Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printing device that can improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance. [Solution] The printing apparatus (1) comprises a transport unit, a printing unit (3), a cutting mechanism (100), and a control unit. The control unit, when the amount of paper transported (A) corresponding to the printing width by the printing unit (3) is larger than the amount of paper transported calculated using the distance from a reference position (P0) to a cutting position (P1) and the distance from the reference position (P0) to a planned cutting position (PC), executes a first transport process in which the transport unit transports the paper to the cutting position (P1), and then executes a process including a cutting process in which the cutting mechanism (100) cuts the printing paper (P) into a first sheet and a second sheet, and a second transport process in which the cut second sheet is transported to the printing position, which is the printing start position of the printing process by the printing unit (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, some printing apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses are equipped with a cutting unit that cuts print media. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that performs print processing on a print medium, then performs cutting processing at a cutting unit, thereby generating two print media each subjected to the print processing and discharging them.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional printing apparatus as described above, there has been no disclosure about improving throughput when executing a division process that includes a cutting process to divide a print medium into two parts.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a printing apparatus capable of improving throughput while suppressing deterioration in printing performance even when a division process is executed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the printing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a transport unit for transporting a printing medium, a printing unit for printing print data included in a print job onto the printing medium transported in the transport direction by the transport unit, a splitting unit for splitting the printing medium after the print data has been printed by the printing unit and transported by the transport unit, and provided downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction from the printing unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a first transport process in which the transport unit transports the printing medium to the splitting position, if the amount of transport of the printing medium corresponding to the printing width in the transport direction is greater than the amount of transport of the printing medium calculated using the distance of the printing medium from a predetermined reference position to the splitting position of the printing medium by the splitting unit from the reference position, then perform a splitting process in which the splitting unit divides the printing medium into a first sheet and a second sheet, and a second transport process in which the split second sheet is transported to the printing position which is the printing start position of the printing process by the printing unit.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the control unit compares the amount of printing medium being transported with the amount of printing medium corresponding to the print width. If the control unit determines that the amount of printing medium corresponding to the print width is greater than the amount of printing medium being transported, it executes a first transport process to transport the printing medium to the splitting position, prioritizing this transport process over the transport process to the printing position of the printing medium. Furthermore, the control unit executes a second transport process to transport the split second sheet to the printing position. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when performing a splitting process.

[0008] In the printing apparatus of this disclosure, the control unit may calculate the amount of the printing medium to be transported using the distance from the reference position to the leading edge of the printing medium.

[0009] With the above configuration, the control unit can calculate the transport volume considering the current leading edge position of the printing medium. This allows for highly accurate calculation of the transport volume, enabling precise cutting of the printing medium.

[0010] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a dividing blade and a motor for moving the dividing blade, and the control unit may drive the motor to cause the transport unit to transport the printing medium during the acceleration period from when the dividing blade is stopped until it reaches a predetermined moving speed.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the control unit performs the transport process of the printing medium by the transport unit during the acceleration period. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when performing splitting processing.

[0012] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a dividing blade and a motor for moving the dividing blade, and the control unit may cause the transport unit to transport the printing medium during the deceleration period from when the dividing blade moves from a predetermined speed until it stops.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the control unit performs the transport process of the printing medium by the transport unit during the deceleration period. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when performing splitting processing.

[0014] The printing apparatus of this disclosure comprises a transport unit for transporting a printing medium, a printing unit for printing print data included in a print job onto the printing medium transported in the transport direction by the transport unit, the printing unit comprising a liquid discharge head for discharging liquid onto the printing medium and having a plurality of nozzles aligned along the transport direction, a dividing unit for dividing the printing medium after the print data has been printed by the printing unit and transported by the transport unit, the dividing unit provided downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction, and a control unit, the control unit, based on the print data included in the print job, selects at least one of the plurality of nozzles, which are included in a first region in the transport direction or which are included in a second region in the transport direction. The process includes: a determination process to determine a nozzle as a discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid onto the printing medium; a determination process to determine a transport amount of the printing medium calculated using the distance from a predetermined reference position to the division position of the printing medium by the division section and the distance from the reference position to the planned division position of the printing medium by the division section, and if the transport amount corresponding to the printing width in the transport direction by the printing section is large, the transport section performs a first transport process to transport the printing medium to the division position, then the division section divides the printing medium into a first sheet and a second sheet; and a printing process to print print data onto the printing medium by discharging the liquid using the discharge nozzle determined in the determination process.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the control unit performs a decision process to determine which of the multiple nozzles of the liquid discharge head will actually be used for the printing process. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when performing a splitting process.

[0016] In the printing apparatus of this disclosure, the control unit may calculate the amount of the printing medium to be transported using the distance from the reference position to the leading edge of the printing medium.

[0017] With the above configuration, the control unit can calculate the transport volume considering the current leading edge position of the printing medium. This allows for highly accurate calculation of the transport volume, enabling precise cutting of the printing medium.

[0018] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a dividing blade and a motor for moving the dividing blade, and the control unit may drive the motor to cause the transport unit to transport the printing medium during the acceleration period from when the dividing blade is stopped until it reaches a predetermined moving speed.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the control unit performs the transport process of the printing medium by the transport unit during the acceleration period. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can more reliably improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when performing splitting processing.

[0020] In the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, the control unit may cause the printing unit to perform a printing process on the printing medium during a splitting period in which the splitting blade rotates at a predetermined moving speed and performs a splitting process on the printing medium.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the control unit performs printing processing by the printing unit superimposed on the division period. This makes it possible to configure a printing device that can more reliably further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance even when division processing is performed.

[0022] In the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, the control unit may, as part of the determination process, determine that a nozzle included in the first region, which is located upstream of the second region in the transport direction, is a discharge nozzle for discharging liquid onto the printing medium.

[0023] According to the above configuration, in the determination process, the control unit determines ejection nozzles from among the plurality of nozzles of the liquid ejection head, the nozzles being included in the first region on the upstream side in the transport direction. Accordingly, it is possible to configure a printing apparatus capable of further improving throughput while suppressing degradation of printing performance even when the division process is executed.

[0024] In the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine, as the determination process, nozzles included in a second region provided on the downstream side in the transport direction relative to the first region, as ejection nozzles that eject liquid onto the print medium.

[0025] According to the above configuration, in the determination process, the control unit determines ejection nozzles from among the plurality of nozzles of the liquid ejection head, the nozzles being included in the second region on the downstream side in the transport direction. Accordingly, it is possible to configure a printing apparatus capable of further improving throughput while suppressing degradation of printing performance even when the division process is executed.

[0026] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure may further include a detection unit that is provided upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction and detects a leading end and a trailing end of the print medium, and the control unit may execute an acquisition process of acquiring a print medium length that is a length of the print medium in the transport direction, based on a detection result of the detection unit.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the control unit acquires the print medium length based on the detection result of the detection unit, and therefore even when there is variation in the print medium length, the control unit can acquire the print medium length with high accuracy. As a result, the transport amount can be calculated with high accuracy, and the print medium can be cut with high accuracy.

[0028] In the printing apparatus of the present disclosure, in the acquisition process, when the control unit acquires a plurality of the print medium lengths based on the detection result of the detection unit, the control unit may calculate an average value of the plurality of print medium lengths, and use the calculated average value as the print medium length.

