0105] On the other hand, if it is determined in S41 that the sheet S has not been conveyed to the sheet reversal timing position (S41: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S22.

[0106] The double-sided printing process in Fig. 9 differs from the single-sided printing process in Fig. 8 mainly in that printing is performed on both sides of a single sheet S (S40, S43) and that a jam occurrence determination process is executed each time the back and front sides are printed (S22, S44).Otherwise, the double-sided printing process and the single-sided printing process are the same, so further explanation of the double-sided printing process will be omitted.

[0107] As described above, if a jam occurs inside the housing 20 while a sheet S on which an image is formed by the process unit 4 is being conveyed by the conveyance unit 3, the multifunction device 1 notifies the operation panel PA that a jam has occurred (S24). This notification is one of a first rear jam notification PA1, a second rear jam notification PA2, and a cut jam notification PA3, depending on the type of jam that has occurred. The cut jam notification PA3 includes a message suggesting that the cutter front cover 24 be opened, but neither the first rear jam notification PA1 nor the second rear jam notification PA2 includes a message suggesting that the cutter front cover 24 be opened.

[0108] Since the cutter unit 10 is a unit for processing the sheet S, it includes components that are undesirable for the user to touch. However, the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment can provide appropriate notifications by suggesting when it is necessary to open the cutter front cover 24 to clear a jam, and not suggesting when it is not necessary to do so.

[0109] Furthermore, in the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment, the operation panel PA is located on the upper surface on the front side of the device body 2. Since a user operates the operation panel PA from a position in front of the multifunction device 1, the operation panel PA is provided in a position that is easy for the user to operate from the front of the multifunction device 1. The sheet S cut by the cutter unit 10 is discharged from the cutter unit 10 toward the front of the multifunction device 1. When a cut jam notification PA3 is issued, an appropriate notification can be given to remove the sheet S from the direction in which the sheet S is discharged, that is, from the front of the multifunction device 1, which is the direction that places less load on the cutter unit 10 and the sheet S.

[0110] Furthermore, the cutter jam notification PA3 includes content suggesting that in addition to opening the cutter front cover 24, both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B should also be opened (Figure 19 (c)), so that when removing the sheet S from the front of the multifunction device 1, an appropriate notification can be made to prevent components on the conveying path 201 from adversely affecting the sheet S.

[0111] Furthermore, the cutter jam notification PA3 includes content that suggests opening both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B, and then suggests opening the cutter front cover 24, so that when removing the sheet S from the front of the multifunction device 1, an appropriate notification can be made to prevent components on the conveying path 201 from adversely affecting the sheet S.

[0112] Furthermore, the first rear jam notification PA1 and the second rear jam notification PA2 include content suggesting that the rear cover 23 be opened and content suggesting that the jammed sheet S be removed from the rear of the multifunction device 1, so that when it is better to remove the sheet S from the middle of the conveying path 201, appropriate notification can be given that the conveying path 201 should be opened, the sheet S should be removed from the rear, and there is no need to open the cutter front cover 24.

[0113] Furthermore, the first rear jam notification PA1 includes a content suggesting that only the first rear cover 23A be opened, whereas the second rear jam notification PA2 includes a content suggesting that both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B be opened. This allows appropriate notifications to be given when it is sufficient to open only the first rear cover 23A, or when it is better to open both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B and remove the sheet S from the large opening.

[0114] Furthermore, in the multifunction peripheral 1 of this embodiment, the discharge front sensor SE1 is used not only to detect the passage of the sheet S, but also to switch the conveyance of the sheet S from conveyance by the main motor 108 to conveyance by the discharge motor 109 (S51). This allows a common sensor to be used for switching the sheet conveyance and for appropriate notification.

[0115] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in part of the hardware and part of the cut printing process, so the description will focus on the different parts and omit the description of other parts as appropriate.

[0116] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction peripheral 1' according to a second embodiment. The multifunction peripheral 1' shown in FIG. 22 differs from the multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 1 in that an upstream cut sensor SE3 is added. As shown in FIG. 22, the upstream cut sensor SE3 is disposed downstream of the discharge front sensor SE1 and upstream of the cutter unit 10. More specifically, the upstream cut sensor SE3 is disposed upstream of the upstream cut roller 85, but close to the upstream cut roller 85. The upstream cut sensor SE3 has the same configuration as the discharge front sensor SE1, and detects the passage of a sheet S. A detection signal from the upstream cut sensor SE3 is output to the CPU 101, as shown in FIG. 23.

