Conveying device, its control method and program

Abstract

In a configuration that allows selective transport of sheet-like media from two storage sections depending on the position of the support member, transport failures are suppressed. [Solution] When the storage unit indicated by the recording command is a roll paper storage unit (S2:YES), the CPU of the printer notifies that the position of the support member does not match with either or both of the storage unit indicated by the recording command and the storage unit indicated by the signal output by the sensor (S4). Also, when the storage unit indicated by the recording command is a cut paper storage unit (S2:NO), the CPU notifies that the support member does not match with the position of the support member (S12:NO).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a sheet-like medium, a control method therefor, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer (conveying device) including a feeding tray (tray) including a first accommodating portion capable of accommodating a roll body and a second accommodating portion capable of accommodating a plurality of cut papers in a stacked state, and a feeding roller (roller) for feeding out a roll paper unwound from the roll body accommodated in the first accommodating portion or a cut paper accommodated in the second accommodating portion from the feeding tray. The feeding tray further includes a flap (supporting member) having a supporting surface for supporting a plurality of cut papers accommodated in the second accommodating portion.

[0003] The flap (supporting member) is configured to be movable between a first position retracted from the movement locus of the feeding roller and a second position located on the movement locus of the feeding roller with the supporting surface facing upward. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that when recording an image on a roll paper unwound from the roll body accommodated in the first accommodating portion, the flap is set to the first position, and when recording an image on a cut paper accommodated in the second accommodating portion, the flap is set to the second position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a configuration as described in Patent Document 1, in which a sheet-like medium can be selectively transported from two storage compartments depending on the position of the flap (support member), if the position of the support member does not match one or both of the storage compartments indicated by the transport command and the storage compartments indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor, transport defects such as air transport or double transport may occur.

[0006] For example, if the transport command indicates the first storage unit, or if the media sensor outputs a signal indicating that a roll body is stored in the first storage unit, and the support member is in the second position, the support member will be interposed between the roller and the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body stored in the first storage unit. As a result, it will be difficult for the roller to apply appropriate transport force to the sheet-like medium, and plow transport may occur. Also, for example, if the transport command indicates the second storage unit, or if the media sensor outputs a signal indicating that a sheet-like medium is stored in the second storage unit, and the support member is in the first position, the sheet-like medium stored in the second storage unit will not be supported by the support surface of the support member. As a result, it may be difficult for the roller to apply appropriate transport force to the sheet-like medium, and plow transport or double transport may occur.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device, a control method, and a program that can suppress conveying defects in a configuration that allows sheet-like media to be selectively conveyed from two storage sections according to the position of a support member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The conveying device according to the present invention comprises a tray including a first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll shape and a second storage section capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet-like mediums in a stacked state, a roller capable of selectively conveying the sheet-like medium from the first storage section and the second storage section, a notification section, and a control section, wherein the tray further includes a contact surface that can contact the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body stored in the first storage section from below, and a support member having a support surface that supports the plurality of sheet-like mediums stored in the second storage section from below. The roller is movable so as to be able to selectively take between a contact position in contact with the contact surface and a separation position away from the contact surface, the support member is movable so as to be able to selectively take between a first position retracted from the movement trajectory of the roller and a second position located on the movement trajectory with the support surface facing upward, and the control unit performs a notification step in which it causes the notification unit to notify that the position of the support member does not match with one or both of the storage unit indicated by the transport command and the storage unit indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor.

[0009] The control method according to the present invention is a conveying device comprising a tray including a first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll shape and a second storage section capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet-like mediums in a stacked state, a roller capable of selectively conveying sheet-like mediums from the first storage section and the second storage section, and a notification section, wherein the tray further includes a contact surface that can contact the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body accommodating the first storage section from below, and a support member having a support surface that supports the plurality of sheet-like mediums accommodating the second storage section from below, and the A control method for controlling a transport device, wherein the roller is movable so as to be able to selectively take between a contact position in contact with the contact surface and a separation position separated from the contact surface, and the support member is movable so as to be able to selectively take between a first position retracted from the movement trajectory of the roller and a second position located on the movement trajectory with the support surface facing upward, characterized in that a notification step is performed in which the position of the support member and one or both of the storage unit indicated by the transport command and the storage unit indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor do not match.

[0010] The present invention relates to a conveying device comprising: a tray including a first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll shape and a second storage section capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet-like mediums in a stacked state; a roller capable of selectively conveying sheet-like mediums from the first storage section and the second storage section; and a notification section, wherein the tray has a contact surface that can contact the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body stored in the first storage section from below, and a support member having a support surface that supports the plurality of sheet-like mediums stored in the second storage section from below, The transport device is characterized in that the roller is movable so as to be selectively able to take between a contact position in contact with the contact surface and a separation position separated from the contact surface, and the support member is movable so as to be selectively able to take between a first position retracted from the movement trajectory of the roller and a second position located on the movement trajectory with the support surface facing upward, and the transport device is characterized in that the transport device is made to function as a notification means, causing the notification unit to notify that the position of the support member and one or both of the storage unit indicated by the transport command and the storage unit indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor do not match. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, notification is provided regarding a mismatch between the position of the support member and one or both of the housing units indicated by the transport command and the housing unit indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor. In this case, the user can take action to avoid transport failures in response to the notification. This makes it possible to suppress transport failures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a state in which a roll of paper R is housed in the paper feed tray 11 in a printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the state in which cut sheets Cs are stored in the paper feed tray 11 of printer 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the support member 51 in the paper feed tray 11 in the first position. [Figure 4]It is a perspective view showing a state where the support member 51 is in the second position in the paper feed tray 11. [Figure 5] It is a side view showing the sensor unit 71. [Figure 6] It is a side view showing the sensor unit 72. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing the sensor unit 73. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram for explaining that signals output from the sensors 72S and 73S change according to the amount of cut paper in the paper feed tray. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 1. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing a program executed by the CPU 91 of the printer 1. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 10, showing a program executed by the CPU of the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] <First Embodiment> First, the overall configuration of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printer 1 includes a housing 1A, a paper feed tray 11, a paper discharge tray 19, a conveyance mechanism 4, a head 5, a cutter 6, sensor units 71 to 73, a sensor 74S, and a control device 90. The printer 1 corresponds to the "conveyance device" of the present invention. The paper feed tray 11 corresponds to the "tray" of the present invention.