[0029] With the above configuration, the control unit obtains the average value of multiple print media lengths obtained from the detection results of the detection unit as the print media length. Therefore, even if there is variation in the print media lengths, the control unit can obtain the print media length with greater accuracy. As a result, the amount of material to be transported can be calculated with greater accuracy, and the print media can be cut with greater accuracy.

[0030] The printing apparatus of this disclosure further comprises a housing to which the dividing section is assembled, and a memory capable of storing adjustment information representing an adjustment amount for adjusting the distance of the printing medium to the dividing position according to the state in which the dividing section is assembled to the housing, and the control unit may calculate the transport amount using the adjustment information stored in the memory.

[0031] With the above configuration, the control unit calculates the transport amount using adjustment information stored in memory. Therefore, even if there is variation in the division position of the division part due to the assembly state of the division part to the housing, the transport amount can be obtained with high accuracy. As a result, highly accurate calculation of the transport amount can be easily performed, and highly accurate cutting of the printing medium can also be easily performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus that can improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printing device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the recording head configuration. [Figure 4] Figure 2 illustrates the paper transport position determination and cutting processes performed by the control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5]This flowchart shows a basic example of how a printing device works. [Figure 6] Figures (A) through (F) illustrate a series of specific examples of operations performed on printing paper by a printing device. [Figure 7] This is a timing chart illustrating an example of operation of Modification 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows a basic example of operation of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 9] Figures (A) to (E) illustrate a series of specific operational examples for the printing paper in the printing apparatus shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a timing chart illustrating an example of operation of a modified example 2 of this embodiment 2. [Figure 11] This is a timing chart illustrating an example of operation of Modification 3 of this embodiment 2. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows a basic example of operation of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. [Figure 13] Figures (A) to (E) illustrate a series of specific operational examples for the printing paper in the printing apparatus shown in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printing device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device 1. In the following description, the printing device 1 is exemplified as a color printer that performs printing of full-color images, but this embodiment is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be a monochrome printer that performs printing of monochrome images.

[0035] Furthermore, the printing device 1 is a multifunction printer (MFP) that has multiple functions, such as scanning, printing, copying, and faxing. In the following description, the vertical and horizontal directions of the printing device 1 are defined based on the state shown in Figure 1, where the printing device 1 is installed and ready for use.

[0036] Furthermore, the printing device 1 is configured as an inkjet printer that performs printing processing on printing paper P, which is an example of a printing medium in this disclosure, by ejecting ink, for example, to print the print data specified by the print job. In addition to the above description, the printing device 1 may also be a laser printer that records an image on the printing paper P using an electrophotographic method. Moreover, the printing medium is not limited to paper media such as printing paper P, but may also be a resin medium made of plastic, such as an OHP sheet.

[0037] Furthermore, the following description illustrates a case in which the cutting mechanism 100, acting as a dividing section, completely separates and cuts the printing paper P into two sheets: a first printing sheet and a second printing sheet. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in order to perform folding or other processing on the printing paper P, the cutting mechanism 100 (dividing section) may divide the boundary line between the first printing sheet and the second printing sheet in a perforated manner, thereby dividing the printing paper P into a portion including the first printing sheet and a portion including the second printing sheet without completely cutting the first and second printing sheets.

[0038] [Configuration of Printing Device 1] As shown in Figure 1, the printing device 1 includes a feed tray 21 and an output tray 22. The feed tray 21 is a case for holding printing paper P and has an open top. The feed tray 21 has a mounting section 210 and holds the printing paper P placed on the mounting section 210. The size of the printing paper P is, for example, A4 size. The feed tray 21 and the output tray 22 are detachable by moving them in the front-rear direction through an opening (not shown) formed on the front of the printing device 1.

[0039] The printing apparatus 1 also includes a feed roller 24, a transport path R, a first transport roller 60, a printing unit 3, a second transport roller 62, a discharge roller 64, and a cutting mechanism 100. In the printing apparatus 1, each part is housed in a casing 1A that constitutes the outer container. The feed roller 24, the first transport roller 60, the second transport roller 62, and the discharge roller 64 are examples of transport units that transport the printing paper P in the transport direction. The cutting mechanism 100 is an example of a cutting unit.

[0040] The feed roller 24 is a roller for feeding the printing paper P contained in the feed tray 21 to the transport path R. The feed roller 24 is rotatably supported at the tip of the feed arm 25. The feed arm 25 is rotatably supported on a shaft 26 supported on the frame of the printing device 1. The feed arm 26 is biased to rotate toward the feed tray 21 by its own weight or by an elastic force such as a spring.

[0041] The feed roller 24 rotates in the forward direction when driven by the feed motor 101 (Figure 2). As the feed roller 24 rotates in the forward direction, the printing paper P contained in the feed tray 21 is fed one sheet at a time to the transport path R. The printing paper P fed to the transport path R is transported in the transport direction, that is, from the rear to the front of the printing device 1.

[0042] The transport path R refers to the space formed by the guide members 51, 52, 53, 54 and the printing section 3, etc. The transport path R extends upward from the rear end of the feed tray 21, curves in the area partitioned by guide members 51 and 52, passes through the position of the printing section 3, extends linearly in the area partitioned by guide members 53 and 54, and leads to the discharge tray 22.

[0043] A first transport roller 60 is positioned upstream of the printing section 3 in the transport path R. A pinch roller 61 is positioned opposite the lower part of the first transport roller 60. The first transport roller 60 is driven by a transport motor 102 (Figure 2). The pinch roller 61 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the first transport roller 60. As the first transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 rotate in the forward direction, the printing paper P is gripped by the first transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and transported to the printing section 3. In addition, the rotational force of the transport motor 102 is transmitted to the second transport roller 62 and the discharge roller 64 via a transmission mechanism (not shown), and the second transport roller 62 and the discharge roller 64 are each driven by the transport motor 102.

[0044] The printing unit 3 is located in the transport path R between the first transport roller 60 and the second transport roller 62, and prints the print data included in the print job onto the printing paper P. The printing unit 3 includes a head carriage 31, a recording head 32, and a platen 33. The recording head 32 is mounted on the head carriage 31. The lower surface of the recording head 32 constitutes a nozzle surface, which will be described in detail later, and is provided with a plurality of nozzles. The recording head 32 ejects liquid ink droplets from each of the plurality of nozzles by vibrating a vibrating element such as a piezoelectric element.

[0045] The platen 33 is a rectangular plate-shaped member on which the printing paper P is placed and supported. In the printing unit 3, as the head carriage 31 moves with respect to the printing paper P supported by the platen 33, the recording head 32 selectively ejects ink droplets, thereby forming an image on the printing paper P according to the print data.

[0046] Furthermore, the platen 33 is rotatably positioned between a first position (see solid line in Figure 1), which is parallel to the transport path R, and a second position (see dotted line in Figure 1), which is rotated downward by a predetermined angle from the first position. The platen 33 is in the first position when transporting and printing the printing paper P. On the other hand, if a paper jam occurs with the printing paper P, the user can move the platen 33 to the second position and remove the jammed printing paper P.

