Image printing device and image printing method

Abstract

To provide an image printing device capable of appropriately determining a full load of sheets in an ejection tray.SOLUTION: An image printing device 1 determines a full load in a stacker 28 based on the number of loaded sheets S loaded on the stacker 28 for loading and holding the sheets S and the type of the sheets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image printing device and an image printing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some image printing devices that discharge sheets on which images are printed and stack them on a discharge tray have an upper limit on the number of sheets that can be stacked.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for detecting the position of the top surface of sheets stacked on the discharge tray, and judging whether the discharge tray is fully loaded when the position reaches a height equal to or higher than a predetermined value. According to Patent Document 1, even if the discharged sheet is curled, it is possible to judge whether the subsequent sheet can be printed or discharged from the position of the top surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-70329 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, large-sized image printing devices that are equipped with a rolled continuous sheet have been provided. In such image printing devices, the rolled continuous sheet is pulled out, an image is printed on it, the trailing edge of the image is cut off, and the cut sheet is discharged from the discharge port. In this case, the discharged sheet may retain the curling tendency that it had when it was held in a rolled state, and may be stacked in a slightly curled state. However, such curling is corrected in a relatively short time by the weight of the sheet itself and the weight of the sheets placed on top of it, and the sheet is often in a smooth state by the time the next sheet is discharged.

[0006] However, when the method of Patent Document 1 is adopted in such an image printing device, the sensor may detect the higher side of the curled sheet immediately after ejection, and the ejection tray may be determined to be full even though more sheets can actually be loaded.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image printing device that can appropriately determine whether a discharge tray is fully loaded with sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the present invention provides a sheet conveying device that conveys sheets, an acquisition device that acquires the type of sheet conveyed by the conveying device, a printing device that prints an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveying device, a stacking device that stacks and holds sheets, a counting device that counts the number of sheets stacked on the stacking device, and a determination device that determines whether the stacking device is fully loaded. A cutting means for cutting the sheet; and wherein the determining unit determines whether the stacking unit is fully loaded based on the number of sheets stacked on the stacking unit counted by the counting unit and the type of sheets acquired by the acquiring unit. When a newly received print job includes a plurality of pages, the cutting means cuts the sheet between the images corresponding to the plurality of pages before the determining means determines that the stacking means is fully loaded, and does not cut the sheet between the images corresponding to the plurality of pages after the determining means determines that the stacking means is fully loaded. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image printing device capable of appropriately determining whether the discharge tray is fully loaded with sheets. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inkjet printing apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the internal configuration of a printing device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] Flowchart for explaining power-off and power-on sequences [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a full load notification screen [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying a user. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <Basic configuration of the device> 1(a) and (b) are external perspective views of an inkjet printing device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as printing device 1) that can be used as an image printing device of the present invention. In the drawings, the X direction indicates the front direction of the printing device 1, the Y direction indicates the width direction of the printing device 1, and the Z direction indicates the vertical direction opposite to gravity. Two sheet supply units 10A and 10B are provided above and below on the front side of the printing device 1. A user can load roll sheets, which will be printing media, into the printing device 1 for each of the sheet supply units 10A and 10B.

[0012] An outlet 20 through which printed sheets S are discharged when front discharge is set is provided above the sheet supply unit 10. In addition, a stacker 28 through which printed sheets S are discharged when top discharge is set is provided on the top surface of the printing device 1.

[0013] An operation panel 30 is provided at the upper front of the printing device 1 for displaying the status of the printing device 1 and accepting commands from the user. Using the hard keys or touch panel arranged on the operation panel 30, the user can input various commands to the printing device 1, such as turning the power on / off, specifying the sheet size or type, switching between online and offline, etc. In addition to the operation panel 30, the printing device may also be provided with a voice input device, a voice generator, a buzzer, etc. as input / output functions for the user.

[0014] 1(a) shows a state in which top-side discharge is set and the sheet S being printed on is being discharged into the stacker 28. Meanwhile, FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which front-side discharge is set and the sheet S being printed on is being discharged from the discharge port 20.

