Printing position

Abstract

To provide a printing position that enables cutting and printing to be performed when a sheet placed on a manual feed tray is of a predetermined size, and not to be performed when the sheet is out of the predetermined size. [Solution] When processing a print job instructed to perform cutting on a sheet Sa placed on a manual feed tray 30, the CPU 101 is capable of performing cutting if the time that has elapsed from a predetermined timing when the manual feed sensor SE5 detects the sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30 until the manual feed sensor SE5 no longer detects the sheet Sa as the sheet Sa is transported corresponds to the sheet Sa being a first size, and not performing cutting if the time corresponds to the sheet Sa being a size smaller or larger than the first size.

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] Although the length of a sheet that can be cut in half is naturally limited, it is possible to place a sheet that is too long to be cut in half on the manual feed tray. However, Patent Document 1 does not mention conveying and cutting a sheet of such a size, and therefore, if a sheet of such a size is conveyed and cut using the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is expected that problems such as difficulty in discharging the cut sheet will occur.

[0005] To provide a printing position that enables cut printing when a sheet placed on a manual feed tray is of a predetermined size, and does not enable cut printing when the sheet is outside the predetermined size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the printing position described in the embodiment is a printing device that is capable of performing cut printing, comprising a print engine capable of printing on sheets, a processing unit located downstream of the print engine on the sheet transport path, a manual feed tray for placing manually fed sheets, a sheet sensor for detecting sheets placed on the manual feed tray, and a controller, and that uses the processing unit to cut a first size sheet that has been printed by the print engine into a second size that is half the first size and then discharges it.The controller is characterized in that when processing a print job instructed to perform cut processing on a sheet placed on the manual feed tray, the controller is capable of performing cut processing if the time that has elapsed from a predetermined time when the sheet sensor detects the sheet placed on the manual feed tray to the time when the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being the first size, and not performing cut processing if the time corresponds to the sheet being smaller or larger than the first size.

[0007] The printing position described in the embodiment is a printing device that is capable of cut printing, and includes a print engine capable of printing on sheets, a processing unit located downstream of the print engine in a sheet transport path, a manual feed tray for placing manually fed sheets, a sheet sensor for detecting sheets placed on the manual feed tray, and a controller, and that uses the processing unit to cut a first size sheet printed by the print engine into a second size that is half the first size and then discharges the sheet. When processing a print job for which cutting is instructed for a sheet placed on the manual feed tray, the controller detects the sheet placed on the manual feed tray and detects that the sheet sensor has detected the sheet being conveyed, and detects that the sheet sensor has detected the sheet being conveyed. The printing device is capable of double-sided printing on a sheet by transporting the sheet along a transport path for double-sided printing, and when printing a print job instructed to perform cut processing on one side, the controller does not print on the sheet until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet, transports the sheet via the transport path for double-sided printing toward the printing position when the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet, and prints on the sheet transported to the printing position using the print engine, and is capable of switching between cutting and not cutting using the processing unit based on the time that has passed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the printing position described in the embodiment, cut printing can be performed if the sheet placed on the manual feed tray is of a specified size, and cut printing cannot be performed if the sheet is outside the specified size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a cutter. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for print job processing. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first-cut single-sided printing process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a sheet length measurement process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for a sheet reversing process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an image forming process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for sheet cutting processing. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of a post-cut sheet discharge process and a sheet discharge process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first-cut double-sided printing process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second cut single-sided printing process. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second-cut double-sided printing process. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a single-sided printing process. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for double-sided printing processing. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a sheet conveyance state in the first-cut single-sided printing process. [Figure 17] 17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating an example of a sheet transport state subsequent to the sheet transport state of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for measuring a sheet length. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a modified example of the first-cut single-sided printing process. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a conveyance state of a sheet in a modified example of the first-cut single-sided printing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a multifunction device 1 according to one 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 a copy function or a 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The multifunction device 1 further includes a front cover 21, a rear cover 23, a supply tray 31, a discharge tray 22, a conveying path 201, a re-conveying path 202, and a merging conveying path 203. The front cover 21 is attached to the front surface of the housing 20 in an openable and closable manner. The front cover 21 is provided with, for example, a drawer opening (not shown) for drawing out the manual feed tray 30 folded inside the housing 20, and is configured so that the manual feed tray 30 can be drawn toward the front of the multifunction device 1 by opening the drawer opening. The example in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the manual feed tray 30 has been drawn out from the multifunction device 1 and a sheet Sa has been placed on the manual feed tray 30. 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 supply tray 31 is detachably attached to the bottom of the housing 20. A sheet S is placed on the supply tray 31. Sheet S is a standard sheet such as A4 size. Sheet Sa and sheet S are paper media such as plain paper or thick paper, but are not limited to these and may also be overhead projector film. Discharge tray 22 is provided at the top of housing 20, and sheet S on which an image has been formed is placed.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 J1 on the conveying path 201.

[0016] The junction conveyance path 203 is a conveyance path that connects the rear end of the manual feed tray 30 and the junction position J2 on the conveyance path 201. The sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30 is conveyed to the junction position J2 by ​​the junction conveyance path 203 and merges with the conveyance path 201. The sheet Sa that has merged with the conveyance path 201 is then conveyed in the conveyance direction toward the discharge tray 22 via the process unit 4, similar to the sheet S placed on the supply tray 31. Note that the sheet Sa refers to the sheet placed on the manual feed tray 30, and the sheet S refers to the sheet placed on the supply tray 31. However, when the sheet Sa is on the conveyance path 201 or the re-conveyance path 202, the sheet Sa and the sheet S may not be strictly separated.

[0017] The conveying section 3 has a pickup roller 33, a separation roller 34, a registration roller 35, a conveying roller 36, an upstream cut roller 85, a downstream cut roller 86, a discharge roller 87, a flapper 88, re-conveying rollers 38 and 39, a manual sheet conveying roller 37, a main motor 108 (see Figure 3), and a discharge motor 109 (see Figure 3).

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 in the conveying direction, and then convey the sheet S toward the process unit 4. Hereinafter, the leading edge of the sheet S in the conveying direction will be abbreviated as the leading edge of the sheet S, and the trailing edge of the sheet S in the conveying direction will be abbreviated as the trailing edge of the sheet S. This also applies to the sheet Sa. 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] A manual feed sheet transport roller 37 is disposed on the junction transport path 203 near the manual feed tray 30. A fourth driven roller 37' is disposed at a position opposite the manual feed sheet transport roller 37 across the junction transport path 203. The fourth driven roller 37' rotates in accordance with the rotation of the manual feed sheet transport roller 37. The manual feed sheet transport roller 37 is rotated by a driving force from a main motor 108 (see FIG. 3). The driving force from the main motor 108 to the manual feed sheet transport roller 37 can be turned on and off by a predetermined mechanism, for example, an electromagnetic clutch (not shown).

