Printing apparatus and

Abstract

To improve the ease of holding a printer by bringing the center of gravity of the printer closer to the center.SOLUTION: The inkjet recording device includes a conveying roller (60,62,64), an image recording part (3), an ink cartridge (8), a cutting part (90), and a control part (100). The controller (100) cuts the sheet (P) by moving the cutter (90) to the outside of the support portion (D1) in the scanning direction (Z) intersecting the first transport direction (34a), and in a standby state in which the sheet (P) is not cut, the controller (100) causes the cutter (90) to wait at a standby position (34a) outside the support portion (A1) on a side opposite to a side where the liquid storage portion is disposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a printing apparatus equipped with a cutting unit for cutting a recording medium. describes a printing device having a cutting unit that cuts a recording medium. It is fixed to a carriage on which ink tanks are mounted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-193084 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the cutting part and the ink tank are arranged on the same side as in Patent Document 1, The center of gravity of the printer is shifted to one side, making it difficult to hold and causing problems for users. There is a risk that the user may drop the printing device.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to reduce the number of printers required. The object is to improve ease of holding the printing device by moving the center closer to the center. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is provided, which conveys a recording medium in a first conveying direction. a conveying section that conveys the recording medium along a direction; and a supporting section that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying section. an image recording unit that records an image on a recording medium and a recording medium conveyed in a direction intersecting the first conveying direction; a liquid storage section disposed outside the support section and configured to store a liquid; and a recording section in which an image is recorded. The recording medium is conveyed in the first direction by a cutting unit configured to cut the recording medium. In a scanning direction intersecting with the scanning direction, the cutting portion is moved outward from the supporting portion. In a standby state in which the recording medium is not cut, the cutting unit is The liquid storage unit is located at a standby position on the opposite side to the side where the liquid storage unit is located, and on the outer side of the support unit. The feature is to make the device stand by.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the standby position of the cutting unit is a support provided in the area through which the recording medium passes. The ink tank is located on the opposite side of the ink tank from the side where the liquid storage unit is located. The center of gravity of the printing unit can be moved closer to the center, making it easier to hold. It can be done. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the center of gravity of the printing device is located closer to the center, making it easier to hold the printing device. It can improve your ease of use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment taken along a first transport direction D1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the dashed line portion shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5]1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a cutting unit 90 of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow during printing by the printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow when replacing a cutting unit of the printing device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] [Printing device configuration] A printing device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment. 1 is a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having a printer unit 11, an image reading unit 12, etc. The printer unit 11 prints the print data specified by the print job in a liquid such as By discharging ink, which is an example of a recording medium, an ink jet recording device is used to record on a sheet of paper P. The image reading unit 12 has a print function of the image recording unit 3 in the printing device 1. It is provided rotatably above and has a scanner function for reading an image recorded on paper P.

[0011] The printing method is not limited to the inkjet method, but may be an electrophotographic method. In addition, the image printed on the paper P may be color printable or monochrome printable. For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the printing device 1 is placed on a horizontal surface so that it can be used. 1, the vertical, horizontal, and front-rear directions of the printing device 1 are Define the direction.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 20 is formed in the front surface of the printer unit 11 of the printing device 1. A feed tray 21 and a discharge tray 22 are disposed in the opening 20 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The feed tray 21 is a case for storing a plurality of sheets of paper P, and has an open top. The discharge tray 22 is disposed above the feed tray 21 and receives the paper P on which the image is recorded. The size of the paper P accommodated in the feed tray 21 is, for example, A4 size. The paper P is not limited to paper media, but may also be a resin medium such as an OHP sheet. It is also possible.

[0013] Furthermore, a setting unit 123 having a display screen is provided in the center of the front surface of the printing device 1. The setting unit 123 is, for example, a touch panel, and can be used to set the printer 1 by a touch operation by the user. It is possible to perform various settings related to printing by the printer and replacement of the cutting unit 90. The setting unit 123 sets the size of the paper P, whether or not to perform cutting processing, and When the replacement of the cutting unit 90 is set, the set information is output to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 6 reference).

[0014] A cartridge cover 81 is provided rotatably on the right side of the front of the printing device 1. Inside the cartridge cover 81, the ink cartridges attached to the cartridge case 80 are inserted. The ink cartridge 8 is arranged in the ink tank 1 (see FIG. 3). This is an example of a retaining portion. Details of the ink cartridge 8 will be described later.

[0015] A USB port and slot are provided on the left side of the front of the printer 1. The number of SB ports and memory card slots is not limited to the number shown in the figure.

[0016] [Configuration of transport path and transport section] The configuration of the conveying path and conveying unit of the printing device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment taken along the first transport direction D1. As shown, the printer 1 includes a feed roller 23, a first conveying path R1, a conveying roller 60, 62, 64, 68, the image recording unit 3, the cutting unit 90, and the second conveying path R2 are arranged. The feed roller 23 and the transport rollers 60, 62, and 64 transport the paper P in the first transport direction D1 ( This is an example of a conveying unit that conveys in a conveying direction.