[0015] 2(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the internal configuration of the printing device 1. Fig. 2(a) shows the printing state when top-surface ejection is set, and Fig. 2(b) shows the printing state when front-surface ejection is set.

[0016] When a print job is input, one of the sheet supply units 10A and 10B, the roll R carrying the specified sheet, rotates, and the leading edge of the sheet S held in a roll form is guided along a predetermined path and reaches the nip between the transport roller 14 and the nip roller 15. Although Figures 2(a) and (b) show a case where the sheet S of the upper sheet supply unit 10A is specified, even if the sheet S of the sheet supply unit 10B is specified, the sheet S is transported to the nip from the middle via the same path.

[0017] The conveying roller 14 is a drive roller connected to a conveying motor (not shown). The nip roller 15 is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 14 while nipping the sheet S together with the conveying roller 14.

[0018] In the conveying direction of the sheet S, downstream of the roller pair consisting of the conveying roller 14 and the nip roller 15, there is disposed a print head 18 that prints an image on the sheet S. The print head 18 of this embodiment is an inkjet print head in which a plurality of ejection elements that eject ink according to print data are arranged in the X direction, and can be moved back and forth in the Y direction in the figure by a main scanning motor (not shown). As the print head 18 moves in the Y direction while ejecting ink, one band of image is printed on the sheet S. Then, by repeating such a print scan of one band and a conveying operation in a direction intersecting the print scan for a distance corresponding to one band, the image is printed in stages on the sheet S.

[0019] A cutter 21 for cutting the sheet S, which is continuous paper, is disposed downstream of the print head 18 (on the +X direction side).

[0020] Further downstream of the cutter 21, a flap 22 for switching the transport path of the sheet S is provided. The flap 22 determines the transport path of the transported sheet S by rotating in the direction of the arrow E1 or E2 in the figure. In FIG. 2(a) showing top-surface discharge, the flap 22 rotates to the E1 side to close the entrance of the discharge port 20 and guides the transported sheet S to the upper transport path. On the other hand, in FIG. 2(b) showing front-surface discharge, the flap 22 rotates to the E2 side to retreat from the entrance of the discharge port 20 and guides the transported sheet S to the discharge port 20.

[0021] A discharge roller 25 and a discharge nip roller 26 are disposed on the conveying path above the flap 22. The discharge roller 25 is a drive roller connected to a discharge motor (not shown). The discharge nip roller 26 is a driven roller that rotates with the rotation of the discharge roller 25 while nipping the sheet S together with the discharge roller 25. When the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the nip portion between the discharge roller 25 and the discharge nip roller 26, the discharge nip roller 26, which is separated from the discharge roller 25, is lifted toward the discharge roller 25. As a result, the sheet S is nipped by the nip portion between the discharge roller 25 and the discharge nip roller 26, and conveyed toward a stacker 28 disposed at a higher position.

[0022] When the final print scan by the print head 18 is completed and the rear end of the image is transported downstream of the cutter 21, the cutter 21 cuts the sheet S. Thereafter, if top-face discharge is set, the cut sheet S is transported by the discharge rollers 25 and the discharge nip rollers 26 until the rear end passes through the nip between the discharge rollers 25 and the discharge nip rollers 26. Then, the sheet S is discharged onto a tray 29 of the stacker 28 (see FIG. 2(a)).

[0023] The stacker 28 has a tray 29 and a tray cover 27, and holds a plurality of sheets S that are continuously discharged by stacking them between the tray 29 and the tray cover 27. Therefore, the upper limit number of sheets that can be held in the stacker 28 is determined by the distance between the tray 29 and the tray cover 27, the thickness of the sheets, and the like. A sheet sensor 40 for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet S in the stacker 28 is provided midway along the tray 29. The sheet sensor 40 in this embodiment is an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a sheet S depending on whether light emitted by a light-emitting portion is received by a light-receiving portion.

[0024] On the other hand, when the front discharge is set, the cut sheet S is discharged from the discharge port 20 by its own weight (see FIG. 2(b)). There is no upper limit to the number of sheets discharged at one time from the front.