[0047] The head carriage 31 is configured to reciprocate in the scanning direction by the driving force transmitted from the head carriage motor 103 (Figure 2). The scanning direction is the direction perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal directions, parallel to the nozzle surface of the recording head 32 (described later), and perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing paper P, and is the width direction of the printing paper P perpendicular to the paper surface in Figure 1.

[0048] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1, when printing on the printing paper P, the control unit 7 (Figure 2) ejects ink droplets from the recording head 32 while moving the head carriage 31 in the scanning direction while the transport of the printing paper P is stopped. The control unit 7 then repeatedly performs a printing process in which print data corresponding to a predetermined print width is printed on the printing paper P, and a line break process in which the first transport roller 60 and the second transport roller 62 are driven to transport the printing paper P by a predetermined line break amount.

[0049] Now, with reference to Figure 3, the recording head 32 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the recording head 32 shown in Figure 1. Note that Figure 3 shows the configuration of the nozzle surface 32a of the recording head 32 when viewed from the bottom to the top of the printing device 1.

[0050] In Figure 3, the recording head 32 is an example of a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid onto the printing paper P. The recording head 32 has ejection ports on the nozzle surface 32a facing the printing paper P, including a black nozzle 32K for ejecting black ink droplets, a yellow nozzle 32Y for ejecting yellow ink droplets, a cyan nozzle 32C for ejecting cyan ink droplets, and a magenta nozzle 32M for ejecting magenta ink droplets. Multiple nozzles 32K, 32Y, 32C, and 32M are arranged in a line along the transport direction. In the following description, nozzles 32K, 32Y, 32C, and 32M will be collectively referred to as nozzles 32N.

[0051] Specifically, the nozzles 32N are provided in multiple locations, for example, in the first region H1A and the second region H2A, which are located upstream and downstream of the transport direction, with the center position HC in the transport direction as the boundary. Each of the multiple nozzles 32N functions as an ejection nozzle that ejects ink droplets onto the printing paper P according to instructions from the control unit 7.

[0052] In embodiments 2 and 3 described later, the control unit 7 selects and determines that at least one nozzle 32N from among the multiple nozzles 32N included in the first region H1A and the second region H2A, respectively, is the discharge nozzle. Furthermore, the length dimension in the transport direction of the nozzle surface 32a of the at least one nozzle 32N determined to be the discharge nozzle becomes the print width in the printing process by the printing unit 3.

[0053] Furthermore, the above description described a configuration in which nozzles 32N of each color, nozzles 32K, nozzles 32Y, nozzles 32C, and nozzles 32M, are arranged in a single row, as shown in Figure 3. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this, and a configuration in which nozzles 32N of each color are arranged in multiple rows is also possible.

[0054] Returning to Figure 1, a second transport roller 62 is positioned downstream of the printing section 3 in the transport path R in the transport direction. A spur roller 63 is positioned opposite the top of the second transport roller 62. As described above, the second transport roller 62 is driven by the transport motor 102 (Figure 2). The spur roller 63 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second transport roller 62. As the second transport roller 62 and the spur roller 63 rotate in the forward direction, the printing paper P is gripped by the second transport roller 62 and the spur roller 63 and transported to the cutting mechanism 100.

[0055] The cutting mechanism 100 is located downstream of the printing unit 3 in the transport path R. Specifically, the cutting mechanism 100 is located between the second transport roller 62 and the discharge roller 64. The cutting mechanism 100 is a well-known cutter mechanism and has a pair of upper and lower blades 100a and 100b and a cutter carriage 10 (Figure 2). The cutting process is performed by the blades 100a and 100b, which act as cutting blades (cutters), to cut the printing paper P. The cutting blades are an example of a dividing blade. The cutting process is an example of a dividing process.

[0056] Specifically, the cutting mechanism 100 cuts the printing paper P in the width direction by using the rotational force of the cutter carriage motor 104 (Figure 2) to move the cutter carriage 10 in the width direction of the printing paper P. As a result, the printing paper P is completely separated into a first sheet of paper, the first printing paper P1, and a second sheet of paper, the second printing paper P2, which move back and forth in the transport direction.

[0057] Furthermore, at least one of the blades 100a or 100b moves together with the cutter carriage 10 as the cutter carriage motor 104 rotates and moves the cutter carriage 10, thereby performing the cutting process. In other words, the cutter carriage motor 104 is an example of a motor that moves the cutting blade.

[0058] In addition to the above description, the cutting mechanism 100 may also be configured to have only one of the upper or lower blades 100a and 100b.

[0059] A discharge roller 64 is positioned downstream of the cutting mechanism 100 in the transport path R in the transport direction. A spur roller 65 is positioned opposite the top of the discharge roller 64. As described above, the discharge roller 64 is driven by the transport motor 102 (Figure 2). The spur roller 65 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge roller 64. As the discharge roller 64 and the spur roller 65 rotate in the forward direction, the printing paper P, the first printing paper P1, or the second printing paper P2 is gripped by the discharge roller 64 and the spur roller 65 and discharged to the discharge tray 22. As shown in Figure 1, the discharge tray 22 is positioned above the feed tray 21. The discharge tray 22 contains the printing paper P, the first printing paper P1, or the second printing paper P2 discharged by the discharge roller 64.

[0060] A register sensor 106 is provided upstream of the printing unit 3 in the transport path R. The register sensor 106 is an example of a detection unit and detects the front and rear ends of the printing paper P. As the register sensor 106, a sensor with an actuator that swings when the printing paper P comes into contact with it, or an optical sensor, etc., can be used.

[0061] Furthermore, the register sensor 106 outputs an ON signal when the printing paper P is passing the register sensor 106's position, and an OFF signal when the printing paper P is not passing the register sensor 106's position. In other words, it outputs an ON signal from the moment the front end of the printing paper P reaches the register sensor 106's position until the rear end of the printing paper P passes the register sensor 106's position, and outputs an OFF signal at all other times. The detection signal from the register sensor 106 is output to the control unit 7.

[0062] Furthermore, the first transport roller 60 is equipped with a rotary encoder 105 (Figure 2) that detects the rotation of the first transport roller 60. The rotary encoder 105 outputs a pulse signal to the control unit 7 in accordance with the rotation of the first transport roller 60. The rotary encoder 105 has an encoder disk and an optical sensor (not shown). The encoder disk rotates together with the rotation of the first transport roller 60. The optical sensor reads the rotating encoder disk and generates a pulse signal, which is then output to the control unit 7. As a result, the control unit 7, based on the pulse signal, performs a transport position determination process for the printing paper P being transported along the transport path R and a cutting process for the printing paper P by the cutting mechanism 100.

[0063] [Electrical configuration of printing device 1] As shown in Figure 2, in addition to the parts described above, the printing device 1 includes a control unit 7, a feed motor 101, a transport motor 102, a head carriage motor 103, and a cutter carriage motor 104. The printing device 1 also includes a network interface 107, a display unit 108, and an operation reception unit 109.

[0064] The control unit 7 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, an EEPROM 74 (registered trademark), and an ASIC 75, all connected by an internal bus. The ROM 72 stores programs and other data for the CPU 71 to control various operations. The RAM 73 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data and signals used by the CPU 71 when executing programs, or as a working area for data processing.