[0026] 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 100 (see FIG. 3) switches 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) by, for example, switching the direction of a current flowing through a flapper solenoid (not shown). 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 100, a user IF 102, a memory 103, a communication IF 104, a pre-registration sensor SE1, a post-registration sensor SE2, a discharge front sensor SE3, a cut discharge sensor SE4, and a manual feed sensor SE5. The manual feed sensor SE5 is an example of a sheet sensor.

[0043] The ASIC 100 is equipped with a CPU 101. The CPU 101 is an example of a controller and performs overall control of each unit of the multifunction peripheral 1. The CPU 101 executes various processes in accordance with a control program 103A read from the memory 103 and based on user operations. Note that the multifunction peripheral 1 may include not only a single piece of hardware as the CPU 101, but also multiple pieces of hardware corresponding to each function. The memory 103 stores various programs and various data, including the control program 103A and setting information 103B. The control program 103A is a program that causes the multifunction peripheral 1 to perform various operations. Details of each program and data will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 20. The memory 103 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. A buffer provided in the CPU 101 is also an example of a memory. The setting information 103B includes information stored in a volatile memory such as a RAM and information stored in a nonvolatile memory such as an NVRAM.

[0044] Note that examples of memory 103 are not limited to ROM, RAM, NVRAM, HDD, etc. built into multifunction peripheral 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 multifunction peripheral 1 via communication IF 104, and memories and HDDs provided in devices connected to multifunction peripheral 1 via communication IF 104 are also examples of memory 103. 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.

[0045] The ASIC 100 is electrically connected to the user IF 102, memory 103, communication IF 104, cutter motor 106, encoder 113, electromagnetic clutch 107, main motor 108, discharge motor 109, pre-registration sensor SE1, post-registration sensor SE2, discharge front sensor SE3, cut discharge sensor SE4, manual feed sensor SE5, drum cartridge 5, fixing unit 6, and laser unit 7.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The main motor 108 transmits driving force to the pickup roller 33, the registration roller 35, the conveyance roller 36, the manual sheet conveyance roller 37, the re-conveyance rollers 38 and 39, the pressure roller 62, and the drum cartridge 5. When the CPU 101 drives the main motor 108 in the forward direction, the driving force is transmitted to the conveyance 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 conveyance 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The discharge motor 109 is, for example, a stepping motor, and transmits driving force to the upstream cut rollers 85, downstream cut rollers 86, and discharge rollers 87. When the CPU 101 drives the discharge motor 109 in the forward direction, the upstream cut rollers 85, downstream cut rollers 86, and discharge rollers 87 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 cut rollers 85, downstream cut rollers 86, and discharge rollers 87 rotate clockwise. As a result, the sheet S is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The pre-registration sensor SE1 is disposed upstream of the registration rollers 35 on the conveying path 201, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the sheet S. The pre-registration sensor SE1 may be a sensor having an actuator that oscillates when the sheet S comes into contact with it, or an optical sensor. The pre-registration 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 pre-registration sensor SE1 is output to the CPU 101.

[0054] The post-registration sensor SE2 is disposed upstream of the fixing unit 6 on the conveying path 201, specifically between the registration roller 35 and the transfer roller 53, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the sheet S. The post-registration sensor SE2 has the same configuration as the pre-registration sensor SE1. A detection signal from the post-registration sensor SE2 is output to the CPU 101.

[0055] The discharge front sensor SE3 is disposed between the fixing unit 6 and the conveying roller 36 on the conveying path 201, and detects the passage of the sheet S. The discharge front sensor SE3 has the same configuration as the pre-registration sensor SE1. A detection signal from the discharge front sensor SE3 is output to the CPU 101.

[0056] The cut discharge sensor SE4 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 SE4 has the same configuration as the pre-registration sensor SE1. A detection signal from the cut discharge sensor SE4 is output to the CPU 101.

[0057] The manual insertion sensor SE5 is disposed between the manual insertion sheet conveying roller 37 and the upstream end of the junction conveying path 203, and is a sensor that detects that the sheet Sa is placed on the manual insertion tray 30.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the user IF 102 is disposed on the upper surface on the front side of the apparatus main body 2. Since a user operates the user IF 102 while positioned in front of the multifunction device 1, the user IF 102 is provided in a position that allows easy operation by the user from the front of the multifunction device 1. The user IF 102 has, for example, a touch panel in which a touchpad and a display are integrally formed, and a key button section. The user IF 102 accepts user operations and outputs the accepted information to the CPU 101. For example, the user can operate the user IF 102 to set whether or not to cut the sheet S.

[0059] The communication IF 104 is connected to a network such as a LAN, and enables connection to an external device such as a PC 200 incorporating a driver for the multifunction peripheral 1. The CPU 101 can receive a print job via the communication IF 104. 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.

[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] 4 shows the procedure for print job processing executed by the multifunction device 1, particularly the CPU 101. The print job processing is initiated, for example, when the CPU 101 acquires a print job. The print job may be acquired by receiving a print job output by the PC 200 via the communication IF 104, or by reading a print job already stored in the memory 103. Hereinafter, in the explanation of each process, steps will be represented as "S."

[0064] 4, CPU 101 determines whether the print job is to be cut and printed (S10), whether printing based on the print job is to be printed on sheet Sa placed on manual feed tray 30 (S11), and whether printing based on the print job is to be single-sided printing (S12, S20, S30). CPU 101 then classifies the cases as follows, performs processing according to each case, and then ends print job processing. That is, Case 1: If the printing based on the print job is cut printing (S10: YES), and printing is on a sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30 (S11: YES), and printing is single-sided (S12: YES): execute the first cut single-sided printing process (S13); Case 2: If the printing based on the print job is cut printing (S10: YES), and printing is on a sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30 (S11: YES), and double-sided printing (S12: NO): execute the first cut double-sided printing process (S14); Case 3: If the printing based on the print job is cut printing (S10: YES), and printing is on a sheet S placed on the supply tray 31 (S11: NO), and printing is single-sided (S20: YES): execute the second cut single-sided printing process (S21); Case 4: If the printing based on the print job is cut printing (S10: YES), and printing is on a sheet S placed on the supply tray 31 (S11: NO), and double-sided printing (S20: NO): execute the second cut double-sided printing process (S22); Case 5: If the printing based on the print job is not cut printing (S10: NO) and is single-sided printing (S30: YES): execute single-sided printing processing (S31); Case 6: If the printing based on the print job is not cut printing (S10: NO) and double-sided printing (S30: NO): execute double-sided printing processing (S32).