[0017] The feeding roller 23 feeds the paper P stored in the feeding tray 21 to the first conveying path R1. The feed roller 23 is rotatably supported at the tip of the feed arm 24. The feed arm 24 is rotatably supported on a shaft 25 supported on the frame of the printing device 1. The feeding arm 24 is supported by the feeding tray 21 by its own weight or the elastic force of a spring or the like. The lever is biased to rotate toward the lever.

[0018] The feed roller 23 rotates forward when a feed motor 107 (see FIG. 6) is driven. As the feeding roller 23 rotates forward, the paper P stored in the feeding tray 21 is fed one by one. The paper P fed to the first transport path R1 moves in the first transport direction D1 , that is, the sheet is conveyed in the direction from the rear to the front of the printing device 1.

[0019] The first conveying path R1 is formed by guide members 41, 42, and 43, a platen 34, and an image recording unit 3. The first transport path R1 is a space formed by the feeding tray 21 and the image recording unit 3. The first transport path R1 is a path leading to the discharge tray 22. The first transport path R1 is guided by guide members 41 and 42. The first conveying path R1 is curved in the area defined by the platen 34 and the image recording unit 35. 3 and the area defined by the guide member 43. It's alive.

[0020] A conveying roller is provided upstream of the image recording unit 3 in the first conveying path R1 in the first conveying direction D1. A pinch roller 61 is disposed at a position facing the lower part of the conveying roller 60. The conveying roller 60 is driven by a conveying motor 108 (see FIG. 6). The pinch roller 61 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 60. As the pinch roller 61 rotates forward, the paper P passes through the conveying roller 60 and the pinch roller 6 The sheet is sandwiched between the sheet feeder 1 and conveyed to the image recording unit 3.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the image recording unit 3 is located below the first conveying path R1 in the first conveying direction D1. On the downstream side, a conveying roller 62 is disposed. The conveying roller 62 is driven by a conveying motor 108. The spur roller 63 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 62. As the conveying roller 62 and the spur roller 63 rotate forward, the paper P is conveyed by the conveying roller 62 and the spur roller 63. 3 and is conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction D1.

[0022] Further, on the downstream side of the conveying roller 62 in the first conveying path R1 in the first conveying direction D1, The conveying roller 64 is a switchback roller that can rotate forward and backward. The conveying roller 64 rotates in the reverse direction to convey the second conveying sheet in the opposite direction to the first conveying direction D1. The paper P is conveyed along the direction D2. The conveying roller 64 is driven by a conveying motor 108. A spur roller 65 is disposed at a position facing the upper portion of the transport roller 64. The spur roller 65 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the transport roller 64 .

[0023] As the conveying roller 64 and the spur roller 65 rotate forward, the paper P is conveyed by the conveying roller 6 4 and the spur roller 65, and is conveyed downstream in the first conveying direction D1. The paper P is conveyed by the conveying rollers 64 and discharged onto the discharge tray 22. 4 and the spur roller 65 rotate in the reverse direction, so that the paper P is transported in the second transport direction D2. The paper P is sandwiched between the conveying roller 64 and the spur roller 65, and the first flap 46 The sheet is transported along the lower surface of the sheet to the second transport path R2.

[0024] In the first conveying path R1, a cutting section is provided downstream of the conveying roller 64 in the first conveying direction D1. The cutting section 90 is arranged to divide the paper P. Details of the cutting section 90 More on this later.

[0025] The second transport path R2 is a path defined by guide members 51, 52, and 53. The conveying path R2 branches off from a branching position Y on the upstream side of the conveying roller 64 in the first conveying path R1. The image recording unit 3 is located upstream of the first conveying path R1 in the first conveying direction D1. It is connected to position W.

[0026] By rotating the conveying roller 64 in the reverse direction and rotating the conveying roller 68, The paper P on which the image is recorded is transported through the second transport path R2. P is conveyed in the second conveying direction D2 on the second conveying path R2, so that the front and back sides are The image can be conveyed to the first conveying path R1 in a state where the image is turned over. The recording unit 3 makes it possible to print on both sides of the paper P.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the first conveying path R1 is provided between the conveying roller 62 and the conveying roller 64. In the above, a first flap 46 is disposed near the branch position Y facing the guide member 43. The first flap 46 is supported by the platen 34 and is movable between a first state and a second state. In the first state shown by the solid line in FIG. The first flap 46 contacts the guide member 43 to close the first transport path R1. In the second state shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, the guide member 43 is positioned lower than in the first state. The sheet P is separated and conveyed in the first conveying direction D1 to pass through.

[0028] The first flap 46 is biased upward by a coil spring 47. One end of the first flap 46 is connected to the platen 34, and the other end of the second flap 46 is connected to the platen 34. The first flap 46 is biased by the coil spring 47 to be in the first state, and its front end is guided. The cover member 43 abuts against the cover member 43.

[0029] At the joining position W of the first conveying path R1 and the second conveying path R2, a second flap 48 is provided. Specifically, the second flap 48 is arranged in a first state shown by a solid line in FIG. The second flap 48 is rotatable between a first state and a second state shown by the dotted line in FIG. When the second flap 48 and the guide member 42 are in the first state, a part of the second transport path R2 is When the second flap 48 is in the second state, the second flap 48 and the guide The member 41 forms a part of the first transport path R1.