[0025] 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the printing device 1. The printing device 1 has a printer controller 120, a printer engine 150, a HDD 165, and an operation panel 30. In addition, the printing device 1 is connected to an external host computer 190 via a network 191.

[0026] In the printer controller 120, the CPU 128 is a central processing unit in the form of a microprocessor (microcomputer). The CPU 128 controls the entire device while using the RAM 124 as a work area according to the programs stored in the Flash ROM 123 and the HDD 165. The Flash ROM 123 and the HDD 165 store fixed data necessary for various operations of the printing device 1 in addition to the programs executed by the CPU 128. The HDD 165 may be another large-capacity storage device. The RAM 124 is used as a work area for the CPU 128 and also as a temporary storage area for various received data and setting data. The memory controller 126 is a controller for controlling the RAM 124 under the instruction of the CPU 128.

[0027] The HDD interface (HDD I / F) 121 is an interface through which the CPU 128 exchanges information with the HDD 165. The input / output device interface (input / output device I / F) 122 is an interface through which the CPU 128 exchanges information with the operation panel 30. The ROM interface (ROM I / F) 125 is an interface through which the CPU 128 exchanges information with the Flash ROM 123. The host interface (host I / F) 127 is an interface through which the CPU 128 exchanges information with an external device such as a host computer 190 via a network 191. The engine interface (engine I / F) 130 is an interface through which the CPU 128 exchanges information with the printer engine 150.

[0028] The image processing unit 129 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data under the instruction of the CPU 128, and generates print data that can be printed by the print head 18. For example, if the color space of the received image data is YCbCr, it converts it to a standard color space such as sRGB space, or converts it to a color space CMYK corresponding to the ink colors used in the printing device 1. Furthermore, the image processing unit 129 quantizes the CMYK gradation data while performing image correction according to the printing resolution of the printing device 1 and the instruction contents of the print job, and generates bitmap data that can be discharged by the print head 18. Then, the generated bitmap data is stored as print data in the RAM 124, HDD 165, etc. When a printing operation is performed, the print data is read by the CPU 128 and transmitted to the printer engine 150 via the engine I / F 130.

[0029] In the printer engine 150, a controller interface (controller I / F) 153 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the printer controller 120. The print head 18, the cutter 21, the flap 22, the stacker 28, the conveying roller 14, the discharge roller 25, the nip roller 26, and the sheet supply units 10A and 10B are each driven via a driver (not shown). The detection result of the sheet sensor 40 is sent to the CPU 128 via the controller I / F 153. The various mechanisms in the printer engine 150 are connected via a system bus 162.

[0030] In this embodiment, the host computer 190 is taken as an example of a source of image data, but the source of image data may be an image reader, a digital camera, a smartphone, or the like.

[0031] An external device other than the operation panel 30 may be prepared as a user interface. In the case of an external device, it may be connected to the printing device 1 by wireless communication or the like. Also, for example, the host computer 190 may have a function as an input / output device, and the user may input various commands and perform settings for the printing device 1 via the host computer 190.

[0032] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the print process for one page executed by CPU 128 in this embodiment. This process is executed for each page included in the print job. For the first page, the process starts when the print job is input. For the second and subsequent pages, the process starts when CPU 128 determines that the print job for the next page can be started based on the print status of the preceding page. Note that the user can input commands for the print job via operation panel 30 or host computer 190.

[0033] When this process starts, the CPU 128 first determines in S401 whether or not top-side ejection is set for the page to be processed. If top-side ejection is set, the CPU 128 proceeds to S402.

[0034] In S402, the CPU 128 acquires the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked M based on the type of sheets used for printing. The type of sheets used for printing may be set by the user when inputting a print job, or may be determined by the host computer 190 or the CPU 128 based on the print job. Also, a sensor for detecting the type of fed sheets may be provided. For example, a sensor may be provided on the transport path from the position of the roll R to the position facing the print head 18, or at a position where it can be detected when the sheet is transported to the position facing the print head 18, and the type of sheet may be determined based on the detection result of this sensor.