[0015] In the following description, based on the state where the printer 1 is installed for use, the up / down, left / right, and front / rear directions of the printer 1 are defined.

[0016] The paper feed tray 11 is detachable from the housing 1A. The paper feed tray 11 is pulled out from the housing 1A by moving forward with respect to the housing 1A, and is attached to the housing 1A by moving backward with respect to the housing 1A.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed tray 11 includes a first storage portion 111 capable of storing the roll body R, and a second storage portion 112 capable of storing a plurality of cut papers Cs stacked in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 2. The first storage portion 111 and the second storage portion 112 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. The first storage portion 111 is located in front of the second storage portion 112.

[0018] The conveyance mechanism 4 can selectively convey the roll paper Rs unwound from the roll body R stored in the first storage portion 111 and the uppermost cut paper Cs among the plurality of cut papers Cs stored in the second storage portion 112. The conveyance mechanism 4 conveys the roll paper Rs or the cut paper Cs in the conveyance direction from the paper feed tray 11 toward the paper discharge tray 19.

[0019] The roll body R is formed by winding the roll paper Rs in a roll shape around the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical core member Rc. The roll paper Rs is a sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body R.

[0020] Two rollers 〔14, 15〕 are arranged at the bottom of the first storage portion 111. The two rollers 〔14, 15〕 are rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. When the roll body R is stored in the first storage portion 111, the central axis Rx of the core member Rc is in a state along the left-right direction, and the outer peripheral surface of its lower portion is supported by the two rollers 〔14, 15〕.

[0021] The cut paper Cs is a sheet-like medium shorter in the conveyance direction than the roll paper Rs constituting the roll body R.

[0022] In the following description, the roll paper Rs and the cut paper Cs may be collectively referred to as "paper". The roll paper Rs, the cut paper Cs, and the paper correspond to the "sheet-like medium" of the present invention.

[0023] The output tray 19 is located on the front side wall of the upper part of the housing 1A and can be opened and closed relative to the housing 1A.

[0024] The transport mechanism 4, head 5, cutter 6, and control device 90 are arranged inside the housing 1A.

[0025] The conveying mechanism 4 includes a roller 41 and roller pairs 42-44. The roller 41 and roller pairs 42-44 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the conveying direction.

[0026] The roller 41, although not shown in the illustration, includes two rotating bodies aligned in the left-right direction. Each of the two rotating bodies is rotatably supported at one end of the arm 45. The other end of the arm 45 is supported by the housing 1A via an axis 45X that runs in the left-right direction. The arm 45 is rotatable about the axis 45X. The arm 45 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) in a direction that moves the roller 41 toward the bottom wall 12 of the paper feed tray 11.

[0027] Each roller pair 42-44 includes a drive roller and a driven roller that moves in conjunction with the drive roller. The two rotating bodies of roller 41 and the drive rollers of roller pairs 42-44 are rotated by the drive of the conveyor motor 4M shown in Figure 9.

[0028] The two rotating bodies of the roller 41 are in contact with the paper, which is either the roll paper Rs unwound from the roll body R housed in the first storage section 111 or the uppermost cut paper Cs among the multiple cut papers Cs housed in the second storage section 112. By rotating under the drive of the transport motor 4M, the paper is transported in the transport direction. In other words, the roller 41 is capable of selectively transporting paper from the first storage section 111 and the second storage section 112, and thus corresponds to the "roller" of the present invention.

[0029] Roller pairs 42 to 44 each rotate while gripping either roll paper Rs or cut paper Cs, thereby transporting the paper in the transport direction.

[0030] The transport path for roll paper Rs and the transport path for cut paper Cs are common from the roller 41 to the output tray 19. The transport path for roll paper Rs includes a first path T1 from the first storage unit 111 to the roller 41, and a second path from the roller 41 to the output tray 19, which is common to the transport path for cut paper Cs.

[0031] The print head 5 is positioned between roller pair 43 and roller pair 44 in the transport direction. The print head 5 has multiple nozzles opening on its lower surface. When the paper transported by the transport mechanism 4 passes below the print head 5, ink is ejected from the nozzles by the drive of the driver IC 5D shown in Figure 9. This records an image on the paper.

[0032] The cutter 6 is positioned between the roller 41 and the roller pair 42 in the conveying direction. The cutter 6 includes a fixed blade extending in the left-right direction and a disc-shaped rotating blade positioned in contact with the fixed blade. Driven by the cutting motor 6M shown in Figure 9, the rotating blade moves in the left-right direction, thereby cutting the roll paper Rs in the left-right direction.

[0033] Next, the paper feed tray 11 will be described in detail.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the paper feed tray 11 has a support plate 50 in the second storage section 112 that supports the cut paper Cs.