[0030] A registration sensor 120 is disposed upstream of the conveying roller 60 in the first conveying path R1. The registration sensor 120 is attached to the guide member 42 and detects the leading edge or the trailing edge of the paper P. The registration sensor 12 detects that the sheet passes through the contact position with the conveying roller 60. The sensor may be a sensor having an actuator that swings when the paper P comes into contact with it, or an optical sensor. The registration sensor 120 detects the contact position of the paper P with the conveying roller 60. When the sheet P passes through the contact position with the conveying roller 60, an ON signal is output. The register sensor 120 outputs an OFF signal when the register sensor 120 is not in operation. is output to.

[0031] The conveying roller 60 is provided with a rotary encoder 121 that detects the rotation of the conveying roller 60. The rotary encoder 121 generates a pulse signal in response to the rotation of the conveying roller 60. The rotary encoder 121 outputs the signal to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 6). The encoder disk rotates with the rotation of the conveying roller 60. The optical sensor reads the rotating encoder disk and generates a pulse signal. The generated pulse signal is output to the control unit 100.

[0032] Next, each component of the printing device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 4 is a schematic diagram of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment as seen from above. 3 and 4, in consideration of the ease of viewing the drawings, the same portion as in FIG. The guide member 43, the conveying rollers 62, 68, etc. shown in the figure are omitted.

[0033] [Image recording unit configuration] As shown in FIG. 3, the image recording unit 3 includes a buffer tank 30, a head carriage 31, and The image recording unit 3 includes a recording head 32, a plurality of nozzles 33, and a platen 34. It is used to record an image on paper P.

[0034] The buffer tank 30 is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 8 via a supply tube 82. The buffer tank 30 also includes a tube joint 83. One end of each of the four supply tubes 82 is connected to the tube joint 83. The other ends of the four supply tubes 82 are connected to the four ink They are connected to cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, respectively.

[0035] The recording head 32 is mounted on a head carriage 31. The recording head 32 is accommodated in the buffer tank 30. The ink is ejected onto the paper P, thereby recording an image on the paper P. The print head 2 ejects ink by vibrating a vibration element such as a piezoelectric element. The lower surface of the nozzle 32 is a nozzle surface 330 on which a plurality of nozzles 33 are formed. The inner space of the buffer tank 30 is connected to the inner space of the buffer tank 30. The ink is ejected from the nozzles 33 of the recording head 32 .

[0036] The platen 34 is a rectangular plate-shaped member on which the paper P conveyed by the conveying roller 60 is placed. The platen 34 is an example of a support member that supports the paper P. In the height direction of the printing device 1, the platen 34 is disposed below the recording head 32. The sheet conveying device 10 has a support portion 34a for supporting the conveyed sheet P. The part of the platen 34 that supports the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit That is, the support portion 34a is a range in which the sheet P conveyed in the first conveying path R1 is supported. The platen 34 is a part (range) through which the sheet is conveyed by the conveying roller 60. The recording head 32 is supported by a support portion 34a. An image is recorded on the paper P.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, above the platen 34, there is a The head carriage 31 is provided with two guide rails 13 and 14 extending from the guide rails 13 and 14. The head carriage 31 is attached to the guide rails 13 and 14. and is configured to be movable along two guide rails 15 and 16 in an area facing the There are.

[0038] In addition, a drive belt 15 is attached to the head carriage 31. Drive Belt Reference numeral 15 denotes an endless belt wound around two pulleys 16 and 17. 16 is connected to a head carriage motor 109 (see FIG. 6). During recording, the head carriage motor 109 is driven in the forward or reverse direction to rotate the pulley 16. The drive belt 15 rotates, and the head carriage 31 moves left and right. When no image is to be recorded on the paper P, the head carriage 31 is at a predetermined standby position B. They are kept waiting at .

[0039] [Configuration of liquid storage section] The ink cartridge 8 is a container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape for storing ink. The cartridge 8 has four ink cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K, Contains four ink colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) The ink stored in the ink cartridge 8 is a mixture of pigment particles dispersed in a solvent. The number of ink cartridges 8 is not limited to the number shown in the figure. It can be 6 or 8. In the case of a monochrome printer, one ink cartridge corresponding to black is used. All you need is an 8K ink cartridge.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the four ink cartridges 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K have four supply Each of them is connected to the image recording unit 3 via a tube 82. The supply tube 82 is It is made of a flexible material and is connected to the inside of the ink cartridge 8 and the buffer tank of the image recording unit 3. Although not shown, the head carriage 31 is provided with a flexible The flexible flat cable extends from the control unit 100. It is electrically connected to the recording head 32.

[0041] The ink cartridge 8 is located at the front side in the front-rear direction of the printing device 1. The ink cartridge 8 is located on the right side in the width direction (left-right direction). 1. The support rail 18 extends in the scanning direction Z of FIG. In addition, the ink cartridge 8 is positioned closer to the printing position than the standby position A1 and the replacement position A2 of the cutting section 90. It is located in front of the printing device 1.