[0065] The EEPROM 74 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. The EEPROM 74 is an example of memory and pre-stores adjustment information representing the adjustment amount described later as part of the setting information. The control unit 7 controls each part of the printing device 1, such as the transport unit, the printing unit 3, and the cutting mechanism 100, based on the control program read from the ROM 72.

[0066] The ASIC75 is connected to a feed motor 101, a transport motor 102, a head carriage motor 103, and a recording head 32. Additionally, the ASIC75 is connected to a cutter carriage motor 104, a rotary encoder 105, a register sensor 106, a network interface 107, a display unit 108, and an operation reception unit 109.

[0067] The ASIC75 supplies drive current to the feed motor 101, the transport motor 102, the head carriage motor 103, and the cutter carriage motor 104. The feed motor 101, the transport motor 102, the head carriage motor 103, and the cutter carriage motor 104 are DC motors, and their rotation speed increases with increasing drive current and decreases with decreasing drive current. The control unit 7 controls the rotation of the feed motor 101, the transport motor 102, the head carriage motor 103, and the cutter carriage motor 104, for example, by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 7 applies a drive voltage to the vibrating element of the recording head 32, thereby ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle 32N. The control unit 7 detects the amount of rotation of the first transport roller 60 based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder 105. The control unit 7 detects that the printing paper P has passed the contact position with the first transport roller 60 based on the detection signal output from the register sensor 106. Then, after the register sensor 106 outputs an ON signal, the control unit 7 estimates the amount of printing paper P being transported in the transport path R based on the pulse signal output from the rotary encoder 105 (details will be described later).

[0069] The network interface 107 is configured to connect to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a USB memory stick, enabling connection to an external device that has a driver for the printer 1 installed. The printer 1 can receive print jobs containing identification information that identifies the type of printing paper P via the network interface 107.

[0070] The display unit 108 includes a display panel such as an LCD panel and displays predetermined information according to instructions from the control unit 7. The operation reception unit 109 is an input device that receives instructions from the user, such as print jobs, and outputs the input instructions to the control unit 7. The operation reception unit 109 is configured using operation buttons and a touch panel mounted on the display panel.

[0071] [Example of operation of printing device 1] Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 6, a specific example of the operation of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the transport position determination process and cutting process of the printing paper P by the control unit 7 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a basic example of the operation of the printing apparatus 1. Figures 6(A) to 6(F) are diagrams illustrating a series of specific operation examples for the printing paper P in the printing apparatus 1. In the following description, an example will be given in which the cutting process cuts an A4 size printing paper P into an A5 size first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2, and printing is performed on each of the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2.

[0072] [Processing to determine the transport position and cutting the printing paper P] First, using Figure 4, we will specifically explain the paper transport position determination process and cutting process of the printing paper P by the control unit 7. Note that in Figure 4, only blade 100a of the blades 100a and 100b of the cutting mechanism 100 is shown.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 7 determines the transport position of the printing paper P on the transport path R based on a predetermined reference position P0 on the transport path R. Specifically, the control unit 7 uses, for example, the position of the first transport roller 60 on the transport path R as the reference position P0. The control unit 7 detects the amount of rotation of the first transport roller 60 based on the pulse signal from the rotary encoder 105, and thereby determines the position of the leading edge PM of the printing paper P that has passed the register sensor 106 on the transport path R. In this way, the control unit 7 performs transport position determination processing to determine the current position of the leading edge PM of the printing paper P on the transport path R.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 7 determines whether or not to perform the cutting process by the cutting mechanism 100 based on the result of the transport position determination process. Specifically, the control unit 7 calculates the transport amount B of the printing paper P using the following equation (1).

[0075] B = Y + Z / 2 - X + TV1 + TV2 --- (1)

[0076] However, Y is the distance from the reference position P0 to the cutting position P1(X) on the transport path R by the cutting mechanism 100 for the printing paper P. Z is the length of the printing paper P in the transport direction (printing medium length) (for example, 297 mm for A4 size). X is the distance from the current reference position P0 to the leading edge PM of the printing paper P. Note that the distance X can be obtained from the value of the cumulative transport amount of the rotary encoder 105 during the transport operation of the printing paper P. That is, the distance X can be determined using the total number of pulse signals from the rotary encoder 105 that indicate the leading edge PM of the printing paper P during the transport operation of the printing paper P.

[0077] Furthermore, TV1 is an adjustment value indicating the amount by which the distance to the cutting position P1(X) of the printing paper P is adjusted according to the assembly state of the cutting mechanism 100 to the housing 1A. TV2 is a correction value indicating the amount by which the length of the printing paper is corrected according to the detection result of the register sensor 106 (detection unit). The cutting position P1(X) is an example of a division position.

[0078] More specifically, the control unit 7 obtains distance Y by referring to the setting information stored in the EEPROM 74. The control unit 7 also obtains the length Z in the transport direction of the printing paper P included in the print job by, for example, referring to the print job. Furthermore, the control unit 7 obtains length Z / 2 by, for example, calculating from the obtained length Z. The control unit 7 also obtains distance X based on the result of the transport position determination process. The control unit 7 also obtains adjustment value TV1 by referring to the adjustment information stored in the EEPROM 74. In addition, as will be described later, the control unit 7 obtains the average value of the measured values, which is length (printing medium length) Z and correction value TV2, by obtaining measured values ​​using the register sensor 106.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 7 obtains the transport amount A corresponding to the print width in the transport direction by the printing unit 3 by referring to the setting information stored in the EEPROM 74. If the control unit 7 determines that the transport amount A (print width) is greater than the transport amount B of the printing paper P, the control unit 7 executes a first transport process in which the transport unit transports the printing paper P by the transport amount B to the cutting position P1(X) without performing the printing process by the printing unit 3. After that, the control unit 7 executes a cutting process in which the cutting mechanism 100 cuts the printing paper P into a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 7 performs a second transport process in which the second printing paper P2, after being cut in the transport unit, is transported by the transport unit by an amount equal to the difference between the transport amount A and the transport amount B, thereby transporting the second printing paper P2 to the printing position, which is the printing start position for the printing process by the printing unit 3. In this second transport process, the first printing paper is also transported to the discharge tray 22 side by the transport unit.

[0081] On the other hand, if the control unit 7 determines that the transport amount A is less than or equal to the transport amount B, it will perform the printing process by the printing unit 3 without performing the cutting process. In this way, the control unit 7 determines whether or not to perform the cutting process by the cutting mechanism 100 based on the result of the transport position determination process.

[0082] [Basic operation example of printing device 1] Next, with reference to Figure 5, a specific example of the basic operation of the printing device 1 of this embodiment 1 will be described. In the following description, the operation after the control unit 7 receives a print job from the user via the network interface 107 or the operation reception unit 109 will be explained.

[0083] As shown in step S1 of Figure 5, the control unit 7 controls the transport unit to feed the printing paper P from the feed tray 21 to the transport path R.

[0084] Next, the control unit 7 performs an acquisition process to acquire the printing medium length Z, which is the length Z of the printing paper P in the transport direction, based on the detection result of the register sensor 106 (step S2). Note that this step S2 operation is performed when the printing device 1 performs the first printing process. Furthermore, if the printing device 1 performs multiple printing processes on multiple printing papers P, the acquisition process is performed in step S200, after step S7, which will be described later.