[0065] In the determination of S10, whether to perform cut printing of the print job may be determined based on instruction information included in the print job, or based on information stored in memory 103 indicating whether an operation received from the user via user IF 102 was an operation instructing cut printing. In this case, if the two instructions are different, for example, when the instruction information included in the print job indicates cut printing and the information stored in memory 103 indicates no cut printing, the instruction indicated by the instruction information included in the print job may be given priority. Conversely, the instruction indicated by the information stored in memory 103 may be given priority. Furthermore, CPU 101 may receive an operation from the user via user IF 102 when acquiring the print job, and determine whether to perform cut printing of the print job based on the received operation. Furthermore, in the determination of S11, CPU 101 may determine that printing is to be performed from manual feed tray 30 if sheet Sa is placed on manual feed tray 30. CPU 101 may determine whether printing is to be performed from manual feed tray 30 based on instruction information included in the print job, or based on information stored in memory 103. Furthermore, in the determinations of S12, S20, and S30, whether single-sided printing is to be performed may be determined based on instruction information included in the print job, or based on information stored in memory 103. In the determinations of S11, S12, S20, and S30, if the instruction indicated by the instruction information included in the print job differs from the instruction indicated by the operation accepted via user IF 102, one of them may be applied preferentially. Furthermore, CPU 11 may determine whether single-sided printing is to be performed based on the operation accepted from the user via user IF 102 when the print job was acquired.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a detailed procedure for the first-cut single-sided printing process in Case 1 above. In FIG. 5, the CPU 101 starts driving the main motor 108 in the forward direction (S40), and then executes a sheet length measurement process (S41). FIG. 6 shows a detailed procedure for the sheet length measurement process. In FIG. 6, the CPU 101 initializes the value of the TIMER to "0" (S60). The TIMER may be, for example, a software timer that is incremented by the CPU 101 every predetermined time (e.g., 1 sec). The TIMER may be configured to generate a timer interrupt every predetermined time (e.g., 1 sec). However, the TIMER is not limited to this, and may also be a hardware timer.

[0067] Next, CPU 101 starts the rotational drive of manual sheet conveyance roller 37 (S61). As described above, the driving force from main motor 108 to manual sheet conveyance roller 37 can be turned on and off, so CPU 101 starts the rotational drive of manual sheet conveyance roller 37 by turning on the driving force from main motor 108 to manual sheet conveyance roller 37. As a result, sheet Sa placed on manual tray 30 starts to be conveyed along merged conveyance path 203 in the conveyance direction. FIG. 16 shows an example of the conveyance state of sheet Sa in the first-cut single-sided printing process. The conveyance state of sheet Sa shown in FIG. 16(a) corresponds to the state when CPU 101 starts the process of S61.

[0068] Next, CPU 101 starts counting the TIMER (S62). Then, CPU 101 waits until manual feed sensor SE5 switches from on to off (S63: NO). When sheet Sa is placed on manual feed tray 30, manual feed sensor SE5 is on as described above. Therefore, in S63, sheet Sa is conveyed from junction conveyance path 203 to conveyance path 201, and manual feed sensor SE5 switches from on to off, and it is determined whether manual feed sensor SE5 has detected the trailing edge of sheet Sa. Then, when manual feed sensor SE5 detects the trailing edge of sheet Sa (S63: YES), CPU 101 stops counting the TIMER (S64). That is, CPU 101 sets the timer interrupt to be prohibited.

[0069] Next, CPU 101 calculates the sheet length of sheet Sa (S65). A specific method for calculating the sheet length of sheet Sa will be described below with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the surroundings of manual sheet conveying rollers 37 and manual sensor SE5. FIG. 18(a) shows the state when sheet Sa is placed on manual tray 30, FIG. 18(b) shows the state when sheet Sa starts to be conveyed in the conveying direction along junction conveying path 203, and FIG. 18(c) shows the state when manual sensor SE5 detects the trailing edge of sheet Sa.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 18(a), when sheet Sa is placed on manual tray 30, manual sheet conveying roller 37 rotates a predetermined amount and then stops. As a result, the leading edge of sheet Sa is pulled in the conveying direction by a predetermined amount (length) from the position where manual sheet conveying roller 37 contacts fourth driven roller 37'. This amount is defined as the initial sheet pull-in amount d (mm). Given that the rotation speed of main motor 108 is X (rpm) and the circumference of manual sheet conveying roller 37 is R (mm), sheet length D (mm) can be calculated using the following formula: D = X × (TIMER value / 60) × R + d

[0071] In this embodiment, the manual feed sensor SE5 is a sensor that is disposed between the manual feed sheet conveying rollers 37 and the upstream end of the merging conveying path 203 and detects that the sheet Sa has been placed on the manual feed tray 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the manual feed sensor SE5 may be disposed at a position that turns on at a predetermined timing after the sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30 starts to be conveyed in the conveying direction on the merging conveying path 203.

[0072] When CPU 101 calculates sheet length D of sheet Sa in S65, it ends the sheet length measurement process. Returning to FIG. 5, CPU 101 determines whether sheet length D of sheet Sa is the sheet length of A4 size or letter size (S42). In this determination, if sheet length D of sheet Sa is the sheet length of A4 size or letter size (S42: YES), CPU 101 executes sheet inversion process (S43). The conveying state of sheet Sa shown in FIG. 16(b) corresponds to the state when sheet length measurement process ends and sheet inversion process starts.

[0073] 7 shows the detailed procedure of the sheet reversal process. In FIG. 7, the CPU 101 waits until the discharge front sensor SE3 switches from off to on (S70: NO). Then, when the discharge front sensor SE3 switches from off to on (S70: YES), the CPU 101 starts driving the discharge motor 109 in the forward direction (S71). As a result, the conveyance of the sheet Sa switches from conveyance by the main motor 108 to conveyance by the discharge motor 109. The point at which the discharge front sensor SE3 switches from off to on is the point at which the discharge front sensor SE3 detects the leading edge of the sheet Sa. Therefore, when the discharge front sensor SE3 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.

[0074] Next, the CPU 101 waits until the sheet S reaches the reversal position (S72: NO). The reversal position is, for example, the switchback position D2 (see FIG. 1) on the conveying path 201, which is downstream in the conveying direction from the branch position D1 (see FIG. 1). Then, in S72, the CPU 101 determines whether the trailing end of the sheet S has reached the switchback position D2. Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, starting from the time when the determination in S70 is "YES." The predetermined time here is determined by, for example, dividing the conveying distance from the installation position of the discharge front sensor SE3 on the conveying path 201 to the switchback position D2 by the conveying speed of the sheet S.