[0042] [Configuration of suction unit] The suction unit 7 performs a maintenance operation to restore the discharge state of the nozzle 33. The suction unit 7 comprises a cap 70, a suction pump 71, and a waste The cap portion 70 is located at the standby position B of the head carriage 31. The nozzles 33 are sealed by being attached to the recording head 32 and covering the nozzle surface 330. This prevents the nozzle 33 from drying out. The control unit 100 controls the suction pump 33 to perform a suction purge to forcibly discharge ink. When the suction pump 71 is driven, the gas and liquid inside the cap part 70 are sucked. The ink sucked out is collected in a waste liquid tank 72 via a tube 73 .

[0043] [Cutting section configuration] The cutting unit 90 divides the paper P into a plurality of pieces. 5 is a diagram showing the appearance of the cutting unit 90 of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the cutting unit 90 includes a cutter carriage 91 and a cutter unit 9 2. The cutter carriage 91 is equipped with a cutter unit 92. The cutter unit 92 is attached to the cutter carriage 91 by, for example, screws. The user can loosen the screws at the replacement position A2 of the printing device 1 using a tool or the like. This allows the cutter unit 92 to be removed from the cutter carriage 91. This allows maintenance of the cutter unit 92 to be performed.

[0044] The cutter unit 92 has a circular upper blade 92a and a circular lower blade 92b. The upper blade 92a and the lower blade 92b are respectively mounted on the cutter carriage 9 It is mounted rotatably relative to 1.

[0045] The cutting section 90 cuts the paper P at the cutting position X. At the cutting position X, the upper blade 92a and the lower blade 92b are brought into contact with each other while rotating, so that the paper P is cut. The paper P cut by the cutting section 90 is divided into a first paper sheet in the front half and a second paper sheet in the rear half. The paper P is divided into two pieces. The cutting unit 90 may also divide the paper P into three pieces. Furthermore, the position at which the paper P is divided can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the print data.

[0046] The upper blade 92a and the lower blade 92b may be fixed blades or may be rotary blades. The cutter unit 92 may be a combination of an upper blade and a fixed blade. In this case, the cutting position X is This refers to the position where the upper blade 92a or the lower blade 92b contacts the paper P. The shape and size of the heater unit 92 can be changed as appropriate.

[0047] [Relative position of standby position and exchange position] As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 8 is located on the opposite side to the cutout. A standby position A1 is provided outside the support portion 34a in the scanning direction Z of the cutting portion 90. The standby position A1 is a position where the cutting unit 90 is in a standby state where the cutting unit 90 is not cutting the paper. When the cutting unit 90 is located at the standby position A1, The cutter unit 92 of the cutting section 90 does not come into contact with the paper P being transported on the first transport path R1. That is, at least the cutting position X of the cutting portion 90 is located at a position Therefore, it is located outside the support portion 34 a of the platen 34 .

[0048] Also, on the side opposite to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is arranged, The replacement position A2 is provided outside the support portion 34a. This is the space where the cutting section 90 is located to replace the rotor unit 92. is located on the same side in the scanning direction Z as the standby position A1.

[0049] The replacement position A2 is provided behind the setting unit 123 shown in FIG. 1 and below the image reading unit 12. The replacement position A2 is located closer to the cartridge case 80 of the ink cartridge 8. The printer unit 11 is provided at the rear in the front-rear direction of the printing device. An opening (not shown) is formed at a position corresponding to A2. The opening is connected to the replacement position A2 and is used to replace the cutter 92. The opening is large enough to allow the cutter unit 92 of the printer unit 90 to pass through. The user can remove the cutter carrier of the cutting unit 90 located at the replacement position A2. The cutter unit 92 is removed from the edge 91 through the opening. It may also be formed on the side surface of the center section 11.

[0050] [Configuration of the cutter carriage drive unit] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a cutter carriage drive unit 93 is provided. The carriage drive unit 93 is mounted on a support rail 18 extending in the scanning direction Z of the cutting unit 90. The cutter carriage driving unit 93 is a mechanism for moving the cutting unit 90. The cutter carriage driving unit 93 is an example of a driving unit. In other words, in the scanning direction Z, A cutter carriage driving unit 93 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is provided. are placed.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the cutter carriage driving unit 93 includes a cutter carriage motor 11 0, a first power transmission part 94, and an endless belt 98. The first power transmission part 94 is a drive gear. The cutter is composed of a pulley 95, a driven gear 96, a pulley 97, and a rotary shaft 99. A driving gear 95 is provided on the rotation shaft of the carriage motor 110. The driving gear 95 is , meshing with the driven gear 96. A pulley 97 is provided on the rotation shaft 99 of the driven gear 96. An endless belt 98 is wound around the pulley 97. The number of pulleys 97 is not limited to the number shown in the figure. There may be a plurality of such elements.

[0052] The control unit 100 drives the cutter carriage motor 110. When the cutter carriage motor 110 is driven, the power from the cutter carriage motor 110 is transmitted to the main drive gear 95. The rotation of the driven gear 96 is transmitted to the driven gear 96, causing the driven gear 96 to rotate. 99 rotates, and the pulley 97 attached to the rotary shaft 99 rotates. The endless belt 98 rotates together with the cutter carriage 91 connected to the endless belt 98. Move along rail 18.