[0035] The support plate 50, like the bottom wall 12, is positioned along the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The support plate 50 is located above the bottom wall 12. A first path T1 for the roll paper Rs is defined between the support plate 50 and the bottom wall 12, as shown in Figure 1.

[0036] The roll paper Rs is supported by the bottom surface 12A, which is the upper surface of the bottom wall 12, and the outer circumferential surfaces 18A of the two rollers 18 shown in Figure 3. In other words, the bottom surface 12A and the outer circumferential surfaces 18A can contact the roll paper Rs, which has been unwound from the roll body R housed in the first housing section 111, from below. The bottom surface 12A and the outer circumferential surfaces 18A correspond to the "contact surfaces" of the present invention.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the two rollers 18 are aligned horizontally at approximately the center of the rear end of the bottom wall 12 in the left-right direction. The two rollers 18 are mounted on the bottom wall 12 so as to be rotatable about an axis that extends horizontally.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the roller 41 is movable in accordance with the rotation of the arm 45. Through this movement, the roller 41 can selectively assume a contact position in which the two rotating bodies constituting the roller 41 are in contact with the outer circumferential surface 18A of the roller 18, and a separated position in which the two rotating bodies are separated from the outer circumferential surface 18A of the roller 18.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, two grooves 12X extending in the front-to-back direction are formed at the rear end of the bottom wall 12. The two grooves 12X sandwich the two rollers 18 in the left-to-right direction.

[0040] A notch 50X is formed approximately in the center of the rear end of the support plate 50 in the left-right direction. The notch 50X overlaps in the vertical direction with the area where the two rollers 18 and the two grooves 12X are provided. The two rollers 18 and the two grooves 12X are exposed through the notch 50X.

[0041] A support member 51 is attached to the support plate 50 so as to be rotatable about an axis 55. The axis 55 is positioned along the side of the support plate 50 that defines the notch 50X in the left-right direction, forward of the rear end of the support plate 50.

[0042] The support member 51 is a plate-shaped member having substantially the same shape and size as the notch 50X. One surface 51A of the support member 51 (see Figure 4) is the surface that supports the plurality of cut papers Cs housed in the second housing section 112 from below, and corresponds to the "support surface" of the present invention.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the support member 51 has two through holes 51X and a pad 57.

[0044] The two through holes 51X correspond to the two grooves 12X provided in the support plate 50.

[0045] The pad 57 is positioned on one surface 51A of the support member 51. The static friction coefficient of the pad 57 is greater than that of surface 51A. The pad 57 is located between two through holes 51X in the left-right direction.

[0046] The support member 51 can selectively assume the first position shown in Figure 3 and the second position shown in Figure 4 by rotating around the axis 55.

[0047] When the support member 51 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 3, the other surface 51B of the support member 51 is facing upward and is retracted from the movement trajectory of the roller 41. At this time, the two rollers 18 are not covered by the support member 51 and are exposed through the notch 50X.

[0048] When the support member 51 is in the second position, as shown in Figure 4, one surface 51A of the support member 51 faces upward and is positioned on the movement trajectory of the roller 41. At this time, the two rollers 18 are covered by the support member 51. The two through holes 51X and the two grooves 12X overlap in the vertical direction. The pad 57 overlaps the two rollers 18 in the vertical direction and is positioned on the movement trajectory of the roller 41.

[0049] The paper feed tray 11 further includes an L-shaped member 80, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0050] The L-shaped member 80 includes an interlocking part 80A and a connecting part 80B. The connecting part 80B is connected to the left end of the shaft 55 and extends in the left-right direction. The interlocking part 80A is connected to the left end of the connecting part 80B and extends in a direction intersecting the connecting part 80B. The interlocking part 80A is located at the left end of the paper feed tray 11 and is positioned so as not to overlap in the vertical direction with the paper transport area by the rollers 41.

[0051] The shaft 55 is fixed to the support member 51 and rotates together with the support member 51. As the support member 51 rotates, the connecting part 80B rotates, and the interlocking part 80A rotates around the connecting part 80B. In this way, the interlocking part 80A is interlocked with the support member 51 and corresponds to the "actuator" of the present invention.

[0052] Printer 1 is equipped with a sensor 80S, as shown in Figure 9.

[0053] The sensor 80S is, for example, an optical sensor, and outputs an ON signal when the interlocking unit 80A is in the position shown in Figure 3, and an OFF signal when the interlocking unit 80A is in the position shown in Figure 4. In this way, the sensor 80S outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the interlocking unit 80A. Furthermore, as described above, since the interlocking unit 80A is linked to the support member 51, the sensor 80S outputs different signals depending on the position of the support member 51. The sensor 80S corresponds to the "member sensor" of the present invention.

[0054] Next, we will describe the sensor units 71-73 in detail.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor unit 71 includes an actuator 71A and a sensor 71S.

[0056] The actuator 71A is rotatably supported on the bottom wall 12 of the paper feed tray 11, around an axis 71Ax that extends in the left-right direction. By rotating around the axis 71Ax, the actuator 71A can selectively assume the closed position shown in Figure 5(a) and the open position shown in Figure 5(b). The closed position is the position that blocks the entrance to the first path T1. The open position is the position that does not block the entrance to the first path T1.

[0057] Sensor 71S is, for example, an optical sensor and corresponds to the "medium sensor" or "first medium sensor" of the present invention.