[0075] Then, when sheet S reaches the reversal position (S72: YES), CPU 101 drives discharge motor 109 to reverse (S73). As a result, sheet S is conveyed in the reverse direction along conveying path 201, passes through branching position D1 and re-conveying path 202, and is conveyed again from junction position J1 to conveying path 201. Next, CPU 101 waits until pre-registration sensor SE1 switches from on to off (S74: NO). Then, when pre-registration sensor SE1 switches from on to off and detects the trailing edge of sheet Sa (S74: YES), CPU 101 stops the reversal drive of discharge motor 109 (S75) and then ends the sheet reversal process. The conveying state of sheet Sa shown in FIG. 16(c) corresponds to the state when sheet Sa reaches the reversal position. The conveying state of the sheet Sa shown in FIG. 16(d) corresponds to the state when the sheet Sa is conveyed in the reverse direction on the conveying path 201 and enters the re-conveying path 202 from the branch position D1.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 5, CPU 101 executes image formation processing (S44). FIG. 8 shows detailed procedures of the image formation processing. In FIG. 8, CPU 101 waits until post-registration sensor SE2 (see FIG. 1) switches from off to on (S80: NO). As described above, post-registration sensor SE2 is disposed between registration roller 35 and transfer roller 53 on conveyance path 201, and outputs an on signal when sheet Sa is passing, and outputs an off signal when sheet Sa is not passing. Therefore, in S80, CPU 101 waits until post-registration sensor SE2 detects the leading edge of sheet Sa. Then, when post-registration sensor SE2 detects the leading edge of sheet Sa (S80: YES), CPU 101 starts image formation on sheet Sa, i.e., transfer and fixation of a toner image (S81). Specifically, when forming images on sheet Sa, images of odd-numbered pages included in the print job are formed on the downstream side of the print surface of sheet Sa in the conveyance direction, and images of even-numbered pages included in the print job are formed on the upstream side of the print surface in the conveyance direction. Figure 17 shows an example of the conveyance state of sheet Sa following the conveyance state of sheet Sa in Figure 16. The conveyance state of sheet Sa shown in Figure 17(a) shows the state during image formation on sheet Sa in S81.

[0077] Next, CPU 101 waits until discharge front sensor SE3 (see FIG. 1) switches from off to on (S82: NO). As described above, discharge front sensor SE3 is disposed between fuser 6 and conveyance roller 36 on conveyance path 201, and outputs an on signal when sheet Sa is passing through, and outputs an off signal when sheet S is not passing through. Therefore, in S82, CPU 101 waits until discharge front sensor SE3 detects the leading edge of sheet Sa. Then, when discharge front sensor SE3 detects the leading edge of sheet S (S82: YES), CPU 101 starts driving discharge motor 109 in the forward direction (S83), and then ends the image forming process.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 5, CPU 101 executes sheet cutting processing (S45). FIG. 9 shows detailed procedures of the sheet cutting processing. In FIG. 9, CPU 101 switches flapper 88 to second position 88B (see FIG. 1) (S90). Next, CPU 101 waits until cut discharge sensor SE4 (see FIG. 1) switches from off to on (S91: NO). Then, when cut discharge sensor SE4 switches from off to on and cut discharge sensor SE4 detects the leading edge of sheet Sa (S91: YES), CPU 101 waits until sheet Sa reaches a position where it should be cut (S92: NO).

[0079] When the sheet Sa reaches the position where it should be cut (S92: YES), the CPU 101 stops the forward rotation of the discharge motor 109 (S93). The position where the sheet Sa should be cut is, for example, the halfway position in the conveying direction of the sheet Sa. In this case, the sheet Sa reaching the position where it should be cut means that the halfway position in the conveying direction of the sheet Sa reaches the cutter position SP (see FIG. 1). Whether the halfway position in the conveying direction of the sheet Sa has reached the cutter position SP can be determined, for example, by determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the cut and discharge sensor SE4 detected the leading edge of the sheet Sa. Here, the predetermined time is the time assumed by the developer of the multifunction peripheral 1 that the halfway position in the conveying direction of the sheet Sa will reach the cutter position SP after the cut and discharge sensor SE4 detected the leading edge of the sheet Sa, if the conveying unit 3 is conveying the sheet Sa normally without a jam. The predetermined time is determined by, for example, dividing the conveying distance required for the half position of the sheet Sa in the conveying direction to reach the cutter position SP (see FIG. 1) after the cut and discharge sensor SE4 detects the leading edge of the sheet Sa by the conveying speed. The conveying state of the sheet Sa shown in FIG. 17(b) corresponds to the state where the sheet Sa has reached the position to be cut.

[0080] Next, the CPU 101 starts driving the cutter motor 106 in the forward direction (S94), and then waits until the moving blade 15 reaches the completion position KP (see FIG. 2) (S95: NO). The determination in S95 may be made based on the output from the encoder 113. Then, when the moving blade 15 reaches the completion position KP (S95: YES), the CPU 101 stops driving the cutter motor 106 in the forward direction (S96), starts driving the discharge motor 109 in the forward direction (S97), and then ends the sheet cutting process. The conveying state of the sheet Sa shown in FIG. 17(c) corresponds to the state in which the downstream-side sheet piece Sa and the upstream-side sheet piece Sa, which are generated by cutting the sheet Sa into two pieces, are conveyed in the conveying direction along the second discharge path 201B.

[0081] When the sheet cutting process is completed, sheet Sa is cut in half. The sheet length of sheet Sa before cutting is A4 size or letter size. Therefore, if the sheet length of sheet Sa is A4 size, both of the two sheets after cutting will be A5 size. On the other hand, if the sheet length of sheet Sa is letter size, both of the two sheets after cutting will be half letter size. Here, A4 size and letter size are examples of the first size, and A5 size and half letter size are examples of the second size.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 5, the CPU 101 executes the cut sheet discharge process (S46). FIG. 10A shows the detailed procedure of the cut sheet discharge process. In FIG. 10A, the CPU 101 waits until the cut discharge sensor SE4 switches from on to off (S100: NO). In S100, the sheet Sa is cut in half, and of the two pieces of the sheet, the CPU 101 determines whether the cut discharge sensor SE4 has detected the rear end of the upstream sheet piece.

[0083] When the cut discharge sensor SE4 switches from on to off (S100: YES), the CPU 101 waits until a first time period has elapsed (S101: NO). The first time period is the time period assumed by the developer of the multifunction peripheral 1 that, if the conveying unit 3 is conveying the sheet Sa normally without a jam, both of the two cut sheet portions of the sheet Sa will be discharged to the discharge tray 22 after the first time period has elapsed since the cut discharge sensor SE4 detected the trailing edge of the upstream sheet portion of the cut sheet Sa. The first time period is determined, for example, by dividing the conveying distance from the installation position of the cut discharge sensor SE4 on the second discharge path 201B to the downstream end of the second discharge path 201B by the conveying speed. When the first time period has elapsed (S101: YES), the CPU 101 stops the forward rotation of the discharge motor 109 (S102) and then ends the cut sheet discharge process.