[0053] [Configuration of position detection unit] As shown in FIG. 4, a position detector is provided adjacent to the driven gear 96 of the cutter carriage drive unit 93. The position detection unit 85 detects the position of the cutting unit 90 that has moved in the scanning direction Z. The position detection unit 85 detects the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90 and the position in the scanning direction Z of the cutting unit 90. In other words, in the scanning direction Z, the ink cartridges The position detection unit 85 is disposed on the opposite side to the side where the position detection unit 8 is provided. It has a position sensor 86 and an encoder disk 87.

[0054] The position sensor 86 is an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion (not shown). The light receiving portion of the position sensor 86 receives the light from the light emitting portion of the position sensor 86 reflected from the encoder disk 87. The encoder disk 87 has a slit-shaped scale formed thereon. The encoder disk 87 is provided on the rotation shaft 99 of the driven gear 96. The position detection unit 85 rotates with the rotation of the encoder disk 87. By detecting the rail, the position of the cutter carriage 91 relative to the support rail 18 can be detected. The position sensor 86 detects the scale of the encoder disk 87 by magnetism. It may also be something that is issued.

[0055] [Configuration of the transport roller drive unit] The printing device 1 includes a conveying roller drive unit (not shown). The conveying roller drive unit is a mechanism for rotating the rollers 60, 62, 64, and 68. 6, a conveying roller power transmission unit (not shown), and a switching mechanism (not shown). Has.

[0056] The conveying roller power transmission unit transmits the power from the conveying motor 108 to each of the conveying rollers 60, 62, 64, and 68. When the conveying motor 108 is driven, the conveying roller power transmission unit transmits the power from the conveying motor 108. The power from the rotor 108 is transmitted to the conveying roller 60, causing the conveying roller 60 to rotate. The power transmission unit transmits the power transmitted from the transport motor 108 to the transport roller 60 to the transport roller 62. , 64, 68. A conveying motor 108 transmits power to the conveying rollers 64. The roller power transmission unit 64a is a roller power transmission unit that transmits power to the cutting unit 90 in the scanning direction Z and the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. In other words, in the scanning direction Z, the ink cartridges 8 are located on the same side. The conveying roller power transmission unit 64a is disposed on the opposite side to the conveying roller. The power transmission unit 64a is an example of a second power transmission unit. is composed of gears and / or pulleys.

[0057] The switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching the destination of the power transmission of the conveying motor 108. By operating the switching lever, the conveying motor 108 The power transmitted to the transport roller 60 is selectively transmitted to the transport rollers 62, 64, and 68.

[0058] When the switching lever of the switching mechanism is not operated, the power from the conveying motor 108 is The force is transmitted to the conveying rollers 60, 62, and 64. At this time, the conveying motor 108 is driven in the forward direction. By this operation, the paper P can be transported in the first transport direction D1. In this state, the power from the conveying motor 108 is supplied to the conveying rollers 60, 62, At this time, the conveying motor 108 is driven in the reverse direction, so that the paper P can be conveyed in the second conveying direction D2.

[0059] [Configuration of control board, communication board, and power board] The control board 55 is configured to control the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90 and the scanning direction Z of the cutting unit 90. In other words, in the scanning direction Z, the ink cartridge 8 is located on the same side as the ink cartridge 8. The control board 55 is disposed on the opposite side of the printer 1. is located at the front in the front-rear direction and at the top in the height direction of the printing device 1. The control board 55 is a board that has a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the printing device 1.

[0060] The communication board 56 is located on the same side as the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90 in the scanning direction Z of the cutting unit 90. In other words, in the scanning direction Z, the ink cartridge 8 is located The communication board 56 is disposed on the opposite side of the printer 1. It is located at the front in the rear direction and at the upper side in the height direction of the printing device 1. The communication board 56 is formed as a part of the control board 55. The communication board 56 is used for communication with external devices. It is a board having an input / output interface (I / F) 124 for communication. The communication board 56 has a USB port 56a and a slot 56b.

[0061] The power supply unit 57 is connected to the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90 in the scanning direction Z of the cutting unit 90. In other words, in the scanning direction Z, the ink cartridge 8 is located on the same side as the ink cartridge 8. The power supply unit 57 is located on the opposite side of the printer. The power supply unit 57 is disposed on the front side in the front-rear direction of the device 1. It is located lower than the communication board 56 in the height direction (vertical direction) of the printing device 1. .

[0062] The power supply unit 57 includes a housing 58 and a power supply board 59. The housing 58 is made of a metal member. A power supply board 59 is disposed inside the housing 58. The power supply board 59 is The power supply board 59 is a board that supplies power to the components. A power cord is connected to the power supply board 59. The power cord extends from the power supply board 59 toward the rear of the printer 1. The power supply is pulled out from the rear of the power supply.

[0063] The power supply board 59 of the power supply unit 57 is connected to the control board 55 and The printer 1 is placed on a horizontal surface so that it can be used. When viewed from above in this state, the power supply board 59 is In addition, the control board 55, the communication board 56, and The power supply board 59 is disposed in front of the printer 1 relative to the standby positions A1 and A2 of the cutting unit 90. It is being done.

[0064] [Electrical configuration of the printing device] Next, the electrical configuration of the printing device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the device 1 includes a control unit 100 and a communication interface (I / F) 122. It is equipped with:

[0065] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, EEPROM 104 (registered trademark) and ASIC 105, which are connected by an internal bus 106. 102 stores programs and the like for the CPU 101 to control various operations of the printing device 1. It has been done.