[0035] Here, the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked in the stacker 28 is referred to as the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked in the stacker 28. In other words, if the number of sheets currently stacked is less than the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked, the next sheet S can be normally discharged to the stacker 28. However, if the number of sheets that can be stacked reaches the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked, the next sheet S may not be normally discharged. In this embodiment, such a maximum number of sheets that can be stacked is stored in advance in the Flash ROM 123 or the HDD 165 in association with each of the sheet types that can be used in the printing device 1. In this embodiment, the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked is set to M=10 for coated paper that is relatively thick and has a high hardness, and the maximum number of sheets that can be stacked is set to M=100 for plain paper that is relatively thin and has a low hardness. Note that such a maximum number of sheets that can be stacked may be set in consideration of the thickness and hardness of the sheet, the slipperiness of the sheet surface, the width of the sheet, the length of the image in the conveying direction, and the like.

[0036] In S403, the CPU 128 determines whether the current number of stacked sheets C has reached the maximum number of stacked sheets M obtained in S402. Here, the number of stacked sheets C is a value indicating the number of sheets that are thought to be stacked in the stacker 28. The number of stacked sheets C is counted up by the CPU 128 every time a cut sheet that is cut for one page is discharged in a state where top-side discharge is set.

[0037] If it is determined in S403 that the current number of stacked sheets C has reached the maximum number of stacked sheets M, the CPU 128 proceeds to step S404 to notify the user that stacker 28 is fully loaded. Specifically, the fact that stacker 28 is fully loaded is displayed on the display unit of operation panel 30 or on the monitor of host computer 190, or is notified by a buzzer or sound, etc., to urge the user to remove the sheets currently loaded in stacker 28.

[0038] Next, the CPU 128 proceeds to S405, and uses the sheet sensor 40 to determine whether or not there is a sheet in the stacker 28. Then, the steps of S404 and S405 are repeated until it is determined in S405 that there is no sheet.

[0039] If it is determined in S405 that there are no sheets, the CPU 128 proceeds to S406, where it resets the number of stacked sheets C to C = 0. Then, it proceeds to S407.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined in S401 that the front discharge is set, or if it is determined in S403 that the current stack number C has not reached the maximum stack number M, the CPU 128 skips to S407.

[0041] In S407, the CPU 128 prints the image of the page to be processed according to the print data. That is, the print scan by the print head 18 and the conveying operation by the conveying roller 14 are alternately repeated to print the image of the page to be processed on the sheet.

[0042] In S408, the CPU 128 conveys the trailing edge of the image printed in S407 to a position downstream of the cutter 21, and causes the cutter 21 to cut the sheet.

[0043] In S409, the CPU 128 determines whether or not top-side ejection is set for the page to be processed. If top-side ejection is set, the CPU 128 proceeds to S410 and adds 1 to the number of stacked sheets C. On the other hand, if it is determined that front-side ejection is set, the CPU 128 skips S410 and proceeds to S411.

[0044] In S411, the CPU 128 discharges the cut sheet S whose rear end has been cut in S408. If top-face discharge is set, the cut sheet is discharged to the stacker 28 and stacked on top of the cut sheets that have already been discharged. If front-face discharge is set, the cut sheet is discharged from the discharge port 20. This ends the process.

[0045] The above-described series of steps are repeated until printing of all pages included in the print job is completed. At this time, CPU 128 may start processing the next page while performing the paper ejection process of S411 for the page to be processed. If the process of S410 for the preceding page is completed, it is possible to appropriately determine in S403 whether or not to proceed with the printing process of the next page before starting the printing process of the next page (S407). In this way, it is possible to notify the user that stacker 28 is full while ejecting the last page that can be loaded into stacker 28 or after printing the last page that can be loaded.

[0046] 5(a) and (b) are flowcharts for explaining a power OFF sequence and a power ON sequence, respectively, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment.

[0047] 5A is executed when the user issues a power-off command from the power switch on the operation panel 30, the host computer 190, or the like. When a power-off command is input to the printer 1, the CPU 128 first stores in the HDD 165 in S501 loading information relating to the currently grasped loading state of the stacker 28. The loading information includes information on whether the stacker 28 is currently fully loaded or not, and the number of sheets C currently loaded. Next, in S502, the CPU 128 executes a series of predetermined processes such as maintenance of the print head 18, and then stops the supply of power to each mechanism of the printer 1, and ends this process.