[0058] After the roll body R is placed in the first storage section 111, the user of the printer 1 manually rotates the roll body R as shown in Figure 5(b) to unwind the roll paper Rs from the roll body R. The user then pulls the roll paper Rs backward along the first path T1, supporting the leading edge of the roll paper Rs on the outer surfaces 18A of the two rollers 18. The state in which the roll paper Rs has been pulled out along the first path T1 and the leading edge of the roll paper Rs is supported on the outer surfaces 18A is called the set state of the roll paper Rs. At this time, the leading edge of the roll paper Rs is on the movement trajectory of the roller 41.

[0059] When the roll paper Rs has not been pulled out along the first path T1 and the roll paper Rs is not set, the actuator 71A is in the closed position shown in Figure 5(a). At this time, the sensor 71S outputs an OFF signal.

[0060] When the roll of paper Rs is pulled out along the first path T1 to set the roll of paper Rs, the actuator 71A rotates by contacting the roll of paper Rs, as shown in Figure 5(b), and moves from the closed position to the open position. Accordingly, the signal output by the sensor 71S switches from an OFF signal to an ON signal. When the actuator 71A is in the open position, the sensor 71S outputs an ON signal.

[0061] Thus, the sensor 71S outputs different signals depending on whether or not there is a roll of paper Rs unwound from the roll body R.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the sensor unit 72 includes an actuator 72A and a sensor 72S.

[0063] The actuator 72A is supported on the arm 45 so as to be rotatable about an axis 72Ax that extends in the left-right direction. The actuator 72A is biased in the clockwise direction in Figure 6 by a biasing member (not shown). By rotating about the axis 72Ax as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the actuator 72A can selectively take on an ON position in which the sensor 72S outputs an ON signal and an OFF position in which the sensor 72S outputs an OFF signal.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the sensor unit 73 includes an actuator 73A and a sensor 73S.

[0065] The actuator 73A is supported on the arm 45 so as to be rotatable about an axis 73Ax that extends in the left-right direction. The actuator 73A is biased in the clockwise direction in Figure 7 by a biasing member (not shown). By rotating about the axis 73Ax as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the actuator 73A can selectively take on an ON position in which the sensor 73S outputs an ON signal and an OFF position in which the sensor 73S outputs an OFF signal.

[0066] Sensors 72S and 73S are, for example, optical sensors and correspond to the "medium sensor" and "second medium sensor" of the present invention.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, sensors 72S and 73S selectively output ON and OFF signals, respectively, by changing the position of actuators 72A and 73A according to the amount of cut paper Cs stored in the second storage section 112.

[0068] Sensor 72S outputs an OFF signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty", an ON signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low", an ON signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Middle", and an OFF signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Full".

[0069] Sensor 73S outputs an ON signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty", an ON signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low", an OFF signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Middle", and an OFF signal when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Full".

[0070] When the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty", there is no cut paper Cs in the second storage section 112, and the roller 41 is at the level "L4" shown in Figure 8.

[0071] When the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low", the second storage section 112 contains, for example, 1 to 100 sheets of cut paper Cs, and the roller 41 is at the level "L3" shown in Figure 8.

[0072] When the amount of cut paper Cs is "Middle," for example, 101 to 300 sheets of cut paper Cs are stored in the second storage section 112, and the roller 41 is at the level "L3" shown in Figure 8.

[0073] When the amount of cut paper Cs is "Full", the second storage section 112 contains, for example, 301 to 500 sheets of cut paper Cs, and the roller 41 is at the level "L4" shown in Figure 8.

[0074] The combination of signals output by sensors 72S and 73S differs depending on whether the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty" or "Low," "Middle," or "Full." In other words, sensors 72S and 73S output different signals depending on the presence or absence of cut paper Cs in the second storage section 112.

[0075] The combination of signals output by sensors 72S and 73S differs depending on whether the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low" or "Middle" or "Full". Specifically, sensors 72S and 73S output different signals depending on whether the second storage unit 112 contains "Low" cut paper Cs corresponding to the "first amount" according to the present invention, or "Middle" or "Full" cut paper Cs corresponding to the "second amount" according to the present invention.

[0076] The combination of signals output by sensors 72S and 73S differs depending on whether the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low" or "Middle" or "Full". Specifically, sensors 72S and 73S output different signals when the second storage unit 112 contains cut paper Cs in "Low" or "Middle" quantity corresponding to the "first quantity" according to the present invention, and when the second storage unit 112 contains cut paper Cs in "Full" quantity corresponding to the "second quantity" according to the present invention.

[0077] In both the first case, where there are no cut paper Cs in the second storage section 112 when the support member 51 is in the first position and no roll paper Rs unwound from the roll body R stored in the first storage section 111 are set, and the second case, where there are no cut paper Cs in the second storage section 112 when the support member 51 is in the second position, the sensors 72S and 73S output the same signal as when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty". That is, the sensors 72S and 73S output the same signal to each other in the above two cases.

[0078] In the first case described above, actuator 72A enters into one of the two grooves 12X, and actuator 73A enters into the other groove 12X. In the second case described above, actuator 72A enters into one of the two through holes 51X, and actuator 73A enters into the other through hole 51X.

[0079] When the roll paper Rs is set, if the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty" or "Low", sensors 72S and 73S output the same signal as when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low".

[0080] While the roll of paper Rs is being transported, sensors 72S and 73S output the same signal as when the amount of cut paper Cs is "Middle" or "Full".

[0081] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the electrical configuration of printer 1 will be explained.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, the control device 90 is electrically connected to the transport motor 4M, driver IC 5D, cutting motor 6M, input unit 31, output unit 32, and sensors 71S, 72S, 73S, 74S, and 80S via an internal bus 95.