[0085] Specifically, when the printing device 1 performs the first printing process, the control unit 7, as step S2, obtains a default value for the printing medium length Z of the printing paper P (297 mm (A4 size)) by referring to, for example, the setting information stored in the EEPROM 74 as a result of the acquisition process.

[0086] Furthermore, in the printing device 1, if the printing process continues, the control unit 7 obtains the measured value of the printing medium length Z from the detection result of the register sensor 106 for each sheet of printing paper P, as shown in step S200, and records it sequentially in, for example, the RAM 73.

[0087] Furthermore, in the acquisition process shown in step S200, if the control unit 7 acquires multiple print media lengths Z (measured values) based on the detection results of the register sensor 106, it calculates the average value of the multiple print media lengths Z (measured values) and sets the calculated average value as the print media length Z.

[0088] In other words, the control unit 7 uses the detection time when the leading edge PM and trailing edge PU of the printing paper P shown in Figure 4 are detected by the register sensor 106, and the transport time of the transport unit that transports the printing paper P from the leading edge PM to the trailing edge PU, to determine the measured value of the printing medium length Z. The control unit 7 then stores the determined measured value in the RAM 73. Then, for the second and subsequent printing processes, the control unit 7 calculates the average value of the default value and at least one measured value recorded in the RAM 73, and uses the calculated average value as the length (printing medium length) Z as the result of the acquisition process.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 7 calculates the correction value TV2 from equation (1) based on the acquired printing medium length Z. Specifically, if the acquired printing medium length Z is 298 mm, the control unit 7 compares it with, for example, the printing medium length Z specified in the JIS standard, which is 297 mm, and adopts 1 mm (= 298 mm - 297 mm) as the correction value TV2.

[0090] In addition to the above description, the control unit 7 may also be configured to use default values ​​triggered by opening or closing the feed tray 21 or by instructions from the user to the operation reception unit 109. Furthermore, in addition to the above description, as mentioned above, the control unit 7 may also be configured to obtain the print media length Z, which is the length of the print paper P in the transport direction, by referring to the print job.

[0091] Next, the control unit 7 calculates the amount of paper transported B of the printing paper P using the distance Y from the reference position P0 to the cutting position P1(X) by the cutting mechanism 100, the distance (Z / 2) from the leading edge PM of the printing paper P to the planned cutting position PC (Figure 4) by the cutting mechanism 100, and the current distance X from the reference position P0 to the leading edge PM of the printing paper P (step S3). The planned cutting position PC is an example of a planned division position and is an intermediate position between the leading edge PM and the trailing edge PU of the printing paper P.

[0092] Specifically, the control unit 7 substitutes distance Y, distance (Z / 2), and distance X into equation (1). Furthermore, the control unit 7 calculates the transport amount B by substituting the adjustment value TV1 obtained from the EEPROM 74 and the correction value TV2 calculated in the acquisition process into equation (1).

[0093] Next, the control unit 7 executes a printing process to print print data corresponding to a predetermined print width onto the printing paper P (step S4). Subsequently, the control unit 7 determines whether the printing process for one page specified in the print job has been completed on the printing paper P (step S5). If the control unit 7 determines that the printing process for one page has been completed (YES in step S5), the control unit 7 determines whether the printing paper P has been cut into a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2 (step S6).

[0094] Then, if the control unit 7 determines that the paper has been cut into the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 (YES in step S6), the control unit 7 controls the transport unit to eject the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 into the discharge tray 22 (step S7).

[0095] On the other hand, if the control unit 7 determines that the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 have not been cut (NO in step S6), the control unit 7 controls the transport unit to transport the printing paper P until the cutting position P1(X) matches the planned cutting position PC (step S8). After that, the control unit 7 uses the cutting mechanism 100 to cut the printing paper P into the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 (step S9), and proceeds to step S7.

[0096] Furthermore, if the control unit 7 determines that the printing process for one page is not yet complete (NO in step S5), the control unit 7 determines whether the printing paper P has been cut into the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 (step S10). If the control unit 7 determines that the paper has been cut into the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 (YES in step S10), the control unit 7 controls the transport unit to transport the second printing paper P2 to the next printing position (step S11) and proceeds to step S4.

[0097] On the other hand, if the control unit 7 determines that the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 have not been cut (NO in step S10), the control unit 7 determines whether the next printed paper P after transport will exceed the cutting position P1(X). In other words, the control unit 7 determines whether the transport amount A (print width) is greater than the transport amount B of the printed paper P by comparing the transport amount A (print width) with the transport amount B of the printed paper P (step S12). Then, if the control unit 7 determines that the transport amount A is less than or equal to the transport amount B (NO in step S12), it proceeds to step S11.

[0098] On the other hand, if the control unit 7 determines that the transport amount A is greater than the transport amount B (YES in step S12), the control unit 7 controls the transport unit to execute the first transport process (step S13). In other words, the control unit 7 transports the printing paper P to the cutting position P1(X) using the transport unit. After that, the control unit 7 cuts the printing paper P into a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2 using the cutting mechanism 100 (step S14), and proceeds to step S11. However, in this case, in step S11, after the cutting process in step S14, a second transport process is executed in which the transport unit transports the second printing paper P2 by the transport amount (AB).

[0099] Furthermore, in step S12, the control unit 7 uses a transport amount A corresponding to the print width as the next transported paper P. This allows the printing process in step S11 and the subsequent step S4 to be performed appropriately, thereby suppressing a decrease in printing performance.

[0100] In other words, when determining the transport position of the printing paper P after the next transport, the control unit 7 does not use a transport amount A that is an integer multiple of the transport pitch, but rather uses a transport amount A corresponding to the nozzle pitch, which is determined by the distance between two adjacent nozzles 32N in the transport direction. As a result, the control unit 7 can accurately print print data for a transport amount A that matches a predetermined print width onto the printing paper P, thereby suppressing a decrease in printing performance. The transport pitch is the minimum transport amount of printing paper P that the control unit 7 can control by driving the transport motor 102.

[0101] [A series of specific examples of actions performed on printing paper P] Next, using Figure 6, a series of operations on the printing paper P in the printing device 1 of this embodiment 1 will be specifically described.

[0102] In Figure 6(A), in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, printing areas P1A and P2A1 with printed data are formed on the portion of the printing paper P ejected upstream in the transport direction from the printing unit 3. Subsequently, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the control unit 7 causes the printing unit 3 to perform the printing process, as indicated by arrow H1 in Figure 6(B), thereby forming the printing area P2A2 with printed data on the portion of the printing paper P.

[0103] Next, if the control unit 7 determines in step S12 that the transport amount A is greater than the transport amount B, the control unit 7 executes the first transport process, as shown in Figure 6(C). In other words, the control unit 7 transports the printing paper P in the transport section by performing the transport process for the transport amount B so that the planned cutting position PC reaches the cutting position P1(X).

[0104] Next, the control unit 7, as indicated by arrow C1 in Figure 6(D), causes the cutting mechanism 100 to perform a cutting process, thereby dividing the first printing paper P1 into the second printing paper P2. After that, the control unit 7 performs a second transport process, as shown in Figure 6(E). In other words, the control unit 7 performs a transport process of the transport amount (AB) on the second printing paper P2 in the transport unit, thereby aligning the position of the second printing paper P2 with the printing position for the next printing operation.