[0117] FIG. 24 shows detailed steps of the cut printing process in this embodiment. The cut printing process in FIG. 24 differs from the cut printing process in FIG. 11 in that S90 and S91 have been added. In FIG. 24, if it is determined in S61 that the first time has elapsed (S61: YES), CPU 101 determines whether or not the cut upstream sensor SE3 is outputting an ON signal (S90). If the cut upstream sensor SE3 is outputting an ON signal (S90: YES), CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 1' has occurred on sheet S (S62) and then terminates the cut printing process. On the other hand, if the cut upstream sensor SE3 is not outputting an ON signal (S90: NO), that is, if the cut upstream sensor SE3 is outputting an OFF signal, CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 1' has occurred on sheet S (S91) and then terminates the cut printing process.

[0118] FIG. 25(a) shows an example of a stopped state of sheet Sa' when jam pattern 1' is determined. In the example of FIG. 25(a), sheet Sa' is stopped with its leading edge upstream of the detection position of cut upstream sensor SE3. To remove stopped sheet Sa' from inside housing 20 in this state, only first rear cover 23A needs to be opened, as shown in FIG. 25(b). The user pulls sheet Sa' out of first rear cover 23A in this open state in the direction of arrow A10 to clear the jam.

[0119] After CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 1' has occurred on sheet S (S62), and then ends the cut printing process, the process proceeds to S23 in Fig. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: YES), it notifies the operation panel PA of the jam in the form of a first rear jam notification PA1 (S24). The first rear jam notification PA1 has been described above in the first embodiment with reference to Fig. 19(a), and therefore will not be described again here.

[0120] Returning to FIG. 8, CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared (S25: NO), and once the jam is cleared (S25: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the jam has been cleared (S26). The user performs the jam clearing operation while viewing the contents of the first rear jam notification PA1. If the jam has not been cleared in the determination of S26 (S26: NO), CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared, and if the jam has been cleared (S26: YES), CPU 101 returns the process to S20. The process after returning to S20 has been described above in the first embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0121] In this way, in the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment, when cut printing is performed, either the first rear jam notification PA1 (S91) or the second rear jam notification PA2 (S62) can be notified, and when non-cut printing is performed, only the first rear jam notification PA1 is notified (S82). This allows appropriate notifications to be issued when it is sufficient to open only the first rear cover 23A, or when it is better to open both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B and remove the sheet S through the large opening.

[0122] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in part of the cut printing process, so the following description will focus on the differences and omit the description of other parts as appropriate.

[0123] FIG. 26 shows a process that replaces the processes of S72 to S74 of the cut printing process (FIG. 11) in the first embodiment. In other words, the cut printing process in this embodiment is a process in which S72 to S74 of the cut printing process in FIG. 11 are replaced with S100 to S108 in FIG. 26. As described above, the cut printing process in the first embodiment was not able to distinguish between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5. The cut printing process in this embodiment can distinguish between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5. Furthermore, the cut printing process in this embodiment can also distinguish between jam pattern 7.

[0124] 26, when the process proceeds from S71 (FIG. 11) to S100, the CPU 101 determines whether the cut / discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an ON signal for a sixth time or longer in S100 and S101. When the process proceeds from S71 to S100, the cutting operation by the movable blade 15 is completed (S68: YES), and the CPU 101 stops the forward rotation of the cutter motor 106 and resumes the drive of the discharge motor 109 (S71). The sixth time is the time assumed by the developer of the multifunction peripheral 1 for the downstream sheet of the cut sheet S to be discharged from the housing 20 after the drive of the discharge motor 109 is resumed, provided that the conveying unit 3 is conveying the sheet S normally without a jam. In other words, if the cut / discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an ON signal for a sixth time or longer, this means that the downstream sheet of the sheet S is also in a stopped state. Therefore, when the CPU 101 determines "YES" in the determination of S101, it can determine that jam pattern 4 (FIG. 16) has occurred on the sheet S (S102).

[0125] Next, CPU 101 determines whether the cut / discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an OFF signal for a period of time equal to or longer than the seventh time in steps S103 and S104. When the process proceeds from step S100 to step S103, the cut / discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an OFF signal (YES in step S100). The seventh time is the time assumed by the developer of multifunction device 1 for the time it takes for the cut / discharge sensor SE2 to detect the trailing edge of the downstream sheet S, which has been cut into two pieces, to detect the leading edge of the upstream sheet S, if conveyance unit 3 is conveying sheet S normally without a jam. In other words, if the cut / discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an OFF signal for a period of time equal to or longer than the seventh time, this means that the upstream sheet S stopped before reaching the detection position of cut / discharge sensor SE2. Therefore, if CPU 101 determines "YES" in step S104, it determines that jam pattern 7 has occurred on sheet S (step S105), and then terminates the cut / print process.