[0084] 5, CPU 101 determines whether the job being executed includes printing of a next sheet (S47). If the determination indicates that there is a next sheet to be printed (S47: YES), CPU 101 returns the process to S41 and repeats the processes from S41 onward. On the other hand, if there is no next sheet to be printed (S47: NO), CPU 101 stops main motor 108 (S48) and then ends the first-cut single-sided printing process.

[0085] On the other hand, if the determination in S42 above shows that the sheet length D of the sheet Sa is not that of an A4 size or a letter size sheet (S42: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the sheet length D is within the support range of the multifunction device 1 (S50). The support range is, for example, 116 (mm)≦sheet length D≦406 (mm). A predetermined margin may be provided within this range. Note that the specific numerical values ​​of the support range are merely examples, and other numerical values ​​may also be used.

[0086] If the determination in S50 is that the sheet length D is within the support range (S50: YES), CPU 101 executes the sheet inversion process similar to S43 (S51), the image formation process similar to S44 (S52), and the sheet discharge process (S53), and then proceeds to S47. FIG. 10B shows the detailed procedure of the sheet discharge process. In FIG. 10B, CPU 101 switches flapper 88 to first position 88A (see FIG. 1) (S110). CPU 101 then waits until a second time period has elapsed (S111: NO). Here, the second time period is the time assumed by the developer of multifunction peripheral 1 for sheet Sa to be discharged to discharge tray 22 via first discharge path 201A after discharge front sensor SE3 detects the leading edge of sheet Sa (S82: YES) if conveyance unit 3 is normally conveying sheet Sa without jamming. The second time is determined by, for example, dividing the conveying distance from the installation position of the discharge front sensor SE3 on the conveying path 201 to the downstream end of the first discharge path 201A by the conveying speed. When the second time has elapsed (S111: YES), the CPU 101 stops the forward rotation of the discharge motor 109 (S112) and then ends the sheet discharge process. The conveying state of the sheet Sa shown in FIG. 17(d) corresponds to the state immediately before the sheet Sa is discharged to the discharge tray 22 via the first discharge path 201A after only printing based on the print job has been performed on the sheet Sa and the printed sheet Sa has not been cut.

[0087] 5, if the determination in S50 above shows that the sheet length D is not within the support range (S50: NO), CPU 101 performs jam stop (S55) and then ends the first-cut single-sided printing process. If the sheet length D is not within the support range (S50: NO), conveyance of sheet Sa is stopped when manual feed sensor SE5 detects its rear end, and the sheet remains in conveyance path 201. In this case, CPU 101 preferably displays a jam error on user interface 102 to notify the user that jam stop has been performed.

[0088] Thus, in the first cut single-sided printing process, when a print job is to be cut and printed on one side of a sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30, the sheet length in the conveyance direction of the sheet Sa is actually measured. If the actually measured sheet length D of the sheet Sa is the length of an A4 or letter-size sheet, the print job is cut and printed on one side of the sheet Sa. On the other hand, if the actually measured sheet length D of the sheet Sa is not the length of an A4 or letter-size sheet but is within the supported sheet length range, only two pages based on the print job are printed on one side of the sheet Sa, and cut and printed pages are not printed. Furthermore, if the actually measured sheet length D of the sheet Sa is outside the supported sheet length range, neither printing nor cut and printed based on the print job is performed on one side of the sheet Sa, and the printer is stopped due to a jam. Therefore, the first cut single-sided printing process can eliminate problems that occur when a printed sheet Sa is cut because the sheet length is longer or shorter than expected, such as difficulty in discharging the cut sheet.

[0089] Figure 11 shows detailed steps of the first-cut double-sided printing process for Case 2. The first-cut double-sided printing process in Figure 11 differs from the first-cut single-sided printing process in Figure 5 mainly in that both sides of sheet Sa are printed and then cut, and that a sheet length measurement process is performed while printing on the first side of sheet Sa, which is the side to be printed first. In Figure 11, the same steps as in Figures 5 and 6 are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions of those processes will be omitted as appropriate.

[0090] 11, CPU 101 starts driving main motor 108 in the forward direction (S40), then initializes the value of TIMER (S60), starts driving manual sheet conveyance roller 37 to rotate (S61), and starts counting TIMER (S62). Then, CPU 101 executes image formation processing for even-numbered pages on the first side of sheet Sa (S120). Details of the image formation processing are almost the same as those described with reference to FIG. 8, except for the image formation in S81. Specifically, in S81 of the image formation processing in S44 of FIG. 5, as described above, an image of an odd-numbered page included in the print job is formed on the downstream side of the print side in the conveyance direction of sheet Sa, and an image of an even-numbered page included in the print job is formed on the upstream side of the print side in the conveyance direction of the odd-numbered page. In contrast, in S81 of the image formation processing in S120, an image of an earlier even-numbered page included in the print job is formed on the downstream side of the print side in the conveyance direction of sheet Sa, and an image of the next even-numbered page included in the print job is formed on the upstream side of the first side in the conveyance direction of the odd-numbered page.

[0091] Next, CPU 101 waits until manual feed sensor SE5 switches from on to off (S63: NO). When manual feed sensor SE5 switches from on to off (S63: YES), CPU 101 stops the timer count (S64) and calculates the sheet length D of sheet Sa (S65). Note that when manual feed sensor SE5 switches from on to off (S63: YES), image formation processing for even-numbered pages on the first side of sheet Sa may not be completed. In this case, the processes of S63 and S64 can be performed within the image formation processing for even-numbered pages. Then, CPU 101 performs the same sheet inversion processing as in S43 (see FIG. 5) above (S121), and performs image formation processing for odd-numbered pages on the second side of sheet Sa (S122). In S81 of this image forming process, CPU 101 forms an image of an odd-numbered page that is one page younger than the even-numbered page formed on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the first side of sheet Sa on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the second side, and forms an image of an odd-numbered page that is one page younger than the even-numbered page formed on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the first side on the upstream side of the conveying direction of the second side.

[0092] Next, CPU 101 determines whether sheet length D of sheet Sa is A4 size or letter size (S123), similarly to S42 above. If it is determined that sheet length D of sheet Sa is A4 size or letter size (S123: YES), CPU 101 performs sheet cutting processing (S45) and then executes processing from S46 onwards. Detailed explanations of the processing from S45 onwards, that is, the processing of S45 to S48, S50 and S55, have been given above, so they will not be repeated here.

[0093] In this way, in the first cut double-sided printing process, when a print job is cut and printed on both sides of a sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30, the sheet length of the sheet Sa in the conveyance direction is actually measured. If the actually measured sheet length D of the sheet Sa is the length of an A4 or letter-size sheet, the print job is cut and printed on both sides of the sheet Sa. On the other hand, if the actually measured sheet length D of the sheet Sa is not the length of an A4 or letter-size sheet but is within the supported sheet length range, four pages based on the print job are printed on both sides of the sheet Sa. Furthermore, if the actually measured sheet length D of the sheet Sa is outside the supported sheet length range, printing based on the print job is not performed on either side of the sheet Sa, and a jam is generated and the printer is stopped. This makes it possible to eliminate problems that occur when a printed sheet Sa is cut because its length is longer than expected, such as difficulty in discharging the cut sheet.