[0105] Finally, the control unit 7 causes the printing unit 3 to perform the printing process, as indicated by the arrow H2 in Figure 6(F), so that a printed area P2A3 with printed data is formed on the second printing paper P2.

[0106] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1 comprises a printing unit 3, a cutting mechanism 100, and a control unit 7. The control unit 7 compares the transport amount A corresponding to the printing width by the printing unit 3 with the transport amount B of the printing paper P, which is calculated using the distance from the reference position P0 to the cutting position P1(X) and the distance from the reference position P0 to the planned cutting position PC. If the control unit 7 determines that the transport amount A is greater than the transport amount B of the printing paper P, the control unit 7 executes a first transport process in which the transport unit transports the printing paper P by the transport amount B and transports the printing paper P to the cutting position P1(X). Subsequently, the control unit 7 executes a cutting process in which the cutting mechanism 100 cuts the printing paper P into a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2. Furthermore, the control unit 7 executes a second transport process in which the transport unit transports the second printing paper P2 by the transport amount (AB) and transports the second printing paper P2 to the printing position, which is the printing start position of the printing process by the printing unit 3.

[0107] With the above configuration, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, when it is determined that the transport amount A (print width) is greater than the transport amount B of the printing paper P, the control unit 7 executes a first transport process to transport the printing paper P to the cutting position, prioritizing this transport process over the transport process to the printing position and the printing process at that printing position. Furthermore, the control unit 7 sequentially executes a cutting process and a second transport process to transport the cut second printing paper P2 to the printing position. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, throughput can be improved while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when a cutting process is performed.

[0108] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the control unit 7 calculates the amount of printing paper P transported B using the distance from the reference position P0 to the leading edge PM of the printing paper P. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the control unit 7 can calculate the amount of transported B considering the transport position of the leading edge PM of the printing paper P at the present time. Consequently, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1 can calculate the amount of transported B with high accuracy, and can cut the printing paper P with precision.

[0109] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the control unit 7 performs an acquisition process to acquire the printing medium length, which is the length of the printing paper P in the transport direction, based on the detection result of the register sensor 106. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the control unit 7 can acquire the printing medium length with high accuracy even if there is variation in the printing medium length. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1 can calculate the transport amount B with high accuracy and cut the printing paper P with high accuracy.

[0110] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, when the control unit 7 acquires multiple printing media lengths based on the detection results of the register sensor 106 during the acquisition process, it calculates the average value of the multiple printing media lengths and uses the calculated average value as the printing media length. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, even if there is variation in the printing media lengths, the control unit 7 can acquire the printing media length with greater accuracy. Consequently, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the transport amount B can be calculated with greater accuracy, and the printing paper P can be cut with greater accuracy.

[0111] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the control unit 7 calculates the transport amount B using the adjustment value TV1 stored in the EEPROM 74. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, even if there is variation in the cutting position P1(X) of the cutting mechanism 100 due to the assembly state of the cutting mechanism 100 to the housing 1A, the control unit 7 can accurately obtain the transport amount B. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1 can easily perform highly accurate calculation of the transport amount B and also easily perform highly accurate cutting of the printing paper P.

[0112] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1 can calculate the transport amount B, which changes dynamically according to the transport state of the printing paper P, with high accuracy. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, the control unit 7 can accurately determine the cutting position for each printing paper P, and easily perform high-precision cutting of the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 from the printing paper P. Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 1, each printing process on the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 can also be executed with high accuracy, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the printing performance on the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2.

[0113] [Variation 1] A modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0114] Figure 7 is a timing chart illustrating an example of operation of Modification 1 of this Embodiment 1. In Figure 7, the main difference between Modification 1 and Embodiment 1 is that the control unit 7 performs the transport process by the transport unit and the operation process by the cutting mechanism 100 at overlapping timings.

[0115] As shown in Figure 7, in this modified example 1, the printing process PP by the printing unit 3 is performed during the ON time of the head carriage motor 103. The transport motor 102 starts rotating at time T1 and stops rotating at time T2. That is, the printing paper P is transported by the transport unit on the transport path R between time T1 and time T2.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 7 drives the cutter carriage motor 104 to perform the transport process of the printing paper P by the transport unit during the acceleration period until the blades 100a and 100b reach a predetermined moving speed from a stopped state. That is, as shown in Figure 7, between time T3 when the transport motor 102 rotates and time T4, the cutter carriage motor 104 is set to have an acceleration period until the blades 100a and 100b reach a predetermined moving speed. During this acceleration period, the blades 100a and 100b do not come into contact with the printing paper P, and the cutting process CP is not substantially performed. In this modified example 1, the control unit 7 starts the cutting process CP a little after time T4 has elapsed.

[0117] Furthermore, the control unit 7 controls the cutter carriage motor 104 to perform the transport process of the printing paper P by the transport unit during the deceleration period until the blades 100a and 100b reach a stop from a predetermined moving speed. That is, as shown in Figure 7, in the period from time T5 when the transport motor 102 rotates, the cutter carriage motor 104 is set to decelerate until the blades 100a and 100b reach a stop from a predetermined moving speed. During this deceleration period, the blades 100a and 100b do not come into contact with the printing paper P, and the cutting process CP is not substantially performed. In this modified example 1, the control unit 7 terminates the cutting process CP a little before time T5.

[0118] As described above, in this modified example 1, the control unit 7 performs the transport process of the printing paper P by the transport unit during the acceleration period. As a result, in this modified example 1, even when cutting is performed, it is possible to configure a printing apparatus 1 that can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance.

[0119] Furthermore, in this modified example 1, the control unit 7 performs the transport process of the printing paper P by the transport unit during the deceleration period. As a result, in this modified example 1, even when cutting is performed, it is possible to configure a printing apparatus 1 that can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance.

[0120] In addition to the above description, a configuration is also possible in which the blades 100a and 100b are in contact with the printing paper P during at least one of the acceleration period or the deceleration period to substantially perform the cutting process CP. In this case, the transport section and the cutting mechanism 100 can be compactly arranged on the transport path R, making it easy to miniaturize the printing device 1.

[0121] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0122] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a basic example of operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. Figures 9(A) to 9(E) illustrate a series of specific operation examples with respect to the printing paper P in the printing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 8.

[0123] In the diagram, the difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment is that in the printing process of the printing unit 3, a decision process is performed to determine which ejection nozzle to actually use.

[0124] As shown in step S21 of Figure 8, after calculating the transport amount B, the control unit 7 performs a determination process to determine, based on the print data included in the print job, that the nozzle 32N included in the first region H1A (Figure 3), which is located upstream of the second region H2A (Figure 3) in the transport direction, be the discharge nozzle that ejects ink droplets onto the print paper P. In other words, based on the print data, the control unit 7 determines that at least one nozzle 32N from among the multiple nozzles 32N included in the first region H1A be the discharge nozzle. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 2, the print width and the transport amount A corresponding to the print width change according to the determined discharge nozzle.

[0125] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the printing paper P has already been cut into a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2 (step S22). If the control unit 7 determines that the printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 have been cut (YES in step S22), it proceeds to step S4.