[0126] FIG. 27(a) shows an example of a stopped state of the sheet Sg when jam pattern 7 is determined. In the example of FIG. 27(a), the upstream sheet piece Sg2 of the sheet Sg is stopped with its leading edge at a position downstream of the detection position of the cut and discharge sensor SE2. To remove the stopped sheet piece Sg2 in this state from the housing 20, as shown in FIG. 27(b), it is necessary to open both the first rear cover 23A and the second rear cover 23B. However, since the leading edge of the upstream sheet piece Sg2 of the sheet Sg has not yet reached the detection position of the cut and discharge sensor SE2, it is not necessary to open the cutter front cover 24.

[0127] After CPU 101 determines that a jam of jam pattern 7 has occurred on sheet S (S105), and then ends the cut printing process, the process proceeds to S23 in Fig. 8. Since CPU 101 determines that a jam has occurred in the jam occurrence determination process (S23: YES), it notifies the operation panel PA of the jam in the form of second rear jam notification PA2 (S24). The second rear jam notification PA2 has been described above in the first embodiment with reference to Fig. 19(b), and therefore will not be described again here.

[0128] Returning to FIG. 8, CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared (S25: NO), and once the jam is cleared (S25: YES), CPU 101 determines whether the jam has been cleared (S26). The user performs the jam clearing operation while viewing the contents of the second rear jam notification PA2. If the jam has not been cleared in the determination of S26 (S26: NO), CPU 101 waits until the jam is cleared, and if the jam has been cleared (S26: YES), CPU 101 returns the process to S20. The process after returning to S20 has been described above in the first embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0129] Next, in S106 and S107, CPU 101 determines whether the cut discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an ON signal for an eighth time or longer. When the process proceeds from S103 to S106, the cut discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an ON signal (S103: YES). The eighth time is the time assumed by the developer of multifunction peripheral 1 for the time it takes for the cut discharge sensor SE2 to detect the leading edge of the upstream sheet of a cut sheet S, which has been divided into two, to detect the trailing edge of the upstream sheet, if conveyance unit 3 is conveying the sheet S normally without a jam. In other words, if the cut discharge sensor SE2 has been outputting an ON signal for an eighth time or longer, this means that the upstream sheet stopped after reaching the detection position of cut discharge sensor SE2. Therefore, if CPU 101 determines "YES" in S108, it can determine that jam pattern 5 (FIG. 17) has occurred in sheet S (S105).

[0130] In this way, the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment can distinguish between jam pattern 4 and jam pattern 5 (S102, S108). Furthermore, jam pattern 7 can also be determined (S105).

[0131] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0132] (1) In the above embodiments, the multifunction peripheral 1 is given as an example of a printing device, but the printing device is not limited to the multifunction peripheral 1 and may be a standalone printer or copier. In the above embodiments, the multifunction peripheral 1 is given as an example of a printing device that prints on sheets S using an electrophotographic method, but the printing device may be a printing device that prints on sheets S using an inkjet method.

[0133] (2) In each of the above embodiments, examples have been described in which the processes shown in Figures 7 to 12, 24, and 26 are executed by CPU 101. However, these processes may be executed not only by CPU 101 but also by ASIC 105 or other logic integrated circuits, or these processes may be executed by cooperation between CPU 101, ASIC 105, and other logic integrated circuits.

[0134] (3) In the above embodiments, the drive control and stop control of the main motor 108 and the discharge motor 109 are based on time. However, this is not limited to this. Depending on the type of motor used, the drive control and stop control may be based on factors other than time, specifically, the number of steps input to the stepping motor or the signal output from the encoder, such as a step signal.

[0135] (4) In the above embodiments, the sheet S is cut by the moving blade 15 when the carriage 16 is moved from the initial position FP to the completion position KP, that is, when it is moved in one direction. However, this is not limiting, and the sheet S may also be cut when it is returned from the completion position KP to the initial position FP. In this case, the sheet S may be cut on both the forward and backward paths. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1...Multifunction device, 3...Transport section, 4...Process section, 10...Cutter unit, 13...Fixed blade, 15...Moving blade, 16...Carriage, 20...Housing, 23...Rear cover, 23A...First rear cover, 23B...Second rear cover, 24...Cutter front cover, 85...Upstream cutter roller, 85'...First driven roller, 86...Downstream cutter roller, 86'...Second driven roller, 87...Discharge roller, 87'...Third driven roller, 88...Flapper, 101...CPU, 102...ROM, 10 3...RAM, 104...NVRAM, 105...ASIC, 106...cutter motor, 108...main motor, 109...discharge motor, 113...encoder, 130...communication I / F, 201...conveying path, 201A...first discharge path, 201B...second discharge path, 202...re-conveying path, D1...branching position, D2...switchback position, J...merging position, PA...operation panel, S...sheet, SE1...discharge front sensor, SE2...cut discharge sensor, SE3...cut upstream sensor.