[0083] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor 74S is positioned downstream of the cutter 6 in the transport direction and upstream of the roller pair 42 in the transport direction. The sensor 74S is, for example, an optical sensor, which outputs an ON signal when paper is present at that position and an OFF signal when there is no paper at that position.

[0084] The roll of paper Rs, conveyed by the roller 41, is cut by the cutter 6 to form multiple pieces of paper. These pieces of paper correspond to the "cutting medium" of the present invention. The multiple pieces of paper are conveyed sequentially at predetermined intervals. At this time, the sensor 73S outputs an OFF signal when the portion corresponding to the above interval is at the position of the sensor 73S, and outputs an ON signal otherwise. Therefore, the sensor 73S outputs an ON signal intermittently.

[0085] Even when multiple cut sheets Cs are sequentially transported from the second storage section 112 by the roller 41, the sensor 73S intermittently outputs an ON signal. That is, the multiple cut sheets Cs are transported sequentially at predetermined intervals. The sensor 73S outputs an OFF signal when the portion corresponding to the above interval is at the position of the sensor 73S, and outputs an ON signal otherwise.

[0086] Sensor 74S corresponds to the "intermediate sensor" of the present invention.

[0087] The input unit 31 is an element for receiving input from the user of the printer 1, and is composed of, for example, switches, buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc.

[0088] The output unit 32 is an element for providing notifications to the user of the printer 1, and corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention. The output unit 32 is composed of, for example, a display for outputting images and a speaker for outputting sound.

[0089] The control device 90 is further connected to an external device 2, such as a PC, via a communication unit 10, enabling communication between the two devices.

[0090] The control device 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92, and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 stores programs and data for the CPU 91 to perform various controls. The RAM 93 temporarily stores data used by the CPU 91 when executing programs. The CPU 91 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention.

[0091] Next, referring to Figure 10, we will explain the program that CPU 91 executes.

[0092] The CPU 91 first determines whether or not it has received a recording command from the external device 2 (S1). The recording command corresponds to the "transport command" of the present invention.

[0093] If it determines that no recording command has been received (S1:NO), CPU91 repeats the process of S1.

[0094] If the CPU 91 determines that it has received a recording command (S1: YES), it determines whether the recording command instructs recording on the roll paper Rs, that is, whether the recording command refers to the first storage unit 111 (S2).

[0095] If the CPU 91 determines that the recording command instructs recording on the roll paper Rs (S2: YES), it determines whether or not the roll paper Rs is set based on the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S (S3).

[0096] If the CPU 91 determines that the roll paper Rs is not set (S3:NO), it issues an error notification (S4). In S4, the notification is sent via the output unit 32 shown in Figure 9. In S4, which follows "S3:NO", a notification prompting the user to set the roll paper Rs may be issued.

[0097] After S4, CPU91 terminates the program.

[0098] If it is determined that the roll paper Rs is set (S3: YES), the CPU 91 determines whether the support member 51 is in the first position based on the signal output by the sensor 80S (S5).

[0099] If the CPU 91 determines that the support member 51 is not in the first position (S5:NO), it issues an error notification (S4). In S4, which follows "S5:NO", a notification is issued regarding a mismatch between the position of the support member 51 and one or both of the housing units indicated by the recording command and the signals output by sensors 71S~73S. For example, because the position of the support member 51 does not match the recording instruction, a notification may be issued prompting the user to check the position of the support member 51 or to move the support member 51 to the second position.

[0100] If the CPU determines that the support member 51 is in the first position (S5: YES), the CPU 91 starts recording processing on the roll paper Rs (S6). In S6, the CPU 91 controls the transport motor 4M, the driver IC 5D, and the cutting motor 6M to transport the roll paper Rs from the first storage unit 111, to have the cutter 6 cut the roll paper Rs, and to have the head 5 record an image on the roll paper Rs.

[0101] After S6, the CPU 91 determines whether or not an ON signal is being output intermittently from the sensor 74S (S7). If an ON signal or OFF signal is output continuously from the sensor 74S for a predetermined time or longer, the CPU 91 determines that an ON signal is not being output intermittently from the sensor 74S.

[0102] If the sensor 74S is intermittently not outputting an ON signal, meaning that an abnormality has occurred in paper transport (S7:NO), the CPU 91 stops the recording process (S8) and then issues an error notification (S4). In S4, which follows "S7:NO", a notification prompting the user to replenish the roll paper Rs may be issued.

[0103] If the sensor 74S intermittently outputs an ON signal, meaning that there is no abnormality in paper transport (S7: YES), the CPU 91 determines whether or not the recording process is complete (S9).

[0104] If CPU91 determines that the recording process is not complete (S9:NO), it returns the process to S7.

[0105] If CPU91 determines that the recording process is complete (S9:YES), it terminates the program.

[0106] If the CPU determines that the recording command does not instruct recording on roll paper Rs, that is, that the recording command instructs recording on cut paper Cs (S2:NO), the CPU 91 determines whether or not roll paper Rs is set based on the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S (S10).

[0107] If the CPU 91 determines that a roll of paper Rs is loaded (S10:YES), it issues an error notification (S4). In S4, which follows "S10:YES", a notification prompting the user to remove the roll of paper Rs may be issued.

[0108] If it is determined that the roll paper Rs is not set (S10: NO), the CPU 91 determines whether the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty" based on the signals output by sensors 72S and 73S (S11).

[0109] If the CPU 91 determines that the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty" (S11:YES), it issues an error notification (S4). In S4, which follows "S11:YES", a notification prompting the user to replenish the cut paper Cs may be issued.