[0094] In the first-cut double-sided printing process, unlike the first-cut single-sided printing process, the sheet length measurement process is performed while printing on the first side of the sheet Sa, which is the side to be printed first. However, this is not limited to this, and the first-cut double-sided printing process may also be performed first, as in the first-cut single-sided printing process. Then, based on the sheet length D of the sheet Sa measured by the sheet length measurement process, the sheet Sa is re-conveyed to the conveying path 201 via the re-conveying path 202, and printing is performed on the first side of the sheet Sa. Further, the sheet Sa with the printed first side is re-conveyed to the conveying path 201 via the re-conveying path 202, and printing is performed on the second side of the sheet Sa. The double-sided printed sheet Sa is then cut, or is not cut. Alternatively, the sheet Sa is not printed on, and the sheet is stopped due to a jam.

[0095] In the image forming process for even-numbered pages in S120, an image of an earlier even-numbered page included in the print job is formed on the downstream side of the first surface of sheet Sa in the conveying direction, and an image of the next even-numbered page included in the print job is formed on the upstream side of the first surface in the conveying direction. In the image forming process for odd-numbered pages in S122, an image of an odd-numbered page that is one page younger than the even-numbered page formed on the downstream side of the first surface in the conveying direction is formed on the downstream side of the second surface in the conveying direction, and an image of an odd-numbered page that is one page younger than the even-numbered page formed on the downstream side of the first surface in the conveying direction is formed on the upstream side of the second surface in the conveying direction. However, this is not limited to this, "Even page printing" means printing even pages of a print job, for example, printing the even pages on the first side of a sheet before cutting, so that when page 2 is cut, one half of the cut page 2 and the other half of the cut page 2 are placed on the first side of each cut sheet, or when page 4 is cut, one half of the cut page 4 and the other half are placed on the first side of each cut sheet, "Odd page printing" means printing odd pages of a print job, for example, page 1 in a cut state, with one half of the cut page 1 and the other half of the cut page 1 placed on the first side of each cut sheet, or page 3 in a cut state, with one half of the cut page 3 and the other half placed on the first side of each cut sheet, on the second side of each cut sheet, in a cut state. may be shown.

[0096] FIG. 12 shows detailed steps of the second-cut single-sided printing process for Case 3 above. The second-cut single-sided printing process differs from the first-cut single-sided printing process of FIG. 5 in that the sheet to be printed is sheet S supplied from supply tray 31 rather than sheet Sa supplied from manual feed tray 30. Due to this difference, the second-cut single-sided printing process differs from the first-cut single-sided printing process mainly in that the sheet length measurement process of S41 is omitted, and instead of determining whether sheet length D measured in the sheet length measurement process of S42 is the sheet length of A4 size or letter size, the second-cut single-sided printing process determines whether the setting of supply tray 31 is A4 size or letter size. In FIG. 12, processes similar to those in FIG. 5 are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions of those processes will be omitted as appropriate.

[0097] 12, the CPU 101 starts the forward rotation of the main motor 108 (S40), and then executes a pickup command (S130), which causes the CPU 101 to turn on the electromagnetic clutch 107.

[0098] Next, CPU 101 determines whether the setting of supply tray 31 is A4 size or letter size (S131). The setting of supply tray 31 can be set by CPU 101 to the size of sheets S according to a user instruction from user IF 102, for example, when supply tray 31 is attached or detached from housing 20. The setting of supply tray 31 that has been set is stored, for example, in memory 103 as one piece of setting information 103B. In S130, CPU 101 determines whether the setting of supply tray 31 is A4 size or letter size based on the setting of supply tray 31 stored as one piece of setting information 103B.

[0099] The reason why the sheet length of the sheet S supplied from the supply tray 31 is not actually measured is that the sheet length of the sheet S placed on the supply tray 31, i.e., the sheet size, depends on the size of the supply tray 31 and therefore an unexpected sheet size will not occur. On the other hand, since it is difficult to regulate the sheet size of the sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30, the sheet length of the sheet Sa supplied from the manual feed tray 30 is actually measured as described above.

[0100] If it is determined in S131 that the setting of supply tray 31 is A4 size or letter size (S131: YES), CPU 101 executes image formation processing (S44), sheet cutting processing (S45), and post-cut sheet discharge processing (S46), and then proceeds to S47. On the other hand, if it is determined in S131 that the setting of supply tray 31 is not A4 size or letter size (S131: NO), CPU 101 executes image formation processing (S52) and sheet discharge processing (S53), and then proceeds to S47.

[0101] In this way, in the second cut single-sided printing process, when a print job is cut and printed on one side of a sheet S placed on the supply tray 31, if the supply tray 31 is set to A4 size or letter size, the print job is cut and printed on one side of the sheet S. On the other hand, if the supply tray 31 is not set to A4 size or letter size, only two pages based on the print job are printed on one side of the sheet S, and cut printing is not performed. Therefore, the second cut single-sided printing process makes it possible to eliminate problems that occur when a printed sheet Sa is cut because the sheet length is longer or shorter than A4 size or letter size, such as difficulty in discharging the cut sheet.

[0102] Figure 13 shows detailed steps of the second-cut double-sided printing process for Case 4 above. The second-cut double-sided printing process differs from the first-cut double-sided printing process of Figure 11 in that the sheet to be printed is sheet S supplied from supply tray 31 rather than sheet Sa supplied from manual tray 30. Due to this difference, the second-cut double-sided printing process differs from the first-cut double-sided printing process mainly in that the sheet length measurement processes of S60 to S62 and S63 to S65 are omitted, and instead of determining whether sheet length D measured in the sheet length measurement process of S123 is the sheet length of A4 size or letter size, the second-cut double-sided printing process determines whether the setting of supply tray 31 is A4 size or letter size. In Figure 13, processes similar to those in Figure 11 are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions of those processes will be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] 13, the CPU 101 starts the forward rotation of the main motor 108 (S40), and then executes a pickup command (S130). Then, the CPU 101 executes an image forming process for the first side of the sheet S (S120), a sheet inversion process (S121), and an image forming process for the second side of the sheet S (S122), and then proceeds to S140.

[0104] In S140, similarly to S131 (see FIG. 12), CPU 101 determines whether supply tray 31 is set to A4 size or letter size. If supply tray 31 is set to A4 size or letter size in this determination (S140: YES), CPU 101 executes a sheet cutting process (S45) and a post-cutting sheet discharge process (S46), and then proceeds to S47. On the other hand, if supply tray 31 is not set to A4 size or letter size in the determination (S140: NO), CPU 101 executes a sheet discharge process (S53), and then proceeds to S47.