[0048] 5(b) is started when the user issues a power ON command using the power switch on the operation panel 30 or the host computer 190. When a power ON command is input to the printing device 1 in the power OFF state, the CPU 128 first determines in S503 whether or not a sheet is present in the stacker 28 using the sheet sensor 40. If it is determined that a sheet is present, the CPU 128 proceeds to S504.

[0049] In S504, the CPU 128 reads the stacking information stored in the HDD 165 and determines whether the stacker 28 was in a fully loaded state when the power was last turned off. If it is determined that the stacker 28 was in a fully loaded state, the CPU 128 proceeds to step S505 and issues a fully loaded notification. Then, until it is determined in S506 that there are no sheets, the CPU 128 repeats the fully loaded notification step in S505 and the sheet detection step in S506.

[0050] If it is determined in S506 that there are no sheets, the CPU 128 proceeds to S507 and resets the number of sheets C to 0. Then, in S508, the printing device 1 transitions to a standby state and ends this process. The standby state is a state in which printing can be performed when a print job is received.

[0051] If it is determined in S503 that there are no sheets in stacker 28, CPU 128 resets stack count C in S507 and transitions to a standby state in S508, and ends this process. This is because even if the stacking information stored in HDD 165 indicates that stacker 28 is fully loaded or that stack count C is 1 or more, it can be assumed that the user removed the sheets from stacker 28 while the device was turned off.

[0052] On the other hand, if it is determined in S503 that there are sheets in stacker 28, and then in S504 that stacker 28 was not fully loaded the previous time the power was turned off, CPU 128 skips to S508 and ends this process. In this case, stack count C stored in HDD 165 is maintained, and the next print job input will be processed based on stack count C.

[0053] According to the present embodiment described above, the maximum number M of sheets that can be stacked in stacker 28 is set individually depending on the type of sheets. Then, every time a printing operation for each page is performed, the number C of sheets stacked in stacker 28 is counted up, and when the number C of sheets reaches the maximum number M, the user is notified that stacker 28 is full. According to this embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine whether stacker 28 is full of sheets, regardless of the curl state of the sheets immediately after ejection.

[0054] 4, a method has been described in which, if it is determined in S403 that the stacker 28 is fully loaded, printing of the next page is not performed until the user removes the sheet from the stacker 28. However, after it is determined that the stacker 28 is fully loaded, a method different from the above can also be used.

[0055] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the operation panel 30 or the monitor of the host computer 190 to notify the user of a full stack state. Here, the user can select either "Stop printing" or "Eject printed matter to the front."

[0056] If the user selects "Stop printing", CPU 128 stops the print job according to the print job with the last page printed up to that point. After the print job is stopped, a message is displayed prompting the user to remove the sheets, and printing can be resumed after the user removes the sheets from stacker 28.

[0057] On the other hand, if the user selects "discharge printed materials to the front", the CPU 128 discharges the next and subsequent pages from the front. That is, the CPU 128 rotates the flap 22 to the E2 side as shown in FIG. 2(b) to open the discharge port 20, and then starts the printing process for the next and subsequent pages. In this case, the user collects the first pages from the stacker 28, and collects the subsequent pages from the discharge port 20.

[0058] In addition, if the stacker is full of coated paper but a few more sheets of plain paper can be ejected, and if it is possible to continue ejecting sheets to the stacker 28 by changing the type of sheets, a selection display for changing the type of sheets may be further added to the display screen of FIG. 6.

[0059] Furthermore, at the time of receiving a print job, the CPU 128 can obtain information on the number of sheets (page count) on which the image to be printed is to be printed and the type of sheets. That is, the CPU 128 can determine whether the stacker 28 will be full during the execution of a newly received print job based on the current number of sheets C, the number of sheets P to be printed by the print job, and the maximum number of sheets M to be printed, before starting the print operation. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that notifies the user when such a determination process is performed. After checking such a screen, the user can change the type of sheets or the discharge path before starting the print operation.