[0066] The RAM 103 stores data, signals, etc. that the CPU 101 uses when executing the above programs. It is used as a temporary storage area for recording data or as a work area for data processing. M104 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. The operation of the printing device 1 is controlled based on the control program read from 102.

[0067] The ASIC 105 includes a feed motor 107, a transport motor 108, and a head carriage motor. 109, recording head 32, cutter carriage motor 110, suction pump 71, position sensor 86, a register sensor 120, a rotary encoder 121, a communication I / F 122, a setting unit 12 3, and an input / output I / F 124 are connected.

[0068] The ASIC 105 controls the feed motor 107, the transport motor 108, and the head carriage motor 1 09 and the cutter carriage motor 110. The control unit 100 For example, the feed motor 107 and the conveying motor 108 are controlled by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). 08, controls the rotation of the head carriage motor 109 and the cutter carriage motor 110 do.

[0069] The control unit 100 also applies a drive voltage to the vibration elements of the recording head 32. The control unit 100 controls the rotary encoder 121 to eject ink droplets from the nozzles. The control unit 100 detects the rotation amount of the conveying roller 60 based on the pulse signal input. Based on the detection signal output from the sensor 120, the contact position of the paper P with the conveying roller 60 is detected. Then, the control unit 100 detects that the register sensor 120 has passed through the register. After the pulse signal is output from the rotary encoder 121, the paper The transport amount of P on the first transport path R1 is estimated.

[0070] The communication I / F 122 is connected to a network such as a LAN, and a driver for the printing device 1 is The printer 1 can be connected to an external device via the communication I / F 122. In this way, a print job including identification information for identifying the type of paper P can be received.

[0071] The input / output interface is an interface that communicates with external devices. The I / F 124 is a USB interface for communicating with external devices that have a connection terminal conforming to the USB standard. SB port 56a, a slot 56b for communicating with a card-type memory device such as a memory card The input / output I / F 124 may be a LAN port to which a wired LAN is connected. It is also possible.

[0072] [Control flow by the control unit when printing] Next, the flow of control during printing by the control unit 100 of the printing device 1 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the control during printing by the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow.

[0073] In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 100 When a print job is received, the feed motor 107 is driven to rotate the feed roller 23 in the forward direction. By doing so, the sheet P is taken out from the feed tray 21 and the conveyance of the sheet P is started (S1 Specifically, after the paper P is conveyed from the feed tray 21 to the first conveying path R1, the paper P is conveyed to the image forming unit 21. The sheet is conveyed toward the image recording unit 3.

[0074] Next, the control unit 100 uses the detection result of the register sensor 120 to determine the position of the paper P. The control unit 100 determines whether the leading edge of the paper P has been detected (S2). If not (S2: NO), return to S1. If the leading edge of the paper P is detected (S2: YES), By controlling the image recording unit 3, image recording on the paper P is started (S3).

[0075] In S3, the control unit 100 performs the following on the paper P conveyed to the image recording unit 3: By performing the image recording process in which the line feed process and the recording process shown in FIG. That is, in the line feed process, the control unit 100 rotates the conveying motor 108 in the normal direction. By rotating the conveying rollers 60, 62, and 64, the paper is conveyed by a predetermined distance. In the recording process, the control unit 100 conveys the paper P in the first conveying direction D1. While the transport is stopped, the head carriage motor 109 is driven to move the head carriage. The ink is then ejected onto the paper P from the nozzles 33 of the recording head 32 by moving the ink ejection head 31 in the width direction of the paper P. A line of image is recorded by ejecting droplets.

[0076] After S3, the control unit 100 determines whether the register sensor 120 has detected the rear end of the paper P. If the register sensor 120 does not detect the rear end of the paper P, the control unit 100 (S4: NO), return to S4, and when the register sensor 120 detects the rear end of the paper P (S4: If YES, the control unit 100 calculates the length of the paper P in the first transport direction D1 (S5).

[0077] Specifically, the control unit 100 performs the register operation after the register sensor 120 detects the leading edge of the paper P. The rotary encoder 121 detects the trailing edge of the paper P until the sensor 120 detects the trailing edge of the paper P. Based on the transport amount of the paper P, the length A of the paper P in the first transport direction D1 is calculated.

[0078] Then, the control unit 100 determines the length of the paper P in the first transport direction D1 calculated in S5. After S6, the control unit 100 detects the position of the register sensor 1 and sets the dividing position of the paper P (S6). Based on the detection results of the rotary encoder 121 and the rotary encoder 120, the dividing position of the paper P is determined to be the cutting position 9. It is determined whether or not the position of 0 has been reached (S7).

[0079] If the dividing position of the paper P has not reached the position of the cutting unit 90 (S7: On the other hand, if the dividing position of the paper P reaches the position of the cutting section 90 (S7 :YES), the control unit 100 moves the cutting unit 90 in the scanning direction Z to cut the paper P is divided at the dividing position of the paper P (S8).