[0110] If the amount of cut paper Cs is determined not to be "Empty" (S11: NO), the CPU 91 determines whether the support member 51 is in the second position based on the signal output by the sensor 80S (S12).

[0111] If the CPU 91 determines that the support member 51 is not in the second position (S12:NO), it issues an error notification (S4). In S4, which follows "S12:NO", a notification is issued regarding a mismatch between the position of the support member 51 and one or both of the housing units indicated by the recording command and the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S. For example, because the position of the support member 51 does not match the recording instruction, a notification may be issued prompting the user to check the position of the support member 51 or to move the support member 51 to the first position.

[0112] If the support member 51 is determined to be in the second position (S12: YES), the CPU 91 starts recording processing on the cut paper Cs (S13). In S13, the CPU 91 controls the transport motor 4M and the driver IC 5D to transport the cut paper Cs from the second storage unit 112 and causes the head 5 to record an image on the cut paper Cs.

[0113] After S13, CPU91 moves the process to S7. In this case, S4, which is performed after "S7:NO", may include a notification indicating the possibility of a jam or a notification prompting the user to remove the jammed paper.

[0114] As described above, according to this embodiment, in S4 (notification step) performed after "S5:NO" and S4 (notification step) performed after "S12:NO", notification is given regarding a mismatch between the position of the support member 51 and one or both of the housing indicated by the recording command and the housing indicated by the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S. In this case, the user can take action to avoid transport failure in response to the notification. This makes it possible to suppress transport failures.

[0115] The CPU 91 determines the position of the support member 51 based on the signal output by the sensor 80S (S5, S12). In this case, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the notification step (S4) is necessary. Consequently, unnecessary notification steps (S4) can be omitted.

[0116] The CPU 91 determines, based on the signal output by the sensor 71S, that the roll paper Rs is set (S3: YES), and also determines, based on the signal output by the sensor 80S, that the support member 51 is in the second position (S5: NO), then executes the notification step (S4). In this case, the CPU 91 can appropriately determine whether or not to perform the notification step (S4) based on the signals output by the sensors 71S and 80S. Consequently, unnecessary notification steps (S4) can be omitted.

[0117] If the CPU 91 determines that there is a cut sheet of paper Cs based on the signals output by sensors 72S and 73S (S11: NO), and also determines that the support member 51 is in the first position based on the signal output by sensor 80S (S12: NO), it executes the notification step (S4). In this case, the CPU 91 can appropriately determine whether or not the notification step (S4) is necessary based on the signals output by sensors 72S, 73S, and 80S. Consequently, unnecessary notification steps (S4) can be omitted.

[0118] If the CPU 91 determines that the recording command indicates the first storage unit 111 (S2: YES) and that the support member 51 is in the second position based on the signal output by the sensor 80S (S5: NO), it executes the notification step (S4). In this case, the CPU 91 can appropriately determine whether or not to perform the notification step (S4) based on the signal output by the sensor 80S. Consequently, unnecessary notification steps (S4) can be omitted.

[0119] If the CPU 91 determines that the recording command indicates the second storage unit 112 (S2: NO) and that the support member 51 is in the first position based on the signal output by the sensor 80S (S12: NO), it executes the notification step (S4). In this case, the CPU 91 can appropriately determine whether or not to perform the notification step (S4) based on the signal output by the sensor 80S. Consequently, unnecessary notification steps (S4) can be omitted.

[0120] The interlocking unit 80A detected by the sensor 80S is positioned so as not to overlap vertically with the paper transport area of ​​the roller 41. In this case, it is possible to avoid paper getting caught in the interlocking unit 80A, causing transport failures, and to avoid the interlocking unit 80A being damaged by friction with the sheet-like media.

[0121] If the CPU 91 determines, based on the signal output by the sensor 74S, that an abnormality has occurred in paper transport after starting paper transport during the recording process (S6 or S13) (S7: NO), it executes a notification step (S4). In this case, the user can take action to resolve the transport abnormality in response to the notification. This makes it possible to suppress transport defects in sheet-like media transported after the notification step.

[0122] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0123] The CPU 91 of the printer according to the second embodiment executes the program shown in Figure 11 instead of the program shown in Figure 10. The printer according to the second embodiment does not need to include the L-shaped member 80 and the sensor 80S.

[0124] The program shown in Figure 11 differs from the program in Figure 10 in that S21 is performed instead of S5, and S22 is performed instead of S12.

[0125] In S21, the CPU 91 determines whether the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low" based on the signals output by sensors 72S and 73S. If it determines that the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low" (S21: YES), the CPU 91 proceeds to S6. If it determines that the amount of cut paper Cs is not "Low" (S21: NO), the CPU 91 proceeds to S4.

[0126] For example, if the amount of cut paper Cs is determined to be "Middle" or "High" and not "Low" (S21:NO), the roll paper Rs cannot be transported. In this case, in S4, a notification may be given prompting the user to remove the cut paper Cs.

[0127] Alternatively, if the amount of cut paper Cs is determined to be "Empty" and not "Low" (S21:NO), then the first or second case described in the first embodiment may apply.

[0128] In the first case, the roll paper Rs cannot be transported because it is not set. In this case, in S4, a notification may be given prompting the user to set the roll paper Rs.

[0129] In the second case, the support member 51 is in the second position, so the roll paper Rs cannot be properly transported. In this case, in S4, notification may be given regarding the mismatch between the position of the support member 51 and one or both of the housing units indicated by the recording command and the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S. For example, because the position of the support member 51 does not match the recording instruction, notification may be given prompting the user to check the position of the support member 51 or to move the support member 51 to the first position.