[0060] Second embodiment In this embodiment, the printing device 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 is also used.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the printing process executed by the CPU 128 of the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the case where the loaded number C is smaller than the maximum loaded number M (C < M) at the timing of receiving the print command is described.

[0062] When this process starts, the CPU 128 first determines, in S801, whether top surface discharge is set for the page to be processed. If top surface discharge is set, the CPU 128 proceeds to S802.

[0063] In S802, the CPU 128 acquires the maximum loaded number M based on the type of sheet used for printing.

[0064] In S803, the CPU 128 prints the image of the page to be processed. That is, the print scan by the print head 18 and the conveyance operation by the conveyance roller 14 are alternately repeated to print the image of the page to be processed on the sheet.

[0065] In S804, the CPU 128 determines whether the value obtained by adding 1 to the current loaded number C (C + 1) reaches the maximum loaded number M acquired in S802. If C + 1 < M, the CPU 128 proceeds to S811 and performs a cutting process on the page printed in S803. That is, the rear end of the image printed in S803 is conveyed to a position downstream of the cutter 21, and the sheet is cut by the cutter 21. Thereafter, in S812, 1 is added to the loaded number C and the printing process for the page to be processed is terminated.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined in S804 that C + 1 = M, the CPU 128 proceeds to S805 and prints the images of the remaining pages following the page to be processed. That is, without performing a cutting process on the printed page, the images of the remaining pages are continuously printed on the continuous sheet in order following the image of the page to be processed.

[0067] In S806, the CPU 128 conveys the trailing edge of the image of the last page printed in S805 to a position downstream of the cutter 21, and causes the cutter 21 to cut the sheet S.

[0068] Thereafter, the CPU 128 repeats the full stack notification process in S807 and the sheet detection process in S808 until it is determined in S808 that no sheets are present.

[0069] If it is determined in S808 that there are no sheets, the CPU 128 proceeds to S809, resets the number of stacked sheets C, and ends this process.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined in S801 that the front discharge is set, the CPU 128 performs printing processing on the page to be processed in S813, and then performs cutting processing on the page to be processed in S814, and ends this process. The cut sheet S is discharged from the discharge port 20.

[0071] According to the present embodiment described above, when it is determined in S804 that C+1=M, that is, when the number of sheets that can be loaded in the stacker 28 is one sheet, the images of the remaining pages included in the print job are printed continuously without any intervening cutting process. Therefore, after the print job is completed, the stacker 28 is in a state where the maximum number of sheets that can be loaded, M, is stacked, with a long sheet on which multiple pages are printed being placed at the top. In this case, the user needs to cut the top sheet separately for each page, but the image output of all pages can be performed smoothly without interrupting the process in the middle of the print job.

[0072] In the above embodiment, all pages after the page to be processed are printed in S805. However, in S805, only the page following the page to be processed may be printed. Then, the processes of S807 and S808 may be repeated until the sheets are removed from the stacker 28.

[0073] (Other embodiments) In the above, as described in Figs. 2(a) and (b), a recording device having a discharge path for front discharge and a discharge path for top discharge has been described as an example. However, the form of the discharge path is not limited to that of Figs. 2(a) and (b). The above embodiment can be applied in various ways as long as it has one or more stackers (paper discharge trays) with an upper limit on the number of sheets that can be stacked. For example, it may be a printing device that performs only top discharge as described in Fig. 2(a) and does not perform front discharge. In addition, a stacker may be prepared for front discharge, and the number of sheets stacked for each of top discharge and front discharge may be managed separately.

[0074] In the above, the stacker is judged to be full by comparing the number of stacked sheets with the maximum number of stacked sheets M corresponding to the sheet type, but such a judgment can also be made by a different comparison. For example, a coefficient corresponding to the type of sheet may be prepared in advance, such as a small coefficient for thin sheets and a large coefficient for thick sheets, and the value obtained by multiplying the number of stacked sheets by the coefficient may be compared with the maximum number of stacked sheets common to all sheet types.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above, a print head having electrothermal conversion elements as print elements has been described as an example, but other types of elements such as piezoelectric elements may be used as print elements. Also, the printing method is not limited to the inkjet method, and a thermal transfer method or an electrophotographic method may be used.