[0105] In this way, in the second cut double-sided printing process, when a print job is cut and printed on both sides of a sheet S placed on the supply tray 31, if the supply tray 31 is set to A4 size or letter size, the print job is cut and printed on both sides of the sheet S. On the other hand, if the supply tray 31 is not set to A4 size or letter size, only two pages based on the print job are printed on each side of the sheet S, and cut printing is not performed. Therefore, the second cut double-sided printing process makes it possible to eliminate problems that occur when a printed sheet Sa is cut because the sheet length is longer or shorter than A4 size or letter size, such as difficulty in discharging the cut sheet.

[0106] FIG. 14 shows detailed steps for the single-sided printing process for Case 5 above. The single-sided printing process differs from the second-cut single-sided printing process of FIG. 12 in that the print job is not cut and printed on one side, but rather printed on a normal single side. Because of this difference, the single-sided printing process differs from the second-cut single-sided printing process mainly in that it omits the determination in S131 of whether the supply tray 31 is set to A4 size or letter size, and in that it omits the sheet cutting process in S45 and the associated image formation process in S44 and post-cut sheet discharge process in S46. Note that the single-sided printing process of FIG. 14 does not include any particularly distinctive features compared to the normal single-sided printing process, and therefore a description of each step that constitutes the single-sided printing process of FIG. 14 will be omitted.

[0107] FIG. 15 shows detailed steps of the double-sided printing process for Case 6 above. The double-sided printing process differs from the second-cut double-sided printing process of FIG. 13 in that the print job is not cut and double-sided printed, but rather is normally double-sided printed. Due to this difference, the double-sided printing process differs from the second-cut double-sided printing process mainly in that it omits the determination of whether the supply tray 31 is set to A4 size or letter size in S140, and in that it omits the sheet cutting process in S45 and the associated post-cut sheet discharge process in S46. Note that the double-sided printing process of FIG. 15 does not include any particularly distinctive features compared to the normal double-sided printing process, and therefore a description of each process that constitutes the double-sided printing process of FIG. 15 will be omitted.

[0108] FIG. 19 shows detailed steps of a modified first-cut single-sided printing process of FIG. 5. In the first-cut single-sided printing process of FIG. 5, when sheet Sa placed on manual feed tray 30 is conveyed from junction conveyance path 203 to conveyance path 201, only the sheet length of sheet Sa is measured. When sheet Sa is conveyed again to conveyance path 201 via re-conveyance path 202, a print job is cut and printed on sheet Sa based on the measured sheet length D of sheet Sa. In contrast, the modified first-cut single-sided printing process of FIG. 19 differs from the first-cut double-sided printing process of FIG. 11 in that, like the first-cut double-sided printing process of FIG. 11, measurement of the sheet length of sheet Sa and printing based on the print job on sheet Sa are performed in parallel. In FIG. 19, the same steps as those in FIGS. 5 and 11 are assigned the same step numbers, and descriptions of those steps will be omitted as appropriate.

[0109] 19, the CPU 101 starts the forward rotation of the main motor 108 (S40), then initializes the value of the TIMER (S60), starts the rotation of the manual sheet conveying roller 37 (S61), and starts counting the TIMER (S62). Then, the CPU 101 executes the image forming process on the sheet Sa (S44).

[0110] Next, CPU 101 waits until manual feed sensor SE5 switches from on to off (S63: NO), and when manual feed sensor SE5 switches from on to off (S63: YES), CPU 101 stops the TIMER count (S64) and calculates the sheet length D of sheet Sa (S65).

[0111] Next, CPU 101 determines whether sheet length D of sheet Sa is A4 size or letter size (S150), similarly to S42 above. If it is determined that sheet length D of sheet Sa is A4 size or letter size (S150: YES), CPU 101 performs sheet cutting processing (S45) and then executes processing from S46 onwards. Detailed explanations of the processing from S45 onwards, that is, the processing of S45 to S48, S50, S53 and S55, have been given above, so they will not be repeated here.

[0112] Figure 20 shows an example of the conveyance state of sheet Sa in a modified example of the first cut single-sided printing process. Figure 20(a) corresponds to Figure 16(a), Figure 20(b) corresponds to Figure 16(b), Figure 20(c) corresponds to Figure 17(b), and Figure 20(d) corresponds to Figure 17(c). In other words, in the example of the conveyance state of sheet Sa in Figure 20, unlike the examples of the conveyance state of sheet Sa in Figures 16 and 17, measurement of the sheet length of sheet Sa and cut printing based on the print job for sheet Sa are performed simultaneously. Therefore, the sheet Sa does not reach the state shown in Figures 16(c) to 17(a), that is, after reaching the switchback position D2, which is the reversal position, it is transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction, and is transported directly from the transport path 201 to the second discharge path 201B as shown in Figures 20(b) and 2(c), rather than being transported again from the branch position D1 via the re-conveying path 202 to the junction position J1 to the transport path 201.

[0113] In this way, the modified first-cut single-sided printing process can also achieve the same effect as the first-cut single-sided printing process. Furthermore, the modified first-cut single-sided printing process can also achieve the effect that the time from receiving an instruction to cut and print a print job on one side of sheet Sa placed on manual feed tray 30 to when the single-sided printed sheet Sa is actually cut and discharged to discharge tray 22 can be made shorter than the first-cut single-sided printing process.

[0114] As described above, the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment includes a print engine capable of printing on sheet Sa, a cutter unit 10 located downstream of the print engine on the conveyance path 201 for sheet Sa, a manual feed tray 30 for placing manually fed sheet Sa, a manual feed sensor SE5 for detecting sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30, and a CPU 101. The multifunction device 1 is capable of performing cut printing, in which a first size sheet printed by the print engine is cut using the cutter unit 10 to a second size that is half the first size and then discharged. When processing a print job instructed to perform cutting on a sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30, the CPU 101 is capable of performing cutting if the time that has elapsed from a predetermined timing when the manual feed sensor SE5 detects the sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30 until the manual feed sensor SE5 no longer detects the sheet Sa as the sheet Sa is transported corresponds to the sheet Sa being a first size, and not performing cutting if the time corresponds to the sheet Sa being a size smaller or larger than the first size.

[0115] In this way, in the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment, cut printing is performed when the sheet Sa placed on the manual feed tray 30 is of a specified size, and cut printing is not performed when the sheet is outside the specified size.

[0116] 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.

[0117] (1) In the above embodiment, 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 embodiment, the multifunction peripheral 1 is given as printing 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.