[0126] On the other hand, if the control unit 7 determines that the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 have not been cut (NO in step S22), the control unit 7 determines whether the printing paper P after the next transport will exceed the cutting position P1(X). In other words, the control unit 7 determines whether the changed transport amount A (print width) is greater than the transport amount B of the printing paper P by comparing the changed transport amount A (print width) with the transport amount B of the printing paper P according to the determined number of ejection nozzles (step S23). Then, if the control unit 7 determines that the changed transport amount A is less than or equal to the transport amount B (NO in step S23), it proceeds to step S4.

[0127] On the other hand, if the control unit 7 determines that the changed transport amount A is greater than the transport amount B (YES in step S23), the control unit 7 executes the printing process with the nozzle 32N in the first region H1A (step S24). In other words, the control unit 7 executes the printing process with the determined ejection nozzle.

[0128] Next, the control unit 7 executes the first transport process by controlling the transport unit (step S25). That is, the control unit 7 transports the printing paper P to the cutting position P1(X) using the transport unit. After that, the control unit 7 cuts the printing paper P into a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2 using the cutting mechanism 100 (step S26), and proceeds to step S22.

[0129] In Figure 9(A), in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 2, the portion of the printing paper P ejected upstream in the transport direction from the printing unit 3 forms printed areas P1A and P2A1 with the printed data. Subsequently, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 2, the control unit 7 causes the printing unit 3 to perform the printing process, as indicated by arrow H3 in Figure 9(B), thereby forming a printed area P2A4 on the portion of the printing paper P with the printed data. In this printing process, the nozzle 32N of the first area H1A, which was determined as the ejection nozzle in step S21, is used for execution.

[0130] Next, if the control unit 7 determines that the amount of transported material A, which has changed as a result of step S23, is greater than the amount of transported material B, the control unit 7 executes the first transport process, as shown in Figure 9(C). In other words, the control unit 7 transports the printed paper P in the transport section by performing the transport process for the amount of transported material B so that the planned cutting position PC reaches the cutting position P1(X).

[0131] Next, the control unit 7, as indicated by arrow C1 in Figure 9(D), causes the cutting mechanism 100 to perform a cutting process, thereby dividing the first printing paper P1 into the second printing paper P2. Subsequently, the control unit 7, as indicated by arrow H4 in Figure 9(E), causes the printing unit 3 to perform a printing process, thereby forming a printed area P2A5 on the second printing paper P2 where the print data is printed. In this printing process, all nozzles 32N included in the printing unit 3 are used as discharge nozzles.

[0132] With the above configuration, the printing apparatus 1 of this second embodiment achieves the same effects as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this second embodiment, a determination process is performed to determine, based on the print data included in the print job, that the nozzle 32N included in the first region H1A from among the multiple nozzles 32N be used as the discharge nozzle for ejecting ink droplets onto the printing paper P. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 of this second embodiment can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when performing a cutting process.

[0133] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this second embodiment, the control unit 7 appropriately determines the ejection nozzle in the first region H1A based on dynamically changing print data, so, as shown in Figure 9, unlike the first embodiment, there is no need to perform the second transport process. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 of this second embodiment can reduce the number of transport processes compared to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the operation of the printing apparatus 1 can be sped up.

[0134] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this second embodiment, the transport amount A (print width) is changed in accordance with dynamically changing print data, so compared to the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, printing and cutting processes can be executed more appropriately according to the print job.

[0135] In the above description, as shown in Figure 9(B), the case in which the printing area P2A4 is formed on the second printing paper P2 using the nozzle 32N of the first region H1A which has been determined as the ejection nozzle was described. However, this embodiment 2 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 7 may be configured to form the printing area P2A4 on the first printing paper P1 using the nozzle 32N of the first region H1A which has been determined as the ejection nozzle by executing steps S23 and S24 after step S21.

[0136] [Variation 2] A modified example 2 of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure is described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0137] Figure 10 is a timing chart illustrating an example of operation of Modification 2 of this embodiment 2. In Figure 10, the main difference between this Modification 2 and Embodiment 2 is that the control unit 7 performs the transport process by the transport unit and the operation process by the cutting mechanism 100 at overlapping timings.

[0138] As shown in Figure 10, in this modified example 2, the printing process PP by the printing unit 3 is performed during the ON time of the head carriage motor 103. The transport motor 102 starts rotating at time T6 and stops rotating at time T7. That is, the printing paper P is transported by the transport unit on the transport path R between time T6 and time T7.

[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 7 drives the cutter carriage motor 104 to perform the transport process of the printing paper P by the transport unit during the acceleration period until the blades 100a and 100b reach a predetermined moving speed from a stopped state. That is, as shown in Figure 10, between time T8 when the transport motor 102 rotates and time T9, the cutter carriage motor 104 is set to have an acceleration period until the blades 100a and 100b reach a predetermined moving speed. During this acceleration period, the blades 100a and 100b do not come into contact with the printing paper P, and the cutting process CP is not substantially performed. In this modified example 2, the control unit 7 starts the cutting process CP a little after time T9 has elapsed.

[0140] Furthermore, the control unit 7 controls the cutter carriage motor 104 to perform the printing process by the printing unit 3 during the deceleration period from when the blades 100a and 100b move from a predetermined speed until they come to a stop. That is, as shown in Figure 10, while the cutting process CP is being performed, the control unit 7 rotates the head carriage motor 103 to start the printing process PP by the printing unit 3 a short time after time T10 has elapsed. Then, even after the cutter carriage motor 104 is stopped at time T11, the control unit 7 continues to perform the printing process PP.

[0141] As described above, in this modified example 2, the control unit 7 performs the transport process of the printing paper P by the transport unit during the acceleration period. As a result, in this modified example 2, even when cutting is performed, it is possible to configure a printing apparatus 1 that can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance.

[0142] [Example 3] A third modification of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 2 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0143] Figure 11 is a timing chart illustrating an example of operation of Modification 3 of this embodiment 2. In Figure 11, the main difference between this Modification 3 and embodiment 2 is that the control unit 7 performs the printing process by the printing unit 3 and the cutting process by the cutting mechanism 100 at overlapping timings.

[0144] As shown in Figure 11, in this modified example 3, the printing process PP by the printing unit 3 is performed during the ON time of the head carriage motor 103. The transport motor 102 starts rotating at time T12 and stops rotating at time T13. That is, the printing paper P is transported by the transport unit on the transport path R between time T12 and time T13.

[0145] Furthermore, the control unit 7 drives the cutter carriage motor 104 to perform the transport process of the printing paper P by the transport unit during the acceleration period until the blades 100a and 100b reach a predetermined moving speed from a stopped state. That is, as shown in Figure 11, between time T14 when the transport motor 102 rotates and time T15, the cutter carriage motor 104 is set to have an acceleration period until the blades 100a and 100b reach a predetermined moving speed. During this acceleration period, the blades 100a and 100b do not come into contact with the printing paper P, and the cutting process CP is not substantially performed. In this modified example 2, the control unit 7 starts the cutting process CP a little after time T15 has elapsed.