[0080] After S8, the control unit 100 moves the cutting unit 90 to the standby position A1 (S9). The control unit 100 determines whether there is a next page (S10). If there is no sheet P1 and no sheet P2 (S10: NO), the first sheet P1 and the second sheet P2 are discharged to the discharge tray 22. Then, the image recording on the paper P is completed (S11).

[0081] On the other hand, if there is a next page (S10: YES), the control unit 100 When printing by the image recording unit 3 is completed, the first paper P1 and the second paper P2 are discharged to the discharge tray. After being discharged to step S22, the process returns to step S1, and thereafter, the same processes as those in steps S2 to S10 are carried out.

[0082] [Control flow by the control unit when replacing the cutting part] Next, the flow of control by the control unit 100 of the printing device 1 when replacing the cutting unit 90 will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example of the flow of control when replacing the cutting unit 90 of the printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, it is determined whether an instruction to replace the cutting unit 90 has been received (S12).

[0083] If the printing device 1 does not receive the instruction to replace the cutting unit 90 (S12: NO), the process returns to S12. Meanwhile, the user operates the setting unit 123 to allow the printing device 1 to replace the cutting unit 90. When the instruction is received (S12: YES), the control unit 100 moves the cutting unit 90 in the scanning direction Z. The roller is moved from the standby position A1 to the replacement position A2 along the axis (S13).

[0084] In S13, the control unit 100 moves the cutting unit 90 from the standby position A1 to the replacement position A2. When cutting the paper P, the cutting section 90 moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the cutting section 90 moves when cutting the paper P in S8. The cutting unit 90 is moved. As a result, when the cutting unit 90 is moved to the replacement position A2, the cutting It is possible to reduce the impact on the part 90.

[0085] According to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. At position A1, the ink cartridge 8 is positioned between the support portion provided in the area where the paper P passes. Therefore, the center of gravity of the printing device 1 is closer to the center. This makes it easier to hold the printing device 1. .

[0086] 3, when the ink cartridge 8 is in front of the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90, By arranging the ink cartridge 8 in the forward direction, the ink cartridge 8 is positioned in the front of the printing device 1. Therefore, it is recommended to place the ink cartridge 8 in a position that is easily accessible to the user. This allows the user to easily replace the ink cartridge 8.

[0087] 3, the replacement position A2 of the cutting unit 90 is the same as the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. By arranging the ink cartridge 8 on the same side, the replacement position A2 is located on the opposite side to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is arranged. Therefore, even if the cutting unit 90 moves to the replacement position A2, the printing The center of gravity of the printer 1 can be moved closer to the center. This allows the printer 1 to be placed on a tabletop. Even if the device is not mounted properly, it can be prevented from falling off the table.

[0088] 3, the cutting section 90 is positioned outside the waiting position A1 in the scanning direction Z. By positioning the transfer position A2, the printer 1 can be placed in a space outside the standby position A1. Therefore, the replacement position A2 is provided at the replacement position A2. This allows the user to have a large space by forming an opening so that the The cutting portion 90 can be easily replaced.

[0089] 3 and 4, the cutter carriage driving unit 93 is set to the standby position of the cutting unit 90. By arranging it on the same side as position A1, it is possible to arrange it on the opposite side to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is arranged. Therefore, the cutter carriage drive unit 93 is located on the side of the printer 1. This makes it easier to hold the printing device 1. can be done.

[0090] 3 and 4, the first power transmission unit 94 is set to the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. By arranging them on the same side, the first moving part is located on the opposite side to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is located. Therefore, the center of gravity of the printing device 1 can be positioned closer to the center. This makes it easier to hold the printing device 1.

[0091] 3 and 4, the position detection unit 85 is set to the same position as the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. By arranging the ink cartridge 8 on the side opposite to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is arranged, the position detection unit 85 is located. Therefore, the center of gravity of the printing device 1 can be positioned closer to the center. This makes it easier to hold the printing device 1.

[0092] 3 and 4, the second power transmission unit is positioned at the same position as the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. By arranging the ink cartridge 8 on the side opposite to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is arranged, the second power transmission Therefore, the center of gravity of the printing device 1 can be positioned closer to the center. This makes it easier to hold the printing device 1.

[0093] 3 and 4, the power supply board 59 is disposed on the same side as the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. By arranging the ink cartridge 8 on the opposite side of the power supply board 59, Therefore, the center of gravity of the printing device can be positioned closer to the center. This makes it easier to hold the printing device.

[0094] 3 and 4, the communication board 56 is disposed on the same side as the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. By arranging the ink cartridge 8 on the opposite side of the communication board 56, Therefore, the center of gravity of the printing device 1 can be positioned closer to the center. This makes it easier to hold the printing device 1.

[0095] 3 and 4, the control board 55 is located on the same side as the standby position A1 of the cutting unit 90. By arranging the ink cartridge 8 on the control board 55, the ink cartridge 8 is Therefore, the center of gravity of the printing device 1 can be positioned closer to the center. This makes it easier to hold the printing device 1.

[0096] 3 and 4, on the side opposite to the side where the ink cartridge 8 is arranged, In this case, the power supply board 59 is positioned in the height direction of the printing device 1 relative to the control board 55 and the communication board 56. When the printing device 1 is viewed from above, the control board 55, the communication board 56, and the power supply At least a part of the substrates 55, 56, and 59 overlap each other. This reduces the space required for the printer 1. It is possible.