[0076] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] S Seat 15 Transport roller 18 Printhead 21 Cutter 28 Stacker 128 CPU

Claims

1. A conveying means for conveying a sheet; An acquisition unit for acquiring a type of the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing means for printing an image on the sheet conveyed by the conveying means; A loading means for loading and holding sheets; a counting means for counting the number of sheets stacked on the stacking means; A determination means for determining whether the loading means is fully loaded; A cutting means for cutting the sheet; An image printing device comprising: The determining means determines whether the stacking means is fully loaded based on the number of sheets stacked on the stacking means counted by the counting means and the type of sheets acquired by the acquiring means, If the newly received print job contains multiple pages, The cutting means is Before the determining means determines that the stacking means is fully loaded, the sheet is cut between each image corresponding to the plurality of pages; 2. An image printing apparatus comprising: a sheet cutting device that cuts sheets between images corresponding to the plurality of pages after the determining device determines that the stacking device is fully loaded.

2. The image printing device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the counting means counts up the number of sheets cut by the cutting means and discharged onto the loading means, thereby counting the number of loaded sheets.

3. The sheet conveying device further includes a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of sheets loaded on the loading unit, 3. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means resets the number of stacked sheets when the detecting means detects that there are no sheets on the stacking means.

4. 4. The image printing device according to claim 3, wherein when the determination means determines that the stacking means is fully loaded, the printing means stops printing the image, and resumes printing the image after the detection means detects that there are no sheets in the stacking means.

5. 5. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies a user of information regarding the full load when the determination unit determines that the loading unit is fully loaded.

6. 6. The image printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification means issues a notification urging the user to remove the sheets from the stacking means.

7. 6. The image printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit issues a notification to prompt a user to switch to a discharge port other than the stacking unit in order to discharge the sheets.

8. 6. The image printing device according to claim 5, wherein the notification means issues a notification urging the user to switch the sheet to be used for printing.

9. the determining means obtains a number of pages included in a newly received print job, and determines whether the stacking means will become full during execution of the received print job based on the number of pages, the number of stacked sheets, and the type of sheets obtained by the obtaining means; 6. The image printing device according to claim 5, wherein the notification means notifies a user of the result of the determination before executing the print job.

10. The vehicle further includes a storage means for storing loading information related to a loading state of the loading means when the power is turned off, An image printing device as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that when the power is turned on, the determination means determines that the loading means is full if the loading information stored in the memory means indicates that the loading means is full and the detection means detects that there are sheets in the loading means.

11. The image printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the stacking means is fully loaded by comparing the number of loaded sheets with a maximum stacking number that is pre-stored in correspondence with the type of sheet acquired by the acquisition means.

12. The image printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the stacking means is fully loaded by comparing a value obtained by multiplying the number of loaded sheets by a coefficient corresponding to the type of sheet acquired by the acquisition means with a predetermined maximum number of loaded sheets.

13. 13. The image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet before being conveyed to the conveying means is held in a roll shape.

14. 14. The image printing device according to claim 1, wherein the stacking means is disposed vertically above the printing means.

15. 15. The image printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing means is an ink-jet print head.

16. a conveying step of conveying a sheet; an acquiring step of acquiring a type of the sheet to be conveyed by the conveying step; a printing step of printing an image on the sheet transported by the transport step; a loading step of loading the sheets onto a loading means; a counting step of counting the number of sheets stacked on the stacking means; a determination step of determining whether the loading means is fully loaded; a cutting step of cutting the sheet; A method for printing an image, comprising: The determining step determines whether the stacking means is fully loaded based on the number of sheets stacked on the stacking means counted in the counting step and the type of sheets acquired in the acquiring step, If the newly received print job contains multiple pages, In the cutting step, Before determining whether the stacking means is fully loaded in the determining step, the sheet is cut between each image corresponding to the plurality of pages, After it is determined in the determining step that the stacking means is fully loaded, the sheet is not cut between the images corresponding to the plurality of pages.

13. A method for printing an image comprising the steps of:

Images