[0130] In S22, the CPU 91 determines whether the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low" based on the signals output by sensors 72S and 73S. If it determines that the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low" (S22: YES), the CPU 91 proceeds to S4. If it determines that the amount of cut paper Cs is not "Low" (S22: NO), the CPU 91 proceeds to S13.

[0131] When the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low", if the support member 51 is in the first position, the cut paper Cs will not be supported by the outer surface A of the roller 18, making it difficult for the roller 41 to apply appropriate transport force to the cut paper Cs, which may result in air transport or double transport. In this case (S22:YES), in S4, notification may be given regarding the discrepancy between the position of the support member 51 and one or both of the storage unit indicated by the recording command and the storage unit indicated by the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S. For example, notification may be given indicating that the position of the support member 51 may not be consistent with the recording instruction, or notification may be given prompting the user to check the position of the support member 51.

[0132] As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 91 determines the position of the support member 51 based on the signals output by sensors 72S and 73S, rather than the signal output by sensor 80S (S21, S22). In this case, there is no need to provide a dedicated sensor 80S or L-shaped member 80 for detecting the position of the support member 51, and the device configuration can be simplified.

[0133] The CPU 91 determines that the recording command indicates the first storage unit 111 (S2: YES), determines that the roll paper Rs is set based on the signal output by sensor 71S (S3: YES), and determines that there are no cut paper Cs, i.e., the amount of cut paper Cs is "Empty", based on the signals output by sensors 72S and 73S (S21: NO), then executes the notification step (S4). In this case, the CPU 91 can appropriately determine whether or not to perform the notification step (S4) based on the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S. Consequently, unnecessary notification steps (S4) can be omitted.

[0134] If the CPU 91 determines that the recording command indicates the second storage unit 112 (S2: NO) and that the amount of cut paper Cs is "Low" based on the signals output by sensors 72S and 73S (S22: YES), it executes the notification step (S4). In this case, the CPU 91 can appropriately determine whether or not to perform the notification step (S4) based on the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S. Consequently, unnecessary notification steps (S4) can be omitted.

[0135] <Variation> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims.

[0136] For example, in the second embodiment, the position of the support member 51 is determined based on signals output by sensors 72S and 73S (second medium sensors), rather than on signals output by sensor 80S (member sensor) which directly detects the position of the support member 51. Therefore, when the notification step (S4) is performed, the position of the support member 51 may be consistent with one or both of the housing units indicated by the recording command and the housing units indicated by the signals output by sensors 71S to 73S. In the second embodiment, after the notification step (S4), if the user inputs an OK instruction to the input unit 31, the recording process may be started.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, the first medium sensor outputs different signals depending on the presence or absence of a sheet-like medium unwound from the roll, but it may also output different signals depending on the presence or absence of the roll in the first storage section. Alternatively, the first medium sensor may output different signals depending on the presence or absence of a sheet-like medium unwound from the roll, and also output different signals depending on the presence or absence of the roll in the first storage section.

[0138] The actuator detected by the component sensor may be positioned in the stacking direction of the sheet-like medium in the second storage section, overlapping with the area where the sheet-like medium is transported by the rollers. For example, in the example in Figure 3, the actuator may be positioned near the two rollers 18 on the bottom wall 12 of the paper feed tray 11.

[0139] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit, after receiving a transport command, determines whether the position of the support member matches one or both of the housing indicated by the transport command and the housing indicated by the signal output by the media sensor, and executes a notification step if they do not match, but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may determine whether the position of the support member matches the housing indicated by the signal output by the media sensor before receiving the transport command, and execute a notification step if they do not match.

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit performs the notification step before the recording process, i.e., before the sheet-like medium is transported, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit may perform the notification step after the transport of the sheet-like medium has started. In this case, it may not be possible to suppress transport defects for the sheet-like medium in question, but it is possible to suppress transport defects for sheet-like medium transported after the notification step.

[0141] The sheet-like medium is not limited to paper; it may also be cloth or plastic film. In other words, the sheet-like medium may be made of any material as long as it is in sheet form.

[0142] The transport device according to the present invention is not limited to printers, but may also be a facsimile, copier, multifunction printer, etc. Furthermore, the transport device according to the present invention does not need to include a recording unit that records images on a sheet-like medium such as a print head.

[0143] The program according to the present invention can be recorded on removable recording media such as flexible disks or fixed recording media such as hard disks and distributed, as well as distributed via communication lines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 1. Printer (conveyor device) 11. Paper feed tray (tray) 111 First Detention Unit 112 Second Detention Unit 12A Bottom (contact surface) 18A Outer surface (contact surface) 32 Output Unit (Notification Unit) 41 Laura 51 Support member 51A surface (support surface) 71S Sensor (Media Sensor, First Media Sensor) 72S, 73S Sensors (Media Sensor, Second Media Sensor) 74S Sensor (Intermediate Sensor) 80A Interlocking part (actuator) 80S Sensor (Material Sensor) 91 CPU (Control Unit) R Roll Body Rs roll paper (sheet-type media) Cs cut paper (sheet-type media)

Claims

1. A tray including a first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which sheet-like media are wound into a roll shape, and a second storage section capable of accommodating multiple sheet-like media in a stacked state, A roller capable of selectively transporting sheet-like media from the first storage section and the second storage section, The news department and, It comprises a control unit and, The tray further includes a contact surface that can contact from below the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body housed in the first housing, and a support member having a support surface that supports the plurality of sheet-like media housed in the second housing from below. The roller is movable so as to be able to selectively take between a contact position in contact with the contact surface and a separation position separated from the contact surface. The support member is movable so as to be able to selectively take between a first position in which it is retracted from the movement trajectory of the roller and a second position in which it is located on the movement trajectory with the support surface facing upward. The control unit, A transport device characterized by performing a notification step, which causes the notification unit to notify that the position of the support member does not match one or both of the storage unit indicated by the transport command and the storage unit indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor.