[0118] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the processes shown in Figures 4 to 15 and 19 are executed by CPU 101. However, these processes may be executed not only by CPU 101 but also by ASIC 100 or other logic integrated circuits, or these processes may be executed by cooperation between CPU 101, ASIC 100, and other logic integrated circuits.

[0119] (3) In the above embodiment, the drive control and stop control of the main motor 108 and the discharge motor 109 are performed based on time. However, this is not limited to this. Depending on the type of motor used, the control may be performed 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.

[0120] (4) In the above embodiment, 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]

[0121] 1...multifunction device, 3...conveyance section, 4...process section, 10...cutter unit, 13...fixed blade, 15...moving blade, 16...carriage, 20...casing, 30...manual feed tray, 31...supply tray, 37...manual feed sheet transport roller, 37'...fourth driven roller, 85...upstream cut roller, 85'...first driven roller, 86...downstream cut roller, 86'...second driven roller, 87...eject roller, 87'...third driven roller, 88...flapper, 100...ASIC, 101...CPU, 102...user IF, 103...memory memory, 104...communication IF, 106...cutter motor, 108...main motor, 109...discharge motor, 113...encoder, 200...PC, 201...conveying path, 201A...first discharge path, 201B...second discharge path, 202...re-conveying path, 203...merging conveying path, D1...branching position, D2...switchback position, J1, J2...merging position, S, Sa...sheet, SE1...pre-registration sensor, SE2...post-registration sensor, SE3...discharge front sensor, SE4...cut discharge sensor, SE5...manual feed 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 manual feed tray for placing manually fed sheets; a sheet sensor that detects the sheet placed on the manual feed tray; A controller; Equipped with A printing device capable of performing cut printing, in which a sheet of a first size printed by the print engine is cut into a second size that is half the first size using the processing unit and then discharged, The controller When the process of the print job for which the cutting process is instructed is performed on the sheet placed on the manual feed tray, It is possible to perform the cutting process if the time that has elapsed from a predetermined timing when the sheet sensor detects the sheet placed on the manual feed tray until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet as the sheet is conveyed corresponds to the sheet being the first size, and not perform the cutting process if the time corresponds to the sheet being a size smaller or larger than the first size. A printing device characterized by:

2. the first size is A4 size, The second size is A5 size.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. the first size is letter size; The second size is a half letter size.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

4. the sheet sensor is capable of detecting a sheet placed on the manual feed tray before the sheet is conveyed; The predetermined timing in a state in which the sheet sensor detects the sheet placed on the manual feed tray is a timing to start conveying the sheet detected by the sheet sensor.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

5. The printing device By transporting the sheet through a transport path for double-sided printing, double-sided printing can be performed on the sheet, The controller When printing a print job for which the cutting process is instructed on one side, not printing on the sheet until it is determined that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being of the first size; In response to determining that the time that has passed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet is the time that corresponds to the sheet being the first size, the sheet of the first size is transported toward a printing position via the transport path for double-sided printing, printing is performed on the sheet transported to the printing position using the print engine, and the sheet of the first size that has been printed by the print engine is cut into the second size using the processing unit.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

6. The controller When double-sided printing of a print job in which the cutting process is instructed is performed, not printing on the sheet until it is determined that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being of the first size; In response to determining that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet is the time that corresponds to the sheet being the first size, the sheet of the first size is transported toward the printing position via the transport path for double-sided printing, and printing is performed on a first side of the sheet of the first size that has been transported to the printing position using the print engine; further, the sheet of the first size that has been printed on its first side is transported toward the printing position via the transport path for double-sided printing, and printing is performed on a second side of the sheet of the first size that has been printed on its first side that has been transported to the printing position using the print engine; and cutting the sheet of the first size that has been printed on its first side and its second side into the second size using the processing unit.

6. The printing device according to claim 5.

7. The printing device By transporting the sheet through a transport path for double-sided printing, double-sided printing can be performed on the sheet, The controller When printing a print job for which the cutting process is instructed on one side, printing the sheet using the print engine while determining that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being of the first size; When it is determined that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being the first size, the sheet of the first size that has been printed by the print engine can be cut from the first size to the second size using the processing unit.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

8. The controller When double-sided printing of a print job in which the cutting process is instructed is performed, printing a first side of the sheet using the print engine while determining that the time elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being of the first size; When it is determined that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet is the time that corresponds to the sheet being the first size, the sheet of the first size with the first side printed is transported toward a printing position via the transport path for double-sided printing, printing is performed using the print engine on the second side of the sheet of the first size with the first side printed that has been transported to the printing position, and the sheet of the first size with the first side and the second side printed is cut from the first size to the second size using the processing unit.

8. The printing device according to claim 7.

9. The printing device By transporting the sheet through a transport path for double-sided printing, double-sided printing can be performed on the sheet, The controller When printing a print job for which the cutting process is instructed on one side, not printing on the sheet until it is determined that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being of the first size; In response to determining that the time that has passed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet is the time that corresponds to the sheet being the first size, the sheet of the first size is transported toward a printing position via the transport path for double-sided printing, printing is performed on the sheet transported to the printing position using the print engine, and the sheet of the first size that has been printed by the print engine is cut into the second size using the processing unit, When double-sided printing of a print job in which the cutting process is instructed is performed, printing even-numbered pages of the print job on a first side of the sheet using the print engine while determining that the time elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet corresponds to the sheet being of the first size; When it is determined that the time that has elapsed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet is the time that corresponds to the sheet being the first size, the sheet of the first size with the first side printed is transported toward a printing position via the transport path for double-sided printing, odd-numbered pages of the print job are printed on the second side of the sheet of the first size with the first side printed that has been transported to the printing position using the print engine, and the sheet of the first size with the first and second sides printed is cut from the first size to the second size using the processing unit.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

10. 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 manual feed tray for placing manually fed sheets; a sheet sensor that detects the sheet placed on the manual feed tray; A controller; Equipped with A printing device capable of performing cut printing, in which a sheet of a first size printed by the print engine is cut into a second size that is half the first size using the processing unit and then discharged, The controller When the process of the print job for which the cutting process is instructed is performed on the sheet placed on the manual feed tray, It is possible to switch whether or not to perform the cut printing based on the time that has elapsed since the sheet sensor detected the sheet placed on the manual feed tray and the sheet is conveyed, and the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet, The printing device By transporting the sheet through a transport path for double-sided printing, double-sided printing can be performed on the sheet, The controller When printing a print job for which the cutting process is instructed on one side, printing on the sheet is not performed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet; In response to the sheet sensor no longer detecting the sheet, the sheet is transported toward a printing position via the transport path for double-sided printing, and the sheet transported to the printing position is printed on using the print engine, and the sheet that has been printed by the print engine is cut or not cut using the processing unit based on the time that has passed until the sheet sensor no longer detects the sheet. A printing device characterized by:

Images