[0097] Other Embodiments In the first embodiment, the roller members, ie, the feed roller 23 and the conveying rollers 60 and 6 2, 64, and 68 are used to transport the paper P, but this is not limiting. The member may be a belt member or a drum member.

[0098] The printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is a printing apparatus equipped with a feed motor 107. For example, the feeding motor 107 may not be provided, and the conveying motor 108 may be used for the feeding. It may also serve as a motor.

[0099] The printing device 1 of the first embodiment described above stores the ink cartridge 8 in a cartridge case 80. However, the present invention is not limited to a cartridge-type printing device that is mounted on a cartridge. The ink supply tube 82 is directly connected to the ink cartridge of the ink supply type. The printing device may be a tank type printing device that supplies ink to the printing device.

[0100] In the first embodiment described above, the paper P is conveyed by the conveying rollers 64 and discharged to the discharge tray 22. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A separate conveying roller is disposed on the downstream side, and the sheet P is discharged to the discharge tray 22 by the conveying roller. It may also be possible to

[0101] In the first embodiment described above, the printing apparatus 1 is provided with the first transport path R1 and the second transport path R2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A printing apparatus having only the first transport path R1 may also be used. .

[0102] In the first embodiment described above, the registration sensor 120 detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the paper P. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image recording unit 3 may have a A media sensor is provided to detect whether or not paper P is present. The passage of the leading edge or trailing edge of the paper P may be detected by a sensor.

[0103] In the first embodiment, the position detection unit 85 detects whether the position sensor 86 is a The scale of 7 is detected, but this is not limited to this. The position of the cut portion 90 may be detected from the laser light emitted from the cut portion 90. The sensor may be a sensor that detects the origin position by contact with the surface of the sensor.

[0104] In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the replacement position A2 of the cutting unit 90 is set to the standby position A However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cutting portion The replacement position A2 of the cutter unit 92 of the printer 90 may be the same as the standby position A1.

[0105] In the above-described first embodiment, the control board 55 and the communication board 56 are provided on the same board. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In this case, the control board 55, the communication board 56, and the power supply board 59 are positioned at different positions in the height direction of the printing device 1, At least a part of each of the control board 55, the communication board 56, and the power supply board 59 is They may be arranged so as to overlap.

[0106] The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, S4 in FIG. After that, in the second transport path R2, the paper P is transported along the second transport direction D2, and then S8 The cutting may be performed by the cutting unit 90.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications within the scope of the claims are possible. Modifications are possible, and the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The resulting embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Printing device 3 Image recording unit 8 ink cartridges 34 Platen 55 Control board 56 Communication board 59 Power supply board 85 Position detection unit 90 Cut section 93 Cutter carriage drive unit 94 First power transmission section 100 control section 108 Transport motor 110 Cutter carriage motor A1 Standby position A2 replacement position R1 First transport path R2 Second transport path

Claims

1. a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium along a first conveying direction; The recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit is supported by the supporting unit, and an image is recorded on the recording medium. an image recording unit for recording the image; The liquid storage unit is disposed outside the support unit in a direction intersecting the first transport direction. a liquid reservoir for retaining the liquid; a cutting unit that cuts the recording medium on which the image is recorded; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit In a scanning direction intersecting the first transport direction, the cutting portion is located outside the support portion. The recording medium is cut by moving the In a standby state where the recording medium is not being cut, the cutting unit is located in the liquid storage unit. The support member is placed on the opposite side to the support member and on the outer side of the support member. A printing device characterized by:

2. The liquid storage unit is located at a position farther from the standby position of the cutting unit in the front-rear direction of the printing device.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing head is also disposed in front of the printing head.

3. The control unit is configured to move the cutting unit further than the support unit in the scanning direction in order to replace the cutting unit. moving the cutting portion to an outer replacement position; The standby position and the exchange position are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

3. A printing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The exchange position is located outside the standby position in the scanning direction.

4. The printing device according to claim 3.

5. a drive unit having a motor for moving the cutting unit in the scanning direction; The standby position and the drive unit are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

6. the drive unit further includes a first power transmission unit that transmits power from the motor, The standby position and the first power transmission unit are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

6. The printing device according to claim 5.

7. a position detection unit that detects the position of the cutting portion that has moved in the scanning direction; The standby position and the position detection unit are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The conveying unit rotates in the reverse direction to convey the sheet along a second conveying direction opposite to the first conveying direction. a switchback roller for conveying a recording medium; a second power transmission unit that transmits power to the switchback roller; The standby position and the second power transmission unit are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

9. Further comprising a power supply board, The standby position and the power supply board are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

9. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a communication board having an input / output interface for communicating with an external device; The standby position and the communication board are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

10. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Further, a control board having the control unit is provided, The standby position and the control board are located on the same side in the scanning direction.

11. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A power supply board; a communication board having an input / output interface for communicating with an external device; The power supply board is spaced apart from the communication board and the control board in the height direction of the printing device. the communication board and the control board are disposed at different positions in a top view of the printing device.

12. The printing device according to claim 11, wherein the printing device overlaps at least a portion of the printing medium.

Images