Claims

1. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; a processing unit located downstream of the print engine in a conveyance path of the sheet; A user interface; A controller; A printing device comprising: The controller It is possible to perform cut printing, in which a sheet of a first size printed by the print engine is processed by the processing unit to be cut into a second size smaller than the first size and then discharged, When performing the cut printing, if a jam occurs on a printed sheet in the print engine, the occurrence of the jam can be notified via the user interface, Depending on the type of jam that has occurred, the notification may include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, or may not include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened. A printing device characterized by:

2. the user interface is an operation panel that is provided so as to be easily operable from the front of the printing device; the controller is capable of discharging the sheet processed by the processing unit from the processing unit toward the front of the printing device, the notification including the content suggesting to open the cover of the processing unit includes the content suggesting to remove the jammed sheet from the front of the printing device, 2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. The printing device further comprises: a rear cover that can be opened toward the rear of the printing device; When the rear cover is open, a portion of the transport path from the print engine to the processing unit is opened, The notification including the content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened includes the content suggesting that the rear cover be opened.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

4. The notification including the content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened includes the content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and then suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened.

4. The printing device according to claim 3.

5. The rear cover includes a first cover and a second cover located downstream of the first cover and upstream of the processing unit, an opening formed when both the first cover and the second cover are opened toward the rear of the printing device is configured to be larger than an opening formed when only the first cover is opened toward the rear of the printing device; The notification including the content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened includes the content suggesting that both the first cover and the second cover be opened, and then the content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened.

5. The printing device according to claim 4.

6. The printing device further comprises: a rear cover that can be opened toward the rear of the printing device; When the rear cover is open, a portion of the transport path from the print engine to the processing unit is opened, The notification that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened includes content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

7. The rear cover includes a first cover and a second cover located downstream of the first cover and upstream of the processing unit, an opening formed when both the first cover and the second cover are opened toward the rear of the printing device is configured to be larger than an opening formed when only the first cover is opened toward the rear of the printing device; The notification that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened may include content suggesting that only the first cover be opened, or may include content suggesting that both the first cover and the second cover be opened.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

8. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting the sheet discharged from the processing unit, The controller When the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is issued that does not include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes a content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and a content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

9. The printing device further comprises: a first motor for transporting a sheet being printed by the print engine; a second motor for conveying the sheet discharged from the print engine until the sheet is discharged from the processing unit; The controller switching the conveyance of the sheet from conveyance by the first motor to conveyance by the second motor in response to the first sensor detecting the sheet; 9. The printing device according to claim 8.

10. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the processing unit; a third sensor that is provided downstream of the first sensor and upstream of the processing unit and that can detect the sheet being transported to the processing unit; The controller When the third sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is given that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, and includes content suggesting that only the first cover be opened; When the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet and the third sensor detected the sheet, a notification is given that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes content suggesting that both the first cover and the second cover be opened.

8. The printing device according to claim 7.

11. The controller When performing single-sided printing on a sheet, if the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet with one side printed, a notification is issued that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device, When double-sided printing is performed on a sheet, if the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet whose both sides have been printed, a notification is issued that does not include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes a content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and a content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device.

9. The printing device according to claim 8.

12. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting the sheet discharged from the processing unit, The controller The sheet is stopped at a predetermined timing after the first sensor detects the sheet, and the sheet is processed using the processing unit; If the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is issued that does not include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes a content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and a content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device, If the first sensor continues to detect the sheet even at the predetermined timing after the first sensor has detected the sheet, a notification is issued including a suggestion to open the cover of the processing unit, a suggestion to remove the jammed sheet from the front of the printing device, and a suggestion to open the rear cover.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

13. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting the sheet discharged from the processing unit, The controller If the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is issued that does not include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes a content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and a content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device, After the first sensor detects the sheet, if processing of the sheet is started using the processing unit and the processing fails, a notification is issued including a message suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, a message suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the front of the printing device, and a message suggesting that the rear cover be opened.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

14. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting the sheet discharged from the processing unit, The controller If the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is issued that does not include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes a content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and a content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device, After the first sensor detects a sheet, if the second sensor continues to detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor started processing the sheet using the processing unit and the processing was successful, a notification is issued including a message suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, a message suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the front of the printing device, and a message suggesting that the rear cover be opened.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

15. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting the sheet discharged from the processing unit, The controller If the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is issued that does not include a content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes a content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and a content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device, After the first sensor detects a sheet, processing of the sheet is started using the processing unit, and then, when the second sensor changes from detecting the sheet to not detecting the sheet, and thereafter, even after a predetermined time has passed, the second sensor does not detect the sheet, a notification is issued that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

16. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting the sheet discharged from the processing unit, The controller When performing the cut printing on a sheet, if the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is issued that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device, When performing printing on a sheet that is not the cut printing and does not involve processing by the processing unit, if the first sensor continues to detect the sheet even after a certain time has passed, a notification is issued that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes content suggesting that the rear cover be opened and content suggesting that the jammed sheet be removed from the rear of the printing device.

7. The printing device according to claim 6.

17. The rear cover includes a first cover and a second cover located downstream of the first cover and upstream of the processing unit, an opening formed when both the first cover and the second cover are opened toward the rear of the printing device is configured to be larger than an opening formed when only the first cover is opened toward the rear of the printing device; The controller When performing the cut printing on the sheet, if the notification is made without content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, the notification includes content suggesting that both the first cover and the second cover be opened, When performing printing on the sheet that is not the cut printing and does not include processing by the processing unit, if the notification is made without content suggesting opening the cover of the processing unit, the notification includes content suggesting opening only the first cover.

17. The printing device according to claim 16.

18. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; a processing unit located downstream of the print engine in a conveyance path of the sheet; A user interface; A controller; A printing device comprising: a rear cover that can be opened toward the rear of the printing device; When the rear cover is open, a portion of the transport path from the print engine to the processing unit is opened, The rear cover includes a first cover and a second cover located downstream of the first cover and upstream of the processing unit, an opening formed when both the first cover and the second cover are opened toward the rear of the printing device is configured to be larger than an opening formed when only the first cover is opened toward the rear of the printing device; The controller It is possible to perform cut printing, in which a sheet of a first size printed by the print engine is processed by the processing unit to be cut into a second size smaller than the first size and then discharged, When performing the cut printing, if a jam occurs on a sheet printed by the print engine, the occurrence of the jam can be notified via the user interface, The notification may include a content suggesting that only the first cover be opened, or a content suggesting that both the first cover and the second cover be opened, depending on the type of jam that has occurred. A printing device characterized by:

19. The printing device further comprises: a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the processing unit; a third sensor that is provided downstream of the first sensor and upstream of the processing unit and that can detect the sheet being transported to the processing unit; The controller When the third sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, a notification is given that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, and includes content suggesting that only the first cover be opened; When the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet and the third sensor detected the sheet, a notification is given that does not include content suggesting that the cover of the processing unit be opened, but includes content suggesting that both the first cover and the second cover be opened.

20. The printing device of claim 18.

20. a print engine capable of printing on sheets; a processing unit located downstream of the print engine in a conveyance path of the sheet; a first sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the print engine and conveyed to the processing unit; a second sensor capable of detecting a sheet discharged from the processing unit; A user interface; A controller; A printing device comprising: a rear cover that can be opened toward the rear of the printing device; When the rear cover is open, a portion of the transport path from the print engine to the processing unit is opened, The rear cover includes a first cover and a second cover located downstream of the first cover and upstream of the processing unit, an opening formed when both the first cover and the second cover are opened toward the rear of the printing device is configured to be larger than an opening formed when only the first cover is opened toward the rear of the printing device; The controller It is possible to perform cut printing, in which a sheet of a first size printed by the print engine is processed by the processing unit to be cut into a second size smaller than the first size and then discharged, When performing the cut printing, if a jam occurs on a sheet printed by the print engine, the occurrence of the jam can be notified via the user interface, The notification is When performing the cut printing on the sheet, if the second sensor does not detect the sheet even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first sensor detected the sheet, the instruction to open both the first cover and the second cover is included, When performing printing on the sheet that is not the cut printing and does not include processing by the processing unit, if the first sensor continues to detect the sheet even after a certain period of time has elapsed, the instruction includes content suggesting that only the first cover be opened. A printing device characterized by:

Images