2. The system further includes a member sensor that outputs different signals depending on the position of the support member, The control unit, The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of the support member is determined based on the signal output by the member sensor.

3. The media sensor further comprises a first media sensor that outputs a different signal depending on the presence or absence of the roll body in the first storage section or the presence or absence of a sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body, The control unit, The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, based on the signal output by the first medium sensor, it is determined that the roll body or the sheet-like medium is present, and based on the signal output by the member sensor, it is determined that the support member is in the second position, in which case the notification step is executed.

4. The media sensor further comprises a second media sensor that outputs a different signal depending on the presence or absence of a sheet-like medium in the second housing section. The control unit, The conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, if it is determined that the sheet-like medium is present based on the signal output by the second medium sensor, and the support member is in the first position based on the signal output by the member sensor, the notification step is executed.

5. The control unit, The transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transport command is determined to indicate the first storage unit, and the support member is determined to be in the second position based on the signal output by the member sensor, and the notification step is executed.

6. The control unit, The transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transport command is determined to indicate the second storage unit, and the support member is determined to be in the first position based on the signal output by the member sensor, the notification step is executed.

7. The system further includes an actuator that is linked to the support member, The member sensor outputs the signal corresponding to the position of the actuator, The conveying device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the actuator is positioned in the stacking direction of the sheet-like medium in the second housing section, in a position that does not overlap with the conveying area of ​​the sheet-like medium by the roller.

8. The media sensor further comprises a first media sensor that outputs a different signal depending on the presence or absence of the roll body in the first storage section or the presence or absence of a sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body, and a second media sensor that outputs a different signal depending on the presence or absence of a sheet-like medium in the second storage section. The control unit, The transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of the support member is determined based on the signal output by the second medium sensor.

9. The second medium sensor outputs the same signal in the case where there is no sheet-like medium in the second housing when the support member is in the first position and the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body housed in the first housing is not on the movement trajectory, and in the case where there is no sheet-like medium in the second housing when the support member is in the second position. The control unit, The conveying device according to claim 8, characterized in that the conveying command is determined to indicate the first storage unit, the roll body or the sheet-like medium is determined to be present based on the signal output by the first medium sensor, and the sheet-like medium is determined to be absent based on the signal output by the second medium sensor, and the notification step is executed.

10. The second medium sensor outputs different signals depending on whether a first amount of sheet-like medium is contained in the second storage compartment or whether a second amount of sheet-like medium, which is greater than the first amount, is contained in the second storage compartment. The control unit, The transport device according to claim 8, characterized in that the transport command is determined to indicate the second storage unit, and the second medium sensor determines that the first amount of sheet-like medium is stored in the second storage unit based on the signal output by the second medium sensor, and then the notification step is executed.

11. The system further includes an intermediate sensor that intermittently outputs a signal when, or when, a plurality of cut media formed by cutting the unwound sheet-like media conveyed by the roller are sequentially conveyed, and when a plurality of sheet-like media are sequentially conveyed from the second storage unit by the roller, or both of the above. The control unit, After the rollers begin transporting the sheet-like medium based on the transport command, The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, based on the signal output by the intermediate sensor, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the conveying of the sheet-like medium, the notification step is executed.

12. A conveying device comprising a tray including a first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which a sheet-like medium is wound into a roll and a second storage section capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet-like mediums in a stacked state, a roller capable of selectively conveying sheet-like mediums from the first storage section and the second storage section, and a notification section, wherein the tray further includes a contact surface capable of contacting the sheet-like medium unwound from the roll body stored in the first storage section from below, and a support member having a support surface that supports the plurality of sheet-like mediums stored in the second storage section from below, the roller being movable so as to be able to selectively take a contact position in contact with the contact surface and a separated position separated from the contact surface, and the support member being movable so as to be able to selectively take a first position retracted from the movement trajectory of the roller and a second position located on the movement trajectory with the support surface facing upward, and a control method for controlling the conveying device, A control method characterized by performing a notification step, in which the notification unit is instructed to notify that the position of the support member does not match one or both of the storage unit indicated by the transport command and the storage unit indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor.

13. A conveying device comprising: a tray including a first storage section capable of accommodating a roll body in which sheet-like media are wound into a roll shape and a second storage section capable of accommodating a plurality of sheet-like media stacked on top of each other; a roller capable of selectively conveying sheet-like media from the first storage section and the second storage section; and a notification section, wherein the tray further includes a contact surface capable of contacting the sheet-like media unwound from the roll body stored in the first storage section from below, and a support member having a support surface that supports the plurality of sheet-like media stored in the second storage section from below; the roller is movable so as to be able to selectively take a contact position in contact with the contact surface and a separated position separated from the contact surface; and the support member is movable so as to be able to selectively take a first position retracted from the movement trajectory of the roller and a second position located on the movement trajectory with the support surface facing upward, A program characterized by causing the notification unit to function as a notification means, which notifies the notification unit of a mismatch between the position of the support member and one or both of the housing unit indicated by the transport command and the housing unit indicated by the signal output by the medium sensor.

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