[0146] Furthermore, the control unit 7 drives the head carriage motor 103 to perform the printing process PP by the printing unit 3 during the period when the cutting process CP by the cutting mechanism 100 is being executed. In other words, as shown in Figure 11, the control unit 7 performs the cutting process CP and the printing process PP simultaneously. Also, the control unit 7 terminates the printing process PP during the deceleration period from time T16 to time T17, when the blades 100a and 100b reach a stopped state from a predetermined moving speed. During this deceleration period, the blades 100a and 100b do not come into contact with the printing paper P, and the cutting process CP is not substantially performed.

[0147] As described above, in this modified example 3, the control unit 7 performs the printing process PP by the printing unit 3 superimposed on the cutting period during the cutting process CP. As a result, in this modified example 3, even when the cutting process CP is performed, the printing apparatus 1 can be configured to more reliably achieve further improvements in throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance.

[0148] Furthermore, modified examples 2 and 3 can also be applied to embodiment 3 described later.

[0149] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 of this disclosure will be described below. For the sake of convenience, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 2 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0150] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a basic example of operation of the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. Figures 13(A) to 13(E) illustrate a series of specific operation examples with respect to the printing paper P in the printing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 12.

[0151] In the figure, the difference between this third embodiment and the second embodiment is that in the determination process, the nozzle 32N included in the second region H2A is determined to be the discharge nozzle.

[0152] As shown in step S30 of Figure 12, after calculating the transport amount B, the control unit 7 performs a determination process to determine, based on the print data included in the print job, that the nozzle 32N included in the second region H2A (Figure 3), which is located downstream of the first region H1A (Figure 3) in the transport direction, be the discharge nozzle that ejects ink droplets onto the print paper P. In other words, based on the print data, the control unit 7 determines that at least one nozzle 32N from among the multiple nozzles 32N included in the second region H2A be the discharge nozzle. As a result, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 3, the print width and the transport amount A corresponding to the print width change according to the determined discharge nozzle.

[0153] Furthermore, if the control unit 7 determines that the first printing paper P1 and the second printing paper P2 have not been cut (NO in step S10), the control unit 7 determines whether the printing paper P after the next transport will exceed the cutting position P1(X). In other words, the control unit 7 determines whether the changed transport amount A (print width) is greater than the transport amount B of the printing paper P by comparing the changed transport amount A with the transport amount B according to the determined number of ejection nozzles (step S31). If the control unit 7 determines that the changed transport amount A is less than or equal to the transport amount B (NO in step S31), it proceeds to step S11.

[0154] On the other hand, if the control unit 7 determines that the changed transport amount A is greater than the transport amount B (YES in step S31), the control unit 7 controls the transport unit to execute the first transport process (step S32). In other words, the control unit 7 transports the printing paper P to the cutting position P1(X) in the transport unit. After that, the control unit 7 cuts the printing paper P into a first printing paper P1 and a second printing paper P2 using the cutting mechanism 100 (step S33).

[0155] Next, the control unit 7 executes the printing process with the nozzle 32N in the second region H2A (step S34). In other words, the control unit 7 executes the printing process using the determined ejection nozzle. Then, the control unit 7 proceeds to step S5.

[0156] In Figure 13(A), in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 3, printing areas P1A and P2A1 with printed data are formed on the portion of the printing paper P ejected upstream in the transport direction from the printing unit 3. Subsequently, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 3, the control unit 7 causes the printing unit 3 to perform the printing process, as indicated by arrow H1 in Figure 13(B), thereby forming the printing area P2A2 with printed data on the portion of the printing paper P.

[0157] Next, if the control unit 7 determines that the amount of transported material A, which has changed after step S31, is greater than the amount of transported material B, the control unit 7 executes the first transport process, as shown in Figure 13(C). In other words, the control unit 7 transports the printed paper P in the transport section by performing the transport process for the amount of transported material B so that the planned cutting position PC reaches the cutting position P1(X).

[0158] Next, the control unit 7, as indicated by arrow C1 in Figure 13(D), causes the cutting mechanism 100 to perform a cutting process, thereby dividing the first printing paper P1 into the second printing paper P2. Subsequently, the control unit 7, as indicated by arrow H5 in Figure 13(E), causes the printing unit 3 to perform a printing process, thereby forming a printed area P2A6 on the second printing paper P2 where the print data is printed. In this printing process, the nozzle 32N of the second area H2A, which was determined to be the discharge nozzle in step S30, is used for execution.

[0159] With the above configuration, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 3 achieves the same effects as in embodiment 2. Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 3, a determination process is performed to determine, based on the print data included in the print job, that the nozzle 32N included in the second region H2A among the multiple nozzles 32N be used as the discharge nozzle for ejecting ink droplets onto the printing paper P. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment 3 can further improve throughput while suppressing a decrease in printing performance, even when performing a cutting process.

[0160] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this third embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the printing process using the discharge nozzle determined in the determination process is performed after the first transport process. Therefore, compared to the second embodiment, the determination process can be performed more easily, and the load on the control unit 7 can be reduced.

[0161] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Configurations obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0162] 1 Printing device 1A enclosure 3 Printing Department 7 Control Unit 24. Feeding roller (conveying section) 33K, 33Y, 33C, 33M, 33N Nozzles 60. First conveyor roller (conveyor section) 62. Second conveyor roller (conveyor section) 64 Discharge roller (conveyor section) 74 EEPROM 100 Cutting mechanism (splitting part) 100a, 100b blades (split blades) 104 Cutter carriage motor (motor) P Printing paper (printing media) P1 First printing paper (First sheet) P2 Second printing paper (second sheet)

Claims

1. A transport unit that transports the printing medium, A printing unit prints print data included in a print job onto the printing medium that is transported in the transport direction by the transport unit, The printing unit prints the print data, and the transport unit transports the print medium, which is then divided. The dividing unit is located downstream of the printing unit in the transport direction. It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, If the amount of the printing medium transported by the printing unit corresponding to the printing width in the transport direction is greater than the amount of the printing medium transported calculated using the distance from a predetermined reference position to the division position of the printing medium by the division unit, the current distance from the reference position to the leading edge of the printing medium, and the distance from the leading edge of the printing medium to the planned division position of the printing medium by the division unit, which is set based on the printing medium length which is the length of the printing medium in the transport direction, then the transport unit performs a first transport process to transport the printing medium to the division position, followed by a division process in which the division unit divides the printing medium into a first sheet and a second sheet, A second transport process involves transporting the second sheet of paper, after division, to the printing position, which is the printing start position for the printing process by the printing unit. A printing device that performs processing including the following.

2. The dividing section comprises a dividing blade and a motor for moving the dividing blade, The control unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the motor is driven to cause the transport unit to perform the transport process of the printing medium during the acceleration period from when the dividing blade is stopped until it reaches a predetermined moving speed.

3. The dividing section comprises a dividing blade and a motor for moving the dividing blade, The control unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit performs the transport process of the printing medium during the deceleration period from when the dividing blade reaches a stopped state from a predetermined moving speed.

4. Further comprising a detection unit provided upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction for detecting the leading and trailing ends of the printing medium, The control unit, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an acquisition process is performed to acquire the length of the printing medium based on the detection result of the detection unit.

5. The control unit, The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, in the acquisition process, if a plurality of print media lengths are acquired based on the detection result of the detection unit, the average value of the plurality of print media lengths is calculated and the calculated average value is set as the print media length.

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